Thursday, August 7, 2008

Aspects of Conservatory Sunrooms

If you have decided to build a sun room, it is probably because you are hoping to be able to use this room through the year and that means in all seasons. To do this, you need to consider the rooms design very carefully to avoid overspending your budget. Everyone knows that insulation is the most important factor in design with a conservatory, for example, but inadequate insulation doesnt necessarily save you money. First, if you have too little insulation (or too much), you may discover that your conservatory sun room is less comfortable than you thought it would be. Secondly, you may end up spending more money in keeping the house warm and cool than you would if you had spent the money in the design phase on proper insulation. Youll need to take a look at the building code requirements for conservatory insulation. and then talk about this issue with your contractor. Its entirely possible that by so spending a little more and exceeding those recommendations, it can save you in the long run e.g. if you were to dispense with the commonly-used 2x4 studs and use 2x6 studs instead, you would gain an additional insulating 2 inches for your room. After insulation, consider windows. Because they will make up the main cost of your conservatory, you need to choose them carefully. Windows do not only impact your homes appearance. but they have a functional component. Plus, they are a major factor in the construction budget of your sun room.

First. you should think about the type of glazing you require. Glazing isnt just for letting sun in - it should not only let sunlight in, but it should also keep out harmful rays and protect your family and you from the suns UV.

Some special glazes can retain heat in your sun room, acting as an additional insulation. The insulating properties of windows will depend on their cost and the material from which they are made.

Windows frames made of wood are normally the most expensive option, and these will need some maintenance such as occasional painting or possibly refinishing. But wood windows are relatively efficient too, in terms of energy.

Vinyl windows are very energy efficient, as well as moderate in cost compared to other types. Youll have a wide choice of colors and often a low maintenance requirement.

Finally. windows constructed of aluminum are less energy efficient, but are usually lower maintenance or even in many cases maintenance free. The clad style is very common, and these are relatively maintenance free, with energy efficiency that comes close to wood frames but at a far lower cost. Remember when planning a conservatory that whether or not a window opens and closes will impact their cost. So, the more non-opening, or fixed windows that you choose to include in your sun room, the cheaper your overall design will be. Think carefully about which of the windows will need to be accessible and opened or closed, and which can be non-opening in order to give you the flexibility that you need in using the room, without the additional cost of opening windows you wont really be needed.

Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of many resources published at http://www.allsunrooms.com He provides tips and advice about patio enclosures as well as on the patio rooms at conservatory sunroom

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Remove Black Mold From Your Bathroom Walls

In order to remove bathroom mold, you will need a solution that can remove the source of the black mold. When cleaning mold and mildew, you have to observe the perimeter wall and also look for any sources of moisture. If you have black mold and mildew in your bathroom, it is most likely causing a problem with you and your family. By having these toxins which the spores produce, it will cause serious mold health effects. When removing mold, you will have to be sure to remove the source of the problem. Since mold a1109nd mildew are attracted to moisture and also need something to eat, you will have to find these sources. In more times than most, black mold and mildew grows on the wall because the wall is a building material which is a food source. When you have a high humidity value inside the areas of the bathroom, you will see dark spots of the black mold growing.

If you were to live with black mold in your house, you would feel some signs and symptoms of the toxins which the black mold delivers. These symptoms are caused from the excrement of the mold and mildew. Excrement is really the digestion of the mold and mildew. After eating off the walls of the home, the black mold delivered excrement which is toxic. Thus, while you and your family have mold issues.

In order to effectively remove the spores of the mold, you will need to find the source of the problem. If you have a water leak or some type of moisture intrusion, then you will need to find the source of this problem. By just removing the mold on the walls, and ignoring the source of the problem, you will still have a mold problem guaranteed. What mold inspections are about is finding the source of the problem. If you are clever enough to know there is a moisture problem you can then go ahead and attack the area using a natural cleaning product. Be sure when using natural cleaning products that they are strong enough to remove black mold effectively. Natural cleaning products are all about using regular household ingredients, but will effectively remove and prevent mold and mildew. The challenge with most green cleaning products is that they are not tough enough to destroy mold and mildew. Let me give you an example, most people will use bleach to remove the spores of the mold and mildew. But what happens here, is the mold is only removed temporarily. By using bleach you are only removing the topical surface of the problem. It is not attacking the source or changing the DNA make up of the mold and mildew. There is a natural ingredient out there which cleans mold and mildew and also creates a barrier to prevent mold growth.

