Category: Garden Maintenance Dublin

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The flooring of a home is one of the largest parts of the house that needs constant cleaning because of its exposure to high people traffic. No matter where the floor is located, it is always that part that is trodden upon and stepped on by occupants of an abode.

vinyl tile, ceramic tile, flooring, floor

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The flooring of a home is one of the largest parts of the house that needs constant cleaning because of its exposure to high people traffic. No matter where the floor is located, it is always that part that is trodden upon and stepped on by occupants of an abode.

Since floors are always exposed to dirt and wear and tear, every homeowner must take proper care in deciding on the type of flooring he would install for the different parts of the house.

Homeowners today are lucky because they can choose from a variety of flooring materials like wood, cement or even ceramic or vinyl tile. Ceramic or vinyl tiles are the top choice for home owners who want floorings that are beautiful, not so expensive and are easy to maintain.

The fact that ceramic and vinyl tiles are available now in almost all designs, textures and color makes them an ideal choice not only as flooring but also as walling material. The versatility of tiles allow for a thousand and one ways of using it either in floors or even in walls.

Glazed ceramic tiles are durable and are easy to care for since stains and dirt on them can easily be removed with water. There are ceramic tiles that are easily scratched but Grade 111 glazed ceramic tiles are scratch resistant. The same goes for glazed ceramic tiles that are classified as Grade 1V. Unlike other flooring materials, ceramic tiles do not easily get burned and does not accumulate moisture.

Aside from making sure they are glazed and scratch-free, go for ceramic tiles that are not slippery, thick and are compatible with your room size.

When using tiles for a small room, it is best to choose big tiles since they have fewer grout lines and are less busy. Fewer grout lines create an illusion and will make the room appear more spacious and larger.

It is also important to take note of the classification of ceramic tiles because these indicate their wear and tear capability. When a tile is classified as (0) by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, then this means the tile is not very durable while a PEI classification of (5) means it is very durable. The number classifications show the sturdiness of the tiles when confronted with high people traffic. The higher the number classification, the greater the tile s ability to outlast wear and tear. The aesthetic and manufacturing quality of the tiles should also be of primary consideration.

A creative homeowner can instruct the installers to install the tiles in such a way that it will form a pattern. Using different tile designs on a particular corner of the floor can create wonderful designs.

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One of the enduring influences of the Turks still present up to these times are ottomans. The ottoman is neither a footstool, a chair, a bench nor a table but can be used for all such purposes! The Ottoman was named after the Ottoman Empire’s Turkish armies in 1300s. The armies then brought these portable pieces of furniture with them while they were conquering parts of Europe and their neighboring countries. In the Victorian era, the English modified and embellished ottomans…

storage ottoman,leather ottoman,coffee table ottoman,ottoman slip cover,chair ottoman

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One of the enduring influences of the Turks still present up to these times are ottomans. The ottoman is neither a footstool, a chair, a bench nor a table but can be used for all such purposes! The Ottoman was named after the Ottoman Empire’s Turkish armies in 1300s. The armies then brought these portable pieces of furniture with them while they were conquering parts of Europe and their neighboring countries. In the Victorian era, the English modified and embellished ottomans and placed them as mainstays in their parlors and sitting areas. This piece of furniture was initially made for relaxation. Today, these can almost instantly make a room elegant and stylish.

1. Functionality!

– A storage container for books
– A setup for kids and their toys
– Contain wine glasses or wine bottles
– Magazine collection
– Extra coffee cups or dishware storage
– Store DVD’s
– Excellent table space for bowl of food or tv remote

2. Ottomans For Every Room

When deciding to buy an ottoman for the bedroom, playroom and family room, rectangular leather or an ottoman wicker would be the best option. For living areas and reception/entertainment areas in the house, place a large, round ottoman in the center of the room. This helps you create a conversation around the room. You can also opt for an ottoman coffee table to serve as a table when serving refreshments and snacks to your guests. For the bathroom and dressing a room, an ottoman, is bench-like in shape would be more appropriate.

3. Ottomans Go With Everything

Most of the time, ottomans are usually matched with chairs but these do not need to have the same style and color with the chair or with the surrounding upholstery or furniture. Matched pieces of furniture tend to be formal. If you want a more casual tone in the home, most decorating experts and interior decorators recommend home owners to feel free to mix and match styles on their furniture as long these coordinate with each other and are compatible. If you plan to use the ottoman as a coffee table, choose a piece of this furniture covered with leather. The fabric prevents coffee and other liquid to seep through the ottoman’s cushion and makes cleaning easier. Avoid covering your ottoman with upholstery that is cream-colored or pure white.

