Fireplace Mantels and the Fast Track to Buying them

464


You might think fireplace mantels are an easy product to buy, the trouble is there are so many to pick from that many people wrongly choose because of the appearance. Do yourself a favor and check out the experts before you purchase.


fireplaces,fireplace mantels,outdoor fireplaces,home,interior design,decorating,

For the best Garden Design Dublin company, call Leaf 2 Leaf Landscapes.

To find the best Garden Design Dublin company, click here for Leaf 2 Leaf Landscapes.
You should also be aware that fireplace specialists and other people who may often work with or have some involvement with fireplaces can easily be discovered via the regional telephone books, there will be no shortage of individuals who are in some way linked with the subject of fireplaces and they can save you a sizable amount of your valuable time by helping you with your fireplace related queries.

When you enter into any fireplace purchase you should make sure that the heating source you might be buying a gas fireplace surround from gives you the feeling that refunds and item mantel cap returns aren’t a difficulty, switching or part exchanging a gel fuel fireplace for a fireplace cover ought never turn out to be a real issue.

A variety of sites will publish selected pages for fireplaces, if a consumer should require a electric corner fireplace or a brick fireplace simply locate the most appropriate fireplace section.

If you use the correct methods fireplace tips can be accessed really quickly, if you do not rush when implementing your fireplace research and you will never go far wrong, if you require expert assistance on items such as ventless fireplaces then see if you can locate a number of specialized fireplace articles.

You will see that heating listings are a relatively useful source of knowledge on numerous items such as wood burning fireplace manuals and napoleon gas fireplace, these type of directories can be located all over the net.

Consider also when you search this region of home improvement it is possible you may very well be overrun with a considerable number of truly varied search engine results, such gems as outdoor propane fireplaces and portable electric fireplaces might though be very relevant to your requirements.

Due to the technology of the internet, access to a whole lot of fireplace info can give you guidance on some great items, should you then need a specialized fireplace such as a cast orio fireplace basket, you may possibly be better off researching in a heat installation or fireplace directory, such sites will contain categories therefore locating a copper electric fireplace, custom fireplace mantel or possibly a freplace combination will not be a hassle.

A great many sites will contain particular sectors focused on fireplaces, if you desire a freestanding gas fireplace or a avalon fireplace insert you just locate the most appropriate fireplace section.

For good quality fireplace knowledge an online store that is supervised by someone like a fireplace expert should be perfect, The home improvement newsgroups and blogs are certainly fantastic resources for finding decent quality fireplace tips and advice, these kind of places might very well provide the answers to some fairly precise questions concerning merchandise like electric fireplace inserts or faux marble fireplaces.

MV Interior Decorating: Proper Way to Light the Home

525


One of the most important considerations in making a proper home theatre system is lighting. From the lighting designers’ perspective, there exist three kinds of lighting- task lighting, accent lighting and ambient lighting. Task lighting is, as the name suggests, lighting for doing a task. An example of task lighting is a table lamp that lets you read a book or doing crossword puzzles. Next, accent lighting is used to accent or highlight architectural or favorite displays of a room. If you have a large home with high ceilings with beautiful architecture you will want to show it off. Lastly, ambient lighting is used as filler.


home lighting system, accent lighting, task lighting, ambient lighting, lighting your home

For the best online vape shop ireland company, call Mallows Number 1 Vape Store.

To find the best online vape shop ireland company, click here for Mallows Number 1 Vape Store.

MEASURING FOR YOUR VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

1192


Learn how to properly measure for your new vinyl replacement windows.


vinyl windows, replacement windows, how to install windows, installing vinyl windows, retrofit windows, replacing wood windows, replacing aluminum windows

For the best masonry walkways new jersey company, call Right Choice Paving & Masonry.

To find the best masonry walkways new jersey company, click here for Right Choice Paving & Masonry.
Let’s say you’re tired of those old wood windows, and you decide it’s time to upgrade to vinyl replacement windows. You get 2 or 3 contractors to come out and give you an estimate. After they leave, you can’t believe windows can cost so much. I mean, having to get financing to replace your windows just doesn’t seem right. Let me explain to you why the windows are so expensive. You have to pay the salary of the salesman who comes over to give you your “free” estimate. Then, you have to pay the salary of the installers. Finally, you have to pay the owner of the company. In some cases there is a broker who acts as a middleman, and he or she gets a cut too. No wonder you need financing! Now, imagine if you already knew how to shop for windows, how to measure for new windows, how to remove the old windows, and how to install the new windows. You just eliminated everybody except the owner. All of a sudden you can afford to replace your windows without taking out a loan! The next few articles are going to cover this process. This article is going to discuss the proper way to measure for your double hung replacement windows.

