How many times have your worn out power tools prevented you from getting your job done? Is it time for you to completely replace your Makita saw? Perhaps you really want to, but the budget doesn't allow for you to do so. So what is the best alternative? Power tool replacement parts, they are cheaper and will get the job done. Think of your power tools as you would a car. If it stops working, replace the part, not the whole thing. So instead of buying a whole new Makita saw, find some Makita saw parts. Not only will you get your saw going again, but think of the feel good factor you get after fixing it all by yourself, or with someone else if you need the help.
To make my point I must mention this mostly true story. Roxy is 11 years old and has been through many long trips, mostly traveling from her college apartment carport to her much bigger summer garage. She has helped a number of siblings get through college and has never complained much about doing it. Sometimes though, Roxy would get a little sleepy from all the work she had to do and would sometimes have a "break down." However, after she got her break and had a few parts changed, she was back at it like new.
In June there is a popular day for giving gifts and DeWALT power tools, Porter Cable generator parts, and Porter Cable cordless drill parts become hot products for gifts. Forget getting in your car right away and going to the local power tool store because you don't have to go and buy a complete power tool for your Dad, just find out what power tools he has that are of need of some replacement parts. Maybe he has a Porter Cable Generator that needs to be fixed. Find him the right tool parts to get them going again. What a great way to be with your dad and replace some of his cherished DeWALT or Makita power tools.
What do I know though? Maybe your Dad doesn't like DeWALT power tools. You better do a little research and see if perhaps his favorite power tools are Makita or even Porter Cable. But then again, there doesn't have to be a holiday to fix up yours or your Dad's power tools. Just think of how devastated Roxy the car would have been if she had to wait until the next holiday to cure her "break down."
Whether you wanted it or not, now you have an idea on what to do with those power tools that are taking up the space in your work area. Just remember, almost everything can be fixed by using the right parts. That is, everything besides Roxy. Sadly the end of the road has come for her and she is no longer in the fixable category. We will long miss her as she rests in peace. What is even worse is that soon she will be resting in pieces.
February 23, 2009
Porter Cable Parts
Home Improvement Ideas Gone Awry
For every great home improvement idea there are several bad ones, lurking in the corners next to vinyl siding and Dutch doors. But, of course, bad home improvement is not an objective term: one man’s bad home improvement idea is another man’s great home improvement idea. Still, there are some ideas that most people will agree should never see the light of day, and definitely never be let inside the house.
Too Much of Anything: Floral patterns, pirate themes, farm scenery. Too much of anything – regardless of what it entails – is just flat out too much. If your house is decorated in floral pattern from attic to basement, it’s time to uproot some of your ornamentation. If your house is saturated with pirate themes, it’s fair to say you’ve gone overboard. If your house is adorned with nothing but farm scenery, you might consider plowing a new path. Instead of decorating your entire house in one theme, try limiting your theme to one room, and letting the rest of the house have a little variety.
Painting with Outrageous Colors: Maybe you’re young and in love with self expression, maybe you’re older and looking for something to set you apart. Whatever you are, painting with outrageous colors is a way to paint yourself remorseful. It may seem like a great idea to paint the inside of your house neon orange and the outside a not-at-all-subtle hot pink, but in the long run you will likely regret this. You may be forced by a covenant controlled community to repaint, or forced to repaint by your realtor when you attempt to sell. You may even be forced to repaint by your inner being, an inner being tired of feeling constantly trapped inside a Grateful Dead song.
Going for a Futuristic Look: Maybe you have a crazy looking chair sitting in your living room or perhaps you’ve trimmed the evergreen in your front yard to resemble something from 2060, whatever you’ve done to make your home look futuristic, stop right now and live in the present. For whichever reason, as there seems to be a lot of reasons to choose from, the “futuristic look” was one that never really took off. Maybe this is partly because it looks kind of silly or partly due to the fact that it’s hard to decorate for 2060 while living in 2007, but the main reason has to be that our conception of the “future” seems to be entirely off base. If we were to go mainly by our conceptions, by 2000 we would have all bought flying cars and taken family vacations to the moon.
Putting in a Pool (when you won’t use it): Putting in a pool isn’t always a bad idea: if you will actually use one then there is no reason not to have one. However, for many people the concept of a pool is more appealing than the pool itself. Pools are a lot of work: they require maintenance and they kill the lawn. For this reason, having a pool and not using it is futile. If you will only use a pool on occasion, don’t install one: just get a pass to the local recreation center. And, if you live in an area not conducive to year round swimming, such as Wisconsin or Colorado, replace your swimming pool dreams with something else, such as a hot tub.
High Maintenance Landscaping: There is landscaping, and then there is high maintenance landscaping. High maintenance landscaping – a lawn filled with trimmed trees, shrubs, and an assortment of flowers - may look particularly nice, and cause your neighbors to grow green with envy of your green thumb, but this kind of landscaping takes quite a bit of time, time you might not always have. Instead of going overboard and making your lawn parallel some botanic garden, keep your lawn nice with simple means. Landscape with flowers and shrubs that don’t require a lot of attention and stay away from landscaping with the kinds of flowers and shrubs who think they are all that and a bag of wood chips.
A Cavemans Ultimate (lair) Home Theatre System
I am a primitive. A psychologist once verified this. She said being born under the sign of Leo I was fixed in my ways so I would be most happy in life not trying to change myself or others. She was a very sharp lady. I am happiest as a primitive in my cave (ala my Home Theatre Kingdom) upon this earth. I like watching big tv with high quality audio. And I like my comfort.
My cave is well lite when need be and provides a nice ambient softness (like a camp fire) which makes me feel secure in this post modern world (what ever that means ie… I was told to say that to include you deep thinkers in this little philosophy tale about modern caves and primitives).
Please know though that I am a disciplined home theatre cave type and do not allow ANY news or “importrant” world events, stress filled garbage to come before my ears or eyes. Why have a cave if you can’t keep the dinosaurs and bad neighbors out – eh?
I ONLY watch high quailty movies (many free), good science type channels and programs like Discovery and History (if it is in the past it can’t hurt you right?), and no crime drama. I am a sensitive primitive who like to keep my cave and mind clean and bright and sharp with little clutter.
