Category: Home Improvement

ContentRally is a leading source of reliable news and trending topics on Home Improvement. Get hard-to-find insights and advice on Home Improvement from industry-specific leaders.

Bedroom

Here’s How to Turn Your Garage into a Bedroom on a Budget!

So you’ve decided to extend your living space, but at the same time, you’d like to avoid big costs and construction works. How about that old garage that’s been spontaneously turned into a storage for useless stuff you are never gonna use anyway. Make use of the bedroom for developing your home interiors in the right manner. You can renovate that space and turn it into a lovely little bedroom. We’ve talked to the guys at Rockstar Garage Doors about this idea and they were more than happy to give us their thoughts and opinions on how to turn your garage into a bedroom on a budget. Different Ways To Turn The Garage Into Bedroom   There are multiple factors that you have to take care of while you want to arrange for the garage in the bedroom. Work out the plans that can help you to achieve your goals in the best possible manner. Do not make your choices in the wrong manner. 1. The Floor Remodeling a garage into a bedroom costs significantly less than building a new room from the ground up, no argument about the math there. When you start refurbishing, the first thing you pay attention to is the floor. You’ll notice, at least in most cases, that it’s made of concrete, which already a nice foundation for whatever material you choose to put on top to make it nice and cozy. You can choose a carpet or a wooden floor. These two are inexpensive and both very pleasing to the eye. You’d instantly gain a warm and comfy feel to the whole room. You can also use vinyl tiles which are probably the cheapest option but would still get the work done. You can even be more artistic and just stain the existing concrete floor, and then put some rugs and carpets around to give it a bedroomy atmosphere. 2. What to do with the walls? Since walls are already there obviously, you’d probably need to build windows, because the garage probably didn’t have any. Either way, in order to have a proper bedroom, you need good insulation. Blown-in insulation is a good and affordable option, or if your wall is of older date, you can build an additional wall about 3-inches away from the old one, thus leaving enough room to add proper insulation. Drywall is also a great solution for your ceiling and walls, it’s a cheap yet effective solution, but in order for the whole system to function well, you’d also need windows and doors that provide energy efficiency and good insulation. 3.The interior You’d probably want to add air conditioning to your new bedroom. The easiest and cheapest way to do that is to use the ductwork you already have in your house, just expand it. You don’t have to aesthetically match your new bedroom with the rest of the house at all, it has its own charm if you decide to leave it in a more rustic state with minimalistic style and furniture. Don’t forget to add vent openings in order to decrease the energy spent on heating and ventilation. Most likely, you will also need to find good garage door installation companies to replace your old, worn-out garage door. You can easily turn this ‘’new space’’ into a guest room or even put it for rent on sites like Airbnb and such. It would be good to use more bright and vibrant paint job with a lot of natural light pouring in because bedrooms are all about warmth, coziness, and space. 4. Property value and additional notes It is estimated that you can return a great deal of your investment after a year or so if you manage to adapt the garage into a bedroom properly. When it comes to your available budget, you shouldn’t spend more than 5 percent of your current property value in order to have a good return. If you plan to use it as a guest room or rent it, it is important to have a bathroom. Costs would be increased of course if you decide to build a new one, but it’s much easier just to put a door if the garage and bathroom share the same wall. Final Take Away   Hence, these are some of the essential facts that you have to take care of while you want to develop your interiors in the correct way. You have to ideate your plans in the right order to achieve your goals in the best possible ways. Make your choices in the correct manner. Work out the plans that can have a long-term impact on your business to achieve your goals in a better way. Do not make your choices in grey while you want to improve your business in the correct manner. Try to achieve your plans after developing the correct strategy. Read Also:   3 Tips On How To Plan The Best Cheap And Fabulous DIY Bedroom Makeover Feature Image: google.com

