Timber & Textiles » Home Exterior

Lighting Universe: The Name Says It All

Mitch Gimber — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:54:18 +0000

When you’re looking for light fixtures for your home, it’s best to look at a large selection, so you know what’s out there, and make an educated decision when choosing what you want. Lighting Universe acts as a liaison between the light manufacturers and the seller, bringing many options and prices together for you on the same page.

If you’re looking to buy a new chandelier for your dining room, you probably have a general picture in mind of what you want; you just have to find the perfect one. You can spend a lot of time and energy, running from store to store to find what you’re looking for, or you can do the serious shopping from the comfort of your home. With the simple click of the mouse, you can have all of the options neatly laid out for you, including their prices. In the Lighting Universe website, everything is divided into categories, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. If your personal taste is traditional or contemporary and modern, Lighting Universe has a large selection of each kind.

Whether you’re looking for lights for the interior of your home or exterior, Lighting Universe has a big selection of both. For the indoors, you can find lights for your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc. The site will introduce you to new and different styles and designs and give you ideas on how to light up your home. For the outdoors, the Lighting Universe offers decorative, security, and flood lights, among a host of other options. In short, just about any kind of light you’ll need, you can find on their website.

Another perk about this site is that they offer free shipping. This means that you pay for the cost of the lights only. They also carry many of the name brands, so you know you’re getting quality merchandise. The website is easy to navigate thereby making the selection process as easy as possible. If you read the Lighting Universe reviews, you will see that most customers are very satisfied with their selection, prices, and prompt service, but some complain that if the actual product is not to their liking, returning it is not a simple process.

No matter if you are looking to light up a small closet or an entire landscape, Lighting Universe will offer what you are looking for. Assuming that you make sure you are going to like what you order, you will be pleased and satisfied when you find the perfect fixture with minimal effort and expense involved.

You Build That Spiral Staircase

Ryan Hawkins — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:57:39 +0000

Some home renovations are relatively simple, so that nearly anyone with a little bit of time could do the remodeling themselves. Like an easy closet system. Other projects wouldn’t be undertaken by anyone less than a licensed contractor. Like digging a pool in the backyard. There are, however, renovations that fall in between. Believe it or not, with spiral staircase kits, spiral staircases are a fairly simple DIY project. With some basic tools and the right kit, any DIY enthusiast could take this one on.

A proper stair kit should include landing, railings, balusters, and treads, as well as easy to follow spiral staircase plans. Many manufacturers have a demonstration DVD or video, as well. With these things and the basic home shop tools, you should be good to go. It’s not a joke. The only question is, what is the spiral staircase design for you? Indoor, outdoor, spacious rooms, tight spaces, wood finish or metal…?

For the contemporary home, a metal spiral staircase with steel treads and clean lines is a perfect choice. The classic black and white contrast is a common buy. PVC hand railing to match the risers (or, steps) complete the look. You can find them in varying stair widths for different sized rooms.

A more classic look, of course, lies in the wooden spiral staircase. Solid Beach wood treads with black balusters or cherry wood with white balusters, oak on oak…don’t feel limited here. The wooden staircase you dream of has to be available somewhere.

From the patio to the second floor, you’ll want materials that are made to guard against rust and weather. An outdoor spiral staircase is constructed specifically to manage rough elements while still complementing the garden design in place. Subtle colors are the key here.

For stairs leading to attics and lofts, remember that you don’t have a lot of room to play with, especially as you reach the upper landing. Buy a kit with spiral staircase dimensions that will comfortably suit your needs. Slim treads and single side railings are common features. In awkward spaces or more complex designs, you can also buy stair kits that have a certain amount of flexibility. Both in stair height and rotation. This is more than do it yourself. It’s design it yourself.

Whatever the case, the DIY renovator ought to be thrilled with the prospects of a stair kit. All in one packages that can be completed in less than a day, and last a lifetime. This is productive creativity.

Why Are Contracters Reluctant To Do Roof Repair Jobs?

Phil Riklis — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:26:59 +0000

If your roof has begun to leak and is more than fifteen years old, chances are it is time for a new roofing job. Roofs are one of the most important parts of a house as far as keeping the weather out; and one of the most expensive parts to replace. If your roof isn’t old enough for replacement and is leaking, it is often difficult to find a roofing contractor willing to do a simple roof repair. Of course, contractors make more money replacing a roof than repairing; however, understanding their reluctance to make repairs will put you in a better position to find a contractor to make the repairs you need.

