Sunday, July 31, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
Skip the Line
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Thursday, July 28, 2016
SAS Educators Headline Book on Professional Learning Communities
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New The Accountant Trailer: Ben Affleck Looks More Like Bruce Wayne
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Summer 2016 Update
Oh Canada! With the Canada Day celebrations earlier this month, I felt tremendous gratitude for where I live. Based on recent global events, Canada is becoming more and more attractive as a safe haven. Our economic and political stability combined with a wealth of natural resources continues to attract newcomers and foreign investment. Real Estate has been […]
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August Market Update: Politics and monetary policy continue to dominate headlines
Hello, Politics and monetary policy continue to dominate headlines. At the federal level, The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) recently released a letter to all federally regulated institutions asking them to engage in “Prudent underwriting of residential mortgage loans.” In practical terms their letter means there will be increased focus and scrutiny […]
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I want this Office Christmas Party (trailer)
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Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Monday, July 25, 2016
3 Tips for Installing Curtains
Putting up a curtain can be an easy way to upgrade any window in your home. In this article we will cover 3 guide tips for installing curtains, including: planning out your installation, installing rod brackets and hanging your curtains.
Image Source: Flickr
Planning Out Your Installation
Before you buy your curtains, snap a photo of your windows. Measure the width at the top, center and bottom of the window frame. Make a sketch marking the largest measurement. Also mark nearby vents, light switches and electrical outlets so that you don’t cover them.
Curtains: The size of your curtains makes a difference in the room’s decor:
- 63-inch curtains usually sit at or just below the sill.
- 84-inch curtains sit at or just above the floor.
- 95-inch curtains can be pooled on the floor for a more dramatic appearance.
You may need longer curtains if you’re mounting the rod near the ceiling. For width, both curtains combined should be at least twice the width of the window and trim.
Rods: Along with curtain size, the rod size and placement can make a difference too. Rods that extend 2-3 inches beyond the frame give a traditional look allowing the curtains to partially cover the window when open. Extending the rod 10-15 inches beyond the trim reveals the entire window, making it look wider. Source: Lowes
Installing Rod Brackets
Determine Bracket Placement: We decided to place our curtain rod 1-1/2” outside of the window on each side. This placement will ensure there will be no gap between the curtain and the window.
Also, determine the vertical placement of the brackets. This will likely depend on length of your curtains. Hanging the brackets above the window can make the window appear larger than it is.
Place Bracket Screw Holes: Place the bracket on the right side over the center of the mark. Using a level and a pencil, mark the holes where the screws will go.
Drill and Secure Brackets: Pre-drill holes for the screws using a 1/8” bit. Insert the screws into the pre-drilled holes, stopping about 1/4” away from the surface of the window frame. Slide the bracket onto the screws. Tighten the screws to secure the bracket to the window frame.
Level and Secure Other Bracket: Place the rod into the right-side bracket and use a level to determine the placement of the left side bracket. Align the bracket over the center of the 1-1/2” mark you made earlier. Use a pencil to mark the holes where the screws will go. Remove the rod, and repeat steps 4 to secure the left-side bracket to the frame. Source: DIYNetwork
Hanging Your Curtains
Thread the rod through the curtains. Attach your curtains to the rod before hanging the rod from its brackets. This will make things easier for you. Clip the straight tops of tab-less and pocket-less curtains with curtain clips. Start at the outer edge of each panel and space each clip evenly.
- Thread the rod through the top pocket opening of the rod pocket curtain panels. Pull each tab loop of both curtains over the rod.
- Secure the rod to the brackets. For most bracket and rods systems, you’ll either thread each end of the rod through the bracket holes or place the rod on top of a crescent-shaped depression in the brackets.
- Finalize the installation. Press the two finials into each end of the rod, or screw them in place, depending on their construction. Once the curtains are hanging from the rods in the desired spot, test the curtains. Make sure you can move the curtains as they’re designed to move. Source: wikiHow
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
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3 Tips on How to Throw a Spa Party
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King Arthur: Legend of the Sword Trailer
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Trailer: The Killing Joke… and THAT scene
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Brie Larson is our Captain Marvel
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San Diego Comic Con sneaks in a new Suicide Squad trailer
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12 Smart Devices To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Home
The future always begins today, and home automation is no stranger to that concept. In order to build a future where every action is seamlessly integrated with efficiency and convenience, we need to begin now. Home automation, and the quest for building a smart home, will play a major role in defining the future.
There are many unnecessary home automation devices that are crowding the market today, which makes it harder for consumers and homeowners to pay close attention to what they need. Most homeowners use convenience, safety, and efficiency as benchmarks to determine which home automation devices they should use to craft their smart home. However, not every homeowner knows what to look for when they decide that they want to automate their home.
Luckily enough for such homeowners, we will walk you through the products you need to make your home smart, and exactly which futuristic and best-selling gadgets will help you achieve this.
