Ceilings that have a stucco or textured finish can be a bit daunting when it comes time to paint them. All those little indentations and swirls can be challenging to get completely covered with the new paint, or perhaps the ceiling has never and is dingy and dirty looking. This article describes methods to achieve a professional-looking painted stucco ceiling in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.
Instructions
1. Move as much furniture out of the room as possible. Cover the floors with plastic, and cover any remaining furniture with dropcloths.
2. Examine the ceiling closely from a ladder to determine if it has ever been painted. The stucco will be sealed somewhat if previously painted. Do not attempt to wash the ceiling, because water can damage or partially remove the stucco.
3. Prime ceilings that are water stained or dirty, or have never been painted. Apply one to two coats of primer. Apply additional coats of primer to water stains until they are no longer visible. Feather out the edges of the primer with a soft-bristle paintbrush when applying additional primer to water stains.
4. Apply the finish paint to the stucco ceiling using the long-nap roller. Roll the paint onto the ceiling, keeping as much paint on the roller as possible without dripping. Roll in all directions, crossing the lines of paint to get paint into all the swirls and indentations. Keep a paintbrush handy to get paint into any deep areas, and use the roller to keep uniformity in the finish. Apply at least two coats, adding a third coat if necessary.
5. Keep the room well lighted, and examine the ceiling from all angles when painting to catch any missed areas before the paint dries.
6. Remove the dropcloths and plastic sheeting, and return the furniture to the room.
Tags: been painted, , furniture room, never been, never been painted, paint into
If you are planning to paint a ceiling, employ a particular application strategy if it is coated with knockdown texture. Because knockdown-textured ceilings are prone to heavy dripping, you must use care, or you could end up ruining the floor. In addition, because this type of ceiling contains heavy layers of texture, it tends to soak up paint unevenly. Apply the paint a particular way, or you could end up with a streaky-looking finish that appears slightly glossy in some areas and dull in others.
Instructions
1. Remove anything from the room that might interfere with your ability to paint the ceiling.
2. Cover the floor with dropcloths. Cover the tops of baseboards with low-tack blue painter's tape.
3. Fill the 5-gallon bucket with 2 gallons of flat latex paint. Attach the roller frame to an extension pole.
4. Coat the ceiling with a light coat of paint, using the roller and nap roller cover. Apply the paint relatively quickly. Don't worry about coverage. Wait one hour for this thin coat to dry.
5. Coat the knockdown-textured ceiling with two more coats of paint. Wait two hours between each coat of paint.
Fixing a malfunctioning pull chain isn't complicated.
Ceiling fans provide an attractive way to regulate the temperature in a room. Wide fan blades keep air moving and provide circulation at several different speeds. Generally, ceiling fans are operated by pull chains that adjust the way that electrical wires send signals to the motor. The give you convenient access to the unit, which is often too high for the average person to reach. When the pull chain gets stuck, it renders the fan useless until you can fix it.
Types
Ceiling fans with pull chains can be toggled between different speeds. Multi-position pull chains cycle the fan between two to four speeds, often termed "off," "low," "medium" and "high." Some pull chains work as a simple on/off switch and generally link to the fan's lighting section. Your ceiling fan may have two pull chains, or just the one if there's no light fixture.
How it Works
The pull chain feeds up into a switch located in the switch housing. The housing is generally quite small, about the size of a silver dollar. Wires connect to the chain itself via wire nuts, or directly to the chain. The wires are each a different color and, depending on the ceiling fan's capability, there may be as few as two or as many as six. As the chain is pulled, it switches to the different wires and controls the speed of the motor that turns the fan.
Getting Stuck
Problems can occur when the chain itself breaks apart. When pulled too hard or too often, the chain can break away from the socket or crack the plastic parts inside the mechanism. Additionally, the chain can become misaligned in the channel, or it may just need a little lubrication to run smoothly. Occasionally, the mechanism simply separates from the fixture from repeated stress.
Repair
Cut the power to the fan by turning off the appropriate breaker. Remove the switch housing and unscrew the pull chain. Loosen the wire nuts with needle-nose pliers and gently detach the pull chain assembly. Note where each color of wire is attached to the assembly. Replace the assembly with a new pull chain unit, and reattach the wires in the order they were originally. Screw the switch housing back into place and test the pull chain to ensure it works.
Paint kitchen ceilings with an easy-to-wash paint.
All paint is not created equal. When painting your house, different types of paint should be used in different rooms for varying functions. You should use high-quality brands because they offer better coverage in fewer coats. They may also be more environmentally friendly with a less pungent odor. Kitchen ceilings are different from other ceilings in your house because of the higher amount of grease and dirt.
Finishes
Ask most people what type of paint to use on a ceiling, and they will say flat, which is generally the rule. Flat or matte paint hides imperfections and helps the ceiling blend in. However, kitchen ceilings are prone to grease and dirt, especially in the area above your cooking surface. Flat paints are difficult to clean. If and when they get dirty, you'll need to repaint the entire ceiling. For that reason, you should paint kitchen ceilings with eggshell or satin paint. Eggshell has more of a sheen than flat paint, and satin is one step up, offering an even shinier, pearl-like finish. Both are easier to wash than flat paint.
Warning
High-gloss paints are ideal for messy parts of the house because dirt wipes off with ease, and they resist water and grease. However, the higher the gloss, the more surface imperfections are noticeable. Unless your kitchen ceiling is in perfect condition, you may want to stay away from gloss paints. In addition, the shine brings the eye to the ceiling. Undoubtedly, you don't want to bring all the attention to your ceiling. Keep the gloss paint for woodwork, cabinets and trim.
Coverage
One gallon of paint typically covers 400 square feet of wall or ceiling. The quality can affect this measurement, though. Thinner paint will cover a larger area, although it probably won't be a smooth finish and more coats will be needed. Quality paint may not go as far because it is thicker. Read the paint can label for an estimate as it varies by product. When applying paint, use thin layers to avoid drips and clumps. Two to four coats offer the best coverage.
Roller Type
A roller should be used when painting a ceiling because it offers an even-looking finish on a larger space. Roller covers have varying nap length, which is the thickness of the pile. Smooth ceilings should be painted with a smooth roller, which has a nap of 3/16 or 1/4 inch. Ceilings with a medium texture such as sand require a 1/2- or 3/8-inch nap. If your ceiling has popcorn attached to it, use a rough roller with a 3/4- or 1-inch nap. Latex paints perform the best with synthetic fiber roller covers. The handle should be threaded so it can be attached to an extension pole for painting the ceiling.
Tags: flat paint, grease dirt, house because, kitchen ceilings, kitchen ceilings with
Bring the colors of autumn inside by hanging silk leaves from the ceiling.
Characterized by falling leaves, bright orange pumpkins and hot apple cider, autumn provides an ideal environment in which to plan a wedding. The fall color palette offers a wide variety of rich, bold colors to add flair to your wedding decorations. Themes for fall weddings vary from vineyard-inspired to harvest-time to rustic romance. Decorations typically adorn church pews and the tables at the reception, but consider hanging a few from the ceiling for an innovative touch.
Instructions
1. Suspend lightweight decorations from the ceiling with clear thumbtacks or translucent heavy-duty tape. Choose decorations that weigh very little, such as silk leaves, paper crafts or tulle. Attach your decoration to two feet of clear fishing line for a low ceiling or four feet of clear fishing line for a high ceiling. Push a thumbtack through the fishing line and into the ceiling or place tape over two inches of the end of the fishing line for secure suspension.
