A celebrated teacher has gathered the tried-and-true techniques used by sculptors and folk artists, and tailored them for low-tech surroundings. Work with molds; form over armatures; model or carve with concrete; and treat concrete surfaces with mosaics, embedded objects, incising, and coloring. For dazzling outdoor embellishments, craft a Birdbath, Little Lady Fountain, and more. Twenty-five projects in all.
Available at Amazon.com.
Popular Mechanics senior home editor Roy Berendsohn demonstrates some simple tricks to remove stuck fasteners - nails and screws.
With more than 70,000 copies sold, Lark's Handmade Tiles and its beautiful ideas have delighted crafters everywhere, and whetted their appetites for more. They'll find just what they're looking for in these dozen ceramic tile projects, which include everything from trivets to tabletops to stepping stones. The wealth of practical, visually breathtaking information covered here includes everything from design and formation through decoration and site installation, making this manual an absolute must in every ceramics and home improvement library. Find out about basic tools and materials, glaze application, and techniques for making slab tiles. Get the lowdown on mosaics, and stamped, carved, and inlaid designs. With these techniques, even beginning crafters can start working fast, and move on to simple stair risers, a kitchen backsplash, and an exquisite window surround.
Available at Amazon.com.
Learn professional tips for installing carpet on stairs with this simple DIY guide.
Building instead of buying cabinets means not only cost savings but also better materials and a truly custom kitchen. This book shows anyone how to build a complete set of kitchen cabinets. Professional cabinetmaker Udo Schmidt covers the entire process, from preparing materials and selecting the right tools to finishing and installing hardware. 350 color photos and black-and-white illustrations are included.
Available at Amazon.com.
VideoJug: How To Clean An Oven So It Gleams
Is your oven a mess? Jacqueline Hansson from Amy Cleaners shows us how to clean an oven so that it gleams with pride.
Senior automotive editor Mike Allen (aka the Guy Who Can Fix ANYTHING) demonstrates how to properly heat shrink a soldered wire connection for a strong - and water-tight - seal.
Some qualities of nature that amaze during childhood become less wonderful over time, but the splendor of autumn seems to inspire even more wonder with age. So, is this brilliant display of beauty just Mother Nature's fall fashion show, or is there a method to the magic? Arborists at SavATree (savatree.com) have called upon their professional knowledge and personal observations to provide answers to tree curiosities that accompany the fall season and share tips to help maximize the leaf peeping experience.
When and How Leaves Change Color
"Trees interpret increasing darkness as a sign that winter is on its way and start to make adjustments for freezing temperatures and harsh conditions," says SavATree Arborist Brad Gurr. As food production slows down, the chlorophyll that gives leaves their green color begins to break down and disappear. After this happens, the yellow and orange carotenoids already in the leaf become visible. Red and purple colors come from anthocyanins produced by some species during autumn in response to sunlight and excess sugars that get trapped in the leaves. Temperature, light, and water supply conditions have the greatest influence over the timing, intensity and duration of fall color. "Optimal conditions generally consist of cool, but not freezing, temperatures, mild late-season drought and an abundance of bright, sunny days," says Gurr, "Late season warmth usually means more chlorophyll and that can delay the onset of fall. Too much drought or an early frost weakens intensity." The "wave" of color usually starts at the end of September. It runs from north to south, from mountains down to valleys, beginning with light yellows and ending with the darkest reds early in November. Peaks follow the same pattern.
Why Leaves Fall and What Happens To Them
While humans revel in fall color, trees are making changes to keep from drying out in the severely cold, dry air of winter. Evergreens have needle-like foliage with a heavy wax-like coating to help keep in moisture, and the fluid in their cells contains substances resistant to freezing. However, broadleaf trees contain a thin, watery sap that freezes easily. "Most of their parts, including stems, twigs and buds are capable of surviving extreme cold," explains SavATree Arborist David Horvath, "but the leaf tissues are very tender. Trees must seal them off before going dormant in order to ensure their survival through the winter." As leaf veins transfer nutrients to the trunk and roots, a special corky separation layer of cells gradually forms where the leaf stem is attached to the tree, and it begins to sever the attachment. When food production ends, the tree seals off the cut. Without that connection for support, wind and gravity drop the leaves away from the tree. Once on the ground, leaves decompose, restock the soil with nutrients, and help make up the spongy layer of soil that absorbs and holds rainwater. Horvath adds, "Fall is also an opportunity for homeowners to monitor obvious tree health indicators and seek help if needed. Early color and premature leaf drop are signs of stress and may be symptoms of tree disease, insect infestation or another issue."
