Archive for September, 2010

Top 5 Tips for Having a Weatherproofed Shed Roof – Planned Out the Right Way

How well do you want to safeguard the contents in your shed? Especially with all the harsh weather lately, roofing a shed correctly to your conditions is very important. We’ll be focusing on aspects on waterproofing and materials that you can use with an importance on your budget and selection of plans.


1 – Have a think about what type of roof you want and what you want it to look like. How it will be affected by local weather or the climate your living in. Do you want it to match your home and is it permanent fixture or will your shed be temporary.


An example of useful thinking is seeing sheds in climates where there is snowfall. We tend to see steeper roofs to avoid snow piling up and sometimes we see metal roofs having an advantage, where the snow tends to slide off the roof more easily.


2 – What type of materials are you looking for? There are quite a few materials to choose from and I’ll cover the most common ones. The first one is mineral felt and its one of the cheapest materials you can use. It is usually a standard with the general garden shed and is known for its weakness and low durability. Mineral roof felt can be fragile but it will prevent water leakage, unless any unseen damage has occurred. By then the material can be affected allowing water in and the shed contents exposed.


Roof Shingles Or Tiles


As you go up in quality you can start looking at these materials They have quite a few to choose from, ranging from wooden shingles or clay tiles for craftsman style roofs to cedar shakes to beautiful spanish tiles. Tiles like terra cotta are very attractive but are also heavy and not as easy to put in as shingles. This option gives you a strong and very durable solution that can be maintenance-free for a number of years.


3 – What is your budget for the shed roof? Here we look at the materials you’ve chosen to go with. If you have gone with mineral felt than your costs can be low, but it can be a short lived solution with running repairs. Sheet metal is another cheap alternative but again like mineral felt, water leakage is something you should keep an eye on over seasons. Tiles and Shingles are more expensive but are naturally a longer protection alternative for you shed roof. There is a rating system and some shingles can have a 10 year rating. Keep looking and you find ones with a 30 plus year rating! This affects your pocket as the expenses go up when purchasing shingles with a longer life rating but it can pay itself during that course. The quality is more improved as well so it does pay if you can afford it.


4 – What about weatherproofing?


The angle or pitch of your roof plays a big part in selecting the material you want and the protection your after.


Flat roofs have an angle 10 degrees or lower and are a low cost material solution. The main ones a sheet metal and mineral felt. Be careful as we mentioned earlier, they can be affected with low strength and water leakage. If you go for this option stay at 5 degrees or higher for a better drainage effect.


Low pitch roofs range of pitch lies between 10 and 20 degrees. You can use shingles or tiles but be careful with their weight issues.


We can now look at pitched roofs that angle up from 20 to higher than 35 degrees. Interlocking concrete tiles are common here but their weight and load can affect structures that don’t give enough support. Clay tiles are also used and their pitch angle is 35 degrees or above. They are definitely the strongest options and many say the prettiest as well.


5 – Where can I find Quality Plans


You can find plans in many magazines, monthly publications and books at your local home and garden centers. Have a read through them but generally they are not a set of building plans with blueprints to go by. They can often lack depth with instructions and illustrations and serve better as inspirational tips and guides. Its probably best not to use them if you want your roof done correctly.


Looking online can be a better alternative and it usually is. You can view plans online, search on where to buy them and download them. Many sites have a few to look through or some have 100′s if not 1000′s of plans to cater for every aspect of a building project. Its definitely better than a 1 page tips guide.


The same rule applies thou, look for good supported material with all information you need. Accurate blueprints, diagrams. illustrations, step by step instructions, roofing systems, flooring foundation, tools and materials listed and so on. This will help get the roof you want that’s well protected and weatherproofed correctly.

Want to learn more about planning your shed roof correctly? Visit my site at www.shedplansinfo.com for helpful tips and information on shed planning and woodworking projects. Henry Wilkerson has been helping others prepare, plan and build quality sheds for all their storage needs.


An Italian Bistro Right In Your Home

Is the style of your kitchen old and just plain boring? Why not try out the Italian style of decorating if you are ready for an update? It has a warm, romantic feeling and brings to mind family. When the face lift is complete, your kitchen will be anything but dry and unexciting!

The ideas in this article will help bring inviting, warm tones and artisan finishes to a kitchen that would be boring without it. Italian décor will help you bring a little of the outdoors into your home.

Walls and Floors
White is not an option in the Italian or Tuscan theme of decorating– especially when it comes to walls or floors. Earthy colors are offered by the Italian style of décor and walls should be golden yellow or terra cotta. Sponge painting can add texture to the walls, creating a certain richness to the tone of the room.

