Paint the ceiling a contrasting color to complement your home decor.
Painting your ceiling a new color can dramatically change a room with little trouble or cost. Traditional white or light colored ceilings brighten a room and create the illusion of space, while darker shades and warm tones create a more intimate atmosphere. When painting the ceiling, choose paint specifically formulated for use with ceilings, and paint edges carefully to create a clean transition between the ceiling and the contrasting walls.
Instructions
1. Remove light fixtures, curtains, wall hangings and as much furniture from the room as possible. Cover the floor and heavy furniture with drop cloths and cover trim and electrical outlets with painter's tape to prevent drip and splatter stains.
2. Vacuum the corners and edges adjacent to the ceiling to remove dust and cobwebs. If the ceiling is textured, vacuum the entire ceiling to remove dust in the crevices.
3. Scrape off any undesired bumps and paint drips from the . Fill in cracks with wall putty or Spackle and smooth everything out with a putty knife.
4. Wash the entire ceiling surface with a sponge moistened with warm, soapy water.
5. Sand the ceiling's surface to roughen it up.
6. Apply painter's tape horizontally along the edges of the wall adjacent to the ceiling to a depth of 4 inches to ensure a crisp edge.
7. Fill a paint tray with primer. Cut in the edges and corners of the ceiling using an angled brush. Make 4-inch long horizontal strokes from the edge of the ceiling or corner toward the center of the ceiling, then smooth out the brush strokes with a continuous vertical stroke.
8. Prime the remainder of the ceiling using a paint roller. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding. If desired, apply a second coat of primer.
9. Sand the primed surface.
10. Fill a paint tray with paint. Cut in the edges and corners of the ceiling using the same method you used when priming. Paint the ceiling with a paint roller, using "W"-shaped strokes to prevent visible brush strokes. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, then apply a second coat using the same methods.
Michelangelo's work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is just one example of frescoes in history.
Let children be a part of history by helping them to complete a fresco art project. Combine an art lesson with historical facts on the classic masterpieces. The oldest frescoes date back to 1600 B.C. in Greece. One of the most famous examples of this technique is Michelangelo's work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Fresco paintings are works of art painted on wet plaster. A chemical reaction occurs between the drying plaster and the paint, which preserves the color. Kids can witness the lasting power of frescoes for themselves by taking part in making their own piece of history.
Instructions
1. Cover your workspace with newspapers to protect the area from spills.
2. Mix two parts plaster of Paris with one part water in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the cardboard using a sponge paintbrush. Coat the cardboard completely.
3. Load a paintbrush with acrylic paint and begin to paint on the still-wet plaster. Rinse the brush in a cup filled with water before you dip it in the paint to avoid contaminating the paint with plaster.
4. Allow the completed fresco project to dry.
Tags: ceiling Sistine, ceiling Sistine Chapel, fresco project, Michelangelo work, Michelangelo work ceiling, , work ceiling
Excessive noise may carry to the second level in a home with high lower-level ceilings.
The term "raising the ceiling" soared to new heights in the late 1990s and early 2000s - literally. The trend toward large, upscale homes ushered in a demand for ultra-high ceilings. Although homebuilders see their clients' preferences moving in the other direction in 2011, a legacy of the McMansion era seems to be an increase in standard ceiling height from 8 feet to 9 feet, and ceilings of 10 feet and higher - sometimes much higher - are not uncommon. Although the dramatic vistas are impressive, high ceilings do have disadvantages.
Spaciousness
Your eye follows the longest dimension in a room, regardless of whether the dimension is horizontal or vertical, according to "Log Home Living Magazine." If the vertical, floor-to-ceiling dimension is the longer one in your room, the horizontal, wall-to-wall dimension can seem narrower than it really is by comparison. This, in turn, can actually make the room feel smaller despite the open space above. Ultimately, the size of the room should determine ceiling height. An oversized room with a traditional 8- or 9-foot ceiling might feel closed in, whereas a small room with a twenty-foot ceiling might leave you feeling dwarfed.
Comfort
Lack of intimacy is a frequent complaint about high ceilings. "Log Home Living Magazine" notes that people are most comfortable in spaces that are proportionate to their own sense of scale because it gives them a feeling of protection. "Psychology Today" adds that people take social cues from both the visual distance between them and others and the auditory distance -- how far away voices sound. High ceilings can make voices sound farther away, which reduces the sense of intimacy and comfort.
Energy Efficiency
High ceilings cost more to heat. Heat rises, so the warmest part of a room is at ceiling level. Thermostats measure temperature closer to the floor, however, so your heating system has to work harder and longer to fill the space with heat from the ceiling down. By the time the room is warm enough at floor level, it may be overly warm at ceiling level. Ceiling fans help push the warm air down, but you'll still pay for more heat than you benefit from.
Construction Costs
Building up is less expensive than building out, according to "The New York Times," because raising the height of the ceiling doesn't add to roofing and foundation costs like a larger footprint does. When determining costs strictly on the basis of ceiling height, however, higher is clearly more expensive. Constructing a high ceiling requires more building materials and more expensive items like oversized windows and trusses.
Tags: ceiling height, ceiling level, ceiling might, high ceilings, Home Living, Home Living Magazine
Troubleshooting your ceiling fan can avoid a repair bill.
Ceiling fans are popular appliances in many homes, and the Hunter ceiling fan is known for its reliability and performance. However, regardless of the quality of your fan, you could have problems at some point. If the speed of your fan is faulty, there are a number of things you can do to troubleshoot the problem before calling a repair technician. Refer to your Hunter ceiling fan user manual for specifics on proper wiring connections and a parts diagram.
Instructions
1. Reset the motor reversing switch on the housing of your Hunter ceiling fan to make sure it is positioned firmly to the left or right.
2. Pull the chain on the fan to make sure it is in the proper position.
3. Check the circuit breaker that provides electrical power to your Hunter fan to make sure the circuit is functioning.
4. Turn off the power to your fan at the breaker box. Remove the canopy with the screwdriver and pliers. Inspect the wiring connections and ensure that they are secure.
5. Inspect the plug connection in the housing to make sure it is seated securely.
Tags: make sure, your Hunter, your Hunter ceiling, Hunter ceiling, Hunter ceiling
Ceiling fans that stop working may have an electrical problem.
When your ceiling fan isn't working, the temperature in your room can raise by 4 degrees. Often, problems with a ceiling fan with a light may be due to faulty switches or a bad electrical supply. Troubleshooting will often lead to a solution.
Instructions
1. Turn on the switch at the wall.
2. Pull the speed chain to check if the fan moves at any of the fan speeds. Pull down on the light chain to see if the light is working. If the light works but the blades do not, the problem may be mechanical or with one set of wires. Check the light switch if the light and fan blades are not working. Turn off the electricity to the room by flipping the circuit breaker to the off position. Remove the cover from the light switch. Use a voltage detector to check whether the circuit still has electricity by touching it to the screw terminals on the side of the switch. Loosen the screws that hold the wires down on to the switch. Tighten a wire nut around the two wires to connect them and restore the electricity to the room. Replace the light switch if the light or fan blades now turn on.
3. Turn off the electricity to the room at the circuit breaker.
4. Remove the canopy of the ceiling fan using a screwdriver or a socket wrench, depending on the connection. Hold on to the canopy and slowly lower it down to inspect the wires. Check the black wire if the light is working but not the fan blades. Connect the black wire to the corresponding wire on the fan. This will differ between models, so refer to your owner's manual.
5. Turn the fan blades to see if they move freely. Oil the bearings of the fan if the blades do not move freely and there are no obstructions inside the fan canopy. Use bearing oil. Insert the end of the oil can into the oil hole on the top of the motor housing. Check your owner's manual if you can not find the hole.
Integrating JBL speakers and a subwoofer into your setup expands the sonic possibilities.
