Be Your Own Way, But Still Use The Safe Tools

by: Tony Gevano
It is so often that people are not aware with the tools they use when doing their home improvement. Sometimes they use wrong tools just because they want something quick to be done. Well, you must change that attitude. You have to understand that by using the correct tool it can avoid you from hurting and damaging the project you are trying to repair. Well, it sure does. Don’t think you know everything about tools before you really search for tools information.

Let’s start by some small items which mostly used to repair your broken equipment, for example, screwdriver. Using the right size and head of screwdriver is very important. Do you know why? That’s because if you are using the correct one, then the screw will be easier to remove, and secondly, because if you use the incorrect one, then you can strip the screw which will make it impossible to remove.

There are other tools which also have to use correctly. They are scraper, putty knife, or spreader. All should have should have different functions, right? But, admitted that you are using the putty knife for all three, haven’t you? Hmm…you have to understand that scrapers have a thin, flat surface to enable it to get under the area that you want scraped off. Putty knives are a little more flexible and they are used for the application of wood and wall putty. Spreaders are used to spread mortar, grout, and other applications.

So, above example is only part of it. There are more other equipments which you must understand how to use it. Use the right tool for your job to make it quicker and easier on yourself! It’s better for being safe, then to hurt yourself.

Beside that, being safe is very important in doing home improvement. Take care of your working waste such as wood shavings, sawdust, errant nails, and other debris which might ruin your project. More worst if those waste fly you to the emergency room in hospital. Sure you don’t want that to happen, do you?

Another stuffs which also dangerous is the flying object when you sanding, nailing, sawing, and just about anything else. You need safety glasses when working. If there is any chance of debris coming at you, then you need to put on your safety glasses. You only get one set of eyes, so protect them.

Face protection is an important part of safety also. A dust mask will prevent you from breathing in sawdust or paint chips as you are sanding. A respirator mask may be necessary if you are using chemicals in a small, confined space.

Above all, remember that no home improvement project is worth risking your life for. Use the appropriate safety gear at all times, and be safe!

About the author:
Tony Gevano interest in observing people’s way in choosing things. He wrote almost anything he likes. You find his writing in different Website at http://www.my-pro-tools.infoand http://www.my-hand-tools.info.

Insulating Your Garage

You recently bought a house that has a bedroom addition above the
garage but it is not insulated. Adding insulation should make those
rooms more comfortable and save on energy bills. There are several
options for insulating above the garage. Depending on the local
building codes, the size of the area, whether you decide to hire a
professional or do it yourself and maybe the most important
factor is your budget.

If you have a sheet rocked garage, the fastest way would be to have
blown-in insulation installed behind the sheetrock. A fair warning
here, the blown-in insulation may be expensive if your garage
is small. If your garage is not sheet rocked you have to install
lame-spread rated batt insulation and cover it with sheetrock. First check
your local building codes for the requirements of the thickness of the
sheetrock for garages including fire safety rules. The lack of smoke detectors in
a garage and the possible storage of flammable and combustible
liquids can cause a garage to be considered a hazardous space. This is
the reason why you should contact a local contractor to help you
in insulating this space.

Sealing a Garage Floor

The floor of your garage is exposed to intense corrosion
and deterioration due to road salt, oils and other auto fluids.
Sealing your garage floor reduces dust and makes
cleaning and sweeping easier. A clear acrylic concrete
sealer protects the concrete from damage and stains. Also
the same sealers can be used on concrete walks and
driveways or as a primer under acrylic or polyurethane
floor paints. You should take care when and where you
apply a sealer because they cannot be applied over paint or
other coatings.

In order to do the sealing yourself you need several
materials and tools: protective clothing, neoprene rubber
gloves, goggles, a stiff brush and a bucket, a paintbrush, a
cartridge-style respirator with organic-vapor and small-
particle filters, paint roller with extension handle and tray,
medium nap roller cover, a concrete degreaser and of
course some concrete sealer. Usually ½ gallon of sealer is
used for approximately 100 square feet.

