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Do you know why we put cracks in your walls and walls?

The presence of cracks in walls and walls is a common problem that can arise for various reasons, from structural movements to climate changes. It is crucial to understand the nature of these cracks to apply the proper solution. Here we present a practical guide to identify and repair cracks effectively.

Identification of Cracks and Fissures

Before tackling the repair, it is essential to differentiate between cracks and fissures, as well as between active and passive cracks. Cracks are openings that affect the entire thickness of the element, while fissures only affect the surface layer. Active cracks are constantly moving, while passive cracks remain stable.

Choice of Materials

The choice of materials for repair depends on the type of crack.

For active cracks, it is necessary to use elastic materials that deform with movement, while for passive cracks, non-elastic materials can be used.

Repair process

Holes must be opened at an adequate distance to insert the repair staples. These gaps must allow the staples to be located in the axis of the element to be repaired.

Fill with Mortar: Once the gaps are opened, they are filled with repair mortar. In hollow brick elements, it is recommended to introduce the mortar towards the sides to reinforce the brick voids.

Insertion of Staples: With the mortar still fresh, the staple is inserted, applying pressure on the mortar to place it on the axis of the element. Subsequently, the hole is filled with more mortar, even using it as a filler for the hole.

Mortar Setting: The mortar has the property of not having shrinkage, which prevents the formation of new cracks during the setting process.
 

The protective power of exterior wood stains

In the arduous task of preserving the beauty and durability of wood outdoors, lasurs emerge as an indispensable ally. These decorative protectors, unlike traditional varnishes, do not form a film on the surface of the wood, allowing it to breathe and adapt to climatic fluctuations without compromising its integrity.

What makes stains the ideal choice for exterior wood? Its unique ability to generate an "open pore" finish is key. This not only facilitates humidity regulation, but also ensures deep penetration into the wood, providing optimal protection. Furthermore, the flexibility of the resins present in its composition allows the treatment to adjust to the dimensional variations inherent to exposure to climate.

Although their most common use is on exterior wood, such as garden furniture, carpentry and floors, lasures are also effective on other porous substrates such as clay, cement and stone. This versatility makes them a popular choice for a variety of design and construction projects.

But its true value lies in its ability to protect against the elements. Lasures offer exceptional resistance to UV rays, thanks to their photoresistant pigments, while they effectively combat the growth of fungi, molds and other biological organisms. In addition, the water-repellent properties of some stains make them ideal for repelling water and keeping wood dry and safe even in the most adverse conditions.

Stains not only beautify and protect exterior wood, but also extend its lifespan, ensuring each project maintains its natural splendor for years to come. For those looking for an effective, low-maintenance solution to their exterior wood protection needs, lasures are the perfect choice.
 

Discover the world behind construction with reinforced concrete and the fundamental piece that makes it possible: the rebar!

The history of construction is marked by innovations that have transformed the way we build our environment. In this context, rebar, or reinforced iron, emerges as an essential cornerstone in modern construction, especially in the creation of reinforced concrete structures.
 
History of a new construction system

Credit for the reinforced concrete construction system goes to William Wilkison, who in 1854 patented the idea with the goal of improving the fire resistance of buildings. However, it was at the World's Fair in Paris in 1855 that Joseph-Louis Lambot presented a revolutionary milestone: a small ship built with this technique, marking the beginning of a transformative era.
In Spain, reinforced concrete entered through Catalonia with French patents. The Puigverd tank in Lleida, built in 1893, is considered the first Spanish work with this technique. The real expansion occurred in Asturias, with milestones such as the slabs of the Oviedo prison and the deck of the Ciaño bridge in 1898. In 1900, the La Ceres flour factory in Bilbao became the first industrial building built with a concrete structure. armed.

Types of rebar

Rebar encompasses a variety of metal structures, each designed to fulfill specific functions in reinforced concrete construction:
1. Electrowelded meshes or mesh: Formed by corrugated steel bars welded together, they create grids that reinforce large areas.
2. Stirrups: Bars bent and closed in square or polygonal shapes, providing reinforcement to pillars and structural elements.
3. Negatives: Bars bent into an L shape, used to reinforce corners and edges.
4. Double Negatives: Bars bent into a U shape at right angles, providing additional strength in complex structures.
5. Straps: Prismatic or cylindrical armor formed by corrugated steel bars joined by welding around stirrups, providing stability to different components.
 
Rebar is not simply corrugated steel joined together; It is the essence of strength and durability in concrete construction. Each type of rebar is chosen and placed meticulously, following the precise plans and instructions of experts to guarantee the integrity of the final structure.

At Grupo Escribano, we understand that quality and precision are essential in each project. Every rebar detail we incorporate is a step towards creating safe and long-lasting spaces. The next time you look at a reinforced concrete structure, remember that behind its strength lies the meticulousness of the rebar, connecting each bar to build a solid future.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Transform your facade without stains or worries

At Grupo Escribano, we understand the importance of every detail in the renovation process, and today we want to highlight the need to protect your balustrade and cornices with felt during the painting process of the facade or terrace.

When you decide to give the exterior of your home or business a new look, color choice and paint quality are just the beginning. Applying paint can become a challenge if proper precautions are not taken, and this is where the importance of carefully covering elements such as the balustrade, cornices or terrace floors comes into play.

Avoid unwanted stains with long-lasting protection

Imagine achieving the perfect shade for your facade and then realizing that paint splatters have ruined the aesthetics of your balustrade or cornices. By covering these elements with felt during the painting process, we minimize the risk of unwanted stains, ensuring an impeccable and long-lasting result.

The felt acts as a protective barrier, preventing paint from reaching surfaces that should not be touched. This precautionary measure not only ensures a cleaner finish, but also contributes to the durability and resistance of the applied paint. Felt is a textile material that arises from conglomerating several layers of synthetic wool fibers with steam and pressure.

By investing in the right protection from the beginning, you save time and effort in the cleaning phase later. Efficiency is key in any renovation project, and covering the balustrade and cornices with felt is a smart strategy to speed up the process.

At Grupo Escribano, we are proud of every project we carry out. Attention to detail is essential to us, and covering sensitive areas demonstrates our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Trust Grupo Escribano to carry out your renovation project with professionalism, care and a touch of perfection.

Your facade deserves to look its best without stains or complications.

If you are the owner of a flat and have decided to rent it out, first you must be interested in increasing its value by making some changes to make it more attractive.

Over the years, pollution, weather and other factors, both internal and external, result in a home losing its attractiveness and value in the market. However, a building of a certain age can achieve considerable attractiveness in the real estate market with a correct intervention in the house that revalues ​​it in an interesting percentage for the owner.

For many people, having to rehabilitate the facade can be a nuisance in addition to the occasional headache. However, at Grupo Escribano, we firmly believe that the rehabilitation of the facade of the house represents a significant expense, but the intervention in it will increase the home's market value, increasing the profit from the sale or rental.

Do the maintenance of the facade: small works on the pipes, paintings and waterproofing will add value to the property. After all, the condition of the home is, after its location, a determining factor when deciding on one property or another and the facade is the first impression we receive.

With the rehabilitation of the facade of a home or commercial premises, at Grupo Escribano we will beautify and protect the facade by stopping its ageing. Insulating the facade, ventilating it, among other aspects are interventions that manage to improve both the appearance of the facade and its thermal performance, and the possibilities of sale of the property will be much greater.

It may be that you still do not know what SATE means or have never seen a thermal insulation system on the outside of the facade, but it is a way of insulating a facade that has been made in other countries for many years, but it has been known in Spain just for a few years now. SATE is also known as ETICS, which stands for "External Thermal Insulation Composite System". It is about putting an insulating material on the facade and a finishing mortar on said material. We are going to see in this article the advantages of this system, the possible drawbacks and how to solve them, and each of the parts that make up the system.

ADVANTAGES OF SATE
The first advantage that should be noted is that it is continuous isolation. To understand what this means, we are going to compare it with the traditional way of insulating, with the best-known system of the double partition with insulation inside.

When we make a double partition inside, we place the insulation from the floor to the ceiling of each floor, leaving the slab itself without insulation, so we are leaving a strip without insulation that affects the efficiency of the insulation and, instead, it enables the formation of humidity by condensation. If, on the other hand, the insulation is from the outside, the insulation is continuous throughout the facade.

Another obvious advantage of SATE is that we do not lose valuable space inside the house. Obviously, in order to grow the facade on the outside, we must have the permits for this purpose.

SATE SYSTEM LAYERS
Although the details may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, basically any EIS system consists of several layers; let's see them ordered from the inside out.

Insulating
The first layer of the system is the insulation. The most used is expanded polystyrene, although it can also be mineral wool or even another type of insulation.

The insulation is glued to the facade with a specific mortar and anchored with fixings known as spikes.

Mesh-reinforced mortar
The second layer is a specific mortar for this use, which most, if not all, manufacturers assemble with a mesh.

Finish
The finish is usually a mortar with different types of finish and colours. There are even manufacturers that have developed systems to place ceramic.

Profiles
The profiles of the SATE system are critical: there are starting profiles, which are placed in the lower part to level the system, finishing profiles, profiles for meeting with carpentry, etc.

The graffiti on the facades can be gorgeous, and some are made with such great skill by the graffiti artist that are true works of art, there are even people who take photos of them because they are stunning. Nevertheless, most of the time, they dirty our facade, being a hooligan.

Generally, graffiti is quite tricky to clean, especially on porous surfaces such as mortars or the stones of many facades. There are solutions on the market to eliminate them, which although they do not prevent graffiti from being made, they do facilitate cleaning.

It is about applying the product on the surface, but depending on the material to be protected, one or the other protector will be better. When the graffiti artist paints our facade, we can easily clean it using the specific product for the type of paint used, and thanks to the protector used, it will not leave residues on the surface of our facade. In these cases, prevention is better than cure.

The facade is one of the most important parts of a building, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for structural reasons and insulation against environmental conditions. Typically when talking about the façade of a building, it is understood that we are talking about the main façade, specifying for the rest of the facades their location to the main façade, for example, rear façade or side façade.

AESTHETIC REHABILITATION OF FACADES
Over time the facades suffer a progressive degradation, it is common to see areas with worn paint, or mortar facades with stains or blackened, flaky and cladding areas whose state has nothing to do with the original. In each case, it will be necessary to study the possibility of rehabilitating them or assessing whether it is worth changing the coating for some others that can offer an aesthetic improvement or more significant durability.

MOST COMMON PATHOLOGIES OF FACADES
When a client asks us to rehabilitate a facade, we usually find similar pathologies. We are going to list and describe them briefly and, in future articles, we will go into more detail on each of them.

STRUCTURAL CRACKS IN-FLOOR EDGES
They are cracks that usually appear in the areas of the balconies or cantilevers of the facades. They must be fixed as soon as possible because they affect the structure of the building and, also, concrete rubble can be dislodged onto the street, which is very dangerous for pedestrians. They are produced by the oxidation of the concrete reinforcement of the floor, either because water leaks from the balcony or because the front of the floor is not well protected.

CRACKS IN THE PRETIL OF THE DECK
These types of cracks are not as severe as those in the slab edges, but you must not lose sight of them and let them continue to advance because they can be dangerous. They are produced by the pushing of the roof slab on the parapet.

VERTICAL CRACKS
Sometimes we find vertical cracks that occur either because an expansion joint has not been executed or because it has been done incorrectly.

FISSURES IN THE COATINGS
These are minor cracks, which are usually caused by the movements of buildings, sometimes they can get worse if they are not repaired in time, leading to greater damage.

BROKEN APPLIANCE OR WITH RISK OF RELEASE
In buildings with cladding pieces, over time, movements of the building occur that can cause cracks in the cladding. It can also happen that the expansions and contractions cause the cladding to detach from the facade. When this happens, it will be necessary to replace them, to place extra fixings.

RUSTED RAILINGS
On many occasions, the balcony railings are entirely or partly made of iron. If the paint that protects them deteriorates, they begin to rust, and if the process is not stopped in time, the railing may no longer be a safe protection. It can also cause other secondary damages such as the breakage of the balcony flasks.

CONCLUSION
These are some of the most frequent pathologies of a facade. In future articles, we will see each of them in more detail, and we will analyze how to prevent them and how to repair them. If you need to repair the facade of your building, do not hesitate to contact us and we will prepare a free estimate without obligation.

When choosing paint for our facade, there are several aspects that we must take into account. We are going to take a brief tour of the most used types of paint, highlighting some of their characteristics. Specifically, we will talk about lime paints, plastic paints, mineral silicate paints, pliolite paints and silicone resins.

PLASTIC PAINTS
- It is the most used option due to its value for money.
- They form a waterproof film on the facade.
- They are less breathable than other options.

SILICATE MINERAL PAINTS
- They do not form a film on the surface, ideal for historical buildings.
- It can be used on surfaces of mineral origin such as exposed bricks, concrete or mortar plasters.
- Permeable to water vapour.
- They protect naturally against microorganisms such as algae, moulds or lichens.

PLIOLITE PAINTINGS
- Waterproof and impermeable to rainwater.
- Permeable to water vapour, breathable.
- Self-cleaning by rainwater.
- Anti-carbonation barrier.
- It can be applied in unfavourable environmental conditions, such as days of high humidity or even rain.
- It is diluted with a solvent.