It’s important to properly measure for your windows. If you order them too small, you’re going to end up having to improvise in order to get them to work. Even if you do get them to work, you’re probably going to have problems. And if you order them too big, you’re really in trouble. Chances are you will be ordering more windows. So, measuring is very important. Fortunately, it’s also very simple. We are dealing with old double hung wood windows here, so if that doesn’t apply to you, don’t worry. Future articles will discuss other types of windows. In the case of the wood sash windows, you want to measure the width first, and height second. When you go shopping for windows, always give the dimensions as WIDTH X HEIGHT. To measure your width, you want to pull a tape measure from the top right corner to the top left corner. Put the tape measure in that 1 1/2″ pocket where the window frame slides. Measure to the sixteenth of an inch. Do the same thing at about the midway point,right above where the window locks. Then, raise the bottom sash and take the same measurement at the bottom. If you can’t raise the window for whatever reason, go outside and measure from there. You will have to remove the screen though.

The majority of the time all three of those measurements will be the same. If they’re not the same, use the SMALLEST measurement. Now subtract 1/4″ from that measurement. This is your width for the new window. The height is a bit tricky. If your window sill outside slopes downward for water drainage, you have to make sure that you measure from the HIGHEST Point of the sill. You want to measure from the top right corner to the bottom right corner. Put your tape at the top where the upper sash closes. If the bottom has a 5/8″ high inside wood sill piece to prevent water from coming inside, you need to raise the bottom sash and run the tape past the 5/8″ sill and down to the high point of the sloped sill. Do this in the middle and on the left. Once again, take the smallest measurement, but this time deduct 3/16″. This is your height. If you order your windows using these dimensions,they will fit right in, and leave just enough room to adjust if needed. The final step is to measure the depth of the pocket where both sashes slide. By depth, i mean from the point outside where the top sash rests against the outside wood stop to the point inside where the inside bottom sash rests against the inside stop. This measurement should be between 3 1/4″- 3 1/2″. The reason you need to know this dimension is because not all replacement windows have a 3 1/4″ depth frame. You want a replacement window that’s going to fit right into the existing pocket of the wood frame. If you purchase a window with a 2 5/8″ frame depth, you’re going to have approximately 3/4″ to fill. That means buying new wood stops for the inside of the house that are 3/4″ wider than the existing stops. Get the 3 1/4″ frames and save yourself a lot of extra work. Now, if you’re on a really tight budget, the lower grade windows will be the 2 5/8″ frame, and you will have to get the wider trim. But that’s something you should weigh in your mind, whether the money saved on the lesser grade window is worth the extra expense and time of installing new stops around the inside of all your windows.

So, now you have the measurements and it’s time to go shopping. What should you look for to know you’re getting quality windows? A top quality double hung replacement window will have tilt-in sashes that allow you to clean the outside glass from inside the home. All double hung windows have a mechanism that keeps the window in the open position. The better windows use a state of the art mechanism known as a constant force balance coil. All replacement windows will have double glazing, meaning there will be two panes of glass in each sash separated by a 1/2″-5/8″ spacer material around the edge of the unit. A quality window will use an intercept spacer or something called a super spacer. Find out the U-Value of the window. The lower the number, the better insulating properties. You want a window with a U-Value under .40. There is a special glass called LowE that will lower that U-Value number. In fact, most quality windows include LowE as standard. Those are the main things to ask about when window shopping.

On the opposite end of the quality spectrum, you can buy an economical replacement window that will not have the tilt-in feature.The mechanism that holds the window open will consist of a block and tackle assembly made up of a spring and string. Another mechanism in lower quality windows is called a spiral tube balance. These lesser grade assemblies are notorious for failing after 5-10 years. The spacer material used on lower quality windows will be aluminum or something called swiggle seal. And many times the U-Value of these lower grade windows will be up around .50. The thing to remember is that a window that uses a super spacer more than likely isnt going to use a block and tackle balance system. It would be like buying a new car with leather interior and no power window and door locks. Follow those guidelines and you will have a good idea what quality you are buying. Once you make the decision and purchase your windows, it’s time to get them home and take out your old windows. Next week I will tell you how to remove the old wood windows..

