Tuesday 27 January 2009

Home Soundproofing Tips and Ideas

No matter where you live, home soundproofing is something that is much needed. That is because a lot of unwanted noise can usually creep into your house through a lot of different tiny voids that you may not even see. In fact, one of the main things that sound comes through is your doors and windows. This is because these are things that are not insulated. The first step that you need to take whenever you are trying to do some home soundproofing is to make sure that you buy some of the latest doors and windows to put in your home. New technology is coming out all the time that has led to manufacturers coming up with new and improved ways to help keep unwanted sound out of your home. For example, a lot of windows are now double glass windows that have a little space in between the two pieces of glass. This acts like a piece of insulation to help keep noise from traveling through it.


There are a few ways that you can go about doing your home soundproofing. One of the ways is by absorbing the sound. This is, of course, done by having things that can grab the sound waves and their energy and keep them from moving through a surface. A lot of people do this by putting insulation in their walls. Not only is this going to help with keeping your house warm or cold, it is going to also help with keeping the noise level out. Of course, another way is to block sound from entering your house. This is done by creating a type of barrier that goes around your house. This is, of course, going to stop the air movement, which is going to reduce the sound. A lot of people do this by building walls around their home.


The last two ways that you can go about soundproofing your home is by breaking the sound and isolating the sound. When you are trying to break sound, you are doing this by trying to keep it from moving though your walls and ceilings. A good way to do this is to make sure that the structure of your house is wrapped. This is going to help break up the sound waves as it enters into your house. Now, the isolation works much like the windows that we talked about. This is where stuff is used to deaden sound by confining it to one area. When dealing with the windows, the space between the two glass pieces works as the isolating factor.


As you can clearly see, there are a lot of ways to go about doing some home soundproofing. No matter what you do, remember that you can never fully soundproof your home. On that same note, there is a lot that you can do to make your house almost soundproof. By following a few of the tips that we talked about today, you should be able to soundproof your house for the most part. The best place to start off, though, is with your doors and windows.


Kelly Hunter owns and operates http://www.homesoundproofing.net and writes about Home Soundproofing


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Hunter

Sunday 25 January 2009

How Water Restoration Services Can Help Your Home

Water damage can be found anywhere in your home and not only can it cause a lot of frustration, it can also cost money to get it repaired and restored. Some people think that all it takes is to get a wet vac and suck up the water and dampness.


Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. You will find out that there are other hazards that come from water damage which can affect you and your property.


You may not be able to see all of the damage, but it's there. A lot of times, it may just be too much for one or two people to deal with. If you're dealing with a leak that was ongoing or a severe inclement weather, then rest assured you will need to have professional help.


If it's due to severe inclement weather, you may have to deal with more than just water seeping into your home. Along with the water comes mud and debris piled up together. In this case, there's no doubt that you will need the services of a professional company that specializes in water damage restoration.


Some people don't realize what kind of damage that water on its own can cause. Carpets can be soaked, items can be soaked or damaged, and the water damage level can reach an unprecedented level. The material used for the home, such as drywall or wood, can be damaged. Once the water seeps in and makes contact, it's crucial that the water is removed as soon as possible.


Another thing that you can be faced with is the presence of mold. Mold is toxic and can cause allergies to trigger and even cause the onset of asthma. A lot of companies that specialize in water damage restoration know the perils of having mold in a home. They work very quickly to remove the affected material so that it won't spread. They also try to remove it prior to it starting up.


If it gets to the point where mold has made contact with items in the house, then they are no longer salvageable. They use special equipment to get rid of the mold that is already growing inside of the home.


They also work to get rid of any water and dampness that is still there. The technicians work to fend off mildew, which can leave a horrible smell. They use a special cleaning solution and deodorizer to make it look and smell fresh.


The water restoration company is also in the business of restoring and repairing parts of your home that were damaged. Of course, your house has to be livable in order for this to happen. When looking for a water restoration company, look for one that has experience in all areas of water damage. They should be reputable and willing to do what it takes to get you back on track.


Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about Water Damage Cleanup New York and Water Damage Restoration New York, visit RestorationSOS.com.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leo_Nov

Friday 23 January 2009

Houston Home Theater

Houston home theater clients reside in some of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods. Over the years, we have worked with many families in River Oaks, West University, Bellaire, Hedwig Village, Spring Valley, Memorial, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, and The Woodlands. These neighborhoods are home to a significant number of custom houses, and homes exceeding 10,000 square feet are ideal environments for Houston home theater equipment and home automation services. Families in these residences have grown accustomed to lifestyles of privacy and spaciousness. The increasingly crowded conditions of Houston’s ever-reconstructing road system, along with the full capacity crowds at many public theaters, have made eclectic Houston residents more inclined toward a home theater experience that accommodates personal preferences and exceeds the generics of public cinema.


Most Houston home theater systems that are purchased through retail channels consist of a set of very sophisticated, yet standard components. All have a video processor and an audio processor that allows them to render both sound and image in high definition quality. Amplifiers are also a standard component of Houston home theater systems because they are necessary to the proper reproduction and magnification of sound. All feature exceptionally high-end speakers that provide exceptional reproduction of voice, music, and sound effects. Smaller home theater systems may rely upon a flat-screen plasma television for video, but most of the larger systems utilize a projector and projection screen to create a fully cinematic experience.


While there certainly are many Houston home theater and automation stores that sell premium quality equipment of this nature, installing it can be problematic for the homeowner, to say the least. Stores only provide equipment; they do not offer installation or technical support. Some refer customers to local electrical contractors who can install the various system components. The next challenge becomes that of tuning the acoustics of the system. Even if one is working with an electrical contractor who has some knowledge of acoustics, tuning a home theater system is almost impossible without some very detailed knowledge of interior architecture.


Illuminations Lighting offers a more full-service approach to Houston home theater design, sales and installation. Before recommending any brand or piece of equipment, we first take a careful look at the acoustical environment of each room in the home. Because the houses we work in are so large, there are often several rooms to choose from which can be converted into home theaters. However, there is always one room in the home that will provide the very best sound effects, and this is the room we want to target for installation. Once we locate that room, we will contact the architect or interior designer who designed it to gather more specifics of the acoustical qualities of the materials used to build the interior.


Understanding how the room was constructed to begin with will tell us a great deal about what speakers, amplifiers, and controls to install. This approach allows us to use technology in harmony with home architecture in a way that maximizes sound quality, and it makes it much easier to tune the audio systems once installed. One thing that is common to all Houston home theaters and Houston media room designs by ILD is that we do not install wall or ceiling mounted speakers. While such configurations may appear highly sophisticated, they do not amplify nor reflect sound waves correctly in relation to the seating of the audience.


Other components of Houston home theater and media room design are much easier to select once the acoustical qualities of the system have been established. Any number of projectors and screens can be installed for premium high-definition rendering, including DVD Servers that can hold up to 500 DVD’s and CD Servers than can record 12,000 CD’s. Elite home theater seats that electronically recline and a wide range of lighting and home automation control options can top of the home theater system to rival the best of Houston’s public venues—all in the privacy and luxury of one’s personal estate.


Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=340510&ca=Home+Management

Tuesday 20 January 2009

Facts About Radon

Radon is a product of complex chemical processes that takes place in 14 stages. Facts about radon indicate that its presence in the atmosphere is harmless since the concentration level is quite low. However, if you're exposed in closed places radon can be harmful. Basically it results as a decay product of uranium into the soil.


If your basement have cracks or openings, you better think of repairing them fast. Facts about radon are quite shocking when it comes to how it can enter and accumulate in your house. The process is quite interesting. Actually what happens is that radon is present in the soil. Due to the difference in pressure between the soil and your house low areas such as basement, radon easily gets attracted by the basement's low pressure since it's under high pressure in the soil.


Interestingly, water from underground springs is also exposed to radon and thus can get in our houses through the water we use. However, it's in small amounts and actually harmless. So am I saying that radon is harmful? Well, facts about radon shows that it's particles remain attached to the lungs tissues and may trigger cancer. Basically what happens is that, it affects the DNA structure of lung cells causing cellular division impossible and thus the tissues die one by one.


Generally, it's advisable to make sure a radon test is done in any house that you might be thinking of buying. In addition, please make sure that the person who performs the test is qualified as per EPA Radon measurement proficiency program.


Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Radon. For More Information on Facts about Facts About Radon, Visit His Site at FACTS ABOUT RADON. You Can Also Add Your Views About Facts about radon At My Blog here FACTS ABOUT RADON


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gitundu

Thursday 15 January 2009

Gas Fireplace Design Styles

Styles in gas fireplace design options that are offered to homeowners that can add an unbelievable amount of style and class to any home, and this is not to mention the fact that they will also increase the value of your home, as well as saves you a large amount of money on your monthly heating costs. It does not matter the particular effects you would like to achieve with styles in décor and color schemes, there are numerous choices you will be able to choose from that can add a great deal of beauty to any that you may choose. In fact, you will find that a fireplace can ultimately change the entire look of your room; especially in those rooms you have thought to be boring and drab!


There are numerous quality materials that a gas fireplace design can offer. If you are the type of person that would like to achieve a look that offers the utmost in elegance and luxury, then perhaps you would enjoy some of the amazing designs that are available in marble fireplaces. It is truly amazing the amounts of character that can be added to a room with the unique grains and designs that are featured in a beautiful piece of marble. Or perhaps the rest of your home is designed in natural stone, and this is the specific type of material you are looking for in a fireplace. Other fabulous designs are also offered in brick, limestone and a variety of different metals that can be fabricated in uniquely crafted design choices.


A gas fireplace design is one that is featured in a variety of different shapes and convenient sizes. This can help a great deal as a large number of homeowners simply do not have the large amount of space that are available in other homes. You will find several that are offered in natural gas options, and then there are numerous others that are available that will work with propane hookups. No matter what type of gas it is that you have in your home, there is a fireplace that will look perfect in your home.


There are varieties that are available in gas fireplace design choices that offer the well known antique look that has become so popular today, Victorian styles are also offered, and then there are some unique styles that offer the contemporary and modern look of today.


If you would like more information on gas fireplace design try my site.
And I also have a page on wood fireplace design.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angie_Atkins

Tuesday 13 January 2009

How to Install Threaded Inserts

Threaded inserts are fastener-related devices constructed of metal or plastic materials. They are generally used to provide thread tracks for screws or bolts. These inserts can allow a fastener to form a more secure attachment to soft or pliable surfaces that would otherwise reject fastening, repair a damaged thread track, or install threads into a workpiece without relying on a more elaborate production process. Threaded inserts are usually placed inside an existing hole or slot, and they feature an external design that allows them to be lodged securely, along with a cylindrical inner cavity lined with threads.


Fastener inserts can be made from a wide range of materials, including metals such as brass and steel, and plastics such as PVC. Likewise, they are available in a variety of design types depending on their application. Molded inserts are used in plastic fabrication cavities, while key-lock inserts are employed for repairing stripped thread holes. Threaded brass inserts are most often used for fastening plastic materials, although they can also be applied to wood and other surfaces as well. Installing these inserts is usually a multistage process, and can sometimes require special equipment or techniques to accomplish.


Threaded Inserts in Wood

Installing a threaded brass insert into a wood surface requires a certain degree of care. A threaded rod with a length depending on the specific application needs will be required, along with a few similarly-sized nuts, masking tape, and copper tubing with an internal diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the threaded rod.


First, a pilot hole must be drilled into the wood at the point where the threaded insert will be installed. To help keep the angle of insertion perpendicular to the surface, it can be helpful to mount the workpiece in a drill press, but it is important that the drill press is off during the procedure. The workpiece should not be clamped too tightly because the threaded rod should be able to rotate inside the copper sleeve. The rod can then be twisted into its slot with a wrench, while masking tape is used to keep it from slipping out of the copper tubing, which functions as a sleeve. Depending on the hardness of the wood, considerations may need to be taken for clearing chips from the area.


