Concrete stepping stone molds

How many times have you scolded your kids as they run on your beautifully laid garden grass? But is it really their fault or you need stepping stones so that you kids and anyone else walking on your garden can enjoy beauty without spoiling it. Stepping stones can be a great way to preserve your garden grass along with adding a touch of class to your garden as well.

But getting stepping stones from the market can be an expensive business. You may end up spending a lot for a few stones and getting them fixed too will cost a lot. You will have a tough time also finding the right kind of stones that may suit your garden or lifestyle.

There however is an easy way out. Just make stepping stones at home. Yes, don't be alarmed. It is a great way to get your kind of stones that too without spending much. Making your stepping stones can also be a great hobby and you can even get your kids involved and have a great time with them. A few basic things needed for making stepping stones include molds. You will need a mold which will be used to shape the stone according to your style and design in mind.

There are various varieties of molds available in the market which may vary in shapes, sizes, material used and so on. A good bet is a concrete stepping stone mold. This is a great way of making your own molds. You can use concrete stepping stone molds a number of times and get great value for money from them rather than buying expensive stepping stones from the market.

Concrete stepping stone molds come in a variety of designs and you can choose the ones you like the most. They cost from anywhere between $18 to $30 depending upon the design and type you are buying.

Different patterns to suit everyone's taste are available in the market and you are sure to find the kind you are looking for. Whether it's a leaf design, or a fish pattern, some flowery pattern, sun, moon or stars anything that your imagination may have is available in concrete stepping stone molds. Opting for concrete molds also gives you an advantage of their durability and reusability. You can make great stepping stones time and again as you want to. So go ahead and buy one. You will see how much you can experiment with your garden using stepping stones which will make your pathways beautiful.

Scott Byers is the owner of Stepping Stone Info, a complete stepping stone mold resource with articles on stepping stones and directions on how to make them

How Black Mold Affects You And What You Can Do About It

The toxic kind of "Black Mold" is known as the Strachybotrys atra. This slimy, greenish black substance can actually lead to health risk such as asthma and bronchitis. Studies conducted by the Center of Disease Control or the CDC reflect that this mold is the reason for over "100 cases of lung disorders."

Molds can also be located in anyone's home. These industrial molds may not be toxic and it takes a lot of time and effort to specify which mold is toxic and which isn't because it will entail laboratory exams. However, the best conclusion we can tell you is that if a mold is found in your home, it is considered to not be a healthy home.

Mold is a parasite which attaches itself to various hosts: be it people, animals, clothes, shoes or even the doors and windows of houses. These spores grow faster when it is moist and damp. Some molds even develop under water.

Look above your ceiling now and check for molds. If there is a spot which is frequently wet from rain and drips a lot, chances are you'd see some molds there. Also, go to the bathroom and check your tiles. Chances are there is a bit of a mold there.

Wall paneling and cardboard, they can have molds in it. Even cotton. Clothes you haven't worn for a long time now and has been stocked up in the attic or in the basement can have molds attached to it.

Try touching a mold. It is slimy. Try rubbing it on the surface. It would smear its greenish and blackish fluid.

Once you see a mold, try to remove it when you can. Clean it up as soon as possible. Although these can be easily done if the infested area is small like leak and plumbing problems. These can easily be handled by bleach and water. If you want, you can also add soap to the solution that you have handy there. Apply the bleach solution to the moldy are and let it stay there for about fifteen minutes. Then concentrate on the surrounding areas. This will lessen the chance for the mold to spread any further.

If the mold is located in insulation or on fabrics like carpet, then it will be harder to remove it. An infested area that is over 2ft is termed "highly infested" and it is something you cannot remove on your own. It is best you seek professional help in eradicating that risk. If you ignore the molds, this could result to flooding and possible health risks.

It is because if you take these molds not as serious as you should, they can actually lead to you inhaling them, therefore risking your health.

Prevention is better than cure and you can actually apply these preventive measures so you won't have any black mold to eradicated in the first place.

- Keep the humidity down in your house. Double check if the ventilation is just right in rooms in your household - specifically the bathroom and the kitchen. It is because molds usually appear in these two rooms.

- Before painting any of your walls, add mold inhibitors.

- Clean the carpet by using mold killing products even if there is no mold found. The same applies in the bathroom tiles and corners.

It may seem to not be a problem but it is. Black mold are something everyone must learn how to eradicate and better yet, prevent.

In institutions, black mold can actually cause an allergic reaction to people who have allergies to black mold. People who also have respiratory problems such as asthma may also have their attacks triggered through these infested areas.