READ MOREDetails
Commercial Door repair

10 Pro Tips To Minimize Commercial Door Repair & Maintenance Cost

Got the damaged door in your commercial premises? If so, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. It’s because the aesthetic and safety of commercial door repair are one of the most important things which are overlooked most of the time. If you don't keep your doors in shape, it can lead to various problems. When someone arrives at your business, the entry door is the first thing to be noticed. If it is cracked or damaged, you are presenting a bad impression. If doors are well maintained, it gives you peace of mind that your business is secure. Protect your door and door will protect you ….. Maintain your doors from time to time to give them long life and also to reduce repair costs. It is better to maintain a door than waiting for it to get damaged. A damaged door will cost you four times replacing and repair. 10 Pro Tips To Minimize Commercial Door Repair & Maintenance Cost Here are few tips on how to maintain your commercial door 1. Test Your Door: First, check your door’s functionality by making frequent open and close. Check, is it working smoothly or it’s jerky? 2. Lubricate all Moving Parts Of The Door: Lubricate often to increase your garage door’s lifespan. If you are using a commercial wood door, properly clean it with cloth, it will help in avoiding dust to get a deposit on it. 3. Inspect Loose Parts: It is best to properly check the hardware of the door to avoid any loose become worse. Read Also: Roof Repair: Should You Hire Roofers or DIY? 4. Replace Weather Seals: The weather seals are soft rubber on the bottom or sides of commercial or garage doors. These weather seals protect you from the air and weather conditions. If these seals are worn out, they may cause many problems. To keep your building safe, it is important to maintain them regularly. 5. Clean Door Sensors: In automatic doors, sensors are installed, which monitor objects passing through them. Sometimes the sensors of these doors are overlooked during cleaning, which in turn cause the door to jam. So, regularly clean sensors! 6. Apply Paint: To prevent metallic part of your door from rust, apply a coat of paint on your door by time. Choose the same color of paint as already done on your door to create a brand new look. 7. Inspect Door Panels For Cracked Or Broken Glass: Keep an eye on the glass panel of your door, if it is cracked or broken, replace it immediately because it may cause harm to someone also projects a bad impression of your business. 8. Hire Professional:   Call a professional to ensure the functionality of your automatic doors because a professional has experience in dealing with such doors. They will easily inspect the problem that can become a big issue later. 9. Check Cables: Garage doors are lifted up or down with the support of cables; you should check your cables regularly, but never tinker with lift up cable as it has much force to injure or kill. But you can check the condition of the cable, so you know when to hire a professional. 10. Test Auto-Reverse Safety Feature: Put some cloth or wooden piece on the ground in the path of the door and check if a door, go back after touches the cloth or wooden piece. If it lacks this safety measure, then it’s time to buy a new one. If you are not aware of how to maintain your door, then you can seek help from a professional who provides door services. So, those were some of the most effective tips you can use to ensure the longevity of your commercial door! Read Also: 5 Factors To Consider When Buying A New Garage Door Should You Replace Or Rekey Locks? — What Locksmith Richmond Says

READ MOREDetails
Using SIP

The Key Benefits of Using SIPs to Build a Home

Construction methods have changed drastically over the years. Fortunately, every new technology developed aims to improve on past processes to ensure that each completed building is not only structurally sound but also provides the best comfort, functionality, aesthetic value, and sustainability. To further ensure that building methods do not result in more significant damage to the environment, more contractors and builders these days opt to use SIP panels. Structural Insulated Panels are typically installed as walls, flooring, and roofing for residential homes, commercial buildings, and public projects such as schools and community halls. There are many benefits to using SIP panels. These are: Superior thermal insulation: Insulation is key to ensuring that a building or home does not waste energy used in cooling and heating. One of the key advantages of using SIP panels over traditional building methods is the excellent insulation they provide. The solid foam core inside each SIP panel is responsible for even insulation, thus preventing cold spots and reducing HVAC system energy consumption. Additional roof space: When you use SIPs instead of roof trusses, the additional space created is ideal for converting into another living area such as an attic, or an extra room. Added floor space: SIPs houses have more internal floor space than traditional wooden frame houses. If you compare two houses with similar dimensions, the one built using SIPs takes up smaller sections of the wall, and there is extra floor space in most areas around the house. Sustainable and environment-friendly: Most of the wood used to produce SIPs come from plantations and not forests. Using wood from plantations ensures that production remains sustainable and is better for the environment. Some manufacturers also fabricate SIPs from a combination of recycled material and farmed wood. It is also notable that even the foam insulation core inside a SIP panel does not contain any CFC or other harmful chemicals. Faster construction: Constructing a home using SIPs is approximately three times faster than traditional construction methods. Since you won’t be working with wet cement or laying down concrete blocks and bricks, the contractor can easily calculate how long it will take to complete an entire project. Versatility: Architects can use CAD software to design using SIPs and create a variety of applications whether it is residential or commercial. SIPs are also customisable to meet specific building requirements concerning structural strength. Compared with wooden framework buildings, SIPs buildings appear more robust and stable. The rigid surface also allows for hanging indoor fixtures such as kitchen cabinetry without requiring additional fixings. Conclusion: Building with SIPs is a trend that is only bound to increase in popularity as more people are becoming increasingly conscious about saving the environment and saving money at the same time. The benefits outlined above are only a few of the reasons why SIP panels should be considered for every construction. Although traditional building methods are still popular today, you can easily combine SIPs with conventional construction and start enjoying the additional benefits of a well-insulated and structurally sound home. Read Also: Interiors To Reduce The Heat Build-Up In Your Homes Five Ways To Improve The Air Quality Inside Your Home

