Getting your energy bill can be a terrible shock, especially during the winter. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on power that you don't have to think about constantly. One of the most effective of these is replacing your windows.

Many homes have single-pane glass windows. When these are replaced with windows that meet the EPA's Energy Star standards, your power bill can be 7% to 15% smaller. Unfortunately, hiring professionals to replace your windows is more expensive than your energy bill. The way to do it cheaply is to do it yourself. Window replacement isn't as difficult as it seems, and takes only a few steps.

Step 1: Measure

Measure the height and width of the opening your replacement window will go in. Take your measurements from the inside of the opening (not from the trim around it). Cautious DIYers usually measure several times. This is a good practice; write down your results and use the smallest ones when picking out a replacement window. Small gaps are acceptable, since they will be filled in when you caulk.

Step 2: Preparation

The next step is to remove the indoor stops (the strips that keep your window from falling out). These can be installed in various ways, but you'll definitely need a screwdriver and knife. Don't damage the walls around the window. Save the stops when you're done (you'll put them back on later). Next, remove the old window. Different windows can have different methods of removal, but you'll want to remove the lower sash (the part that moves) before the upper one. Repair any damage to the inside of your window opening, then take your new window and see how it sits in the center of the opening. Replacement windows often come with shims and bumpers used to keep the window in proper position, so use these.

Step 3: Installation

Caulk the inside of your exterior stops, and install any bumpers or expanders you needed in the last step. Next put the window in the opening, making sure it is square and installing shims (it's best to leave them sticking out a little, in case you need to remove them). Use the provided screws to fix your window in place and test it. If everything works properly, caulk the inside of the window and reinstall the stops you removed in Step 1. Congratulations! You've just installed your own windows.

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Photo credit: williefogg / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Photo credit: ArmchairBuilder.com / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Whether you're hanging drywall for a high-rise oráfinishingánew sheetrockáup in the guest closet, there's no doubt that having the right tools helps you get the job done. From additions to the basic kit through professional grade tools contractors can't live without to awesome apps for everyone, these tools will help you get the job done right, in less time and with fewer frustrations.

Must-Have Basic Drywall Tools

Sure, you know you need a utility knife, taping knives and sanding blocks. But here are a few more tools that make the job so much easier:

• A drywall lift. These handy little jacks are available from most rental companies and are a huge help when you need to get that sheetrock onto the ceiling without putting your back out.
• A keyhole saw. Though a utility knife is great for cutting straight lines and scoring drywall, it doesn't work well for curves. A keyhole saw basically resembles a reciprocating saw blade with a small handle on it and does a much better job in tight curves.
• A mud pan. There are a lot ofáDIYersáwho say to just use the container, but using a mud pan helps keep the rest of your joint compound damp and easy to work. A mud pan also has flat sides, making it easier to clean off your putty and taping knives when they getágunkedáup with drying mud.

Must-Have Pro Drywall Tools

You already know most of theábasic toolsáand own a bunch of professional help tools, but did you now about these?

• Serious driver bits. Sure, you can run drywall screws and keep changing out your bits as they start to strip out, but a stripped out bit leads to a stripped out screw head in the last possible place you want it to be. Invest in some serious driver bits that are designed to take serious abuse in an impact driver or are made out of quality metal like titanium or higher-grade steel.
• A sanding pole. You're absolutely right that you can keep going up and down that ladder, but this little tool will have your knees thanking you for years to come. Much like the drywall lift for theáDIYer, a sanding pole just helps prevent wear and tear on the body while giving you a great, smooth finish.
• A utility box marking tool. For every job we've seen where a contractor swears he's measured exactly where the outlet box is, there's another where the box must have magically moved since it was measured, costing time and materials.
• A drywall taping tool. This is just plain awesome to watch in action. The manufacturers claim this lays down tape and mud perfectly at a rate of a foot per second. I'm not quite sure it's that fast, but it is a really cool tool to get it done with.

