The fence is one of the primary elements that people will notice about your property. It is also an essential aspect of your property’s security and privacy. One of the best-looking, inexpensive, and most durable options for fencing nowadays is a chain-link fence. There are several design options for these fences, including metallic and color-coated, composite and post, and chain-link fences.

With all these benefits, most property owners contracting the services of a fence company in Tampa overlook chain-link fences for other options. The primary reason for this is the lack of privacy associated with the fences. This should, however, not stop you from getting a chain-link fence since there are many options for enhancing the fence’s privacy. Here are a few of the best:

Fence Slats

The spaces in a chain-link fence can comfortably allow the vertical insertion of narrow pieces. The individual slats are slid from the top and are securely held in place by the wires of your fence and hence need no additional reinforcement. Chain-link fence slats are typically made of aluminum or polyethylene. Although expensive and tedious to install, they offer 75% visual blockage.

Full Bamboo Screens

Bamboo fencing comprises attached poles with a thickness of 2 centimeters to 2 inches. The screens can be installed in chain-link fences by tying them using foot-long 16 gauge wires to the poles and rails. The best poles in chain-link fences for tying bamboo screens are those with a node since these act like natural weather-resistant caps for the screens. Full bamboo screens offer 85% visual blockage and give your property a tropical-like look and feel. However, they need regular maintenance to minimize their risk of deterioration.

Reed Screens

These are made of thin bamboo reeds with the thickness of drinking straws woven together into mats with lengths of approximately 8 to 10 feet. Reed screens are generally installed vertically. They offer 85% visual blockage when new, and they are among your cheapest privacy options. Still, they last for only 1 to 2 years, after which they start falling out of the wires and weaving materials and turn gray or yellowish brown.

Mesh Windscreen

This option at first glance resembles a tarp. Mesh windscreens are wind- and water-permeable, with brass grommets and a double-thick trim around their perimeter. The screens can be attached to your chain using zip ties and provide privacy of 80 to 96%. This privacy option is extremely durable since it is made of UV-rated non-organic polypropylene. Unfortunately, mesh windscreens have a low aesthetic impact and are commonly used on tennis courts, swimming pools, and schools rather than residential properties.

Wooden Panels

These are pre-constructed in factories then attached to the chain-links using U brackets. Most of the wood species used for these panels are weather-resistant and have excellent durability. The visibility coverage of wooden panels is approximately 90%. They are, however, bulky and will need more than two people to install.

With these alternatives, you can now invest in chain-link fences without apprehension about your property’s lack of privacy. Moreover, these options will significantly boost the look of your property. Still, they will work only when installed by a professional and bought from a reputable dealer.

The best way to utilise a backyard space is by using part of it for cabins or sheds. But what exactly is the difference or the similarities between these two build-outs? Let’s find out and see what suits your needs.

What is a shed?

A shed is a structure that’s usually small and built with framework and cladding. The building parts usually come in pre-fabricated and delivered to the building site, in a ready-to-build format.

The biggest advantage of using this is it takes a shorter amount of time to put together. If you have enough people to help build it, it can actually be done in a single project day.

Sheds are typically used as external storage facilities within the premises of one’s property, typically placed in the backyard. There are other popular uses of this type of building, and we’ll get to that in a bit, after answering the question below.

What is a cabin?

Cabins come in larger unit sizes and are built on-site, using individual logs to build the walls and can accommodate modifications to its layout, including adding a bathroom and a kitchenette in the setup. The biggest advantage of a cabin is that it has a higher level of insulation, making it an ideal aux room, home extension, or a separate dwelling unit within a property’s premises.

It can also be used as a storage facility — like its sibling structure, the shed — but can also be used for different other purposes. This includes using it as an outdoor den, a creative studio, a pool house, or even a guest house.

Which one is better?

The answer is both are great options to use for building a structure in the backyard, and these two are commonly interchangeably used. It all depends on how big your space is and what the overall purpose of it will be.

If you’re looking to use it as a guesthouse, a workspace, a gran flat — mainly a working or a dwelling space, cabins are an excellent option. But if space is a challenge, a shed will do just as good. For use as a storage facility, a relaxing outdoor nook, an indoor garden, or a workshop, or even a kids’ playhouse, sheds are an ideal and practical option.

The size of the finished structure also allows you to install a couple of these side by side if you have space and would like to have separate buildings for different uses.

How do you spruce it up?

Both cabins and sheds can be designed to suit your taste. Both buildings can withstand the changing seasons, and both offer the protection you need for any of your outdoor dwelling, gardening, or workspace needs.

The good thing about these structures is that these can be relocated, in the event of moving to a new home. These structures can also be used for various purposes, throughout its lifetime, without having to tear it down to serve its new purpose. It’s pretty much a blank canvass that you can design to make it fit your changing space requirements; it’s practical and efficient, and adds value to your property to boot.

