The roof has had many different innovations in regards to the materials used to make them. Different designs through the years have made it a necessity to find newer, lightweight and more durable roofing materials. Add this up to other elements such as location, weather and natural elements and you have the requirement for different types of roofing materials.
There are two kinds of design for the roof. There is the Sloping or pitched and then there is the flatroof. Many architects and builders recommend the pitched or sloped because they are easier to maintain and install. Usually, flatroofs are used when pitched roofs cannot be. What must be watched out for is water infiltration when it is not regularly maintained and routinely repaired for damages.
For an effective flat roof, it should provide a waterproof casing for the building. Usually, Flatroofing materials form one or two layers of water resistant materials. These materials should be long lasting and cost-effective. Flatroofs should be perfectly aligned so as to redirect the water to the gutters, drains and downspouts to avoid buildup. Below are some of the roofing materials used for flat roofs, each will consist of their upside and downside, also the lifespan of the flatroof roofing materials.
One of the newest flatroof roofing materials available in the market that has been getting high praises is the Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing Membranes or the TPO. The TPO is regarded as the new-generation of single-ply roofing materials. Even though its single ply, it consists of three components or layers that make up its entirety. It has a structural deck or the outer skin; in the middle you will find the thermal insulation barrier, then a waterproofing skin is what adheres to the roof. Its materials are very efficient in the task at hand, they can be reusable if installed properly or applied with water or pebbles. TPO is very durable and has low toxicity. TPO though is not recyclable since it has petrochemical in it. Since TPO has been around for only ten years, life span cannot be calculated yet.
Another flatroof roofing material is the Elastomeric membranes or EPDM. They are usually used for industrial, institutional and commercial buildings. EPDM is also a singly ply roofing material made from ethylene propylene rubber. EPDM can be installed by either ballasting, mechanical fastening or full adherence. If ballasted or mechanically applied, EPDM can be reusable; they are also durable with an average lifespan of 20 plus years. One problem with EPDM is that they have been known to shrink in some circumstances.
Polyvinyl chloride or PVC roof membranes have the distinction of having the longest track record of usage among any thermo plastic roofing membranes. They have been in use since the start of the 1960’s. Even with the emergence of other flatroof roofing materials, PVC is still employed by many. PVC’s offer many inherent features such as, can be produced in different colors, it has high resistance to perforation and impact, and resistant also to fire exposure. It has great flexibility and tolerance to extreme temperatures. The problem with PVC is that they are not reusable and unrecyclable. The average span of PVC flatroof roofing material is twenty-five years and some.
One of the most durable flatroof roofing material and has been use for a long time is the mastic asphalt. Mastic asphalt is the most durable waterproofing membrane on the market. It is very durable and flexible as well. Mastic asphalt is recyclable, non-toxic, and odorless and can withstand extreme temperatures. They can also last for over 60 years.
Depending on the location, use and budget of your structure, each and everyone of these flatroof roofing material can benefit you. Talk it over with your designer, engineer, architect and builders and find out which one would best suit your structure.

When considering radiant heat, the reluctance to install hardwood floors over radiant heat systems was from the original technology, launched more than 40 years ago.
With radiant heat, to compensate for poor insulation, radiant heat temperatures were higher than normal causing excessive expansion and contraction in hardwood floors, which resulted in damage to hardwoods and a builder’s reputation.
Today, faultless radiant heat installations of fine hardwood flooring are completed over radiant floor heating.
To be honest, installing hardwoods over radiant heating systems is really no different from laying a typical hardwood floor.
Although the temperature of radiant floor heating will not harm the wood floor, a change in moisture will cause various hardwood flooring to warp, buckle or gap.
As the temperature rises, the moisture content generally decreases, and the moisture is removed causing the wood to shrink and gaps to occur between the boards. With lower temperatures the moisture returns and the gaps close.
When radiant heat is added to any floor it’s important to pay close attention to the moisture levels.
Your hardwood floor installer, and radiant heating systems contractor, should be aware of the special considerations required when using radiant heat in conjunction with hardwood floors.
When combined with radiant heat, many contractors underestimate the time it takes for concrete to properly cure. Usually, when the concrete looks dry the flooring is installed, however concrete needs to dry slowly and can take up to 90 days. Knowing the exact moisture content is an essential part of quality control within the floor installation process.
Once the sub-floor, tubing and climate controls have been installed, run your radiant heating systems for at least 72 hours to balance the moisture content.
Your radiant heat and hardwood floors need some special moisture considerations. Make sure your installer has a hand-held electrical tool, called a moisture meter. It measures the moisture in concrete and in the wood floor materials, giving the percentage of relative humidity.
Make certain the hardwood flooring, the storage space and the concrete slab are normalized or acclimated to the finished room before the hardwood is installed.
With a hardwood installation, a moisture barrier helps maintain an even moisture balance in the floor. Seasonal gapping is quite normal but in the fall try to progressively turn on heat before the first really cool day arrives. Also, it’s important for the hardwood floorboards in the floor to be laid perpendicular to the tubing, not parallel.
The key to a good hardwood installation when combined with radiant heat is to pay close attention to the moisture. Low, even temperature distribution is the key to avoiding problems when radiant heat is involved.