A clean home is a mold-free home. Molds are a form of bacteria. Just like any kind of bacteria, it must be extinguished as soon as possible.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://mold.home-webzone.com/ where you can learn more about controlling all types of mold.

Mmm Mmm - Gotta Love That Pie Mold

Pie mold. No, it's not the fuzzy stuff you find a week after Aunt Loretta sends you home with left-overs. Campers know what I'm talking about. Pie molds were all the rage in the Seventies--and they're still popular today. One of my favorite childhood memories is sitting around the campfire as a kid, feeling the warmth on my face, watching the flames dance, listening to the hiss and pop of burning wood, and smelling the acrid aroma that will linger in your clothes until their next washing. In this memory, I'm holding the wooden grips of a pie mold, keeping its cooking surface just above the hot coals on the fire's edge.

The Pie Mold was our campfire cooker, and a slick one at that. On the business end, two metal plates came together, sandwiching a creation of bread and toppings. Stick it in the fire a minute or two, pull it out, open it up, and wah-lah: You had a golden-brown pie filled with pizza fixings or cherry sauce or bacon and eggs or whatever else got your stomach growling and your mouth watering. It may not have been the healthiest of meals, but remember this is camping we're talking about. Save your salads and yogurt for home. When you're out in the woods, you gotta live a little.

There was a time I had forgotten this memory. High School and College have a tendency to erase some of your past, and for me the pie mold became a victim of that fate. I met a girl. We graduated from College, married, started a family--you know the drill. At some point in this process, I discovered something amazing: My wife's father makes pie molds. I'm not kidding. Talk about an uncanny way of reviving a childhood memory. Soon after I made this discovery, he told me the story.

Back in 1962, pie molds were around, but they were made of cast iron. The iron took forever to reach cooking temperature and it distributed heat unevenly. So instead of a golden-brown pie, you ended up with burnt crust and a lukewarm center. He had the idea that heavy-duty aluminum would work better. It would heat quickly, it would heat evenly, and it was light weight to boot. Not being a man to sit on the sidelines while another takes action, he called a foundry, invested in a pattern, and the Minute Pie Mold Company was born. As it turns out, he was right about the aluminum. The Minute Pie Mold outperformed the old cast-iron model in every way, and sales climbed as campers started using them.

Upon hearing his story, I called my parents, eager to see if the pie mold of my memory was a Minute Pie Mold. How cool would that be?

Well, I'm sorry to say my parents couldn't remember. It seems their divorce had put a damper on camping memories, and since a drop-down-drag-out custody battle over gear wasn't in the cards, that old pie mold was lost to the ages. But to this day, I firmly believe it was a Minute Pie Mold. Don't try to convince me otherwise.

So what's my point? Well, I'm not after free advertising for the Minute Pie Mold Company (although I'm sure you'd put a smile on an old man's face if you surf over to www.minutepiemold.com and take a peek at what I'm talking about) and I'm not trying to convince you that providence led me from an old campfire cooker to its creator's daughter.

What it does boil down to is this: Memories. If I hadn't married the daughter of a pie mold maker, I might have forgetten those campfire memories altogether. But I did marry the daughter of a pie mold maker. I do remember the campfire memories, and I did something about them. We have a campfire ring in the backyard and a whole set of Minute Pie Molds thanks to a generous family discount. Most important of all, the kids whoop and holler when we light a fire and break out the molds. They love pie mold nights. They're forming their own campfire memories, ones they will someday share with their children.

What childhood memories have you forgotten? Don't answer now. You can't. Afterall, they're forgotten. But if you slow down and pay attention, something will come back to you. And when it does, don't ignore it. Let it come back. Hold on to it. Remember it. Then take the time to share it with your children.
 

The Dangers and Benefits of Mold in Real Estate Deals

I bought a house with a very leaky roof about the same time I completed a training course on mold rehab and remediation. As luck would have it, Jeanne Townsley-Smith, the teacher of my course and a Certified Mold Remediation Specialist, wanted to make an offer on the house two years earlier when it was still an REO (Real Estate Owned by the bank). But it was a war zone full of mold and priced too high for the condition of the house.

While hearing from Jeanne how moldy the house was two years ago, I wanted to know what was under that fresh coat of paint the bank impressed me with when I bought the house. Was it a cover up? What did I really buy? Jeanne and I were both curious to see how bad the "hidden mold" had become.

From Jeanne, I learned mold can be both beneficial and dangerous. I learned mold is necessary to fight bacteria, but it can be hidden well enough that it makes people sick without their knowledge. Although some types of mold only agitate allergies, other types can be toxic to humans and pets. The toxic molds that are commonly found in houses that have had water damage can cause serious health problems.

