Anti-Mold Venetian Plaster

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Although mold is in nature, nobody wants mold all over their walls. Insurance companies are paying hundreds of millions on mold related claims. It is indeed a serious issue.
So again why Venetian plasters from Firenze Enterprises are Anti-Mold?

The short answer is that mold can only grow in an acidic environment. So now you may ask, “What does this have to do with our Venetian Plaster”? As you know from your high school chemistry class all natural lime plasters are alkali…


Venetian Plaster, Marmorino, Faux Finishes, Walls

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Although mold is in nature, nobody wants mold all over their walls. Insurance companies are paying hundreds of millions on mold related claims. It is indeed a serious issue.
So again why Venetian plasters from Firenze Enterprises are Anti-Mold?

The short answer is that mold can only grow in an acidic environment. So now you may ask, “What does this have to do with our Venetian Plaster”? As you know from your high school chemistry class all natural lime plasters are alkaline, that means that the Venetian plasters walls are not acidic, therefore, no mold can form on them.

This of course has to do with the Ph scale. The Ph scale is a measurement of the activity of Hydrogen ions. I’m sorry, but we said we would keep it simple.

The pH measure of the degree of the acidity or the alkalinity of a solution as measured on a scale (pH scale) of 0 to 14. Numbers below 7.0 indicate acidity; numbers greater than 7.0 indicate alkalinity. If something has a pH of 7.0 that means it is neutral, neither acid nor alkaline.

Mold can only grow in an acid environment

The primary ingredient of Firenze Enterprises Venetian Plaster is Slaked lime Ca(OH)2, produced from calcium carbonate that is mined and heated. Lime is Alkaline in nature. In fact, if any of you grew up on a farm you know that lime is used to raise the pH of your soil if it is overly acid.

So since Lime is alkaline in nature our Venetian Plasters being composed essentially of Lime are not only breathable, but Anti-Mold.

Impact of the Environment

How does this affect the quality of your life?

It think the implications are obvious, however, let me add that many health researchers claim that because of environmental issues our bodies produced too much acid that may even be causing chronic health problems.

The following is an excerpt from the article ACIDIDTY AND ALKALINITY IN OUR DIETS:

“Many people just don’t feel good anymore. Some find themselves being much more susceptible to colds, or to whatever “bug” is currently going around. Much more serious are the increasing cases of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. “Health” and “wellness” have become relative terms. Low-level toxicity from many sources can be very difficult to detect. The combined action of all these toxins creates a “toxic cocktail” effect which can seriously weaken the body and the mind through a process we call “fermentation” or the over-acidification of the blood and tissue as a result of the proliferation of yeast, fungus, and bacteria. Yeast and fungus are single cell life forms which inhabit the air, soil, water, and many of the foods we eat. They are more highly developed than the intermediate states of bacteria or the early stages of viruses. Over the years, they have developed into over 500,000 different species. They are opportunists and survivalists”. pavingmasonrysupreme-greens.info/acid-alkaline-balance.html

Conclusions

At this point I want to stress that as humans what we eat and the environment we put ourselves in is directly related to our health.

My next article in the Master Series will explain this further.

Mold in your home has been described as the next major class action lawsuit

Don’t Build Without A Hardwood Floor

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As an interior designer, I get the privilege of working with people in all of the stages of designing and building the home of their dreams. I cannot imagine a better job because I can hardly wait to get out of bed each morning to get to work. I love helping people talk through and make decisions about the big and the small parts of designing and creating the home that is best for them. There are only a couple of things that I insist on in the building process, but having a h…


hardwood floor, floor, flooring

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As an interior designer, I get the privilege of working with people in all of the stages of designing and building the home of their dreams. I cannot imagine a better job because I can hardly wait to get out of bed each morning to get to work. I love helping people talk through and make decisions about the big and the small parts of designing and creating the home that is best for them. There are only a couple of things that I insist on in the building process, but having a hardwood floor at least somewhere in the home I will not compromise on.