2. Install ceiling hooks to hang heavier decorations from, such as hanging baskets full of flowers, acorns and fruit. Make a hole in the ceiling using a drill bit smaller than the thickest part of the ceiling hook's pointed end. Screw the into the ceiling until the base snugly presses against the ceiling. Pull lightly on the hook with your finger to test it. If it's secure, hang your intended decoration. Check the ceiling hooks right before the ceremony or reception to ensure your guests' safety.
3. Hang decorations with adhesive hooks to avoid putting holes in the ceiling. Use these hooks for decorations weighing three to five pounds. Apply the adhesive strip to the back of the hook and press it against the ceiling. Test the hook by pulling down on it with your finger. Hang strings of lights, paper lanterns or ceiling drapes from the hooks. Check the hooks before the ceremony or reception to ensure your guests' safety. Pull the adhesive from the bottom of the hook to remove the hook afterward.
Tags: fishing line, from ceiling, against ceiling, before ceremony, before ceremony reception, ceiling hook
Hanging a ceiling fan from a steeply angled ceiling isn't a difficult project, but it does require a few extra parts when you buy your fan. A that adjusts to the angle of any slanted ceiling will allow you to start with a flat plane when mounting the fan. Get a fan kit that includes an extension rod, which makes the fan hang down from the ceiling by a few feet so the blades will clear the angled ceiling.
Instructions
1. Cut the power to the existing ceiling fixture from the main panel. Remove the existing fixture, taking out the mounting screws holding it in place and pulling apart the connections between the fixture wires and the wires that are coming out of the ceiling electrical box.
2. Install the cathedral ceiling fan bracket onto the electrical box with the provided screws and your screwdriver. Set a small level on the bottom of the bracket and adjust the angle of the bracket, using the provided thumbscrews, until the bottom is level. Pull the wires from the electrical box down through the hole in the bracket.
3. Set the assembled fan (minus the blades) on top of your ladder, with the extension rod positioned near the electrical box. Connect the wires coming out the top of the extension rod to the wires hanging down from the electrical box, black to black and white to white. Make the connections by twisting wire connectors over the two wire ends together, then wrapping the connectors with electrician's tape.
4. Wrap the copper grounding wire from the electrical box around the green ground screw on the inside of the top portion of the extension rod.
5. Attach the extension rod to the ceiling bracket with the provided mounting screws. The wiring between the fan and the bracket should be tucked up inside the bracket. Finish assembling the fan by attaching the fan blades as directed by the fan instructions. Turn the power on.
A capacitor is an electronic component that is also known as a condenser. Capacitors have a pair of conductors, separated by a dielectric. Conductors are pieces of material, such as any type of metal, that conduct electricity well. A dielectric is a piece of material that does not conduct electricity, such as paper, plastic or ceramic. When a charge passes between the conductors, it creates an electrical field in the dielectric. The dielectric can store energy within this field and use it to boost power supplied to a motor.
Capacitors absorb excess power, storing it in the electrical field in the dielectric between the conductors. They use this ability, and the stored power that results, to help the engine maintain a consistent power level. When the energy output of the engine exceeds the correct level, the capacitor absorbs it and stores it. When the energy level drops, the capacitor supplements the power with the stored power in the dielectric. This power regulation cycle ensures a smooth and even output from the engine.
The process of removing excess energy when output is too high, and adding stored output drops, creates heat in the capacitor. Excessive heat is a common problem for capacitors. Lack of efficient cooling methods can affect the life expectancy of a capacitor, as well as its performance. It is critical to have a heat-control method in place, in order for the capacitor to operate to capacity.
One method of ensuring a cool internal temperature for a capacitor is a capacitor fan. These fans are positioned near a bank of capacitors, which are typically situated with as much open air as possible around them. The open air assists in ensuring a cooler temperature for the capacitors. Capacitor fans augment the cooling effects of open air, by blowing additional air across the capacitors. This lowers the air temperature and improves the capacitor's ability to function.
Tags: between conductors, Capacitor Works, conduct electricity, electrical field, electrical field dielectric, energy when, energy when output
The coordination of ceiling fans and lights must first begin with what is known as a lighting plan, which is simply a blueprint for how lighting fixtures will be placed and used within a particular space. The process is moderately challenging because you must decide how you want to use indirect and direct lighting and with what types of lighting fixtures you want to coordinate with your ceiling fan for the best overall look.
Instructions
1. Pair indirect lighting with a ceiling fan to create a dramatic appearance. Hide indirect lighting fixtures using linear strips, which are easy to conceal at the top of a cabinet. (Install them at heights of 9 to 10 feet, if possible.) Light from the indirect lighting fixture will bounce off the ceiling or wall depending on where it is positioned and create a soft glow.
2. Use recessed lights to illuminate the length of the room and create a general-purpose lighting scheme. Space recessed lighting approximately 8 to 9 feet apart. Position the ceiling fan over a table or couch to create a spotlight effect and draw the attention of the room to a particular location.
3. Add a decorative light fixture for a hint of brightness. Decorative lighting fixtures also highlight art, plants or other design elements.
4. Add a basic table lamp to end tables. This type of general lighting is ideal for working, cleaning and performing general duties in the home.
5. Eliminate a stroboscopic effect, which can occur if a fan blade interrupts the path of recessed light, by positioning lights at least 9 inches to 1 foot from the end of the fan blades. A stroboscopic effect gives an illusion of slow motion.
Tags: lighting fixtures, indirect lighting, lighting plan, lighting with, stroboscopic effect, with what
Chinese paper lamps are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add some flare to a child's room. Paper lanterns provide style, dim light, and a perfect ambiance for peace and rest. One large one can be hung in the middle of the room as the primary light, or many lanterns of various sizes can be hung at different lengths.
Instructions
1. Gather all the supplies needed to hang the paper lantern. Check that you have the paper lamp, a light bulb, a , a ladder, a ceiling hook and an outlet nearby. If you're hanging multiple lamps, you will need a power strip in which to plug them. Test the outlet and the light bulb cord on the ground before hanging the lamp.
2. Attach the paper lantern to the light bulb and dangle it from ceiling where you want to hang it. Use a pencil to mark the place on the ceiling where you want the lantern to hang. Climb the ladder with the ceiling hook in hand, and screw the hook into the ceiling where you marked it.
3. Screw the light bulb into the light bulb cord and plug the lantern in it to ensure it works. Drape the light bulb cord over the ceiling hook, then feed the cord through the hook until the lantern hangs the desired distance from the ceiling.
4. Repeat the same steps for each lantern. If hanging more than one lantern, plug all of them into a power strip. Use the on/off switch on the power strip to turn the lights on and off so you don't have to unplug each lantern every time.
Tags: light bulb, , light bulb cord, ceiling hook, ceiling where, power strip, before hanging
Hunter ceiling fan remote controls offer the convenience of controlling the three speeds of the fan blades and a fully dimmable light fixture with the touch of a finger. You can install a Hunter ceiling fan remote control on any manufacturer's ceiling fan as long as the ceiling fan has a canopy in which to hide the receiver. Some basic electrical knowledge is a plus when installing the Hunter ceiling fan remote, but is not necessary.
Instructions
1. Turn off the breaker inside the main electrical panel that powers the ceiling fan.
2. Remove the canopy ring from the ceiling fan by placing your fingers on the small bumps above the tab indicators. Push your fingers firmly against the tabs to cause the canopy ring to flex and release from the canopy, exposing the canopy screws. The canopy and canopy ring are at the top of the ceiling fan and against the ceiling.
3. Unscrew the three canopy screws, releasing the canopy from the ceiling fan mounting bracket. The canopy covers the wiring and the electrical box in the ceiling.
4. Disconnect the ceiling fan wires from the house wiring by removing the wire connectors holding the wires together. Do not disconnect the bare copper wire from the green wire attached to the hanging bracket.
