Painting 101

Painting Like the Pros: Interior

If you proceed logically through the steps below, soon you will be painting like the pros. Be sure to read the instructions on the paint can label for information specific to the product you are using. Your retailer also has a product manual with complete specifications.

Start out the easy way
Always start with the ceiling. Follow with the walls, then the windows, trim and doors.

Begin brushing
Dip bristles one third of their length into the paint and tap gently against the inside edge of can or pail to release excess. Try not to drag the brush across edge of can. Holding the brush near the ferrule, use light strokes with slight pressure from your fingertips. This helps eliminate lap marks. Always use a quality brush designed for the type of paint you are using.

Rolling
Work paint into the roller by moving it back and forth in the deep end of the tray. Make sure it is distributed evenly and remove excess by rolling lightly across ridges at shallow end of tray. Work the roller in slow, smooth strokes to prevent bubbles or spattering.

Ceiling
Begin by brushing a hand-wide strip around the perimeter of the room where the walls meet the ceiling. Then roll paint in one-metre strips across the shortest width of the ceiling. Avoid lapping by maintaining a wet edge. Here is how: when reapplying a loaded roller to a surface, first place it on an unpainted area of the strip. Then work backwards into the strip of wet paint. This will eliminate the risk of seeing lines where one strip ends and the next begins.

Wall to wall
Work in approximately one metre segments from the top down. When using a roller, lay initial paint on in a broad M pattern starting at the bottom of the letter. Then even out by rolling lightly with horizontal strokes followed by vertical strokes.

Windows
Open slightly at top and bottom and paint inner sash. Finish with frame and sill.

Doors
Paint frame first, then top and side edges. On panelled doors, paint mouldings and panels starting at the top and working across and down sequentially. Finish by painting areas surrounding panels from the top down. Treat flush doors the same as walls.

Trim
Gloss and semi-gloss paints require less brush pressure than flat paints. Complete small areas at a time, brush with even strokes. Never try to touch up a spot that has begun to set. A plastic shield for the floor or wall is handy when painting trim. Remember, if you are not sure how to paint a particular area, your Benjamin Moore Retailer would be more than happy to answer your questions.

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Re-key Locks for New Homes

It happens all too often: a person moves into their new home or business and forgets to re-key the locks. I literally cringe when I’m called to a home or business and find out the locks have never been re-keyed. I’m talking about protecting, for the most part, your largest investment for a cost of under a hundred dollars.

Re-keying is not an expensive procedure and it usually only takes a few minutes to change several locks. Re-keying a lock should not be confused with replacing a lock. You do not need to replace the locks in your home or business to lock out the previous key.

A locksmith simply removes your existing locks and disassembles the lock cylinder (the area that accepts the key) and discards all the old pins. New pins are installed that match the new key and at that time the lock cylinder is inspected, tested and lubricated to assure that the key will turn smoothly. After completing this procedure the lock is then reinstalled back on your door, guaranteeing that the old key will no longer work.

It’s important to act immediately when a house or business key is lost, just in case it falls into the wrong hands. A general rule of thumb is to always assume that it has fallen into the wrong hands, and that the finder knows your name and where you live or work.

When a theft occurs, law enforcement officers usually look for visible signs of entry. When a thief pries a door, they leave identifying marks on the door or door frame. However, when a key violation occurs, through a lost or stolen key, there are no signs of forcible entry.

With no signs of forced entry, police officers and insurance companies naturally become suspicious and may ask such questions as: Did the intruder have a key? Did the homeowner negligently forget to lock one of his or her doors? Did the homeowner stage the theft? In some cases insurance companies may suspect foul play, causing them to be less willing to pay an insurance claim without further investigation.

Most homes have all their locks keyed alike. Having one key for all locks is very convenient and saves the frustrating task of locating the proper key to the proper lock. However, if you are concerned a family member may lose or misplace a key, it may be advantageous to have a designated door on a separate key for that family member to use. The benefit being, if the key is lost or stolen, you only have to re-key the locks on the designated door instead of all doors, keeping your re-keying costs to a minimum.