Must-Have Drywall Apps

As with almost everything these days, there's an app for that. Though I'm still a little cynical about the bubble level apps, here are some of our favorites for drywall:

• Drywall inspection checklists. Whether it's for residential or commercial, an inspection checklist is a handy item to run through the job site quickly and ensure there won't be any last-minute problems.
• Drywall material calculators. There's just something about punching in a few figures and having it all laid out in terms of how many sheets, how much mud, how much tape and so forth.

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It doesn't matter whether it's the dripping faucet, the creaking framing or the sound of the ice maker dropping ice at 3:00 A.M., what matters is that you can't sleep. You're not alone - an estimated 50-70 million Americans are right there with you in the wee hours of the morning, according to a Centers for Disease Control report issued recently, with nearly 1/3 of adults not getting sufficient sleep every night. But what can you do about it?

In addition to setting aside enough time to get enough sleep, sleep hygiene, or the quality of your sleep practices and environment, plays a vital role in avoiding insomnia-related health problems such as higher blood pressure, depression, memory problems, low energy and inability to focus. In addition to avoiding caffeine, alcohol and large meals close to bedtime, refraining from tobacco use and keeping a regular sleep schedule, you can also take measures to make your home quieter using soundproofing and acoustical products. Here are some common problems and possible solutions to your sleep issues.

Wall Options

If you're willing to undertake a little work, you have several options available to help deaden sound in áyour walls. Insulating using cellulose or fiberglass batting is a great way to capture sound before it keeps you up all night. Soundproof drywall takes the noise reduction a step further, as it's designed to capture and reduce noise transmission through the wall. If you have a particularly problematic area, consider rebuilding the wall with an offset to help prevent the sound from transferring through on the studs, but remember to insulate the air space behind or in front of the stud to get the best noise reduction.

Low Noise Ceiling

Acoustical ceiling tiles aren't just for offices anymore, and they're not the plain squares of past acoustical tile ceilings. From designs that mimic old tin ceiling tiles without all the extra noise to suspended panel options that helps maintain that modern vibe you've built in your home, using acoustical products in your ceilings help absorb noise. If you're dealing with a serious problem, consider installing a suspended ceiling if there's enough room available, because it will create another area for the sound to fade, especially if you apply insulation or additional acousticalámaterials to the void between the floor above and the ceiling below.áThey even help capture noise from the other side of the ceiling, which is handy when your teenage daughter's slumber party is practicing dance moves way too late into the night.

Quiet Views

Get a double benefit from your windows, because energy efficientáwindows that are well insulated tend to also be much quieter. Because of the gas-filled space between the panes, noise transference is also reduced to a minimum, allowing you to ignore the noise the neighbor's cat is making - again. To get the most out of your energy-efficient windows' noise dampening effects, pair them with thermal curtains and sheers to reduce outside noise as much as possible.

Other Products to Consider

If you're serious about getting a great night's sleep, there are a variety of additional acoustical products that can help you achieve that goal. From sound boards and barriers from the best in the business to sound clips that help isolate your room, these products do their part to go the extra mile,áturning your bedroom into a tranquil retreat from everyday life.á

When you're busy hanging drywall and winning jobs, dealing with issues with your drywall supplier can really cut into the time you need to get the job done. How do you find the right drywall supplier for your business? There are a number of aspects you can look at with a drywall supplier that can help you make sure they can take care of your business. Here are a few of the major ones you'll want to look at when investigating a drywall supplier to ensure they're a good fit for you.

A large, diverse inventory ?

When you've got a large job or a number of jobs going at the same time, you need the exact materials when you need them in the quantity required. You don't have time to wait on shipments because a smaller supplier can't keep up with your demand. It's often helpful to partner with an established supplier who understands the flow of supplies required for your projects.

High quality standards ?

When a job is underway, you need to know you're getting the best quality material available. You don't need to waste time turning back orders because a careless loader damaged the corners of an entire pallet of drywall. You don't need to discover after you've installed and finished out drywall that there were quality issues with the wallboard, the joint compound or the screws holding the material in place. A drywall supplier that keeps their inventory protected, in good condition and transported carefully can mean the difference between a successful job and one that leaves you losing business.

