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Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category

Styrofoam molding
Styrofoam crown molding will be the best way to bring the look of real wood trim into your home without breaking your bank account. Styrofoam crown molding appears so much like real wood no one will be able to tell the difference, and because it is lightweight, it’s easy to put up without the need for a new set of tools. Styrofoam molding ordinarily uses peel-and-stick adherents for a smooth installation, and homeowners find that a few common household objects are all that is required for the job. When you install Styrofoam molding, first count the number of corners you will be working on, then measure wall lengths precisely. Once your job with the tape measure is done, start attaching the outside and inside corner molding, and then set up the remaining wall pieces. Everything in the instruction manual is essential to follow precisely, and pay special attention to how the adhesive dries to be sure the molding remains straight. There is a wide variety of styles of Styrofoam molding in the marketplace and they all call for latex paint since oil-based paints can melt Styrofoam. Once you have attached the Styrofoam crown molding and adequately painted it you will witness the difference it makes in the beauty and elegance of your home.

Crown molding
For a decorative accent that speaks of elegance and grace, install crown molding, where the ceiling intersects with your walls. Faux crown molding comes in a full range of designs and styles and you are certain to get something to fit your decor. Genuine wood crown molding is a more costly way to go, while foam moldings are less pricey and still look like real wood. Moldings made of foam are lightweight and a snap to install but genuine wood is heavier and requires a lot more skill, time and money. Foam crown molding usually comes with a peel-n-stick adhesive for an easy install job, while genuine wood molding requires nails and three hands or more most of the time. It is easy to match the texture of your walls and ceiling with your faux crown molding but make sure you paint your molding only with latex paint. You won’t be concerned about moisture rot or termites and other pests if you use faux wood molding in your home.

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Bathroom renovation and upgrade
Once you think about the amount of time is spent in your bathroom it makes sense to ensure it is a comfortable area. You can set up the ideal location for putting on makeup and taking a comfortable soak in the tub by redecorating this room. Whenever planning to complete a bathroom maintenance or renovation project it will be essential to determine which items you want to work on and what you can spend. A feature you have to make sure to include in the plan is enough storage space for extra towels, accessories like hair dryers, and toiletries. While planning your project it is worthwhile to consider the need for lights in the different parts of the room. Bathroom lighting plans should consider all the essential tasks which happen there as well as the ambiance you want to create. One of the newest trends in bathroom remodeling is utilizing eco-friendly “green” products such as cork flooring, low-flow toilets and water saving showerheads. Any radical home upgrading project may be a big inconvenience, however it makes it easier if you keep in mind the end result of a well planned room that you can appreciate for many years.

Upgrade your ceilings with tin tiles
Direct from the 19th century tin ceiling tiles are making a comeback since they look great and are simple for most homeowners to put in. Ceiling tiles made from tin replaced fancy plaster work back in the day because they were cheaper, easier to install, and created complex designs similar to plaster. Tin tiles were later made obsolete by the appearance of wallboard and the evolution of more down-to-earth tastes in home decor, however since those old tiles have stayed in such beautiful shape over the years they are back in demand. The surge of new interest in these ceiling tiles goes from the homeowner who wants a more traditional feel to the building contractors who want to take advantage of the hot retro trends. The reappearance of these tiles has caught the eye of a lot of home designers, giving them added options for uncomplicated, economical and pleasing home decor designs. The traditional shapes normally used a couple of hundred years ago have returned, but new custom designs are also popular with architects and homeowners. Even though the initial tin tiles were painted to look like the fancy plaster they were made to supplant, the original appearance of tin, copper and silver is gaining a good deal of popularity. Tin ceiling tiles are offered in a wider range of quality designs, either finished or unfinished, however it is advisable that you obtain the best grade of metal which you can afford.

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Heating with electric radiant floors
Instead of keeping a furnace on constantly, more and more folks are enjoying the advantages of radiant heating. Radiant heat warms objects in a room rather than heating the air around the objects, and heated floors provide an even distribution of energy in the room even if the air temperature is lower. You might realize a reduction in heating expenses by as much as a third thanks to the consistent room temperature and improved retention of heat. There are a lot fewer replacement parts required for this heating system such as filters and valves. Conventional heating systems bring pollens and dust in from the outside, and with floor vents a lot of dust gets blown around. This system is quiet since you never have fans buzzing or radiators rattling as is the case with traditional heating systems. The material you use for flooring is critical, and you should choose either porcelain, ceramics or stone, but avoid hardwoods that expand and contract.