5. Lay the remote receiver on a flat surface with the wires facing you. Identify the five wires from the remote receiver. The red wire to the far left attaches to the light kit wire, the black wire to the right of the red wire attaches to the motor wire, the white wire to the right of the motor wire connects to the white wire from the fan motor. The next two wires, black and white, connect to the house wiring.
6. Expose the remote control dip switches by sliding the battery door off the back of the remote control. Turn the remote receiver over, exposing the receiver dip switches. Make sure the two sets of dip switches match for the fan to operate from the remote.
7. Wire the remote receiver to the house wiring inside the electrical box. Locate the black wire from the electrical box and connect it to the black wire you identified in Step 5 as belonging to the house wiring by twisting an orange wire connector to the two wires. Connect the white house wire from the receiver to the white wire from the electrical box with another orange wire connector.
8. Wire the remote receiver to the ceiling fan. Connect the red wire from the receiver to the white-striped black wire from the light kit using an orange wire connector. Connect the remaining from the receiver to the black ceiling fan motor wire and connect the last white wire from the receiver to the white wire from the ceiling fan using two orange wire connectors.
9. Push all wiring back into the electrical box and attach the ceiling fan canopy to the hanging bracket with the screws you removed in Step 3. Push the canopy ring over the canopy screws until it snaps into place.
10. Turn the power back on inside the main electrical panel by turning the breaker on that operates the ceiling fan.
Tags: wire from, black wire, remote receiver, white wire, canopy ring
Bose, one of the large names in audio speakers, provides a diversity of choices in computer, home theater, stereo and live sound speakers, and it can be difficult for consumers to sort through them all. Speakers vary in elements such as strength, operator control and connectivity. Within each category of speaker, Bose has options ranging from the basic to the more deluxe.
Computer Speakers
The MusicMonitor, Companion 20, Companion 5 and Companion 2 computer speaker models each features two speakers and audio inputs. The Companion 5, the top of the line in this category for Bose, also has stands for its speakers, USB connectivity and the Acoustimass module with 5.1 audio playback, making it the only one of the speakers with surround sound. The MusicMonitor is the smallest of the computer speakers, and it's the only one without a headphone jack or second audio input, though it's also the only one with a remote. The Companion 20 has a control pod for volume with single-touch mute, as does the Companion 5.
Home Theater Speakers
Bose has home theater speakers specifically for high-definition televisions and those for surround sound configurations. The HDTV speaker lines includes the CineMate 1 SR, which, unlike the other models, has a single speaker and ADAPTiQ, which customizes sound to a room's size, shape and furnishings. The CineMate Series II is the only model that can be used with compact speakers and is 3D-compatible. For the surround sound systems, the Acoustimass 10 speaker system is the company's top offering for home systems stationed in large rooms, and the Acoustimass 6 speaker system is the more appropriate fit for smaller rooms. Both have five speakers and need a receiver, while the Cinemate models attach directly into a television.
Bookshelf, In-Ceiling and In-Wall Stereo Speakers
Bose has bookshelf, in-ceiling and in-wall speakers for when you want to incorporate your stereo speakers into existing elements. Of the bookshelf speakers, the 301 direct/ is the most powerful and features two high-sensitivity tweeters and an 8-inch woofer, compared to the 201 direct/reflecting system with one high-sensitivity tweeter and a 6-inch woofer. The 161 speaker system is smaller and easier to place, but lacks a high-sensitivity tweeter or woofer. The in-ceiling and in-wall speaker options each has Stereo Everywhere, a feature designed to send balanced stereo sound across a wide area. The in-ceiling option also has a 7-inch woofer and two tweeters.
Three-Piece and Floorstanding Stereo Speakers
Bose calls the 901 direct/reflecting system, which is its floorstanding speaker option, its best stereo speakers. The system has nine full-range drivers for each of the two speakers in the system and an active equalizer, which is unique to the model and is designed to achieve tonal balance and clarity. Of the two three-piece speakers, the Acoustimass 5 serves a large room better than the Acoustimass 3, owing to its use of direct/reflecting speakers, which disperse sound more widely than the smaller cube speakers of the Acoustimass 3. Both can work with either a stereo or home theater system, unlike the 901 floorstanding system, which is limited to stereo systems.
Live Sound Speakers
Of the three speakers that Bose makes for live performances, the L1 compact system is the easiest to move and install for shows. However, the L1 only has six in-line speakers and is best suited for audiences of fewer than 100 people. The L1 Model I single bass and the L1 Model II single bass package with ToneMatch audio system each has 24 in-line speakers and are suitable for audiences up to 500 people. The L1 Model II, which enables effects on each channel and more ToneMatch presets than the L1 Model I, can accommodate a wider range of sounds than the L Model I, which is recommended only for mid-range vocalists and musicians.
Tags: direct reflecting, speaker system, direct reflecting system, reflecting system, Speakers Bose, surround sound
The decorative lighting and ceiling fan manufacturer Minka Group sells ceiling fans sold under the Minka Aire brand name. Minka Group sells 70 different types of Minka Aire ceiling fans including many lighted models. They range from space-age and modern designs to Asian and classical shapes. Typical problems with ceiling fans include fans not starting, noises and unexpected shut down. Address these problems with a little troubleshooting.
Instructions
1. Turn the wall switch on if the fan won't start. Take a look at the household circuit breakers and fuses. Flip any thrown circuit breakers and replace any fuses. Make sure that the remote control transmitter isn't more than the maximum 40 feet from the Minka Aire ceiling fan.
2. Replace the batteries in the remote control if you are closer than 40 feet and the ceiling fan won't operate when you press buttons on the remote.
3. Run the fan for 24 hours if it's new and the fan sounds noisy as they need a break-in period. If the fan continues to make a noise after 24 hours, check the screws that hold the blades to the motor to see if they are tight. If not, tighten with the screwdriver by turning it clockwise.
4. Calculate the total wattage of the lamps installed in the fittings if your lights do not turn on or shut down unexpectedly. Wattage above 190 watts will trigger an overload safety feature that shuts down the lights. Look at the lamps themselves and read the lamp wattage; multiply the wattage by the number of lamps installed. Turn the power off, install lower wattage lamps and restore power.
Primitive style lighting creates a nostalgic look.
"Primitive" fittings are characterized by minimal ornamentation, simple shapes and subtle, rugged or irregular finishes. Primitive-style lighting and ceiling fans can include antiques, reproductions or new designs drawing on primitive influences. Materials and finishes include matte metallic effects, wood and blown glass.
Primitive Lighting
Modern lighting fixtures can ruin the effect of folk-influenced decor whereas options complement it. Antique oil or gas lamps are sometimes converted for electricity and these often have a primitive look. Antique reproductions of simple lamps or lanterns are also available. Another option is primitive-influenced lighting designs. Appropriate finishes include black iron or matte tin and copper. Glass should be off-perfect and irregular.
Primitive Ceiling Fans
As well as being practical, the right ceiling fan can enhance primitive-style decor. Choose a simple design without excessive ornamentation. Eschew sterile modern finishes in favor of wood and other natural materials. Leather-effect drive belts add to the primitive look.
Considerations
Converted antique lighting should only be bought from a reputable supplier. As well as ensuring the provenance of your new piece, safety is a consideration. An item that doesn't meet proper safety standards could pose a fire or electrocution hazard.
Pendant lights chains provide ample lighting but are challenging to install.
Homeowners looking for stylish and functional lighting options for living rooms and kitchens frequently turn to pendant style lights as a versatile design choice. Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling on a chain or cable; a single light and shade on the end of the chain provide direct lighting for the space. Though the cost effectiveness and wide range of styles attract buyers, chain pendant lights present some challenges during installation.