JBL is a leader in speaker technology in live concert environments as well as home theater atmospheres. Bringing new JBL speakers and a subwoofer into your home theater setup may seem complex when you look at the back of the stereo receiver. However with the right instruction and the right speaker cables, incorporating JBL's pristine sound quality into your home theater experience is surprisingly straightforward.
Instructions
1. Place your front JBL speakers about a foot and a half away from the back wall.
Position your JBL speakers and subwoofer in the desired locations (see Tips).
2. Running the speaker wire along the wall will help conceal its appearance.
Run the speaker wire along the length of the wall from the subwoofer and speakers to the stereo receiver. Determine the amount of speaker wire that you will need to make the connection.
3. Be sure to cut the wire where you will have enough room to make the connection with some slack.
Cut the speaker wire that will run from all three speakers with the wire cutter.
4. Use the stripper tool on the wire cutter to remove approximately an inch of the protective plastic tubing on the speaker wire ends. When the wires are exposed (usually copper), twist each of them together separately, so that you are left with two ends on each of the three. Repeat this for the opposite ends of the cables as well.
5. Connect the speaker wires from the "+" and "-" terminals on the subwoofer to the "+ Sub Output" and "- Sub Output" terminals on the receiver. Make sure that you are making these connections correctly.
6. Make the connections between the speakers and the receiver. Plug the "+" from the speaker to the "+ Speaker Out Left" on the receiver and the "-" to the "- Speaker Out Left" on the receiver. For the right speaker and receiver right output, use the "+" and "- Speaker Out Right" jacks to make the connections. Your new JBL speakers and subwoofer are now ready to use.
Tags: speaker wire, home theater, speakers subwoofer, into your, into your home
Exchange Harley-Davidson rings to symbolize your shared Harley lifestyle.
Harley-Davidson --- a name so ubiquitous in our society, it has come to be synonymous with the very principles America was founded upon: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is no wonder then why so many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are eager to incorporate the company's products into other aspects of their lives. If this rings true for you, then perhaps the most serious place to bring Harley-Davidson into your life is your marriage. If you and your partner both love Harley-Davidson, give her a Harley engagement ring when you get down on bended knee.
Instructions
1. Visit your local Harley-Davidson store and ask if they sell rings. If they do not, they may have resources to point you in the direction of a retailer that does sell Harley rings. Ask your local jeweler if they sell, or in some cases make, Harley-Davidson themed jewelry.
2. Visit websites of companies that make or sell Harley-Davidson rings, such as Syd Curtis Designs, The Franklin Mint, Adventure Harley, Doc's Harley-Davidson or Jostens.
3. Browse the collections. Note which rings you like and bookmark them to return to later. Consider such variations and qualities as size, color, carat, thickness, metals used and gems used. Because Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their simple elegance and industrial styling, as evidenced by the chrome and leather, when selecting a Harley-Davidson ring it may be prudent to look for less flashy rings. Black, silver or platinum lean closer to the Harley aesthetic than other more colorful minerals, such as gold and bronze.
4. Take into consideration that the price of a ring will change with each different quality, either rising in price or decreasing. For example, a higher carat ring will be more expensive than a lesser carat ring.
5. Narrow your selections down to a few rings that meet your standards and pricing limitations. Base your final decision on what is most important to you and to your spouse-to-be. If you are both thoroughly invested in the Harley lifestyle, a a large "HD" logo might be more appropriate than if you think you may lose some interest over time. If the latter is the case, choose a ring with a less noticeable or flashy logo. Some rings can even refer to Harley-Davidson in an indirect fashion, such as sporting a design like a Harley wheel or by having the iconic Harley-Davidson crest but no lettering. Another variation would simply have the words "Harley-Davidson" engraved along the band, eschewing completely any logos or brand imagery.
Tags: carat ring, Harley lifestyle, Harley-Davidson rings, ring will, ring with, they sell
Take ideas from the decorative ceilings of notable cathedrals and mosques to recreate your own ceiling mural.
Trompe-l-oeil is a French term meaning, "to fool the eye." A decorative ceiling mural can do just that; fool the viewer into thinking they're seeing something real. Pique guests in your home or business with a decorative mural on the ceiling. From innovative abstract designs to realistic renditions of scenery, ceiling murals can enhance a room's decor and contribute to its style.
Clouds
Paint a mural with an open summer sky, complete with clouds and a sun. Paint the ceiling a light blue, and allow it to dry. Dip a large sea sponge into white paint, and sponge cloud-like shapes intermittently throughout the ceiling to create a sky scene. Use yellow paint to create a sun peeping out from the clouds in a corner of the room. Alternatively, you can create a night sky with dark blue or black paint. Splatter white paint over the dark paint to give the illusion of stars.
Cathedral
Use the abstract designs painted in churches as inspiration for a ceiling mural in your home. Paisley motifs or geometric patterns painted on the ceiling can enhance the visual interest of a room. Try your hand at a trompe l'oeil effect by planning out a mock domed ceiling to create the illusion of a cathedral within a room. Sketch your ideas on the ceiling before you paint to help avoid mistakes. Add gold, purple and other royal colors to lend an air of sophistication and elegance to your ceiling mural.
World
Take a picture of your favorite map or globe, and use it as an example for a world ceiling mural. Draw a large circle in the center of a room's ceiling, positioning any light fixture directly in the center of the circle. Paint an image of Earth using blues and greens to represent the water and greens or earth tones to fill in continent shapes. Embellish your mural with nautical themes such as a compass, rope design or anchor to give your mural an explorative feel. An earth mural works well in a study, den or boy's bedroom.
Plants
Turn your plain ceiling into a fake canopy of rain forest trees by painting the tops of trees, vines and other tropical plants. Add a monkey or parrot to contribute to the tropical feel of your painting. Paint some blue sky around your plants to give viewers a feeling of standing in the middle of a . You can use vibrant greens and yellows to create a lush tropical plant scene. Continue your mural down along the walls to create a three-dimensional effect. Paint grasses and roots along the baseboards to contribute to your rain forest design.
Tags: ceiling mural, rain forest, your mural, abstract designs, , mural with, white paint
Use lights to accent a room with a vaulted ceiling.
The irregular angles in a room with a vaulted ceiling can make the task of lighting seem like a challenge. Lamps that are closer to the ground are great for providing localized light, but can make the room seem shorter and less open. When placed inappropriately, lights in a room with a vaulted ceiling can cast unwanted shadows or create glare off reflective surfaces. By combining different lighting styles, the room's lighting will be practical, easy on the eyes and will make the space look attractive.
Instructions
1. Make use of natural light. One of the best ways to flood a room with light is to install large windows on the walls, including on the taller portions of the walls, and a skylight on the vaulted ceiling. When you install such items, you'll depend less on artificial sources of light during the day, which can lower your power bill.
2. Install recessed ceiling lights. Generally used to highlight objects, recessed lights in a vaulted ceiling act similarly to light fixtures that are close to flat ceilings, providing a downward light that's not harsh because of the amount of space the lights illuminate. Recessed ceiling lights also compliment skylights well. Because recessed lights don't provide sufficient lighting alone, particularly if you want to read or work on a project at night, use this type of lighting in addition to supplementary lights, such as lamps.
3. Hang pendant lighting or a chandelier from the middle of a vaulted ceiling. Best when used sparingly, if you decide to use pendant lighting, distribute them evenly across the room so the open space above your head doesn't look cluttered or uneven. Only allow a pendant light to hang as far down as a flat ceiling would reach.
4. Use track lights if your vaulted ceiling has exposed beams in lieu of using recessed lights. Install the track lights on the exposed beams, directing the light to the areas of the room you want to illuminate. If you don't use pendant lamps on the track, supplement the lighting in the room with lamps. If you don't have exposed beams, you can use cable lights instead of track lights.
5. Use wall sconces around the perimeter of a room with a vaulted ceiling. If you don't want to use lamps to supplement the lighting in your room, consider placing evenly spaced sconces 6 feet from the floor around the room.