Are you starting with your shed or cabin project this weekend? Here are some design ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Have fun building and designing, and congrats in advance with new (auxiliary) home!

Gone are the days when office workspaces were limited to cubicles. Companies are now more aware of what employees need to ensure that they are in an environment where they can be most productive. After all, a happy workplace is almost certain to result in a better more profitable organisation.

An important way to ensure employee productivity is by promoting health. When workers are physically and mentally healthy, they’re better able to contribute to their company. A happy and healthy workforce is also much more likely to be actively engaged in the success of the company.

Bring in Workspaces for Different Personalities

Every office is made up of different personalities. Some people tend to socialise with everyone while others prefer to work in solitude. Many fall into the middle of this spectrum, and it is in a business’ interest to make sure they accommodate, to the best of their ability, all the people in the company.

Accommodating the needs of different personalities will help employees collaborate with each other and be more efficient in their work. Commercial office fitouts can add a collaborative area where employees can freely exchange ideas with colleagues, while independent workspaces provide a space where employees can work quietly.

Add Plants

A 2010 research by the New University of Technology Sydney revealed that plants help lower stress and improve moods in the office. Reports showed that staff members with plants in their offices showed reduced stress levels by 30 to 60 per cent. In addition, colour psychologists assert that green has a relaxing and calming effect.

The office does not necessarily need to have a full-blown garden, but adding natural elements in the area will certainly help improve mental health. Some common biophilia elements in the office include walls of foliage or simple potted plants on desks.

Use Ergonomic Furniture

Employees are prone to health problems, even if they are just sitting down on their desks all day. Some common problems include carpal tunnel syndrome and poor posture. Investing in ergonomic furniture will help workers prevent these conditions.

Also, consider adding sit-stand desks to encourage staff members to adopt a standing position which improves overall health in the office. In fact, a 2018 study by Loughborough University proved that reducing sitting time not only boosts productivity but also reduces back problems.

Install Proper Lighting

Proper lighting makes all work tasks easier as it reduces eye fatigue and headaches. Consider bringing in more natural light to the office by enlarging the windows or adding more of them. Also, adding corrective or ambient lighting in the office will help minimise discomfort brought by fluorescent light fixtures.

Add a Recharge Area

Even the most dedicated and enthusiastic employees tire and need to recharge. Having a space where workers can rest will do wonders for their well-being. A gaming area is a common space for employees to exercise and de-stress, while recharge rooms allow them to meditate or relax for a few minutes.

Companies are now better armed with the knowledge of how to take care of their employees. Although it may seem that there is an initial cost to setting up different office spaces or refurbishing them, the benefits of having healthy and happy employees makes the initial outlay worthwhile.

Businesses are making decisions pertaining to improving their workforce’s mental and emotional health. And there are several programs and initiatives that can help them achieve these. That way, workers will be able to achieve a sense of fulfilment and motivation on the job.

Below are some of the significant pointers that businesses need to keep in mind.

Implement flash walks

It really is essential to implement flash walks for an hour. This can help employees stimulate their creativity level. Walking on industrial stairs helps provide both psychological and physical benefits, too.

This can also decrease the healthcare costs for a company. The presence of industrial stairs can really help move the energy forward among them. This will also help avoid the strain of standing or sitting for long time periods.

Give the option of working at home

This may seem a not-so-ordinary pointer to consider. But, businesses need to allow their employees to work from home. This should be the norm because it gives employees the chance to boost their morale and productivity.

Apart from it, they get an emotional and mental break from being inside the office. They also at least get a good break from a long commute.

Introduce healthy foods to them

Healthy food actually means to say heal thy self with foods. That is why corporations and businesses need to provide processed-free and organic foods. There are already corporate cafeterias that can be seen in most companies.

And that is quite good news to know that anyone can have access to healthy food choices. During the warmer months, it would be ideal to have farmer’s markets. These will potentially open them up to the freshest farm produce available.

Also, an integrative wellness program can guide them to eat healthily. Proactive feedback will also positively promote good diet and health.

Incorporate fitness programs

The lives of employees should be filled with joy, balance, longevity, work productivity, and physical activity. The good thing is that it is easy to incorporate this.

The management should present stress management training and seminars, yoga classes, on-site or full-scale fitness centres, and more. As they stay in the office, they should enjoy perks that make them perform better and feel better.

Create CSR programs

Employees need to be fully engaged in several corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. This is in line with experiencing complete well-being.

Success and growth won’t pursue when there is no purpose attached to them. Promote a healthy and fulfilling life among employees. They should know the very purpose of life. And that involves the need to contribute more to others.

They must understand the importance of giving back while reaping off successes in life. This can already serve as a guide for them towards living a life that is meaningful and valuable.

Managers should explore ways to appreciate their employees. That is so far achieved by implementing some of the initiatives like flash walks, corporate social responsibility, and more. Boost their well-being and morale with all those mentioned pointers.

