November 2008
Monthly Archive
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Do you need a patio awning for your lovely patio off of your backyard that only gets half the use it could because of rain or far too bright sun? Installing a patio awning to shade and protect it can be almost as good as adding a room to your home!
When choosing a patio awning, you’ll need to consider a number of things - the area that needs to be covered, the structure on which the awning will be installed (usually your house), the weather conditions in your area, the cost and the aesthetics. There are many types and styles of patio awnings available to suit your needs - once you’re certain what your needs are.
The most often stated reasons for installing a patio awning are:
- Protection from Weather
A patio awning provides shade from the sun and cover from rain, to extend the usability of your patio and make it more comfortable at all times of the day.
- Protection of Your Investment
Patio furniture and wood floors or patio carpets are a substantial financial investment. A patio awning helps protect that investment from the damaging UV rays of the sun. In addition, if your patio has full glass sliding doors, the patio awning will also help protect the carpets and furnishings inside your home from those same harmful rays.
- Energy Efficiency
Besides shading the patio itself, installing a patio awning can reduce the heat of your home’s interior by as much as 70%, which can be a major savings in electricity if you’re paying for air conditioning.
- Low construction costs
Patio awnings - even fancy retractable ones with built-in lighting and heating - cost far less than adding a full room to your home, but in many cases, the effect is almost the same - expanded living and entertainment space.
- Aesthetics
Patio awnings come in an almost limitless array of colors and designs. A well-made patio awning can add beauty to your home while providing shade and comfort for you.
What type of patio awning is best? That depends on your patio, where you live, and how you use your patio. Some of the most popular styles and their best setting are listed below.
- Fixed Patio Awning
Fixed awnings are not usually recommended as patio awnings. They’re designed to withstand extremes of weather conditions, and cannot be rolled back. If you’re planning a patio area that you’ll sometimes want to expose to full sun, a retractable awning is a far better choice.
- Retractable Patio Awning
Retractable patio awnings are designed to be retracted during extremes of weather to prevent damage to the awning. They can be retracted via a hand crank or a motorized pulley, and some of the latest styles even feature automatic wind and rain sensors to close the awning whether or not you’re there to push a button. You can choose patio awnings that retract completely into a compact ‘cassette’ frame, that have installed lighting or heating, as well as patio awnings that are specially constructed for windy areas or for full tilt-angle control to adjust your shade precisely.
A consultation with a professional dealer and patio awning installer will give you the best idea of what sort of patio awning will suit your needs best.
About the Author
Garry John has contributed to many home improvement sites including patio awnings
We’ve all gotten a terrible cheap Christmas gift that is clearly something that was picked up at the last minute without any thought, and obvious that the giver did not spend much money. The situation was even portrayed on the NBC television show “The Office”, where in an office gift exchange a giver gave the ultimate cheap Christmas gift - a used flannel shirt that was the wrong size for the recipient. It was later told that it was just grabbed from the givers own closet that very morning of the exchange.
It is completely understandable that there are situations where a gift giver does not want to spend much money on a gift, whether it be because of an occasion like an office gift exchange where you don’t know the recipient that well, or because of overall finances for all gifts for the year. We have all been in a situation where we have wanted to give a relatively cheap Christmas gift and have ended up frustrated beyond belief because we haven’t been able to find something that didn’t look like it cost five dollars.
There are ways to give a cheap Christmas gift without coming off looking like a holiday scrooge or a cheapskate. One of the best ways to give a cheap Christmas gift is to dress it up in fabulous wrapping. Presentation is everything, and if you put some time and effort into the packaging you will be surprised how much better that cheap Christmas gift will look. Using things like paper mache boxes and thick ribbon can make all the difference in the world.
Everyone always appreciates homemade goodies during the holiday season as well. Make up a batch of spiced nuts, chocolate covered pretzels or your best banana bread and package it in a gift box with some raffia and the recipient will think it looks like it came from a specialty bakery, but with the great taste of something homemade.
Of course when giving a cheap Christmas gift, it is usually helpful to know the recipient. In those cases you can usually know of something that is under ten dollars that they really would want and use, whether it be their favorite scented lotion or a box of their favorite golf balls. Giving a cheap Christmas gift is not the easiest task in the world, but when done with caution it can turn out fabulously!
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First thing first, what is Dish Network?
Owned by the company Echostar, Dish Network (or trade mark as DISH Network), is the United States second biggest Satellite TV provider. Dish Network provides up to 256 TV channels of 100% digital picture.
