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  4. Home Design Types

Home Design Types

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  • What Is a Cropped Tuxedo Jacket?

    A cropped tuxedo jacket is a very particular type of jacket designed for specific occasions. Learn about a cropped tuxedo jacket with help from the CEO of Accent Bridal & Tuxedo in this free video clip.

  • Shelves That Attach to Windowsills

    When looking for creative ways to add storage in your home, consider the possibilities that your windowsills offer. Often, the space above and below a window is essentially wasted in terms of storage space. If available storage space or display space is lacking in your home, adding a shelf onto a windowsill can help you make use of a portion of the wall that was previously going unused.

  • How to Make Designs With the Typing Keys

    If you want to create artwork on your computer but don't have image editing software or a scanner, you can still create complex images using a text editor and the printable characters on your keyboard. This type of artwork, known as ASCII art, consists of images produced by keyboard characters. ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, and ASCII art is created by lining characters up with one another to produce images.

  • Ways to Cut Stairs

    Stairs come in all shapes and sizes, but the construction of staircases will generally follow the same basic process for most people. Some variation may exist, especially in instances where you intend to add a decorative touch to the stairs, but even then the basic process is the same, with a few added modifications. Cutting stairs only requires a basic knowledge of the building and construction processes.

  • R59 RF Cable Vs. R6 RF Cable

    RG59 and RG6 are two types of coaxial cables that can be used for many of the same types of connections, but also have advantages when used in certain situations. Both types are named using the military Radio Guide designation, meaning the number associated with each cable is of random origin.

  • Portico Types

    The main purpose of a portico is to shelter guests from the elements as they stand on the doorstep. Beyond that utilitarian goal, however, a portico also offers the opportunity for self-expression. A well-designed portico complements the style of the house and adds a finished look. When done on a large scale, a portico can double as a cozy outdoor room, complete with a place to sit or gather.

  • Types of Propane Home Heaters

    Propane is a gas by-product of the petroleum industry that can easily be transported as a liquid when compressed. It is used as a fuel in many different applications such as gas grills, engines and for heating. Propane can be stored in small amounts in portable tanks or pumped into permanent residential tanks for use. There are several types of home heaters that use propane as a fuel source that are effective in heating small spaces as well as entire homes.

  • What Type of Open Baffle Design Is Good for Lower Midrange Frequencies?

    Open-baffle speaker mounts use the principle of dipole radiation to send sound into a listening space in both directions from a speaker, 180 degrees out of phase. In essence, an open-baffle speaker system uses the room in support, rather than projecting sound into a room as enclosed speakers do. Because of both the bidirectional nature and lack of acoustic focus in open-baffle systems, additional considerations are needed for optimal performance.

  • Round Vs. Square Porch Columns for a Ranch Type Home

    A well-planned front porch area can enhance the look of a ranch-style home. The porch ties all component parts of the house, including the roof, foundation and windows, into a complete design. Deciding whether to install round porch columns or square columns is largely a matter of personal taste; however, the shape of the columns will impact design from several standpoints. Review both options carefully; you can choose which works best to add curb appeal.

  • Ways to Boost the Cellphone Signal

    A weak cellphone signal can mean the difference between finishing a call, and having it drop out halfway through. Luckily, there are ways to boost your cellphone signal so that you never lose a call again. Knowing the many ways to boost a signal can eliminate the frustrations involved with a bad signal.

  • Cool Types of Designs for MSN

    Many MSN users, especially the younger generation, try to come up with unique designs for their MSN name. These designs take standard keyboard characters and turn them into works of art. There are a variety of ways to come up with cool designs for MSN names, such as those that create images, ones that are wavy, or designs that include popular phrases or rare symbols.

  • How to Sell Old Books When Moving

    Moving to a new home is the ideal time to get rid of stacks of old books you have not seen or read in years. Boxes of old books would take up a lot of extra storage space and weight if you attempted to take all of these along with you. Instead, purge your old books and save only those that have particular meaning. Make some extra cash to use for your moving expenses by selling all of your other books.