Floors can be made of marble or stone. Wood floors should be mostly left alone except for a bit of medium toned stain. In this enchanting style of décor, rustic wood surfaces are right at home. Do not paint exposed wood beams, instead they should be stained in a medium tone just like the floors.

You could also hang a large tapestry, designed with a Tuscan theme on a single wall by itself. A large and beautifully textured tapestry with a Tuscan theme would work well on your walls if simply hung on a wall by itself. Intricately detailed patterns and textures in tapestries can add richness and elegance to any room.

Furnishings
Wrought iron and rustic wood are perfect choices for furnishings in the Italian style of décor. It is possible to choose from simple wooden benches at the table to more intricately designed wrought iron chairs. Marble counter tops will add a rich and elegant touch.

Accents Bring it All Together
Accents will be no problem when it comes to decorating your Tuscan style kitchen. When thinking of an Italian kitchen you can almost smell the beautiful aromas and scents of the room; so, try using ingredients as decorations for the kitchen! Display ingredients like olive oil or jars of peppers on counter tops or wrought iron wall shelves. You can add a unique mood to the room with the use of wrought iron, which is perfect for Italian décor.

Using a hanging wrought iron pot rack will make for an interesting focal point. You can use ceramic and terracotta pots accent windows and counter tops if you fill them with herbs and greenery. You can also use small metal buckets filled with herbs and wildflowers as accents. The inclusion of great Italian wall art will mean that you are finished, and that your kitchen will rival any you will find in Italy!

Natural texture and colors form nature are combined in Tuscan décor. Warm and welcoming atmospheres can be created using terracotta, golden yellow, soft browns and wine colors. When your kitchen is this beautiful, do you really need a living room? All will want to congregate in the kitchen, where luscious scents linger and good people can enjoy each other’s company.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior design industry for four decades. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you looking for a wooden dining table for your dining room or a wooden coffee table for your family room then they probably have everything you need.


Issues to Consider When Planning Bathroom Lights

A shower room is a very personal space, a moment to escape the rigors of the world and embed yourself in a private space. So making that area tranquil and appealing is important and the way that your shower room is lit is a important part of success.


A dark and dingy space is not going to place you in the right mindset. There are many thoughts when considering how to light a bathroom and those can be directed by the size of the room, what fittings and furnishings are located in which places. One obvious aspect is the need to light activity areas where you need good light to see what you are doing such as the sink and shower. This would attract additional direct lighting alongside the more general ambient lighting in the room.


Where water is present you will need to present enclosed lights, usually ones that are designed for wet locations. These tend to be mounted sconces and other shaded bulbs. Then if the mirror is to be used for the application of makeup, the brushing of teeth or shaving, small purpose lights can be placed at the side of the mirror. These are likely to be the LED type.


Sunken lights help to make a general bright glow to the room and knock out those downbeat shadows. They exude chill and dissolve stress when you just want to sink into a relaxing bath. Then there are spot lights which pick up and show off shelves and cabinets in the bathroom.


They can be changed with dimers to give the user greater control to create an overall bathroom effect. Wall fixed lights are great at illustrating the colour and texture of your wall especially where there may be exposed brick or rendering. Where wall area is at a premium then the ceiling may provide more chances to use creative lights for example a light located directly over the shower to light just that area.


Bringing together good lighting with large mirrors in a small bathroom gives the look of space and light. Mirrors should be secured in positions where they reflect the incoming light from windows and bounce it round the room.


Shadows are the downfall of any tranquil bathroom spaces so its worth testing your lighting before its fixed, just to be sure that the combination of lights does everything you planned and wanted it to. Don’t forget that coloured lights can be an added dimension, not so much illuminating the whole space in a colour but adding a subtle tint light to the general white scheme to highlight a specific feature or effect.

bathroom lights


Repair and Maintenance for Commercial Air Conditioning

Commercial air conditioning systems are huge cooling units and consuming mammoth electricity. Added to that if the cooling system is pressured with obstructed air ways and dirty filters, you can imagine.


Unlike home air conditioner, where the space needed to be cooled is less, for industrial air conditioners, it is a completely different story. By the time you figure out where the problem is, it might be too late. Hence, regular maintenance through air conditioning servicing agencies is a must.


Problems and their possible remedies:


You may encounter day today problems with your air conditioner. Here are some simple steps to assess the problem.


A/C is not turning on


Most likely the a/c fuse might have got blown up. Change the fuse. If there is still no change, then you may have to look for broken wires or loose connections in the electrical wiring. It is also possible that the switch is broken inside. Call a technician to check for these faults and replace the blown or loose or broken parts.


