Sun rooms: let the sun shine in
What to know to add some light to your home
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
How did sunrooms come about? It all started with the porch, and when the time came for a barbecue people had to put up with all kinds of insects. So they started to install screening on their porches and with a little bit of framing, the insect problem was taken care of. Then, in the 1960s a trend started...
‘Countering’ those kitchen questions
Lots of options for those kitchen and bathroom counters
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
Centuries back man didn’t have many options as far as counter tops. They probably cut down a huge oak tree and started working the daylights out of it to come up with something that was feasible. As far back as I can remember, people used tile or Formica. But today we have a few more options...
Iron railings: timeless beauty and durability
Ornamental Iron Work can enhance the look of your home
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
When I was growing up I remember an iron railing and guardrail set up in my house. In fact most of my friends in the neighborhood had the same model house and they also had iron railings. As kids we would climb all over it maybe four or five kids at a time, and it never budged. So, iron railings...
ADA: a major issue for public-use buildings
While your single-family home doesn’t have to handicap accessible, your business might need to be
By John D’Annunzio, columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
The Americans with Disabilities Act came about due to the increasing need for people with disabilities to have access to facilities that are used by the general public. Since the inception of the ADA guidelines for buildings have changed to...
Under cover: Roof shingles and attic ventilation
The right kind of roof and ventilation can keep you cool and dry
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
Let’s talk about the most commonly used shingles: organic asphalt shingles. They last about 18 to 20 years. The only problem with them is that in time they can cup in very humid and wet climates. Try to purchase a shingle with an algae resistant coating. There is an asphalt...
Let’s talk about something cool
When the thermometer hits the triple digits, you better know how to keep your AC unit happy
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
In this edition I will talk about three subjects, how air conditioning systems work, how to maintain them and saving tips on electricity.
Air conditioners have several parts; the unit outside of a building is called the condenser or compressor. The refrigerant...
Swimming Pool Safety: A little common sense can avoid a nightmare
Missing the obvious can lead to tragedy
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
We learn early on in life about common sense issues. When I build a house or garage or just about any thing that arises in life common sense helps me avoid problems. Should I add another joist over here? Strengthen this wall here? Check the air in the tires when leaving on a long trip?
The answers to these...
Lightning, Ben found out the hard way
You’d be shocked how much damage lightning can cause
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
This article is about lightning strikes to buildings and lightning rod systems. To understand the way a lightning rod works, however, we should first take a look at how lightning develops.
It all starts when a cold and warm air mass clash together causing a thunderstorm. There is positive...
Solar power comes in a lot of flavors
From small to giant installations, there’s a lot of options, but you need to know what works for you
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
There are different types of solar energy panels, each different in terms of use and practicality. First let me give you an idea of how much they cost. Solar energy costs about $ 10 to $ 12 a watt to install. An average sized system to...
Going green can also mean saving green
Paying attention to the environment when replacing appliances or renovating your home can also fatten your wallet
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
We hear things like a green cars, green homes, green initiatives etc. but what does it all mean? Well, green homes are environmentally friendly homes; homes that preserve energy. The more heat and air conditioning loss occurring...