Threaded Inserts in Thermoplastic

Putting threaded brass inserts in a thermoplastic material, such as acrylic, involves a different set of equipment and methods than those used for wood surfaces. In some cases, the insert may need to be melted into the workpiece in order to form a secure joint. Generally, this occurs on the more rounded side of an acrylic piece as a smaller amount of melted plastic will gather near the insert and the installation will be easier. The standards steps in such a procedure include:


• Positioning: A threaded brass insert usually has a taper on one side to help with insertion into a slot. Inserts should be placed along the surface of the thermoplastic workpiece in their intended spots, ideally along a series of predrilled holes.
• Insertion: The workpiece should be clamped or moved to ensure that the insert holes are overhanging the edge of a bench or other work surface, and a heated soldering iron may then be pressed into the threaded insert. Applying a slight amount of pressure onto the soldering iron will help push the insert straight down into the material.
• Protrusion: The soldering iron can be used to guide the insert and keep it straight as it enters the workpiece. The insert should be pushed until it lies flush with the top surface of the workpiece, although there may be a small accumulation of melted plastic that rises over the insert. Depending on the application requirements, the insert should also be checked to see if it lies flush with the bottom half of the plastic surface.
• Inspection: After the threaded insert has been installed, it may be helpful to use a screw or bolt to verify its positioning. If the screw attaches at a bent angle, the soldering iron can be applied to reposition it correctly.


It may be necessary to preheat an insert on the soldering iron before beginning installation, especially if working with a large brass insert. Alternatively, a drill press can be employed to grip the workpiece while heat is applied to the insert, although the press should not be turned on during the process.


Ilya Leybovich
ThomasNet.com Staff Writer

Need Threaded Inserts? ThomasNet.com has all you need! Come in and browse!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilya_Leybovich

Wednesday 7 January 2009

Decorating - Mix or Match

When planning your room arrangements you have many decisions to make. The size of the room, the traffic patterns, locations of the windows and doors will all affect the furniture you select. Once you have determined your spatial boundaries and made a list of the furniture pieces that you require, it’s time to add some descriptive details to the words on your list; sofa, love seat, chair, tables, area rugs and lamps.


As you shop for furniture items to fit your needs, notice how may room settings are configured with matching fabrics on the upholstered furniture and that are flanked with identical tables and pairs of lamps. You must decide if the matched set look is for you. Of course there is no possibility of an uncoordinated look when all the pieces are matched.

But remember, variety is the spice of life.


The matched vignette in the store is meant to display the assortment of furniture pieces available in the given style. If you like the shape and style of the sofa, the staged arrangement lets you know there are also smaller versions, the love seat and chair, in the same shape and color. The design of the wood end table is mimicked by that of the cocktail table and sofa table. The lamps are shown in pairs to give a balanced appearance to the display. Various sizes of area rugs may be layered on top of each other to show the available selection.


Sameness is a great way to merchandise a furniture store for the ease of the customer’s selection. In your home, that same matched look is too predictable. That’s not to say that no two items can be the same fabric or wood finish or size. Just think about adding some variety as you make your selections.


Consider choosing a love seat in a patterned fabric if your sofa is a solid color. Or substitute two chairs, each in different fabrics in place of a love seat. Use one square end table next to the sofa, and place a round, skirted table at the other end of the sofa. There’s an opportunity to introduce another fabric or color. Selecting tables with similar heights that work well next to the arm of the sofa is your only consideration.


The cocktail table can be of a totally different material, such as a glass or marble top with a metal base. The shape can be oblong, oval or freeform to fit the space. Lamps need only be of a similar scale, so the lamp bases and shades can have their own personality. Select a unique area rug for the seating area and a different shape or style for the walkway and other areas in the room.


Art work hung in pairs is a pleasant option on the wall, but of course you wouldn’t duplicate the same picture twice. Similar frame profiles or finishes on different pieces of art will blend your unique art pieces when displayed together. An assorted collection of grouped accessories is always more interesting than the same three bowls or vases arrayed on a table top. What creates a more visually attractive display on your bookshelf, a matched set of encyclopedias, or a variety of colorful and unique book titles?


Are you concerned the eclectic mixture of furniture pieces and accessories won’t look good together? As long as you have chosen a coordinating color pallet and sizes appropriate to you room space, your selections will blend together perfectly.


Instead of a roomful of mirror images, every lovely furniture piece will be unique to your room arrangement. Each carefully selected item will stand on its own.


Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=337103&ca=Home+Management

Monday 5 January 2009

Your Guide to Using a Correct Lubricant For Drilling

Drilling is a very heat intensive operation. The reason the heat is generated is because the friction between the drill and the surface of the material which is being drilled. Here are my tips for the lubrication while drilling.


This heat which is generated can cause the drill to actually get damaged and also the material to be damaged. In fact because of intense heat sometime the debris from the drilling action itself will get stuck on the surface of the drill core and hence will cause the drill to be damaged.


