Greencastle, Inc. practices green building practices to deliver a high quality green home to their clients.
From their website...
Greencastle, Inc. is a Southwest Florida custom home builder focusing on hurricane-resistant, super energy efficient, Green building practices. We strongly encourage the use of Energy Star appliances, impact resistant glass, sustainable construction methods, recyclable products, and especially I.C.F. (Insulating Concrete Forms) exterior wall construction. The end result - A house that uses a fraction of the energy of a conventionally built house, offers unsurpassed security, and comfort that speaks for itself, quietly.
Our vision is based upon building houses which are green, high efficiency, sustainable, storm, fire, termite and mold resistant, quiet, comfortable, and with greater indoor air quality. That sure sounds like a tall order, but we assure you that it is achievable and affordable!Some builders make their money by dealing in volume and selling upgrades. They want to build as many houses as possible to the minimum level of acceptability, while we focus on building homes of quality that you will enjoy for years to come.
Greencastle, Inc. was established in 2004 by Shawn and Natalia Harvey after starting and operating a successful remodeling company in Northern Virginia for seven years. Tired of snow and ice, they relocated to sunny Cape Coral, Florida.Greencastle, Inc. is a small company with big ideas.
Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Many homeowners overlook their garage door when remodeling their green home. Wooden garage doors require extra maintenance, painting and are damaged by weather and termites. Garage Door Florida has the new generation of green garage doors. Made of composite materials they have the look and style of wooden doors without the maintenance. Each Garage Door Florida Garage door is custom made for your home. Your Garage Door Florida door is more insulated and energy efficient that typical wooden garage doors.For more information please visit www.garagedoorflorida.com
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Garage Part of Maintaining Green Homes
By Libby Huffman
Of all the steps you take to get green around the house, have you thought about the impact your garage has on the environment? Besides parking an electric/gas hybrid in the space, there are other things you could be doing to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few tips for remaining eco-minded in that junk filled room you call a garage:
Clean is Green
It’s important to clear the entire garage out in order to begin to put the pieces of the puzzle back together. Clean out old boxes, drawers, tools and equipment you’ve got lying around. Next, get rid of all of your harmful chemicals. When dealing with household cleaners, most of them can simply be thrown away whereas items like paint and oil have a special mode of disposal. For paint, you can drop it off your local hardware store and they will use an environmentally friendly method of disposal. For used oil, it's as simple as dropping it off at your mechanics to get rid of it. Then, you'll want to purchase eco-friendly, all natural cleaners that are non-toxic to you and the Earth.Note: Never pour any type of chemicals down the drain. When in doubt, consult the label for instructions on proper disposal.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Orlando please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Get Eco-Organized
It’s not enough to simply clean out the garage if you just throw all your junk right back in it. You’ll need to purchase or reuse some economical and ecological tools to put your things in order. Old glass jars are great for keeping small things like nails and thumb tacks neatly tucked away. You might even consider building your own containers and boxes out of recycled materials. The ideal organizers will be durable and keep things close at hand. Using bamboo to build your containers will help to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and it’s incredibly durable and flexible.
Stay Away From the Rake
Sounds like a dream come true right? Unfortunately, this isn’t your excuse for not doing yard work. This simply means that the tools you’ve been using are probably not safe for the environment. It’s actually not the garden tools themselves but their manufacturers that are doing their part to destroy our planet. Each factory using PVC materials emits harmful toxins into the air when producing these tools and even more when destroying them. Slow the production down by refusing to purchase their products. To be safe, use steel or metal tools.
Many other manufacturers use materials that are not safe for the environment as well. Even something as seemingly benign as garage cabinets can emit harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Some companies are better than others in their emissions standards so be sure to shop around for an eco-conscious corporation before installing those cabinets.
Reduce Your Waste
Working in the garage can be a dirty job. While it’s tempting to use paper towels or other disposable cleaning materials, it’s just not ideal. More trash means less renewable resources and overflowing landfills; both are huge problems. Try to use micro fiber towels for your messes or other cloth towels that can be washed rather than thrown away.
As the green movement gains momentum, it’s important to stay abreast of the issues. Learning ways to become eco in every facet of life is each of our responsibilities. With a little diligence we can all make sure we’re doing our best to keep up with the demands of our planet. After all, every part of our lives makes an impact including the garage.
