Window Blinds – The Best Blinds for Your Home
By · CommentsChoosing window treatments for your home is never easy, particularly when you’re trying to choose between types of window blinds. A couple of years after my family moved into our new home, I decided to replace the blinds on all of the windows. To do so, I had to spend quite a bit of time researching the best choices for my needs. Let me share with you a few of the things that I learned from my efforts.
Some Pointers for Choosing Blinds for Your Windows
When you’re thinking about blinds, a few questions should come to mind. For one, you need to think about how much light you want to allow into the particular room. For example, you may need to keep light out of bedrooms and living rooms while letting light into kitchens, playrooms, bathrooms, or dining rooms. To minimize lighting you might want to consider privacy bamboo wood blinds. Bamboo has become a popular choice because it’s moderately priced, decorative, and long-lasting. If you choose the privacy version, an extra piece of fabric will be attached to the back of the blinds to stop that lighting from getting through.
If you’re talking about window coverings, then energy efficiency is probably also going to be a factor. Your best choice is PVC backed vertical blinds. Vertical window binds are a popular choice because they give you good control over lighting and privacy, but when you add the PVC material then you increase the ability of the blinds to block heat and cold from coming into your home uninvited.
The style of your home should also be worth considering when choosing window treatments. Today’s contemporary-looking homes, for example, also look great with verticals and with some of the blinds made from faux materials that are now on the market. However, if you have an older home, then wood window blinds are going to be the best choice. They will match more nicely with the rest of your décor. These styles of blinds are affordable and fit into most budgets. Plus, they are fairly easy to find on the market in a variety of sizes to fit most home windows.
Other Factors for Blinds
As you may already have realized, some rooms are just more humid than others. Your bathrooms, for instance, have a lot of humidity. That humidity caused from your shower and all of the other water being used can damage many types of blinds that you could install in the room. Vinyl blinds are a better choice because they stand up against the humidity and because they are affordable.
If you’re on a really tight budget, then mini blinds are your best choice. They can also be a great window treatment to have in place while you decide which window blinds you prefer to use for your rooms.
When it comes to safety glasses and goggles, I know it’s just not always convenient to use them. But when it comes down too it, what’s more important – a minor inconvenience or a major eye injury?
I’ve had a pair of safety goggles in my tool box for quite some time, but they sort of worked their way down to the bottom of the box over time, if you know what I mean. Right after I initially bought them, I did use them regularly when working with wood especially, but before long, I sort of just forgot all about them. Unfortunately, I learned my lesson a few weeks ago. I wear my safety glasses regularly but there are sometime I should be wearing goggles.
I was cutting wood with my circular saw trying to make the ramp my son’s been pleading for all summer. Somewhere along the process, the saw kicked up just enough sawdust to really lodge its way under my glasses and right into my right eye.
Now, I’ve had this happen before – I’m sure we all have – but this time was different. It’s usually just a few blinks and the particle is easily dislodged from our eyes. But even with eye drops, flushing my eyes with water, and everything else I could think of, I still couldn’t clear this scratchy spec from my eye.
After a visit to the eye doctor the next day, some scratches, and a big bill later, I’ve learned that safety glasses and goggles are no joking matter. I even went ahead and ordered a nice pair of professional magnifying safety glasses and promised my wife to devote myself to wearing them whenever I’m even close to a potentially troubling situation. When working around dust I also promised I would wear my safety goggles instead of my glasses.
You know, it could have been a lot worse. I’ve heard horror stories about people even totally losing sight in one eye just because of accidents. It’s no wonder many workplaces require the use of safety goggles – many even offer reimbursement to their employees for purchasing prescription and bifocal safety glasses.
Winterize Your Lawnmower – Be Ready for Spring
By · CommentsAfter I first moved into my home and invested in a good lawnmower, I made the mistake of not preparing the mower for the winter. As a result, when I went to start using it in the spring the mower would no longer work correctly. I called a lawnmower repair specialist who explained my mistake. Of course, it cost me a lawnmower and a repair bill but now I can teach you how to properly winterize your lawnmower.
Winterize Your Lawnmower – A Few Steps
First, you need to remove any liquid from your lawnmower. Remember that anything liquid is capable of freezing in cold weather and that can cause serious damage to your mower. The two main liquids you have to worry about are fuel and oil.
