Approximately 7% of residential house fires are associated with electric and propane space heaters according to the CDC and the Consumer Products Safety commission.
The overwhelming majority of space heater accidents are the result of improper use, failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, or incomplete knowledge of basic space heater safety.
The following safety tips are a medley of conventional wisdom, reader ideas, and some of my own.
1. Make sure the space heater is UL (Underwriter's Laboratory) listed.
2. Only purchase newer model heaters that have all of the current safety features like overheat protection and a tip-over switch.
3. Locate the space heater on a level surface away from foot traffic.
4. Keep at least 3 feet away from combustible items such as drapes and furniture. This is the number one cause of space heater fires.
5. Don't use the space heater as a dryer for clothing, wet towels,etc.
6. If you have little ones running around put the space heater into one of those scissor-like kiddie corrals so the kids can't get at it or buy a space heater capable of wall mounting. A number of micathermic heaters can be mounted on the wall but some models have been known to pose safety hazards; take care to read the reviews.
7. Although some space heaters are sold as waterproof I don't recommend their use in bathrooms. However, if you need to warm up the bathroom you can still plug the space heater in a few minutes before you plan on bathing and then remove it.
8. Personally, I would never use one of those skinny brown Christmas tree type extension cords for a space heater. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet or better yet, use a power strip between the space heater and outlet.
Most electric space heaters draw 12.5 amps on a typical 15 amp household circuit so you don't have much spare capacity for additional appliances.
9. Using a power strip will protect both the space heater and your home's wiring from power surges and overloaded circuits. Many new space heaters, much like TV's and cell phone chargers, are still on even when not in use. The use of a power strip will enable you to shut the power to appliances completely off when you go to bed or leave the house.
The ability to shut the power off completely also means a reduction in "phantom loads," or the electricity consumed by "always on" appliances. It's good for the environment and your pocketbook too.
10. If your small space heater is running on the same electrical circuit as your home computer, plug the space heater into a separate power strip.
About the Author
Put your new found wisdom to work at Sam's Guide to Small Space Heaters
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Best Garage Floor Paint Options by Melissa Patterson
When it comes to garage floor paint you have many choices for your floors. The most popular of these come in latex, epoxy, or polyurethane format. These are very simple to apply to your garage surface.
Many people prefer the epoxy type of garage paint for their floors. The main advantage to this paint is that it will robustly adhere to concrete. The end result is that you get a floor that is very strong and last for a long time. The main disadvantage to epoxy is the amount of prep time that is needed before you apply the product. You need to make sure that the surface is very clean with no amount of debris.
If epoxy is not right for you then you can use polyurethane. This compound will withstand much better to any sort of compounds that gets on it. This type of paint will leave a very shiny finish to your floors. One thing to remember with polyurethane is that you will need to apply a primer coat. This is done because to help it stick to your garage surface.
One last type to consider comes in the form of latex. By far this would be the less expensive of the other two types. However, it will require about 3 days for the paint to totally dry it is applied to your garage floor. You don't want to walk or park your car during this time. Latex garage paint comes in a variety of colors and patterns. You can actually make your floors resemble certain stone and rock design. Latex paint tends to not do well with too much heat. It is a good idea to minimize sunlight exposure to your floors.
About the Author
If you want more expert advice on garage floor paint options check out http://www.garagefloorcoatings.net/ which helps you to select the best garage floor coatings.
Many people prefer the epoxy type of garage paint for their floors. The main advantage to this paint is that it will robustly adhere to concrete. The end result is that you get a floor that is very strong and last for a long time. The main disadvantage to epoxy is the amount of prep time that is needed before you apply the product. You need to make sure that the surface is very clean with no amount of debris.
If epoxy is not right for you then you can use polyurethane. This compound will withstand much better to any sort of compounds that gets on it. This type of paint will leave a very shiny finish to your floors. One thing to remember with polyurethane is that you will need to apply a primer coat. This is done because to help it stick to your garage surface.
One last type to consider comes in the form of latex. By far this would be the less expensive of the other two types. However, it will require about 3 days for the paint to totally dry it is applied to your garage floor. You don't want to walk or park your car during this time. Latex garage paint comes in a variety of colors and patterns. You can actually make your floors resemble certain stone and rock design. Latex paint tends to not do well with too much heat. It is a good idea to minimize sunlight exposure to your floors.
About the Author
If you want more expert advice on garage floor paint options check out http://www.garagefloorcoatings.net/ which helps you to select the best garage floor coatings.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Use Caution when purchasing grow boxes by James Lindsay
Beware of dealers posing as manufacturers when purchasing your first hydroponics grow box.
So, you want to begin growing indoors. You have decided to purchase your first hydroponics grow box and grow your own. You are no longer willing to pay the high prices for fruits and vegetables sold by companies like whole foods and he decided to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables right in your own home with hydroponics. By no doubt you've taken the time to do the research and decided against building a room for hydroponic since this is such a messy and expensive endeavor. It looks like if you're reading this article you may have decided that you actually rather purchase a hydroponics grow box rather than modifying the room.
Since you're in the market for a new hydroponics grow box there is something that I would definitely look out for before you make any purchase. There are other in reputable dealers out there that are posing as manufacturers of hydroponics grow box systems. They will often have the same photographs on their website as the actual real manufacturer of the hydroponics grow box you are actually interested in. They will often put misleading information on the website making it look like they make the machines they sell, but they do not actually manufacture the machines they sell.
Dealers are middlemen and not the direct manufacturers. Dealers are in business to make a quick buck and get out. Customer service means little to in reputable grow box dealer. When you call to ask sales questions and technical support questions you are speaking to somebody that is not truly familiar with the products they sell as they do not build the grow boxes themselves, and often they will give you misleading and inaccurate information on the product you are calling about. The point I am making to you is that dealers do not know their products as well at the manufacturer of the product and dealers will often give you wrong or bad by information or specs that can lead to a lot of trouble in the future.