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Ironaway A42

Ironaway A42 Electric Built In Ironing Center

Item #: A42 Retail: $862.95 Price: $413.29 You Save: $449.66 (52.1%) Quantity   Estimate Shipping Share|

What side would you like the hinge? Right Side Hinge Left Side Hinge Door Type No Door Birch Flat Door Maple Door / add $81.25 Mirror Door / add $81.40 Oak Door / add $81.25 Pine Door / add $81.25 White Flat Door / add $28.00 White Raised Panel Door / add $81.25 Details Specs Product Details for the Iron-A-Way A-42 The Model A-42 features a 90 degree left/right, industry standard 42 inch, ventilated steel swivel board, giving you flexibility in confined areas like corners in the laundry room or kitchen. Other standard features include a solid-state, silent timer, built-in work light, electrical outlet, on/off pilot light, hot iron and accessory storage, and easy, 4 inch height adjustment. The A-42 also has an optional sleeve board. 42″ Built In Ironing Center Features: Power timer and outlet. 4″ Height adjustment. Door opens approximately 180 degree. Allow at least 16″ to the side of the unit for door to swing open (door hinges on full length piano hinge). Ironing Board Cover and Pad are included for 42″ board. The interior has been painted a cool gray. 90 degree left or right board swivel action standard feature Hot iron rest-option Storage shelf-standard Piano hinge with door  orthwise no door must order as an option. Cover and pad-standard extra can be purchased as an option Garment bar-optional Sleeve board-optional Iron-Rowenta DM-880-optional Surface Mount Kit-optional Surface Mounting: Unit may be surface mounted (unit extends approximately 7 3/8″ into room) or recessed (unit extends approximately 3 1/2″ into room) into any wall with standard 16 inch center studs. See table in specification sheet to determine desired ironing board height above the floor. The user can adjust height of board after installation with a 4″ differential between a maximum and minimum height. Installation: Simple Install! Identify the location, cut and remove the drywall, slip the unit between the studs and attach it with the installation screws provided. All models are preassembled and ready to install. Fits between standard 2 x 4 studs on 16″ centers. Install at the height of your choice, typically 34″-36″ from the floor. Recommended to attach 2″ x 4″ cleats to studs, level with the bottom of opening (for support when recessing unit). Electrical: 120V, 15 Amps. Pigtails are provided in bottom of wireway for hookup to supply line. Make entrance into knockouts provided in top and bottom of wire way through left-hand vent hole. Accessories: Unit can be provided with a left hinged door (without garment hook) upon request. Right hinge is standard. Replacement Cover Pad Garment Bar Hinge Hardware Hot Iron Rest Iron Sleeve Board Surface Mount Trim

Panasonic to Supply Lithium-ion Battery Cells for Ford Motor’s Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

Panasonic to Supply Lithium-ion Battery Cells for Ford Motor Company’s Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

 

Osaka, Japan - Panasonic Corporation today announced that it will supply lithium-ion battery cells for Ford Motor Company’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The upcoming models of the Ford Fusion Hybrid Electric and C-Max Hybrid Electric as well as the Ford Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids will use Panasonic battery cells in combination with a gasoline engine.

 

Panasonic will supply lithium-ion battery cells for Ford Motor Company’s two hybrid and two plug-in hybrid vehicles.

 

With growing environmental concerns and escalating oil prices, demand for rechargeable batteries for eco-friendly vehicles is expected to grow rapidly. Panasonic is building up its battery business to meet such demand. The company is already supplying nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery cells and systems for hybrid electric vehicles to a growing number of automotive manufactuers around the world, including Ford Motor Company as well as lithium-ion battery cells and systems for hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

 

The lithium-ion battery supply agreement with Ford Motor Company builds on a long-term partnership between the two companies. SANYO Electric Co.,Ltd , which was acquired by Panasonic last year, has been supplying Ni-MH battery systems for the Ford Escape hybrid vehicle since 2004. The company’s battery systems have been powering the Ford Escape Hybrid, and the company’s battery cells have been powering the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The partnership now expands to lithium-ion battery cells for the four Ford hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.  Battery cells are delivered in cell stack configuration to increase transportation efficiency and reliability.