Enter the lubricants and the use of lubricants will help you avoid all these problems and in fact there is rarely any drilling which can be performed without the use of a lubricating medium.


The harder the surfaces the more heat they will be generating while doing the drilling and the better the lubricant that you will have to use for lubrication. For example if you are drilling a hole in a concrete surface using the diamond drill bits then you will have to use a special lubricant as opposed to just water as the both surface aver very hard and hence it will mean that there will more friction there.


The auto engine oil is the lubricant that most commonly is used when you are drilling a hole in iron type surfaces. The other important thing to remember is that you just cannot keep on drilling constantly. Make sure that you give the drill a rest every 5 to 10 seconds so that heat gets dissipated.


Water is used a lubricant as well as heat countering mechanism in a lot of drilling operations that are light in nature. The water acts as a lubricant as well as it takes the heat away from the operation. Then there is castor oil which is used in many industrial style lubricants because it has good viscosity as well as good density for it to not flow easily away from the application area.


Another thing which is very important is that while using the drill make sure that lubrication mechanism is also in order. In some cases such as drilling holes at homes if you do not have good lubricant application mechanism you can simple use the water in a beaker and use your hand to drop water at the drilling zone intermittently. For industrial use there are many special nozzles which are used for supplying lubricants to the affected areas.



Saturday 3 January 2009

The Top Household Toxins That Can Make You Sick

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an average carpet sample is home to more than 120 chemicals, many of which can potentially harm the brain and the nervous system.


Volatile chemicals exist in our water supply, furniture, walls, fabrics, and air. These toxins are impossible to avoid entirely, as they exist in so many of our daily products. As consumers, we need to educate ourselves about what kinds of substances we're bringing into our homes. The first step is to get to know the four most dangerous (and prevalent) toxins that can be found in the average household. Once you know what you and your family are up against, you can better safeguard the place that you spend most of your time-your home.


Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that has been used in building construction, paint, and plumbing fixtures for many years. It wasn't until the 1970s and 80s though that lead-based products such as household paints, toys, and water systems became banned in the United States due to their high toxicity.


If you live in a home that was built before the late 70s, it's likely that there is some degree of lead in your interior paint. As long as the paint stays intact, it poses no danger, but regular wear and tear or renovations can dislodge paint chips and dust, thus making lead particles airborne. Once lead gets into the air, it gets breathed in, and can cause throat and lung irritation, headaches, nausea, memory loss, and even seizures in rare cases. In addition to dust in the air, lead can also be ingested if your drinking water is contaminated.


Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that has no color, scent, or taste. Because it's unnoticeable, carbon monoxide is extremely hazardous. Having a carbon monoxide detector located in the home is an extremely good idea. They are affordable, easy to use, and will let you know when your health is at risk.


Limited exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to headaches, irritability, and general unwellness, while concentrated doses will kill you in a short period of time.


Carbon monoxide gets into your house via heating systems such as fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, as well as propane-powered stoves, car exhaust, and more.


Radon

Like carbon monoxide, radon is a gas that is undetectable and highly dangerous. According to the American Lung Association, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Smokers who are exposed to radon find that their risk for getting lung cancer increases exponentially.


Radon gets into our air as the uranium in our rock and soil breaks down. These particles get into the home through cracks and holes in the foundation, are inhaled, and cause significant damage to tissues in the lungs and upper respiratory tract.


The only way to know if your home is at risk is to test for radon. There are do-it-yourself testing kits and certified Radon Inspectors available around the country.


Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that is commonly used in building materials, fabrics, carpeting, and household cleaners. Wall-to-wall carpeting and inexpensive furniture that contains particleboard instead of real wood gives off formaldehyde gas that can be emitted for years.


Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde quietly damages your delicate respiratory system, causing headaches, and triggering asthma. Formaldehyde is also considered to be cancer-causing, and its use was banned by the European Union in 2007.


To reduce your exposure to formaldehyde, opt for area rugs that are made of natural fabrics like cotton and wool instead of synthetic wall-to wall carpeting. In addition, you can apply sealant to particleboard to prevent toxic gases from being released into the air. Make sure that your home is well ventilated, and always read labels when you go shopping; formaldehyde is used in everything from fertilizer to cosmetics.


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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hostetler