To empty the fuel tank safely start the engine and let in run for a couple of seconds, then siphon out the gas or take the gas tank off and pour the remaining gas back into your gas container. Put the tank back on and start the mower and let it run until the engine dies. This way all the fuel is used up. When you do this, make sure you will not be using your mower again so you can leave it empty until the spring.
You’ll also want to empty your oil tank but make sure you drain the oil into a proper container and dispose of it properly.
Next, you should thoroughly clean your mower. Use a hose to remove any grass or dirt that is sticking to its sides. Grease can be removed with hot water and soap. After the mower is cleaned, rinse off the soap, and leave it outside to dry under the sun. You need it to be completely dry before you put it in storage.
As far as storage goes, the best choice is to keep the mower indoors. A garage, shed, or basement that is completely protected from the elements is recommended. If you simply don’t have this type of facility, then you can purchase covers for lawn mowers. Choose the right cover for your mower’s size.
Winterize Your Lawnmower – Additional Steps
While the above steps are the most necessary, there are a few other steps you should consider taking as well. For example, you should check your mower for any rust spots. If you locate some, use steel wool to rub it off before you place the mower in storage.
Another good idea is to clean or replace the air filter. You’ll need to refer to your owner’s manual to determine which method is preferred. In general, paper filters are replaced while plastic ones are cleaned. You should already have changed the filter a couple of times during the mowing season but it’s a good idea to do it again before storing the mower so it will be ready to go this spring.
Additionally, you can remove the mower blade and have it sharpened. While you can sharpen it yourself, I recommend taking the blade to a professional who can do it safely and without damaging the blade.
When the spring rolls around, you’ll need to bring your mower out of storage, refill the gas and oil, and you’ll be all ready to go. Plus, you’ll be extending the life of your mower and avoiding costly lawnmower repair just by learning how to properly winterize your lawnmower.
Winterizing Your Lawn Sprinkler System
By · CommentsYour lawn sprinkler system is one of the most important parts of keeping your yard looking beautiful, but during the winter you could end up facing big problems with that system if you haven’t taken the proper precautions.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to learn this lesson the hard way. A friend of ours installed a sprinkler system in his yard last spring only to have the pipes freeze during a cold spell. The pipes bust and ruined his sprinklers which had to be completely replaced. That cost him a pretty penny, but it also taught me the importance of winterizing my lawn sprinkler system.
Why Winterize?
Your lawn sprinkler system isn’t any different from any other pipe in your home. If water freezes within the pipe, it’s going to contract and put pressure on that pipe. With enough pressure, the pipe is going to rupture.
The idea of winterization is to make sure all of the water is out of your lawn sprinkler system before the temperature starts dropping into the freezing domain. Even a little water left in those pipes can cause you major problems in the spring – you MUST make sure your sprinkler’s pipes are water-free.
How to Winterize Your Lawn Sprinkler System
In some parts of the country where freezing is most likely to occur, your lawn sprinkler system has probably been equipped with a method for winterization. Many places make this a mandatory feature on all irrigation systems sold. If you’re not sure, then contact the retailer or installer of your system to make sure you use the correct system. If you’re not sure, you may want to hire a contractor to use the “blow out” method on your system. Basically, this method requires the careful use of an air compressor to push all of the water from the pipes. You can rent the compressors, but you may be better off watching a professional handle it the first time so you can learn what to do during the winters to come.
Your other options are to use the manual or automatic drain methods (which option you choose depends on your particular sprinkler system). For the manual method, you need to open up several valves strategically placed along your sprinkler system. All of the water should come out on its own so wait until you don’t see any more water then close all of the valves again. With the automatic method, the valves will open when you shut water off to the system. You may still need to open a few valves by hand.
Keep in mind that some lawn sprinkler systems use a combination of the manual and the automatic drain methods.
Remember that winterization needs to be done before the temperatures start to drop. That’s why it’s a good idea to do your winterization around the same time you start getting your lawn ready for winter. You don’t want to be surprised with a sudden cold snap that ends up damaging your lawn sprinkler system before you have a chance to drain out all of the water.
If PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) had it their way, we would use porcelain and ceramics for just about every application possible. Those are, after all, the products the industry group represents and promotes. And all things considered, this might actually be a pretty good idea!
Personally, I’ve just finished a total bathroom renovation in my fixer upper, complete with all new ceramic tile – both on the floor and in the shower. I’m certainly pleased with the final results of the new bathroom tile, but I’m also glad I did the research to figure out just how to complete the project correctly.
