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If we’re talking about outside sprinkler systems, the Rain Bird brand comes to mind. It’s because the Rain Bird is one of the most common and most trusted sprinkler systems used in the United States. Using one adequately sprinkles your yard with water. However, adjustments are needed if there are areas that the sprinkler cannot reach or always soaked by the sprinkler. And so, how do you adjust the Rain Bird’s sprinkler head? Here’s how to do it:

Adjust the sprinkler head’s spraying direction

If you think that the sprinkler head doesn’t cover a particular direction, then begin by setting the fixed left head, which is the starting point of rotation of the sprinkler. Do so by rotating the rotor head to the right until it stops, then twist it back to the left until it also stops. After doing this, proceed to line up the left edge to the desired position by rotating the rotor case with a wrench. This method works for Rain Bird 2SA, 42SA, 42SA+, and 52SA Series.

For other Rain Bird sprinklers, you can just rotate the head by hand. To do so, you need to hold the spray head using two of your fingers and twist it, to adjust the watering direction to your desired position.

Adjusting the sprinkler head’s spraying distance

Using this method, you can reduce the water spraying distance up to 25% of the general spraying distance of Rain Bird sprinklers, which is 19 to 32 feet. To do so, begin by either turning off the water (to do this task easier), or you can leave the water on (to see whether the desired distance is achieved. Using a flathead screwdriver, rotate the screw clockwise to reduce the spraying distance. 

Keep in mind that the screw must not be tightened that it goes deep in the head. Keeping it tight at the level of the spray nozzle is enough. 

Adjusting the sprinkler head’s spraying pattern

If you have an 18/15/12 AP series sprinkler, then its sprinkling pattern is adjustable! You can adjust it by twisting the sprinkler’s collar to the right if you want it to just cover a portion of your garden, or to the left to completely cover the yard. By that, it means that the pattern can be adjusted from 0-360 degrees, depending on your preferences.

If you have a 2SA, 42SA, 42SA+, or 52SA series, there should be an adjustable tab where you can insert a flat head screwdriver. Rotate clockwise (towards the plus sign) to increase the spraying arc pattern and counterclockwise (towards the minus sign) to decrease it instead. 

Change the rotor nozzle

You can change the nozzle if you are unsatisfied with the spraying distance, direction, or pattern. You can also replace it if it doesn’t work anymore. To do so, begin by shutting off the sprinkler. Then, using a pliers, proceed to remove the old nozzle by rotating it in a counterclockwise direction. Following that, remove the filter in the sprinkler. You can clean it or replace it if it’s old or damaged. Lastly, place in the newly cleaned filter or its replacement, then screw the new nozzle into place with pliers.

That’s how you adjust Rain Bird sprinklers! Hopefully, these tips have helped you do it without problems. If it helped you, then please don’t hesitate to share it with others!

Stucco is a great candidate for the exterior of houses. This works especially greater on humid-climate areas for its breathability. It’s also available for a low cost and is earthquake resistance. 

To help you in installing stucco, follow these steps:

Prepare the wall’s surface

You may use stucco directly over these stiff, strong surface areas, however just if the surface area is approximately textured and also absorbent. If the wall surface does not soak up a sprinkle of water, or if there’s noticeable surface area contamination, clean the surface area thoroughly. If the wall surface is covered in paint or sealant, or if it’s too smooth to sustain stucco, attempt among the complying with therapies: 

• Acid etching
• Sandblasting
• Bush hammer or roughing device (for unpainted, smooth surface areas)
• Using a bonding agent, referring to particular product instructions. Do not make use of a bonding agent over water-soluble paint
• If there is any type of uncertainty that the wall surface can support the stucco, use the stucco as you would to a stud wall surface, connecting metal lath and also plastering over it

Damp the surface area

Damp the wall surface right before you use the first coat of plaster, ideally with a fog spray. This enhances the suction bond as well as decreases the amount of water the wall surface soaks up from the plaster, avoiding early drying. The surface area needs to be damp, but not soaked.

• Postpone the task if the following week of weather entails cold temperature level, heat (over 90 ºF/ 32 ºC), or high wind. These problems will certainly hinder the curing procedure.

Mix the scratch coat 

This coat must be 1-part cement material (consisting of lime) and also 2 1/4 to 4 parts sand. Plastic cement, which has been pre-mixed with lime, is normally the simplest to blend and deal with. Combine this with plaster sand from a completely dry material yard.

• Just add sufficient water to permit you to trowel the plaster, or it might sag or fall short to stay with the wall surface.

Apply and score the scratch coat

Trowel on a layer 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) thick. Score this with shallow, horizontal lines utilizing a scratched trowel, maintaining the device perpendicular to the wall surface. These grooves will certainly aid the following coat bond onto the surface area.

• Acid-etched surface areas (among others) might not be fairly rough enough for a solid bond with this approach. Instead, dash on the scratch coat making use of a cement gun, or by whipping it on with a fiber brush or whisk broom. This dislodges air to produce a stronger bond.
• Some builders integrate the scratch coat and brown coat right into one base coat. If you pick to do this, plan on an overall stucco thickness of regarding ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) for cast concrete, as well as 1/2 inch (127 mm) for system masonry. Allow about 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) of this thickness for the surface layer.

Apply the brown coat after a couple of hrs.

With modern cement on a stiff surface area, there is no need to wait for the scratch coat to cure entirely. For a more powerful bond, trowel on the 2nd, “brown” coat as quickly as the scratch coat is stiff enough to withstand cracking, normally after 4 or 5 hrs. Rod and also float this surface area till it is level and 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) thick.

