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If
you've got rattling leaky old windows and want to be
more comfortable this winter, the secret lies in the
mysterious parting bead.
Stand
in front of your problem window and look for the narrow
strip that runs between the upper and lower sash. That
is the parting bead or parting stop. In New England
they are almost always 3/8" x 3/4" strips of wood that
should run all the way from the top of the window to
the sill. If your windows rattle in the wind, chances
are your parting bead is missing at the bottom or has
come out of its slot.
A
new product, called Easy Stop from Advanced Repair Technologies is like
parting beads on steroids. The kit consists of a left
and right parting bead with integrated pile weather-strip
that snugs up next to your window sash and stops any
drafts that were headed into your house. It can fit
windows up to 80" tall and a maximum width of 42". For
around $150 per window you can enjoy looking out at
the snow without freezing.
And
please - don't paint the parting bead! Windows slide
best when the wood is not painted so leave those parting
beads alone.
FOR
MORE INFORMATION:
Alison Hardy
Window Woman of New England
window-woman-ne.com
978-561-1062
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Winning
the Laundry War
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Are you tired of battling your laundry basket up and down
stairs to into the basement? Tired of trying to get other
family members to pitch in more? There may well be space
on your first floor or - better yet, your second floor
- to put in a laundry area.
Most homes have unused or underutilized space that can
accommodate at the least a washer and dryer, or at the
most a well-thought-out workspace for laundry.
The greatest difficulty, of course, is adding plumbing.
But, in the right scenario, all that is needed is a small
strip in the wall measuring 5" wide by 2' to 3' tall,
with pipes coming up from the first floor or the basement.
Installing a washer near an existing bathroom or kitchen,
where plumbing is already present and accessible, makes
good sense. You may also need to run another electrical
outlet. Talking to a plumber is a good idea. |
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Next,
research the types of laundry machines available. If
you haven’t bought a new washer or dryer lately, they’re
not your mothers’ machines - there are a lot of options,
each with pros and cons that may dictate your decision.
For example, machines that run more quietly may be required
if the equipment abuts a bedroom.
Other elements to consider in making a great laundry
room:
- If
the washer overflows or leaks, it can cause
a lot of damage. Washers can be placed behind a curb
or lip, or a pan and drain can be installed under
the washer for protection. A primer or valve that
drips some water into the drain pipe's trap is a good
idea.
- Careful
choice of flooring material.
- Fancy
or plain, cabinets and countertops bring
in needed storage and work surfaces. A soaking sink
is a bonus. Some laundry rooms are large enough to
accommodate and organize winter clothing storage.
Many folks even retrofit cabinets from a kitchen remodel
into new laundry spaces.
- There
are lots of wall- and counter-mounted ironing boards
out there. Also consider a small clothesline system
or drying racks.
- Well-planned
Lighting is critical. First, you need to
see the dirt so that needs to be cleaned. Second,
good lighting makes the room pleasant to work in.
A mix of ceiling fixtures and task lighting may be
best.
- Decorative
Details - Like a pretty paint color or a
touch of attractive trim - might take some of the
drudgery out of doing the laundry. A small TV can
help pass the time.
Don’t
have the space upstairs for your laundry space? Consider
“upgrading” your basement laundry area. Any room that
is pleasant, clean, well-lighted, and efficient is more
likely to get used. |
New
- Notable - Neat
From
our constant influx of the latest products and ideas
for homes - inspiring, whimsical, utilitarian,
and feasts for the eyes....
auton.com - for ways to hide that enormous flatscreen
TV when it’s not being used.
eldoradostone.com/walkthrough - for some stone interiors
and exteriors that you won’t believe aren't real.
icynene.com - Even the Pink Panther would agree:
this is the easiest and healthiest insulation product
we have used.
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97
Tenney Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
Phone: 978-887-2587
Fax: 978-887-2586
http://www.mvconstruction.com/
davewest@mvconstruction.com
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September
2007
August
2007