Before sealing you have to clean the floor because it has to
be free of dirt, grease and oil. To do this you should use a
stiff scrub brush to apply the cleaner and concrete
degreaser according to the instructions. Allow the solution
to lay on the floor for 15 to 20 minutes more for stubborn
stains after scrubbing. After his you should rinse
thoroughly with clear water. You may need several
applications. Many concrete sealers contain hazardous
chemicals that may be harmful to skin and eyes and the
vapors are not safe to breathe but the vast majority are
acrylic. The best way to avoid damages to your skin, eyes
and lungs is to wear the protective equipment made of
neoprene rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator with both
organic-vapor and solid-particle filter cartridges. During
the process of sealing the floor you should continuously
ventilate the garage by opening all doors and windows and
also using a fan would be a great idea.

After cleaning and drying the concrete, the sealer has to be
applied. The sealer should be tested in an inconspicuous
area before applying. Some uneven density in the concrete
may result in light/dark appearance that may be
objectionable. By using the medium-nap paint roller with
extension handle is the easiest way to apply the sealer. Start
in a rear corner continuing to work your way out of the
garage. Before doing anything else you should allow the
sealer to dry as indicated on the sealer bottle, usually for a
few hours. For a driveway the procedure is essentially the
same but it would be quicker to use a garden sprayer to
apply the sealer to a large driveway. You should act with
caution not to over spray on other material due to the high
risk of staining.

All about the Dremel

A Dremel is a high speed power tool. Consumers love the Dremel because it is very light weight and compact. It is a versatile power tool that is commonly used for wood work and crafts. While the Dremel is classified as a power tool, it has some unusual uses over the years. In the 1940’s, the Dremel was used by the Department of Defense to help create the first atomic bombs. During the war, the Dremel was commonly used to reduce the amount of scar tissue from wounds. It has been used to remove tattoos and even by dentists to shape dentures.

Today, the Dremel is the number one rotary tool in the world. That is quite an accomplishment with millions of them to choose from. The Dremel has over 200 accessories offered, giving it versatility. The possibilities of what you can do with a Dremel are endless.

There are many different models of the Dremel tool. The 400 Series XPR offers high speeds as well as great quality. It is the most versatile of the Dremel series. The 300 Series is a precision tool. It is very compact and has several speeds to choose from. The Digital Rotary Dremel is very advanced. It features a LCD readout and an electronic feedback control. This Dremel model is commonly used by the science field.

The original Dremel tool, the MultiPro is great for crafts and for doing hobbies. This is the top selling Dremel model, with various speeds. The two speed MultiPro gives you the option of a high or low speed for better control. The Single Speed MultiPro Dremel is great for those who only want one speed, commonly for someone who plans to use the Dremel tool for the same type of project again and again. The Cordless MultiPro is very convenient as is the Cordless MiniMite.

The fastest Dremel yet is the Lithium-ion Cordless model. This is the fastest and strongest cordless rotary tool available on the entire market. That is quite an accomplishment for the Dremel Corporation. The battery will stay charged for up to two years at a time. A very fun specialty Dremel is the orange and black pumpkin carving Halloween Dremel. It comes with an assortment of templates to help you make fun and creative jack-o-lanterns.

Regardless of the Dremel tool that is the right power tool for you, be assured you are purchasing a very reliable and powerful tool. Each Dremel product is ergonomically correct so your hands won’t get sore or cramped. They also have a soft-grip handle, making it comfortable to handle as well as giving you more control over the power tool.

Dremel tools are very light weight so you can take them anywhere. You can also use them for lengths of time without the power tool feeling uncomfortable. There are two dials on the dual speed Dremel models. This allows you to control the speed with one and the power with the other. You will get free replacement brushes for the life of your Dremel tools as well as a five year warranty.

With so many Dremel accessories to choose from, it is a good idea for you to research the right accessories for the particular project you are doing as well as for the Dremel power tool you own. You can save money buy purchasing a Dremel power tool kit. This comes with a carrying case, the Dremel power tool, and a wide assortment of the various accessories you may choose to use for that particular power tool.

A Dremel is the perfect rotary power tool to add to your collection. They are very versatile and durable. You can choose from the various accessories to get even more use out of your Dremel power tool. You can purchase them at any hardware store or home improvement store. Some retail stores also carry a selection of Dremel tools and accessories. This is a brand you can trust to be very reliable. The five year warranty says a great deal about the dedication this manufacturer has for providing the consumer with a trustworthy power tool.