My basic motto is: “Do small things about ones cave and let others tidy up their own cave.” Too many people ie… politicians, military type, local government types, video cameras (doesn’t anyone have a sense of what privacy is anymore? Did YOU vote for this technology?) – in too many of their neighbor caves and not their own.
So how is your cave? MAN. Or WOMAN. If you are a female the way to a caveman’s heart is to bring nice stories (movies) and music into his lair (I mean Home Theatre System). After an invitation of course. Cavemen like DVD’s, flowers, meat is always good, and nubile barefoot girls. Be inventive and playful and bring NO – “ZERO” – NADA stress into his cave and you should do well. Bring NO NEWS of far distant lands and wars and famine and disease etc… etc… etc… ad infinitum…. Cook stir fry for him as he like spices and might surprise you with his exotic pallette (taste buds) and talk science yep you heard me right deep penetrating cosmic DNA transhuman “SCIENCE!” . After all most true cave men these days are geeky intellectuals who might just have more on his mind then sports (also banned in my cave, as I find watching sports boring!).
Also, if you are invited into the bowels of the cave mans heart , his Home Theatre Kingdom, do not mention babies (fertility is okay), as babies imply messy caves and disruption of happiness. So there you have it from one of the last true cavemen “they” (the media gods) should have used in the GEICO commercials.
My cave “ROCKS!” How about yours?
http://www.virtualrealestate-wealth-4ever.com/home-theatre/
Things to Consider when Choosing Your Vertical Blinds
Choosing vertical blinds or other window treatments can bring any home décor or DIY project to a screeching halt. The amount of choice available today with all of the different colors and fabrics can boggle the mind. Sometimes a decision on which vertical blind is best may seem next to impossible to make. The good news is that there are four basic principals to consider when choosing your vertical blinds. If your stick with these then you will stand a good chance of getting the best vertical blind for you.
When we choose a vertical blind one of the key elements is privacy. Some rooms will require more privacy than others. Bedrooms and bathrooms generally require a high degree of privacy, while kitchens and living rooms will demand slightly less. Your vertical blinds need to reflect this. It doesn’t matter how great that vertical blind may look in your bathroom, you’re going to undergo some very embarrassing moments if they do not block out what you wish.
Light control is another essential element when you are choosing a vertical blind. You will likely want varying degrees of light control in certain rooms. You will also want more control during certain times of the day and less control in others. For your living rooms, light control is essential. The rays of the sun can seriously damage furniture and upholstery. They can also make reading and watching television quite difficult. You again need to consider the degree of light control needed when selecting your vertical blinds.
Function is another thing to consider when selecting your vertical blind. You need to think of things like safety. If you have children should you have cords? How will you reach hard to reach areas? Can you operate these vertical blinds manually or do you need them done by remote control? The function ability is vitally important if you going to be safe and happy with your vertical blinds.
Finally, there is style. You, of course, want the blind to look good in your home. They should be something that accents your good taste and décor, not something that clashes with it. When choosing your vertical blind keep these four things in mind. You will no doubt come up with something great that ticks all the boxes. Vertical blinds are available in high quality materials from several suppliers on the internet, but beware to not select low quality simply to save money.
Dining Tables- From The Finest Teak Wood Furniture
For social entertaining, the first thing you think about is your home. After all, it is your stage. Your furniture pieces are your props and everything comes together. There is no more vital piece of teak wood furniture in social entertaining than the dining table. For centuries, the dining table has been the center of good food, fine wine and excellent conversations. A dining table is used for everything, not just foods. Having a teak wood furniture piece that brings elegance and functionality to your home is a must. Some might be thinking, "well, that kind of dining table is out of my league, price-wise". It doesn't have to be elegant, functional teak wood dining tables can be had for less than you think.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Not surprising. Shopping for teak wood furniture is not normally on a person's high list of things to shop for and dining tables are usually not even really thought about, even though they should be. Teak wood furniture pieces need to fit in the room, not only in size but also in the style, and you have to be sure that you are getting a teak dining table big enough for all your needs.
The first thing to think about when selecting your teak wood furniture is - does it make you feel comfortable? Not something you normally think about when looking for a teak wood dining table. You want to be able to enjoy sitting and having coffee or conversations over dinner and after without having to get up from your dining table. The way to do that is to make sure your teak wood furniture is comfortable. No matter what type you decide on - an informal dining table or a formal dining table - no matter what styles you choose - modern dining table or traditional dining table - make sure you've taken into consideration the needs that your teak wood furniture will have to fill.
Do you need an extendable dining table? This design of teak wood furniture is best for when you entertain occasionally but normally don't need that much dining space at your dinning table. Want to know for sure? Measure the room, and take those measurements with you. Anyone who is versed in selling teak wood furniture will be able to help you determine the right size dining table for your patio.
There are standard teak wood furniture measurements that will help. Each place setting should have two feet of space. Knowing this and the usual number of people you entertain, will go a long way in helping determine the size of table that will be right for you. Another thing to consider is if you wish to decorate with teak wood furniture, is, what is the average size of your centerpieces? This will help determine the width of your table. These measurements are a surefire way for you to find the perfect teak wood furniture piece for your application.
February 15, 2009
Teak Patio Furniture - What Makes It So Sought After
When it comes to teak patio furniture, you probably haven’t heard of it or seen teak patio furniture. That is because most traditional retailers don’t sell it. When you go looking for teak patio furniture, you might end up feeling a bit frustrated and overwhelmed because you are stuck with options of pine, or plastic.
Pine Furniture
You will find this furniture is abundant, fast growing, and cheap. It’s also low oil so it dries out quickly. Because of that, it needs special, frequent care or you end up having to replace it because of rot or damage caused by insects. You may not have time to properly care for your patio furniture, at least every three to four months, and even then you can’t be assured that you’re efforts won’t be wasted. If this isn't reason enough to seek out genuine teak patio furniture than read on.
Plastic Furniture
Another other option that shows up regularly is plastic. While plastic is certainly an inexpensive option that requires little in the way maintenance, even plastic, while durable, will crack and become brittle.
Thanks For Teakwood
So, now you might be thinking – well, there isn’t any hope for having good, decent, durable patio furniture. Fortunately you can think again. There is one. It’s one of, if not the best material for making outdoor furniture, high in oil and rubber, its teak. That’s right, teak wood makes beautiful teak patio furniture and teak outdoor furniture. It’s a wood that can really stand up to the elements and so makes a long lasting, durable piece of furniture. Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about things like refinishing with your teak patio furniture.