No cooling or very little cooling even when the temperature is actually pretty low


Check if any windows are open in the room. This might cause delay in the cooling process as hot air will keep raising the temperature. Close them if open. Next check if the belt of the compressor is loose or slipping. Over oiling might result in slipping. So tighten or replace as needed.


If the condenser filter is clogged, the cooling will not be efficient. You also need to check if any refrigerant is leaking out.


Odour


Odour can mean a lot of things. It can even mean a dead mouse in the air ducts. So cleaning the air ducts as important as cleaning and wiping the cooling unit itself for health reasons. If the condensed water doesn’t have a proper outlet, then it drips inside the cooling unit and becomes stagnant, giving odour.


Noise


Loose nuts and bolts are the main cause for noises. Tighten the bolts and nuts and see if any of the parts inside the a/c are touching each other to create such noise.


Sight glass problems


When there is refrigerant leak or when the system is undercharged, the sight glass gets clouded. This is an indication to repair leak and refill refrigerant.


Maintenance


Once a month: Clean the filters with mild detergent and dry before replacing.


Twice a year: Lubricate the motor and tighten the screws. Clean the water collecting tray and add bleach to it.


Once a year: Clear the air ducts for debris and dead matter, clean the evaporator fins of dust and debris, wipe and clean the coils with corrosion-free detergent.


Air conditioning repair and maintenance are an important part of owning air con. Do it regularly to avoid problems.

For more information on commercial air conditioning, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the air conditioning maintainance!


Sun Lounger Cushions, How to Relax Outside

If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors and relax in style then a sun lounger is the perfect way to do so. The problem is that most outdoor loungers are uncomfortable to lie on without adding a cushion. The many different styles of cushions come in many shapes so finding the right one can make all the difference between having a relaxing time outside or feeling uncomfortable and unable to relax.


Most types of garden furniture can be uncomfortable to sit on and a towel on the grass or wooden seat just won’t do if you’re looking to spend a fair amount of time outdoors. Sun lounger cushions offer the perfect way to relax whilst enjoying the outdoors as they provide a comfortable and durable cushion allowing you to lie back and enjoy the fresh air. Most outdoor furniture is generally made from either a metal, wood, or plastic frame with strong string or bars forming the seating area so without a cushion they can be very uncomfortable to sit or lie on for an extended period of time.


Most outdoor loungers can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of different positions from upright resembling a chair to almost horizontal resembling a bed. As a result a good cushion need to fit the size and type of sun lounger you have and be flexible enough to adjust to the changing positions. You’ll want to ensure that the cushion has the required amount of padding to be comfortable. Other considerations to take into account are the durability of the cushion, whether the style matches your other outdoor furniture, and whether the cushion in waterproof.

Visit our website for more information on sun lounger cushions including the different styles available and what to look for in durability and comfort. We also have information on many other types of cushions for outdoor furniture including patio furniture and wicker furniture.


Corner Shelving Units for Conserving Space

Corner units are becoming very popular because with the help of these corner units you can conserve a great deal of space in your house. Nowadays, numerous contemporary furniture is available, ranging from television stands to small display units that are made as corner units. However, it can be very difficult to install a corner shelving unit in a room. As such, it is recommended that you should hire a professional to install corner units, especially in older homes where the corners may not make a 90 degree angle due to settling. Due to its saving spaces feature, these corner units have become a buyer’s favorite these days.


Corner units are made from various materials including plastic, metal, and wood. You will want to consider where you are going to install this unit and what it will be used for when determining which material you think will best suit your needs.


You can use this corner shelves to store things like photo displays, fruit holder, files, crafts, books and many other things. These corner shelves are best known for conserving space and they are versatile also in terms of storing your valuable collectibles.


This corner shelving is not only useful but they can also be used to add a decorative flair to your home. With the help of these corner shelves you can store your things in a suitable and decorative way, and with a little research and shopping you can often find a deal that is not too expensive. 


The price of the corner shelves depends largely on the materials you select and the brand you purchase. Keep in mind your budget when shopping around. We suggest you begin your research online, and then go to local home stores to see them in person. Ask the store attendee if there are any models that have been discontinued. Often you can find these at a substantially lower price with the same quality.


Some of the popular models of corner shelves include wall shelves, ladder shelves, hanging shelves, and floating shelves. All the models are designed to save space and safely store and organize your belongings.