Flush-mount ceiling fans sit tight against the ceiling.
Ceiling fans are pretty easy to install today, with kits that are designed to allow the homeowner to do it and straightforward wiring configurations. A flush-mounted fan is one in which the base of the fan sits directly against the ceiling, instead of dangling down from a rod. Make sure the base of your new fan is wider than the existing fixture so it will cover any marks in the ceiling paint left by the old fixture.
Instructions
1. Turn off the electricity to the existing fixture at the circuit box of the house. Remove the existing fixture, using your screwdriver to take out the mounting screws and then disconnecting the wiring. You will be left with three wires (black, white and bare copper) hanging out of the electrical box in the ceiling.
2. Hold the mounting bracket for your ceiling fan kit up the electrical box. Secure it there with the provided mounting screws, putting them through the mounting holes in the face of the box. Pull the wires down through the hole in the middle of the bracket.
3. Assemble the ceiling fan on the floor, except for the blades. Set the unit at the top of the ladder, getting the wires from the top of the unit as close as possible to the wires hanging out of the ceiling electrical box. (Some kits have a hook on the bracket, designed to allow you to hang the fan unit there temporarily while you wire the fan.)
4. Connect the black wire from the fan unit to the coming out of the ceiling, twisting a wire cap over the ends of the wires and wrapping it in electrician's tape. Do the same for the white wires from the fan and the ceiling.
5. Pull the bare copper grounding wire out of the ceiling box and wrap the end of it onto the green grounding screw in the fan unit. Tighten the screw.
6. Hold the fan unit up the mounting bracket, pushing the wiring up into the box as you do. The base of the unit should sit flush against the ceiling and completely cover the area that had been covered by the previous fixture.
7. Attach the ceiling fan unit to the bracket with the provided screws. Install the fan blades and restore the power.
Tags: against ceiling, existing fixture, bare copper, black wire, ceiling electrical, designed allow, from unit
Ceiling fan blades create air circulation in a room. After a few years, the blades may be off balance for different reasons, causing the blades to move out of position. This can cause the entire ceiling fan to wobble where it attaches to the ceiling, posing a danger of the fan falling onto someone. A simple adjustment of all the screws may solve the fan blade problem, or a fan balancing kit may be the answer.
Instructions
1. Turn off the ceiling fan and wait for the blades to stop rotating. Use a step stool if extra height is required to reach the ceiling fan blades easily without straining. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to tighten all screws on the ceiling fan blades.
2. Tighten each screw on the blade irons, which sit close to the motor on each blade, by turning the screws clockwise. Each blade iron attaches to the ceiling fan motor with two screws. Tighten the fan motor screws by turning them clockwise.
3. Replace any screws that are stripping out. A faulty screw will turn around and around, but will still be loose. Fastening a screw too tightly will strip a screw. If any of the screws in either the fan blade iron or the fan motor iron are not holding the materials tightly, replace them with new screws.
4. Attach plastic clips from a ceiling fan balancing kit to balance the blades. Home improvement stores sell kits that include plastic clips and weights. Turn off the ceiling fan and use a step stool to reach the blades. The plastic clips operate like bobby pins, opening slightly and sliding onto the ends of the blades.
5. Turn on the ceiling fan and observe to see if there is any change. If this corrects the wobbly blades, remove the fan blade clip, peel off the backing from a fan weight and stick it on the top side of the fan blade. If the first blade with a clip made no difference in the operation, remove the clip and try the next blade. Continue until you find the blade that needs adjustment.
You can recreate the look of a faux tin ceiling using embossed wallpaper that's designed to replicate the appearance of tin tiles. Make sure the embossed wallpaper is made to be painted, so you can color your ceiling if you wish.
Instructions
1. Wallpaper your ceiling following standard wallpapering techniques. Since you're working with the ceiling, you might want to enlist the help of some friends to ease the process.
2. Allow the wallpaper to cure for a week before you paint it. Curing ensures the adhesive is secured to the ceiling before you introduce the moisture of the paint.
3. Prime the embossed wallpaper with a silver or black-tinted primer.
4. Paint the wallpaper with a silver metallic paint glaze. Apply with a paint roller for a flat, even appearance. Or, wash the paint glaze on with a damp rag to create variances in the color depth, as if the tin ceiling is aged.
Tags: embossed wallpaper, paint glaze, , wallpaper with silver, with silver, your ceiling
Glass Tiffany-style lamp shades add a touch of class and elegance to any room. Tiffany glass is multicolored, with rich undertones that are beautifully enhanced when the light is turned on. While most Tiffany lamps are very expensive, there is a wide variety of Tiffany-style lamp shades available at reasonable prices.
Home Improvement Stores
Home improvement stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot offer a variety of glass Tiffany-style lamp shades. Check your nearest store for shopping options, or visit its website for all available selections (see References.) The Lowe's website offers over 60 varieties and the Home Depot website offers over 30. You can also check availability at your local store. Simply click on the item you would like to purchase, and near the item price will be a "check store availability" option. Type in your ZIP code, and the system will immediately let you know if the item is carried and in-stock.
Lighting Stores
Lighting stores usually carry Tiffany-style lamp shades. Your local lighting store should carry a variety of floor lamps, table lamps and mountable wall and ceiling lamps. Lighting stores often also have catalog options. The item can be shipped to the store location or directly to your home address.
Online Retailers
Many businesses are completely Internet based, including many lighting stores. Websites such as LampsPlus.com carry over 500 varieties of Tiffany-style lighting, including wall-mounted swinging lamps, floor lamps, desk lamps, table lamps, ceiling lamps and outdoor lamps. VisionDecor.com is another online home decor website, offering over 50 styles of Tiffany-style lighting, including floor lamps, table lamps, wall lamps and ceiling lamps.
Also check price-compare and online auction websites like Amazon.com, Buy.com, and eBay.com. These websites offer both new and used lighting options, often at a fraction of the retail price. Remember to account for shipping costs when purchasing items through the Internet. Shipping costs are typically based on the package weight and shipping location.
Add knockdown texture to ceilings using drywall tools.
A pro wall finisher creates "knockdown" texture by applying plaster material in a ripple fashion to a surface and then roughly smoothing down the peaks of the setting ripple texture. Professionals spray this plaster compound for an allover uniform look, but they also apply it by hand for more individualized surface designs. Gypsum drywall mud is the most common type of plaster used to create applications. Practice the technique a few times on scrap before applying your skills to your ceiling, to get the most professional look you can do.
Instructions
1. Protect your room's flooring. Place tarps, plastic and drop cloths on all floor surface. Pull the materials taught. Wrinkles may cause you to trip, or cause you to pull the material and expose flooring. Tape down all material to the edge of the wall using painter's tape or masking tape. Don't forget to drape walls with large plastic sheets. Tape the plastic firmly on all edges. Plaster from your ceiling work can fall and land onto a perfectly painted wall.
2. Open the bucket of premixed joint compound. Ensure that the product is moist and wet. Mix in a small amount of distilled water if the plaster looks or feels dry. Use a hand drill with an attached mixing tool used for plaster.
3. Grasp the trowel in one hand and swipe a large portion of the plaster onto the blade of the trowel. Hold the trowel even with the ceiling line, then slightly angle the trowel so one long edge of the trowel is firmly touching the ceiling. Wipe the the ceiling until it has transferred from the trowel to the ceiling.
4. Stamp your trowel into the wet portion of plaster and pull it back out to create peaks and ridges. Use the edge of the trowel to knock down these areas, creating a rough texture appearance. Repeat the process of applying texture, stamping and knocking down the peaks until the entire surface is covered.
5. Allow the plaster to dry about one day. Sand off any large grit or loose areas of plaster not adhering to the ceiling. Apply one coat of primer, let it dry, and follow with two coats of latex paint, letting the first dry completely before you apply the second.