If you were to actually deal with the manufacturer of the grow box you are interested in purchasing, the chances are you will be able to get a much better deal. The manufacturer of the grow box has much more room to go down on price than a dealer and can often make exceptions and deals that no dealer was not capable of doing. Dealers don't have control over their fixed price and can rarely match the deal you can get directly from the manufacturer. Also when you speak to the direct manufacturer of the grow box versus simply dealer of the grow box you are virtually guaranteed to be getting correct information on the product you're thinking about purchasing. The sales people that work at the actual manufacturing facility of a hydroponics company knows their product lines inside and out. When you speak to a sales representative from the manufacturer you are almost assured with 100% certainty that the information you are giving you is correct and accurate about the grow box that you are interested in purchasing.
If something ever goes wrong with your grow box or even during the purchasing and building portion of your grow box, you really are up the creek without a paddle when purchasing from a dealer versus real manufacturer. If anything were to go wrong with the transaction the dealer can do little to help you unlike the manufacturer who has much more control . When purchasing from a dealer versus purchasing from a hydroponics grow box manufacturer you risk that something could go wrong that the dealer has no control over, and you get stuck holding the short straw on the deal when the dealer and the manufacturer tried to work it out.
It's even possible to pay a dealer for a grow box product and for whatever reason the dealer is delaying in sending money to the hydroponics grow box manufacturer for a few weeks, which could delay your unit shipping out! Many dealers that pretend to be hydroponics manufacturers are often the only dealers with no heart that use your money to purchase advertising and make money off you to real in more victims. That means that when you purchase of a grow box and send in the cash it might not even go to your grow box. Often dealers will rely on people purchasing grow boxes right now to those that already purchased in the distance past and you are actually paying for their machines. I would not be happy about this If was purchasing a machine.
For technical support and that product descriptions you definitely always wanted deal with the manufacturer of the hydroponics grow box and not simply a dealer of the grow box. This way you'll get the best prices when you buy a multiple units, as well at the best technical support and product information possible.
If something ever should go wrong you much better off dealing with the manufacturer directly rather than a distributor who might be gone tomorrow or in your time of need. Distributors rarely think about their customers when the deal goes wrong. Distributor of hydroponics grow boxes have little commitment other than the website in the industry they are selling in just salesman who can sell vacuum cleaners one day and use computers the next.
Dealers disguising themselves as manufacturers often has many websites selling many different products and know very little about anything they sell including the hydroponic industry in general which you really need to be an expert on.
Be sure when you purchase a hydroponics grow box they you are getting it from the actual manufacturer and not some shady dealer who artificially raises the prices to try to rip you off. Don't be fooled by these guys; they are just in it to make a quick buck and leave you holding the bag. When purchasing a hydroponics grow box do your research and make sure your purchasing from the actual grow box manufacturer and not from some grow box dealer who is trying to pose as the actual manufacturer to fool you in addition to rip you off, and charge you more!
About the Author
James Lindsay Freelance Hydroponics Reporter http://www.homegrown-hydroponics.com
So, you want to begin growing indoors. You have decided to purchase your first hydroponics grow box and grow your own. You are no longer willing to pay the high prices for fruits and vegetables sold by companies like whole foods and he decided to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables right in your own home with hydroponics. By no doubt you've taken the time to do the research and decided against building a room for hydroponic since this is such a messy and expensive endeavor. It looks like if you're reading this article you may have decided that you actually rather purchase a hydroponics grow box rather than modifying the room.
Since you're in the market for a new hydroponics grow box there is something that I would definitely look out for before you make any purchase. There are other in reputable dealers out there that are posing as manufacturers of hydroponics grow box systems. They will often have the same photographs on their website as the actual real manufacturer of the hydroponics grow box you are actually interested in. They will often put misleading information on the website making it look like they make the machines they sell, but they do not actually manufacture the machines they sell.
Dealers are middlemen and not the direct manufacturers. Dealers are in business to make a quick buck and get out. Customer service means little to in reputable grow box dealer. When you call to ask sales questions and technical support questions you are speaking to somebody that is not truly familiar with the products they sell as they do not build the grow boxes themselves, and often they will give you misleading and inaccurate information on the product you are calling about. The point I am making to you is that dealers do not know their products as well at the manufacturer of the product and dealers will often give you wrong or bad by information or specs that can lead to a lot of trouble in the future.
If you were to actually deal with the manufacturer of the grow box you are interested in purchasing, the chances are you will be able to get a much better deal. The manufacturer of the grow box has much more room to go down on price than a dealer and can often make exceptions and deals that no dealer was not capable of doing. Dealers don't have control over their fixed price and can rarely match the deal you can get directly from the manufacturer. Also when you speak to the direct manufacturer of the grow box versus simply dealer of the grow box you are virtually guaranteed to be getting correct information on the product you're thinking about purchasing. The sales people that work at the actual manufacturing facility of a hydroponics company knows their product lines inside and out. When you speak to a sales representative from the manufacturer you are almost assured with 100% certainty that the information you are giving you is correct and accurate about the grow box that you are interested in purchasing.
If something ever goes wrong with your grow box or even during the purchasing and building portion of your grow box, you really are up the creek without a paddle when purchasing from a dealer versus real manufacturer. If anything were to go wrong with the transaction the dealer can do little to help you unlike the manufacturer who has much more control . When purchasing from a dealer versus purchasing from a hydroponics grow box manufacturer you risk that something could go wrong that the dealer has no control over, and you get stuck holding the short straw on the deal when the dealer and the manufacturer tried to work it out.
It's even possible to pay a dealer for a grow box product and for whatever reason the dealer is delaying in sending money to the hydroponics grow box manufacturer for a few weeks, which could delay your unit shipping out! Many dealers that pretend to be hydroponics manufacturers are often the only dealers with no heart that use your money to purchase advertising and make money off you to real in more victims. That means that when you purchase of a grow box and send in the cash it might not even go to your grow box. Often dealers will rely on people purchasing grow boxes right now to those that already purchased in the distance past and you are actually paying for their machines. I would not be happy about this If was purchasing a machine.
