Add Natural Lighting To Your Home

The addition of simple natural light to a remodeling project can have a huge impact on your level of satisfaction. A well designed home that maximizes the use of natural lighting without compromising energy efficiency brings extra sunshine into your life.

Don't hesitate to flood a room with light, particularly on the north side. The north side is where constant light can fill the entire space very evenly all day. Try using larger windows where you can. The larger glass area adds light to the space, but you will want to use energy-efficient windows. Not using energy efficient windows could result in cold drafts in the winter, thermal heat gain in the summer, and higher energy bills all year round. Consider putting windows in unusual places, such as bathrooms and even shower spaces. This will bring in a ton of daylight and change the entire look of the area.

Don't discount using windows on a southwestern exposure, even in warm climates. Look for new glazing and low-emissive glass coatings that make windows more efficient and better suited to the specific exposure and application. Minimize east- and west-facing wall areas. These elevations feel summer sun most intensely. Maximize south-facing glazing as this will help minimize winter heating bills.

The right-sized overhang placed above south-facing windows can help minimize heat gain during the summer, when the sun is high in the southern sky, yet still emits warming rays during winter months. Provide for shade at south- and west-facing windows with an appropriate roof truss design, architectural features, landscaping plan, and decorating plan.

In warm climates, sunlight can overheat the home through windows on the south and west facing sides of homes. Roof overhangs can provide shade for these windows as well as improve the home's long-term ability to withstand rain. They will also allow you to open windows on a rainy day. Specify 24" eave and 12" rake overhangs when possible. Where overhangs will not throw shade, like first floor windows in 2-story homes, architectural features like lanais or awnings can offset potential heat gain that windows on southern and western facades might be subject to during the cooling season.

Try entrance doors with transoms and sidelights. Where space is limited, a single sidelight may work instead of two flanking an entry. Think about etched and translucent patterns for the sidelight glass if privacy or security is a concern. French doors with transoms above doors and windows can be added if the ceilings are at least eight feet high. If lower ceilings prohibit the use of transoms a wider window or bank of windows can be used.

Investigate using windows and skylights even where you might have been concerned about heat gain or loss in the past. New products, including high-performance windows, integral electronic blinds, and automatic timed closing devices can minimize such concerns.

Today's skylights units are sleek, leak proof, and easier to install with special integral flashing kits. Consider sun tubes or tunnels for areas in the middle of a structure, such as a hallway. Sun tubes are good alternatives in areas where there's not enough space for a skylight.

Tubular Skylights

Where windows are not practical due to elevation or a room's layout, tubular skylights can provide natural light while minimizing the size of the roof penetration. Tubular skylights have a roof-mounted light collector that reflects light through a metal or plastic tube with a highly reflective interior coating. The reflective tube guides the sunlight to a diffuser lens mounted on the interior ceiling surface that spreads light evenly throughout the room. They are frequently used in windowless bathrooms and closets where natural light is desirable and skylights aren't possible because of attic space above the ceiling.

They can also be used in other dark spots throughout the house, such as hallways and stairwells. In single-story homes they can even direct natural light to basements. Try new options in moveable, retractable opening curtain walls for residential applications. The following are a few of the common-sense tactics that can be considered when designing high-efficiency custom homes:

Maximize The Use Of Operable Windows

Aim for operable-window space equal to 6 to 7 percent of floor space. (Only the operable portion of a double-hung window counts toward this percentage, while all of a casement window's space counts toward the total.)

Use Thoughtful Window Placement

Place windows diagonally across from each other, rather than directly opposite, to encourage ventilation through, rather than across, a space. Incorporate whole-house/attic fans. Today's units are more powerful and efficient than models you might remember from your grandmother's home. In the evening, with windows and attic doors open, these fans can help flush out daytime heat quickly.

Locate Windows With Daylight In Mind

Good lighting begins with the effective use of sunlight. Consider the size, location, and primary function of the windows. Will the window frame a view, capture prevailing breezes, allow adequate light or provide architectural balance?

There is a tradeoff between the benefits of windows, such as daylight and good views, and the major drawback is reduced insulation value. Because even new windows have a much lower insulation value than walls, they should not exceed 15% of the wall area, unless the home is specifically designed to take advantage of passive solar heating. With proper window placement, there should be more than enough daylight in the home with 15% or less window-to-wall area.