READ MOREDetails
Air Quality

Five Ways to Improve the Air Quality Inside Your Home

When we think of air quality issues what comes to mind is often industrial factories or people blowing smoke in our face. But anything you use to build or decorate your home can have a positive or negative impact the air quality inside your home. Air quality can be directly linked to life expectancy so it’s an issue that should 1. Check your Paint: Choosing the right paint is important. We sleep in rooms covered with paint every night. As the paint dries volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) escape into the air and can negatively impact the air quality in your house. These chemicals can cause headaches and dizziness and the long-term effects of exposure are not yet known. Choosing non-toxic paint for your living quarters will have positive health benefits for years to come. Low or no VOC paints are the best choice for an eco-friendly home. Over the last several years paint companies have introduced many excellent options. 2. Check Your Flooring: Vinyl and synthetic carpets emit loads of VOCs. If you’re looking for non-toxic, allergy-friendly flooring try cork, linoleum, or ceramic tile. Hardwood floors have become quite popular, but if you want the beauty without the toxic chemicals buy hardwoods sealed with a water-based polyurethane or presealed hardwoods. 3. Consider purchasing an air purifier: Buying a quality air filter can be a good tool in your arsenal in the fight against toxic chemicals. Be sure to buy a model with a HEPA (high-efficiency air particle absorbing) filter. Don’t skimp and buy the cheapest filter you can find, view this purchase as an investment. The CADR (clean air delivery rate) of your purifier is also important. The higher the CADR number the more air is moving through the purifier. Air purifiers with high CADR numbers can be used to purify the air in larger spaces. 4. Plug Your Leaks: Mold and mildew can have a significantly negative impact on your home’s air quality. Make sure your home is free of leaks. It’s important to check the places that get the least traffic in your home. Make sure your basement, attic, crawl space, and utility closet are free of water and moisture. It’s a good idea to call a professional who can help you pinpoint problem areas. 5. Test Your Home for Radon: Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause lung cancer in healthy humans. Radon is the gas produced by the decay of uranium in most soil. If there are gaps or holes in your home’s foundation radon gas can seep into your living space undetected. Any home can have a radon gas problem. You can buy an inexpensive test kit at your local hardware or home improvement store. There is no safe level of radon exposure. Read Also: Four Basic Types Of Water Flow Meters 6 Techniques To Improve Your Work-From-Home Career

READ MOREDetails
Kitchen

Top 4 Must-Have Appliances In Every Kitchen

The kitchen is without a doubt the most happening room in a house and is, therefore, an essential room as well. However, not every kitchen can be fully functional and efficient unless they have some crucial appliances. If you are in the process of setting up a kitchen in your home, then today we bring you a list of the top 4 must-have devices in every kitchen. Top 4 Must-Have Appliances in Every Kitchen: Cooktops A cooktop is an essential appliance in any kitchen. As there are lots of options available when it comes to cooktops and ovens, most of us get confused on which one to buy. The fuel used is one of the most important aspects to think about while choosing a cooktop. There are latest gas cooktops, radiant cooktops, and induction cooktops that are available in the market. Out of all the three, induction cooktops are the most energy efficient, however, you need to use only cookware with a high level of ferrous metal content to be able to transfer the heat to the cookware. Both induction and radiant cooktops offer a clean and modern look to the kitchen as they can be installed without any visible parts on the outside. Gas cooktops, on the other hand, are cheaper and quite easy to install, however, is harder to clean than induction and radiant cooktops. Ventilation Hoods Most of us think that the only purpose of a ventilation hood is to remove the heat and steam from the kitchen. Well, even though it is the primary objective of having a ventilation hood, it also helps in removing the grease and fat content in the kitchen air, thus helping to keep the appliances, cabinet, walls, and roof of the kitchen free of oil. The efficiency of a ventilation hood depends on how much air it can move through the hood per minute. It is measured regarding Cubic Feet per Minute or CFM. To put it in perspective, for a kitchen with a four-burner cooktop setup, a ventilation hood that has a rating of 400 CFM or above is recommended. You can either opt for a duct-free, recirculating or externally ducted ventilation system. As an externally ducted ventilation system pulls out the hot kitchen air all push it outside the house, it is the most efficient one. However, implementing an externally ducted ventilation system hugely depends on your home layout. Refrigerators A refrigerator is another vital appliance in every kitchen. Freestanding, Fully Integrated (Columns), and Inbuilt refrigerators are three of the most common types. Freestanding refrigerators are the ones that we see in most homes, which are a standalone appliance that offers high capacity and are easy to relocate. Inbuilt refrigerators usually come with a size that comfortably fits within countertop depths to provide a seamless look. Fully integrated refrigerators are wholly flushed into the design of the kitchen and can be hard to distinguish from the rest of the cabinetry in the kitchen. Check all reviews for the best refrigerators in Australia. Dishwashers Just like refrigerators, dishwashers can also be bought as a separate appliance or can be installed flush within the cabinet of your kitchen. While choosing a dishwasher, look out for the rack types that are featured within the dishwasher and also look out for the sound rating of the dishwasher. Dishwashers tend to produce quite some sound while working, so to avoid any annoyances, pick one with the least decibel rating. Also, if you will be using the dishwasher quite frequently, then you should also check out the energy star rating and pick the most efficient one to make sure that you do not incur a hefty electricity bill for using the dishwasher. Final Words: We hope that the above article on the appliances that every kitchen must have was informative. In case you would like to give some input for this article, feel free to leave a comment below. Read Also: 9 Feng Shui Tips For A Calmer Kitchen Installation Of Kitchen Cabinets: Best Way To Give Your Home A Perfect Facelift