SILICONE RESIN PAINTS
- High breathability.
- Water repellants.
- It can be applied to all types of traditional plasters and on well-adhered old paints.
- Washable.
- Resistant to chemical attacks.
- Little retention of dirt.
- High UV rays.
- It is diluted with water.

If a few days ago we were talking about the cracks in the facades, today it is the turn to damp. Moisture on facades is one of these inconveniences that can arise in any building. Although waterproof materials are used more and more frequently to protect them, many buildings do not have them.

Of all the construction elements, the facades are those that stand out from the start. Some are functional, some are traditional, some are protected by law for their architectural value, some are innovative, some are cared for, and some are neglected. However, all of them are exposed to a thousand and one problems.

Water is one of the most dangerous elements that can attack buildings, so if you do not have a system to prevent the damage it causes, in the end, we are going to find serious problems in any building, whether public or private. One of the areas that will be particularly strikingly affected by humidity problems is the facade of the building, creating aesthetic problems that can lead to structural problems that endanger the building as a whole.

Facade dampness can be avoided, but if we find that it is too late to prevent it, we will still have time to remedy it. The facades must be free of moisture problems. Stains caused by humidity are capable of degrading the value of the building itself. In many cases, if we are facing a protected facade, it may even mean a significant economic mishap.

Of course, the fact that the first symptoms are only aesthetic does not mean that dampness in facades cannot evolve and cause us even more risks within our own home. To the structural damage that we discussed before, we must add the possibility that dampness affects the interior of the rooms, filling our furniture (sofas, curtains, cushions, cabinets ...) with water and causing irreparable damage to them. The presence of humidity of this type can lead not only to the deterioration of objects but also to possible diseases, which come from mould and mites, mainly affecting the most vulnerable in the house: children, the elderly, patients with rhinitis or allergies, as well as pregnant women.

Fixing dampness on the façade is not merely an exercise in aesthetic care; taking care of each of the parts of a building guarantees that the house will be as habitable as possible. Taking care of each of the elements is, in the end, taking care of the entire building.

Trust in front companies in Palma de Mallorca such as Grupo Escribano; professionals from the ground up.

The girders are an important part of the structure of a building. For those who are not very knowledgeable in construction, they are the part of the structure that goes between pillar and pillar at the top, on which the beams rest, thus forming the floor slab.

The concrete girders are made up of reinforcement of iron rod, aggregates and cement. As we have already mentioned on other occasions, when concrete receives the moisture it undergoes "carbonation" of the armour, that is, the iron rusts little by little, and when it rusts it increases in size, causing damage to the girder that must be repaired. Immediately.

STEP 1
We must not forget that we are talking about structural problems, so, first of all, we will have to prop up the work area in the correct way. A girder in poor condition loses the ability to support the weight for which it was designed, and therefore the upper floor may collapse.

STEP 2
Once the slab has been propped up correctly, we will have to tap all the concrete that is in poor condition. Generally, it is not necessary to make much effort to make it fall. Once we find healthy concrete, it is not necessary to continue chipping.

STEP 3
After chipping the concrete in poor condition, the iron rods will be visible. In this step, it will be necessary for a technician to assess whether the rods are in good condition or if on the contrary, they have lost a lot of section, which will require adding a structural reinforcement. We will talk about what kind of reinforcement it can be in step 6.

STEP 4
In this step, what we want to achieve is that the oxide that has weakened the structure does not continue to advance. For this, we will clean the rods as best as possible. The usual thing is to do it with a wire brush, removing all the impurities that the rust has produced. Then we will apply an oxide passivator on the entire rod.

STEP 5
Time to coat the rods again with concrete. To join an old concrete with a new one, we can apply a connecting bridge, which is nothing more than a kind of glue that will allow the perfect union between two concretes that have not cured at the same time. Instead of using concrete, it is common to use repair mortars, prepared specifically for this function.

STEP 6
Once we have reached this step, depending on the evaluation of the rods that we have done in step 3, we will either finish the job or have to reinforce the structure, for which we can choose different methods, for example placing an iron profile for under the jácena

Capillary damp is that that occurs on walls that are in contact with the ground and that have not been properly waterproofed. Moisture rises through the pores of the materials that make up the wall, affecting the exterior cladding of the wall, causing aesthetic damage and damage to health. To avoid this humidity, there are several methods. In this article, we will talk about the treatments based on lime mortars.

When it comes to avoiding damp, the ideal would be to eliminate the entry of these into the wall, but in most cases, this can be very difficult or practically impossible. Therefore, the idea of ​​using lime mortars is precisely that since it is complicated to prevent moisture from entering the wall, we are going to make it easier for it to come out, preventing it from remaining on the wall and damaging it.
Lime mortars are very porous, and allow moisture to escape to the outside, allowing the wall to "breathe", in this way the salts and moisture will not affect the wall, allowing it to be dry.

As for the paint to use, it must be taken into account that it cannot be plastic paint or of any other type that forms a film on the surface. A paint that allows the wall to perspire must be used, such as silicate paint.

PROCEDURE TO CARRY OUT THE TREATMENT OF HAIR MOISTURE WITH LIME MORTAR

The first thing we have to do is chop the current coating until we reach the original support, that is, we will cut the existing plaster or cement mortar until we reach the brick or block.Generally, the humidity by capillarity does not usually rise more than 1.5m, so it will not be necessary to climb any higher.

Once the existing mortar has been minced and the dust removed from the support, we will apply the mortar to the chosen lime following the manufacturer's instructions regarding minimum thicknesses and drying times. The usual thing is that the minimum thickness is 1.5 or 2 cm. Generally, a base coat and a finish coat are applied, although there are mortars that are made only in one coat.

Once the mortar has dried, we can paint with the silicate paint.

"In Mallorca, it hardly ever rains, but when it rains ...!" You have probably heard or said this expression more than once. We hear it constantly from our work of budgeting a multitude of waterproofing of terraces, and we know that there are few things worse than having humidity at home and looking at the weather forecast thinking that the humidity of the last time has not yet been repaired. We would like to tell you a little about the different types of waterproofing that can be done on a terrace.

TYPES OF FLAT ROOFS
Although the title of this article is waterproofing of terraces, everything that we are going to comment is also valid for waterproofing balconies, roofs, terraces or in general to waterproof any flat roof.

It is not the objective of this article to analyze in-depth all the types of existing flat roofs; we can talk about that another day. We are just going to take into account that a flat roof has a maximum slope of 5% and that it may or may not be passable. Let us analyze these characteristics a bit.

- A flat roof has a maximum slope of 5% (if the slope is greater we are already talking about a sloping roof). The conceptual differences are the following: the flat roof is intended to be used by people for their enjoyment or to house useful machinery for the building; while the sloping roof is used only as insulation of the building against weather conditions. When choosing a waterproofing, it is essential to distinguish between a flat roof and a sloping roof since the sloping roof only repels water, while the flat roof redirects it and channels rainwater.

- All flat roofs are passable by definition, so it seems more appropriate to define passable roofs as passable for frequent or intensive use and non-passable roofs as occasional-use or walkable roofs. With this idea in mind, we are going to see some examples.

· Passable: Balconies, terraces with furniture (tables, chairs, flowerpots ...), terraces with frequent pedestrian traffic.

· Not passable: Roofs that are only walked on from time to time for maintenance reasons.

When it comes to the energy efficiency of our home, we care a lot about the insulation of the walls, but the weakest point in terms of heat/cold is in the windows. We have already talked in another article about "Tips for choosing a suitable window", where we mainly focused on the material and the most common type of frames with their advantages and disadvantages, this time we are going to talk a little about glass.

In a window, the essential part is the glass. For some years now, we have all been very clear about what double-glazed windows with an intermediate chamber are. For example, we can find 4mm + 12mm + 4mm crystals, which means that we have a 4mm glass, a 12mm air chamber and another 4mm glass. Obviously, the thicker the glass and the larger the intermediate chamber, the better, although there comes a time when the increase becomes detrimental. The usual for a home is 4-10-4 or 4-12-4.

There may also be windows where double glazing can be improved with solar control, reinforced acoustic insulation, low permissiveness, increased security in case of an accident, self-cleaning or anti-theft security. All these improvements can make the window more expensive a priori, but in the long run, they turn into exciting improvements.

Before choosing, we must think about the characteristics we need. For example, if it is a window without a blind since the sun shines most of the day, it will be highly advisable to add solar control, which allows light to enter, but not the heat. Good advice and a study of the needs of each window is essential when choosing.

If the time has come to change windows, we hope these tips will help you make a better choice. If you need advice or a budget, do not hesitate to contact us.

MATT PAINT
It is the most used; it softens the surfaces and distributes the light throughout the room without reflecting it. It is easier to apply since it covers more and helps to hide the imperfections of the walls or ceilings, so it is recommended in older walls that are always more beaten and in which we do not want to smooth completely. It is also better on walls that receive a lot of natural light directly.

SATIN PAINT
It has a slightly glossy and silky appearance, and is easier to clean than matte paint and better protects the wall. At first glance, there is not much difference with matte paint, but when the light hits the walls directly, the brightness is visible.

Against it we could say that it is more difficult to apply, the imperfections are more noticeable, so the surface will have to be thoroughly prepared, and the traces of the brush can be noticed.

It is recommended to use it in bathrooms and kitchens or areas with little natural lighting or that suffer more stains, such as children's rooms. It can also be used as a decorative element, painting only a wall or a strip in a bright colour.

Once a wall has been painted with satin paint, you cannot put a matte paint on top, but it has to be reapplied with satin paint. It is vital to bear it in mind when painting since if one wants to change from satin to matte, a special primer needs to be placed previously.

GLOSSY PAINT
Glossy paint is used more to make decorative effects, for example, painting reliefs on matte paint.

Aluminosis is a pathology of the concrete that floor joists suffer due to its manufacture with a type of aluminous cement that was used in beam factories, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. It was mainly used because it sets fast, so more joists could be manufactured by being able to deliver them earlier on-site, leaving space in warehouses for new shipments of material.

The joists with this type of cement may not present any anomaly and can be in our home without causing any problem. However, some circumstances can cause a chemical reaction of the cement that reduces the strength of the joist, with the consequent danger of collapse. There is a particular risk in humid areas and with industrialized environmental conditions. The damage is usually more significant in the upper floors since they are more exposed to the outside.

HOW TO KNOW IF A JOIST HAS ALUMINOSIS
The naked eye cannot distinguish between a joist affected by aluminosis or a joist that has received moisture and has oxidized its armour. The damages seem the same, and to determine if a joist has aluminosis an analysis must be carried out in a laboratory. If so, appropriate measures must be taken to replace the joist or to reinforce it adequately, for example, by placing iron girders below the affected joists. Furthermore, suppose an affected joist has been found in a building. In that case, it is necessary to monitor the rest of the joists in the entire building, even doing tests on false ceilings to verify that there are no more affected beams.

In Spain, there are many buildings affected by this "disease" known as "concrete fever", some of them as well known as the Vicente Calderón stadium in Madrid.

HOW TO REPAIR A BEAM WITH ALUMINOSIS
Not all cases are the same, but in general, a series of steps must be followed to repair joists with aluminosis.

STEP 1: SHORE THE AREA
Joists with aluminosis lose flexural strength, so the risk of collapse of the slab is real. It is important as soon as problems are detected to shore up the area while preparing the repair.

STEP 2: LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Concrete samples should be taken, and a construction laboratory asked to determine whether or not the beam has aluminosis, if so, it is advisable to carry out a thorough review of all the building beams.

STEP 3: CONCRETE REPAIR
To repair the concrete, one has to tap all the concrete in bad condition until one reaches the iron rod. If the rod has lost section, a possible structural reinforcement must be evaluated, which will be carried out in the next step. Existing rust on the rod will be removed by manual brushing, and a product will be applied that passivates the rust, preventing the rod from continuing the oxidation process. Finally, a structural restoration mortar will be applied, returning the joist to its original section.

STEP 4: STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
On the assumption that in the previous point we determine that the beam's rods have lost section, we will conclude that the beam has lost resistance, so we must supplement the lost resistance through some reinforcement system.

On more than one occasion one probably has heard people say that it is better not to turn off the light if you are going to turn it on again in a while, as this is said to save energy. Although with some bulbs this may be true, with Led technologies, turning off the lights is always the best option.

We are going to take into account two aspects that influence when saving money and electricity: on the one hand, it is the duration of the bulbs and on the other hand, what they consume.

The bulbs can be of different types (filaments, fluorescent...). In some models of bulbs, turning them on many times shortens the life of the bulb, so it may make some sense to leave them on if they will need to be turned on again in a short time. There are also cases in which the bulb requires a little more energy to start up, like with fluorescent lamps, which use the starter to get turned on.

In the case of Led bulbs, they do not suffer any deterioration by turning them on or off many times, and also do not consume more to "start". This is why it is always better to turn off the light, even if it gets turned on again in a few minutes.

Every day there are more people concerned about health, not only in the sense of not being sick but also in improving one's good health. If we add to this that city dwellers spend up to 90% of their time inside a building, it is logical to worry about how a building can affect health.
Among the materials used in construction that can negatively affect people's health, the best-known one is asbestos; but there are others like creosote or lead that are also harmful.