 

Panasonic continues to accelerate the development and commercialization of high performance rechargeable batteries for green vehicles and further expand its rechargeable battery business globally, thereby contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of automotive activity worldwide.

 

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (US$105 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE: PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net.

 

Broan: Attic Ventilation

Powered Attic Ventilators Solar Powered Attic Ventilators Too often, attic ventilation is overlooked, not to mention ignored as a place for energy savings. That’s where Broan attic ventilation solutions make sense. Consider this: air trapped in your attic can easily reach 150˚ or more. Left untreated, that heat finds its way into your home, increasing the load on your air conditioner. With a Broan attic fan, you could lower your attic temperature up to 60 degrees F. That’s why attic ventilation is critical to making any home more comfortable while lowering energy costs. Air-conditioners can run less and won’t have to work as hard. Humid, stagnant air can be removed, drawing fresh dry air across the surfaces. Your attic can be drier and cooler – the perfect tools to help fight potential moisture damage. And now, Broan offers you Environmentally friendly solutions to your attic ventilation needs. Broan Solar Powered Attic Ventilators operate without fuel, waste or pollution. And because they are a totally solar-powered solution, they can count as points towards Green building. Whether you choose electrical powered or solar powered, Broan has an attic ventilator just right for your needs. How does a Solar PAV compare to a Standard PAV in cost? *Tax credit for products that are used in a residential dwelling in the U.S. Please consult your personal tax advisor for more information. Would you be surprised to learn that an SPAV is actually less expensive than a PAV? If you only look at the upfront investment, you miss the greater picture; within 1 year an $800 SPAV will cost the SAME as a standard PAV! And within 5 years, a PAV actually costs more than DOUBLE.Solar products qualify for a federal tax credit of 30% covering the cost of the product AND labor. After the 30% tax credit is figured in, at the end of year one, the Solar powered attic ventilator costs the same as a powered version. Because a powered version will continue to use electricity, after five years, the powered version can cost more than double that of the solar version. Federal tax form #5695

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How Does a Range Vent Hood Work?

Range Vent Hood Basics

• Range vent hoods are mounted to the ceiling or wall above a stovetop cooking surface. They are typically big enough to encompass the perimeter of the stovetop surface. A hood will be made of metal, and may either be hammered, painted, enameled or otherwise finished to match the design of the kitchen. The hood is designed and shaped to trap and funnel fumes into the unit.

Standard Operation

• As fumes rise from food cooked on the range top, the hood collects and funnels them to the center of the unit. Electric fans mounted inside the unit pull the fumes in and move them in one of two manners. First, fumes may be pushed through duct work to the exterior of the building and vented. Second, fumes may be pushed through filters that scrub the fumes, removing grease and odors, and vent them back into the room. Typically, a hood will have a selector switch that allows the user to adjust the speed of the fan inside the unit.

Design and Dominance

• As kitchens change and evolve, so do the appliances within them. This holds true for vent hoods, which have evolved moved from small, obscure objects to large kitchen centerpieces. Made of a variety of materials, including stainless steel and copper, some hoods are almost focal points of the kitchen, and are mounted over large cooking surfaces. Hoods may be manufactured to match almost any decor and blend with any design.

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Choosing a Skylight

If you had to choose one word to define a room with a skylight, a good word might be dramatic. The benefits of natural light to people and houseplants are well known. Skylights provide more natural light than vertical windows (up to 30%). From a design perspective, they can actually make a room feel bigger. Skylights are available for any ceiling or roof style.

Skylight Types

The term skylight or roof window is often used to describe several styles.

• Ventilating skylights are excellent for bath or kitchen. In addition to providing extra light, when opened, the overhead ventilation creates an updraft. Ventilated skylights can be operated by several means:

o Controlled by temperature sensor o Remote control o Electric on/off wall switch o Manual or motorized hand crank

• Fixed skylights are for additional light only. They’re great for attics, bonus rooms or anywhere you want extra illumination or to enjoy the view. Styles and sizes vary from domes to rectangles. Acrylic skylights are available for utility rooms, workshops and garages where fashion is less of a concern than functionality.
• Tubular skylights are relatively new on the scene. The small size (normally a 10-inch or 14-inch diameter) allows them it to be used in spaces where full-sized skylights cannot. Hallways, bathrooms, even closets can accommodate a tubular skylight. They provide a lot of light in spite of their small size. The concept and installation process are basically the same as for a regular skylight.