Firefighters are not fans of styrofoam , because during a fire, they melt and drip burning plastic, giving off carcinogenic fumes. Most polystyrene ceiling tiles are used in industrial buildings, but were at one time used to cover damaged ceilings in homes. When homeowners and renovators run across these tiles, they usually want them removed. That can prove to be quite a chore, as they have to be slowly and methodically scraped off the ceiling, leaving behind some rather difficult-to-remove glue and ceiling damage.
Instructions
1. Remove the furniture from the room if necessary. Cover the floor with tarps. Don protective clothing and accessories. Styrofoam tiles can be very messy; if the glue gets onto your clothes, it's almost impossible to remove. Protect your eyes with safety goggles.
2. Place your ladder or scaffolding on a stable, flat surface near a corner of the room. Use a scraper at a shallow angle to scrape the tiles from the ceiling. Work carefully, trying not to damage the ceiling. Most of these tiles were glued onto plaster ceilings, which are easily gouged.
3. Use a heat gun or a wallpaper steamer to soften and scrape away any remaining glue. If using a steamer, be careful of the steam coming back face.
4. Scrub the from the ceiling with a plastic scrubbing sponge and paint thinner.
Tags: ceiling tiles, from ceiling, onto your, remaining glue, these tiles
Designing and documenting building improvements requires drafting experience. All spaces have structure, interior and exterior surfaces and weatherproofing and generally must be designed to meet code requirements. The drawing is a diagram representing the size, shape and materials. A successful drawing will graphically communicate each of these characteristics in three dimensions. Notes, written instructions and material specifications direct the contractor on construct your vaulted ceiling. Design professionals such as engineers or architects typically prepare drawings, though this task is sometimes delegated to experienced builders or contractors.
Instructions
1. Measure and draw a floor plan of your space. Identify the wall thicknesses, materials, structure, pilasters, columns and openings and document them on your floor plan.
2. Use your scale to construct the drawing accurately. Use the T-square and triangle to keep your lines square.
3. Overlay a sheet of tracing paper atop your floor plan sketch. Draw reference points to align your drawing with the plan below.
4. Document the existing ceiling, including soffits, skylights, structure, lighting and ventilation. Record the measurements for these structures as you draw them.
5. Measure the ceiling height of the existing vaulted ceiling from the lowest point. Document this dimension and where it was taken on the reflected ceiling plan. Repeat this step for the ridge of the ceiling.
6. Note the direction of the slope, type of framing and locations of any structural beams. Measure and document any flat sections of the ceiling, as these may be important structurally.
Tags: floor plan, your vaulted ceiling, drafting experience, floor plan your, plan your
Pressed aluminum ceiling tiles were made to mimic ornate plaster ceilings.
are sometimes called "tin ceilings." These ceilings are constructed of an aluminum alloy in very thin sheets. Aluminum ceilings are resistant to corrosion and rust, are durable and fire resistant, and are readily molded into a variety of shapes and styles.
Inception
The aluminum ceiling is a preeminently North American invention. In the mid- and late 19th century, ornate and expensive plaster ceilings were in vogue. The aluminum ceiling offered a more affordable option for middle-class homes. The first such ceilings appeared in the 1870s.
Manufacture
Manufacturers crafted aluminum ceilings in large machines. Workers inserted sheets of metal into a frame and dropped a molded "ram" onto the sheet metal, creating a stamped pattern. The stamped sheets were often painted white to resemble traditional plaster ceilings.
Decline
When the Victorian design style began to wane in the 1930s, homeowners largely lost interest in aluminum ceilings. Many ceilings were removed or covered with drop ceilings.
Resurgence
Home builders and owners are showing renewed interest in aluminum ceilings. The metal sheets, still resilient after 150 years, are easily restored with epoxy and paint. Manufacturers now produce updated styles and colors in copper and stainless steel.
Recessed lighting inside a tray ceiling can highlight a picture hanging underneath it.
A tray ceiling is a type of ceiling that drops around the perimeter of the room, with a raised section in the center. Tray ceilings can be used to conceal ducts or pipes that run through the room but can also be used to provide flair to a room that a standard ceiling wouldn't provide. Installing recessed lights in the tray ceiling can provide additional lighting for the room and can be used to dramatically highlight the areas underneath the tray ceiling.
Instructions
Building the Tray Ceiling
1. Measure the length and width of the walls. If you're using the tray ceiling to conceal ducts or pipes, measure the distance that the lowest duct or pipes hang beneath the ceiling and add 2 inches to that measurement.
2. Mark a line on one of the long walls with a chalk line or laser level to indicate the location of the tray ceiling's bottom edge. If you're building the tray ceiling to conceal ducts or pipes, place this line 2 inches beneath the lowest duct or pipe; otherwise, the tray ceiling can extend as low as you want.
3. Locate the studs inside the wall with a stud finder.
4. Hold a 2-by-4 board against the wall, placing the of the board against the top edge of the line on the wall. Screw the 2-by-4 to the wall by driving 3-inch screws through the board and into the studs.
5. Measure and cut two 2-by-2 boards that are the same length as the wall. Cut sheets of half-inch plywood that match the depth of the tray ceiling.
6. Lay the 2-by-2 boards on the ground, and place the plywood on top of them to assemble the side panel for the tray ceiling. Align the outer edges of the plywood with the outer edges of the 2-by-2 boards, and attach the plywood to the 2-by-2 boards with 1 5/8-inch screws. Use one screw every 6 inches.
7. Mark the location of the side panels onto the ceiling with a laser level or chalk line. Locate and mark the location of the ceiling joists along the line with a stud finder.
8. Lift the side panel into position along the line, with the plywood side facing in toward the side wall where you attached the 2-by-4 board. Drive 3-inch screws through the top 2-by-2 on the side panel and into the ceiling joists.
9. Cut 2-by-2 boards to fit in between the 2-by-4 board screwed to the wall and the plywood edge of the side panel. These boards are called lookouts and are used to provide stability for the tray ceiling and a surface to attach the drywall on the bottom edge.
10. Attach the lookouts along the bottom edge of the tray ceiling, spacing them no more than 16 inches apart. Place the lookouts along the bottom edge of the tray ceiling, and drive a nail through the lower 2-by-2 on the side panel and into the end of the lookout. Attach the other end of the lookout by driving two nails through the end of the lookout and into the 2-by-4 board at a 45-degree angle. This is called toenailing.
11. Build the framing for the other three walls, using this process. Begin by installing the framing on the wall opposite the first wall, then install the framing for the two short walls, fitting it between the framing for the other two walls.
12. Cut sheets of half-inch drywall with a utility knife to fit along the sides and bottom edges of the tray ceiling.
13. Install the drywall by screwing it to the side panels and bottom edges of the framing with drywall screws. Drill the screws deep enough so that the screw head goes slightly beneath the surface of the drywall. This enables you to conceal the screws better.
14. Nail metal corner beads to the corner edges where the side and bottom sheets of drywall meet.
15. Spread joint compound over the joints where different sheets of drywall meet. Place strips of drywall tape over the joints and press the tape into the joint compound with the putty knife. Smooth the surface of the joint compound as much as possible with the putty knife and allow it to dry overnight.
16. Sand the joints smooth with fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe the dust off of the surface with a tacking cloth.
17.Add two more layers of drywall tape and joint compound to the joints, using the same process you used for the first layer.
18. Coat the drywall on the tray ceiling with a layer of primer and allow it to dry.
Installing the Lighting
19. Trace an old-work electrical box onto the wall where you want to install the switch for the recessed lighting. Cut a hole in the wall with a drywall saw, following the outline of the box.
20. Hold one of the recessed lighting cans against the bottom edge of the tray ceiling where you're installing the lights and trace the can at each location. Place the lights between the lookouts. Cut a hole in the ceiling with the drywall saw at the location for each light.