READ MOREDetails
Furniture

Unique Furniture to Transform Your Home

Importance of Furniture in a Home:   A house or a shelter is one of the three basic necessities of life, apart from food and clothes. We all dream of owning such a place where we can live in peace, happiness, and comfort. The right kind of furniture and its aesthetic arrangement in a house transforms it into a real home. This choice is not an easy task but it can be made simpler if you seek the services of a reliable store. Fortunately, you can get the best furniture online at Urban Ladder, one of the most reputed online stores. By choosing from the wide range it offers, you can achieve a creative, and expressive touch and furnish your home in a marvelous manner. Choice of the right Furniture: It is a fact that the right furniture helps to turn your house into a home. Well-designed furniture is definitely functional and useful. But they also indicate your aesthetic taste and class. It speaks well of the family that lives there. That is why it is important to strike a balance between the utility and beauty of the items of furniture chosen. That is why we need to carefully think and make a clear visual plan for the whole home before making any kind of purchase. The details for each room should be worked out in advance to achieve the best effect in the space available without any kind of overcrowding. If the rooms are spacious, you can be more liberal in adding items. However, if space is limited, you have to be more prudent. Here items that are multifunctional come in handy. For instance, a twin sofa- the bed is a great space saver. Why choose from Urban Ladder: When it comes to furnishing your home, Urban Ladder is the obvious choice. You can be sure of getting the best of the modern furniture designs online at Urban Ladder. This reputed online store offers a wide and unique choice of classy, and modern furniture to beautify every part of your home. These are available in solid wood, engineered wood, metal, in addition to soft furnishings and home decor items. The specifications are clearly displayed on its portal and you can pick what you need very conveniently. Another outstanding feature is the excellent customer support provided. Attention to every detail is paid from the moment ad order is placed till it is safely and promptly delivered across the length and breadth of India. The aftersales service is also efficient and commendable. Thus, customers remain loyal and develop a long-term relationship since the portal has a reputation for prompt and wise decisions, innovative solutions to problems, honesty, and transparency in its dealings and maintain highest ethical standards of business. Conclusion: Making the right choice of furniture that suits the home and the budget after having a clear and smart plan will help us to convert the house we own into a beautiful and attractive home. Relying on an authentic store like Urban Ladder will make the process simpler and more enjoyable. Read Also: Leather Furniture Is An Essential Improvement For Any Home Or Office How To Salvage Your Furniture After A Flood