I do want to mention PEI ratings before moving on. I knew nothing about this before setting out to buy my tile for the job, but the salesman was happy to bring me up to speed. Basically, the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) has developed a simple 5 step rating system for the application, strength, and durability of the products they represent.
For example, a PEI 1 Rating means that the tile is not intended to get foot traffic, but it should work fine on a backsplash or shower wall. The scale goes all the way to the 4+ rating, which means the tile is strong enough for even extra heavy or institutional foot traffic. It pays to keep in mind that part of the process is proper planning – otherwise all the hard work might fall apart in no time at all.
Another thing I learned on the job was just how important it is to use a level while installing and setting the tiles. Not only did it help me keep everything even and flush as a whole, but it also helped me make sure each individual tile was not crooked or protruding. Nothing worse than a stubbed toe in the middle of the night!
I lucked out for the shower portion of the tiling – my brother-in-law, who is actually a tiling contractor, came over for the day and finished the job for me. I must admit, the floor was not too difficult, but I was a little worried about doing the vertical surfaces myself, trying to make the tiles stick in place and stay there. I’m glad I had the help!
Dealing with Common Floor Tile Problems
By · CommentsDescription: Replacing floor tiles leads to problems matching grout colors, finding the right ceramic tiles, and more, but it is doable if you know all of your options.
Dealing with Common Floor Tile Problems
After I bought my first home, one of the first jobs I took on was to replace the floor tiles in the kitchen and in the bathrooms. As a result of these projects, I learned a few important tips that might help you as you start similar projects in your home.
Grout Coloring & Floor Tiles
Grout is basically a mixture of cement and other materials that fills in those cracks between tiles. It serves a valuable service even though it can be a real nightmare to keep clean. When I was changing the ceramic tiles in the kitchen, I wanted to make sure to choose a grout color that matched the color of my tile perfectly.
If you’ve ever done any work with grout samples, then you know what happened when everything started drying. The grout ended up drying to a much lighter color than I had wanted. When I called to complain, I was told this was common. In the future, I learned to always choose a grout color a few shades darker than what I wanted.
However, I was stuck with this lighter shade of grout which looked horrible with our new floor tiles so I bit the bullet and purchased some grout dye. I applied the dye using a toothbrush, and the results turned out great.
The lesson here: always buy darker grout than what you want or be ready to buy grout dye if the coloring isn’t perfect.
Floor Tile Removal & Replacement
In the bathroom, I encountered a different problem when I tried to fix the floor tiles. Only a few of the tiles were in bad shape so instead of redoing the entire floor I just wanted to correct those particular tiles.
Removing them was my first challenge. Obviously, I couldn’t just take a hammer to the tiles because that would end up damaging the surrounding tiles, too. Instead, I used a rotary tool (and proper safety equipment, of course) and cut around the grout very carefully so I could remove each single tile. For the most part, this method worked very well but it did require great concentration and a steady hand. I’d advise sending the rest of the family away for the day so you give it your full concentration.
The bigger problem I encountered was finding replacement floor tiles. The tiles I’d removed were actually fairly old and were not being sold anywhere. For awhile I thought I’d have to redo the entire floor anyway, then I learned I had two other options. First, I could try to have the tiles custom made. A number of online places do provide this service, but it can be costly, particularly if you need a custom glaze. Second, instead of replacing the tiles with identical tiles choose decorative tiles.
I ended up opting for the latter choice. I found a few great decorative tiles at my local home improvement store in a color similar to the existing ones on the bathroom floor. After I installed them, they looked as if they had always been part of the floor.
In the end, if you’re replacing floor tiles don’t forget you have plenty of ways to overcome the obstacles that might get in the way of your job.
House Paint Decisions Made a Little Easier
By · CommentsOne of the most enjoyable types of home improvement you can do to your home is paint. The whole family can get involved in the process, and a couple of coats of paint can make a dramatic change to your home. However, you can’t just buy a can of paint and a brush then get to work, you need to choose the right paint for the job you’re doing.