21. Feed a 12/2 electrical cable -- which means that the cable contains 12-gauge wiring and contains two wires, plus a bare ground wire -- between the hole for the light switch and your home's main electrical box. Do not attach the cable to the box. Feed a second cable between the light-switch hole and the hole for the first light and a cable between each hole for the lights.
22. Cut off 2 inches of sheathing from the ends of the electrical cables and an inch of insulation from the wires inside the cables using wire strippers.
23. Connect the electrical cables to the wiring for the lights. In most cases, you'll connect the black wire from the cable to the black wire on the light, the white wire from the cable to the white wire on the light and the bare copper wire from the cable to the green wire on the light with plastic connector caps. Read the manufacturer's instructions to be sure, however, as it can vary.
24. Slide the lighting cans into the holes in the tray ceiling, and pop out the clips on the sides of the cans to hold them in position.
25. Paint the tray ceiling with two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry.
26
Punch out the knockout hole on the old-work electrical box and slide the cables that lead to the main box and the first recessed light through the knockout hole. Insert the electrical box into the hole in the wall and screw it to the wall.
27
Connect the white wires from the electrical cables to the silver terminal screws on the sides of the light switch and the black wires to the gold or brass terminal screws on the light switch. Cut a piece of 3-inch copper ground wire from excess cable and attach it to the green ground screw on the bottom of the light switch. Connect the other end of the 3-inch wire to the ground wires in the cables with a plastic connector cap.
28
Tuck the wiring into the electrical box and insert the lightswitch into the box. Screw the light switch to the box with mounting screws, then place the plate cover over the lightswitch.
29
Install the trim for the recessed lights, then screw the lightbulbs into the lighting cans.
30
Hire an electrician to connect the recessed lighting into your home's main box. Most municipalities require that this be done by a certified professional.
Treasury EE bonds are savings certificates issued by the U.S. government. EE bonds are usually purchased at banks or through payroll savings plans. An EE savings bond has a listed owner or owners, and only owners are allowed to cash or redeem bonds. Series EE bonds must be at least one year old before they can be cashed, and the U.S. Treasury provides two options for doing so, depending on the amount.
Instructions
Cash In More Than $1,000
1. Collect the bonds you want to cash and make sure you have a picture identification to show you are the registered owner of the bonds.
2. Take the bonds to a bank for signature and identification verification. Sign the backs of the bonds in the presence of the verifying bank officer. The officer will also need your Social Security number.
3. Mail the EE bonds to a Treasury Retail Securities Site. Your nearest retail site can be found by entering your ZIP code on the Retail Securities Site Locator page on the Treasury Direct website (see Resource).
Redeem Less Than $1,000
4. Take the bonds to a local bank or credit union. The Treasury Direct website says that the Treasury does not maintain a list of banks that will cash savings bonds but that most banks and financial institutions will redeem bonds.
5. Provide identification showing you are an owner of the bond.
6. Cash the EE bonds at the bank. The bank will redeem properly identified EE bonds for cash.
Tags: bonds bank, Direct website, redeem bonds, Retail Securities, Retail Securities Site
A monopoly may find it easier to retain customer goodwill by pricing its goods below the profit-maximizing price.
A monopolist is a firm that produces goods and services that have no close substitutes and faces no competition. Most goods or services produced by a monopolist are essential to the consumer, such as electricity and water supply. They are price makers in the industry, which means that prices they set on their products are not influenced by market demand. In a monopoly, the profit-maximizing price is the point at which the marginal cost equals marginal revenue. At this point, the prices are not favorable to the consumer.
Fear of Competition
A monopolist charges high prices because there are few or no similar firms in the industry. As a result, they tend to make huge profits that serve as an incentive to investors who want to join the market. When new firms enter the market, the monopolist faces increased competition. To minimize the chances of losing customers to newer entrants, the monopolist may ensure that it sets its prices below the profit-maximizing level.
Emergence of Substitutes
When a monopolist charges high prices for a good or service, consumers opt for a cheaper substitute even though it may offer lesser satisfaction. A monopolist has a downward sloping demand curve, which indicates that if its products become costly, they can be substituted.
Government Regulation
Some essential goods and services consumed by the public are produced by monopolists, such as water and gas. Governments set a price ceiling for these essential goods and services. This price ceiling is sometimes pegged below the profit maximization price. The government sets these laws to restrict monopolists from exploiting citizens through overpricing essential commodities that are unaffordable to the average consumers.
Import Bans
In international trade market, monopolists who control the production of specific goods or services can maximize their profits by overpricing their commodities. Governments may impose a ban on imports that they consider overpriced. The monopolists may thus lower prices in a bid to regain key export markets that consume their goods in larger quantities.
Target Profit Achievement
After achieving the target profits, a firm prices its commodities at a lower figure than the profit-maximizing price. This applies to public corporations whose main goal is not to earn profits, but to provide essential goods and services. For example, public corporations handle sensitive goods such as nuclear substances that should not be left in the hands of the private sector.
Nutone is a part of the Broan-Nutone Group that manufacturers a wide line of ventilation products. Nutone and Broan bath fans are common in many homes and offices. Over time, the fan motor attracts and collects dust and grime as it draws out moisture. This often causes the motor to burn out and renders the fan useless. It is possible to replace a Nutone fan motor instead of replacing the entire unit. Nutone fan motors are available from the manufacturer. You must have your model number when ordering, which is stamped on the fan housing or on the inside of the fan grill.
Instructions
1. Place a lamp inside the room you will work, and plug it into an outlet in the adjacent room. The circuit breaker might control all of the electricity in the room where the fan is located. Find the circuit breaker for the Nutone ventilation fan in your home electrical panel box. Turn off the circuit breaker to the Nutone fan.
2. Grasp the sides of the Nutone fan grill with your fingers, and gently pull the vent away from the ceiling. The vent has two spring clips that secure to the fan housing that are visible once you initially release the grill. Squeeze the sides of the spring clips together to unhook them from the housing, and place the grill out of your way.
3. Unplug the small power cord from the outlet in the housing. The small cord belongs to the fan motor. Remove the screw securing the fan base plate to the housing with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The screw is usually near the plug outlet.
4. Push the fan base plate toward the opposite side of the small outlet, and pull down on the outlet side of the base plate. Once the side of the base plate is below the housing, pull the opposite end away from the housing.
5. Pull the small C-clip securing the fan blade assembly to the motor shaft with a pair of needle nose pliers. Lift the fan blade assembly away from the motor. Remove the two screws securing the motor to the fan base plate with a nut driver, and lift the motor away from the base plate.
6. Insert the new motor on the top of the base plate, lining up the mounting bracket with the holes on the plate. Secure the motor with the retaining screws. Push the fan blade assembly over the motor shaft, and slide the C-clip around the shaft to secure the assembly. Thread the power cord for the motor through the center of the base plate.
7. Position the side tabs on the fan base plate into the slots on the housing, and push the base plate into the housing. Secure the opposite side of the base plate to the housing with the securing screw. Plug the motor power cord into the outlet.
8. Squeeze the grill spring clips together and insert them into the housing slots. Push the grill against the ceiling until it locks into place. Turn on the circuit breaker to the Nutone fan.
Vaulted ceilings are sometimes called sloped ceilings.
Vaulted ceilings are also known as cathedral ceilings. They are open ceilings that rise to an apex in the roof of the house. They are deployed in preference to the installation of a flat ceiling. However, the presence of a vaulted ceiling typically means that the house lacks an attic, the area most commonly insulated to prevent heat loss from the home, or the entry of exterior heat. As such, the vaulted ceiling must itself be well insulated. There are several types of insulation that can be used.
R-Value
The effectiveness of a material as an insulator is measured by its R-value. This unit is arrived at by dividing a material's thermal conductivity by its depth. The higher the result, the better a material is at preventing heat from passing through it.
