Category: Garden Maintenance Dublin

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A new roof is a large asset and it’s also one of the most significant things you can make for the shelter and overall worth of your home.

Roofing, Roofing

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Homeowners understand that good roofing is the most excellent protection for a house. A roof keeps out wind, rain, snow, hail, and the sun’s glow and warmth. However, knowing when to restore a roof and with what type of roofing material is often a complicated choice.

A new roof is a large asset and it’s also one of the most significant things you can make for the shelter and overall worth of your home. To achieve this, a roof’s exterior must be watertight and tough as well as supple enough to adapt to heat changes without cracking or otherwise losing its reliability.

Roofing shingles come in many styles and are made of many different materials. They vary in their layer materials and design, but the majority roofs consist of wood framing, flashing wood, roofing felt, and the surface roofing material.

Most homes nowadays have contemporary asphalt shingles that come in many varieties that give different looks in the shape of architectural shingles. There are also accessible from roofing suppliers different roofing systems such as steel roofing, copper roofing, slate roofing and composite roofing systems.

A lot of homeowners prefer metal roofing, which provides outstanding long-term protection, or slate roofing, which provides a pleasant artistic exterior.

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The article The Modern Watches and Precise Clocks (Part 5 of 5)tells about the time, a physical quantity and clock, the instrument to measure it. After reading this article, you will get to know the views of scientists and technologists about time and would be able to relate time with different day-to-day phenomenon of life.

clocks and watches, time, clock, clock sound, watch, cuckoo clock, travel clock, pendulum clock, international clock

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In the evolution of watch and clock making, mechanical clocks became the foundation upon which other types of watches and clocks were made. The theory that a mechanical mechanism could “tick” of time in specific, set increments is the basis of both the quartz watch and the atomic clock.

The Quartz Watch

The Americans, Swiss and Japanese all played a part in the invention of the quartz watch. One of the first quartz watches ever built for mass market distribution was made by the Sinclair Company. It had the right idea, using quartz crystals to complete an electrical circuit that would move a mechanical movement in precise increments, but the outer casing and primitive use of the quartz proved disastrous.

Sinclair’s “Black Watch” was a digital model quartz watch that was introduced in 1975. It had all kinds of problems from losing or gaining time during the changes in hot and cold weather to creating static that would affect its time keeping abilities simply by walking on nylon carpet or having static due to clothing or air conditioning. In addition, it had a battery that could only hold a charge for 10 days. There appeared to be as many returns of this watch as there were sales!

The quartz watch was still a desirable option to explore and many other companies had models of digital quartz watches in the experimental stages and ready to sell. However, the reliable early quartz watches were still about $125 or more — very expensive for the mid-1970s. These newer, more expensive watches were at least able to keep good time. In fact all well-made quartz watches kept very accurate time and in 1976 Texas Instruments introduced a model at the Chicago Consumer Electronic Show that could be produced in mass quantities for a mere $20.

The makings of a quartz watch started with the first watch battery in 1954. Next came the development of the integrated circuit in 1959. With light-emitting diodes (LED)being developed around 1962, all of the elements were in place for a digital quartz watch. In fact, the very first prototype, the Beta 21, came out in 1967. The development of liquid crystal displays (LCD) in 1968 gave digital watches the look they have today. Pulsar is credited with creating the first digital watch in 1970.

The Atomic Clock

Universal time is measured by an atomic clock which runs by using the element, cesium, to keep it going. Just one gram of cesium is enough of a “fuel” to run an atomic clock for one year. Cesium is found in granite and the one gram supply can be extracted from a piece of granite that is about a cubic foot in size.

This silvery metal is in liquid form at room temperature and is considered the most electropositive and alkaline element in the periodic table. It is used as a catalyst in photoelectric cells to react with hydrogen and create the necessary movement of the atoms which create a microwave frequency and natural resonance to define a single second. This cycle used to measure a second is actually made up of exactly 9,192,631,770 oscillations of the cesium atom’s resonant frequency.