Factors to Consider when Comparing Power Tools

With the market being saturated with various brands of power tools, it can be a really tough decision to choose the right ones. Here are some basic areas of comparison that you need to take into consideration. They will also help you get the best deals on the power tools you do decide to purchase.

Of course, the purchase price is something we are all going to look at. It doesn’t matter how great of a power tool is, if it is too much for the budget then it can’t even be considered. Most power tools are reasonably priced but you are going to run across some heavy duty, top of the line power tools that have a price tag to reflect it.

Keep in mind the cost is more than just the purchase price. Take the cost of essentials into consideration as well. Depending on the type of power tool, these essentials can be sandpaper, belts, blades, bits, or a number of other items. Optional accessories are also something to consider.

What features are you looking for in a particular power tool? Don’t get caught up in all the features that one has to offer. You may end up paying a great deal more for a power tool that has features you don’t intend to ever us. Take a good look at those features though because you may find a few you could really use that you didn’t think of. That will definitely make a particular model more appealing to you.

Since most power tools are designed to last a very long time, you want to find out about the availability of replacement parts. You also want to find out about customer support. It can be over the phone, by mail, or on the internet. It is important that customer support is available to you in the event you have questions, comments, or complaints about your power tool purchase. Manufacturers who have been in business for a very long time are likely to still be there down the road when you need a replacement part for your power tool.

The quality of a power tool is very important. A good way to compare the quality of a particular type of power tool is to check reviews online from other consumers. These reviews are free to look at and very unbiased. You can also check with magazines that do comparisons such as Consumer Reports. However, you will probably have to pay for a subscription to get this information. Their monthly magazine has features for a variety of products. You can search their archives online to find articles and reviews about power tools.

It is a good idea to purchase a particular model and brand of power tool only after you have physically looked at it and touched it. It is too heavy? Does it seem to flimsy for the job you plan to do with it? How noisy is it? Does it fit properly in your hands? These things are all very important and will affect how compatible the power tool is for you.

Safety should be a top priority on your list when it comes to selecting power tools. What is their safety rating? How many accidents have occurred with a particular model of hand tool? What safety features does the power tool offer you? All power tools on the market have basic safety mechanisms in place, but keep in mind that some only offer the bare minimum as regulated while others go the extra mile to ensure their customers are safe while operating them.

Sometimes walking into a store of power tools is like taking a child into a candy store. However, to get the most from the power tools you purchase, follow these guidelines. Don’t be blind sided by the brand name or the design of a particular power tool. Take the time to find out exactly what it has to offer you.

Bosch Power Tools

Bosch power tools offers the consumer a full line of both cord and cordless power tools. They offer a large selection of power tools as well as accessories. In addition to the basic power tools that are offered including saws, drills, routers, sanders, nailers, power screwdrivers; Bosch offers some great specialty tools.

They are designed for specific projects. The Bosch heat gun offers several temperatures as well as two speeds. You can get a Bosh heat gun in several sizes. There are also various accessories available to fit your particular project. These accessories include the heat gun blower, spreader, and reflector. The Bosch foam rubber cutter is an excellent specialty tool that is designed to easily cut through foam rubber and flexible foams. The various blades will assist you with cutting foam this is of varying densities.

Bosch has some great new power tools on the market. The pocket driver is very compact, but very powerful. You can insert 100 screws with one battery charge. The I-Driver is a power screwdriver, designed with a pivot head to get into very tight spaces. The Brute Tough drill and driver is very powerful and versatile. It can be used for a variety of projects.

Bosch offers consumers something not many other power tool manufacturers have. It is called the Flexible Power System. With many of their power tools including drills and saws, you get to choose the minimum weight and the maximum power you want from that particular power tool.

Are you in the market for several power tools? One of the best selling products offered by Bosch is the five Pak. This is an 18 volt cordless tool kit. The Hammer Drill/Driver is the same as having a drill, a driver, and a hammer. The Circular saw is very powerful and comes with safety features for your protection. There is a reciprocating saw, great for precision cutting. The jigsaw is great for most any kind of cut that takes place away from the outer edge of the materials.

