Archive for April, 2010
April 27th, 2010 | 
Author: Many people are confused over the choice between Warmboard? and a staple up radiant heating system. This article should help to set you straight.
A Warmboard? system combines a structural subfloor with a complex radiant panel into one straightforward radiant heating system. It’s basically a strong, broad, weather-resistant, 4′ X 8′ sheet of plywood, with a series of channels cut into the top plane and a thick sheet of high-grade aluminum, which is permanently bonded to each panel. The aluminum is highly conductive. In fact, it’s about 30% more conductive than most common alloys, but it also cools down quickly.
Warmboard? replaces the normal structural subfloor. It can be cut, nailed or screwed directly to your floor joists just like any conventional subfloor.
Most Warmboard? systems function with water ranging in temperature between 90º and 110º, however if you are considering a wool carpet, or another high resistant floor covering, you can easily raise your water temperatures and still operate your heating system efficiently.
Warmboard? also have two important properties – they have high conductivity and low thermal mass, which means they will heat us quickly and retain heat quite well, but not quite as long as radiant systems imbedded in concrete.
In comparison, a staple up radiant heat system is the most unobtrusive radiant heat to install in an existing home. It will not add any additional floor height or disrupt your existing floor coverings as it is installed underneath the current subfloor between the floor joists.
This system is perfect when you want to add a radiant heat system without replacing your floors or floor coverings. For example, if your basement is unfinished you could easily staple up radiant heat tubing between your ceiling, or floor joists.
A staple-up system is not as responsive as the aluminum base method, but is more responsive than the thermal mass method - basically because under-floor radiant heat needs to heat up the wood subfloor and floor covering above. To radiate more heat into your home, you may want to consider installing heat transfer plates.
Heat transfer plates will ensure that your heat lasts much longer. They are a better heat conductor than wood, so your home would not only heat up more quickly, the heat would also last longer if transfer plates were used.
Overall both systems have their advantages. As far as labor goes, a Warmboard? panel system would save you time and labor ? they are much easier to install, but depending on where you plan to install your radiant heat system, both Warmboard? and under-floor radiant heat systems are a clean and cost effective way to go.
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Tags: radiant heat, radiant heating, radiant underfloor heating, underfloor heating, underfloor heating system, warmboard | 
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A lock is one of the most common and important security devices that ensure safety against theft or burglary. Locks can be mechanical or electronic, mechanical locks being popular in use.
UPVC door locks are attached with the doors permanently. Such locks can be used on heavy main doors as they provide and enhance beauty to the door. While buying a UPVC lock, one should be aware of the two measurements of the lock he/she want to buy, first one is the measurement of the front plate of the lock from the centre of the keyhole, other measurement necessary to be known while buying a lock is the measurement of distance from the centre of the keyhole to the centre of the handle of the door.
Padlocks are more common in usage as they come in varying size and attractive shapes. A padlock can have a combination system or a simple key system of locking. It may come in different shapes like cylindrical, discus, long shackle padlocks, shutter padlocks etc. One may use iron or stainless steel padlocks, or they may use strong brass padlocks. Lever padlocks are more common in use. Water proof locks provide more durability as they saves themselves against rust problems.
For keeping the keys of locks safe and secure to avoid misplacement, one may use beautifully designed key safes. Key safes provide better access to the keys of various locks when one needs the keys and they provide a beautiful management of various keys.
If you love to cook or if you just love gadgets, there are plenty of kitchen gadgets that you should look at. No matter what the kitchen task, there is a very cool kitchen gadget available. Here are some samples.
If you love mixed drinks, lattes or hot chocolate, then you need to purchase a power mixer. These small but powerful mixers will mix the best frozen drinks, froth up milk so your latte is perfect and whip hot chocolate into a tasty treat. Most power mixers are super small and run on batteries so you can mix either in the kitchen or on the patio.
If fried chicken or French fries are your specialty, then a deep fat fryer is the perfect gadget. Now you can prepare great tasting fried chicken, battered shrimp or fries in just minutes. These cool deep fat fryers are all automated, making frying super simple and without the normal mess of a frying pan.
If you love fresh bread, then you will love a bread maker. There is nothing better to start your dinner off then fresh baked bread. Breadmakers make your fresh bread from scratch, just add the ingredients and push a few buttons. An hour later or so, you have delicious piping hot fresh bread. So no matter your cooking style, check out these super cool kitchen gadgets.
More information can be found in http://www.home-00.info
Natural stone pebbles are becoming extremely popular in homes because of their wide range of colors and uses. Here are a few ideas for use in your own home.
Japanese Gardens
Japanese Gardens and known for their peacefulness and tranquillity. This style of garden uses specific plants as well as rocks and water to create this effect. Often these gardens are small in scale and are incorporated into an overall garden design rather than being the whole garden.
Decorative Pots
Placing some pebbles around the top of a potted plant can make indoor plants more attractive. Consider what part of the potted plant you want to make the focus. You can use a decorative ceramic pot as well. Decide whether you want matching or contrasting colors in the pot and the pebbles you choose. The pebbles and chosen pot should help focus your eye on the plant you have chosen.
Vases
Pebbles are also very effective used in the bottom of vases. Glass vases in particular look superb with some colored natural stone in the bottom. The pebble base also helps hold the arranged flowers in place. Decorative vases make great table decorations for dinner parties.
