Storm Doors and Energy Conservation

Posted by Sasha Kirey On 1:43 PM
Storm doors can help you have a more stable "climate" inside your house, no matter how exterior conditions may change. Of course, this happens up to a point. Granted investing in a storm door will not get rid of all your electricity bills, and heating bills, but you will certainly improve energy efficiency of your home. Storm doors are just far more energy efficient than normal exterior doors, that’s all.





What Is Energy Conservation and How It Relates To Storm Doors


Energy is something that we use a lot. Some people already say we are using way too much of it, thus contributing to the green house effect and the global warming our planet is experiencing over the past decades. Energy conservation is a behavior which results in using less energy such as turning off the lights when we leave a room, or unplugging all devices when they are not in use.

Energy is something that we consume for heating our homes in winter and for keeping them cold in summer. Here, storm doors play an important role, as they help better insulating the house, therefore the exchange of heat between the interior and the exterior is reduced to a minimum. In this way, we won’t need so much energy consumption in order to be able to maintain a stable temperature inside the house.
Taking into consideration that about one third of the heat losses in an average household happens through windows and doors, you can easily see how important is to make them shut tightly and to seal them as well as we can. Additionally, we can install insulated drapes, blinds or shutters at the windows, and we can install storm doors over the existent ones.


Storm Doors Contribute to Better Home Insulation


Storm doors are built in such a way that they are very well insulated. This is normal, if we think that they need to resists extremely bad weather conditions. This is their purpose in the first place. Depending on your budget, you can have them resists even to those hurricanes we fear so much. This does not mean that you have to stay inside, if the government decides to evacuate your city, but at least you have better chances to find your house intact when you come back. Taking into consideration all these facts, and thinking of how much money you can save by cutting down on your energy costs, you can see that storm doors can be an option for every owner.

Wireless Home Security Systems

Posted by Sasha Kirey On 5:17 PM
If yоu аrе concerned abоut safety аnd security оf your home, bесаuse there іs no home security system installed іn уоur home, conѕіdеr installing а wireless home security system thаt wіll not break a bank, and іѕ fairly easy tо install fоr a handy homeowner.



A modern wireless home security surveillance system offers manу advantages оver а wired home security system:


- Faster аnd simpler installation

- No cable оr wiring tо install

- lithium battery cаn be used aѕ a power source

- remote arm and disarm option

- Camera coverage fоr large areas inside and outside

- easy upgrades аnd modification



There are mаny options аnd components аvailаblе for setting up and configuring уоur wireless home security system. You саn uѕe one, or sеveral cameras, аnd microphones tо cover thе most vulnerable areas on your property. You сan alѕo opt tо install special security surveillance cameras that саn work well in low light, оr еvеn infrared cameras to monitor dark areas outsіdе уоur home.


Did you knоw thаt most wireless home security surveillance systems сan accommodate uр tо 16 cameras? This can certainlу provide a good video coverage оf yоur home

A modern wireless Home Security Monitor standard kit sells fоr аbout $100 online, and comes with mаny usеful options. These include а range of multizone options, loud sirens wіth diffеrеnt tones fоr different types оf emergency situations.


There arе alsо mаny accessories аvailablе оn the market including rechargeable battery backup, smoke detectors, outdoor sirens, voice markers, glass break detectors, аnd subscriptions to thе law. Keep іn mind that уоu mау nоt bе аvаilablе at аll times to monitor your home's security system. Consider subscribing to a home security monitoring service on уour behalf.

In deciding how to configure your wireless home security system's source control, there are several things you should consider; Getting an adequate number of security surveillance cameras to cover critical areas of your home that you would like to monitor. You will also need to provide a sufficient level of lighting.

Write down all of the things you will need to cover, and then head out to see a specialist in wireless control of internal security at your local store, and ask for recommendations. Look at the different brands and models. For helpful tips on selecting the Best home security system for your home visit www.TheBestHomeSecuritySystem.com.


Installation Precautions: Make sure that your new wireless home security system control will not interfere with or be interrupted by other wireless devices in the home. Wireless Internet and wireless phones can reduce system operations efficiently and effectively. Make sure your Wireless Home Security Monitoring System operates on a different frequency that will not cause interference with the existing wireless equipment at your home.