You will also get a great drop light and a heavy duty bag to carry it all in. As if that wasn’t enough you will also get two battery chargers, a drill bit holder, various saw blades, and two extra batteries. This power tool kit has everything you need to complete a variety of home improvement products at a price of about $500.

If that is more than your budget can handle, consider purchasing reconditioned Bosch power tools. You will be able to purchase them at 40% less than the retail price of that particular power tool. The Bosch website has information on the various reconditioned power tools they have available at this time. They come with a one year warranty and a thirty day money back guarantee. You will also get a certification of authenticity.

Bosch takes customer satisfaction very seriously. They strive to meet the needs of every customer. Bosch understands that down time with your tools affects your productivity. That can cost you time, money, or both. All Bosch power tools are guaranteed to be free from defects. Each comes with a one year warranty, a thirty day money back guarantee, and a one year service plan.

If you need repairs to a Bosch power tool, contact them directly. They work with service providers all over the world who will repair your Bosch power tool quickly and effectively. Generally, this can be done at any location that sells Bosch power tools. You are guaranteed your power tool will be ready within five days.

You can purchase Bosch power tools at most hardware stores and home improvement stores including Ace Hardware and Home Depot. They offer reliable power tools at a very comparable price. Bosch power tools are very versatile and meet or exceed the required safety requirements of the industry. You won’t be disappointed with the power tools you purchase from the Bosch brand.

Common Power Tool Accidents

We all understand the reasons why safety is so important when it comes to operating power tools. The risk of an accident is very possible. Thousands of minor and major accidents are reported each year with power tools. There are even some reports of death as a result. You can help reduce your chances of being involved in a power tool accident by using each one only for intended uses as outlined by the manufacturer. You should also heed their recommendations for the proper safety equipment to use while you are operating a particular power tool.

The most common power tool accidents involve injuries to the fingers. This can be anything from a minor cut to losing the entire finger. Approximately half off all finger amputations in the United States each year are the result of an injury involving a power tool. The index and the middle finger are the two generally involved in the accident. The most common power tool involved in these cases are the various types of saws. Of these finger injuries, 55% occurred while operating the power tool at home.

According to OSHA, a large portion of power tool injuries occur because the power source is not removed while changing parts on the power tool. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have with the power tool or how quickly you can change the part. Drill bits and saw blades are the most common culprits. It only takes a moment to unplug the power source. If you are using a cordless power tool, you may want to remove the battery before you change anything on it. The inconvenience is worth your safety.

Cords on power tools are another concern. Many power tool accidents have been eliminated by going to cordless power tools. If you operate any type of power tool that has a cord, make sure you have it properly secured. Don’t leave the cord out in the open where you or someone else can trip on it. There is the risk of electrocution so make sure the cords aren’t frayed. This includes an extension cords you may be using as well. Keep the cords out of wet, damp areas, and make sure there is nothing in the area that can accidentally be spilled on them.

Even if you use the power tool as it should be operated and have on the right safety equipment, accidents can still happen in the blink of an eye. Tripping, slipping, or falling while you have a power tool in your hand can result in an injury. One unfortunately young man was using a staple gun on a ladder with safety equipment on when he lost his footing. He fell from the ladder and ended up with several long nails in his skull. He didn’t die from it but could have.

To help prevent power tool accidents, make sure your work area is secure. Ladders should be securely in place. Never work on a surface that is slippery or unstable. It is a risk you don’t want to be taking with a power tool in your hand. I understand that not all work areas are under the best of circumstances. Be cautious and use common sense.

This information isn’t meant to scare you, only to help you remember that power tools are dangerous, and you have to use them responsibly. Hopefully all of your experiences with power tools with be safe. Do your part to use them under the best possible conditions to help reduce the amount of power tool accidents out there.

As you do your part, so with the manufacturers of power tools. They are very aware of the types of accidents and injuries that take place with power tools. They strive to make improvements on their power tools to help reduce the risk. Most manufacturers welcome your comments, so if you have any ideas on making them safer please contact the manufacturer of that particular power tool.

