Eco Friendly Dash Light That Offers High Intensity Light

A dash light is available in modules of high intensity that come with lot of innovation and improvisation depending upon the requirement. There are companies that supply these in as many as 15 different flash patterns. Each flash pattern is a way in which the lights on the dash board blink, with varying pulse and frequency. The flash pattern depends on the speed with which the lights blink. It also depends on the number of colors that are available allowing the control box to alternate the colors at fixed intervals. Amongst the colors that are popular are amber, red, blue and green.

A dash lighta comes with a few accessories too. Suction cups, universal swivel brackets, protection hood and a cigarette plug switch for turning it on and off can usually be ordered along with these lights. The number of lights used, too varies a lot. For example one can find 8 head split light bars which have 8 lights, each comprising of an array of 3 or 4 LEDs each. These LEDs bring several other distinct advantages to the assembly, including low power consumption, longevity of life, low cost and low heat dissipation. Visor bracket is another accessory that is available for these lights. Most of the LEDs are 1W LEDs which consume very less energy and are hence extremely useful, cost and energy efficient when used for emergency vehicle lighting.

Although it is possible to find halogen light bars, and also the use of xenon in a dash light, the ones using LED are extremely popular currently. Tow truck lights, strobe lights and vanguard light bars are all seen using LEDs that offer high intensity light. When used on the dashboards, these high intensity light emitting diodes offer about 20% more brightness than their halogen counterparts with comparable or sometimes lower energy consumption. This is what has tilted the balance in the favor, because carrying additional batteries or using up more electricity is always something that is avoidable.

A dash light also comes with colored modules which use lenses and chrome reflectors which enhance the light and make it look brighter. Some of these lights have an aerodynamic design with an excellent finish achieved through hard anodization, justifying their use on the front of a vehicle. One can also go for directional traffic system lights both on the rear as well as in the vanguard. Warning and flashing patterns can easily be changed and customized based on the requirement.

A dash light usually comes with a simple control box that can alter the flash pattern, change the frequency of blinking, vary the pulse cycles etc. You can also purchases a universal mounting kit along with these lights and a cord that comes with the whole set. LEDs that are used for dashboard lighting are bright and sleek, offering great visibility on the darkest of nights especially for cop vans which might not always be traversing on brightly lit alleys. The LEDs are eco friendly and conserve a lot of energy and their brilliant radiance can be dazzling at most times.

Log Home - Make Your Home Look Like a Log Home!

We all know the economy has made us change our plans and goals. Some of us wanted to build a log home and enjoy the log home lifestyle but, since the economy took a nosedive, we are forced to save money and upgrade the home we have instead of build a new one.

Many companies offer products that can aid in making your stick built home appear to be a log home. In fact, some of these products achieve this look so well the average person would be hard pressed to identify whether the home is built from log or a framed house.

One of the most common methods people use to update their home is to replace the siding on the exterior of their home. By installing a log siding product, the homeowner can achieve the external appearance of a log home and begin the transformation. Log siding installs virtually the same as other siding methods and in many cases has a comparable cost. Although I would certainly recommend hiring a professional to perform the log siding installation, many DIY’rs can do the installation themselves. I have included the basic steps below, but please check with each manufacturer and follow their installation instructions. Many manufacturers require their process be followed exactly or you will have no warranty protection.