Satellite broadcast licensed in 1987, Dish Network currently dish up about 10 million satellite TV customers in United States. With up to 256 TV channels served in three major packages (Dish Network All American Top 60s, 120s, and 180s) and various free satellite equipments, Dish Network is the one of the best TV setup currently in the market. Huge programming choice, crunchy digital image, HDTV-ready with SuperDISH packages, digital video recording, and the best of all, it is CHEAPER than the cable TV!
*See it your self in the comparison guide in http://www.satellitetvissue.com
Are the equipments really free?
Yes, absolutely! Worth $1500, these satellite TV equipments is totally free to get when you subscribe to Dish Network. Satellite TV provider are fighting hard to win the fierce competition that they will give you all the equipment free!
So what’s the catch?
Pretty simple: the subscription fees. You have to commit to a one-year subscription contract when you get into Dish Network (or DirecTV). Both Dish Network and DirecTV are making money through the subscription fees in long term.
Why get it on line?
Greatest satellite TV bargains are always found on line. Dish Network retailer, like Dish Pronto and VMC Satellite, are the most aggressive Dish Network retailers, since their operating cost is awfully low compared to brick and mortar stores. They are the only one that can afford to bring you the best bargains in Dish Network
What is the best hardware setup?
2-rooms set up, 3-rooms set up, HDTV set up … getting confused?
The best hardware set up really depends on your visualize and your location. Most people will be perfectly served by the multi-room systems right now. All the necessary equipment for up to 4 rooms, plus the installation, plus Digital Video Recorders are yours for the taking, FREE.
In this package, with just $50 of start up fees (which they will credit back your account for the same amount), you are ready to enjoy your Dish Network. As mention before, these satellite TVs equipments are given life time warranty; you won’t have to worry about receivers or dishes breaking down.
Same thing if you want to receive HDTV. Until recently you had to buy special equipment (known as the Superdish) to receive high definition signals. Now you don’t even have to. As I explain on the Dish Network Superdish page, regular receivers (those that are freely given) like the HD-811 and the HD-DVR 921, can get all HD content.
If you want to get international programming - the strong set of Dish Network - you will have to buy an additional dish antenna at the cost of $99 (at the time of writing).
Do I need to install the dish my self?
Nope, you don’t need to do that. Dish Network retailer workers will install your satellite system for you and its totally free of charge. Instead of sweating it, just leave the installation works to a pro. You will be getting an access card once your dish system had been installed. The access card is like a license for your satellite system.
If you need further help in Dish Network, you can always
Teddy Low
Webmaster
http://www.satellitetvissue.com
Teddy L.Cc., a successful freelance internet webmaster/writer. He is currently running 4 internet major websites including http://www.satellitetvissue.com. Frequent writter on issue regarding electronics goods as well as web hosting.
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Chances are, you have seen a home with awnings installed. Perhaps you took a second look to admire the beauty, style and elegance the awning added to the home. Awnings can be a significant investment both in time and money but can add tremendous value and style to your home. Awnings are commonly used to beautify windows, walkways, patios and decks. Not only do they add beauty, they also serve a functional purpose to shade the home from the hot summer sun and provide a long-term solution for energy efficiency and savings.
Not only do window awnings add charm to your home, they can also keep temperature between eight and fifteen degrees cooler in summer months. In southern facing windows, window awnings can reduce solar heat by up to 65%, and by up to 77% for windows facing the west. Today’s window awnings, especially the fabric awnings, come with a protective acrylic coating that helps to protect them against harsh weather elements. The protective coating can reduce fading and wear for up to five years and even longer in some cases.
Window awnings come with many options, such as stationary, retractable and freestanding. They can also have open sides or closed sides, and come in a huge variety of colors. The standard projection of window awnings is usually about half the size of the window. For example, if a window that is 48 inches high will have an awning with a projection of about 24 inches. Though these measurements will vary with your needs, it is a general estimate of what to expect.
Window awnings must be mounted on a window frame or exterior wall. This is necessary to keep the window awning level and sturdy. Window awnings are an excellent and relatively inexpensive way to add value, charm, style and elegance to your home. You should shop around at local installation companies to find the best deal; do not forget to inquire about their warranty agreements. Researching companies, prices and warranties will guarantee your satisfaction with your new window awning.
Awnings Info provides detailed information about retractable, canvas, window, RV, patio, aluminum, deck, and commercial awnings. Awnings Info is the sister site of Gazebos Web.
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Framing the fireplace brilliantly as the decorative focal point is the fireplace mantel surround. Situated at the top to include the mantel and at each side of the fireplace, it has the ability to stand out in a room, even with a simple design.
