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Should You Be Buying Name Brand Power Tools Or Discount Tools

August 02, 2009 By: graham_sach Category: Building Construction

Despite which store you go into you will be faced with some tool purchasing choices. There are a number of well known name brand power tools and also some that you will never have heard of which are significantly cheaper. So, the question is which is better for you, a name brand power tool or a discount one?

Tools are costly, especially if you are looking at power and air operated tools, and you have to make sure you are buying power tools that will get your do it yourself job completed. But, does that mean you automatically ignore discount tools and buy only the name brand ones?

While you are looking at tools, you may notice a few things about a few of the discount brands, they are just about the same as the name brand tool, just with a changed label and different name. The quality is exactly the same, just the price is different. Many manufacturers have 2 (or more) levels of tools, a set for the professional who uses the tools on a daily basis, and a tool for the do it yourself person who uses it a lot less often.

Bosch is a great example of this. They sell their high end tools in a blue case, and sell a lower priced tool in a green case. Then on top of that they make Skil brand tools. Knowing this about manufacturers now poses the question, which do you buy?

Prior to making any purchases, ask yourself how often are you going to be using each tool. If you are purchasing a power tool for a particular project, and don’t feel it is expected to be used much after that, then go with the lowest priced tool. If the plan is to use it on a few different projects, then buy a mid-quality power tool, and if you will be working with it a great deal, then save yourself some frustration and purchase a brand name tool.

In addition, what power tools do you have to buy? When you have no power tools, then you have to make a number of purchases. If you were to buy name brand for all of them it could get extremely costly very fast. Therefore, it is a better practice to buy discount brand tools, then you can purchase all of the power tools you require.

When I began working myself I needed to buy a large number of power tools and did not have the money to go name brand. I shopped around and bought all discount tools. A few I had never heard of, but I needed the tools to do my work. The opinion was that as I made money, and power tools quit working, I would swap them with name brand tools. After eight years of working in building, many of these discount brands are still in use. A discount tool can get the project completed, and as I have found out they may last a long time.

Ultimately, it does come down to personal choice whether you are purchasing name brand power tools or discount power tools. Many people feel the only approach to go is to go with a recognized name, but if you shop around and do your due diligence, you will find that a lot of the manufacturers also produce discount brand tools of good quality. You really are the only one who can come to the final decision, although don’t believe you must spend thousands on a name brand tool when there are a lot of discount tools available.

When you are about to purchase use the rule that name is not as significant as getting your DIY project done. Consider all your factors on name brand power tools and discount tools and purchase the ones that meet your needs.

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Can You Put UP A Cool Roof?

July 31, 2009 By: graham_sach Category: Building Construction

If someone decides that they want to set up a cool roof to their work or commercial shop, then they basically have a choice of three different types. These major categories (which can then also be broken down into their own sub-types) are inherently cool roofs, coated roofs and green roofs.

Intrinsically cool roofs are basically roofs that are covered in white vinyl and these are amongst the most greatly reflective roofing materials available today. Roofs made of this thermoplastic white vinyl covering can actually reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays, while being able to emit at the very least 70% of the temperature the building absorbs through solar radiation. To put this into prospective, an asphalt roof will only reflect from 6-26% of all solar radiation, meaning that the interior of the building will get warmer and have all the related costs that this entails to try and keep it cooler.

Customarily, coated roofs used white paint as this proved to be very efficient at reflecting solar rays. Nowadays different methods are coming to the fore which offers significantly better reflective properties. One of these products is white paint based and contains a formulation of hollow glass microspheres which are known to increase reflective properties. This technique is called Hyperglass Rubber Roof Coating.

Last but not least, the third category of cool roof is the so-called green roof. These types of roof usually consist of a an insulation layer, a waterproofed membrane, a cover for drainage which can be clay or gravel, a unique filter that allows water to pass but doesn’t erode the soil above, and then the green life itself in the form of plants.

