Construction and Home Improvemen

Research & Development

I began designing audio and video interconnect cables in 1988. I was asked to develop custom interconnects for discriminating audio and videophiles, who wanted to see and hear the quality of their components and the source material without added personality from their interconnects. The cables I constructed were created to solve two specific problems in interconnect design. Prior to this point these problems had not been addressed in the ever-changing field of high-end audio/video. The first was the subtle size difference of the RCA connectors used in the manufacture of mid-fi and high-end components. The second was the inherent loss of information through long runs of cable. It was also important that the interconnects allow our clients the freedom to combine components regardless of the type of connectors utilized by the various manufacturers. The custom cables had to carry information without signal loss and not be limited to short runs. The custom cables had to be extremely flexible and durable to adapt for custom installations. Most importantly they had to maintain state of the art quality while remaining cost effective.

Each connector must tolerate the extreme heat generated by the melting of silver solder at the point of termination. The connector used should be chosen for its compatibility with the wire. Proper strain relief is also a crucial factor in interconnect design. It is important that the wire and connector have a seamless integration. Every pair should be matched and tested for continuity and fit. The connection should then be insulated with heatshrink, to protect against contamination and to create a more durable termination. In a quality interconnect, all of these processes are done by hand, one cable at a time. This combination of quality parts and craftsmanship is essential to the manufacture of a superior interconnect.

Research indicates that Low Capacitance is the most relevant aspect of design for Analog or Digital Audio and Video Interconnect Cables. Capacitance is determined by the number and thickness of the center conductors in relationship to the outside shield. The material and thickness of the dielectric insulation also determines capacitance. Low Capacitance custom cable provides the best imaging and sound staging in analog audio and digital audio as well as the most accurate contrast and definition in video. This is especially true where long cable runs are required.

Over the years, speaker wire manufacturers have shown the importance of heavy gauge wire between the amplifier and the speakers to reduce resistance in the signal path. This notion of "The Heavier The Better" has erroneously been passed on to purchasers of interconnect cables for their components. When dealing with low millivolt signals from component to component, Low Capacitance (measured in picofarads) is the most relevant specification in cutting signal loss. It is not necessary for interconnect cables to be bulky and hard to use. In fact, Low Capacitance Interconnects are rarely heavy gauge and can be very flexible. Flexibility enables a cable to be angled to whatever configuration necessary, without affecting the integrity of the design.

A cable should be selected for its purity, flexibility, durability, capacitance and individual specifications for its designated application.

Ross Anderson
CEWL� Custom Connections
http://www.cewlconnections.com

Double glazing reduces heat loss through your windows. You can save money on your heating bills. However, it will be a long time before you save enough money equal to the cost of the windows. If you can't afford to replace *all* your windows, choose the rooms that cost you the most money to heat.

Double glazed windows come in a variety of sizes and styles. Check for any planning restrictions on your house due to age and location. Sometimes planning permission may be required, in the case in listed buildings and conservation areas. Also if you are converting a flat window into a bay window. Check this with the local authority.

Don't rely on the Yellow Pages or advertisements to choose a supplier. Anyone can place an advert, join a trade body, or display badges they're not entitled to.

Always use a reputable company that you have had independently checked out. Don't rely on the fact that you have heard of them as even some of the biggest advertisers may have had several incaations. It's very easy in Britain to shut down one company and open up again under a similar name.

A 10% deposit is normal. A larger one is appropriate only if the work is 'bespoke' - such as unique timber window designs. Try to pay in stages according as the work in completed, and withhold the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction. Do not go for the cheapest quotation. There's a price point below which you'll be buying rubbish. Do not try to beat the price down too much. Less professional suppliers will agree to it, but sell you short later. Get the best you can afford. Ask your supplier how long the delivery will be. Have this stipulated on your contract. Additionally ask for an estimate of how long the work will take to finish once they are on-site.

Always pay deposits by credit card, as this will afford you some level of protection under the Consumer Credit Act. If the company will accept credit cards for the whole job then that's even better. You have 30 days to make a claim with your credit-card company. You have to show how you were given bad goods or workmanship i.e. they contracted to give you X and gave you Y instead.

Check, double check and get independent advice on the contract before you sign, as some contracts are considerably more onerous than others.

