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Laminate Floors- How to Install for the Best Results

Before you install your laminate floor, keep in mind that most of the problems that arise later with laminate floors are due to improper installation. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular flooring. In general, there are three basic types of installation for laminate- standard, pre-glued and snap-and-lock. The one you choose will depend on your budget, skill level and the kind of design you desire.

Standard installation requires that you glue the laminate directly to the subfloor using laminate adhesive. This method is not appropriate for floating floors, but keeps the flooring securely attached in much the same way as tile flooring. Pre-glued laminate installation is for floors that come with adhesive already applied to the back. You simply wet the glue with water and secure to the subfloor.

Snap-and-lock installation is probably the most popular method of laminate floor installation. It allows the do-it-yourselfer to easily lay down the floor without the use of adhesives. Snap-and-lock floors snap together using a locking tongue and groove mechanism. All methods of installation require a flat, level surface, and don't forget to acclimatize your flooring to your home for at least 48 hours prior to installation to prevent buckling.

Proper Maintenance of Laminate Floors for Years of Lasting Beauty

Once your floor is properly installed, you need to keep it looking good. Like hardwood, a clean laminate floor is a happy floor. Unlike hardwood, however, laminate requires no sanding, sealing or refinishing. A simple damp mopping with mild detergent will maintain the good looks of your laminate floor for years. Another tip is to keep the room temperature at about 72 degrees and monitor the humidity to prevent warping.

Always lift furniture when moving it or you may scratch your laminate. Use felt pads whenever possible. Other common sense measures include removing dirt and oil from the edges of the floor and around area rugs, and avoiding abrasive cleaners. Follow these guidelines for the installation and care of your laminate floor and you will get to enjoy its beauty for many years.

By: Elizabeth Hrusch
For more information about laminate floors visit http://www.bestlaminate.net.]]> Flooring http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090520-033517 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Wed, 20 May 2009 08:35:17 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090520-033517 http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090520-032910
One of the slightly more expensive options out there is residential foam insulation. However, you will recoup your costs over time with the additional savings in energy costs that you will get through using expanding foam. Because it expands to fill any spaces where air and moisture might enter the home, it is one of the best types available. It is easily applied through a spray nozzle.

For something more affordable, you could get one of the forms of blow in insulation. Commonly used types include fiberglass (the most effective), mineral wool, and cellulose. You will need a thicker layer than you would if you used fiberglass or mineral wool batts, but this will save you some money and make it easier to insulate hard to reach areas.

More common in the UK, foam roof insulation is now becoming more popular in the US. In the past it wasn't used since it was believed that roofs needed to be vented. If your roof is vented you can still use it for your attic floor, however, it won't control the temperature of the attic as well.

One of the places you should be sure to insulate is your attic. Attic ceiling insulation is especially important since heat rises and you don't want all your heat in the winter to go right out through your roof. You want it to be trapped in the house and keeping your warm.

Although many people do not use garage door insulation, it can really help to regulate the temperature of your garage and make it a more useful place. You might also find that you save on your energy bill if you use it and have an attached garage. It is very easy to install yourself with kits available on the internet.

Anyone with a steam or hot water based heating system should also be sure that they are properly insulating their pipes with steam pipe insulation. Other types cannot withstand the temperatures of these pipes, and without the correct product you will lose heat quickly and it won't reach the farthest areas of your house.

Finally, cellular glass is a fire resistant, strong type of commercial insulation that is used for insulating roofs and special types of pipes and equipment, especially when there are either very hot or very cold temperatures involved or when it is important that the product be waterproof.

By: Simon Harris
Simon Harris writes about insulation at http://www.insulationanswers.com]]> Insulation http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090520-032910 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Wed, 20 May 2009 08:29:10 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090520-032910 http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090520-032334
Media Filters

This is the simplest and most commonly found type of purification device. This type of system forces air through a filter, which can be made from various types of materials, such as paper, cotton, or other fibers. The filter then traps particles through size exclusion, removing them from the atmosphere inside your home.