4. Multifunctional

Ottomans function as footrests and having light-colored coverings will make it easy to get dirty if you forget to remove your shoes and place your feet there to rest. Ottomans covered with leather, as well as patterned fabrics, can also help disguise wear and tear in the furniture. Aside from setting trays of coffee and drinks on your ottoman, you can also use these as a table for stacking, with a tray beneath, books and accessories. You can also use this for your children to setup their toys and puzzles.

5. Ottoman Tips

– To make ottomans easier to move and more versatile, attach casters
– Basing on the size of the footstool you want, get a wooden box with the same size. This can either be bought in a craft or supply store or built from scratch
– Get a regular batting made of quilt and wrap the box with this. Use a staple gun to secure this. To wrap the quilt snugly around the corners without some excess bulk, cut the slits in these areas
– Using some upholstery fabric, cover the batting and staple it the same way as you did in the previous step
– Get a piece of plywood and cut a piece that will fit the top of the box
– Use this plywood piece to fashion out upholstery foam that is 3 inches thick of the same size
– Using a batting, wrap the plywood and foam together. After doing this, cover the two with a fabric
– Finally, using some hinges, attach the cover with the ottoman’s bottom and you’re done

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From top-dollar homes in the San Francisco Bay Area to sprawling mountain homes in the Colorado Rockies, discriminating homeowners are demanding custom designs and finishes in their kitchens. In particular, they are looking to express their individuality and distinct design preferences with the fast growing design material of choice concrete. This is the story of a DIY couple whose concrete countertop project made a long-lasting impact on their two homes.

concrete countertops, DIY countertops, do-it-yourself

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From top-dollar homes in the San Francisco Bay Area to sprawling mountain homes in the Colorado Rockies, discriminating homeowners are demanding custom designs and finishes in their kitchens. In particular, they are looking to express their individuality and distinct design preferences with the fast growing design material of choice concrete.

In fact, concrete countertops have become somewhat of a status symbol for kitchens, rivaling granite and other high-end countertop surface options. Consumer Reports Magazine (August 2004) ranked concrete highest for its customization and exclusivity among high-end kitchen countertops.

As a custom product, the amount of time and craftsmanship required to produce concrete countertops places them as the most labor-intensive and priciest among leading countertop materials.

However, concrete countertops are becoming more accessible for those on a modest budget. The latest do-it-yourself (DIY) trend to captivate homeowners and builders is building your own concrete countertop. This phenomenon has gained popularity largely due to Cheng s best-selling book Concrete Countertops: Design, Forms, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath (Taunton Press, 2002). According to Cheng, there is little monetary investment in making concrete countertops, yet the creative gains of working with concrete are plentiful.

THE SHOWSTOPPER

Increasingly, homeowners are moving away from the monotonous, manufactured look of traditional countertop surfaces and choosing concrete for its earthy, timeless appeal. Plus, the options for personalizing concrete countertops are endless: one can color, polish, stamp and stain concrete or imbed personal objects like stones, seashells and fossils into the countertop s surface, adding sentiment and character. Functional features such as drain boards, soap dishes, and trivets can also be incorporated to suit the homeowners own needs and lifestyle.

Concrete is slowly becoming demystified as characteristically cold and industrial. In contrary, this age-old material is warm and surprisingly tactile; people cannot help but touch their smooth, polished surfaces. Real estate agent Joy Rasmussen, who has recently sold her mountain home a short-term investment property in Steamboat Springs, CO recounts her visitors experiences with concrete: When I had open houses, visitors gravitated to the concrete countertops many people around here have never seen them .

Joy s 2,265 sq. ft. mountain home was custom build by her husband, Ken Otterman, along with KJ Otterman, president of Classic Special Custom Homes. They built pour-in-place concrete counters for the home s kitchen and three bathrooms by using Concrete Countertops as their guide. The sand-colored concrete countertops were polished smooth, then paired with natural slate of varying colors like charcoal, rust and gold tones that forms the backsplashes in the kitchen and baths. As a design accent, small rectangular slate tiles were added to the rim of the bathroom sinks, which provided a unique detail to the custom vanities.