ASBESTOS
Asbestos, when crumbled, acquires a fibrous form that can harm our health in two ways: in contact with the skin, incrustations can occur in the epidermis that can cause skin warts, but without a doubt, the most severe damage occurs when inhaling fibres, as it can cause asbestosis or different types of cancer.

There are several types of products that use asbestos; the most common are corrugated plates to make roofs, water tanks, pipes... Since 2001, the marketing of asbestos products has been banned in Spain, but they are present in many buildings built before that date. The European Union has set the year 2028 for all these materials with asbestos to be eliminated from buildings.

CREOSOTE
Creosote is a material used to protect wood that is exposed to the elements from bacteria and fungi. Some of the compounds that were used do not break down easily and can cause skin problems on prolonged contact. A classic example of its use was on railways. Its use has been prohibited in Spain since 2003. One of its main problems is that it is dangerous to burn the wood treated with this material since the smoke is highly polluting for the environment and dangerous for health.

LEAD
Lead was used in the 1970s in water conduction pipes and, as water is used for human consumption, it causes lead to end up in our body and can cause neurological problems. Little by little, the lead pipes were replaced, so they are currently challenging to find, although one also has to be careful with copper pipes that can be soldered with lead.

One of the questions that everyone who has an electric water heater at home asks is whether it is better to have it connected all the time or if, on the contrary, it is possible to save some energy by placing a time programmer so that it turns on only a few hours before needing it. A classic example would be a house where hot water is only used in the morning for showering, and it could be programmed so that the rest of the day was off.

The answer may not be so easy to answer, and it depends on many things, such as the insulation of the thermos that significantly influences whether it has more or less water capacity, the use to be made of hot water... The two options are:
1.- Keep the water hot - The thermos is turned on every so often for a few minutes, keeping the water always hot.
2.- Do not keep the water hot - The thermos is turned on for a couple of hours in a row every day to have the water ready at the scheduled time.

As we have already said, it will depend on each thermos. However, in general, we think that option 2 is only worth it if the thermos is going to be off for at least three days. If we turn it on every day, the consumption will be very similar, and also we will not have the flexibility to use hot water at any time of the day

When choosing windows for one's home, you have to choose between several types of openings, the material of the frames and the type of glass. In this article, we are going to see some tips to know which options are more convenient for us. The different options will be analyzed, mainly from an economic and energy efficiency point of view. However, we will also talk about some other details that can make us choose one or the other.

TYPE OF CLOSURE OPENING
The most common types of opening are sliding and casement windows. In addition to these two types, tilt-and-turn windows are becoming more and more frequent, allowing it to be opened just like casement and at the same time allowing it to be partially opened from the top. From an economic point of view, the cheapest option is the sliding window. However, this saving occurs only in the initial investment, since it is the worst system when it comes to isolating, so that the initial saving, in the long run, may come out expensive. In general, the closure of a casement window is more hermetic, and therefore, there are no air currents that cause energy losses. There are other considerations regarding the closing system that can make us opt for one system or another, for example, the size of the window or the space right in front of the window, the ease or difficulty of opening, etc.

MATERIAL FOR THE WINDOW FRAME
As for the window frame, the usual thing is to find windows made of wood, aluminium or PVC. Wooden windows are increasingly in disuse, perhaps due to their higher price and constant maintenance, although they are still an option to consider for some for aesthetic reasons. Wood is a very insulating material, so in terms of thermal insulation, they work very well.

PVC windows are the most used in new construction in Europe. Its main advantage is that PVC is a very insulating material, so thermally it is an option to take into account. Although its main disadvantage is the price, which is usually a little higher than aluminium. The thickness of its profiles, larger than those of aluminium, can also be a disadvantage, even though this is a matter of taste. Another disadvantage to consider is fire safety. On the one hand, very harmful gases can be produced if breathed in, and on the other hand, they can melt, preventing the use of the window to leave the room.

Aluminium windows have the main drawback in that it is a low insulating material, so thermally they are the worst option; it can even cause condensation around the frame. Its main advantage is the price, undoubtedly the cheapest of the three options. There are profiles with a thermal bridge break, which is nothing more than the introduction into the profile of a thermal insulator, that mitigate the insulation problem. There are them of different qualities; obviously, they also increase in price. Aesthetically there are many more aesthetic finishes in aluminium than in PVC.

In the world of construction, there are many types of slabs, and, when referring to the most common, we mention those that we can find more frequently in residential construction. Mainly, a general classification must be made between two large groups of floors, the unidirectional and the bidirectional:
-The unidirectional floors are those that need supports at two of their ends, for example, the beams, to transmit the load to the columns, and from there to the foundation.
-Bidirectional floors do not need end supports for the loads. Still, the loads are transmitted in both directions, creating a lattice up to the columns.
Within this classification, we find different subcategories. The first to be discussed is the one-way slab of joists and vaults, which is the most used method in a residential building in Spain. In this type of floor, the joists (precast concrete elements with prestressed reinforcement) are responsible for transmitting loads from the bottom to the beams. For the transmission to be useful towards the rays, there must be a connection between the parts, for example, by inserting the joists into the beams.
The strength of this type of slab is clearly based on the joists, so the space between them is hardly relevant in terms of load-bearing capacity, so there is no need for a complete concrete mass between two joists. To eliminate the own weight of the joists, lightening elements are placed supported between two joists: the vaults. These are usually made of concrete, although they can also be used in other materials to lighten the weight further.
Another type of unidirectional slab is that of joists in situ. This is widely used in floors with complex geometries, as it can be adjusted to the centimetre, although it is more complicated to execute. Besides, since they are not precast joists, the reinforcement is not prestressed, so it does not have as much resistance.
There is also the unidirectional slab of a collaborative sheet, which is very useful in metal structures since the placement of joists and vaults can be somewhat complicated. The sheet metal has folds that give it the shape of grooves, which once filled with concrete, provide it with inertia. This system has the advantage of the speed of laying the plates and that it is a lighter slab than the traditional one. Its disadvantages include that it is necessary to place connection elements between the leaves, the use of tools for nailing the plate against the metal structure is required. The placement of holes for the passage of floors is complicated as it is not a flat surface.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the forging of hollow structural bodies, works in a lattice, so it does not need support elements at two of the opposite ends in the direction of the loads. This gives an advantage in terms of the spans that are achieved between supports since the neutral zone of the thickness of the slab is occupied by hollow recycled plastic "balls" that weigh hardly anything and prevent their volume from being occupied by concrete. The execution of this type of slab is quite fast, but the main advantage is the reduction of the structure's own weight without increasing the cost of the system used. In addition, not only the extra cost of the execution and the optimization of the amount of concrete required by calculation is saved (less weight, less foundation volume) but also the amount of concrete is saved thanks to the volume occupied by the hollow bodies. Of course, it is a more specialized calculation since the hollow balls tend to float when pouring the concrete.

Many times our clients choose not to put wood due to its possible wear, in favour of other materials such as aluminium. However, the ageing of the wood offers a rustic aspect and gives character to that space in which it is located (we could compare it to wine).

It is true that for a long time there were no adequate protectors for exterior wood, and that the same varnishes that were applied for interior lumber were used. Obviously, this protection is not enough, since the wood gets cracked in the sun and low temperatures, resulting in an unprotected product with an unpleasant appearance.

Currently, we find wood protectors such as lasur, an open-pore varnish that has the quality of penetrating the surface of the wood without forming the classic glossy film of previous varnishes. It also waterproofs timber and has the great advantage that it is applied without having to sand beforehand. This product is ubiquitous in porches and pergolas made of laminated pine or fir wood.

Tropical woods require the application of oils so that they do not lose their natural colour. When they are no longer protected, they turn grey due to the oxidation of their surface, but it does not mean that it is in bad condition.

Of course, if for some reason we have forgotten to apply the protector for a while, and we want to recover the natural colour of the wood, we must sand the most oxidized surface well and apply the protective oil. This will restore its luminosity to the wood, and it will be back to its first days.

Choosing adhesives for ceramic tiles may seem like a simple decision. It is, as long as it is a traditional type of tile: glazed on the front, ceramic biscuit on the back, standard size, a support surface regular and established... What can happen is that we do not find ourselves in this situation. The wide variety of tiles opens a range of possibilities when choosing an adhesive that depends on the pieces and the support you have.

The first step in selecting the specific type of glue is taking into account the porosity and size of the part. If the piece does not have a pore, the material has nowhere to anchor, so it will be necessary to use an adhesive that uses a chemical process. The size of the piece influences the weight of the tile, thus requiring a stronger bond for larger pieces.

Another point to take into account is the characteristics of the support since it is not going to be the same to place a tile on plasterboard support than to place it on concrete support. The main factor to take into account is dimensional stability. The movements, contractions and retractions of the material can influence its placement. Support with less dimensional stability, which suffers deformations, will require a more flexible grip material. Added to all this are the environmental conditions and functional requirements of the place where it is to be placed.

In the classification of adhesives, in addition to cement mortars, we will have the classification of adhesives for ceramic tiles, which are classified in the letters C, D and R.
- C is a cementitious adhesive (glue cement), a mixture of hydraulic binders and mineral fillers that must be mixed with water.
- D are dispersion adhesives, organic binders in polymer form, an aqueous dispersion, additives and mineral fillers.
- R are resins whose hardening results from a chemical reaction. It is not necessary to mix with water, but the components are mixed.

Each of these classes is sub-rated 1 or 2 based on their adherence capabilities. Thus we have the characteristic of fast setting (F), extended open time (E), which is the time that elapses between the placement of the adhesive and the placement of the tile, and sliding characteristics (T) before the bonding material hardens. For class C, a sub-classification S1 or S2 is also applied depending on the deformation capacity of the adhesive, important if we have unstable or very unstable supports.

When thinking about the construction of a new home or a reform, the doubt usually arises between the use of plasterboard or brick, the most traditional option. Each person must choose depending on their needs, so in this post, we offer you specific criteria to help you choose.

First of all, the transport of the material has to be taken into account. For example, let’s suppose a reform is going to be carried out on a high floor of an old building. In that case, it can be a problem to raise the plasterboard plates to the house, since they are of a considerable size, and it isn't easy to insert them in old elevators or take them up through very narrow stairs. On the other hand, with bricks, their small size allows many trips to be made. However, you have to think about their weight and the number of materials needed for their installation.

The execution of both is quite different. In the case of partitions, they generate much waste that will have to be removed. In this same aspect, the plasterboard creates less bulky and heavy rubble since they are whole boards. The latter also has the advantage of speed and ease of execution. Of course, it must be taken into account to place it separately from the ground to avoid humidity (a problem that does not appear in the other type). Bricks take longer to install, and it can be a bit complicated to put them correctly; in addition to that, their installation site must be planned very well. Finally, these have an excellent resistance capacity that plasterboard does not provide. Finally, it should be mentioned that the most significant advantage of plasterboard is the finish, since it is smooth to paint, not like brick, that needs a layer of plaster for the correct finish.

One of the many ways of waterproofing is with EPDM, a monomeric polyethene propylene diene rubber, an elastomer with very good properties against the passage of water and atmospheric agents, with very high elasticity and resistance, which makes it a very suitable material for the waterproofing of all types of surfaces.

The resistance to atmospheric agents of this type of rubber provides greater durability than other materials used for the same function. Besides, this material has excellent mechanical resistance, since its amazing elasticity gives it the ability to resist breakage caused by other materials.

One of its most significant advantages is that blankets of up to 900m2 of cover can be supplied. Being able to cover such a large surface in a single cut means that the number of joints that have to be executed is minimized, reducing the probability that one of them may fail. It is also an advantage when collecting the material, since it avoids having to handle the large number of rolls that other systems need, such as bituminous sheets. Another point in favour is that the placement does not adhere. Hence, the sheet is entirely independent of the support, which allows movements without affecting the state of the sheet. Finally, it is worth mentioning its speed of installation without the need to use torches or flammable gases that may pose a risk on site.

Although we usually spend more than 90% of our time indoors, we tend to worry more about the air we breathe on the street and not that of our homes. Today more than ever, the importance of ventilation is key to curbing the spread of Covid-19.

Loaded spaces, for example a classroom or an office, occur when many people are breathing the same air in the same closed space, so we must ensure that these places have an optimal indoor climate. This climate should have natural light, adequate ventilation, and comfortable temperature and humidity levels.

To ventilate, reduce CO2 particles and have a healthy indoor environment, natural ventilation is the simplest way (as recommended by the World Health Organization). But, in the season we are entering, opening windows may not be the best option due to the low winter temperatures. To avoid getting cold unnecessarily, we propose the use of intelligent air conditioning systems that are capable of analyzing the levels of humidity, temperature, and CO2 that prevail in space and act proactively accordingly, opening or closing the windows as required.

When you decide to build your own house, it is essential to be well informed, but you must be careful with rumours. There are countless myths about wood, and today we will talk about some to discover how much truth there is in them. We will first introduce you to the lore, and then we will disprove it.

Wood is not as strong as other materials. Wood is often said to be a weaker material than concrete or steel. Still, it is the only material that we can be sure of its resistance throughout time. Unlike other materials, the resistance-to-weight ratio of wood is exceptional, which is why we can handle it more efficiently and with more basic tools.