Electronic Filters

Sometimes called Ionizers, these filters use charged electrical surfaces to generate electrically charged ions. The ions attach themselves to particles, which are then elecrostatically attracted to a charged collector plate, effectively removing the particle form the airstream. These systems can usually be found either with or without a fan.

Humidification

These systems are pretty self-explanatory. A filter is combined with a humidifier, allowing you to add needed humidity to your home. The benefit of humidification is that many bacteria and viruses can only exist or thrive in low-humidity environments. By increasing the humidity level in your home, you can effectively decrease the levels of harmful illness-causing agents in your home. Increased humidity can also help with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

Ultraviolet Filtration

These systems are sometimes referred to as UVGI systems, which stand for Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. These systems are extremely effective at removing mold and bacteria. They work by neutralizing and destroying microorganisms found in the atmosphere, such as bacteria and viruses.

Contact your local HVAC service technician to help find which type of home air purification will be best for you and your home. Other factors to consider when choosing an air purification system include noise level, filter replacement frequency, building size, and health conditions and history.

By: Budda Oliver
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Arundel Cooing and Heating. The HVAC contracting company provides heating and cooling services throughout Maryland. For more information on their HVAC Contractor please visit their website.]]> Heating - Air Conditioning http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090520-032334 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Wed, 20 May 2009 08:23:34 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090520-032334 http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090502-215901 You can find indoor wall water fountains almost anywhere, be it in the home, at the office, or sometimes in public places like parks and schools. Thinking about fountains likely conjures up images of majestic stone structures, or perhaps beautiful yet small installations that complement any indoor decor with their delicate visual appeal. Imagine the sound of it: imagine the softly falling water trickling down into a tranquil pool. The sound is consistent, natural, and beautiful. You might even associate certain smells with your indoor water fountain, like the scent of the air after a fresh rain. But did you know that water fountains also serve health purposes, and may improve your home's environment?

Yes, fountains are healthy. This was likely not the first thing you thought of when I asked you to think about water fountains, as the health benefits of these aquatic decorations are largely overlooked. But it's true: water fountains have been shown to have a number of modest physical and mental health benefits, from stress and pain relief to environmental temperature regulation.

To start the sound of water flowing is more than just a nice noise to hear." The trickling, splashing sound of falling water actually produces a multi-frequency sound called "white noise" that muffles and sometimes completely cancels out other sounds within its frequency range. This means you will not have to put up with barking dogs, the hum of electric wires overhead, traffic jams, or noisy neighbors. Now you can site back, relax, and soak up the soothing sounds of water splashing over carved stone and rocks. Improve relaxation and release the everyday stress by muffling the obnoxious noises in your environment.

The splashing action of water fountains also purifies the air you breathe, by breaking water molecules into negative ions. The negative ions use their negative polarity to attract and bond with positively charged particles in the air, dampening and neutralizing them. This means you no longer have to worry about breathing in unwanted dust particles, toxins, allergens, and bioaerosols every time you breathe, you wall fountain will take care of them for you.

Another benefit of indoor wall fountains is humidity control. Installing such a fountain generally increases local humidity by a factor of two percent. That may not seem like much, but it may make all the difference between a cold and dry environment and a comfortable one. We as human beings must maintain a certain level of humidity in our environment to feel comfortable: roughly fifty percent. This humidity moisturizes the skin and makes the area around you feel a little warmer. A new indoor water fountain may help to improve you skins health and make your home more comfortable.

A wall fountain is certainly not a cure-all but the effects are noticeable. Need a little more comfort in your home, maybe just a little more stress relief and relaxation, or if you like to breathe cleaner fresher air, and wall water fountain is what you have always needed.

By: Wyatt Frisk
Wyatt Fisk is an experienced freelance writer who specializes in articles on indoor fountains. He hopes to inform and help his readers make smart decisions on http://www.fountaincrafters.com/.]]> Misc. http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090502-215901 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Sun, 03 May 2009 02:59:01 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090502-215901 http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090502-215045 Whether you are getting ready to sell your home, refinance or just want to make your home look the best on the block, these ten tips are sure to get your home noticed first by potential buyers, appraisers or even the Jones's next door and are guaranteed to pay for themselves ten fold.

