Tiny Homes Ultimate Guide

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Here are the 50 basic questions about tiny homes (or tiny houses if you prefer).

They are not in any particular order.

Or if you want to check out an introduction to tiny homes, then check out that article here.

How To Insulate Shipping Containers

When you use an old shipping container to turn into a home, office, or any other living space, you will have to consider insulating it to make it climatically comfortable. Containers are after all nothing but boxes made of steel plates, and steel as you know will heat up or lose heat very quickly and make the temperature in the inside of the container very hot or cold, depending on the outside weather. Insulation will help to maintain a constant temperature in your new container home. It can also help in preventing corrosion of the steel and the formation of mold.

Before you start any work on insulating your container, you must first look at the temperature in your region, its highs and the lows, rainfall and snow, and the location of your container. Is it in a shaded place, or completely exposed to the elements? This will help you to decide the R-value of the insulating material that is needed and its thickness. You must also take into account the use of the container and the sort of temperatures you are looking for. Are you looking to install climate control equipment?

All these factors, besides convenience and cost, can help you to determine the type of insulation that is the best for your container home. Also, you will need to decide whether you want to insulate your container from the inside or outside. Insulating from the inside can require you to sacrifice some space, and as most containers are just 8 feet across and just as high, insulation can eat into that space. If you have joined a number of containers to form your home, this may not be such a big issue.

Now let us talk about the best insulating material for your container home. Top of the list is sprayed foam insulation that can be applied both to both the inside and outside of your home. Spray foam expands once it is applied and then hardens. The expansion helps it to completely occupy all the crevices and openings. You then have to trim it to the level of the studs that you have put in, and then cover it over with any wall finish, like boards, drywall, wallpaper, or others.

Spray foam insulation can be messy and expensive, so another alternative is to use blanket insulation with pre-cut batts. This insulation can again come in fiberglass, slag wool, rock wool, cork, and cotton among others. It is cheap and easily available. Decide the type of blanket depending on the R-value that your climate assessment has arrived at. This insulation will also require wall covering.

You can also use pre-formed and pre-sized expanded foam to insulate your walls and ceiling. They can be easily attached to the walls, after proper cuts for doors and windows. You can also create a wall cavity between the side walls with board or other materials and then fill that cavity with loose-fill insulation. Spray insulation can also help in insulating containers.

Create a roof garden on top of the container for excellent insulation that can be a visual delight as well.

How To Keep Snow Off Solar Panels

While you may worry about having issues with your solar panels during the winter, colder weather can actually improve their energy intake.

Still, you'll need to make sure you remove snow from your solar panels right away. Don't know how to protect your solar panels? These tips will help you to keep your panels snow-free.

Wait for the Snow to Melt

Since solar panels are installed in locations that see a lot of sunlight, you may not have to take any steps to get rid of the snow. There's a good chance that the snow will melt away before long.

With that said, an accumulation of snow could make it difficult for you to collect energy for a few days. If you're not going to get rid of the snow yourself, you may have to use the power grid until it's fully melted. If you'd prefer to avoid this, there are other solutions that you can try.

Use Hot Air to Melt Snow Quickly

You can encourage snow to melt by blowing hot air in its direction. One of the best ways to do this is with a leaf blower. If you use an extension cord, your leaf blower should be able to reach your roof. Aim the hot air at the snow, and it should melt in record time.

Not only will this method help to melt the snow away, but it will also be able to blow some of the snow off your panels. A leaf blower is a useful thing to have on hand in autumn, but it can be a helpful tool in the winter as well.

Invest in a Roof Rake

If you don't have a leaf blower on hand, your best bet is to invest in a roof rake. This tool is exactly what it sounds like. It's a tool that will help you rake the snow off your roof.

If you're going to be using one of these devices on your solar panels, it's important to make sure that the ends of the rake are made from rubber. That way, your panels won't be damaged when you clear the snow away.

Look Into a Snow Guard

While there are lots of things you can do if you want to get rid of snow, you may find that prevention is the best method overall. See if you can pick up a snow guard for your solar panels. That way, you can keep your panels protected.

A snow guard may be a necessary purchase if you live in an area that sees heavy snowfall. It will help to keep your solar panels working properly, and it will also reduce the damage that your roof sustains during the winter.

