About Siding

AsktheBuilder asked:

Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, shows a few easy tips for painting wood siding for your house.

Coffee Vending Machines

David Spangenburg asked:


You see them advertise on the TV every day, orange aprons fluttering down the aisles at Home Depot, “You can do it! We can help!?”, the warm voice of Gene Hackman telling you “Lowes, let’s build something together”. These big names spend big bucks to convince you that if you want to improve your home you need to do it up big time at their big name, big box, home improvement chain stores.

Whew, that’s a mouthful and in a lot of ways very true too. Except for vinyl fencing. Oh, they sell vinyl fencing and their prices seem to meet the big box standards but everything is not always as it seems.

One of the first questions clients always ask me is, “How do you compare to them?” or “Why was our fence more expensive then theirs?” (If it was more). I found the best way to respond was by simply telling the truth. Sometimes our prices were more and sometimes they were less but one thing was certain. We always delivered a higher quality

product.

I have nothing against them and have even advised certain people that the H. I. C.S. might better suit their unique needs. For example, I had a guy who was flipping a property and needed the cheapest fence he could buy. He wasn’t concerned with how long the fence would last, he just wanted to sell the property. I suggested, Home Depot.

The key to big box store shopping is to know, what you are getting for the price you are paying. I highly urge you to go and look at their fencing first hand. Feel it, touch it, push it and you will see that it gives quite a bit. The panels are thinner and are generally hollow with no internal ribbing and reinforcement.

They also utilize a bracket system which is an inferior way to assemble vinyl fencing and requires external hardware which distract from the clean lines of vinyl. Their fencing usually comes pre-assembled.

Oh, I hear you out there, “Isn’t that more convenient?”

Yes, assembled sections do provide more convenience but always remember that lower quality residential grade vinyl fencing normally comes assembled, as fence panels, while prime quality commercial grade vinyl fencing always comes unassembled.

Why? To be able to ship your order more securely so you receive it, complete and undamaged. It also allows you the opportunity to personally attend to each stage of construction, insuring the lifetime strength and durability of your fencing investment.

Keep in mind that the slide and pop assembly of commercial vinyl sections are very similar to “legos”, making them relatively easy to assemble. I, personally, am not a very handy man and I can tell you, from experience, they are not hard to put together.

One last thing to realize when evaluating prices between the H.I.C.S. and a vinyl

fence dealer. The H.I.C.S. ’s panel pricing, generally, does not include the costs of posts

and caps. This is very misleading.

They get you in on the appearance of a lower price, which is usually for the fence panel only. Then they add in these costly but essential items at the time of sale. Right when you have reached that point when you are ready to buy.

Odds are, you usually carry on with the sale and find out the hard way that the posts and caps are where these stores make their money. Which is why they sell their fencing in six foot panels (rather then eight) as this means more posts and caps. You will of course, need posts and caps to assemble a vinyl fence. So when you’re pricing various options, you’ll need to add these costs into the total.

Wow! That great chain store price wasn’t so fabulous after all, was it?

Think about it. If you are going to make a lifetime investment in vinyl fencing for your beloved home. The rule of thumb is that, quality always trumps economy. In the long run you’ll end up paying less for a whole lot more.

(Excerpt from the Vinyl Fence Buyers Guide)

Copyright 2008 David Spangenburg & Michael Goldman



Monorail Track Lighting

Jenabej asked:


There’s a special event in your community and as one of the organizers, you have to create a buzz that will let everyone else know what you’re doing. Vinyl banners are your solution to such a dilemma.

Vinyl banners, with its immense size, readily signals that an event is about to take place. One look and people will know that something is up, both literally and figuratively. And with preparations still to make, you know that a great quality vinyl banner would draw in the crowd.

Many events where large crowds gather have proven the efficiency of vinyl banners. It easily directs people as to where to go and when among other details. It draws crowds be it for community affairs, fund raisers, dance, conventions and the like.

And unlike other materials, vinyl banners are more resistant to weather conditions. Rain or shine, your vinyl banners will perform.