Before you tackle your next home repair project, take a moment to ensure that the products on your shelf are safe to use. Every year, scores of homeowners and consumers are injured or killed because they unknowingly use products that have been recalled by the manufacturer and/or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Such recall efforts are often ineffective and go largely unnoticed, until it is too late.
You may search the Internet for instructions on how to perform your home repair, but do you check to see if the unused products in your home are still safe? When you buy a new product, you would hope that the store has removed recalled products from their shelves. When buying product new to the market, it is a good idea to search the internet for information about hazards or problems experienced by other consumers. Manufacturer recalls are routinely issued through product safety alerts and recall notices on TV, radio, newspaper and Internet websites, as well as the CPSC’s website. Be proactive about keeping yourself appraised of product safety issues.
Tile Perfect Stand ‘N Seal Tile Grout Sealer is a good example of a product that can pose a health danger to consumers. The product was recalled in August 2005 due to the product’s odor not being chemically pungent enough to force consumers to minimize their exposure to fumes. Individuals who have suffered from overexposure have sought medical attention for coughing, irritation, breathing difficulty, dizziness and disorientation. There are even reports of death from the product. And while the recalled units were to be pulled from Home Depot shelves in August 2005, many consumers were able to purchase the product after the recall date. While this product has been recalled, many homeowners may still have this product on their workshop shelves and could sustain serious injuries if they use the remaining contents. If you have this aerosol product, do not use it. Return it to the Home Depot, for a full refund.
Be Proactive and Stay Informed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) website (www.cpsc.gov) provides information on more than 15,000 types of consumer products that present unreasonable risks of serious injury and death. They also list over 4,000 product recalls and recall alerts. Watch for recall notices in stores such as Home Depot and Lowes to stay informed. Before you begin your next home repair project with that unused home repair product, take an extra minute to protect your health by checking for product recalls.

We are all looking for the cheapest electricity and natural gas prices, after all the less we spend on our fuel bills the more we have left over for the pleasures in life. So how attractive would it be to heat your home for free? It is possible by using geothermal energy.

The Queen of England is planning to cut energy bills at Buckingham Palace for centuries to come by creating an underground network to extract heat from the earth’s natural warmth. The pipes containing water and a refrigerant chemical will run from the palace to the 4 acre lake in the grounds. As the water runs through the coiled loops of pipe placed on the bed of the lake it is warmed to a temperature of around 55F/12C.

When the water arrives back at the palace it will go through a compressor which raises the temperature to around 140F/60C, and then through a heat exchanger (metal plates) which warms the water used in taps and the heating system in the palace. There is of course considerable capital expenditure required to get the system up and running, but it is estimated that this will be recouped in 3 years by savings on the heating bills.
The liquid in the pipes can also be decompressed so that instead of generating heat, it can cool air for an air-conditioning system. This system was used in a small trial at the palace in 2002 when the Queen’s staff drilled 400 feet into the chalk aquifer under the palace grounds to run an air-conditioning system in a new art gallery. The results of this trial were reportedly so impressive that work on planning the larger scheme began soon after.

Other high net-worth people like the singer Elton John with large estates in the UK have installed a similar system. But can the ordinary householder tap into geothermal energy and save money on heating and electricity bills? Yes, for the price of a small car it is possible to drill hundreds of feet into the ground and you can not only reduce heating and electricity costs by around 70% but you can also benefit from a free supply of pure water.

Every year when carrying out home improvements people are killed and many more injured through the incorrect use of ladders There are a few simple things to think about to prevent this happening to you.

First pick the right type of ladder for the job you are doing. There are different types of ladders which complement the job you are undertaking, e.g. is a stepladder the right piece of equipment or would a combination ladder be better.

Next check the ladder, and make sure the ladder itself is safe. Are all the screws and any side rails it might have in place. Using a ladder that isn’t secure, is not a good start and could result in an accident before you have even started the job.

A little bit of forethought can be very helpful.

For example can you do the job yourself or will you need someone to hold the ladder for you. If you are by yourself can the ladder be secured properly. Is the ground suitable to place the ladder or is it too uneven. As well as the checking the ground check the bottom of the ladder to make sure there is nothing wrong that will prevent it standing securely.

Is the ladder long enough or will you need an extension? If you are using an extension make sure it is extended before climbing. The top of the ladder should be rested against a firm surface and it should be placed at the correct angle. Ladders rested against a wall should be stood out from the wall 1 foot for every 4 feet up the wall.If the ladder is at the wrong angle the more risk of the ladder slipping outwards.

Always face the ladder and keep both hands on the ladder when climbing up or coming down. If you need to carry items use belt hooks or a bag you can put over your shoulder. Make sure you hold onto the ladder with one hand whist you are working.

When working you should always keep both feet on the ladder and make sure you are wearing suitable footwear. Do not overstretch or reach too far up. Move the ladder if necessary, it might take a little longer but better safe that sorry! If you do need to move the ladder do not do so with a can of paint hanging on the top or you might end up with a new hair color at best or even worse a cracked skull!