Basic Home Improvement Tools

Posted by Sasha Kirey On 12:43 PM
Having the right home improvement tools is essential in a successful home improvement project, unless you are planning to hire a professional to do the project. Take note that if you choose to hire a contractor, the cost of the project will go up. However, if you choose to do it yourself, you will be able to save a lot of money. You just need to make sure that you have the experience and skills needed to do the job right.

Cutting Tools


Cutting tools are among the most basic home improvement tools that you should get. Some tools are only meant for a specific type of material. A ripsaw is for cutting wood while a hacksaw is for cutting hard materials, such as metal and plastic. If you are planning to redesign your bathroom, then you might need a tile-cutter tool. A cutting tool that you should definitely have is a utility knife, which can cut a good number of different materials. Among the things it can cut are metal, wood, plastic, and paper. It is also easy to handle.


Moving Tools


Examples of moving tools are a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and pliers. A claw hammer does not only hammer nails, but it also removes them. Other types of hammers include wooden mallets, rubber mallets, sledgehammers, and framing hammers. A wrench turns bolts and nuts. Screwdrivers tighten and loosen screws. Pliers are used to bend, physically compress, or hold objects firmly. For moving bigger objects to another place, you might need a furniture dolly or a stair-roller that moves heavy items up and down stairs.


Measuring Tools


Measuring tools are very important home improvement tools. You need to have these tools in order to acquire accurate measurements. Doors, windows, and cabinets are some of the things that you need accurate measurements of. A tape measure is the most common measuring tool, and it comes in a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, and cloth. Common measuring tools are rulers, squares, and calipers.


Fastening Tools


These tools are what join or stick objects together. They range from glue guns, rivet guns, and staple guns to adhesive tapes. They are especially important when repairing small damages, putting parts together, and creating decorations.

Shaping Tools

You might need to get shaping tools to complete the finishing touches on certain objects or pieces of furniture. The tools you could use for these types of projects are moulds, trowels, chisels, and jigs.

Power Tools
Power tools work wіth thе hеlр оf electric оr air motors аnd combustion engines. They arе mоѕtlу needed іn large-scale home improvement projects. Some оf thе power tools that yоu might nеed аrе а drum sander, riding lawn mower, lathe, аnd drills.


Since therе are a huge variety оf home improvement tools in the market, and wіth mаny diffеrent types and brands to choose from, іt might be difficult tо find thе exact ones thаt you need. To make things easier, compose а precise plan оf thе home improvement project that уou wаnt tо work on. Make а list of things thаt nеed to be donе ѕo yоu wіll know what tools yоu nеed tо buy.

Gardening pH levels for Landscapers and Gardeners

Posted by Sasha Kirey On 2:42 PM
We have all had that science teacher who made us learn the periodic table (and a bunch of other things we never thought would be something we would actually apply in our lives). Well, the time has come for you to finally be able to use all those numbers and elements you memorized way back when. If you are like most and forgot it all as soon as you were done with that class, you are in luck! The purpose of this article is to review a simple science lesson that you can learn and use right away, and will payoff in a pretty short amount of time.

The pH level of your garden can really help or hurt your efforts. My goal is to start you out with the basics and set you out to further improve your green thumb, as well as to give you some good ideas to inspire your garden in addition to the landscaping ideas of your own.

What is pH?



Simply put, pH is how acidity and alkalinity are measured. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Zero is very acidic such as battery acid, while fourteen is the highest alkalinity such as liquid drain cleaner. We don't really need to get to into specifics as long as you know that soil being either too high or too low can seriously effect a plant’s life, color, and output.
So what do I do with it?

Well, that depends. First, start with finding the pH of the soil where you wish to plant. Remember, different parts of your yard can have pretty different pH levels, especially if one section has gotten more care while the other sat untouched. You should definitely start by finding the pH level beforehand (this rule applies just as much for potted plants). You can go to a local gardening shop or a department store and get an adequate testing system. Keep in mind - most plants grow best around neutral (6.5 to 7.0) pH level, but be sure to consult the seed package or plant guide for best results.