  1. Begin by carefully measuring the exterior of your home to determine the amount of coverage needed. (most manufacturers and retailers of log siding can quote it by the square foot)
  2. Measure the size and quantity of your windows and doors. We don’t need to purchase log siding to cover these, and will need to purchase trim boards to surround these with prior to installing the siding.
  3. Choose the style of log siding you prefer. There are a lot of choices out there and each has its own pros & cons.
  4. Decide if you want to put false corners or log ends on your home. These pieces provide the traditional passing log look we come to associate with log homes. (an option is to use corner boards which will give a timber frame look to your home)
  5. Strip the old siding off of your home. This will include any trim on the corners and around your windows and doors.
  6. Wrap your home with house wrap. This will aid in tightening up the “envelope” of your home and save on energy in the future.
  7. Apply a sealer or stain to all of the log siding, corner pieces and trim boards. I recommend doing this on all sides of the product. (some manufacturers do this for you at their factory)
  8. Install trim boards to all of your windows and doors.
  9. Starting on the bottom of the home make a level line using a laser, chalk line or level to use as a guide for installing the first piece. This will ensure you have a good starting row to work from.
  10. Install the corner boards or first log end to one corner.
  11. Measure and cut the first piece of siding to achieve a tight fit between the corner piece and the first door trim piece, or the opposite corner.
  12. Perform steps 10 and 11 on the opposite side of the house.
  13. On the ends of the house install the first row between the 2 rows you just installed.
  14. Continue this procedure working around the house until completed.
  15. Make sure you check the siding with a level every couple of rows to ensure everything stays level.

Tip

Whenever to pieces of siding come together cut the ends with a 45 degree bevel so they overlap. This will ensure a nice appearance for years to come.

Next we will talk about how you can change the interior appearance of your home to complete the Log Home look.

A Wet Basement Robs Your Home

The importance of a dry basement cannot be overstated. A wet basement hosts dampness, moisture, bad smells, foul odors, mold and mildew among a large variety of serious health conditions that could take a toll on you and your family’s health. These conditions rob your home of great value and put you and your family in jeopardy of mild to serious health conditions.

A dry, desired basement is one that is completely rid of flooding, moisture, dampness or water that has the tendency to seep or flow through the concrete floors, walls and joints, as well as vents that have not been sealed properly by the homeowner. A dry basement is clean and free of bad odors or leaks that can cause mold and serious health issues, especially to adults and children who suffer from breathing difficulties or asthma. These health concerns occur by simply breathing in a number of mold spores that tend to float in the air, freely.

Added Use of a Dry Basement

Over time, we tend to fill our homes with a lot of unused personal belongings and there never seems to be enough room to properly store them. Whether your basement is remodeled, finished or unfinished, it is the right size and shape for additional storage. The basement in your home is the perfect location to store these unused personal belongings such as clothing, toys, magazines, records and other valuables. The key is to take full advantage of adding storage bins, shelves, cabinets and other storage units.

Storage bins seem to be very popular with homeowners, and they come in a large variety of sizes, styles, colors and sizes. Colored storage bins are great for items that are only used once or twice per year; curtains, bedding, seasonal decorations, fabrics, winter, fall and summer clothing. The most popular storage bins, today, are see-through bins. These bins are best suited for people who frequently use items since you can easily see what is inside each bin.

Regardless what style, color or design you choose, storage bins are designed to protect your important documents and valuables from the effects of mold, mildew, insect and rodent infestation, and water damage.

New Space adds Value to your Home

There are also several other alternative uses for a dry, clean basement; additional living space, home office, extra storage, guest bedroom or just a place to get away and relax. Many homeowners don’t take full advantage of this unused space, and with a little time, effort and money, you can add great value and useful space to your home without the ongoing high cost of new construction.

According to a recent survey completed by local area real estate agents, a dry basement is a huge added bonus to any potential homeowner. A clean, dry basement is hidden money in the bank, to anyone putting a home on the real estate market, today.

However, a dry basement with the proper heating and cooling unit can quickly transform any space. Regardless how you choose to use your basement, when water enters your basement, it can be a huge hassle on your structure, budget and health.

Solution

If your home currently has a finished basement then the best decision you can make is to waterproof it. An experienced do-it-yourself homeowner should take into consideration all of the above solutions to control and solve common leaking issues. However, it is best to hire a trained professional or basement waterproofing expert who can evaluate the situation, discuss the best options to meet your home’s needs and assure the installation is performed properly to protect your home.