Consider the weather conditions. You would not usually want to use a ladder if it is raining, which might make it slippy or in strong winds. Also make sure there are no overhead hazards that might interfere with your work.

Always follow the manufacture’s guidelines, use your common sense and never take risks.

Sam Kerry Many people are killed or injured every year through the incorrect use of ladders. http://www.ladders-inc.com

In any sticky situation, the key to success is to choose the right adhesive for the job in hand.
CLEAR HOUSEHOLD
Also known as general-purpose adhesive, it has a transparent appearance when dry. Suitable for situation where A particularly strong bond is not required.
Where to use: On soft flexible plastics canvas, some metals,card,cork, leather,hardboard,fabric and cloth.
How to Apply: Where surfaces are absorbent spread the glue onto one surface and press both surfaces together firmly. Otherwise spread a think film on both surfaces leave for a brief moment and then press the two items together for several minutes.
How to Remove: While still wet use a damp cloth to remove access then use acetone or nail polish remover to rub away at the adhesive.
The Good and The Bad: Can not be used on polythene, polypropylene or polystyrene as it eats into the surface, it is not suitable for repairing pottery and similar heavy items as the glue is not strong enough. be careful around varnished surfaces as this glue can lift the varnish off a surface and damage it.
LATEX
A rubber-based adhesive in white and clear formulations. It produces a flexible bond.
Where to use: Ideal for repairs on fabric, upholstery, rubber, paper wood and toys.
How to Apply : If the materials are lightweight or delicate avoid adhesive penetration by applying a thin coat
to each surface letting it sit till the glue becomes semi-transparent and then pushing the two surfaces together. For other materials apply a light coat to one surface and push together and secure for several minutes.
How to Remove: Comes off easily with a damp cloth when the glue is still wet, when dry pick off the access glue and scrape with a sharp knife for fabrics you will need a solvent cleaner.
The Good and The Bad: A useful adhesive to have on hand for small touch ups, this latex glue also comes in a non toxic variety for childrens use.
EPOXY RESIN
A two-part, quick-setting epoxy resin base plus hardener, that needs to be mixed before use. It dries clear and is heat-proof.
Where to use : On china, pottery, glass and jewelry repairs it is also suitable for wood, metal and leather it has a very strong durable bond once set.
How to apply: Following the directions on your epoxy resin mix the epoxy and hardener together ensuring that your surface is clean. Apply a thin layer onto one surface and squeeze the two surfaces together. secure until it sets.
How to Remove: If you get it on your skin then use a industrial hand cleaner, remove excess glue from surfaces with a cloth dampened with white spirit. Once set you will need to chip away at the glue as it is solid once dry.
The Good and The Bad: Once the adhesive is mixed you only have a few minutes to work with it and if you are fixing pottery that you intend to use, after a long period of time the resin will eventually break down.
CONTACT
A petroleum-based adhesive, which is extremely inflammable. Applied to both surfaces, it bonds on contact.
Where to use: On a variety of surfaces such as laminate, wood, rubber, stone, leather, it is heat and water proof.
How to Apply: Coat both surfaces with the adhesive and allow to become tacky then press the two surfaces together.
How to remove: It is difficult to remove once it is dry so wipe off any excess as you go with a damp cloth, you can use a acetone to wipe the residue down and large amounts would need to be chipped away first.
The Good and the Bad: You need to work quickly and it is not suitable for plastic pr polythene items as it can wrinkle the surface.
PVA (polyvinyl acetate)
A white creamy adhesive that is water soluble and provides a permanent bond which can be stronger than material itself.
Where to use : Use for general indoor woodwork repairs, plus hardboard, polyurethane, foam, paper,fabric,leather and carpets, Can also be watered down to make papermache glue or used as a protective coat on indoor artwork.
How to Apply: Squeeze a thin layer onto one surface and press together straight away. Clamp or secure for at least one hour to allow setting.
How to Remove: While it is still wet remove with a damp cloth, once set use mentholated spirits.
The Good and The Bad: Not suitable for water contact, you will need a waterproof PVA for those jobs.
SUPERGLUE
Originally used by the air force industry these adhesive needs only a tiny spot to produce extremely strong bond onto almost any surface including your skin.
Where to use: For use where you need a Instant bond, metals, plastics,glass,ceramics, rubber.
How to Apply: One tiny drop onto one surface and push both surfaces together straight away. Always where rubber gloves
How to Remove: If you get skin contact immediately soak in warm soapy water, if available use a solvent cleaner and try to separate skin gently.
The Good and The Bad: Though it is an effective adhesive it can be quite expensive for large projects, it is highly dangerous and should be kept safe at all times. As this is a thin liquid it is not useful in filling Gaps which may be required to fill broken pottery etc to even out the edges.
ACID FREE GLUE
This is an archive glue that can either go on white or clear. This glue contains no harmful acid it is suitable for paper, card and some plastics.
Where to use: Use for archival documents, Scrapbooking and photos.
How to Apply: Apply a thin layer of glue to one surface and press the surfaces together, you can also apply small dots into the corners of a photo for easy application. It comes in many different forms, such as squeezey bottles, roll ons and droplet.
How to Remove: When wet use a damp cloth to wipe away excess, once dried gently separate the items being careful not to tear the papers.
The Good and The bad: This glue is easy to apply and purpose built for Scrapbooking, there is no substitute when it comes to archiving your memories.