Skylight Features

Here are some extras you might want to look for when selecting a skylight:

• Insulated thermal glass prevents loss of heat in winter and assists cooling in summer.
• Tinting filters UV rays and additional heat.
• Shades or blinds screen full sun – a good idea as the sun tracks through the room during the day.
• Insect screens on ventilating skylights keep pests outdoors where they belong.

Before You Buy

 Rafters vs. Trusses.

You need to be familiar with the roof and ceiling in your home.

Make sure you know your roof support system when you go shopping. Take a look in the attic and compare to the illustration. Your roof support joists should be either 16″ or 24″ on centre. The simplest installation occurs when the skylight fits between two roof joists. Skylights that are larger than the joist measurements can be installed but require reinforcing.

Know what kind of roof you have. The roof thickness determines the type of mounting and flashing required.

Thinner roofs like asphalt or fibreglass use self-flashing or curb mount. Thicker, higher-profile roofs such as wood shakes, slate or clay tile require built-up curb and flashing.

• Self-flashing – prefabricated part of the unit. The skylight drops in and installs right into the roof.
• Curb-mount – site-built to accommodate window and roof thickness. The skylight is then mounted to the curbing.

 Safety Note:Never cut rafters or trusses without first consulting an engineer or structural expert.

Ceiling

The type of ceiling you have dictates whether or not you need a shaft to direct light into the room.

• Cathedral ceiling skylights mount right in the roof. One hole does it all.
• A regular ceiling needs either a straight or flared shaft.

A flared shaft directs more light into the room. With either shaft you’ll have to cut and frame two holes – one in the ceiling and in the roof. Reflective shafts increase the light provided. Remember that shafts need insulating to prevent heat loss. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

If You Plan to Install It Yourself

• The old adage “measure twice, cut once” applies. Unless you ’re comfortable cutting holes in your roof, you may want to measure three times when putting in a skylight.
• Always check for wiring before cutting anything.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Get a helper.

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Housing Starts Rise 1.5 Percent from Upwardly Revised Numbers in January

February 16, 2012 - Building on significant upward revisions to numbers for the previous two months, nationwide production of new single-family homes and apartments increased 1.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of nearly 700,000 units in January, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Commerce Department. This marks the second-best pace of overall housing production since October of 2008.

“Today’s solid housing starts report indicates that builders are putting more of their crews back to work, and adds to the growing field of evidence that the overall housing market is gradually but consistently moving in the right direction,” said Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. In addition to today’s numbers, recent builder surveys have indicated steadily increasing optimism regarding market conditions while the number of improving housing markets nationwide has grown substantially over the past six months, he noted.

“The fact that the three-month moving average for housing starts has now increased for nine consecutive months and is approaching the 700,000 mark for the first time since October of 2008 is indicative of a solid recovery in housing activity stemming from recent firming in employment and consumer confidence measures,” agreed NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “That said, housing production is still far from what would be considered normal in a healthy market, and many challenges remain for home builders in terms of tight credit conditions, difficult appraisals and the continued flow of foreclosed properties on the market – all of which are certainly slowing the pace of improvement in both housing and the overall economy.”

Following significant upward revisions reported for both November and December, single-family starts held virtually flat in January with a 1.0 percent decline to a 508,000-unit rate. Together with the revised December number, this is the best pace of single-family starts since April of 2010, when the home buyer tax credit was active. Meanwhile, single-family building permits, which can be an indicator of future construction activity, also held virtually unchanged, with a 0.9 percent increase in January to 445,000 units – again, the best pace since April of 2010.

The multifamily segment also continued to display greater strength in January following a 55 percent increase in starts activity in 2011 that was attributed to rising demand for rental apartments. While multifamily starts rose 8.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 191,000 units for the month, permits edged up 0.4 percent to 231,000 units.