© 2009 Libby Huffman
Read more at Suite101: Greening Your Garage: How to Make the Garage More Environmentally Friendly http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/greening_your_garage#ixzz0vNXL7lts
Of all the steps you take to get green around the house, have you thought about the impact your garage has on the environment? Besides parking an electric/gas hybrid in the space, there are other things you could be doing to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few tips for remaining eco-minded in that junk filled room you call a garage:
Clean is Green
It’s important to clear the entire garage out in order to begin to put the pieces of the puzzle back together. Clean out old boxes, drawers, tools and equipment you’ve got lying around. Next, get rid of all of your harmful chemicals. When dealing with household cleaners, most of them can simply be thrown away whereas items like paint and oil have a special mode of disposal. For paint, you can drop it off your local hardware store and they will use an environmentally friendly method of disposal. For used oil, it's as simple as dropping it off at your mechanics to get rid of it. Then, you'll want to purchase eco-friendly, all natural cleaners that are non-toxic to you and the Earth.Note: Never pour any type of chemicals down the drain. When in doubt, consult the label for instructions on proper disposal.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Orlando please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Get Eco-Organized
It’s not enough to simply clean out the garage if you just throw all your junk right back in it. You’ll need to purchase or reuse some economical and ecological tools to put your things in order. Old glass jars are great for keeping small things like nails and thumb tacks neatly tucked away. You might even consider building your own containers and boxes out of recycled materials. The ideal organizers will be durable and keep things close at hand. Using bamboo to build your containers will help to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and it’s incredibly durable and flexible.
Stay Away From the Rake
Sounds like a dream come true right? Unfortunately, this isn’t your excuse for not doing yard work. This simply means that the tools you’ve been using are probably not safe for the environment. It’s actually not the garden tools themselves but their manufacturers that are doing their part to destroy our planet. Each factory using PVC materials emits harmful toxins into the air when producing these tools and even more when destroying them. Slow the production down by refusing to purchase their products. To be safe, use steel or metal tools.
Many other manufacturers use materials that are not safe for the environment as well. Even something as seemingly benign as garage cabinets can emit harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Some companies are better than others in their emissions standards so be sure to shop around for an eco-conscious corporation before installing those cabinets.
Reduce Your Waste
Working in the garage can be a dirty job. While it’s tempting to use paper towels or other disposable cleaning materials, it’s just not ideal. More trash means less renewable resources and overflowing landfills; both are huge problems. Try to use micro fiber towels for your messes or other cloth towels that can be washed rather than thrown away.
As the green movement gains momentum, it’s important to stay abreast of the issues. Learning ways to become eco in every facet of life is each of our responsibilities. With a little diligence we can all make sure we’re doing our best to keep up with the demands of our planet. After all, every part of our lives makes an impact including the garage.
© 2009 Libby Huffman
Read more at Suite101: Greening Your Garage: How to Make the Garage More Environmentally Friendly http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/greening_your_garage#ixzz0vNXL7lts
Consider Green Garage Door for Your Green Orlando Home
By Jessica Simpson
Amidst the hoopla of the BP oil drilling incident, eyes are starting to open wider in terms of what activists and organizations have long protested in an effort to clean up the environment and live a greener lifestyle for the sake of the earth and our future.
From simple household recycling to hybrid vehicles, it seems as if more global companies are joining the cause, and in this case, garage door manufacturers are now doing their part by offering homeowners eco-friendly garage doors. Green garage doors are becoming more in-demand as homeowners and manufacturers alike are looking for new ways to contribute their efforts in sustaining a preserving lifestyle.
I'm the furthest thing from being a hippie and I don't spend my free time hugging trees, but in this day and age, I'm simply interested in the quality of life. Would I have ever have thought that I'd be interested in the benefits of a green garage door? Absolutely not! But rather than looking at this from a "save the world" perspective, let me take a look at it from a "save some money" perspective.