1. Hardwood flooring has a timeless air of quality Hardwood floors have decorated some of the most exclusive mansions and estates in history and stlil exudes a feeling of permanence and classic quality compared to manufactured floors.
2. Hardwood floors are natural Hardwood floors bring the natural outdoors inside, and do not contain man-made chemicals in the wood itself. Homeowners with exclusive design tastes wlil tend to gravitate towards the quality and natural feel of hardwood floors - there is just something about the feel and look of them that cannot be duplicated in a factory.
3. Hardwood flooring adds value to your home Installing solid hardwood flooring in your home is a true investment that wlil retain its value. In many cases, installing hardwood floors with generate a return on investment that exceeds the initial cost of installation.
4. Real hardwood colors wlil never go out of style There is a timeless quality about the natural color of hardwoods that wlil ensure your house never becomes outdated because of its flooring. Recent advancements in laminate flooring have allowed consumers to pick from a mlititude of design styles and colors - unfortunately some of these may become outdated and fall out of favor.
5. Hardwood flooring sounds better If you’ve ever walked over a floating laminate flooring system you’ll hear a muffled echo sound, which is one of the few downsides of laminate floor systems. With proper installation of solid hardwood floors, you wlil not have this distracting hollow noise. Hollow sounds and vibrations are not an issue with hardwood floors - and this is actually one of the “good feelings” people can literally sense with real hardwood floors.

To read more of the benefits and advantages of hardwood flooring visit http://www.laminateflooringzone.com/hardwood-flooring.htm

It seems everyone is applying for loans so that they can make improvements to their home. Some individuals will burn through thousands of dollars to improve the look if their home. Major improvements such as new flooring or a deck can require a significant amount of money. However, you don’t have to go to those measures to make improvements to your home. There are three key areas of your home that can make the most difference in the appearance of your home - the entrance, kitchen and bathroom. Just doing one of the ideas listed below can make a huge difference in your home. But why not do all three when it can be done for less than $100?
Entrance
The old saying that, “First impressions are usually the last”, can easily apply to the way people react when they enter your home. Has your welcome mat lost its welcome appeal? It’s time to spice up your entrance so what you hear are “oohs” and “ahhs” when people cross your threshold. If you have a spacious porch, a potted plant in a metal planter can create a pleasant atmosphere. Contemporary planters are about $10.
If you’re really adventurous, a coat of brightly-colored paint on your front door can create a splash. If you take on this challenge, it’s a good idea to make sure that the paint complements your home. For example, if your home is mostly red brick, a red door would make a dynamic look. A gallon of interior/exterior gloss enamel in red or any other bright color will set you back no more than $20.
Kitchen
When you look in your kitchen, what catches your eye first? Probably all those nifty cabinets that discreetly tuck away your dishes, right? After a number of years you might crave a different look. For starters, you might want to give them a good cleaning. This one step alone can make a difference. You would be surprised the amount of dust and grease that can accumulate on cabinets. Depending on the material that your cabinets are made of, simply removing the cabinets from their hinges and wiping them down with the damp cloth is sufficient. There are chemicals on the market, but you need to make sure that the chemicals are made for your cabinet material.
Once your cabinets are shining again, you can then add or replace knobs. Knobs range from simple unfinished versions that cost as little as $.50 to decorative insert pulls that costs around $3. With the average kitchen containing about 12 cabinets, your cost won’t go over $36.
Bathroom
Guest bathrooms are usually confined to a small space. Why not give this room a lift? You undoubtedly have a nice set of guest towels and matching accessories. These items are not necessarily cheap so unless you want to go over your $100 spending limit, you can leave those items as they are. What you can add are wallpaper trim, artwork, and color. There are numerous styles of wallpaper trim that you can choose a new look for your bathroom. You can go as conservative and as creative as you want. To complement the wallpaper trim, you can add artwork. You don’t have to go out and purchase expensive artwork. You can use your imagination to come up with some ideas. For example, a few seashells, colorful fabric, and an empty picture frame are all you need to become your own favorite artist.
If you have any leftover paint from your door, you can use this to paint a wall in your bathroom, as long as the color doesn’t clash with the other elements of your bathroom.
to what we call “Turtle Back”. You know what we’re talking about, when the shoulders are pulled so far forward, lats are as wide as barn, and from behind, their back looks like a giant sea turtle shell!

Framing walls is known in construction as rough carpentry. This has always seemed to me as a contradiction of terms. The framing holds the skin (drywall, sheathing, siding) and has the buildings life lines running through it (plumbing, electric, heating, A/C, telephone, and cable). Like the skeleton is to a body, as are framed walls to a house.