A vinyl banner, for it to be effective, cannot do without design and certain details that would help you maximize its functionality. Here then are some ways to create great banners and making the most out of them:

• Make sure that your vinyl banner is situated in a place where people can easily notice it. Select a location where there is high traffic for pedestrians and motorists who’ll be able to read your banner without any trouble.

• Size up your banner and see in which places it would look bigger and even more prominent. Sometimes, placing the vinyl banner beside certain objects of size and color may overshadow it.

• Vinyl banners aren’t just plain words anymore. You can include photos and images that will further entice your audience to take notice. After all, vinyl banners are not tools for announcing events. They can also be used to promote products and even your company image as well.

• A vinyl banner is good, but two or more vinyl banners can even be better. This is of course relative to the size of your event, community or target audience. But if you really want to secure a good turnout of people, then it’s wise to have plenty of banners.

• Make sure that your vinyl banners come in full color. This will help in attracting more people as colors are naturally inviting to the eyes.

• Be sure that your font style and size are readable. Gauge from your design how big your text will be and what are the most important details that you need to include. Know what you need to emphasize that people may know instantly what the event is all about with one look.

• Vinyl banners can be hoisted up with the use of grommets which is commonly used or poles which is more clean looking. Grommets are very flexible and would do fine in a variety of situations.

• Have professionally made vinyl banners. Quality is often a sign we look. Refinement or quality is a huge motivator for it sells a pleasing idea. Ideas that may be: it may do one good to attend, participate or try, it may be worth one’s time or trouble, or it may enhance an aspect of their life etcetera.

Vinyl banners can stretch out to 63 inches x 100 inches which you can place indoors or outdoors. Plan and organize well and let your vinyl banners do the inviting for you.

Professional printing companies know the urgency with which you need your banners. With a next day turn around time, you have vinyl banners in an instant. You can easily visit an online printer, key in your specific printing project details, upload your design and pay. That’s it and your banners can even be shipped directly to you.

Follow these simple pieces of advice and realize a most successful gathering for your event through vinyl banners.



Vertical Vinyl Siding

Michael Climo asked:


Are your record albums, cassette tapes or VHS tapes sitting idly in a dark, dusty closet somewhere?

Did you buy a new car only to find out that it did not come with a cassette player or even an option for one?

Or, are you a member of the “Transition Generation”, those who have witnessed the technology shift from analog to digital?

Maybe you still maintain a turntable, cassette deck or VCR, which you use to listen to your tunes and watch movies just as you have for decades. But it’s more likely that you’ve been staring at those piles of records and tapes and wondering if there’s some easy way to transfer them to the latest technology. You have imagined on more than one occassion how nice it would be to have your music collection or VHS tapes in a format that can play in your car, home stereo, MP3 player, iPod*, portable CD player, computer or DVD player — without having to buy them all over again.

The consumer electronics audio industry has responded with a plethora of affordable transfer devices. BUT, with all of the choices which one is the best for your situation? Well do not fear, Price Delight’s Technical Support Department has provided the following list to help you determine the solution that is right for you.

OPTION 1: RECORD VINYL AND CASSETTE TAPES DIRECTLY TO CD

Lasonic ANQ-800R Entertainment System with Built-In CD Recorder

With this unit you can convert all of your vinyl records and cassette tapes to CD in minutes with just a few simple steps. It records those records and tapes into a digital audio format for high quality sound on a smaller, more modern compact disc. This unit does not require a computer, a stereo or any technical expertise. And the ANQ-800R does not retire to a closet somewhere when you are done recording. It is a complete audio entertainment system in a nostalgic style that includes a 3-speed record player, a cassette tape player and an AM/FM radio.

OPTION 2: RECORD VINYL DIRECTLY TO CD

With any of the following units you can convert all of your vinyl records to CD in minutes with just a few simple steps. They record those records into a digital audio format for high quality sound on a smaller, more modern compact disc. These units do not require a computer, a stereo or any technical expertise. And these models do not retire to a closet somewhere when you are done recording either. Each one includes a 3-speed record player and an AM/FM radio in a modern black finish design.

Victoria GDI- C2CDRW 3-IN-1 Entertainment System with Built-In CD Burner

The Retrowriter offers classic 50’s styling in a compact design.