You should be able to use your solar panels throughout the year. Solar power can be incredibly effective in any season, even in the winter. While snow can be a source of annoyance, there are plenty of ways to make sure that snow stays off of your home's panels.

How To Get Rid Of Pigeons Under Solar Panels For Tiny Homes

Pigeons can be a nuisance anywhere, but they can be particularly problematic for tiny homes with solar panels. These pests like to roost on the roof and poop all over your panels! Here are six tips that will help you get rid of these pesky birds once and for all.

Install bird spikes on the roof or fascia.

These are plastic strips that prevent birds from perching. Consider installing these strips on the fascia before putting up your solar panels if you are building a new home. This way, they will be covered by the solar panel installation and won't cause any damage to them.

You can also install temporary bird spikes in between individual panels (or directly under them) if pigeons like to roost on your panels. These can be easily removed and don't cause any damage to the roof or installation process.

Cover your panels with bird netting.

This is a light fabric that keeps pigeons, starlings, and other pests away while allowing sunlight to filter through it -If you can't afford either of these options, try stringing up old CDs. Tie them to your roof with a fishing line or string, and the light will scare off pests -If you're making a long-term investment, install bird spikes on top of your panels. They are designed specifically for this purpose.

Keep any food away from the outdoors that may attract pigeons.

Don't leave pet food outside, and keep your grill covered after cooking. These pests eat almost anything and will come to investigate if they smell it.

Don't feed pigeons or other birds in the area where your tiny home is located. This way, you can keep them away from your panels while also keeping their droppings off your property (and any nearby houses). Pigeons are particularly drawn towards areas with poor sanitation.

If the problem is persistent, consider installing a roof overhang to protect your panels from roosting birds and their droppings. These can be temporary or permanent structures.

Keep a radio or other white noise maker near the roofline to scare off pests with sound.

Pigeons do not like the sound of a radio and will stay away from it. If you have an old boombox or one of those excellent shortwave radios, leave it on overnight to keep pigeons at bay.

This is an excellent option if you're not planning on staying in your tiny home for long or want to keep the birds from roosting under your panels. They'll move somewhere else and leave you alone. If you decide to stay longer, consider moving it once or twice a week, so pests don't get used to the sound of it.

Some people swear by using bird distress calls to scare off pigeons, but this method has not been proven effective in scientific studies. If you want to try it out for yourself, make sure the CDs or radio are hidden, so birds don't see them and get used to them (moving back once or twice a week).

Plant flowers, bushes, and trees around your tiny home's perimeter.

Pigeons don't like scratching through thorny plants as they search for bugs. Try planting mint as they do not like its scent and flavor and will avoid it.

Permanent options include solar panel covers.

These are typically made of plastic and can be nailed down, glued to the roof, or attached with Velcro. These covers will prevent birds from landing on your panels while not obstructing the sunlight needed for them to generate energy.

However, you should consult with professionals before making any long-term investments as these may not work for all homes.

Pigeons can be a nuisance for homeowners, especially if they're nesting under your solar panels. They may leave droppings everywhere and cause property damage to the house or even steal food from between cracks in your home's foundation. But there are steps, just the ones listed above, that you can try to discourage them from staying there without causing any harm.

What Are Tiny House Roof Options

Choosing a proper roof for your home is always a big decision. There are so many factors to consider. You will want to obtain a roof that will last for at least a couple of decades. It should be made of material that is designed for your particular climate.

From metal roofing materials to those made of asphalt, you have a multitude of choices. However, if you are investing in a tiny home, you may not realize that these same factors must also be considered as you are thinking about making this purchase. Let's go over a few things that you should consider when choosing the roof for a tiny house.

Different Types Of Roofing Materials

There are so many different types of roofing materials that can be used. Asphalt or fiberglass shingles tend to be extremely popular. It has to do with their cost, and how easy they are to install, plus you can often find at your local home improvement store. Membrane roofing has become more popular over the last decade, and aluminum shingles are seen more on homes than ever before. Copper, steel, and other types of metal tend to last longer than standard roofing materials that are far less expensive. As you assess all of these options, specifically for your tiny home, you must first think about the cost. However, depending upon where you live, the amount of money that you pay may not be your primary consideration.