Tips To Maximize the Fall Foliage Experience
The most intense fall colors occur in areas with vast stands of similar trees that turn color at the same time like in New England. For the most varied and longest lasting color, seek areas with a dozen or more varieties. Consider leaving your car behind and taking in views on a hike, boat, or train ride. Try to observe scenery at different times during the day to experience the varying, but equally stunning, light effects produced in morning, afternoon and twilight. "To significantly enhance your enjoyment of the autumn season remember to use all five of your senses," says SavATree President Daniel van Starrenburg, "There's more to autumn than an eye-popping palette of color. There are also sweet aromas, the sound of swirling leaves blowing by in the wind, the unique texture of bark, and that crunchy feel beneath your feet. Fall is harvest season and a great time to enjoy the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables at an outdoor picnic."
About SavATree
SavATree is an environmentally sensible tree service and lawn care company accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association. Certified arborists provide expert analysis, recommendations, and services to help customers maximize the health, beauty, safety and value of their landscapes. SavATree services include tree pruning, tree fertilizer, insect control treatments, tree disease diagnosis, organic lawn care, green program options and more. SavATree is headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY with 18 branch offices servicing homeowners, businesses, institutions and historic properties in CT, DC, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA. For more information, please contact 914-864-3160 or visit savatree.com.
Source: PRWeb
Sagging screen doors are a common annoyance. Don shows you some simple solutions.
Beautiful feature trees and landscape plantings contribute up to 20 percent of your property value and provide significant environmental, social and economic benefits. However, during a hurricane trees become potentially dangerous as high force winds increase their likelihood to sustain injury or cause costly damage. Advanced planning with professional help is the key to keeping your family, home and trees safe during hurricane season. According to arborists at SavATree (savatree.com), storm protection begins at the design and planting stage, but mature trees on established properties can be restored, and trees of all ages and sizes benefit from regular preventative maintenance.
Property Evaluation by a Tree Expert
Start with a professional consultation. A high quality tree service will provide a complimentary safety audit for you that highlights immediate dangers, indicates potential hazards and includes prioritized damage prevention recommendations for your property. SavATree Plant Health Care Director Patrick Parker explains, "An arborist can help you identify structural defects, cracks, hollow areas and overhanging limbs. They can diagnose diseases, analyze soil composition, find root rot and spot signs of insect infestation." Specialized tools like the resistograph and air spade are used to detect serious internal trunk decay or uncover root injury in a tree that may appear perfectly healthy on the outside. Parker adds, "These conditions are significant contributors to the overall strength of a tree, and ultimately determine its ability to withstand a hurricane."
Preventative Landscape Maintenance
"Trees are living things that change as they grow and react to the environment," says Parker, "It's important to establish a regular system of structural pruning for young trees to encourage a sturdy framework and strong branch architecture." Older trees that have already developed structural flaws or that have been neglected can be helped by restorative pruning and appropriate cabling or bracing. Regular maintenance pruning is necessary because large trees, especially ones that have not experienced high velocity gusts for years, are the most likely to cause severe damage during a hurricane. "Removal of dead, diseased and damaged wood that is apt to break away and become a projectile during a storm is vital," says SavATree Safety & Training Director Dane Buell, "Pruning, cabling and bracing help amend structural deficiencies by reducing limbs that are prone to fail and providing support to weak tree parts. That translates into increased stability during a storm and reduces the chances of a tree falling into your home." Additional tips include annual fertilization to keep trees healthy, watering during drought periods to help maintain the health and holding power of roots, and avoiding cutting roots during construction projects.