I believe that adding a hardwood floor or two into your home plans is one of the best things that future home owners can do. Why? Because nothing adds beauty, uniqueness and a level of class like adding a hardwood floor to a home. We have all been in homes that boast lovely hardwood floors, so we all know what it feels like and looks like to add that kind of beauty and elegance to a home.

There are many great ways to add a hardwood floor into the plans of your dream home. Many people choose to put a hardwood floor into their entryway, kitchen and dining room of their home plans. This can be a great idea because it really makes a great first impression to everyone that enters your home. It allows people to see that you really value your living space and that you cared enough to place a hardwood floor where many of your guests would be and where much of your family time would be spent.

Another great place to include a hardwood floor into your house plans is to the master bedroom suite. Nothing adds elegance and class to a master suite like plans for a hardwood floor. We’ve all been in master suites that feel a little bit like a kids room because they are covered with carpet that you’ll find throughout the rest of the home. Perhaps the better choice is to set your master suite apart by having a hardwood floor throughout the room and the bathroom. This way your room feels special and sacred at the end of a long day.

There are so many options for including a hardwood floor into your house plans, I’m not sure where to start or how to end. Just know that a hardwood floor is a great addition to any house plan and that it can be budgeted in to your plans with ease.

How To Grout Your Tile And Stone

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More and more homeowners are experiencing the satisfaction of repairing their tile and grout. The high cost of labor for even small jobs, has driven people to the stores looking for tile, materials, products and information.

This is GREAT! Why shouldn’t homeowners learn to tile and grout?

I’ve seen many new homes with completed ceramic tile jobs that have made the hair on the back of my neck stand up in fright … especially tract homes where the bottom line for the devel…


tile,grout,removal,repair,stone,sponge,homeowners,grout float,

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More and more homeowners are experiencing the satisfaction of repairing their tile and grout. The high cost of labor for even small jobs, has driven people to the stores looking for tile, materials, products and information.

This is GREAT! Why shouldn’t homeowners learn to tile and grout?

I’ve seen many new homes with completed ceramic tile jobs that have made the hair on the back of my neck stand up in fright … especially tract homes where the bottom line for the developer is speed and corners to cut. So the more we learn about the different trades and the applications and techniques thereof, the better we will recognize a well performed and finished product to be proud of.

With this in mind, here are some grouting techniques to install in your memory banks for your next tile or stone job around the house.

Whether you have laid new tile or have scraped out the grout from an existing tiled area, make sure you clean the grout joints thoroughly and have taped off the areas you don’t want the grout to “spill over.” Wiping grout off of sealed cabinets and semi or glossy paints won’t hurt those materials if you use care when wiping, but sometimes a little labor invested in taping adjacent areas will make the job easier in the long run.

When the grout joints are clean and ready to fill; mix the powdered grout with clean water and according to the package specifications. The grout should be lump-free and a consistency that will not easily pour out of the bucket.

Use the appropriate grout for your application. A non-sanded grout should be used for grout joints that are 1/8″ and smaller in widths, while sanded grouts are to be used in joints which are larger. Typically you’ll find the smaller grout joints with the non-sanded grout in the bathroom and shower areas.

Use some latex gloves to protect your hands and with a grout float held at a 30-45 degree angle, spread the grout firmly into the grout joints. Don’t worry about the mess on the tiles as this will clean up with your sponge at the proper time. Some areas that are hard to float, you can force the grout into the joint by hand. When all the joints are filled completely, scrape the excess grout off the tiles by holding the float at an almost 90 degree angle and pulling diagonally across the joints so you don’t remove grout from the joints. Put all the remaining grout back in the bucket.

Allow the grout to set for about 10 minutes then with a clean bucket of water and grout sponge, lightly wipe the tiles with a damp sponge, (not a dripping sponge). Always wipe with a clean side of the sponge, flip the sponge over and wipe another section, then rinse the sponge clean. The initial sponging wipes most of the unwanted grout from the surface. The second sponging smoothes and neatens the joints and the third cleans the haze or residue from the tile. Always allow a few minutes between the three sponging cycles as this will allow the grout time to properly set. Remember, you don’t want water from the sponge to puddle on the grout as this weakens and deforms the consistency.