By removing mold spores effectively, you will need to make sure the source is controlled. In order to control the source of the problem with mold. You will need a solution that creates a clear barrier or shield from you and the mold. This process is called an encapsulate. The encapsulate is a way which mold and mildew will suffocate because there is no source of food allowed. By protecting the walls of your bathroom, walls of your house, and other building materials, you have an ability to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The challenge with black mold and mildew is taking away the source of the problem. Using bleach will only remove mold temporarily. If you are serious and have bathroom mold on your walls and in your house, then you need a strong natural cleaning product to kill mold. The natural cleaning product should be organic due to the harsh chemicals in other cleaning products. Have a look at Safe Shield to use as an effective natural cleaning product against mold and mildew. Safe Shield is also an organic solution and combined with Molderizer, it is a strong combination to effectively remove black mold and also prevent it from coming back. To increase the indoor air quality of your home, try an organic cleaning solution that will remove and prevent mold from ever coming back.

Effectively remove black mold from your bathroom walls with an organic cleaning solution.
Got questions about mold and mildew, get free mold removal tips by asking.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Cabinet Hardware Makes an Easy Bathroom Makeover

A quick and easy bathroom makeover would be the right thing for many of us who are bored with the old decor of our bathrooms and are ready to update. No need to fear any major restorations in the near future. There is a simpler way to make improvements without the messy work.

With a simple change of the existing bathroom accessories and cabinet hardware, you will have a totally new look to your bathroom within an hour or two.

No major changes or tools are needed except a screwdriver or drill (if you prefer) and the time it takes to decide what accessories you want and where they fit in.

Remember, the idea is to make a change, and this means that it is time to donate that toilet tissue cover to the charity of your choice and get modern.

You might find that you are amazed by all the choices available for bathroom accessories.

If your bathroom looks drab and dull and has been the same since you moved in, try brightening the room with bold colors and textures of paint.

If you had an obsession with the frog family, it might be time to change into a flower child and touch your inner peace.

For those who want a more sophisticated look, consider a lean toward a spa effect with calming16BD earthy colors.

For the romantic bathroom, reds and purples will bring about the right mood and adding a candle or two will give the right air for love. Make sure you have fun with the change and go a little wild.

To bring about the sleeker modern look, it will be necessary to give up those outdated cabinet and door fixtures. Adding themed cabinet hardware can really bring out the decor and color of the space.

If you have decided to add new paint to the cabinets or walls, adding new door or cabinet hardware can be the finishing touch you have been looking for.

Today, you can find every color, shape, and material used for the fixtures. Some of the better selling finishes are in chrome, nickel, gold, brass, pewter, and ceramic hardware.

Remember, simple is sometimes the best thing to add a touch of class. Door hardware falls under the same category as the cabinet hardware. Remember, the door fixtures will be the first thing you see when you enter so you might want to splurge here!

Things have certainly changed in the way of room decor. This means more possibilities for you to consider in your makeover. Allow your creative side to come forth and create a room that you will be proud to spend time in. Make it one you will want all your guests to see!

Whether you choose to go frilly or funky, you will be able to find bathroom accessories, door hardware, and cabinet hardware to fit. Once you are finished with your creation, run a hot bath, add some bubble bath, jump in and enjoy your new bathroom.

If bathroom remodeling is a challenge, try something easier. Change your door and cabinet hardware for a simple change. Let CKI Wholesale furnish your new cabinet hardware. Visit CKI Wholesale at http://www.ckilock.com/ to manage your makeover dreams.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Create A Perfect Bathroom Setting With Bathroom Stone Tile

Natural stone tiles offer durability yet require low maintenance. With the wide variety of stone tiles to select from, you can surely find the one that will suit your bathroom. Among the types of stones to choose from are marble, limestone, travertine, slate, granite and sandstone. With bathroom stone tile, you can put in a splash of hue, or you can just keep the tiles neutral so you can put color with embellishment, accessories and furniture.