Designing for Resilience
A storm-resistant landscape design requires careful consideration when selecting the species, location, and grouping of plantings. Generally, slow-growing native trees in good health with a strong root system, widespread canopy, flexible limbs, small leaf size and low center of gravity are most resilient during a harsh storm. Some trees that exhibit these characteristics are American beech, black walnut, green ash, sugar maple, sycamore and white oak. "You should have the size of the fully grown tree in mind when planting," says Buell, "Choose a location where it has enough room to grow naturally without conflicting with structures and power lines. Plant the right tree in the right place." Isolated specimens do not have as much wind resistance as a group of trees.
SavATree President Daniel van Starrenburg adds, "Following these practices is not a guarantee that your property and trees will go undamaged during a hurricane or severe storm. But knowing you've done everything you can to help prepare your trees and protect your home will give you a powerful peace of mind that can make the experience of weathering a big storm less stressful."
About SavATree
SavATree is an environmentally sensible tree service and lawn care company accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association. Certified arborists provide expert analysis, recommendations, and services to help customers maximize the health, beauty, safety and value of their landscapes. SavATree services include tree pruning, tree fertilizer, insect control treatments, tree disease diagnosis, organic lawn care, green program options and more. SavATree is headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY, with 18 branch offices servicing homeowners, businesses, institutions and historic properties in CT, DC, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA. For more information, please contact 914-864-3160 or visit savatree.com.
Source: PRWeb
VideoJug: Venetian Plaster Step By Step With Firenze Marmorino
This video shows how to Venetian plaster from base coat all the way to sealing with protection soap.
A string trimmer is a useful tool for maintaining your lawn. Learn how to use it correctly and safely with this tutorial.
See how to modify or split blocks from the AB Courtyard Collection by Allan Block. Modified blocks will be needed on most projects where curves exist or your building with wall and posts together. Using an hammer and chisel the blocks are easily modified.
Hardwood floors are a timeless treasure. They can add beauty, character and value to any room of the house.
Traditionally, the living room and dining room were the areas of a home where you’d most often find hardwood floors. But as hardwood has become more available and versatile, and homeowners have become more creative about home improvements, hardwood floors are popping up in rooms all over the house where you’d usually find carpet. Carpet stains easily, wears out and ends up in a landfill at the end of its life, while hardwood flooring is timeless and versatile.
“With so many options available to homeowners these days, you could put a hardwood floor in any room of the home,” says Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators. “From solid hardwood, bamboo and cork, to engineered and laminate, you can install these floors in rooms where you might traditionally find carpet or tile.”
But before you go installing a hardwood floor in your basement or bathroom, make sure that the surface is appropriate for the location.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood floors are known for their beauty and durability, making them perfect for any room of the home and a much more attractive choice than carpet. Because solid hardwood can be re-sanded over and over, it can last for 100 years, much longer than any carpeted floor. Plus, solid hardwood is easy to clean and maintain, making it a good flooring choice for allergy sufferers.
Enjoyable Engineered
Engineered hardwood floors make an excellent choice over concrete sub-floors, radiant heat or areas with high moisture. Engineered hardwood floors are usually offered in glue-down or nail-down and handscraped/antique options. Engineered hardwood flooring is produced by adhering a layer of real hardwood to a plywood backing. Since it is bonded together, this type of flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity, making it perfect for areas with high moisture such as bathrooms and basements.
Beautiful Bamboo
Bamboo floors are also excellent choices for high-moisture areas like the bathroom or basement. When shopping for bamboo floors, look for solid bamboo that has also been engineered, giving it a very high-stability rating in a natural product; thus, it doesn’t move a lot, which is important in high moisture areas like a bathroom. Many bamboo options, such as Morning Star Bamboo Flooring available at Lumber Liquidators, are finished on both sides, sealing it from moisture.