Chain Length
Pendant lights come with matching ceiling medallions and a length of hanging chain in addition to the light fixture. Achieving proper positioning is essential to the function and safety of the light; a light placed too high is difficult to repair while a light placed too low does not provide enough light and also presents a hazard to people walking below or beside the light. To ensure proper placement, you may need to either cut links from the chain or add links to the chain. Most kits several extra links, but if your ceiling is especially high, you may need to purchase additional chain and add it, a task that increases cost and runs the risk of ending up with a mismatched chain.
Weight
The design of your pendant light greatly impacts the weight of the fixture; small, modern lights are generally lightweight and suspend from cables while more traditional lights are larger, heavier and suspended from chains. If you are installing a pendant light where a flush ceiling light used to hang, you may need to replace the old junction box with a larger, newer box that can withstand the weight of the light and chain. If you need to add extra to the fixture, weigh it with the added chain instead of relying on the weight listed on the box.
Wiring
All pendant lights require proper wiring to ensure functioning. However, pendant lights suspended from a chain present the added complication of running the wiring from the junction box to the fixture. Newer pendant lights that are suspended from cables enclose the wires in the cable so that they are hidden. Chain-suspended pendant lights do not offer a hidden wiring option. Instead, the wires must be threaded or looped through the links down the length of the chain. Though the wires don't present a hazard, wires are an aesthetic issue that may turn off some homeowners.
Tags: suspended from, lights suspended, lights suspended from, pendant lights, chain links, come with, from cables
If you have a kitchen with a tall ceiling, you can still create the warm, cozy country kitchen look you love by adding a few elements to your design. Country kitchens typically feature a mixture of modern and historic elements and rustic detailing, such as distressed cabinets. Other features often include kitchen islands and glass cabinet doors to create a more open space.
Warm Up the Ceiling
A tall ceiling can create a cold, vast feeling to a room when it is painted bright white, Use a light, warmer color, such as a pale yellow or light tan to warm up the space. Just make sure the color you choose fits in with your kitchen's overall color scheme.
Add Detail
Adding detail on or near the ceiling can help make it look less far away and supply the country elements you want in your kitchen. Install beadboard on your ceiling to add a country detail to your kitchen's overall look, or add intricate, wide crown molding where the wall meets the ceiling around the room. This makes your ceiling appear closer to the floor.
Hang It Up
The open ceiling area provided by a tall kitchen ceiling gives you ample space to hang items in your . Install a pot rack over your kitchen island, or find low hanging baskets in which to store fresh fruit or other items. If having your produce and pots and pans on display doesn't fit your style, add a rustic looking ceiling fan or low hanging pendant light or two to the room's mix.
Bring In the Old
Country style decorating honors the past and days gone by, so bring in the old in your country style kitchen. Purchase tall, antique cabinets to use in place of more modern traditional pieces. If antiques aren't in your budget, find new pieces that look like older pieces and apply a paint technique such as antiquing or distressing to the surface to get the rustic, country quality you want. If your cabinets aren't tall enough to reach the ceiling or you're looking for a more open look, create rustic-looking shelves out of old barn boards or other materials to fit in the space above your cabinets or along your wall.
Tags: your kitchen, country kitchen, kitchen Install, , more open, tall ceiling,
Instantly liven up bare walls with easy-to-make ceiling medallion artwork.
Ceiling medallions can do more than liven up a boring ceiling --they can also be used to decorate drab walls. An ornate medallion will get more attention at eye level and create a unique focal point for any room. Anyone can make a fabulous piece of art with a ceiling medallion and creative painting technique.
Instructions
Making Ceiling Medallion Art
1. Apply two coats of metallic spray paint to the entire ceiling medallion. This should be done in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. For best results, wait at least one hour before applying the second coat of paint and let dry overnight before moving on to the next step.
2. Distress the paint using sandpaper and a wire brush. Sand the outer edges of the medallion with a medium grit sandpaper to mimic the look or natural wear. Create scratches on the surface of the medallion using a wire brush. Keep in mind that you can always distress the piece more but you can't take scratches out so work slowly.
3. Combine equal parts of glaze and burnt umber paint to create an antiquing stain. Roll the stain over the entire medallion. Don't worry about applying an even coat of paint, just as long as the entire medallion is covered. Uneven coloring will add to the antique effect that you are trying to create.
4. Spray the entire surface of the medallion with rubbing alcohol when the glaze and paint stain is tacky. Blot the alcohol with a sea sponge to create a mottled, rustic looking finish. Allow the medallion to dry overnight.
5. Repeat the process for a more intense look if desired or hang your antiqued ceiling medallion on the wall as is.
Displaying Ceiling Medallion Art
6. Choose a spot on the wall to painted ceiling medallion. If you want the medallion to be the focal point of the room choose a spot where you want to draw your guests' attention.
7. Affix the medallion to the wall using picture hanging hooks at eye level. Picture hanging hooks will not damage the wall like heavy nails or screws and will keep the medallion secure and level.
8. Accent the area on the wall around the medallion with sconces, shelves, mirrors or other small embellishments. These smaller pieces will draw attention to the medallion and work together to create a cohesive look. Experiment with different arrangements by moving objects around before choosing your final layout.
9. Highlight the medallion with lighting. You created a work of art so show it off. The best way to do this is by using track lighting.However if this is not an option you can also try placing a lamp on a table near the medallion. If you used sconces to accent the medallion try lighting candles to create different effects.
Tags: medallion with, ceiling medallion, , entire medallion, focal point, focal point room, hang your
False ceilings are fitted beneath existing ceiling structures.
False ceilings, also known as suspended ceilings, differ from standard ceilings as they hang closer to the ground beneath the original ceiling structure. There is usually a hollow space between the original ceiling and the false ceiling, which can be useful for sound proofing apartments in the same building.
Materials
False ceilings are usually constructed from steel tiles and suspended from the framing joists in roofs. Because there is a gap between the ceiling of one apartment and the floor of another, noise is significantly dampened as it needs to travel through the gap in the ceilings. Some false ceilings are made from acoustical tiles, which restrict sound transmission further by absorbing sounds that pass through them.
Structure
The false ceiling structure is hung from resilient metal wires below the original ceiling. A false ceiling usually hangs a few inches from the roof but some lie as much as a foot below the structure. The steel tile structure of suspended ceilings is usually supported by a grid of metal frames that run across the breadth of the room. Molding is then connected to the wall across the same room space. The rest of the grid is supported by hanging wires, which gain additional support from the molding on the walls.
Removal
Suspended ceilings can be removed as easily as they were first fitted. The ceiling panels simply need to be slid away to reveal the grid that holds the false ceiling in place. This can now be disconnected and the false ceiling removed from the original roof.
Advantages
In addition to sound proofing benefits, false ceilings are also useful for hiding messy wiring, insulation materials and pipes. Major companies often use false ceilings to install HVAC systems that support purify air flow. Although wiring and air flow systems won't be visible, they can easily be accessed by sliding away ceiling panels and replacing them once the work is done. False ceiling structures are relatively cheap and quick to install, especially when compared to traditional roof installations.
Disadvantages
Although cheap and relatively efficient, suspended ceilings also have a number of disadvantages. Acoustical tiles can be prone to decay over time, resulting in an unattractive yellow coloring that can ruin the decor of a room. Suspended ceilings also need to be replaced every few years as they are not as resilient as traditionally installed ceilings. False ceilings are also more prone to water stains and damage due to excess moisture in the atmosphere. An obvious drawback of suspended ceilings is that they reduce the overall size of a room. Although this may be of little importance in buildings with high ceilings, it can create a cramped and claustrophobic feel in more standard-sized rooms.
You can give your home a lodge motif by using rustic decor.