1. Ring Video Doorbell
Picture Source
The Ring Video Doorbell automates one of the oldest components of any home. The doorbell has always been the traditional method for notifying homeowners that someone is at their door. With the Ring Video Doorbell, home security is fused with one of the most traditional components of the home, and it makes for a wonderful home automation device.
The Ring doorbell connects to a homeowners Wi-Fi network and notifies them when someone presses the doorbell, or even when someone is approaching the door. This helps homeowners have a better grasp over their home security, due to the fact that it alerts you to potential danger instead of alerting you once it is too late.
In addition to these features, the Ring doorbell is easy to install, and it is also rain resistant and stands up to extreme heat. The doorbell works in conjunction with a mobile application that allows homeowners to remotely control the functions of the doorbell and live stream the feed from the surveillance camera.
2. Schlage Sense Smart Lock
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The Schlage Sense Smart Lock is an embodiment of everything that a smart lock should be. Smart automated devices are mostly geared towards increasing comfort and providing their owners with more convenience, but they also need to be capable of performing their primary functions. The Schlage Sense does just that.
The Schlage Sense is able to detect when someone unlocks the door via keypad, or if they unlock it with the use of the key. It also has a built-in siren that is activated if anyone tries to forcibly open the door. In addition to these amazing features, the Schlage Sense comes equipped with an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt, which is the highest rating a deadbolt can receive.
The lock boasts a sleek design, and allows homeowners to remotely control its function via the Schlage Sense app. This smart lock beats out its competitors because it does not sacrifice its quality for the sake of convenience. The lock cylinder that it comes with is immensely robust and truly helps to keep your home secure.
3. Nest Learning Thermostat
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The Nest Learning Thermostat lives up to its name and does so much more, which is part of the reason why so many homeowners love it. The Nest thermostat works well with several different heating and cooling systems. These vary from gas, electric, forced air, solar, geothermal etc. Whatever the heating or cooling source may be, there is a good chance that your Nest Learning Thermostat will be able to work with it.
Why is it called a learning thermostat? Simply because it learns your habits and adapts to them. This affords you true comfort and convenience. Imagine if you will, that you like to wake up to a cool home during the summer or fall asleep to a warm home during the winter. If this is the case, the Nest thermostat monitors your habits based on the settings you choose. It then begins to automatically apply these settings every day, so you no longer have to worry about constantly shifting the climate control settings.
In addition to this, the Nest thermostat can be integrated with other smart home devices. It can also notify you if there is something that might be a potential safety hazard within your home. The Nest apparently pays for itself. Since it saves you so much by conserving energy, the price you pay for it ends up being returned to you.
4. Amazon Echo
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The Amazon Echo is much more than just a speaker, even though that is its primary function. The Echo doubles as a voice activated device that also works as a home automation integration device. The Amazon Echo comes equipped with a voice-activated personal assistant named Alexa, who helps homeowners navigate several tasks within their homes.
The Amazon Echo can play music from many streaming services as well as help you unlock your front door or turn on your smart thermostat. The possibilities are truly endless with a device like this, and you can bet that Amazon is only getting started.
5. Philips Hue
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Automated lighting is probably one of the earliest forms of home automation still on the market today. Ever since it became a viable action, several home automation companies have worked to perfect a light bulb that is truly responsive, and does more than simply illuminate a room.
The Philips Hue connected bulb allows homeowners to control their light bulbs wirelessly. It also gives them the opportunity to customize their light intensity, and functions to specific habits and times. This bulb allows homeowners to set timers for the individual bulbs that are set up within their homes.
6. iSmartAlarm
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The Internet of things draws its strength from the need for interconnectivity between devices in order to make ordinary tasks safer, faster, and sometimes, a lot more fun. Home automation and IoT go hand in hand. They have given many families the ability to monitor the state of their homes from any location on earth and remotely control the actions that transpire within their homes.
The advent of home automation and IoT helped revolutionize the state of home security, and now smart home security systems are pretty much the norm. Smart home security systems work like many other home automation devices by connecting to a Wi-Fi network that enables users to have remote access to the security system. These security systems typically come with an array of sensors and monitors, which collect data from several points in your home and relay them through to the central controller. The iSmartAlarm system gives homeowners the chance to take a crack at an easy DIY installation. This security system is able to support multiple automation protocols, and works well with other devices and sensors.
A smart home cannot truly be integrated without a security system that helps you monitor your safety remotely and conveniently. And this system helps reduce the chance of getting blindsided by burglars.
7. Nest Protect
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The Nest Protect smoke alarm has been a hit with many homeowners, and it continues to grow in popularity. This comes as no surprise, as it joins the Nest Learning Thermostat in leading the way to a truly smart home. The smoke alarm senses danger before you do, and works to notify you beforehand with an efficiency that other smoke alarms will grow to envy.
This smoke alarm offers its users a seamless setup process and allows them to control and monitor the alarm from their smartphones and tablets. There are two models for homeowners to choose from, which include the battery powered smoke alarm or one that you wire into your home’s circuitry.
