When deciding on whether or not to use curtains or blinds in your home, it is very unlikely you have ever considered plantation shutters. In fact, it is unlikely you know what plantation shutters are, though you will undoubtedly have seen them in action.
Let's deal with what they actually are first, then you'll know that they are, indeed, a viable option for your home.
Traditionally made of wood, plantation shutters are interior shutters consisting of broad slats set in a solid frame and mounted within the window frame. Although usually made of wood, they can also be manufactured in plastic, lightweight metals and other composite materials. These, depending on their construction, can be painted or dyed and are a more environmentally friendly than the use of wood.
The design of plantation shutters allows the slats to be adjusted to control airflow and light. This is especially useful in hot climates where the flow of air keeps the room cool while the slats keep out the heat and light as well.
Also known as louvres and jalousies, plantation shutters can be custom shaped and sized to fit almost any window and even doors. While the basic design of these shutters has been around since the Middle Ages, they get their name from the fact they were used extensively in Caribbean and American South plantation homes.
These homes rarely had glass windows so the plantation shutter was used, as they could be closed to keep out rain in inclement weather and opened again when the sun and baking heat returned for ventilation.
While your home will presumably have glass windows and therefore have no need for such practicality, the plantation shutter's versatility and range of designs make it ideal for creating a feature and improving the decor in your chosen room and, of course, will still help keep out the light when you want to.
Standard shutters usually cover the whole of the window with a rod in the middle to open and close the slats. In wide windows or doorways they will be hinged so they can be pushed to the side to allow full access.
Café-style plantation shutters will cover only half or part the window, allowing for privacy without covering the entire window. Such is their versatility that they can even be designed to fit triangular or circular windows.
So where would you use plantation shutters in your home? Typical rooms include living rooms, especially across patio doors for example, kitchens, where you would use the café-style to great effect, and possibly even in conservatories for that added bit of privacy.
If you choose wood for your shutters, then you have the opportunity to stain them or varnish them, increasing their attractiveness, while plastic or composite materials can be painted to match the decor of the rest of the room in which you're having them fitted. Consider aluminium (or other lightweight metal) slats for a more modern, contemporary look. This could work very well in a modern kitchen.
Ian Grainger is writing on behalf of Signature Shade, suppliers of plantation shutters.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Grainger
http://flooringstory-online.blogspot.com/
What Are Plantation Shutters & Why Should I Use Them?
Underfloor Heating - Use and Principle of Operation
Use
Underfloor heating is suitable for most new housing applications and in some cases refurbishments and conversions with low heat losses. It is more suited for buildings and areas of continuous or frequent use and is particularly suited for areas with high ceilings.
It is not suitable for areas that are used intermittently, have high heat losses and where large amounts of equipment or furniture are fixed to the floor. In addition underfloor heating is not suited for areas, where in the future, the location of partition walls may need to be changed.
In the case of retrofitting in existing buildings the floor construction and insulation properties may mean that the use of underfloor heating is not a viable proposition. As a result the market place for underfloor heating is mainly restricted to new builds, including extensions, where the building design can accommodate the installation requirements and reap the benefit of energy efficiency to its maximum potential.
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of the wet underfloor heating system is that heated water is circulated through an arrangement of plastic pipes which are embedded in the floor structure.
The two main types of floor structures for underfloor heating are solid floor and timber floor, each type having various construction methods depending on the overall floor make up and its designed purpose of use.
As the surface area of the floor is large compared to a radiator the floor surface temperature required to heat the room is low and close to the actual room temperature. The correct design of underfloor heating systems should be carried out in accordance with BS EN 1264: 1998 "Floor heating - Systems and components". This states that the maximum floor surface temperature should not exceed 29ºC for occupied areas, 35ºC for peripheral areas and 33ºC for bathrooms and changing areas. However, it is suggested that for areas where the occupants are in contact with the floor for long periods of time, that it does not exceed 25ºC. In the case of timber floors and other delicate floor coverings a maximum surface temperature of 27ºC is specified.
The floor surface temperature and therefore the heat produced by the system are determined by:
1. The spacing of the pipes embedded in the floor structure.
2. The thermal conductance of the floor structure and floor covering.
3. The water flow rate and water flow temperature.
The pipe spacing and proposed floor make up are fixed at the design stage, any change in the floor covering can have a dramatic affect on the performance and thermal comfort conditions produced by the system, so this needs to be carefully considered.
