Architectural Canopy

Most of the modern skyscrapers that we see do not sport architectural metal canopies unlike most of the smaller buildings and structures do. A canopy is considered to be an important element in the outdoor structure of a building because it protects it from the elements including the sun and rain. It also helps cool down the place without the need for a powerful air conditioning system to be installed inside.

Available Materials to be used of Architectural metal canopies

Metal canopies are considered to be durable in comparison to the other materials that are also used for canopies. They last longer compared to wood and canvass. It also needs less maintenance.

There are several kinds of architectural metal canopies that you can choose from. One is made of Iron or steel. Although this material is heavier than the other materials, it is sturdy and durable. However its weight is also the reason why it has a limited use. You will see a lot of wrought iron awnings, which completes the look of classic and old style buildings that are

If you are looking for a more lightweight material for a design that needs architectural metal canopies then you can consider getting one that is made of Aluminum. Metal canopies made of aluminum are more common because it is more affordable. The problem with aluminum canopies is that it is not the best looking one on the block. You would have to add more details like paint it with the color that matches the building in order to make it look more pleasing. The only concern when you paint it is that it tends to chip and flake off especially when the weather gets too hot.

If you are looking for the right balance of durability and style then you can consider using copper for your architectural metal canopies. Copper canopies actually get better with age since the color of it changes depending on the season. Also, this material is also the one that needs the least maintenance making a real value for money.

Canopy

If you are looking for canopy and are interested in building your own, let us provide you with some helpful tips. There are many different types of canopies on the market today. Choosing a pre-built canopy can be a daunting task. Browsing information on party tents, canopies and portable garages from one website to another is time consuming and at the end of it all, do you really know the differences between all the products being sold? This article will provide you with some of the answers to your canopy questions as well as explain how you can build your own canopy.

The first step in buying or building a canopy is to decide what diameter tubing is appropriate for the canopy size you are interested in. The frame diameter is probably the most important factor in any canopy decision. Do Not Be Fooled By Low Prices! Just because you see party tents, canopies or portable garages that are marked at an unbelievably low price does not mean it is a good purchase. A good general guideline for appropriate frame diameter is the following. Canopy frames that have dimensions of 18' W x 20' L or less should have a minimum pipe diameter of 1-3/8" and be made preferably out of galvanized steel. For canopy frames that have dimensions of 20' W x 20' L a minimum pipe diameter of 1-5/8" or more should be required. Pipe Gauge is another important factor when determining the frame size and diameter. Pipe Gauge is the thickness of the pipe wall and is a key element in determining how sturdy the canopy will be. Canopy frames that use pipe with a gauge higher than 18 should be avoided at all times. When dealing with tubing remember that as the number increases the pipe wall thickness decreases. A 24-gauge pipe is much thinner than an 18-gauge pipe. If the pipe wall thickness is too thin there is a greater likelihood that the canopy will collapse the first windstorm you encounter.

The second step in buying or building a canopy is to decide on the desired angle. The three main styles of canopies on the market today include the Flat Roof, the Low Peak and the High Peak. The most common of the three is the High Peak angle or A-Frame. The Flat Roof canopy features a 90-degree angle and is good for short-term shade protection or one day events such as flea markets. The Flat Roof canopy is not the best choice if you are looking for long-term coverage or all season protection. Although the Flat Roof canopy is highly functional, the flat top shape is not ideal for rain or snow. Since there is no angle to the roof, rain and snow can build up on the surface and cause collapse. For regions with fair weather and non-existent snowfall, the Low Peak style is a nice choice. The Low Peak canopy features a 110-degree angle and is considered a shallow pitch. The slight angle provides some shape for rain to run off but is still better suited for environments without severe, year round weather. However, the Low Peak canopy is ideal for neighborhoods that do not allow objects to show above the fence line. The High Peak angle is the most popular style for canopies and features a high angle 120-degree pitch. The High Pitch design is ideal for the shedding of snow and water. The steep angle prevents snow and water from building up on the canopy frame. The result is a sturdy all weather canopy frame that will last season after season.

Outdoor Canopies

The first thing we might think of when we hear the word 'canopy' is the leaves of tall trees which make a heavy cover overhead, not allowing the sun to touch the heavy undergrowth in dense forests. In modern times, 'canopy' has a different meaning. Canopies, or outdoor canopies, are temporary coverings used in open outside space.

However, there are a number of varieties of canopies, and one has the opportunity to choose from hundreds of canopies that are easily available at retail shops and online as well.

A few types of canopies are outdoor shade canopies, outdoor canopy tents, garden canopies, pop-up canopies, KD canopies and so on. Canopies are not only meant for taking rest in the outdoors, but are also concerned with the protection of your valuable outdoor assets.

Usually, the canopies are attractive and sturdy. They serve as cover, shade and shelter for your patio, greenhouse, party, flea market, parking space, nursery, plants, flowers, camping area, garden area, pet, storage, deck, pool, barbeque, dog kennel, outdoor event or construction area.

Not only this, a canopy can also give shelter and protection to one's car, truck, recreational vehicle, boat, Jet Ski and other such things. These fancy and multi-functional canopies can also be used as a free-standing carport, dock house, gazebo, garage and virtually any other cover.