Radiant heating
Nowadays, radiant heat can be the most cost-effective, dependable, environmentally friendly, and comfortable method for heating your home, and systems utilizing infrared energy are increasingly popular. Radiant heat involves a series of wires, or a series of panels and pipes, bringing heat straight to the walls, ceilings and floors of the house, which in turn heat the surrounding objects prior to heating the air. These systems are in direct contrast to conventional forced-air heating systems which consist of hot air being blown into an area where it settles toward the ceiling while the floor stays cold. There are two major radiant heat technologies: electric radiant systems which employ a series of wires, and liquid radiant heat systems that push hot oil or water through an array of pipes. Usually known as hydronic heating systems, hot liquid radiant systems are constructed using a network of tubes laid out over cement slabs, or can be sandwiched in between sheets of plywood. Today, hot air based heating systems are obsolete (the Romans had them) and rarely used because air in itself cannot store large amounts of heat.

Radiant heating
Hot water radiators in the 1940′s saw the first mass utilization of hydronic radiant heating technology, while hydronic radiant cooling technology has lagged behind until recently. Hydronic radiant heat uses steam or hot water to heat a surface which then warms the objects or individuals in the surrounding area or room, rather than merely heating the air around an object, which is what occurs with conventional heating systems. When a surface is cooled in a radiant cooling system, that surface takes in the heat from the surrounding area, particularly the body heat produced by the people in the room. Hydronic radiation works identically for both cooling and heating, with hot or cold water running through an array of pipes installed in the walls, floor, or ceiling. Since heat always rises, the most effective placement of radiant heating is the floor, and the recommended place for radiant cooling is above the ceiling where heat is absorbed more readily. Hydronic radiant cooling systems call for more elaborate installation because you are required to deal with ventilation issues, handle humidity, and allow fresh air to enter the room. Radiant systems are more energy efficient than conventional systems which blow cold or hot air through ductwork to cool or heat a room, a process that results in much dispersion and energy loss. Don’t think twice about calling in a heating professional for installation of a hydronic radiant system, as the job is usually too difficult for the typical do-it-yourselfer.

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Energy efficient space heaters
If you only want to increase the temperature in a specific room, or area of a room, the most energy-effective way is to use a space heater. In order to determine the right size to fulfill your needs check out the guidelines offered by the manufacturers. You need to prevent a case where the heater stays on after it’s accidentally knocked over, so buy one with an automatic safety switch that turns it off. The cord needs have sufficient length so you won’t need to rely on an inappropriate extension cord. Some models are hot to the touch which is an important issue when you have small kids or pets, in which case a “cool touch” model is recommended. For optimum safety turn the heater off before you go to sleep, even though an electric model with a switch for automatic shut off isn’t a big risk. Portability and convenience are major advantages since you can heat a particular area without heating the whole house.

Propane patio heaters
Propane patio heaters are an excellent way to extend the warmer season so you can make use of your patio, garden or deck. Often folks are unsure about the hazards involved with new equipment, especially when they need to use of gas for fuel. As with a lot of the conveniences we have in our lives, they are safe and easy to use as long as you heed several simple instructions. The majority of heaters should be attached directly to the type of gas cylinder that you have to power your gas barbecue. As long as you are operating a tank that is kept free from dents and rust and not damaged there should be no difficulties. Always make sure that the tank is properly attached as bad connections can cause gas leaks which can be hazardous near an open flame. These heaters are made to be used outdoors and do not provide ventilation of the gases produced by combustion, and so they are unsafe to use indoors.

Space heaters
If you must warm a smaller room or living space, propane space heaters are the way to go as long as you know how, when and where to use them correctly to avoid accidents. Propane heaters work great, however you must become familiar with how to operate them, so always refer to the owner’s manual and check out any possible limitations on their use. Propane heaters are available in two basic types: radiant heaters, which warm the items in a room before it heats the air, and circulation heaters, which warm the air beforehand and then blow it into the room. In order to shield children and pets from burning themselves it might be more advisable to mount the heater on the wall, and a lot of heaters have safety features that automatically shut down the heater when the room temperature reaches a certain point. The capacity of the heater always needs to match the dimensions of the room, otherwise the room might overheat if the heater is too big, or have cold spots when the heater is too small. One frequent error individuals make is having an outdoor heater in a room, since this creates a carbon monoxide hazard that must be avoided at all costs. Bear in mind that safety is the number one concern, not comfort, therefore don’t fall asleep with the heater left on, and definitely don’t put flammable liquids anywhere near it. Lastly, do not buy a used heater or acquire an old one from your grandpa since safety codes are constantly changing and it is wise to get a brand-new heater to guarantee that all safety requirements will be fulfilled.