Teak patio furniture looks good finished or unfinished because it takes on a beautiful silver patina as it ages and weathers. So leaving it in the elements is no problem, and it’s highly resistant to rot and insects. Without a doubt, teak is the best choice for teak patio furniture.
Time Honored Choice
There is one thing to consider - quality teak for teak patio furniture isn’t grown over night or as quickly as pine for pine patio furniture. It takes almost a generation - about fifty years - for teak to develop into a usable wood. Because of that, teak used in teak patio furniture is limited, as there is a limit to the number of usable teak trees. This adds to the cost of your teak patio furniture and, of course, to the quality appearance of your teak patio furniture.
While traditional furniture retailers are always an option when looking for teak patio furniture, you might have better luck if you purchase your teak patio furniture online from an online teak patio furniture retailer. They will most likely have better prices because they will not have to think about storing the teak patio furniture since, often times, the teak patio furniture will be shipped from the factory.
Thermal Oxidizers
Its important to know that your thermal oxidizers are made of quality and also you should know the basics of how thermal oxidizers work. Here is a brief outline of thermal oxidizers.
PRINCIPLE OF COMBUSTION
The primary function of the Thermal Oxidizer is to destroy the contaminants in the exhaust coming out of a process. The operation of the Thermal Oxidizer is based on the principle of combustion. The process of combustion is the most commonly used method to control emissions of organic compounds.
Combustion based systems are always simple systems capable of having very high destruction efficiency. These systems typically consist of burners, which ignite the fuel and pollutants, and a chamber, which provides the appropriate residence time for the combustion to take place. Combustion is a chemical process arising from the rapid combination of oxygen with various elements or chemical compounds resulting in release of heat. The process of combustion has also been referred to as oxidation or incineration.
It is required to achieve complete combustion of the fuel gas so that no further air pollutants are added. To achieve complete combustion once the contaminated air and fuel have been brought into contact, the following conditions must be provided: a temperature high enough to ignite the waste-fuel mixture, turbulent mixing of the air and waste-fuel mixture, and sufficient residence time for the reaction to occur. These three conditions are referred to as the "three T's of combustion". The rate at which a combustible product is oxidized is greatly affected by temperature. The higher the temperature, the faster the oxidation reaction will proceed.
The process of ignition depends on the following factors:
1. Concentration of combustibles in the waste stream.
2. Inlet temperature of the waste stream.
3. Rate of heat loss from the combustion chamber.
4. Residence time and flow pattern of the waste stream.
5. Combustion chamber geometry and materials of construction.
RETENTION CHAMBER DESIGN
Thermal destruction of most organic compounds occurs between 590°F and 650°F. However, most hazardous waste incinerators are operated at 1400°F. The time for which the pollutants stay in the incinerator is called residence time. The higher the residence time, the lower the temperature can be for the combustion chamber.
The residence time of gases in the combustion chamber is calculated by
t = V / Q
where,
t = residence time, seconds
V = chamber volume, ft3
Q = gas volumetric flow rate at combustion ft3/s.
Adjustments to flow rates must be made for the extra combustion air added. For complete combustion to occur, every particle of waste and fuel must come in contact with air (oxygen). If this does not happen, unreacted waste and fuel will be exhausted from the stack. Second, not the entire fuel or waste stream is able to be in direct contact with the burner flame.
In most incinerators, a portion of the waste stream may bypass the flame and be mixed at some point downstream of the burner with the hot products of combustion. A number of methods are used to improve mixing the air and waste streams, including the use of refractory baffles, swirl-fired burners, and baffle plates. Unless properly designed, many of these mixing devices may create "dead spots" and reduce operating temperatures.
The process of mixing flame and waste stream to obtain a uniform temperature for the decomposition of wastes is the most difficult part in the design of an incinerator. A Thermal Oxidizer must be designed very carefully and with proven methods to achieve maximum mixing of airflows and to avoid dead spots.
THERMAL OXIDIZER OPERATION
A Thermal Oxidizer consists of a combustion chamber, a burner, and a blower to draw air through the complete oxidizer. Along with the contaminant-laden gas stream, air and fuel are continuously delivered to the combustion chamber where the fuel is combusted.
The products of combustion and the unreacted feed stream enter the reaction zone of the unit. The pollutants in the process air are then reacted at elevated temperature. The average gas velocity can range from 10 fps to 50 fps. These high velocities are useful in preventing the particulates from settling down. The energy liberated by the reaction may be directly recovered from process or indirectly recovered by using a heat exchanger.
INSULATION
The Thermal Oxidizer should be constructed of material which can withstand high temperatures and the walls of the equipment are insulated to avoid overheating of the outside walls of the unit. These units are usually provided with sophisticated flame detection devices. The layer of insulation exposed in the Combustion Chamber is typically ceramic block that is 7” thick and a density of 10 lbs./ft3.
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware – A Great Way To Spruce Up The Look Of Any Kitchen
The kitchen, it is the one room in the home that you and your family end up spending the most time in. Then, why is it that people tend to neglect it when it comes to decorating and making it look beautiful? If you are spending the most amount of time in there, then it should be equally gorgeous, if not more, than the rest of your home. One way to get your kitchen space on the right track is by purchasing some new kitchen cabinet hardware to give it a stellar, completed look.
Now, you might be thinking, how is new kitchen cabinet hardware going to make my kitchen that beautiful? Well, because it has a pleasing look which comes from the many different materials it can be made from. Those materials include aluminum, brass, stone, wood, ceramic, steel, zinc, pewter, plastic, wood, granite, even porcelain and glass. Each has a gorgeous appearance, plus, they are available in a number of different finishes like brushed, antiqued, satin, polished, dull, and rubbed. With the material and finished options, you can find the perfect ones to complement the kitchen cabinetry that you have, achieving any kind of look that you want in your kitchen. For example, maybe you want a trendy, contemporary look and feel in your kitchen. Then, a great choice for you would be ones crafted out of metal that have a brushed finish. Or, if you want more of an antique feel, then a great option are ones that are also made from metal, but instead have that antique finish to them. Really, you can create any kind of look that you want in your space because of all the many selections that are available. All of these materials are also very durable, which is ideal for you because they will last for years and you will not have to worry about having to replace them because they break or get damaged.