Wood is not suitable for the environment from cutting down trees. The wood we use comes from responsibly managed plantations. The origin of the wood is very controlled. Do you think using concrete or steel is better for the environment? Wood is the only structural and building material that is renewable and recyclable.

Wood is only useful for making cabins. The characteristics of wood are the starting point to achieve higher quality constructions that provide us with a much higher degree of comfort than those made with other materials.

Wood continually needs maintenance. Maintaining a house with a wooden structure involves the same effort as a house made with more conventional materials. On the other hand, if what we are concerned about is the house's wooden finish, design plays a fundamental role. As with all-natural materials, wood is subject to changes in appearance over time.

For different reasons, we may find ourselves in the situation of having to resort to floor emptying companies: during the purchase of a furnished apartment, to carry out a comprehensive reform or to redecorate. Of all these products, a large part is destined to go to landfills, or for resale. Today, we show you those types of products that can be used as raw material to construct new things.

Let's take into account the furniture itself. We can have a great variety of materials, whether they are from tables, shelves or chairs. In this case, we can find any material such as wood, metals and plastics. Fabrics, such as rugs, it is recommended that they be taken to garment collection points or that after successive washing they are used as new fabrics to be used individually or as lining, upholstery, etc. Electrical products, such as household appliances and other electrical devices, do not have much output, so they should go to a clean point or a possible check and set point.

With agglomerates, it is preferable not to reuse them, unless they are like the first day. They usually lose their qualities over time, turning into brittle boards. Perhaps they would serve for uses in which there are no structural requirements of any kind since they quickly lose their shape.

As for cleaning, it goes further, since we get to dismantle partitions. These materials also have their place in recycling and reuse. Gypsum plasterboard is one of those few construction materials that can be recycled in its installation phase on-site and selective demolition of the building.

When thinking about painting a house, the best course of action is to hire a professional. But for this, it is crucial to know the steps they take to achieve the best finish and what we can do to facilitate their work and obtain the best result.

Previous steps to prepare the house

- Choice of colourThis step is on you. When choosing the main colour, we must consider the type of environment we want and how we will enjoy that space. We recommend viewing information on colour theory as it can help you make decisions. Of course, let yourself be guided while you choose the colour since the painter can analyze the space with a professional's eyes.

- Type of paintIt may seem at first glance that any paint is suitable for painting on any surface, but it is the opposite. Professional help in this step is vital since each surface requires a specific type of paint. Although generalizing, we can find plastic paint, lime paint, mineral paint, tempera paint and enamels. If we are going to paint an interior wall, we could choose more than one of these types of paint, but we must take the surface into account.

- Surface PreparationBefore painting, we must consider what can happen if the surface is not properly prepared. The paint can flake, come off in large blisters, discolour... To do this, we must clean, in some cases including scraping and plastering, previously to leave the surface as smooth as possible.

- Taping and protectionThis is one of the most critical steps you must follow. The painter can carry out his work correctly and obtain the best results. It is advisable to vacate the space to be painted or, if the furniture cannot be easily changed rooms, as would be the case of a bed, must protect. This can be done with garbage bags, which, once the paint stains have dried, can be used for their main use or plastic covers. When a professional painter begins his work, he starts by covering the floor. After this, the room's perimeter can have cornices, borders, baseboards, and mouldings, which you do not want to get stained with paint, so it will be convenient to protect them with painter's tape.

- Last step, paintingThis step is already the one that entirely depends on the painter. Let him do his job and trust the professional. In this way, you will get the best result and a completely renovated home.

Imagine being able to execute a new pavement without demolishing the existing one. That is possible, as long as you have the possibility of climbing in height. This system can fit into the world of rehabilitation. Still, above all, it is designed for new buildings, with multiple distribution possibilities.

The raised floor is the system of office buildings by definition. The different placement situations, with the increase and variation of meeting rooms, cabinets, rooms for common use...

The amount of facilities that we have today, especially at the electrical and telecommunications level, causes us to have large bundles of cables, real bundles that could not run on a normal floor, with a screed. That is why it is convenient for us to have an open-air chamber for the distribution of all these facilities, which we can undertake at any time when the distribution changes, thanks to the fact that it is a raised pavement that can be registered.

Therefore, there are encapsulated steel systems and cement injection (full steel) and FSC high-density agglomerate (Pac) and the different applicable coatings, whether synthetic or natural. They have an innovative technical floor with Sovereign technology that provides unmatched aesthetics since it is a development that avoids perceiving the tiles' modularity, allowing you to see continuous floors, with hardly any joints.

How is a raised pavement designated? Here we indicate how a correct prescription is made. You have to know that the system's minimum height is generally 75 mm and a maximum of 1100 mm. However, it is recommended that if you go above or below these figures, you contact the manufacturer, who will provide another prescription.

This time of confinement has made us reflect on how we live, so we find ourselves with the desire to cause changes in our way of life.

Once we are determined to reform, we must prepare the space. Small reforms to change a room and comprehensive reforms go through a preparation cycle, especially when the home is used during the remodel.

In the first place, the area to be intervened must be limited, so as to interrupt the inhabitants and their activity as little as possible. A renovation in which installations or distributions are touched can cause dust for weeks and extend for longer.

Secondly, it must be possible to coordinate the facilities' dependence since power cuts might happen in some rooms. Hence, a prior review is necessary for which the state of the electrical and plumbing installation can be advanced. In this way, during work, temporary installations can be made if necessary.

Depending on the type of work, we will need an area to have some storage area, both for construction materials and for the waste management itself.

Something important to keep in mind is to think about how the works you will carry out affect your neighbours. Part of your sanitation, electricity or plumbing installations likely pass in some common element, especially if the building was built before the 80s. In addition to the noise of the works itself, you may have to notify your neighbours of possible alterations on-site.

The works inside the house must also respond to urban regulations. So, as a promoter, you are responsible for these works. Therefore you must request the relevant licenses, or submit the necessary declarations.

A condensing boiler is an improvement on a standard boiler system, such as a supercharger for a car engine, or the turbo system. The use of condensing boilers allows a huge part of this latent heat to be recovered, which considerably reduces the combustion gases' temperature, lowering them to values ​​of the order of 45°C or lower, thus limiting the emissions of polluting gases.

For a condensing boiler to work at maximum efficiency, the return water temperature will have to be lower than the fumes' dew point temperature. Thus, the most suitable heating system for its use is underfloor heating. However, the performance is also improved compared to that of a traditional boiler in a radiator circuit.

The biggest problem in the design of these boilers is the possible corrosion that the exchanger can suffer when it comes into contact with the acids produced in the condensation, which is why materials such as aluminium or aluminium are used in their manufacture. Besides, we must bear in mind that we have to connect the condensate outlet to a drain in which these should be treated before sending them to the sewer network.

Likewise, the combustion products when they are outside the combustion chamber, allow the heat to the water in the boiler. In the case of fumes, they are produced by the heat that is neglected by the combustion products, the same that come out through the chimney, which is composed of sensible heat losses that depend exclusively on the temperature of the fumes, a percentage of CO2, losses due to unburned carbon products and losses due to disposal, where heat is produced through periods of boiler shutdown.

Subsequently, the fumes come out at temperatures between 30-100°C, which causes the fan to generate sufficient pressure to overcome the smoke duct. For this reason, the vents must be designed using optimal materials so that they can resist the action exerted by condensates.

Swimming pools are auxiliary elements in architecture, which are associated with comfort and quality of life. From the Romans' time to the domestic swimming pool, water constructions have been fundamental for architecture. The pool itself requires specific construction conditions and a good selection of materials when building.

The pool's construction comprises several fundamental elements: the basin, the water treatment plant and the beach. The glass is the base element of the pool, that construction element that contains the body of water and prevents it from leaking through the joints. The cleaner allows the water mass in the glass to be cleaned up by filtering and adding chemicals to eliminate bacteria, algae, fungi and other microorganisms dissolved in the water.

The beach seems the most dispensable element of the pool. Still, in reality, it is essential to guarantee the safety of the users since the perimeter that surrounds the pool is where part of the facilities are housed and where the most significant number of accidents can occur due to the presence of water from splashing or overflowing.

There are two fundamental types of pools in functional terms: the overflowing basin pool and skimmer pool. In the overflowing glass pool, if the water overflows, it is collected around its perimeter to be taken to the treatment plant. In the skimmer pool, the water does not overflow. Still, it is located a few centimetres from the edge of the glass. The water is collected from time to time by means of skimmers (traps that prevent large elements from passing through). In both cases, the water is taken to the treatment plant. The second option is usually more common in domestic swimming pools since its maintenance is much simpler, therefore, more economical. Overflowing glass pools are generally used in public uses since the water purification is greater and constant, which guarantees better hygiene.

The technology of light amplified by emission of stimulated radiation, that is to say, the laser, has more and more applications in the construction. When we apply this type of laser radiation on a surface, it is possible to pass through it (make cuts), mark it. We can use it to clean surfaces, such as metal, stone, wood ...

The main advantage that laser cleaning has in favour of another type of cleaning is the scarcity of residues. For example, cleaning by sandblasting and blasting has many small "projectiles" of sand and metal balls that we must clean later. In the case of lasers, we do not have that type of waste.

Unlike jet cleaning, the laser system works dry. It is a great advantage since it can be applied in any medium. Another benefit is that laser cleaning machines are becoming easier to transport and have manageability, very similar to a pressure washing machine, making it easy to clean areas that are difficult to access.

Operation of a laser cleaning machine

These machines work by generating a beam from a laser source communicating through a fibre optic cable to a system of mirrors (or mirrors) that transmit the laser in the desired shape. In the head is the instrument that guides the laser beam in a specific direction. 

Laser cleaning machines have a useful life of up to 100,000 hours, so they are instruments to clean continuously and without the need to recharge material or have another connected system, such as water, sand, etc.

Why is it useful in construction?

When the laser is applied, the material does not get very hot. In general, the heat-affected zone is small, so there is no thermal effect on the material, so there is no possibility of thermal damage. Due to this characteristic, laser cleaning is perfect for mould maintenance, paint removal, degreasing, mould removal, and restoration of materials in general.

Luxurious, ostentatious, opulent, splendid homes are achieved with expensive materials but also with quality spaces. Luxury constructions do not have to have expendable things or suppose a great expense of money and time. Its architectural configuration and the very idea of ​​the house can be a sign of spatial richness without falling into constructive vagaries.

These homes are designed to be easy to maintain since the quality of the materials must allow cleaning, polishing and different types of washing. Many times we find constructive solutions in which floor-to-ceiling glass predominates. The interior and exterior continuities are the result of two things. Either we are facing an ingenious solution, the result of the thought of an architect concerned with thermal bridges or facing a solution unrelated to thermal problems.

While it is true that if you can purchase a home of this style, you will be able to maintain it, but the maintenance itself conditions the aesthetics of the house and takes care of the construction itself. Luxury is not eternal. Inside a home, it may be the part that can change the fastest over time. The old luxury houses usually involve quite expensive renovations.

In luxury construction, the most important thing is to invest in space and in good execution. That is, look for rooms facing east to be able to get up with the sun or a comfortable and practical terrace with a fire area for cooking or with a gazebo.

In kitchen renovations, the same mistakes always happen. In this article, we will explain what they are. We will classify their severity since once the work or reform is done, it is complicated and costs to reverse them.

Comprehensive kitchen renovations in some instances require speed of execution since, in some cases, the house cannot be abandoned to carry out the renovation. You must follow a series of guidelines to do a check on the reform before starting it.

Needs programming
List the number of gadgets you need. The basics are the sink, the stove and the refrigerator. The first thing is to finish with this list of elements (oven, microwave, other small appliances such as coffee makers, juicers ...) Make sure you have enough storage space. Think about how many people live in the house, how many non-perishable products you have and if the storage space can only be the kitchen.

The position of the main points
The three central points of the kitchen, listed above, are the sink, the stove and the refrigerator. In an ideal arrangement, they should form a triangle so that you can move from one to another quickly, leaving a counter space between them. When they are placed inline or on parallel islands, their position must allow the kitchen work, also maintaining the lateral workspaces.

Tall furniture
It is true that when we see a kitchen with low furniture we see more space and it gives more tranquillity since we have more air. Only the extractor hood that, depending on the model, we can even embed in the ceiling or put it inside the hob. When we need space, tall furniture is very recurrent. Take care of the heights of these elements and what they stick out. Do not forget about the widths of the doors and everything that goes forward.

Take advantage of useless spaces
When we have an L or U distribution, we have corner modules that are difficult to access. Think about what to do with them or even if they are even interesting to have in another stay. If you are lucky enough that this space borders the laundry room or another space, you can open the back of that U-shaped unit, difficult to access from the kitchen, to take advantage of it from another room.

Renew the facilities
A change in the kitchen involves changing the tiles, the floor and the furniture. Take the opportunity to change the water installation mainly, and if you can, the electricity. Changing the table will require new points of light, new connections for other small appliances...

The composition of interior spaces in architecture is one of the most important and characteristic aspects of a work. The selection of interior joinery is a very important aspect. The interior joinery can be folding or sliding, the latter being the ones that allow greater spatial flexibility.

