Category: DIY tips

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Don’t get caught streaking–on your roof, that is.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

Keeping Roofs In Top Shape There are ways to protect roofs from algae stains and damage.

Don’t get caught streaking-on your roof, that is. Green and black algae can be a major headache for homeowners. Algae not only make a roof look bad, but will likely shorten its life as well.

Commonly called fungus, algae create unsightly dark brown, green or black streaking on shingles. Sometimes these streaks are n for soot, dirt, moss or tree droppings. While regions with sustained humidity and moisture tend to be most at risk, people who live in all parts of the nation with roofs made from all sorts of materials are susceptible to moss and algae accumulation. In fact, all algae need to survive and thrive are air, water and a food source.

Methods of cleaning can cause unneeded wear and tear to your shingles. Fortunately, some of the latest shingles come in an algae-resistant version, alleviating unsightly streak and maintenance hassles. For example, many of CertainTeed’s asphalt shingles are available with the algae-resistant Streak-Fighter™ feature. The company indicates that a specific raw material protects its Streak-Fighter shingles from the streaking and discoloration of airborne algae. Look for it on the company’s wood-shake and slate-style shingles.

According to Marcia Hannah of CertainTeed, streaks can be a thing of the past. “The addition of roofing granules containing copper helps to alleviate the problem of unsightly streaks. This is good news for home maintenance and good news for real estate values.”

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There are several problems that water leakage can cause for you and your home. First, water leakage can cause the growth of fungi, mildew, and molds in your home. This can weaken your walls and cause bigger cracks, thus, increasing the possibility of vermin and rodent infestation. Second, due to the fungi and the rodents, your family becomes exposed to possible diseases. Also, stagnant water is a perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes which are also carriers of diseases like…

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

house maintenance, waterproofing

There are several problems that water leakage can cause for you and your home. First, water leakage can cause the growth of fungi, mildew, and molds in your home. This can weaken your walls and cause bigger cracks, thus, increasing the possibility of vermin and rodent infestation. Second, due to the fungi and the rodents, your family becomes exposed to possible diseases. Also, stagnant water is a perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes which are also carriers of diseases like dengue or malaria. Third, water leakage limits your living space. Using your basement or attic when it is wet or damp is out of question. Aside from being uncomfortable and smelly, there is also a high accident risk due to slippage. Fourth, water leakage decreases the value of your property. Real estate agents say that to sell a property with leakage problems, they generally have to lower prices even if the house is worth more than the selling price. This is because more than 25% of possible clients refuse a property with water leakage problems regardless of how minimal the problems are. But there is a solution to all these leakage problems, and that is making your house waterproof. With the development and availability of a variety of waterproofing solutions, there is surely one that can fit into your budget.

A contractor is the first option for properties with severe water leakage problems like basement flooding. This is an expensive option and time-consuming. However, for those who cannot afford waterproofing contractors, there are different methods available. One is to use a sump pump to pump water out of your house into a drainage. The equipment is installed at the lowest part of your house with a pipe leading to the main drainage system. This is only recommended for basement water problems.

For condensation problem, a dehumidifier is often enough to solve it. However, if leakage is really the problem, a waterproof coating system would work well on any part of the house. This option is cheaper compared to contractual work but will entail longer work hours if you opt to do it by yourself. Builders recommend that before undertaking any waterproofing work, clean the surrounding areas like the gutters and ventilation systems. Consequences of these problems are usually n for leakage. This will also lead to the leakage’s source. Most coating system starts with wirebrushing walls of the room to be waterproofed like the basement. This removes any debris that might affect the treatment. Using quick drying cement on holes and cracks usually follow. When the cement dries, it is followed by three coatings of waterproofing enamel. Bill Emerick, a waterproofing specialist emphasize the importance of following indicated spread rates on the can of the solution. Too-thin coatings undo all your efforts to keep moisture and water out of your home.

Regardless of whatever steps you take to maintain your property, you are making steps to ensure your family’s health and the stability of your house. You are also preserving the market value of your property, thereby, taking care of your investment. It might be tedious work, but waterproofing your home is an essential matter you shouldn’t forget.

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Hard wood flooring remains a popular choice in home decorating. The warmth and beauty of hardwood adds to the value of your home. You have a variety of choices in colors and styles of wood. There is an option for every home from traditional to contemporary.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

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Hard wood flooring remains a popular choice in home decorating. The warmth and beauty of hardwood adds to the value of your home. You have a variety of choices in colors and styles of wood. There is an option for every home from traditional to contemporary.