The Nest Protect is able to send notifications straight to a homeowner’s device, which helps notify them even when they are not home. In addition to this, the alarm is able to test itself and make sure that each of its components are in working order, which makes the entire process much more efficient and convenient for homeowners.
8. The Nest Cam
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It should come as no surprise that another Nest home automation device has ended up on this list. If you can’t tell by now, they make pretty solid stuff. They are among the few companies that have several available home automation gadgets, and this is another quality product of theirs.
The Nest Cam is a surveillance camera that gives its owners seamless installation and integration. It can also be controlled and viewed right from the palm of your hands. This ensures that users are not spending any time worrying about the state of their security because they can constantly be monitoring it. The Nest Cam boasts superior 1080p video output, as well as integration with other smart home devices if applicable. For homeowners that have the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest Protect, connecting these devices to each other is simple. This integration gives you a much wider security reach, and increases your levels of safety and comfort. The Nest Cam works with the Wi-Fi network that is present in your home. It also has two-way audio capabilities that give homeowners the opportunity to communicate with people in their home even when they, the homeowner, are not present.
Setting up the Nest Cam is relatively easy, and involves either placing the camera on a stand or on an easily attachable wall mount. The camera’s sleek design, video output, and audio features, coupled with the easy installation process, have made it a big hit among homeowners.
9. Samsung SmartThings Hub
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Home automation controllers, or control units, come in handy when homeowners have an array of different home automation devices installed throughout their home. The ideal home automation controller should be able to support multiple automation protocols and work exceedingly well with IFTTT (If This Then That) integration. These applications and protocols are some of the building blocks of home automation, and the Samsung SmartThings is one of the few controllers that is able to play nice with all of them.
In addition to working well with the numerous home automation protocols and devices on the market, the SmartThings Hub boasts a back up battery and connectivity to the Apple Watch, Amazon Echo, and numerous other devices. This hub gives homeowners the comfort of being able to control their home automation devices from a central location rather than having to assign each of their tasks separately.
As more and more homeowners gravitate towards convenience, the easy installation process of the Samsung SmartThings Hub is also a major selling point for the device.
10. Belkin WeMo Switch
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The Belkin WeMo Switch is a nifty little gadget that gives homeowners control over their power outlets. This product essentially gives users the ability to automate just about any device that needs to be plugged into a power source.
The Belkin WeMo Switch works in conjunction with the WeMo mobile application, and together they give homeowners an easy to follow installation process that will see them remotely controlling anything from night lights to televisions. In addition to these features, homeowners can program specific times for items in their homes to power on and off, which helps conserve energy. It also works well with other home automation devices, so you can set up you WeMo Switch to turn on the light in your hallway once the front door is unlocked. The possibilities are endless and the WeMo Switch helps feed your imagination.
11. Chamberlain Premium Whisper Drive
Most homeowners do not think of garage doors when they begin the quest to turn their houses into smart homes. Many people automatically start with their front doors, surveillance systems, and lights, paying little or no attention to their garage doors. However, Chamberlain’s Premium Whisper Drive garage door openers effectively put garage doors on the home automation map.
Chamberlain understands the importance of garage doors, and the company works to make the process of using one secure. The Whisper Drive can be controlled with a smartphone through the use of the Chamberlain app and it can be integrated with other automation devices. Also, the chamberlain Whisper Drive employs the use of a rolling code mechanism which makes it much hard for burglars to hack into your garage door opener. Chamberlain understands that your garage door should have as much security as any other entry way within your home, and they do not disappoint.
12. Honda Miimo
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The Honda Miimo is not a home automation device in the traditional sense. The Miimo does not give you the option of controlling your lawn mower from the comfort of your smartphone, but it does relieve you of the immense work that goes into mowing your lawn. The Honda Miimo is a lithe cutting machine that mows your lawn for you. All you have to do is program it, set it down, and then watch it go to work.
The Miimo works in different modes as it glides around your lawn and garden avoiding obstacles as it moves along. With all the gadgets and tech listed above, the Miimo will be a welcome addition to any smart home. Even though it cannot be remotely controlled or integrated, it still makes an everyday task autonomous. And that is still awesome in my book.
Conclusion
There are a plethora of devices that populate the market that can be thrown together to make your home a smart home. However, before homeowners go on a rampage buying every device that they can control with their smartphones, they need to understand that some devices might work better than others will. There is no such thing as a universal home appliance, because there is something unique about every home. For this reason, each home will need a little something different.
Homeowners should plan ahead to see what exactly they want to automate, and what they need to accomplish this. In order to choose the right appliances for the job, consult a professional. Improper application or product choice can cause long lasting damage to an integral component of their home.
The post 12 Smart Devices To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Home appeared first on United Locksmith.
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3 Tips to Prevent Summer Break-Ins
It’s summertime and families are gearing up for summer vacations, but burglars could also be waiting to break into an unattended home. Before you head out the door, make sure your home is protected with these 3 tips to prevent summer break-ins.