Batts
Batt insulation is the use of precut strips of woven material. Also referred to as blankets, these batts are installed between the ceiling and the roof deck. The most common form of batts are fiberglass, a polymer mixture of glass and plastic fibers. They come in a variety of densities, with an average R-value of 3.14 to 4.3 per inch, dependent upon the density of the blanket. Batts also are fabricated from mineral wool, a byproduct of smelting, which averages 3.14 to 4.0 per inch. Plastic fiber batts, typically manufactured from recycled plastic beverage containers, have an average R-value of 3.8 to 4.3.
Sprayed Foam
A second option is the installation of sprayed foam into the space between the ceiling and the roof deck. Manufactured from polyurethane, the foam comes in a liquid form that is sprayed into the cavity with a pressurized-air machine. The foam hardens and expands to fill the space, conforming to its contours and so minimizing air voids in the insulation. This makes for an effective barrier to heat and moisture, with an average R-value of 6.25 per inch. Installation usually is performed by a professional, and a fire-resistant covering must be added to the ceiling if using sprayed foam.
Foam Boards
Rigid foam boards are another option for insulating a vaulted ceiling. These are affixed to the underside of the rafters and are particularly useful if there is limited space available between the ceiling and the roof deck. Rigid boards most commonly are manufactured from polystyrene, which has an average R-value of 4.0 to 5.0 per inch. They can also be fabricated from polyurethane, with an R-value of 6.25. Rigid foam boards sometimes come with a radiant barrier as a facing. These barriers, usually made from metal foil, add an extra 2 per inch to the board's R-value.
Tags: average R-value, average R-value inch, between ceiling, , ceiling roof, ceiling roof deck
Bathroom vents can become noisy if left uncared for
Bathroom vent fans are important parts of any bathroom that has a shower. Without a working vent fan, bathrooms will get very damp from the shower steam, and mold and/or mildew will grow. If your bathroom vent fan works but does so with protests (i.e. squealing or squeaking), it will need to be oiled before it will return to quiet operation.
Instructions
1. Switch off the power for the vent fan at your circuit breaker.
2. Unscrew the vent fan wall plate and remove it from the wall. Then, pull the fan motor out of the wall.
3. Unplug the power cable from the motor or disconnect the power wires by unscrewing the screws that connect them to the motor.
4. Remove the vent fan blade from the motor, and wipe the dust off the entire motor and fan blade with a damp rag. Then, hold the blade under running water (bathtub or sink) and wipe it until it's clean.
5. Dry the vent fan blade and the entire motor assembly. Clean out the spot in the wall where the vent fan goes using a vacuum cleaner and attachment.
6. Clean the motor shaft with a rag. Drip some lubricating oil (number 30 is recommended) onto the shaft and work it in by turning it around several times by hand.
7. Replace the vent fan blade, test it with your hand and reconnect the vent fan motor to its power cable or wires. Then put it back in its spot in the wall and replace the wall plate.
8. Switch the power back on at the circuit breaker. Turn on your bathroom vent fan to test that it has stopped squealing.
Tags: vent blade, circuit breaker, entire motor, from motor, power cable,
Lighting choices have become a bit more complex since the good old days
When determining the best ceiling fixtures for your home, you should recognize that there is no single best fixture for all applications. In every space, you must consider both utilitarian concerns of illumination and aesthetic concerns of feel and form. Each space will have its own best lighting, determined, in part, by your personal taste.
Flush Mount Fixtures
Low profile fixtures that mount directly against the ceiling are easy to install and maintain. Before mounting new fixtures, take time to familiarize yourself with the bulb removal and replacement process. Choose fixtures that make it as easy as possible without completely sacrificing style.
Single bulb flush mount fixtures work well in small areas like utility rooms, hallways and closets. Choose fixtures that are simple to service with finishes and globes that match the existing hardware and style. Multiple-bulb flush mount fixtures can illuminate larger areas and work well in low ceilinged living and dining rooms. Use long life or compact fluorescent bulbs in these fixtures to avoid frequently removing the heavy glass globes.
Flush mounted or hanging fluorescent tube fixtures are typically reserved for utility spaces such as garages, attics and basements where the need for illumination outweighs aesthetic concerns. Fluorescent tubes can last for years and provide a lot of light for very little cost.
Hanging Ceiling Fixtures
When choosing hanging fixtures, scale is an important consideration. that are large enough to make sense in your space, but not so large as to be overpowering or to feel pretentious. Chandeliers work well in areas with high ceilings and open spaces such as entry ways, dining rooms and living rooms with vaulted ceilings. Be sure that chandeliers are hung securely as they are typically heavy. Pendant lights are small, low voltage fixtures that typically hang from their own wiring. Pendants are designed for areas where subtle, focused light is needed. Hang them over kitchen islands or along hallways. Due to the low voltage, pendant lights are best combined with other fixtures for adequate light.
Ceiling fans are controversial. Many decorators hate them, but in warm climates they can be almost indispensable. Light kits for ceiling fans can be purchased in many different styles and can even be added to most fans that do not have lights. They are typically best suited to living areas and bedrooms.
Specialty Ceiling Fixtures
There are literally hundreds of options when it comes to ceiling light fixtures. Specialty fixtures that put light where you need it can be a useful addition to your decorating scheme.
Recessed lighting casts a more indirect light, allowing the effect of the light and not the fixture itself to make a statement. Use spot light bulbs in them for focused beams and flood bulbs, with their wider beam and softer focus, for more general illumination. Track lighting is a little more obvious, but provides a similar type of light. Track lights are more flexible than recessed lighting, with a wider range of focus, and can be used to highlight art or architectural features such as columns and fireplaces. Indirect lighting reflected off of the ceiling from sconces and hidden fixtures creates a softer glow than direct lighting. Some indirect lighting is even beginning to incorporate color in the form of new LED fixtures that can even change colors to set the mood.
Tags: fixtures that, Choose fixtures, , work well, aesthetic concerns
To determine the amount of work a fan can perform on the surrounding air, engineers must first know the number, dimensions and tangential velocity (aka directional speed) of the blades. Luckily, calculating this speed only requires two pieces of data: 1) the distance from the center of the rotor to the tip of the blade, and 2) the fan's average rate of rotation (expressed in "revolutions per minute").
"Circumference" Equals "Diameter Times Pi"
Because the fan blade's length is constant, the the tip of the blade to the center of the rotor is constant. Since the definition of a circle is the collection of points that are a specific distance (i.e., the radius) from a single point, we can say the tip of the blade traces a perfect circle as it revolves around the rotor. Furthermore, the circumference of this imaginary circle traced by the tip is equal to the total distance the tip travels in one revolution.
So, to determine the distance the tip travels, multiply the distance from tip to rotor by 2. The result is the "diameter" of the traced circle. Finally, multiply the diameter by 3.141 (an approximation of the number "pi") to get the length of the circumference.
Note: At this point, make sure you convert the units of measurement into "meters." If you measured the radius in centimeters, divide the circumference by 100. If you measured the radius in inches, divide the circumference by 39.37.
Distance Traveled In One Second
Search the fan's instruction manual for the average number of revolutions per minute (rpm). If you can't find it, try visiting the manufacturer's website or calling its help desk phone center.
Once you have that figure, divide it by 60 to determine the fan's revolutions per second (rps). Multiply the rps by the circumference; the result is the meters traveled in one second by the tip of the blade--i.e., the speed of the tip (expressed in "meters per second").
To convert to "miles per hour," multiply the meters-per-second speed by 2.24.
Tags: distance from, center rotor, , divide circumference, measured radius
If you want to make a dramatic statement to your decor or just get rid of the popcorn stippled ceilings, then decorative ceiling panels might be in your future. These panels come in a variety of designs to fit any decor. It's one of the finishing touches that turns a good room decor into a great room design.