Decorating in the lodge motif or Adirondack style will home the look of a mountain retreat or your favorite summer vacation home. of style focuses on decor inspired by outdoor wildlife or a rugged country theme. Lodge style homes exude a comfortable, casual ambiance that will make your family and guests never want to leave. Certain styles of fabrics, furniture and decor will accent the rugged mountain lodge look in your home.
Instructions
1. Use heavy furniture with rustic or rough hewn wood. This type of furniture usually has simple lines, but is sturdy and strong-looking.
2. Utilize leather, bold plaid prints and outdoor themed fabrics for your upholstered furniture.
3. Purchase lamps and other décor, such as ceiling fans made with deer hooves or antlers to accentuate the theme.
4. Mount deer heads, moose, elk horns or trophy fish on your wall.
5. Select outdoors or wildlife scenes to accentuate your walls with the look of nature.
6. Use bold or warm color tones for your walls. Lodge motif often has a masculine appeal, but throw pillows, afghans and rag rugs will soften the look.
7. Choose hardwood or linoleum floors and accent seating areas and fireplaces with bear or rag rugs or ones with Southwestern or Native American patterns.
8. Incorporate woven baskets, wood bowls, Southwest pottery or antique tools for interesting decor to use on your end tables or bookcases. You can use vintage snowshoes on your wall, horseshoes, rustic camping gear and many other articles for a homey feel.
Tags: your home, give your, give your home, lodge motif, outdoor wildlife, This type
Star ceilings create the illusion that you're looking up at the night sky as you drift off to sleep. To apply a star ceiling that glows in black light, you'll need to use fluorescent paint. Fluorescent paint contains pigments that absorb black light and emit fluorescent light in return. Painting a star ceiling is a fun project with endless creative potential. Painting so many stars may look like a tough job, but star ceilings are easy to apply well if you have the right tools.
Instructions
1. Wipe the ceiling clean with a rag that has been soaked in an isopropyl alcohol solution - one part alcohol, one part water - and wrung out well. Remove any dust or debris that might interfere with the adherence of the fluorescent paint.
2. Plan the design of your star ceiling. If you have an artistic streak, you can freehand your star ceiling. Experts recommend that you randomize the placement of your stars and their size. Consider including nebulae, comets and planets in a variety of colors. For a realistic look, include blank spaces and star clusters. For guidance, consult reference images. If artistic design isn't your strong point, there are several other options. Home planetarium projectors will project the night sky onto your ceiling. You can paint over the projected stars to achieve an accurate representation of a starscape. Other companies sell starscape stencils that can be taped onto the ceiling.
3. Lay a canvas or old sheet over the floor. This will catch any accidental drips.
4. Apply the fluorescent paint to the ceiling. Use a stepladder if necessary. For easy application, load the paint into a plastic paint squeeze bottle or old white glue bottle. Use the applicator tip to dot stars on the ceiling. Squeeze the paint out first and then dot it onto the ceiling. To vary the size of the stars, loosen and tighten the applicator tip. Keep the star sizes varied. Ideally the largest stars should be between 1/4 and 1/2 inch wide. Use a small artist's paintbrush to paint freehand stars, planets, nebulae and comets.
Tags: star ceiling, black light, ceiling that glows, , fluorescent paint, glows black
For most effective air circulation, choose a fan that is large enough for your room.
During hot summer months, cooling off your home makes the space much more comfortable. Air conditioning can be very effective, but the cost of running a unit all summer is too high for many budgets. Adding a ceiling fan to your home is a good way to combat the heat because it can actually help you reduce your air conditioning use by circulating cool air throughout the house.
Get the Right Size
Buying the right size ceiling fan for your room is key to getting the most out of the fan. The most important factor to consider when choosing a size is the fan's blade span. Blade spans vary from 36 to 60 inches and should be chosen in accordance with the square footage of the room. In most cases, a room that is 110 square feet or smaller is sufficiently cooled by a fan with a blade span of 42 inches or smaller. A room that is 110 to 150 square feet requires a blade span of 44 to 50 inches while a room that measures 150 to 300 square feet is best served by a fan with a 52- to 60-inch blade span. In rooms over 300 square feet, look for a blade span of 62 inches or over. However, you may be better off utilizing two smaller fans and placing them at opposite ends of the room to better circulate air.
Change Direction Seasonally
You may not realize it, but you can utilize your ceiling fan year-round to help with cooling and heating if you simply change its direction. For the summer months, ensure that the fan rotates in a counterclockwise direction so when you stand directly below it, you can feel a cool breeze flowing down on you. During the winter, change the fan's direction so it turns in a clockwise direction. If you use it at a low speed, the fan creates an updraft that pulls the warm air that has risen down toward the occupied portion of the room, which can help lower your heating costs.
Balance the Fan
Your ceiling fan's blades should be balanced when you take the fan out of the box, but in some instances, it may be wobbly after installation. To address the problem, test the fan's connections for proper alignment, and tighten any loose fasteners. Take a yardstick and hold it vertically along the edge of the blades to check their alignment. You can probably bend a blade that is misaligned back into place. However, if your blades are all properly aligned, a balancing kit may be necessary to identify the cause of the wobbling. Some fans come with a kit for this purpose while other manufacturers will provide a free kit upon request.
Clean Regularly
Because of the flat surface of the blades, ceiling fans are a dust magnet. If dirt, dust and debris are allowed to accumulate on the fan, the blades may begin to wobble and the motor can be affected as well. Clean the blades once or twice a week to prevent this type of damage. Many microfiber cleaning tools are on the market that are ideal for this purpose because they feature long, telescopic handles that make reaching the tops of the blades easier. However, you can also use paper towels and furniture polish or a hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris.
Supply air vents are found in every home with a forced air heating and cooling system. They are either in the floor, the wall or the ceiling. Ceiling vents are common when the HVAC unit is in an attic space above the ceiling. Sometimes it may become necessary to shut the ceiling vent from your air conditioning unit because the room has cooled off a little too much. Ceiling vents are easily adjusted and the whole process will take just a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Set up a ladder or step stool underneath the ceiling vent so that you can easily reach it.
2. Climb up the ladder or step stool and look at your ceiling vent. It should be rectangular with a sliding adjustment lever or round with an adjustment handle in the middle of the vent.
3. Turn the adjustment handle counterclockwise to close a round ceiling vent. If you have a rectangular vent, slide the adjustment lever to close the vent. The direction varies with each vent. The vent is closed when the louvers obstruct the view inside the vent.
Children enjoy light fixtures that match their bedroom decor.
Ceiling fixtures for a child's room need to reflect his style and personality. You can choose from simple styles such as an inexpensive flush mount ceiling lamp or you can have a more costly lighting fixture custom-designed for your kid's room. Determining the best fixture requires analysis of a few factors about the individual room. Ceiling fixtures typically last for years and can be awkward to install so you will want to choose wisely.
Instructions
1. Determine how much light your child will need in the room. If the fixture only has a socket for one light bulb, it may not provide enough lighting if your child frequently does his homework at a desk in his room or spends time there entertaining friends.
2. Select a fixture that matches the style of the room. If your daughter is a dainty young lady that enjoys frills and lace, a Victorian-style ceiling lamp may be appropriate. If your son is a sports fanatic, a light fixture that depicts many types of sports paraphernalia should last him for years.
3. Ask your child if her room is frequently too hot or cold. If so it is wise to get a light fixture with a ceiling fan. This will allow you to change the direction of the blades with the seasons so it will make the hot air rise or descend depending on the weather conditions.
4. Read the directions on the box to see if it is difficult to change the bulbs in the ceiling lamp. It is simple to replace the bulbs on most decorative light fixtures but certain varieties can be a challenge.