Teac LP-R400 Stereo System and Turntable with Built-In CD Recorder

Teac’s Entry Level Recorder System

Teac GF-350 Turntable/CD Recorder System with Amplifier

Teac’s Mid-Level Recording System

Teac GF-650 Stereo System and Professional Turntable with Built-In CD Recorder

Teac’s Professional Grade Recording System

OPTION 3: CONVERT VINYLTO MP3 FORMAT

All of the following models are the fastest and easiest way to convert your vinyl records to an MP3 format and transfer them to your computer’s hard drive. From there you can transfer tem to any MP3 player or burn them to a CD using any free MP3 conversion software available on the internet and your computer’s CD burner. Each unit includes software that allows you to clean up the sound of your records. It’s like magic! Before you know it, you’ll be listening to songs you haven’t heard in years in your car, on your iPod* or your MP3 player.

Ion LP2CD USB Turntable with Direct-to-CD Recording

Ion’s flagship unit offers the best of both worlds. A turntable with a built-in CD Burner that can also connect to your computer.

Grace Digital GDI-VW00 VinylWriter Pico Turntable for USB to PC

The perfect compact solution to quickly record your vinyl albums to your PC or MAC.

Grace Digital GDI-VW03 VinylWriter Boca Turntable for USB to PC

The turntable to use as a stand alone record player or to record your vinyl albums to your PC or MAC.

Grace Digital Vinylwriter AVPUSB01S Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable

Record all your vinyl as MP3 files and import them into your computer music library

ION Audio iPTUSB Portable Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable with Built-in Speaker

Turn your records into MP3s anywhere.

Ion iTTUSB Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable

As seen on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels

Ion iTTUSB05 Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable with Dust Cover

Ion’s entry-level USB turntable, compete with dust cover.

Audio Technica LP-To-Digital Recording System With USB

Audio-Technica makes it easier than ever to transfer your albums to digital files.

Numark TTXUSB Professional Record Turntable with USB

A modern classic with computer connectivity.

TEAC LP-U200 USB Recorder and CD Player with AM/FM Radio

Teac’s USB turntable.

OPTION 4: TRANSFER VINYL DIRECTLY TO IPOD*

Ion LP DOCK USB Turntable with Universal Dock for iPod* Transfer

A Revolutionary new USB turntable that transfers your vinyl collection to your iPod*.

You can also use the included recording software to archive your records to CD or MP3. LP DOCK also has a line-level output for connecting to any home stereo with an AUX input. You can now digitally archive your collection in just a few mouse clicks.

OPTION 5: CONVERT CASSETTE TAPES TO MP3 FORMAT

Ion Tape2PC Audio USB to PC Cassette Tape Archiver

The fastest and easiest way to convert your cassette tapes to an MP3 format and transfer them to your computer’s hard drive. From there you can transfer tem to any MP3 player or burn them to a CD using any free MP3 conversion software available on the internet and your computer’s CD burner. It includes software that allows you to clean up the sound of your tapes. And when you’re finished archiving your cassettes to your computer, TAPE 2 PC can connect to your stereo system using standard RCA cables for convenient cassette listening in your living room, garage, or wherever your stereo system resides.

OPTION 6: TRANSFER VINYL TO AN SD CARD OR A MEMORY STICK

Victoria Classic Retro 1950’s Styling Recorder With AM/FM Radio

Record and play all your records to USB flash drive or SD Card. Listen to the radio, vinyl records, or CD’s through two full-range speakers.

OPTION 7 CONNECT ANY AUDIO DEVICE TO A PC AND COVERT TO MP3

Ion U Record Music Archive System

Connect your turntable or any audio source to your computer to digitize your music. The U Record USB music archive system lets you easily convert your favorite records and tapes to MP3 format using your turntable or tape player and computer. From there you can transfer tem to any MP3 player or burn them to a CD using any free MP3 conversion software available on the internet and your computer’s CD burner. The software automatically imports the music directly to your iTunes library. Included Audacity software reduces clicks, pops, hiss and other noises from worn recordings to restore the full quality of your vinyl or tapes.