Image Source: Flickr
Prepare before Vacation
Residential crime spikes during July and August as people set off on summer vacations [source: Olsen]. As mentioned earlier, if you are going out of town for an extended period of time, call your local police and let them know. Also, alert neighbors you trust about your trip and ask that they keep an eye on your property during that time.
More importantly, when you leave town, don’t leave signs of an empty house. That will only make your house look like a giant bulls-eye to a thief. First, if you have a home phone, don’t change your message to alert callers that you have left town. Also avoid having piled up mail, overgrown lawns and newspapers strewn about your yard that send surefire signals you’re miles away.
Have a friend house sit or at least pick up your mail and newspapers. Ask them to move your car periodically to make it look like you’re still around. During the winter if you live in a cold weather climate, consider having someone shovel snow from your driveway. In the summers, arrange for someone to cut. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks
Secure Doors and Windows
With your kids at home for the summer, you may be less inclined to keep your doors locked, as they will likely be running in and out, alternating between playing outside and occupying themselves inside. However, having a lax attitude toward basic security, such as locking your doors consistently, is exactly what burglars are counting on. Fact: Many break-ins involve no “breaking” at all; for the most part, burglars identify an unsecured door or window and let themselves in. Fix it: Lock your doors. Do this each time someone enters or exits the house. It may be annoying to constantly lock and unlock doors, but your mild annoyance is probably preferable to being burglarized. Source:ProtectYourHome
Trick the Burglars
– When leaving for vacation, home owners should maintain a “lived in” appearance at their home. Having the mail and newspapers stopped before will create a presence that people aren’t away. It is important to also let trusted neighbors know you will be away so they can keep an eye on your home.
– Place a security bar, sometimes referred to a “Charlie Bar,” between the patio sliding door and door jam. Don’t assume that the latch on the door is secure enough to ward off a thief. Source:SafeWise
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Sunday, July 24, 2016
Registration Closing Soon!
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Wonder Woman Trailer Stuns San Diego Comic Con
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Justice League Teaser Trailer Shows A Different Tone
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3 Tips to Prevent Summer Break-Ins
It’s summertime and families are gearing up for summer vacations, but burglars could also be waiting to break into an unattended home. Before you head out the door, make sure your home is protected with these 3 tips to prevent summer break-ins.
Image Source: Flickr
Prepare before Vacation
Residential crime spikes during July and August as people set off on summer vacations [source: Olsen]. As mentioned earlier, if you are going out of town for an extended period of time, call your local police and let them know. Also, alert neighbors you trust about your trip and ask that they keep an eye on your property during that time.
More importantly, when you leave town, don’t leave signs of an empty house. That will only make your house look like a giant bulls-eye to a thief. First, if you have a home phone, don’t change your message to alert callers that you have left town. Also avoid having piled up mail, overgrown lawns and newspapers strewn about your yard that send surefire signals you’re miles away.
Have a friend house sit or at least pick up your mail and newspapers. Ask them to move your car periodically to make it look like you’re still around. During the winter if you live in a cold weather climate, consider having someone shovel snow from your driveway. In the summers, arrange for someone to cut. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks
Secure Doors and Windows
With your kids at home for the summer, you may be less inclined to keep your doors locked, as they will likely be running in and out, alternating between playing outside and occupying themselves inside. However, having a lax attitude toward basic security, such as locking your doors consistently, is exactly what burglars are counting on. Fact: Many break-ins involve no “breaking” at all; for the most part, burglars identify an unsecured door or window and let themselves in. Fix it: Lock your doors. Do this each time someone enters or exits the house. It may be annoying to constantly lock and unlock doors, but your mild annoyance is probably preferable to being burglarized. Source:ProtectYourHome
Trick the Burglars
– When leaving for vacation, home owners should maintain a “lived in” appearance at their home. Having the mail and newspapers stopped before will create a presence that people aren’t away. It is important to also let trusted neighbors know you will be away so they can keep an eye on your home.
– Place a security bar, sometimes referred to a “Charlie Bar,” between the patio sliding door and door jam. Don’t assume that the latch on the door is secure enough to ward off a thief. Source:SafeWise
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Saturday, July 23, 2016
Review: “Lights Out” Delivers Enough Spooks To Keep The Lights On
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Friday, July 22, 2016
Sutherland Townhomes – 12 Heritage Inspired Townhomes in Port Moody
Trillium Projects is building 12 heritage inspired townhomes located in lovable historic Moody Centre neighbourhood of Port Moody.
Sutherland townhomes have been designed with your family in mind. All homes feature 3 or 4 bedrooms (with at least 3 bedrooms on the same level), spacious modern interiors, private gated yards, and nearly unheard of these days, your own private attached garage
Centrally located, Sutherland provides easy to access to all shops, grocery stores, cafes and restaurants at the nearby by villages of Suterbrook & Newport, not to mention the every growing Craft Brewery scene on Murray Street. Located just one block South of St. John on St. Georges, you are just a short walk away from the new Evergreen line which will take you to downtown Vancouver in 30-40 mins or to Coquitlam centre in 10 mins. In your car you are a short drive away Buntzen Lake, Sasamat lakes and Barnett Marine Park, plus Rocky Point.