5. Select the fixture with the ceiling height in mind. A low hanging swag lamp may not be the best choice for a low ceiling. Conversely, if the ceiling lamp has a couple of pull chains it is vital that your child be able to reach them without using a stepstool.
Tags: ceiling lamp, your child, Ceiling fixtures, ,
Many basements and commercial buildings in America have drop ceilings installed. They are quick to install and allow easy access to plumbing, electrical and mechanical items that are installed above the ceiling. However, from time to time, it is necessary to remove a drop ceiling, either to replace it with a new one or install drywall.
Instructions
1. Remove the ceiling tiles from the drop ceiling grid. Push up from the bottom side of the tile until it moves away from the grid. Twist the tile at an angle to the side of the grid and slide it down out of the grid.
2. Flip the circuit breaker to the ceiling lights located in the drop ceiling. Disconnect the light fixtures from the electrical supply wire. Use wire nuts to cover the exposed ends of the electrical supply wire.
3. Cut the support wires that are attached to the lights and remove the lights from the ceiling.
4. Use string or metal wire and support any vents or returns that are in the ceiling so that they will not fall when the grid is removed.
5. Cut the remaining support wires that are attached to the ceiling grid.
6. Unsnap the short tees from the main tees and remove them. Continue removing tees until they are all down.
7. Remove the support wires from the joists above. Now that they have been cut at the bottom to free the grid, it is a simple matter to cut them where they fasten to the joists.
8. Use a drill to remove the screws that held the support wires in place.
9. Remove the wall track to finish the removal of the system. This will either be nailed or screwed into the wall.
Tags: drop ceiling, support wires, ceiling grid, electrical supply, electrical supply wire, supply wire, support wires that
Going through the process of finishing a basement ceiling can be tedious. With the industrial-look design, which is is gaining in popularity, the unfinished ceiling is left exposed and painted, with all wires, duct work and joists showing. An unfinished ceiling provides extra headspace, eliminates a good deal of work and costs considerably less than a finished ceiling. Painting the joists and other fixtures of a basement ceiling is most easily accomplished with an airless paint sprayer.
Instructions
1. Clean the ceiling, pipes and duct work in the room to remove debris, dirt and grease from all the surfaces that will be painted. Use a TSP cleaner to make sure all grease is removed from the surfaces.
2. Cover everything in the room that will not be painted, including the walls and the floor, with drop cloths. Drop cloths can be held in place on walls with duct tape.
3. Prime the airless sprayer for painting. Place the large, black "suction" tube into the bucket of paint and the smaller "prime" tube into an empty bucket. Turn the valve on the sprayer to the "prime" position and switch on the airless pump. Keep turning up the valve on the sprayer until paint starts to flow out the prime tube, then place the prime tube into the paint bucket to recapture the paint.
4. Clip the prime tube onto the suction tube with the attached hardware. Let the pump continue running until air bubbles cease to emerge from the tube.
5. Fill the with paint by switching the setting from "prime" to "spray," holding the spray gun over the empty bucket and pulling the gun's trigger. Stop spraying when paint starts to flow steadily from the gun.
6. Spray the paint onto the ceiling in straight lines, overlapping each row about halfway to create a uniform paint job. Keep the gun roughly a foot from the ceiling's surface and as perpendicular to the surface as possible--in this case, straight up.
Tags: prime tube, tube into, airless sprayer, basement ceiling, duct work
Lower your utility bills by installing ceiling fans.
Energy-saving ceiling fans can keep you cool in the summer and circulate warm air in a room in the cooler months, and they do not use much more electricity than the light fixtures they replace. Ceiling fans are available in a wide variety of prices, sizes and styles. Examine the size of your room and its decor to help you choose the right ceiling fan for your needs.
Size
According to Consumer Reports, the most popular size ceiling fan is 52 inches, but you should choose the size that will operate most efficiently in the room the ceiling fan will occupy. Fans that are too large for the room will blow too much air around. A fan that is too small for the room will not cool it efficiently. In general, a 52-inch ceiling fan should be installed in rooms that are between 225 to 400 square feet. A 42- or 44-inch fan is appropriate for rooms approximately 100 to 225 square feet. Choose with a fan blade span in the range of 30 to 44 inches for rooms measuring approximately 100 square feet or less.
Style
In addition to the range of sizes, ceiling fans are available in many colors, materials and styles to match the decor of the room. Inexpensive fans are generally white or brown with basic paddle blades and very little embellishment. Higher quality fans have decorative motor housings made from brushed metals like brass or pewter, polished wood or even cast iron with paddle blades in various shapes, such as oval or leaf shapes. Other options include modern, traditional, vintage and very ornate styles and various glass designs. Children's ceiling fans are available in bright colors, shapes and patterns appropriate for a child's room or nursery.
Features
Some ceiling fans operate by remote control, which comes in handy for rooms with high ceilings. More expensive fans may feature reversible blades, more powerful and quieter motors and light dimmers. Some models have a temperature adjustment feature that automatically changes the speed of the blades as the room's temperature changes.
The problem with your ceiling fan may be mechanical or electrical.
Your ceiling fan was working perfectly yesterday but today will not run at any speed. There are a number of potential reasons for this problem, including mechanical as well as electrical. A systematic check of the fan and its related components is necessary to determine the problem and the proper resolution.
Instructions
1. Check the electrical supply to the fan. Check the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the power to the ceiling fan. It is possible the and the fan is simply not getting power. If the breaker is tripped, reset it and monitor the fan for a period of time. If the breaker trips again it is an indication of a short somewhere in that circuit.
2. Check the electrical power at the wall switch. Remove the face plate from the switch so you can see the interior of the switch box. Use the circuit tester check that power is getting to the switch and that the switch is working properly. If the switch is not working, replace it.
3. Remove the housing cover on the ceiling fan to expose the electrical connections. Check all connections to make certain no wires have come loose and are no longer making contact. Use your circuit tester to the fan motor is receiving electrical power. If no power is reaching the motor, the problem is in the wiring between the switch and the fan.
4. Examine the fan's motor shaft. Check that nothing has become entangled or wrapped around the shaft which is preventing it from turning. Remove any obstacles or foreign objects from the shaft or motor, and attempt to activate the motor. If there is power to the motor and no obstructions, it is likely the motor has failed, and you will need to replace it.
Tags: breaker tripped, Check electrical, circuit tester, electrical power, make certain, switch working
The ceiling may be on the bottom of your "Things To Deal With" list when it comes to home improvement, but you sometimes can't ignore ugly stains, paint colors or textures. Instead of just telling all of your guests not to look up or spending valuable time and money painting or texturing the area yourself, you can decorate the area by covering the ceiling with fabric. Whether this is a temporary or permanent solution, well-hung, colorful fabrics may be the ultimate solution to your ceiling woes.
Instructions
1. Measure the length of each wall connecting to the ceiling and mark the center point with a pencil or chalk mark. Connect all of the center marks with straight pencil or chalk lines to form a "+" shape on the ceiling. The point at which the lines intersect is the center of your ceiling.
2. Center the piece of fabric over the center point of your ceiling. If your ceiling is large and you must use multiple pieces of fabric, start with the center of one side of each piece of fabric at the center point.
3. Staple the piece or pieces of fabric into place at the center point of your ceiling with a staple gun. Install two staples side by side or spaced no more than an inch apart on each piece of fabric to secure it into place.
4. Move to the next point of your fabric and staple it into place. The number of locations at which you staple and the number of staples you use will vary by your design. You can drape some fabric down between points for a decorative touch, or simply install a set of staples every 6 inches or so to secure the fabric flat against the ceiling.