The South, which is the nation’s largest regional housing market, posted the biggest gain in housing starts in January with an 18.3 percent increase, while the West and Northeast also posted significant gains of 11.9 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively. The Midwest was the exception to the rule, posting a 40.7 percent decline that partially offset a dramatic gain in the previous month.

The South also posted the largest gain in permit issuance in January, with a 10.1 percent increase. Permits also rose by 4.2 percent in the Northeast, but declined 3.7 percent in the Midwest and 18.2 percent in the West.

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Show your Appliances Some TLC on Valentine’s Day

image from http://www.appliancesonlineblog.com.au

Dedicated support, attention to every detail and caring for every need sounds like the ultimate valentine…for your appliances. Forget the hour-long dinner reservations and cook up a romantic meal for your sweetheart. Show your appliances some tender loving care this Valentine’s Day to avoid kitchen heartbreak before your dinner.

“The periodic up-keep can increase the life of your appliances and improve operation,” said Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance®.

Take time to love your appliances and they will love you back. Follow these steps from Mr. Appliance to cook up some romance, instead of frustration with inefficient appliances.

Give Your Oven Some Lovin’

• Don’t run the self-cleaning cycle within one week of a big dinner – ovens have a tendency to fail during or right after a self-cleaning cycle.
• Clean the reflector bowls under the burners to help cook more efficiently.

XOXO For Your Dishwasher

• If you’re unsure whether or not an item is dishwasher safe, just wash it by hand.
• Run an empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar to eliminate odors and buildup.

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Like Roses

• Place a handful of ice cubes in the disposal. Add lemon, orange or lime peels and run disposal with cold water for 15 to 30 seconds. Continue to rinse with cold water.
• To avoid clogging your garbage disposal, remember to not pour grease down the drain.

Rekindle Your Refrigerator

• Unplug your refrigerator and use a vacuum to remove any dust from the coils. This will help it run more efficiently and trim your utility bills.
• Make sure it’s loaded properly. Contents should be evenly distributed.
• For recipes, appliance and energy tips, follow us on twitter at @MrApplianceCorp and like us on facebook atwww.facebook.com/MrApplianceCorp.

  If your appliances need a technician’s tender loving care, call a professional at Mr. Appliance to play cupid for your appliances on Valentine’s Day.

  About Mr. Appliance^®:

  Mr. Appliance is North America’s leading appliance repair franchise system. Established in 1996, its franchises provide full-service residential and light commercial appliance repair. Mr. Appliance has more than 150 locations throughout the United States and Canada and is consistently ranked among the top home service franchises by Entrepreneur magazine and other industry experts. Mr. Appliance is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information, visitwww.mrappliance.com.

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A Whole-House Humidification System Offers Benefits Portable Units Don’t

If you’re looking for a way to alleviate the dry winter air in your Calgary home, a humidification system can help. There are two types to choose from: a whole-house humidification system and a portable unit — and each one has its advantages and disadvantages.

Dry winter air can be problematic. It can cause sinus and respiratory problems; it can also damage wood products in your home, like floors. Both whole-house and portable systems will send moisture into the air, and help to remedy dry air conditions. Adding moisture to the air can also help you with energy savings, because moist air feels warmer than dry air, so you can lower your thermostat.

Whole-house humidification

A whole-house system is ideal for homeowners seeking convenience and savings. This type of system is installed alongside heating equipment and connects to your home’s water supply, so as conditioned air is sent through the ductwork, the humidifier will add moisture as well. In that way, the air throughout your entire home will be more comfortable. With all of the spaces in your home able to benefit from humidification, you can go anywhere and avoid dry air. Finally, once the system is installed, there is very little maintenance required, besides an annual check-up.

Portable humidification

Portable humidifiers can be beneficial as well; however, they are limited in the amount of humidification they can provide. Typically, these devices are positioned in a room and deliver moisture into that specific space — so you won’t get whole-house humidification unless you take the device with you as you move through your home. These systems also require quite a bit of maintenance. You’ll need to fill the water tank every day, and clean out the tank every couple of days. Their main advantage, though, is that they are inexpensive to purchase.

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