Fast, efficient delivery -

You can waste a lot of time getting the trucks and trailers together to haul material for a large job because a supplier doesn't offer delivery. It can even more frustrating when you need to wait for ages for your material to be delivered. We've all had projects when you've called the supplier half a dozen times over the course of a morning just to hear, "Yeah, it's on its way," just to have it finally show up late in the afternoon, after you've sent your crew home for the day with nothing to do. Suppliers that can deliver to your job site quickly and on time are a great advantage when the clock is ticking and you need to get the job done.

Different services offered ?

Can your supplier order in specialty products when you need them without a lot of extra work on your part? Do they have people who have experience in the drywall industry and understand your needs? Are they willing to offer education to help keep your crew moving with the latest trends? These extras can make all the difference between a good supplier and an exceptional one.

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Also known as drywall, gypsum panels are often used by builders and architects for both residential and commercial construction because of its many advantages. Gypsum board systems meet building code requirements, provide economical fire protection, attenuate sound, are easy to erect, are eco-friendly and have breath function.

Fire Protection

Although gypsum panels have a non-combustible core, building codes mandate that these systems must be fire tested based on a set standard like the Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.Once tested, numerical ratings are given for fire-resistance classifications. This set standard entails two tests: a Fire Endurance Test and the Hose Stream Test. During the Fire Endurance Test, the material specimen is exposed to fire and tested for a resistance period. The Hose Stream Test subjects the specimen to fire for a period of one half the resistance period. It is then subjected to the impact and cooling from a fire hose. Duration of exposure and water pressure are noted during this test method. If no large amount of water passes through the gypsum panel, the resistance period is then the fire rating for the system.

Sound Control

Apartment complexes, condos and business establishments rely heavily on gypsum walls to limit the transmission of sound between individual units and rooms. Solid area gypsum wall systems have a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating that can provide more than 60 rating. As long as the wall areas are free of gaps, fully caulked, sealed and have no flanking paths, gypsum panels greatly reduce sound transmission.

Easy to Erect and Secure

Gypsum panel systems are convenient and easy to install and secure during the framing process of construction. Metal components and liner panels are easily stacked and allow for the separation wall to be smoothly inserted. Gypsum board separation walls come in either a solid or cavity design. Solid system designs are erected vertically one floor at a time and inserted into wide tracks. The individual panels are secured by H-studs and set up one after the other along the track. It?s a stacking process that is easily repeated from floor to floor.

Cavity-style systems are generally used in steel stud partitions or gypsum board shaft wall enclosures like those used to enclose a duct shaft or elevator shaft. Like solid systems, cavity-style systems begin with the installation of track at the foundation and are erected vertically. The clips used must be the proper thickness and shape to meet fire-resistant codes. Both solid systems and cavity-type systems weight no more than 10 pounds per square foot. Its lightweight features make it easy to work with while eliminating the need for foundation modifications. Lastly, these systems can be quickly installed leaving no dust in the air.

Eco-Friendly

The gypsum board industry makes good use of recycled materials. Nearly 100 percent of the material used to manufacture gypsum board comes from consumer waste materials and newsprint. The industry also manufactures synthetic gypsum using waste materials from manufacturing plants, such as fossil-fueled power plants. Another green source of gypsum production is the use of production waste from the gypsum board manufacturing plants itself. Waste is reclaimed and entered back into the gypsum board production cycle. When it comes to eco-friendly, the gypsum board industry is hard to top.

Breath Function

Gypsum board panels have a natural breathing component. Its porous body can both absorb and release moisture. With indoor humidity levels high and warm air, it naturally has capitulary ability known as its breathing function. Gypsum board panels help regulate indoor conditions for a better working and living environment.

All around, the benefits of gypsum board make it the go-to product for contractors who do construction or renovation. Not only is gypsum board an advanced technology product, it has a beautiful and smooth appearance that is aesthetically pleasing.

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