Delta Power Tools: A Great Investment

Delta power tools are a great investment. You will get power tools that are long lasting and very powerful. You will also get them at a reasonable price. Delta has been making power tools for 86 years, establishing itself as a long lasting manufacturer of quality power tools. You won’t be disappointed with the quality of their power tools or their customer service.

The founder of Delta power tools, Herbert Tautz, started his small business in 1919. In 1923 he was credited with creating the very first scroll saw. This invention paved the way for Delta and their line of power tools as we know them today. He is also credited for being a driving force behind the power tool industry as a whole.

In addition to the basic power tools we all know including saws, drills, power screwdrivers, routers, sanders, and nailers; Delta has two specialty lines of power tools.
The Delta Industrial line offers heavy duty power tools for industry and businesses. The Delta ShopMaster line offers a full line of woodworking power tools. Delta is the world’s leader in top selling woodworking power tools.

In addition, Delta has their own line of accessories for all of their power tools. These are great options that help you get the most versatility from your Delta power tools. You can find the entire line of more than 200 Delta power tool accessories on their website or at your Delta power tool retailer. These accessories give you the power to complete thousands of projects with each Delta power tool.

Consumers of all backgrounds including business, industry, those who use Delta power tools for home projects, and those who use them for hobbies have raved for years about the quality of Delta power tools. This has lead to them being awarded numerous recognitions form home improvement magazines and others for their dedication to quality products that are reliable and affordable.

Today, Delta remains dedicated to providing selection, quality, and reliability in all of their power tools. They strive to offer excellent customer service, both at the retail stores who carry their products and when you contact their customer service via phone or email.
Every Delta power tool comes with a full two year warranty. They guarantee fast repairs on your Delta power tools. If it can’t be repaired it will be replaced.

It can be frustrating finding the right replacement part you need for a particular power tool. Delta power tools have a simple system for this process. You simply go online and select the power tool model you have under each type of power tool. You will find a complete listing for every part as well as the part number. You can order Delta power tool parts from any retailer who offers Delta power tools or you can choose to order them online.

Delta takes safety while using power tools very seriously. They strive to make each power tool they sell as safe as possible. They also offer complete safety information on the owner’s manual and on their website. You will get a list of the recommended safety equipment to use while operating that particular power tool as well as excellent safety tips. While power tools are very effective, they do pose a danger that we all need to protect ourselves against.

You will find Delta power tools for sale all around the world. You can purchase them online, and at various retailers. You can also go to their website to find the nearest Delta power tool retailer in your area.

Purchasing Delta power tools is a great investment that you will be glad you made. Each power tool is comfortable to use and offers the top of the line safety features. They are lightweight, but very durable. Regardless of the Delta power tools you own, you will find them adaptable for a variety of projects with the versatile designs and the various accessories available.

DeWalt Power Tools

The DeWalt power tool collection offers you anything and everything you will every need in the way of a power tool. They also offer any accessory for these power tools that you can imagine. DeWalt is considered to be a manufacturer of high quality power tools. You can purchase them online or from any home improvement store. The DeWalt power tool line consists of 200 power tools and 800 accessories.

DeWalt takes pride in offering power tools that are efficient and long lasting. The entire business is focused around customer satisfaction. They also put a great deal of time into researching the best operating practices for their tools. Safety is something they take very seriously. You can find safety information for all of their power tools on their website or with any DeWalt power tool. For your safety, read this information before you operate any power tool you purchase from them.

Consumers are very happy with DeWalt power tools because of the selection. You won’t have any trouble finding what you are looking for. They are also reasonably priced and come with a great warranty. They will professionally repair any power tool for you. If the damage is due to a defect they will repair it at their own expense. They may also choose to replace it will a new one. You can also order DeWalt replacement parts for your power tools from the internet. Not sure what part you need? Their website has a complete listing of every power tool. Click on the power tool you have and it will list every part it has.

All new DeWalt power tools come with a full three year warranty. The warranty doesn’t cover abuse or normal wear of the power tool. Accessories don’t have any warranty on them. However, DeWalt will gladly exchange them if there appears to be a damaged accessory. Contact them direct or return the accessory to the location you purchased it from. DeWalt extends a 90 day money back guarantee on all their power tools. You can return it even after using it without any questions being asked. I think this says a great deal about the integrity of the DeWalt company and the power tools they sell.