This being the first townhouse development in the area, this is a fantastic opportunity to be the first in, in what will be an ever growing community.
With Sale expected to launch in the Fall of 2016, touchbase with us to be kept up to date with this development and many others in the area like it.
The post Sutherland Townhomes – 12 Heritage Inspired Townhomes in Port Moody appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.
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Review: Star Trek Goes Beyond The First Two Movies
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Thursday, July 21, 2016
Movie in a nutshell: Star Trek into Darkness
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The Wave may be disaster movie of the year
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Honest Trailer: Batman V Superman
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Dan Aykroyd has harsh words for Leslie Jones Trolls
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New Pokemon Live Action Movie Sounds Rediculous
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The ‘xXx: The Return of Xander Cage’ Trailer is Insane
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SIPs – A Retro-Fit Route
Arguably one of the greatest challenges Britain faces when attempting to reduce its carbon emissions is the vitality of its existing building stock.
Estimates from the Chartered Institute of Building have suggested that 70% of the buildings constructed before 2010 will still be in use by 2050. With many of these buildings built to either weak or no carbon emission standard, this poses a serious issue and makes retrofit applications a priority.
For existing steel and concrete framed buildings, one of the most efficient ways to boost the energy performance of the property is by stripping and replacing the existing cladding. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are well suited to these types of applications. The panels are lightweight, minimising structural load on existing frames. SIPs also support a wide variety of finishes and façade systems and can greatly improve the fabric performance of existing buildings. By fitting the panels in out-board applications, it is possible to achieve these improvements without reducing usable space within the building footprint.
One of the first projects to take advantage of these benefits was the Lowery Centre at Waltham Forest College. The Centre, which houses the College’s engineering and fashion workshops, was constructed in the 1960s and was selected for refurbishment as part of the multi-million pound ‘Heart of the College’ investment programme.
The poorly-insulated original cladding was stripped back to reveal the concrete floor slabs and slotted brackets were secured to the face of the slabs. Screws were drilled through the corners of the SIPs and fixed to brackets. The brackets were then secured to the slotted floor brackets. This double bracket arrangement allowed the panels to be easily manoeuvred to compensate for distortions in the frame. A breather membrane was then stapled to the exterior face of the SIPs.
The pre-cut window entrances within the SIPs were designed to be smaller than those in the original cladding solution, minimising solar gains during summer and heat loss in winter. On the South elevation, brise soleil were also bolted to fixed posts within the SIPs to provide additional solar shading.
Timber battens were screwed outside the breather membrane and particle boards were fixed to these. A grey and white external render system was then applied to the surface of the particle boards. The project was completed on time and on budget for the new academic year with no loss in usable floor space.
In the next blog in this series, we will look at a variety of new projects which have benefited from SIPs.
In the meantime, why not catch up with previous blogs:
- SIPS – The History of a Truly Modern Method of Construction
- SIPS – A High Performance Cladding Solution
A new study has shown that by specifying SIPs in external cladding systems, over traditional approaches, it is possible to reduce the thickness of wall constructions, creating more lettable space within the same footprint. The report can be viewed in full here.
To keep up to date with all our latest blog posts you can follow the blog by clicking this RSS Feed link or by following us on Twitter @KingspanIns_UK or on Linkedin.
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Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Harley Quinn is Fabulous in New Suicide Squad Trailer
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These 4 Mortgage Features Will Help You Save Money
Many people search for the lowest mortgage rate. However, there are many other mortgage terms that need to be considered before committing to that low teaser rate. On average, home owners need to make adjustments to their mortgage every 3 years. Here are 4 other money saving aspects that need to be considered: Early Payout […]
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7 Essential Tips to Protect Your Home When You Go on Vacation
Vacation time is in full swing and we’ve put together some top tips to protect your home and keep it perfect for your return: 1. Put a hold delivery on your mail at Canada Post Hold Mail service is a secure, protected, convenient and trustworthy way to stop delivery on your mail at your residence […]
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Fellowship of the Ring 15th Anniversary trailer
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3 Tips to Make Your Bedroom Look Cozy
Regardless of the season, every home can benefit from adding a little cozy comfort. Here are 3 tips to make your bedroom look cozy, including: adding different sources of light, trying the dark hues and changing your window treatments.
Image Source: Flickr
Adding Different Sources of Light
Add some fairy lights. I love doing this. It makes your bedroom feel like your own private party. And isn’t that what a bedroom SHOULD feel like? Also, as an added bonus, you will look amazing under the soft glow.
And while we are at it, lighting is seriously important. Lamps are boring and so your mom’s bedroom. Add a super cool statement light next to your bed. You can make your own. Source: TotallyTheBomb
Trying the Dark Hues
While light colors are great for making a room feel larger, a darker hue envelops the bedroom, creating the perfect space to relax and slumber. The plush bed linens in this ultra-dark space add a nice contrast and look like the ideal spot to cuddle up in this cozy black bedroom. Source: HGTV
Changing Your Window Treatments
Experiment with window treatments. Changing the type of covering you have on your windows can improve the feel of your room. Many of the newer types of window treatments are designed to conserve energy and keep the cold or heat out without sacrificing on style.