  • What Is a Personal DTP?

    Many businesses use desktop publishing programs to manufacture and print documents with fancy fonts, advanced graphics and original column styles. These features enable companies to publish and distribute visual media documents for newspapers and magazines. However, with personal desktop publishers, or DTPs, personal computer owners can now also use these programs to produce and print stylized documents.

  • Different Stair Designs & Styles

    When building or remodeling a dwelling, stairs are an important feature to consider--both for the design and style--but also for the functionality. Staircases can be built from numerous materials and can appear classical and aged or modern and chic. Whatever the style of your home or apartment, you can easily find a style to suit your taste and needs.

  • Hiding Places for Jewelry

    While there are some measures you can take to protect your home from a burglar, hiding your jewelry gives you even more peace of mind. Some hiding places, such as underneath a mattress or in the freezer, are well known to burglars. Get creative when you hide your jewelry so that it is more difficult to find.

  • High Fungi Levels in Houses

    Fungi and molds are among the most pervasive organisms on our planet. Fungal spores -- essentially a fungus' version of plant seeds -- exist naturally in almost every indoor and outdoor environment. This pervasiveness rarely causes problems unless some of the spores land on a damp enough area to create a mold colony. Indoor mold growth rarely causes problems for home inhabitants, but many homeowner simply prefer to remove any mold they find just to be safe.

  • Hiding Places for Home Firearms

    Proper storage of firearms is a massive responsibility for a gun owner. According to Seattle Children's Hospital, about a third of the homes in the United States contained a firearm in April 2010. Of those homes with children, less than 50 percent of the guns were locked or stored unloaded. Safe gun hiding places are essential for safety of the homeowner and other household occupants.

  • Can You Dispose of Toilet Tanks in the Trash?

    Always check with your local government to understand the correct procedure for disposing of a toilet tank. Depending on where you live, you can probably dispose of it with your regular household garbage, although you most likely need to separate the tank from other garbage; however, there are other methods for properly disposing of the tank.

  • English Victorian Flowers

    As Victorian England prospered, the passion for flower gardening extended to a widening middle class, and the attaching of significance to various flowers became a means of communication among the Victorians. As a recent bride, the Duchess of Cambridge carried a bouquet of sentimentally significant flowers from the gardens of the royal family, including sprigs of myrtle from plants that had been planted by and used in the bridal bouquet of Queen Victoria.

  • How to Check for Toxic Substances in My Home or Apartment

    Toxins in the home are collectively known as indoor air pollution. The rise of more efficient homes with less air exchange between indoors and outdoors has made our modern homes unable to purge these toxins. This inexchange is even greater during the winter when we focus even more on tight seams to save money on the heating bill. Toxins come from lots of places: from building materials, from the earth itself and from trapped moisture ; unfortunately, there aren't always officially recognized tests to determine their presence. Luckily, for some of the more heinous and well-known toxins, there are affordable,…

  • Description of Cell Types for Fungi

    Several types of fungi exist, both on land and in water. Chytrids, the water molds, decompose aquatic vegetation. Some attack algae. Bread mold is a common zygomycete fungus. Morels and truffles are ascomycetes, and most mushrooms are basidiomycetes. Various types of cells occur in these fungal groups. They differ from typical plant or animal cells in several respects.

  • How to Check Radon Levels at Home

    Radon is a deadly gas that creeps undetected into your home. Because it is radioactive, stemming from decayed uranium deep in the earth, it can cause lung cancer. Smokers inhaling high concentrations of radon for long periods are at risk. The gas moves into groundwater and flows into the sump basin and drinking water supply. Pressure forces gas through cracks in the foundations, basement floors and walls into the home where people inhale it. It is vital that every householder undertakes or arranges testing for radon emission.