Choosing Hard Wood Flooring

You have several choices in styles for the overall look of your hardwood floor.

o Plank style flooring material is wide and resembles several strips of wood together in one plank. The planks are between three and six inches wide. The benefit of planks is the installation is a bit faster, since the planks cover a wider area than individual strips.

o Strips are smaller, up to three inches wide at most. These are beneficial for making the room appear larger.

o Solid flooring is one large piece of wood. These vary in thickness and are a custom made floor. They can be refinished many times over the life of the floor.

o Parquet floors are squares of hardwood that resemble ceramic tiles in size. Some are glued and others are nailed down. The squares can be arranged in a geometric design for a unique look.

Your other major choice in hardwood flooring is to get one that is unfinished or come pre finished. Pre finished floors come with a factory finish. These are very popular and easier to install. However, they are more expensive. Many find the additional price worth the money, as it saves time in staining and sanding.

Unfinished flooring must be finished after the floor is installed. You stain and coat the wood with urethane to protect the finish. The sanding and finishing process takes several days. You need to allow sufficient time for the surface to cure at each stage in the process before sanding. The floor must be sanded after each stage of the finishing process. Floor sanders can be used for this process.

Installing Hard Wood Flooring

Proper measurement is essential when ordering materials for your room. You will need a saw to cut the planks of wood to fit around corners and through doorways. For a more professional look, remove all the baseboards and trim before you start. Replace these after the installation is complete. The seams should be staggered as the planks are laid.

Before the installation process is started, be sure the subfloor is level. This should be done for any floor including hardwood, bamboo flooring, cork flooring or pergo flooring. If the floor isn’t level, use asphalt tiles to level it prior to beginning the installation.

Special paper can be used under the hardwood to avoid squeaking sounds when you walk on the floor. The planks should be nailed through the subfloor and into the joists for a stable floor that won’t move. Start the installation in the center of the room and move outward for the best, most even look.

Once the floor is laid, it needs to be sanded. Floor sanders can be rented through home improvement centers or any store that rents tools. Sand the floor evenly and don’t stay too long in any one area of the room. This can cause uneven spots.

Keeping Hard Wood Flooring Looking its Best

The care needed depends on the finish on your particular floor. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions regarding the care of pre finished floors. If your floor is finished with urethane, sweep a few times each week to remove dirt and dust. Wipe spills with a damp towel, but don’t use a very wet mop. This can damage the floor.

If the floors are waxed, you will need to buff occasionally and wax the floor. Using area rugs and door mats can help keep the floor from becoming very dirty. Protect the wood with pads on the legs of all your furniture. This will help prevent scratches and damage to the wood.

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On first hearing the term “home automation”, most log home owners will say something like… I didn’t build a rustic log home to turn it into a high-tech, silicon powered “smart building”.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

home automation, home security, log homes, log cabins

On first hearing the term “home automation”, most log home owners will say something like… I didn’t build a rustic log home to turn it into a high-tech, silicon powered “smart building”.

I couldn’t agree more, the ever-changing technology of our fast-paced, hyper get-ahead world is one of the things most of us were trying to leave behind. But don’t let misinformation (or misunderstanding) keep you from achieving your original goal of simplifying your life.

Most of us can recall the first time we felt the excitement of making a light turn on with a timer, or changed channels on our TV with a remote control. A home automation system is about automating everyday tasks like those while getting the most from our energy dollars and protecting our home. Further good news is that we don’t have to call in the professionals to make it all happen.

Today’s home automation products are effortless to set up, even for non-geeks, and the cost is amazingly inexpensive. A typical starter kit, which includes home automation software several modules, remote controls and sensors is less than $100. Also, one of the best features of these systems is that you don’t have to leave your computer turned on for everything to work (additional modules for lamps and appliances cost as little as $15).

A company called X10 is the leader in inexpensive home automation products and offers a product called ActiveHome Professional (learn more here). After programming by your computer, an interface box communicates with your appliances through your home’s electrical wires. You can program the system to do amazing things using the ActiveHome Pro software. It is possible to lower your energy bills by developing schedules for lights and appliances.

You can download a plug-in from X10 that permits modules to operate on an “if-then” basis. For instance… if a room is dark and motion is detected, lights can be turned on in sequence, or music can play (or an alarm can activate). You are limited only by your imagination. In fact, X10 also offers a free software development kit that can interface with your e-mail. The point is, you can use the command modules to perform basic functions or get as creative as you want.

ABC Television’s Popular Show Extreme Makeover Home Edition has a reputation for finding and showcasing the latest technology into the homes they remodel and build. The X10 ActiveHome Pro products have been featured on the show.