When Joy and Ken decided to sell their house, their investment in concrete countertops proved its value. We were able to list the house $20,000 over market value, and had no problems selling it, comments Joy, while discussing the long list of upgrades throughout their house, including knotty pine solid doors, natural slate wall accents and hardwood floors. The concrete countertops were easily the most unique and impressive of all the finishes. I believe they were a huge part in adding value to the home. Around here, all you see in homes are granite countertops and I really think homebuyers are getting quite numb with granite.

Concrete countertops are a unique offering to homebuyers who see the same finishes used in house after house they visit, explains Joy, offering her observation as a seasoned realtor. Having concrete countertops almost gives you bragging rights you have something different from your neighbors.

BREAKING THE MOLD

Another advantage of concrete is its adaptability in either modern or traditional settings, especially when coupled with other materials like varied metals, wood or stone. Concrete adds so many [possibilities] to stone, and the combination with slate, which is hugely popular here, gives the mountain homes an overall warm, natural touch, says Joy.

Joy and Ken have since built a much larger home (4,000 sq. ft.) that offers expansive views of the Steamboat Ski Resort and is meant to serve as a long-term investment for the couple. They ve also expanded their list of custom finishes, including hand-troweled walls, elegant oil-rubbed bronze hardware, knotty pine doors that arch at the top, cabinets in a natural, knotty alder, and their favorite concrete kitchen countertops.

Unlike in their previous home, KJ and his specialty crew poured charcoal-colored countertops using the pre-cast method in the unfinished basement of the new home. Before pouring the concrete, they sprinkled an array of semi-precious stones in the mold including Leopardskin, Moonstone, Mother-of-Pearl and Turquoise. After the surface was ground and lightly polished, the finished result was an impressive blend of colors, By far, the Mother-of-Pearl was the most incredible, says Joy.

The L-shaped concrete countertop has a rough, rustic stone appearance, complementing its rugged country surroundings. An integral drain board and trivets provides function and added interest to the concrete countertop. Natural slate backsplashes, distinct wall accents, and a butcher block countertop at the kitchen island all resonate with the traditional warmth and earthiness of the concrete countertops.

Joy and Ken s respective backgrounds in real estate and custom homebuilding, and as investment homebuyers, have helped them realize that concrete countertops can add tremendous aesthetic and financial value to a home. Concrete s customization and show-stopping appeal is like no other countertop surface. Cheng is a proponent of emotional aesthetics and building homes that capture these emotions, as in the case of Joy and Ken Otterman. Cheng concludes: People really want differentiation, something personal, something custom and concrete can do that for them.

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I grew up in Florida. I loved my childhood years, and not just because I lived three miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Rather, I loved my childhood because it was quite a normal childhood. I went to school and mostly hated it. I had a ton of friends that I loved to play with for hours and hours on end. My family was great and we made it to the beach as often as we could make time for it. My life seemed perfect, and I was quite sure that it would stay that way. I went to college …

shovel

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I grew up in Florida. I loved my childhood years, and not just because I lived three miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Rather, I loved my childhood because it was quite a normal childhood. I went to school and mostly hated it. I had a ton of friends that I loved to play with for hours and hours on end. My family was great and we made it to the beach as often as we could make time for it. My life seemed perfect, and I was quite sure that it would stay that way. I went to college in Florida and just assumed that I’d always live there. Life has a way of giving us reality checks however. I searched for jobs and found one in Minneapolis, Minneasota. I moved there ignorantly and quickly learned the value of a shovel.

I’ll be honest. The only shovel I had encountered prior to my move to Minneapolis was a small one that my siblings and I used to make sandle castles on the beach. It had snowed a few times during my growing up years, but never enough to warrant the use of a shovel. So my transition to Minneapolis went smoothly until October hit and the snow began falling. It began falling and didn’t stop falling until nearly April. I was warned by a new friend to buy a shovel when the first snow fell so fortunately I was prepared with my tool of choice to battle the winter snows.

I quickly learned the value of a shovel. I learned that a shovel has value because it does something very necessary when there is a pileup of snow or ice: it allows someone to remove that snow or ice and keep on living. I was thinking of the value of the shovel and about how a shovel is way more valuable to people in Minneapolis than it is to a resident of Florida. Most residents of Florida will never have use for a shovel, and therefore, they care little about whether they own a shovel or not.