Sliding doors are in themselves a way to move a partition that can disappear or change a room completely. The possibility of hiding doors means that square meters are not consumed. Of course, it is required that it has a sufficient structure of its own to resist the movement and weight of the moving part. These structures are based on the placement of metal guides both at the top and at the bottom. Hidden carpentry and the morphology of internal structure of the door guarantee air and sound tightness, which makes them ideal for homes.

Sliding doors can be made of different materials, although the most common are wood, glass or aluminum with various internal structures that can contribute to improving some of their characteristics: resistance, durability, lightness, acoustic insulation or thermal insulation. The most common material in interior carpentry and therefore in interior sliding doors is wood, which not only provides good performance in thermal and acoustic terms, but also transmits that homey, warm feeling. Glass doors are less common as movement causes a sensation of structural instability, although with the proper choice of glass, the appearance of brittleness is significantly diminished.

Sliding doors are a constructive element that allows a space to be given richness and flexibility. In addition, they offer a much more pleasant visual effect by never being out of place or taking up unnecessary space. The constructive possibilities using this type of doors are very wide, which offers us greater freedom when creating the project and greater spatial quality.

At Grupo Escribano we are used to working with lighting designers, whose function is to establish a way of understanding the architectural space, giving it expression, texture, color, brightness… qualifying those parts that are of interest through light. The fact of determining the need for one type or another of light goes beyond the choice of one or another lamp. Lighting designers have the ability to outline, idealize spaces with the application of the appropriate light.

We can resort to them out of “necessity” when justifying the lighting in case of evacuation. What we would say to achieve the minimum illumination… But we must satisfy the need to illuminate with quality, with taste. An added value that the lighting designer contributes is precisely that ability to relate architecture with people, improving the communication that the space seeks, often in a creative, innovative and efficient way.

In the case of home lighting, one of the essential processes that we must carry out is to create different environments in each space. And for this, we are going to reveal some techniques that these types of professionals perform.

First, the lighting in the living room must be concentrated in perimeter points, never within the viewing angle of the television. Flush lighting, floor lamps, and other perimeter lighting strategies are the best options. It is also important how to position the light in relation to a mirror, since it must come from the mirror itself, or the area closest to it and must be directed directly at it. When lighting a room, it has to focus on perimeter points and never above the bed.

Finally, one thing to keep in mind is that lamps are decorative items. Their function goes beyond the light itself, but they are aesthetic complements that also have a certain importance as decorative elements.

A typical construction problem is an intervention on an existing façade that has elements to conserve. At this time, any renovation company has to go hand in hand with a technician to undertake the work. The improvement of the thermal envelope is not incompatible with the preservation of heritage and traditional architecture. You have to maintain the fundamental characteristics such as the finishes, maintaining an environment that can preserve its essence while intervening with interior insulation and better glazing, thus carrying out conservation and maintenance works on the facades.

The rehabilitation of building facades in the old quarters of the cities is a clear example of the works of conservation of the essence of the cities. In the case of most cities with Roman or medieval origin, these are built with stone masonry walls, whose facades have reached from their time to our time. The maintenance of the stone begins with the basic cleaning maintenance, which includes reviewing the joints so that there is no air intake, the replacement of perishable elements such as wood and metals and the conservation of the roofs and gutters that preserve so much the interior of the building as its facade.

To insulate a protected facade, you must start with the inside face of the facade. This interior face will be the object of installation passage as well as being the perfect location for concealment elements such as blinds and curtains. It would be best if you tried to keep the facade as intact as possible, both outside and inside. For this reason, the most reasonable thing is to place a self-supporting cladding (in no case directly or screwed to the inside face of the façade). If we separate it a few centimetres from the facade, we can place more thermal insulation. With a substructure like those of plasterboard systems, we can have enough space to insulate with all the thickness that we are allowed, through which the facilities can be passed and have the boxes for the sockets and switches, even to embed luminaires.

The presence of fiber in this type of concrete works like millions of bridges that uniformly distribute the internal shrinkage forces that try to separate the matrix. These same fibres intercept the propagation of microcracks, paralyze their growth, and interrupt the capillary action of moisture, thus allowing slower curing. When the fibre is mixed with a concrete matrix, the load-deformation curve increases the load capacity, which improves post-cracking, allowing it to sustain loads up to high deformation values, resulting in greater flexibility in the element.

The increase in resistance to fatigue, which is directly related to durability, impact resistance and reduction of permeability, contribute to a longer life of the concrete, benefiting the associated maintenance costs in the long term. When the concrete is subjected to stress, the micro-cracks evolve, become larger and bond with each other. As the load continues to be exerted, some of these cracks begin to become unstable and fail to push the concrete from one side to another. The fibres disrupt and stabilize micro cracks. Impact resistance (ability to absorb energy), as a way of measuring the degradation of concrete resulting from a point load, reflects the bonding characteristics of the fibres in holding together the fractured segments of originally sound concrete.

Aesthetically, fibre concrete is smoothed and finished like regular concrete. It does not require any special tools. Fibre action typically means reducing concrete slump by 20% to 30%, which creates an illusion of additional water requirement but should not be added. For slump enhancement, a superplasticizer or water reducer should be used as the addition of water would result in low strength. The aesthetic finish with fibres will depend on how the concrete was finished since in stamped concrete, the fibre will not be seen, but if the slab is smoothed by hand, some will be seen. As a general rule, the presence of fibres on concrete surfaces is acceptable. However, if not allowed, they can be removed with a blowtorch.

Once the cracks appear, the most important thing is to find the origin of the movement that caused the crack, prevent water from entering and call, if necessary, professionals to fix it. It is important to know how to detect the cause of the movement to choose the appropriate repair system.

The essential thing is to make a preliminary report or a more elaborate diagnosis to detect the origin of the pathology. We can say that fissures and cracks are physical pathologies caused by unexpected stresses that the element cannot resist. The most common origin of a crack is a structural movement, and in most cases, caused by a settlement in the ground. In the rest of the cases, we depend on different tests (destructive, non-destructive, laboratory tests and service tests) to resolve a final opinion.

A way to identify the origin in cracks of lengths greater than 50 cm and that is inclined is neither horizontal nor vertical. Suppose you look at the cracks that have a certain inclination. In that case, the origin is always the centre of the possible radius that would draw them, or seen in another way, the line perpendicular to the crack points to the origin of the problem.

Vertical and horizontal cracks are more difficult to detect. They can be caused by movements of the subsoil, or by construction defects, structural joints, changes in the section of the elements, etc., in the weak points of the façade and structure.

Of course, these tips are indicative. Contact Grupo Escribano, where we usually deal with this type of pathology and ensure that the pertinent studies are carried out.

Although it seems to us that we can live in a world of standard things, each person is unique and has accumulated a series of experiences that make them particular. Therefore the environment in which they move and live must be able to adapt to their needs. Custom furniture is appropriate in any room of the house. You can bring your own personality not only to the walls of your room but to any corner of your home.

Here the design work is vital, so you must trust the good professionals in the sector to obtain them. But do not forget to comment well on those details that interest you and to see that the materials to be used are appropriate for the context in which the furniture will be placed.

When we have a more limited budget, we can resort to modular options and adapt the furniture to our needs. Structures of standard sizes will solve most of the spaces you need, and with a few small adaptations, you can adjust it to the size or gap that you need to cover with the furniture.

When you have space but a low budget, you can take modular furniture but configure it in a completely personal way. Here you should also ask the carpenters or professionals for advice, who, based on their experience, will show you more possibilities and give you appropriate recommendations for your case.

Plan your space and try to visualize your home with some changes with the help from professionals, architects, designers and custom furniture companies.

As you may already know, dogs are guided and guided by smell. During walks, these canines urinate on posts, trees, lampposts, farm facades, etc., and this they do instinctively since it is their way of marking territory.

Do you want to know how to end this situation? Well, it all depends on the owner's involvement in the reeducation of their dog, but surely these people will only bother to correct this behavior when the animal does its business inside your home.

When this happens on the street, it seems that only those who suffer it directly are concerned, that is, the owner of the motorcycle or car, the owner of the business or the neighbors of a facade.

To solve this problem, there are odors that are unpleasant for dogs, and over time they learn not to approach or urinate in that area. In any case, if the animal is not reeducated and a new behavior is not built for it, it is a really difficult goal.

With that said, we want to introduce you to two myths of remedies that don't work and three that are valid:

Myths to disprove:

• WATER BOTTLES : It is an urban myth that the mirror effect due to the reflection of the animal in the water is what drives it away. It is one of the most popular solutions and one of the most widespread, however, its effectiveness has not been proven.

• SULFUR : To begin with, it is a prohibited remedy in Spain due to its toxicity, since it can affect the health of the animal when it is inhaled, ingested or simply when it comes into contact with its skin, also DOES NOT WORK.

Three homemade tips that can help you avoid dogs from urinating on your facade:

1. LEMON : Mix one or two squeezed lemons with two cups of water and sprinkle it on the area. Dogs do not like this smell, and it could prevent them from approaching the area where you applied it.

2. ALCOHOL : Mix one cup of alcohol and two of water and prepare a spray. Spray the affected area for at least one or two weeks, and you will see that little by little the animal will stop coming back.

3. VINEGAR : This ingredient has a really strong smell for dogs, since they hate acetic acid. Spray the affected area with plenty of pure vinegar or where you do not want the dogs to come near.

We hope that this content has helped you and that above all you remember that the main person responsible for this matter is the owner who is not responsible for the problem, and not the animal.

Remember that at Grupo Escribano we are experts in the rehabilitation and cladding of facades, so do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you!

In recent years, urban regeneration projects have been carried out focused on river and coastal spaces near cities, with the idea of ​​rediscovering water in the city, with the aim of promoting a creative use of space and with ecological values. Even so, the objectives of these new projects have not had the expected result, since the political discourse has been one of sustainability, but, in reality, it is not known if these have been created to prioritize their use of leisure and social over their ecological benefit.

Several years ago, there was a risk of a complete uniformization of water landscapes with a solution based on grass accompanied by a sheet of water, and now it seems to be taking on an increasing role. Is this an acceptable solution in all cases? Is it sustainable? But one thing is clear: what works in one case does not have to work in another. A comprehensive solution is suitable for cases of deeply threatened, polluted and destroyed rivers, but it does not have to be imitated in average cities, with rivers with very different local geographic characteristics. The problem persists, and even more so in those cases in which urban green has been imposed to the detriment of rural green, or economic activities have been promoted that have destroyed the local heritage, or the natural shape of the river has been eliminated to favour a pipeline or a detour.

The urban regeneration projects constitute a positive alternative to the pre-existing marginal and degraded scenarios in the cities, since with the economic reactivation and the creation of open spaces with social potential they are able to reverse them. However, there are critical aspects that deserve to be identified and studied from an environmental point of view. Among them, it is important to highlight that these projects are often not accompanied by river restoration interventions or contemplate the preservation of local landscape identities. It is necessary that issues related to natural, historical and cultural heritage play a prominent role in this type of urban intervention. Fluvial spaces, although urban, also deserve to be studied, regenerated and restored taking into account the historical and local context.

Designing and building for specific characteristics of each person or adding at the last minute a ramp that had not been planned before is not the solution to the problem of accessibility in buildings. From the beginning of a project, design must be at the service of society as a whole and serve at every stage of each person's life regardless of their height, age, way of communicating or traveling. The responsibility of architects is essential to project ourselves in the future with cities, spaces and environments that are truly useful to those who inhabit them.

In creating buildings that are tailored to personal needs, we come to certain questions that we must ask ourselves as managers, as architects of such projects. As architects, we must be capable and, above all, be prepared to add issues of this type, and thus be able to help those who find themselves in disadvantaged situations on a daily basis. In fact, a universal design could be assumed that conforms to a public objective that responds to the needs of a part of the population that increasingly demands their rights.

There are many aspects that can be referred to on the subject of architecture, but they can be summarized in just one. Do a mental exercise, and virtually circulate through the project in mind, putting ourselves in the shoes of different people with disabilities: the blind, people with wheelchairs, the deaf... A good project will have been achieved when no one notices that there is “something special” But when all users can use and move seamlessly through the environment. This is what we know by "unnoticed accessibility."

Accessibility, the removal of architectural barriers and the standardization of such measures should be promoted, since it is not only a necessity for disabled people but an advantage for all citizens. The architects' guild must realize the importance of truly and responsibly considering the principles of universal design.

Fashions come and go all the time. For a time, glass bricks became one of the best options to let light into a room without giving up good insulation. But a few decades ago they lost prominence because the style did not fit either vintage or Nordic designs. However, lately they are being seen more and more in new constructions, so if you are going to make a comprehensive reform soon and are looking for ideas with which to give a touch of originality, we propose the glass brick.

What are glass bricks?
They are made with pieces of glass molded at high temperatures that allow the generation of an interior air chamber, providing insulation from both noise and temperatures. They are available in multiple shapes, colors and finishes, and prepared so that they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Depending on where they are to be placed, they will have a different thickness, ranging from 5 cm to 8.

As we said, it is used for both exterior and interior. That is why an idea that many contemplate is to make the terrace enclosures with this type of material, ensuring good insulation and guaranteeing privacy with a material that lets light through, but not what is behind the wall.