Did you know that composite polymer doors are more energy efficient than real wood doors? In other words, you could be saving yourself a couple of hundred dollars a year on your electric bill. Did you also know that the construction materials used on eco-friendly doors is UV and moisture resistant? Therefore the door won't rot or crack, thus saving you the cost of refurbishing or replacing it.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Orlando please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Most people don't get involved using the overly common excuse, "I don't know how". With this comprehensive list, everyone can join in in doing their part in making a greener environment, and best of all, it starts in the comfort of your own home. Other than joining a crusade in saving the world, you can still selfishly claim that you are more interested in saving money and future aggravation caused by repairs. Whatever your reason is, the information is worth a look. And your involvement helps make the movement stronger!
Jessica "Jess" Simpson is a proud product of the Chi-Town Windy City. Never to be mistaken for the celebrity Jessica Simpson, Jess actually brushes her teeth and the furthest thing from an air-head. A graduate from Colombia University, currently working as a brand manager for Precision Door of Chicago, with aspiration of starting her own online marketing company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_P_Simpson
Amidst the hoopla of the BP oil drilling incident, eyes are starting to open wider in terms of what activists and organizations have long protested in an effort to clean up the environment and live a greener lifestyle for the sake of the earth and our future.
From simple household recycling to hybrid vehicles, it seems as if more global companies are joining the cause, and in this case, garage door manufacturers are now doing their part by offering homeowners eco-friendly garage doors. Green garage doors are becoming more in-demand as homeowners and manufacturers alike are looking for new ways to contribute their efforts in sustaining a preserving lifestyle.
I'm the furthest thing from being a hippie and I don't spend my free time hugging trees, but in this day and age, I'm simply interested in the quality of life. Would I have ever have thought that I'd be interested in the benefits of a green garage door? Absolutely not! But rather than looking at this from a "save the world" perspective, let me take a look at it from a "save some money" perspective.
Did you know that composite polymer doors are more energy efficient than real wood doors? In other words, you could be saving yourself a couple of hundred dollars a year on your electric bill. Did you also know that the construction materials used on eco-friendly doors is UV and moisture resistant? Therefore the door won't rot or crack, thus saving you the cost of refurbishing or replacing it.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is a new website that features the next generation of Garage Doors For Florida homeowners. Your garage door is one of the major architectural features of your house. Selecting the right garage door in Florida is important not only for curb appeal but also because our weather can cause wooden garage doors to rot, warp or need constant repainting and maintenance. Garage Door Florida features a line-up of beautifully crafted composite eco-friendly garage doors from Eden Coast LLC. They are each custom built to homeowners needs and manufactured with to reduce your impact on the environment. For more information or to locate a dealer in Orlando please visit GarageDoorFlorida.com
Most people don't get involved using the overly common excuse, "I don't know how". With this comprehensive list, everyone can join in in doing their part in making a greener environment, and best of all, it starts in the comfort of your own home. Other than joining a crusade in saving the world, you can still selfishly claim that you are more interested in saving money and future aggravation caused by repairs. Whatever your reason is, the information is worth a look. And your involvement helps make the movement stronger!
Jessica "Jess" Simpson is a proud product of the Chi-Town Windy City. Never to be mistaken for the celebrity Jessica Simpson, Jess actually brushes her teeth and the furthest thing from an air-head. A graduate from Colombia University, currently working as a brand manager for Precision Door of Chicago, with aspiration of starting her own online marketing company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_P_Simpson
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Housewatch: Building Green Without Losing Greenbacks
washingtonpost.com
By Katherine Salant
Although home builders have the opportunity to make a huge impact on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming, very few mention it in their sales pitches.
To make a difference, home builders do not have to reinvent the house; they simply have to build ones that use less energy. Their challenges are minor compared with those faced by automakers shifting to plug-in hybrids, electric, and hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered cars. Builders can achieve significantly higher rates of energy efficiency with only a few minor changes: plugging air leaks in the building envelope so that the owner will not be heating or cooling the great outdoors; sealing the ducts that deliver heating and air conditioning with mastic glue instead of tape, which can disintegrate; installing better windows with a low-emissivity coating; and adding more insulation to basements, crawl spaces, walls and attics.
Other changes will help, such as increasing roof overhangs to shade windows in summer; building houses to minimize western exposures to the hot summer sun; and planting fast-growing shade trees after houses are built.