Jesse A James writes about the best Shelving Solutions at http://www.BestShelvingSolutions.com


Green Manufacturing in the Cabinet Industry

“Green” has become the generic term used to identify the complex, multi-faceted products and processes that reduce carbon footprints on the environment. Marketers have adopted simplistic branding labels that identify products as being “eco-friendly”, “recycled”, “green”, or some other environmentally friendly identifying logo. Considerable attention has been focused on green marketing and the overall idea of green products, but what differentiates one product from another and makes a specific product “green”?


When asked to define “green manufacturing” within the cabinet industry, the responses from manufacturers, kitchen and bath dealers and consumers will vary dramatically. Over the past few years environmentally friendly products have saturated the marketplace which accommodates alternatives to virtually every available product from building materials to home appliances to apparel and personal grooming items. Knowledgeable consumers; more savvy and educated on environmental conservation and protection, are making decisions to purchase “green” products that have minimal impact on the environment.


While an item may be identified as “green”, its actual environmental impact cannot be negated completely. Manufacturing processes utilize raw materials, consume energy, and generate emissions from the actual production cycle. Local, state and federal government agencies have established regulatory boards that monitor product emission levels and set parameters on those emissions.


Within the cabinet industry, environmental accountability is in the forefront of established standards to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable cabinet manufacturing. Five categories for compliance within the cabinet manufacturing industry have been established and include:
-Air Quality – Reduction in the emission of hazardous air pollutants (HAP’s).
-Product Resource Management – Use of recycled and sustainable products.
-Process Resource Management – Establishing and documenting recycling, waste management, and energy conservation programs.
-Environmental Stewardship – Documented commitment to environmental quality and the review of vendor practices and policies.
-Community Relations – Demonstrate community involvement through service and/or charitable organizations.


In addition to the environmental compliance categories listed above, stringent international standards for formaldehyde emission levels on particleboard, medium density fiberboard and plywood have been established. Formaldehyde, a by-product of natural metabolic processes and combustion, is also used as an adhesive in a wide range of building products, floor coverings, cabinetry, wall coverings, and furniture and has been found to be a toxic material affecting indoor air quality. Regulations mandate the systematic reduction in usage of materials with added urea formaldehyde.


Cabinet manufacturing alternatives for resource sustainability and environmental stewardship include the conversion to formaldehyde-free hardwood plywood, the elimination of wood waste in landfills, the recycling of hazardous waste into cleaning material, new material options like Bamboo, reconstituted Wenge and Zebrawood veneers and Thermofoil laminates as alternatives to stain and painted finishes. Through material optimization, waste recycling initiatives, raw material alternatives, available options to finishing, cabinet manufacturers are having a more positive impact on the environment and our daily lives.

Shopping for environmentally friendly cabinetry options? Mouser Custom Cabinetry provides only the highest quality environmentally friendly sustainable cabinetry options for discriminating buyers.


Locate a cabinet dealer near you from our online store: http://www.mousercc.com


Why Should We Choose an Entry Wood Door?

Our entry door is the first thing that people see when they visit us! It is the way in each we say “Hello!” to our visitors. Our front door is like a label for our house! This is why, when we decide to replace our entry door we should try to find a door which should match our style and our house’ s style!


Sometimes we tend to buy the most modern doors in order to be in trend. But we have to understand that not everything that is modern is good for us! If you want to create an elegant and sophisticated look, you should look for wood doors. These are the most beautiful and elegant doors, they have great colors and they match almost every house’s style.


Sometimes we tend to believe that doors are just doors and they are not so important! The problem is that they are really important and sometimes they represent us! This is why, when you want to buy your entry door, you should search for the best door manufacturer!


Nowadays it is really easy to find door manufacturers because almost all of them have their own websites where you can find the information that you need. They all have photos with all their products and you can see if their products match your tastes or not. Or, you can visit their showrooms: there you will find most of their products, you can see which are the materials that they use and if their products are well done. Sometimes you can find the door that you want in a showroom and sometimes you have to order it. Usually, door manufacturers have designers which help them satisfy the needs of their clients. A good designer will always come to your home and analyze the style of your house in order to help you choose the right door!
So, if you want to improve the look of your house you should think about purchasing a wood door: wooden doors have always been elegant and they have always created a sophisticated appearance.


Fiber glass and steel doors are also elegant and they give a modern look to one’s house, but they do not have that personal touch, they seem to be cold and formal! when it comes to a wood door we can say that it has the capacity of making from our house our home…a fiber glass or a steel door cannot make this!

Paul is the editor of this article. He is also an editor for http://exteriorwoodendoors.net/. This is a website where you can learn more about custom wooden doors.


