Category: home improvement

Surface preparation for laminated plastic

 Laminated plastic sheets of 1/16″ thickness are recommended for a flat work surface. You can use laminated plastic of 1/32″ thickness on vertical surfaces.

 Thoroughly sand and clean the surface where plastic laminate is to be applied. Remove any paint or varnish before applying the laminated plastic.
Most manufactured countertops are made using a high-density particle board. However, regular particle board and even plywood make ideal bases for plastic laminates.

How to cut the laminated plastic?

 You can cut plastic laminate material with a circular saw, saber saw, backsaw or utility knife. The saw blade should be a fine-tooth blade. A strip of masking tape placed where the cut line is to be made helps prevent chipping and makes the line easier to see.

 When using a power circular saw or saber saw, cut from the back side of the laminate. These saws cut on the upstroke. Cutting from the back will help prevent chipping. On hand saws, cut from the front side at a low angle.

 Important: Always cut the sheets of laminated plastic slightly oversized to allow for trimming.

Home owners with lower utility bills have more money in their pocket each month. They can afford to allocate a larger portion of their income to housing expenses. There are two options with the Energy Efficient Mortgage.

Financing energy improvements through an EEM provides the following benefits:

 Cost-effective energy-saving measures may be financed as part of the mortgage.

 Make an older, less efficient home more comfortable and affordable. Increase your buying power.

 Stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios on loans for energy-efficient homes.

 Qualify for a larger loan amount. Buy a better, more energy efficient home.

Other Financing Possibilities

Check with utilities or energy-related businesses in your area to see if they offer loans or incentives for installing energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems, windows, insulation, or other energy efficiency improvements.

Many utilities in the United States offer a range of improvements in the energy efficiency of their customers. The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), offers a list of member company programs that offer efficiency services to homeowners, companies, and industrial plants.

Homeowners will find more energy efficiency services from utilities on the National Energy Affordability and Accessibility Project (NEAPP) website.