  • How to Tell if There Is a Radon Gas Leak

    A radon gas leak is like no ordinary gas leak. Radon is undetected by human senses. It is the by-product of uranium disintegrating deep in rock and soil. The gas seeps into properties through cracks in floors and walls of basements. Groundwater contaminated by radon brings it into private wells and into sump pump basins during heavy rainfall. Once inside the home it evaporates into the air as water flows from faucets. Drinking water may contain radon but it is more dangerous when inhaled over long periods. It causes lung cancer. Every home should test for radon emission.

  • Kinds of Locksets

    Locks were invented to protect and secure property by preventing forced entry. Many types of locks and locksets have been developed for a variety of specific uses. Choosing the correct lock is an important decision in property protection and may depend upon single or multi-user access to a property. Research and select the right type of lock for the building or location to be secured.

  • Types of English Victorian Homes

    The Victorian era was one of increasingly ornate architecture, which was made possible by technological developments and new structural materials. The Victorians used new materials to hark back to earlier times; the Gothic Revival and arts and crafts movements both emulated medieval styles. Homes often featured towers, turrets and elaborate carvings, including gargoyles. The railroads also hastened the development of suburbs of modest, middle-class homes.

  • How to Remove a Yale Mortise Lock

    Mortise locks are common in older homes, but they are also still frequently used in parts of the UK and Europe. These locks feature a slim casing that fits into the door from the side. Once in the door, the lock is secured from the inside face, as with other types of door locks. Yale manufactures a number of different mortise locks for use in both residential and commercial applications. Removal of a Yale nortise lock can be done by the DIYer without any specialized tools.

  • How to Organize Household Items

    It may have been Benjamin Franklin who said that there is a place for everything and everything has its place, and he may have been right, but finding that place isn't always easy, especially if you are trying to organize your home. While the task might seem overwhelming at first, it doesn't have to be. Keep household items in specific places so they are easy to find and get to; keep the things you use most often the most accessible.

  • Room Addition Project

    Adding a room to your home presents you with many planning challenges. The more comprehensively you design your room addition plans, the more likely you are to have the process run smoother. The research that you must engage in during the planning stage is also good for providing you with ideas that you may not have known were even possible.

  • The Best Stair Designs

    Stairs and staircases come in many altering styles and designs meant to serve different functions. While "best" is subjective when it comes to style, there are certain functions and features that go into designing a quality staircase. From safety issues to aesthetics to creatively using the space, there are multiple angles to consider when looking for the best stair and staircase design.

  • How to Learn About Table Organizers

    A table organizer is an organizer that you place on top of a table to take care of all of the items on that table. Organizers come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the type of table you have and the items you need organized. You can have one for silverware, plates or breakfast items, or you can have an organizer for clutter that is normally dropped on your table, like mail and homework. Learning about the various types of table organizers will help you figure out which one is best for you.

  • Submersible Well Pump Lifespan

    There are several factors that may impact the lifespan of a submersible well water pump, including the pump's duty cycle, size and quality of the motor, and the quality of the installation. Most are designed to last about 15 years, but certain parts may fail after only a few years.

  • Glass Top Cooktop Problems

    Glass topped stoves and cooktops have been around since the 1970s, when they were first introduced as a new luxury item. Today, glass top cooktops and stoves are more readily available. However, like with any style of cooktop or stove, glass cooktops offer advantages as well as some issues for which a potential buyer should be aware.

  • How to Identify Yale Mortise Locksets

    Based in Newport, New York, the Yale Lock Company has produced residential and commercial locksets since 1840. Though the company has gone through many changes over the years, Yale locks remain one of the world's best-known security brands. Since its early years, Yale has expanded its lock line to include mortise locksets, which offer a higher level of security than traditional cylindrical or rim sets.

  • How Does a Glass Cooktop Work?

    A glass cooktop stove operates differently than the conventional electric coil open burner cooktop. The glass cooktop heats up much more quickly, is more energy efficient and prevents food particles from dropping into the drip pan and heating element.

  • Typing From Home as an Employee

    Whether you are wishing to ditch the daily commute or want to work from home to spend more time with your kids, you have probably found ads all over the Internet advertising jobs typing from home. While most of these ads are scams, some companies will hire at-home workers to do their transcribing or typing work. Many of these companies will hire independent contractors, who handle their taxes and accounting on their own. A few will hire actual employees, choosing to let them work from home rather than paying overhead for an office space.

