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Building Components This section is devoted to all of those parts of a house that are necessary to make it functional. Products reviewed here are either of natural composition, or they in some way might be considered "green". I'm sure this list will expand over time, as new products and sources are introduced or brought to my attention.
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Gaiam.com
Abundant
Earth strawsticksandbricks.com These folks specialize in a variety of products, including wall board, insulation, roofing, flooring, skylights, wall finishes, countertops and bath fixtures. crbt.org Center for Resourceful Building Technology has a searchable database of green building products. buildingforhealth.com diverse site for ecological building products, including, PV systems, lighting, appliances, floor coverings, wall coverings, paints, plasters, strawbale supplies, water filtration and storage, and much more. built-e.com another "eco-store" with a great variety of building and household supplies. They have a searchable database. ecomall.com claims to be the "earth's largest evironmental shopping center" with links to green products. naturalhomeproducts.com sells carpet, cork, hardwood, natural finishes, etc. greenbuildingsupply.com sells appliances, wool carpeting, bamboo and wood accessories, non-toxic finishes and cleaners, and natural flooring products. environmentalhomecenter.com features building materials, appliances, flooring, paint, etc. greenpages.org Co-op America's directory of over 2,000 business that provide "green" products for the home. ecoproducts.com Offers a variety of green building products including plastic lumber. environproducts.com Sells an assortment of green building materials and household products. planetearth.com Long-time green building material supplier. Offers paints, flooring, tile, and much more. eco-build.com This company located in Boulder, Co. works specifically with builders and general contractors, providing consultation and green building materials at competitive prices. ecohaus.com Green building materials outlet for the Pacific Northwest. ecodesignresources.com Offers a wide assortment of green building materials and products. For a list of books about using natural materials in your home, see this page. |
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For books about how to grow and build with bamboo see this page. thatching.com provides a wealth of information about, and is a source for, thatching materials. safarithatch.com sells bamboo, thatch reed panels, grass and reed thatch, etc. bamboofurniture.com has bamboo products from furniture to building trusses. bamboo.org very informative site about bamboo sponsored by the American Bamboo Society. meadowoodindustries.com meadow board is made from the otherwise discarded stems of rye grass, an annually renewable resource. amazuluinc.com offers a wide range of natural fiber materials, including thatch, bamboo, furniture, kit structures, screens, etc. phenixbiocomposites.com this company manufactures composite materials that utilize recycled paper, wheatstraw, soybeans, and other natural components, that can be used to replace wood for furniture and interior applications. milex-ns.co this company manufactures reed boards, partitions and parosals for the European market. bamboohardwoods.com has a large selection of bamboo poles, trellises, fences, plywoods, flooring, gazebos and furniture. bamboobroker.com sells canes and furniture. bamboo4sale.com features gazebos, thatch, fencing, furniture, mats, home accents, garden accents, and live plants. |
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Fast
Floors
ecotimber certified wood flooring. Plyboo bamboo flooring source. greenmountainwoodworks provides ecologically harvested hardwood products. themarmoleumstore Marmoleum is made of linseed oil, rosins, and wood flour, calendered onto a natural jute backing. It is a tough yet visually striking floor covering, highly resistant to heavy rolling loads and foot traffic. flooringalternatives features bamboo and cork flooring products. woodlandflooring a Canadian company that mills wood flooring from FSC certified or salvaged lumber. northslopewood larch sustainably harvested flooring.
Flooring: The Essential Source Book for Planning, Selecting And Restoring Floors by Elizabeth Wilhide, 2005.
is packed with ideas for restoring or installing a floor in any room of the house. Packed with illustrative photos of a range of settings and uses, Flooring discusses wood qualities, finishes, maintenance, and styles ranging from glass and metal floors to traditional wood. From differences between new and old wood to sealing and treating a floor, Flooring offers insights into not just choices, but maintenance after installation. (Midwest Book Reivew)
The Flooring Handbook: The Complete Guide to Choosing and Installing Floors by Dennis Jeffries, 2004. This is an excellent book, by far the best I have ever bought on flooring maintenance and installation (I wish I had bought this one first). This book offers great comparisons of different types of materials, well written and simple instructions on how to install them and advice on when to get a professional if your an amatuer such as myself. This book is a great resource and will help you make an informed decision if your putting in a new floor, whether you do it yourself or not. (J. Patterson)
The Complete Guide to Flooring by The Editors of Creative Publishing international, 2003. The book covers ceramic tile, terrazo, natural stone, terra cotta, hardwood, wood laminate, floating plank, carpet, vinyl sheet, resilient tiles, cork, carpet tiles, leather, and the new plastic laminates. In addition, readers will learn how to repair problems with all types of flooring, how to soundproof and insulate floors, how to refinish hardwood floors, and how to create decorative paint finishes on wood floors. Flooring is one of the most visible finish surfaces in a home, and serves to unify the entire interior design. With this in mind, The Complete Guide to Flooring opens with an exciting idea section that shows the many ways in which flooring can enhance the appearance and function of a home. Following this is a chapter that introduces all types of flooring, discussing their merits and limitations. Next, a planning section shows all the preliminary steps-measuring, removing old flooring, evaluating and repairing the subfloor, estimating and ordering flooring. Then comes the heart of the book-complete instructions on how to install all types of flooring, with complete, easy-to-understand, step-by-step details.
