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Using Gloss, Satin or Flat on Your Home
How do you know which finish is best to use when painting your home? The answer requires analysis of a few factors. For instance, where do you live? Is it hot year round or do seasons change? The biggest factor in making the choice between a gloss and semi–gloss or flat is durability over aesthetics.
Consider this: On a bright sunny day a full gloss paint covering a two-story home will create amazing glare and bounce back light rendering it almost impossible to look at. Sure, gloss paint lasts longer than others, but will the trade off be worth it when a semi-gloss will do nicely and add greater aesthetics to your home?
There is one stigma associated with gloss surfaces -- shinny looks new and fresh! Sure, a flat finish leaves a neutral base, but a semi-gloss is better middle of the road finish.
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Plumbing Fittings Augment Clear Drains
The simplest way to know that plumbing is on par is if there are no clogs or a noticeable decrease in draining flow. Plumbing fittings take care of that. For bathtubs, overflow tubing and drain fittings should keep everything balanced, while a closet flange takes care of toilet drainage. A trap primer maintains seals so that toxic gases do not build up, and is aided by a sanitary tee, which helps the water continue to go into the traps.
For plumbing fittings that are at 45 degree angles, a wye tee (as its name suggests) sets the course. A prime example of a wye and 45-degree elbow is the combo tee, a curvature that provides easier access for an auger or snake should blockage occur. Do you always have to remove major components or pipe systems to get to a clogged drain? Not necessarily, if you have a clean-out. Your set of plumbing fittings would not be complete without a few of these. All it takes is several add-ons to have the water flow where and how it belongs.
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Home tool kit
Every home needs a tool kit, but what to buy first? It is hard to imagine how one would get along without these tools: Screwdrivers Buy the fancy one with several different tips stored in the handle. Make sure the handle is large enough to get a good, comfortable grip. Pliers A pair of quality adjustable pliers is a a must. Buy a couple of sizes of Channel-lock type pliers. A pair of needle-nosed Vise-grips is invaluable. Hammer Buy a quality claw hammer. 12 ounces is a good starter size. Flashlight By all means, buy several flashlights, but keep a small one in your toolbox. Throw some extra batteries in there, too. Tool box It is tempting to throw your tools in the junk drawer in the kitchen, but have you looked in there lately? There is stuff in there that you thought you lost long ago. Buy a small tool box and keep your tools in it. You will always know where they are. Fair warning Once you discover the tool department at your DIY store, expect to become addicted. Each time you enter, you will see the neatest thing that you just can´t live without. The clerk in the tool department is a good person to know. He (she) can recommend the right tool for the job.
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An Outdoor Thermometer Takes the Guesswork out of Getting Ready
How nice would it be to not always have to check the online weather forecast or have to brave the elements to determine the temperature? An outdoor thermometer is your answer. This nifty device lets you know what to expect in Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees, and in some models, also the precipitation and humidity levels. For optimal results, place your outdoor thermometer out of the direct sun and in an appropriate area if also doubling as a rainfall gauge.
There are wall-mounted, window-cling, and stand-alone models, all of which come in an impressive array of designs. Sure, you can have an outdoor thermometer that resembles the traditional model of thought, but if desiring something a bit jazzier, go for it. Glass, dial, and digital thermometers resemble pieces of art, stopwatches, and scientific instruments. Some include clocks, swivel, are backlit for night time viewing, and have memories to store high and low temperatures of record. In rustproof finishes that evoke antique, modern, vintage, and avant-garde, your outdoor thermometer will blend in and yet stand out.
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GFI
That funny outlet is also called a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It is probably located somewhere close to water; the kitchen sink, the bathroom, outdoors, or the garage. The outlet is designed to constantly measure the current in the black wire against the current in the white wire. A very small difference between the two wires will cause the outlet to shut off the current very quickly. If you drop the hair dryer into the bathtub, or run over the extension cord with the electric mower, the outlet shuts off. The buttons are there so you can test the operation of the outlet. Since the outlet is close to water, and has metal moving parts, it is possible that the parts can rust. That is why it is important to test it once a month. Just push the TEST button. The button should pop out and the outlet should shut off. Then push the RESET button to turn the power back on. If the outlet does not work like it should, you can replace it pretty inexpensively. Also see the categories Safety, and When Do I Call An Electrician.
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Your Lawn and Garden: Opportunities for Artistic Embellishment
If ever there was a perfect spot for creative design, it's your lawn and garden. The fencing or gate is usually the first noticeable trait, be it wrought iron, plastic, wooden, ornamental, or modest in appearance. After that, let artistry shine! Even with the smallest allotment of lawn and garden, you can have a sandbox and play space for kids, a highlight of flowers, and an entertainment area for social gatherings. Depending on the exact acreage, a gazebo can designate where parties begin. There may still be a koi or turtle pond to accommodate every size yard, or a wishing well, decorative planters, and trellis of blooms to adorn the area.
Lanterns enhance your lawn and garden, as do a brick walkway, stepping stones, mosaic tiles, and multi-colored mulch. Flags, statues, string lights, fountains (functional for animals or purely decorative), and sundials are also quite affective. The potting bench full of fertilizer, soil, trowel, gloves, and seeds may initiate a comparable size of your lawn and garden, but the overall presentation is the star.
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Designing your deck
Most DIY stores have a deck planning software program that will let you see what your deck will look like. Take measurements in with you. Measure the side of the house, showing doors, windows, offsets, electric meter, gas meter, water hydrants, etc. Also measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the door. The design software will show you not only a picture of your design, but will also provide a material list and price of materials. Don´t be afraid to experiment. Look at building the deck around two or even three sides of the house. Try different levels. For example, my deck is L-shaped, with three levels, the tallest level being about 36 inches off the ground.
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Moth Balls Preserve Cherished Items Through the Seasons
If you’re not using moth balls to preserve delicate or wool blankets and clothing, you may be risking irrevocable damage. Moths, silverfish, and mice can squeeze into extremely tiny spaces and chew on your treasured belongings, often undetected before it’s too late. By placing moth balls and delicate items together in airtight garment bags, storage bins or trunks, you prevent any harmful critter from feasting on your possessions. The sealed environment allows for the chemicals to build up and create an air that deters critters, that are either just within the bag or become absorbed by the container.
Moth balls are usually sold in packs, and are for one-time use. When you’re ready to take your things out of storage, open them up in a well-ventilated room or preferably outside. Discard the repellent, add some scented fabric to your belongings, and wash to freshen. When it’s time to pack them away again, seal them back up with new moth balls. It's a quick and convenient way to preserve your favorite clothing.
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