Control of the system once installed is therefore achieved by varying the water temperature, either by manual adjustment or automatically using weather compensation and by controlling the water flow to individual areas/circuits using room and floor thermostats in conjunction with two port valves fitted to the floor heating circuits.
| Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_G_Taylor | |
Facts About Recycled Playground Rubber Flooring
You probably have noticed the special flooring at a number of playgrounds in your area. The surface does not look anything like asphalt, or any other traditional pavement you are familiar with. That is not surprising, as more and more playground and sports facilitates are switching from old-fashioned flooring options to more efficient, contemporary solutions. This includes rubber playground flooring.
The progress established in recycled rubber products has made incredible leaps in the last few years. Especially the playground rubber flooring industry has developed rapidly, creating flooring options that are not only very attractive; playground rubber tiles are also durable, weather resistant, shock absorbent, and reduce noise substantially. These are remarkable qualities, which are much appreciated in areas where children play.
Benefits of Playground Rubber Flooring
Floors made from recycled rubber offer the following advantages:
- They are easy to walk on.
- Recycled rubber products are extremely durable. Your flooring will last!
- New colours and patterns give your flooring a stylish appearance.
- Playground rubber surfaces are non-skid and safe for children and adults.
- Stain resistant and easy to clean.
- The superior sound-absorbing characteristics will make these floors ideal for playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, home gyms, as well as sports and recreational facilities.
- Taking all the costs accumulated over the lifespan of a floor into consideration, rubber flooring continues to be an extremely low-cost solution. It peaks in longevity, and is easier to maintain than most other playground floors.
- This eco-friendly, recycled product, made from tires is in high demand by environmentally conscious citizens and organizations.
Buying Tips
It is not every day that you go out and buy playground rubber flooring. Therefore, inform yourself about your choices and the supplier advertising recycled rubber products. The following tips may help you find the best deal for your money.
- Study your rubber flooring options, including the dimensions of the tiles. Like with all flooring, you will be offered various sizes and thickness levels.
- Look for suppliers offering quantity discounts. If they are announcing a sale, wait to order your playground rubber tiles until the promotion has started.
- If you are not set on specific tile colours and patterns, find those flooring providers that give price breaks on pre-stocked tiles, or who often reduce the price on less popular colours.
- Research your flooring supplier's reputation. Contact the references you requested to determine if the floor is performing as anticipated. Politely ask who installed the playground rubber flooring, and if the work was done right. Finding a Class A installer is as important as buying the best possible floors.
Maintenance
- Never use abrasive scouring pads or steel wool on rubber playground flooring.
- Avoid cheap, coloured cleaning pads as they can stain flooring. Simply use a soft hand brush to remove heavily soiled areas.
- Acidic solvents can cause rubber floors to deteriorate. Do not use them!
- The best way to clean recycled rubber flooring is by sweeping them regularly. Indoor surfaces can also be wiped with a damp cloth or soft mop.
Follow these simple cleaning instructions and you
http://flooringstory-online.blogspot.com/
Factors to Consider in Laminate Flooring Pricing
A home remodeling project with laminate flooring requires you to research laminate flooring pricing. Some people just grab the first laminate floor materials they come across without comparing costs. However, there are many differences in laminate flooring choices. To make the best selection, it is imperative to understand the relationship of features to laminate flooring pricing.
HPL vs. DPL Laminates
The layers of laminate floors are manufactured in two different ways. In HPL, or High Pressure Laminate, a core is made. Then, there are layers that are made and treated separately before being fused around the core for a total of 5 layers. The High Pressure Laminate has a very hard surface.
DPL, or Direct Pressure Laminate, also is made the same way, but has one less layer. It is still strong enough for most residential uses. The DPL laminate flooring pricing is usually less expensive, and it should be more than adequate in your home.
Abrasion Class Rating
Another factor that figures into laminate flooring pricing is the Abrasion Class Rating, or AC Rating. This is a measurement of impact-resistance determined by an organization outside the laminate flooring manufacturers. The ratings go from AC1, which is moderate residential, to AC5, which is heavy commercial. While the laminate flooring pricing in this area goes from lowest to highest here, that is not necessarily an indication of quality. It is partly a sign of the type of application the particular laminate flooring is best suited for.
Installation Types
The way a laminate floor is meant to be installed also affects the laminate flooring pricing. There is one type of laminate that is installed by clicking it into place with your hands. This is a very inexpensive type of laminate. The glue-down type is not only more expensive, it is also messier. If you purchase laminate flooring with built-in underlayment or padding, it will cost more, but without it you may have to consider the cost of buying these flooring supplies separately.