Mold can also be visible enough to scare away buyers, renters or lending companies for potential investors. Although I didn't see any mold when I purchased my house with a leaky roof, I wanted to know if my house contained the hidden version.

Jeanne and I decided we would have a mold rehab training class in my new house. During a six-hour training course, Jeanne and her partner, Mark Murrison, armed us with all the personal protective equipment we needed: tyvek suits, goggles, gloves and respirators.

The students and I didn't think we would find much mold as we started removing the drywall from the kitchen ceiling. We were wrong. The exposed back side of the drywall was covered in black and gray mold, mold that been feasting on the paper backing!

As a result of our discovery from the ceiling, Jeanne wanted to remove the kitchen cabinets because possible mold growth and damage might be hidden behind the cabinets, the wall and the plumbing. I thought the cabinets were worth keeping until I saw what was behind them: water marks and mold six to eight inches high around the entire perimeter on the back of every cabinet.

Even though the drywall behind the cabinets didn't have much visible mold, we removed it anyway. They were WORSE! We discovered that the condensation line from the AC had been draining on the floor for many years. The water that laid there was wicked into the drywall. When it never dried out, mold grew. And grew and grew. It grew three to four feet high on the drywall.

And the bank painted over it!

An unsuspecting family that might have liked the kitchen cabinets would probably never have known...until they couldn't breathe.

Now that we uncovered the mold, we had to clean it up. But not with bleach. Bleach actually wipes the head of mold off and bleaches it white. When it's white, you can't see it anymore. Only it can still reproduce and make it hard for you to breathe.

The mold infestation in the kitchen made me wary of the rest of the house, especially the bathroom. It had been completely remodeled by the bank before the sale. They installed a new vanity, toilet and tub with surround. The bathroom, as well as the whole house, was freshly painted. But what was this paint covering up? Only removing the drywall in the bathroom will reveal the answer.

Morals of the story: 1) If you buy a house with a mold problem, use it to get an even deeper discount. 2) Suspect freshly painted houses by the bank. 3) Get trained by Jeanne at the Mold Institute Protocol Training Institute.

Deb McMillan, OPHP, CMI, is a real estate investor and writer, living in Hamilton, Ohio, and has written a home study course on Short Sale Success Systems detailing how to get deep discounts from the bank when buying pre-foreclosures. She teaches about bankruptcy and what you can and can't do once a homeowner files. Log on to http://www.shortsalesqueen.com for more information on how to make your deals close

Spring Cleaning: Out With The Mold

Are black spots showing up on the bathroom walls and ceilings? Is a musty smell curling your nose? Let's face it, you've got mold. A touch of mold doesn't present much of a health problem for healthy adults but can cause coughing, sneezing and wheezing. For people with ailments such as asthma, lung disease, allergies and immune disorders, mold is a much bigger problem.

Houses are a great place for mold spores to settle in and thrive. The drywall, paper, wood and insulation make for an ample supply of food. When these materials get wet, mold spores multiply becoming thriving colonies of black gunk. The musty odors are waste products from the growing mold. The odors are a sign that mold is actively growing and thriving. One of the best ways to clear out the mold is to eliminate its environment. Molds need water in order to grow, so by eliminating excess water buildup, you can stop the growth.

The first task is to repair any leaks, including pipes, roof, water heater, toilet seals etc. Next use the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. If you don't have an exhaust fan, install one. If it's humid, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

Next, you must remove the mold itself. If your mold troubles are extensive, consider hiring a professional. For smaller trouble spots, you can tackle the job on your own. If you're not sure, it's best to let a pro take a look.

Always wear goggles, gloves and a mask. Seal off the area from the rest of the house so the spores don't travel and settle in elsewhere. Cover the air conditioning and heating vents, recessed lighting, electrical switch plates, doors and any other opening that spores might be able to travel through. Open the windows to the outside for ventilation.

Now that the area is prepped, scrub all surfaces with a mild cleaner or detergent. Next, mix a ? cup of bleach with one quart of water and scrub with this solution taking care not to drip on carpet, towels and other fabrics or materials. Take a break for 20 minutes or so, in another room. After 20 minutes, repeat the bleach scrub down. Finally, apply a solution of a borate based detergent to the surfaces and do not rinse this off.

Remove the coverings from the air conditioning vents and vacuum the floor. Wash any towels, area rugs, bedding, etc from the affected area

If you are looking for advice for that home improvement project or thinking of starting a handyman business check out our site.

Don?t Get Ripped Off By Mold Remediators

Don?t get ripped off by mold remediators

Last Fall I had my chimney cleaned so I could use the fireplace during the winter.