The best way to avoid salesmen's traps is to be sure of what you want before the salesman arrives. Present him with your requirements and use that as your bargaining chip. Get a specific quote against a specific set of requirements. Then you can be certain of getting like-for-like quotations. Ask if your chosen double glazing installer is a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation, check for FENSA accreditation and make sure that all products carry the safety standard kite mark.

Company checks to carry out:

How long have they been in business?

Check with Companies House.

What guarantees do they offer?

Are they insurance backed, lifetime or limited, are they transferable?

Membership of independent or paid for trading organisations.

These could include:

G.G.F. - Glass and Glazing Federation

B.P.F. - British Plastics Federation.

F.M.B. - Federation of Master Builders

Conservatory Council

Conservatory Association

Consumer Protection Association

Guild of Master Craftsman

E.B.C. - European Builders Confederation

Quality standards:

BS5750

B.B.A. certification

Public liability insurance.

Will the fitters and the company be covered if something should go wrong? You should look for at least 2 million pounds cover and check the certification covers the people who are actually doing the work.

Product standards to check out:

B.S.I. - British standards (kitemarks), for locking, security, safety, product, glass etc.

B.B.A. - British board of Agrement

FENSA - Document L of the building regulations.

You should make up a comparison checklist and confirm all claims independently of any sales claim or literature. The *good* contractors get work by word-of-mouth referrals from previous clients. They've plenty of work to keep them going, and so are worth waiting a few months for.

The bad ones are doing too many jobs at once, moving workers from site to site, don't supervise them properly, and thus do poor work.

Ask yourself: Have I been given:

1. Full and honest information.

2. Samples

3. Installations locally to look at

4. Recommendations.

5. The small print

6. Acceptable levels of deposits and payment terms

7. Full drawings and specification (if you don't have them prepared first).

8. Time to think!

About the author: T. O' Donnell (http://www.tigertom.com/double-glazing-uk/index.shtml) offers double glazing quotes, advice, and an ebook, in London, UK.

There was a time when kitchens were a merely place to cook food and wash dishes. However, things are rapidly changing and the kitchens are breaking the clich�s of the past times and becoming the hub of mode homes. The seams where the kitchen and the rest of the house were separated are fast diminishing. Therefore, it makes sense that if you are getting your house remodeled, you think of kitchen remodel as well.

An up-to-date, multi purpose kitchen that serves as central place for the family to spend time together, is a perfect idea for kitchen remodel. Do remember to consider the kitchen triangle when you hire contractors for kitchen remodel. The triangle so arranges the kitchen floor plan that the cooking space, water source and the storage space such as refrigerator lie in a triangle so that each of these utilities is easily accessible. This enhances the effectiveness of you kitchen floor plan.

The versatile mode kitchen, equipped with all the gadgetries to assist the homemaker in having the best and effortless time in the kitchen. Thus, your kitchen remodel plan should include ample space and effective utilization of that space to ensure that you get the best out of your mode kitchen.

If you do not wish to spend too much at one go on the kitchen remodel you can simply consider getting the kitchen painted and perhaps replacing the floor and countertops.

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Species

VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many property owners, apartment landlords, renters, employers, and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the various mold species infesting their moldy house, rental unit, or place of employment, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, & Remediation.

The accurate identification of mold species requires two steps: (1) physical collection of mold samples from the moldy building; and (2) mold laboratory analysis of the collected mold samples.

The least costly way to collect mold samples is the do-it-yourself approach carried out by gathering actual samples of mold growth to submit for mold laboratory analysis ($20.00 or more fee per sample analyzed).

Bulk Physical Mold Sampling

If a property owner or occupant sees mold growing on a wall, ceiling, floor, heating or cooling duct register, or any other surface, he can scrape mold particles off the mold growth area into a small ziplock bag. Collecting such a physical sample is �bulk mold sampling� or �physical mold sampling.�

During such scraping of the mold growth, the tester needs to wear rubber gloves and a full-face respirator mask with organic vapor filters (such as the 3M brand from a large hardware, home improvement, or safety store).

To do the scraping, use a new or thoroughly disinfected (with ethyl or rubbing alcohol) paint scraper. Disinfect the scraper after each individual sampling to remove any possible mold contaminants, and thus avoid mold cross-contamination in the sampling process from one source or location to another.

Print clearly and neatly on a large pressure sensitive label the property owner�s name, the property address, the precise test location at that address, the testing date, and the type of sampling method (�bulk sample�), along with the tester�s name and contact information.