Embossing vs. Smooth
The laminate flooring pricing of embossed surfaces vs. smooth surfaces is not exactly clear cut. Some laminates have embossing that makes them look like they have a natural wood grain, a distressed wood look, or a simple texturing that gives the appearance of a natural flooring type. Others are simply smooth and rely on their photographic layer to convey the appearance desired. Sometimes the cost difference is a matter of availability, and sometimes the plain is cheaper because it is easier to manufacture. In any case, consider the laminate flooring pricing before you make your decision about purchasing your laminate flooring.
Various Floor Heating Solutions for Complete Floor Warmth
Warm comfortable flooring can make a good start of your day in the chilling winters or cold weathers. Instead of putting on your socks, stockings or slippers, you can roam around bare feet inside your home and also feel the warmth in the entire room. If you are looking for something similar, Underfloor Heating is the perfect solution for you. It gives your entire house a cozy ambiance and also helps your entire body to stay warm and comfortable. Nothing can be more satisfying than this in the cold days of any season.
The different types of underfloor heating comprises of electric, radiant, electric radiant and water underfloor heating and many more. Each has its own advantages and suits the requirements as per specification. With the finest of service providers offering world class systems, you can choose any of the heating options that fit your criteria.
An electric floor heating system uses heating cables, plates and various other formats to heat the flooring. Be it wooden, tiles, laminated, marble or stone flooring, electric floor heating can prove effective. The installation can be done by expert technician and the fittings are performed with ease. Be it any part of the home like living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, balconies or any other area, electric radiant floor can do wonders. Apart from this, there is radiant floor that enable heating the entire room without leaving out any place.
Radiant floor heating can be installed at all places of your home and gives utmost satisfying effect. An electric radiant floor is also available. As the clients and customers differ in their requirements, there are varieties of options offered by service providers to choose from.
If you are looking for options in Underfloor Heating systems and are keen to know more about Radiant Floor Heating and Electric Radiant Floor, then visit http://www.pexheat.com
Pexheat.com has been designing and selling Radiant Floor Heating systems since 2002. We are authorized dealers and trained designers of the most reliable floor heating products like electric radiant heating, underfloor heating, PEX Tubing are available in the world. Visit our online store at Pexheat.com to buy or learn about the products for your system
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pitter_Kedar
http://flooringstory-online.blogspot.com/
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
During past few years, hardwood flooring has undergone many changes. From having purely functional role (covering floor) to having fashionable stylish function. This is where finish came into the picture. Today, there are numerous options for hardwood flooring, for every kind of house available on the market. You just need to choose flooring that fits in your home. If you are fun of classic interior design, maybe the best option for you is choose little unusual, modern flooring because that kind of flooring will put your home decor on different level.
Prefinished hardwood flooring is becoming very popular nowadays. As you probably know, it was impossible to buy prefinished classic floor a decade or more ago. That forced people to spend time on staining and protecting the floor with coat and shine after installation. That is no longer case. Today you can buy prefinished quality floor and forget about it after installation. It definitely is a time saver.
Various hardwood manufactures can offer various colors of flooring. Couple that with numerous sizes of boards, patterns and finishes and you'll notice that there is an extremely big number of options available today. Great thing about stylish flooring is that it fits in modern home design. The thing is that, today, the most of young people desire modern home decor in there's new home. Choose right flooring is the best start point for new interior design. Don't be afraid to use colours and different patterns.
Still, when you've chosen colour and pattern for your home, is very important that your flooring is functional. Thickness is very important factor if you are buying new hardwood floor. Thickness of layer dictates how many times you can refinish the floor in the future.
There are lots of different chemicals used in various finishes. The newest innovation is aluminum oxide. Other popular solutions are UV cured, acrylic and urethane. Also, the number of coats determines how good will floor shine. Prefinished hardwood flooring requires less maintenance and therefore there is higher demand for that. Because of that it is more popular than regular hardwood flooring because there is lesser amount of work required during installation.
So to repeat it once again. Prefinished hardwood flooring is very popular nowadays because of its ease of installation. There is no need for additional work after installation. It might cost a little bit more money than usual, regular flooring, but it saves you from applying coatings etc.
I enjoy writing in my free time. My latest article was about Wall Painting Techniques and Modern Window Treatments
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elena_Bullock
http://flooringstory-online.blogspot.com/
Radiant Floor Heating – A Cost Effective Green Alternative That Works
Picture yourself waking up on a chilly morning. Instead of reaching for the slippers, you are able to place your feet on a warm carpeted floor. With every step, the warmth remains constant, radiating up into the room to warm the air and environment. This scenario can be possible with radiant floor heating. These specially designed adhesive mats with protected heating cables can be installed under any type of flooring to produce a clean efficient method to heat the home. This can be use as a primary or secondary source of heat. Not only is it energy efficient, but it reduces air-borne allergens that can be transferred through a duct heating system.