Flooring 1-2-3 : Expert Advice on Design, Installation, and Repair by The Home Depot, 2006. Complete step-by-step guide that provides homeowners with everything they need to know to install a wide variety of floors and get beautiful, room-changing results. Step-by-step photography along with easy-to-understand and logically organized instructions that will give readers the confidence to install tile, wood, laminate floors as well as the sub-floor needed below. Updates all aspects of flooring covered in the original edition and offers up-to-date information on new flooring options such as snap together laminate floors.
Black & Decker Flooring 101: 25 Projects You Really Can Do Yourself by Matthew Paymar, 2006. This book guides the novice DIYer through the most common flooring repairs, and offers 25 simple, unique projects for improving old or outdated floors. It features modern flooring materials and easy-to-follow techniques that will produce significant improvements with a minimal investment of time and money. Projects range from eliminating floor squeaks to installing a laminate flooring system. The 101 series approaches its subject from the perspective of the homeowner with little DIY experience. Each project is self-contained, guiding the reader step-by-step through the process using detailed color photography, clear instructions and helpful sidebars to define technical terms and offer technique tips.
Black & Decker Complete Guide to Floor Decor: Beautiful, Long-lasting Floors You Can Design & Install by Clayton Bennett, 2007. It contains information on all types of flooring surfaces, both indoors and outdoors, and covers every aspect of the process -- from design and planning to finishing and repair. This edition contains installation sequences for the most popular new flooring trends, including bamboo and cork. Also a chapter reveals the secrets used by designers to make floors an essential element of home décor. Carpet, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and stone -- it's all here in one truly complete guide to floor decor. Covers all new laminate flooring products; complete instruction for radiant heating systems; includes comprehensive refinishing and maintenance information; includes decorative painting designs and concrete etching options.
Flooring Basics by Rick Peters, 2003. Whether you're eyeing new ceramic tile for the bathroom, a sturdy laminate for the family room, or a repair to the parquet in the foyer, do it yourself, and do it right, with this all-in-color guide to the basics. Even total beginners will effortlessly navigate these detailed and reassuringly simple instructions, while loads of illustrations and photographs make the entire process easy-to-follow. With all the tips, tools, and tricks-of-the-trade right on hand, you'll know which special tools to buy and which to rent; how to remove the old stuff and make way for the new; how to select from the dizzying array of new materials on the market; and what to do to get lasting results. (For example, without a vapor barrier, that beautiful new hardwood will buckle in no time.) Plus : dozens of money-saving ways to fix up existing flooring.
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100% Hemp Area Rugs and Throw Rugs
Carpets for the Home by Amicia De Moubra, 1999. The authors discuss the various types of interiors for which carpets are intended, with focus on why and how the design, colors, and textures of specific carpets work with certain room settings. Imaginative ideas showing how carpets can be used to create a wide variety of design effects are included, such as Wild West rooms with Navajo rugs, stunning ethnic-style outdoor rooms with Turkoman flatweaves and Indian dhurries, rustic French farmhouses with cotton runners, Manhattan lofts with carpets used as wall hangings, country houses in Europe and America with floral Savonnerie carpets, and attractive staircases covered with Turkish kilims. There is also a discussion of the history of carpet display in the western domestic interior-- from the earliest export of Oriental rugs to Europe in the fifteenth century to the present day, the age of the designer carpet.
Carpets (Techniques, Traditions and History) by Jacques Anquetil, 2003. |
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insuladd.com makes both an additive that can be combined with any paint, as well as their own formulation of paint that utilizes miniature ceramic spheres to reflect radiant heat, so that buildings that are coated with this are much better insulated from unwanted incoming heat and loss of heat from the inside...a remarkable product. I did an experiment of painting some sheet metal that was in the direct sun with some of this and discovered that almost immediately when I put my hand on the back of the metal it was too hot to touch where there was no paint and it felt cool where it was painted!