When it comes to kitchen cabinet hardware, there are different types that you can purchase depending upon what you want to replace in your kitchen area. You might need new knobs and hinges for your cabinets, pulls for your drawers, and maybe even a slide or track for inside your drawers. Probably the best thing to do though is to get ones that match because having a miss-matched look in your kitchen is pretty tacky. To find exactly what you are looking for, a fast and easy way is to hit the Internet for some comparison shopping.
So, if you and your family end up spending the most amount of time in your kitchen, then it should probably be one of the rooms in your home that is the most beautiful. One easy and simple way of making your kitchen space into an elegant dream is by purchasing some fabulous kitchen cabinet hardware for it. Extremely beautiful, these wonderful accent pieces will give your kitchen a completed look that is sure to please.
Heat Pumps
Using a heat pump may save on energy cost in your home. Here are a few things that will help you decide if a heat pump (or HVAC System) is right for your home.
Comfort is what makes a house a home. Comfort is the largest consideration in all homes. Therefore, keeping your home at the desired temperature will improve your comfort level. Heat Pump Systems are a great way to save energy, money and will guarantee your home a greater comfort.
Heat Pumps are air conditioning systems that heat and cool your home, also known as HVAC Systems. HVAC Systems use electric energy to move the pre-existing heat. Believe it or not in cold weather there are still traces of heat. A heat pump takes the heat from the cold weather and pumps it into your home. In the heat of the summer an HVAC System acts as a conventional air conditioner by taking the heat from your home and pushing it outside and blowing cold air in. Heat pumps are also considered smart purchases because they filter and dehumidify your home.
The installation of a Heating System may come across as costly, but once installed, your new HVAC System will only save you energy and money. Heat Pumps produce twice the amount of heat with the same amount of energy that a less expensive and ordinary HVAC System will provide. Comparing costs is a great way to ease your mind when making a purchase; therefore, we have listed a chart below that allows you to see the savings.
February 9, 2009
French Country House Plan: How to Get It Right and How to Screw It Up
INTRODUCTION
French Country is a popular home design style nowadays, both exterior and interior.
This article addresses the French Country home design style on the exterior.
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
Do you think that French Country, or the effected Country French, is a home design style? We'd say, "Not exactly."
French Country is a range of home design styles –
1. From an early French farmhouse to not quite a French embassy
2. From residential design styles, including but not limited to Rustic French, Rural French, French Provincial, French Eclectic, Chateau (French version of the English Manor House), and the namesake French Country
3. From in-between Cajun style and Louisiana Plantation style
4. From the time period in America bracketed roughly by WWI and WWII
Comment: There is a stylistic kinship of sorts with other home home styles that are casually (and incorrectly) taken as singular and not as a set. For example, American Victorian is a/k/a (Victorian, in each instance) 2nd Empire, Gothic, Italianate, Queen Anne, Folk, Stick, Shingle, and Richardsonian (Romanesque). Or for example, Southern Colonial ranges from Warburton House (1680) in James City County, VA or Christ's Cross (a/k/a Cris Cross) (circa 1690) in New Kent County, VA and simpler, all the way up to Bacon's Castle (1650) in Surry County, VA and Stratford Hall (1725) in Stratford, VA [noting that other examples abound either standing, or artistically captured earlier-on or reproduced, the author having chosen these for their geographical and temporal proximity, Post-Medieval English roots, and breadth of character].
You'll find beaucoups publications about French Country on Amazon.com and at your local bookstore. To wit, along with a slew of other design-oriented books, a while back we ordered Provencal Inspiration: Living The French Country Spirit by Home Planners, and immediately received a notice that Amazon's out of stock. French Country is back bigtime. As another, more recent example, our just completed custom house plans in French Country Style for a property in Asheville, NC will be offered later this year at $4+ million [and the facades really do have a rural sense to them].
French Country style reminds us more than most of Craftsman style – multiple roof slopes; windows of different sizes and heights; broad overhangs and soffits; knee braces and other exposures of construction structure; front-facing gables; a mix of gable, clipped gable, shed, and hip roofs; natural materials; masonry exterior, especially stone; a mix of finish clads; restraint in exterior accessories and adornments. French Country style can be comfortable and inviting in its more relaxed presentations.
However, French Country home design departs from the Arts & Crafts Movement in several respects: high-peaked, steeply sloped roofs at pitches way above Craftsman's; a refinement in exterior trim particularly in rakes; an understatement of observable structure; gutter systems sometimes with gussied-up copper appointments; curved rooflines to accommodate steep slopes, larger windows, unpierced ceilings and interior walls; broad soffits; arches and curve-topped dormers, elaborated ironwork; balconies; turrets; Classic columns; masonry accessories in relief, some interest in symmetry, etc. Simplicity and elegance.
There are ways to botch French Country home design, e.g., hold rooflines to one pitch to assure consistent soffit depth and single-level eaves – in the name of cheap, easy, and stylistically insensitive; apply Corinthian columns in lieu of, say, Tuscan, or flute the Tuscan columns; confuse French styling with English, unbalance vertical and horizontal to favor horizontal; not mullion grouped windows, not apply true French casement windows; use plastic shutters, S-dog the shutters, not apply true French doors, asphalt shingle the roof, insist on broad facia and frieze boards, etc.
And there are ways to develop French Country home plans by using - contemporary technologies, among them, e.g., cost-efficient cultured stone, particularly in its fieldstone representations – perhaps by Owens Corning; and by using artistry, e.g., the half-round copper gutter systems of A. B. Raingutters, Inc., Classic Gutter Systems, L.L.C., the gas or electric luminaires of Charleston Lighting Company or the aluminum wrought-like railing of Southeaster Architectural Metals, the garage doors of the Carriage House Door Company, and the like.
French Country style encourages applying design principles of excellent residential design, such as, Russell Versaci's Creating a NEW OLD HOUSE: Yesterday's Character For Today's Home, The Taunton Press, 2003, and Jacobson, Silverstein, and Winslow's Patterns of Home: The Ten Essentials of Enduring Design, The Taunton Press, orig. 1941, reprint 2002; and, separately, sacred geometry. Here again, you can embrace and succeed or disregard and fail in the design effort.