Why Glass Kitchen Splashbacks Should Be The Background To Your Life

This is an article about glass kitchen splashbacks, so let’s start by thinking about poppies and sunsets. Honestly, there’s a good reason - stay with me.

Whenever people want to create a new look in their kitchen they do one of two things. Either they completely gut the place and then start from scratch, or they try to redecorate. Redecorating in a kitchen isn’t easy because you have a number of choices, and that number is 4.

Your first choice is to paint the cupboards, which tends to look very much as though a TV crew came in to do a lunchtime makeover. Your second choice is to paint the walls, although this makes surprisingly little difference in many cases as the walls are so fragmented and hidden. Your third choice is to change the worktops, which besides being very expensive makes very little difference at all. Your fourth choice is to change the tiles or splashback, and this can have a very significant impact. The only problem is that tiling a kitchen can be a nightmare task, with so many corners, pipes, sockets and other awkward issues which makes a bad job virtually intolerable.

So in thinking about how to make a real difference to your kitchen, and which is your best option, let’s think about poppies.

What makes a poppy look particularly gorgeous? What makes poppies stand out so that your only choice is to whip out your camera and record the scene? Is it the colour red? Is it their delicate petals? Is it the fact that such a beautiful flower is at the heart of the drugs trade? In fact the most striking thing about a red poppy is when it is pictured against a backdrop of golden corn. If you’ve ever seen a corn field with even just a single poppy in it the poppy seems to burst out as a flame of colour that seems far more vivid and stunning than seeing it close up without the corn in the background. Backgrounds are important in scenes.

Let’s take another example. If you have ever watched a particularly good sunset, what makes it so spectacular? Is it the sun? Well, you would think that a trillion, trillion tons of hydrogen at 16 million degrees Fahrenheit exploding with enough force to provide every human on earth with the same energy output of 10 million nuclear power plants every second would look pretty spectacular. But it’s not the sun which draws the gasps, the delight, the pointed fingers or the camera. It’s the sky, streaked with crimson hues and aubergine fronds, a blaze of amber bleeding gently into the inky blackness of forever. Again, it’s the background, not the subject, which makes the biggest impression.

Why is this relevant to glass kitchen splashbacks? Note the word ‘back’? there again? Splashbacks have the ability to provide a huge almost uninterrupted background against which almost everything else in your kitchen is presented, from your cabinets to your kettle, from your worktops to your egg timer. So if you’re looking to really make an impression in your kitchen, and bring it alive then glass kitchen splashbacks are the easiest option.

Why glass? First of all, there’s no tiling, which is definitely a plus. Secondly, it’s delivered in one premade unit, so you know it will fit around all pipes, sockets and corners without you having to do a thing. Thirdly, there’s no grouting, which not only saves time but makes it about a million times easier to clean. Fourthly, glass isn’t like tiles, because whereas tiles absorb light, glass reflects it, making your kitchen seem even lighter and brighter. Glass kitchen splashbacks are available in a whole range of colours too, so whether you’re looking for the golden colours of a cornfield, the vivid blood red of a poppy, the rich purples of a sunset or the crisp blue of a clear sky, glass is definitely something you should look into.

Whole House Water System - Useful Info

The need for clean and drinkable water in the house cannot be overemphasized. Clean water is a must if you desire to maintain a healthy living. There are lots of water filters and other equipments you can use for ensuring that you have clean water available in the entire house. The whole house water system is actually one of the best appliances you can go for. It’s an effective system designed to treat and filter water that you and your family use in the entire house.

The whole house water system does a perfect job in treating water. It not only purifies but also removes odor and microbes that can lead to development of diseases. With the system, you are sure of having perfect clean water in the house always without spending a fortune. The water machine is well built to give you maximum protection from all kinds of water-borne diseases.

The whole house water system is cylindrical in shape. It comes with a set of instructions on how to get it working. When looking for one, you need to pay attention to some details. In the first place, the equipment has brands and models. You need to go for brands with proven positive records. It’s usually very important to read various reviews written about the various brands and models before you decide to choose one.

