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Latest Home Improvement Articles

JR — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:49:11 +0000

Home Improvement Article List

Facts About Chlorine Pool Maintenance

JR — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:34:06 +0000

If you have a pool, you’ll undoubtedly be familiar with the chemical chlorine. It is a very common compound used for sanitation of water systems. Used by water treatment plants to clear and sanitize contaminated water and industrial waste water, it plays a vital role in our society. Aside from being commonly added into pools to keep the water sanitized and free from microbes, it is also used as a bleaching agent and plays a major role in the chemical industry as it has many uses.

Prior to its use as a disinfectant and sanitary additive to pool water, chlorine was used to make water potable. Chlorine is added to water during treatment before the water itself is routed to our pipelines and into our sink. While chlorine is an excellent disinfectant, excessive amounts of chlorine in water can result in a milky-white or cloudy substance, which are actually undissolved chlorine particles. Aside from its use as a water purification agent, chlorine is also used largely in detergents and disinfectants. Of course, there’s chlorine pool maintenance too. The addition of chlorine to a swimming pool actually serves two purposes: It sterilizes the water and kills any microbes or bacteria which can cause sickness when it comes into contact with skin or is ingested; at the same time, it cleans the bathers and prevents the production of algae which sullies the pool.

Although chlorine pool maintenance provides top-of-the-line sanitary effects of pools, the use of chlorine itself must be controlled. Chlorine can irritate the eyes and skin in high dosages, and it can also impart a very unpleasant smell to the pool. Newer, state-of-the-art chlorine pool maintenance systems now have automated sensors which increase or decrease the Ph level and level of chlorine in a pool according to its needs. Lucky for us chlorine pool maintenance is now automated, because decades ago pool chlorination was done manually day in and day out. Chlorine is also a known oxidant which can weaken pool foundations or stain tiles in time, especially when it reacts with other compounds in its unstabilized form. Chemical additives to combat this reaction are now widely available and integrated into the whole of the chlorine pool maintenance procedure.

Although it is very pricey for some, many pool owners are now switching to automated chlorine pool maintenance systems for the sheer ease it provides. One of the most common chlorine pool maintenance automated systems today are saltwater pool systems which make use salt as an agent to produce chlorine. Newer and better pool maintenance systems are continuously being developed in the hopes of one day making a perfect self-maintaining pool cleaning system.

Feng Shui Decorating

JR — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:38:16 +0000

Want to know how to add some extra flair to any room in your home or office? If so, you may want to find out more about feng shui decorating. A simple painting or color palette can make a big difference in how you feel while you’re in your room or office, so these color decorating tips will offer cost-effective yet significant solutions for improving your space.

Everyone wants a space that reflects their own style and personality. With the feng shui decorating style, the colors you select will tell you which element your temperament is most closely related to. For instance, if you choose bright yellow or red colors, you have a ‘fire’ temperament, which could mean you’re bursting with energy, but can be quiet and warm as well. If you choose colors like blue or shades or black for feng shui decorating, you have a ‘water’ personality, which says that you are a generally calm person who enjoys life. So, make the colors that you choose work for you and pick a main palette of colors to use in each space to give each room a distinct feel.

Furniture placement is another one of the important feng shui principles. You should make sure that your larger pieces of furniture, such as beds or sofas, are the logical focus of the room, but that they don’t overpower the whole space. One of the ways to do this is to have larger pieces of furniture facing the center of the room, instead of the entrance, so that the energy in the room will be balanced when people enter. You may also want to choose earth or water colors in these rooms to promote relaxation and tranquility, so colors like brown, green and blue are best.

For additional accessories when it comes to feng shui decorating, choose art pieces and room accents that will enhance the room and not take over the focus. For instance, paintings with simple lines and bold colors are great accents to any room and figurines or statues should be small but complimentary. Using wood and water in the rooms you’re decorating will help your chi to relax and you will actually feel safer and more at ease. For more great tips on feng shui decorating, contact your local feng shui consultant.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder – Feed The Birds Not The Squirrels

JR — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:48:36 +0000

They might look endearing, but the squirrels that live in your garden could become a great pest if you’re a bird enthusiast. The squirrel proof bird feeders could help you to control this continuous attacking your bird feeder.