Lastly, a final wipe will smooth any remaining high spots in the grout joints and clean the tiles of the remaining haze. After the grout dries, you can polish the tile with cheesecloth or a soft cotton cloth to remove any remaining residue. Nice Job!

Plumbing Problems May Require a Plumbing Contractor

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Most plumbing woes require a licensed professional, whether repairing a leak, or insuring trouble-free installation of new plumbing and fixtures. This article gives insight to common plumbing problems, and tips for remodeling or new construction.


Plumbing, plumbing contractor, plumbing design, plumbing installation, plumbing repair

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Plumbing is something everyone must deal with, whether finding a plumbing contractor for new construction, a remodeling project, or just providing plumbing repair.

When Do I Need to Call a Plumbing Contractor?

Some common problems found with plumbing include:
Rattling pipes; may be caused by several factors, most commonly because they are not sufficiently secured or strapped to the wall frame. The pipes may need to be properly secured.
Slow drains; may be partially clogged. If a kitchen sink, the dishwasher may be improperly plumbed. The drain may need to be unclogged, or the dishwasher plumbing corrected.
Loss of hot water when another faucet is turned on; especially in older homes when hot and cold water pressures are not balanced. A pressure balance valve may be required.
Toilet tank leaks; plumbing parts inside the tank or seals may need replacing.

To make sure these plumbing repair problems are properly addressed, or when doing a remodeling project, you may want to enlist the services of a licensed plumbing contractor.

Plumbing a Remodel or New Construction

A remodeling project might include new plumbing design or new plumbing installation. You will want to meet with the plumber and all contractors involved and develop a timeline, so everyone works together and the project goes smoothly.

Before taking bids from potential plumbing contractors, make sure you have detailed plans. Provide each candidate with an identical copy of the plans. Rule of thumb is to get at least three different bids for a project.

Ask candidates if they are licensed to do plumbing. Also request references. Ask each candidate when they could start, and when the project would be completed. Take the time to check references on other projects they have completed.

To find a licensed Plumbing contractor in your area, use references from people you know, or check with a local licensing agency. Online resources are also available; people in Canada can find a qualified, licensed plumbing contractor at paving.handycanadian.paving.

Guide To Purchasing Antiques

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Antiques are a great way to adorn your rooms. But there are several things to consider before you buy that rare antique item that you have been looking for so long.

Antiques can be any collectible item that has aesthetic value and is approximately 100 years old or even more. Grand clocks, pianos, jewelry items, vintage fashion, silverware, ivory or Faberge eggs are just some examples of desirable antiques. People have their own particular preference for different antique p…


antiques,antique furniture,antique jewelry,antique hardware,antique cars,antique auctions

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Antiques are a great way to adorn your rooms. But there are several things to consider before you buy that rare antique item that you have been looking for so long.

Antiques can be any collectible item that has aesthetic value and is approximately 100 years old or even more. Grand clocks, pianos, jewelry items, vintage fashion, silverware, ivory or Faberge eggs are just some examples of desirable antiques. People have their own particular preference for different antique pieces, such as antique clock or antique Chinese porcelain etc.

The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by fake replicas. Many antique sellers often put up retouched items for sale. But antiques look best when they are not refurbished though you should not buy items with defects. It is the originality that makes an antique item precious.

Before buying you must do proper research on the antique item. The internet is the best place to do research on antique items as it can provide valuable information regarding global antique prices and the history of antique items. You should also be careful about antique reproductions. If you are new and have not done proper research, it will be difficult to tell the difference between a reproduction from the original. Antique pieces should show some wear and tear and these small details are something to look out for. If the item looks flawless than it probably is not an authentic antique.

The best places to buy antiques are at antique auctions. Buying from a reputable auction house or an antique store will ensure that the antique collectible is genuine, as it should also come with certificates of originality. To get that coveted item you should visit the antique auctions regularly. Garage sales are also a good place to buy as you may often get rare antiques at a very cheap price, but do make sure that it is original. Though the internet is a useful source of information, this is not the case when buying antiques online. A first hand look at the antique product is not possible on the internet and the website photos often hide the defects and deficiencies.