  • The Advantages of a Submersible Water Pump

    A submersible water pump is a form of centrifugal pump that operates with the pump completely submerged in water. Submersible pumps are powered by an electric motor.

  • Jet Pump Vs. Submersible

    Delivery of water to a home or business is more complicated when the buildings are farther out from a town's water piping system. Jet and submersible pumps are an effective means of supplying water to rural areas with wells.

  • How to Install Steel Columns

    Steel columns, also called steel posts, are used to support ceilings so that they do not cave in. If your original supporting posts, such as brick lally columns, start to disintegrate, it's time to start installing new, steel columns. Usually the steel columns you can purchase from home appliance stores are 8 feet tall and have an adjustable screw top you can raise up and down to fit the area between your floor and ceiling. While doing this project, you'll need to jack up your ceiling or supporting beams using temporary walls so your structure remains secure.

  • How to Change Your Two Car Garage Into a Four Car

    Converting a two-car garage into a four-car garage is a difficult and laborious task. Since it involves adding on to your house, it requires a certain knowledge of construction and home maintenance. The added space aso needs to blend in with the rest of the previously existing structure -- if it stands out or looks too obvious it could devalue the home. Before attempting this task, carefully plan out every step of the process.

  • History of Desktop Organizers

    Desktop organizers have been around since the invention of office supplies. They are used to help sort and organize files, papers, pens, pencils, paper clips, thumbtacks, rubber bands, sticky notes, etc. to maintain an orderly work space.

  • Hip Roof Design Styles

    You typically see homes with gable roofs; the simple flat-sided roof that meets at the top at an angle. The hip roof types, which include the simple, pyramid, cross-hipped and half-hipped design styles, are not made up of two equal-sized sides: generally, they have four sides---two pyramids and two polygons.

  • GE Appliance Specifications

    General Electric appliance specifications differ greatly, not only between appliance types but between variations of appliances within each type. Compiling full descriptions of all GE appliance specifications would be a chore as grueling as putting together a phone book, and the resultant list would be just as dull. Luckily, a number of key GE appliance specifications can be easily categorized and summarized. Common appliance specs categories include capacity, power, technology and functionality, and dimensions.

  • Types of Locksets

    The type of lockset you choose can have a tremendous impact on your home security. While the right lock protects your family and possessions from burglars, a poorly-chosen lock leaves your home vulnerable. When choosing a lockset, take the time to balance your home security needs with the lock's price, installation requirements and design to find the best model for your needs.

  • Types of Interior Balusters

    If you own a staircase, you have balusters in your house. A baluster is the rod that helps support your staircase's handrail, and these rods range from simple designs to decorative. When one of these rods break, you need to replace it, but you also need to know what type you need when you go to your local home improvement store. There are generally four types of interior balusters.

  • Types of Electric Cooktop Burner Elements

    The first electric stove was showcased at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, giving it widespread exposure. By the 1930s, reports Ed Informatics, the electric stove began to compete with the gas stove for a place in home kitchens. Today, there are multiple choices when it comes to types of electric cooktop burner elements.

  • Residential Roof Styles

    An essential part of any house, a roof contributes much to the home's exterior beauty. It can help convey an era in home construction, like the Gothic or colonial periods, or it can convey a mood, like contemporary or retro. Roofs are also functional, adding space according to the height and shape. Although roofs are typical features for most homes, their designs and functions are often ignored. Know about roofs to appreciate their features.

  • Types of Home Caulk

    Caulk is a liquid substance that hardens for the purpose of sealing or securing an item. The most common type used for home projects is standard white tub and tile caulk. This silicone-based sealant is used on the joint where the tub meets the tile.