OPTION 8: TRANSFER VHS TAPES TO ANY COMPUTER

Ion VCR 2 PC USB to PC VHS Video to Computer Converter

Rediscover your movies and other videos then watch them anywhere. VCR 2 PC is an innovative new VHS player with single-cable USB output. With VCR 2 PC you can save all of your favorite home movies and videos straight to your PC. Once you save your precious memories to your computer, they will be saved forever in pristine digital format. The included EZ VHS Converter software lets you burn your videos to DVD, watch on your PSP, iPod* or laptop computer. Exported MPEG4 video is compatible with select mobile phones and portable multimedia devices. Connect your VHS, VHS-C, or 8MM camcorder to the front panel jacks to backup your camcorder videos. When you’re finished archiving your videos to your computer, VCR 2 PC is the perfect VHS player for any room in the house.

All of these products and much more are now available at www.pricedelight.com

* iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries



Bamboo Indoor Fountain

Robert Benson asked:


While CD sales continue to plummet and music consumers go “digital,” there is an audio format that has endured through all the other formats that were supposed to bring it to its demise. As we read about the resurgence in the production and sale of vinyl records (up ten percent from last year), some still assume that finding vinyl is a hard process.

And although the ‘brick and mortar’ stores may be closing up shop, a new avenue for vinyl lovers has come to the forefront; the ‘online record shop.’

From the ‘big box’ online retailers like Music Stack, GEMM, Net Music, and even ebay to the small independent dealers like vinylcollective.com, diversevinyl.com, heydj.com and many more, finding quality new and used vinyl records has become quite easy.

I spoke with Lorie Beshara operator and owner of a small vinyl website called BackToVinylRecords.com about this phenomenon and the enjoyment she gets from, not only the music, but this historic format as well.

“I have been selling vinyl records since the year 2000, but I have been collecting vinyl forever,” Lorie said. “I was raised in a family of musicians and I have a great love and appreciation for all kinds of music. In fact, my Mother was a singer with some of the all-time greats including Ted Weems, Artie Shaw and Les Brown, among others. My Father was a very famous drummer (at one time he was named the drummer of the year) and he also produced a band called Fuse. I still have some of my Mother’s old records; I cannot bring myself to part with those.”

I asked Lorie if she remembered the first 45 rpm that she purchased.

“Oh my, yes, the first 45 I bought was “Surfer Girl,” by the Beach Boys, when I was fourteen. They were very popular and I just loved their sound,” recalled Lorie.

She held on to all her records and she decided to go into business online selling used vinyl that she has accumulated over the years from garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores and what she can find locally. But before she opened www.BackToVinylRecords.com, she had to research the best methods of cleaning and grading records.

“Some of the records are so dirty, but will certainly play great once they are cleaned up a bit. So I did extensive research as to the optimum way to clean and grade them,” said Lorie.

After trying several different methods, Lorie has discovered a simple, yet very effective way, to clean up the records she has for sale.

“Each record is meticulously cleaned using a UPI Record Cleaning Machine using ionized water, which helps eliminate static. It also takes off all the dust, dirt, human oils and nicotine off the records,” explained Lorie. “Then I dry the records with a microfiber cloth.”

We talked about the very subjective and tricky element of grading vinyl records.

“I am very, very picky about my grading and especially so with a rare and valuable record,” detailed Lorie. “All the records I sell are, not only professionally cleaned, but I also “play grade” them (for 45’s I play grade the ‘A’ side) and I love listening to the old music. I then incorporate the Goldmine Grading Standard to them and give the buyer a clear indication of the quality of a record. I do grade conservatively and the condition of the album cover (for 33 rpm) or the 45 rpm record sleeves are also taken into account. I use Jerry Osborne’s “Cyberguides,” (which is a real-time weekly update of his Rockin’ Records Price Guide) GEMM or Musicstack to gage what a particular record may be selling for and combined with the condition, I ascertain how much I will be selling the record for.”

Besides BackToVinylRecords.com website, Lorie also sells her records on ebay.

“Ebay is a wonderful option, you have a targeted buyer that may be looking for exactly what you are selling,” said Lorie. “It is also a great place to find rare and undervalued records. And we sell 45’s from all genres, from big band, blues and country to folk, gospel, rock and everything in-between.”

