Made in the Shade - Keep Summer Energy Costs Down

Many of us are working within tighter budgets this summer, and as things start to heat up there are a few ways you can add value to your home, while saving on energy costs. Simply adding more shade to your home can provide valuable energy savings in the summer.

Stop summer heat coming in through your windows by using shades, sun screens, awnings and patio covers to block the sun. If your sun screens are old, they may not be shading effectively and you may want to have the screening replaced. Here is an example from APS showing how much you could save by simply concentrating on your windows:

Shading Method or                   Annual Energy
Window Treatment                          Cost*
Awnings or overhangs                          $775
Tinted windows                                        $740
Shade screens                                           $650
No window treatment                           $950
(regular windows)
                        
*The figures above are based on energy calculations by APS using the APS Standard Plan. Your actual energy costs may vary.

Another way to shade your home and keep it cooler is to plant trees or shrubs that will not only improve the look of your property, but will block the sun. Even groundcovers and low shrubs and reduce heat reflected from the ground to your walls and windows. Deciduous trees can provide shade in the summer, and after losing their leaves in winter will allow the sun to warm your home. Shade trees can also cool down your attic in summer. So block out the summer sun and enjoy some energy savings this season, and look for more energy saving tips next week.

Caulking Tiled Surfaces Couldn’t be Easier

When installing new tile or looking to refresh an existing tiled area, you may wonder whether to use grout or tile.  In general, most joints between tiles will be grouted, but in transition or expansion areas, grout would be the preferred material to use.  In kitchen and bath projects, using a caulk specifically designed for high moisture areas is recommended.  Kitchen and bath caulk comes in a variety of colors to blend in with grout and effectively seals tubs, showers, toilets and sinks.

Grout is not flexible, but caulk is – allowing it to “give” with any possible structural movement that occurs between surfaces.  Joints between surfaces – like wall and floor – or anywhere that settling might occur, should be caulked.  Use caulk between wall tile and tub or shower, between countertop and backsplash, and in corners where two walls come together.  Grout is also a porous surface, which allows moisture to penetrate.  Caulk is effective for creating a waterproof seal in areas such as around plumbing valves, sinks and faucets.

Caulk is easy to apply, by just following manufacturer’s recommendations.  You’ll need a caulking gun, a damp rag or a caulk smoothing tool.  Load the caulk tube into the gun and use a sharp blade to make an angled cut across the tip of the tube, then poke a hole into the tube with a nail or the metal tool that comes on some caulking guns.  Move your caulking gun smoothly across the seam and then smooth the joint with a damp rag, moistened fingertip or caulk smoothing tool.  Be sure to note whether your caulking gun stops dispensing when you release the trigger, some need to be stopped manually or caulk will keep flowing!

Allow your caulk to dry thoroughly per manufacturer’s instructions, and your tiled surface will be ready to use and sealed to perfection.

May is National Pool Safety Month

May 2011 is National Water Safety Month, sponsored by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), World Waterpark Association (WWA), and the American Red Cross.  Here are some reminders from APSP and the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

The top pool safety tool is for families to supervise pool use and establish firm rules.  Never leave children unsupervised in or near the pool - A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone or run to get the sunscreen.  Remember to ensure that babysitters understand the pool rules and the need for constant supervision.  Don’t use flotation devices or life preservers as a substitution for constant supervision. 

Children should be taught water safety and swimming skills as early as possible, but this is also not a substitution for supervision. 

When it comes to your home and property, there are a number of tools and safety barriers families can use to help keep children safe.  Doors that open to the pool area can be equipped with alarms, automatic sliding glass door closers and safety latches installed out of children’s reach so that a child cannot open the door unassisted.

Local pool safety codes vary, and some require permanent, galvanized steel pool fencing.  Gates on your pool fencing should close and latch automatically, and should never be left propped open.  Patio furniture or other large objects should be far enough away from the fencing so that children cannot climb over the fence and gain access to the pool area.

For those who don’t have children in the house on a regular basis, removable mesh pool fencing is an option. Mesh fencing’s transparent look allows a clear view of the pool area at all times.  When not needed, the fencing can be rolled up and stored out of sight.  Pool nets are another safety feature that can be used in this situation or as an additional barrier within permanent pool fencing.  These nets are held securely in place over the surface of the pool with pulleys and clips, and are easily removed.

Please take the time to review pool safety, establish clear rules and upgrade your pool safety equipment this year.  Here’s to a safe and enjoyable pool season!

Refinishing Gives Wood Cabinets New Luster

If you like the layout of your kitchen but just want a new look, refinishing your kitchen cabinets can be a great solution. Refinishing differs from refacing – we are talking about using the whole cabinet but stripping down the old finish and creating a new finish. Cabinets can be stained a different color – changing from a dark, dated finish to a clean, rich new look. They can even be painted if that is the look you are going for.