It’s important for you to know that the whole house water system is not a cheap machine. It can appear costly comparably to ordinary water filters; the reason it cleans not water you drink but in whole house. Nevertheless, you can always get it at affordable prices when you locate direct suppliers especially through the internet. No amount is too much to spend when you are looking for a solution to clean water. It’s better to spend enough money to purchase the best machine that can serve you for a long period.

When it comes to efficiency and durability, the whole house water system is always at its best. However, it is important to choose quality brands and models that are known for their durability when you begin to use them in the house.

In all, it’s very important to check out various buying guides before choosing any of the water system brands. When you succeed in purchasing one, take your time to go through the installation manual before setting the machine up. You’re sure of having daily supply of clean water when you’re able to get a quality whole house water system for your house. The entire health system of everyone in your house is also enhanced.

Do You Recognize Early Warning Signs of Water Damage?

Owning a home is rewarding, but I have never heard it referred to as being easy. There are many responsibilities that are involved in home ownership, and none of them are negotiable. As a matter of fact, if you drop the ball and do not take all necessary steps in maintaining your home, the results will more than likely be horrible. One of the most important responsibilities you have to your home is keeping it from experiencing water damage, and the best way you can do that is by learning to recognize the early warning signs before chaos sets in.

It in not a hard task to learn to recognize early warning signs of water damage before disaster strikes, as the most important step in the process is simply learning to be aware of the current condition of your home from time to time. Routine inspections are what keep small water related issues from turning into overwhelming disasters that reel out of control. Your biggest obstacle in doing this will be obtaining the ability to practice self-accountability. You will have to make this an important habit to perform often and the more times that you go through your home seeing no trace of signs related with water damage, the harder it will probably be for you to continue understanding that this is not a waste of time. Just remember that it is the single most important thing you now do out of habit and always will be.

Now that you understand the importance of being aware of these warning signs early on, let’s consider what some of the signs may be. The first sign will also be the most obvious, and that is the presence of water already. If you happen to run across any areas that are wet or even slightly damp, then you know that water is the cause and it must be coming from somewhere. This is an easy clue that you have a leak somewhere in your home, and more than likely related with the plumbing. Burst pipes and loose fittings contribute to most of the water damage issues reported each year by home owners. This is a sign that doesn’t seem like it should be referred to as early by any means, but it can be and if you notice it you need to respond immediately.

Another sign that will make more since when being coined early will be any discolorations in the walls or ceiling. Many times you may have the start to a new water leak from an upper level floor such as a second story or attic and your first real sign of the water being present will usually be a stain that appears first much like a shadow and will begin to darken as more water comes into contact with that area. This is something that you need to respond to quickly as well. If you do not seek out the source of the water that is causing these water spots to appear or your walls or ceiling quickly, you may be replacing some building materials as a result.

Pay close attention to excessive moisture or humidity in the air. Moisture and high levels of humidity can cause water related damage just as bad as water leaks themselves can. If you happen to notice these types of signs, you want to respond right away by opening some windows and circulating the moisture out of the room and ushering fresh air in with the use of fans.

By learning what early warning signs of possible water damage are, you are more equipped to take good care of your home and keep it free from the tragedy that comes with water related issues.

Shop Home Decor Using Your Smart Card

Smart cards became popular in the 1990′s and are a great way to shop for apartments and family homes. Similar in size to a credit card, these cards store key personal information, such as bank account information, gym membership numbers and even personal budgeting information. They are often used to buy groceries, clothing and gasoline, among other items. They are also a terrific source to shop for all your home decor needs.

While traditional credit cards can involve interest rates in upwards of 20 percent, smart cards are used similarly to a debit card. Much like a Visa prepaid debit card, you can set a limit on your spending so you don’t spend more than intended. Items such as couches, tables, and drapes are sometimes expensive but using your smart card responsibly will help keep your purchases in line. Simply budget according to your available credit or checking account balance and you’ll skip the surprises down the road at the debt you’ve incurred.