For technical support and that product descriptions you definitely always wanted deal with the manufacturer of the hydroponics grow box and not simply a dealer of the grow box. This way you'll get the best prices when you buy a multiple units, as well at the best technical support and product information possible.
If something ever should go wrong you much better off dealing with the manufacturer directly rather than a distributor who might be gone tomorrow or in your time of need. Distributors rarely think about their customers when the deal goes wrong. Distributor of hydroponics grow boxes have little commitment other than the website in the industry they are selling in just salesman who can sell vacuum cleaners one day and use computers the next.
Dealers disguising themselves as manufacturers often has many websites selling many different products and know very little about anything they sell including the hydroponic industry in general which you really need to be an expert on.
Be sure when you purchase a hydroponics grow box they you are getting it from the actual manufacturer and not some shady dealer who artificially raises the prices to try to rip you off. Don't be fooled by these guys; they are just in it to make a quick buck and leave you holding the bag. When purchasing a hydroponics grow box do your research and make sure your purchasing from the actual grow box manufacturer and not from some grow box dealer who is trying to pose as the actual manufacturer to fool you in addition to rip you off, and charge you more!
About the Author
James Lindsay Freelance Hydroponics Reporter http://www.homegrown-hydroponics.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Get Creative with an Accent Table for your Interior by Sharlie Wong
A very useful part of your living space, an accent table can create an impressive impact to any kind of décor. Giving a distinctive style and presence to your room, an accent table can provide an ideal solution for both functionality as well as aesthetic appeal. In fact, accent tables are an interior decorators well-kept secret which they use to accessorize furniture with, capture someone's eye and to personalize homes.
Practical and Beautiful!
An accent table allows you to express your creative touches around the room effortlessly, brightening up any drab area. It can blend in perfectly with any kind of space - be it a niche corner, wall, a spacious entryway or even a bathroom - lending completeness to any living space. You can go ahead and flaunt your favorite curios, place some endearing photographs or just a place to keep your drink; whatever the purpose, an accent table can match it beautifully.
With a mind boggling assortment of styles, colors and designs now available, you can choose an accent table that reflects your personal style and at the same time, refresh the look of your home, making it seem more appealing. Choose from a wide selection of traditional wood, powder coated metal, glass, wicker or stone, or even a combination of two different types of materials to reinvent your living space, signifying your unique style and taste.
Accent tables also come in a variety of shapes, including the preferred triangular accent tables for any empty corners; square stand alone accent tables with storage spaces underneath, mainly used for decorative purposes; rectangular accent tables which can also be designed to hold reading material; or the ubiquitous round which is usually placed next to chairs or sofa ends and can be ornately designed.
Accent tables can also be bought as single units to create a diverting look; or in a set for an integrated appearance. There is an accent table to suit any kind of décor, taste and budget and its use is only limited by your imagination!
What Should You Consider Before Buying an Accent Table?
Accessorizing your furniture or room has never been this easy or fun as an accent table can hold its own in conjunction with any kind of décor. Before buying your accent table, peruse the space you want it for. This will help you determine what type of accent table will best suit your décor, style and budget. Accordingly, you can buy an accent table that can be used to either harmonize a room by matching with the room furniture, or can create excitement with contrasting materials or style.
About the Author
Sharlie is an expert in home furniture. When it comes to tables, all of his friends come to him for advice. Whether you prefer modern or traditional pieces, Sharlie will let you know what's new at the best prices. If you're interested in learning all about the wonderful world of coffee, end and console tables, turn to CoffeeTables123.com.
Practical and Beautiful!
An accent table allows you to express your creative touches around the room effortlessly, brightening up any drab area. It can blend in perfectly with any kind of space - be it a niche corner, wall, a spacious entryway or even a bathroom - lending completeness to any living space. You can go ahead and flaunt your favorite curios, place some endearing photographs or just a place to keep your drink; whatever the purpose, an accent table can match it beautifully.
With a mind boggling assortment of styles, colors and designs now available, you can choose an accent table that reflects your personal style and at the same time, refresh the look of your home, making it seem more appealing. Choose from a wide selection of traditional wood, powder coated metal, glass, wicker or stone, or even a combination of two different types of materials to reinvent your living space, signifying your unique style and taste.
Accent tables also come in a variety of shapes, including the preferred triangular accent tables for any empty corners; square stand alone accent tables with storage spaces underneath, mainly used for decorative purposes; rectangular accent tables which can also be designed to hold reading material; or the ubiquitous round which is usually placed next to chairs or sofa ends and can be ornately designed.
Accent tables can also be bought as single units to create a diverting look; or in a set for an integrated appearance. There is an accent table to suit any kind of décor, taste and budget and its use is only limited by your imagination!
What Should You Consider Before Buying an Accent Table?
Accessorizing your furniture or room has never been this easy or fun as an accent table can hold its own in conjunction with any kind of décor. Before buying your accent table, peruse the space you want it for. This will help you determine what type of accent table will best suit your décor, style and budget. Accordingly, you can buy an accent table that can be used to either harmonize a room by matching with the room furniture, or can create excitement with contrasting materials or style.
About the Author
Sharlie is an expert in home furniture. When it comes to tables, all of his friends come to him for advice. Whether you prefer modern or traditional pieces, Sharlie will let you know what's new at the best prices. If you're interested in learning all about the wonderful world of coffee, end and console tables, turn to CoffeeTables123.com.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Chlorine Water Filter Avoid This Mistake In Buying A Chlorine Water Filter by michaelroger09
Don't buy a chlorine water filter for the shower unless they also remove THMs. Your health is at stake.
Chlorine shower head filters first came on the market as an aid to people with sensitive skin or those who were concerned about the appearance of their hair and skin. There were no perceived health threats at the time, because the results of scientific research were withheld for a number of years. Now, we know the truth.
