Landscape LED Lighting for Outdoor Grandeur

Homeowners could save money on outdoor lighting by installing solar-powered fixtures. Stake lights are available with built-in solar cells that can provide enough electricity for overnight illumination. Solar-powered landscape lights are usually designed for installation along walkways and driveways. Their pointy stake supports can easily be placed several inches into the ground. The temporary installation is convenient as it does not require any electrical wiring or external hardware for support.

Solar landscape lights usually have efficient LED bulbs that generate illumination of only several Lumens. However, such fixtures are usually installed in series along walkways, creating sufficient collective brightness. Plastic housings have waterproof designs to ensure that the sensitive LED light bulbs and solar cells don't get damaged during rainstorms or strong winds.

Solar power for outdoor lighting is also available on much bigger scales. For example, large solar panels can be installed in a garden in order to collect electricity for use to power multiple light fixtures throughout a property. The panels should ideally be mounted on elevated structures such as fence posts, sheds or gates. Professional lighting technicians can make the proper electrical connections between the panels and individual landscape lights. Lantern-style light posts and project lights could be powered overnight by relatively small solar panels that are exposed to sunshine for most of the day. Lighting professionals can calculate the optimum angle at which the panels should be installed in order to maximize solar absorption during daylight hours.

Some gardens and backyards might even use solar panels to power other structures such as mini ponds and waterfalls that are also illuminated with special glow-in-the-dark fixtures, which utilize phosphorescence. For example, garden pond pumps could be partially powered by solar cells that are connected to multiple landscape light fixtures.

When selecting landscape led lighting, homeowners should consider the color temperature that's measured in degrees Kelvin. Bright white light is a popular choice for providing natural daylight-style illumination on a property. Traditional incandescent light bulbs generate a distinct yellow or orange color that doesn't provide as many aesthetic benefits to a home or garden. Landscape lights should be optimized to produce light that can reflect off trees, bushes and grass. Yellow light tends to get absorbed by the surrounding landscape and also creates some blinding effects for the human eye.

Bamboo Plants

The bamboo jungle grow inside the Bogor Botanical Gardens (West Java, Indonesia). I took pics from outside the garden –behind the fence. 

Bamboo shade over the pedestrian street

The Weekend in Black and White

How Do Fire Doors Work?

Fire doors are an irreplaceable necessity in most buildings. As part of a passive fire suppression system, they are responsible for keeping flames, fumes and smoke contained so they can’t spread into other sections of a building. Made from layers of steel, wood, vermiculite and wire mesh glass and other durable materials, they are rated based on their ability to withstand damage from fire.

(http://brand-svc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/fire-door-inspectors-ny.jpg)

Doors that divide smaller areas usually have lower ratings. Those that are rated below 1.5 hours are ideal for occupancy areas. On the other hand, 20-minute fire doors are typically used to divide hallways. Since most fire doors come with fire-resistant windows, they allow occupants to see through the other side and determine if it is still safe to pass through.

Fire door manufacturers must always make sure that their products are in good working order. Similar to industrial roller shutter doors, they need to undergo extensive testing before being released on the market. Everything from the intricacies of the ironmongery to the essential frames and seals are thoroughly examined and assessed to ensure their functionality, durability and reliability.

Simply put, the primary function of fire doors is to prevent fire from spreading into other sections of a building. They protect escape routes from heat and smoke so occupants can safely leave. At the same time, they can aid fire fighters and other rescue personnel. By keeping flames contained, they give them ample time to find their way into the building, extinguish flames and rescue occupants. Because of this, they need to be able to close and seal by themselves at all times. Propping them open is strongly discouraged since this disrupts its effectiveness at preventing flames, fumes and smoke from spreading.

It is important to remember that fire doors can only provide utmost protection if they are used properly. Be sure not to leave them open so that they can do what they are meant to, in an emergency. Of course, some types of fire doors have an electromagnetic mechanism that can hold the door so you do not have to prop it open yourself. It immediately stops and releases the door whenever the fire alarm is activated.

As a responsible occupant, you must make smart decisions and do your best to prevent fire-related mishaps. Use your building’s fire doors properly, follow proper fire safety practices, and do not forget to check out our safety tips for kitchen fire prevention.

Why Hire Furniture? Perth Property Styling Specialists Discuss This Technique

At some point in their lives, people will find themselves in search for a home of their own. Whether they are just about to begin life with a new, little family, or are already awaiting the arrival of the latest member of their brood, or choose to live just on their own or with a partner, the desire to find a space of their own motivates them to go out and look for the available options that can lead them to the perfect property for their situation.

With the purchase of a house being such a major life decision, it's only natural for these buyers to be extremely discriminating as they survey the properties being put up for sale. Every buyer will have their own needs and preferences when it comes to a home, so they have to find a property that's just right — or at least, one that offers the closest manifestation of their ideal space. So they're going to look long and hard, and in the process, they will quickly pass over properties that do not appear attractive, inviting or impressive. If you're selling property, you cannot let this happen to your offerings — and there's one excellent way to prevent this.

Style it up

Presale property makeovers or property styling projects are excellent strategies for improving the saleability of a house. Sellers need to keep in mind that like any shopper of goods, home buyers are keen on finding property that fits their specifications and offers the best value for their money, and will take their time to scrutinise properties that they like.

However, when they come across images or advertisements that immediately present a property as drab, unkempt, and in need of  a major overhaul, they won't hesitate to move on to the next property to consider.  So the property you're selling needs to make an instant impression — and expert styling can help you achieve just that.

Hire furniture for that unmistakable Wow Factor

The property you're selling could be bare, or it could have existing inhabitants with furnishings and interior design sensibilities that are not exactly the stuff of high quality brochures. The solution? Hiring property styling specialists who can provide furniture with the right look and feel that can appeal to buyers.

When you hire furniture, Perth property makeover experts will make sure that the pieces they provide will suit the house's specific location and unique style. They can also provide furnishings for investment property sellers.

With an effortlessly styled house, sellers like you can easily minimise the time spent on finding a buyer; the house will have that edge that discerning buyers are looking for. Because you are able to present the house as something that a couple, a family, or a single occupant would be able to build a life in, you'll have a higher chance of finding the most suitable buyer for your property.

About the author: Kenneth Lawrence is a homeowner who is fond of sharing DIY tips on home improvement. He also provides some great tips regarding how to sell house fast with proper home staging. He visits sites like http://www.spruceups.com.au/ to enhance his know-how about the industry.