  • Ventilation for Radon Removal

    Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted by decaying uranium in soil, rocks, and water. It can enter a home through foundation cracks and other openings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon can cause lung cancer. The EPA recommends that measures be taken to reduce radon when testing shows levels greater than or equal to 4 picocuries of radon per liter. Ventilation can reduce radon levels in some cases.

  • The Best Room Darkening Drapes With Grommets

    The warmth and glow of the sun are not always welcome on a lazy Saturday or when there is television glare. Room-darkening drapes fit with grommets are an easy solution to unwanted sunlight. This type of drape is widely sold and reasonably priced, making it easy to outfit an entire room or home with room-darkening drapes.

  • Elite Insulated Ceiling Panel Specifications

    Insulated ceiling tiles can be a useful product for any homeowner trying to keep a home's internal temperature regulated while also keeping the monthly utility bills down. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulated ceiling panels "provide superior and uniform insulation compared to more traditional construction methods ... offering energy savings of 12%--14%." Elite Aluminum Corp. manufacturers one of the most popular of this type of product.

  • Where Should Butterfly Control Valves Be Used?

    Valves control the flow of fluids by opening, closing, or partially obstructing a pipe or other passageway. One type of valve, called a butterfly valve, is best used for certain applications.

  • Bungalow Homes in the 1940s

    A bungalow is a one- or one-and-a-half-story home that often features some type of veranda. The term derives from India and the Gujarati word "Bangalo." Bungalows first appeared in the U.S. in the late 19th century and continued to increase in popularity through the 20th century. In the 1940s, particularly at the end of World War II, urbanization caused the creation of suburbs, with new and modern bungalow homes sought after by young married couples.

  • Types of Steel Columns

    Steel columns and other framing components make up the structural skeleton of homes and businesses. These columns support walls and ceilings, and give the building its basic shape. Engineers and builders must choose from different types of steel columns based on budget, durability and aesthetic appeal. In many applications, the column design also reflects local building code requirements aimed at creating safe and stable structures.

  • Gutter Screen Ideas

    Rain gutter screens are designed to allow water from your roof to flow into the gutter system while blocking the leaves and other debris from getting into the gutter channels. They can be made from wire fencing or bought at most home improvement or specialty gutter stores to fit the type of gutters you have on your house. Most screen systems lay over the top of the gutters or snap into place.

  • Types of Candelabras

    Candelabras have traditionally been multi-stemmed holders for candles, although some modern candelabras use light bulbs (often candle shaped) instead. They are usually very decorative and have become popular again and are used to adorn wedding venues, tables at sophisticated dinner parties and generally to enhance the decor at home.

  • Hazards Associated With Wheel Loaders

    Being able to own or rent any type of wheel loader is a definite benefit for anyone who is working in an earth-moving related field such as large scale landscaping, masonry or concrete contracting or home construction. Wheel loaders are designed to be workhorses with a number of different uses, depending on the attachments that accompany the unit and the size of the wheel loader the user. A compact wheel loaders can do everything from using scraper buckets for pushing earth and creating grades in landscapes to attaching an earth auger to plunge holes into the ground. Large wheel loader…

  • Frequencies That Produce Light

    Lighting is an important aspect of home design and energy consumption. Light is a type of electromagnetic wave or radiation, similar to radio waves, x-rays and microwaves. Light bulbs use electric current to generate electromagnetic waves with frequencies that create visible light. The frequency of a wave describes how many cycles occur within a given period of time.

  • What Is a Lr6 Battery?

    An LR6 battery is the International Energy Commission's (IEC) designation for a specific sized battery that uses alkaline cells. In the United States, these batteries are typically referred to by their size, such as AA.

  • Options & Styles of Hardwood Stairs

    Hardwood stairs are functional design elements that add character and charm to any home. They last a long time and can withstand a lot of traffic with minimal wear and damage.

  • How to Identify a Grinding Wheel

    At first glance, all grinding wheels look the same. Each type of grinding wheel performs the task of grinding in a different manner. Learning to identify a grinding wheels hardness, abrasive material, bonding method and grit density allows you to select the appropriate wheel for a given task. Using the wrong grinding wheel for a task can result in excessive damage to the pieces being ground. Avoiding damage to metal or painted parts saves you the cost of replacing the damaged parts.