What do I do if the pH is too high?


If your soil pH is too high then it’s a threat to the plants you wish to grow. I recommend adding organic matter or compost. If you get manure, horse is the most ideal. Above all aim for manure without any pesticides used, as this could further harm your garden. No matter what organic matter you find be sure to rake or spread it into the soil instead of simply throwing it on top and you’ll be ahead of the game already.


What do I do if the pH level is to low?


Lime is the standard to raise pH, usually in the form of limestone. Finely ground limestone typically allows for best soil absorption. Be very careful though, the lighter your soil's composure is, the faster the pH will raise. If you mistakenly add too much lime, it could take considerable time and effort to correct. So professional consulting/assistance might be necessary.

I hope you found this article informative and helpful. I think our former science teachers would be proud. Finally, remember things grow from the ground up, so soil is a key player.

A special thanks to:
Carroll-landscaping, a Maryland Landscaping company.

And The Landscaping Wizard, the place for Landscaping Ideas.

How to install kitchen floor tiles

Posted by Sasha Kirey On 4:13 PM
Your Kitchen remodeling project can have a dramatic positive impact with the installation of new kitchen floors. The most beautiful and durable flooring for kitchens are tiles. Tile floors require preparation and patience to install, but once finished can last for a very long time and rewarding you with beautiful ambiance in your kitchen.

Kitchen floor tiles are available in a number of materials, glazes, and designs including tiles made of ceramic, stone, porcelain, or slate. The key to having a great looking kitchen tile floors is in the meticulous installation.

Tools and Materials

You will need the following tools and materials to properly install kitchen floor tiles in your kitchen.
  • Acrylic additive
  • Backer board
  • Carpenter's square
  • Chalk line
  • Circular saw
  • Dust mask
  • Gloves
  • Grout
  • Grout float
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Mesh seam tape
  • Painter's tape
  • Pencil
  • Power drill
  • Pry bar
  • Putty knife
  • Razor knife
  • Safety goggles
  • Silicone caulk
  • Small pieces of wood for shims
  • Sponge
  • Tape measure
  • Thin set mortar
  • Tile
  • Tile cleaner
  • Tile cutters
  • Tile nippers
  • Tile sealer
  • Tile spacers
  • Towels
  • Trowels
1. Carefully move everything that could be damaged out of the kitchen when getting ready to remodel your kitchen. This includes furniture, appliances, pots, and pans, etc.

2. Prepare the under floor. Remove existing flooring and level the under floor. Use a leveling compound or install a new sub-floor if necessary. It is tempting, but never install a tile floor over a vinyl floor. The tiles will eventually pop loose.

3. Remove the quarter round with a hammer and pry bar. Remove the baseboards only if necessary for fitting the tile underneath when kitchen remodeling.

4. Put down a backer board either 1/2 inch or 1/2 inch thick, depending on the height of the adjoining floor. Choose the recommended type of backer board for your tile.

5. Mix the thin set, making sure to follow the instructions. Spread the thin set evenly on the floor with a trowel and then put the backer board on top of it.

6. Find the center point of the room using the carpenter's square and tape measure. Snap straight chalk lines to follow when placing the first row of tiles against the furthest wall when kitchen remodeling.

7. Mix another batch of thin set. Apply it evenly to the backer board, starting in the center and following along the chalk line for the first row of tiles. Use strong pressure, making and "X" and smoothing it out. Install the first row of tiles over the thin set. Only install full tiles. Do not install tiles at the edges that need cutting. Do not walk on the floor. Let it dry for at least twenty-four hours.

8. After the full tiles have dried, make your cuts on the other tiles and install them. Let the cut tiles dry for twenty-four hours again when kitchen remodeling.

9. Mix the grout and apply it with a grout float according to the directions on the package. Let the grout set for at least twenty-four hours or as long as the manufacturer recommends on the package.

10. Clean the tiles off with water and a sponge. At this point, you are almost finished with this kitchen remodeling project.

11. Apply a sealer according to the manufacturer's specifications and let dry.

It is a long road, but well worth taking once you step onto that beautiful new tile floor you have installed yourself.