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Премудрость окна: Направляющий выступ приобретения окна
Мимолётный взгляд на конструкции Лондон 2011 100%!
Получите ваше готовое системы HVAC на лето
Напольные кухни приспособленные для шеф-поваров знаменитости

Премудрость окна: Направляющий выступ приобретения окна

Posted: 07 Jun 2011 12:12 PM PDT

Today we are continuing our Window Wisdom series sponsored by Marvin Windows and Doors by sharing our window buying guide. Last week we showed you what it takes to evaluate the current state of your windows by performing a window audit, which will educate you on making a decision to repair or replace a window. Replacing windows should not be a decision to be taken lightly so we recommend you do everything you can to repair your current windows. But due to age, weather, neglect or a remodel, you will probably face the prospect of replacing a window or multiple windows in your home at some point.

This weeks article sheds some light in how to properly "window shop" and we've got a window buying guide that will help you ask the right questions before spending hundred or thousands of dollars on new windows.

Window Materials
Wood frames are a good choice for windows used in remodeling projects. Their pre-attached exterior brick moldings blend well with the look of existing windows. Replacement sashes are also available and can improve existing windows. Wood brings a classic look and warmth to a home and if you have an older home and need to stick to the style, then wood might be your only choice.

Clad-frame windows feature an aluminum or vinyl shell. They are used most frequently in new construction and are attached with nailing flanges that fit underneath the siding material. Know what kind of clad you're purchasing - the quality can range from roll-form aluminum, the thickness of a pop can, to extruded aluminum. Vinyl clad windows come in a variety of colors and a benefit is they don't need painting and require less maintenance than wood windows. Another option is a fiberglass composite window - stronger than vinyl, but slightly more expensive.

Picking Your Glass
Several types of glass are available depending on your use and application so determine what glass properties are important to you before buying.

Single-pane glass is outdated in most situations and suitable only in very mild climates or in outbuildings. Double-pane windows have a sealed air space between the layers of glass to reduce heat loss. They are available in several variations with improved insulating ability, including "low-E" glass with an invisible coating of metal on one surface and windows containing an inert gas like argon. If you're in a colder climate, you may even want to consider tripane windows - the three panes of glass are sealed with a mix of gases including argon, or even krypton.

In hot climates consider double-glazed tinted glass as it reduces heat build-up.

Tempered glass has extra strength for use in patio windows or doors and large picture windows.

Energy Efficient Windows
R-values of windows listed in manufacturers' catalogs indicate the energy efficiency of the unit. Higher R-values indicated better insulating properties.

Top Quality windows can have an R-value as high as 4.0. Low-E glass helps to prevent sun damage to interior surfaces such as upholstery fabric drapery and carpet by blocking harmful sunlight.

Window Styles
Here are some examples of popular window styles with photos courtesy of Marvin Windows & Doors.

Casement Windows

These types of windows will pivot on hinges located on the side of the window frame. They are available in a variety of sizes and in multi-window units that can combine sometimes as many as five separate windows.

Мимолётный взгляд на конструкции Лондон 2011 100%!

Posted: 07 Jun 2011 02:00 AM PDT

100% Design is back at Earls Court in London from the 22nd – 25th of September 2011. This exhibition has earned it’s place at the top contemporary design show in the UK. There promises to be the latest products and interior design concepts from new talent and professionals in the industry at the top of their game.

Below is a sneak preview into who will be there:

Superb craftsmanship and concepts from new design team Young and Norgate!

Young and Norgate are a new design team based in Devon, UK and will be presenting their elegant furniture collection for the first time. They are a small team of manufacturers and designers who design high-end quality contemporary furniture using hand picked materials from many local sources like FSC timber, and top class leather products from Scotland and go as far as New York City for their ironmongery. Their aim is to use top quality products in order for their furniture to age well over time and look even better in the future.

Graphic designer Kirath Ghundoo will be showcasing her expressive wall paper designs!

Kirath was originally a graphic designer but now loves illustration, surface pattern design using geometric influences with striking colors incorporating graphic and handmade techniques. By using her love of gold, bold colors, neon, and clashing concepts she creates eye catching opulence to any interior room. Her wall paper can be mixed into diverse patterns or in any particular pattern theme. She gets a lot of inspiration from the fashion world and will be launching her new dramatic collection this September at the show.

Assembly Room Furniture was developed in 2010 to compliment their commercial practice!

Assembly Room was founded in 2003 by Cathy Spooner, furniture and product designer and Peter Wall, interior and furniture designer, both earning BA Hons degrees in their fields. They are interior design consultants, who ran an interior design commercial studio, then in 2010 launched Assembly Room Furniture in 2010 to work in conjunction with the original side of the studio. The furniture side focuses on exact clients needs for their interior while also promoting their own concepts. They also design bespoke items and are experts in interior space planning.