So, you may have chosen to escape the city by building a log home in the country, but inserting a little technology in the mix will help you achieve your dream of simplifying your life. Its never been easier or more affordable to put home automation to work.

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Living in urban areas provides several luxuries: you can work at your dream firm, study at the best colleges and universities of your choice, enjoy the parties are nights, go to modern shopping centers in the block, and more. Urban living might a best but all these have the drawback: space. That is, if you live in a dormitory or a room where every inch is precious. And when you live in an area where putting a generous size of bed is impossible, eating at a coffee table requir…

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

loft beds

Living in urban areas provides several luxuries: you can work at your dream firm, study at the best colleges and universities of your choice, enjoy the parties are nights, go to modern shopping centers in the block, and more. Urban living might a best but all these have the drawback: space. That is, if you live in a dormitory or a room where every inch is precious. And when you live in an area where putting a generous size of bed is impossible, eating at a coffee table requires to pass through series of maze, and rolling your sleeping bag every morning, it is time to call for help.

Loft bed answers the need for extra space while maintaining a decent place. Loft bed gives you the freedom to move extra furniture in to your place without worrying where to put them. Loft bed makes your room more pleasant at it relaxed the crowd to your room. For children, loft bed can transform the bedroom into a playhouse even if the size is not big.

If you are considering to buy one here are the things your should know:

Loft bed and bunk bed are two different things. Bunk bed is a type of bedding where there are two layers of mattresses. This is used if two people share one room in need for extra space. The most common type bunk bed is the upper deck is horizontal with the lower and the length of the bed depends on your need. There are stack beds with twin size bed on the top and is accessible by ladder and a full size bed at the bottom. Bunk bed also the upper and the lowed bed identical with each other. Bunk bed also has its bottom bunk running vertically and the upper bunk running horizontally.

Loft bed on the other hand presents an elevated bed. This provides an ample space to place other things such as desk, computer, lounge, and table below.

If you live with a roommate, having a bunk bed is more ideal than having a loft bed. But if you live alone, loft bed is best for you.

Loft bed should be though. Consider choosing specific type of loft bed depending on who is going to sleep on it. For teens, loft bed should be sturdy. Since they are much heavier than children, loft bed should provide enough support on their weight.

Loft bed is also designed for children. Considering such would mean looking for loft bed that is designed for children. Colorful loft bed is widely available and ensures the fun the moment bedtime arrives. It also has to have rails. The rails will protect your children in case they move at the edge of the bed. Strength should also be the top priority.

Consider the size of the bed. Make sure that the length of the loft bed will fit your room especially your body. But first, make sure that the bed will fit to your door. Although there are loft beds that can be assembled inside the room, you should always make sure that whatever type of loft bed you choose, you could always get the maximum comfort.

Loft bed should match the room. If you already have existing furniture inside your room, make sure that the loft bed you buy will not destroy the whole arrangement of the room.

One more thing: loft bed can only be used by someone who is old enough to climb up and down the stair and not for children of a very young age.

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A lot of people don’t consider locking their mailboxes, but it should become a usual habit. Every now and again there are some people who decide to go digging through your mailbox. They may steal your phone bill or they may steal something as important as you social security card. That is just one of the reasons why everyone should have locking mailboxes.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

mailboxes, identity theft, crime

A lot of people don’t consider locking their mailboxes, but it should become a usual habit. Every now and again there are some people who decide to go digging through your mailbox. They may steal your phone bill or they may steal something as important as you social security card. That is just one of the reasons why everyone should have locking mailboxes.

Identity theft has become a very big problem for many people around the world. Many people who have gone through identity theft has happened just by unfortunately not having locking mailboxes. If you live in an apartment building, you have probably seen the neighborhood mailman deliver your mail. In the middle of the mailboxes of all your fellow neighbors there is one big lock in the middle that only the mailman has a key for. This prevents anyone else besides the mailman and the post office to have the ability to open everyone’s locking mailboxes.

If you are someone who owns a house and you have a regular mailbox that anyone can open it would be a very good idea to put a lock on it and make sure that only the people that you trust to have the key for it. Another thing you should make sure of is that your locking mailbox is big enough so if you are away for a couple of days you do not have to worry about it sticking out of the slot.

If you are expecting something very important a very good suggestion would be to wait in front of your window until the mailman gets it to you. Make sure that you do not leave it in the mailbox for too long; especially if it does not have a key. If it does have a key still wait for it, you can never be too safe.