sailshadeyourhome.com simple Roman shades that are insulated with R-7 Reflectix. Instructions for how to make your own Roman Sailshade without the need to sew the fabric. shadesshuttersblinds.com lots of options for shades, panels and blinds. goodshepherdwool.com sheep's wool from Australia. eurima.org A European manufacturer of mineral and glass wool insulation. bondedlogic.com UltraTouch insulation from recycled post-industrial denim and cotton fibers. biobased.com manufactures a soy oil based foam insulation similar to other foams, but much more environmentally benign. earthfoam.net EARTHFOAM is a one-half pound per cubic foot spray-in-place 70% bio-based foam material. airkrete.com This unique insulation is made by foaming cement and pumping it into building cavities; it is fireproof, durable, non-toxic, and provides R-3.9 per inch insulation. apexfoam.us EARTHSEAL FOAM .5, non-ozone depleating, renewable resource-based SPF open-cell foam insulation.
The Complete Guide to External Wall Insulation by C.J. Pearson, 2006. This manual attempts to collate all of the necessary technical information, for External Wall Insulation to be installed on building and refurbishment projects. The text is informative, practical and offers the reader sound advice enabling projects to be installed to a high professional standard. Compiled for the benefit of Architects, Designers, Quantity Surveyors, Building Professionals, Owners and Students in order that their knowledge of the subject is expanded, providing a greater in-depth understanding from concept to completion.
Insulate and Weatherize : Expert Advice from Start to Finish by Bruce Harley, 2002. An engineer who trains builders in energy-efficient construction, Harley offers a wealth of information that will allow readers to improve their home's efficiency, saving both money and natural resources. After an introductory section that explains the underlying principles of heat transfer, insulation, and air quality, Harley demonstrates basics such as weather-stripping and moves forward through advanced projects including insulation and major upgrades. Short "Pro Tips" as well as sections labeled "Trade Secrets," "What Can Go Wrong," and "In Detail" provide a great deal of helpful information. Increasing energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways for homeownes to save money, so this book is sure to be used. From the most basic solutions to advanced, energy-saving projects, no book covers home insulation and weatherization like this one. With 35 drawings and 350 color photos guiding them, homeowners will learn how best to keep their homes warm in winter, cool in summer, and weather-tight all year long.
Insulation Handbook by Richard T. Bynum Jr., 2000. An indispensable guide for homeowners, builders, and architects to planning, implementing, and troubleshooting any type of insulation applications. Evaluates the pros and cons of today's materials, helps readers decide on the best insulation strategy, and offers help with codes, standards, and regulations.
Popular Mechanics Weatherproofing & Insulation by Albert Jackson , David Day, 2006.
In the average house, heat is escaping through every leak, draft, and opening—and that's like throwing money out the window. Good insulation and weatherproofing can make your home run more efficiently, guard it from the elements, and lower those ever-rising heating bills. Popular Mechanics makes the entire process simple, with hundreds of color photographs, diagrams, and illustrations that teach you how to insulate from top to bottom. Find out how to reflect heat from a radiator, seal gaps around doors, double-glaze windows or add weather-stripping, install vapor barriers, ventilate properly, and block out the chill in attics and between rafters. You'll feel the difference, and see the savings, almost instantly. |
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radiantcompany.com informative site of company that will work with owner/builders to help design a system. radiantsolar.com one of the original companies offering solar radiant floor heating systems. |
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Fast Floors
bedrockindustries.com Blazestone tile is made entirely from post-industrial and postconsumer glass. susanjablonmosaics.com makes tiles and mosaics from recycled glass. counterproduction.com Counters made from recycled glass come in many colors and shapes. Lithistone is a magnesium-based mineral cement compound that is considered an ‘environmentally friendly’ building material due to it’s non-toxic properties and low-embodied energy; products include sinks, counters, arches, etc. vitrastone.com made from 70% - 85% recycled glass, fly ash, and ceramic cement, vitrastone can be used for sinks, countertops, floors, walls, etc. crossvilleinc.com manufactures Ecocycle tiles with 40% recycled ceramic components. geckostone.com sells a very clever form for making interlocking pavers or tiles. greenleafbrick.com Green Leaf Brick are not reused brick from demolished buildings, but are quality, newly manufactured red brick made from select materials that are rescued from landfills, open pit mining byproducts, incinerator ash from local sewage treatment and plant refuse. Our masonry brick is produced by a Salisbury, NC based manufacturing plant that employs a state-of-the-art clean air scrubber and fires with alternative fuels (currently petroleum coke, a byproduct of oil refining,) and we are currently working on converting to burn biogas.