Why Roofing Materials Matter In Regard To Climate

If you happen to live in a climate where there is a significant amount of annual precipitation, you may want to consider metal roofing materials above all others. Whether you have significant amounts of rain, sleet, snow, or hail, this material will be the most durable. Another possibility is to get shingles that are made from some type of stone. These are very expensive, yet they tend to last for 30 years or more. On the other hand, you may not be living in your home for very long. Standard asphalt shingles may be all that you need. However, for a tiny home, this may not be the best choice.

The Best Roofing Material For Tiny Homes

If you are specifically looking for roofing material for a tiny home, metal roofing is going to be your top choice. These tend to be lightweight, easy to maneuver, and due to the small surface area, will not cost you very much money at all. Even if you are hiring a contractor, they will recommend metal roofing. You can get copper, aluminum, or steel shingles depending upon what you prefer. You may even want to install solar panels on your tiny home, yet this may be the wrong choice due to the minimal amount of surface area. Once you have several quotes from different professionals, and also prices from a local home improvement store, you can make the right choice for your tiny home.

Tiny homes, just like regular homes, need to have a proper roof. If you are obtaining this from a manufacturer, they will have already installed the best material. However, if you have a preference, you can make that recommendation before the final product is delivered. Either way, it's good to spend a little bit of time assessing all of the different possibilities when choosing roofing materials for your tiny home.

How To Store Water For A Tiny House

When it comes to living in a tiny house, many things need to be taken into account. One of the essential aspects is water storage and management. Having enough water for drinking and cooking can be difficult when you live in such a small space, and you may need to find other ways to store and manage your water. There are various ways to keep water, but here are the two most common methods:

Tank

A tank can be placed in the back of your yard and connected with PVC piping that leads into your home, or it can sit next to your tiny house on a concrete pad. Tanks come in different sizes and shapes, but you should ensure that the tank is food-grade to avoid any chemicals or contaminants.

Many benefits come with installing a tank to store water. The first is the cost. You should receive quotes on both tanks and piping with installation, but tanks are typically cheaper than pipe labor. Buckets of water can be used, but it becomes difficult sustaining enough supply for your household needs. Another benefit is space because it doesn't take up any more room in your tiny house or yard than if you were not storing any water at all. It also takes less time to fill up a bucket of water versus filling up your bathtub with water for hot showers.

The downside of tanks is that they need regular cleaning and maintenance as well as periodically refilling. They can also be difficult to access depending on where you place them outside or inside your tiny house.

As with anything in a tiny house, storage and space become essential issues when it comes to water tanks and the size of the tank itself. A smaller tank may not supply enough hot water for your household needs, and a larger tank can be challenging to access if it is inside of the house.

The best way to determine what size water tank you will need depends on your typical water usage and how long you want between refills or cleaning periods. A good rule is at least one gallon per person for drinking and cooking purposes, and then add 20 gallons for each additional person in your home.

Rainwater Harvesting System

Rainwater collection can be a great way to collect water for your tiny house. You will need to find the right roof for this, but you could even build your own with metal or PVC. You could also use a weatherproof tarp to save water. The most significant benefit of rainwater collection is that it provides free, clean, and chemical-free water for your tiny house.

There are some disadvantages as well: if you live in an area with little rainfall or high humidity, then this may not be very effective; depending on where you live, you may have to invest in a filter system to clean the water; and if your roof is old, has poor drainage or leaks then it could damage the tiny house as well as cause mold growth.

If you decide that rainwater is best for you, ensure it's filtered before using it; if you don't have a filtration system, adding charcoal to the tank can help purify it.

The most important thing to remember is that you should be storing water in its cleanest state. This means not filling up your bathtub with dirty, stagnant water or filling it from the tap. Instead, fill a container of potable water and store it until needed. You can also use this same principle by using bleach to disinfect any used containers before refilling them for storage purposes.

Read this article to learn more about the benefits of using rainwater with your tiny house.

Can I Build A Tiny House In My Backyard

Tiny homes may be small, but they make the most of the space they take up. If you're a fan of tiny houses, but you already own your own home, you may be interested in adding one of these houses to your own backyard. Before you get started, however, there are a few things that you should know.