The label should also include each individual test number, as listed on the mold chain of custody form, available free from the mold laboratory. Attach the label to the ziplock bag containing that respective, numbered mold sample.

Alteatively, the tester can scrape the mold particles directly into a mold test kit (Petri dish) to start the growing (�culturing�) of the mold sample. This �viable testing� growth process takes 5 to 7 days for accuracy in mold species identification.

The tester can then either watch the test kits for mold growth, or send the mold test kit to the mold lab immediately, or after the self-observation growth period.

Another bulk physical sampling technique is to cut out a small section (no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches) of a building material or home fuishing that contains significant mold growth. Then, put that cut piece into a small ziplock bag, or press firmly the moldy side down into a mold test kit. Follow the same labeling instructions explained above.

Examples of moldy materials from which bulk samples can be cut for mold lab analysis are wood timbers, drywall, plasterboard, wallpaper, ceiling tile, carpeting, padding, heating/cooling system filters, clothing, fuiture upholstery, and any other favorite mold food.

Scotch� Brand Tape Lift Sampling

The easy steps involved in tape lift sampling to collect physical bulk mold samples are---

1. Cut a three-inch (3�) long strip of one-inch (1�) wide, transparent sticky tape, such as Scotch� Brand Tape.

2. While wearing rubber gloves and a breathing respirator mask (with organic vapor filters) from the local hardware or home improvement store, press the tape strip firmly (sticky side down) onto the visible mold growth or onto the surface being tested.

3. Remove (peel back) the tape from the surface.

4. Open up a small ziplock bag (a transparent, easily sealable plastic storage bag), and press lightly the lift tape sample sticky side onto the inside sidewall of the ziplock bag.

5. Close [zip shut] the ziplock bag completely. Tape it shut if necessary to make sure no airboe mold spores can escape.

6. Attach to the outside of the ziplock bag a large adhesive label with the same types of sample identification information specified above, except that the type of sampling method is �lift tape sampling.�

For more information about bulk physical mold sampling, lift tape mold sampling, mold laboratory analysis, and mold species identification, please visit:

http://www.moldlab.biz
http://www.moldinspector.com
http://www.moldmart.net

Mr. Phillip Fry is a Certified Mold Inspector and a Certified Mold Remediator. He has written Mold Health Guide and DIY Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing and Remediation. He has also co-authored the ebook Mold Legal Guide.

Hot tubs have become more and more popular nowadays as a great way to unwind and relax at home, and more and more people are installing hot tubs in their homes. Not only can you enjoy soaking in the hot tub, you can also gain some great health benefits. You can soak your trouble and stress away as the hot water helps relieve the tension in your aching body. You can also do simple water exercise or water aerobics in your hot tub, which is a safe and effective way of exercising and staying in shape.

Hot tubs are generally made from cedar, redwood and teak, and can accommodate as little as one and up to more than ten people. When making your purchase, make sure to buy your hot tub from a reputable hot tub manufacturer. As long as the hot tub manufacturer has a good track record is the best guarantee of quality and service.

There is a wide range of hot tub models for you to choose from, such as the portable hot tub or home spa, You will be faced with a diverse array of hot tub features, designs, specifications and accessories so it is a good idea to arm yourself with some basic knowledge on hot tubs before you decide on your model preference. The inteet is a great place to search for useful information on hot tubs and the different hot tub models available on the market. Cost is an important consideration too when you decide to buy a hot tub, which depends on the construction, size and features of the spa you select. You should also find out the operating cost of the hot tub.

Once you have installed your hot tub at home, make sure to maintain it in good working condition as it is not a cheap investment. Most hot tubs should come with a hot tub cover as this is an essential and useful hot tub accessory to have. Hot tub covers help to keep litter and impurities out of the water. A hot tub without a cover may also be hazardous as younger children or pets may accidentally fall into the hot water. Hot tub covers also help retain heat in the hot tub, thereby lowering your heating bills.

It is important that you purchase a good quality hot tub cover. Make sure that your hot tub cover is sturdy and durable so that it can be used for many years to come. Also check that your hot tub cover is the right size and fits securely over your hot tub. Having a hot tub cover that fixes securely also helps in keeping impurities and litter out of the hot tub, and also traps the heat helping keep the water nice and hot.