Tile Your World: John Bridge's New Tile Setting Book by John P. Bridge, 2003. Doing tile right takes a bit of time and a bit of money. Most "do-it-yourself" books will give short shrift to tile laying, put in some pretty pictures and make it look easy. And then your tile will pop up or crack five years later. Tile should last decades. And sometimes it can take a lot of work to prepare a surface, and some surfaces shouldn't even be tiled at all. With that in mind, finding good information and digesting it is a must before taking any steps. John Bridge's book does a top notch job of covering a wide variety of tiling specifics and generalities. In addition to all the gory details he has a motivating "can-do" writing style that encourages success. (Ken Walsh)
Making & Installing Handmade Tiles by Angelica Pozo, 2005. With more than 70,000 copies sold, Pozo's Handmade Tiles and its beautiful ideas have delighted crafters everywhere, and whetted their appetites for more. They'll find just what they're looking for in these dozen ceramic tile projects, which include everything from trivets to tabletops to stepping stones. The wealth of practical, visually breathtaking information covered here includes everything from design and formation through decoration and site installation, making this manual an absolute must in every ceramics and home improvement library. Find out about basic tools and materials, glaze application, and techniques for making slab tiles. Get the lowdown on mosaics, and stamped, carved, and inlaid designs. With these techniques, even beginning crafters can start working fast, and move on to simple stair risers, a kitchen backsplash, and an exquisite window surround.
Tile Idea Book by Andrew Wormer, 2005. Tile has been transformed in the popular imagination from a pedestrian material to a sought-after design element. Home centers, specialty tile shops, and Internet sources offer the average homeowner an amazing range of mass-produced, handmade, and custom tile types made of materials including ceramics, natural stone, metal, and glass. Organized by room, with chapters covering kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, entries, and mudrooms, Tile Idea Book presents hundreds of photographs showing the effects created by all the major types of tile available today when installed in different settings: large rooms, such as kitchens, and small ones, such as bathrooms and entryways. It shows how color, pattern, and texture can be used to create special effects on floors and walls and provides specific information on how to recreate these effects. Also covered is the decorative use of tile in fireplaces and hearths, wainscoting, stairs, and halls, as well as in exterior settings such as terraces and patios.
The Tile Doctor - The Works - The Complete Tile Series, DVD. Learn from the leading authorities in tile and stone "The Tile Doctor" Paul Wilson & Jodi Marks. This complete 6 DVD series covers all areas of tile installation, design, maintenance and much more. A must have to add value to your home improvement projects with tile and stone. |
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healthylivingpaints.com Online outlet for Bioshield paints, including oils, sealers, stains, clay paints, solvent-free paints, wall glazes and color washes. mythicpaint.com sells a non-toxic, ultra low odor paint that provides the durability and coverage you expect from a premium paint without the off-gassing VOC's and cancer-causing toxins of conventional paints.
Colors: The Story of Dyes and Pigments by Guineau Delamare, Ber Francois, 2000
The Natural Paint Book, by Lynn Edwards , Julia Lawless, 2003. Without a doubt, Americans are increasingly aware of the dangers of toxins and pollution in our environment. To many of us, that simply means the outside world. But studies have shown that our indoor environment can be up to 10 times more polluted than our external one. Some of the biggest contaminants are toxic molds, chemicals released from carpeting, gasses released by manufacturing building materials, and conventional paints. Enter The Natural Paint Book, a comprehensive guide to making 100% organic, all-natural paints and finishes at home. The ingredients required, like gelatin, clay, and linseed oil, are readily available around the home or from your local home improvement store. Step-by-step instructions and detailed full-color photographs throughout show readers how to prepare the paints in their own color palette. There are also decorating tips on how to apply the paints to create a variety of rich, stylish-and health-conscious-finishes. Bonus material offers readers design advice for transforming their home into a personal sanctuary, and there is a full product directory at the end of the book. |
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| mesquitedoor.com Lovely handcrafted doors from mesquite wood. Most of the wood comes from central-coastal Mexico and is available as a result of land clearing for population expansion.
Building Doors and Drawers: A Complete Guide to Design and Construction by Andy Rae, 2007. The face of any cabinet, whether in a kitchen, bath, built-in or stand-alone furniture is the doors and drawers. They, along with moldings or trim, define the style of a cabinet. Beyond the wide variety of stylistic differences, there are dozens of ways to build drawers or doors. And different methods have specific applications, depending on the use of the cabinet. While it's easy to learn how to build a basic cabinet box, making durable, well-fitting, and attractive doors and drawers is more challenging. This book covers all styles and methods of building drawers and doors, as well as installing hardware and design. This is the only book on the market that also covers full size doors, an especially useful feature since custom doors are extremely expensive. Because of the wide application of cabinetmaking, this book will appeal equally to carpenters and woodworkers.