Green roofs themselves can be classed as either concentrated or extensive, with some actually incorporating both. Intensive green roofs are, as the name implies, used for more advanced roof constructions and require at least one foot of top soil. They are usually multi-layered and have very elaborate drainage and irrigation systems and can be used for recreational purposes as they can support foot traffic. The downside to having this type of green roof is the fact that it adds a quite significant load onto the structure of the building, as well as requiring a very high level of maintenance.

On the other hand, extensive green roofs only require a very shallow layer of soil (usually less than six inches) and require much less maintenance. These are designed to contain smaller plant life such as grasses, mosses and wildflowers.

No matter which green roof category is chosen for a shop, they both have some very good benefits. These include having a long life span, better air quality as the plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, great insulation and finally, the main reason why people add this type of roof in the first place, a cooler environment.

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Cool Roof Solutions

July 30, 2009 By: graham_sach Category: Building Construction

A cool roof can be described as a roof utilizing reflection as a means to deflect sunrays, as well as having the ability to release a big proportion of any absorbed solar heat. As a general rule of thumb, most of these cool roofs today are either white or very light in color.

Although cool roofs are more of a concern in hotter climates, cooler climates can also benefit from them as well, as over the long run they help the buildings cut down on their carbon footprints. The actual cooling benefits of one of these roof surfaces by far overshadows any potential cold month or winter heating benefits of dark colored roofs that are much less reflective.

The majority of roofs globally at this moment in time are dark colored and therefore less reflective. An obvious off-shoot to this are the higher temperatures these roofs reach and all the problems associated with such an increase. It is well known that a dark colored roof can increase in temperature by almost 50 degrees centigrade in full sunshine in the warmer months and some of the obvious disadvantages of this are described in the following passage.

First and foremost, it can lead to a quicker deterioration of the materials used to construct the roof, meaning increased maintenance costs over the roofs lifetime. Also, there is going to be an increased usage of energy due to attempts at cooling the building through use of air conditioning and fans. This not only increases the discomfort of the people in the building, it also puts a strain on the utility system increasing CO2 emissions and therefore impacting negatively on the environment. Not to mention higher utility bills.

Having a cool roof fitted in the place of a dark colored roof has many benefits and can impact dramatically on immediate as well as long term savings in terms of energy costs. Some of the benefits of these cool roofs, which can include green roofs (plant or grass covered), reflective membrane roofs or coated roofs, are listed below.

The most obvious benefit is the energy savings it affords. Even countries in colder climates can take advantage of this. Because roof temperature gain on a white reflective roof, for example, is only about eight degrees centigrade above the surrounding air temperature, the buildings heat gain as a whole is greatly reduced. Therefore demand for power to run air conditioning units or fans in the summer months can be reduced by up to 10%.

Another important benefit is the fact that the actual material used to create the cool roof, has its life expectancy increased dramatically. This also means that any equipment that was used for cooling the building down will also gain from this.

Lastly, but by no means least, the beneficial effects on the environment are increased as there is less lower emissions from greenhouse gases and less air pollution.

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Do I Need A Property Survey Before I Buy A House?

July 04, 2009 By: graham_sach Category: Building Construction

If you are preparing or even thinking of trying to purchase a property then the natural subject of discussion is the mortgage. This for the majority will be the biggest personal financial commitment of your life and should be considered seriously if you are to consider becoming a home owner.

So being an important financial decision you may need to take a form of financial advice before you proceed, and the same applies to the actual home itself. Like so many other ventures things can appear very clear and understandable on the outside but only when you delve a little closer can things become more complicated and not so attractive.

This is why you must be sure that what you are planning to buy is built on solid foundations and that is where the property surveyor can become more important than financing the house itself.

A property survey is the equivalent to an MOT for a vehicle. It helps identify potential or current problems and a surveyor will provide you with a report to ultimately help you make an informed decision. If your buying a property it is advisable to have a survey completed before you enter into a binding contract, in Scotland the rules are slightly different where by you must have a survey completed before you can even make an offer for a property.