Read Up On Local Regulations

If you're asking questions like "can I build a tiny house in my backyard?," you should be aware that the answer to that question can vary based on the state or even the city that you live in. To find out what is and isn't allowed, you'll need to look at local rules and ordinances.

In some areas, you can build a tiny home, but you'll need to secure a permit first. In other locations, there may be additional restrictions that you need to follow. Don't be afraid to reach out to the proper authorities so that you can get all the information you need.

Build the Right Kind of Tiny Home

While many areas allow you to build a tiny home in your backyard, there are often restrictions that you need to follow. As an example, in some areas, you can only build pre-approved structures on your property.

Finding out what is and isn't allowed can help you to determine if this is a project you want to move forward. It's likely that you already have some ideas about what you want your tiny house to look like. Check to see if you can build the kind of house you want in your yard. If you have to use specific plans when you build your home, check out these plans to see which designs appeal to you.

Think About How You're Going to Use the House You Build

After your house is finished, how do you plan on using it? Do you plan on making it a guest house? Is it going to serve as a bedroom for a family member? Would you like to rent the house out to a tenant? If you plan on using the structure as a rental unit, there may be additional rules that you need to comply with.

Adding a tiny house to your yard can add a great deal of value to your property. However, you'll want to make sure that you'll be able to move forward with the plans that you have. Before you spend any money, you'll want to make sure that you can use the structure in the way you want to use it. In some areas, you can only rent out a tiny home if it meets specific guidelines.

It's possible to build a tiny home for a very reasonable price. Once the project is finished, it's likely that you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it. With that said, you shouldn't start building a tiny house in your backyard without finding out what you need to do first. After you've learned what you can and can't do, you can get started.

How To Start A Tiny House Business

Tiny homes are becoming more popular with each passing year. If you're looking for investment opportunities, a tiny house business could be an excellent option for you. Read on to find out more about what it would take to get your business off the ground.

Determine What Kind of Business You Want to Start

There are many ways to build a successful business that capitalizes on the tiny house craze. For example, you could build tiny homes for people that are looking for housing, or you could rent out houses that you've built. No matter what path you decide on, you'll want to have a clear plan for your business.

In addition to developing a business idea, you'll want to consider other important aspects. Figure out what your start-up costs will be. Identify your target market and come up with a plan to reach that audience. Once you've figured out the basics, you can work with a professional to draw up an official business plan.

Learn About the Tiny House Regulations In Your Area

The viability of your business idea will be partially determined by the location that you're in. Some areas have very few restrictions on tiny homes, making them an excellent location for your business. Other areas have specific guidelines that must be followed. In some areas, you may not be able to build a tiny home at all.

By reading up on these regulations, you'll be able to learn if it's necessary for you to relocate in order to build a business. Gathering information can also help you to accurately determine the steps it will take to make your business idea into a reality.

Crunch the Numbers

It's very rare for a business to be profitable in its first years. You'll need to figure out how long it will take for your business to bring in a profit, and you'll also need to determine how you will fund your business until you reach that point.

The costs associated with building a tiny home are much lower than the costs of building a standard-sized home. With that said, you'll still need quite a bit of funding to make your business a success. Whether you secure a loan or seek out investors, you'll need a plan for financing.

Put Your Plan Into Action

Once you have a plan for your business, and you've taken a closer look at costs, you'll be able to get started. From this point on, you can start taking real steps towards building your business. Establish your business as a legal entity. Register your business and open a business bank account.

Moving forward with a new business can be intimidating, but it can also be exciting. If you've worked to hone your plan, and you figure out the essentials before you move forward, you should be able to get your business off to the best possible start.

Now is a fantastic time to start a tiny house business. Look into the laws in your location so that you can learn what you need to do to get things started.

Can You Build A Tiny House Without Any Experience

Do you know that North America has built over 10,000 new tiny houses since 2015? The numbers are continuing to rise because more people are now interested in building tiny houses themselves instead of going through the elaborate process of hiring a construction company and shelling out a ton of money. In fact, small families started making tiny houses so that they could live a minimalistic life and also save money in the process.

Building a tiny house

Building a house seems a thrilling experience for many, but is it possible to get the ball rolling if you don’t have any experience? According to experts, it’s not difficult to build a tiny house even if you are an inexperienced campaigner. But before you start building, you need to decide what type of tiny house you want to build.

