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Beer bottle countertops? Latest
trends in “Green” home décor (NC) Every year concerns for the future of the planet grow greater and more consumers are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to reduce their carbon footprints. One trend that is leaving a “green” mark in homes across the country is the choice of recycled material countertops over more conventional surfaces.   Green countertops are recycled or renewable surfaces that minimize impact on the environment during their production. They are comprised of different combinations of natural and man-made materials and often include some form of recycled glass. Many are attractive and viable alternatives to conventional countertop materials. The latest entry into this category, Elements by Durcon, is creating quite a buzz as it's a “green” countertop surface that also offers unmatched durability, cleanliness and aesthetic qualities. Durcon, the leading U.S. manufacturer of epoxy resin quartz countertops and sinks for the last 35 years, recently launched an eco-friendly surface variation - Elements by Durcon for the residential and commercial markets. Stone fabricators, dealers and architects across North America agree that the product's unique qualities and highly durable characteristics set it apart from first generation eco-friendly surface products currently available. Molded from a proprietary blend of fine quartz, epoxy resin, and recycled glass (ie. clear beer bottles), the material is solid, non-porous, never requires sealing, and is homogenous in consistency. Its unique manufacturing process produces an incredibly silky smooth and durable countertop surface. “Elements is ideal for the discerning customer who desires a unique eco-friendly product for kitchen countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds, and commercial applications,” explained Mark Hanna, President of Montreal-based Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America's leading distributors of premium countertops such as Elements by Durcon. Elements is an incredibly safe and durable countertop surface ideal for kitchens as it is certified by NSF, is a very low VOC emitting material and boasts the highest heat resistance rating available. “Elements is stylishly sleek with a distinctly silky feel that works beautifully with any décor,” Hanna added. “From Old World to ultra-modern it provides a look that is very unique, timeless and clean.” Its versatility is its strongest attribute. In addition to custom colours, Elements by Durcon is available in two alternate design variations – “Titanium” and “PUR”. Titanium features a dramatic metallic flecked surface. The highlight of the PUR line is Pristine that is “already a hit with designers”, said Hanna, due to its rare, deep, and absolute white quality that is in high demand in today's décors. Elements surfaces are so durable that unused and old countertop material is recycled by Durcon for use in road construction. More information on these eco-friendly countertops is available at www.leezadistribution.com . Tips for Installing a TV Wall Mount By Kirsten Stocks (NC)  You don't need to hire a professional to install your TV wall mount. Here are some tips for installation, and some innovative new products that make it easier to create a nice display in your home. First, if you don't already have a mount, decide what type will work best for your needs. Full motion, tilting, low profile and motorized mounts are all popular options. Next, purchase a mount that is compatible with your TV (mounts aren't one size fits all). Any retailer specializing in consumer electronics will be able to help. Other good resources are the many online compatibility tools available from the mount manufacturers. The Sanus Mount Finder (available at www.sanus.com ) provides search results for nearly every TV brand out there and is very user friendly. Most mounts can be installed with basic hand tools you may already own, such as a screwdriver, electric drill, level, wrench or socket set, and a stud finder. Step one: Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall and mark with a pencil or awl. Screw the mount's wall plate to the wall studs using an electric drill. Step two: With a screwdriver, attach the mounting bracket to the back of your TV using the holes provided. Step three: Lift the TV and connect the mounting bracket to the wall plate you previously secured to the wall. Lastly, make any final adjustments. Many mounts now come with special built-in features, allowing you to make minor adjustments once the TV has been placed on the wall. For example, the Sanus Vision Mount LT25 and LL22 allow you to adjust the height of the TV and level it, or slide it slightly to the left or right, to ensure it's centered on the wall. A kickstand props the TV away from the wall, so you'll have an easy time hooking up cables. |