1. Clean your driveway! You can buy a cement washing/cleaning kit at your local home center for about 20 bucks. With a little splash of cleaner and a whole lot of elbow grease you can dramatically improve the look of your driveway. If your driveway is of decent size be sure to clean out the expansion joints and grooves that can accumulate years of dirt and debris.

2. Wash your windows. No, I mean really wash them. Clean the tracks, take the screens out and wash them with soap and water. Clean out the weep holes and wipe down the frames as well. If you have vinyl windows, wash them with some acetone (about 4 dollars at your local home center) and wipe down the frames inside and out to make your windows look brand new. If they are white aluminum, buy some spray paint and touch up any areas that are scratched or worn.

3. Plant a few plants. At the local nursery they usually have what they call a "clearance rack" I guess you could say. You can pick up 5 or 6 plants for 3.99 to 8.99 that will beautify the front of your house for about 30 dollars. Remember a reputable nursery will give you a warranty on plants so don't be afraid of the clearance rack, those plants are fine, if they die, you get a new one for free. Try to pick colorful plants that compliment the color and style of your home. You won't believe how many times I've seen a cactus in front of a colonial style house.

4. Replace the porch light. You can also find these on the clearance rack at the local home center. Nothing gives away the age of your home than the porch light. People will paint the house, replace the windows and re shingle the roof, but leave that same 20 year old porch light with faded glass panels and rusty frames. While you're at it, replace the doorbell as well. Little things make a huge difference. Many things the prospective buyer may not even consciously notice the little things but they add up quick and give the buyer that feeling of "ok I think this is the one, I don't know what it is, but this house is really speaking to me!"

5. Have a garage sale. Get rid of all extra items in your home, garage and backyard. If you can't sell it, and you aren't going to use it in the next few months, consider putting it in storage or keeping it at a relative's house. Any debris, clutter and "stuff" you can remove from your yard and garage will make it look bigger and more pleasing to the eye. I even recommend removing the garden hose and reel so the yard has a cleaner, crisper look. This isn't an article about removing clutter, there have been books written on that subject, but if you aren't going to use it in the near future, sell it. If it doesn't sell at a garage sale, try ebay, anything to get rid of all the junk. When your house/garage/sheds/closets are full to the top with junk and clutter, it really creates an eyesore and many people will judge how you took care of and maintained the house by this sight alone.

6. Help a neighbor. If your yard blends with the neighbors along one or both sides, offer to clean up his yard a little bit. Offer to mow his lawn for being such a great neighbor or tell him you have some extra plants that you can't find a place for and offer to plant them for him.

7. Shutters. From time to time home centers have the faux wood shutters on sale. I've seen 4 footers for as low as $9.99 for a pair of 4 footers. One of these on either side of your front window, painted with some left over paint from when you last painted your eaves will set your home apart from the others on your street.

8. Curb Appeal. Don't' forget about the actual curb! Your house doesn't start at the driveway; it includes the sidewalk, the curb, even the asphalt or street in front of your home. Are there large oil spots, is your house number painted clearly on the curb. Get your curb in order.

9. Re-screen your window screens. For about 20 dollars in mesh and a 4 dollar re-screening roller you can make your dusty, dirty, hole ridden, cat shredded screens look brand new. There is nothing like showing your home with a few windows open (weather permitting). It gives the prospective buyer a feel of what it will be like living there. You can open the windows on a nice day, they work, look clean and best of all it has screens and they keep the bugs out.

10. Trim all foliage. Trees, bushes, the grass. Trimming foliage makes it look brand new, bright and green and healthy. Any dead or burnt plants should be trimmed down to allow it to grow back faster.

By: Craig Osterhoudt
http://www.youcandoit.typepad.com]]> Misc. http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090502-215045 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Sun, 03 May 2009 02:50:45 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090502-215045 http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090502-214131 In today's flat real estate market, many home sellers are looking for inexpensive ways to boost their home's value before listing it for sale. Here, in no particular order, are a few surprisingly simple - and relatively affordable - ways to make your property more attractive to buyers.