• Yurt home
• A-frame cabin
• An RV
• Converted bus
• Trailer home
• Vardo  or wagon home
• Cob house
• Container house

Make sure that the type of house you decide to build compliments your lifestyle.

Tips to build your first tiny house

Here are a few steps that you can follow to build your first-ever tiny house.

Select the type of house

You need to first decide the type of tiny house you want to make from the above-mentioned list. This is crucial for determining the raw materials and initial preparatory work, such as measuring the kitchen and bathroom size, bedroom, storage space, and headspace.

Make drawings of your home

Once you have the measurements, it’s time to draw your home. Remember, you need to make the drawing according to the type of house you want to build. For example, if you want to convert your RV into a tiny house, you should make appropriate drawings based on the measurements you take inside the RV. This will also help you later to buy raw materials in the right quantities.

Prepare the land

The construction of your tiny house should begin by preparing the land. Clear stones, bricks, and other items away, and make sure that the land is flat. You can use a theodolite to measure the elevation of the slope and land to make sure that the house has a balanced level.

Watch online videos

Once you prepare the land and source the raw materials, it’s time to start building the tiny house. If you don’t have the experience, it’s best to watch online videos of the respective type of house that you want to make. The online videos not only tell you how to construct the house but also talk about the laws and local regulations that you should follow.

Start building the house

Start by setting small goals, and don’t forget to check whether you are building the house according to the way the videos instruct you. For example, you can start by setting up the walls of the bathroom first, before moving to the other walls. Although you may need to redo a few steps due to your inexperience, the entire process will be a learning curve for you.

Building a tiny house alone is no joke, but you can make your dream come true if you are careful enough. Follow the instructions that you find online and use your resources wisely to make your first-ever tiny house.

How Much Electricity Does A Tiny House Use

Many people are embracing the tiny house concept today since it helps them to live a more eco-friendly and sustainable life. Powering a tiny house is important to have all the comforts you expect from a home.

Electricity is one of the primary considerations in powering most tiny houses. Reducing the carbon footprint is important when powering a tiny house. Hence, choosing renewable energy to power your tiny home is a more practical option. Solar power is the most affordable renewable energy source to power your home. This article provides information on how much electricity does a tiny house really uses.

• Evaluating the electricity needs of your home is important when deciding how much electricity the house needs. There are two ways to evaluate the electricity needs of your tiny home such as:
• Evaluating your current utility bills and subtracting the electricity that you don't plan to use when you move to the tiny house
  

Add up the energy consumption of every electrical item you plan to use once you settle down in the tiny home

For example, a 6W LED bulb uses 24 watt-hours (Wh) of energy per day. Likewise, a 60W incandescent light uses 240Wh per day. You need to multiply the Wh by 30 to get the energy consumption for the whole month. Here are some of the most common household appliances used in a tiny home and their energy consumption per day:

• Laptop - 168Wh per day for charging and running
• Mobile phone - 15Wh per day
• Internet router - 72Wh a day
• Full-size Fridge - 1000Wh or 1kWh per day
• Space heater - 8kWh per day
• Blender - 125Wh a day
• Well Pump - 1HP - 750Wh per day
• Window air conditioner (500-1500W) - 8000Wh per day
• Solar Booster Pump - for water pressure - 50Wh per day

Once you have a list of the electrical appliances you plan to use in your tiny home, it is easy to get the energy consumption needs of these units per day and multiply the figures by 30 to calculate how much energy is required to power these units per month. Once you get this figure, you can easily choose the solar system that would be ideal to provide the required electricity for your tiny home.

Generally, a tiny home uses only 7% of the electricity that is required to power an average-size home. The tiny house is usually set up for a 30-amp electrical power capacity compared to 100-200 amps for average to large-size homes. These are important factors to consider when setting up the power needs for your tiny home.

If you wonder how much electricity a tiny house needs, you have come to the right place. Tiny houses are designed to lower power consumption and reduce your carbon footprint. Many people prefer the tiny home concept since it is eco-friendly and helps save money over time. Solar power is the most efficient and affordable power source for your tiny home. The aforementioned article provides information on how much electricity does a tiny house really uses.