Paths and Drives
Paths and drives become very low maintenance when covered with a topping of small natural stone pebbles. The pebble size you choose needs to take into account how the path or drive will be used. Heavy car traffic or foot traffic areas need smaller stones as they are more comfortable underfoot and better for cars to drive over. Gravel drives and paths should have retaining edging to hold the stones in place. Drives and paths need to be topped up with extra stone occasionally. They are very durable and much nicer looking than a plain old concrete driveway.
Water Features
It seems now that everyone wants a garden water feature. They can be very small or quite large and bold but always add an element of tranquillity to any garden. When planning a water feature you can incorporate natural stone in a variety of ways. Larger stones around the edge of the feature can add character. Pebbles can also be used to cover the base of the water feature and to cover up any cords or pumps that are used to power it. Before choosing your stone remember to wet a sample as this is how it will look in your water feature.
Ponds
The same rule applies with ponds to wet your sample and check the colour of the stone. Natural stone is normally dusty when collected and when the dust comes off the real color is revealed. Ponds look great with built-up edging. You can use a variety of materials including feature rocks, wood, metal and many others. You can also mix and match various sized stones for a more natural look.
Pebbles as Mulch
Mulching is something more gardeners are doing in the garden. Basically it involves adding a layer of material over the top of your soil to aid with water retention. This means less watering which saves time and also water supplies. Not everyone has an endless supply of water or the enthusiasm to maintain lawns and pebbles are a great alternative, particularly in naturally dry areas.
Weeding in garden beds is greatly reduced. It is quite easy to pull the few weeds that attempt to grow among the pebbles. As the plants mature and fill up the planting spaces there is less room for weeds to find a place to grow.
To stop the grass from coming up through the pebble mulch paths we have found that a heavy layer of newspaper and then a layer of plastic or weed mat on top works very well. The newspapers and the plastic help to retain moisture, another important reason for mulching. On top of this plastic the pebbles that were recently in the planting holes are spread in a thick layer. Larger flat rocks are used as edging.
Although concrete may seem pretty tough, it actually is vulnerable to many environmental factors. People often overlook the fact that concrete is porous. And as with porous surfaces, moisture, stains, molds, and other environmental hazards can seep in, wrecking havoc on your beautiful concrete surfaces.
Your concrete is always vulnerable to water. These porous surfaces will allow moisture to loosen your vinyl tiles or ruin your carpet.
How does water get in my concrete, (and how do I stop it)?
Water can enter concrete in two ways: from the top side or from the ground. Water entering from the top is called positive moisture. It comes from rain and other liquids that spill on the concrete surface. Ground moisture is called negative moisture. It comes from the natural moisture of the ground over which the concrete is laid.
Concrete surfaces act like sponges when exposed to water. It will draw water until it is saturated, or if there is no more water available. It will then disperse the water until it reaches equilibrium state.
What does water do to my concrete?
Water may cause many processes that can lead to noticeable damage. Water causes the rebar to rust. This in turn weakens the concrete.
Water also activates alkali disintegration. During the curing process of concrete, the alkali in the concrete becomes dormant. As water seeps into the concrete the alkali begins to react again with the concrete around it. This destroys the concrete from within.
Water is also causes mold, mildew and algae to grow. Mold has been known to influence severe health problems. Algae, on the other hand, cause the concrete to become slick and discolored while mildew often give off a bad odor and stains organic materials.
Up to 60% of homes have basements that suffer from this sort of problem. This could seriously affect the resell value of your home and make your home a health hazard to its occupants.
The moisture must be stopped to stop the damage.
To protect your concrete walls or floors, you need to have them protected with a concrete sealer. Concrete sealers protect concrete from deterioration brought about by road salt, stains, oil, moisture, and molds. It also provides a layer of protection that allows for easier sweeping and cleaning.
You will most likely need only one application of concrete sealant to keep your concrete surfaces protected.
Needed Equipment
First of all, you need to assemble the needed equipment. First of all, you must wear protective clothing since you are about to work with potential irritants. Gather a stiff brush and a water bucket. You will also need some rubber gloves, goggles and small-particle filter to protect you against chemical agents. You will also need some paintbrushes and a paint roller. Make sure there is proper ventilation at the place you are to work with the concrete sealer.
How to Apply
1. Clean the Floor. Your surface must be free of dirt, grime, grease, and oil. The stiff scrub brush will help remove stubborn stains. Use a commercial cleaner to help remove the dirt. Stubborn stains might need some soaking in a detergent solution before they can be removed. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. A second application may be required.
2. Apply Sealer: Before painting the floor, make sure you test the sealer on a small patch of floor. This will tell you if the floor is clean enough or if there are still imperfections that should be remedied. Uneven density in the concrete may result in a blotchy appearance that may be undesirable. Apply the sealer using a paint roller with an extension handle. Use the brush to cut in when working the perimeter. Start in a rear corner and work your way out of the area you are working on. Work the sealer into the surface. Spread it in a way that all the puddles are eliminated and apply a relatively thin uniform coat. You will probably only need one coating. Allow the sealer to dry. This will take a few hours.
3. Clean Up: Don’t forget to wash up with soap and warm water immediately afterwards. Remember you had just dealt with a potentially hazardous chemical. Always keep safety in mind as you work on your area. Also, dispose of the roller and the brushes you used for the job. Concrete sealers may require that you use these equipments just once.