Home Decorating for the Basement

The basement is often a neglected point in many homes around the country. This space in many homes is more utilitarian than functional. The sad thing is that this space could be so much more for those who are interested in taking the time and paying the attention required to change the look from functional to fabulous. In many basements this will require a little more than minor home decorating skills while in other basements around the country all that is needed is a little color and a lot of style to make the basement the most in demand room in the house.

One common complaint that people have about basements is the fact that they are so dark and dreary. The reason for this is that most basements have little natural light that is allowed to flourish due to a serious lack of windows. However, this can also work to your benefit if you decide to use the basement as a media area. In fact, with the low ceiling and low light in the basement, this is probably the most perfect area in your home to turn into an excellent media room complete with surround sound and theater style seating. The only problem in this case will be getting the neighbors to quit begging to watch this week’s newest DVD release at your house rather than their own. To pull this off you will want darker colored walls, floors, and ceiling in this room, a large screen television, comfortable seating and plenty of tables upon which you can place your beverages and popcorn.

Another great idea for basements is an artist or music studio. Basements can easily be portioned off into smaller rooms and all kinds of lighting can be installed in order to accommodate the lighting needs of many artists (keep in mind that one size does not fit all and artists that need natural light in order to work will not find most basements accommodating). By creating a smaller room, particularly for musicians, you are allowing yourself the additional option of soundproofing or at the very least dampening the room in order to save not only your ears but also the ears of the neighbors and animals that live nearby. These rooms can be simply furnished and decorated with music notes, a music stand, a comfortable place to sit, and the equipment needed to create music for musicians or an easel, art supplies, wash basin, comfortable seating, and perhaps a futon for relaxation for artists.

If you are in need of a quiet place that is removed from the family in which to work (and who isn’t really) the basement offers an ideal workspace for that provided you could get the lighting you need. Most people will need a professional to install the lights in a basement but most people will definitely need additional lighting in the basement in order to find the space tolerable for work. However, once the lighting situation is taken care of, the basement does make an excellent office space for many people. Try adding filing cabinets and photos, perhaps a fountain in order to make the area more serene and conducive to the work that needs to be done. Of course you will want comfortable seating and adequate desk or work table space as well. Design this room as you would any home office and it should do just well regardless of your home decorating talent.

One thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to home decorating and the basement is that many basements have a tendency to seep in high humidity or after heavy rains. Dehumidifiers assist with this problem but you may need to decorate with this in mind if the water and moisture is problematic. You will want to avoid mold and mildew at all cost, as they will ruin any potential enjoyment of your basement. Cork and ceramic tile are excellent flooring choices in this case and moisture barriers are an excellent idea to install before ‘finishing’ a basement.

PPPPP

679

Spring Cleaning for Driveways, Paths, and Parking Areas

613


Spring is the time of the year that a good yard and house clean up is necessary for good house maintenance.


driveway,year,gravel,clean,concrete,repair

For the best blacktop new jersey company, call All Design Paving & Masonry.

To find the best blacktop new jersey company, click here for All Design Paving & Masonry.
Time was when most houses were approached on foot up the garden path and entered through the front door; the horse or carriage presumably was left by the front gate. The advent of automobiles and busier roads has left the front doors of many older houses high and dry, blindly facing a busy highway on which it is no longer safe for horse or automobile to tarry. Many of these older houses are now entered by what was once the back or side door, and a new approach has been necessarily created, often involving some form of driveway and parking space. Modern houses are designed with their main entrance oriented to the automobile’s requirements, usually up a private driveway. In the suburbs, it may be a short suburban tarred strip; in the country, a longer shaled driveway leading to the house.

Whether you have a short or a long driveway, it will need certain maintenance from time to time. Make your inspection after you are sure the last snow has come and gone. If yours is a gravel driveway, clean up and rake back any gravel that may have been snowplowed off (usually onto the adjoining lawn).

If you have a blacktop driveway, check for cracks and holes. If these are minor, they can easily be repaired with special tars available from hardware stores and lumberyards. Occasionally, the whole driveway can benefit from a coat of blacktop sealer that creates a new wearing surface.

Similarly, minor repairs to concrete driveways are easily made at this stage using a concrete mix that can be bought in small sacks from building suppliers, lumberyards, and many hardware stores. (See pages 21-24 for more information on concrete repair.)