The act of chlorination and chemical disinfection, in general, releases toxins that cause cancer. It is not chlorine that poses the biggest threat, but THMs or trihalomethanes. Yet, there are still a number of chlorine filters for the shower that do nothing to remove THMs. Actually, they only remove about 50% of the chloramines.
The research results were not originally published, because many scientists were concerned that the public would call for an end to chlorination. That would cause an increase in the number of waterborne illnesses that we see every year.
There may be alternatives to chlorination, but, thus far, researchers have found no method that does not result in the release of THMs, other than UV light. The problem with UV disinfection is that it doesn't prevent algae and bacterial growth in the pipes that lead to our homes. So, until the technology advances, we need chlorine shower head filters, but we need the ones that remove trihalomethanes.
If you regularly swim in chlorinated pools, researchers insist that your cancer risk is unacceptable, assuming that the waters in your household are also chlorinated.
Of the top five chlorine shower head filters on the market, only three remove THMs. One of them costs a lot more than the other two, so I did a little research to find out why.
Wellness Enterprises' chlorine filters for the shower cost $249.00, a replacement cartridge costs $189.00 and the cost of use is $16.00 per month.
One of the other chlorine shower head filters costs $67.99, replacement cartridges are $42.00 and the estimated cost of use is $7 per month, but it removes exactly the same amounts of all of the toxins mentioned here, as well as VOCs, lead and copper.
I thought there had to be some difference, something to account for the extreme difference in price. I found out that it was two rocks.
Wellness' chlorine filters for the shower contain two types of "rare volcanic stones". I can't really say how "rare" they are, but I looked at a geological map and found that they exist in many different parts of the world.
Wellness chlorine shower head filters are supposed to "imbue" health giving qualities to the water that passes over the rocks. That's simply impossible.
With an ion exchange step, traces of lead and copper can be exchanged for some minerals, but Wellness claims not to use that step. Personally, I decided to buy the chlorine filters for the shower that cost $67.99 and I feel "well". Hope you do, too.
About the Author
Julie Perry graduated with a Diploma in Applied Science and is a fully qualified Naturopath. On her web site http://www.chlorinewaterfilter.com/chlorine water filter for the shower.
Chlorine shower head filters first came on the market as an aid to people with sensitive skin or those who were concerned about the appearance of their hair and skin. There were no perceived health threats at the time, because the results of scientific research were withheld for a number of years. Now, we know the truth.
The act of chlorination and chemical disinfection, in general, releases toxins that cause cancer. It is not chlorine that poses the biggest threat, but THMs or trihalomethanes. Yet, there are still a number of chlorine filters for the shower that do nothing to remove THMs. Actually, they only remove about 50% of the chloramines.
The research results were not originally published, because many scientists were concerned that the public would call for an end to chlorination. That would cause an increase in the number of waterborne illnesses that we see every year.
There may be alternatives to chlorination, but, thus far, researchers have found no method that does not result in the release of THMs, other than UV light. The problem with UV disinfection is that it doesn't prevent algae and bacterial growth in the pipes that lead to our homes. So, until the technology advances, we need chlorine shower head filters, but we need the ones that remove trihalomethanes.
If you regularly swim in chlorinated pools, researchers insist that your cancer risk is unacceptable, assuming that the waters in your household are also chlorinated.
Of the top five chlorine shower head filters on the market, only three remove THMs. One of them costs a lot more than the other two, so I did a little research to find out why.
Wellness Enterprises' chlorine filters for the shower cost $249.00, a replacement cartridge costs $189.00 and the cost of use is $16.00 per month.
One of the other chlorine shower head filters costs $67.99, replacement cartridges are $42.00 and the estimated cost of use is $7 per month, but it removes exactly the same amounts of all of the toxins mentioned here, as well as VOCs, lead and copper.
I thought there had to be some difference, something to account for the extreme difference in price. I found out that it was two rocks.
Wellness' chlorine filters for the shower contain two types of "rare volcanic stones". I can't really say how "rare" they are, but I looked at a geological map and found that they exist in many different parts of the world.
Wellness chlorine shower head filters are supposed to "imbue" health giving qualities to the water that passes over the rocks. That's simply impossible.
With an ion exchange step, traces of lead and copper can be exchanged for some minerals, but Wellness claims not to use that step. Personally, I decided to buy the chlorine filters for the shower that cost $67.99 and I feel "well". Hope you do, too.
About the Author
Julie Perry graduated with a Diploma in Applied Science and is a fully qualified Naturopath. On her web site http://www.chlorinewaterfilter.com/chlorine water filter for the shower.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Things To Watch Out For While Buying Blinds by Terro White
When it comes to decking up our home, we would ideally want to do all that we can to ensure that it looks good and is probably going to last for a long time. After all, you wouldn't want to keep reinvesting in fixing up the décor of your home and ensuring that it truly reflects your tastes and styles. Hence, when choosing things like the paint of your walls or the kind of windows and doors you want, you would most likely decide on something that is going to look good and remain in style for a long time. It is the same with blinds as well, since you wouldn't want to buy something that is going to end up looking gaudy or out of place in your home.
There are a lot of things to consider when you choosing the kind of blinds you want for your home. Some of the factors that you need to keep in mind include:
* Dimensions - Most people commit a mistake here when they are planning to change the blinds on their own. You have to get the dimensions right or you might find it very difficult to ensure that your window area is properly covered. Since not much can be done once you have ordered your blinds, you need to get it right the first time around itself.
* Color and Pattern - These are two things that go hand in hand. Some people want to buy a certain color or pattern in their blinds but are unwilling to spend the money on it. Hence, you should come to a compromise and buy something that offers the best of both the things.
* Material - Although color and pattern makes most of the difference visually, even material matters in the long run. Depending on the kind of material you buy, you will need to provide that kind of maintenance to keep it looking good and young for a long time.
* Design - The design of the blinds is for aesthetic purposes only and has no practical significance. There are a number of designs that you can choose from and there is also different styles of installation within each design that you can choose from.