Fireplace

First, why are you installing a fireplace? Is is for recreational use and entertaining? Is it serving as a backup emergency heating system? Supplemental heat for a chilly room? Is it simply a decorative element to enhance your decor? Fireplaces are available in a wide range of designs fireplaces being used as supplemental or backup heat sources will get the most use and a higher quality (more expensive) model will be a better choice that generally offers greater efficiency.

Who will be using the new fireplace? What is your lifestyle? Elderly people and those with health problems may not be able to handle the vigors of toting firewood. But if you have the time to enjoy the rituals of cutting, splitting and stacking wood and the idea of free heat from fallen trees on your property, an investment in a wood burning fireplace may suit your needs perfectly. Otherwise, expand your possibilities to gas or electric fireplaces.

Fireplace design experts and chimney sweeps agree that low-end, builder-grade fireplaces should only be used for occasional, recreational fires such as family gatherings at holidays. If you expect to use your fireplace once a week or more during the winter, opt for a higher end model that will last for many years because replacement is an expensive, time-consuming project. Now let's begin with the next stage of planning.

Garden

Gardens are not only for lawns and household play fields, but can also be perfect locations for storage sheds wherein one can just basically stock unused household stuffs in the shed. As part of the entire house exterior, it is only but proper that garden sheds will also look presentable and in-relative to the house's design.

In order not to be a total complete eyesore, garden shed designs should be well-planned. Shed plans should be in harmony with the available space in the garden as well as the design befitting the house's style. Furthermore, garden shed designs should serve its purpose to the owners in general.

The following are some basic tips on how to build your garden shed:

Space. Before one make his/her own storage building plans, one has already the estimate of the space where the garden shed will be placed. Aside from the space available, decide also which part of the garden it will be located. Make sure that it will not be located somewhere near the main road so as to avoid blockage of the pathway in the future.

Layout. On a piece of paper, have a layout of your garden shed designs. One needs not to be an architect or engineer for this matter; a basic design of the garden shed - such as how it looks like - will do since this will only serve as a guide to the carpenter or designer in building the shed. If one is really very intricate about it, he/she can hire a designer or architect to make the storage shed plan.

Materials. In the storage building plans, also include the kind of materials which you like for your garden storage shed. Most of which are made out of wood as woods are deemed as perfect materials for a garden storage shed. Aside from the fact that woods are cheaper, it can also blend well in the environment of a garden wherein shades of green and earth colors fill the area. It is advisable, however, to put wood treatments in certain parts of the garden storage shed. This is to prevent pests or house bugs in getting into the woods.

If you cannot do it on your own, find someone who is learned and skillful in carpentry and designing storage sheds. Look for highly qualified individuals who can construct your garden storage shed. This does not only entail a sturdy garden storage shed output, but also a saving from time and materials used.

Picture Frame

Your picture frames protect some of your family's greatest treasures- your family pictures. Help keep them protected and looking wonderful for years by following these two simple steps.

Reproduce Your One-of-a-Kind Photographs

In this day and age of modern technology and computer-stored images, there's still no substitute for protecting your most precious memories by making duplicates of them. Your wedding photo may be prominently displayed in a perfect sterling silver picture frame, but if it's the only copy you have, then it's not all that protected.

If you have old photographs the best way to protect these most precious pictures is to have them professionally duplicated. For your important new pictures that you already have on disc, you should also consider making an extra copy of your print in case the disc gets damaged. You then want to store these copies in a safe, secure place. Whatever you do, never keep your original photos in the same place as the copies. If you do, you may risk losing them as accidents, like fires, floods and other catastrophes do happen. While you may have insurance to cover the physical cost of these items, if you lose them, you'll lose them forever. Make sure to store them in a safe, dry location away from your home. A safety-deposit box is a prime example.

Clean Your Frames on a Regular Basis

One of the simplest ways to ensure that your picture frames last is to clean them regularly. Just like any item in your house, picture frames collect dust. And if not regularly cleaned, eventually dust will work its way inside the picture frame and leave the frame and picture looking dirty.

To minimize the dust that can build up, simply dust regularly with a slightly damp cloth. If your picture frame has been neglected a bit, you'll need to do a more thorough job and remove the glass and picture. To clean the entire wood frame, inside and out, first lay it on a soft, thick towel face down. Never set a precious frame, like a sterling silver picture frame, on its front side without something protecting it. This could damage the glass or scratch the metal or wood, which could be a major challenge to fix.

Once you open up the frame and carefully remove the picture and the glass and clean the glass thoroughly. I suggest using a cloth to clean the glass as paper towels can leave an acid residue behind that can damage your pictures over time.

For your wood frames, use a damp cloth or dust cleaner. Don't, whatever you do, clean the picture frame while the picture is inside.

For metal frames, such as a silver plated frame, the best solution is to use a damp towel and wipe it down. This way you eliminate the risk of using a cleaner that could damage your metal frame as some metals react badly with some cleaners.

For older solid pewter frames or sterling silver frames that are tarnished, use a high quality silver cleaner and follow the directions on the bottle carefully. If your frame is tarnished, always test a small portion along the bottom of the frame (or on the back) to make sure the cleaner won't damage your picture frame. If your sterling silver frame or silver plated frame doesn't look tarnished, then don't use a cleaner as the frame probably has a lacquer finish and can only be cleaned with a damp cloth and water.