As said awhile ago, the main problem for many bird enthusiasts especially when they place a bird feeder into their garden, are the squirrels. These squirrels do not just consume the food, but as well carry it away for hoarding. Pressing red pepper flakes on the seeds make the squirrels to stop stealing. Actually these red chili peppers are not harmful to the birds because they don’t have the receptor for capsaicin, and active component that most of these plants have. However, if the squirrels consume that, they would suffer and for this reason they stay away from the feeder. In fact, this is known to be the best way to have your feeder on your garden without being stolen by these squirrels. This method is very useful wherein there are lots developments today that have contributed to enhance the anti-squirrel devices to protect the bird seeds.

Several squirrel proof bird feeders are constructed in such means that the perches fall down if the weight surpasses beyond a limit. These are actually intended to support the bird’s weight whenever they perch and feed themselves, but when the squirrels will be the one to perch in it, it could not support its weight, and it eventually falls down. One kind of squirrel proof bird feeder contains a light shock, and powered by a battery. There as well exist automatic detection squirrel proof bird feeders that detect overweight and begin spinning the perch to shake off the squirrel.

Also, you can makes of caged bird feeders to protect the seeds you give for you bird from the squirrels. These are ideals for feeding the small birds. The cage’s position is as well a significant factor especially in keeping away the squirrels from the bird feeder. One way to protect your bird feeders is to isolate them in an area wherein the birds are the only one can reach it. As simple as it may seems, squirrel proof bird feeders can do a lot to those bird enthusiasts especially if they would really love to watch birds feeding themselves with their own bird feeder.

How To Make A Pine Cone Bird Feeder

JR — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:34:30 +0000

It’s a pleasurable scene, when you spot different birds hopping and chirping around eating from a bird feeder. A lot of bird viewers make their own bird feeders to capture beautiful birds on camera. Actually, there is wide range of bird feeders in many pet stores today, but making your own pine cone bird feeder is a different feeling.

Pine cone bird feeder is considered the simplest craft ideas. If you plan to make one pine cone bird feeder in your garden plot, then read on the following procedures below so you can make one easily.

The first thing that you must do is to find a huge and nice pine cone. Don’t choose deformed, broken, and wet pine cones. With your butter knife, spread the peanut butter on the pine cone. The more peanut butter you spread on the pine cone, the greater number of birds would enjoy feeding on it. Dust it with bread crumbs, or bird seeds, or both. You can place these bread crumbs and bird seeds on the tray. Roll the pine cone with peanut butter around and over the crumbs or seeds.

Once you have done it, attach a strong string at the cone’s top end. To secure the thread and not to let it loose on the pine cone, secure the string by knotting it. After that, locate a good spot or a tree and fasten the other end of the thread to the branch. Make sure you securely tie it to the tree’s branch. The birds are now attracted to your pine cone bird feeder. You can spot different kinds of birds such as cross-bills, titmice, chickadees, jays, and grosbeaks feeding on your pine cone bird feeder.

Vegetable shortening, corn meal, suet, oatmeal, or lard are also other kinds of treat you can give or include in your homemade pine cone bird feeder. This is a simple winter crafts for children and they would love having one. With these, you will not just give the birds food but teach you as well the value and beauty that Mother Nature and living creatures would give us.

Finding The Most Comfortable and Functional Patio Furniture Set

JR — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:21:23 +0000

One of the first things that we often look for in furniture, especially seating pieces like chairs and couches, is comfort. Good thing there are many available comfortable furniture pieces nowadays. Searching for comfortable and functional patio furniture set is not that easy, so you have to be patient.

But first of all, it is important to discuss what makes these items comfortable. A lot of people may have varying opinions on what constitutes comfort. Few people may point out that it refers to a state wherein they have peace of mind. For one, chairs that are hailed to be the most comfortable to sit on are those that feature a back. The chair’s back can aid in lessening the person’s weight when sitting down. The majority believes that cushions play a very significant role if comfort of seating furniture is questioned. In addition to this, certain designs of chairs also ensure that the furniture pieces will be comfortable. Relaxation can be achieved by anyone who sits on a chair with armrests.

Aside from chairs, there is the table to complete the patio furniture set. Both the chairs and table should be functional for anyone who wants to eat his or her meals outside or to read a newspaper early in the morning. Table size and the quantity of the seating furniture should be looked into so that everybody can be comfortable while using these pieces.