That is a crazy thing about life and about humans assign value. It seems like we assign value to people and things based on their purpose in our life and based on what they can do for us. Don’t we? As much as we’d like to claim that we are fully altruistic, isn’t it true that we only appreciate a shovel, a medical doctor or even our own mother only when we need that thing to come through for us and do something?

I guess I learned a lot about myself and about the world upon moving to Minneapolis. I learned more than just how to use a shovel.

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A vacuum cleaner is an essential piece of equipment. It would be very difficult to cope without one. People prefer domestic vacuum cleaners for carpeted floors in their homes.

vacuum cleaners, vacuums, bagless vacuum, upright vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner, robotic vacuum cleaner, central vacuum, vacuum cleaner bag

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A vacuum cleaner is an essential piece of equipment. It would be very difficult to cope without one. People prefer domestic vacuum cleaners for carpeted floors in their homes.

The vacuum cleaner is an ingenious device. It has an air pump that creates a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt. It collects the dirt by a filtering system or a cyclone for later disposal.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners:

On the basis of their configurations, there are various types of vacuum cleaners. The following are some well-known vacuum cleaners.

Bagless Vacuum: A bagless vacuum, as the name suggests, doesn t have a bag. It collects the dust in a compartment which is easily emptied. This saves people from the headache of dealing with messy vacuum cleaner bags.

Upright Vacuum Cleaner: An upright vacuum has the pump mounted directly above the suction intake, with the bag mounted on the handle that rises to about waist height. The upright vacuum designs usually employ mechanical beaters, often rotating brushes, to help unsettle dust to be vacuumed up. A belt attached to the vacuum motor drives these beaters.

Canister Vacuum Cleaner: A canister vacuum has the motor and bag in a separate canister (cylinder) unit (usually mounted on wheels) connected to the vacuum head by a flexible hose. Although upright units have been tested as more effective (mainly because of the beaters), the lighter, more maneuverable heads of canister models are popular. Some canister vacuums in the market have power heads that contain the same sort of mechanical beaters as in upright units, although such beaters are driven by a separate electric motor.

Backpack Vacuum: A Backpack vacuum is a major tool for commercial cleaning. It allows the user to move rapidly about a large area. It s essentially a canister vacuum cleaner, except that straps are used to carry the canister unit on the user’s back.

Built-in or central vacuum cleaner: A built-in vacuum or central vacuum cleaner has the suction motor and bag based in a central location in the building, and provides vacuum inlets at strategic places throughout the building. Only the hose and pickup head need to be carried from room to room; and the hose is commonly 8 m (25 ft) long, allowing a large range of movement without changing vacuum inlets. A plastic piping connects the vacuum outlets to the central unit. The vacuum head may either be un-powered or have beaters operated by an electric motor or air-driven motor. The dirt bag in a central vacuum system is usually so large that emptying or changing needs to be done less often, perhaps once per year.

Robotic vacuum cleaner: A robotic vacuum moves around the room, cleaning automatically. A battery powers a robotic vacuum.

Small hand-held vacuum cleaner: A small hand-held vacuum is either battery-operated or electric. It is popular for cleaning up smaller spills.

Wet vacs or wet/dry vacuums: Wet vacs or wet/dry vacuums can be used to clean up liquid spills.

Vacuums are very beneficial tools against dust particles. They are particularly helpful for people suffering from various allergies due to dirt. Vacuum buyers should go through some reviews before buying, to ensure they choose a vacuum that will best suit their needs.

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People the world over have a natural attraction to water, and it is not only because drinking water is essential to our survival; nor because it is very important for cleanliness. Water has a fascination that causes millions of people to visit, or want to live by, the sea, waterfalls, lakes and large ponds.

indoor waterfalls,wall waterfalls,freestanding waterfalls,aquarium,fish aquarium,indoor fountain

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People the world over have a natural attraction to water, and it is not only because drinking water is essential to our survival; nor because it is very important for cleanliness. Water has a fascination that causes millions of people to visit, or want to live by, the sea, waterfalls, lakes and large ponds.