A furnace is a necessity during cold weather. It just so happens that Salt Lake City can get a lot colder than most cities. A cold home may need immediate furnace repair services in Salt Lake City. A furnace is one of the most important features of any home. It keeps the house and its occupants warm and comfortable. However, problems sometimes happen, and when they do, the homeowner should understand what is happening before calling professional help.

Common Problems

Traditional furnaces are non-managed. These are turned on when the weather is cold and turned off when the weather is warmer. Today’s furnaces are more sophisticated and need proper monitoring and maintenance. There are automatic switches, thermostat controls, and even apps which can control the furnace. There are more problems with modern furnaces. The homeowner would do well to know possible furnace problems so he can relay this to the professionals.

Eight of the most common furnace problems are:

1. The furnace is not turned on, or the thermostat is set at a low temperature. It is easy to think that the furnace is turned on because it was working a while ago. The furnace might have turned off due to the breaker switch. Or it might have turned off because of the timer. If the timer’s date and time are wrong, it would still turn off and follow the time on the automated timer switch.

If there is inadequate heat, it is possible that the thermostat is set too low. Try to set the thermostat at least 5 degrees above the actual temperature. This will save you money in the long run and would keep the furnace from overheating.

2. The furnace is turned on, but it is not producing any heat. Check the circuit breaker. It might have switched off inadvertently.

3. The furnace is not producing enough heat. Check the filter; if it is dirty, it is time to replace it.

4. Safety switch did not turn on. The safety switch is part of the door system. The safety switch keeps the system turned off until after the furnace door is closed. Locate and inspect the safety switch, test it by closing and opening the furnace door and checking if the device turns on and generates heat, or not.

5. Cluttered surroundings. For safety reasons, keep the area around the furnace clean. This means that flammable liquids should be stowed elsewhere, and away from the furnace. The paper should not be kept lying near the furnace. Paper and flammable fluids do not mix well with furnaces. Additionally, the clutter might be hindering the air flow.

6. The burner flame should be blue. It’s like a gas range; it burns fuel cleanly if it is blue and even. However, when it burns yellow, or the flame is too low, then it may have problems either in the fuel, tank or the hose.

7. The furnace blower lacks maintenance. The blower helps distribute the heat throughout the house. To ensure proper operation, it should be oiled once a year.

8. Check the limit switch. The limit switch controls the blower. If the limit switch is not running properly, the blower will run continuously, and this will result in a shorter life span. If the limit switch is faulty, the temperature will run too high.

The above troubleshooting steps help the user to keep their furnace running properly. Although these can be quickly done by the owner, most parts replacement are better done by professionals.

Swing doors with hinges are still popular in Australia, but cavity sliding door systems are gaining traction in urban residential areas where space is limited. When door clearance is an issue and when someone in the family has difficulty moving around, a cavity slider is the architect’s choice.

What more do you need to know about cavity sliders before sealing the deal with a local contractor? Read on to find out.

Finding a door with a frame that slides within a wall

Finding a company with an extensive product range is the first step to having an alternative divider and entryway. While browsing catalogs, you will realize that there is more than one version of this type of door. High-quality sliding doors come in standard and custom sizes. Usually, cavity sliders are metal doors, but wooden doors are available as well.

Single and double cavity doors

The biggest attraction for these doors is the improved accessibility coupled with a more streamlined look. A sliding door within a single cavity frame is a standard for bathrooms and indoor entryways. A double-sided cavity frame goes with double doors and glides smoothly within a wall cavity. A double door is more popular as an entryway in between rooms.

Introducing the glass door cavity frame

Sliding doors are relatively easy to install. Moreover, they slide smoothly and make very little noise when done right. It might interest you to know that many commercial establishments favor another type of cavity door.

The glass door cavity frame is a great alternative to thick opaque doors that open on hinges. You’ve probably seen one in a hotel or retail store. These doors are tough enough to be placed in high traffic areas.

Half-slide installations are space savers, too

There is another solution for doorways in locations with limited space—whether in a home or business setting. A half-hinged installation can open from a hinged side and can slide as well.

Weather-resistant sliders

If you want to keep exploring cavity door options, then consider aluminum sliding doors. These can be customized to fit the aesthetic requirements of your home’s main entrance. Since they can be fitted with mortise locks, you may use this type of door as the main entryway. Business establishments are favoring the design given the advantages it offers. Aside from being a space-saving alternative, the material and design offer longevity and security. The weather-resistant coating allows for use in various climatic conditions.

Top or bottom

There is one more feature that requires your attention. A sliding door may be top hung or bottom rolling. In terms of design and engineering, you may ask your architect or contractor which type is the most suitable. There are many important questions to ask. For instance, if you want an exterior sliding door, is it better to install one that is hung on top? If the requirement is an interior entryway, would a bottom rolling installation be more advisable?

Sliding doors are meant to be used in both residential and commercial applications. When choosing the right type and style of door for your property, the form and function should be given equal importance.