How To Turn A Shed Into A Tiny House

If you have a shed that's not being used, why not turn it into a liveable space? With a little work, you can transform an ordinary shed into a beautiful tiny house! How can you make a backyard shed into a home? Converting your shed is easier than you might think.

Check to See If You Need Any Permits

Before you make any plans on your shed renovation, you'll need to make sure you have all the approvals that you need. In some areas, you may need a permit in order to make a shed into a tiny home. In other locations, you may need to make sure that the completed shed meets certain guidelines. While the requirements will vary depending on the area you're in, you'll want to make sure you have this information in advance.

Look at Other Converted Sheds for Inspiration

If your shed has seen better days, making it into a home that someone would want to live in might feel impossible. You can get a clearer picture of what's possible for your shed if you look at images of similar projects.

When you're looking for inspiration, you should search for sheds that are similar to the ones on your property. You don't need to copy these projects exactly, but you should use them as a source of guidance when you're figuring out what to do with your shed.

Make Sure Your Shed Is Properly Insulated

Insulation isn't a big deal when a shed is being used for storage. If someone is going to be sleeping in the space, however, proper insulation is key. To start, go through the shed and seal away any cracks. This will keep cool or warm air from entering your shed, and it will also help you to keep bugs out!

After that, the shed will need to be fully dried out. You may want to use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the shed. From there, use the insulation of your choosing so that your shed will be a cozy place to live and sleep.

Look Into Electricity, Heating, and Cooling

Utilities are crucial if you want your shed to be a real home. Figure out how you will run electricity to the space. If you live in an area with extreme hot or cold temperatures, you'll also need to find a safe solution for heating and cooling. As long as your shed is wired for electricity, you should be able to use a portable unit to get the hot or cold air that you need.

Apply the Finishing Touches

After you've taken care of the essentials, you can work to make the shed look and feel like it's a home. Repaint the exterior and make sure that your shed makes a great first impression. Paint the interior of the shed as well.

Add details and finishing touches that make the shed look homier. Try landscaping the area around the shed. Once all your work is finished, no one will be able to tell that your tiny house used to be a shed.

How Much Do Tiny Homes Weigh

There are many companies today that produce what are called tiny homes. The name is certainly indicative of their size. They are very small, usually, no more than 100 square feet, although there are others that are much larger. If you do get a sizable one, they can be extremely heavy, especially when one person is trying to maneuver it into place. These are typically built from the ground up and shipped ready to use, although there are kits that you can also purchase. Here is an overview of what tiny homes are, why they are needed, and how much the average tiny home will weigh.

What Exactly Is A Tiny Home Use For?

Tiny homes can be used to help in many different situations. For example, if you have a substantial number of homeless people in your community, this would be one way to provide them with a place to live. For those that would prefer not to invest in a home that is of standard size, if they are single, this might be a good temporary place to reside. Keep in mind that these are extremely small and you will need permits in order to use them. The lifespan of these homes could be several years, depending upon the manufacturer, and the types of materials that are used to build them.

Are They Very Expensive?

What is interesting about tiny homes is that, despite their diminutive size, they can be very expensive. It depends upon the material, the layout, and the overall size when determining how much you will pay. In many cases, you can pay more than $50,000 for a tiny home that is customized. Those that are made in mass quantities are often priced at no more than $20,000 each, and sometimes less, depending upon the manufacturer.

Are Tiny Homes Allowed In All States?

The short answer to this question is no.

There is a multitude of states that do not allow them to be used. Some of these will include states such as Iowa, Hawaii, Connecticut, and Alaska to name a few. In the areas where they are allowed, they must be set up in designated locations. Depending upon your county ordinances, you may be able to purchase one and place it on your property without too much trouble at all. Getting back to the original question, you should also find out how much these actually weigh.

How Much Do Tiny Homes Weigh?

Although these are very small homes, the average weight of a tiny home is about 5 tons. They are not easy to maneuver if they do not come with some type of portable base. These are often situated on some type of flatbed trailer, allowing them to be hooked up to the back of trucks where they can be moved to different locations. Tiny homes are extremely small by comparison to a standard house, but they are still significant in size. The amount that it will weigh should factor into which one you decide to get if you would like to invest in this type of mobile property.