Both moving and still water are not just attractive to the human eye, but seem to have a therapeutic value. Moving water in particular is said to give off negative ions, which help to negate all the positive ions generated by modern living and can be harmful to our well being. Whatever the reasons, though, the fact is that people love water in nature. Closer to home, they like to bring those effects into their own gardens with water gardens, waterfalls, ponds and fountains.

What about within the home itself? Many of us bring nature and gardens into our home with plants, and decorative plant pots. It is therefore only one small step to bring in water features too. Water can, and does, play a very useful role in home decor; not on the grand scale in the average home, although it can do in a country mansion or more palatial home, but in miniature and in imaginative and decorative ways.

There are three main ways to use water features as home decor:

Indoor Waterfalls

By having an indoor waterfall in the home, you can bring to your home the sound of running water, which has such a relaxing effect. However, an indoor waterfall can do far more for your home. There are so many varied designs now, using quite a variety of materials, that you should be able to find a feature waterfall for the home that suits your decor, whether modern, traditional, or olde worlde.

There are basically two types of indoor waterfall: wall hanging, and free (or floor) standing. So, as far as the placing of the waterfalls is concerned, you have plenty of choice to fit in with your interior design. They come in many sizes, too, from very small right up to a very grand size of 6 feet plus in height and width. For the larger wall hanging waterfalls, you do need a substantially built wall on which to fix them. However, they can and do look very impressive; and the larger the size, the more potential you have for the sounds of flowing water.

The materials and finishes used can be chosen to fit in with either a modern or more traditional decor. Some of the most popular frames are stainless steel and copper, with a range of finishes to give either a shiny modern look, or an antique look with an aged finish. As in natural waterfalls, natural stone is often a feature of the indoor equivalent, as are pebbles. Slate, in many colours, is especially effective in indoor waterfalls.

Indoor Fountains

Indoor fountains are much like the waterfalls in terms of materials used. In fact, the names waterfall and fountain are often interchangeable when it comes to home decor. However, what you probably imagine as a water fountain can be found, and are often available in table top size. These can be very small, but still a delightful use of flowing water in the home, whether used on a table as a centrepiece, or as an ornamental feature on a sideboard.

Designs of the table top fountains can be quite delicate, and utilize decorative materials, such as jade and bamboo, in some unique ways. These table top fountains can go well in even a small modern home.

Fish Aquarium

While many people keep an aquarium because they like fish, and do so as a hobby, there is also a lot of potential to use an aquarium as a home decor feature. The sound of the water comes from the bubbling of the filter, while much additional movement and colour comes from the fish themselves. When you add some attractive lighting to the tank, you can create a very soothing water feature for the home.

As with fountains and waterfalls, an aquarium can be in a very wide range of sizes, free standing or built into a wall. The maintenance, of course, is much higher than for that of a waterfall or fountain, but you may well consider that worthwhile for all the pleasure the fish may bring.

If you have space, there is no reason why you should not combine all three of these types of water features. They are all attractive in their own way, and can complement each other in a larger home.

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Air purifiers are an important part in today s modern home. They will help rid you of awful odours such as pet and stale cigarette smoke and purify the air that you breathe. They can also help you keep your rooms pleasantly scented. If you suffer from allergic reactions, Air purifiers should give given a close inspection, because they can make a great difference to your life.

air purifier, air ioniser, air cleaner, air purifiers, air ionisers, air cleaners

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Air purifiers are an important part in today s modern home. Air purifiers will help rid you of awful odours such as pet and stale cigarette smoke. Your rooms will be agreeably aromatic. Additionally, air purifiers scrub the air clean and therefore they are highly recommended for fellow sufferers of Asthma or other allergic conditions

There are quite a few types of air purifiers on the market. as a general rule, the distinction comes from the way the air is filtered. You can have an air purifier with mechanical filters made of fibres, or filters containing filtering and air purifying substances, for example charcoal. Of late, there are also Air Ionisers that use electrostatic charges to help clean the air.

What is important for air purifiers is the type of the fibres it uses. They should meet certain standards in order to capture all dust, bacteria, or any other air borne particles. HEPA filtration systems are the best filters you can get however they come with a higher price tag.

A charcoal air purifier as its name suggests, contains charcoal filters. In essence, charcoal is a substance that can suck up and deactivate dangerous particles. Charcoal was often used in gas masks during World War II. And in fact, my Grandmother made gas masks for children during that war, they were in the image of Disney s Mickey Mouse to make them easier to get used to.