Wall stud placement must also be considered. They cannot be placed just anywhere. To understand how important this placement is, one must know the materials that are applied to the framing. Most common building materials come in 4 x 8 sheets. These sheets are usually applied with the 4’ horizontal and the 8’ vertical. The most common layout for wall framing is 16” centers. When laid out and framed correctly, the edge of the drywall or sheathing will break on the center of the studs in 4’ increments.

The first step to laying out a wall is to find 2 straight 2x4s and cut them to the length of the wall. Your now ready for the stud layout. If your building perpendicular to an existing wall, lay the 2x4 plates next to each other and flush the ends. Hook your tape measure on one of the plates and make your first mark at 15 and 1/4”. This will be the leading edge of your first stud. This puts the center of the stud at 16”. Continue marking the rest of the wall studs in the same manner. The next one would be at 31 and 1/4”, then 47and1/4”, then 63 and 1/4” and so on. This puts the center of the studs at 32”, 48”, and 64”. Most tape measures have 16” centers highlighted in a color to make this easier. Once you have your stud locations marked, use a square (combination or speed) to draw a line across both plates. Put an “X” to the right side of this line. This indicates where the stud goes.

If there are doors, windows or wall intersections in the wall, these get laid out first. Sixteen inch centers are then laid out. Door and window openings can be moved so its stud or cripple stud is on the 16 o.c. layout. This saves or eliminates a stud.

Framing follows the same rules. Frame wall intersections first, then door and window openings. It can be tough to frame these items if the wall studs are in the way.

Wall layout is a simple process and once you do it a couple times you’ll see just how easy it is. It will become even more clear if you also install the drywall or sheathing also. It can be a nightmare if the layout is wrong and the edges of the material aren’t breaking on the center of the studs.

A certain amount of care and precision must be taken to avoid not having material breaking in the studs.

(c)2005 Mike Merisko www.sawkerfs.com

About the author: About the Author: Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26 years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor. While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these days. You can browse through articles by him and others at his website www.sawkerfs.com

The Bureau of Justice states, “There were 14 million thefts of property reported in 2004.” In addition, U.N. officials reported in January, that from 1994-2003, more than 2.5 billion people were affected by floods or other natural disasters throughout the world.

Home owners needing to make an insurance claim for damaged, lost or stolen property must provide insurance companies with the quantity, description, actual cash value and amount of loss associated with each item. They are also required to provide copies of bills, receipts or other documentation to support the figures.

All of the information must be complete in order to file a claim and receive fast service. A complete list can take a long time to write and may cost a lot of time and money. However, being able to provide an accurate inventory report to a claims adjuster can ensure a proper reimbursement, as well as, an expedited process.

“The consumer has to find all of this information,” Hayner said. “Only where is it? Relying solely on your memory can be an expensive mistake.”

Organizing Your Life THE EASY WAY has provided a solution to this problem that will benefit the consumer as well as the insurance companies. The fill-in-the-blank manuals contain all of the information that an insurance agent needs in order to file and expedite the payment process. Having a current home inventory will help home owners get insurance claims settled faster and easier.

“Taking stock of your personal belongings ahead of time is a simple and prudent way to protect your assets,” Hayner said.

Two years of severe hurricane hits along the Gulf Coast and heavy rains and flooding this spring in the Northeast are providing a nationwide breeding ground for indoor mold and mildew growth (some deadly) now that summer heat is here. What is the solution?

The subject is surrounded by controversy. The Centers for Disease Control, Institute of Medicine, as well as scientists and doctors at Harvard University, Mayo Clinic, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and several State Health Agencies have all looked at the problem. There have been several studies conducted by medical researchers over the past few years looking for any linkages between various respiratory and physical ailments and deaths and the presence of molds in our living space. While some say there is a linkage, others say the facts don’t support that.

Here are the facts. Mold is everywhere; inside and outside. Some molds are good (penicillin), some are very toxic and emit gases that can be inhaled (Stachybotrys “black mold”). Although some people apparently aren’t bothered by mold, all varieties have the potential to cause illness. Mold reproduces by generating spores that are released into the air, where they land on moist surfaces. They can grow on any organic surface such as wallpaper, ceiling tiles, carpeting, wallboard and wood. They thrive in dark, warm, moist locations, like under carpets, inside walls and ceilings. They will also contaminate items that come in contact with those surfaces.

Mold can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in many. Complaints of flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory impairment, migraines, sick building syndrome, dizziness and nosebleeds are common. These are the mild symptoms. Many researchers claim that mold can attack several main body systems, including the brain, central nervous and immune systems and have been the direct cause of some deaths. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, who wants to smell mold/mildew and inhale spores from household fungus? They can lodge in your lungs (remember dark, warm and moist). Asthmatics, infants and individuals suffering immune system deficiencies are particularly susceptible.