DeWalt understands the customer is the ultimate user of every power tool and accessory. They encourage the consumer to submit information on these products. They want to know about the reliability, concerns, comments, suggestions; anything that can help them make their power tools operate better and easier for the customer. You can submit your comments online or mail them to the DeWalt company. They promise to respond to your submission within six weeks. In addition, DeWalt encourages you to submit ideas you have for additional power tool products.

In the business of tools since 1927, DeWalt is a leader in the power tool industry. They have proven themselves to be a manufacturer or quality products that are very durable. They also offer excellent customer service for all DeWalt products. You won’t be left alone to figure out anything with a product you purchase from this company. In addition, DeWalt power tools are inexpensive and safe to use as long as you use them according to the operating instructions. Their dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and their unbelievable warranty ensures DeWalt power tools will continue to be hot selling items.

Organized Garage

The garage is that one place where we all seem to love to be
disorganized, however the sooner you get organized, the sooner
you can make better use of that space. Organizing your garage
can be a tiresome task for many homeowners. When you think
about organizing your garage you should keep in mind that this
activity means to find a designated place for everything while
keeping your goods available for everyday use. The following
five steps compromise a simple system for garage organization.

Sort your garage items.
First of all sort and categorize all the items in your garage, for
this you should empty your garage and start sorting everything
into categories. Separate the tools from sporting equipment,
electric tools, etc. You will realize how much stuff you have
and only then you will be able to determine the best ways to
organize and store everything. Misplaced items in your garage
should be returned to their proper place. Also you should sort
the things that should be in the garage from the things that
should actually be in the basement, attic or better, sold at a
garage sale. Remember to recycle everything that you decide to
throw away.

Separate seasonal items and equipment.
A special rack should be installed to hang lawn maintenance
tools and to keep them accessible yet out of the way. If it is
near winter place snow related tools like snow blowers, ice
scrapers, snow shovels and also skis, snowboards and sleds
grouped together. Also the items for warm seasons should be
stored in a special cabinet. Near the beginning of every season
you should plan this activity and rotate the cold and warm
items places in the cabinet. For the other sporting equipment,
shelves and drawers should be designed.

Additional shelving and cabinets.
While organizing you should consider adding additional
garage storage space to help you maintain the organization.
Shelves and cabinets should be mounted on the walls. The
basic principle is to store the items that you use on a regular
basis in a way that makes them accessible every time you need
them.

Create efficient working area.
Installing a bench or a table would be a good choice if you use
your garage as a workshop. A sturdy tool chest and a pegboard
are great in storing your tools and keeping them easily
accessible.

Relocate trash and recycling bins nearby the garage.
To easily dispose unwanted items from your garage a good
idea is to relocate the trash and recycling bins near to your
garage entrance. This way you won’t be tempted to keep
certain items because the trash bins are too far away.

Now would be the time to hire a handyman to have cabinets,
closets and shelves built right into your garage. Or do it yourself.
Invest in some good storage units as described before and start
organizing, sorting and storing.

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Choosing Garden Tool, Furniture And Bicycle Storage

Unless you’re fortunate enough to live in a large property with lots of outbuildings you can use for garden tool storage it’s quite likely that space will be at a premium and if you also need to accommodate garden furniture storage or garden bicycle storage you may feel that the problem is insurmountable. Fortunately this is not the case and there are many options available on the market today.

Instead of packing everything into tight corners of your garage and then having to take them in and out in layers, with a bit of planning you’ll soon find that even such awkward conundrums as finding the right garden bike storage is not really a problem as there are many different garden cycle storage solutions on offer at your local garden centre, DIY superstore or online retailer.

In order to accommodate your garden tool storage requirements, you can choose from a wide variety of sheds and other more specialised storage products, many of which are specifically designed to suit a particular need such as garden furniture storage or garden bicycle storage. These are available in a wide variety of traditional and modern design styles and in a choice of materials and colours so there’s something to suit every home and garden setting.