Consider cellular shades, which look similar to pleated blinds but contain cells that conserve heat in your home. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and look softer and better made than vinyl blinds.
Explore blackout or energy saving curtains. These are made with a heavy-duty material that keeps the temperature in your room steady. Although the backing (the part facing outside) tends to be a rather dull color, the front of the curtains come in a huge range of color and textures.
Try soft, flowing textures. Look at drapes and window valances made out of soft, natural fibers like cotton, silk or wool. You can use energy efficient shades to block the light out, and then frame them with soft valances and drapes to add a bit more style to your room.
Try eco-friendly blinds and shades made out of bamboo or linen weaves for an earthy look. These options may be a little more expensive than some of the choices above but are long lasting and beautiful – as well as green!
Explore colored curtains. You can get colored curtains, as long as they aren’t hot pink or any bright color. Getting a light color for curtains will make your room feel more open because you can see through the window with a sheer one. If they are opened or closed they will not make a difference. Source: wikiHow
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 3 Tips to Make Your Bedroom Look Cozy appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
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3 Benefits of Body Scrubs
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Power Rangers Look Ready In New Uniform Picture
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Top 3 Safest Cities in America
Regardless of size or location, each one faces the problem of crime. But which of these communities are the safest cities in America? Continue reading to learn more about the top 3 safest cities in America.
Image Source: Flickr
Plano, TX
Despite California’s track record as home to some of the safest cities in the country, the gold medal goes to the wealthy town of Plano, deep in the heart of Texas. The Lone Star State’s shining star is the number one safest city in the country with regards to violent crime, and 6th in the nation in vehicle fatalities. Residents enjoy a median income some 60% above the national average, and a police force full of college graduates that keep the town safe, secure, and smiling. When it comes to home security, putting your loved ones in the right circumstances is step 1 in helping to ensure their safety. With impressive schools, extensive public services, low crime rates, and temperate weather, any town listed here would make a welcome home for the most precious things in your life: your family members. Source: ProtectYourHome
Irvine, CA
> Violent crimes per 100,000: 49
> 2014 murders: 0
> Poverty rate: 12.6%
> Unemployment rate: 4.1%
Of the 11 cities on the list located in California, Irvine is the safest. With no reported murders in 2014 and a violent crime rate of less than one incident for every 2,000 residents, Irvine is also the safest city in the country. Adults in the metro area are much more likely to be educated than adults across the nation. While 30.1% of American adults have earned a bachelor’s degree, 67.7% of adults in Irvine have earned a bachelor’s degree, a higher educational attainment rate than in all but four other U.S. cities.
Property crime is similarly rare in Irvine. At roughly 1,253 reported incidents of crimes such as larceny and burglary for every 100,000 area residents, only a handful of cities had a lower property crime rate than Irvine in 2014. By comparison, the national property crime rate the same year was more than double at 2,596 incidents for every 100,000 people. Source: MSN
Honolulu, HI
Island living is safe living. Honolulu has a violent crime rate of just 230 per 100,000 residents annually. Residents of the city also stay safe by staying out of their cars. Twelve percent take public transportation to work, while another 11 percent either walk or ride a bike. Just 56 percent drive to work alone. Source: CBSNews
If you’re planning a vacation and concerned about the safety of the final destination, these three cities are a good place to start!
Contact:
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver
555 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 4N4
Phone: (604) 239-0882
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Tuesday, July 19, 2016
3 Tips for Using Security Cameras at Home
Home security cameras can be the best way to protect your belongings and your property from theft. There are a few tips that you can use to make sure that your system is working the best it can.
Image Source: Flickr
Below are 3 tips for using security cameras at home:
Interior vs. Exterior
When most people consider installing a home security system, their mind is immediately filled with images of blinking home security cameras lining the exterior of a building. This is good, in a way, as monitoring the exterior of your business or residence can give you the upper hand over any potential threats outside. Still, while most people immediately associate security cameras with the outdoors, it’s important to remember the benefits that they can provide when arranged in the interior of your home. In addition to providing valuable monitoring of the assets in your home, the recordings these cameras capture can also serve as valuable evidence in the event of a burglary or home invasion. In fact, that was exactly the case for a homeowner in a Pittsburgh suburb last week, when footage of two men breaking into her home was caught on tape by her internal security cameras. If you’re installing security cameras in your home, consider the benefits of both interior and exterior cameras. Source: ProtectAmerica
Consider Entry Points
– Front door – 34% of burglars break in here
Surprised? We certainly are. Why would burglars break in through the front door?
Here’s what usually happens. A burglar will come up to your home, knock on your door. If someone answers, the would-be-burglar pretends to be someone looking for directions.