Proper care and maintenance should be taken to preserve antique items for ages. When buying an item, gather information about proper antique storage and antique preservation methods. Items should be kept in moderately humid and cool places. Direct sunlight should be avoided. The antiques should be handled carefully. Excessive cleaning sometimes ruins the originality of the antique.

First-time buyers can also buy general antique guides for research and guidance on starting their antique collection. Guides on specific antique items are also available.

Liven Up Your Patio – Wooden Patio Covers

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Having a patio gives the house an extra dimension and an attractive outdoor space. For people who love the outdoors, having a patio means having an extra room and allows for a wonderful home-to-garden transition.

1. The Benefits Of Patio Covers

It serves mainly as a protection from the harmful rays of the sun but patio covering also has more benefits. With different materials on the market, you can create a stylish look with your patio cover. It gives you a full range …


awning cover fabric install patio replace,patio furniture cover,aluminum patio cover,wood patio cover,how to build a patio cover

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Having a patio gives the house an extra dimension and an attractive outdoor space. For people who love the outdoors, having a patio means having an extra room and allows for a wonderful home-to-garden transition.

1. The Benefits Of Patio Covers

It serves mainly as a protection from the harmful rays of the sun but patio covering also has more benefits. With different materials on the market, you can create a stylish look with your patio cover. It gives you a full range of opportunities to make your home even more beautiful than it was before. There are a lot of materials to choose from but if you are also concerned about style and beauty to grace your patio, then wood patio covers are just the thing for you. Wooden patio covers is a stylish way to protect you from the heat of the sun as well as the rain. It also adds value to the house.

2. Enjoy Outdoor Spaces

With your new stylish wooden patio covering, outdoor activities are more enjoyable. Enjoy the convenience of outdoor beauty, or use your barbeque during weather conditions like rain where you would typically be unable to.

3. Wood Is More Beautiful

Aesthetically speaking, wood has gained supremacy over different materials used in making patio coverings. Hardwoods like cedar and redwood are usually used in making wooden patio covers. This material gives you the natural beauty of wood grain that simply isn’t available with any other materials on the market. Plus the variety of ways one could do to accentuate the designs on their patios.

– Turn your patio into a beautiful work of art
– Impress your friends
– Give your backyard a personal style
– Add value to your home
– Protect your patio from the elements
– Barbeque during rain or snow conditions
– Provides shade during summer heat
– Wood costs less than other materials, about 20-30% cheaper than vinyl or aluminum.

4. Disadvantages of Wood

Wood covers need a lot of maintenance over the years. They require a regular treatment to prevent water from seeping into the wood, and deter insects from eating into the wood itself. Wooden patio covers are susceptible to damages brought about by rain, wind and sun. Since wood deteriorates faster than the synthetic materials because of the nature’s interfering elements, it will need extra attention. FOr this reason, preservatives should be applied to the wood in the first two years. This is done to ensure the durability of the wood. Application of the preservatives after two years is within every three years. Over the years your low investment with wood patio covering would increase. With the cost of maintenance at hand, having a vinyl or aluminum covering would cost you less in the long run.

An Overview of Solar Cells Through The Years

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When solar cells first came on the scene in the 1950s, they were simple. Now, there are a wide variety of cells and more are coming as technology improves.


solar, technology, sun, sunlight, solar power, solar energy, silicone, quantum dots

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When solar cells first came on the scene in the 1950s, they were simple. Now, there are a wide variety of cells and more are coming as technology improves.

An Overview of Solar Cells Through The Years

Solar cells are the basic component of any active system used to convert sunlight into a form of energy. Traditionally, solar cells were used as the key part of panel systems that generated electricity or heat for homes. These days, the technology is used in a wide variety of applications, which means the style of solar cells vary per application.