Because of their inherent properties, stone tiles are very suitable for your bathroom renovation project. They are tough and resistant to stains and wear and they are available in an extensive range of finishes and colors. There are lots of things, however, that you need to consider in using stone tile for you bathroom.

Various Types of Natural Stone

1. Slate - This incredibly durable stone has a natural, untamed splendor and is really perfect for bathroom use. Slate requires little maintenance and is very easy to clean. In fact, you can make this stone almost totally resistant to stains. It comes in wide range of colors and its texture is rough, making it non-slippery.

2. Marble - This type of stone carries the look of refinement for many centuries now. It has a remarkable hue and its surface can be polished to bring out an unmatched shine. Because of these characteristics, marble tiles can truly help you in creating a remarkable effect in your shower room. But there are some important things that you need to know about this particular stone type before choosing this for your bathroom. First, its high polish, which makes it look so elegant, is very slippery when wet. Also, marble is delicate, making it prone to chipping. Furthermore, marble is the type of stone that's chemical based so if any chemical acids spilled on it, it will badly stain when not treated.

3. Travertine and Limestone - These stones have the same properties - they are more porous and softer than granite or slate. Their earth color makes them lovely in a bathroom setting. However, they aren't very resistant to stains and they are not as durable as slate and quartzite.

4. Quartzite - Among the available stones, quartzite is one of the most resilient and hardest. The color of this type of stone ranges from recurring sequential structures to multicolored unique patterns, depending on the kind of quartzite that's being used. This type of stone is perfect for your bathroom because of its resistance to water and stain, its durability and its non-slippery texture.

5. Sandstone - This stone is a sophisticated choice for your bathroom stone tile because of its gentle structure and earthen colors. The only downside is that sandstone is permeable and soft so it needs to be chemically treated semi regularly to avoid stains.

Other things that must be put into consideration are the color of the bathroom tiles, the finish, the pattern that you want to create and its maintenance.

For ideas on bathroom tile design, visit http://www.bathroomtile101.com.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Remodeling Porches Can Add More Fun to Your Home

Homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia found a way to enjoy the spring and summer without being disturbed by mosquitoes. They turned a plain porch into a screened-in palace of enjoyment.

Of course, a screened-in stump is not attractive or appealing. Creating a screened in porch that is enjoyable and eye catching takes a little more effort and the right tools. The environment also needed to be taken into account. The humidity and high temperatures of Georgia and the exterior of the house had to be considered. The first task the homeowners knew was necessary was cutting the inside of the frame to accommodate a slope in the porch.

These are the steps they followed:

1. They started with sheets of pre-primed 4x8 foot beadboard ceiling paneling was trimmed to fit.

2. Next they installed the ceiling panel and fan. Instead of holding the paneling in place they used a nail gun. Next they wired the ceiling fan and panel. The light and fan made the porch even more accessible by providing illumination for night time and dropping the temperature by up to ten degrees. Two people will be needed to install the fan. One to hold it and one to connect the wires and make sure the it is in place.

3. The 2x4 frame of the porch was measured to fit the screens that were installed later on. The vertical braces were nailed to the crosspieces.

4. A staple gun was used to connect pine and plywood beadboard interior paneling. The panel was level across the top but trimmed at the bottom because it needed to slope to handle rain runoff.

5. The hardboard exterior panels were put up one at a time, beginning at the bottom and moving up. The first panel had to be custom-cut due to the shape of the ground. The homeowners worked hard to match a pale yellow paint with the weathered color of the house.

6. The final step of the project was finishing off the screen. The vinyl grids had channels in them that were screwed right into the wooden frames. Aluminum or fiberglass screens can be put in to create a seamless look. Use a mallet to close the caps on the vinyl channels.

For homeowners that are searching for ways to renovate their porch, there are plenty of different ways to do it. Porch renovations can spice up a dreary backyard. They can also add value to your home if they are done properly. Find out what other homeowners are doing to improve their porches.

Vince Paxton's news stories can be found on countless web pages linked to kobalt tool boxes and kobalt tool box. His publications on kobalt tools are found on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/topto/kobalttools.html.