Advantages of glass bricks
1. Isolation. Both the thermal and acoustic are guaranteed. Betting on these glass bricks is a guarantee of keeping the interior temperature well without penetrating the exterior; just as it manages to keep silence, being oblivious to the small noises from outside.
2. Brightness. These bricks allow you to have the light from the outside without giving up the intimacy of the interior. Thanks to its characteristics, the light from outside manages to penetrate the rooms, a very valid option for walls that separate outdoor spaces with patios or terraces.
3. Visual breadth. It is proven that, due to its characteristics, in the places where it is installed it is possible to create a much wider visual sensation, perfect for smaller spaces.
4. Multiple applications. Their resistance allows these bricks to be installed on walls, but also on floors, ceilings or even windows.

Disadvantages of glass bricks
1. Use of the room. It must be remembered that, although everything behind the wall is not transparent, the silhouettes can be glimpsed, so if you are looking for privacy, this is not the best option. It will be better to opt for an opaque glass or directly for a wall with a brick of the usual ones.
2. Price. Due to its elaboration, the cost is much higher than that of traditional bricks. Therefore, think that installing them at home can considerably increase the price of the budget.
3. They cannot be divided. You have to adjust the space to the number of glass bricks you want to place, since due to the material in which they are made they cannot be cut and adjusted to the existing dimensions.

Understanding the characteristics of these bricks, the advantages and disadvantages, contact Grupo Escribano if you want to incorporate them into your home.

Today we are going to talk about ceilings, as they are one of the most important parts of any construction or even decoration of a home. Have you ever considered introducing vaults or beams to add character to your home? But first comes another question, do you know exactly what vaults and beams are?

A vault is a curved plasterboard, where its height and distance can be to suit the consumer. It is usually smooth, although it can also be made by imitating old brick.

The beam is a U-shaped plaster piece, with a wide variety of smooth or patterned designs and with different measurements both in width and height. We can also find wood imitations in plaster and polyurethane.

The decoration with vaults and beams on the ceilings is very common in rural areas, but today we can transfer this proposal to any space where we want to include the rustic style. In addition, in traditional Mallorcan houses, such as "casals" or "possessions", it is very typical to find this type of construction.

A ceiling with vaults and beams always causes a feeling of admiration. It tends to cause surprise since it is very unusual, but actually getting it is quite simple. There are vaults and beams on the market, usually made of plaster of standard measures, easy to find if we consult by a good professional. Contact Grupo Escribano if you want to start your new project.

There is such a variety of models that it is best to adapt to the space to get it to fit as well as possible. It is also important to think about the direction of how to visually position the pieces horizontally or vertically, depending on where you want to visually lengthen the room. These are some details to think about before carrying out the reform.

Paint can also be important, choosing the tone can make a big difference. Painting everything in pastel tones can give us a more romantic touch, while if you choose to differentiate the vault from the beam with the contrast, you will be able to enhance and highlight the ceiling. The most traditional ones are usually made of natural wood, dark enough to have a greater contrast.

Another very interesting option is to only include the vault without beam where the entire roof becomes curved, optically very different from what we are used to. It is a not inconsiderable idea, since it is achieved without any great artifice.

If you need a professional in your area to help you decorate the house or give you ideas on how it could be better, contact us through our website, we will be happy to help you.

The aluminium-wood system perfectly combines the practical advantages of aluminium with the beauty of wood, resulting in a surprising composition for the windows and doors of the house. Thus, this combination is an effective solution in construction projects, especially when it comes to exterior design, as it easily adapts to any environment. Plus, it is easy to find it on the market in a wide range of wood-like colours.

Today, we show you six advantages that will convince you that this type of ornamentation is the right one for your new home or renovation projects:

1. Resistance: By using this type of material, it is guaranteed to make the most of the benefits of aluminium and at the same time it gives a natural touch to the space.

2. Durability: When choosing aluminium as the material for the decoration of the house, this is one of the best materials to chose from, since it has a very long useful life and is resistant to radiation, humidity or heat, making it ideal for outdoors. It is easy to maintain and clean, since its smooth finish does not attract dust or dirt.

3. Ecological: Aluminium turns out to be a safe and very ecological material, ideal for sustainable construction, because it is not flammable, it is very easy to load and to incorporate into a building, and it is 100% recyclable.

4. Quality: The ornamentation of aluminium fittings has an excellent quality/price ratio. With the investment, it is guaranteed to have a resistant, durable, ecological material with the beauty and aesthetics that wood provides.

5. Special Qualities: Aluminium-wood also turns out to be an exceptional thermal and sound insulator, perfect for controlling the emission of high-frequency sounds and for keeping the heat inside the house.

6. Beauty: All of the above characteristics contrast somewhat with those of wood, which, despite being an extremely beautiful material, can be heavy, expensive, and difficult to maintain. Hence, the importance of resorting to other materials such as aluminium-wood that takes the best of wood, its beauty, with all the characteristics of aluminium.

Aluminium doors and windows are a magnificent and safe choice that will make this important home ornament elegant, safe and inexpensive. The beauty of the wood and its finish on the door will be visible while enjoying all the advantages that aluminium offers.

Are you planning a complete or partial reform of your home and are you considering improving energy efficiency and comfort with the installation of underfloor heating and cooling? Have you considered the possibility of installing underfloor heating? Today we are going to present the positive sides of this option.

The radiant and cooling floor offers freshness in the hottest months and warmth and well-being in winter, always with an increase in energy efficiency. The thermal sensation on the pavement is pleasant and comfortable throughout the year. Although it should be considered that the initial outlay is higher than in traditional systems, in the medium term the investment is amortized and the savings in energy consumption are exponential. So it provides significant savings compared to traditional heating, being more ecological and sustainable than other alternatives.

The heating or cooling time of the home is longer than in traditional systems, so this factor must be taken into account, especially if the installation is for a second residence, assessing the use and efficiency in each case.

In the hottest seasons, the water in the system circulates at around 15ºC to lower the temperature and provide that sensation of freshness that is so pleasant, which is distributed not only on the floor but throughout the house in a uniform way. As materials cool, thermal inertia is slower but is retained for longer. In cold seasons, the water that circulates through the pipes to heat the floor is between 35 and 45ºC (traditional radiators need water at more than 70ºC), thus helping to reduce consumption.

With the installation of underfloor heating and cooling, the installation of radiators is eliminated, improving the aesthetics of the entire home. In addition, these radiant floor installations do not pose any health risk because they work based on water pipes whose temperature changes according to the season. It is important to know that it is a healthier system because, as there are no air currents, dust is reduced, it does not produce dryness and the low humidity prevents the appearance of mites.

Do not hesitate to contact Grupo Escribano through our website, by e-mail or by phone to get personalized advice.

Regardless of the time of year, exterior pavements need a lot of care and maintenance so that they always look shiny. There are numerous options for this type of pavement that offer the guarantee of high-quality services that adapt to your needs. However, once you've given your driveway or parking lot a beautiful finish, it's important to ensure it's properly maintained to prolong its life and prevent repairs.

To begin with, the first thing to mention is seal coating, which is one of the most effective and popular asphalt pavement maintenance techniques for correcting cracks and regular damage. This extra layer will not only protect from UV rays, but also prevent cracks and water damage. Also, whenever you find that the pavement is deteriorating, a sealer coating job can prevent further damage. We can also find potholes in the pavement, for which it is necessary to carry out maintenance quickly and thus avoid further deterioration. To do this, the potholes are first thoroughly cleaned and filled with the appropriate bonding mixtures to repair them, always carried out by a professional.

At Grupo Escribano we recommend that the seal coating be implemented regularly after a few years. However, throughout the year it is important to watch for cracks and address them immediately, as filling small ones is something that does not require much time or money and thus prevents interior and exterior floors from suffering further deterioration.

On the other hand, the presence of water in any form on the pavement will be detrimental to its maintenance, so it is not a good idea to let the water come into contact with the pavement for too long. During winter, it is necessary to remove water or ice from the surface or the driveway to prevent further damage. We always recommend the use of deicers due to the effect on the salinity of the water.

Have you ever considered how to set up your outdoor space? We know that sometimes it can be difficult for some people to configure their outdoor space so that it creates a place full of peace and tranquillity and, in turn, stimulates creativity and the senses. So, today we bring you some tips that can help you.

An outdoor space in your home offers you a zone of fresh air to help you rest after a long day, but it has to be the perfect space. If the outside area is a bit sunny, you can think about setting up a shed to cover most of the space. This is beneficial, especially during the summer when the sun's rays are quite powerful. Still, at the same time, it allows the sun's rays to filter through during the winter season.

Between plants and natural landscaping, the outdoor space can be an excellent source of stress reduction. To produce this effect, we recommend using pastel colours and paints that offer an incredible sensation of freshness and tranquillity and blend with the green of nature. For example, floral colours can be used to use a rest corner with a table and chairs to have a coffee in the afternoon.

Building a lovely outdoor space will make the house feel more extensive, and the energy inside and outside flow properly. If you have an established entertainment area, such as a basketball hoop, swimming pool, or an outside seating area with a sofa, you may have a great family gathering spot at your disposal.

Through appropriate management of architectural, interior, exterior and landscaping design projects, you can think of having the best space for the family, in which to play outdoors and read books, relax, chat, or simply spend a moment of pleasure while enjoying an enviable climate. Contact us so we can help you create your ideal space.

Did you know that not all pollutants can be detected through our sense of smell, and have an intrinsic ability to positively or negatively influence our health? In fact, it has been shown that air quality can be quite poor in many indoor environments, where we spend about 90% of our lives, and we don't even realize it. This is usually caused by inadequate ventilation of the space and external pollution, but mainly chemical pollutants, i.e. some building materials. So, there are some products that should be avoided whenever possible.

Asbestos
Composed of microscopic fibers, asbestos was used in several fronts of civil construction, such as roofing, water tanks, roofing or thermal insulation. Its use is banned in many countries since the fibers of the material, when inhaled, can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and several other types of cancer.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
These are emitted by a wide range of products, such as paints and varnishes, wallboard, tiles, furniture and even cleaning products, glues and adhesives. They are substances that turn into a gas when they come into contact with air and exposure can cause skin allergies, eye or respiratory irritation, headaches and even difficulty breathing and memory loss. These can usually be felt through the sense of smell.

Chromated copper arsenate
This is a wood preservative based on metals such as copper and arsenic, and is used to impregnate wood parts. These have an adverse impact on the environment and human health due to the accumulation of these metals, especially arsenic, in the environment. Affected tissues can include the brain, lungs, liver, stomach, spleen, kidneys and reproductive organs. In the United States, for example, the use of this preservative is banned in playgrounds and other objects that can come into contact with people.

Lead
In construction, lead is often used for roofing, cornices, tank linings and electrical conduits. It was also used in some paints in old buildings. Lead is a cumulative and persistent toxic substance that poses a serious health risk: when inhaled or ingested in excessive amounts, lead can affect the nervous system, reproductive system, blood, kidneys and cause digestive problems, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pains.

Lead is a persistent, cumulative toxic substance that poses a serious health risk: when inhaled or ingested in excessive amounts, lead can affect the nervous system, reproductive system, blood, kidneys and cause digestive problems, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pains.

In addition to these, there are many other components present in building materials that can pose health risks to occupants and, mainly, to those who handle them during construction. Currently, the prohibition of such components is being legislated, but, equally, you should know which ones to avoid. If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to contact Grupo Escribano, we will be pleased to help you.

as ventanas de PVC son una necesidad para garantizar la seguridad, el estilo y la durabilidad de cualquier hogar. De manera que si estás buscando nuevas ventanas para tu hogar, sería un error pasar por alto los beneficios que ofrecen este tipo de ventanas. Están hechas de PVC sin plastificar, una forma rígida de este material que es extremadamente duradera y versátil. Debido a que es un material tan durable, prácticamente no requiere de mantenimiento. Además, las tenéis disponibles en diferentes presentaciones que incluyen correderas, toldos, marcos, cuadros y muchos más.

Son una excelente opción por varias razones:

1. Suelen venir con doble acristalamiento, o pueden convertirse fácilmente en ventanas de doble acristalamiento en un futuro. Incluso es posible optar por triple acristalamiento. El doble acristalamiento significa que se pierde o gana mucho menos calor a través de las ventanas, por lo que puede reducir la cantidad de calefacción y refrigeración que se utiliza.

2. El marco y los herrajes de las ventanas de PVC son excelentes para el rendimiento térmico y acústico, ya que tiene propiedades aislantes en sí mismo.

3. Generan un menor impacto en el medio ambiente, ya que se usa mucho menos energía en la fabricación y además, son elementos 100% reciclables.

4. Su mantenimiento es el más bajo de todas las ventanas disponibles en el mercado. There is no need to paint them, they do not rot or warp like laminated wood windows, they do not corrode like metal windows, etc. Solo necesitan de una limpieza ocasional para eliminar la suciedad acumulada.

5. Cabe destacar que el PVC es un excelente material en una situación de incendio ya que no se quemará de manera incontrolable ni conducirá calor.

6. Las ventanas de PVC sin duda alguna se adaptan a cualquier estilo de hogar debido a su versatilidad. En general, se ven como madera que ha sido pintada de color blanco o marfil, pero también pueden encontrarse en diferentes acabados, así como en diferentes colores. También pueden fabricarse a medida, lo que les permite instalarse en cualquier área del hogar, sin importar lo incómoda que sea la sección de la ventana.