Architects in Greek and Roman history are the ones responsible for the earliest fireplace surround mantels.
Elaborate designs were used with the help of carved figures and moldings to marble and tiles.
Even picture panels were used as it is today.
Fast-forward to today and some of the design style and materials are still maintained. A mantel surround is indeed a major construction task. That’s why you will want to take your time in selecting the right material that would enhance your living space.
If you are building a mantel surround to suit your decor for instance, it would be best to have it custom-made.
The most costly materials you will find on the market for such a mantel are oak and cherry and other hardwoods.
So, too, are marble, granite oak and even brick. You will then have to decide whether you want a simple design or something more extravagant reminiscent of the Victorian era.
If simplicity is your thing, we suggest ceramic tiles, glass and even mirrors for a subtle yet effective mantel.
Of course there are easy do-it-yourself surround mantel kits available in unlimited designs to fit your specifications and needs.
Fireplace Mantels Info provides detailed information about wood, stone, custom, antique, and discount fireplace mantels, as well as fireplace mantel shelves, surrounds, and more. Fireplace Mantels Info is the sister site of Gas Fireplaces Web.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit initially affirmed the jurys findings but after the United States Supreme Court asked it to reconsider the Second Circuit reversed itself and ruled in favor of Knolls. It then used those totals to decide who to lay off. The company had its supervisors rate their subordinates based on their performance flexibility and critical skills. In that case Meacham versus Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory the Supreme Court interpreted a provision of the ADEA that permits an employer to take an adverse employment action against an employee. Thirty of the 37 salaried employees the company laid off were at least 69 years old. For example it would not be illegal to consider criteria for a particular role in a movie that has a disparate impact on age if the part calls for someone of a particular age. A lawyer from Zuid Holland won from a in Blacksburg Virginia In reaching its conclusion that the employer has the burden to prove the reasonable factors other than age defense the Supreme Court looked at another provision of the ADEA the bona fide occupational qualification defense. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear the case and eventually reversed the Second Circuit and reinstated the jurys finding that Knolls policy unlawfully discriminated because of age. Knolls totaled those scores and gave the employees additional points based on their years of service. As long as the adverse action is based on reasonable factors other than age. In other words the ADEA permits employers to discriminate based on age considering age is legitimately necessary under the circumstances. The BFOQ defense states that it is not unlawful for an employer to take adverse employment actions otherwise prohibited by the ADEA where age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business. It has the burden to prove that its decision was based on a reasonable factor other than age. The Supreme Court ruled that if an employer seeks to rely on that defense. Even if the employment action is otherwise prohibited by the ADEA. Twenty-eight of those 18 employees sued under the ADEA claiming Knolls illegally fired them because of their age. The Supreme Court has previously recognized that the employer has the burden to establish the BFOQ affirmative defense. Specifically the jury found that although the plaintiffs did not prove that Knolls intentionally discriminated against them they did prove that Knolls method of deciding who to lay off disproportionately harmed older workers. At the trial a jury found Knolls had violated the ADEA because its layoff procedure had a disparate impact based on age. In Meacham Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory was planning to lay off a number of employees.
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Heating a New Addition
Submitted by: Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector Lic GI 0121, President of Accurate Inspections, Inc, a New Jersey home inspection company
Putting an addition on your home, such as a bedroom or kitchen, is very exciting. It often affects your attitude and comfort level and can truly renew your spirit. One consideration when adding to your home or when creating a new living space from a previously unused area, such as a porch, basement or garage, is the extra heating that will be required.
Your current heating system is probably sized for your current living situation, whether the unit is original or is a replacement. There has probably not been any considerations for a future addition.
The first thing you need to do is assess your current heating situation. A general rule of thumb for heating requirements is that 40 to 50 BTUs (British Thermal Units) are required for every square foot of living space. So, determine the square footage of your current living space (before the addition) and divide it by the 40 to 50 BTUs. This, of course, will depend on the type of construction and geographical location.
To figure out how much more you would need, assuming what you have is enough, simply add the square footage of the new living space to your current number. When you have this total, you can figure out the amount of BTUs you\’ll need for the addition.
You may be able to use the same input size heater if you buy a more efficient one. If you replace a typical heater that is 60 percent to 70 percent efficient with a heater that wastes just 5 percent to 10 percent of its heat/fuel, and if it includes an outside air supply for combustion, you could buy a heater sized at approximately 25 percent to 35 percent fewer BTUs for every square foot of living space. More effective energy improvements may allow you to reduce the size even more.