  • How to Make a Two Car Garage Into a Four Car

    Changing a two-car garage into a four-car garage must be done with care in order to add value to a home. The addition should not look obvious, or it can detract from the market value of the property. Making the expansion work well will require designing a roof line that harmonizes with the home's architecture. Once the roof area is planned, it's much easier to create the floor plan layout, walls and flooring of the added space. Matching exterior colors for walls and shingles is important as well.

  • Submersible Pump Advantages

    While a basement can be a beneficial feature in a home, providing lots of extra space for storage, projects and other activities, it can also be a flood hazard. Fortunately, manufacturers produce sump pumps, which are specifically designed for pumping water out of basements. These pumps are available in to major types: cantilever (or pedestal) and submersible. While both pumps utilize pits, or sumps, in order to collect water, the submersible variety offers several advantages.

  • Construction Beam Types

    Construction beams are necessary for the basic structural designs of all types of buildings, from homes to office buildings. Their types vary based upon the amount of weight they will be supporting and what type of structural engineering they are a part of. It is important for architects and structural engineers to know the specifics of these construction beams.

  • Metal Pipe Types

    There are many different types of metal piping on the market that are designed for specific types of jobs. Some are used in most homes while others can transport toxic liquids and gases over long distances. Copper pipe is one of the more popular types because it is fairly inexpensive. Steel pipes however, have more commercial uses, are much more complex and are commonly used to transport a variety of different materials.

  • Various Types of Fleetwood Sectional Homes

    One of the largest companies in the industry, Fleetwood Homes has been producing manufactured housing since 1955. All Fleetwood homes are built using steel cross members, outriggers and I-beams. They are fully guaranteed against any defects in materials or workmanship for one year. Fleetwood offers expansion options and many custom design choices. The homes are built with sustainability in mind, utilizing products such as 100 percent recycled Sierra pine wood fiber, GreenFiber insulation and Formica counter-top laminates.

  • Types of Mexican Homes

    If you've ever traveled to Mexico, whether you went to a beach resort town or a modern urban area, you probably noticed the various types of Mexican homes, and saw that Mexican architecture has influenced many American homes. There are several different styles of Mexican homes, each with distinct characteristics, materials and colors.

  • Types of Victorian Homes

    Victorian homes are known for elaborate features such as columns, carved moldings and large porches. “Victorian,” however, doesn't refer to a single style of house. Victorian homes are those built during the reign of Queen Victoria of England (1837-1901). Victorian homes range from the less-ornamental folk or vernacular homes to elaborate Queen Ann homes.

  • Types of Concrete Stairs

    Concrete is a durable and versatile construction medium, widely used for a variety of purposes, including stairways. Concrete stairways are frequently used in both commercial and home construction and they vary in the way they are made and their general design. The two main construction types of concrete stairs are precast and poured stairs, while the two major design types are suspended stairs and earth-supported stairs.

  • How to Declutter Books

    Being surrounded by books is a wonderful thing. Too many books unread and collecting dust, however, is not. Avid readers and collectors often find themselves drowning in a sea of books, with piles stacked on shelves, tables and the floor. Unwanted or unneeded books not only take up valuable space but also contribute to mental and physical clutter. Sell or swap unwanted books online or donate them to a local used bookstore or charity. Regardless of your love of reading, declutter books to create a more serene home environment and share the abundance with others.

  • Decorative Molding Types

    Change a room's decor quickly by changing the decorative molding. Looking over the number of molding styles available, however, seems overwhelming. Learn the basic types of decorative molding before heading to the home improvement store. A rustic decor works well with a simple stained oak molding, while a sophisticated room calls for an intricate white crown molding.

  • Types of Plug Fuses

    Plug fuses protect the wiring in homes, often in wall outlets and lighting. They are short fuses, meaning that they are not designed to carry all that much current--typically no more than 125 volts. They are called plug fuses because of the way in which they are installed. They are placed within the outlet hole, and the base is screwed into the hole, "plugging" it. Plug fuses come in several different types.