There are two types of radiant floor heating mats that can be used in the home. One type of mat is called the Quickmat. This is a self adhesive mat made from quality materials that is used under tile or stone flooring. Another type of mat is called the NetMat. This is used under carpet or wood and can also be used in floor joists. Each room has its own programmable thermostat. This adds to energy savings by being able to turn down rooms that are not being used. The cost of using a mat is equal to the amount of energy used by one light bulb.
Radiant floor heating can be used in kitchens, bathrooms basements and garages. There is even a snow melting mat that can be used under the walkway. The heat from this mat will melt snow and ice, making the walkway safe again in the winter. The value of radiant floor heating cannot be underestimated. The low cost and ease of installation also make floor heating the perfect solution for remodeling needs. Expensive energy depleting heat sources can be replaced with energy saving “Green” sources, saving on money while improving the environment.
Radiant electric floor heating can not only dramatically reduce heating bills, but will also add to the value of the home. Everyone looks to the future for cost effective solutions that can save money and resources. Radiant floor heating is one such resource. When buying a home, energy expense can be a determining factor. The affordability and warmth provided by this method would be an important investment for the new home buyer. Just walking onto a warm heated floor instead of a cold drafty room would make anyone want to own or install the radiant floor heating system.
http://flooringstory-online.blogspot.com/
Beat the Winter Chill with Electric Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating has become very popular in the recent years over other traditional methods of heating like baseboard heating, forced-air heating etc. And among its many forms, electric floor heating is the most preferred option whether it's under floor heating or above floor. And why not, it is the most effective form that you can get maximum results with the bare minimal energy losses. This is great in terms of money saving, as well as beneficial for the environment in general. It is also good news to people with heat allergy symptoms, as in this form of heating no air escapes through the ducts.
Electric floor heating can be carried out in many ways viz; by using electric radiant floor, and also by using radiant floor wires or mats. The advantage of using electric radiant floor heating is that it offer comfort in the heating of the home by providing true radiant heat and not just heating the air that surrounds them.
Electric floor heating are great options while undergoing new construction or remodeling and in projects of any size. This type of floor heating proves very profitable in areas with low electricity prices.
What exactly are Electric radiant floor? Well, they are nothing but a method of heating where electric cables are built into the floor. And the heat thus generated exudes warmth in the room, or desired area.
The other Underfloor heating or radiant floor option apart from electric heating is the hydronic radiant floors that use water. The process involves allowing hot water to pass through the PEX tubing which gradually warms the room.
Logging online to avail the best radiant floor services is a smart idea. And the reasons are many: you can find the one that apply specifically to your home or office. You can also avail premium discounts, as most of the websites offering electric floor heating services have this option for their online clients.
http://flooringstory-online.blogspot.com/
The Need of Steam Cleaning in Veterinary Clinics Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4700728
Given a large percentage of pets admitted in veterinary clinics carrying various types of illnesses, infection and parasites, veterinary clinics should maintain and keep a healthy and hygienic environment. Regular cleaning and sanitizing is a must for veterinary areas including waiting room floors, veterinary surgeries, operating tables, surgery benches, animal holding cages, sinks and walls that can only be achieved with steam cleaning.
Why steam cleaning?
Steam cleaning is the ultimate cleaning solution for veterinary clinics that will improve its cleaning standards. It is the most effective way in disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces. It is a cleaning system powered by a dynamic tool known as steam cleaners such as Jetsteam Maxi and Jetvac Compact are two of those steam cleaner machines that are ideal for daily or regular cleaning in maintaining a hygienic clinic.
These steam cleaners use only water converted to a high quality steam as a natural cleaning agent that instantly kills viruses, germs and bacteria. It can penetrate deeply into surfaces like floors, tile and grout, rugs and carpet leaving it dry and sanitized with no chemical residues left behind. Stainless steel tables, counters, fixtures and stools, restroom fixtures, blinds and curtains, upholstery and fabrics are all cleaned and sanitize too. Other than that, it deep steam floor of cages and can remove animal urine stains and odor.
Steam is the safer way and the best alternative for disinfecting veterinary areas and not using chemicals that can be hazardous to animals. Saves time, labor and chemical cost, effective, effortless and environmentally friendly.
If you would like to know more of these products, visit Tecnovap - has been steam cleaning experts since 1992, a leading supplier of highly quality and effective commercial steam cleaners and steam vacuums, the cleaning solutions for all surfaces. Distributed Australia and New Zealand wide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Fuller
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4700728
http://flooringstory-online.blogspot.com/
RSS Feed (xml)