Never pressure a contractor to make a quick diagnosis when it comes to repair work; roofing repair work is often a thankless job because diagnosing the problem can take a good amount of time and the homeowner doesn’t see progress, therefore they think the contractor is goofing off, wasting time and money. For the best results, give the contractor time to find out exactly what and where the problem is; the results you get will be much more satisfactory.

A second reason roofing contractors are cautious about making repairs is that when a roof fails in one way, it may fail soon in other ways. Therefore, if a homeowner sees an additional leak shortly after the repairs were made; he or she may feel the contractor should make additional repairs at no charge. This puts the roofing contractor in a bad position, risking upsetting the homeowner or doing the work for free. When talking to a roofer about repairing your roof make sure you let him or her know you will not hold them responsible for things beyond their control.

Another thing a homeowner must be aware of is the fact that problems resulting from an improperly installed roofing system may not be evident for years. It is important to keep accurate records of when your roof was installed and who the roofing contractor was that installed it. If you sell your house, pass this information along to the new homeowner, so he or she will be able to take advantage of any warranty offered.

If you take the time to talk to a contractor, you will be able to find one that will make the necessary repairs to your roof. However, keep in mind that these contractors are professionals and if you have researched his or her work, you should trust their judgment if they determine you do, indeed, need a new roof.

Wired or Wireless Alarm System: Which is Best

Phil Riklis — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:19:59 +0000

The desire to secure the home is one shared by many. There are a large number of security devices available to make the home more secure. The two primary installation methods for these systems are a wired or wireless alarm system. Each of these installation types and alarm systems has unique components that make it a valuable asset. Once you have an understanding of these basic types of alarm installation, you will be able to expand your research to home security companies in your local area.

What Are Wireless Alarm Systems?

A wireless system works on magnetic circuits and radio frequencies. Every door and window in the home will be fitted with a magnetic circuit alarm. when the circuit is closed the alarm is silent but if the door or window is opened the circuit will open as well. This will cause a radio signal to be sent to the computer brain of then operation. This allows it to sound the alarm. With certain repeater units the maximum range of the signal reception can be increased so that outbuildings like a garage, pool house, or tool shed may be added onto the system.

What are Wired Security Systems?

A hardwired home security system uses cables and computer systems to provide maximum protection. The entire system is directly integrated via cables that run from the monitor to each individual sensor. Proper installation of this type of system will often include opening up floor panels or the walls unless it is built-in during construction of the home.

The Difference Between Wired and Wireless.

The primary difference between wired and wireless home systems is in the installation and usage. This might seem obvious but it is a concept often missed by many individuals. A wireless system is much easier to install in a completely constructed building. It requires a professional level installation, however, to make certain everything is working right and synced with the system brain. The main problem with this type of system is that it will need to be constantly updated due to software changes. A hard wired system is best suited for addition to a building during initial construction or later renovation. However, despite the added cost of home repairs after installing this system, the wired type is still considered the best overall for several reasons. Those reasons are ease of parts replacement and maintenance. Generally once a wired system is installed it will have few problems as long as wires aren’t cut. More information on the best home security systems for your particular needs can be found online.

Overall the best decision on whether to go hardwired or wireless will be determined by the budget and house design. Someone with a completely finished home but a low budget will want to consider wireless. It may cost more in the long run but it is much easier to put up in the short term. If budget is not an issue then hardwired is far better in the long run as it will have lower maintenance costs.

Tree Removal Cost: What to Expect

Phil Riklis — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:37:06 +0000

If you are a homeowner, you’ve probably contemplated removing one or more trees off your property. Perhaps they may be structurally unsound and ready to give way at a moment’s notice. They may simply be an aesthetic nuisance to deal with. Regardless, most trees can be removed on an inexpensive basis by an arborist, eliminating the possibility of any nasty lawsuit as a result of a tree falling on your neighbor’s car or otherwise damaging another person’s property.

Most people don’t have the slightest clue as to what they should expect in terms of cost and what factors can make the process more expensive. Tree removal cost is influenced by several variables which are reflected to various degrees in the price you are quoted. The first thing factor that determines how much you will be quoted for tree removal is the location of the tree. If it is in the center of your front yard with nothing in its immediate surroundings, it can probably be removed for no more than $100 or so, provided that it is not very tall. However, if is near a power line or very close to your home, that price can quickly rise. The arborist will have to exercise extreme care in maneuvering his/her workers around the tree as well as any necessary machinery.

The height of the tree can also elevate the cost of tree removal. If the tree requiring extraction is a maple, which by nature only grows to about fifteen feet, you probably won’t be shelling out much money. However, other trees like a blue gum are sure to come coupled with an expensive price tag, with their tree removal costs reaching as high as $1,000.