House Paint Finishes
If you’ve never stepped into a paint store or the paint section of your local home improvement store, then prepare to be overwhelmed by choices – and I’m not just talking about paint colors. When I went in to pick out a simple light blue color for our bathroom, the store employee immediately started shooting off types of finishes to find out which I wanted. Of course, I had no idea at the time. Now I do so let me share some basic definitions with you:
·Matte (flat finish) – Very basic finish that does not reflect light
·Flat enamel – A more durable version of matte
·Eggshell – Very low sheen like an egg – more durable than matte
·Satin – Has a smooth, velvet look and is easy to clean
·Semi-Gloss – Has a nice shine to it but requires the walls be prepped
·Gloss – Very shiny, almost reflective
The finish you pick should depend on what you are painting. Matte, flat enamel, and eggshell are good choices for most of the walls in your home. They cover nicely and aren’t distracting from the rest of your décor. Satin finishes work very nicely in bathrooms and kitchens – they stand up well under cleaning and give a beautiful look to these rooms which are already some of the most important in the house. Satin also works well for children’s homes.
Semi-glass and gloss are better choices for painting trim, cabinets, and other small areas which could use a dramatic look. You want to be careful about choosing these finishes for larger jobs because if your wall has any imperfections they will stand out with this type of paint.
Choosing House Paint
Whether you’re choosing an interior or an exterior paint, you’ll find they generally break down into two categories: latex and oil-based. Most of the paint sold today is the latex variety because it’s easier to clean up after, easier to apply, has less odor, and dries faster than oil-based types. On the other hand, you may want to choose an oil-based paint if you’re working with an area already covered in several layers of oil-based paint or if you are painting an exterior with a lot of chalking. Otherwise, latex is probably your best choice.
Also, remember to pay attention to whether you are getting an interior or an exterior paint. Exterior paints are formulated for greater resistance against the elements so they are your best choice for outdoor painting. That greater resistance doesn’t mean they would be a good choice inside your home, however. When it comes to paint, always remember to pick the one that’s made for the job you have to do – you’ll get better results.
Important Tips for Buying Car Tires
By · CommentsWhen your car breaks down, you expect to spend quite a bit of money to fix the problem. You don’t usually think of spending hundreds of dollars for maintenance but that’s what happens when you are buying car tires. To help you get the most from your investment, you should follow some basic tips.
Buying Car Tires: The Basics
Once a month you should be checking the wear and tear of your tires. You may not realize it but as your tires get older your car won’t handle in the same way as before. You’ll be more likely to slide, have a harder time stopping, etc. That’s why it’s important to change your tires periodically.
When you do get new tires, replace all four at the same time. The best way to extend the life of your tires is to make sure they all receive the right amount of wear and tear – if one tire is taking the brunt of the punishment it’s not going to last very long. By having new tires placed on your car and by having your tires rotated periodically during the life of those tires, you’ll be able to save yourself some money down the road.
Before buying car tires, however, you need to know which tires you need. Look at your current tires and you’ll find the information you need. You’ll see a P (that stands for passenger) followed by the tire’s width, height, and diameter. If you can’t find the number, take your car to a tire shop or auto repair shop. They’ll be able to tell you.
Make sure you get a warranty on your tires. Tires are vulnerable to punctures and damage so it’s nice to have that warranty to help you cover the costs if something happens to the tires. Go for the best warranty you can afford, but remember some warranty is better than none.
Buying Car Tires & Keeping Them in Good Shape
As mentioned above, one way to extend the life of your car tires is by having them rotated periodically. The cost is minimal, but you’ll be spreading the wear and tear over the tires more evenly. That also means when you do replace all four tires, all four tires will be in need of replacing.
Another tip is to keep your tires properly inflated. Invest in an air pressure gauge so you can’t make sure your tires are not under- or over-inflated. Both conditions can cause problems, including faster wear, increase “blow out” risk, and greater fuel usage. Tires with too much or not enough air in them also make the car unstable and harder to handle.
Finally, make sure to have your wheels aligned regularly. Wheel alignment just means the tires’ angles are adjusted. Alignment will reduce excessive tire wear and can even improve gas mileage for your vehicle. Your owner’s manual should include a recommendation for how often a wheel alignment should be done, but usually it’s once every 10,000 miles. The cost of the service is $50 to $100 for all four wheels but it will save you money in the long run.
Mold and Mildew: Big But Preventable Problems
By · CommentsNo one wants to hear the words “Mold and mildew problem” in connection with their home. Mold has become one of those red flags that will dramatically decrease the value of your home and, even worst, that can cause illness in your family.
Generally, mold and mildew (two names for basically the same thing) grow in your home where you have areas of dampness and humidity. Basements, for example, are a favorite spot for mold growth because they are prone to leaks and dampness, plus they are dark which is also good for mold growth.