But if no one answers, they’ll kick the door open—even if you have a security alarm system.
– First-floor window – 23% of burglars break in here
Many burglars break into your home through a first-floor window, typically one not facing the street, by either breaking the glass or by opening it.
Yes, many homeowners forget to lock their windows, giving burglars an easy entry-point.
– Back door – 22% of burglars break in here
OK, now this makes sense. The back door is out of sight from anyone from the street. So it makes sense to put a camera here. Again keep it high so it’s out of reach of hands and ensure that a rock can’t smash it. Source: AckermanSecurity
Maintaining Security Cameras
Check your cameras periodically to make sure they’re working properly and to make sure they have a clear line of sight. Here are some tips for making sure your security cameras work to the best of their ability:
Keep them clean: Try to wipe down your video camera lenses on a regular basis, ensuring they don’t get covered with dust or debris. A camera with blurry vision is less helpful than a clean one. You want to keep your lenses sharp, so the police will be able to clearly identify someone if they break into your home.
Mind trees and bushes: With outdoor cameras, be aware of the trees, bushes, or other items or furniture around your home that might obstruct the vision of the cameras. A camera may be in a good location when you set it up, but you need to make sure to keep the camera’s line of sight clear.
Beware of elements: When placing cameras outside, make sure to use outdoor cameras that have been weatherproofed. If your home sees some heavy rain or a snowstorm, check your cameras and make sure they’re still working properly and that nothing is covering the lens.
Check batteries regularly: If you have motion sensor cameras, they will only record when motion is detected, thus saving energy, and you won’t have to sort through hours of useless footage. Still, be aware of your camera’s battery life and change them out when needed. Source: SafeWise
Contact:
Mr. Locksmith Calgary
555 Maidstone Drive NE
Calgary, Alberta T2A 4B6
Canada
Phone: (403) 800-9185
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Review: You’re Not Gonna Call These “Ghostbusters”
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New Doctor Strange Poster
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Vin Diesel shares a teaser for the new xXx
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How NOT to make a movie trailer: A Flying Jatt
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Keeping cool, while staying warm
Careful attention to building design is essential to meet the challenges of warmer summers, while also reducing the amount of energy that we use during the colder times of the year…
Homes are constructed to higher standards, with improved levels of energy efficiency, reducing heating demand, fuel costs and carbon emissions, which means that houses are now designed and built to be better insulated and more airtight to limit heat losses in the winter. However improved insulation levels and better air tightness could lead to overheating in homes during the summer months unless appropriate measures are taken.
Good design is essential. Designers should consider building orientation, glazing areas and types of construction to avoid overheating as well as ventilation, shading and thermal mass.
Ventilation
A good ventilation strategy is essential (with summer bypass for heat recovery where necessary), particularly with the much better levels of air tightness that are now being achieved, which helps to reduce heat losses in the winter months, but which requires adequate input and extract ventilation. Designed-in features such as purge ventilation (where the hot air inside the building is rapidly removed), must also be explained to occupants to ensure it is effective.
Shading
Features such as recesses, overhangs and balconies can be integrated into the building elevation as a means of providing solar shading. These features can be seen on the Victorian colonial style bungalows which incorporated deep verandas to help shade the internal space, but do tend to make those internal spaces darker. The glazing can also be optimised to reduce solar gain when and where necessary.
The original town hall and the first administrative building in Blantyre, Malawi showing shading verandah and use of thermal mass.
Thermal mass
In hot temperatures, higher thermal mass constructions can help to reduce daytime temperatures inside a building by absorbing some daytime heat gains and releasing that heat during the night. This has the effect of making the internal temperature range potentially more stable (but potentially needing more overnight purge ventilation if well insulated). The downside is that high “thermal mass” homes are typically considered to be less responsive to heating input during the heating season and require more heat energy to achieve thermal comfort (combined air and surface temperatures) and take longer to reheat once cooled down.
Higher levels of thermal mass buffer the temperature gain to the evening, but in a long heat wave it is possible for this thermal mass to stay warmer for longer.
In a highly insulated and airtight home where there is insufficient secure night-time ventilation, that built-up heat can increase the risk of overheating. If a higher thermal mass were required this can be achieved via various means such as the use of stone, concrete, brick, but a dwelling’s Thermal Mass Parameter is also affected by the floor finish, internal walls and internal floors, as well as the internal wall finish. Higher levels of thermal mass can be useful in climates that have large diurnal temperature swings (eg in the Middle East), where sufficient night time ventilation is incorporated into the building design, but is usually of less benefit in the UK. Some materials can act as both low and high thermal mass, via a phase change effect, although this would add cost.
A low thermal mass dwelling tends to have better heating responsiveness, with less lag, which can mean lower and more easily purged internal temperatures in the summer months at night, but does mean that daytime temperatures can be higher, which means that heat gains may need a little more consideration. A dwelling built using the Kingspan TEK building system for example combines a good level of air tightness, thermal insulation and good junction detailing to limit losses, and is typically considered a low thermal mass construction. With consideration of the various design issues discussed above, this will typically result in a highly efficient, comfortable building (but with low air tightness, a good level of air exchange ventilation would be important eg MVHR).