Exotic marble now even more alluring Latest innovation in premium marble tile (NC)  To create a look of artistry and opulence, builders have chosen marble tile for thousands of years. From the ancient structures of Greece and Rome to today's various elegant living environments, marble is a true classic that has endured the test of time. Today marble remains an artistic choice recommended by many interior designers for its timeless look. It's the sought-after surface for bathroom floors, fireplaces and architectural designs. Because of the variations in its formation, marble comes in a variety of beautiful vein-like patterns which appear in various colours and degrees from slab to slab and from tile to tile. It's these variations which give marble such allure. However like other surfacing options, regular marble also has some drawbacks: - With many of the world's finer marbles much of the natural beauty and character is often defined in the veining, which unfortunately also makes it more weak and fragile as a decorative surface. - Because of its weight and fragility marble is not always the best option for vertical installations which can lead to breakage and waste. However, thanks to a sophisticated, highly developed technology a new generation marble solution has been created to deal with the main drawbacks of decorating with marble tile. It's called Accolade Premium RF and it's a refined marble tile collection capturing the inherent colour variations, veining and subtle hues found only in natural and often fragile stone. Bonded to high quality porcelain for significantly superior strength (five times stronger than regular marble alone), these tiles are precision engineered to meet the most demanding specifications with unparalleled beauty. “The Premium RF collection embraces the enduring beauty of classic marble while using the latest technology to create an unrivalled natural marble tile,” said Mark Hanna President of Montreal-based Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America's leading distributors of premium surfaces including the new Accolade Premium RF Collection. “The distinct porcelain backing significantly increases performance, durability and strength, enabling these spectacular marbles to be used with confidence.” The collection is inspired by the natural splendor of the world and offers a wide range of marble meticulously selected from exotic quarries. All tiles are painstakingly sorted to ensure consistent design integrity, assuring subtle veining characteristics, colour hues and movement flow beautifully. Precision engineered to meet the most demanding requirements, each tile dimension is manufactured to the same thickness so intricate multi-size tile patterns can be laid with ease. It's actually the same technology that has brought engineered hardwood floors to the forefront of the flooring industry. This complex gauging system also enables these marbles to be bonded to honeycomb aluminum for large wall panels. This innovative concept significantly reduces weight, breakage and costs for vertical installations. “This collection lets you embrace the beauty of the best natural marble of the world without worrying about the inherent fragility,” said Hanna “It's the next generation marble tile.” More information on the latest in marble tile is available at www.leezadistribution.com . October is Fire Safety Month (NC)  Being prepared is the first line of defense in fire prevention. The fire safety team at Canadian Tire has put together a home and fire safety tip list to help keep your family safe. Fire Extinguisher Safety Tip Ensure that every member of the family knows the location of the fire extinguishers in your home as well as how to use the unit. Fight fires with the PASS system: Pull the pin Aim low – point the unit at the base of the fire Squeeze the lever Sweep from side to side Make sure your unit is fully charged by regularly checking the gauge Smoke Detector Safety Tip There should be a smoke detector on every level of your home. Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years. Even with proper maintenance (cleaning, battery changes etc) smoke alarms are not guaranteed to function properly after 10 years. Replace your old smoke alarm today and never remove the batteries to silence an alarm. New at Canadian Tire is the Remote Hush Smoke Alarm that allows nuisance alarms to be silenced wirelessly from a distance. Also, the remote control can also be used to test the smoke alarm. Carbon Monoxide Safety Tip Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, making it a silent threat. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and CO alarm every year. As an easy reminder, replace your batteries when you turn back your clocks for daylight savings. Dryer Safety Tip Dryer fires are more common than you think, making it important to remove lint and debris from your dryer duct on a regular basis. Often birds and mice find comfort by nesting in these sheltered areas, causing obstruction. When dryer ducts are clogged, the risk of dryer fire is increased and the dryer can require as much as 60% more drying time and can use almost 80% more energy. |