Ionisers enrich the home with oxygen and produces ozone. The oxygen particles practically burn any other particle they meet. For that reason ionisers are very good for people who have pet allergy, dust allergy, pollen allergy. Ozone is the reason that I benefited from spending a few years at the coast my Asthma improved considerably.

There are a huge variety of air purifiers obtainable on today s market. When thinking about purchasing one, you should consider the cost of the air purifier, and the running costs of replacement filters. Some air purifiers are really cheap to buy outright, but their filters are costly sometimes filters can cost the same as the purifying device itself. There are filters that can be re-used several times you can wash or clean them in another way, I have a similar system in my vacuum cleaner this is a great cost cutter. Air purifiers are not silent; they contain a small motor and fan to move the air through the filters. You should consider in which room of your home you want to place an air purifier, consider if it is noiseless enough for this room. For instance, if you are thinking about an air purifier for your bedroom, it is vital that you pick one that works silently. For shared areas such as the lounge or the kitchen you can afford to have a noisier one. It is also important to consider that some rooms create more air borne particles than others. If buying a filter for your kitchen, you need to make sure it will cope well in this environment.

Some air purifiers utilise timers you can leave them working when you need them too. This is a vital feature to consider when you re buying an ioniser. Although ozone is harmless, it can be harmful if it reaches certain levels.

Ultimately, regardless of the type of air purifier you use, it is vitally important to ventilate your rooms well. When you have let in the fresh air, you can close your windows and turn on your air purifier. This is the best way to keep your homes air fresh, clean and nicely scented.

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Shower accessories occupy an important position when it comes to bathroom accessories. Shower accessories should be of top quality since they are used on a routine basis daily. To make shower bath a pleasurable experience, there a variety of accessories. Among them, Bristan Shower is a popular choice. Bristan is a much sought after brand among home decorators as well as individual households. For, they offer a wide range and variety.

bristan shower,shower

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Shower accessories occupy an important position when it comes to bathroom accessories. Shower accessories should be of top quality since they are used on a routine basis daily. To make shower bath a pleasurable experience, there a variety of accessories. Among them, Bristan Shower is a popular choice. Bristan is a much sought after brand among home decorators as well as individual households. For, they offer a wide range and variety.

Bristan offers both contemporary and traditional shower accessories. The color combinations come in various formats to match the bathroom walls and floor tiles. They also come in chrome plated and gold platter versions. Choose the best combination that suits the interiors of the bathroom.

The accessories are designed and crafted intricately. For instance, all handles and levers have a good grip, even with soapy hands. There is a provision to flow either cold or hot water from the same spray head by the use of a simple tool. Both hot and cold water can be mixed and flowed through the same spray head using the tool.

Similarly, the showers are thermostatic, offering the unique advantage of presetting water temperature. It also has another auto temperature control feature. This ensures that kids have adequate safety while taking a shower. In case, the water supply stops, the shower terminates the function to hinder flow of water. The showers also have an anti-scalding feature. Bristan also offer a variety of spray head.

The water spray head angle of the shower can also be altered. Similarly, the height of the water spray can be adjusted. Both functions can be executed using a button. This feature will allow persons of any height to use the shower according to their convenience.

These accessories can be purchased across the counter as well as on the Internet. All the Bristan accessories are listed on a large number of e-commerce sites. Look for the right accessory and order it online. Payments can be made using a credit card. It will be advantageous if you have an Internet account with a store website or e-commerce site.

The categories under traditional shower accessories include Colonial, Fairfax, Osborne, Art Deco, 1901, Cardinal and Trinity. Under contemporary shower accessories, the range available includes Prism, Omega, Orta, Sigma, Pisa, Artisan, Java, PicknMix and shower kits and rails.

These categories have been designed to match the respective titles. For instance, Sigma signifies the mathematical symbol while the 1901 category reflects antiquity. All categories have incorporated the designs to match their titles.

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If you re looking to buy a kitchen sink, then you must consider every detail and feature. The Kitchen sink is probably the most used aperture in the whole household, even if you re using a dishwasher, most of the cleaning is still done in your ordinary kitchen sink, all the more reason why you should find the best one around.

kitchen sink,kitchen sinks,sink,sinks

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If you re looking to buy a kitchen sink, then you must consider every detail and feature. The Kitchen sink is probably the most used aperture in the whole household, even if you re using a dishwasher, most of the cleaning is still done in your ordinary kitchen sink, all the more reason why you should find the best one around.