Celebrate Cork
Cork is also a great choice for bathrooms and basements because it has a natural resistance to mold and deals well in high-moisture areas. Cork flooring combines the beauty of a natural material with the comfort of a cushioned surface.
Livable Laminate
If you want to install the look of hardwood flooring in high-traffic areas of your home like an indoor porch or a child’s playroom, laminate is an excellent choice because of its low-maintenance and durability. Plus, it is also nice for the homeowner on a budget as these floors mimic the look of hardwood at a lower price.
Because there are so many options available to homeowners these days, hardwood floors do not have to be restricted to just one or two rooms of the home. Any room can have a hardwood floor. Homeowners just need to know the room conditions and how much traffic the floor will receive before they install.
For more information about installing hardwood flooring, call (800) FLOORING or visit www.lumberliquidators.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Do it yourself closet organization can be quite a journey, even with the best advice. Meghan Carter of http://www.AsktheDecorator.com discovered first-hand the trials and tribulations of closet organization as she put herself under the scrutiny of professional organizer Cynthia Ivie. But in the end, Meghan not only organized her closet, but found a great excuse to go shopping.
Don tells you how to choose the right caulk to protect the interior and exterior of your home.
In this video, learn how to install lag shield concrete anchors.
Create a wall panel that can be used for additional seating around a patio or a border wall for a property line or garden, using the AB Courtyard Collection by Allan Block Building on an existing surface the wall panel can be built in no time. Use corner blocks to finish the end of the wall and wall caps to finish the top for an attractive look.
Choosing the right closet organizers can make organizing your closet a lot easier. So, Meghan Carter of http://www.AsktheDecorator.com visited Master Simplifier and owner of the organization firm White Space, Cynthia Ivie, to discover which type of closet organizers work best.
Tim Carter, of http://AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates really simple ways to repair either blacktop or concrete driveways.
Bob Schmidt shows how air hammers stop banging pipes. If your pipes have always been quiet and they start banging, he will explain the cause and fix for the problem.
PlumberSurplus.com brings you a video buying guide on Tankless Water Heaters, their variations, uses, and the selection process. Whether its a Electric Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Propane Tankless Water Heater or Tankless Water Heater Accessories our Tankless Water Heater Video Buying Guide helps people break down the complexities.
Clutter is not a welcome part of any home, and one of the hardest areas to keep organized is the home workbench. With an array of tools, supplies and other necessary household items, it can easily become one of the messiest areas in the house. But don’t dismiss this area as one that can’t be tidy. Simple organizational steps can create a workspace that is useful and clean.
“Organizing a workbench seems like a difficult task because there are so many items in a limited space,” comments Steve Sholem, an expert in household organization and CEO at StuckOnTools. “The best thing to do is to find an organizational system that can be customized for your needs, yet look professional at the same time.”
When organizing your workbench, here are some ideas to consider:
Use the Walls and Replace Pegboard
Toolboxes are disorganized and can fill up very fast. Extra tools clutter the floor and bench and occupy dirty cardboard boxes or old coffee cans. This not only creates a very messy area, but makes it difficult to access tools when you really need them. When organizing tools, consider looking to your walls for extra space.
Get tools out of their boxes and on the walls, freeing up space and creating a system where you can easily see and find them. Pegboards and lattice are the traditional options, but they have many negatives. Because you need space for the hooks, you cannot simply mount them flat against the wall, making installation difficult. The precut holes and holders can tear out and they hold a limited number of tools. Finally, they get filled with dust and cobwebs that make the workbench dirty.
“Pegboards are not an attractive option and do not function best for organizing tools,” says Sholem. “For all the money that homeowners invest in tools, they need a better storage system that utilizes space and protects the tools.”
Consider using a colorful magnetic tool board made by StuckOnTools. These 20-gauge steel boards use high intensity rare earth magnets to hold tools securely in place. The boards are easy to install and include a mounting kit. “Installation is like putting a picture on the wall, you could do it in about eight minutes,” says Sholem.