The guy we had used for years shows up wearing a T-shirt stating ?We are now you mold prevention experts?

He knows how to clean chimneys so therefore he is automatically an expert on a very complicated organism?

I asked him how he kills mold.

?I spray this stuff I bought at the home mega store down the road.?

I asked him what he did for the cause of the mold.

He looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights.

?Well?, I said. ?Mold is caused by something. If you don?t address that the mold will come back.?

Again with the blank stare.

Then he said ?I use this stuff I bought. It?s EPA approved.?

The EPA doesn?t approve things. It ?controls dangerous chemicals.? The EPA doesn?t just approve some things and disapprove others. It tries to keep vendors from killing their customers.

The best mold reducing agent is made from Grapefruit Seed Extract. The EPA won?t even look at it because it?s TOO SAFE. They aren?t allowed to examine ?safe stuff.? You can even drink this stuff and won?t be harmed. Try to get your pest control people to drink their stuff in front of you. Won?t happen more than once.

In addition, most remediators insist on destroying your home and rebuilding it to kill the mold.

Why, is there something wrong with the house?

The cause of the mold is generally a water source like yard drainage, or a leaking roof. That?s what you need to repair. If the walls are okay leave them alone.

Everyone who has ever used a hammer is now a mold expert. Getting rid of the mold isn?t their goal, doing expensive repairs is their goal.

?If it ain?t broke don?t fix it.?

Getting rid of mold should cost you around $2000 plus stopping the water.

Anything beyond that, please, get a second or third opinion.

I have seen people spend tens of thousands of dollars and the mold returns in 3 months and you can?t find your expert anywhere. They won?t return your calls and have probably moved to another community.

I saw one guy promise a ?satisfaction guarantee?.

He said. ?I didn?t say you would be satisfied forever.?

Guidelines:

Safe stuff
Don?t replace it if it?s not broken
Find the cause and fix that and only that
Guarantees are worthless
All tests are flawed in some way, use the cheapest testing method.
The goal of mold removal is to be healthy.

If you don?t get better, they failed.
by Dr GW Graham. For 30 years, Dr Graham has been helping people treat and prevent disease by showing them how to live in a clean environment. Download our ebooks at: http://tennesseemold.com/ebooks.shtml DrGraham@themoldlab.com

Preventing Basement and Crawlspaces Mold

Mold is a very common basement and crawlspaces problem as it presents a real challenge in controlling air quality. Basements and crawlspaces are is usually damp and in many cases use as a storage area, providing optimal growth conditions to molds. There are two important aspects to basements and crawlspaces mold prevention:

1. Controlling Humidity Levels

The first step to mold prevention is to successfully control humidity levels. Start with measuring humidity levels and detecting any unusual readings. Take measurements every 3 months to keep track of any changes that may occur when the weather changes. If humidity levels readings are higher than 45 percent, your basement is likely to suffer from mold and you must take action to detects and fix any moisture sources to lower humidity levels. Regularly inspect your basement for any water damages that generate visible or hidden moisture sources. Act fast to fix problems such as leaks or standing water. Another way to control humidity is to allow air circulation. Although it may be hard to generate air flow in the basement or crawlspace it is important. You can improve air flow by keeping you basement tidy and opening the basement door from time to time and leave a fan running for a few hours. Consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement to reduce air moisture especially during warm months. If you detect any cracks in walls or floor, seal them immediately.

2. Smart Storage

If you organize your basement and crawlspaces you take another important step towards mold elimination. Try to avoid storing papers, clothes, in the basement and crawlspaces because these materials can be used as nutrition for molds allowing it to spread even faster if humidity levels rise above 50 percent. If you must store these materials in your basement or crawlspace, do your best to reduce the amount of these stored materials and discard if badly damaged. In addition, if you must store these materials in the basement or crawlspace, make sure to place them properly. Proper placement means that you need to store them away from outer walls, since that is where moisture is most likely to originate. For the same reason, raise these stored materials from the floor and place them on a table or a raised surface. Never store firewood in the basement or crawlspace because it is common for firewood to become likely to become moldy within hours from the minute humidity levels raise. When firewood becomes moldy, it generates airborne mold spores that may contaminate your indoors air quality and in some cases penetrate the HVAC system and contaminate your home by traveling through your ducts.

For more information visit http://restorationsos.com Free guides are available

Jonathan Meyer is an editorial staff member for http://www.restorationsos.com, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://www.restorationsos.com or call 1-877-SOS-2407

Mold QandA: Understanding Mold In Your Home

* How does mold enter a home?