Take, for example, the layering and other arrangement of finish clad, notably in steeply sloped gable ends. In Versaci's realm of signaled, or suggested, age, it is the wise designer who specifies supposedly older, heavier (looking) materials – fieldstone and the like – from grade up to, say, L1, and then some lighter material higher up. Such arrangement and layering would be particularly in-keeping with more steeply sloped roof gable ends which would most unlikely be originally run up 2 stories under high, hard to support roof pitches. That is, L2 should and would appear to be of more recent vintage than L1, and presenting a story of age without such attention to detail is to send the gift horse packing.
Finally, in the vernacular of Patterns of Home, again for example, the French Country style readily lends itself to creating a courtyard, or "Creating Rooms, Outside", and to dormered space demonstrating design keystones of "Refuge and Outlook" under a "Sheltering Roof," particularly if the rooflines are low-profiled and trimmed more simply on L2 than on L1.
Getting the Most out of your Hydroponics
It has become difficult to determine what advise about hydroponics is worth listening to. This is in part due to an abundance of useless products on the market as well as naivety surrounding the subject.
Water temperature – Your nutrient solution should feel COLD at 21oC NOT WARM. 21 degrees centigrade is the ideal temperature, it's warm enough to stimulate good growth while cold enough to be able to carry the maximum amount of oxygen (O2) for our purposes. As the water rises above this temperature the water can carry less and less oxygen.
Timers on NFT systems – Once the roots are out of your 3" cubes or baskets, you should run your nutrient pump 24 hours a day, certainly never have it off for more than 15 minutes at a time, even during lights off. Otherwise brown coloured cell damage may occur on the root surface as the cooling caused by evaporation of moisture off the roots damage it's surface. By running the solution constantly, it can be used to moderate the temperature around the roots.
CO2 and Carbon in your nutrient solution – The vegetative leafy part of the plant above the surface feeds on Carbon dioxide. The roots feed on and in association with Oxygen. There is no benefit to putting carbon or carbon dioxide into the nutrient solution on it's own. However some of the additives do contain some carbon based compounds in association with other ingredients.
Nutrient meter reading – cF properties of water vary from locations to locations, often dramatically. As such it is impractical to simply state an optimum reading to aim for. cF meters are more useful for maintaining the correct strength on a day to day basis in re-circulating hydroponics systems once the optimum has already been determined. After evaluation of the plants reaction to the strength, small adjustments can also be made using the meter.
Feed strength – Not all plants feed the same amount, not even close relatives of the same varieties so don't believe anyone who tells you otherwise! Environmental conditions also affect feeding, more light = more food. As a general guide use 1/4 to 1/2 strength hydroponics nutrient solution for young plants, and ½ to ¾ strength for larger plants. Most manufacturers full strength is equivalent to about 1200ppm or cF17 (with water cF 0), this is good for most species and varieties of plants. Some tomatoes may need a bit more, and lettuces would require a chunk less but you realy need to experiment with the specific variety of plant you are using to determine the optimum feed strength.
Leaf colour loss and associated rusty spots – These two things, particularly when associated together are usually caused by some environmental factor and NOT a nutrient deficiency. Unless you are seriously underfeeding or overfeeding, the feed strength you use will generally not be the cause. It is more likely to be the light too close, nutrient too warm, not enough air exchange, too cold nights, wind burn, grow room too dry or another environmental factor. Don't always believe the worst and assume that your feed strength is wrong.
Stretching – Plants can stretch or elongate. This if often the case where you have too much or not enough light or heat due to the positioning of the bulbs. Or it may be just genetics. There is no single reason that can be pinpointed as the cause of your plants stretching – don't believe anyone who tells you there is!
Input Air – As a hobby grower, for the best results, ideally use indoor air as input air for your grow room and expel to the outside. Outdoor fresh air inputted into the grow room can cause temperature, humidity and bug problems. Indoor air from a house has a better temperature and higher CO2 content, the extracted air should then ideally leave the building or be extracted to another room or area. Don't assume that input air from outside will be "cleaner" or better for your plants – it's simply not the case!
Air Cooled Shades – In line fans attached cool shades/ Jetstreams/ air cooled lights must blow through the shade. Sucking air through the shade will NOT work as well at cooling your lamp.
pH Adjustment in re-circulating systems – in re-circulating hydroponics systems including gro-tanks and particularly when using systems with rockwool slabs and hard water, the pH will often rise on a daily basis. Don't adjust it right down every day or you may end up with nutrient lock out from excess phosphoric acid. Instead don't be afraid to let it drift up for a day or two, this may be the lesser of the two evils. The plants are fragile and as such will be damaged if you attempt to adjust them. Disturb them as little as possible!
Cold – Too cold a nutrient solution or air temperature at night (lights Off) can seriously affect your yield. Your yield will benefit by keeping the temperature at stable 21 C.
Wrought Iron Fencing – Beauty And Security In One Package
Fencing provides many aspects of home décor and safety, doubling as a form of security around the property and a decorative addition to a property. While wooden picket fences have become a dominant form of fencing, using iron fencing for both security and decoration is still a popular method. Why might you opt to use wrought iron fencing to surround your property instead of less expensive materials?
First of all, a fence is constructed for several purposes, but the main thought is security. Your fence should be geared for two security needs: keeping unwanted people and creatures out, and maintaining the safety and security by placing a boundary to keep pets within. Of course, fences have also become a show of pride for many homeowners, built in artistic and architecturally pleasing manners for aesthetics as much as for security. Using wrought iron as a fencing material can make your home quite secure while also adding a particular style to your property.
Wrought iron is more expensive than wood because it is sturdier. Wood can easily be splintered, broken, or simply removed, allowing a trespasser to enter your property. It can also be easily damaged by the weather, pulled down in strong winds and storms. However, with a wrought iron fence, you reduce many of these risks. A wrought iron fence cannot be bent or broken without special tools, and maintaining the slats close together insures that no one can pass through them to enter your property. Often, these fences are topped with decorative spikes that are difficult and even painful to climb over, further enhancing security.