Then, there’s the issue of the material used for the patio furniture set. Wood, aluminum, wrought iron or even plastic patio furniture set can be bought; and it’s up to you to choose which of these you will take home. The furniture can be pricey, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the most comfortable. As a matter of fact, cheaper furniture pieces that are comfortable are abundant in furniture stores.

Versatility should also be considered when purchasing patio furniture set, which refers to the ability of the furniture pieces to be reusable in other parts. That way, you will be able to change the look of your patio for a while without the need to put the furniture set in the attic for storage. Wise decision making on the part of buyers is needed especially when it comes to purchasing of furniture pieces and other items. Determine your criteria before buying anything so that you will not waste your money and avoid buying the wrong furniture set.

Aluminum Patio Furniture Still Stands

JR — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:15:15 +0000

Furniture pieces specifically designed for outdoor spaces should be sturdy enough to withstand the harsh weather. So, when choosing the right patio furniture, choose one that can last for some time. Aluminum products were known to last, so aluminum patio furniture is perfect if used outside where it will be unprotected against the sun and the rain.

Aluminum patio furniture has been known and proven to take the heat and other elements that may tarnish the beauty of furniture pieces placed outside of the house. Even though your outside furniture set will get wet, it will not be tarnished because it’s water-resistant. Aside from rain, too much heat can damage the coating of your patio chair or table; but with aluminum as the material of your furniture, this issue can be avoided. Adding an umbrella can also help so that the changing weather will not affect the furniture so much; likewise, those who choose to stay outside when it’s hot will remain comfortable.

Keep in mind that care is also required for aluminum patio furniture. Little care is what such furniture pieces need, like wiping, which is very easy to accomplish. Or, you can cover the furniture pieces if you think that it’s about to rain. Remember that nothing beats a furniture piece that still looks new, even after using it for months.

Some may choose other materials for their outside furniture because they think that aluminum furniture pieces like chairs are not comfortable. Fortunately, comfort can be achieved with the use of cushions. Cushions can also add beauty to your furniture pieces. If you believe that your aluminum chairs are too dull for your eyes, you can add bright-colored cushions.

Nowadays, the toughness of the furniture material is not everything. Aluminum patio furniture pieces should also be stylish and boast unique designs. With aluminum furniture, the style or design can be a determining factor for the theme of the space. Furniture pieces, made from aluminum or not, should offer comfort to everyone. In short, these furniture pieces should be worth your money.

Kitchen Cabinets Doors – A Remodeling Guide For Your Kitchen

JR — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:38:07 +0000

Remodeling project for your kitchen is not fairly finished without adding up innovatively made kitchen cabinets doors. As some other kitchen features or fixtures might attract your eyes and draw the attention of guests, friends, and family, impeccably made kitchen cabinet doors give a rich set that adds attraction and savor to your kitchen remodeling project.

If your remodeling project for your kitchen doesn’t include any changes in the position particularly in the cabinets, then replacing the doors itself is an easy task to do. Since you have broad range of choices, you have the choice that would complete your kitchen setup and design. Let us now try to see the different suggestions in opting for the crafted kitchen cabinet doors that are compatible with your kitchen setup, at the same time, go well within your budget.

Choose kitchen cabinet doors with stylish frames and durable corners. The kitchen cabinet doors made of hardwood are perfect, but might cost you more.
Kitchen cabinet doors are made available in several designs, styles, shapes, and sizes which you can buy from many companies out there. If ever you want to have a customize shapes and sizes for your doors, then it could be more expensive that the ones you can buy from the stores.
Kitchen cabinet door knobs and handles are now available with different designs. Make sure that your kitchen and the cabinet doors, handles, and knobs match each other very well.

If you are still hesitant about what kinds of kitchen cabinet door designs that would go very well with your kitchen remodeling project, you can search online for some ideas. In fact, there are many highly suggested home remodeling companies out there which you can ask for any recommendations.

If you want to enhance your kitchen setup, then you can also ask a remodeling specialist since he or she has ideas that match with your project. Replacement kitchen cabinet doors are easy to install and could save you both in time and in cost. It beats changing entire kitchen cabinets and would give you flexibility for enhancing or adding up new features and styles into your kitchen.