After prolonged use, your hot tub cover may become waterlogged and ineffective. When this happens, the cover cannot insulate the heat very well. In that situation, it may be time to get a new cover. Understand that a hot tub cover can also become wo and wrinkled where it has been folded and unfolded once too many times. A wrinkle in your hot tub cover may also allow more heat to escape, so that it is no longer effective as insulation.

With the growing trend in restoring to use those fireplaces that have been bricked or boarded up, it is important that these restored fireplaces and chimneys are working efficiently. For wood or coal buing fires to bu well, a good supply of air is required along with a chimney to expel the hot exhaust gases and smoke. Also the fuel should be held in a grate clear of the hearth floor allowing full circulation of the air and waste ash to fall through, so as not to stifle the fire. If the chimney or flue is inadequate or the flow of air insufficient, the fire will not function effectively.

In his thesis on the principles of fireplace design published in1799, Count Rumford emphasized the importance of the size of the flue compared with the size of the fireplace opening. He recommended that the cross-sectional area of the flue should be about a tenth of the size of the opening. However, fireplaces tended to be smaller after the mid nineteenth century. Mode flue liner manufacturers favor a ratio of one to seven, and there are sizing charts published that give details of current standards.

If your fire smokes or won�t bu properly, see if opening a window improves matters. If it does, you need better ventilation in the room. One solution is to install a window vent, although this may cause a troublesome cross draft. A much more efficient form of ventilation is either a single ducted vent set into the floor in front of the fireplace, or twin ducted vents set into the floor or exteal walls on each side of the chimney breast.

When wood and coal are bued, flammable gases, tarry substances, acids and dust are given off. However, because domestic stoves are relatively inefficient not all of these substances are consumed. Instead, they rise up the chimney and some of them condense on the inside of the flue. Unbued carbon combines with these tars and acids creating soot; which builds up over a period of time thus reducing the size of the flue. It is important to have regularly used chimneys swept at least twice a year, ideally before, during and at the end of the heating season and the local trade directories contain details of fully qualified and suitably insured sweeps. A soot laden flue is a fire hazard, since the unbued elements of the soot can ignite, causing a chimney fire which can reach high temperatures and damage the chimney.

If a flue is too large, its size can be reduced to improve its efficiency by the fitting of a liner. A variety of methods and materials are used, including flue liners made of flexible stainless steel, ceramic, lightweight concrete sections, or concrete cast in situ. Other ways of reducing the fireplace opening in order to improve fire efficiency is to raise the level of the hearth or to fit a baffle across the top of the opening. If raising the hearth level or adding a baffle are not practical or unsightly then it may be worth asking a fireplace specialist whether fitting a metal smoke hood or canopy in the opening is the best solution.

Richard Banks is a contractor with many years experience in home remodelling and improvements. For more information on fireplaces visit Fireplace Capital

The installation of your new hardwood floor is probably the most rewarding remodeling you can do. The floor usually sets a feeling and tone of a room whether as a dominant feature or a neutral setting. The floor adds on a beautiful appearance to a room and its comfort too. Yet above all, the flooring must be practical, durable and fit in with your daily living.

How to choose a wood floor color that's right for you

Color choices for your hardwood floor are a very important step. In selecting your color, don't stay with the first one that catches your eye because you probably will find another color you never even thought of. Here are some tips to help you through this process. Look at the color and not the name. Great fancy names can really influence you - more than you would like to admit. Trust instinct, which comes from inside you and greatly reflects a certain color preference. Take a few days to make your final decision on the color. Your hardwood floors are worth it. Break it down to three or four colors and take the sample home. If you are creating a complete d�cor, make sure you compare all the wood samples with paint samples of all your new colors and any upholstery or wall coverings you may have. Check your colors at different times of the day, as light changes throughout the day. Put the samples on the floor and move them around the room to get a good idea of how the color will look.

Designing your hardwood floor theme like a pro

Designing informal and formal theme or any design depends on the utilization of the elements of design. A strong formal look is created with squares, stripes, or lines. A border stenciled on a wood plank floor will look cozy. Curved and floral pattes have the ability to soften colors or maybe even unify your floor space. Your curved pattes also give a sense of motion. You can also change your perception in a room. For example, by extending a linear patte lengthways in a room, you will give the appearance of the room being longer. If you put the same patte across the room, the feeling is wider and shorter.

Daryl Plaza is the owner of woodfloorresource.com a informative website revealing valuable resources/reviews to help you achieve a beautiful hardwood floor.