The magnetic boards are totally customizable with a variety of round magnet hooks for different tool weights and can be easily moved around the board. The boards support up to four times the weight that pegboard can. So even saws, pipe wrenches, hammers and other items like electric drills that normally couldn’t be hung up, can now be easily attached to your wall. Smaller items, such as plastic boxes of screws, nuts and nails can be attached to the StuckOnTools board with material similar to Velcro. Ratchet heads securely stay on a movable magnetic bar.
Utilize Shelving Space
For vacuums, paint containers, boxes and other large items, it might be necessary to install a shelving unit. A pile of items on the floor looks messy and is difficult to keep organized. With the vast shelving options available, finding one that is right for you should be easy.
Look for shelving that is customizable to your needs and is durable enough to handle the weight of your larger items. Metal shelving is often used in workbench areas because it is durable and easy to clean.
Stick With the System.
Once you are organized and have your workbench system in place, use it! Accessing tools will be easier than ever, but make sure you keep your system clutter-free by replacing your tools when you are done. Household projects will take less time if you can find them quickly.
By having everything close at hand and organized, clean up will be quicker and less painful. Discard waste that tends to build up and replace items used.
“With these tips, workbench organization is a snap,” says Sholem. “You’ll no longer be limited by the space in toolboxes. And with less clutter, you’ll find your tools without frustration.”
For more information on workbench organization and other household storage and organizational products, visit http://www.stuckontools.com/
Courtesy of ARAcontent
The Black & Decker 18-volt cordless rechargeable garden cultivator is ideal for cultivating garden beds, landscape beds and weeding. This garden cultivator also preps beds for planting and prepping dry and dead spots for seeding. The 18 volts of power provide an effortless and quick way to weed and aerate soil. The long tines are small enough to maneuver in between plants and counter-oscillating tines prevent weeds from tangling. The telescoping shaft adjusts for the perfect length, allowing the user to operate it standing up without bending over. This upright design offers less fatigue while cultivating. The soft grips and adjustable auxiliary handle provide this power tool with maximum comfort. The garden cultivator comes with Black & Decker's 2-year warranty.
Available at Amazon.com.
Learn professional tips for installing a dishwasher quickly and easily.
October, the busiest painting month, is just around the corner and homeowners everywhere are heading out to their local home improvement centers to pick up the proper tools for the task, including paint rollers, primer and painter’s tape. And even though it’s easy to read labels to find the products you need to get the job done, finding the perfect color for the room can be a different story. With endless color possibilities available, it’s easy for any DIYer to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
To help you get started, flip through some home decorating or interior design magazines to find inspiration. Tear out pages that catch your eye and compile them into a book. Or take a stroll through your home and find a few favorite accessories. It might be a throw pillow, a piece of clothing or an antique vase.
Eventually, you’ll start to notice a pattern of your likes and dislikes, making it easier to sort through your ideas to find the perfect paint color.
But don’t choose a color just because you like it. It’s also important to consider what the color says about you. Do you want it to be calming and relaxing? Or do you want it to be energetic and fun?
“Believe it or not, colors can tell a lot about a person’s personality,” says Peggy Van Allen, Pratt & Lambert color specialist. “If you really want to make a statement, bolder hues like reds and golds are the way to go. For a softer appeal, try lavender or beige.”
Here’s what the most common colors say about you:
Red
Red has the greatest emotional impact and is most closely associated with passion, romance and energy. Because it’s also known to stimulate appetite and conversation, this color might be best for the kitchen or dining room.
Orange
Orange, when paired with its complementary color, blue, can have a dramatic effect on a room. It is exuberant and active -- a perfect choice for a playroom.
Brown
Brown is associated with taste and sophistication. It is seen as confident, yet calming. Try it in a family or living room where guests can relax and unwind.
Green
Green is the ideal color for an office space. It’s been said to promote concentration -- perfect for picking up a good book or burning the midnight oil.
Yellow
Use yellow in rooms where little or no natural light has access. If you paint the den or basement walls, it can give the appearance of natural light and brighten up the living space. But when choosing the shade, keep in mind that bolder, deeper yellows can be overpowering.