READ MOREDetails
Water Flow Meters

Four Basic Types of Water Flow Meters

A water flow meter is a measuring device specifically used to measure the amount or volume of water passing through pipes. If you are looking for a water flow meter for an industrial application, you can choose from different technologies which suit varying budget allocations, measurement requirements, and maintenance complexity. According to the working principle of each type of water flow meter, you can better determine which type best suits the intended application. Here are the four types of water flow meters used today. Different Types Of Water Flow Meters That Can Work Well In Your Favor   There are several types of water flow meters that can work well in your favor. Do not make your choices without examining the things in the right order. Try to achieve your objectives in the best possible ways that can work things well in your way. 1. Mechanical water flow meters A mechanical flow meter is the simplest, cheapest, and easiest to operate. These devices consist of a paddlewheel, propeller, and turbine. The turbine which rotates around the flow meter measures the speed of water flowing through the pipe. By measuring the speed of rotation, you can also get the corresponding volume of flow rate because it is directly proportional to the speed. While mechanical flow meters are simple to use, they are prone to clogging and will not work efficiently when water has large particles and other contaminants. These are also not suitable for measuring water flow rate when the pressure is too low. 2. Ultrasonic water flow meter An ultrasonic flow meter uses ultrasound in measuring fluid flow speed which then corresponds to the volume of flow. The working principle of a basic ultrasonic flow meter is that the device transmits a signal in the same direction as the fluid flowing downstream, and another ultrasonic signal is emitted against the upstream fluid flow. The amount of time it takes for the signal to travel downstream is compared with the amount of time it takes for the signal to travel upstream. The difference produced will be used in calculating the fluid velocity. 3. Magnetic water flow meter In contrast with ultrasonic flow meters using ultrasound signals, a magnetic water flow meter uses a magnetic field for measurement. When any liquid passes through a magnetic field, it will generate a voltage. The faster the fluid moves, the more voltage is produced. As such, the amount of voltage is directly proportional to the water's movement and speed. There are corresponding electrical parts which translate the voltage into a volumetric measurement. One limitation of a magnetic flow meter is that it only has intermediate accuracy. Aside from this, it cannot measure pure water due to lack of ions which will not produce the necessary magnetic field reaction. 4. Vortex water flow meter The working principle of this type of flow meter uses vortices coming from a sensor submerged in the fluid. As water passes through this sensor or obstruction, it creates swirls, and the sensor will move from side to side with each passing vortex. This continuous movement creates a frequency which is also directly proportional to the flow rate volume. There are vortex flow meters which can measure multiple variables such as density, pressure, mass flow, temperature, and flow rate. While all these flow meters are suitable for measuring water flow, choosing a flow meter still depends on the desired application because each type will still have limitations, and some work best in certain conditions. Final Words   Hence, these are some of the essential factors that you have to take care of while you want to select the best water flow meters that can work well in your favor. Ideate your plan in such a way that can work well in your favor. Try to achieve your goals in the best possible ways. Do not plan things in grey as it can help you to achieve your objectives in the best possible ways. Selection of the right water flow meters can help you to channelize the flow of water in the right pod. Develop the correct business strategy that can work well in all aspects. Read Also: Some Facts You Need To Know About Rainwater Harvesting 8 Plumbing Myths Busted

READ MOREDetails
Garage

Is Your Garage Filled with Rubbish : ContentRally.com

Our garages and sheds can quickly accumulate a lot of items, be it garden tools and handyman tools, sports equipment, old furniture and appliances, and a whole lot more. While we all know that a garage is specially-made for vehicles, we sometimes can't help but use it as a storage area as well. We do this especially with items which we no longer use or need, simply because we don't know what to do with the items or we haven't yet made up our minds whether to do away with them or not. But if you're looking at your garage and are thinking that it's time to get it cleared, you may be facing a daunting and challenging task. Clearing your garage of all sorts of items can take time, and it can even pose certain risks of injuries or accidents. So, what is there to do? Is your garage filled with rubbish and other items? Here’s what you can do to clear the space. Find the right garage clearance service: If you are serious about clearing your garage and reclaiming your space, but you don't have the inclination or the time to do it yourself, you should find the right garage clearance service. There are many professional companies which specialise in this kind of service, and a simple search can provide you with a list of prospective professionals in your area. You can contact them and ask for an estimate of their rates, and if their rates are reasonable and their service seems reliable, you can book a schedule to have your garage cleared. A team will then arrive at your property and essentially remove all the items you want them to remove from your garage. Some things can be recycled, while you can decide to either donate or give away other items. The team will then load the items you no longer want into their specialised trucks and make sure as well that they clean your garage and leave it tidy. Some additional facts you should know: A professional clearance service such as a garage and house clearance service can take care of whatever items you have in your garage. They can remove all types of items, be it old equipment and tools and even vehicles. Whatever rubbish you have can be taken care of by the team, collected and then properly disposed of. If you have a lot of broken equipment such as gardening equipment, sports equipment, workbenches, machinery, and so on, the team can easily remove it for you. You can also do away with other forms of rubbish such as old toys, old clothing, and other miscellaneous objects. If you have a shed filled with soil and garden waste, masonry, fencing, gates, and more, you can rely on a clearance service as well. But a garage clearance service will not only remove items from your garage – it will also make sure to sort through them to see which items can be recycled. These professional services are focused on making sure that things which can still be recycled are recycled and not placed directly in a landfill, thereby helping the environment as well. Read Also: 5 Factors To Consider When Buying A New Garage Door 5 Other Uses For Your Garage

READ MOREDetails
sunroom

How Quickly Can I Install a Sunroom?