So, what should you do if you think that your home might have a mold/mildew problem? Environmental consulltant and BCB Associates founder Bruce Bley suggests a 5 step process:

• Mold Inspection- retain a qualified, certified mold inspection firm to evaluate your home and determine cause of mold and severity of infestation.
• Isolation of the Area- if there is a mold problem, you will want to isolate the area carefully to prevent carryover into non infested areas during clean up.
• Clean Up/Remediation- care should be taken to not stir up the mold; if it is severe, or in the walls, a specialized remediation firm (in space suits) may have to be used and materials removed in hazardous waste containers.
• Repair of the Cause- if there is structural damage or leaky plumbing causing a moisture problem, fix it.
• Maintenance/Prevention- an ongoing program to ensure no recurrence of the cause and use of proven purification technology to maintain a clean environment and kill mold growth.

On this last point, emphasis is placed on use of technology that has a proven track record of mold abatement. HEPA filters and electrostatic filters that are called purifiers are not effective on mold/mildew. There is, however, affordable, proprietary and safe technology currently available that has a demonstrated ability to sanitize surfaces from a variety of microbials and to stop mold/mildew growth. This effective technology has become widely accepted since it’s use by the government during the 9/11 Pentagon cleanup, is currently in use in several government facilities and is available to the general public through an authorized dealer network.

Like many of us, I am not the best woodworker. However, I still like the idea of making my own furniture. I just do have the finances to outfit a home workshop like the ones you see on television. I can, however, apply stains and finishes. Staining and Finishing only requires some basic tools and experience. Plus, if I totally mess up a piece of furniture when finishing it, all I have to do is to remove the finish and start all over again.

Some of the basic tools you’ll need are: sandpaper in various grits, some good paintbrushes, rags, and a ton of patience. If you have an electric sander, that speeds up the sanding process but isn’t required. I use a small orbital sander that both vibrates and swirls for a smooth finish.

In my town, there are a couple of stores that sell furniture for just these types of projects. They are usually called “unfinished furniture” or “raw furniture” stores. They typically have a good selection of furniture in pine, oak, and other species of wood. You’ll usually find a good selection of furniture ranging from simple bookcases, armoires, coffee tables, all the way up to complete dining room sets.

With a raw or unfinished piece of furniture, one of the toughest decisions is how to finish it. Again, you will have several choices. You could simply paint it a color to match your décor. Or, you could stain and finish it with a clear top-coat. And with stains, you have a myriad of choices. You could stain it a natural-looking wood color, or you could stain it a more vibrant color like red or purple! The main difference between staining and painting is that paint is opaque and cover the wood surface. Stains are transparent and let the beauty of the natural grain show through.

Your top-coat, or clear-coat on top of the stain can be either flat, semi-gloss, or shiny. The new water-based polyurethane finishes are easy to apply, quick to dry, and a snap to clean-up. And there aren’t a lot of nasty fumes with them.

Popular options right now are hand-painted finishes. You can paint your unfinished furniture to look like a charming folk piece or something from a French country cottage. And if you are up to the challenge, you can apply a faux finish with paint to your unfinished furniture to make it look like anything from stone to steel!

The most important thing to remember when you are finishing your own furniture, is to have fun, take your time, and don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out exactly as planned. Sometimes the best looking pieces are not the ones you started out trying to create!

About the author: Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer and remodeler. He has been refinishing and building furniture for twenty years. He has several websites including Raw Unfinished Furniture and Hand Made Furnishings .

Dear friends, if you are planning to improve/renovate or refurnish your home then this article can be a very useful guide and save your lot of time.

When it comes to home improvement, most people think that it’s has to do with painting the house from inside out and forget about it.

But any architectural structure is much more than just walls and ceiling. There are many systems working simultaneously which keep the building under function.

Let’s have a look at these systems one by one.

1) Structural System:

This includes the support system of the entire building, namely foundation, columns, beams, slabs(in R.C.C structure). The most commonly used structural systems is R.C.C. Other types include steel and wood.

While renovating a building special attention must be given to the structural support system. Slabs should be checked to be leak proof. Columns and beams which are exposed to external atmosphere must be checked for damage. R.C.C structural members are always covered with plaster. This plaster must be without damage.

In case of steel structures, anti-rust treatment must be applied wherever necessary.

In case of wooden structure anti-termite treatment must be applied wherever necessary.

2) Plumbing System:

All pipelines which carry water in and out of the structure must be checked for leakage. The main are of possible leakage is at the joints, hence must be carefully treated.

Water taps at the washbasins, inside bathrooms, kitchen sinks, toilet blocks, should be checked for good and smooth operating conditions.

3)Drainage System:

Drainage from kitchen, bathrooms, toilets should have an unobstructed and shortest path to outside chambers. Any clogging of these lines can cause overflowing of the chambers, hence should be checked and cleaned.

4)Electrical Systems:

This starts with the main supply of the electricity from the local authorities. The point of entering the main supply should be checked for any excessive disturbance in voltage levels, which might cause damage to electrical appliances inside.

All switch boards and switches in respective rooms should be checked for proper and safe functioning. Security systems such as earthing and M.C.B’s should be checked for safe functioning.

5) Doors and Windows

These form an important part of any structure as far as safety is concerned. Proper functioning of the doors and window shutters is necessary. If your home has a security alarm system installed, then it must be kept updated and in proper working condition.