Mold and Mildew Removal
We were thankful that our home didn’t have any mold issues. Our neighbor was not so lucky. When he decided to put his house on the market, he soon found out that mold was growing in his basement and he had to do something about it.
Professional mold removal is quite expensive and usually involves a lot of home destruction. However, you don’t always need to call in a professional right away. First, you should try some DIY methods. Go through and get rid of anything that has been damaged by mold, including insulation, carpeting, etc. Then create a mixture of ¼ cup bleach to a gallon of water then clean the mold area with the bleach mixture. Let it air dry.
Keep an eye on the area for a bit. If you see mold growing again, repeat the procedure but this time use a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner. Be very careful when using TSP because it is dangerous and very powerful. If that still doesn’t stop the mold growth, then you’ll need to call a professional.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
You’re definitely better off preventing the growth of mold in your home than trying to remove it. The good news is there are a couple of ways you can prevent mold. For starters, make sure your home is leak-free and mold-free when you buy it. Any leak – no matter how small – can lead to mold growth. Also, make sure you thoroughly clean your home after any flooding – that excess water will definitely lead to mold growth.
Besides those tips, you should also do what you can to remove humid air from your home. Humidity is caused when the air is warmer and holds in more moisture. Even though you can’t see that moisture, it can cause enough dampness in your home to cause mold growth.
The easiest step is to always use the fans in your bathroom and your kitchen. These are the two areas which produce the most humidity, so having those fans suck the hot moist air out of your home is a definite advantage for you. You should also make sure both fans are properly working – many times they aren’t and that’s something that goes unnoticed for a long time.
Another idea is to upgrade your fans and vents to a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) – this refers to how much air is being moved from your home. The higher your CFM the more air is being removed and the less likely your home is to develop mold.
The bottom line when it comes to mold and mildew is prevention is your best option but if that doesn’t work out then try a few home treatments before calling for professional help.
Cleaning Up with the Best Vacuum Cleaner
By · CommentsHomes need vacuum cleaners but choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your needs can be a real challenge. Recently, I had to make this important decision after our current vacuum stopped working right in the middle of cleaning the carpet. What I discovered was that making the choice is about compromise and that there’s a better option more people should be considering.
Picking the Best Vacuum Cleaner for You
When you check out the vacuum section of your local store, you’re likely to find four main types of vacuums. The smallest is the handheld – it’s great for cleaning up small messes but you’d end up wasting a lot of time trying to clean your whole house with one of them. We have one, but we keep it near the computer desk and don’t use it that often.
You’ll also find stick vacuums which are relatively new. They take up less room than other vacuums, but they also have less power. If you have limited space, this could be a good choice for you but it wouldn’t be my first choice.
The two main options for vacuum cleaners are canisters and uprights. Neither option is perfect. If you have stairs, an upright vacuum won’t be very useful in cleaning them. Canister vacuums, on the other hand, are harder to move around so they don’t work as well for vacuuming larger areas. Some families actually buy one of each so they have the best of both worlds, and that’s probably a good option if you can afford it.
Another thing you’ll probably notice about vacuum cleaners is that price varies. You can spend anywhere from $30 to $600 on a vacuum. Just remember you typically get what you pay for. Many of the pricier models also come with warranties or guarantees. Do some research online and look at reviews of different vacuums to see which ones are getting the best scores.
I’d also recommend looking for vacuums with HEPA filtration to reduce the allergens in your home’s air and for bagless vacuums. Yes, you have to still empty them but at least you won’t have to spend money for bags or worry about running out of bags during a big cleaning.
An Alternative Best Vacuum Cleaner
In my search to find the best vacuum cleaner, I did manage to track down another option. Now we don’t have this installed in our home (yet!) but two of our neighborhoods have and they love it. It’s called a central vacuum system. You basically have a vacuum cleaner built right into your home. Tubes connect the vacuum to a series of pipes running through your home which take the dust, allergens, and dirt out of your home completely instead of keeping them in the vacuum or a trash can.
The costs are a bit high. One manufacturer’s product with installation starts at $1,000 which isn’t much more than what you’d pay for one of the high-end Dyson vacuums. Of course, the costs depend on the model you choose, the accessories you want, and the amount of installation work required.
Besides the convenience, these systems are supposed to be quieter and more effective than traditional vacuum cleaners. I’d definitely recommend having one installed if you’re having a house built but it’s worth considering even for an existing home.