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Wall and attic insulation
Nowadays, the most popular form of insulation used in housing construction is fiberglass rolls, which are usually available in widths which fit snugly in the spaces between wall studs and between joists. The large, pink rolls of fiberglass insulation have become a familiar sight. Blow-in insulation is best for spaces where accessibility is too difficult, such as eaves and tight crawl spaces. Using this type of insulation, little bits of fiber are actually forced into the space by means of specialized machines. To help prevent settling, which will diminish the insulation’s effectiveness, a lot of the blow-in products are coated with a type of glue that holds all of the fiber pieces in place. The biggest possible problem with blow-in fiberglass is the mess. When you rile up the stuff, it might wind up everywhere, for instance on the furniture and in your hair and down your back. Therefore, if you are thinking of turning your attic into a storage space, it might be best to install the pink rolls and then cover the joists with plywood. This will have the additional benefit of providing even more insulation for your home. You might also place plywood on top of the blow-in stuff, but installing the rolls is just so much easier, less time consuming, and more economical.

Foam insulation is more effective than fiberglass
Insulating your house is an essential course of action nowadays because of higher energy costs along with the need to protect our resources as much as possible. Saving money and blocking out dust, dirt and insects is the reason using spray foam insulation is the best deal, and as an extra reward with the cost savings, foam can ultimately pay for itself. Dust isn’t merely an annoying mess but also carries allergens, and along with insects will come into a house by way of little cracks around pipes, cables, beams, wall studs, door and window frames. Outside noise is also reduced, although most sound comes through the windows and is most effectively stopped by adding double or triple-pane glass, or better yet, soundproof windows.

The most common styles of insulation are cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool and foam (like polyurethane and polystyrene). Fiberglass has the benefits of being relatively inexpensive and much easier to install, however there are other benefits to employing spray foam insulation instead. One of the greatest benefits of foam insulation is the ability to close up tiny holes and gaps which may be imperceptible to the naked eye, something which can not be said of either fiberglass or cellulose insulation. This will help prevent dust and bugs from entering the building. The total seal created with foam almost eliminates almost all air infiltration into or out of a house.

Another terrific advantage of foam insulation is its higher R-value, which is the measurement utilized to categorize insulation, and the higher the R-value the more effective the product. The R-value is the rating which shows how successfully insulation stops heat transfer from the inside to the outside of the home. It helps prevent air flow because residences which are inadequately insulated are apt to be drafty and have cold and hot areas. You can get a more reliable temperature in most climate conditions with foam insulation that removes these drafts. Keep in mind that good insulation will also help keep your home cooler in the summer time as well as warmer in the winter due to a reduced amount of air movement out or in.

To give you an idea of certain common R-values, unpainted cement generally rates roughly an R-1 whereas the insulation in the attic of a lot of newer residences is often about R-44. Despite the fact that thicker insulation normally has a higher R-value, this can vary based on the type of material utilized. Materials which contain enclosed air pockets ordinarily exhibit higher R-values. You will understand how this works when checking out the various R-values of several insulating materials. Fiberglass has an R-value per inch of 2.2 to 2.7, rock wool is 3.0 to 3.3 per inch, while cellulose is 3.2 to 3.8 per inch. Foam, on the other hand, has R values that go from 4.0 to 8.0. This additional R-value per inch allows contractors to use 2x4s for the outer walls instead of the usual 2×6 construction which is required for different insulation products. Utilizing this smaller framing has the advantage of providing the owner extra living space, as much as 35 sq.ft. within a 1,500 sq.ft. home. This is comparable to realizing an extra linen closet! Additional benefits of foam insulation include the fact that it’s fire and insect repellent, helps to control condensation of moisture, and it won’t contract or fall.

However the chief advantage is reducing energy expenses because as much as 70% of your home’s consumption is the result of air conditioners and heaters, so it is smart to prevent air gaps. Fiberglass insulation, which can be very helpful for certain areas, permits openings around vents, pipes, window frames and door jambs. Foam insulation blocks these openings and makes a more effective seal throughout your home than fiberglass could. The final result is foam insulation will help to save you money on your energy costs while contributing to the value of your house.