At the same time, you’ll find that using the more expensive wrought iron fencing will increase property value because of the sheer nicety of it. The material is preferred by many because it has a sleek design with cleaner lines. Also, the openings between slats allow the world a view of what is probably a carefully and diligently maintained lawn and garden. Often, you’ll find wrought iron fences surrounding homes of great value and even historical homes, making it feel as though you are entering a world of the past and also allowing a full view of the surrounding grounds for passers-by to ogle.
Another nice thing about the ability to see through the wrought iron fence is that you can identify individuals trying to gain entrance to your property without any video cameras or expensive security and surveillance equipment. Always know who is at your gate before you decide to open it.
As far as a fence goes, wrought iron will also provide a sturdier gate, better locking ability, and an overall safer feeling of being within the walls of a secure castle complex. While not impenetrable, wrought iron is much more difficult to penetrate than a wooden fence, leading to greater safety and a reassured feeling that you need not worry when you go to sleep at night. With a wrought iron fence, you can guarantee both beauty and security that will leave you comfortable and content with your choice of materials.
Vinyl Flooring: Tips For The Handyman
Vinyl Flooring is made of various amounts of vinyl and these can either be solid or composite. The solid vinyl flooring is made up of vinyl pieces which are then set into a vinyl base while in the composite version the pieces are embedded into a non-vinyl filler. The most expensive type of vinyl flooring you can buy today is the solid version while often you can get composite discount vinyl flooring relatively easily.
The good quality vinyl flooring that you see produced by such companies as Armstrong Vinyl Flooring and Tarkett Vinyl Flooring have a protective top coat which is made with urethane. If you do not have a high budget then there are plenty of places where you can purchase discount vinyl flooring either online or through your local flooring supplier.
The great thing about vinyl flooring is that it is extremely resistant to being scratched or stained and so is ideal for such rooms in the house as the kitchen, bathroom or even a child's play room. But if it does not have a urethane covering then it is likely to lose the gloss and shine it had when it was first laid.
As well as being resilient and durable, the other advantage that this type of floor covering has over other kinds is that installing vinyl flooring is very easy and normally can be done in a matter of a few hours for each room.
If you wish your flooring to remain in the same condition as when you purchased it you should regularly clean it and apply a wax polish to it.
Every type of vinyl flooring now available including the latest innovation known as vinyl plank flooring comes with a cushion backing. The thickness of the backing that comes with your vinyl flooring will all be dependent on the type you buy. You will find that the much more expensive versions of this kind of flooring will have a much thicker backing than the discounted ones.
The benefit of having a vinyl flooring with a much thicker backing to it is that it is much more comfortable to walk on. However, it is more prone to dents if heavy objects are either dropped or placed on it without any protection.
When installing vinyl flooring you will notice that most come with an adhesive backing, and all you will need to do is peel off the backing that covers the adhesive and then stick it on to the floor. So if you are looking to lay new flooring in your home without all the hassles associated with laying other kinds of flooring such as laminate, real wood or tiles, vinyl is your best bet. However, before your begin laying any type of vinyl flooring you should ensure that the base flooring is completely clean and dry or else the adhesive will not affix to it properly.
Know Your Options When It Comes To Discount Home Improvement
There are always good money to be saves with a discount home improvement. Such discount enables you to build the asset value up in your home, but at only a fraction of the cost. The main discount home improvement store I would like to highlight here is the Habitat for Humanity discount home improvement store. We all know quite well the benefits of Habitat for Humanity. They help low income people to be able to have better homes, and this is an improvement for the quality of living for those in the low-income bracket.
Discount Home Improvement - More Information on the Habitat for Humanity Discount Home Improvement Center
We are currently in a home improvement boom stage right now. The Habitat for Humanity discount home improvement center hopes this will boost the nonprofit’s ability to improve their organization. This store and many others sell discounted home items to those who are looking for do discount home improvement options for their homes.
Discount home improvement is a great way to enhance your rental estate. If you can have them with discount prices, you are putting a minimal amount of an investment into the building and getting higher investment out of the estate. This is why the real estate business is booming. Buying the property, renting it and fixing it, ends up giving you the perfect opportunity to take equity out of the home itself.
Finding good discount home improvement centers like the Habitat for Humanity can easily be done via the online internet. When browsing the internet, you can find many discount home improvement websites out there. Make sure you do your research to get the best home discount prices. Some websites will say they are discount home improvement websites, but end up not being much of a discount in the end.
Purchasing fixtures and faucets, etc. can all enhance the value of your home, as the quality of your home can make you feel good while you live in it. If you are tight on cash flow, looking for discount home improvement centers is the way to go to save yourself some money. Besides, after you shop at your discount home improvement center, you can go out and buy yourself a big meal! I’d rather buy a steak than spend more money on the drywall.
Make sure you order your products correctly before you initially plan to start the project. It may take some time for everything to be processed and shipped out to you, unless you are lucky enough to have a discount store near where you stay. If you want your items to be there on time, then you have to make sure you factor this into your plan. Otherwise, have fun shopping and getting all your home improvement items at a discounted rate! Oh yes, and that steak too!
February 1, 2009
That Bedroom Set Is Cool Mom!
What is one of the toughest things for parents? Choosing bedroom sets that will make their kids happy. And if it’s for the teenagers, don’t ask! Well, with several large furniture players coming up with their unique kids special furniture collection, things have got a bit easier for parents.
Before you begin shopping for bedroom sets, keep in mind that your kids do not want the furniture just for sleeping. They want to make a style statement in front of their friends. Nothing makes a teenager happier than a compliment from his or her friend that says, “Your bedroom looks cool!” You got it, guys; put yourself in your kid’s shoes and you will find the perfect modern bedroom sets for them!
Bedroom Sets That Complements Your Kid’s Lifestyle
If your kid has a lot of friends hanging around in his or her room, then kids bedroom sets consisting of bunk beds will be just great. If your child is a restless soul, he or she can very well climb up and down the bunk beds ladder and have fun being “trained” like in the army. If your kid has heaps of items, why not try the affordable bedroom sets that contain beds with trundles? He or she will get sufficient space in the room, as her items can be stuffed inside the drawers and shelves.