Molds usually enter a home through spores that pass through open doorways, ventilation, windows, heating and air conditioning systems that have outdoor air intakes. The mold spores also attach themselves to humans, animals, shoes, clothing, bags and other objects that are capable of carrying spores.

When spores reach a place of moisture, especially those places where there is excessive moisture, they will attach and grow themselves. This will serve as their breeding ground. Molds usually grow in moisture rich places and those that are quite cold. The most common places where molds grow are in roofs, pipes, walls and plant pipes.


* How does mold grow?

Molds grow in different ways. Molds have tiny spores and these tiny spores have the capabilities of reproducing themselves through sexual and asexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction of mold, spores need another spore for them to reproduce. In asexual reproduction of mold, a single spore can reproduce by itself without requiring another spore.

Mold spores can reproduce themselves anywhere. They can grow and reproduce in soil, roof, and pots and even in air. Molds grow rapidly in places that have excessive moisture and have quite dim lightings.


* What kinds of health problems could there be if there is mold in my house?

Mold exposure may cause cold-like symptoms like watery eyes, sore throat, wheezing and dizziness. Allergic reaction to mold is common. It triggers asthma attacks. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.

Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances that are dangerous to the human body.


* On what kinds of surfaces can mold grow?

Molds never choose the surface where to grow and breed; rather, they survive as long as a surface has excessive moisture. Moisture seeps through concrete walls and floors, wood and plastics and other materials that will cause dampness resulting in molds on walls, floors, carpeting and others.

The bathroom is the most susceptible place for mold growth because it is always damp. Soap scum, shower walls, ceramic tile and fiberglass are all possible surfaces for mold growth.

Basement and laundry rooms are also common for mold growth. The kitchen is also a possible site for mold.

There is no required surface for mold. Any surfaces are susceptible to mold growth if moisture is present.


* How can I reduce the humidity in my home?

Reducing the humidity at home can be done in many ways. There are simple ways that are effective in reducing the dampness at home which is the main reason of mold growth.

The following are three effective simple ways of reducing humidity at home.

? Remove standing water.
? Dry out your home.
? Remove wet materials.

And also insulate your home properly.
Maye Teasdale is a regular contributor to mold education sites such as Mold Question and Answer. Website: http://www.MoldQA.com

Mold Q&A: Understanding Mold In Your Home

* How does mold enter a home?

Molds usually enter a home through spores that pass through open doorways, ventilation, windows, heating and air conditioning systems that have outdoor air intakes. The mold spores also attach themselves to humans, animals, shoes, clothing, bags and other objects that are capable of carrying spores.

When spores reach a place of moisture, especially those places where there is excessive moisture, they will attach and grow themselves. This will serve as their breeding ground. Molds usually grow in moisture rich places and those that are quite cold. The most common places where molds grow are in roofs, pipes, walls and plant pipes.

* How does mold grow?

Molds grow in different ways. Molds have tiny spores and these tiny spores have the capabilities of reproducing themselves through sexual and asexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction of mold, spores need another spore for them to reproduce. In asexual reproduction of mold, a single spore can reproduce by itself without requiring another spore.

Mold spores can reproduce themselves anywhere. They can grow and reproduce in soil, roof, and pots and even in air. Molds grow rapidly in places that have excessive moisture and have quite dim lightings.

* What kinds of health problems could there be if there is mold in my house?

Mold exposure may cause cold-like symptoms like watery eyes, sore throat, wheezing and dizziness. Allergic reaction to mold is common. It triggers asthma attacks. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.

Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances that are dangerous to the human body.

* On what kinds of surfaces can mold grow?

Molds never choose the surface where to grow and breed; rather, they survive as long as a surface has excessive moisture. Moisture seeps through concrete walls and floors, wood and plastics and other materials that will cause dampness resulting in molds on walls, floors, carpeting and others.

The bathroom is the most susceptible place for mold growth because it is always damp. Soap scum, shower walls, ceramic tile and fiberglass are all possible surfaces for mold growth.

Basement and laundry rooms are also common for mold growth. The kitchen is also a possible site for mold.

There is no required surface for mold. Any surfaces are susceptible to mold growth if moisture is present.

* How can I reduce the humidity in my home?

Reducing the humidity at home can be done in many ways. There are simple ways that are effective in reducing the dampness at home which is the main reason of mold growth.

The following are three effective simple ways of reducing humidity at home.

* Remove standing water. * Dry out your home. * Remove wet materials.

And also insulate your home properly.