Of course the atomic clock is not the type of clock one keeps in their home, but it is the national standard for keeping time in America. For home use, today’s quartz clocks and watches offer a highly precise way of keeping time.

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Decorating with discount drapery fabric is easy and affordable. The rich looking fabrics are not just for drapes either. You can use many different patterns to create slip covers, pillows, duvet covers, and more.

Discount Drapery Fabric, window treatments,valances,drapery,curtains,fabrics

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Decorating with discount drapery fabric is easy and affordable. The rich looking fabrics are not just for drapes either. You can use many different patterns to create slip covers, pillows, duvet covers, and more.

To Sew or Not to Sew

The best decorators hate to sew! They probably know how, but they may not like it and have come up with creative ways to get around sewing, using decorator fabrics at discount prices and other tools of the trade.

Folding fabric is one way to create a no-sew look that has a polished and finished appearance. Accordion folds keep their shape and drape nicely. Feeding the ends of the fabric through sconces or rings on the wall once it is folded this way will make a jabot with tails. If the centre is too droopy on a wider window it can be discretely tacked to the wall for support.

Heat activated adhesives also work well in no-sew designs. These are a web-like fabric and come with or without paper backing. When ironed, the glue is activated and holds the pieces of fabric together. You will want to check with the manufacturer to see if the brand you are using is washable some are not.

If you do sew the possibilities are endless. There are levels of window coverings using discount drapery for any degree of sewing expertise. If you are a beginner, it is best to stick to either solid fabrics or those with smaller, repetitive patterns. Stripes and plaids are much more difficult to match when window coverings are hanging. If they don t match up perfectly, it will show as the work of an amateur.

If you want to create a profession look but want some pizzazz to go along with it you can make fabric choices that will make a novice appear to be professional. Tone on tone fabrics are those with textures, but the colour of the pattern is the same as that of the background. These types of fabrics can be sewn without having to match patterns.

Pillows & Throws & Runners, Oh My!

The heavy and rich textures of discount drapery fabric make it suitable for more than just drapes. Any type of home d cor item that requires thick, stiff fabrics.

Pillow cases can be made to fit over foam inserts. If you add a zipper you can then remove and launder or dry clean the outside. Most drapery fabric is able to be spot cleaned easily as well.

Table runners will hold up well when made of drapery fabric too. The fabric can be backed with a solid colour to give weight to the runner. The two can be piped along the edges with decorative ropes or fringes. Tassels on the ends will finish off the designer look.

Lighter weight drapery fabric can be used to make duvet covers that are also washable. You can completely change the look of a bedroom by simply changing out the duvet cover. It is also easily coordinated with window dressings and throw pillows in an affordable way when discount fabrics are purchased together.

Decorating does not have to break the bank. Home improvement projects have that added quality touch when windows are dressed to the nines and accessorized with coordinating fabrics.

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Can you remember the time in which we did not have a microwave oven? In fact, can you remember a time in which the mere thought of a microwave oven inspired a science fiction like imagination, that it was unrealistic that people who said that we will be able to cook and heat our meals in a matter of seconds, and that all the waiting will be a thing of the past, well, this was not so far ago.

microwave oven, micro wave oven, micro oven

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Can you remember the time in which we did not have a microwave oven? In fact, can you remember a time in which the mere thought of a microwave oven inspired a science fiction like imagination, that it was unrealistic that people who said that we will be able to cook and heat our meals in a matter of seconds, and that all the waiting will be a thing of the past, well, this was not so far ago.

The technological achievements of the last few decades are nothing less then phenomenal, one of the easiest ways to examine how significant is the change is to learn what are peoples expectations of appliances in the house today, and the fact is that most of us has become very used to the microwave oven, most people would not compromise on anything less than a microwave oven speed today, and if fact most kitchens have a micro oven, and not necessarily an oven.