How much would such modest changes add to the cost of a house? During the recent boom years, they might have added as much as 4 percent. In today's market, the added cost probably would be closer to 1 percent because a builder can get good work from subcontractors at very competitive prices, said Ron Jones, president of GreenBuilder Media and a builder for more than 30 years.
This added cost might discourage some builders. But the main reason that most are not pushing energy efficiency is their desire to avoid debate about a subject that they sense the buying public rejects -- and one that could affect their sales, said Jones, who is also a director of the National Association of Home Builders and is in frequent contact with builders all over the country. He was instrumental in establishing NAHB's green building certification program.
"Home builders tend to be stubborn and absorb change slowly, but above all," Jones emphasized, "home builders are business people who want to sell houses, and they approach most things pragmatically.
"They are not going to focus on global warming because they have observed the public's skepticism, and they don't want to scare off potential customers," he said. "Instead, builders are promoting energy savings as a way to save money. They'll wait for the client to talk about improved energy savings and climate change."
Kevin Morrow, NAHB's green building senior program manager, said most builders think the best way to sell energy efficiency to "today's value-conscious consumers" is to show the money saved on utility bills. But, he said, "the end point is still the same." Energy-efficient houses reduce the emissions that are causing climate change.
Sam Rashkin, program manager for the federal government's Energy Star for Homes program, said he also takes a neutral, "bipartisan approach" in offering reasons to save energy. "If I bring up climate change, I will offend 50 percent of my audience -- I will see a body language change," Rashkin said. His solution has been to tailor the message to the audience.
For builders, Rashkin promotes energy savings as a way to compete against foreclosed houses. For homeowners, he emphasizes energy savings as a way to lower utility bills. With both groups, Rashkin shows that home energy efficiency benefits everyone, homeowner or not, because it reduces the overall dependence on foreign sources for oil and natural gas used at home.
For rest of article please visit www.washingtonpost.com
© 2010 The Washington Post Company
By Katherine Salant
Although home builders have the opportunity to make a huge impact on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming, very few mention it in their sales pitches.
To make a difference, home builders do not have to reinvent the house; they simply have to build ones that use less energy. Their challenges are minor compared with those faced by automakers shifting to plug-in hybrids, electric, and hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered cars. Builders can achieve significantly higher rates of energy efficiency with only a few minor changes: plugging air leaks in the building envelope so that the owner will not be heating or cooling the great outdoors; sealing the ducts that deliver heating and air conditioning with mastic glue instead of tape, which can disintegrate; installing better windows with a low-emissivity coating; and adding more insulation to basements, crawl spaces, walls and attics.
Other changes will help, such as increasing roof overhangs to shade windows in summer; building houses to minimize western exposures to the hot summer sun; and planting fast-growing shade trees after houses are built.
How much would such modest changes add to the cost of a house? During the recent boom years, they might have added as much as 4 percent. In today's market, the added cost probably would be closer to 1 percent because a builder can get good work from subcontractors at very competitive prices, said Ron Jones, president of GreenBuilder Media and a builder for more than 30 years.
This added cost might discourage some builders. But the main reason that most are not pushing energy efficiency is their desire to avoid debate about a subject that they sense the buying public rejects -- and one that could affect their sales, said Jones, who is also a director of the National Association of Home Builders and is in frequent contact with builders all over the country. He was instrumental in establishing NAHB's green building certification program.
"Home builders tend to be stubborn and absorb change slowly, but above all," Jones emphasized, "home builders are business people who want to sell houses, and they approach most things pragmatically.
"They are not going to focus on global warming because they have observed the public's skepticism, and they don't want to scare off potential customers," he said. "Instead, builders are promoting energy savings as a way to save money. They'll wait for the client to talk about improved energy savings and climate change."
Kevin Morrow, NAHB's green building senior program manager, said most builders think the best way to sell energy efficiency to "today's value-conscious consumers" is to show the money saved on utility bills. But, he said, "the end point is still the same." Energy-efficient houses reduce the emissions that are causing climate change.
Sam Rashkin, program manager for the federal government's Energy Star for Homes program, said he also takes a neutral, "bipartisan approach" in offering reasons to save energy. "If I bring up climate change, I will offend 50 percent of my audience -- I will see a body language change," Rashkin said. His solution has been to tailor the message to the audience.
For builders, Rashkin promotes energy savings as a way to compete against foreclosed houses. For homeowners, he emphasizes energy savings as a way to lower utility bills. With both groups, Rashkin shows that home energy efficiency benefits everyone, homeowner or not, because it reduces the overall dependence on foreign sources for oil and natural gas used at home.
For rest of article please visit www.washingtonpost.com
© 2010 The Washington Post Company
Florid Green Homes Builds Green Homes in Florida
Florida Green Homes, LLC. specializes in the construction of Certified Green and Hurricane Resistant, Energy and Water Efficient, Eco-Friendly Homes in Florida.They use only Zero VOC paint, Certified Green Cabinetry and Carpet and Rug Institute Certified Green Carpet. Homes are built without products containing formaldehyde, chlorofluorocarbon, asbestos, and fiberglass which can cause serious illness and long term effects that can put a strain on your family’s budget financially.
"It is our standard to make the world a better place by providing a healthy environment in and outside of your home, by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, improving both air and water quality, and protecting ecosystems."
A testimonial from one of their Satisfied Green Home Owners
Eugene Pan, Systems Administrator for NY Post IT Department:
I have been always very considerate of an environment and have been a member of a “Green Party” for many years. Our world promptly becomes soiled, resources are exhausted. Unfortunately, construction process can lead to environment and ecosystem destruction.
It is known that the modern person spends at the house more than 85 % of time. There is a question: whether it is possible to create such house in which residing conditions would be approached to the ideal as much as possible? It appears to be possible. These houses are called "Green". Green homes have such doubtless advantages as harmony with an environment, economy of energy, water, materials and resources, quality of water and pure air.
There is an opinion that green construction – is a whim of wealthy people. New technologies are more expensive than the traditional methods used by decades, but calculations show that in 8-10 years the choice of a "green" house pays off and also an ownership of such a house starts to make a profit. Florida Green Homes proved that construction of a green house doesn’t cost me more than the construction of traditionally built one. I am very happy with my choice of a green house which keeps my family in good health and is environment friendly. Also it is really important to me that my house is hurricane resistant and is very quite.
Comment from President Jeff Vasilevskiy
“After the tragedy in New Orleans, in which hurricane Katrina devastated so many lives, my concern was to create a hurricane-resistant home that will not only be safe and energy efficient but affordable as well. In the past three years we have developed one of the best products in the green construction industry. Now I’m proud to say, “Florida Green Homes are one of the safest structures in the world.” Together, with our team of professionals we are eager to show you how an affordable, highly energy efficient, healthy, environmentally friendly and certified green home can save you money and change your life.
"It is our standard to make the world a better place by providing a healthy environment in and outside of your home, by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, improving both air and water quality, and protecting ecosystems."
A testimonial from one of their Satisfied Green Home Owners
Eugene Pan, Systems Administrator for NY Post IT Department:
I have been always very considerate of an environment and have been a member of a “Green Party” for many years. Our world promptly becomes soiled, resources are exhausted. Unfortunately, construction process can lead to environment and ecosystem destruction.
It is known that the modern person spends at the house more than 85 % of time. There is a question: whether it is possible to create such house in which residing conditions would be approached to the ideal as much as possible? It appears to be possible. These houses are called "Green". Green homes have such doubtless advantages as harmony with an environment, economy of energy, water, materials and resources, quality of water and pure air.
There is an opinion that green construction – is a whim of wealthy people. New technologies are more expensive than the traditional methods used by decades, but calculations show that in 8-10 years the choice of a "green" house pays off and also an ownership of such a house starts to make a profit. Florida Green Homes proved that construction of a green house doesn’t cost me more than the construction of traditionally built one. I am very happy with my choice of a green house which keeps my family in good health and is environment friendly. Also it is really important to me that my house is hurricane resistant and is very quite.
Comment from President Jeff Vasilevskiy
“After the tragedy in New Orleans, in which hurricane Katrina devastated so many lives, my concern was to create a hurricane-resistant home that will not only be safe and energy efficient but affordable as well. In the past three years we have developed one of the best products in the green construction industry. Now I’m proud to say, “Florida Green Homes are one of the safest structures in the world.” Together, with our team of professionals we are eager to show you how an affordable, highly energy efficient, healthy, environmentally friendly and certified green home can save you money and change your life.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Garage Door Maintenance Can be Reduced with Green Garage Doors
Though they look relatively simple in construction, garage doors actually have many components, especially if they’re hooked up to an electric opener.Because of this level of complexity—and the fact that a garage door must stand up against harsh weather—a garage door may suffer from any of several problems.
The most common problem is that the door becomes difficult to lift and lower. This may be something that can be resolved with a few simple adjustments and basic maintenance, or it may be more serious. If the door is connected to an electric opener, the first clue is to disconnect opener mechanism from the door by pulling the release cord or lever. If the door works fine manually, the problem is with the electric opener; in this case, consult your owner’s manual or call a garage door opener repair pro.
Wooden Garage Doors Require More Maintenance
If you have a wood door, be sure to keep it properly painted or stained, both outside and inside. If you finish only the outside of a garage door, the door may warp and the moisture will subvert the paint, causing it to peel. Manufacturers of wood doors recommend you initially paint both the inside and outside and repaint the exterior surface every year or two.
A door that seems unusually heavy to lift may have a problem with spring tension. Garage door springs are under extreme tension because of the loads they must lift, and this makes them dangerous to adjust. If your door’s springs are out of adjustment, do not attempt to work on them yourself. Call a qualified garage door company.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
The most common problem is that the door becomes difficult to lift and lower. This may be something that can be resolved with a few simple adjustments and basic maintenance, or it may be more serious. If the door is connected to an electric opener, the first clue is to disconnect opener mechanism from the door by pulling the release cord or lever. If the door works fine manually, the problem is with the electric opener; in this case, consult your owner’s manual or call a garage door opener repair pro.
Wooden Garage Doors Require More Maintenance
If you have a wood door, be sure to keep it properly painted or stained, both outside and inside. If you finish only the outside of a garage door, the door may warp and the moisture will subvert the paint, causing it to peel. Manufacturers of wood doors recommend you initially paint both the inside and outside and repaint the exterior surface every year or two.
A door that seems unusually heavy to lift may have a problem with spring tension. Garage door springs are under extreme tension because of the loads they must lift, and this makes them dangerous to adjust. If your door’s springs are out of adjustment, do not attempt to work on them yourself. Call a qualified garage door company.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Going Green Could Mean Gray
With any green or sustainable product, the price is more than a non-sustainable product, but the long-term payback makes up for the initial expense. Some paybacks are quicker than others, as with eco-friendly cellulose insulation versus the standard fiberglass insulation. In this case, the payback can be measured in a number of ways: comfort, quiet, safety (fire resistance) and energy expense.
Components
Cellulose is recycled newspaper treated with borates to make it fire retardant—so fire retardant, in fact, that it has a Class 1 fire rating and an approximately 55 percent greater fire resistance than that of fiberglass. A recognized wood preservative, borates are also a fungicide and insecticide. But you can breathe easy: borates are six times less toxic to humans than common table salt.
Application
The application of cellulose insulation involves either a loose fill into attics and closed wall cavities, or a damp spray into open wall cavities or behind a pre-installed netting. When properly installed, cellulose insulation penetrates all the little gaps fiberglass insulation may have missed, as fiberglass insulation is often cut away around pipes during the installation process. Using cellulose instead of fiberglass insulation creates a more tightly insulated house, a lower heating cost and a greater sound barrier.
Rated R
The common evaluation of the quality of insulation is the R rating. However, if you look on most bags of fiberglass insulation, it is explained that their R-values are subject to indoor/outdoor temperature differences. For example, if the temperature is 0 degrees outside and 70 degrees inside, the R-13 fiberglass in your walls may only be equal to half that rating (R-6 or R-7). With cellulose insulation, the indoor/outdoor temperature difference does not affect the R-rating.
Health concerns
Another detriment to standard fiberglass insulation is its toxicity. Warnings are issued on bags of fiberglass insulation, stating that The National Toxicology Program identifies fiberglass wool as a possible cause of cancer.
Cellulose insulation does not pose the same health risks as fiberglass insulation. According to Dr. Arthur Furst, one of the world’s foremost toxicologists, “The dusts from cellulose insulation materials can be considered as any household.
Costs
Cellulose can cost 5 to 50 percent more to install than fiberglass insulation, depending on the application and location of the use. According to the Build It Solar Web site, “The payback for self-installed cellulose insulation can be inside of a year depending on your current insulation levels, climate, and fuel.”
Due to its recycled content and potentially higher energy performance, cellulose is an environmentally preferable product. This gray material is truly green in more ways than one!
http://www.homeimprovementmag.com/central-florida/article/going-green-can-be-gray/maintenance-and-repair
Components
Cellulose is recycled newspaper treated with borates to make it fire retardant—so fire retardant, in fact, that it has a Class 1 fire rating and an approximately 55 percent greater fire resistance than that of fiberglass. A recognized wood preservative, borates are also a fungicide and insecticide. But you can breathe easy: borates are six times less toxic to humans than common table salt.
Application
The application of cellulose insulation involves either a loose fill into attics and closed wall cavities, or a damp spray into open wall cavities or behind a pre-installed netting. When properly installed, cellulose insulation penetrates all the little gaps fiberglass insulation may have missed, as fiberglass insulation is often cut away around pipes during the installation process. Using cellulose instead of fiberglass insulation creates a more tightly insulated house, a lower heating cost and a greater sound barrier.
Rated R
The common evaluation of the quality of insulation is the R rating. However, if you look on most bags of fiberglass insulation, it is explained that their R-values are subject to indoor/outdoor temperature differences. For example, if the temperature is 0 degrees outside and 70 degrees inside, the R-13 fiberglass in your walls may only be equal to half that rating (R-6 or R-7). With cellulose insulation, the indoor/outdoor temperature difference does not affect the R-rating.
Health concerns
Another detriment to standard fiberglass insulation is its toxicity. Warnings are issued on bags of fiberglass insulation, stating that The National Toxicology Program identifies fiberglass wool as a possible cause of cancer.
Cellulose insulation does not pose the same health risks as fiberglass insulation. According to Dr. Arthur Furst, one of the world’s foremost toxicologists, “The dusts from cellulose insulation materials can be considered as any household.
Costs
Cellulose can cost 5 to 50 percent more to install than fiberglass insulation, depending on the application and location of the use. According to the Build It Solar Web site, “The payback for self-installed cellulose insulation can be inside of a year depending on your current insulation levels, climate, and fuel.”
Due to its recycled content and potentially higher energy performance, cellulose is an environmentally preferable product. This gray material is truly green in more ways than one!
http://www.homeimprovementmag.com/central-florida/article/going-green-can-be-gray/maintenance-and-repair
How to Guard Your Home Against a Hurricane
From the Florida Home Builder Website
f you want to safeguard your home from the devastating winds and rain of a hurricane, there are steps you can take now, long before a storm is on the horizon.
Some of these preparations you can do yourself. Others require the expertise of an experienced contractor. For the name of a reputable contractor in your area, contact the Local Home Builders Association in your area or call the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council at 800-368-5242.
The Roof System
Install hurricane straps or clips to the inside of your roof. This must be done by a roofing contractor when your roof is being replaced since it requires access to the inside of the roof underneath the sheathing. These straps/clips should be placed where the roof truss adjoins the exterior wall.
When the trusses are exposed, check to make sure that they are properly fastened. Fasteners include nails and staples. If the fasteners have missed the truss, the roof is weakened. You may want to add nails if they are scarce or if many have missed the top cord of the roof.
If you have a gable-end roof, make sure it is properly braced at the ends. This can be done at any time. Attach 2x4s or 2x6s to the gable end perpendicular to the truss system. Use screws, not nails, to attach the braces. Also, install steel angles to the gable end bracing to reinforce the gable ends.
Exterior Openings
Windows, French doors and sliding doors must be protected either by hurricane shutters or by an impact-resistant glazing such as laminated glass. Shuttering can be done with 5/8 inch plywood or metal storm panels. To save time before a hurricane, install the anchors or brackets now and store the shutters. Pre-cut plywood pieces should be mounted overlapping windows on all sides by four inches so that the shutters are attached to the frame underneath the exterior surface. Use anchors and wood screws to attach the anchors to siding or lag bolts for masonry.