Maye Teasdale is a regular contributor to mold education sites such as Mold Question and Answer. Website: http://www.MoldQA.com

Preventing Bathroom Mold

Your bathroom is one of the most wetted rooms in your home, and therefore is one of the rooms where mold is most likely to grow. The fact that heat and moisture are frequently generated in the bathroom promotes mold growth as these factors provide great conditions for mold to grow and flourish. Prevent mold in your bathroom is vital for your health and for the way your bathroom looks. In addition, if neglected and due to optimal growing conditions, bathroom mold is likely to spread internally through walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to an extremely expensive remediation costs. One of the key factors for bathroom mold prevention is frequent inspections to prevent water damage that can lead to mold growth. The first step in mold prevention is keeping your bathroom dry and airy. Use a humidity meter to check humidity levels before and after showers. Be sure to keep humidity levels below forty to forty five percent. If you allow adequate air circulation, your bathroom humidity levels should drop below 45 percent within 5-10 minutes from the minute you finished your shower.

Shower and Bathtub Maintenance

Keep the bathtub, floors, walls, and ceilings, clean and dry at all times. To prevent mold where it is very likely to grow, be sure to stretch the bathtub curtain after using the bathtub to allow equal and complete drying.

Air Flow

Allowing air flow and air circulation are key step in keeping low humidity levels. The basic technique and the simplest is to open windows and doors right after taking a shower to allow air to free flow and remove excess moisture. If you didn't install an exhaust fan yet, do so as soon as possible as this is a great tool for bathroom ventilation. Turn on the exhaust fan while taking a bath or shower and leave it working for 5-10 more minutes after finishing using the bathroom to allow the bathroom to dry completely. Confirm that your fan exhausts outdoors directly.

Day to Day Maintenance

Day to day maintenance is important to prevent water damage and mold. It will also help detecting problems before they become a large scale disaster. Drains must be kept in good shape. Allow the bathtub to drain completely and by removing all debris and using drain openers from time to time. Create hard surfaces on your bathroom walls using semi-gloss paint. It is harder for mold to grow on these type of surfaces.

For more information visit http://restorationsos.com Free guides are available

Jonathan Meyer is an editorial staff member for http://www.restorationsos.com, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://www.restorationsos.com or call 1-877-SOS-2407

Mold 101

Home mold presents serious health hazards to you and your family. However, it is not hard to prevent mold once you know what exactly is mold, how to identify it, and what are the techniques you can utilize to prevent it.

So What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows from spores and is essential for the breakdown of dead plant and animal matter. Mold spores are usually inactive, but they will become active if humidity levels exceeds70% or if the temperature goes above 65 degrees. Mold exists everywhere in the environment, it may be found indoors and outdoors. Mold is often found in damp or wet areas, this why it is so common in places such as the basement and bathroom and outdoor in grass and hay. People come in touch with mold everyday. Mold is what causes food to spoil, wood to rot, and paper to smell musty.

How to Identify Mold?

Mold is the black grwth you often see on wet window sills. If you store paper or fabrics in a damp place you might get the musty smell that is cause by the action of molds. Active mold growth is slimy and is usually green, black, orange or purple. When inactive mold is dry and looks like a powder. It is usually white when dry. In its early phases, molds may look like a web while when in full bloom it looks like a miniature bush. Even when molds are unseen, wet spots or dampness can indicate a problem and molds will eventually follow. If you suspect that a spot is moldy, you can perform a simple test to find out if the spot is really mold. Touch the suspected spot with a small drop of bleach and see if the stain loses its color or disappears. If it does, it may be mold. If there is no change, it is probably not mold. Another good way to tell if mold is present is odor. Mold usually has a musty smell that can indicate the presence of molds even if they are invisible. Defining Moldy Areas

There are 3 common terms used to define a moldy area:

Extensive: A mold area is defined extensive if there is a single area of mold that is larger than 32square feet. If there are less than three patches of mold, each smaller than 10 square feet, is considered a "small" area mold. The definition of moderate area is given if there are more than three patches but each patch is smaller than 10 square feet or if there is on patch, larger than 10 square feet but smaller than 32 square feet

For more information visit http://restorationsos.com Free guides are available Jonathan Meyer is an editorial staff member for http://www.restorationsos.com, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://www.restorationsos.com or call 1-877-SOS-2407

Testing For Stachybotrys Mold - You Will Most Likely Smell It First

Testing for Stachybortrys mold is what professional technicians test for in homes and buildings. This is because the Stachybortrys mold is also called black mold and cane be very toxic. This mold is a greenish black slimy mold that is most often found on cellulose products, such as wood and paper. It does have a strong smell, so one clue you should do some testing for Stachybortrys is the strange musty smell that you get.