Size

Choosing a kitchen sink apart from being a question of quality is also a question of need. Most of the standard sinks that you will find in the market roughly consist of two 22 by 30 inch sized bowls both 8 inches in depth, however, if you use large pots, you might want bigger sizes or you might want to have them specially made. Nine and Ten inch deep bowls are also available commercially. Added features like bowls for peeled fruits in the center can be very handy.

Whistles and Bells

If you want your sink to have all the whistles and bells available, then you might want more pre-drilled holes on it. Most sinks have four holes on it, one for the hot knob, one for the cold knob, one for the faucet and another one for the shower feature. Some sinks however have extra spouts, for soap dispensers, an air gap for the dishwasher drain, a liquid soap dispenser, a TV, well just kidding about the TV. But if some sinks have extra features that you might not want to use, you can always ask the supplier for ready made plugs to cover the unused holes, conversely, if the sink you choose doesn t have enough holes, you can easily drill a hole in your sink, or maybe have it drilled by a professional.

Installation

Apart from choosing a design and a type, you should also be aware of your sink s location, will your chosen sink fit in the desired location etc. You can choose from a self rimming sink or an undermount. A self rimming sink is easier to install and would just rest on top of your counter, however, the underside where the sink meets the countertop can be a breeding ground for bacteria and may be hard to clean. An undermount however, is harder to install because it has to be attached from under the counter. This type however, is easier to clean.

Type of Sink

Now we proceed to choosing which type of sink to choose. To make the choice easier, a few pros and cons are listed together with a brief description of each type of sink.

Stainless Steel

This is probably the most common kitchen sink around and is available in all prices ranges. However, you don t expect to buy the best quality sink for a cheap price. Usually a cheap stainless steel sink is made of thin metal which flexes and vibrates. This is especially bad because of the racket it makes when the water drums on it or when the garbage disposal vibrates. A good quality sink doesn t get scratched easily and should be easy to clean. A sign of a good quality sink is also its ability to maintain a brand new appearance even if you just wipe it.

A general rule for buying stainless steel sink is not to buy mirror type ones, sure they ll look great when brand new, but overtime scratching will mar its surface and give it a foggy dirty look. Another good tip is to check the insulation under the bowl, insulation deadens the water drumming. Foam insulations are always better than those that are just sprayed on.

Enameled Cast Iron

The best thing about enamel cast iron sinks is its elegant finish which is available in many colors. It has a very hard finish and will rarely chip. Another good thing about this is its resistance to water drumming. It keeps hot water hot longer, and if you re excited about that, you ll be happy to know that clean up is a breeze, a good wipe over should be enough for this baby to get back its original shine.

Warning: There are Enameled Steel sinks, but these aren t the same quality as cast iron sinks.

Composite sinks

These are sinks made from a mixture of two different substances to make a very sturdy material. Generally, Acrylic and fiberglass aren t a very good combination because they tend to easily absorb stains and as time passes, lose the glossy finish.

A Quartz composite sink might be the best choice for this range of sinks. These are known for their durability.

Composite sinks however, are susceptible to scratching. You should avoid rubbing sand or dirt on them or using abrasive cleaners. The water drumming is still present but probably not as loud as stainless steel sinks.

Tip: To make sure that you have a sturdy sink, press down on the bowl, if it flexes, there are chances of a noisy garbage disposal.

Integral solid surface

You can buy a sink that is already integrated with a countertop, mostly in the same color or a complementary design. These types are easily scratched but are easily repaired as
well. The bad side is if you re tired of the sink, you ll have to remove the whole countertop.

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If you’ve got roofs, then it’s a matter of time. Read Bruce’s pragmatic advice for finding the source of roof leaks quickly and efficiently!

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You can’t have too many roofs in your inventory without dealing with leaks. If you rehab, you EXPECT to find ceiling stains, the tell tale sign of a leaky roof, in almost every project. I find projects without signs of past or present leaks the exception to the norm!

Sometimes shingles are just going to need replaced. There is no getting around it. Curled shingles, and numerous leaks are a pretty good indication that it would be cheaper to replace the roof rather than repair. Just factor that into the repairs and accept it. It’s one thing you won’t have to worry about if you are keeping the property, and it ups the value whether you keep it or sell it on the retail market after the rehab.

