Zincalume - Roofing That Is Built To Last

From the name itself you can pretty much guess what Zincalume is made of. Made in the same hot dip process used in making galvanised steel, this alloy-coated steel is 43.5% zinc, 55% aluminium, and 1.5% silicon. Bonded to a mild steel substrate, the combination is considered a superior type of coating that holds up much better under tough rural, industrial, and marine conditions. It offers double protection with the aluminium providing barrier protection and the zinc taking care of the sacrificial cut edge protection. These two elements together are responsible for Zincalume’s superior corrosion performance.

When it comes to roofing, many people tend to go for the more traditional zinc-coated galvanised steel, thinking that it makes a stronger candidate as well as a more affordable option. That galvanised material is more cost-effective is merely a myth perpetuated in the construction industry. The fact of the matter is that extensive research has actually proven that Zincalume roofing outperforms galvanised steel in the desired non-corrosive functions. After 20 years, roofs made with Zincalume steel are still in good condition whereas those made with galvanised steel have been largely compromised with the significant presence of red rust. In fact, Zincalume’s corrosion resistant performance is comparable to that of the much more expensive aluminium and stainless steel in varying environments. Taking this into account, Zincalume is clearly the most cost-competitive choice. For this reason, it has been widely accepted and is a popular material in the steel building products market. Carport kits, guttering, downpipes, fencing, nails... these are all available in Zincalume steel.

A relative newcomer, having only been introduced to most markets sometime in the early nineties, Zincalume immediately showed itself to be an excellent material to work with. Builders were quick to recognise its fine qualities, discovering that, besides being extremely durable, it is also easy to paint. It boasts extraordinary mark resistance, allowing the end result or product to be better looking without the usual marks left by sweaty hands and moisture as well as the scuffs from boots and other objects. You may think that such little dents and blemishes do not matter in the big picture since roofs are rarely visible to onlookers, but even small nicks can compromise the integrity of a roof and eventually lead to considerable damage.

In Australia where houses are exposed to salt-laden air in the coastal areas and to other harsh elements present in the widely diverse landscape, Zincalume roofing definitely makes a wise choice.

About the author: Kenneth Lawrence is a passionate “Handyman.” He shares his knowledge about gardening, DIY projects and other home improvement tips and solutions in his writings. Moreover, he also recommends www.metalroofingonline.com.au to help homeowners make their houses better and more secured.

Why are Underfloor Heating Systems So Popular?

Heading towards the months of winter, we start feeling the chill of winter. People living in places that experience extreme chilly temperatures during the winters are forced to look for some effective method that will help them beat the winters. Underfloor heating system is indeed one of the best ways to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. This is one of the most advanced technologies that has gained immense popularity over the last decade.

The history of underfloor heating can be traced back to the Roman era. Previously electric isothermal equipment would be fixed under the basement surfaces so that the area would remain warm. The major drawback was that it could not controlled and was highly expensive.

With time technological advancements came up and the isothermal set ups brought certain new dimensions. However, it is the modern underfloor isothermal set up which was proved to be the most effectual over the rest. A much preferred way of keeping the long nights of winter warm, underfloor heating is now in high demand. People have now become more conscious about the advantages of installing underfloor heating systems in their home. The modern day basement heating systems use high-tech boilers and have multi-layer pipelines and control systems and are therefore, highly productive, environment-friendly and comfortable.

Let us take a quick look at some of the key points that accounts behind the popularity of  underfloor heating systems:

High efficiency – The isothermal systems function at relatively low temperatures and distribute heat uniformly throughout the area and are therefore, more efficient than the traditional heating systems. Above all, the thermostat installation can regulate the temperature, something that adds to the potential of the mechanisms.

Highly Durable

Since the underfloor heating system is tough and long-lasting in nature, they would require the minimum maintenance. You can rest assured of the fact that the these sets up would work for a span of about 25-50 years and will not involve frequent maintenance or repair works.

Less electric consumption

Equipped with high-tech set ups and the ability to function more effectively than the traditional isothermal mechanisms, installing basement heating systems will definitely cut down your electricity bills. However, you should be careful to note that the electric consumption is likely to depend on the house insulation and temperatures at which the heating system will run.

Ultimate comfort

While the standard radiators mostly function at high temperatures that range from 65 to 70 degrees celsius, underfloor heating mechanism can easily operate at a suitable temperature of about 35 degrees celsius. Capable of spreading the heat evenly from under the surface, this particular heating system offers more comfort to people.

Installing underfloor heating system is definitely going to benefit you a lot, something that you will not be able to access from the radiators. The heat generated from the radiators have a tendency to escape from the ceiling. On the other hand, the heat coming from underneath the surface loses almost 2 degree temperatures a couple of metres above the surface. In this way, you will be able enjoy a natural warmth that is likely to benefit patients suffering from asthma or allergies. Underfloor heating mechanism also helps in keeping airborne dust and dust mites away from your home.

The article gives an insight to the multiple benefits of installing underfloor heating systems in you home.

Author Bio:  Mark O’Brien takes a keen interest in exploring the different home improvement sectors. In his free time, Mark enjoys writing blogs that offer adequate information on  commercial underfloor heating.