Tiny homes are helpful in many communities. They can also be used for leisurely purposes. Whether you are setting up one permanently, or if you are bringing it with you on a camping excursion, there are many businesses that manufacture them today. Be sure to ask about how much it will weigh as you are considering your options. Although this may not be the primary reason that you choose one, it's good to know how much they will weigh when it comes to transporting to your location.

How To Collect Rainwater Without Gutters

People that have use gutters to collect rainwater for decades might be looking for an alternative to this strategy. Although it is very efficient, there are ways that you can get even more rainwater, even without access to a roof or a gutter system.

The strategies have been implemented for decades, if not centuries, by those that needed to find a unique and efficient way to capture water in barrels. To do this, you will need to implement several different strategies that can be set up for a very minimal cost. Here is how you can easily collect rainwater without the use of standard gutters.

Tarp Rainwater Conveyance Systems

The conveyance system is simply a way to collect rainwater using tarps as your primary conduit for the water. When it rains, if you have set them up properly, this can direct the water directly into the barrels. You will need a large surface area in order to do this. Ideally, the angle of the tarps should be minimal and they should be spread out over a large area. Keep in mind that rainwater can be much heavier when using these systems. Therefore, your support structure for the tarps needs to accommodate for the extra surface area for the water that will flow when it rains.

Butterfly Rainwater Catching Systems

Instead of using tarps, you may want to use a different type of material for the system. Most people will use a form of plywood, preferably 1/8 of an inch in thickness, so that they are much easier to handle. In the center, which is often referred to as the midline, this will be sealed with some type of plastic. This will prevent the rainwater from seeping in and through the crack which is serving as an angle to direct the water.

Umbrella Rainwater Captures

Although these are referred to as an umbrella rainwater catching system, it is more of an umbrella that is opened up in a reverse fashion. Another way of looking at this is an umbrella that is pointing upwards, instead of downwards, with a funnel at the center. These can be set up on poles, using a 6 x 6 tarp which can be taped easily in place. These are often better when situated on a table, up above the ground, and directly over a barrel that will be beneath the flat surface.

In the center of that flat surface will be a hole and a PVC pipe can be used to deliver the water into the barrel. It's a system that can be set up within minutes, and if it rains significantly, you can have several gallons of water over the course of many hours of rain.

Using these simple strategies for collecting rainwater, you can bypass the need for only collecting rainwater from your gutter system. Although you should still use your gutters for this purpose, it's good to have additional ways of collecting even more water when it rains. There is the additional cost of tarps, and PVC pipe, tape, and the other items that will be needed to set everything up. However, it will ensure that you will have plenty of rainwater to at your home facility throughout the year.

How To Get Off The Grid Internet

If you're looking for how to get off-the-grid internet, you've come to the right place. There are a few ways to get internet when you're trying to live somewhere new that doesn't have many internet options. To find the provider that will work best for you, read on!

One way to get internet out in the middle of nowhere is to find a satellite internet provider. There are high-speed internet options that use satellites to communicate with your devices. However, you have to make sure you go with an option that is going to work where you're located so be sure you contact the provider to ask them what kind of speeds you can expect. There are going to be some options that are better than others. It's good to shop around a little so you can get the best option for where you're getting internet at.

When it comes to the internet, you're going to want to learn about how often you can expect it to have issues. This means that you're going to want to learn what people have gone through when they worked with a particular provider. To find this information, it's wise to look for reviews that people have written about what they have to offer. You're going to learn that there are some good options and some that people may not like as much. Go with whoever is going to be able to do a good job at providing you with off-the-grid internet.

Be aware of what this is going to cost you so you know if you're getting a good deal or if you should go with a different provider. There are going to be some companies that are just not that great, and to find out if they are worth it your going to want to contact them to learn more about what they have to offer to those that live off of the grid. Always call each internet provider to ask them a few questions so you can get an idea of whether they are good at customer service or not.

If you're not happy with your internet when you start using it, try to go with another option when possible. It's good to test out one of your options just to see if it's worth it or not. Try to get a provider that offers a good deal on your first month or more of service so you can test them out without spending a lot of money on the services they provide. Don't be afraid to get help from another provider if there is something wrong with what the internet is like that a particular company offers.

It's important to learn how to get off the grid internet the right way. There are a few options that will work in your situation for the most part. Nowadays there are more options than ever before so be sure you use what you learned here to find what you're looking for.