The day of the micro wave oven has certainly come, and today you can find a huge market of these micro wave ovens with different features and tools you can use, when the micro waves just started appearing on the market they had some problems and their baking quality was not perfect, some micro ovens did not have proper timing features and power regulators, today this is no problem, all of the new micro wave have varying degrees of heat and some combine oven features to complete a baking procedure, or pizza making.

With the advancement in the use and making of the micro wave ovens, the understanding of using the microwaves has increased, and today you can find many kitchens in which the micro wave oven replaces many different appliances, you can use the micro wave oven to boil water so you do not need an electric kettle, while its no real replacement for a coffee maker, it is a nice replacement. If you are exploring healthy cooking, the micro oven can help you steam your vegetables and keep all those vitamins, a micro wave is perfect for teaming and in fact, it s the micro wave most basic and initial purposes.

Using the proper tools and kitchen appliances you can cook almost everything in the micro wave, you just need to remember a few simple things (like covering liquid based sauces and food in sauce so it wouldn t go splashing all over the place) and you will be enjoying your micro wave oven.

One product that has been significantly effected by the appearance of the micro wave oven is the popcorn, most people don t even remember how difficult it was to prepare popcorn before we had the microwave, to start talking about that is an article by itself, the main point is that just like making popcorn, the micro wave oven has made our life much easier, nice and much faster.

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Living in Nevada, the sun is an almost constant companion. This gives Nevadans a unique opportunity to use solar radiation powers for good. In April, a tour of southern Nevada homes shed some light on the subject of solar powered homes. Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society, this Nevada branch of the National Solar Tour explored homes that used both passive and active solar power, thermal hot water systems, and other environmentally features. However, unless you’re a green technologies exp

Solar Power, Alternate Energy Sources, American Solar Energy Society, National Solar Tour, Environment, Passive Solar Homes

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Living in Nevada, the sun is an almost constant companion. This gives Nevadans a unique opportunity to use solar radiation powers for good. In April, a tour of southern Nevada homes shed some light on the subject of solar powered homes. Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society, this Nevada branch of the National Solar Tour explored homes that used both passive and active solar power, thermal hot water systems, and other environmentally features. However, unless you’re a green technologies expert, or took the tour, you may not know the difference between passive and active solar, or how thermal hot water is different than average. Let me help you understand!

Active solar technology is the one that most people may be familiar with. It involves having a solar panel that collects the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity. These have a battery where energy is stored, so electricity can still be used at night, and, to a certain extent, on cloudy days. Solar panels are an excellent way to make electricity, especially in remote areas. While they are moderately costly to set up, and do require some maintenance, they provide reliable and free electricity, even in climates far less sunny than Nevada’s.

Passive solar technologies are far older than active ones, and involve utilizing the natural heat and light the sun creates, without converting it in any other way. Have you ever noticed that after a long, hot day, south-facing rocks, pavement or brick and adobe buildings will radiate warmth? They have spent the day passively collecting solar energy, and are releasing it. Some materials are better at absorbing and storing that heat energy than others. For example, wood insulates, meaning it will block temperatures, whereas stone will absorb and release temperatures. Homes that are built to take advantage of passive solar are often constructed of brick, adobe or concrete. Cob is another passive-solar-friendly and ancient building material that is going through a revival of sorts. It is made of sand, clay and straw, similar ingredients as adobe, but adobe is baked into bricks and stacked, whereas cob structures are free-formed while the material is wet. Passive solar homes usually have a lot of windows lining their south walls, and less so their east and west walls, with little to no windows on the colder north sides. These windows do two things. First, they provide natural light inside the home, one aspect of passive solar. Second, they allow heat to come into the home. If the home has a stone tile floor and even walls, that tile will absorb the heat, releasing it later when the outside temperature drops.