If yours is a longer driveway made of shale, crushed stone, split rock, or gravel, it will probably require more regular maintenance than either blacktop or concrete. Snowplowing, if necessary in your area, can exact a heavy toll by removing surface material along with the snow.

Any hole or rut-even a small one-will be enlarged by the action of rain and runoff and eventually become a major hazard. No matter how carefully a graded driveway is originally graded, sooner or later it will develop ridges and depressions that begin to collect water. The holes seem to grow of their own accord; in attempting to skirt them, drivers gradually change a smooth, straight run into a winding obstacle course.

This process, however, can be slowed greatly by a little rake-work now and then. When all the frost is out of the ground and any heaved sections have subsided-and the ground is reasonably dry-fill in holes and depressions with material raked from the high spots. If permanent ruts across the driveway persist from heavy rains and runoff, consider installing new or additional culverts to carry off the excess water.

Even though it is important not to begin to level your driveway or parking area until you are certain that cold weather has subsided and all the frost is gone, early spring is the best time of year to do this kind of work, especially if you are undertaking more extensive repairs like major reshaling or adding additional parking space. Spring repairs allow the driveway to be compacted firmly (by use) during the summer, minimizing the amount of loose surface material that snowplows may later scrape away.

Much of what has been said about driveways is pertinent to paths. Paths and walkways that are not well drained or that are constructed over bases unsuited to their climate can suffer considerable e-raised paving material, loosened bricks, and misplaced flagstones. Before attempting any repair, wait for the effects of winter the rainy season to subside.

MV Making Most Use Of Furniture In Your House

687


Furniture sets the mood and appearance for any part of the house, be it the living room, bedroom, or patio. Having a good set can greatly enhance the look of a household. It also serves certain purposes.


furniture

For the best Waterproofing Long Island company, call ProStyle Paving And Masonry.

To find the best Waterproofing Long Island company, click here for ProStyle Paving And Masonry.

Z Mesh, An Innovative Floor Heating System

721


Z Mesh is a state of the art floor heating system that will work well in a number of interior locations as well as on roofs for snow melting. Z Mesh is a type of floor heating system that will provide comfort and warmth to consumers in their home or office building. Z Mesh is easy to install and proves an additional value to the home. It works with most types of flooring including hard wood, carpet and laminate flooring and requires no floor build up. Z Mesh is installed dire…


heat,construction,home,garden,driveway,heating,winter,house

For the best patios new jersey company, call Milton Masonry & Restorations.

To find the best patios new jersey company, click here for Milton Masonry & Restorations.
Z Mesh is a state of the art floor heating system that will work well in a number of interior locations as well as on roofs for snow melting. Z Mesh is a type of floor heating system that will provide comfort and warmth to consumers in their home or office building. Z Mesh is easy to install and proves an additional value to the home. It works with most types of flooring including hard wood, carpet and laminate flooring and requires no floor build up. Z Mesh is installed directly on the concrete or wood sub floor and can be either stapled or glued to stay in place. Consumers who live in colder climates find the added comfort and warmth provided by this style of radiant floor heat highly desirable.

The Z Mesh system is a low voltage heating element that operates under thirty two volts. It is one of the most innovative systems available today on the market. It consists of a bronze screen that is rolled for easy installation. The mesh comes in nine or twelve inch widths. The length of the rolls varies depending on the size of the room you wish to install your radiant heating system in. You can install it in a room that is as small as thirty square feet or as large as six hundred seventy square feet on one thermostat.

The mesh itself is very thin(similar to screen door material) so will not detract from the floor itself. Unlike other types of radiant heating products, the floor will not be raised, nor will the product be visible when you install your preferred type of flooring over the Z Mesh system. Regardless of whether you choose hard wood, tile or carpet on your floors, you will enjoy the warmth and comfort of the product.

You can install flooring over Z Mesh with no concerns on damaging the product. You can glue or staple the mesh to the sub floor. You can glue, staple or nail through the product when installing your flooring without any fear of damaging the heating element. Nailing or stapling through the product will not damage the heating element unless it comes in contact with something electrically conductive. Most standard installations of flooring will not pose a problem with this, however. The Z Mesh flooring is highly durable and will withstand a lot of wear and tear in addition to installing flooring over it. It is also a safe product with the low voltage allowing you to touch the mesh directly even during operation.