Pay attention to where you keep your locking mailbox key so you do not lose it. You may consider it misplacing and you can just get another one, but to some people it may just be the beginning of an identity theft case. No, there are not many people who are willing to walk around to every mailbox and see if the key they have opens it, but there is a lot of technology now that can help them find out what household’s mailbox it belongs to.

Post offices all around the world have been thinking of many possible ways to keep your mail safe. In some states and countries have even set up security alarms on mailboxes that go off when someone besides the mailman opens the lock that opens all the mailboxes at the same time.

The best types of locks to use for locking mailboxes would be Deadbolt locks. This is not the usual key lock this lock is made up of a combination, key and springs so it is not easy to open. You do not have to worry about anyone breaking into that. These locks are so amazing that you cannot just buy them at your local hardware store you must order them. The companies that sell these locks are usually associated with the Post office.

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Living room ideas are among the most sought-after designs that people want for the interior of their homes. Living room decorating does, after all, impact the most shared space in the home, and the place where you likely spend the most of your time together.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

living room,decorating,advice

Living room ideas are among the most sought-after designs that people want for the interior of their homes. Living room decorating does, after all, impact the most shared space in the home, and the place where you likely spend the most of your time together.

Therefore, it is important that when you’re decorating your living room, you’re using living room decorating ideas that fit everybody’s tastes, while still being practical, appealing when guests are over, and easy to maintain. However, as so many people discover, such decorating ideas for a living room are often easier said than done. With such a long list of vital criteria, it’s not difficult to understand why!

Within a room with so many different purposes, you may feel that you need an awful lot of tips for decorating a living room in order to make it livable and presentable at the same time. Don’t worry, those tips are out there, and waiting for you to use them.

The following are some great living room decorating tips to help you to create a comfortable, attractive, practical space:

* Be careful when selecting your colors. When decorating a living room, light, and neutral colors are frequently the safest. This way, when you want to choose or change your furniture and accessories, you’ll be able to do so with the most freedom.

* The flooring, when decorating the living room, should be classic looking and durable. This frequently means waxed hardwood floors, or neutral wall-to-wall carpeting that has given flair with area rugs.

* Interior decorating living room means proper furniture positioning. You’ll need to think this out ahead of time. The best strategy to use is to consider the way the people using the room will group within the space. Living room decorating ideas usually divide spaces up into two or three seating areas to provide a cozy setting no matter how many people are there. Decorating ideas for living rooms also usually direct the furniture toward a focal point in the room such as large windows, a fireplace, or a large piece of artwork.

Aside from this, there is no limit to decorating ideas for living room.

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Having a patio gives the house an extra dimension and an attractive outdoor space. For people who love the outdoors, having a patio means having an extra room and allows for a wonderful home-to-garden transition.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

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Having a patio gives the house an extra dimension and an attractive outdoor space. For people who love the outdoors, having a patio means having an extra room and allows for a wonderful home-to-garden transition.

1. The Benefits Of Patio Covers

It serves mainly as a protection from the harmful rays of the sun but patio covering also has more benefits. With different materials on the market, you can create a stylish look with your patio cover. It gives you a full range of opportunities to make your home even more beautiful than it was before. There are a lot of materials to choose from but if you are also concerned about style and beauty to grace your patio, then wood patio covers are just the thing for you. Wooden patio covers is a stylish way to protect you from the heat of the sun as well as the rain. It also adds value to the house.

2. Enjoy Outdoor Spaces

With your new stylish wooden patio covering, outdoor activities are more enjoyable. Enjoy the convenience of outdoor beauty, or use your barbeque during weather conditions like rain where you would typically be unable to.

3. Wood Is More Beautiful

Aesthetically speaking, wood has gained supremacy over different materials used in making patio coverings. Hardwoods like cedar and redwood are usually used in making wooden patio covers. This material gives you the natural beauty of wood grain that simply isn’t available with any other materials on the market. Plus the variety of ways one could do to accentuate the designs on their patios.

– Turn your patio into a beautiful work of art
– Impress your friends
– Give your backyard a personal style
– Add value to your home
– Protect your patio from the elements
– Barbeque during rain or snow conditions
– Provides shade during summer heat
– Wood costs less than other materials, about 20-30% cheaper than vinyl or aluminum.

4. Disadvantages of Wood

Wood covers need a lot of maintenance over the years. They require a regular treatment to prevent water from seeping into the wood, and deter insects from eating into the wood itself. Wooden patio covers are susceptible to damages brought about by rain, wind and sun. Since wood deteriorates faster than the synthetic materials because of the nature’s interfering elements, it will need extra attention. FOr this reason, preservatives should be applied to the wood in the first two years. This is done to ensure the durability of the wood. Application of the preservatives after two years is within every three years. Over the years your low investment with wood patio covering would increase. With the cost of maintenance at hand, having a vinyl or aluminum covering would cost you less in the long run.