Summary
- The thermal protection of the external envelope (U-value) is mainly responsible for the heating consumption of a house.
- The prevention and reduction of thermal bridges from junctions is essential for the effective functioning of the insulation.
- Solar gains and losses from openings are significant and limiting these gains in the summer months, whilst maximizing them for the winter can be a key consideration.
- Heat losses from air exchange can be significant to the energy efficiency of a dwelling. In the summer months, adequate purge and cross ventilation needs to be considered.
- The influence of the thermal storage capability of the external leaf of walls is extremely small.
- The heat capacity of the building components facing towards the interior, which includes internal walls and intermediate floors (i.e. the thermal mass) can have a perceptible influence on the temperature stability and thus on summer comfort.
- Lower heat capacity wall constructions can result in higher temperatures in the summer months during the day (unless specific measures are undertaken to limit solar gains by shading and removing heat by adequate ventilation), but are balanced by quicker cooling and lower temperatures at night.
- During a heat wave, when the heat absorbed by building materials is re-emitted into the living space, a higher thermal mass construction could contribute to uncomfortably high internal temperatures and overheating unless specific measures are undertaken to limit solar gains by shading and removing heat by adequate ventilation.
- Within energy modelling calculations such as SAP, over a year’s demand, higher thermal mass construction is of minimal benefit when compared to the better responsiveness within the model for a low thermal mass construction. For a modern dwelling in the UK climate, a quick heating response (from lower thermal mass) is considered more beneficial within the calculations – and that makes it easier to pass.
Higher thermal mass is known to help with minimising summer overheating, with good design (good night ventilation, correct materials in the correct places), it can be very beneficial – which is why in hotter climates its use is so much more prevalent. It is however, also possible for lightweight housing to provide similar thermal comfort levels in the summer, using appropriate ventilation and solar shading.
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Open High Tech Dog & Bone Locksmart Keyless Bluetooth Padlock in Seconds! | Mr. Locksmith Blog
Open High Tech Dog & Bone Locksmart Keyless Bluetooth Padlock in Seconds! | Mr. Locksmith Blog. For further information on On-Line and Hands-on locksmith courses go to Mr. Locksmtih Training.
Don’t Trust Locks That Pretend to be Smart!
The New Dog & Bone Locksmart Keyless Bluetooth Padlock joins the list of new High Tech Locks that can be opened in seconds using very basic By-Pass Techniques. Dog & Bones Padlocks now joins the list of other Smart Locks that can be opened in seconds . Kwickset, Weiser, Baldwin, Stanley SmartKey locks are quickly all opened using the “Dumb Key Force Tool” or just a screwdriver.
Dog & Bones on their website state “LockSmart enjoys security comparable to a bank!” I open bank safes and locks and I can tell you I can not bypass without “signs of entry” or open is seconds teller safes and vaults in seconds!
The Dog & Bones Padlock and many other new High Tech Locks are reqularly written and reviewed by Tech Writers for months to years before a Locksmith or Security Professaional can get their hands on a sample. When we do, look out! I invited Jonathan Yaniv, Editor In Chief –TrustedNerd.com (http://ift.tt/29BGu9n) who writes reviews of new products and he was shocked how easy it was to open the padlock with just a pop can. When I shimmed open the padlock with my pop can shims Jonathan stated “thats quicker than actually pulling out your phone and opening it up with the app.”
Directly out of the box the Dog & Bone Locksmart Keyless Bluetooth Padlock was opened in seconds with the most simple bypass techique known to amaturers and professionals, I shimed the padlock. I didn’t use professional high strength spring steel shims, I made a set of shims from an aluminum Root Beer can.
Anybody can go on the Internet of YouTube and find hundreds if not thousands of videos on how to defeat inexpensive padlocks. Shimming is only one simple bypass technique. I have not even started my other simple bypass methods or ramped up to High Tech Bypass Methods.
The Dog & Bone padlock is not cheap, it costs $90.00+ USD. You would expect some very basic built in physcial methods to defeat simple shim bypass technquies. Some $10 padlocks can not be defeated with aluminum soda can shims.
Sorry, but the Dog & Bone Locksmart Keyless Bluetooth Padlock FAILED!
I look forward to testing more of this and other Smart Locks and lets see what other methods I can use to open these Smart Locks in seconds.
Don’t Trust Locks That Pretend to be Smart!
Dog & Bone Padlock FAIL!
Dog & Bone Padlock
Dog & Bone LockSmart Padlock
Dog & Bone LockSmart Padlock Basic ByPass Tools
Dog & Bone LockSmart Padlock Basic Shim ByPass Method
Dog & Bone LockSmart Padlock
Making Padlock Shims for Aluminum Can
Mr. Locksmith Padlock Shims
Note: Representatives of Dog & Bone Locksmart were sent this video and a more detailed video before the Video was made public. No comment to date.
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