Blue
Because the bedroom is mostly used for sleeping purposes, you don’t want a color like yellow or red that screams. Instead, stick with a cooler tone like a soft blue or gray that will give your room a calm, relaxing feel.
Neutral
Neutral shades like white, gray and black are best when you want low-intensity. If you already have bright colors or heavy-patterned furniture in the room, neutrals are a great way to make them stand out.
Purple
Purples have a powerful connection with our romantic, sensual and introspective sides. So consider this hue when you’re deciding a color for the bedroom. But use a bluer purple to keep it more restful. Using a redder purple can give it a more energetic feel, which might make it harder to fall asleep.
“Choosing the perfect paint color for a room doesn’t have to be impossible,” says Van Allen. “Just consider what you want the room to say and don’t be afraid to try something new. Pratt & Lambert even offers 2-ounce sample jars of paint so you can try as many new colors as you like. As long as you’re having fun with the painting process, the room is sure to shine.”
For more information, or to locate a Pratt & Lambert retailer, log onto www.prattandlambert.com, or call (800) BUY.PRAT (800.289.7728).
Courtesy of ARAcontent
In this video, learn how to use the adjustment screws to improve the fit on door sills.
In this do it yourself video guide to refinishing and restoring wood furniture, learn tips and techniques for how to refinish old wood furniture, including using a soft cloth for applying new wood stain.
The green movement has turned on the tap of creativity for many manufacturers of bathroom fixtures and accessories. With homeowners increasingly demanding products that are good for the environment, promote healthier lifestyles and complement their interior décor, innovations are flowing into the market place.
The best example of the bathroom’s transformation may just be the evolution of the faucet from lowly water delivery product to lofty conservation tool and design statement, says Amadou Diallo of Fontaine Faucets. While faucets that combine beautiful form with efficient function have been available for some time, the hottest new trend puts a high-tech update on an existing technology: hands-free operation.
There’s no arguing the hygienic advantages of a bathroom fixture that doesn’t require you to touch it in order to operate it. Airports and other high-traffic public places have used the technology for years. But if you’ve ever stood in front of one of these infrared faucets, vainly waiving your hands to elicit a stream of water, you know why the technology hasn’t made its way into home baths – until now.
“We now have the ability to create a faucet that works automatically whenever your hands are anywhere near it,” says Diallo. “That means no more hunting for the beam that infrared sensors use to trigger the flow of water.”
Fontaine has recently begun marketing a conversion kit that allows do-it-yourselfers to turn their traditional Fontaine faucet into a hands-free one. Homeowners looking to replace an existing faucet can purchase a new Fontaine product that comes equipped with the Sensa Field technology.
The next generation of touch-free faucets offers homeowners a myriad of advantages:
* Reliable operation is now a reality. Fontaine’s Sensa Field technology senses a user from any angle. The sensing zone surrounds the entire spout, ensuring activation every time a user’s hands approach.
* Elimination of a major source of germ transmission.
* Encourages effective hand-washing, a top way to prevent the spread of disease.
* Easy to install and easy to use, the new faucets leave behind the unattractive, utilitarian look that characterizes infrared touch-free faucets. Designs emphasize elegance and draw inspiration from popular models to ensure compatibility with virtually any interior décor.
* The technology enhances conservation efforts by doing away with unnecessary and unattended water flow. This can save homeowners up to 70 percent on water costs.
“Homeowners have long understood the value of touch-free function,” says Diallo. “But until now, that value wasn’t available in a reliable, attractive form. Touch-free faucets that leave infrared behind are the next hot thing in baths, and may soon become the standard in quality new home construction.”
To learn more about Fontaine Faucets’ Sensa Field technology, visit www.fontainebrand.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
A clip by a lady for the ladies on how to unclog a nasty drain.
Check out these cool new saw horses from Stanley Tools. These are available at Amazon.com.
Build a post using corner blocks of the AB Courtyard Collection by Allan Block. Create attractive landscape accent to your yard or for your patio. Building on an existing surface the post can be built in no time.