Nothing spruces up a house like a fresh coat of paint. If the exterior paint is in good condition but the overall appearance is dull, consider painting just the eaves and trim in a shade which complements the main color. Similarly, interiors painted in light, neutral, conventional shades will command a higher price.

Similarly, it's amazing how much a just a neglected front door can negatively impact the perceived value of your house. If your front door is peeling or in poor condition, repaint it in a durable gloss. While you're at it, repaint or replace that battered old mailbox too.

Excessive clutter can make rooms appear smaller and detract from your home's overall appearance. Eliminate as much as you can, up to and including the removal of any furniture which impedes the natural flow of traffic.

If light is an issue, replace interior light bulbs with bulbs of a higher wattage. Trim any low-hanging tree branches and shrubs which block the windows. Remember, you want visitors to see your home as open and inviting - never cramped or dimly-lit.

Hang a large mirror or two in the living room or bedrooms. As any decorator worth his or her salt can tell you, mirrors create the illusion of more space, opening up rooms and providing additional (reflected) illumination.

Replace damaged or worn vinyl floors in your kitchen and bathrooms. If possible, upgrade to tile or another more upscale flooring material. However, even fresh sheet vinyl beats the dingy old stuff.

If you're fortunate enough to have hardwood floors lurking beneath old wall-to-wall carpeting, consider pulling up the carpet and having the wood floors professionally refinished. This isn't cheap, but it can pay off handsomely in the form of a higher sales price. If your carpets have localized stains and new carpets are out of the question, consider concealing them with area rugs (of course, this doesn't relieve you of your duty to disclose such defects to interested buyers).

Replace all non-working window latches and bolts with new hardware, and oil squeaky door and cabinet hinges. While you're at it, test all light switches and electrical outlets and repair any that don't work. As a finishing touch, replace all outlet and switch plates with new ones. Be sure to choose something nicer than the old ivory-colored plastic that came with the house.

In the kitchen, degrease your oven and clean out your refrigerator. Scratched appliances can often be refreshed with a careful application of touch-up paint. More serious paint issues can be resolved with a complete re-spray, either by a skilled homeowner or professional appliance repair person.

If you have a green thumb, consider installing planter boxes outside your windows and filling them with cheery, colorful flowers. Not every house lends itself to this treatment, but those that do can benefit immensely.

Finally, remember that clutter is as much a problem outdoors as it is in. Dilapidated garden sheds, rusting swing-sets, and non-working "project" cars are among the worst things you can have on display when a prospective buyer tours your house. Get rid of them!

By: Ian Marks
With dozens of articles appearing in print and online, Ian Marks writes about anything and everything, including entertainment, the economy, and the environment. He is a regular contributor to http://www.hardtimesherald.com and offers money-saving tips and advice at http://www.mommysownmoney.com]]> Misc. http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090502-214131 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Sun, 03 May 2009 02:41:31 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090502-214131 http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090215-211825 In most homes, the living room is the center of day-to-day life. It's where you take a break after work, watch TV, play with the kids, and entertain guests. You may not notice it, but much of it has to do with living room lighting. Living rooms need to be brighter, warmer, and more inviting than the rest of the house. Unfortunately, it takes more than a new lamp or fixture to create that effect.

Having said that, lighting your living room doesn't have to be difficult or costly. The trick is to make all the room elements-not just the light-work together to brighten up the room. This includes your walls, area rugs, furniture, and even small accessories. Get started with these few simple tricks.

Use more natural light. The best kind of lighting for any room is natural light. If you're lucky enough to have large windows, use them as your main light source in the daytime. Sheer drapes or frosted glass panes can diffuse the light and cast a soft glow around the room. Pair them with yellow area rugs or cream area rugs and you've got a bright, sunny room that doesn't use a single artificial light!