Is it real or is it laminate? Only you know for sure (NC)  When internationally famed Scottish design gurus Colin Ryan and Justin McAllister of the TV show Home Heist accept laminate flooring, you know it has come a long way, baby. But that's precisely what they did in a recent column in the Toronto Star, wherein they noted that Buckingham Palace boasts laminate flooring. And if it's good enough for the Queen, they admitted, it's good enough for the discerning duo's global projects. Today's laminates are indeed light worlds away from their predecessors. Now quality laminates are of high durability and high style. Many are virtually indistinguishable from the 'real' thing such as hardwood or ceramic, but laminate is still affordable and accessible to savvy homeowners who are updating or refreshing their living spaces. Laminate companies take exacting measures to replicate the texture and grain found in materials that are harder to clean and maintain, such as hardwood. Precision eco-engineering, computing and design have resulted in beautiful bevels, perfectly natural-looking markings, perfect registration and glowing, light-refracting finishes. In response to growing consumer demand for lovely, long-wearing laminates, TORLYS, a Canadian company, has recently launched a vast new collection of eco-friendly designs featuring various plank widths, and capturing the beauty of woods ranging from oak, maple and cherry to rosewood, hickory and walnut. . And with all TORLYS Smart Floors, the laminate floors actually improve indoor air quality. Not all laminates are alike, so consumers are wise to shop around and go with a respected manufacturer. Hardwood doesn't come with the 35-year fade, stain and water warranties that accompany reputable laminate flooring. Maybe that's why so many home owners today are turning to the new generation of laminates, and giving their floors the royal treatment. For more info visit www.torlys.com . - News Canada Quality laminate floors look like hardwood floors, but they're far easier to care for, and do not require waxing, oiling or staining. Is your home one in seven million? (NC)  In Canada, there are seven million homes that are under-insulated. But that number may gradually be decreasing with the number of homeowners taking advantage of the government grants and incentives available today when insulating the home for energy efficiency. “Upgrade the insulation in your home and don't become one in seven million,” says Cheryl West, Insulation Expert, Owens Corning. “There's no better time than now to make use of the helpful grants and incentives available when upgrading the amount of insulation in your home to meet recommended insulation standards.” But, time is of the essence. The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) provides homeowners a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,350 when they perform renovations before February 1, 2010 – leaving only a few months to complete your insulation projects before next year's deadline. Fortunately, the ecoENERGY Retrofit program is in effect for at least another year. Plus, the federal government has raised the grant amounts by 25 per cent this year. Add provincial matching grants offered by select provinces and the rebates simply add up. Insulating the home doesn't mean that you need to conduct a complete home-overhaul. In fact, there are some projects that can be completed throughout a single weekend and that are quite cost-effective. For example, topping up on the amount of insulation in your attic only requires you to add to the existing insulation you already have. So long your attic insulation achieves a value of R-50 – an equivalent of 15 inches of PINK FIBERGLAS batt insulation – you can qualify for the HRTC as well as the ecoENERGY Retrofit program grants. For an attic re-insulation project, that can mean up to more than $2,000 available through government incentives. And don't forget about the savings on your energy bills. You can achieve up to 28 per cent savings on your monthly heating and cooling costs*, all while helping the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. An attic insulated to R-50 helps save a half-ton** of greenhouse emissions each and every year. So, don't delay and insulate today. For more information on the ecoENERGY Retrofit program visit www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca and for step-by-step instructions on how to re-insulate your attic for energy efficiency, visit www.insulationtaxcredit.ca. * Savings vary depending on the original amount of insulation in your home, climate, house size, air leaks, and personal energy use and living habits. ** Based on an average attic size of 1700 SF with existing R19 insulation, averaged over seven cities in CanadaThe colour PINK is a registered trademark of Owens Corning © 2009 Owens Corning. All Rights Reserved. Halloween fire safety tips (NC) This Halloween many families will be decorating both inside and outside with decorations that require electricity. It is important for homeowners to treat decorative items in the same manner as all other appliances in the home. Being Halloween falls into Fire Safety month, the Fire Safety team at Canadian Tire has put together the following tips for a safe and enjoyable Halloween. • Use a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to safely achieve an illuminating glow. • Keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes • Choose Halloween costumes and decorations made of fire resistant materials only • Ensure children stay away from open flames or other heat sources and teach them to stop, drop and roll in the event their costume or clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.) Cool the burn. |