Low-emittance (low-E) windows help keep heat inside in winter and outside in summer and - as a side benefit - protect furnishings from fading. They have a thin film applied to the glass that improves the performance of the window. These can cut out up to 95% of ultra violet rays in a home.

The two most important indicators of a window's performance are the U-factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The U-factor measures how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor the better the insulation value. The SHGC measures how well the window blocks heat from the sun. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the window lets in. Each climate has optimum values for both the U-factor and SHGC. Remember, the better the window, the more comfortable - and more energy efficient - the home.

Window treatments, such as window films, can also be added to windows to keep heat from the sun from entering the home, although they have the disadvantage of darkening the home throughout the day. Shades and blinds can be closed during peak solar hours to prevent overheating.

Now that you know more about natural lighting and the impact it can have on energy costs it is time for you to get to work!

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Emerson Lockwood writes on topics related to Home Technology, Home Improvement and Home Financing. You can see more of his work at his website: www.SuperHomeIdeas.com . Super Home Ideas covers everything to do with your home. Read more of his DIY Home Improvement Articles at his website.

Your Roofing Options

There are lots of choices in what kind of roofing you want over your head.

What is it everyone cites as the basic requirement for living? "I'm just glad to have a roof over my head." Yet the matter is often taken for granted, with many homeowners paying little or no attention to the thing overhead that's keep them safe, warm and dry -- until it starts to leak, that is.

Then they notice.

There are dozens of materials commonly used in roofing, all of them functional as well as decorative. Indeed, most people choose their roofing material based on aesthetics or on what their local homeowners association mandates, rather than on what will function best.

Clay tiles (which are often made of concrete, not clay) are known for their durability, often lasting as long as 50 years. They are more expensive, though, which is a deal-breaker for many homebuilders.

A more basic roofing material is the asphalt shingle. They're not particularly attractive, but they do the job. They are particularly good in areas without much rainfall, such as the Southwestern U.S.

Also good in those areas are wood shake roofs, made of many individual pieces of wood that are affixed to the roof. These don't conduct heat as much as some other materials do, so summers are more bearable. (In colder areas, you might not want this kind of roof, as you might want something that WILL trap in heat.)

When roofing repairs need to be done, unless you have experience in that area, it's usually best to call in a professional. Roofing is notoriously backbreaking, arduous work, bad on the knees, back and shoulders. It's also harder to do it right than it may appear, and if your intent is to solve an existing problem, you're better off letting a pro do it and avoid the risk of making it worse by doing it yourself.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

roofingshack.com is full of information on Roofing Shingles and Slate Roofing

6 Cheap Bedroom Decorating Ideas

When you're looking for ways to redecorate your bedroom easily and cheaply, you might feel at a loss of where to start. It's easy to do though, and here are six quick decorating ideas for your bedroom that won't break your budget:

1. Move the Furniture - Yes, something as simple as rearranging the room can make a huge difference in how it feels. This is one of the easiest ways I know of to make a room feel new... and it doesn't cost a dime.

Try putting your bed in a corner instead of against a wall too, this gives the room a more homey, intimate, and elegant touch.

2. Change the Walls - The most common way to change your walls of course, is to simply paint them. And it doesn't really matter if you paint them a new color, or simply put a fresh coat on - both will make major differences in how the room feels. You don't have to actually paint the walls to make them different though. You could instead put up an attractive wallpaper border, or stencil some designs on as a border instead. Borders can be placed at the very top of the walls, or around the middle area instead, to create a more old fashioned, rich and elegant look.

3. Change the Bed - Buy a new comforter, duvet, or bedspread. Better yet: Buy an entire new set complete with sheets and pillow shams. If you're not able to buy an entire set, then get just one or two items. The bed covering and pillow shams make the largest difference, so I'd suggest starting with those.

4. Hang Prints on the Wall - The idea here is to put framed prints on your wall. These can be photographs, artwork, or even posters. They don't have to be expensive, and in fact you may already own photos or prints that just need new frames or mats.