Interior decoration has had a great boom in recent years, so that every day more importance is given to the way in which the home, spaces and how they influence private life are seen.
There are thousands of styles and ideas that can be used when decorating a space, but the important thing is to respect one's own style and taste, as well as the design and architecture of a house, and to follow certain guidelines in order to maintain a balance without overloading the spaces. A very fashionable option is to decorate with antique elements and wrought iron ornaments, as they give a touch of style to any space.
In today's market there is a wide variety of wrought iron ornamental products such as main entrance doors, modern ironwork windows, gates, railings, grilles, protections, structures for stairs, balconies, and all kinds of accessories that bring a sophisticated air combining the old and the new.
If the choice is to enhance the beauty of an interior staircase, it should be borne in mind that a large part of the architectural design of the staircase itself is the railing that is chosen. Wrought iron railings for the main staircase of the house are a good choice, as they are very elegant for interiors and highly resistant for exteriors, making them an ideal choice.
There are also wrought iron accessories, which are very versatile and can be used in outdoor spaces such as balconies or patios as well as indoor spaces such as living rooms and staircases. The important thing is to choose the accessory that suits the space so that the visual effect is striking and harmonious.
A balcony with an ironwork design is a very original idea for those who are looking for sophistication, style and originality. The designs are almost infinite, there is one to suit everyone's taste, so why not turn that neglected space in the house into a welcoming and beautiful environment?
The important thing when using wrought iron as a decorative element for the details of the home is to be clear about what part of the house you want, whether for exteriors or interiors, and in this way look for the desired design, get advice from experts such as Grupo Escribano and enjoy all the advantages offered by this type of beautiful and unique decoration.

Formwork and scaffolding are widely used in the construction industry and are designed to perform very specific functions. It is therefore important to have a good understanding of their different uses.
When construction crews have to mould wet concrete or hold it in place until it hardens into the desired shape, formwork must be used. These systems can be defined as permanent or temporary envelopes; or also as concrete forms that support and provide security until the concrete hardens sufficiently to support its own weight.
A scaffolding system is configured as temporary structures used as working platforms to support people during construction, maintenance or repair work. With these tools, workers are able to reach heights that would otherwise be difficult to access.
Scaffolding is a modular system composed of plates, couplers and tubes made of materials such as metal, wood or bamboo. Its design can be simple or complex, but in all cases, its construction must be carried out with great care, as it will support groups of people who must also move around its surfaces. Of course, it is absolutely necessary for scaffolding to be safe and strong, as it is used for a variety of purposes, such as a platform for painting the exteriors of structures, acting as a temporary bridge or walkway, and for general maintenance work on houses and large buildings. In these scaffolding systems, safety is ensured by guardrails or by certain mechanisms that act as a ramp, or as a stabilising or supporting structure for a building.
As for the formwork, these systems must have full strength and be able to support the weight of the concrete that is shaping the construction. Wet concrete is applied to the formwork with a lot of pressure, in fact, more pressure must be exerted at the bottom than at the top. If the formwork can support the required weights, it means that the system is well configured, bearing in mind that in many cases it can bend or break while the concrete is being applied.
It is important to recognise that formwork and scaffolding are indispensable tools in the construction industry, thanks to the multiple ways in which they can be used, facilitating the work on site and offering safety to the workers.

Before starting the design of your garden, it is essential to delimit very well the spaces it should contain. That is to say, delimit the areas corresponding to the different activities that will be developed there.
Consider whether you use this place for physical activity or any other activity, such as a play area for your children or the space for the barbecue. In this sense, it is necessary to clarify what activities you will develop in that space so that your design focuses on these aspects.
Determine the areas of your patio
According to what we mentioned before, create a list of the areas that will make up your garden, for example:
Barbecue area, pool space, children's play area, summer dining area, pet house, tool storage, exercise area, etc.
After having defined which are the spaces that you will contemplate in your garden, choose the one that best suits your tastes and also with the amount of space you have to get down to work.
In Grupo Escribano we give you several examples with which you can identify yourself: modern, minimalist, with many green areas, Feng shui style or rustic.
Look for inspiration and make a sketch
Find inspiration of how you would like your patio design to look like, either on the internet or on our blog, where you can find several ideas. You probably won't get a picture of your dream garden, but you will get several pictures with elements that you would like to combine.
If drawing is difficult for you, try to cut the elements of the inspiration images that you like and make a collage. This will certainly help you express your ideas better.
Flooring materials
Start with the base of your garden, the soil will always be an indispensable element and it is necessary to make the most appropriate choice for your needs. Therefore, you will have to take into account the delimitation of spaces that you initially made. It is likely that in the same garden you will have to use different types of soil, depending on the areas or the design you want to recreate.
Lighting
Lighting is also essential in this type of outdoor space. As with the flooring material, you should make sure that the lamps you use are suitable for outdoors and humidity. Depending on the activities you will be doing and the space of your patio, you will need more or less lighting capacity.
Garden furniture
The furniture will also have to fit the use you will give it.
If you want something very durable, in Gupo Escribano we recommend you to choose synthetic furniture that will make your life much easier in terms of maintenance.
Wooden furniture are usually elements that stand out in outdoor designs. The reality is that they give a phenomenal aspect oriented to the rustic style and adjusted with nature. However, we can study it and take the necessary precautions by choosing the right wood for the type of climate in your city.
Sustainability
If you are familiar with sustainable construction and it is something that fits with your philosophy of life, the garden area is an excellent area to start renovating your home according to this concept. Use renewable and environmentally friendly materials.
All in all, renovating a garden can be a very fun process. Generally speaking, there is no standard or exact rule that must be followed in these spaces, so you can give free rein to your imagination and your preferences.
In Grupo Escribano we help you to come up with the design that makes you feel more comfortable and to find the materials that best suit your priorities.

Home Staging is a technique that seeks to improve the appearance of the home by enhancing its strengths to increase its chances of sale. This method helps any visitor to feel at home and to see their possible home, through decoration, arrangement and personalization of spaces, recreating a dream home.

In order to sell a home as well as possible, it is essential to capture the attention of any visitor, so that 'falling in love' that occurs with an unbeatable appearance is necessary. To achieve this arrowing there are techniques, within the "Home Staging" that can help us. One of the keys is to repair the damage so as not to scare off potential buyers or tenants. An old, deteriorated and poorly maintained appearance is not attractive; which also affects the decoration and the environment; since it must be modernized according to current trends. This includes optimizing the lighting, trying to create a warm and homely atmosphere, and furnishing and decorating those spaces that have become more empty or clearing out overloaded spaces. Finally, you have to pay close attention to the sense of smell. To do this, you can use air fresheners or, even if you know that a visitor is coming, turn on the oven, put some bread in and create a much more welcoming environment.

All these changes will increase the value of the home and position it much better in the market. In addition, with these modifications you will be able to create more attractive photographs for the property file, which will increase visits to the home.

Having a garden drain in good condition to be effective is essential to keep our garden dry and our house in optimal conditions. A flooded garden can cause landscaping problems that can ruin our backyard. A landscape with poor drainage can also direct water into structural parts of the house, which can attract pests, rot, fungus and mold, and even damage the structural foundation of the house.

In order to have a dry garden with its drainage working in optimal conditions, it is necessary to effectively drain the flooded areas of the garden and prevent the water from moving towards the foundation of the house. So here are some tips to drain it:

1. Add Extensions to Downspouts: Downspouts typically run up the sides and corners of a house and are there to carry water coming off the roof of the foundation and house. Sometimes a pipe extension is added to direct the water even further from the base.

2. Replacing soft flooded gardens with hard gardens: If you find too many muddy puddles around the house or parts of the lawn that just won't grow anymore, you can consider replacing this type of garden with gravel, stones or even concrete. These encourage even drainage and don't turn into puddles.

3. Install a rain barrel: instead of letting the water run down and end up in puddles on the lawn, you can take advantage of it by collecting rainwater. By reconfiguring the downspout, the water can be directed to the barrel to collect water and through hydraulic hoses this same water can be used in the gardens.

4. Lawn aeration: This is a standard practice that helps keep the lawn in perfect condition and encourages better drainage, making the lawn less compact. Aeration creates small holes in the lawn to bring in more air, nutrients, and water. Instead of pooling water and pooling, aeration will direct the water into thousands of tiny holes to drain properly.

5. Install a French drain system – This is an inexpensive way to manage surface water flow. To build a French drain, a trench filled with permeable materials such as gravel needs to be dug on top of a perforated PVC hydraulic pipe. The water will flow down into the ground, through the gravel, and into the pipe, redirecting the water elsewhere.

6. Install a gutter: This solution works if water flows into the house or collects around the driveway, patio, or concrete walkway. This is a narrow trench cut into the asphalt where a long drainage channel is installed. When the water hits the grate and falls into the gutter drain, the excess water is sent away from the house.

7. Build a creek bed: Instead of digging pipes into the ground, excess water can be turned into a fountain. A wide variety of rocks, river stones, and gravel can be used to build a stream bed that can serve as a channel to carry rainwater away from the house. Even when not in use, a stream makes a beautiful landscaping feature and can also be decorated with plants.

8. Install a dry well: A dry well is simply a well that is installed underground and acts as a water collection point. It works to slowly distribute the water underground into the surrounding soil. This is a great solution for managing large amounts of water.
 

In recent years, there has been a great growth in the use of prefabricated houses instead of houses made of brick and other traditional materials. Unlike traditional brick houses, manufactured homes are more affordable. So what is the decision to buy a manufactured home subject to? In the first place, like any purchase decision in life, the determining factor to access a house of this type is the budget issue.

With manufactured homes, you can get more for less. What is meant is that at a much lower cost than brick houses, built on the site itself, it is possible to have the necessary space and comfort, without neglecting security, which otherwise would not be possible. Could have without a high budget willing to buy properties.

In addition to the initial investment in prefabricated houses being low, any type of frequent repair and maintenance also costs much less. For example, it costs much less to replace the roof of a manufactured home than it does to rebuild the roof of a traditional brick home. In this type of house it is possible, with the help of a construction company, to easily order and install parts for repairs. Repairs and maintenance of brick houses also force many people to leave their homes for a few days. This does not happen with prefabricated houses, in which it is only necessary to replace the defective part and continue peacefully with life inside the home.

By acquiring a prefabricated house, you are ensuring the future. With proper care and maintenance of the manufactured home structure, the building will hold its value over time and easily provide comfortable living for many years. The dollar value of a manufactured home may not rise as quickly over time as a brick home would, but this type of construction can keep its value stable, without depreciating over time.

The decision to buy a house should not be taken lightly, it is certainly necessary to analyze very well what types of houses exist and see which one best suits the immediate needs of a comfortable life in a safe space. If you want more information about any type of construction, whether brick or prefabricated, contact Grupo Escribano to receive the best advice.

Smart homes are the homes of the 21st century. Homes that have characteristics aimed at making life more comfortable and pleasant for those who inhabit them. In addition, they welcome and care for their residents in a way that conventional homes cannot do, providing a better quality of life.

A well-ventilated home allows you to breathe clean air and better control the temperature of the home. However, it is impossible to spend all day waiting to obtain the optimal space. Smart homes have an automatic ventilation system that ventilates your home without you having to open or close the windows. In addition, you can decide when to ventilate or just let it decide automatically based on the inside and outside temperature. Thus, you will get a cozy atmosphere with less energy consumption. With the smart functions, you can control your home from your smartphone for greater comfort. You can do it, for example, through smart plugs that, without prior installation, you can use to connect the device you want to your mobile. In addition, with a voice assistant in a smart home, you only have to give the order to control the house. This means an improvement in comfort and quality of life.

Finally, controlling energy consumption without having to think about it is feasible in a smart home. Among other issues, it controls the temperature of the home and makes smart decisions to keep it at the desired level with the lowest monetary cost. For example, controlling the ventilation and managing the blinds. Save money and protect the environment at the same time.

When we talk about security for vacant homes, we are referring to the maintenance and management of properties that do not have residents for any particular reason. At this time of the year, it is even more important to protect such homes as it is time to enjoy vacations and travel. The idea is that a house should be invulnerable to life cycle effects or squatting.

Proper protection of vacant homes can certainly help minimize the effects of vandalism and deterioration. Thus, it is important to look for good systems to help clear, protect, control and maintain a vacant property in good condition.

Unfortunately, vacant properties are seen by vandals and squatters as an easy target, and of course, these miscreants pose a very serious threat to the investment made in the property, as well as can affect the security of the property.

The elimination of illegal intruders can be very time consuming and costly, therefore, it is important to protect the residence from the moment it becomes vacant to ensure that its structural integrity and privacy is preserved. Today we can find certain proven private security measures that help preserve the integrity of a property. Among these protection methods and tools are anti-squatting gates, which can totally keep out illegal occupation of the home by unwanted residents.

Anti-squatting gates, in addition to being a secure entrance for residents, are steel gates that provide an attractive and robust entrance that significantly reduces vandalism and crime. These systems are customizable and usually their design motifs are fully integrated with existing security systems, giving residents and visitors the enhanced visual style and security they need for peace of mind.