Door and window shutter hinges should be applied with lubricants for smooth operations. I case of sliding doors and windows, tracks which allow sliding should be dust free.

6) Glass Panes

All glass panes used on windows and doors should be dust free. Any broken or cracked glass panes should be replaced immediately.

If the building has a skylight, then it should be checked to be leak proof and clean, to allow clear and unobstructed sunlight in the interiors.

7) Flooring Materials

In most cases tiles are used for flooring. All tiles should be checked for cracks and most importantly leveling.

In every home flooring has a natural slope to avoid clogging of water if any such situation arises. Tiled flooring must be checked at joints. Any cracks in joins must be checked with proper bonding material.

In case of wooden flooring, extra care must be taken to keep the flooring termite-free.

8) Wall Plaster and Wall Paint.

All external walls must be checked from outside for a proper layer of plaster. Plaster prevents the rainwater to seep inside the structure. If external plaster gets damaged, rain water seeps inside causing dampening of walls.

All internal walls must be checked for scraping of paint.

8) Furniture and Carpentry Items.

All furniture items must be termite free and sturdy at the joints. A coat of good quality wooden polish can add life to the furniture pieces.

Other carpentry work includes door and window shutters, door and window frames.

9) Other Accessories.

This includes small thing which matter a lot, such as all the locking arrangement at doors, windows, towel rods in the bathroom/wash basins, arrangement to dry washed clothes, storage arrangements in kitchen/bathroom.

10)External Systems

This can include a solar water heater, electric pumps to push the water from underground water tank to Overhead water tank., Cable TV antennas.

All these systems must be checked for proper functioning.

>From the above discussion it is clear that proper functioning of any architectural structure is dependant of many complex systems which work simultaneously.

Hence all these must be given attention and respect. Any building is just like a human body, with movable and stationary parts. If dealt with proper care can give a very healthy living experience for years to come.

I hope this article was helpful to everyone.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya

About the author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets and Bedroom Decorating Ideas.

High-quality artificial trees and plants are made from reformed barks and printed silks; trees are hand made and use the finest wood from sustainable forests.

Are they really easy plants?

Perfectly positioned for both the modern and traditional home, whether you are fast living and time is a premium within your life, not green fingered and always struggling to maintain your flora or fragile and infirm and maintaining your home is difficult, then artificial lifestyle trees are for you.

· Artificial plants and trees are 100% maintenance and watering free except occasional dusting and can adapt to anywhere in your home, from the extreme environments in the conservatory to the hustle and bustles of the living or dinning room.

· Artificial plants and trees leaves are manufactured with a UV coating to ensure the lasting colour when in direct sun light.

· Artificial plants and trees are Pollen free for asthma and allergy sufferers

Most popular

Japanese Fruticosa

The Japanese fruticosa is a tree of stunning proportions, standing at over 5 1/2 feet tall and weighing only 7kg the fruticosa is a Japanese gem. For over 2000 years these trees have been used to bring natural karma to hi temples and homes across the oceanic continents.

It is hand made using the finest woods from sustainable forests. >From the twisted bark to the green foliage clinging sporadically up and down the stem to the unique finishing process applied, gives that magical look of true-life and dimension.

The eight inch diameter pot which stands 7 inches tall is the perfect size, making it easy for you to situate your easy plant tree into an outer pot of your own choice. This truly is the contemporary focal point of any room.

Laurel Bay tree

Pure elegance is the only word to describe this classic Laurel bay tree. The single stem crookedly rises to the explosion of the laurel dark green foliage. Standing around 5 1/2 feet tall and weighing only 5.5kg, you can just pick it up and place it anywhere it really is that flexible.

The eight inch diameter pot which stands 7 inches tall is the perfect size, making it easy for you to situate your tree into an outer pot of your own choice. Crisp to touch, fresh to look, few can really describe how this easy plant tree gives confidence to your home.

Olive Tree

Famous for its fruit and continental charm the olive tree brings a Mediterranean feel with a twist. The single stem crookedly rises to the explosion of the finest reproduction foliage and delicious hanging olives.

Standing around 5 1/2 feet tall and weighing only 6kg, this continental gem brings a warmth to any home. The eight inch diameter pot which stands 7 inches tall is the perfect size, making it easy for you to situate your tree into an outer pot of your own choice. The Olive tree, a fantastic alternative and maintenance free way in bringing a healthy looking continental tree direct to your home.

Mini Bracenia

A spectacular miniature lifestyle artificial tree, The Mini Bracenia with its ageing stems and lively foliage of variegated greens give this tree character, the effortless way the leaves hang, the relaxed feel and great looks always make this a favourite.

Raw, fresh, and clean, standing at over 2 feet tall and weighing only 1.5 kgs. The five inch diameter pot which stands four and a half inches tall is the perfect size, making it easy for you to situate your tree into an outer pot of your own choice. Easy on the eye, this adaptable lifestyle tree will be the perfect accessory to any room.