If the shingles still have some life on them, but there is some leakage to repair, finding the real source of the problem can take multiple tries. It can get pretty aggravating as you sometimes try and fail to fix a leaky roof. Naturally, you want to try to fix this without calling out an expensive professional roofer. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t. Here are some tips for diagnosing roof leaks.

– I find that in the course of a rehab, it’s always “good” to have an extended period of heavy rains. That way, any and all leaks become evident. If you have a property that is not occupied, or that is not being actively rehabbed after a period of extended rains, go visit and check for signs of leaks. If you can stop by while it’s still raining, that’s the number one, best time to investigate leaks from inside the attic.

– Get a mini flashlight that goes into a small belt holster and make that part of your normal clothing. You will use it all the time for more than looking in attics! It’s great for plumbing, under cabinets, etc. Make it part of the “uniform.”

– The garden hose – a rehabber’s friend. In a recent project of mine, the roof was relatively new yet I had a ceiling stain in the kitchen. We’d thought it was all taken care of in two tries, so we patched the ceiling, applied stain block, and textured over the spot. Then came the rains, and the circular and symmetrical spot was back! I’d had just about enough so I climbed onto the roof, garden hose in hand, and stationed my handyman in the attic. In less than a minute of hosing down the roof we found the very tiny hole that was the culprit. A dab of tar below and above the shingle and viola! Problem solved. The tiny hole was causing water to drip directly onto the ceiling drywall, hence the circular stain.

– Watch for stain patterns. The pattern can offer you hints. When you come across a circular ceiling stain, there’s a good chance the leak is dripping directly onto the ceiling dry wall from above. Put a nail in the center of the stain and get into the attic and look directly above the nail and you might just find the problem. If you do this in bright daylight, a spec of light might be visible, which would make the repair a little easier. Even if you find a hole, I still recommend the garden hose trick to see if there are other problems to fix.

If the stain is small and circular, it usually means the amount of water is small lucky you. If the stain region is larger, it may still be an easy fix especially if it is a single hole. If there is enough rain making onto the ceiling drywall, it will pool and soak in. This will make it look like a massive leak, when it might be a one-shingle repair (plus some new ceiling drywall). The garden hose trick will quickly tell you if the problem is a single hole, or your roof is like Swiss cheese.

Stains that appear along a line may indicate that water is draining along a rafter or truss. Inspect that rafter starting from the top looking for signs of water. The source may be a single hole that is sending water down the rafter making multiple stains show up in a line.

– Isolating the leak. Be aware of the ridgeline. When you are inspecting a property, be aware of the direction the roof ridgeline runs as you inspect the interior. If you come across a ceiling stain toward the middle of the house near where the ridgeline is above you, the source of the water is easier to isolate. Water doesn’t flow up! So, the suspect area extends from roughly the stain area, up to the ridgeline. In many cases, that’s a lot less roof to investigate.

On the other hand when stains are out near the roof edges, they are the trickiest to diagnose. Why? The source of the water could be from higher in the roof than where the stain is. The water could be getting under a shingle near the peak, draining down between the shingles and ply, and finally leaking at the point you are seeing the stain. It’s just hard to tell upon initial inspection. Get into the roof and check out the rafters around that area for signs of water stains? If you’re lucky you’ll see light and a hole. If you’re not that lucky, it’s time to get on the roof and see what you can find. If you don’t find anything obvious, it’s time to call a roofer that is, unless you decide to replace the whole roof.

– Valleys are often the culprit when it comes to leaky roofs. I especially find this in property that has been neglected or vacant for long periods of time. Very often the problem is caused because leaves have accumulated in the valley. These leaves hold moisture which rots the shingles and underlying ply over time. Depending on the extent of the rot, the repair can range from replacing ply and shingles to cleaning off the leaves and letting it dry. Be aware of your roof valleys and keep them clear!

With roof leaks, there are no short cuts. It’s easier and cheaper in the long run to aggressively diagnose the leak problem and seek hidden leaks that just haven’t soaked through the ceiling drywall yet. Don’t assume that once you find one hole in the roof, or a cracked shingle that the problem is fixed. Get that hose out and confirm it! There is something about climbing in an attic and on a roof that isn’t fun to re-do.