Tim Carter, of http://AsktheBuilder.com, shows you how to expertly prep and join PVC piping for a non-leak connection.
VideoJug: How To Repair A Leaking Showerhead
In this video, learn how to repair a leaking showerhead, which is often caused by a defective or damaged o-ring washer.
It seems green is the color for the season, and not just on the runway. Environmentalism is here in full force, and by the looks of things, it’s here to stay. One area that is red hot -- or green hot, as the case may be -- is making your home environmentally friendly. And it’s no wonder. Anything that saves money and the planet is a sure-fire win in anyone’s book. If you are looking for a way to go green around the house, start by taking steps to conserve water and energy. Try out these easy ways to care for the earth, enjoy your home and save money.
Don’t Waste the Water
When it comes to water conservation, every drop counts. Look around your home for any leaky faucets and get them repaired as soon as possible. You can also save on water in the bathroom by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. They save on energy costs by cutting down on water usage, and with less hot water being used, less water is being heated.
Laundry is also a big water-eater. With kids, it seems clothes get dirtier by the second. But you can easily conserve water by adjusting your “squeamish” threshold. Dry off with that towel more than once before tossing it into the hamper. And, unless you are out roping steer every day, you can often get by with a two or three wears before laundering your jeans. Remember, every little bit helps.
By far, the best way to conserve water is to make it a family affair. Get your kids on the bandwagon by teaching them the value of water. Show them how to turn off the water when they brush their teeth or take a quick shower, and of course, set a great example.
Green Up the Air
Heating and cooling our homes is one of those touchy subjects we all have to deal with. Sure, I want to save energy and preserve our planet, but when sweat is dripping down my neck in the summer and my teeth are chattering in the winter, self-preservation wins out every time. Fortunately, there are great ways to save on energy costs so you can feel comfortable without feeling guilty.
Hands down, the best way to green your home is to invest in a high-efficiency HVAC system that is Energy Star certified. By installing a high-efficiency HVAC system you will reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted. And if that’s not enough to smile about, you also shave a big chunk of change off your utility bills. Look for a product with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which means it meets strict government standards for energy efficiency. Today’s government standard is 13 SEER, but American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning has a wide range of products on the market that meet and exceed the standard, reaching as high as 18 SEER.
Another helpful tip is to clean out your filters or replace them regularly. A dirty filter will quickly hamper the airflow, costing you more money to run your system. And, of course, when you’re not home, adjust your thermostat to compliment the changing weather temperatures outside. One of the easiest ways to regulate this is to use an automated thermostat. American Standard has a variety of thermostats to choose from. Just as every drop of water counts, every temperature degree counts. You can save about three percent of your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter, and up to six percent for every degree you raise it during the summer. This adds up quickly!
Greening it Together
Make saving energy a game by getting the family on board. Post your utility bill where everyone in the family can see it, and as a group try to lower it by ten dollars next month, perhaps twenty the month after that. Before you realize it, you’ll be line drying heavy items like comforters or pants, or cleaning out the filters in your fridge to make it run more efficiently. Little steps here and there add up in no time.
No one has to suffer when it comes to greening up your home. On the contrary, by making the challenge fun, you can get everyone in the family on board. As a result, everyone comes out a winner -- your home, your wallet, your family and your planet.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Looking for a safe and clean ground cover for your child's playground? Check out Nuplay, a revolutionary rubber mulch. Here's some information about Nuplay and how to make it work for you.
Painting is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to update your home. A fresh coat of paint can give new life to a dull room, or a completely different color can add personality and pizzazz throughout your living space. To ensure a professional-quality job, take the appropriate preparation steps.
“To achieve great painting results that last a long time, it’s crucial to prep the surface thoroughly and get the right tools,” says Anne Horst, customer service manager at Wooster Brush, a company dedicated to producing quality painting products. “Surface preparation is key for getting expert-looking results.”