Combine ambient and task lighting. There are two main types of room lighting: ambient lights and task lights. The best setup is a combination of the two, especially if you have a multi-purpose living room. Ambient light is best provided by wall-mounted sconces instead of the usual overhead lamp. Use smaller task lights on areas like reading nooks, play areas, and the family TV. Just make sure to tie all the areas together. Try using oriental area rugs as your focal point to give your room some color.

Avoid overhead fixtures. More and more designers are moving their lights away from the ceiling. Instead of the traditional chandelier, install your lights along the walls for a more subtle effect. Wall lighting is more flattering and much easier to control. For task lighting, consider getting a floor lamp-it takes up more space, but you can easily move it around to suit your needs. If you have a small living room, go for recessed lights to give it a roomier atmosphere.

Light your favorite items. Do you have a favorite painting, antique collection, or a sculpture you'd like to show off? Living room spotlights are a great way to do that. Wall accessories can be lighted with small sconces on either side, or with movable lights from opposite walls. Combine spot lighting with rugs to create an instant focal point. Braided area rugs are particularly eye-catching and make great accents for wooden furniture.

Use bright fabrics. If you have to rely on artificial light, avoid dark shades as much as possible. Soft, bright-colored fabrics work well for carpeting, rugs, curtains, and upholstery. Limit strong shades to room accents, and make sure they complement the dominant color. For example, if you're using earth tones as your color scheme, you can bring them to life with red area rugs or bright blue throw pillows.

By: Sarah Crosset]]> Lighting http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090215-211825 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:18:25 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=02&entry=entry090215-211825 http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090215-203220
New kitchen and bath cabinet knobs can tend to be pretty generic. By changing them out with something of your own choosing you can begin adding your own signature to what might otherwise be an impersonal space. French country cabinet knobs will add a touch of old world charm and can make a home feel established and lived in while stainless cabinet handles will make a space appear modern. When changing the cabinet knobs or door handles it's important to keep your over all kitchen design in mind. Most cabinet styles will allow for a wide variation in hardware but there are limitations. You probably won't want to add stainless cabinet handles with obvious modern lines to white bead board country cabinets.

Make Your Front Door Hardware Say Welcome

Another place to make some changes is in your door hardware. Your front door can really make a statement with the right door handles and locksets. Consider painting your door a dark color and adding brass door hardware or try a white door with black wrought iron door handle, lockset and decorative knocker. You don't want to forget your interior doors and these can be as plain or fancy as you want. Colored glass or marble door knobs can be a nice surprise. Just try to stick with one color and style for your interior door handles or your door hardware could end up just looking mismatched.

Maybe you haven't actually moved but are planning some home renovations. If you're installing custom cabinets this is a great place to show your creativity with the cabinet knobs and drawer pulls you choose. Or if you have stock cabinets, you know the hardware is usually nothing fancy so try upgrading to something that really represents your personal style. When it comes to home improvements, adding new cabinet knobs and door handles are an inexpensive way to add a big impact. You can completely change out the hardware in your kitchen and not spend a lot of money.

Replacing Your Hardware to Create Personal Spaces

Don't forget the bathroom. Whether you're moving into a new home or simply adding some home improvements the bath can prove to be a haven after a stressful day. So spend a little extra time and money making it your own. Stainless cabinet handles, drawer pulls and matching fixtures and towel rods can make your bathroom feel like a European spa. Go with oil rubbed bronze and you can create your own Grecian bath. Keep the same type of metal finish throughout, meaning if you have stainless steel shower head, faucets and towel bars you'll want your cabinet knobs and door handles to match.

Home means many things to many people and whether you own your home or rent you can still make a personal statement by changing your hardware. Just remember if you rent to save the original cabinet knobs and door handles to put back when you move. So wherever you call home have fun with your hardware, get creative and show your style.

By: Amanda Bashore
Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of cabinet pulls and cabinet knobs. Their products help customers with decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com]]> Misc. http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/index.php?entry=entry090215-203220 Resources For Attorneys hi@resourcesforattorneys.com Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:32:20 GMT http://homeimprovement.resourcesforattorneys.com/comments.php?y=09&m=02&entry=entry090215-203220