Building Cabinet Doors & Drawers by Danny Proulx, 2000. The fundamental key to successful design and utility for any piece of finely crafted cabinetry are its doors and drawers. They are also the bane of amateur and professional cabinet makers. In Building Cabinet Doors & Drawers, Danny Proulx draws upon his more than thirty years of professional woodworking to provide authoritative, detailed, "how to" information on the construction and installation of a wide variety of doors and drawers including the calculating of drawer size; melamine, inset, and cabinet-grade plywood drawers, slab, frame, flat-panel, multi-panel, stick, tambour, pocket, and glass doors. Profusely illustrated throughout, this highly recommended manual will substantially assist any novice in turning out professional quality cabinetry. (Midwest Book Review)
Doors of the World by Jean-Philippe Lenclos , Dominique Lenclos, 2005. From a sandstone portal in Morocco to a bamboo-lined aperture in China, an exploration of door forms in vivid color. Charged with a certain mystery—at once enclosing and exposing an interior space—the door is a primal yet intricate architectural component. Capturing the sheer variety of entryways worldwide, this book shows the harmony achieved by their diverse proportions, designs, materials, and colors and discloses how doors reflect geography. 231 color illustrations.
Installing and Hanging Doors by Gary Katz, 2002. Installing and Hanging Doors gives carpenters and do-it-yourselfers of all levels all the information they need to get a perfect fit every time. This book covers how to select the best doors, and how to choose hardware and jambs for any installation--from a grand front entrance to simple bi-fold closet doors. It also provides professional techniques for installing all kinds of doors, including simple hinged doors to French doors, arched doors and double-acting doors. A final chapter explains several professional techniques for making doors weather-tight.
The Complete Guide to Doors & Windows by Creative Publishing international, Tom Lemmer, 2002. " All you need to know about choosing, repairing, replacing and installing doors and windows."
Windows and Doors (Build Like A Pro) by Scott Mcbride, 2002.
A frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding magazine, Scott McBride offers this comprehensive guide covering all aspects of an often daunting task. Step-by-step instructions take the homeowner through each process, including prepping and adjusting basic and specialized types of doors and windows. Lavishly illustrated with 225 color photos and 114 color illustrations, the book features tips, shortcuts, and advice on solving common challenges and cut even difficult jobs down to manageable size. |
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slagcement.org The use of slag cement and fly ash can enhance the quality and reduce the evironmental impact of the use of cement. envirosafemfg.com a variety of environmentally safe sealers for concrete, and masonry.
Making Better Concrete: Guidelines to Using Fly Ash for Higher Quality, Eco-Friendly Structures, by Bruce King, 2005. "This is the best and most readable 'how to' guide for using high fly ash concrete -- highly recommended. Using high fly ash concrete is a win-win-win solution: It makes better concrete, costs less, and has a greater environmental benefit than almost any other primary building material out there."-- Scott Shell, Architect, EHDD Architects "At last, a practical guide on HVFAC written for engineers and contractors alike. When it's available, our company will want to buy 25 copies or so to distruibute to our Foremen, Superintendents and Project Managers. While we have been placing HVFAC almost exclusively for the last five years on all of our projects, we have had to rely on our leadership in the field to educate and to pass on their experience by word of mouth and by their example. Now, if they read the book, our men will also understand why HVFAC is such a great technology now and for the future of our planet."-- Deva Rajan, Founder, Canyon Construction "This is an excellent and informative primer on recent developments in high performance fly ash concrete. The "win-win" use of a plentiful man-made waste product to economically obtain better concrete benefits clients, engineers, and the global environment."-- Mason Walters, Structural Engineer and Principal, Forell/Elsesser
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The Essential Guide to Roofing (Home Building & Remodeling Basics) by Editors of JLC the Journal of Light Cons, 2007. Learn everything from the basics to the most advanced techniques in roofing. From shingles to tiles to flashings, all types of roofs are covered in this instructional book.
Manual of Low-Slope Roof Systems by C.W. Griffin, Richard Fricklas, 2006. This handbook treats all topics in roof design, from fundamentals to roof systems and materials options. This fourth edition covers major advances in design and materials, as well as changes in building codes. It gets you up to speed on roof system performance, emerging materials, drainage, wind uplift, vapor control, fire resistance, thermal insulation, reroofing, and much more. You'll even find field-tested solutions for such problems as lap-seam failures, membrane shrinkage, and fastener backout.
Smart Guide: Roofing: Step-by-Step Projects by Editors of Creative Homeowner, 2004. An improperly installed roof can lead to extensive damage. But now homeowners can learn how to do the job right with Smart Guide: Roofing. It shows readers how to install all of the most popular roofing materials correctly and efficiently. Through easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions, readers learn how to estimate the amount of materials needed for the job, install roofing and flashing, and find and fix roof leaks. Tips provide important information to those looking to hire a contractor. Additional chapters address ladder and rooftop safety and proper attic and roof ventilation.