* Where to buy - This is probably something you should decide in advance before everything else. The place where you buy your blinds is important since you don't want to pay for a particular and end up with some other cheap knockoff. Hence, buy from authorized dealers whom you can trust and have a good customer service to help you out later.
Now that you are aware of what all you need to look out while buying blinds, you should go out into the market and check out the options that you have. One of the known famous brands is Hunter Douglas which makes world class blinds that last for a really long time. These blinds also come with a ton of options and you should find something that is within your budget and your style preference.
About the Author
When it comes to choosing good blinds, there aren't that many good dealers out there. One of the better dealers that you can trust is shadesshuttersblinds.com, which has a truly impressive collection of blinds.
There are a lot of things to consider when you choosing the kind of blinds you want for your home. Some of the factors that you need to keep in mind include:
* Dimensions - Most people commit a mistake here when they are planning to change the blinds on their own. You have to get the dimensions right or you might find it very difficult to ensure that your window area is properly covered. Since not much can be done once you have ordered your blinds, you need to get it right the first time around itself.
* Color and Pattern - These are two things that go hand in hand. Some people want to buy a certain color or pattern in their blinds but are unwilling to spend the money on it. Hence, you should come to a compromise and buy something that offers the best of both the things.
* Material - Although color and pattern makes most of the difference visually, even material matters in the long run. Depending on the kind of material you buy, you will need to provide that kind of maintenance to keep it looking good and young for a long time.
* Design - The design of the blinds is for aesthetic purposes only and has no practical significance. There are a number of designs that you can choose from and there is also different styles of installation within each design that you can choose from.
* Where to buy - This is probably something you should decide in advance before everything else. The place where you buy your blinds is important since you don't want to pay for a particular and end up with some other cheap knockoff. Hence, buy from authorized dealers whom you can trust and have a good customer service to help you out later.
Now that you are aware of what all you need to look out while buying blinds, you should go out into the market and check out the options that you have. One of the known famous brands is Hunter Douglas which makes world class blinds that last for a really long time. These blinds also come with a ton of options and you should find something that is within your budget and your style preference.
About the Author
When it comes to choosing good blinds, there aren't that many good dealers out there. One of the better dealers that you can trust is shadesshuttersblinds.com, which has a truly impressive collection of blinds.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Options For Paving Your Driveway by Nasreen Haque
Gravel or dirt driveways have their charms, but they also have many downsides. They get muddy, develop holes, and are hard to keep free of ice. Therefore, many people decide to pave their driveways. There are several options for paving your driveway. Here are a few of the most popular types of paving materials, along with some of their benefits and drawbacks.
Asphalt Paving Asphalt is a very popular driveway surface in some areas. Paving your driveway with asphalt will give you a nice hard black surface to drive on. It's also good for children's activities like roller skating, where the gaps in concrete could cause falls. Its main downside is that it has to be regularly resealed in order to keep looking good and to prevent cracks. Proper installation of asphalt also requires some highly specialized equipment. Therefore, most asphalt paving is done by professionals. The resealing, on the other hand, is commonly a do-it-yourself job.
Concrete Paving
It is a lot easier for a do-it-yourselfer to install concrete paving than it is for one to put in asphalt. Concrete doesn't require extreme heating, and it's easier to work with once poured. When new, concrete looks very good. It can also last a long time without structural defects if it's installed properly. The downside is that it's easy for it to accumulate stains. Sealant can help, but keeping it looking nice will still require taking care to avoid getting stains onto it.
Installing concrete paving for your driveway is simple in the mental aspect, but a lot of physical work. Like with any kind of paving, the surface must first be graded and a bed of specialized sand and rock laid down. The concrete is then poured on top of the bed, smoothed out, and scored to form blocks. This scoring prevents it from cracking due to weather-related expansion and contraction. While it cures, it has to be re-wet several times to prevent it from drying out too quickly. This can be done as a DIY project, or a contractor can be hired.
Brick or Faux-Brick Pavers The biggest upside to these is the fact that they look extremely good and rich. Laid properly, they can also take a lot of abuse. The con of these is that they aren't very good for riding trikes on or as a surface for playing with rolling toys. For households without young children, however, this won't be an issue. Installation requires the same bed preparation as any other driveway, but after that, putting pavers or bricks down is a simple job. Some types of pavers even come as a "system" that includes the spacers that allow a do-it-yourselfer to achieve the same look you'd get from a professional mason. Of course, if you don't want to do the work yourself, you can find a service to do it for you.
As you can see, there are several options for paving your driveway. All of them are quite suitable when installed and maintained correctly. Therefore, the biggest deciding factor for choosing a surface is usually a matter of taste.
About the Author
More information on driveway paving is available at the Clearance Paving website.
Asphalt Paving Asphalt is a very popular driveway surface in some areas. Paving your driveway with asphalt will give you a nice hard black surface to drive on. It's also good for children's activities like roller skating, where the gaps in concrete could cause falls. Its main downside is that it has to be regularly resealed in order to keep looking good and to prevent cracks. Proper installation of asphalt also requires some highly specialized equipment. Therefore, most asphalt paving is done by professionals. The resealing, on the other hand, is commonly a do-it-yourself job.
Concrete Paving
It is a lot easier for a do-it-yourselfer to install concrete paving than it is for one to put in asphalt. Concrete doesn't require extreme heating, and it's easier to work with once poured. When new, concrete looks very good. It can also last a long time without structural defects if it's installed properly. The downside is that it's easy for it to accumulate stains. Sealant can help, but keeping it looking nice will still require taking care to avoid getting stains onto it.
Installing concrete paving for your driveway is simple in the mental aspect, but a lot of physical work. Like with any kind of paving, the surface must first be graded and a bed of specialized sand and rock laid down. The concrete is then poured on top of the bed, smoothed out, and scored to form blocks. This scoring prevents it from cracking due to weather-related expansion and contraction. While it cures, it has to be re-wet several times to prevent it from drying out too quickly. This can be done as a DIY project, or a contractor can be hired.