How To Install Kitchen Cabinets On The Wall

JR — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:29:07 +0000

Whether you hire an outworker or do the task yourself, installing the kitchen cabinets could be simpler than you think. Here are the simple ways on how to install kitchen cabinets on the wall.

1. Check the cabinets

You need to ensure that the cabinets are organized based on your preferred size, color, and designs.

2. Position the cabinets

Before you position the cabinets, don’t forget to mark the wall to make sure that it is in its proper placement.

3. Install the wall cabinets first

To exactly determine the proper place for these cabinets, try to measure the distance starting form the floor. Consider the space for the base cabinets, the splash, and the counter-top. Add the measurements with a line that specifies where would be base cabinets. Also, don’t forget to mark the top of the cabinets. A 1 x 4 inches board would provide temporary support. To remove it without any difficulty, leave nail’s head out a little bit.

4. Mark the wall studs

Put a mark to know the exact position of the base cabinets; make sure it is at least six inches below. Draw straight vertical lines between these sets for you to define the center of the studs.

5. Connect a temporary rail for support

Align the top border of the rail with the cabinet’s base edge and screw it 1 x 3-inches to the wall.

6. Create a sub-assembly

Arrange the cabinets together and secure them on a flat surface. Attach the cabinets onto the walls and see to it that they are facing each other. Be sure of any height difference because it makes a crest between the cabinets.

7. Install the overhead cabinets

When you already done arranging the cabinets according to your preferences, secure them together by using a wood screw. Make sure to include a 0.75 inch of wood hanging strip on the cabinet’s back. Make holes and fasten the screws. So, your cabinets are now installed to the walls.

These are just simple ways on how to install kitchen cabinets onto your kitchen walls even if you do it by yourself. Just follow the instruction and you will be happy with the results.

Home Heating Energy Saving

JR — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:59:38 +0000

If you live outside of tropics, the better part of your yearly energy consumption is used on heating your home. When the mercury dips below zero, your energy bill often heads in the other direction. Whether you keep your home cozy and comfy warm with natural gas, oil or electricity, both the financial and environmental costs can add up quickly over the course of the winter. It doesn’t matter if you want to save energy because of your environmental conscience or simply because you want some added cash in your pocket, there are a few energy saving products you will want to bring into your home.

A New Furnace

If you live in an older home, or your furnace is over a decade old, you will want to consider taking advantage in the latest in energy efficient technology and replace your existing heating system. This is especially true for much older homes, which still rely upon either oil or electricity for their heat. The most cost-effective and popular way to do this is to convert to a natural gas, high-efficiency forced air furnace. If natural gas is not available in your area, you will still want to look into forced air options, as these systems distribute heat more evenly in your home than radiators or baseboard heaters. A more environmentally friendly option is geo-thermal heating, which uses the earth’s natural warmth to heat your home in winter, reversing the effect to cool your home in summer without air-conditioning. Geo-thermal costs quite a bit more to install, but your savings will be huge over the long term.

Programmable Thermostat

When you think about it, there really is no reason to be heating your home when you’re not around or during the night hours when you’re sleeping. Installing a programmable thermostat will give you greater control over your homes temperature, bringing it to room temperature when you’re home in the evenings, and then letting the temperature change a few degrees while you’re at work. Even programming your thermostat to 2 or 3 degrees off the normal 20 degrees will save you hundreds off your energy bill by the end of the year, and you really won’t feel much of a difference.

Attic Foil

Although your attic may be insulated, the majority of the heat you put into your home seeps out through the ceiling and out your attic. Putting an extra layer of insulation in the attic is a great idea, and while you’re at it, you will want to consider covering your insulation with attic foil. Foil in the attic works much the same way it does in your oven, reflecting heat to keep it in during the cold winter months and out during the summer. You’ll see savings on your energy bill the first season after installing your attic foil.

If you’re not heating your house properly, you might as well warm yourself around a burning dollar bill, the cost will almost be the same. As the largest energy consumer in your home, finding ways to conserve heat makes sense both from an environmental as well as an economic point of view. Installing something as simple as a programmable thermostat or attic foil can make a big difference. On top of these smaller energy saving adjustments, when the time comes to replace your heating system, you might want to consider the long term benefits of more expensive and earth friendly alternatives.