Beyond the use of anti-squatting doors, it is also important to note that alarms or private surveillance can be purchased to ensure the security of an empty house. Likewise, a combination of barriers is often used for immediate defense at construction sites or dangerous areas.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

One of the key ingredients in improving the quality of life with a person who is aging or living with a disability is creating a home environment that allows for independent mobility. One freedom we take for granted is the ability to move freely around the house and be self-sufficient. Actually, this is an advantage for caregivers and recipients. Independence is given to those living with limited mobility, a new opportunity to live life.

There are a number of products that can be installed to help improve the quality of life of a person who lives with constant mobility problems, such as the stair lift, which makes climbing stairs at home much easier.

A disability can affect anyone at any time. Whether you're living with a long-term disability, problems with decreased mobility with age, or a disability that strikes suddenly. Anyone can go through an experience of restricted mobility and decreased independent living.

Residential solutions are becoming more common, which also help lower the cost associated with them. A stair climber is a safe and simple solution to the problem that comes along with owning a two-story home. The problem is common and easy to solve, since it can be mounted on most ladder rails. There are also stair lifts that are stackable, which is a great feature for power outages. Also, the control systems allow the operator the ability to use the elevator easily.

There are certain requirements that must be maintained for the integrity of the stair lift. For example, it is important to note that a load-bearing wall is not necessary to have a chair lift. The elevator connects directly to the stairs. This is beneficial because no prior planning is required to install the lift, but it can be installed just when it is needed. This means that any house can be assembled, and independent living can be maintained during aging in the family environment.

If the word “blinds” conjures up images of cheap-looking, or narrow slats held together by string at an awkwardly crooked angle, you may have ruled them out as an option for your home. However, in recent years, blinds have revolutionized the appearance and efficiency to make them elegant options to be part of the decoration of the house.

Today's blinds not only block light and privacy, but also accent decor, provide UV control, operate via remote control, and come in a wide variety of dimensions, sizes, and materials. From wood shutters to metal shutters, you can find shutters to suit just about any taste.

We have, for example, cordless rolling doors operate with a hidden pulley system. All you have to do is gently pull up or push down to the desired height. They not only provide a clean, cord-free environment, but are also a safe option around children and animals. These types of blinds offer an attractive solution for sliding windows and doors, adding a romantic ambience to any room with their ability to filter light into a soft glow.

Other options are modern blinds, which include stain resistance, high energy efficiency, light filtering and roller operation, allowing you to fit your windows with a stylish covering.

When choosing blinds as a window treatment for your home, you don't have to cheapen the look of your space. For example, the appearance of bamboo blinds is superior in quality and appearance to what could be a blackout curtain.

 
The construction process of a swimming pool is something complex and delicate, therefore, when someone wants to build a swimming pool at home must know the steps that will be carried out by the builder in detail. From the design of the pool to the final result, there are several steps in the construction of both the pool and the entire drainage and water purification system.

Sizing and excavation of the pool basin

Once we have already decided the design that we are going to carry out for the construction of the swimming pool, we will have to work on the land where it is going to be built. The dimensioning and subsequent excavation will be the first step for the creation of the pool. Once we have it excavated, the ground must be prepared very well, since it will be the support to hold the weight of the pool. The compaction of the ground and the improvement of the base of the swimming pool with concrete give as a result a reliable support on which to work.

Perimeter of the pool and purification room

Once the glass of the swimming pool has been realized, we must make all the perimeter with blocks so that they are a good support on which to begin with the projected concrete. On this perimeter, we can add an iron structure to give even more consistency to the walls and floor of the pool. In this step we can carry out the installation of the whole system of pipes, and if we are going to build an overflow to not waste the water that comes out of the pool by the edges.

Projection of the wet concrete

Once we have the whole structure of the pool complete, and we have placed all the pre-installations that we are going to need, prioritizing the drainage pipes, we are going to give the pool the final consistency and firmness by means of the gunite technique. With a hose, we will apply wet concrete on the walls and floor of the structure that we had already prepared, so that once dry, the pool will already have a real consistency and in the absence of the liner we will have the pool built. In this step we can also install a cleaner for the later purification of the water.

Water purification

The following step would be to finish the construction of the house of purification that we had perimetrado at the beginning next to the swimming pool. This cabin should consist of, at least, a water pump and a water filter for the correct mechanical purification of the water. The installation of these elements will have to be carried out by experts in plumbing and electricity, to leave the purification system connected to the cleaner.

Final elements of the pool

Once the construction of the pool is finished in its functional section, it only remains to give a good appearance to the pool. To do this, it is necessary to make the lining of the pool, for example in gresite, and place decorative elements such as the border (with its overflow grid if it has been done so), the access stairs (whether made of work or metal) and the possible lighting by means of spotlights on the walls, bottom and edges.

Air conditioning has become an important element in our daily lives. During the summer, when temperatures are high, air installations are a necessity for many people.

When the weather gets hotter and hotter, and becomes increasingly unbearable, people begin to appreciate the important role played by air installations, which manage to bring the situation back to normal and help to generate a pleasant climate, especially for those people who are locked in an office or a house that does not have sufficient ventilation.

Usually the air conditioning systems are hidden from view and are highly effective systems for the removal of impurities and dust inside the rooms. In this hidden location, the system can spread clean air to any desired location. For this, a special chemical substance is used that acts as a refrigerant, which can be used in the same way as a heater in winter with the addition of a heat pump to the system.

Ducted air conditioning systems and installations also have the advantage of being centrally controlled systems, which proves to be quite a cost-effective feature. They offer energy efficiency and consistent cooling for interiors that you want to keep within pleasant temperatures.

In the modern world, architecture and interior design projects have opted for this material as a protagonist element in all scenarios. The reason? Glass is a product whose transparency alone inspires tranquility and harmony. Therefore, its implementation is destined to offer a panorama where illumination triumphs, where the world can be contemplated without barriers and where thinking becomes more flexible thanks to the clarity of seeing beyond a solid wall.

One of the main services offered to beautify with glass are the enclosures of terraces and porches. You can make an environment such as the one on the upper level of your house, the one that looks like a walled barracks, become a totally splendid scenario that allows you to have a total view of your city. The fantastic thing about this type of construction is that it is completely customizable to your needs and tastes, either with the necessary linear meters that you need to occupy with glass, or the type of segments that you want to put, such as some that can be deployed to one side, as if it were a curtain of a theater that welcomes a fresher and healthier panorama.

The glass curtains on the other hand are a very bold and original solution that allows you to completely open the entire section of a window, as these have traditionally been designed to have as support a side that stands firm, or that both segments can move, but ultimately leaving only the same rectangular segment through which the air is filtered. The use of glass curtains allows the two or more segments of a window to retract, leaving the entire window frame space open and allowing for better air ventilation.

Scaffolding is usually an essential part of the construction and maintenance of a structure, whether residential, commercial or public.

By erecting a scaffold correctly, it is possible to ensure that oneself and any other person will be able to use this structure without endangering their physical integrity. A carelessness in the process can lead to a serious accident. So it is necessary to make sure of its firmness.

Scaffolding is undoubtedly a much safer alternative to ladders. One of the advantages of using these tubular structures is that in a certain work area you can have the necessary mobility that you would not be able to find on a ladder. Scaffolding provides a safe platform for walking and accommodates all the tools needed for the job. It also drastically reduces work time and increases efficiency.

First of all, when assembling a scaffold it is important to select a safe base on which to build and establish supports there that will be the foundation of the scaffold. It needs to be secured very well to make it much more stable. One of the main concerns at this time is to level the scaffolding very well, because if the ground is uneven, it is necessary to dig it down. During the leveling process, you need to use the appropriate adjusting screws, because with them you can level the structure. When the surface is on a complicated slope, it is necessary to look for the necessary extensions for the scaffolding bases to establish a proper balance.

On the other hand, a very viable option for certain types of construction and renovation work is mobile scaffolding. This is that scaffolding that has casters on its base can be very efficient on flat surfaces and for retouching and painting works.

Do not forget to make sure that the structure is kept level, that it follows the process of joining the different pieces of the scaffolding, and to secure them very well with the appropriate screws. If a scaffolding is assembled always thinking of having a safe base, there will be no risk of suffering an unfortunate accident.

A house can have one of several different types of heating installations. Some can conduct hot air through the ducts and hot water pipes of a given building and are powered by various types of energy, including the use of heating oil, which is very popular today.

Regardless of the type of heating installation system you have, there are several advantages and disadvantages with its use. So it is worth a quick review of the most popular types of systems for homes, know how they work, and what are their pros and cons. The most popular types are forced air systems, radiant heat, hydronic systems, steam radiant systems, and geothermal heating.

First, forced air heating systems stand out as the most common type of heating and cooling system. Air is heated in a furnace and is distributed in an enclosed space through ducts leading from the furnace to the rooms. The furnace operates using various fuel sources such as natural gas, home heating oil, propane, oil or electricity. One of its great advantages is that the air can be filtered, humidified and totally dehumidified, but at the same time, this system requires regular maintenance.

The radiant heat system, on the other hand, is known for providing heat in a more natural and comfortable way for indoor heating. These installations work through the process of radiation or direct heat transfer from a hot surface to a cold one. This system generates heat through a boiler, which can be fueled by natural gas, oil, propane, oil or electricity. Some stoves may use wood or coal, while others can be quite energy efficient for the home.

As for hydronic heating systems, it must be determined that they are systems that like radiant heat, their operation depends on hot water, which is heated by a boiler responsible for heating a given space through a combination of radiation and convection.

There are some areas of the house that are more prone to accidents than others. These are usually those places that have higher humidity such as the bathroom, kitchen or pool area. Therefore, you should make sure that these areas are completely safe for your family.

Currently the market offers a wide variety of anti-slip flooring, adaptable to all tastes and needs. If it is the floor around a swimming pool, kitchen or bathroom, it is important to make sure that the flooring used is not smooth, since with humidity it could easily cause accidents, but use granite surfaces or surfaces with a higher friction rate that are also hygienic.

In addition, advances in the type of materials have made the flooring easier to clean and to maintain the colors. In addition, the products have an attractive finish while reducing the risk of slipping accidents anywhere in the home.

As if that were not enough, anti-slip materials that imitate wood and carpets can be found on the market in a wide range of colors. They are usually very durable and hygienic, and are highly resistant to water, chemicals and grease. With no joints in which bacteria and viruses can harbor, they are easier to clean and last longer.

However, if it is not possible to add an anti-slip floor, an ideal option is the use of anti-slip treatments that can be defined as a modification of the crystalline structure of mineral surfaces, creating a network of micro concavities, which have a suction effect when wet, and make them safe surfaces without the need for construction work.

Using the treatments ensures that highly hazardous surfaces, when wet, are less likely to cause accidents for pedestrians and wheelchair users. They are usually easy to use products that do not alter the beauty and characteristics of the surface, making them the perfect choice for those who do not want to do major work at home, but do want to ensure they are in a safe environment.

Blinds are a very popular trend in workspaces and throughout Moderna. This is because they offer the perfect image to any space, from a wide diversity of presentations and artistic qualities. In addition, they are used for many purposes due to their durability and strength.

Beyond their durability, blinds are elements that can be used in various ways. For example, blinds can serve as spatial dividers: they are very popular among university students or people who are forced to share a bedroom for economic reasons, such as two brothers. In these cases, it will be a great idea to use long vertical blinds and divide the room in the middle. This not only offers a cleaner and tidier look, but it is also a guarantee that the two people living in the room have the necessary privacy. They can also eliminate the need for a door, by giving the option to fully open during the day when we have guests, and then close at night when privacy is needed.

The great quality of blinds, no matter where and for what purpose they are used, is the artistic quality that can be added to it. To blinds made of plastic or other material can be easily added pictures, self-adhesive vinyls and designs that perfectly fit into the home decor. In this way, for sure the house will look really unique, Moderna and very stylish.

Blinds can also be used in many cases as doors in storage places, such as closets, wardrobes and other drawers that are located at home or in a business. In the absence of a door, blinds may be the answer. Its installation in the front of the storage compartment or shelf not only allows easy access, but also offers a kind of artistic touch, becoming a unique decorative element.

It has long been proven that asbestos is quite harmful to health, because it contains tiny fibers that enter the body through the respiratory tract by inhalation.

If there is prolonged exposure over time, it often causes lung cancer, lesions and diseases affecting the pleura. Although lung cancer can be caused by other reasons, the possibility is multiplied by the use of fiber cement.

Currently, its use is prohibited and it is recommended to remove the roofs of uralite, including the pipes of old housing constructions.

If it is already dangerous to stay close to a corrugated iron roof frequently, having a water supply pipe is even riskier.

Years ago it was a very economical material, quite comfortable and resistant. But as it is composed of asbestos, which is what causes cancer, its use is currently prohibited.

For the correct removal of pipes or roofs of uralite, it is advisable to contact a specialized company dedicated to this, as it is a very dangerous job that puts at stake the health of each one. Its removal illegally and without permission can be sanctioned with very high fines.

In the case of pipes, they are usually analyzed and sent to a laboratory to check if it is safe to lay new pipes with another material.

The uralite is transported in a conditioned vehicle to a hazardous waste landfill for special treatment. 

Although the uralite was used many years ago for the construction of houses, it is currently forbidden since 2002 and it is recommended to remove it as soon as possible in a correct way to take care of people's health.