But Lorie and her husband have also incorporated a novel concept with the records that don’t pass her strict grading policies. They have created the “Rock N Roll Beverage Coaster,” a fast-selling novelty gift.

“These 45 rpm coasters make great gifts and conversation pieces,” added Lorie. “We take an unplayable oldie, coat it in a thick high gloss acrylic finish, add a cork backing and they fit into any bar or living room. These are used records, so the labels may show signs of wear and tear and slight defects, but that is their charm.”

In a musical arena filled with thousands of online retailers pitching vinyl records, it is refreshing to find a small “Mom & Pop” shop, where you can not only find quality used vinyl records, but have personal service, a unique gift option and a music lover that appreciates the memories that we all have of our treasured music format.



Ventless Gas Fireplaces

jccred7 asked:


Im thanking of geting siding done on my home. I just want to know how much would it cost me if I want to do one side at a time.

Pet Cpr Training

Craig W asked:


Anyone here work with wood siding? My house is circa 1916 and I will need to replace sections with new siding. So rare now to see redwood siding ! Am I going to have trouble matching the pattern for such an old house? If so, anyone know of sources for old siding? In SF Bay Area if that helps.

New Cpr Guidelines

A Nutt asked:


When making the decision to purchase vinyl or non-vinyl replacement windows, one can be faced with quite the tough decision. This is because there are several factors that go into making such a major purchase for your home. You have to take things such as color, efficiency, design, and your budget into consideration. You must find the right style and the right material so that your needs and the needs of your home are met.

What are the benefits?

There are quite a few benefits of vinyl replacement windows. Those benefits are:

- They are stylish

- They require very low maintenance

- The color is made right into the material so that there is no fading or chipping

- You do not have to scrape or paint

- No sealing is required

- They are friendlier to your budget

- They come in a number of types, colors, and designs

- They are very easy to install

If money is an issue, you do have a basic type or two that you can choose from so that you do not have to spend everything you have to make this improvement on your home. If money is not an issue, then there are even more efficient and artistic types that you can purchase. In other words, you can purchase vinyl replacement windows that match the overall architecture of your home.

But can’t you do just the same with other types of replacement windows?

Of course you can, but the real question lies with your budget.

One alternative is wood, which has its own set of pros. It does cost more, but it will add significantly to the value of your home. Wood does have more options and will be a better fit for the different home designs that exist. As a matter of fact, a lot of buyers will look at the types of windows within a home before they make their decision. This is because wood is very energy efficient.

The cons of vinyl replacement windows

Although vinyl replacement windows are efficient when taking into consideration they are made out of vinyl, they are not as efficient as other types such as wood or metal. However, the newer styles that are being made by the major manufacturers are becoming more and more efficient, as they do when you pay more money.

Vinyl may also not be the solution for homes that are historic and need a bit of added comfort. Vinyl may not do the job for these types of homes, so something such as wood may be the perfect options. This isn’t saying that it isn’t possible for you to acquire vinyl replacement windows that can get the job done. You just have to be careful and mindful of what you’re purchasing and the effectiveness of it.

When it comes to wood, beauty does come at a cost. However, the main downfall is the amount of maintenance required to keep them looking good. Some styles also require you to seal them off frequently to make sure their energy efficiency is at its highest.

So when making your decision, evaluate everything. How much time can you dedicate to maintenance? What can you pay? Will the style you choose fit your home? All of these are very important when making your decision between vinyl and non-vinyl replacement windows. If you just go with whatever, then you may be biting off more than you can chew. If you can’t do the maintenance, then you may find that you’ll be replacing your replacement windows prematurely. That is definitely something you don’t want to have to do because that could be expensive.



Learn The Basics Of Painting

Lowes asked:

Lowe’s home improvement expert, Mike Kraft, shares advice on how to prepare your wood home siding for painting. Learn more about scraping, cleaning, patching masking, and priming for exterior paint jobs. For additional videos on outside home painting, visit www.Lowes.com

Wood Pellet Stoves

Maria H asked:


My home in CA has asbestos siding and is ugly and not in good shape and I would like to add stucco to the house. Could I just stucco over the siding or do I need to remove the siding? Thanks alot for your help.

Harman Pellet Stoves