  • Closet System Ideas

    If your closet is a mess, a closet storage system can help you to clean up and get organized. The type of closet storage system you pick depends on your needs. You can purchase patented closet systems at a home improvement or large retail store, or you can have a custom model designed by someone who specializes in closets.

  • What Is a Paisley Design?

    Paisley is among the most distinctive pattern designs but also one of the hardest to describe. Often there is no discernible pattern, as there is in stripes or checks. Paisley designs come in all color combinations and print sizes. The unifying factor in a paisley design is the presence of the signature paisley motif, a quirky, sort-of curvy doo-dad that is head-over-heels as often as not.

  • The Advantages of O-Type Boiler Design

    Water-tube boilers come in different shapes and sizes and are built for use in steam-driven applications like power generation, marine propulsion, locomotives and even stream-driven vehicles. They are often named after the resemblances of their vertical cross-sectional shapes with the English alphabetical characters. The O-type boiler is a two-drum, shop-assembled water-tube boiler featuring a membrane-type welded wall design.

  • How to Buy Equipment for Freeze-Dried Food

    Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, is the process of preserving food by removing the water from it. It is done by freezing the food at a very low temperature and using a vacuum to remove the water vapor. Freeze-drying causes the food to become very light. Because most of the water is removed, there is less chance of the food spoiling due to bacteria; therefore the food has a very long shelf life. Freeze-dried foods are stored in water-resistant vacuum packaging and are used frequently by campers and backpackers. Freeze-dried foods are easily reconstituted with a small amount of water.

  • What Is an API Gate Valve?

    An API gate valve refers to a gate valve that meets one or more specifications set forth by the API. The API (American Petroleum Institute) is a strong trade association that represents gas and oil producing companies across the United States. Among other things, the API develops standards and specifications for all things related to the petroleum industry, from pressure vessels, to values, to thread gauges.

  • DIY Foundation Room Addition

    Adding a room to the ground-level foundation of your house will go more smoothly if you have a good plan and a workable budget. Building a room under a new roofline keeps the construction mess in a different zone. Everything can be managed from outside your present living area until it's time to join the room to the house via a doorway.

  • Types of Irrigation Pipe

    To most anybody going to the local hardware store, irrigation pipe is irrigation pipe, but over the past 20 years significant changes have come about in the industry. Irrigation pipe now comes in several types for different applications. Each type of irrigation pipe has a specific color that designates what it is designed for. The colors are white, brown, purple and black.

  • Types of New Home Warranties

    A new home warranty protects the original homeowner against major structural defects for a period of up to 10 years. Warranties for home components are usually for shorter periods of time; for example, warranties for doors usually expire after one year. Builder-backed home warranties make the builder financially responsible for repairs when defects occur. The details of warranties vary widely.

  • How to Check for Radon Gas

    The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly one out of every 15 houses in the United States has elevated radon gas levels. Since it occurs naturally in soil, water, and rock when uranium breaks down, this gas can be found everywhere in the U.S. and can easily enter your home. The only way to tell if you have radon in your home is by performing a radon test. You can use either a short-term or long-term testing kit, both of which are commercially available.

  • Types of Stair Case Designs

    Most staircase designs fit into the following three types: straight, spiral, and platform. Designs have evolved from the standard and traditional to more creative designs such as open riser, hanging staircase, horizontally retractable, storage stairs and staircases using reclaimed materials. Designers and architects find success by creating an artistic shape with the stair.

  • What Is a Biomass Stove?

    Biomass stoves offer an environmentally sound way to heat your home. Although efficient, a biomass stove might not save you much money on your utility bill. They also do not usually completely replace existing heating systems.

  • Definition of Marine Construction

    The structural integrity of piers and other structures that line the coasts of our oceans, rivers, lakes and bays is important to protect boats and other vessels, as well as human lives. Marine construction is the field of industry responsible for ensuring that these types of structures are built to last for generations to come.