Passive solar homes can be designed to be cool in summer while using the sun to warm them in winter. For example, if shutters are closed during summer months, the home will remain much cooler. Also, the height and angle of overhang can be considered to maximize the windows exposure to low winter sun, but minimize exposure to the high summer sun. Alternatively, I saw an interesting example of someone planting deciduous trees on the south side of their home. In the winter, the trees had no leaves and so let in a lot of light and heat. In the summer, their thick greenery provided shade that kept the house cool.

So that is the major difference between active and passive solar technologies. Since passive solar is essentially free, it would be wise for any architect or home designer to take it into consideration when building new homes. Well designed passive solar homes can greatly reduce their electrical energy needs. And while active solar is brilliant technology, it still takes many resources to create. Plus, it may be superfluous in an area with an existing electrical source.

As for thermal water heating, it too is a very simple concept. Home made thermal water heaters can be as simple as an outdoor water tank painted black, but that’s a little crude for most tastes. However, there are a variety of styles out there. Some have panels that are metal painted black and enclosed with glass, with copper pipes filled with water running through them. This water will heat, and is then pushed by gravity into an insulated storage tank. Some solar water heaters use a similar set-up but with tubes filled with anti-freeze that are then hooked up to a heat transfer loop, where water in a storage tank is heated. Whatever system you use, thermal water heating is surprisingly affective.

There are a lot of ways to take advantage of the sun and use less electricity. Check out next year’s National Solar Tour to see them for yourself.

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A fence is many things. It can be an effective way to keep unwanted individuals from trespassing on property, and at the same time, it can prevent small children and animals from moving outside the boundaries of a property. A fence can also be simply aesthetic, used as a way to increase property values by making a visual statement.

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A fence is many things. It can be an effective way to keep unwanted individuals from trespassing on property, and at the same time, it can prevent small children and animals from moving outside the boundaries of a property. A fence can also be simply aesthetic, used as a way to increase property values by making a visual statement.

When it comes time to select a type of fence, believe it or not, there is a lot to take into consideration. First and foremost is the purpose. Will the structure be used as a way to provide privacy? Is the structure required by local regulations? Is it needed to restrict the movement of livestock? Or is it strictly a decorative feature? Knowing its purpose will help when selecting the materials as well as the style.

Nothing says charm quite like a white picket-style fence. Typically not more than three to four feet high, this style is primarily decorative; however it is effective at containing small children and animals. A chain-link style topped with barbed wire definitely makes a statement. It says, Keep Out! Interweave an electrical wire and the message changes to, Trespass at Your Own Risk.

A post and rail style is common in neighborhoods and it does double-duty as a decorative feature that provides the property owners with privacy. Also constructed of wood, a split-rail style is common in areas with an abundant supply of timber.

Besides wood and chain, a fence can be made from other types of all-natural materials. Rocks stacked several feet high are regular sights out in the countryside. Thick, towering green hedges are commonly seen surrounding large estates, but look appropriate in any neighborhood. Hedges are very effective at providing privacy and keeping trespassers out. They do require regular maintenance, though. Mounds of grass, although less common, are sometimes used as fencing.

Yes, there is more to a fence than meets the eye. Their presence or lack of can present legal challenges and problems with neighbors, so choose wisely!

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Depending on the type of roof you are having installed you will need to decide on the type of roof decking you use and the roofing contractor you propose to use will be able to help you make the best decision on this. There are, though, essentially two different types of wooden roof decking.

roof decking, roof deck, types of roof decking, roof decks

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What is roof decking?

The roof deck is the section of the roof onto which everything else is placed. As such it needs to be strong enough to hold the weight and durable enough to cope with some give. Depending on the type of roof you are having installed you will need to decide on the type of roof decking you use and the roofing contractor you propose to use will be able to help you make the best decision on this. There are, though, essentially two different types of wooden roof decking. There is plywood roof decking or tongue and groove roof decking.

Selecting the correct for decking for the job.