The Complete Guide to Roofing & Siding: Install, Finish, Repair, Maintain (Black & Decker Complete Guide) by Bryan Trandem, 2004. Siding materials covered include traditional wood lap siding, brick, concrete block, stucco and fiber cement, stone veneer, wood shakes, shingles, vinyl and aluminum siding. Roofing materials covered include asphalt and fiberglass shingles, metal raised seam roofing, tile and clay roofs, slate, cedar shakes and shingles, and flat membrane roofs. Unique among books of this type, this volume also includes a complete section on exterior painting and staining techniques, including the use of scaffolds, airless paint sprayers, and other rental equipment.
Roofing: Materials & Installation by William P. Spence, 2004. Whether you're installing an entirely new roof or re-roofing, acclaimed how-to-do-it author William Spence shows how to do the job right. Focusing particularly on the materials and techniques used for residential housing, he covers everything from aesthetic considerations to fire resistance, from safety procedures to proper sheathing, underlayment, insulation, and ventilation. Learn how to make repairs, prepare the roof for the construction process, and choose the best materials for your home. In detail, find out how to apply asphalt shingles; wood shingles and shakes; slate, clay and concrete tile; and metal roofing, as well as built-up bitumen, roll roofing, and various available single-ply roofing.
Roofing, Flashing and Waterproofing by Fine Homebuilding Editors, 2005. This book gives you the technical expertise and seasoned advice you need to protect your work from water, the home's eternal enemy. Leaks large and small cause the majority of damage in the house, and efforts to prevent or repair that damage account for most of the money spent on home repair. This book presents the basic principles you need to know to waterproof residential structures properly to protect them from water intrusion and to prevent callbacks for flashing or roofing failures.
ShinglePro: How To Shingle Like a Pro. Builders - Roofers - Do-it-yourselfers. Easy Installation Tips and Time saving techniques. DVD, 2003. Teaches: Underlayment, Layout lines, shingle application, three-tab, valleys, skylights, edge-cutting, vents, ridge vent, stacking the roof, shingle removal, and more.
The Slate Roof Bible: Understanding, Installing and Restoring the World's Finest Roof (The Slate Roof Bible, 2nd Edition) by Joseph Jenkins, 2003. Completely revised, greatly expanded and updated version of the award-winning Slate Roof Bible, with 7 new chapters, over 350 color photographs of slate and slate roofs from around the world, and a total of over 600 photos, illustrations, graphs, charts, diagrams, maps, etc. Jenkins' down-home style converts potentially tedious subjects like slate geology, roof safety, tools, installation, and repairs into readable delights. The book covers slate roofing history, culture and geology, along with complete descriptions and sources of tools, equipment and types and colors of slate, and comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on every aspect of slate roof installation, repair, restoration and recycling. It also includes sections on rebuilding chimneys, on soldered seam copper roofs, and on repair and restoration of ceramic tile and asbestos tile roofs. It is the culmination of 10 years of research and travel by the author. euroslateroofing.com Euroslate™ and Euroshake™ look like traditional slate roofing but are made of recycled tires. The material is more durable than slate (it's resistant to moss and algae, and comes with a 50-year warranty, and it also acts as an insulator, which helps reduce energy costs. |
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naturallighting.com sells full spectrum compact flourescent lights. enoceanwireless.com wireless switches for lights make wiring many alternative homes much easier!
Residential Lighting : A Practical Guide by Randall Whitehead, 2003. The chapters have really been packed with up-to-the-minute information about many of the new technologies that are now becoming the norm, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). Randall's way of writing is very entertaining and I feel it has revitalized the often dry category of textbooks. His funny, casual method of doling out information really helps make this book a pleasure to read. His energy and humor is infectious as he lets readers in on the secrets and practices of good lighting for homes and gardens. What also sets this book apart from other texts on lighting is how he approaches the subject first from the aesthetic side then gradually lets the reader in on the technical reasons how lighting design works. Savvy homeowners will latch onto this book as the insider's guide to the secrets of great lighting.
Lighting: A Design Source Book by Elizabeth Wilhide, 2002. Lighting is as integral a factor in any interior design plan as color, objects, and arrangement. Wilhide understands that lighting is more than simply what we see; it's also how we feel. Lighting is a central factor in how any space influences our moods. This big, lavish book provides practical help on positioning and installing light sources throughout every room of the home. Dramatically and beautifully illustrated with more than 300 color photographs, it also includes source lists for the specific fixtures and lamps shown. A casual perusal of the lively photographs alone will give the reader inspiration and fire the imagination for creative use of light for dramatic effect, to soothe or relax, to warm a room, or to cool it down visually. This book is not only fun to look at, but also practical and useful for any would-be decorator, beginner or professional.