There are also queen bedroom sets available in a variety of intriguing designs to make your little princess feel on top of the world! Then there are bedroom sets made of different materials such as wood, iron, brass, and even metal bedroom sets. You will be amazed to see the colossal variety in each aspect of the furniture, be it the color coordination, finishing touch, the design, curves, styles, and so on. Even the most hard-to-please teenager will be delighted!
Economical Investment
It is wise not to indulge in extravagant furniture shopping for kids’ bedroom sets, when you can get such a huge range of beds at affordable rates. Discount bedroom sets are topping the charts when it comes to kids’ furniture. This is because your kid may outgrow the piece of furniture and would want to have something different as she grows up. This holds particularly true for teenagers who are more influenced by the changing trends. Delicate designs are also a bad choice for kids bedroom sets. Children are not very particular in handling delicate furniture. The least you want is to have a broken swirl or whorl in the design or a scratched surface in the expensive furniture set.
The hip-hop young generation wants everything stylish, so, you can’t think of putting some boring plain-looking furniture to suffice the needs of your child. Because it is not just the needs, but also the style that matters. And youth bedroom sets are tailor-made to convert your kid’s room into his or her favorite hangout place.
Surprise your kids with some chic bedroom sets. They are going to admire you first!
Quality Wicker Patio Furniture From Mallin
If you’re in the market for a quality set of patio furniture you should check out Mallin products. They come in a wide range of styles and materials, from wicker to aluminum and wrought iron, and carry a fifteen year warranty.
If you are looking for quality patio and poolside furniture you should check out the ranges available from Mallin Patio Furniture. They are a reputable family business and have been trading for many years, specializing in outdoor furniture. If you cannot find their products range locally you can order them up through the internet. All their outdoor patio furniture is designed to be weather resistant but for additional peace of mind all Mallin branded furniture come with a reassuring fifteen year warranty.
Their various ranges are organized in such a way that makes it easy for you to find exactly what you are after. The patio range for instance is perfect for the deck or patio area and comes in many different styles. It is available in many different materials too, from wicker to aluminum and wrought iron. The various styles available include Cushion, Sling for a more reclining style and Strap for a relaxed summery feel. All the soft furnishings come in a wide variety of colors and prints, which gives you the opportunity to select something you really like and also change your décor easily when you feel like it.
You can even pretend you spending a lazy afternoon in a stylish Mediterranean café with a set of table and chairs from Mallin’s Café style. This style is truly versatile and allows you to get that sophisticated European feeling in your own backyard. It also gives you many different finish options. For instance you can pick a mosaic, stone, tiled or even marble effect table top so you have a set that truly reflects your personality and style. Mallin’s ranges of furniture come with matching accessories like sun umbrellas to provide some much needed shade on hot summer days.
Mallin also have a range that’s perfect for the poolside area. You can even get a bar and high chairs: with a few matching accessories and outdoor lighting from the same range you can create your own little corner of paradise. They even have outdoor shelving and serving carts so you can deck out your pool area in style.
They also carry a range of patio furniture that can be easily folded away for out of season storage. Like the rest of Mallin’s offering this range is very comprehensive and contains all the furniture pieces that you could possibly want, including rockers, loungers and beach chairs.
As Mallin also sell matching swings and planters the only thing you need to add to complete the effect is a paper umbrella in your cocktail!
How Do I Choose The Right Garage Heater?
Choosing the right permanent heater for your garage or small shop can be a daunting task, given the fact that there are so many options now available. So How do I choose just the right garage heater for my space? To help narrow down the choices, ask yourself the following questions.
1) Do I have a gas line available or easily accessible? What about adequate gas pressure?
2) If there is no gas, do I have 240V electrical power available or easily accessible?
3) What are the energy costs of gas versus electric in my area?
4) Do I want forced air or radiant?
5) Is my garage insulated?
6) What is the ceiling height?
7) Is there adequate clearance at the ceiling or on the wall to mount the heater?
8) What is my budget?
9) How big is my garage?
10) Will the heater I choose require installation by a heating professional or can I do it myself?
11) Will I set the thermostat to keep the garage comfortable 24/7 or will I use the heater for only short periods?
First, if no gas line available or there is no practical way to get gas to the garage space, your selection process just became a lot easier. That's because your only choice is an electric heater and there are only a few good options. There are several electric heater manufacturers to choose from including Chromalox, Qmark and Fostoria (TPI). These brands offer reliable forced air models suitable for residential and commercial heating. These eletcric space heaters are normally suspended from the ceiling or side wall with optional mounting brackets.
Most two or three car garages require between 25,000 and 35,000 BTU's. An electric heater with a rating of 10.0 KW is about right (Note: to convert watts into BTU's, multiply the total watts - in this case 10,000 watts, by 3.413). Remember, electric heaters draw a lot of amps and usally require a dedicated circuit from the electrical panel. Older, smaller homes sometimes have panels that are too small to expand and are unable to accomodate the power requirements of a high amp heater. Check with your electrician to help determine if your panel is adequate. A panel upgrade may be necessary.
In most areas of the united states, the cost of electricity is higher than the cost of gas. Even so, electric heaters do offer advantages. First, Electric heaters require no flue. If you are concerned about running a new flue through your roof or side wall, an electric heater suspended from the wall or ceiling may be the answer. Second, electric heaters are quieter than gas forced air heaters and produce little vibration. A common concern with forced air is that they are noisier and can transfer vibration through the structure of the house.
Gas forced air heaters do require 120V power, in addition to the gas line, yet the electrical draw is much, much less than with an all electric heater. What about energy consumption? Costs of gas verus electric varies all across North America. Your local utilities can help you figure out cost differences. That said, natural gas heaters have always been much cheaper to operate. Propane fired heaters can cost a bit more to run.
If a gas heater is what you're after, you have a bunch of options. Forced air heaters, or "unit" heaters, are very common. They heat up quickly and are generally more energy efficient than electric unit heaters (comparing BTU for BTU). Choose from brands such as Enerco, Modine and Reznor.
