The Art of Power Washing Decks
August 31, 2008
Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started banning the use of pressure treated wood due to chromated copper arsenate (CCA), most people have decided to seal their wood decks as the EPA suggests to prevent the arsenic from leaching into the soil. Most homeowners use local companies to pressure wash their decks and siding to save valuable time and the expense of rental equipment and some prefer to do the job themselves on a hot summer day. If you decide to hire a contractor to perform the work for you, there are a lot of important questions you need to ask before you should allow them to work on your home. First, make sure the company your hiring has the experience and the right equipment to perform the job properly, using more than 1,000 PSI or less than 4gpm can cause damage to wood. In Maryland, your also required to have a Maryland Home Improvement License (MHIC) for sealing decks or any repairs and it must be listed in all advertising and vehicles.
Kitchen Design ? No Need to Do It Alone
August 30, 2008
You can’t opt out of the process altogether, though, because you need to decide what equipment you want in the kitchen, the type of units, fitted or freestanding, the flooring, lighting ? the list goes on.
The size and shape of your kitchen will, to some extent, dictate the equipment you have and where you put it. Remember not to overfill small kitchens ? these should have a simple, uncluttered look unless you want permanent claustrophobia.
First decide where to site your sink, drainer and dishwasher ? remembering to retain the position of existing service points if possible, since re-wiring and re-plumbing can cut a swathe through your budget. Bear in mind, though, that track lighting above the worksurfaces is a real boon ? alterations to existing wiring to incorporate this shouldn’t break the bank.
Remember, too, the ‘magic triangle’ of sink, cooker and fridge. Some (male) designers pour scorn on this formula but these three pieces of equipemnt should always be kept close together for maximum efficiency, with your food preparation area nearby.
If your kitchen is large enough to dine in, work out where to site the table or breakfast bar and stools/chairs.
Storm Warnings For Ponds
August 29, 2008
California has earthquakes; we in the south and east coast have hurricanes. One thing we all share is power outages. Ours are usually caused by storms. Most power outages last only a few hours and only happen a few times a year. A hurricane is always a threat that hopefully will never happen or have only a minimal consequence. Flooding may be more common then a power interruption and both can happen at the same time.
A well built well thought out well designed pond will survive a big storm with a long power outage, lots of rain and flooding. This pond also will be less worrisome during the numerous smaller but strong storms. The most obvious and the most popular is the garden pond. It has few fish so it does not need extra filter or aeration. There is enough surface area for oxygen levels to be sufficient. The surfaces of the pond and plants handle the filtration. A koi pond should be able to stand-alone for hours without danger of quick suffocation or toxic waste build up. The key is in the number of fish. Conditions in an over stocked over fed pond will quickly deteriorate. A lesser or under stocked pond will always be healthier, have less maintenance, and survive periods of no power.
The Simplicity of Gel Fireplaces
August 28, 2008
Nothing makes your home more welcoming than the warmth and crackle of a fireplace. There is a wide offering selection of Gel fireplaces that will match your needs in size, style and finish. With a Gel fireplace, you can now have the warmth; beauty and convenience of a fireplace in locations where you never thought possible Gel Fireplaces do not require a chimney or expensive gas or electrical hookups!
Gel Fireplaces burn an all-natural, jelled alcohol that is 100% efficient and ecologically sound. Each can burns for two to three hours and can be reused until empty. They are safe and completely smokeless and even provide the romance of the traditional sound of the "pop and crackle" found in a wood fire… without the mess. Each can of jel produce up to 3,000 BTU’s an hour and one may burn up to 3 cans at a time. Since there is no chimney heat stays in the room though these are primarily decorative and not designed as a primary heating source. They will certainly help keep the chill out on a cold day. Cost of a can of fuel is approximately $.80 per hour, most people burn 2-3 cans for a wider flame. Fuel can be shut down and saved for another time by replacing the can lid.
Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2
August 27, 2008
This week we are going to continue our series on single pane window glass repair. Let’s talk about broken glass in a fixed window, usually referred to as a picture window. The most common type will have metal stops on the outside, around all four edges of the window glass. Sometimes these stops will be held in place with screws, and other times there will be aluminum stops that snap in place. In some rare instances there will be a rubber material in place of metal. If you have the screw type, you remove all of the screws and each piece will come out. If you have the metal snap in stops, carefully pry the stop from the frame using a small, flat screwdriver or a putty knife. You want to start in a corner and work along the stop until it comes out. Don’t pry too much because the stops can bend very easily. If you have the rubber type, pry a corner away using the screwdriver, grab it with your fingers, and pull out the rubber. The glass shouldn’t fall out because there is a glue or tape on the edge, holding the glass in place.