Some people like to create wall hanging arrangements of family photos in their bedroom, but I personally dislike that idea. The bedroom is a private place, and having the feeling that family members are watching you there can be disconcerting and uncomfortable.

5. Put out vases of silk flowers/floral greenery - This is extremely easy to do and you don't have to be a design wizard to create floral arrangements. Just find a pretty vase, glass or jar - if you don't have one on hand they're extremely cheap to buy. Then buy a handful of pretty silk or plastic flowers and greenery. There's no mystery to buying these either, simply choose greenery that you like, and flowers that compliment the colors in your room.

The colors don't have to match exactly either. If you find beautiful silk white flowers for instance, and your room is primarily decorated in blue, then add a sprig of small blue flowers to the white ones and they'll enhance the room perfectly.

6. Put in a new lamp - Bedside lamps are particularly cozy, and they're useful as well. Small bedside lamps or even nightlights can be quite inexpensive when you shop around for them. You could also put new wall sconces about your bed, dresser, or on either side of a wall mirror for additional elegance.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

© 2006, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Looking for more great home decorating ideas? Please visit DIYHomeDecorating.com our Boutique Lamp Shop for wonderful Bedside Table Lamps for your bedroom.

Little Giant Ladder Accessory Guide

When you purchase a little giant ladder it is very usual that you will be provided with a ladder manual and a list of accessories. You must know the name of the accessory that you may need to replace in the course of its frequent use. Wear and tear, dent, nick, crack etc are the common occasion when you require a spare part to rectify your little giant ladder. So it is equally important to know the ‘all-about’ of little giant ladder accessory. Here are some major accessories that you may have with your little giant ladder.

(i) Little Giant Telescoping Work Plank

A ‘Little Giant Telescoping Plank’ converts your ladders into ‘scaffolding’. It is a ‘high-strength plank’, it can hold up to 250 pounds, it enables you to stand and use your both hands while on the ladder. It can be stored in nearly half of its extended length. It is very light in weight and easy to set up and handling. It has a ‘slip-resistant surface’ for safety.

(ii) Little Giant Work Platform

It is a movable ‘Work Platform’ fits on any Little Giant ladder rung and is able to support up to 300 pounds of load. This unique design allows it to put away when not needed. It can be easily attached to the ladder rung.

(iii) Little Giant Ladder Leg Leveler

The little giant ladder ‘Leg Leveler’ offers a safe and stable solution when the Little Giant Ladder are to be used on an uneven surface. The Ladder Leveler is designed to meet the same extra heavy-duty standards as your ladders and it can be easily attached to your existing aluminum ladders.

(iv) Little Giant Wing Span

‘Little Giant Wing Span’ provides extra width when working around windows, rain gutters, overhangs, bushes and other obstacles. It is very easy to attach with any little giant ladder.

There is another accessory called Little Giant Ladder Tip & Glide Wheel Kit. Now with the Little Giant Tip & Glide Wheel Kit, you can comfortably move your Little Giant ladder from one place to another. Just place your ladder into the storage position, tip it and walk. The ladder rolls behind you.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

We have made a comprehensive research on all types of ladders. Find the results and get yourself a Little Giant Ladder or a Little Giant Ladder Accessory on www.multipurpose-ladders.info

Correct Light Fixture Depends On Many Factors

The right light fixture can truly set a room off and give it that “complete” look. The wrong light fixture can seem out of place, awkward, and not provide the lighting needed for the space. So, what factors should a person consider before making a light fixture purchase?

Before even thinking about a specific light fixture for your home, it is important to first decide what function the fixture will play in your lighting scheme. There are three basic types of lighting to choose from: ambient, task, and accent. The light fixture you choose will depend on what type of lighting you need.

Ambient lighting is basic illumination that brightens up an entire room. A ceiling light fixture is an excellent example of ambient lighting. An ambient light fixture will generally be able to handle light bulbs with higher wattages than task or accent fixtures.

Task lighting is the illumination you use to perform tasks—hence the name! A desk lamp is a perfect example of a task light fixture because it is used specifically to perform work. Task lighting tends to be focused on small areas such as end tables or desks but does provide a small amount of ambient lighting.