There are various ways in which you can reduce the tree removal costs which you incur. Cut down any branches that are sure to get in the way of cutting down the tree. These include those that are within close proximity to your home or a neighbor’s property. Furthermore, consider taking care of the stump yourself once the tree has been removed.

A fair amount of work will be involved, including removing the roots, but in the end it might well be worth the financial savings. The cost of tree stump removal is at minimum $100 just for the cost of the stump grinder rental. Always be sure to take the proper precautions when doing work yourself, which should include wearing eye protection and being extremely careful when moving about on a ladder. If you come across anything you are unsure about, consider consulting with your arborist. It might be best not to recruit friends for this type of project, as you will be held liable if they succumb to injuries.

Roof Ladder Safety Tips

GuestPoster — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:34:05 +0000

If you’ve ever done home improvement projects before, then you’re probably more than aware of how important keeping yourself safe while working is. And when it comes to doing work on your roof, this is even more so the case. Due to the nature of the task, roofing can be a very dangerous activity, and you should make sure you take all the necessary precautions before jumping into a roofing project on your home. One of the best safety measures you can take is to use a ladder on top of your roof while working. Let’s take a quick look at this useful tool.

The roof ladder looks like a normal extension ladder with the distinction of having two hooks attached to the end of it. These hooks allow it to drape over the steeple of your roof, enabling it to securely hang down. If needed, you can also attach it to the end of your roof with a rope or bungee cord to prevent it from swaying back and forth. They come in many different variations, such as with retractable or removable roof ladder hooks, so you’ll have no problem finding an option that works for you.

This ladder gives you a solid foundation to work from and lean on while on top of your roof. Instead of dangerously free climbing and being prone to slippery conditions or uneven surfaces (certain roofs may also be so steep that working on them without a ladder can be ridiculously dangerous), you can count on having a secure place to step and balance your weight on. Without support, every time you need to stretch or twist your body to reach something, you’re putting yourself at risk. With the ladder, you’re able to do these things much more safely.

In conclusion, roofing by its very nature is a dangerous activity to perform, and therefore you need to really focus on safety if you decide to perform work on your roof. The roofing ladder is one of the easiest and most effective ways of increasing your safety. It allows you to have a solid base to work from and makes the job easier by letting you safely stretch and move around. Should you find yourself about to work on a roofing project, you need to absolutely make safety your number one priority and use a roof ladder. You can learn more about roof ladder safety here.

What Everybody Should Know about Plastic Bird Spikes

GuestPoster — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:12:05 +0000

If birds are waking you up at the crack of dawn with annoying cooing and other sounds, you are probably wondering what you can do to get rid of them. While many people experience this problem, few know what they can do to solve it. Noises aren’t the only way that birds annoy people either. They also poop all over the place, causing you to spend time cleaning up a mess. If this situation sounds familiar to you, here is a solution: Plastic bird spikes.

Bird spikes are pretty much just long, thin strips of plastic or stainless steel that have spikes sticking out of them. Although they sound a little brutal and cruel, in reality they don’t hurt anything. They work because birds and other critters find it extremely uncomfortable to stand or sit on them, so they move elsewhere. Although there are a number of alternatives to bird control spikes around, none are simpler or cheaper to install than these are.

Having said that, bird spikes are definitely only good for installing in certain locations. The most common places where people use them are on the sills of windows, on the edge of an awning, on top of the air conditioner, or along a railing. These aren’t the only places you can use them though. In fact, anywhere you have a bird problem you can consider using bird spikes first.

If you have a restaurant with outdoor seating, you are probably well aware of the problem that birds can cause. The last thing you want is to have birds sitting in a tree above your tables, pooping on customers. Believe me, this actually happens in many spots. All you need to do to remedy the situation is install some bird spikes on a branches of the tree above the tables and your problem will be solved.

Why Does Metal Roofing Cost So Much?

GuestPoster — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:55:06 +0000

a guest post by Vernon Metivier

Metal roofing prices may seem high to many homeowners. The cost of metal roofing is normally much more expensive than other roofing materials such as asphalt. Pricing for the labor to install it is just as pricey. So the first question that comes to a homeowners mind when they are considering use of metal roof is whether it is work the additional expense or not. You may be surprised at the answer if you were to go to those who chose to pay the higher price and have a metal roof installed and asked them if they thought that the higher metal roofing cost was worth it..

Most of the time, these homeowners would be the first to say that the extra expense of metal roofing is well worth it. Their main reason would be that metal roofing materials offer so many more benefits as well as savings overall. A metal roof lasts longer and provides better protection against the elements. Homeowner insurance premiums are often lowered and less energy is used to heat or cool the home, decreasing the monthly utility bills. So while initially metal roofing costs more, you will find that your expenses will be less in the long run, making it well worth the investment.