A traditional solar cell consisted of some very basic pieces. The cell was typically a flat square made up of a glass or plastic panel attached over a crystallized silicone substance. The silicone was imbedded with metal wires. The process worked by having the sun strike the silicone, which kicked off neutrons. The neutrons produced a small electrical current that was collected by the wires. The electricity was in the form of direct current, which had to be converted to usable AC electricity with an inverter. The electricity was then stored in batteries or fed into the grid of the local utility company.

The problem with the first solar cells involved efficiency. To be frank, there was not much. Initial cells converted sunlight at a rate of one to six percent. More energy was lost in the conversion from direct current to AC. It worked, but was so inefficient that huge collections of solar cells were required to make enough energy.

As technology improved, the components of solar cells became more efficient. A silicone base was still used, but modified to convert more spectrums of the sunlight. As efficiency rose, the cost of using solar cells dropped because less where needed to form a panel. Still, efficiency was in relatively low, making the systems cheaper but not really cost effective compared to buying power from a utility.

These days, referring to solar cells is somewhat misleading. Much of the new technology is abandoning the traditional concept of cells. Instead, companies are thinking out of the box and coming up with entirely new platforms. Options include nanotechnology whereby quantum dots are developed to covert the sun to energy. When fully developed, the dots will be part of the paint you use on your house. Technically, you can call the dots cells, but they are not in the traditional understanding of the term. Other options include the use of Germanium as an alternative to silicone, but this hasn’t been fleshed out as of yet. Thin solar cell technology is also popular, but involves the basic pieces of a traditional system.

Solar cells used to be fairly uniform with silicone, glass cells being the standard. The future of these solar cells is dubious, however, as companies seek out dramatic leaps in solar technology. In 30 years, we will look back at traditional cells like we now look back at the horse and buggy means of transportation.

Cheap Carpet – Carpeting A Room For $20

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Want cheap carpet? Here’s a secret for carpeting that playroom, basement or den for a fraction of what you would normally pay.


cheap carpet, carpet, carpet stains

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Do you want cheap carpet that you can easily install yourself? Well, I once carpeted a large bedroom for a total cost of about $12. You read that right, and no, the carpet was not used carpet. I did it with carpet samples.

I bought them for 25 cent apiece at a closeout sale, and it took 36 squares of carpet to finish the room. The only other supplies I used were the staples, which cost about a dollar. Normally, you might pay a dollar each for squares of carpet. I found them available for half that just a few weeks ago, but in any case, this is cheap carpet.

This is an unusual style, though, and you may have to consider the resale value of your home. The bedroom I carpeted this way was in a rental mobile home, where cheap and unusual styles are the norm. Ordinarily, you will want to save this trick for areas like basements, playrooms, and maybe a children’s clubhouse. Still, it doesn’t look so bad – actually it looks just fine if you mix the various colored squares of carpet well.

In a children’s playroom, the multi-colored floor is perfect. It is cheerful and colorful, and if a spill stains one of the carpet squares, you can easily pull it up and install a new one in its place. This is a nice advantage of carpeting a room this way.

Installing Cheap Carpet

The only things you will need to carpet a room with carpet samples or squares is a carpet knife and a staple gun. 5/8-inch staples have worked best for me. Begin at any corner. Just put the piece in place and staple it in two or three places along each side. Wiggle the stapler head down between the fibers, or between the border and the fibers, and the staples will usually be well-hidden.

When carpeting a basement floor, you can use carpet tape instead of staples. In either case, this is best done where padding isn’t too important. Of course, you can use padding too, if you don’t mind the complications, but without it, this is pure simplicity.

You might want to lay out the pieces first, to decide where each will go. When you come to walls, heating registers, and other obstacles, you can easily cut the pieces to fit. If you make a mistake, it cost you perhaps a dollar. Just start over with a new piece.

Before you start, estimate how many pieces you’ll need, and call around to find a carpet store that has enough samples for sale. The carpet samples at different stores range in size, but are usually at least 18 by 18 inches. Using pieces that are all the same size is the easiest way to go. Even at a dollar, this makes it less than 50 cents per square foot to carpet a room. That’s cheap carpet!