With fall already here, and winter fast approaching, there’s a certain urgency in the air to get any sunroom installation project booked, planned, paid for, and complete as soon as possible. Fortunately, a fall installation in Calgary is a relatively quick process, with your beautiful install sunroom being completed somewhere between 4 and 10 days once the plans have been finalized and approved. The actual speed of the project will depend on the results of the multiple decisions you have to make, which include the following: Different Ways You Can Quickly Install  Sunroom 3 or 4 season sunroom - this is the big factor in how long your project will take to install, and how much it will cost you in the long run. A 3 season room will be cheaper and quicker as there are less insulation, thinner windows, and the frame is usually made from aluminum. A 4 season room requires the room to be able to handle the Calgary winter conditions, so the walls have to be thicker, the windows double-paned and a heating option has to be built in and vented. You can install sunroom in your home. Wall thickness – the thickness of your walls is coupled with the number of seasons, but also how you plan on heating the room. Thinner walls with no insulation will rely on the sun on and thicker windows to keep your room warm, while thicker walls will take longer to install sunroom but provide room for internal insulation options. A number of windows – it’s possible to build a sunroom that has almost solid glass walls and the visual effect of these rooms are incredible. However, they take a much longer time to install as each piece has to be put into place manually and there’s no scope for external pre-fabrication. In this decision, you’ll also need to think about the number and shape of your skylights, and a general rule of thumb is that the more you have, the longer the installation process. Roof shape – there are two choices here; a studio roof, which is flat and literally sits across the top of your sunroom, or a gabled A-frame roof. The latter requires more time to install as the roofers will need to construct the A-frame, attach it to the walls and then add your chosen shingles or cladding to the roof structure. A studio roof often comes as one or two pieces that can be installed in under a day. You have to install sunroom in a better way. Kick plates – the final decision that has a bearing on the length of time for your sunroom installation project is whether to have kick plates at the bottom. The general industry recommendation is that if the room is more than 24 inches above the ground, then kick plates will provide the cover you need. Otherwise, a solid bottom will do the job and is much less costly. Install sunroom in your home for a better experience. Final Take Away  When you make these decisions, you will want to consider the impact they will have on the amount of time it will take for the construction, but also how they will impact the look and feel of your new sunroom. Read Also: How To Set Up Your Baby’s Room 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space

READ MOREDetails
Fire Protection

How Does Structural Fire Protection Work?

If you’ve ever lost sleep over the idea of your home or commercial property catching fire, the chances are that you’re not alone. Make no mistake; this is a truly devastating prospect and one that could carry an immeasurable human and financial cost. In the case of a commercial fire, there’s also a wider range of consequences in terms of your business and the people that you employ. Even if the fire occurs when the structure is empty, the cost of repairing the damage could be seismic while a number of jobs could be lost within a relatively short period of time. With this in mind, structural fire protection is absolutely crucial to the safety of your premises and the people who work within it. Here’s a breakdown of structural fire protection and the purpose that it serves: An Introduction to Passive Fire Protection (PFP) and Structural Fire Protection: At the heart of this concept is Passive Fire Protection (PFP), which includes four main items and areas of safeguarding. The first and most important of these is Structural Fire Protection, which has essentially been designed to introduce measures that protect structural components such as steel and join systems from the effects of fire. But how exactly do these measures work? It’s partially accomplished through the use of a fireproofing material, while another option is for developers to prioritise the application of concrete throughout the build wherever possible. In terms of materials, there’s a host of options at the disposal of developers and building professionals. The most widely used include endothermic materials such as gypsum-based plasters and cementitious products, such as those sold extensively through suppliers such as CCF. These materials play an integral role in modern construction, as they help to minimise the damage caused by fire while also enabling developers to comply with contemporary building regulations. What Role Does Structural Fire Protection Play in PFP? Along with the use of core fire-stopping materials that aim to minimise the spread of fire across barriers, structural protection materials provide preventative measures that stop blazes from gaining momentum from the moment that they start. These work comfortably alongside compartmentation measures, which are included as the second part of the current PFP legislation. These measures include fire barriers, partitions, firewalls, and smoke alarms, which are deployed widely throughout commercial buildings and across an array of strategic locations. The role of these barriers is clear, as they combine to alert people to the presence of a fire while preventing it from spreading quickly within a short space of time. Sprinklers may also be included as part of these measures, although these work quickly to neutralise fires when they start in specific locations. This represents an extremely effective preventative measure, particularly in the case of small or accidental fires that have not been exacerbated by an accelerant. Read Also: Pre-Opening Inspections On Residential Buildings 5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster

READ MOREDetails
Smart House Upgrades

8 Smart House Upgrades that are Totally Worth the Money

Looking to add a little resale value to your house? Choose wisely! Some house upgrades are worth it, but not all of them are a great investment. Smart house upgrade is essential for your lovely home. Upgrade your home the right way. Increase the value of your home with smart upgrades that return your money and then some! Different ways Smart House Upgrades can make things easier for you. 8 Smart House Upgrades that Pay Off Here are some of the best ways to upgrade your home and increase the resale value. These 8 ideas are totally worth the money! 1. Clean, Fresh Paint: When a buyer walks in, they want to see bright, clean rooms. Your paint has a lot to do with how the sunlight affects a room. A fresh paint job can brighten any room in the house. You don't necessarily need to go neutral, but your choice in paint colors can affect your potential buyer's feelings about your house. If you're not selling just yet, the right colors can also help lighten your own mood. Choose a palette that you like. But, don't stop there. Make sure it compliments your home's age, style, and architecture. Check out these ideas for a modern look! 2. Modernize the Kitchen: Look at the age of your appliances and countertops. Are they in poor repair or stained? If so, you should consider replacing them. Here's a list of kitchen upgrades that you can benefit from. Newer, energy efficient appliances Countertops that suit the space Refinish cabinets Tile backsplash Sink upgrades Accent paint Save some cash! Check out dent and scratch or discontinued appliances. Discontinued tile can be used to make an attractive backsplash, too. You can get huge savings from buying these options. Look for ways to accent and offset countertops and cabinets in your kitchen for a more modern look. Check out paint pallets that give your kitchen a pop of color and make your cabinets stand out. 3. Programmable Thermostat: This is such a simple upgrade, but it gives your house a modern feel. Programmable thermostats are affordable and easy to install. Many are also easy to manage from your phone! An added bonus for installing a programmable thermostat is instant energy savings on your electric bill! 4. Upgrade Bathrooms: Ugly bathrooms can send a potential buyer out the door. Check out your bathrooms for any of these problems and fix them! Stained toilet bowls and seats Leaky faucets Outdated fixtures Old tile and paint Evidence of flooding Damaged cabinetry You can easily and affordably upgrade a bathroom by switching out any old fixtures and lighting. But, making sure the bathroom is clean and in good working order is a priority. 5. Landscaping: Ever heard of curb appeal? This house upgrade is a must. The first look a buyer has as they walk to your front door can influence their opinion about the whole house! Walk outside and check your landscaping, in the front and the back of your home. Consider these upgrades for landscaping your home. In the front: Clean, groomed lawn Flowers and shrubs that are trimmed Trees that cut back and look nice A walkway that invites people to come in In the back: A patio or deck for entertaining Trees and flowers for privacy and color Fences in good repair Clean, groomed lawn A small gardening area Your landscaping matters in the value of your property. It should be well maintained and easy to upkeep. Good landscaping invites you to come out and enjoy the outdoors! 6. Install Solar Panels: Nothing is more attractive to a potential buyer than the idea of their new home saving them money. If you've already installed solar panels, then you've given them a step up in that direction. Solar power is a responsible energy choice and it will save you money in the long run. That's good for you while you live in your home. It's great for potential buyers, too. Your new buyer will instantly save on energy costs. You've already made the investment for them! This increases the value of your home and makes the buyer more willing to pay the price you are asking. 7. New Flooring: You've got fresh paint and clean rooms, but your flooring is filthy and worn. That won't work when you sell your home. Take a look at high traffic areas, carpets, and tiles. Is anything stained, worn or broken? If so, you need to replace it. Look for neutral carpet colors. You want any type of furniture or paint to work well with your choice. Avoid white or extremely pale colors because they are so hard to maintain. If you are replacing only one room of carpet, try to make it closely match what is already in the house. Nothing looks worse than mismatched carpet. Tile can be a really affordable upgrade. It should be easy to maintain, durable and neutral. Make sure stone tile doesn't have a lot of nooks and crannies for dirt to hide. You can even get a tile that looks like wood! Take a look at options in your hardware store. Save yourself some cash! If you are replacing a whole house of carpet or tile, try to find discontinued items at your local hardware store. They may be cheaper but are still good quality and new. Another way to save is to learn to install flooring yourself. There are plenty of books at your local library and YouTube videos to teach you how. 8. Basement Improvements: Paying outright to have the basement turned into a high-class lounge might not pay off. However, putting in the time and effort to fix up and finish off your existing basement can have an amazing return on investment. If your basement is unfinished, check it out for these problems. Cracks in walls or floors Wood damage to the supporting structure Leaks and flooding damage Excessive clutter For already finished basements, here are some things to think about. Patch damaged walls and repaint Paint the ceiling bright white Replace all light bulbs Install more lighting to brighten the room Remove excess, unused furniture Go with a traditional theme Fix any problems you find and clear out the clutter. A man cave or game room may be exciting for you, but tame down your theme if it's over the top. Your potential buyer wants to see open, clean space. Let them imagine how they might use it. Upgrade Your Home, Today: If you really want to increase the resale value of your home, pick one or more house upgrades on this list. The money you invest will be worth it. Check out these interesting articles about home and garden topics! Read Also: Smart Fun Gardening: How To Take Care Of A Money Tree Why Renting A Duplex House May Be Right For You