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When you want the best in a ladder, look no further than the Little Giant Ladder. The Little Giant Ladder is the must have tool for anyone who owns a house and anyone who uses ladders in their profession.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

little giant ladder, ladders, tools

When you want the best in a ladder, look no further than the Little Giant Ladder. The Little Giant Ladder is the must have tool for anyone who owns a house and anyone who uses ladders in their profession. For those hard to reach areas around your house or your yard, the Little Giant and any of a number of superbly crafted accessories have been designed to bring safety, stability, ease of use and flexibility to the job.

I own a Little Giant and use it several times a week around the house. In fact, many of my neighbors also own and use them in more professional settings. At first, I was highly skeptical about a ladder that was sold on an infomericial but this lives up to its promise of being the more versatile ladder in the world.

Whether you’re painting the trim around your house, trimming dead branches from your trees, cleaning out those stuffed rain gutters or remodeling, the Little Giant Ladder can make those jobs easier to do, safer to tackle and cheaper than the vast array of other ladders and equipment you’d need to replace it.

Made out of the finest metal alloys available, designed by brilliant engineers to conform to almost any conditions, the Little Giant Ladder can replace almost a full 70% of all existing ladders currently on the market and you’d never miss any of them. I was able to get rid of three other ladders in my garage and now just use one.

And with a wide choice of accessories, there’s almost no job, no project that my Little Giant Ladder can’t handle with ease. From irregular surfaces, to stairwells, from rain gutters to entire paint jobs, from high up places to low to the ground areas, the Little Giant Ladder system saves me time and money without sacrificing the safety and stability I was looking for.

With the Little Giant Ladder you’re not just buying a ladder. You’re getting “24 ladders in one” that is manufactured to only the highest of standards and is made in the USA.

Simply put, there’s no better piece of equipment that you can own that can handle all of the jobs that the Little Giant Ladder was designed for. If you’re considering purchasing one, I highly recommend the Little Giant Ladder System and accessories.

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From professional contractors to an average homeowner the little giant ladder has impressed everyone. The little Giant Ladder system is amazing as it has 24 ladders incorporated in one. Little Giant Ladder is extremely durable and is made from 6005-T5 aluminum.

Guest post today from Active Paving – Dublin patio providers for many years.

giant little ladder, little giant ladder, Little Giant Ladders, little Giant Ladder system

From professional contractors to an average homeowner the little giant ladder has impressed everyone. The little Giant Ladder system is amazing as it has 24 ladders incorporated in one. Little Giant Ladder is extremely durable and is made from 6005-T5 aluminum.

It has been manufactured to BS 2037 Class 1 (Industrial) & BS EN131 tested and is very easy to carry.

Unlike normal ladders little Giant Ladder can be used on rough uneven surfaces like stairs, curbs, pavements or any rough surfaces. Thus it is extremely versatile.

The Giant Little Ladder is a multipurpose ladder as it can be used either as A-frames, trestles, lean-to’s, stair steps or like an extension ladder. The Little Giant Ladder Company has specially designed easy rungs and lock hinges for safety purposes to its users- it helps the ladder to get transformed from one position to another. Little Giant Ladder can be folded and thus it requires minimum space.

There is no fear to slip off because the giant little ladder is equipped with Anti-slip ribbing on its rungs, with a wide based work Platform for extra support when required. There is also space to keep your tools thus keeping your hands free to do your work.

The Little Giant Ladders can easily change its shape and get converted into:

7 x Extension ladders
4 x A-Frame ladders
6 x Stairwell ladders
4 x Scaffold positions
3 x Lean-to ladders

You will feel like you have brought a new ladder every time it changes its shape!

Some disadvantages with Little Giant ladder

The little giant ladder is extremely secured till you follow the rules and regulations. If you are a bit on your own the little giant ladder will not show its miracle. You should place the ladder at a calculated distance (read the guidelines) from the wall on which the giant ladder is leaning. If the required distance is not kept the ladder may broke down any moment. It is advisable to take precautions while climbing a ladder. Don’t jerk too much while climbing that the ladder becomes unstable and you meet with an accident. If you wear wet clothes or shoes and slip it is your fault. The little giant ladder is not waterproof!

The giant little ladder is thus extremely helpful and gives you 100% security but you have to be a bit more careful in following all the rules and regulations.