How does foam insulation work? Polyurethane foam, which has been utilized by appliance makers for many years to insulate water heaters, refrigerators and freezers, is the stuff used for spray-on insulation. The expanding foam is sprayed on the surface of the attic or inside the walls to make an continuous solid mass of insulation. This foam is created with liquid polyurethane, which is applied utilizing special equipment.

However, as with most complicated products, there are drawbacks to utilizing foam. One of the major disadvantages of foam insulation is that it should be installed by a specialized contractor. This is absolutely not a job for an amateur. Foam insulation functions best during new construction projects since it will be very messy to apply. There can also be problems while dealing with plumbing or electrical companies that usually are not used to working around the stuff if it has already been installed.

Foil type radiant barrier insulation
To remain cool in the summer yet warm in the winter, put in radiant barrier insulation in the attic, and save money on your energy bills. Because the sun heats your roof in the summer months and that heat radiates into your attic, you have two ways to handle this heat: employ conventional insulation, or use radiant barrier insulation. Traditional insulation absorbs some of the attic heat, but a great deal of it goes into the living spaces below. The reflective side of the radiant barrier reflects 97% of the heat back towards the roof, so you can avoid turning on the air conditioner. During the winter months the heat inside your home rises to the attic, where the radiant barrier will save on your home heating bills by blocking the heat from escaping. An aluminum covering (very thin) is applied to one or two sides of a backing material, normally cardboard, plastic, kraft paper or plywood sheathing. What is available at many outlets is radiant barrier insulation which has been fiber reinforced for long life and ease of installation. Don’t cut corners with bubble insulation, as temperature fluctuations invariably create a situation where the bubbles lose their air and the metal plates surrounding the bubbles will eventually touch.

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Best Home Dehumidifier
Scientific studies show that home dehumidifiers can be a great means to help prevent sinus infections and relieve problems caused by asthma by lowering humidity levels in the air. This is how they work: fans inside the home dehumidifiers blow room temperature air onto cold metal coils, resulting in condensation. Water produced by the condensation drips into an enclosed bucket, then the cold air blows through a set of warm coils and the room is returned to room temperature.

Humid air tends to create mold and mildew inside a home, which could pose dangerous health risks if not addressed. Experts say relative humidity needs to be maintained at between thirty and fifty percent. Home dehumidifiers have been known to soothe irritated sinuses and reduce complications arising from asthma by reducing the number of dust mites, which are very small insects living in the bedding and rugs of all homes, according to the National Institute of Health. Whenever you are in the market for a product that produces clear results, home dehumidifiers are an excellent addition to any living room, bedroom, office or even basement.

Electric hot water heaters
One of life’s more annoying experiences is a good hot shower abruptly turning into a freezing cold one. If this is a consistent situation you could be cursed with a faulty water heater, or the tank isn’t big enough for your household’s needs, or someone is depleting a lot of hot water with bad habits. Where there is a defective water tank the hot water usually runs out rapidly on a regular basis and you should call in a professional to inspect it. In order to calculate how large your tank needs to be consider how many folks are in your household, how frequently the hot cycle on the washing machine is used, and the number of bathrooms that are in use. Even though having a tank that is too small can be irritating, if the tank is too large for your needs you are wasting money on electric bills by maintaining a constant temperature. Another plan is to take shorter showers and use the cold cycle of your washing machine more often.

Attic fans that run on sunlight
Solar attic fans are the most useful approach to create air circulation into a hot, stuffy attic. These fans circulate the hot air in order to vent the attic effectively and will be quite reliable despite the harshest weather conditions. Why pay good money for an energy sucking conventional electric fan when sunshine is free and all you have to spend money on is the solar fan itself? Just like the old-fashioned electric fans, solar fans can be controlled by a thermostat, so there will be no concerns about turning it on or off. Be sure to only buy fans constructed of metal, which will not degrade in the heat of summer like plastic fans are prone to do. Solar fans utilize photovoltaic cells which resemble little black squares spread out on a panel, and are increasing in popularity as are other sorts of solar technology. Because solar fans have no emissions they are gentle to the environment, plus they will be simple to install, a boon to your comfort level, and easy on your pocketbook.