Not Only White will be showcasing their latest talented bathroom designs!

Not Only White are a Dutch team based in Amsterdam, who have forged great relationships with top world class architects and interior designers in the industry, supply retail stores, and work alongside property developers. They will be showcasing there very latest work especially for the show in September.

Robert Timmons manufactures exclusive durable products!

Robert Timmons and his team are famous for their exclusive designer kitchens and manufacturing high quality durable materials and products. They work very closely alongside private clients and architects and are renowned for their long lasting designs. They use a lot of bespoke steel, Corian and composite stone in their works. Based in Dartford, London they have been on the exhibiting circuit for some years and continue to impress visitors and industry professionals.

Also featured at the event will be 100% Futures concentrating on edgy innovative products and promoting our future stars. 100% Materials will also have an exclusive area to give inspiration to all architects, designers and industry professionals with a brand new range of textures, hard surface finishes, innovative high tech processes and other new design materials to get them excited about there next collections. Workshops will be ran throughout the event where visitors will be allowed to touch and find out more about these wonderful new industry materials.

Anyone and everyone in the design world will be at this spectacular event, which has over 400 exhibitors. So a date for the diary, not to be missed!

Получите ваше готовое системы HVAC на лето

Posted: 06 Jun 2011 12:00 PM PDT

You home needs to breathe. And when your home breathes well, so do you. And how do you make sure of that? Well, a healthy HVAC system is the best place to start.

So, as warmer, and more humid weather is working its way closer and closer, it may be time to look at how your home is breathing, so that you can breathe more easily this summer.

Home and garden expert Alyssa Davis weighs in on how to go about it.

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Once the cold days of winter are over, it’s time to turn your attention to your air conditioning system. Unless you live in a very warm climate, you probably won’t need your air conditioner until the hot days of summer arrive. However, you don’t want to wait until you really need your air conditioner to give it a thorough inspection. By inspecting your HVAC system early, you’ll have a chance to perform your yearly maintenance tasks and get any necessary repairs made before the hot days arrive. Here are some tips you can follow to make sure your HVAC system is ready for summer.

Change the air filters

Keeping the air filters changed on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to keep your HVAC system working efficiently. Clean filters will help ensure that your HVAC is working at its peak level, providing better cooling results as well as helping to keep your energy costs as low as possible. Different HVAC systems use different kinds of filters, and some filters need to be replaced more frequently than others. Consult your owner’s manual to learn more about how your filters should be maintained and replaced. Spring is a great time to make sure your filters are clean before you start using your air conditioner for the summer cooling season.

Clean air ducts, vents and registers

If you have a whole-house air conditioning system in your home, you’ll want to check to make sure your air ducts, vents and registers are clean. Clean any accumulated dust from these areas to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency as well as reduce the amount of dust in your home’s air supply. While you are performing this step, look for any areas where your ductwork might need to be sealed. If there are cracks and crevices between the ductwork pieces, sealing them can keep cool air from escaping.

You should also go outside and inspect your air conditioning unit. If leaves or other kinds of yard debris have accumulated during the winter, remove them so that your unit has proper air flow.

Basic HVAC maintenance tasks

There are also a number of basic HVAC maintenance tasks that should be performed on a regular basis. For example, the evaporator coils of your air conditioner should always be kept free from dust and dirt. Depending on your HVAC system, this could be a simple task or one that is much more complicated. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if this is a maintenance task you can perform. If it seems difficult or complicated, don’t simply skip the maintenance. Instead, contact a qualified HVAC professional to get the job done.

HVAC companies usually offer spring clean-up and check-up up visits for affordable rates. This can be a great way of knowing that everything is in tip-top shape and ready for the summer cooling season. An HVAC professional will also be able to identify and repair any small maintenance issues before they become big problems. The cost of this inexpensive service call could potentially save you a lot of money further down the road.

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Thanks, Alyssa!

Alyssa Davis is a staff writer and specialist in decorating with patio metal wall art and rustic welcome signs for Metal-Wall-Art.com.

Get Your HVAC System Ready For Summer is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

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Напольные кухни приспособленные для шеф-поваров знаменитости

Posted: 06 Jun 2011 09:00 AM PDT

We've all seen our fair share of amazing houses with fancy hobby rooms, kitchens and backyards but how often do we see hobby kitchens in the backyard? Well, the list below is a gallery of stunning outdoor kitchens that look like something you'd see on a "Celebrity Chef" edition of Cribs.

Stone & Stainless Steel

Made up of all flat stone and stainless steal and overlooking a beautiful pool with a waterfall, this elegant outdoor kitchen has ample workspace, counter tops and storage – nearly 360-degrees of luxury kitchen goodness.