Cabinet refinishing makes the most sense when you’ve got quality wood cabinets. Some older cabinets are very well constructed and more solid than some of the pre-built modular cabinets you find today, so it pays to hang on to them and just give them a new look. Cabinets are generally one of the biggest investments in a kitchen remodel, so when thinking about remodeling you’ll want to consider cost, time needed for the project and the return on investment. You also want to consider your own enjoyment of your new kitchen look, and what you would most enjoy.

Having professionals come in and handle the refinishing can produce amazing transformations in old cabinets. Sometimes do-it-yourself attempts at removing old finishes and applying new ones are not as successful. Pros know how to thoroughly remove finishes, and can show you various colors of stains and glazes to choose the look you want. Keep those solid old cabinets and give them new life with refinishing.

Easy Care for a Healthy Summer Lawn

Maintaining a green lawn isn’t difficult to do, even in the summer heat. On an established grass area, set your irrigation timer to water once every three days to a depth of 8 inches. You can test the water penetration by inserting a long screwdriver into the grass. It should go in easily to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. This deep water penetration allows roots to grow deeper into the ground, creating a more water-efficient and drought tolerant lawn. Set your irrigation timer to water your grass early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Smart irrigation timers are available if you are concerned about water conservation. A smart irrigation timer, once properly programmed, will adjust the controller on an on-going basis. The controller is programmed to water the lawn and your other landscape plantings to the proper depth, and the smart controller will change the number of days between waterings based on evaporation, plant use and other environmental conditions.

Your lawn needs food as well as water, so you will want to fertilize it monthly with a compete fertilizer. When mowing, sharp mower blades will keep the tips of the grass blades from browning. Keep your grass cut to about 1 ½ inches by cutting only the top one-third of the length at any time. Cutting your grass too short will hinder the photosynthesis process and even cause the deeper roots to die.

Simply providing water, food and the proper cut for your grassy areas will ensure a lush, green space for your family to enjoy all summer.

Phoenix Home and Garden – May is Kitchen Month

Phoenix Home and Garden is pulling out all the stops in May, featuring everything kitchens. The magazine will publish their “Best Kitchen Ideas” issue which will showcase the latest in kitchen products like hidden pantries, backsplash knife blocks, and a special “Trend Watch” on range hoods. If you are thinking of doing a kitchen remodel, this could be the time to get inspired.

Any kitchen remodeling job needs careful planning and design, on top of your dream-kitchen wish list. At Trades Unlimited, a four step process ensures the project goes smoothly and the end result is that you absolutely love your new kitchen. During an initial meeting, ideas and needs for the space are discussed, along with materials, design and rough estimates of cost. The second step is the design phase, where client and designer communicate as the drawings are created and final pricing is developed.

A pre-inspection meeting between client, designer and Trades Unlimited supervisor is the next step in the process, allowing the supervisor to look at the project in detail and make sure that measurements are accurate, codes are being met and there are no issues with the plans. Before work begins, the job foreman is brought aboard for a pre-job conference with client and superintendant. The goal is to streamline communication with the foreman who will actually be on the job on a day to day basis, and give everyone a chance to go over the job in detail.

The end result of the four step process is that before the job has even begun a clear picture of the scope of the job and the end result has been established for all parties involved. So go out and see what’s cooking in the world of kitchens to inspire your dream kitchen.

Water Softener Basics

Water softeners can be a mysterious concept to homeowners who are new to the area. In many parts of the country hard water isn’t an issue, but in Arizona it’s necessary to remove calcium and magnesium from our water to protect plumbing and heating systems, appliances, plumbing fixtures and even dishes and glassware. Hard water deposits lime scale and can leave water spots or a white residue behind on everything from your sink and vanity top to your finest dishes. It can make detergents and soaps less effective as well.

A water softener is a system that exchanges the “hard” minerals such as calcium and magnesium for sodium or potassium. This happens in the mineral tank, where the household water is run over plastic beads which are covered in sodium ions. The sodium ions are swapped with the undesirable mineral ions. When there are no more sodium ions left, the beads must be regenerated, so they are flushed with a strong brine solution that is made from keeping your water softener stocked with salt. This removes all of the stored calcium and magnesium ions and replenishes the beads with sodium ions.

Water softener systems are low-maintenance, in that you really just need to check your softener to make sure the salt level doesn’t get too low. If it drops below one-third, refill with the recommended salt pellets to the fill line. If you notice a large amount of salt residue, you may need to have your unit checked out or cleaned by a professional.

There are quite a few options for installing or upgrading your water softener, from all-in-one units to those with multiple tanks and some systems that also remove bacteria, pesticides and other harmful chemicals.