Brick or Faux-Brick Pavers The biggest upside to these is the fact that they look extremely good and rich. Laid properly, they can also take a lot of abuse. The con of these is that they aren't very good for riding trikes on or as a surface for playing with rolling toys. For households without young children, however, this won't be an issue. Installation requires the same bed preparation as any other driveway, but after that, putting pavers or bricks down is a simple job. Some types of pavers even come as a "system" that includes the spacers that allow a do-it-yourselfer to achieve the same look you'd get from a professional mason. Of course, if you don't want to do the work yourself, you can find a service to do it for you.
As you can see, there are several options for paving your driveway. All of them are quite suitable when installed and maintained correctly. Therefore, the biggest deciding factor for choosing a surface is usually a matter of taste.
About the Author
More information on driveway paving is available at the Clearance Paving website.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Shower Doors by Tom Gray
Whether you purchase shower doors as an enclosure for a stall shower or a tub shower, the convenience and added features are well worth the extra cost. Shower curtains require replacement at least once or twice a year due to growth of scale, mold and bacteria from constant moisture on the surface. Shower doors are durable and provide maximum protection to floors and walls from moisture accumulation. They are available in a wide variety of styles that meet most any decor needs. These doors slide along a double track at the top and bottom of the frame. Another popular model is one that allows for the hinged doors to open outward to enter and exit. There are doors curved to fit stall showers. For tub showers, some doors are angular with a right and left-sided curve inward. Depending upon the type of material shower doors are manufactured from, costs are relatively reasonable.
Benefits of Doors In Shower Areas The benefit of doors in shower areas is how well they maintain a dry area outside the shower. Water droplets after a shower create hazards on slippery bathroom floors. They are also great for privacy in very busy bathrooms, when designed with frosted, tempered safety glass or from poly resins. Many are etched with lovely designs that enhance bathroom style. They provide plenty of much-needed light in shower areas. Some shower doors are framed in chrome, brass or nickel which makes an elegant accent for the design.
Sizing Doors for Showers and Tubs It's important to know the correct size of the door for the shower or tub area if this is a do-it-yourself project. A seal around the edges of the door also needs to be installed to prevent water from escaping through any tiny openings between shower wall and door.
About the Author
Shower doors are an important consideration in your bathroom design. A magnetic door stop is an invaluable addition to you glass doors as they can easily shatter.
Benefits of Doors In Shower Areas The benefit of doors in shower areas is how well they maintain a dry area outside the shower. Water droplets after a shower create hazards on slippery bathroom floors. They are also great for privacy in very busy bathrooms, when designed with frosted, tempered safety glass or from poly resins. Many are etched with lovely designs that enhance bathroom style. They provide plenty of much-needed light in shower areas. Some shower doors are framed in chrome, brass or nickel which makes an elegant accent for the design.
Sizing Doors for Showers and Tubs It's important to know the correct size of the door for the shower or tub area if this is a do-it-yourself project. A seal around the edges of the door also needs to be installed to prevent water from escaping through any tiny openings between shower wall and door.
About the Author
Shower doors are an important consideration in your bathroom design. A magnetic door stop is an invaluable addition to you glass doors as they can easily shatter.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A Patio Without An Outdoor Patio Heater? by Kenny F Leichester
Any outdoors lover will tell you how important an outdoor patio heater is to their homes especially when the weather becomes so cold that spending time outdoors starts to get uncomfortable. When you are cold and shivering, it becomes hard to spend time outdoors freely and the only way to overcome that is with the use of a heater to keep the air outside warm enough for you to spend some time outdoors without worrying that you'll catch a cold. For the home, one of the popular types of heaters you can come across these days is the umbrella or mushroom type of heater.
All summer you have worked hard to make your patio look beautiful. You have spent many lovely hours beneath the outdoor umbrellas you have so enthusiastically bought. You have new patio chaises and tables as well. All will be in vain if you do not get an outdoor patio heater now. Staying out of doors without any heating facility now will amount to committing hara-kiri. Ok, I am exaggerating, but you sure will be inviting pneumonia that way.
Outdoor patio heaters are quite common these days. Anybody who has an open space and is in love with nature must have got one. Look around and you will probably find one on your neighbour's terrace. You must have seen them in the hotels and restaurants, especially those that have outdoor facilities. Of course, the ones you have seen in the public buildings are bigger and more powerful than the ones you will need at home. It is imperative to know the different types of outdoor patio heaters available to make the right choice:
1. According to the fuel they use, you can classify the outdoor patio heater into three different categories. Among them, the electrically operated heaters are the most convenient for the obvious reason. All you need to do is to switch them on. However, the ones that run on natural gas like LPG or propane are no less convenient because they too can be electrically switched on. Chimenea, which uses wood as fuel can also be easily ignited with paper or small pieces of wood. However, you need to keep the supply of fuel in mind in the last two cases. That is the only difference.
2. Next, decide if you would like to have a portable heater or a permanent structure that is mounted on a wall, on a ceiling or on the ground. Portable ones have their advantage. You can take it wherever you need it. If on the other hand, the space is small, you can use a heater that is mounted either on the wall or on the ceiling. It will keep an area of 15' to 20' around it warm and cosy. However, most of the mounted heaters run on electricity.
3. Read the user manual carefully. If it needs installation, have it professionally done to avoid mishap. Mishandling too may cause severe accidents.
4. Place the outdoor patio heater against a wall or similar structure to get optimum benefit. This will make sure that the heat waves produced by it are not driven away from you by the wind.
As I said, there are different types of outdoor patio heaters. All of them have one basic function; that is to heat up your patio. However, some of them have some added benefits as well. Take a chimenea for example. These heaters use pinion wood as fuel. Such wood has a pleasant pine aroma, which also helps to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Buy a table heater if your patio is small. These are regular outdoor heaters that run on natural gas, propane or electricity, but can double as a table.
