Before I head out into the Maine woods, I make sure I prepare in anticipation of a potential problem in the wild: a flashlight, dry matches, a compass, a knife and a poncho. This month we address the benefits of planning ahead when constructing your home’s foundation and installing both proper radon mitigation and drainage.
Moisture can cause many problems and contribute to poor air quality if mildew or mold gains a foothold. Radon, the invisible gas that can collect within our homes, can cause serious illness if not vented away from the interior. It’s easy to install these precautions when the foundation is being poured, retrofitting can be costly.
We also take a look at an easy way to see how garden plants grow in your first-year garden in your new home. Using portable containers, you can identify the ideal plantings to grow in the various locations in your new yard. We also assess adding pleasant aromas to your home interior and how certain essential oils can help to calm or energize inhabitants.
A new architectural glass uses new technology to ensconce botanicals into the glass to create a dramatic option for privacy and beauty that is 100 times stronger than tempered glass. And engineers have rethought the ubiquitous ceiling fan to offer a cleaner, more quiet and super-efficient Haiku Fan.
Drainage, Radon and Your Foundation
The two top issues associated with basements and foundations are drainage-keeping your basement dry-and radon mitigation-venting harmful radon outside the home. Because they are both linked by sealing of the basement and foundation, it’s important to examine them together. Click here for some tips for a dry and safe foundation.
Bring Aromatherapy into Your Home
In creating an atmosphere within your home, it’s easy to concentrate on the visual. But your sense of smell can have a powerful effect on the physical and emotional impact of your log home’s interior. Learn more here.
Botanical Architectural Glass – Strength and Beauty
Glass featuring botanicals have been available for quite a few years, but often have a short replacement life, because of fading or delamination. A new type of botanical glass developed by California-based Bella Fleur is turning heads at home shows: Click here to see why.
First-year Flower Gardens
It’s easy to get excited about your new log home space and try to create a colorful landscape right out of the box. However, if you gardening skills are limited or you’re not sure what will work in your containers may be the way to go. See how here.
Green Tip: Haiku Fans
Ceiling fans have been a go-to option for homeowners who are looking for improved air quality and more efficient and comfortable heating and cooling. The standard ceiling fan hadn’t really changed much in a hundred years. Click here to see how on company decided to re-invent the residential ceiling fan.