You can do you own Stachbortrys black mold testing by using a special mold testing kit. This will save you a lot of money that professional testing for Stachybortrys mold costs and you do the same thing. In the testing kit for black mold, there is a petrie dish containing a disc. You won't have to touch any black mold when you use this kit, so there is no danger involved. You just expose the disc to the air for about two hours and them close the lid to let it incubate for 48 hours. When you open it after that time, if there is a fungus growing on the disc, then this means that you have mold. It may or may not be black mold.

The main thing you have to look at when testing for Stachybortrys mold is that if you can smell mold you do have a problem. It is not enough to do the Stachybortrys black mold testing and to clean up the mold. If you have a problem with black mold, it means you also have a problem with water or moisture and this needs to be addressed. If you don't look for and solve this problem, the mold will only come back. Testing for mold is only part of the solution. You also have to do testing to find how the water is getting in.

Sometimes the testing for Stachybortrys mold is only easy to solve. The problem causing the black mold could be condensation building up on the pipes in your basement or it could be the result of not having enough heat in the basement. However, there are times when the Stachbortrys black mold testing calls for extreme measures for you to get rid of the mold. If, for example, the source of the black mold is the underlay under the carpet, this means you will have to take up all the carpet and throw it away. Just testing for Stachbortrys mold will not help you get rid of the toxic mold in your home.

To find out more about Mold Removal visit Peter's Website The Mold Removal Guide and find out about Mold Testing and more, including Mold allergies and toxic Mold

Plastic Molding Stacked In Your Favor

When the pressure is on for manufacturers to meet the challenges of today's market, creative thinking offers solutions that may work better than immediately resorting to cheap labor in lower cost countries. Stack mold capability is one such answer to the challenge of high quality, fast production, and lower costs.

Imagine the potential of molding a multi-part product all at the same time, and in the same machine! This not only helps to minimize up front tooling expenses, but it also helps to meet the needs of lean manufacturing, just-in-time delivery, minimal inventories, and fast, high quality output.

Advantages to using the stack mold process include faster machine changeover times and the ability to run multiple parts in smaller tonnage molding presses. This allows for lower hourly machine rates. With only a slight change in cycle times over single injection mold tooled parts, and roughly the same amount of locking pressure, the stack mold process is a cost effective means of increasing productivity.

Because of faster machine changeover times, coupled with lean manufacturing techniques, plastic injection molded products made with the stack mold process are ideally suited for both large and small runs. This not only reduces production costs, any retooling or mold changeovers needed are more flexible. It also allows scalability if quantities required are subject to changes.

Stack mold capability offers increased plastics production flexibility, reduced production costs, and shorter delivery times. You may want to explore the possibility that stack mold capability might be the ideal solution for your plastic production project.

Steve Chittenden is the webmaster for H&L Advantage, a lean manufacturer of plastic products. Services include plastic injection molding, stack mold capabilities, design, tooling, and product development. Please visit www.hladvantage.com for more information.

Invasion of the Mold Spores

Mold spores. They almost sound like alien invaders from a 1950's sci-fi movie --"Attack of the Killer Mold Spores!" But that description may not be too far off the mark. Mold is dangerous. It can be more prevalent and can cause more health problems than termites, carbon monoxide, asbestos, or radon. In fact, mold is everywhere and impossible to get rid of in nature. According to the EPA website, "There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture." From one third to one half of all buildings in the United States have the damp conditions necessary to facilitate the growth of mold, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Mold and mold spores can cause serious health problems and, in the case of someone with mold sensitivities, even death. Many people are vaguely aware of the health concerns when it comes to mold but most do not know that mold can also cause serious damage to a house or building (similar to a termite infestation.) When it comes to protecting your family and your home, fighting and preventing mold should be at the top of every homeowner's list.

WHAT IS MOLD?

The simple answer: molds are part of the fungi kingdom, similar to yeasts or mushrooms (the antibiotic Penicillin is actually a mold.)Mold is a living organism, a part of nature, and even has a beneficial function - it breaks down all of our dead organic matter. Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores, invisible to the naked eye, into the air. These spores land in moist areas and begin to grow and spread. While there are hundreds of thousands of varieties of mold, none would exist without the presence of moisture, air, and something to feed on. Since mold will always exist outdoors, it is important to control the one ingredient a homeowner doesn't need inside the house - moisture.

Mold can grow on rotting wood, grass, weeds, and compost piles. The problem is that it can also grow where you don't want it to - indoors. It can be found on food or clothing, in bathrooms and attics and damp basements, on carpeting, and even inside the walls of a house. Mold can feed on the wood in the wall, breaking down the materials as it spreads unseen throughout a house. As the mold digests organic material, it continues to spread to find new food sources.