Therefore, find out what exactly you want. Look at all the available models as well and find the one that matches your need most. All the heaters more or less raise the temperature by 15 to 25 degree F with in a radius of 15' to 20'. Yet, if you look carefully, you will find some that will stand out from the rest. They will have one or two added features that will make it more attractive. There is a palm tree shaped heater, which provides a 25 ft circle of warmth when you need it. It can also waft off a cool mist from its copper-coated palm leaves to cool your hot summer days.
That is why it is important to look around. You can do that by surfing the net or by visiting each shop that sells that outdoor patio heater. Nonetheless, do that before you decide on one.
About the Author
Kenny Leichester is a foremost expert in the interior design industry specializing in the outdoor or patio settings using patio furniture, patio umbrellas, outdoor cushions, patio heaters, patio lighting and so on to create exquisitely beautiful layout. His work on teak furniture are widely distributed and is a regular contributor to PatioShoppers.com.
All summer you have worked hard to make your patio look beautiful. You have spent many lovely hours beneath the outdoor umbrellas you have so enthusiastically bought. You have new patio chaises and tables as well. All will be in vain if you do not get an outdoor patio heater now. Staying out of doors without any heating facility now will amount to committing hara-kiri. Ok, I am exaggerating, but you sure will be inviting pneumonia that way.
Outdoor patio heaters are quite common these days. Anybody who has an open space and is in love with nature must have got one. Look around and you will probably find one on your neighbour's terrace. You must have seen them in the hotels and restaurants, especially those that have outdoor facilities. Of course, the ones you have seen in the public buildings are bigger and more powerful than the ones you will need at home. It is imperative to know the different types of outdoor patio heaters available to make the right choice:
1. According to the fuel they use, you can classify the outdoor patio heater into three different categories. Among them, the electrically operated heaters are the most convenient for the obvious reason. All you need to do is to switch them on. However, the ones that run on natural gas like LPG or propane are no less convenient because they too can be electrically switched on. Chimenea, which uses wood as fuel can also be easily ignited with paper or small pieces of wood. However, you need to keep the supply of fuel in mind in the last two cases. That is the only difference.
2. Next, decide if you would like to have a portable heater or a permanent structure that is mounted on a wall, on a ceiling or on the ground. Portable ones have their advantage. You can take it wherever you need it. If on the other hand, the space is small, you can use a heater that is mounted either on the wall or on the ceiling. It will keep an area of 15' to 20' around it warm and cosy. However, most of the mounted heaters run on electricity.
3. Read the user manual carefully. If it needs installation, have it professionally done to avoid mishap. Mishandling too may cause severe accidents.
4. Place the outdoor patio heater against a wall or similar structure to get optimum benefit. This will make sure that the heat waves produced by it are not driven away from you by the wind.
As I said, there are different types of outdoor patio heaters. All of them have one basic function; that is to heat up your patio. However, some of them have some added benefits as well. Take a chimenea for example. These heaters use pinion wood as fuel. Such wood has a pleasant pine aroma, which also helps to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Buy a table heater if your patio is small. These are regular outdoor heaters that run on natural gas, propane or electricity, but can double as a table.
Therefore, find out what exactly you want. Look at all the available models as well and find the one that matches your need most. All the heaters more or less raise the temperature by 15 to 25 degree F with in a radius of 15' to 20'. Yet, if you look carefully, you will find some that will stand out from the rest. They will have one or two added features that will make it more attractive. There is a palm tree shaped heater, which provides a 25 ft circle of warmth when you need it. It can also waft off a cool mist from its copper-coated palm leaves to cool your hot summer days.
That is why it is important to look around. You can do that by surfing the net or by visiting each shop that sells that outdoor patio heater. Nonetheless, do that before you decide on one.
About the Author
Kenny Leichester is a foremost expert in the interior design industry specializing in the outdoor or patio settings using patio furniture, patio umbrellas, outdoor cushions, patio heaters, patio lighting and so on to create exquisitely beautiful layout. His work on teak furniture are widely distributed and is a regular contributor to PatioShoppers.com.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Maintaining Water Softener System in your Home by Per Strandberg
Water is considered hard if it contains high content of calcium and magnesium ions. Water Softener is equipment that is used to decrease hardness of water. Water Softener can do this by removing calcium and magnesium ions from your running tap water used in your house.
Water Softeners need proper maintenance and intermittent refilling of salt. There are many different ways to maintain a water softener. A good water softener system will prolong the life of the softener equipment.
All of the water softeners work fundamentally and basically in similar ways. The inward bound water goes into the softener tank then it passes through an ion exchange resin tank. The resin inside the tank traps all the magnesium and calcium ions and this will generate lime balance. Then the water leaves the softener to penetrate the water system in your home.
The softener equipment usually contain an automatic timer regulator system that will regularly clean and stimulate the resin. This process is completed by diverting salt water through the resin. The resin will exchange ions with the magnesium and calcium ions and this permit the minerals to be removed. The residue of the brine along with the calcium and magnesium salts will be flushed behind the drainage.
In many parts of the world the local water supply contains high amounts of impurities that can affect the softener if the water softener is left unprocessed. Iron, dust, sediments and organic materials might not be completely removed by the salt restoration system. With this phenomenon, older resin beds may begin to undergo iron tainting. There are many available products in the store that can be added to your water softener and will resolve these problems. "Rust Out" and "Softener Mate" are some of the products on the marketplace and could be used once a year. You can also use these products if you want to keep your water softener utility in excellent condition.
Keep away from using ordinary rock salt in your water softener even though these products are cheap. Over a long period of time, a large quantity of sediments may increase in the salt water tank and this residue can clog up the softener. This will lead to costly repairs. You can clean the salt water tank once a year. You must clean and remove all sediments and pure salt inside the brine. Add extra salt only when the salt contents in the brine tank are all gone. You can only fill up the tank up to 2/3 full to keep away from problems with sedimentation.
You have to maintain the salt water tank by washing out the used up salts and by adding more salts in the brine. Consequently, maintenance and preservation options for the water softener have to work well. Annual system maintenance will help the softener to be in good and effective form for long time. Water softening systems for your home are costly. If you want to install water softener in your home then you must look for good quality from trustworthy suppliers with a good service guarantee.
