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February 25, 2006
Smooth, Broomed or Exposed Aggregate
Before you even start to plan out a new concrete patio, you have to decide what type of finish you want on the concrete. And what color you would like it to be. Companies are getting better at carrying a lot more colors for you to choose from and the extra cost isn't all that much. The other important consideration is what you are going to use as re-inforcement, we use to use steel called re-bar so that it wouldn't crack. Know there is fiber that is poured into the mix as it is being turned in the drum of the cement mixer. Cost is a probably close to the same but it makes a nicer and quicker job.
You will notice I didn't say cement patio, that is because cement is only a product in the mix that makes concrete, the rest is sand and gravel of various sizes.
Back to concrete finishes: Exposed concrete is very nice looking but hard on the feet. It is also more expensive because of the size of round rock in it which after being sprayed with a chemical produces the exposed look. These small rocks usually about 3/8 of an inch in diameter will pop out over time which makes it even rougher to walk on in bare feet. The small holes or indents cannot be fixed. The exposed area also needs a water sealer coated on every one to two years. A little more work than you may want.
Please note: If it is at all possible you should drive out to the concrete plant where you are buying it from to see the piles of rock they use. If there is too much wood in it, it will cause you endless grief in about 2 years. If the wood splinters are large enough, say 4 inches ling by 1/2 inch thick they will work there way up through the concrete or decay and leave a hole inside. Over time this will gather moisture and then crack.
A smooth finish of regular concrete is the norm. It is easy to do and looks good. The only draw back here is when it gets wet it can be slippery. If you are using it as a sidewalk I would recommend that you use a finsish that is called brooming. When the concrete is almost set, after it is screeted and troweled for the last time, you take a heavy broom and lightly run over the surface to create a rougher surface. This will elimate anybody from slipping on it, but it is rough on the feet.
Dont' forget to add the cut marks when you are almost finsihed, this will stop any cracks from spreading farther than they should.
Concrete is ready to walk on by the next day, for driveways you should not drive a vehicle on it for at least a week or preferably two and no heavy trucks for at least a month until it is cured. If you are pouring on a very hot and dry day when the cement starts to set and there is no water left coming to the surface you will need to sprinkle it with a garden hose every few hours so that it doesn't dry too fast and then crack.
Posted 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)February 20, 2006
Choose the proper light bulb
Believe it or not one of the most important purchases in home lighting are proper light bulbs. You can have one of the most beautiful light fixtures on the market, but it won't look good or produce the light you expected with the wrong light bulb in it.
Light bulbs are normally coded by a system that seems a little weird at times. Basically it is a code that defines the watts, shape and size. The numbers go like this: 50WR30 = wattage - bulb shape - diameter. Meaning it is a 50-watt R-bulb that is 30/8 inches in diameter. Bulbs are given in 1/8th inch diameters so a size of 30 is about 3 3/4 inches across. A A19 bulb would be about 2 3/8 inches wide. Often you will se a code for the pattern or beam spread. 50WR30FL the FL stands for flood light. VNSP would mean vary narrow spot or beam sort of like a flashlight.
Your four main areas are:
Type: Appliance, Candle blunt tip, Candle Flame tip, Compact Fluorescent, Globe, Halogen, MR-16,Par, Reflector, Standard Household, Tube and Xenon
Usage: 2-PIN, 4-PIN, Bi-Pin, Candelabra, Double Contact Bayonet, Double Ended, G-9, G8-8mm, Bi-Pin, GU-10, Intermediate, Mini-Can and Standard/Medium
Wattage: is from 3W to 500 watt
Voltage: from the standard line 120 V to the low voltage 12V
Incandescent bulbs
They give a warm comfortable glow that can be enhanced with a dimmer control. The draw back is that they are the most inefficient light bulb. These are the standard pear shaped bulbs that come in - clear, frosted and colors. They are also our main three way bulb for lamps.
Halogen Light Bulbs
Quartz halogen bulbs also referred to as tungsten bulbs contain a gas that produces a brighter whiter beam. They out shine all other types for task lighting and dramatic effects. The down side is they get very hot so you need to pay close attention and only use the specified bulb rated for that particular fixture.
Specialty light bulbs
These are your neon lights that the color is produced by a particular gas in a tube or line. Not normally used in the home unless it is in the form of a sign or neon lamp. Cold cathode is a high end light bulb that can be used in valances and coves.
High Intensity discharge
Mercury vapor lights are shaped like an oversized light bulb and used in gardens or for security lighting. HID bulbs produce a lot of light and use a small amount of power. Normally you see them in street lights or high up on poles in public areas.
Posted 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)February 11, 2006
Floor coverings
If you own hard wood floors you already know the benefit of an area rug.
All natural fibers like seagrass look the best under coffee tables and are the best choice because of spills. They are much easier to clean than a jute or braided rug. This is where most spills will occur!
Play rugs are an ideal choice for kids bedrooms, they can be educational or just for fun. If your child spends alot of time in their room these are an ideal choice. For teenagers a modern geometric design would look good.
In the kitchen a mat is the best thing to soften the floor so you don't get a sore back from standing in one spot by the sink too long. These floor coverings also save on puncture marks from dropping knifes and forks on the floor.
If you would like more information on how to choose a floor covering go here.
To extend the life of an expensive oriental rug or to stop it from slipping on the hardwood place a rug pad underneath it.
Posted 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)February 03, 2006
Choosing replacement windows
I was asked by someone to help them decide on what type of window style to install when they go to replace their old windows.
The style of your window really affects the look of your home and greatly influences your choice of window treatment. Without out going into great detail a group of three windows with an arch over top is called a palladin window, it can have more than one arch. This type is for when you want the window to be the focal point of the room. Used mostly when you have a nice view outdoors.
A picture window sometimes called a bay window is also for great views. It normally is one large window with 2 smaller sizes beside it. The main difference is that this style has angles and juts out of a room. The curved bay window is called a bow, both styles will add approx. 4 feet of extra room.
For natural light you would use what is called a celestory. It is a line of horizontal windows that allow more light in but still gives you a good amount of privacy. Just remember natural light brightens up a room because it reflects mostly off the floor and furniture, not just because it is shining in the window.
Elliptical and arched types often are placed above double hung and fixed windows. They also work well for small bathrooms. A cameo window is a circular shape that you see alot of on narrow staircase landing to allow more light in during the day. The more modern shapes are trapezoidal or triangular with the combination making a cathedral style window.
Posted 10:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)