Preparing the surface is the most important part of any painting project. If the paint doesn’t have a smooth, clean surface to adhere to, the result will be a poor-quality job that doesn’t last very long. “You should spend at least as much time on surface prep as you will be painting,” advises Horst.
Start by clearing the space. If you can’t move the furniture out of the room, push it all into the center and cover it with drop cloths. Remove outlet covers, wall heating vents, light fixtures and other hardware. The job will go faster because you won’t need to paint around these objects, and the overall coverage will be more professional.
Next, scrape or sand flaking paint from the surface. If you are painting over a semigloss or gloss finish, the gloss should be removed or else new coats of paint may not adhere. Horst recommends using sandpaper with 220 grit or a liquid cleaning/dulling agent.
As you prepare the surface, look for flaws. Fill cracks, gouges, chips, and nail holes with the appropriate patching plaster, spackling compound, or wood putty. When the patch is dry, sand it lightly and feather the edges of any rough spots so they’re level with the rest of the area. Remember, the smoother the surface, the better it will look after it’s painted.
“After sanding the surface and fixing chips, wash the wall with a 50/50 mix of ammonia and water to get rid of grease, dirt and dust. Allow it to dry completely, then lightly wipe with a damp cloth. This helps ensure the wall is clean and ready for paint,” says Horst.
Before priming and painting, make sure to get the proper brushes and rollers so the job goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. Horst points out, “If you are a fairly steady painter and you’re using a high-quality brush like Wooster Ultra/Pro, you might not even need to tape off the trim. Steady or not, if you’re working with a cheap brush you’ll need to buy masking tape and apply it, adding to the cost and time of the project.”
When painting ceilings, cover the entire floor with drop cloths. For walls, you can simply cover the floor next to where you’re painting.
The final step is to prime the walls. Use the correct primer on the entire surface if it is newly constructed, stained by water or smoke, prone to mildew, rusted or aged. Your local paint store can provide recommendations. Primer helps to seal and even out the surface so the paint goes on smoother, adheres better and lasts longer.
One technique experts use to save time and get a high-quality finish is to use a mini-roller for small wall spaces, trim work or edging close to the ceiling. The Jumbo-Koter mini-roller has a special cage frame that provides a smooth operation without skidding, and the roller fabrics match the full-size Wooster covers so you get a uniform finish. It eliminates the band of brushmarks around the wall edges or near the baseboards.
For more information, visit www.woosterbrush.com or look for Wooster products at your favorite paint store.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
If you’re a homeowner with an area in your home that needs more natural light -- say a hallway, laundry room, closet, or a windowless bathroom -- an easy-to-install tubular skylight could be the answer. And if you’re one of the millions of handy do-it-yourselfers in America, you can handle the installation in a weekend morning. But even if you’re a little wary of cutting a hole in your perfectly good roof yourself, a reasonably priced installation by a professional can be easily arranged. Either way, you gain more passive natural light and a lower power bill.
Velux Sun Tunnel skylights bring passive natural light into the home and particularly into areas where traditional skylights aren’t needed or won’t fit. They capture light very efficiently through a clear, weatherproof dome on the roof. The light travels into the home through highly reflective tubing, ending at a diffuser in the ceiling that looks like a traditional in-ceiling light fixture. The units offer a choice of highly reflective rigid tubing between the roof and ceiling or flexible tubing to easily bypass HVAC equipment or other obstructions in the attic. They are less expensive than many traditional skylights and easier to install.
According to Tim Johnson, product manager with VELUX America, the skylights are available in a variety of models in 10”, 14” and 22” diameters for different spaces and lighting needs. “The installation process is very straight-forward,” Johnson says, “with many components pre-assembled right out of the box so a handy homeowner can handle the installation in two to three hours.”
The skylights are available at big box stores, building supply dealers, and specialty retail outlets. Optional light kits are available that install inside the tunnels for nighttime use.
And now is a particularly good time to consider upgrading existing skylights or adding new units to qualify for a tax credit of up to $200 under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. Details are available at www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.
For information on skylight selection and the benefits of natural light call (800) 283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent