Archive for the 'Home Improvement & Design' Category
Do College Station and Bryan need Protecting?
August 5th, 2008 categories: Home Improvement & Design
College Station and Bryan homes may need protecting. I was up early one morning and decided to watch TV. I found a home improvement show called Michael Holligan and saw an interesting video (CLICK THE PICTURE FOR VIDEO). The video talks about a newer roofing system that consists of 4 foot shingles made of steel and an asphalt covering is placed over it. It is said to be able to withstand up to 125mph winds with 2 inch hail and not be damaged. We don't have much of that here in College Station or Bryan, but it would be great to fortify (more...)| Discussion: Your Comments Please »
Watering the Street Will Not Make it Grow - Even in Aggieland
August 1st, 2008 categories: Home Improvement & Design
Driving back from the gym in College Station, the other morning I passed several houses with irrigation systems watering the street. Besides wasting a lot of water it costs you money. How do you know when your automatic irrigation system is not working as designed? You set it to start while we are asleep and we assume it is working properly but how do you know? During the heat of the summer, when rain is scarce, it's very noticeable. Some areas are nice and green and others are hard and brown. If your yard has some of those brown areas it could be several things. The first thing to check is (more...)| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Pool Chemistry 101 - Part Two in a Series
July 30th, 2008 categories: Home Improvement & Design
BRYAN TEXAS -- You've chosen a spot for the pool, you've budgeted your money for the installation and landscaping; now, what are you gonna put in it? I've seen underwater strobe lights, Dallas Cowboy chemical feeders, and magnificent mosaic tile work. But I'm talking about the atomic level. Traditional pools in the Brazos Valley use chlorine to maintain the chemical balance for clean water. A good pH level also (more...)| Discussion: 5 Comments »
Is Your Granite Countertop Dangerous to Your Health???
July 28th, 2008 categories: Home Improvement & Design
Well, here we go again??? Now that all the hype about mold in homes seems to have calmed, we now have a new worry...the granite countertops so prevalent in todays newer and updated homes. Granite's beauty and durablity have made it a popular option with today's home consumer, and the demand for the product has grown. However a recent article published on Yahoo News (July 24, 2008) from a NY Times article, states that some varieties may be a health concern due to levels of radon gas and radiation emited from the widely used material. According to the article, allegations that granite countertops may emit dangerous levels of radon and radiation (granite is known to contain uranium and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium) have been raised periodically in recent years. Although the levels in most types of granite are small and should not pose a health (more...)| Discussion: Your Comments Please »
Negative Edge - Zero Depth - or Exercise Pool in Bryan
July 21st, 2008 categories: Home Improvement & Design
BRYAN TEXAS -- It's an optical illusion. When you are seated in the pool, it appears to have no edge. The water goes on and on. Hence the name, negative edge pool. This is one option in a pool of many that consumers have to choose from today. Upgraded technology and alternative chemicals offer swimmers a multitude of platforms. This blog entry will be the first in a series exploring your backyard water world. Zero depth, or beach entry, is a great feature for young children and senior adults. The entry point at the pool’s shallow end is level with the ground. You begin at half of an inch of water. And, like on a natural beach, the water gradually gets deeper with each step. This pool style needs plenty of room to achieve the correct slope. A third type is the exercise pool. These circulate water at a higher rate and a broader stream than your typical water jet. It gives swimmers a current to swim against rather than turning around each time you reach the end of the lap. This pool needs space, as little as 7 feet by 14 feet to operate but still provides cool relief. (more...)| Discussion: Your Comments Please »
Household hints from my mother-in-law
July 15th, 2008 categories: Buying Real Estate, Home Improvement & Design
"Just mix water with ammonia and vinegar. This cleans glass and mirrors better than any green product on the market." I hear you rolling your eyes out there, but this is good advice from a truly great lady. How about the advice that begins like, "I just think you ought to..." or "Whatcha gotta do is..." Some of you may not be so blessed to have a helpful mother-in-law available. (more...)| Discussion: 1 Comment »