Apart from standard apex or pent roof garden sheds which can accommodate many general storage requirements, the more specialised items such as garden bike storage units are often made to fit into awkward corners, alongside low walls and below windows. Alternatively, garden tool storage units may be tall and narrow to accommodate racks of long handled rakes, loppers and so on. In all cases, it’s important to consider access space when deciding where to place things like garden furniture storage because you will need plenty of room for doors and lids to swing freely and enough space to be able to move things in and out without difficulty.

Another important consideration when choosing garden tool storage is whether you need a rapid and inexpensive fix or can take a longer term view by purchasing a higher priced item which is of superior quality so will last longer and will be more durable with less maintenance. In many cases this can be the best option as the cost of ownership is reduced over time. It’s also important to consider safety and security so that higher value items are adequately protected against theft whilst sharp edged tools are kept safely away from children.

You’ll find that products are manufactured in a wide range of materials and you can choose the best for your needs and pockets. Timber can be ideal for simple garden tool storage or garden furniture storage , whilst you might prefer PVC coated steel for garden bicycle storage or higher value garden tool storage. Alternatively, many units are made from plastic. All offer varying degrees of durability and value for money so it’s best to choose wisely.

Eco-Friendly Decking The Real Deal

Eco-friendly, green, recycled, renewable, environmentally friendly, sustainable, bio-degradable and energy efficient are all key words used more and more often these days. This is a positive movement that has grown internationally and is well marketed. We all want to contribute to saving the planet and doing our part to keep our earth clean and free of chemicals and pollutants. There are now many organizations that are set up to help us do just that. Let’s take a look at what this means and how a wood deck such as Ipe can be eco-friendly.

First what is eco-friendly mean? If we don’t google it, I would say it means friendly to our environment, no chemicals no harmful out-gassing and uses only raw materials. The wikipedia definition states it is product that inflicts little or no harm to the environment. This is a very grey area. Now lets apply this to decking. There are several products available; pressure treated, composite and hardwood decks.

Composite decking is the least environmentally friendly product. Let me state that this product is marketed as green but let’s examine a few things first. The decking is man made from plastic or composite that has been recycled. Testing performed on the recycled plastic (High Density Polyethylene ) has confirmed that the recycling process loses some of its original tensile strength and the recycled product does not readily biodegrade in the landfills. The fact that this plastic is made of petroleum also escapes the corporations that tote its environmental benefits. Petroleum is costly and sometimes environmentally damaging. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill is one example of the damages transportation of petroleum has caused. Now going back to the loss of tensile strength, how does that affect the life of the deck once installed in an external environment? What happens when plastic is exposed to heat over a long period of time? Again google one of the composite company names to expose warping, staining, flaking, molding, fungus and other complaints and lawsuits. If you are replacing your deck in less than 10 years time is it really environmentally friendly or if you have to apply chemicals to it to prevent mold and fungus? Do a little homework and you will realize wood is the only eco-friendly decking resource.

Wood is a renewable, recyclable and totally biodegradable product. This product is a primary producer in that it only requires its natural habitat to develop and grow. The sun, water and soil along with the seed produced from another tree is all required to make this raw product. Wood uses less energy to process than steel, concrete, plastic and aluminum. It is used for insulation and has low thermal diffusivity (measure of how quickly a material can absorb heat from its surroundings). The only downside is wood made of certain species of wood will not be as dense and strong as others and would require some type of treatment to be useable outdoors. The new technology now available has opened doors to allow other wood to be available that has otherwise been un-accessible.

Pressure treated decking has been the most commonly used lumber. This lumber is in-expensive, readily accessible and easy to install. The chemicals used to treat lumber, has helped its resistance to insects, decay and mold/fungus. The only problem is the chemicals used to pressure treat the lumber has been chromated copper arsenate, a toxic chemical used until about 2003 and now other chemicals are used such as copper azone but no current information has been supplied as to whether it is any less hazardous also CCA is still being used in certain industrial and marine applications.

