Are garden timber cabins watertight is a question we got asked all the time here at -.

The concise simple answer to your query is a resounding yes!

Why would they not be?

Well,let’s take a look at some of the practical troubles with a log cabin which would make the timber cabin not watertight and fairly frankly not fit for purpose.The main thing to look at as soon as possible is the roof,that’s where you would visualize the main problem would start (this is not always the situation but that’s where we will start today). The main problem with the roof would be to have the felt or shingling to not be set up appropriately. This is fairly easily done if this is something you have never done before and why it should always be carried out by a professional particularly if you are putting in a lot of your hard earned money on a log cabin.

• Make sure that the overlies are overliing in the right way. You should always start felting at the bottom of the building and felt upwards. By doing this you ensure that the felt overlies on top of the piece of felt that is further down the roof. This will ensure there is a natural run off of the water,if you start felting at the top of the roof and you put the overlap from the bottom pieces over the top of the felt higher up when the rain operates off it will operate under the felt and consequently bring about a water leak. This is exactly the same when doing shingles,make sure you place from bottom upwards.

• Make sure the overlies of the felt/shingles are fairly generous. You don’t want them to be just barely overliing because this could bring about rainwater to get between the felt sheets and this will bring about a water leak

.• Make sure you use enough felt nails. Ideally you want to be spacing the felt nails around 6 inches apart from each other. Always do this on both sides of the felt and dependent on the quality of the felt you are using possibly put another row of nails in the middle,possibly two rows but again this depends on the quality of the felt. Failure to put enough felt nails in there could result in the felt blowing off during a bad storm which would then leave your building exposed to water leaks.

• It is in addition essential that when you reach the overhang of the building with the felt you nail the felt to side of the roof but DO NOT tuck the felt under the overhang of the roof as this limits the natural run off of the water. This can bring about premature rotting of the building and in some cases bring about the roof to leak around the top corners of the building as water could build up.

• Make sure you use the correct size fixings. If the roof boards on your building are let’s say 10mm,you don’t want felt nails of 16mm. Doing this would bring about the felt nails to come completely through the roof. This would not look cosmetically appealing and would in addition be a real opportunity of a water leak in the building. They way felt is now designed,there should be a watertight seal around the nail but throughout the seasons with wear and tear this may fail resulting in a water leak.

• The most typically overlooked area on a log cabin building is the felt or shingles on the roof. This is normally because we can’t see it most of the time and it’s a lot more difficult to get up there and have a look,but this is exactly what you should do and I would strongly recommend at least once a year or if you notice a water leak. Because timber cabins are not built as high as the normal house and the felt and shingles aren’t fairly as tough and durable as a typical house tile they require a little more focus. They are exposed to more elements on a daily basis because they are lower,this can result in a number of things from falling debris from plants,or another example would be a kids’s toys getting thrown up there which would all bring about harm to the felt/shingles. Not to mention lots of bird droppings can rot the felt if it is in an area where natural rainwater can not penetrate it to create a natural run off and cleaning system (for example if your timber cabin sits under a tree).

-place all of our timber cabins,we do this because we know you are investing a lot of money into a log cabin and you want it to be around for a long period of time. So the best way we can ensure this occurs is to take care of the installation and make sure it is set up appropriately. We’ve been out to repair timber cabins in the past built by non-skilled people and if the building is not put together appropriately then number one it won’t be safe but in addition it could bring about a failure in the building to be watertight.

A prime example of this would be that the timbers haven’t been built appropriately on the walls. This would then bring about the timber cabin to differ from the design as it was intended to be. At this point when the roof was set up there might be spaces between the roof and the wall. Spaces could in addition appear on the walls of the timber cabins themselves and in some situations if the initial build of the timber cabin was so bad you would have no choice but to take down the timber cabin and rebuild it.

This is why- place all of our timber cabins so you don’t have this to worry about. As you can visualize if there is a gap in the wall or a gap between the roof and the wall this would leave the log cabin open and it would most definitely leak which is what we want to avoid at all costs.

I in addition want to bring focus to the floor surface a second. Having your timber cabin set up on a proper ground base is a must. That could be a Timberdise ground base,cement base or a paved area. As long as they’re flat,level and solid you should be ok. Be mindful of where you put the log cabin,don’t put it at any place that is at risk of flooding as just like the house that you live in. If the water level rises and there is no getaway for it then the timber cabin will flood,that is regardless of how thick and tight your timbers are.

Lastly let’s talk about sealants around the windows and doors. Make sure after you have treated your log cabin you fit the relevant sealants around the doors and the windows. The cabins don’t come with these fitted as standard,this is so you can treat the log cabin first and then apply the sealants afterwards. By not fitting the doors and windows with sealants then there’s a chance rainwater could penetrate the inside of the log cabin,which again is easily fixed by applying sealants.

In addition,in some cases particularly during the winter months,condensation can materialize inside a log cabin. This is normal due to the cabins not having any insulation fitted,it is not a water leak and can be fairly normal. We encourage at Timberdise to get a dehumidifier if you have electric access in there and leave it operating during the colder months. This will help take moisture out of the air and further increase the life of your log cabin.