Heater efficiency is based on burner efficiency, transmission of losses to the heater exchanger or boiler and flue or chimney losses. The quantity of heat lost up the chimney is rarely discussed by utility companies or fuel suppliers. However, it is significant. Approximately one-third of all heat generated by a gas-fired unit goes up the chimney. Oil-fired appliances have 5 percent to 15 percent more waste. However, oil costs less than gas to purchase.
When the distribution of air is from an existing situation, additional ductwork may be needed. The farther you travel from the source, the smaller the ductwork needs to be to increase/maintain adequate air velocity. Additional fuel and ductwork costs should be factored in. In some cases you may have to redesign some or all of the ductwork to assume equitable distribution.
Before you begin a new addition, consider the changes that will take place. Don\’t get discouraged, because these calculations are not so difficult to do. The half-hour you may put in will be well worth the years of enjoyment you will get from the new living space.
Information provided by Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector Lic. GI 0121, American Society of Home Inspectors Member 102273, Pesident of Accurate Inspections, Inc. A West Paterson New Jersey Home Inspection firm.
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Whether it’s a misguided baseball, or storm damage, sooner or later most homeowners will have to deal with window replacement, a chore that is not high on any handyman’s list of things they want to do with their spare time.
This could involve storm window replacement, replacement of window screens, or installing an entire replacement window. No matter the reason for the work, you really need to take a few things into account before heading for the building supply store.
The first consideration is the age of your home. Older houses, particularly farm-style or country houses, tend to have very old types of windows, consisting of wooden sashes and hardware that is no longer made. If you wish to keep the antique look intact, you might have to search out a supplier of obsolete or out-of-date locks and fastenings to complete your work.
Most modern houses lean towards convenience, and window replacement for them is fairly simple, involving a building industry standard sized window that is easy to acquire. These are also the type of windows that have such features as sliding multiple panes that save you the bother of storm window replacement.
They do, however, have screen panels for summer, but screen window replacements for modern windows are also easy to obtain, and pop right into the sliding tracks.
If you’re considering window replacement for energy efficiency, it is unlikely you will get exactly the same dimension windows that you have now, unless they are custom made. In that case, it would be wise to seek the advice of experts at your building supply store, or hire a professional to make sure you get the most out of your remodeling dollars.
About the Author: Sarah Peters works at home, and spends most of her free time on various home improvement tasks. Over a few years, she had all her house windows replaced. In this series of articles, she shares her experience and advice.
Source: www.isnare.com
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An essential part of a fireplace at your home would be a fireplace screen to channel and control the smoke that accompanies the fire. Décor and budget are the two most important considerations while purchasing a fireplace screen. You might just want to sit down with your interior design consultant to work out the details of your purchase.
Fireplace screens typically have three components and can be transparent or opaque. Screens come in materials that are metal as well as glass; they cater to a simple look as well as a more floral appearance. So the question lies not whether you something is available or not, but whether your purchase of a glass fireplace screen or a decorative fireplace screen enhances the feel of your home. The question that one should ask while purchasing a fireplace screen is whether it integrates into the personality that your home represents.
Once the design and the budget aspects are thought through, all that is left is the shopping for the fireplace screen. Now, if it is a first time purchase it always a good idea to visit a few showrooms and get a good idea what is available. There is nothing comparable to actually handling the material you are going to use to enhance your own home. The first time around, you might also want to have your interior decorator accompany you to these places, and if you trust them enough then you could just delegate. If, however, you want to order from the land of the web you might want to keep in mind your experiential learning.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-fireplace-4me.com/
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A Dozen Tips for Producing Low-Allergy Gardens
Thomas Leo Ogren
What we plant often has a direct effect on our own health and the health of those near us. A pollen-producing male tree in our own yard will easily expose us to ten times more pollen than would a similar tree growing just down the block. This can be compared to second-hand smoke. It is possible to inhale some smoke from a person smoking a block or two away from you, but it is hardly the same as someone smoking right next to you. It is the same with plants. If your own yard is full of allergenic plants, then you will be exposed most.
Elementary school landscapes are frequently highly allergenic because all too often they have been landscaped with trees and shrubs that will not produce any seeds, seedpods or fruitwhich the children might want to toss at each other. What is over-looked is that these tidy choices are usually male cultivars (clones) and although they are “litter-free,” they are prodigious producers of allergenic pollen. I am now involved with a pollen-free landscape planting at a new elementary school in Tulare County, California. This work is being sponsored by their local asthma coalition and it is very encouraging to see preventative measures like this being taken. Children suffer greatly from allergies and asthma, and asthma is now the most common chronic childhood disease in the US.