Accent lighting is just as the name implies—used to provide accent illumination. A light fixture used for accent lighting will not be bright enough to provide sufficient ambient or task lighting. This type of lighting is used to display artwork or set off certain areas of your home.

Ideally, a lighting scheme will include at least one light fixture from each of the three categories. The idea is to balance the light within your home so that there are no dark or bright spots. An example of a balanced lighting scheme might be: a ceiling light fixture for the ambient lighting, table lamps for task lighting so you can read the newspaper or do homework, and an accent light fixture such as a wall sconce or two to set off your fireplace.

So what kind of light fixture do you need? That will depend upon what you intend to use it for—do you need ambient, task, or accent lighting? Once you know the answer to this question, you can then proceed to deciding on specific styles for your light fixture. Remember, a light fixture that coordinates with the room décor makes for a more natural and complete look so be sure to take your time when making a selection.

Of course, one’s budget is always a factor so it is always a good idea to know what you can spend before falling in love with a light fixture you really can’t afford. Plus, don’t forget to take into account energy efficiency when making your selection. While a light fixture might cost more initially, it may save you money in the long run so be sure to take energy efficiency into account before making a decision on a specific light fixture.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a light fixture. Always remember to take into account the function, price, and energy efficiency of any light fixture before making a purchase decision.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Light Fixture Info is an information site that contains links, a directory and other Light Fixture Information. It can be found at: www.lightfixtureinfo.com

CCTV Video Equipment Surveillance

When you find yourself in need of a reliable, compact, affordable and dependable surveillance system, a DVR surveillance security system should be at the top of your list of products to check out. This type of surveillance equipment is easy to operate, simple to install, and can be utilized for a variety of purposes. Most of these systems are also economically priced.

Many of the DVR surveillance security systems on the market today offer many of the same universal features. Some of these systems offer units that can be placed on the dashboard of a vehicle for monitoring outdoor events, placed in your pocket for easy portability, and units that can also be used in homes as well as offices.

If you have hired help who are in your home when you are not, and suspect that something is just not right, or just need piece of mind, you will want to find a DVR surveillance security system that features wide angle views, covert pinhole lenses for the camera unit, a motion detection sensitivity mode, a time and date stamp as well as a searchable play-back mode.

Some DVR surveillance security systems available today even feature television playback so there is no need for software or transferring the information recorded to a VCR tape in order to be viewed. Most units operate on batteries, but it is important to remember that an A/C adapter will come in handy. Make sure that this common accessory is included with the system that you decide to purchase. A DVR surveillance security system that is to be used in the home or office with the aforementioned features will cost approximately a few hundred dollars.

There are also professional DVR surveillance security systems that are used by corporations, large companies, and places where large masses of people gather such as shopping malls, hospitals, and government buildings. Systems such as these feature advanced software, central station managers, numerous channel sensor inputs, as well as multiple video capabilities.

Smaller DVR surveillance security systems, like those used for the home, can be purchased at any major electronics retailer, and at finer camera shops specializing in security recording equipment. The larger systems utilized by corporations can be purchased through professional security companies dealing in recording equipment, and cost thousands of dollars.

The World Wide Web offers those looking for either type of DVR surveillance security system many options. There are a variety of online vendors, many of whom offer special pricing, from which a security system can be purchased.

No matter what your surveillance security needs are, you can rest assured that there is a DVR surveillance security system that will be just what you are looking for.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

CCTV Video Equipment Surveillance

Solving Home Problems with Window Blinds

Did you know that the right window blinds can drastically improve your home?

If you're trying to protect your furniture and floors from fading, shades that darken the room can provide excellent coverage for your windows. They block 99.99% of harmful UV rays that will ultimately cause the beautiful coloring in your furniture to fade. With the right blinds, you can save yourself the trouble of replacing your couch, rugs, and other decorative items.

You can also use window treatments to insulate your house from the heat or cold. Simple yet elegant, cellular shades protect against draughty windows so you won't be wasting money to heat the great outdoors next winter. These same blinds will keep your conditioned air in during the summer months, too.

If you never considered improving your home with a new set of shades, it's time to start!