Easyplants.co.uk is the leader for amazing artificial plants and trees. All easyplants trees are hand made and use the finest wood from sustainable forests, easyplants trees are supplied in small pots and delivered direct to your door.

Visit http://www.easyplants.co.uk/ to see how artificial trees and plants can inspire your living space

There are many sad cases of home renovations not going as planned - often going way over budget or schedule, or unforseen complications popping up unexpectedly and ruining even up to years of work.

Most of these situations would never have gone so awry with some careful planning and early decision making sooner in the renovation process. Below are a few issues that it is vital to think about before you begin your home renovation.

10 Things to Think About BEFORE Beginning Work

Prepare a budget Be aware of council regulations

Find a tradesperson

Know your start and completion dates

Selecting Products

Prepare plans

Purchasing products

What should I purchase myself?

What services are available to my property? What sort of hot water unit do I need?

Prepare a budget

Before you start shopping for your new bathroom or kitchen you must know your spending limits. Whether you are getting a loan or paying cash, you need to work out how much your project is going to cost. Some businesses also offer finance solutions for approved customers.

Be aware of council regulations

Find out all the information you can before you arrange tradesperson. If your home is heritage listed you will need to meet strict council regulations. Many renovations must be approved by the council before work can commence. Contact your local council for more details.

Finding a tradesperson

Speak with family and friends who have done renovations or built a home. It is important to find a tradesperson that you can communicate with. Make sure you understand everything they are telling you. Book a tradesperson well ahead of time, as they can be booked for months in advance. Ensure that your tradesperson is licensed. Your product warranties are only valid if installed by a licensed tradesperson. In Australia, Trades@call provide professional, reliable tradespeople for most jobs, and all workmanship is guaranteed.

Know your start and completion dates

Communicate with your tradesperson and come to an agreement of realistic start and completion dates for your project. If you have a specific date that the job must be finished by, for example you have relatives coming to stay, let your tradesperson know. Keep in mind that unexpected problems can hold up your project, no matter how well you have planned it.

Selecting Products

It may take a few shopping trips for you to decide on the products that give you the look you desire and are also practical for your needs. Browse through a print or online catalogue. Once you have decided on a style (modern, heritage or easy living) this will narrow down your product choices. Be aware of any size restrictions of the room. Print out or write down product specifications and measure up your bathroom. You may use the online bathroom planner at the Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centre website to layout the products you have chosen.

Talk to your tradesperson about your choices. If the tradesperson tells you that a product you have chosen is unsuitable, find out why. It may just be that extra work is required that they don’t want to do. Remember, it is your home and you need to be satisfied once the job is complete.

Prepare plans

It is important that you draw up plans of your bathroom or kitchen. Discuss the plans with your tradesperson. Let him know what sort of products you would like, so he will know what work needs to be done. For example if you have chosen an inwall cistern, the tradesperson will need to know so he can set up the plumbing correctly before the tiling is done. It is best to have specifications of all of the products you have chosen so the tradesperson knows exactly what work is required.

Purchasing products

When selecting products, find out how long it will take for delivery. Some goods such as tapware and toilets will be in stock, while others such as spas and vanity units are custom made and can take up to 1 month to order in. Often these custom made products are non-refundable so confirm your product choices with your tradesperson before ordering. Find out from your tradesperson which products they will required first. Generally, the first products needed are the shower base, bath or spa and mixers if they are being installed on the wall.

As an owner builder, what should I purchase myself?

If you are owner building, make sure you purchase all of the main products for your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. This will ensure that you make all of the decisions and achieve the result you want. There will be things you will not think about when placing an order, such as different handle types on a vanity unit, the pump position of your spa, that you will need to decide on. It is important to make these decisions yourself as they will affect the overall result of your project. Smaller fittings for plumbing can be purchased by your tradesperson.

What services are available to my property?

It is important to know whether you need gas or electric appliances (hot water unit, cooking appliances). If you live further out from the city, you may need LPG appliances. If you currently have electric appliances and you want to change to gas, speak with your tradesperson to determine if this is going to be cost effective and worthwhile in the long run. If you are building a new home, decide on the appliances you want before building begins, as the plumbing will need to be roughed in based on your product selection.

What sort of Hot Water Unit do I need?

There is a wide range of hot water units available and it can be quite daunting to try and choose one. If you are replacing an existing unit your choices can be limited, so speak with your tradesperson. The instantaneous hot water units are popular at the moment, but they use a larger gas line than the standard storage units. This can mean major plumbing changes which can be quite costly, though in the long run the instantaneous systems are cost efficient. See the Bourne Hot Water Selection Guide for more detail.

Many of these points seem somewhat obvious, but the problem arises when you start taking things for granted. When you don’t make sure that all your bases are covered, you may find that you have invested a lot of time, effort and money in a home renovation that you may end up unhappy with.

About the author: Richard Bourne is owner and manager of Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centres. Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centres (http://www.bournebathrooms.com.au) offer the largest range of bathroom, kitchen and plumbing supplies in Melbourne. Bourne’s exhaustive selection of home renovation supplies and great after sales service have helped thousands of people to buy “beautiful product