Lighting Design Basics by Mark Karlen , James R. Benya, 2004. Lighting is a basic, yet difficult-to-master, element of interior design, and Lighting Design Basics offers essential knowledge of this complex subject in a concise, highly visual format. Two leading practicing designers, with many decades of experience, present straightforward coverage of lighting design concepts, techniques, and realistic goals to guide new designers and students through the process of creating simple, typical lighting designs and effectively collaborating with professional designers on more complex projects. |
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Windows and Doors (Build Like A Pro) by Scott Mcbride, 2002. A frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding magazine, Scott McBride offers this comprehensive guide covering all aspects of an often daunting task. Step-by-step instructions take the homeowner through each process, including prepping and adjusting basic and specialized types of doors and windows. Lavishly illustrated with 225 color photos and 114 color illustrations, the book features tips, shortcuts, and advice on solving common challenges and cut even difficult jobs down to manageable size.
The Complete Guide to Doors & Windows by Creative Publishing international, Tom Lemmer, 2002. " All you need to know about choosing, repairing, replacing and installing doors and windows." replacementwindowsweb.com provides lots of general information about windows and many options that homeowners have. |
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basins.com Designers and manufacturer's of fine ceramic basins and faucets. mistermiser.net a compact urinal that uses just 10 oz. of water to flush.
The Bathroom Book: The Ultimate Design Resource for the Home's Most Essential Space by Editors of Woman's Day, 2005. At once a fount of ideas and a practical resource, The Bathroom Book provides a peek into some of the most attractive, functional, and original bathrooms across the country, along with guidance on how anyone can create a useful yet aesthetically pleasing space. There's also expert discussion of the newest hardware, appliances, and materials available today. For anyone looking to remake a bathroom from the tiny guest restroom to the luxurious master bath this book provides both inspiring examples and the necessary know-how to maximize space and create a beautiful oasis in the home.
Plan Your Bathroom: hundreds of design combinations at-a-glance by Lorrie Mack, 2006. After an introduction to bathroom ergonomics and layout, including how to work with what you can't change easily such as plumbing and windows, Plan Your Bathroom looks at the major choices to be made relating to baths, showers, hand basins, and toilets. This is followed by chapters devoted to floors and walls, color, accessories, and gadgets. The final mix and match section contains sample floors, fittings, and walls for endless combinations, as well as tear-out wish lists for readers to plan what to buy and where to source it. Hundreds of full-color photographs, including examples from leading manufactures, provide a complete visual catalog that will inspire anybody to turn their bathroom into a spa.
New Bathroom Idea Book by Andrew Wormer, 2005. The bathroom today is getting more attention than ever from homeowners as they realize its value as a personal retreat and resale enhancer. Gone are the days of garish tile and fuzzy toilet seat covers. Now bathrooms are as much about taste and style as the rest of the house. Homeowners want their bathrooms to be both beautiful and functional, and manufacturers have responded with many more choices in materials and fixtures. This book covers them all, with ideas for tiny half-baths, medium-size his-and-hers, and large luxurious home spas. Specifics on ventilation, waterproofing, faucets, showers, tubs, and more give readers the knowledge they need to create the bathroom they've always wanted. |
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The Natural Plaster Book: Earth, Lime, and Gypsum Plasters for Natural Homes by Cedar Rose Guelberth and Daniel D. Chiras, 2002. For builders of natural homes (straw bale, cob, adobe, rammed earth, and other natural materials), this unique step-by-step guide takes the confusion out of choosing, mixing, and applying natural plasters. From principles to practicalities, and with every stage of the process illustrated, The Natural Plaster Book details the entire process of plastering with earth, lime, and gypsum for a long-lasting and durable finish. Cedar Rose Guelberth has studied architecture, design and construction for 30 years. A nationally recognized green and natural building educator and consultant, her business provides one-stop shopping for thousands of products nation-wide. Dan Chiras has several years experience of natural building and is the author of over 17 books including The Natural House (Chelsea Green, 2000). Dan is also the panelist on this website for the topics of solar heating and natural building.
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Green Building Handbook: A Guide to Building Products and Their Impact on the Environment, Vol. 1 by Tom Woolley, Sam Kimmins, Rob Harrison, Paul Harrison, Robert Harrison, 1999. Updated from the Green Building Digest Journal, this handbook provides a detailed reference for environmentally concerned puchasers of building products. Containing at-a-glance tables for buyers and specifiers, the handbook also includes an overview of the concepts and resulting literature covering this highly contentious subject, policy thinking, covering methodology for specifiers, case studies, a guide to books an dorganizations and what the future may hold, all in an accessible and user friendly format. Practical examples of using green materials have also been included. Green Building Handbook: A Companion Guide to Building Products and Their Impact on the Environment, Vol. 2 by Tom Woolley, 2000.