Uses
Consider the decorative ceiling panels not just for the additional beauty or to hide an ugly feature, but also for practicality. These panels add additional insulation to keep the room cozy whether it's summer or winter. They also help with sound protection and acoustics of the room. If you worry about waking the children because of the noise from a late night television program, these decorative ceiling panels help relieve the worry and deaden the noise.
Finish
Get the tiles finished or unfinished. Some tiles come with metallic finishes, intricately painted patterns or even designs on the panels. You also can get simple white designer ceiling panels if you want to paint them yourself.
Content
There are several types of materials used for decorative ceiling tiles. If you want something sturdy to glue on a flat surface, then the PVC ceiling panels work well. Simply glue these tiles to the flat ceiling. If you want the panels to provide acoustical elements, use a Styrofoam, Polystyrene (a type of plastic similar to Styrofoam) or mineral fiber acoustical panels. These also come in colors or you paint them.
Types
Install directly onto the ceiling with acoustical adhesive, nails or staple if you don't have a suspended grid system. The grid system is for decorative drop ceilings. Use grids if the ceiling beneath is not in good repair and can't withstand the weight of the tiles. The space between the true ceiling and the drop ceiling provides an additional layer of insulation.
Water Resistant
Select the design that suits your decor. Most ceiling panels are paintable. Check the tile to see if you can repaint it before you make your final selection. Also, check the method best to clean the . The easiest are those that clean with soap and water.
Installation
Check to see if you can easily glue the tiles over surfaces like popcorn ceilings. Not all tiles need flat surfaces in order to glue them to uneven surfaces like the popcorn ceiling. Styrofoam, for instance, readily accepts gluing. Make sure you use the appropriate glue for the decorative tile. Since all are from various materials, follow the manufacturer's recommendation when you glue.
Real Metal and Wood
Investigate a true metal or wood panel ceiling. Manufacturers create panels to look like the metal ceiling panels from yesteryear. Armstrong makes real metal panels. Why settle for fake wood panels when you can have the real thing?
Five-bladed ceiling fans are efficient than four-bladed ceiling fans.
Ceiling fans are the most energy-efficient method for keeping cool when the weather is hot. They use much less energy than air conditioners do when producing the same level of comfort. Ceiling fans used in conjunction with air conditioners can lower cooling costs by 15 to 30 percent, according to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. Using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners can save up to 80 percent of costs. However, the energy efficiency of ceiling fans depends on the speed you run them at.
Speed and Energy Use
Experts at the University of Central Florida studied four different models of fan at various speeds for a year to determine how they used under different circumstances. They found that fans set on medium speed, moving an average of 2.5 times as fast as they do at low speed, used an average of 3.1 times as much energy. Fans set on high speed, moving an average of 3.6 times faster than low speed, used an average of 7.6 times as much energy.
A Surprising Result
Not only do ceiling fans use more energy when they move faster, they use their energy much less efficiently. In other words, the faster the fan turns, the more energy it wastes without making anything cooler. The Louisiana study shows that using two fans set on low speed will produce about as much cooling as one set on medium but will use much less energy. Four fans on low speed will produce more cooling than one set on high and still use a lot less energy.
The Energy of Movement
A large part of the reason for this is because of the relationship between speed and energy. The kinetic energy, or "energy of movement," of any moving object is proportional to its speed squared. In other words, doubling something's speed takes four times as much energy.
Saving Money
Ceiling fans us the least amount of energy when they are turned off, of course. If you want to save on your cooling bills by using fans, then you have to be aware of how you are using them. Turn them off when nobody is in the room. If you are using your ceiling fan in conjunction with an air conditioning system, then you must remember to set the air conditioner thermostat a couple of degrees higher than you usually do. If you forget to do this, it will keep turning on just as often as it did without the fan, and your costs will actually increase.
Tags: average times, ceiling fans, much energy, less energy, more energy
Installing a drop ceiling can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
A drop ceiling, also known as a suspended ceiling, drop-down ceiling or false ceiling, is directly installed below the main ceiling. A drop ceiling conceals wiring, piping and ductwork and can provide acoustic absorption, improve heat insulation and disguise a ceiling that's not level. The cost of installing a drop ceiling depends on several factors, including whether it's a project that you do yourself or you hire a professional to complete.
Do-it-Yourself Cost
As of October 2011, materials for installing a drop ceiling yourself in an average-sized room costs about $300. The cost also depends on the kind of drop-ceiling tiles or panels, available in several different textures and styles, that you choose. Additional costs include tools needed to install the tiles. Tools include aviation snips, which cost an average of $10 to $20, and a standard builder's level, which costs an average of $15 to $25.
Professional Installation Cost
As of October 2011, having a drop ceiling installed by a professional costs about $5 a square foot. Aside from the size of the room, the estimate is often based on the type and size of the panels, the ceiling's height and the kind and number of lights on the ceiling. For example, a professionally installed drop ceiling costs an average of $600 or double that for a 225-square-foot room or an average of $2,500 to over $6,000 for a 1,200-square-foot basement.
What's Involved
Drop ceilings are usually installed in the basement to give it a finished look. Drop ceilings are formed by a metal grid suspended on wires or ceiling joists from which tiles and light fixtures are dropped into. Before you install a drop ceiling you must first install a wall molding at the height that you want to install your new ceiling. You must also install the grid suspension system and then insert the ceiling tiles, some of which may have to be trimmed, into place.
Considerations
Installing ceiling tiles, typically 2 or 4 square feet in size, is considered a relatively simple project that takes about two days to complete. Request several estimates from different professionals and make sure to request and check references. Ask about the contractor's experience in installing ceiling tiles, which usually doesn't require a building permit. The professional that you choose to install the ceiling tiles should be bonded, insured and licensed in your state. Find out if there are any complaints about the company by checking with the Better Business Bureau.
Tags: drop ceiling, ceiling tiles, , Cost October, Cost October 2011
You can point track lights in different directions as needed.
Track lighting consists of several lights tied into a single circuit, with the light fixtures in a straight line attached to a track. Track lighting is often found in a large room, such as a living room, because it can provide more light that a single light fixture can. A do-it-yourself homeowner with intermediate skills can install the track lighting himself, but anyone who's not comfortable doing electrical work should hire help.
Instructions
1. Switch off power to the existing ceiling fixture at your home's main electrical box. Go into the living room and test the circuit by turning the light switch on and off.
2. Unscrew the existing and slowly lower it from the ceiling. If the fixture is heavy, get some assistance with this. Untwist the plastic connector caps that attach the wires the electrical box to the wires leading from the light fixture and test bare wire with a voltage tester to make sure that the power is off. Untwist the wires.
3. Attach the wire-in connector to the wires leading from the ceiling. The wire-in connector plugs into the track and provides electricity for the lights. Connect the black wire to the black wire and the white wire to the white wire, twisting them together with the plastic connector caps.
4. Attach the green or bare grounding wire to the mounting plate if the plate is metal; otherwise, attach it to the junction box in the ceiling.
5. Slide the wire-in connector through the hole in the mounting plate and screw the mounting plate to the ceiling.
6. Locate and mark the ceiling joists with a stud finder.
7. Draw a faint line on the ceiling to mark the path of the track. Place it over the and keep it parallel to the nearest wall.
8. Hold the track against the ceiling over the mounting plate with the help of an assistant and screw the track to the mounting plate. Drive screws through the track and into the ceiling joists to secure the track to the ceiling.
9. Connect the wire-in connector to the end of the track, following the manufacturer's instructions for the model you purchased. Place the cover over the connector.
10. Mount the light fixtures, following the manufacturer's instructions for the model you purchased.
Tags: , wire-in connector, leading from, light fixture, wires leading, wires leading from
Ceiling medallions are round, decorative items secured to the ceiling around the openings for light fixtures such as chandeliers. They are typically made of plaster or lightweight fiberglass. Medallions serve no functional purpose, but the decorative scroll work often carved on them adds a formal aspect to the decor. You can install a ceiling medallion for a chandelier as long as you are comfortable working at the top of a tall ladder.