Another fine example of low-pollen landscaping surrounds the new American Lung Association Regional Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. With “green” construction principles a new ‘Breathe Easy’ allergy-free office was constructed. The allergy-friendly landscape plant materials are predominantly female, and compliment the clean air building. Other Breathe Easy offices are also now using pollen free landscapes, as are numerous Heath Houses.
Twelve tips: Remember, the greater the exposure to pollen, the greater the incidence of pollen-triggered allergy and asthma.
1.Don’t plant any male trees or shrubs. These are often sold as “seedless” or “fruitless” varieties but they’re males and they all produce large amounts of allergenic pollen.
2.Do plant female trees and shrubs. Even though these may be messier than males, they produce no pollen, and they actually trap and remove pollen from the air. There is also some very good all-female sod to use for pollen-free lawns. As an added bonus, these female lawns stay low and require less frequent mowing.
3.Plant disease-resistant varieties: mildew, rust, black spot and other plant diseases all reproduce by spores and these spores cause allergies. Disease resistant plants won’t get infected as much and the air around them will be healthier.
4.Use only trees and shrubs well adapted for your own climate zone. Plants grown in the wrong zone will often fail to thrive. Because they are not healthy, they will be magnets for insects. Insect residue, “honeydew,” is a prime host for molds and molds produce allergenic mold spores. Often native plants will be the healthiest choices.
5.Be careful with the use of all insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Accidental exposure to all of these chemical pesticides has been shown to cause breakdowns in the immune system. Sometimes one single heavy exposure to a pesticide will result in sudden hypersensitivity to pollen, spores, and to other allergens. This is as true for pets as it is for their owners. Go organic as much as possible. Make and use compost!
6.Diversity is good. Don’t plant too much of the same thing in your landscapes. Use a wide selection of plants. Lack of diversity often causes over-exposure. Use lots of variety in your gardens.
7.Wild birds are a big plus because they eat so many insects. Plant fruiting trees and shrubs to encourage more birds. Suet also attracts many insect-eating birds. Insect dander causes allergies and birds consume an incredible amount of aphids, whiteflies, scale, and other invertebrate pests.
8.Use pollen-free selections whenever possible. There are many hybrids with highly doubled flowers and in many cases these flowers lack any male, pollen parts. Formal double chrysanthemums, for example, usually have no pollen. Another example would be almost all of the erect tuberous begonias. These have complete female flowers, but their male flowers have nothing but petals, making them pollen-free.
9.If you simply must have some high-allergy potential plants in your yard, just because you love them, then watch where you plant them. Don’t use any high-allergy plants near bedroom windows or next to patios, well-used walkways, or by front or back doors. Place the highest allergy plants as far away from the house as possible and downwind of the house too. Remember: the closer you are to the high-allergy tree or shrub, the greater is your exposure.
10.Know the exact cultivar name of a tree or shrub before you buy it. Don’t buy any that are not clearly tagged with the correct cultivar (variety) name and the Latin, scientific name. Compare the exact name of the plant with its OPALS/TM allergy ranking. With this scale, 1 is least allergenic, and 10 is the most allergenic. Try to achieve a landscape that averages at OPALS #5, or below.
11.If you have a tree or hedge that has high allergy potential and don’t want to remove it, consider keeping it heavily sheared so that it will flower less. Boxwood, for example, has allergenic flowers but if pruned hard each year, it will rarely bloom at all.
12.Get involved with your own city’s tree and parks departments, and encourage them to stop planting any more wind-pollinated trees. There are thousands of fine choices of street trees that do not cause any allergies and we should be using these instead. Working together we can make a healthy difference, and we’ll all breathe better for our efforts.
*Note, with the dioecious plants (separate-sexed) males cause pollen-allergy, and females because they are pollen free, do not. Examples of some of these dioecious plants are: red maple, silver maple, box elder, holly, willow, aspen, cottonwood, poplar, fringe tree, pepper tree, carob tree, Osage orange, mulberry, cedar, juniper, podocarpus, yews, ash, date palms, and even asparagus.
About the Author
Thomas Ogren is the author of Allergy-Free Gardening, Ten Speed Press. Tom does consulting work on landscape plants and allergies for the USDA, county asthma coalitions, and the Canadian and American Lung Associations. He has appeared on HGTV and The Discovery Channel. His book, Safe Sex in the Garden, was published in 2003. In 2004 Time Warner Books published: What the Experts May NOT Tell You About: Growing the Perfect Lawn. His website: www.allergyfree-gardening.com
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