About the Author
Per Strandberg gives you water softener reviews on his website about tips on how to lower the hardness of the water in your house. Visit his web site at http://www.water-softener-and-purification.com for more information.
Water Softeners need proper maintenance and intermittent refilling of salt. There are many different ways to maintain a water softener. A good water softener system will prolong the life of the softener equipment.
All of the water softeners work fundamentally and basically in similar ways. The inward bound water goes into the softener tank then it passes through an ion exchange resin tank. The resin inside the tank traps all the magnesium and calcium ions and this will generate lime balance. Then the water leaves the softener to penetrate the water system in your home.
The softener equipment usually contain an automatic timer regulator system that will regularly clean and stimulate the resin. This process is completed by diverting salt water through the resin. The resin will exchange ions with the magnesium and calcium ions and this permit the minerals to be removed. The residue of the brine along with the calcium and magnesium salts will be flushed behind the drainage.
In many parts of the world the local water supply contains high amounts of impurities that can affect the softener if the water softener is left unprocessed. Iron, dust, sediments and organic materials might not be completely removed by the salt restoration system. With this phenomenon, older resin beds may begin to undergo iron tainting. There are many available products in the store that can be added to your water softener and will resolve these problems. "Rust Out" and "Softener Mate" are some of the products on the marketplace and could be used once a year. You can also use these products if you want to keep your water softener utility in excellent condition.
Keep away from using ordinary rock salt in your water softener even though these products are cheap. Over a long period of time, a large quantity of sediments may increase in the salt water tank and this residue can clog up the softener. This will lead to costly repairs. You can clean the salt water tank once a year. You must clean and remove all sediments and pure salt inside the brine. Add extra salt only when the salt contents in the brine tank are all gone. You can only fill up the tank up to 2/3 full to keep away from problems with sedimentation.
You have to maintain the salt water tank by washing out the used up salts and by adding more salts in the brine. Consequently, maintenance and preservation options for the water softener have to work well. Annual system maintenance will help the softener to be in good and effective form for long time. Water softening systems for your home are costly. If you want to install water softener in your home then you must look for good quality from trustworthy suppliers with a good service guarantee.
About the Author
Per Strandberg gives you water softener reviews on his website about tips on how to lower the hardness of the water in your house. Visit his web site at http://www.water-softener-and-purification.com for more information.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Don'ts of Rehabbing Homes by Samantha Dawson
Over the years, the business of flipping and rehabbing homes has been the rage in the United States. It also inspired a number of television shows that include TLC's "Flip that House," "The Real Estate Pros," and Bravo's "Flipping Out." Because a number of investors has succeeded and made lots of money through this particular form of real estate investing, many people have taken interest in this business and started buying and fixing distressed properties for profit.
However, rehabbing homes is not as easy as it seems. It requires hard work, patience, and dedication. You can't expect to make millions of dollars just by refurbishing a single property. And most of all, you just couldn't join the bandwagon if you don't know anything about rehabbing homes.
Therefore, to help you succeed in the business, here's a list of things that you should avoid when buying and fixing real estate properties for profit:
1. Ignoring research work. Always keep in mind that having proper knowledge and information is one of the things that will help you succeed in this business. Conduct some research, surf the Internet, and read materials that can boost your understanding of rehabbing homes. Even if you're a seasoned rehabber, it wouldn't hurt to improve your knowledge of real estate investing.
2. Taking a property's purchase price for granted. Don't be afraid to negotiate for the purchase price of the house you want to fix. Consider its current condition and make an offer accordingly. In addition, take note of the prices of other properties available in the neighborhood so you can determine your chosen house's resale value.
3. Foregoing property inspection. Do not invest in a property without inspecting it first. You might lose a lot of money if you ignore this vital tip. Check for termite infestations and other serious problems like weak roofs and foundations.
To learn more tips and other information about rehabbing homes, you can visit Rehablist.com. Rehablist is a treasure trove of tools, write-ups, and other resources that can help an investor climb the top of the housing business.
About the Author
Real Estate Investing Program
The RehabList.com real estate investing program was formed to bring together the wholesale finders of single family homes in need of repair, Realtors, independent "finders or birddogs" and home sellers with the rehab customer.
RehabList.com offers valuable information for people who specialize in flipping houses for a living, those who purchase fixer upper houses, real estate wholesalers and people who are looking for hard money loans.
However, rehabbing homes is not as easy as it seems. It requires hard work, patience, and dedication. You can't expect to make millions of dollars just by refurbishing a single property. And most of all, you just couldn't join the bandwagon if you don't know anything about rehabbing homes.
Therefore, to help you succeed in the business, here's a list of things that you should avoid when buying and fixing real estate properties for profit:
1. Ignoring research work. Always keep in mind that having proper knowledge and information is one of the things that will help you succeed in this business. Conduct some research, surf the Internet, and read materials that can boost your understanding of rehabbing homes. Even if you're a seasoned rehabber, it wouldn't hurt to improve your knowledge of real estate investing.
2. Taking a property's purchase price for granted. Don't be afraid to negotiate for the purchase price of the house you want to fix. Consider its current condition and make an offer accordingly. In addition, take note of the prices of other properties available in the neighborhood so you can determine your chosen house's resale value.
3. Foregoing property inspection. Do not invest in a property without inspecting it first. You might lose a lot of money if you ignore this vital tip. Check for termite infestations and other serious problems like weak roofs and foundations.
To learn more tips and other information about rehabbing homes, you can visit Rehablist.com. Rehablist is a treasure trove of tools, write-ups, and other resources that can help an investor climb the top of the housing business.
About the Author
Real Estate Investing Program
The RehabList.com real estate investing program was formed to bring together the wholesale finders of single family homes in need of repair, Realtors, independent "finders or birddogs" and home sellers with the rehab customer.
RehabList.com offers valuable information for people who specialize in flipping houses for a living, those who purchase fixer upper houses, real estate wholesalers and people who are looking for hard money loans.
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