Instructions
1. Turn off the power for the chandelier by flipping the switch at the main circuit breaker. Place a ladder underneath the chandelier and climb up until you can reach it.
2. Disconnect the chandelier from the ceiling by grasping the hook at the base of the fixture and turning it counterclockwise until it comes out of the ceiling. Pull the remaining metal part, called a canopy, straight down from the ceiling. Locate the black, white and green or copper wires and unscrew the plastic caps holding them together. Lower the chandelier carefully to the floor.
3. Hold a sponge under a running faucet until it is wet. Squeeze out the sponge as much as possible and apply 1/2 tsp. of liquid dish soap. Climb back up the ladder and clean the area of the ceiling that the medallion will cover.
4. Place the medallion face up on a table and center the chandelier canopy over the center. Draw a pencil line around the edge of the canopy. Drill a small hole 1/2 inch inside the line using a drill and a 3/8-inch paddle bit. Then use a drywall saw to cut around the reminder of the pencil line.
5. Turn the medallion over and apply adhesive caulk over the entire back of it in a smooth, even layer. Climb back up the ladder and position the medallion on the ceiling, pushing it upward with firm pressure. Insert one screw through the canopy on either side to hold it to the ceiling.
6. Apply a pea-sized amount of caulk to cover the screws and then apply a thin bead of caulk all the way around the medallion.
7. Lift the chandelier back into place and reconnect the in the light to the same colored wires in the ceiling. Place a plastic cap on top of each set of wires. Push the wires into the ceiling cavity and insert the canopy on top of the medallion. Insert the lower chandelier hook into the bottom of the canopy and twist it clockwise to secure it in place.
8. Turn the electricity back on for the chandelier.
Tags: back ladder, Climb back, Climb back ladder, colored wires, , pencil line
There's nothing more frustrating than a house cat who sprays. And it's not just neutered male cats who spray. Spayed females do, too. While humans find this behavior maddening and offensive, the cat considers it perfectly normal. Neutered cats spray because they're stressed, and anointing a wall or piece of furniture with the scent of their own urine reassures them. Here are some ways to relieve a neutered cat's stress and prevent spraying.
Instructions
Stress Relievers
1. Use Comfort Zone diffusers. The Feliway in Comfort Zone mimics the "friendly" scent in a cat's cheeks and makes her think it's unnecessary to mark her territory. Put a diffuser in every room where your cat spends a lot of time. Most pet supply stores sell Comfort Zone diffusers.
2. Spray Feliway in places where the cat is spraying or put mounds of catnip in those areas. Catnip, too, is a friendly scent. Like Feliway, it will make your cat think it's unnecessary to spray. You'll find Feliway at most pet supply stores.
3. Provide high perches and low hiding places in multicat families. Cats like to arrange themselves vertically. In homes where there are many cats, high perches and floor-to-ceiling cat trees can help resolve the space issues that cause spraying.
4. Give some outdoor time. Being outside is a great stress reliever for cats. Consider taking your indoor cat out on a harness and leash, building an outdoor enclosure or inviting him to join you on the deck or in the garden. As long as you're outside, the cat will probably stay right with you even if he's not on a leash.
5. Chase away intruders. Outside cats visiting the yard or deck can be very stressful for indoor cats and can cause them to spray to defend their territory from "invaders." Be relentless in discouraging outdoor cats from coming into your yard.
6. Ask your veterinarian for anti-anxiety medication. Some of the drugs used to relieve stress in spraying cats are fluoxetine, diazepam, buspirone and clomipramine. While your cat is on the medication, try to find and relieve the cause of her stress so she won't begin spraying again when she stops taking the medicine.
7. Try Rescue Remedy. This homeopathic remedy will take the edge off your cat's anxiety and restore his sense of balance and well-being. It causes no side effects and will not make your cat act or feel drugged. Put a couple of drops of the remedy on a fingertip and rub it into the fur on the top of your cat's head between his ears. You can do this several times a day for up to 6 weeks. Most health food stores sell Rescue Remedy.
Deterrents
8. Use a ScatMat Strip or other electronic device to keep your cat from getting up on countertops or furniture to spray the wall. When stepped on, the ScatMat responds with a static pulse that is uncomfortable but won't harm your cat.
9. Put a vinyl desk-chair mat, cleats up, on the floor in areas where your cat is spraying the wall. The cleats are uncomfortable underfoot, and your cat will not want to walk on them. Although these mats are hard and stiff, it's possible to cut them into strips. You'll find desk chair mats at office supply stores.
10. If your cat is spraying in the bathtub, leave a couple of inches of water in the tub. The cat won't like getting his feet wet.
Tags: Comfort Zone, supply stores, cats spray, Comfort Zone diffusers, friendly scent, high perches, indoor cats
False and suspended ceiling construction material ranges from foamboard to clear glass.
False ceilings are suspended from the original ceiling with hanger wires. Metal molding mounts along the room's perimeter, effectively sealing the false ceiling to the interior walls. Ceiling tiles rest within metal frames. Cross members and T-bars run between the perimeter molding to create frames for supporting the tiles. The result is a ceiling that provides a means for routing electrical cables, lighting, plumbing and air ducts above the ceiling. Removing a false ceiling allows for additional overhead area and creates a roomier space.
Instructions
1. Remove the tile boards from the suspended frames. A ladder of adequate height is necessary to reach the tiles by hand. Push upward on one corner of each tile board until it releases from the frame. Lift the opposite end of the tile board up and out of the frame.
2. Turn the tile at an angle and lower it through the suspended frame. Remove all the ceiling tiles in the same manner until only the frame and suspension system remain.
3. Remove the T-bar pieces running perpendicular the beams. Start in one corner of the room. The beams run the full length of the room--from one wall to the opposite side of the room. The T-bars run perpendicular to the beams and form the ceiling tile frames. Remove the bars by pressing up on one end slightly, and pulling it away from the beam or wall molding. Remove all the T-bars.
4. Take down one length of beam at a time. Start in the same corner as before and cut the hanger wires holding each section of the beam, using wire cutters. Press upward on each end of the section to snap the beam loose. Work along the length of each beam. Start at one end of the room and work to the opposite wall. Remove all the beams in this manner.
5. Pry the metal molding from the walls with a nail puller. Start in one corner and pry the molding loose while working down the length of the room. Continue removing the molding on the remaining three rooms.
6. Remove the remaining pieces of hanger wire still hanging from the ceiling. Staples secure the wires to the ceiling. Pry the staples out with a flat-head screwdriver or a nail-puller.
Tags: down length, each section, false ceiling, hanger wires,
Quieting your grow room can enhance the growth and health of your plants and flowers.
There are several ways you can quiet your grow room once it is completed. Since many plants require quiet and climate-controlled comfort, finding methods to enhance your grow room's sound barrier is essential. From carpeting to fans, there are many ways to achieve tranquil results. These solutions depend on your price range and level of commitment. A quiet grow room will allow you to cultivate healthy plants and flowers, even in the dead of winter.
Instructions
1. Line the floor of your with inexpensive thick rugs or carpeting. Do not waste money on expensive carpeting or other fabric flooring. Use carpet scraps or inexpensive throw rugs that can be replaced easily, in case of mold, mildew or moisture problems.
2. Cover any windows in the grow room. Use dark plastic sheeting, heavy curtains or soundproofing foam, such as Auralex. These coverings should allow some light through, while greatly minimizing the amount. A quiet grow room not only needs dim lighting, but also protection from the common noises outside a window, such as barking dogs, power tools or children at play.
3. Install low-power fans that are known for their low noise quality, such as the Panasonic Whisperline fan. Low-power fans will effectively circulate the air without increasing the noise. Another option would be a fan controller---such as those made by ProGrow---which include a built in thermostat to override any fan speed that exceeds set temperatures. Fan controllers provide for a quieter running system, while lengthening your fan's life span.