5. Staple in as many places as necessary to achieve your desired design. If you are making the fabric flat, make sure you secure all edges around the room with staples spaced every 6 inches, including in the corners, to prevent billowing.
Tags: your ceiling, center point, into place, piece fabric, point your, center point your,
Casablanca builds the "world's finest ceiling fans," according to the company motto. Whether they are the finest may be a matter of opinion, but one cannot argue that Casablanca does not build high-quality . Casablanca ceiling fans use halogen bulbs; and a few extra precautions should be taken when changing the bulb.
Instructions
1. Turn the light switch off before beginning. This will ensure your safety. Wait a few minutes to let the bulb cool off, if it was turned on recently. Halogen bulbs produce more heat than incandescent bulbs.
2. Turn the glass dome counterclockwise a few inches to move the the locking tabs away. Use a step ladder if necessary. Set the dome down in a safe place.
3. Twist the halogen bulb counterclockwise until it is unscrewed from the socket. Discard the bulb.
4. Insert the replacement halogen bulb. Hold the bulb by its base; don't hold it by the glass. Turn the bulb clockwise until it is secure.
5. Lift the into place. Turn the dome clockwise until the three locking tabs are aligned.
Flush mounting is a way of hooking up ceiling lights in which the light housing is pressed flush to the ceiling all the way around. On regular, flat drywall ceilings, there's usually not a problem getting a clean-looking fit where the housing meets the ceiling, but it can be more complicated with wood ceilings. That's because wood ceilings generally have grooves in them, which can create unsightly gaps around the edges of the light fixture. A thin bead of caulk solves the problem.
Instructions
1. Turn off electricity at the house circuit box.
2. Remove the screws holding the old light to the wooden ceiling. Disconnect the wires above it and discard the light, leaving an exposed ceiling electrical box with one black, one white and one bare copper ground wire hanging from it.
3. Mount the installation bracket that came with your light, using the included screws to attach it to the electrical box.
4. Hook the copper ground wire to the green ground screw on the mounting bracket and tighten it.
5. Connect the black wire from the fixture to the black wire from the electrical box, twisting a wire cap over them both. Repeat for the white wires.
6. Lift the fixture to the ceiling, tucking the wire connections into the electrical box as you do. Align the screw holes on the light to the screw holes of the bracket. Insert the provided screws.
7. Run a thin bead of caulk around the base of the light, where it meets the wood ceiling, if necessary, to deal with gaps.
8. Turn on the electricity.
Tags: , black wire, black wire from, copper ground, copper ground wire, ground wire, screw holes
Some Hampton Bay ceiling fans, such as the Garrison, have wireless remote controls to turn the fan on and off or adjust the fan speed. If you have a problem getting the remote control to work with the fan, you will need to diagnose the problem and make corrections.
Wire Connections
The ceiling fan and remote control may not have a signal if the wiring on the ceiling fan is not connected correctly or secured. The black wire from the ceiling fan is twisted together with the black wire on the receiver. The blue wire from the fan is twisted to the blue wire on the receiver and the white wire on the fan is with the white wire on the receiver. After the wires are twisted together, a wire nut is added to secure the connection. The black wire that comes from the receiver is twisted together with the black house wire. The white wire from the receiver is twisted the white house wire and the green wire coming from the ceiling fan is twisted together with the green conductor house wire. Wire nuts are used to secure the connections.
Dip Switches
Before you installed the ceiling fan with the wireless remote control receiver, you should have checked the dip switches on the receiver and the remote control to make sure that both are set on the same frequency. If your remote is not functioning properly after installation, it may be getting interference from another wireless remote control in the home. You will need to change the frequency setting on the receiver and the remote until you find one that doesn't have interference and works every time you press a button on the remote.
Distance
There must be at least 20 feet between the ceiling fan receiver and remote control to transmit the wireless signal correctly. If the dip switches are set at the correct frequency, but the remote control is still not transmitting to the receiver on the ceiling fan, you may not have enough distance between the fan and the remote.
Battery
Prevent damaging the remote control by using the correct battery. For example, the Garrison Hampton Bay ceiling fan with a wireless remote needs a 12-volt battery that is included with the remote. If you need to replace the battery, always get the exact same battery. When the ceiling fan is not being used for long periods of time, remove the battery from the remote control to prevent damage that can occur if the battery corrodes and leaks inside of the remote control.
Tags: remote control, twisted together, together with, twisted together with, black wire
Venting a water heater closet is not the same as venting the combustion gasses.
Construction practice and codes have long allowed water combustion vents -- both to and from the appliance -- to be located inside buildings. For this reason, louvers in the top and bottom of water heater closet doors are commonplace. The practice is no longer considered desirable, because the design potentially allows carbon monoxide from gas-fired appliances to accumulate in the occupied parts of the building. Conduits that pass into loft voids are taking the place of , and for this system to work a ceiling must be installed in the water heater closet.
Venting of Combustion Gasses
Combustion gasses from gas-fired water heaters should always be entirely vented through the water heater's flue; they should never enter the closet. Malfunctions can occur, however, that result in combustion gasses entering the closet. In old-style installations these gasses could enter the building through the door vents. In new-style installations, they are vented to the loft void.
Attic Vents
The experts at Marler Inspections in Texas note that "modern building codes allow combustion air to be provided by the attic; vents can be installed in the closet ceiling." Such vents normally take the form of two open 4-inch pipes that pass from the closet into the loft void; one pipe drops down almost to the floor, the other extends into the closet to only just below the ceiling. The longer pipe takes the place of the lower vent in older style doors, allowing combustion air to enter the closet. The shorter pipe takes the place of the upper vent in older style doors, allowing heated air -- not combustion gasses -- to vent.
Condensation
Condensation affects water heaters fueled by electricity as well as gas. Because heated air rises, condensation typically occurs above the heat source. Moisture condensates on cooler walls, so keeping the moisture-laden air away from the occupied areas of a building -- which are likely to be cooler than an enclosure in which a heating appliance is located -- is important. Installing a closet ceiling and loft vents makes this possible. Water heaters do not necessarily have to leak to cause condensation. If the pipes are not well insulated they will "sweat." Because water entering the heater is colder than the inside of the appliance -- properly called the heat exchanger -- moisture can condensate there. This sometimes happens in such amounts that drips beneath the appliance are wrongly diagnosed as leaks.
Other Considerations
A ceiling in a water heater closet is an asset in other ways: It prevents the closet from being a conduit that equalizes warmed or cooled air in the occupied parts of a building with the untreated loft atmosphere, a process that wastes money. Further, pressure equalizes in buildings; an extractor fan in a bathroom could potentially create a degree of negative pressure that restricts the availability of combustion air to a gas-fired water heater served by door vents. The ceiling vent system also avoids this scenario.
Tags: heater closet, water heater, water heater closet, door vents, water heater, appliance located, closet ceiling
A ceiling fan uses a brace to secure its base against the ceiling.
The mounting box that holds a regular light fixture will not properly support a ceiling fan. Not only does a ceiling fan weigh considerably more than a light, but the vibration caused when the fan spins creates additional strain on the mounting box. A ceiling fan brace provides additional support for the mounting box. Ceiling fan installers slip the brace through the old light's hole in the ceiling and install the ceiling fan brace without causing further damage to the drywall.
Instructions
1. Assemble the ceiling fan brace. Slip the U-bolt assembly over the wide half of the brace, keep its threads facing the same direction as the ear on the end of the brace. The narrow half of the brace slides into the center of the wide half.
2. Push the the 4-inch round hole in the ceiling.
3. Turn the brace so its ends face the joists on both sides of the hole and so the ears on the ends of the brace face downward. The ears hold the brace off the drywall at the proper height for a ceiling fan's electrical box.