If you comply with all the above guidelines you should have a water leak free log cabin for the duration of its life which can offer endless pleasure and relaxation.Remember prevention is far better than the cure.

Flipping a house requires money,time,skill and planning. Even if you think you’ll be able to make a tidy profit in a short period of time,the process can take longer than you’d hoped. There are a few mistakes that you can make when flipping a house that could end up putting you in the poor house.

First,you should set aside capital before starting your new business. It is not easy to turn a home into a profitable business. Before you start,it is important to have your finances in order. You must also have a realistic goal in mind for the property’s sale price and the timeframe you want to spend on renovations.

A second factor is to have an accurate estimate of the costs of renovations or repairs. Remember that your gross profit does not include the costs of repairing or renovating the property. These expenses must be covered by your profits. You should sell the house quickly. These are important steps that real estate agents can assist you with.

In addition to having the skills to fix the house,you should have friends who can help you with these tasks. Also,you should always ask for references from any contractors you hire. A good contractor will be able to tell you what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost. The last thing you want is to face a surprise repair bill after you’ve bought the house.

You have two options when buying a house to flip. You can either pay cash or take out a mortgage. While a 15-year mortgage or a 10-year mortgage is more desirable,it is important to remember that you won’t be living in the house for that long. A hard money loan is a short-term loan that is secured by real property. These loans are often lower interest than conventional mortgages and are popular amongst house flippers.

Lastly,you should hire contractors and suppliers who are experienced in house flipping,and always get a home inspection from a home inspector. While you’ll probably need to hire subcontractors for some work,having a team of experts who are experts in the field will ensure that you don’t run into any unexpected problems. If necessary,you can also hire an accountant for your taxes.

It is important to set a budget before you flip a house. Most buyers go by the 70 percent rule,which states that you should purchase a property for 70% of its ARV less the costs of repairs. This rule allows you to account for unexpected repairs,home insurance and utilities,and property taxes.

Once you have a budget,you should start searching for houses that match your budget. Depending on the condition of the property,some homes require extensive renovations before they are sellable. Others are in need of minor improvements.

About Jim Vanderberg,Toronto Canada

Jim Vanderberg is a real estate investor based in Toronto Canada. He spends his time on the tennis court during the day,and afternoons are spent watching his crypto investments and looking for the next property to invest in. He occasionally flips houses in the Toronto area,but also invests in properties for the rental income. You can follow him on Twitter @vanderbergjim

Cycling is an excellent way to stay fit, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the outdoors. However, ensuring your bicycle is in top condition before each ride is crucial for your safety. This blog post will guide you through essential pre-ride safety checks that can help prevent accidents and keep you rolling smoothly.

Why Pre-Ride Checks Matter

Regular safety checks can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures. While some bicycle issues may require the expertise of a defective bicycle accident lawyer, many can be prevented through simple inspections before you hit the road.

The ABC Quick Check

Start with the ABC Quick Check, a simple yet effective method to ensure your bike is ready for the ride:

A is for Air

• Check tire pressure: Properly inflated tires provide better traction and reduce the risk of flats.
• Inspect for wear: Look for cuts, embedded objects, or excessive wear on the tire treads.

B is for Brakes

• Test brake levers: They should stop before touching the handlebar when squeezed.
• Check brake pads: Ensure they’re not worn down and are properly aligned with the rim.
• Examine cables: Look for fraying or rust.

C is for Chain and Cranks

• Check the chain: It should be clean, lubricated, and free of rust.
• Inspect cranks and pedals: Ensure they’re securely attached and spin freely.

Quick is for Quick Releases

• Check all quick-release levers: They should be tight and in the closed position.
• Verify wheel security: Give each wheel a tug to ensure it’s firmly attached.

Additional Safety Checks

• Handlebars and Stem: Ensure the handlebars are straight and securely fastened. Check for any looseness in the headset by applying the front brake and rocking the bike back and forth.
• Seat and Seatpost: Verify the seat is at the correct height and securely fastened. Check that the seatpost isn’t extended beyond its minimum insertion mark.
• Frame Inspection: Look for any cracks, dents, or unusual noises that could indicate structural issues.
• Accessories: Ensure lights, reflectors, and any other accessories are securely attached and functioning properly.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

While pre-ride checks are essential, they don’t replace regular maintenance. Schedule periodic tune-ups with a professional bike mechanic to address issues that may not be apparent during a quick check.

If you notice any significant issues during your pre-ride check, it’s best to have them addressed by a professional before riding. In cases where a defect causes an accident despite your best efforts, consulting a defective bicycle accident lawyer may be necessary to understand your rights and options.

Taking a few minutes to perform these pre-ride safety checks can make a world of difference in preventing accidents and ensuring an enjoyable cycling experience. Remember, your safety is paramount, and a well-maintained bicycle is your first line of defense against accidents.

By incorporating these checks into your routine, you’re not just maintaining your bike but investing in your safety and peace of mind. Happy and safe cycling!