Advantages of Pre-Hung Interior Doors

Pre-hung interior doors are very easy and quick to install. If you are remodeling or building a new home, using these doors will save both time and money. Most of these types of doors swing like, French doors and double doors. Installing pre-hung doors is easy even for a beginner.


Types of Doors


Hollow core pre-hung doors are the most common type of doors on the market. They are lightweight and can be very elegant in appearance. One drawback to the hollow core type is that they are not soundproof. Noise will filter through a hollow core easily. This hollow cores come in many wood veneer types, and can be stained to match existing woodwork or painted.


Solid core pre-hung doors are more than a hollow core but less than a solid door. Solid core doors generally have a veneer exterior also. They are a little more work to install and are much heavier. They are also more sound proof then hollow core.


Solid doors are also heavy and are even more expensive. They come in all wood varieties and can be stained, varnished or painted.


Some pre-hung doors come pre-trimmed. This saves time, energy and money. If the door you choose does not come pre-trimmed, you may want
to buy casing for it and pre-trim it first before installing. This makes installation quicker and easier.


Decisions to be Made


Before you purchase a pre-hung door, you will need to make some decisions. You will have to choose which way the door will swing. Most people make this decision by where the light switch is located. When swing is opposite of the light switch it will make it difficult to turn on the lights. Other choices to be made include the size of the doorway, whether flooring or carpeting will be added and what style would fit the room best.


Size


Determining the size you will need for the doorway is easy once you understand how to measure. A basic framed doorway is generally two inches wider than the door should be. Many newer houses have standard sizes. Framed bedroom doors tend to be two feet and six inches wide, which means the door should be 30 inches. Bathroom doors are most often two feet and four inches making the door itself 28 inches. Handicap doors are always three feet to allow easy access for wheelchairs. Older homes may have larger or smaller doorways so measure the doorway before making a choice.
Hanging a Door Basics


A pre-hung interior door comes complete with hardware. Carefully unpack the door and check it carefully. Doors should be closed when hanging. Place the pre-hung door in the opening. Starting with the swing side first check to make sure it is level. If not level, you can use shims to make it level.


If you plan to add carpet later, you will need to set the door on small blocks. One half inch blocks will provide enough room for the carpet and allow it to swing freely.


Stand on the inside of the room and set the pre-hung door carefully into the opening. Be sure that the casing is tight against the drywall. Nail the casing about two inches above the floor. This will hold the door while you check to make sure it is level. Shims can be used to support the door while you lift it slightly to achieve perfect plumb. Once the door is level, you nail the casing near the hinges. Open the door and nail the top of the casing. You will be using a nail or two per side until you have checked the door again to ensure that it is level. Once you are sure you will put nails near the hinges and at regularly spaced intervals.


Finishing your home yourself and installing pre-hung interior doors is a way to save money. The time required may translate into more capitol for other projects or that special flooring for the room.

Pat Fisher is a professional carpenter and woodworking craftsman. For more information on finish carpentry and household carpentry projects and plans, visit http://www.finishcarpentryhelp.com.


Gas Furnace Prices And Conversions

When it comes time to replace a home heating unit, the homeowner may wish to convert from the current heating system to a new type. The current trend is to convert older electric and oil heating units to a system fueled by gas. Gas furnace prices vary depending on the type of system selected, but the units are usually inexpensive enough to warrant the switch from electric or oil.


Reducing heating energy use is the most effective way for homeowners to save money and conserve global resources. Installing a forced air system that burns natural gas or propane in a heat exchanger is the perfect way to accomplish this goal. This unit is generally more affordable to purchase, install, and use than an electric system. The fumes generated by the system are contained with an exchanger and then removed from the home via an exhaust vent.


Annual evaluation and maintenance should be performed on the unit in order to keep it in peak working condition. Any leaks, holes, or cracks should be immediately repaired to prevent carbon monoxide from being released into the home. It is recommended that homeowners find a reputable servicing company and inquire about their service and maintenance contracts.


There are online tools that allow consumers to compare costs to heat the home using electricity versus other methods. The homeowner will answer approximately ten questions in order for the calculator to determine the annual cost to heat the home using each type of system. This is a quick and easy way for homeowners to conceptualize the cost savings prior to making a purchase.


If it is time to consider replacing the heating unit in the home, think about converting from electric or oil to a gas-powered unit. Gas furnace prices are very reasonable and the systems are safe, quiet, and efficient. There are a number of products on the market, so do some research and consult with a professional in order to find the best model…

CLICK HERE for a Free Guide that will teach you all about Gas Furnace Prices.


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