4. Position the brace so it rests over the center of the hole, and spread the brace's two halves until the ears touch the joists.
5. Tighten the ceiling fan brace's adjustment nut with an . This locks the ears against the joists.
6. Position the electrical box's U-bolt in the center of the hole.
7. Push the wire feeding power to the ceiling fan into the electrical box through one of the small holes on the top of the box.
8. Align the electrical box's two small bolt holes, found in the center of the electrical box, with the ends of the U-bolt. Push the box tight against the brace, and secure the box with the U-bolt's nuts. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts.
Antique light fixtures can be appraised for their worth.
Antique light fixtures can be ornate, decorative and elegant---and worth a lot if they are in good or perfect condition. Antique light fixtures with cracks and chips or that don't work properly will likely be worth significantly less.
Instructions
1. Evaluate the condition of your antique light fixture. See if it works and note structural damages.
2. Contact the light fixture manufacturer, if possible. If the company is still around, you may be able to obtain a rough estimate of the fixture's value based on your model and the damage you describe.
3. Take your fixture to an antique shop. A specialist can offer an accurate appraisal. The shop may even be interested in purchasing the fixture.
4. Take your light fixture to an antique show for multiple appraisals. You'll have access to several experts and you may receive multiple selling offers.
5. Get a professional written appraisal. You'll pay a fee, but you'll have a more accurate estimate of the fixture's worth. Look for appraiser with experience in light fixtures.
Tags: light fixtures, Antique light fixtures, light fixture, Antique light, estimate fixture, fixture antique, Take your
That creaking sound in your ceiling might be a sign that it's time to replace that old Nutone bathroom vent. Nutone makes a number of different bathroom vent models; some are simply vents, while others may have such features as lights and heat lamps. No matter which Nutone you may have, the removal procedure is more or less the same. As with any other DIY project, exercise caution while working.
Instructions
1. Locate the circuit breaker that controls the power for the Nutone bath vent and change it to the "off" setting. In most homes, this will be in the main circuit breaker panel. The bath vent may be on the same circuit as the lights for the bathroom.
2. Remove the cover from the Nutone fan by grasping the sides of the fan cover and pulling it straight down to expose the cover clips. Press the clips with your fingers to squeeze them together and pull the cover all the way off the fan.
3. Press the sides of the housing where the tabs for the blower assembly connect. Pull the and housing down, but not all the way, as it will still be plugged into the housing. Lower the blower assembly until you can see the cord from the assembly leading into the housing plug. Pull the blower plug out of the housing.
4. Slip the junction box out of the housing by pressing the tabs on the sides or unscrewing the cover, depending on your Nutone model. Unscrew the nuts connecting the white and black wires. Test the wires with a voltometer to check that the electricity has been cut correctly. The meter should read "0" if it has.
5. Remove any electrical tape holding the white and black wires together and pull them apart, cutting them with a utility knife, if needed. Unscrew the copper wire from the green terminal screw. Push the house wire out of the electrical panel so that it is free from the Nutone assembly.
6. Remove any screws or nails securing the Nutone housing to the ceiling joists. Screws can be unscrewed with a screwdriver or power drill with screwdriver drill bit, while nails can be pried out with a hammer or pry bar.
7. Pull the Nutone fan unit out of the ceiling space. Slide it away from the duct connection in order to pull it out of the venting. Cut away any cut tape connecting it to the vent work before removing it completely.
If your bathroom is not well-ventilated, you may begin to notice changes in the ceiling. Black spots caused by mildew may appear. Worse, scratches in the paint on the ceiling may allow water to seep into the ceiling. This may cause the paint to bubble or the plaster to crack. Repairing ceiling damage in the bathroom can be done, but the damage may reappear if ventilation isn't improved. Consider installing a fan in the ceiling to prevent further issues.
Instructions
1. Clean any black spots from the ceiling by mixing trisodium phosphate and water in a bucket. Wipe down the ceiling with mixture. Wipe the area down with diluted bleach, using a sponge to remove any excess mold.
2. Scrape bubbling or damaged plaster, using a putty knife. Break away as much of the plaster as possible.
3. Put a large glob of putty onto a painter's palette.
4. Apply some of the putty to the ceiling, using a wide putty knife. Scrape the putty out and away from the crack, feathering it, so the patch is smooth. Allow the patch to dry overnight.
5. Sand the patch with 120-grit sandpaper to make it smooth, removing the feathering at the side of the patch as well.
6. Apply another application of putty, using a wide putty knife to fill the patch if it sank while drying. Feather out the application again. Sand once dry.
7. Apply a bathroom wall primer with a primer brush, then paint with a water-resistant paint for bathrooms and a paintbrush.
Tags: putty knife, using wide, using wide putty, wide putty, wide putty knife
By utilizing the "Date" object provided in the JavaScript language, a programmer can call on the current date or create objects that represent past or future dates. Furthermore, a programmer can compare these dates and find the differences between them.
JavaScript Date Object
The Date object works directly with the current date of the system it runs on. Also, the programmer can create date objects that represent future dates by providing initialization arguments to the object when it is created. The programmer can then use the functionality of the date object to pull specific arguments from the date (day, year, etc.) or compare dates to see which date is later.
Getting Today's Date
When a Date object is created, it contains the current date information when it was instantiated. If nothing else is given to the date object when it was created, it will always have that current date and time stored in it. To get the new current time, however, the programmer has to call methods such as "getDate" or "getMonth" to update the date and time.
Creating a New Date
The other way to instantiate date objects is to supply time and date information to the object. When the date object is created, the programmer can supply numerical values to change the date values, such as the year or the month. For example, the following code shows create a date object that represents the date of Christmas in 1999:
To calculate differences in date is a matter of subtracting the times of one date from the other, represented in milliseconds since a standard date in 1970, and converting to a time unit, such as days. So, in the Christmas example, if a programmer wished to see how much time has passed in days since Christmas 1999, she could subtract the time in milliseconds from today's current time and then convert to days:
var today = new Date();
var day = 1000*60*60*24; //number of milliseconds in a day
Some stencils can be very intricate while others are simple, so take your time selecting them.
Giving your room a fresh look often involves painting the walls, adding new fabrics, or changing up the furniture. A more subtle way to update a room to suite your tastes is to apply new paint to the ceiling and stencil it for a personalized look. Decide the colors of paint you want to use for both your base coat and stenciled items based on your decor. Select the kinds of stencils you want to use from flowers or swirls, to shooting stars or animals.
Instructions
1. Move all furniture out of the room and spread drop cloths over the floor. Use a ladder to reach the ceiling and apply painter's tape along all of the edges of the walls as well as around light fixtures or vents to prevent them from being painted.
2. Use a paintbrush to apply ceiling paint around areas of the ceiling that have tape next to them. Use a roller to apply the paint to the ceiling, working in small 4-by-4-foot sections at a time, from one end of the room to the other. Allow the ceiling paint to dry overnight or longer as specified by the label.
3. Plan how you want to apply your stencils in the room. The stencils can be used to create a border around the ceiling, to create an all-over pattern across the ceiling, or choose to stencil in the center of the ceiling to create a medallion effect.
4. Position your stencil on the ceiling and use painter's tape to hold it in place. Dab a foam brush into the paint color you need, and tap the brush over the stencil to apply the paint to the ceiling, filling in the stencil cutout area. Switch colors as needed for multicolored stencils. Don't move the stencil you are working on until you have applied all the colors.
5. Wipe over the back of the stencil with a damp sponge before repeating Step 4 with the same stencil. Continue to apply your stencils as desired throughout the room until it is complete. Allow the stenciling to dry for at least two hours before lifting drop cloths and replacing furniture, which can stir up dust.