For gas radiant heat, Enerco and Superior Radiant are two excellent brands that offer residential approved gas infra-red radiant tube heaters. Unlike forced air heaters, radiant tube heaters offer the benefit of increased creature comfort, a lot less noise and higher energy efficiency. They are a bit more expensive initially, but they can pay themselves back in a very short time. For the budget minded, Enerco offers the HeatStar H25N (Nat. Gas) or H22L (LP Gas) vent free high intensity infra-red heater. This heater is designed to heat 550 sq. feet or more, depending on insulation. It comes with wall mounting bracket, thermostat and thermostat wire and operates on a millivolt control, so it requires no electricty. Just hang the heater, connect the thermostat, run the gas line and you're done. Total installation cost can be as little as $500.00. The H25N/H22L is one of the most popular garage heaters in North America.
Other options for heating the garage include wall mounted infra-red radiant and forced air heaters. For options, consider Rinnai, a manufacturer of residential vent free radiant heaters, forced air vent free heaters and vented wall heaters. While designed primarily for the dwelling space of the home, these heaters are excellent for garages, small shops, greenhouses, out butildings, cabins and more. When installed in garages, we recommend mounting them at least 2 feet off the floor, which should meet or exceed local codes in most areas of the U.S.
As for heater sizing, keep in mind that it can cost 80 to 90 percent more to heat an uninsulated garage compared to one that is well insulated. If you intend on maintaing a comfortable termperature inside the garage during the cold months, insulating is a must. Some homeowners may simply want to take the chill off when tooling around for short periods of time near a workbench or other spat within the garage. In such cases, insulation is not as critical. If insulation is poor, we recommend choosing a heater that is not forced air. In other words, choose an infra-red radiant heater, which produces no drafts and standing beneath it feels just like standing in the sun.
Whatever you do, DO NOT skiimp on safety. The above mentioned heaters are designed to mount safely from the ceiling or high up on the wall. Many homeowners choose to use portable propane or kerosene heaters located at the floor level to heat their garages. These heaters are unsafe around children and pets. In addition, gasoline and other flammables stored at ground level could be easily ignited in the presence of a spill. Spending a few dollars more for a permanent heater that is high and out of reach is worth that extra cost. Always use a residential garage approved heating appliance, especially for attached garages. Check local codes and use a qualified licensed heating professional for installation. Doing it the right way will add value to your home and give you peace of mind.
Decorative Wrought Iron Curtain Rods
When it’s time for a change, add the finishing touch to your room with wrought iron curtain rods. You’ve painted the walls, purchased new furniture and curtains, but the room needs something more. Complete your look with decorative wrought iron curtain rods. The Curtain Rod Store offers a wide selection of rods to suit everyone’s taste.
The wrought iron curtain rods are durable, adjustable and easy to mount. All of our curtain rods come complete with hardware. To compliment your draperies we even have matching holdbacks available. Wrought iron curtain rods come in various lengths. They can accommodate windows from 28” to 120” wide and have several finishes to choose from. Antique Brass, Nickel, Black, and Antique White finishes, along with decorative finials allow you to enhance the décor in any room. If you desire more privacy, add a roller shade or the easy mountable MagneBlind.
We are the leader in all types of curtain rods and shades and are proud of the high quality designs available at the Curtain Rod Store. We have been providing beautiful decorative wrought iron curtain rods and accessories for over 15 years. We cut out the middle man and ship directly to you, our valued customer. Our inventory of wrought iron curtain rods allows us to ship your order quickly. As part of our service, we offer free shipping for any order over $150. Although we strive for complete customer satisfaction, we do have a returns policy. We will cheerfully give a full refund within 10 days of your receipt of our product in the event of your dissatisfaction. All return details may be viewed on our website.
At the Curtain Rod Store, we not only carry wrought iron curtain rods, but MiracleRods, MagneBlinds, roller shades, MagneRods, sheers and scarfs and a variety of accessories. Our accessory line includes the MagneHook, adjustable brackets, holdback sets and hooks, curtain rings and an assortment of other items. Our website features a special section on how to measure for the correct size rod and tips for drapery measurements. Click on the “What Sizes Do I Need?” link on the bottom of our pages to learn more. While shopping on our site, don’t forget to check out the special offers listed on our home page. We look forward to filling your wrought iron curtain rod needs and to adding you to our list of satisfied customers! Contact us today at 1-866-668-6657.
Hardwood Flooring: Ancient Yet Modern
Although for most of its history human beings have lived in dwellings with dirt floors, wooden flooring has existed for many centuries. In the past, before modern appliances and electricity, wood floors were handmade, it being a very labor-intensive activity. Today, modern technology has made it possible for even the homeowner of modest means to enjoy the benefits of a hardwood floor.
Why Choose A Hardwood Floor?
With so many other choices available in flooring materials (most of them synthetic), why are many people choosing to install a hardwood floor?
One reason is their durability. Unlike cheap, synthetic materials that crack and crumble over time, natural hardwood floors stand the test of time. They are also very durable - they can be used in the kitchen, the family room, bedrooms, even high-traffic areas like hallways and stairways.
Where many people are ill-informed today is in thinking that hardwood floors are expensive. Although the initial investment can be significant, hardwood floors actually increase in value as your home increases in value. Properly cared for, hardwood floors can dramatically increase the value of your home!
What Types of Wood Floors Exist?
There are two main types of hardwood floors -- the solid floor, which is manufactured from a solid block of wood, and the engineered hardwood floor, which is essentially a layered wood product that has a veneer layer on the very top.
Hardwood flooring products today can be purchased in strip form, planks (like a strip, except longer), and parquet (where the wood is arranged into a design that is pleasing to the eye).
For your convenience, modern hardwood flooring products are available prefinished, which eliminates the need to sand and apply finish to the wood after installation (a great convenience for the DIY enthusiast), or they can be purchased unfinished, in which case the wood will be sanded and finished by professionals after installation in the home.
How Does Foot Traffic Affect The Choice of Hardwood Floors?
You should carefully consider the amount of foot traffic received by the area that you intend to lay floor in. In general, darker wood colors will show the wear due to foot traffic quicker than the lighter colors. In addition, high-traffic areas will need some additional maintenance about once a year - including a light sanding and application of additional coats of finish.
It is also true that a hardwood floor with a high-gloss finish will show traffic wear more quickly than hardwood floors with lower-gloss finishes. Rugs and mats are always a good choice to help protect these areas - particularly at the entrances of doors and hallways.
Some woods - notably hickory, oak and maple - with a higher density will take wear and traffic better than woods like pine that are less dense. Again, the denser woods may be more expensive, so consider your needs carefully.
