Need to replace Radiators


I have two, 10 panel radiators that have leaks and need to be replaced (rust and cracks in metal). Any recommendations on where to purchase new or used radiators?

thanks in advance.

Categories: Radiators
By jab287 | 10/22/2008 3:56 PM | Comment

Roof Decks: Input on Materials and Structure?


Hi All,

I am considering adding a roofdeck to my building. The roof has a rubber/alumium roof with a slight pitch to the rear of the house. The party walls are about 18” with a cement cap.

Initially I was going to use steel I-beams that spanned the party walls so the deck was off the roof, but found that any builder using steel would add about $4000 to the cost of the deck. Several contractors said it is ok to build a deck directly on the roof. This is done by using a ½” roof pad under a platform system and the deck on top of that. The platform supposedly distributes the weight evenly on top of the deck. Lastly, one contractor suggested using a serious of palates that could be easily removed if/when I need to replace the rubber roof material.

During a renovation on my top floor, the ceiling was open and I got a look at the beams supporting the roof. I am not an expert, but the beams looked solid (no cracking, dry spots or insect damage) and my contractor also said they looked very solid.

I am considering hiring a structural engineer to test the capacity of the roof, but not sure I need to do this.

A Few questions:
1. Has anyone built a deck on top of the roof using the platform system (no steel), if so, any feedback regarding damage to roof, leaks or other negative results.

2. Has anyone used fiberglass as a roof material to seal roof AND for the deck? This procedure is used in ocean communities because most decks take a beating from the salt air. I have a contractor/roofer from south jersey who is Firestone certified who said this procedure would work well with rubber roofs. He’s done roof and deck work for me in another house and is very experienced and qualified (and honest). He wants to expand his business in Brooklyn.
FYI – None of the deck contractors I spoke to in Brooklyn mentioned Fiberglass as an option. They all want to use composite or wood.

3. Anyone have any experience with the composite deck materials: Trex, Azek, etc? any thoughts on slippage, staining, wear/tear etc? I’ve read the brochures, but would like real feedback.

4. Lastly, Has anyone had any experience with “Decks R Us” good/bad?

Thanks in advance.

By jab287 | 07/02/2008 11:33 AM | Comment

Handyman: Gary Anderson – input?


Has anyone used Gary Anderson Sr. to do any painting/stripping or other work in Brooklyn? If so, comments appreciated. I am considering him for a large paint job.

thanks

Categories: Handyman
By jab287 | 07/02/2008 11:04 AM | Comment

Paul Davis Construction question


Has anyone used Paul Davis construction for renovations and or repairs? If so, please comment on your experience. I’m considering them for water damage renovation.

thanks

Categories: Renovation
By jab287 | 03/12/2008 5:10 PM | Comment

New Construction on St. Johns -CH


On St. Johns Place between Kingston and Brooklyn Ave in Crown Heights there is a huge construction site (1/2 the block). Does anyone know whats going to be built here? Work started about 1 month ago, the land has been bulldozed, pilings (or something) and a fence were installed. Where can I search in public records to find out whats going on here?

thanks

Categories: Construction
By jab287 | 02/20/2008 9:42 AM | Comment

Suggestions for Roofdeck addition


I want to add a roofdeck to my brownstone. I have a rubber roof, and a staircase leading to the roof. I know I have to consult an engineer and have been advised to use sectional decking which can be removed for roof repairs etc. Has anyone done this? if so, can you recommend a builder and/or engineer. Lastly, any ideas on cost – figuring about 18×20 deck. All suggestions, ideas, concerns welcome. I’d like to get everything lined up for a springtime start.

thanks

Jab

Categories: Decks
By jab287 | 12/20/2007 3:57 PM | Comment

Recommendation for a cabinet maker?


I am doing a gut reno on my bathroom and want to install a 2-sink custom vanity. Can anyone recommend a good cabinet maker who does bathroom vanities (any maybe the top as well?)
Dimensions are roughly 60x23x33

thanks in advance

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By jab287 | 12/03/2007 1:08 PM | Comment

Bathroom renovation – Do I need a permit?


I want to renovate and expand the footprint of my existing 4×6′ bathroom. I intend on knocking down 2 walls and increasing the bathroom to about 10×7 . Two different contractors asked if I am going to get a permit from the city. They mentioned that if I don’t get a permit, I might have trouble selling the building in the future. questions:

1. Do I need the permit to expand the footprint?

2. If I don’t get a permit, how will the city know and will I have a problem if/when I want to sell?

thanks

Categories: Building Code
By jab287 | 10/29/2007 6:01 PM | Comment

How do I re-attached radiators after new floor can’t be re-attached after new floor installed


I had new wood floors installed. The old flooring could not be refinished and I think the floor guy installed the new planks on top of the old flooring. The new floors are 3/4″ higher than the old floor, as a result the radiators sit 3/4″ higher than the connection/plumbing. Any suggestions on how to re-attach the radiators? I imagine I need some kind of curved (goose neck?) fitting? Do I need to call a plumber to fix this or can I do it myself? Any advice appreciated.

Categories: Radiators
By jab287 | 10/23/2007 10:37 AM | Comment