The transformer that is used to operate the system is run by a computer system. The transformer itself should be installed in a garage, attic or utility area in your home. The computer continually monitors the unit and will diagnose any issues that may arise. If the unit begins to operate abnormally, it will automatically shut off. This safety feature is great for people who are worried about ensuring the safety of their family and ensuring that the unit is always properly working. An LED light panel shows the status of the unit at all times so you can always get up to date information on its status.

Installation of the Z Mesh product is quick and easy. The first step in installation should be to read the installation manual, determine the total square footage of the room where the unit will be installed and order your materials from Z Mesh. You will then need an electrician to install the power to the control box. Any licensed electrician will be able to do this. Then you will lay down the Z Mesh on the sub floor, install the control box and transformer, and finally program the thermostat. The instructions are clearly spelled out in detail in the installation manual as well. Once the unit is installed, you may then begin to install your floor of choice on top of the system.

People who live in colder climates will get much benefit from using this alternative heating source in their home. When walking around the house in bare feet, you will be especially glad this is installed. The Z Mesh product is sturdy, durable, easy to install and safe for both home and office applications. Z Mesh is also used for under shingle roof deicing.

Country home decor is fun

439


Home decoration can be a pleasure giving hobby, but country home decor is fun. Unlike home decor, country home decor does not have any standards or fixed format to follow. There is a lot of scope for experimentation in country home decor. Normally, sky is the limit for experimentation.


county home decor, home decor, decor

For the best Asphalt Repair contractors in Maryland company, call Glenview Paving And Masonry.

To find the best Asphalt Repair contractors in Maryland company, click here for Glenview Paving And Masonry.
Home decoration can be a pleasure giving hobby, but country home decor is fun. Unlike home decor, country home decor does not have any standards or fixed format to follow. There is a lot of scope for experimentation in country home decor. Normally, sky is the limit for experimentation.

Generally, very few people decorate their house in a country fashion since it is not part of the current trend. However, people love and appreciate country home decor. One does not need to employ a professional home decorator for country home decor. You can try it on your own.

The tips for country home decor are not too many. Just give the home a country look by placing furniture that resembles village art and craft. Again, ensure there is a adequate space for movement and ventilation.

Within country home decor, there are various categories — metal signs, wooden signs, rusted signs, humorous signs, seasonal decor, French country decor and retro decor. It is very easy to practice country home decor and can be inexpensive hobby. Convert some old unused stuff into an art form or furniture for use at home.

For instance, old wooden furniture can be crafted into small stools and tables for use in kids’ room. Old metal plates can be used with drawings as hangings inside the house. However, the entire should have country decor. There cannot be a mix of contemporary home decor and country home decor. It drastically reduces the in-house beauty.

One can start with the doors. While the door wood should be of top quality, the exterior finishing and coating can be of country home decor. Paint the door with a color more often seen in villages, mud color or rough. Etch the door with markings. Spread metal hangings. The nameplate can be of old galvanized iron.

The furniture can resemble a village setting. Use wooden furniture extensively. If possible get a cane furniture for the house. The wooden furniture should not sport expensive appearance. Let the drawing room have lot of implements used in village. It can be a clay pot or painted vase with flowers. Paintings of village landscape will also add aesthetic value to the room.

Include accessories like wooden clock, metal farmed paintings, baskets, primitive candle stands, wrought iron, rugs, grapevine and twig in clay pots, homespun textiles, pitchers and jars.

Country home decor accessories and products are widely available at all retail stores. Since the categories are big, there is a limitation on choice. Products displayed in retail stores are less when compared to the offered list in the catalogue. Normally, country home decor is supplied against pre-placed orders.

TR Running Office From The Home – Home Office Organizing Tips

410


Some companies encourage people to work from the house which works very well for mothers who don’t have anyone to take care of the kids. This can only work if the work done can be as equally productive or even better than doing it in the office. By making some changes in how the place looks, one will be able to create the right working environment.

A person should reorganize the surroundings if one feels that the person is distracted from what is happening around them and …


organizing, organizer, organized, home office

For the best Excavation Boston company, call Top Rank Roofing and Masonry.

To find the best Excavation Boston company, click here for Top Rank Roofing and Masonry.

MV Installing your new bathroom tiles

279


Before laying the bathroom tiles, start by removing your old carpet and carpet strips. Use a cutoff saw to make room for the bathroom tile to slip under the doorjambs.


Bathroom tiles, bathroom tiles

For the best online vape shop ireland company, call Mallows Number 1 Vape Store.

To find the best online vape shop ireland company, click here for Mallows Number 1 Vape Store.