Saving On Home Energy Costs

These days, a major factor for many home improvement projects is the need to cut down on energy costs by making the home more energy efficient. Many home owners are finding that simple projects that require little initial investment will save them a bundle in the summer and the winter, when heating and cooling costs really begin to add up. Here are some areas and ideas you can check on to make sure that your home is wasting the least possible amount of energy.
Water: Water in any form is a general conservation concern, and there are areas throughout North America where water is at such a premium that usage is measured in much the same way as electricity; through the use of meters. The same methods for conserving your water in the home can also be used when it comes to cutting down on your gas or electric bill by watching your hot water intake.

A major area for the loss of hot water is the bath. In order to cut costs, consider installing a water smart showerhead- these easy to screw on water savers can be bought both as attachable heads, which are mounted directly on your shower spout, or as heads attached to a tube which allows for flexibility and a large range of motion. The best water saving heads will have several controls to adjust the flow and pressure of water.

You should also take a look at repairing any leaky taps in your home, whether in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. A leaky tap can mean hundreds of gallons of water used needlessly every day, in addition to the annoyance of the noise.

Heating and Cooling: The main factors in energy use as far as homes go is in their heating in the wintertime and cooling in the form of air conditioning in the summer time. Some basic home improvement ideas can help you maintain a static temperature in your home without having to use extra power.

Windows are always the first area to check in the event of air loss. Older houses contain only single-pane windows, and in order to retain the air temperature of your house double paned windows are necessary; in fact, in many places double paned windows are mandatory. Upgrading your windows is a relatively easy task, although the windows themselves may be expensive. Check the seals around the window edges to make sure they are intact and offer no leaks.

The next area to check for air leaks is around your doors. Doors will contract over time, leaving minute cracks along the bottoms and the edges which can allow drafts or escaped air. This is a pretty simple thing to fix, simply by adding some additional caulking or weather stripping to the area where you can feel the leak.

Finally, a roof in need of repair can cause a lot of air to escape. Remember that heat rises, so if your roof is in disrepair you stand to lose quite a lot of heat out of the top of your home. Check your roof every year to make sure there are no loose shingles, and most houses require a roof to be replaced every twenty-five years. Adding a second whirlybird to the top of your house can greatly improve the circulation of air inside.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Chester Smith runs a website offering free home improvement advice.

Basement Ideas

Being banished to the basement doesn’t always have to be punishment! Nowadays, owners of homes with a basement consider the space to be prime square footage. Everything from hobby rooms, play rooms, media centers, music rooms, poker parlors, exercise areas, office space and of course, it’s original purpose, storage space, is finding new life in the space “down below.”
The definition of a basement is an area that is either fully or partially below ground level. This is not to be confused with the crawl space of a house, since another part of the definition is that a person should be able to stand upright in the area.

The amount of square footage in the basement is generally equivalent to that on the ground floor. In most homes, it’s like having another entire level of living space, which can add up to quite a bit! The options for utilizing that amount of space really are limited only by the imagination since the space usually will have electricity and plumbing.

The basement can be partitioned off into different rooms or it can be one huge open space. If this part of your home is “finished” then consider yourself lucky. If not, or if the space is on the remodeling To Do list, there are issues to consider before proceeding with the project. First, it’s important to identify “trouble” spots such as lowered ceilings, enclosed boiler rooms, and ductwork. Second, the space must not leak. Uncontrolled moisture will cause a number of dangerous and damaging problems including the growth of mold.

Once the identification and remediation of basement problem areas is finished, the next step is determining a layout for the space. The task can be overwhelming, and a good way to begin is by determining the activities that’ll likely take place in the space. Looking at pictures or at what others have done always helps jump-start the imagination.

Keep in mind that the basement will have little or no natural light so consider this when planning the layout. Slowly but surely this space will spring to life and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!Next time you think it’s no big deal, remember that over time, excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to the onset of eye conditions including retina damage and even cataracts. So do your eyes a favor – eat your carrots and be sure to carry your sunglasses with you at all times!

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Dennis Frank is an Internet Entrepreneur and Author of many fine websites such as BasementInfo.com Please visit the website for more related articles and information about Basement Remodel.