  • Types of Blenders

    Blenders are a necessary kitchen appliance for those who are eating healthy and those who relish the occasional margarita. Blenders can be used to crush ice, blend fruit for smoothies, mix up homemade milk shakes and make your own fresh salsa blends. Blenders make necessary mixing and crushing easier with multiple settings.

  • Home Siding Types

    Siding is used to finish and protect the exterior walls of the home. It covers wall framing and sheathing and prevents moisture penetration, wind damage and other problems that can be caused by exterior elements. Homeowners can choose from many different types of home siding based on the desired finish and functional requirements.

  • Instructions for Roll Roofing

    Rolled roofing is one of the most affordable roofing products on the market, and is also among the easiest to install. It can be used on both flat and steep roof structures, and helps protect against rain, wind and other exterior elements. To ensure the best possible results, it's important to take the time to install the right type of rolled roofing using the proper techniques for your home and roof design.

  • What Is a Synchronous Motor?

    Synchronous electric motors have a rotational output speed that is exactly synchronized with the frequency of the AC line powering them. In the case of the 120 volt, 60 cycle AC power standard in the United States, the motor's rotational velocity in RPM will always be a whole number multiple of 60. Synchronous motors therefore provide a frequency lock between the AC power source, usually a regulated utility company, and whatever device uses this type of motor. These motors are infinitely useful wherever accurate timing is required--clocks, timers and many machines.

  • Homemade Pyramids

    Pyramids are interesting shapes than can be used for a variety of non-conventional home and garden projects. There are two main types of pyramids: the square pyramid and the tetrahedron. The angles on each pyramid, particularly the sides, are not 90 degrees and special considerations have to be made during design to ensure proper construction.

  • Types of Architectural Designs

    Throughout history, architecture in America has been inspired from abroad. For example, Greek temples inspired plantation-style homes and European cathedrals inspired a gothic adaptation in home design. Even new, modern constructions look to the past for inspiration.

  • Types of Brick for Homes

    Brick is a building material used in masonry construction. It is made primarily from baked clay and is used to construct structures such as walls, chimneys and foundations. Brick pavers are also used to create patios and walkways. Many different types of brick are available to homeowners, and each is chosen based on its function and design.

  • How to Dispose of Trash

    According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, young, ignorant and apathetic people are more likely to litter, while people who have a strong sense of community are most likely to dispose of trash properly. Some areas are more prone to littering problems due to a lack of public awareness regarding the issues and because there are not enough proper receptacles available to residents. Trash disposal is a major issue in most towns and cities, which is why regular trash collection is a taxpayer funded service and additional services are available to help you properly dispose of your unwanted things.

  • What Is an Ammeter Used For?

    Ammeters are used to check electric currents in circuits. They measure electricity and can tell you whether a circuit is working properly or not and whether it is using the proper voltage.

  • About Glass-Breaking Sensors

    Glass-break sensors are available as an add-on to most alarm systems and are placed on windows and doors to detect breakage due to intrusion.

  • How to Order Prefab Homes

    A prefab (prefabricated) home is a less expensive way to go into home ownership while still enjoying the benefits of a new construction home. Prefab homes, also known as modular homes, are less expensive because they can be pre-made at a factory location and shipped to an existing location. This saves on the cost of materials, labor and architectural plans. In many cases, modular homes are just as sturdy and will last just as many years as a traditional home.

  • How to Pick a Deck Footing Style

    When you're getting ready to design and build a deck, you must start with the footers. These concrete mount points support the deck's main posts. There are several different styles of deck footings available, so choose the one that's right for you.

  • How to Install Bluebird Boxes

    Bluebirds are adorable little creatures that love to eat insects. Urban sprawl has made it necessary to install bluebird boxes to attract these wonderful birds, who will keep your gardens and homes free of pests. Follow these steps to build one.

  • How to Work With an Architect

    How nice would it be to have your house built exactly to order? Designing a custom home can be a tremendously rewarding experience.

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