Smart cards are universally accepted and allow you to shop for home decor items in person or online. Scan the Sunday paper for great deals in your area or go online to find a one of a kind deal on the Internet. Make sure the shipping charges associated with an online buy do not outweigh the costs of buying a home decor item locally. Often times the cost of a couch or table is cheaper online until you factor in the cost of shipping such a bulky item.

Use your smart card to make sound purchases and fill your home with the items you desire. Be sure to check your balances at least once every couple of weeks and budget your spending and smart card payments accordingly.

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Using Furniture To Sell Your Home

Old furniture

Image via Wikipedia

Many people underestimate the power of presentation when it comes to selling their homes. They think if it is clean and smells great, that it is all that they need to do. Sometimes, when the markets are tough, like they are right now, the right furniture setup can make the world of difference.

Sometimes, especially when the home is smaller, it is best to have little or nothing in the home so that it feels bigger. A home that is cluttered with furniture can seem much smaller than it actually is and deter buyers. By making sure that you have wide open spaces, you can make it easier for someone to visualize their own furniture and style in your home. Which is a great way to get them to fall in love with it.

Another way that you can use furniture to sell your home, is to create atmosphere. By renting quality pieces through a temporary rent to won organization, you can have some good looking pieces of furniture that can showcase your home a classy place to live. Many model homes will do this. If you take the time to walk through a few of them, you will get an idea of the quality of the pieces that you want to have in your home to help people see its beauty.

Some furniture stores are willing to loan you pieces of furniture for your open house, if you include information about their store and where they can buy the furniture pieces.

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Creating Country Decor

Rooster

Image by bagsgroove via Flickr

When it comes to interior decor, one of the more popular styles is country. Country decor can include a variety of styles. Some people like to focus ont he more wild west angle, while some love the gingham cloth and wild flowers. No matter what your country taste is, there are plenty of options for you to choose from when decorating your home.

Some of the best ideas for country decor can come from visiting flea markets. As you walk through the market, you can find items that inspire your country theme. An old lantern could make you think about horses, miners, as well as just the old carriages. Whatever it is that grabs your attention is a good sign of what you will enjoy building a theme around at home.

Many people like the country theme because it is about a more simple time in life, it has a lot of light, and can be relaxing. It tells your visitors to sit back and relax, shoot the breeze, and enjoy a good time.

Many people will choose a specific farm animal for their country themed decor. They may like roosters and hens, or pigs, some like cows, others will focus on the country cat.

Other people will focus on the plants. Some will design around herbs, or certain flowers, like the sunflower. Food is another favorite as well. Many people use corn and pumpkins in their country decorating ideas. No matter what it is that you enjoy about the country, you can being it home and merge it into your design.

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Furnishing Your Apartment On A Shoestring Budget

Yard Sale Northern California May 2005. This i...

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More often than not, your first apartment is the one that you live in while you are going to college. With the costs that are associated with college, it can be hard to furnish your apartment. There are many affordable options available to you.

Some people choose to shop at all the yard sales and thrift stores to find the basic furniture pieces that they need. It is an option that can save you a great deal of money. Being creative with the pieces that you find can also be rewarding. Many people love to use fabric sofa covers as well as re-finish the items that they find.

A few people take items that they find and turn them into furniture. Large wooden spools used to hold wire can be used as end tables. Just throw a nice tablecloth or some fabric over them, and no one knows the difference. Some people have used these to create large tables. They use them like columns to hold up a larger piece of wood.

There are also online organizations that are created for people who do not want to waste what they no longer need. They give items away for free.  Some people also let others in that group know what they need, and if they have an extra one, then they will let them know.

By being creative and thinking outside the box, you can live within your means. Furnishing your apartment can be a great adventure, when you choose any of these furnishing options.

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