READ MOREDetails
Mattress

Natural Latex Mattress Vs Foam Mattress

There are several different kinds of mattresses in the market today. Among them, natural latex foam mattress and memory foam mattresses seem to be the most popular If you are considering purchase either of them, it is essential to know the differences between the two before making your decision. All About Natural Latex Mattress: This kind of mattress is believed to offer more elasticity, thereby offering more bounce and faster response time. Latex mattresses usually come in different varieties like synthetic, natural and blended options. Latex foam is often manufactured using the Talalay or Dunlop process. A natural latex mattress, unlike other latex mattresses, is manufactured using only raw late. The raw latex is harvested from rubber trees and put through a process to create the required foam layers. A natural latex mattress that is certified organic is believed to have used only pure materials during the manufacture, along with minimal gassing. Why People Prefer Natural Latex Mattresses: Latex mattresses offer a more generalized compression around your body, unlike memory foam mattresses. Many people prefer this over the enveloped or stuck feeling that is caused by memory foam mattresses. In fact, the extra bounce offered by latex mattresses gives a lighter feeling as well. Latex mattresses also have lesser heat retention, allowing you to sleep comfortably even during the hot months of summer. The air pockets in the latex foam help cool the mattress and bring down the heat in general. All About Memory Foam Mattresses: A memory foam mattress is manufactured with polyurethane along with other materials. This helps create the viscoelastic feeling that you experience as you lay down on the mattress. It is important to understand that memory foam is not made from a single material, in fact, it is a combination of several materials. This is why memory foams can satisfy different requirements like: Be of any kind of firmness Be of different densities A range of response times Fully or partially infused with gel beads, gel or other materials Aerated, molded, cut or convoluted Why People Prefer Memory Foam Mattresses: The viscoelasticity feature offered by memory foam allows the mattress to take on every contour and shape of the body. This helps offer proper support t the entire body. People who use memory foam mattresses often have a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed the next day morning without any complaint of the back neck or other chronic pain. People who suffer from the pressure point related point can benefit a lot from switching to memory foam mattresses. However, memory foam mattresses tend to overheat and retain heat which makes it uncomfortable for some people. This is why mattress designers have introduced gel layers, gel infused foam, cooling fabrics and convoluted foam in memory foam mattresses. This helps overcome the heat retaining issue, enabling customers to enjoy their sleep without warming up too much. Natural Latex Vs. Memory Foam Mattresses: Before making your final decision, think about what you are looking for in your mattress. If you are looking for more bounce, with faster response time, and natural mattress, then the Natural Latex Mattress is your answer. In fact, many companies also offer latex mattress in India. However, if you are looking for something with deep compression support, slower response time, made with varied materials, viscoelasticity feature, then a Memory Foam Mattress is the best choice. At the end of the day, the final decision lies with you as per your personal requirements as well as your budget. You can easily visit any nearby store and try out both these mattresses to find out which one you are more comfortable with. Read Also: What To Look For In A Pillow Top Mattress What You Need To Know About Electric Mattress Pad

READ MOREDetails