The insurance companies are willing to decrease your insurance premiums because with the installation of a metal roof on your custom home you are able to protect your home against damages from natural disasters and inclement weather conditions. Metal roofs stand up very strongly against wind, rain, hail and heavy snow, which means less chance of leaking or collapse from the weight of heavy snow. Moreover, metal will not catch fire. It is due to these many benefits that the insurance company is much more willing to decrease your homeowner’s insurance premiums. They are much more willing to work with homeowners they believe are willing to take care of their home by damage and fire proofing it with a metal roof.

As you can see, while the metal roof cost is initially higher than that of a standard asphalt roof, however, it pays for itself in the long run with the additional savings it provides in other areas. If you can afford the initial outlay, it is an investment that is well worth making.

Seamless Gutters Make A Better Transition For Your Roof

GuestPoster — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:51:05 +0000

by Nelson Lamberson

Where your home’s gutters are concerned, going too cheap can cost you big money in the end. The reason for this is simple – water damage. Water leaks will cause significant damage to your home’s walls and possibly foundation over time. It is much smarter and cost effective to take care of your rain gutter issues up front. If you are replacing your home’s rain gutters, you have the option of going with a traditional style of pre-fabricated gutter, often assembled in 10’ lengths or you can go with a new guttering system.

This more modern system is an improvement over the traditional assembled gutter for a variety of reasons. These are called seamless gutters and are named for exactly what they are. How these are formed is entirely different from the standard gutter. The continuous gutter as it is also called is formed by running a length of material through a special machine that folds it into a specific profile that will form your gutter. It is measured and cut on site. This gives you a great fit and a much more water tight system. The only seams with these types of gutters are at corners and where any downspouts are.

One really nice look is to go with a seamless copper gutter and a rain chain type of downspout. If you’re unfamiliar with rain chains, they are basically just a string of either rings or cups, bowls and even whimsical animal or other designs, strung together. They act like the downspout for your gutters but don’t have that same boring look. Many are made of copper, so they would match well with the copper gutter we were discussing. These will develop a nice looking patina over time and will further enhance the look of your home’s exterior.

With respect to the gutters, keep in mind that there are also different sizes. Most come in either a 5” or 6” diameter type of size. The larger size is for more square footage of roof. The professionals will measure your roof and then recommend what type to install. You can also get a standard 2×3” downspout or something larger. Again, depending upon the size of your roof, the seamless gutter installers will be able to make the best recommendations for you.

Exterior Lights For A Brighter, Safer Home

Mitch Gimber — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:22:42 +0000

If you live in a house or condominium, you’ll quickly realize that as twilight sets in and the sky gets dark, your home can look very dreary, lonely, even unwelcoming. Unless you have proper exterior lights, that is. A home really comes alive at night with tasteful exterior lighting; it’s a design feature that should not be passed up. There are plenty of lighting options between design and cost, so you shouldn’t feel stifled, either.

Who is the light for, you ask? For everyone. In the wintertime, your kids might come home after basketball practice long after the sun has set. Nighttime pool parties are common enough. Visitors who come in the evening hours, or even you yourself, returning after a night out, will feel all the more welcome and safe when those exterior light fixtures are aglow. They may even scare away thieving threats. Whether you’re home or away, it’s best to leave something lit as soon as night sets in.

Exterior wall lights are a common design. Wall lights can be recessed into your home’s exterior for a sleek and modern style. Dusting the light covers of recessed lights is easy, so that keeping your outdoor lighting bright is no problem at all. Using a sconce as an exterior wall light is another great choice. Sconces are sophisticated, even Victorian in style. Though today you can find them in light covers that are more new age than that. They are beautiful when set on either side of a front door, porch entrance, or next to windows.

If you’re looking for something to illuminate your lawn and dress up the beautiful flowers, fountains, or delicate shrubbery, then exterior landscape lighting is what you need. These fixtures can be anything from underwater lights to mushroom style stubs placed along the walkway. Tall lamp posts at the lawn entrance are also considered landscape lights. You might even realize that some of your exterior Christmas lighting can double function as decorative lights throughout the year. Rope lights, for example, look delightful around a pool edge, no matter what night or season.

The two important technical aspects to remember when shopping for exterior lighting fixtures are energy cost and installation. Be aware of how much the electricity cost will add to your purchase. Consider solar LED bulbs as an excellent alternative. Make sure you understand what installation will be required, as well. Will you need to hire a specialist, or is this a simple DIY task? Beyond that, enjoy the bright selection!