A Look at the Future of Your Kitchen Lighting

Simple incandescent bulbs ruled the lighting world until the advent of compact fluorescent lamps in the late 20th century. Now, a collection of technological and design changes suggest that tomorrow's living spaces could look very different from the ones we use today. Increase energy efficiency, improved CFL color temperature and the advent of new technologies mean the world of Corona lighting has opened up in the past few years, and even more changes are on the horizon.

Historically, “green” lighting has meant dealing with unpleasant blueish color tones or stark, cold light-emitting diodes, unlike plumbing fixtures in residential homes. Recent advances mean that those days may be over, with new warmer, more welcoming CFL and LED lamps coming onto the market. Dimmability and more attractive styles mean that the bulb itself could soon become a design element. Consumers are even switching to barn lights and similar fixtures that show off their light bulbs. In the world of lighting design, the future is bright!

Spooky or Elegant, This Tree-Shadow Chandelier Makes a Statement

The world of home lighting fashion has been expanding by leaps and bounds within the past few years. From the starkly utilitarian to the ornately decorative, there's a lot more to choose from than the old standbys. One eye-catching option is Hilden & Diaz's exciting new tree-branch chandelier, “Forms in Nature.”

Designed to project tree roots and branches all around the space in which it is hung, this one-of-a-kind fixture gives a bedroom or family room new drama. It includes a single dimmable bulb at the center of the sculpture, which can be adjusted to create stark, intense shadows or soft, friendly ones. Currently, the fixture is still just a concept, but excitement over its unique design has prompted a bidding war on the designer's site. That means that this beautiful work of art could be available in your area surprisingly soon.

Train Station Signal Traffic Light

I captured one that located at Bumiayu train station, Central Java, Indonesia

Monday Mellow Yellows

Essential Furniture for the Modern Home

Whether it’s your first home, or a place you’ve lived in for years, most of us would like our homes to be more practical, as well as more beautiful. After a long day at work, we all like to come home and enjoy some relaxation, and whether that’s watching TV or other leisure activities, we all want to get the essential chores out the way so we can concentrate on enjoying ourselves. That’s why it’s essential to get our home décor looking good, and to create practical solutions that make the most of our space, yet require little maintenance or cleaning. Here are just a few items that every house should have in order to feel like a home.

Bedrooms

Far too many bedrooms are cluttered, making them less than relaxing places to sleep. Ideally, your bedroom should simply consist of:

·         A comfortable bed

·         Bedside cabinets

·         Soft lighting

·         Storage for clothes

·         Reading lamps

A lot of people have TVs in their room, and even use laptops and other gadgets in bed. However, this can be distracting and interrupt sleep, so try to banish these items from the bedside. Having a de-clutter of your bedroom can work wonders for your state of mind, so try not to have anything unnecessary in this room, and make it a safe haven from the outside world.

Kids rooms often house lots of toys and games, so make sure they have plenty of storage space for their stuff. By organising their toys into drawers, clean-up is much easier, and they are less likely to be distracted by things they want to play with at bedtime.

Living rooms

The living room is at the heart of any home, and it needs to be a space where you can relax, but also entertain guests. The centrepiece of any living room is the sofa, so it’s worth investing in one that’s comfortable and will last for many years. If you choose a neutral colour, then you can easily change the look of your lounge without having to buy new furniture every time. Most homes have an entertainment centre in the living room which holds the TV, as well as the ever increasing number of satellite boxes, consoles, speakers, and other items that keep us happy. By choosing a sturdy, practical unit to house these items, you keep them out of view and ensure little hands can’t get to them.

Kitchen and dining room

The kitchen is the room of the house that often gets the messiest, so it’s essential to have plenty of storage and space solutions around to keep things organised. There are plenty of inexpensive storage solutions that you can buy or create yourself, so get inspired by looking at how friends organise their kitchen space. Essential furniture for the kitchen could include racks for hanging up pans and utensils, as well as shelves that are well categorised and make it easy to find things.

Dining rooms are usually fairly simple to decorate, and most people like to choose a high quality table and chairs that will last a lifetime. If you have extra chairs, it can be better to store them for when you have big crowds, rather than leaving them out to get in the way. This will make it easier to vacuum, and makes the room look bigger.

Bathrooms

Most modern bathrooms don’t have an awful lot of space for furniture, but you can often fit solutions such as under sink storage units if you need more space. If you’ve got lots of people sharing a bathroom, then it’s essential that they have their own shelf in the bathroom cabinets, so you may need to install a bigger unit to avoid sibling rivalries.

Modern homes often have a bright, contemporary style, and this makes it easier to make them into practical, easy to live in spaces. You can therefore minimise the amount of time spent cleaning, and maximise the time spent relaxing, enjoying your hard earned time off. Why not look at ways that you can contemporise your home? By cutting down on the clutter and going for a few quality pieces of furniture, you can make it a much more pleasant environment for everyone to live in.

About the Author:

Denelli Italia is a UK-based business offering a large selection of home furniture. They have a  sofa range, among other products.