Double garage doors are another weak point that needs to be reinforced. This can be done at anytime; the bracing can remain on the doors year round. Install cross bracing or girts horizontally across the door. Use six to eight 2x4s or steel girts.
Also, reinforce the track of the garage door with heavier gauge metal and anchor it to the frame with long screws.
Check with the manufacturer of your garage door to see if a strengthening package for is available.
Double-entry doors are another frail spot. Check the inactive door and make sure it's secured to the header and threshold; if not, add reinforcing pins to the top and bottom of the door. Also, add heavier hinges and more secure locks.
Fences and Porches
If you're putting up fencing, leave spaces at the bottom instead of driving every panel into the ground to allow air to go under the fence, rather than knocking it down.
Porches normally have weak roofs. Make sure the roof is bolted to the exterior wall of the house. Also, attach porch flooring firmly to the house.
By the time weather forecasters knew that Hurricane Andrew was going to strike South Florida, homeowners had little time to prepare their homes. Those who tried to buy plywood for shuttering windows a day or two before the storm found supplies completely depleted. By taking these precautions now, you'll save time, heart ache and money if a hurricane hits your area.
f you want to safeguard your home from the devastating winds and rain of a hurricane, there are steps you can take now, long before a storm is on the horizon.
Some of these preparations you can do yourself. Others require the expertise of an experienced contractor. For the name of a reputable contractor in your area, contact the Local Home Builders Association in your area or call the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council at 800-368-5242.
The Roof System
Install hurricane straps or clips to the inside of your roof. This must be done by a roofing contractor when your roof is being replaced since it requires access to the inside of the roof underneath the sheathing. These straps/clips should be placed where the roof truss adjoins the exterior wall.
When the trusses are exposed, check to make sure that they are properly fastened. Fasteners include nails and staples. If the fasteners have missed the truss, the roof is weakened. You may want to add nails if they are scarce or if many have missed the top cord of the roof.
If you have a gable-end roof, make sure it is properly braced at the ends. This can be done at any time. Attach 2x4s or 2x6s to the gable end perpendicular to the truss system. Use screws, not nails, to attach the braces. Also, install steel angles to the gable end bracing to reinforce the gable ends.
Exterior Openings
Windows, French doors and sliding doors must be protected either by hurricane shutters or by an impact-resistant glazing such as laminated glass. Shuttering can be done with 5/8 inch plywood or metal storm panels. To save time before a hurricane, install the anchors or brackets now and store the shutters. Pre-cut plywood pieces should be mounted overlapping windows on all sides by four inches so that the shutters are attached to the frame underneath the exterior surface. Use anchors and wood screws to attach the anchors to siding or lag bolts for masonry.
Double garage doors are another weak point that needs to be reinforced. This can be done at anytime; the bracing can remain on the doors year round. Install cross bracing or girts horizontally across the door. Use six to eight 2x4s or steel girts.
Also, reinforce the track of the garage door with heavier gauge metal and anchor it to the frame with long screws.
Check with the manufacturer of your garage door to see if a strengthening package for is available.
Double-entry doors are another frail spot. Check the inactive door and make sure it's secured to the header and threshold; if not, add reinforcing pins to the top and bottom of the door. Also, add heavier hinges and more secure locks.
Fences and Porches
If you're putting up fencing, leave spaces at the bottom instead of driving every panel into the ground to allow air to go under the fence, rather than knocking it down.
Porches normally have weak roofs. Make sure the roof is bolted to the exterior wall of the house. Also, attach porch flooring firmly to the house.
By the time weather forecasters knew that Hurricane Andrew was going to strike South Florida, homeowners had little time to prepare their homes. Those who tried to buy plywood for shuttering windows a day or two before the storm found supplies completely depleted. By taking these precautions now, you'll save time, heart ache and money if a hurricane hits your area.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Green Energy Financing is Available
There are many sources of financing available for green energy retrofits for both residential homes and commercial buildings. There are even programs available for churches through Interfaith Light and Power. First step is to check with your utility company.
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