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Nothing beats a stainless steel kitchen sink
The kitchen sink is an important part of modern living, the place where food is handled, and hands and utensils are washed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and that stainless steel sink will give decades of durable, sturdy service with almost no rust problems. Your initial consideration is the size of your sink space, because you either have a conventional sized space or you will require a custom-made sink. Stainless steel kitchen sinks are made in a extensive range of styles and colors to suit any existing or planned kitchen interior decoration scheme. Other issues you need to answer are how many people reside in the house, how often do you entertain large parties, how many people typically work in the kitchen simultaneously, and do you do you prepare food using bigger pots and pans. Although stainless steel sinks have been used since the early 20th century, it wasn’t until after World War 2 that steel sinks became widespread and began to supplant those cast iron sinks covered with porcelain. Soap residue and scratches are typical, preventable damages which require day-to-day maintenance to keep your sinks looking shiny and new. To remove soap scum residue and grit clean your steel sinks with warm water before giving them a careful drying, and in the case of scratches rub them away with a fine Scotch Rite pad.

Renovating your kitchen on a budget?
Discount sinks are plentiful on the market, but you will want to have a firm grasp of the features and appearance you want, and how your new sink will match with with your countertops, dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator. Any ambitious kitchen remodeling job is best started with a inventory of all the items and features you want in the new kitchen, and then decide on a budget for everything. You will be able to find the right sink with enough homework because discount sinks are always on the market in a wide array of models and styles to fit in with your interior design plan and budget. Before you start hunting for economical kitchen sinks, you are advised to pick out exactly what style and model of sink you want, perhaps looking at trade shows, in interior decoration magazines, and on-line, of course. Lots and lots of discount kitchen sinks will fit both old-fashioned and contemporary interior designs, and you will find a wide choice of colors, tones, and materials like marble, copper, granite, or stainless steel. How your new sink functions in the kitchen is obviously a major factor in your selection, and you need to know whether to buy a single or double basin sink, and also if you want a garbage disposal to go with it. As soon as you have a thorough idea of what your dream kitchen needs to look like, you are fully prepared to go out and make it happen. Once the big fixtures are decided upon, you can finish your kitchen remodel by picking out the faucets for your sink, and perhaps a spice rack, pot rack, or towel bar to hang on the wall.

Hot water heaters for commercial buildings
To avoid purchasing an unsuitable commercial water heater, it is a good idea to do some homework before you buy. The first factor you want to think about is the type of fuel that you will use to operate it. The three main options you will face when it comes to fuel are gas, electricity and oil, with gas being the one that tends to fluctuate in cost the most. You might need to first determine the proper size of the heater for what you require. Because the demand for hot water will normally fluctuate greatly in most buildings you want to be sure your unit can accommodate peak needs. Businesses such as hotels, where water use can fluctuate dramatically based on the number of guests, will need to pay close attention to this. When comparing heaters be sure to take a look at their energy ratings to have a good idea of which models will help you conserve energy and save money.

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Concrete molds
Look at any home these days and it will be extremely probable that you will see something constructed using concrete molds. Yard decorations, house ornaments, walkways and countertops are some of the various objects that can be made from concrete molds. Building them could be a do-it-yourself job if a few straightforward methods are adhered to.

If mixing cement for molds, determine if a cement mixer is best for the job or if you can get by with mixing the cement by hand in a wheelbarrow, which is frequently suitable for small projects. Make sure every time you use only the correct amount of cement required, plus use cement capable of withstanding pressure up to 5,000 lbs per sq. inch. Next, mix the cement and test it for the appropriate thickness, which should be about the consistency of oatmeal. To obtain the best texture, simply add water until the mix no longer has lumps. Pour the mixed concrete into the mold and let it dry for 24 hours before taking it out of the mold.

Repairing concrete
Any conjunction of severe weather and regular wear and tear could cause damage to concrete structures over the course of several years. The water content in concrete will eventually dry out, creating minor gaps in it that can grow bigger if the material weakens significantly. Some of the concrete structures vulnerable to stress from heavy use and hard weather are bridges, highways, sidewalks, driveways, and the backyard patios of dynamic families. Concrete damage will only get worse if it isn’t treated soon after it develops and it will have to be replaced entirely if you aren’t careful. With a private home it is important to address the first indication of cracks in concrete by applying a sealing agent or concrete patch. It isn’t outside anyone’s capability to perform this project, as all that is required is to go down to to a home improvement store for the right tools and equipment. Bigger jobs, however, need to be dealt with by a professional contractor, whether it is serious cracks in a home’s foundation or the surface of a sidewalk.

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