Home And Family

Archive for April, 2010

Even today, water fountains are included in interior and exterior decor and enhance the beauty of any place where they are used. There is nothing that quite compares to the soothing, peaceful feeling that water fountains can bring to your home. Inviting the soft sound of gently flowing water into a room is like bringing the outdoors in and providing a way for you to escape the tension and relax.

Water has always been an important resource for mankind. Other than its potable & soluble usages, it’s also used for adornment these days in the form of fountains. Historians point out that water fountains were initiated from the ancient Middle Eastern region, particularly from Egypt, where gardens were decorated with water fountains. Fountains were also found in Roman and Persian cultures. The Mughals who ruled India, had built many architectural wonders, like Taj Mahal, and their gardens were always decorated with lush trees and fountains. Mughal women tended to stay indoors most of the day and hence these gardens and fountains were a source of relaxation and recreation for them. Fountains have always been an integral part of architecture in the far Eastern countries too like China, Japan etc. where water is considered as a form of energy in Feng shui. In many countries, fountains have been the center of social life. People used to gather around them, while collecting water for drinking, cooking and bathing and they have also been a graceful mark of romance & friendship.

At times, you must have noticed a marvelous water fountain in a public space somewhere; a fountain so pleasing to look at, that you wish you could have taken it home. It might have been a stunning work of art, a poignant memorial, or just a symbol of peace and quiet in a busy world. Besides their calming effect, water fountains can add beauty, class and elegance to any room in your home. They provide an atmosphere of elegance to any place they are installed in. There are different types of water fountains available such as outdoor water fountains, garden water fountains, indoor water fountains and other types of fountains. The different styles of outdoor water fountains available these days can be customized to suit any environment where these fountains are installed.

If you’ve ever needed roofing repair or installation in New Jersey, you already know that quality roofing service is hard to come by. Roofing is a delicate process and you have to make sure that you not only find the right roofing contractor, but you have to make sure that the materials you are using are the best material for your house. Using the wrong material could result in the inevitable destruction of your roof. So in order to save you money, let’s talk about five different types of roofing styles and materials.

Asphalt Roofing Materials Growing up in NJ, you probably had an asphalt roof over your head for the majority of your life without realizing it. This type of roofing is inexpensive, has many types of colors, sizes, and manufactures, and it is suitable for almost any residential home across America. Since asphalt roofing is easier to repair and fire resistant, it’s not surprising that it’s the most common type of roofing available, however it is a very eco-Unfriendly material that is subject to mildew and moss decay. This, coupled with its short life span leaves some home owners wanting more out of their roof.

Wood Roofing shingles We’ve seen lots of wooden roofs in old black and white movies (Lassie ring a bell?) but unless you live near the country side then you probably have never felt the need for wooden shingles as your roofing material of choice. Wooden roofs offer a nice “weathered” look as well as some insulation value. Wooden roofs are great for trapping heat inside your home and you’re house (as long as you’re near the country) will blend in with your surroundings. If maintained properly, you’re looking at a long lasting life and the best part is that wooden roofs are easy to replace and repair. The bad is that being wooden shingles, they are prone to rotting, molding, and fire hazards unless treated properly. Though they are easy to repair, the initial installation usually carries a high price tag.

Tile Roofing Materials Tile roofing is commonly seen throughout Spain, Portugal, southern ranches and the Mediterranean. They are beautiful, elegant, contemporary, and many home owners with new houses have been flocking to this style of roofing recently. Tile roofing has a long life span and is easy to repair (and don’t forget fire proof!). The problem with tiled roofing is that it is heavy, bulky, expensive, and its installation can prove to be tricky with older homes that don’t have the support for a heavy roof.

Slate Roofing Shingles Slates distinctive and beautiful appearance is what has seen it appear through Colonial, French, Italianate, Exotic Revivals, Chateauesque, and Beaux Arts homes throughout the ages. It is completely fireproof and also shares a long life span as well as low maintenance. Of course, with such a beautiful type of roofing, it’s easy to see that it requires a highly specialized roofing installation done by quality contractors. This type of quality NJ roofing service is hard to come by and if found, should definitely be put to use on your roof. Slate roof shingles are heavy and fragile and require expensive installation.

Metal Roofing Materials One of the last types of roofing is metal roofing. Metal roofing is known to last longer than composite or asphalt roofing but it typically runs higher in price. The advantage about these roofs is that they are durable, lightweight, and typically fire-resistant and you can find them in many types of shapes and sizes. Metal roofing shingles can also be made to look like regular wooden shingles so your house’s appeal won’t change drastically once your new roof is installed.

In the colder months, as long as your plants are trimmed, and pathways are shoveled, it doesn’t matter if the lawn is mowed or gardens are weeded. Selling your home in the Spring poses a new set of challenges that we don’t see during the winter.

When potential buyers drive up and see a cluttered yard, a spotty lawn, or an untended garden, it forms an impression that they will carry with them as they tour through the rest of the house. A positive first impression goes a long way to increasing your chances of an offer. Use this list as a guide to getting your home in shape for a Spring sale.

Give your lawn the attention it deserves after a long cold winter. Apply a weed killer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to build it up a little. If you’re really motivated, take a soil sample to check the pH level. If the pH reads below 6.0 you can improve this by spreading lime on your lawn. If it is above 7.0, apply an acidifying agent such as gardener’s sulfur. When it’s time to cut your lawn, raise the blade to about 3 inches to reduce stress on grass and decrease the need for water.

Get out your pruners and trim overgrowth on shrubs and branches. Reduce the chance of mold by ensuring all plant material is kept at least one foot from your siding.

Get rid of the weeds now, before they really become a problem.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch! This is the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to make a garden shine instantly. Chipped mulches tend to last longer than the shredded versions, but the latter do look more stunning. Spread it on thick, stand back and prepare to “wow” potential buyers.

Clean up your edges. Define the borders of your gardens by edging them. Run a length of hose or tie a string between two sticks to get a straight line, and using a flat-ended spade, dig a little trough about four to six inches into the dirt. Voila – instant border without the cost.

Rev up the power washer. Power wash the porch, walkway, lawn furniture, eaves, siding, and windows. Stay away from soffit vents or other openings where moisture can cause damage. After washing your windows, double check them from inside the house when the sun is shining through. Sometimes you think they’re clean, only to discover they are filled with unsightly streaks when exposed to the afternoon sun.

Get out the paint can and short of repainting the whole porch or fence, at least touch up any tired or worn areas. Pay special attention to the front steps and entrance.

Invest in a fresh welcome mat to show off your entry.

Make your garden come alive by planting bright and colorful annuals. Perennials are great for long term planting, but for quick color, use vibrant geraniums, impatiens, marigolds and petunias. Place some hanging baskets at your entrance or a large container filled with greenery. They aren’t planted in your gardens, so you can take them with you when you move.

Find a shady area between two posts or trees and hang a hammock. Show potential buyers what a comfortable, relaxed place your home can be.

Create small zones or gathering areas around a focal point. If you have a fountain, or bird bath, place a couple of chairs nearby to give the impression of a seating area.

Finally, stand back and view your home from the road to see if you have a favorable first impression.