As mentioned the type of roof decking you need will be dependent on the roof you intend to place over it. As a general rule, though, plywood roof decking is much more rigid but does not allow very much in the way of roof ventilation because it consists of solid pieces of wood with very little room for air to move in or out of the attic. If you intend to use plywood roof decking you will have to find a way to ensure that you are getting adequate roof ventilation or you should change the type of roof decking you intend to use because good roof ventilation is absolutely essential to the integrity of the whole of the roof and, therefore, the rest of your house.

The types of roof decking readily available.

Tongue and groove decking is often made of stronger wood than plywood and does allow for good ventilation systems as long as it is fitted by somebody who knows what they are doing. Tongue and groove roof decking should be fitted carefully and properly to ensure that it is strong enough to take the weight required when the job is completed. Again, the only way to ensure this happens is by using a qualified professional.

Seeking help selecting the best roof decking.

The roof decking you choose can have a strong influence on a number of further decisions you will need to make regarding your roof, and you will in particular need to consider the effect it will have on your proposed method of roof ventilation. Effective roof ventilation requires an intake or air into the attic and the expulsion of air from the attic so by picking solid roof decking you are essentially making this job a little harder. Consult with your roofing contractor and ask his or her advice to be sure that you are making an informed decision that will not make things more difficult in the future.

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There was a time not to long ago when a vacuum cleaner was basically the same machine no matter where or how it was purchased. In previous times, the decision on what vacuum cleaner to purchase was based more on the “extras” the salesman offered but more often than not, it was the financing arrangements that were available.

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There was a time not to long ago when a vacuum cleaner was basically the same machine no matter where or how it was purchased. In previous times, the decision on what vacuum cleaner to purchase was based more on the “extras” the salesman offered but more often than not, it was the financing arrangements that were available.

Like now, most families could ill afford the additional expense of replacing home appliances, what few that were available. The vacuum cleaner however was one piece of equipment that was considered almost a necessity once it was used, especially with the advent of wall to wall carpet.

Many homes pre-1960 didn’t have wall to wall carpet but instead relied on area rugs for floor coverings. These large rugs could be taken out to the backyard, hung over a fence or clothesline and beaten with a carpet beater to remove ground in soil.

Vacuum cleaners removed the need to take rugs out of the house for cleaning. Today however, there are several carpet cleaning technologies available. Two of the most popular types of vacuum cleaner technologies include HEPA filtration and bagless.

Both technologies have the champions and like everything else have their positives and negatives. The positive with HEPA filtration is that small particulate dirt is better captured. This allows for a cleaner exhaust and theoretically, a cleaner indoor environment. The negative with HEPA type filters is that because they capture the finer dirt particles, they tend to need more frequent bag or filter replacement. Another potential issue is that as the HEPA filter captures more dirt, it also tends to lose some suction power as the filters fill.

Bagless vacuum cleaners are exactly what the name suggests. Bagless vacuum equipment typically features a cup or hard plastic container that captures the dirt during use. This makes emptying a lot easier and the amount of consumables like vacuum bags and filters is a lot less.

Consider not only the technology but the ease of use, general quality of the equipment, weight if you’re going to carry it up and down stairs, etc. Onboard tools are nice but why carry around all that extra weight when not needed. Every vacuum technology has their share of people who love and people who hate it. The key is to find the vacuum cleaner you like.

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The iron gazebo is something that is not the usual garden gazebo or a wood gazebo, while it is true that these kind of gazebo do have some high end products that will surly cost as much as an iron gazebo but there is an importance to the material itself, since iron does project something, solid and heavy this is the gazebo you will want for big occasions, a wedding gazebo is best performed in an iron gazebo.

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The iron gazebo is something that is not the usual garden gazebo or a wood gazebo, while it is true that these kind of gazebo do have some high end products that will surly cost as much as an iron gazebo but there is an importance to the material itself, since iron does project something, solid and heavy this is the gazebo you will want for big occasions, a wedding gazebo is best performed in an iron gazebo.