Ipe decking is made from a hardwood with origins in South America, Central America and parts of the Caribbean. This hardwood is one of the strongest densest woods available. The janka hardness for Ipe is 3680 compared to the California redwood at 420. The fire spread is rated the same as concrete and steel. Naturally resistant to mold, fungus, decay and insects, Ipe requires no chemicals. The lifetime of the wood without a UV inhibitor is 40 plus years and with the inhibitor over 100 years. Ipe has a slip co-efficiency above the requirement for commercial applications for restaurants and hotels. This is the deck you will get to enjoy without all the maintenance. FSC certified Ipe is also available for the most discriminating clients and projects. The Forest Stewardship Council will certify that your lumber comes from a responsibly managed forest. Now that is as eco-friendly as it gets.


About The Author:
Chloe Madeiras is a contributing writer for Advantage Trim & Lumber Co. Please contact her with any lumber and decking needs. Ipe Decking

The Great Rain Barrel Diverter Diversion

Rain barrels and rain barrel diverters are now becoming top selling gardening accessories as green gardeners look toward rainwater harvesting as a means to solve water issues in the garden. So the question needs to be asked, if you were to fit a rain barrel diverter to a downspout and direct rainwater into a rain barrel, how much rainwater do you really think you’re going to collect?

Well I have two 55 gallon rain barrels in my garden that are connected to one downspout that is serviced by about 250 square feet of roof area. As a consequence it only takes 0.7 inches of rainfall to fill both of those rain barrels. Now imagine if I only had one rain barrel attached to the downspout. It would then only require 0.35 inches of rainfall to fill the rain barrel. So if I was to get 1 inch of rain I could collect only 35% of that rainwater while 65% would be wasted and that’s of course assuming the rain barrel was empty to start off with. If I was to get more than 1 inch then even more would be wasted.

So the question needs to be asked; Are rain barrels practical and are they worth installing, considering most of the rainwater they harvest ends up going straight down the overflow? Well if you work on the theory that harvesting some is better than harvesting none then I suppose that’s ok, but wouldn’t it be better again if there was a way to harvest it all?

Well the answer to that question is, yes. Quite simply all you have to do is to attach some irrigation pipe to the overflow and then direct the rainwater to different parts of the garden to slowly soak into the soil. Many gardeners overlook the fact that one of the best places they can store excess rainwater is in the soil for their plants to make use of at their leisure. By doing this they are taking advantage of all of the rainwater their rain barrel diverter directs to their rain barrel and the best thing about it is, it’s so easy to do. All it really takes in to attach some irrigation pipe to the overflow of your rain barrel, route it through your garden, drill some holes in it where you want the water to go and then cover it with mulch. How easy is that?

This is a really easy solution to take advantage of all the rainwater you rain barrel collects. But the question still needs to asked, is this the best way? Recently I was on a rainwater harvesting forum where the question was posed by a member who was very serious about rainwater harvesting.

Are rain barrels for second use and are they impractical? When I read this I thought, this is a very good point and I must say I tend to agree.

Diverting rainwater from the overflow of you rain barrel directly to your garden is definitely more effective that diverting it somewhere where it will be wasted. But wouldn’t it be better again if your rain barrels were a part of a larger rainwater collection system? After all the main limitation of a rain barrel is that it fills quite quickly and then overflows, but imagine if you could divert water to a larger rainwater tank after the rain barrel was full. Then you could store the water for use later which is an even better option than diverting it straight into the soil.

So as far as rain barrels being impractical I would have to agree but only if they are installed so they don’t take advantage of the excess rainwater that overflows and is wasted. As far as them being second use I would also have to agree as larger rainwater tanks are definitely more efficient at storing more of the precious rainwater that falls on your roof. At the end of the day though, rain barrels can be used to harvest rainwater from a downspout that doesn’t have access to a larger rainwater tank so when used for this purpose they can perform a very important second use.

Rain Barrels these days are becoming more popular but only because people are now becoming much greener. They are an item that has been around for many, many years but unfortunately never really become as popular as they should or could be, mainly because they haven’t been the most efficient means of harvesting and storing rainwater.

Having the knowledge to make your rain barrel more efficient is what can make all the difference. So if you’re considering attaching a rain barrel diverter to a downspout to collect rainwater then go ahead and direct the overflow to your garden. It’s a great way to start.