Garage Sales And Tools And Hardware For Home Improvement Projects

If you are like an ever growing number of men and women in different places around the world, you have taken up doing home improvement projects on your own. Indeed, many men and women find home improvement projects to be enjoyable and very gratifying.

If you are such a person, you know that you need the proper tools and hardware to properly complete the home improvement projects that you have in mind. With that in mind, most people in this day and age do not have a endless supply of money available to them. Most people are required to live their lives on very tight budgets. Chances are that you are a person who needs to watch the bottom line and keep to a reasonable budget from year to year.

As you mind your budget, you might want to consider shopping around at garage sales in your search for tools and hardware supplies and products. Many people have had a great deal of success in searching for tools and hardware at garage sales. A significant number of people involved in home improvement projects have found exactly what they are looking for in the way of tools and hardware.

In many instances, a person interested in undertaking a home improvement project can find some of the tools and hardware items that are needed for such an endeavor through garage sales.

You do need to keep in mind that in order to find exactly what you are looking for at a garage sale, you need to arrive early. On any given day, there are people who are out and about very early to shop at garage sales. These people understand that the best buys on products can be found at garage sales during the early hours of the garage sales. Thus, you need to be prepared to get out and about early in the morning to find what you are looking for in the way of tools and hardware items at garage sales.

Of course, you likely will not be able to find everything that you need in the way of tools and hardware items for your home improvement project at a garage sale. However, you will be able to obtain some of the basic items that you need for such a project by shopping at a garage sale or at garage sales. And, you will be able to save money in the process of shopping at garage sales.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

James Brown writes about Flooring Coupons and Power Tools Promotions

Opening the door on hardware purchasing

Nowadays we sometimes hear people saying that they need to change door hardware. What does that really mean and why should you do this? Door hardware refers to any part (hardware) that can be added, change, modified in order to obtain some benefits. Any door (when purchased) comes with a special set of door hardware. It should be used to mount the door and is not necessarily esthetic. Because of this more and more people are turning towards different parts to modify or add to their door.

Most people will decorate and use door hardware for the main door of the house. Why do that? There are two big answers to the question. The first one refers to security. You might want to add door hardware in order to make your lock better and your door harder to break. The second one is purely aimed towards design. Some small door hardware parts can do wonders and can create a special appearance. It is not uncommon to add to the door. What is different is taking from it. Some people like the door to look as old as possible. This means that either the individual does not care or he/she just likes simple doors, without add-ons.

If you want to modify a door using door hardware there are some steps that need to be taken. First of all you will have to see what type of door you have. This is because not all models are the same. For instance, sliding door hardware is 100% different than pocket door hardware. Start measuring the door! You will need to write down how tall the door is and what type it is (normal, sliding etc.), the measurement of the knob and how wide it is. Armed with these details you will be able to purchase the perfect door hardware.

Some accessories might, at any time, turn into really good offers. What needs to be understood from the previous statement is that sales are always available. Be on the look out and spot your favorite door hardware. When it goes on sale you can purchase it and you will have saved money. Door hardware is very common and the ease of installation makes it possible for some people to do the jobs of professionals. On the other hand, if you do not know what you are doing, you might just end up breaking the door instead of making it more appealing or simply better.

Door hardware is very common. It is currently sold on thousands of web sites and specialized stores across the USA and Europe. Purchasing something to make your house entrance look better is always a good investment (unless the price was not right or quality has flaws). Stay informed and be on the look out for the best and most beautiful parts out there. Do not say “Great, they have it, I’ll take it tomorrow”. Tomorrow you might need to do something else so this is a total waste of time and money.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Karen Hughes is an interior decor consultant, get further hardware ideas at Cabinet and Door Hardware this is your first stop for door and cabinet hardware help.

Welcome to Home Improvement Advices

Hello and glad to see you here!

This site (blog) is started because we wanted to help you find some good and quilaty informations on such a popular and often themes like home improvement, how to improve your home, make it easier to manage and to looks better. Also, we will talk about saving your money and reducing your costs in a various ways while you still improved your style of living.

I'm sure this themes and subjects will be interesting to you so check our site and find something for yourself. If you don't find anything at the moment, come back again because this site will be updated often with new and useful advices on home improvements.

Regards,
Thomas