A surveyor will evaluate will evaluate the overall condition of a property, but only on parts of the house that is easily accessible, a surveyor will not be obliged to test for gas leaks, the water supply, and wiring but they will comment on their condition to a certain extent.

There are two types of surveys provided by property surveyors on a home:

Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV)

The Home Buyer Survey and Valuation is appropriate for conventional properties built within the last 150 years, and which are in reasonable condition. The report details important problems that could make a difference to the value of the property and gives an opinion on its valuation.

Building Survey (Full Structural Survey)

The Building Survey – also known as a Full Structural Survey – provides a detailed report on the property’s construction and condition. It can be applied to any age of property but is particularly helpful for dilapidated properties and those that have been extensively altered. Building Surveys are also useful if you plan to renovate or convert the property.

A survey can be regarded as a money saving tool, it can form a negotiating tool for the sale price to reflect potential repairs or it may lead you to not buying the property at all. Each type of survey will incur different costs and this will depend on the firm you choose to use, it is important that the property surveyor is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors as they have the authority in this sector and they will advise on which type of survey will suit you the most.

If you require a Quantity Surveyor in Sussex, Lawrence Foote and Partners is a well established firm of Chartered Surveyors, with a wealth of experience based in Sussex, London and Birmingham.

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Wheelchair Lifts and Ramps Grant Better Accessibility

April 15, 2009 By: admin Category: Building Construction

Sean Rutger asked:


For users of electric mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs, accessibility is very important. Uneven surfaces such as exterior entrances to the home can create a barrier that a wheelchair or electric scooter user cannot cross. Some homes (particularly older homes or homes that have been remodeled) have other doorjambs or uneven floor levels that require a step as you are going from one part of the house to another. Of course, many homes also have stairways that aren’t negotiable for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. Beyond the home, there are other parts of the property that cannot be traversed by a wheelchair or mobility user. Going from an exterior porch to the ground level and back is a common problem, as well as negotiating a street curb. Furthermore, when wheelchair users go out, they also need a way to conveniently load their wheelchair or scooter into the vehicle.

Fortunately, modern accessibility options exist that can solve any or all of the above problems. If you use an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter to get around, you can make your property completely accessible by installing wheelchair ramps and lifts. Ramps are more appropriate for the lesser inconveniences about the grounds, such as external doorways, protruding doorjambs, and single steps. These are commonly known as threshold ramps. Lifts are necessary for the bigger tasks of traversing amongst the different stories of the home, getting to the ground level from an outside porch, and loading the wheelchair or scooter into your vehicle.

Wheelchair ramps are far less expensive than lifts and should be used wherever possible. If you have a small stairway that can be covered by a 5′ ramp, you will save money by opting for the ramp. You’ll also save time, because wheelchair lifts generally move slowly. Of course, you should make sure that you’re buying a quality wheelchair ramp. It may be tempting to save even more money by purchasing a less expensive ramp that isn’t intended for wheelchair users. Wheelchair ramps are very sturdy, and they’re specially designed to remain in place. You will be safe by using a wheelchair ramp as long as the angle isn’t too high. Your safety will be jeopardized if you attempt to use anything other than a real wheelchair ramp.

Wheelchair and scooter lifts are necessary for getting from one floor to another, getting up or down from an exterior porch, and loading the wheelchair or scooter into your vehicle. Lifts are more expensive than ramps, but they’re a good investment when they can provide accessibility all over the home. Most platform lifts move vertically, and can be installed to allow you access to an outdoor porch or other stories in your home. In situations where the stairway is the only way between stories, an inclined platform lift is your best bet. Also, when you go out, you need a lift that will allow you to load your scooter or wheelchair into the vehicle.

These are several ways to make your surroundings more accessible if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. By using these methods, your home and its immediate surroundings will become a much more comfortable place.



platform lifts

Residential Lifts and Elevators

June 09, 2008 By: admin Category: Building Construction

Robert Harris asked:


Residential lifts and elevators have become very popular accessibility equipment as they do away with the hassle of climbing stairs in multi-storied residences. These devices offer easy access to all levels of the residence. They offer quiet, smooth and reliable operation and make moving up and down with furniture, groceries and laundry less of a problem. People with limited mobility can enjoy greater independence through the use of such systems.