• The brown coat mix ought to have 1-part cement materials and also 3 to 5 parts sand.
• It might help to compact this layer with a shingle float.

Maintain the brown coat moist while it cures

Over the following 48 hrs., it is vital to keep the stucco moist. If the relative humidity of the air is listed below 70%, you will require to mist or fog the surface area one or two times a day. Wait a minimum of 7 days for the brown coat to cure, moistening regularly if it starts to completely dry too soon. Some organizations suggest 10 or perhaps as much as 21 days of drying out for much more crack resistance.

• In very hot or windy problems, put up a windbreak and also sunshade. You might even need to cover the moistened surface area with polyethylene.

Put on the finish coat

The decorative finish coat consists of 1-part cement materials as well as 1 1/2 to 3 parts sand.[40] Optionally, it may consist of pigment as well to add color. Trowel and drift this on in a thin layer, concerning ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.[41] Enable it to cure totally before painting (if wanted), complying with the same damp curing instructions above if the weather is hot.

• If you’re not experienced with applying textured surfaces, a texture roller is a terrific option for attaining high-grade results. Apply the roller uniformly over the last coat.

Your home has some aspects that improve its architectural elements and overall appearance. A great example is the stucco in your exterior walls. You might not bother with it too much since it looks good in itself. However, after some years, its color might fade and you will need to repaint. It will bring much more than a fresh look and many other advantages.

 

Consistency

When you paint over your stucco, it will be protected from moisture, especially during rainy days. Because of that, the color will remain consistent. You may even make it waterproof, you just have to choose the right materials. It will surely remain intact and pretty for a long time. 

 

Gets rid of stains

Repainting your textured walls will also get rid of existing stains water or rust. 

 

Fills shallow fractures

Hairline cracks are common to stuccoed walls. Painting over them will fill the cracks without too much work. However, if there are larger cracks or holes, you may need to fix them with caulking or call an expert. 

 

Here is a guide to help you in repainting your stuccoed home.

 

Repairing

You have to fix cracks or holes before repainting. There are patching and stucco compounds available in the market that you may use. 

 

Cleaning

Next, you need to clean your wall. Grime and dirt may buildup because it is exposed to weather and pollution outside. You have to make sure it is free of filth so the paint will adhere properly. Use a pressure washer to do an efficient job and work your way from top to bottom. Pay close attention to the parts that are close to the ground. 

 

Choosing the Right Materials

When painting textured surfaces, you might need thick nap rollers. The rougher the wall, the thicker the material you need. This will make sure of maximum coverage for your wall. You also need a brush to fill in the small gaps that you might see. An airless sprayer is also good to use as it works fast and paints evenly. 

 

You may need a primer to make the paint last longer and fully protect your wall. Choose from the many available products in the market. For the paint, purchase one that will suit your work. Masonry paint works best with stucco and adds additional protection from the elements outside.

 

Remember, you have to choose the right materials if you want to achieve a finish that will satisfy you.

 

Painting

After cleaning the wall, let it dry for at least one day. The time it will take will still depend on your weather; just make sure that it is not moist when you are ready to paint. Use the correct materials for your textured wall and do the first coat. Let it cure fully. Usually, one coat is enough, but two coats will result in much deeper and vivid colors. You can apply a second coat after the first one finishes curing. When you are done, let it cure for 7 days, avoid touching it or you will leave ugly fingerprints.

 

House projects are easy to do, but if you are unsure, you may always contact an expert.

 

Many homeowners choose stucco to decorate their homes. It is a plaster made of binder, aggregates, and water. Stuccoing homes is quite popular since it is durable, fire-resistant, long-lasting, and requires little maintenance. It also adds some pattern and texture that greatly enhances the style of your home.

 

Over time, due to exposure to outside elements, you made wrong mix proportions, improper curing time, or others. There are lots of possible factors that may affect your stucco, but once you see a crack, what you have to do is to fix it. 

It is not much of a problem as it is commonly shallow and won’t affect the integrity of your home. If you want to be sure and consult an expert, you may call a foundation specialist. However, it might be a bother since it does not look flattering. To help you get rid of them, here is how to repair your stucco wall.

 

Step 1

Use a chisel and hammer to widen the crack to 1/4 inch. You should make the edges either perpendicular to the wall or make the base slightly wider than the top. After that, you have to clean up all the debris from the crack.

 

Step 2

A caulk gun will be best for cracks. Cut the tip of your caulk at an angle, so you will have more control and let it fill the spaces. 

 

Step 3

Use your fingers to spread the caulking. Be careful and avoid gaps. Make sure that you do not spread it all over the wall.

 

Step 4

Get a sponge or a rag, then wet it a bit with water. Use it to clean up the excess caulk because it might cause discoloration when you paint over it. You may use a patch to imitate the surface and make the repair blend better.

 

If you only have caulk, you may use it to imitate the textured surface. Experiment with it on a piece of cardboard or some scrap material. You may use some tools like a brush, to get the finish you want. However, you can only do this after the first bead dries up.  

 

Step 5

Let it cure for 24 hours, then you may apply paint, preferably, the same one as your wall’s color. If you think that it looks too obvious, you may recolor the whole wall.

 

You might notice that the caulking may feel flexible. That is because when the wall moves again, or is affected by motion, it will adjust rather than break the connection.  

 

When you notice cracks in your stucco, it requires your immediate attention. You have to repair it before rainwater can penetrate it, as it might cause other problems. It is best to fix it when the temperature is cool, especially early in the morning, so cracks will be visible and can easily be filled.

 

Maintaining your stucco is important even if it does not have to be too often. Just look out for cracks and other problems and immediately address them.