Most people consider a wedding gazebo when they look for a place to hold the wedding, but if you look well enough you may find a nice variety of iron gazebo to buy and place in your backyard, this iron can be used later as a normal gazebo, you can have your breakfast in and use as a garden feature, keep your gardening tools there, or hold a party and use the gazebo to hold special lights or place tables to serve the food on.

An iron gazebo will stay at your garden for a long time, and if you maintain and take care of it correctly there is no reason it wouldn t last forever, one nice advantage that the iron has over all others is that it can easily changed and painted with other colors that will keep it looking fresh and new, applying paint to iron is fairly easy and can be done in a very short time, if you will want to change you garden you will probably have to through a garden party or barbeque and have a few of your stronger friends help you move the iron gazebo to a different location at your backyard.

The question of moving of the iron gazebo is no that complicated since most of these gazebos can be taken apart and reassembled, the more advanced versions are made of big parts so even taken them apart and reassembling is simple and easy. This will make it even simple to move it from part to part of your lawn or garden.

If you are looking for an iron gazebo for the sole purpose of a wedding or an event you should also look for prices of other gazebo and think about getting a different, cheaper gazebo and spend some money on its decoration and design if you can buy it. Renting a gazebo for a wedding is another matter, you will just need to do some research for the companies that rent those out, and make sure you get a good deal, and that the company is reliable and can be trust to deliver and assemble in time.

In general, for the house or as a rented gazebo, gazebos are wonderful things to have and use for parties and celebrations, as well as for enjoying some time on Sunday morning, or in fact every morning, a gazebo can serve for many purposes and its only up to you to decide how much you will do with it, most people discover that only after getting one.

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Great design is like a masterpiece, you know it when you see it. But even if it s beautiful, an object is not well designed if it s missing the most essential element: function.

home improvement, home remodelling, home renovation, kitchen design, bathroom remodeling

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Great design is like a masterpiece, you know it when you see it. But even if it s beautiful, an object is not well designed if it s missing the most essential element: function.

The ever increasing attention to home products is reflected in a growing trend of integrating pleasing design into every part of the house, from showers to the kitchen sink. According to Mary Jo Peterson, a design consultant and a veteran in home improvement projects, consumers are demanding more style in their homes. However they do not want to sacrifice ease of use, either. Peterson points out that as baby boomers age, more companies are designing home products that look great while taking into account accessibility issues and the concept of universal design.

Multitasking is all in a day’s work in home improvement projects, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling or a simple mixing of colors. Decorating ideas are like magic tricks, you just need to learn a few trade secrets and a bit of practice to perfect it.

Installing products that add style to the home and that can also adapt universally to owners’ changing needs are vital factors both in building and renovating a house. This will serve the current occupants quite well and will also increase the house value when the owner decides to resell.

Bathroom remodeling is a definite step in home improvement. If we consider the amount of time we spend in this room, then this is one space that we cannot afford to overlook. Think of it like this, a decade from now will you be able to easily get in and out of your current bathtub? Other bathroom designs that needs further contemplating includes the height of the lavatory countertop, as well as the space beneath and if it allows legroom for a user in a wheelchair.

Universal design could also pay off in kitchen remodeling. The kitchen is typically the most used room in a home, a place for cooking, eating and spending time. As the heart of the home, there are some interesting alternatives for kitchen that go well beyond the norm. Planning for a variety of counter heights to add function is fast becoming a trend in kitchen redesign. A lot of new kitchens features two or sometimes even three different counter heights, a working area for someone who is seated, another at normal height and the third one is at bar height which is suitable for a taller person.

In kitchen redesign, appliances are also beginning to address universal design issues. For instances dishwashers that can be installed in drawers and under counter refrigerators add a contemporary impression as well as for easy access.

The primary objective of universal design is not only to add style and elegance to your home, but to make your life easier and ultimately turning your home into a more comfortable place to live.