Getting the Right System for Your Home

Factors to consider when selecting a residential lift or elevator include:

• Lifting capacity and power consumption needs

• Space available in the residence for the equipment

• Whether it is to be used by just one person or more

• Whether you need a lockable equipment

• Presence of safety features such as emergency stop buttons, cable safety devices, door interlocks, and alarms

• The number of floors the system would have to move through

It is important to purchase the residential lifts and elevators from trustworthy manufacturers to ensure that they are safe and efficient.

So Many Kinds to Choose From

Residential lifts and elevators are space savers and come in several loading configurations and sizes to suit various construction requirements. They are available in an extensive range of designs, colors, speed ranges and finishes.

Residential elevators of different types are available to suit different budgetary requirements. These include roped hydraulic drive, winding drum drive, vacuum drive and pitless models. Passenger lifts for residential purposes come in models such as curved and spiral stairlifts, straight stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, seat lifts, portable lifts, and dumbwaiters.

Great Benefits

Adding a quality elevator to the home guarantees several benefits:

• Better accessibility between various floors of the residence

• Elevates the resale value of the home by lending a touch of luxury to it

• Provides a comfortable, safe ride

It won’t be hard to find residential lifts and elevators that are easy to install, operate and maintain. It is preferable to get an accessibility device installed when the residence is under construction rather than several years after it is built, to avoid inconvenience and get them at economical rates.



platform lifts

Vertical Platform Lifts and the Stairs

February 03, 2008 By: admin Category: Building Construction

Sean Noughtly asked:


Today, there are many places that a person using a mobility scooter or wheelchair can go. These mobility vehicles have greatly improved since the first electric mobility vehicle of the 1950’s, but there are a few obstacles that still stand in their way. The one main obstacle that can be most difficult for an individual who uses a mobility vehicle to overcome is the stairs. Specifically the stairs in their own home, because, at least in the United States, most public areas are required to be made accessible to individuals using mobility scooters.

Not being able to use the stairs in your own home is unacceptable though, so a good number of people choose to use vertical platform lifts in their home. These devices are in many ways very similar to having your own elevator, but unlike an elevator, there is usually not a need for any major home modification. This is because a vertical platform lift is for the most part completely self contained.

While there is generally no need for any home modification, and certainly not anywhere near the amount required for an elevator, it is necessary to have a very strong and solid base. The base should be constructed from wood or concrete and the vertical platform lift will need to be securely bolted into the base.

There are a few lifts available that do not require being bolted to the ground. These lifts are called portable vertical platform lifts, because they are designed to be setup and taken down quickly and easily. These lifts are not able to support as much weight though. They are extremely popular at schools, because there is often a need to provide temporary access to a stage. Generally, unless you intend to regularly move it and specifically need this functionality, it is better to go with a standard semi-permanent vertical platform lift.

These devices are sometimes also called porch lifts or wheelchair lifts. The reason they are called porch lifts is that they are most commonly installed onto a houses porch, but in some cases they can also be used in indoor situations. In most cases though, as far as residential settings go, they are used outdoors.

Porch lifts are made in a manner that makes them highly resistant to even the harshest elements. All components are carefully sealed and the metal is covered in a rust resistant covering. Despite being able to withstand most types of weather conditions, you do not want to put it at risk. Always trim any branches that hang over the lift. This way if there is a severe storm, you do not risk a branch falling on the lift and damaging it or preventing you from using it.

If the porch lift is installed under an overhang, it is a good idea to maker sure that there is something installed to prevent excessive water from falling on it. Commonly gutters are installed, if they are not already present. It is not only important to protect the lift, but also the ground around it. You do not want to constantly have to fight your way through mud to get to your lift, so ensure the gutters extend beyond the lift.

Those that use mobility vehicles, do not need to be worried about the stairs, especially the stairs around their own home. This is why many people choose to use a vertical platform lift.



platform lifts