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Archive for July, 2010

What Different Types of Window Shades Are Available?

July 18th, 2010 No comments

If you are in the market for new window treatments, then you may want to consider window shades. They offer many benefits such as lighting and air flow control as well as visual appeal. They can also be very easy to care for when compared to other methods of window treatments such as drapes or curtains. There are four main types of shades.

The primary use of solar shades is to block heat and glare from getting into a room. This can prevent the sun from fading your furniture as helping to save on the cost of cooling the room. Solar shades come with different densities in the range or 80 or 90 percent. A higher density solar screen will block more heat, but may also block your view of the outside.

Roman shades use fabric to create a three dimensional window treatment. This effect is created when the shade fabric has folds that overlap horizontally when lowered. The folds also rest on each other when the shades are raised. For a more classic look, roman shades are also available that show folded horizontal layers when raised but lay flat when lowered. Roman shades area also available with patterns that provide a different look when raised or lowered.

Cellular shades have a structure between two pieces of fabric that looks like cells or a honeycomb. If there are more cells between the fabric, the shades will provide better insulation as well as reducing noise from the outside. You can also choose fabrics of different weight and density for the cellular shades. This will let in more or less light.

Roller shades of vinyl or fabric are the type of shade that roll up on a spring roller. The shades can be rolled all the way up or lowered to cover part or all of a window. Originally quite plain, roller shades are now offered in many different colors and fabrics. They even come in opaque options that will keep out much of the outdoor light.

A Camper Awning For Better Camping

July 18th, 2010 No comments

Going on a camping vacation this summer with the family and want a way to keep the sun off the kids while everyone can still enjoy the fresh air? Its a good idea to attach a camper awning to your vehicle when you stop for the evening so that you have a ready made outdoor area that can be use for dining and relaxing.

When the weather is too hot you don’t want to have the air con running all the time so providing some much needed shade is always a good idea.

Start shopping for an awning and you will see that there are a number of different shapes and sizes available so its shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that works with your particular vehicle. You should make sure however that you give some thought to the design you purchase so that you get one that is the correct size for the family.

Once you know what size you need you can examine the possible options with regard to the material used in its construction. Think about how often you are going to use your product so that you understand how durable you need the awning to be.

Once you have decided on these important considerations you can think about the more cosmetic things such as how many windows and doors you want your design to have. Some models even have zip up windows which will allow you to close them over is you want close out the light or even use the area for sleeping.

Learn all about the features available in the campervan awnings and you will see that they are a great idea for anyone who wants to make the most of their future camping trips. You can’t beat having a nice cool place to hang out when the sun gets a little too hot.

Visit the Patio Roofs website to get more information.

The World of Glass Lanterns

July 17th, 2010 No comments

Candles were once the main light source for people walking around at night, the only problem was that candles were very easily extinguished by rain or wind. For those issues, glass lanterns were invented. Older lanterns also contained the light of groups of fireflies as a temporary and weak source of light. These were implemented by the Asian cultures such as India and China (though India soon dismissed them as it started to use torches, which burned brighter and longer).

Lanterns did not stop evolving at candles and bugs though. Shortly after candle lanterns were developed, lanterns lit by fuels and wicks emerged. Though both of these were used at first, the wick lanterns outlasted the fuel ones greatly. This is because there were many hazards that came along with the fuel torches. The first of these was the the material inside was dangerous if the lantern broke. Many buildings in the 1800s burnt down due to these types of lanterns, they were just as dangerous as throwing a Molotov cocktail into a building (especially since many buildings back then were mostly made of wood). The second reason why they were so dangerous was because of the fumes that they gave off. Users of these lanterns were at a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Lanterns have also been converted to the side of electricity. These lanterns are very reliable since they do not involve many complex parts as they are simply powered by batteries which in turn gave light to a strong bulb. These lanterns also reduce the danger factors. There are only electric bulbs in them, so when they heat up they will not cause a fire. There are still downsides to these though, as they are not as bright as some of the other lanterns available on the market today such as propane or liquid fuel lanterns.