Popular
Mechanic's Plumbing & Heating.
You know how much plumbers and other repairmen charge these days—but
you can cut these costs drama-tically by both preventing and managing
pipe related emergencies on your own. Hundreds of line drawings, and easy-to-follow
instructions, will guide you through every step, including: fitting your
bathroom with a sink, toilet or tub; repairing leaky faucets; checking
the heating system for faults; and replacing damaged radiators.
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Fabulous Floorcloths by Caroline O'Neill Kuchinsky. This is the first book dedicated to the making of canvas floorcloths - one of the hottest trends in modern home decor. Whether the style is contemporary or antique, a floorcloth transforms an ordinary floor into a work of art. The author's designs range from fun to sophisticated, with floorcloths for every room in the house, from the kids' bedroom to an elegant great room. This book is for all skill levels, from the novice crafter to the experienced artist. The instructions and step-by-step illustrations guide the reader through each project easily and confidently to create a successful finished floorcloth to enjoy for years to come. For natural builders seeking low cost, serviceable floors, canvas floorcloths can offer a beautiful solution to healthy floor coverings. Canvas fabric is inexpensive, and the art you paint on it can be as simple, personal or vibrant as you wish.
Painting
Fabulous Floorcloths, by Plaid, 2000. “Walking on
art—or floorcloths—has been popular since the mid-eighteenth
century. Here, the artists of Plaid Studios expose all that the reader
needs to know about these decorative coverings. More than 30 patterns
are showcased, using 6 familiar craft techniques, from faux finishes to
block printing. Comforting, too, are the designs, which exploit the gracefulness
or texture of natural things, such as ivy, brick, and marble....Good color
photographs.” —Booklist.
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Advanced Plumbing: Pro Tips and Simple Steps, Stanley/Meredith Books, 2003. Kitchen and bath remodels are among the most popular home improvements. But plumbing can be intimidating. Advanced Plumbing builds confidence and expands capabilities with comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions. A one-stop guide to changing or adding plumbing for beginning and intermediate do-it-yourselfers. This book simplifies complex plumbing projects.
Concrete Countertops: Designs, Forms, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath by Fu-Tung Cheng and Eric Olsen. This book re-invents the countertop with a single material: concrete. Here is a complete, start-to-finish book on creating concrete countertops. Cheng takes you step-by-step through the process of making a concrete countertop -- from building the mold and mixing and pouring concrete to curing, grinding, polishing, and installing the countertop. You'll be inspired by the 350 color photographs that bring this exciting medium to life. And you'll discover that the possibilities for creative expression with concrete are endless. Countertops made of custom-formed, colored and finished concrete can look like marble, granite, glass or sculpture – the look is limited only by the imagination. Throughout the book, Cheng offers valuable troubleshooting advice and useful tips on maintaining a concrete countertop.
Architectural Fixtures and Hardware: From Faucets to Flooring, Storage to Staircases, the Finest Interior Details for the Home by Maggie Stevenson, 2002. Whether you are seeking inspiration or looking for specific designer items Architectural Fixtures and Hardware is an invaluable guide. The potentially daunting world of interior hardware is laid bare to offer a showcase of the best the market has to offer. From Philippe Starck taps and Louis Poulsen lighting, to wooden floors and reconditioned radiators, there are solutions for every area in your home. Architectural Fixtures and Hardware also includes a comprehensive directory to ensure the fixtures you want are at your fingertips, making it an indispensable addition to every designer's library, and a must for anyone decorating their own home.
Green Building Products: The Greenspec Guide to Residential Building Materials by Alex Wilson, Mark Piepkorn, 2006. Whether concerned about allergies, energy costs, old-growth forests, or durability and long-term value, homeowners and builders are looking for ways to ensure that their homes are healthy, safe, beautiful, and efficient. In these pages are descriptions and manufacturer contact information for more than 1,400 environmentally preferable products and materials. All phases of residential construction, from sitework to flooring to renewable energy, are covered. Products are grouped by function, and each chapter begins with a discussion of key environmental considerations, and what to look for in a green product. Categories of products include: Sitework and landscaping, Outdoor structures, Decking, Foundations, footers and slabs, Structural systems and components, Sheathing, Exterior finish and trim, Roofing, Doors and windows, Insulation, Flooring and floor coverings, Interior finish and trim, Caulks and adhesives, Paints and coatings, Mechanical systems/HVAC, Plumbing, electrical and lighting, Appliances, Furniture and furnishings, Renewable energy, Distributors and retailers. An index of products and manufacturers makes for easy navigation. There is no more comprehensive resource for both the engaged homeowner and those who design and build homes. |
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