Top Tips When Planning a Conservatory or Sunroom
August 27, 2008
General advice.
Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don’t expect to get all mod cons if you’re only prepared to pay for the cheapest design.
Try to meet the builders who will be doing the work ? it’s crucial that you can get on with them.
Check whether you’ll need planning permission ? don’t rely on the conservatory supplier to take care of that for you.
Be friendly and cooperative towards the constructors ? you’ll have more chance of getting the job done well.
If possible, view some installations done by your proposed supplier. Talk to their customers about how the builders went about their work, whether there were any major delays etc.
Always have a small contingency as there may be unexpected and unpleasant surprises once the construction starts, for which money will need to be available.
Buy the best conservatory you can afford. Gather as much information as possible on glazing options and construction materials so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Let your neighbours know about your plans so that they won’t be offended by your conservatory ? either through jealousy or loss of light in their garden.
What to Feed Your Fish During Colder Winter Months
August 26, 2008
With air and water temperatures dropping in most parts of the country, now is the time to greatly reduce the amount of food you are feeding your fish.
When your water temperature starts falling below 65 degrees, you should consider switching your fish food to a more digestible wheat germ food.
At lower temperatures, the good bacteria in your fish’s digestive tract become less active, and have harder time digesting their normal high-protein diet.
In colder water temperatures, below say 50 - 55 degrees, then you should stop feeding your fish altogether.
Even though they may eat, and seem hungry, you can actually harm them by feeding them their regular diet.
In some cases, undigested food can cause health problems in fish and trouble with their digestive tract.
So don’t feel bad that they are going hungry! Pond fish and KOI can be like little underwater pigs with fins - they will continue to eat because they dont know any better…
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Planning Your Replacement Windows Installation
August 25, 2008
Windows are the eyes of a home. From inside, you see the outside world through them. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. For a home, you can gain a sense of its character by examining its windows.
Windows are the primary source of natural light for a room, but they are so much more. They give a home beauty and personality. The decision to replace them is an important one. Replacements can affect the feel of the home for inhabitants and provide the opportunity for significant energy savings. They can dramatically change the value of the property when it comes time to sell the home.
Types of replacement windows
There are many types of replacement windows to fit the varied styles of home architecture. Some of the more popular styles include the following.
Casements have one or two panes. They are hinged on one side and open by rotating a crank. Casement windows generally open only 15 ? 30 degrees, enough to let in light, but little else.
Sliders are generally two offset sashes, one which will slide behind the other, much like a sliding glass door.
Laminate Flooring Advantages
August 24, 2008
Durability
Because it’s designed with a tough and durable wear layer, laminate flooring is much stronger than most installed solid hardwood flooring, carpets and vinyls, it’s more resistant to scratches than softer surfaces (solid hardwood floors for eg.) and is one of the best choices for households with heavy foot traffic, kids, or pets. But, best of all, laminates will look like new for years.
Resistance
Laminates are highly resistant to stains, fading and moisture and many laminate flooring manufacturers offer warranty protection against them for a long period of time (usually from 10 to 25 years).
Ease of installation
The top brands of laminate flooring have developed a glueless floating floor installation process. They just need to be cut, clicked together and are ready for walking or even placing heavy things, like furniture, on them. Most professional installers could do it in a couple of days, but expect to take longer if you want to do it yourself.
Easy cleaning and maintenance
To clean up spills and messes, just use a little soap and water and your laminate floors will look brand new.
Healthy flooring
Your Shower Door Can Have A Huge Impact On The Look And Feel Of Your Bathroom!
August 23, 2008
These days shower doors come in a wide variety of styles and designs. It’s worth putting some thought into finding one that both suits your needs and looks great. Installing a shower stall enclosure can bring your bathroom bang up to date in terms of style and functionality. But careful consideration is important when choosing which type of shower door would work best in your particular bathroom. As well as choosing a door that looks sleek and modern, the size and layout of your bathroom must be taken into account.
Sliding shower doors are the most common type. They take up the least amount of room, and can be fitted above a bathtub where space is at a premium. Because they glide open and shut, bypass sliding doors need tracks to operate. One downside of this design is that dirt and oil can accumulate in the tracks, which can be difficult to keep clean. Another disadvantage is that because of the nature of their design, sliding doors overlap, again causing potential cleaning issues.