Spotting mold can be easy, if the mold colony is visible. Mold comes in a variety of colors (including white, black, green, gray, brown, and more), bunching as spots or discolorations. If the mold is not visible, someone may not recognize mold is present until it is late in the process. People discover mold when there is physical damage to a structure or an increase in musty smells. Sometimes mold won't be found until the occupants experience health problems. By then, it may be too late. Whenever a house or building has an overexposure to moisture, it is important to inspect for mold. Moisture overexposure can come from many sources, including: o Floods o Roofs or basements that leak o Irrigation or fire sprinklers o Shower or bath water o Sink or sewer overflow o Humidifiers o Plumbing leaks

WHY SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT MOLD?

There are two main reasons to worry about the spread of mold in a building. The most important consideration - mold can cause health problems. The second consideration - property damage. Frank Foreman, President & CEO of NO ODOR, Inc, a mold remediation company, believes mold is coming to the forefront because everyone is learning that mold damage can affect property value. Let's start with the health issues. Molds produce allergens that can cause reactions such as sneezing, runny noses, even asthma attacks in those allergic to it. It can even cause irritation to the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes to those who are not allergic. Certain molds can also release toxins (mycotoxins) that cause more serious problems. According to the Mold Help Organization, exposure to these mycotoxins could cause people "to suffer from a myriad of serious symptoms and illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, learning disabilities, mental deficiencies, heart problems, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple chemical sensitivity, bleeding lungs and much more" (http://www.mold-help.org/content/view/478/).

Because many people are not as aware or concerned about the health threats of mold, it is also important to consider the damage it can cause to property. Everyone tends to pay more attention to a problem when it affects the wallet. A home or business is the largest investment most people have. A colony or colonies of mold can cause severe devastation. According to the EPA website, "If you already have a mold problem - act quickly. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause" (http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcleanup.html).

Mold can cause structural damage to a building, because it feeds on and breaks down the organic matter (wood, mostly) within the structure. When mold grows in the walls, on insulation, or under carpeting, these items must be removed from the building. In addition to the damage caused to the building, mold may destroy personal items in the home. It can attach to personal property which may be very difficult or impossible to clean. Often the item will have to be destroyed because the mold cannot be completely removed. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE MOLD?

For the most part, since mold is everywhere, it is impossible to completely avoid all indoor molds. The key to preventing mold is to control the moisture levels indoors. The EPA website states, "If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back" (http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html).

For small areas, usually a moldy section of 9 to 10 square feet, the home or business owner can usually clean up the mold themselves. For larger areas, it is important to hire a professional mold removal contractor to make sure the problem is taken care of safely.

If you have a small patch of black, green or gray colored spots, Frank Foreman, of NO ODOR, Inc., has a smart tip to determine whether or not it is mold: put some hydrogen peroxide on the growth and watch the reaction. Almost everyone has one of those brown bottles of the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in their medicine cabinet, so he suggests putting it in a clean spray bottle and spraying the colored spots. If the solution runs down the wall and there is no reaction, then the spots are not growths of mold (it could possibly just be dirt.) Since mold is a living organism, when sprayed with the hydrogen peroxide, there will be an oxidation process. If you hit it and the growth starts to foam up with white foam, then you know you are dealing with mold.

For small amounts of mold, many sources recommend using a combination of water and detergent to clean the moldy surfaces. However, Frank Foreman recommends using only products that are approved by the EPA to kill mold. He further states that care and precaution need to be taken when doing the cleanup by an individual. "Mold is a living organism and it can travel easily when disturbed. Someone may wash away half of the mold and the other half might release mold spores that can escape to another source of moisture in the home. Or worse, into the A/C or heating system which can spread mold spores to every room in the house," claims Foreman.

Foreman also suggests that someone with a mold problem should really educate themselves before hiring a professional to remove toxic mold. "The mold removal industry is completely unregulated. There are no federal, state, or local regulations that govern mold removal professionals." This means, according to Foreman, with no standards, there is no way to prove the job was done or that it is done right. "Only seventy to eighty percent of all mold removal jobs are done right, which means the property owner is going to have residual problems."

He says that it is important to shop around, to get references, and to scan the Internet to learn as much as possible about toxic mold and mold removal. "Education is the key. Learn the basics so you can talk to the remediation expert and you'll have a good idea if he or she really knows what they're doing."

Mold removal methods vary from company to company. But the process can be complicated and expensive. For example, if a 10' x 10' bedroom has two walls infested with mold, it may be necessary to seal off that portion of the house, remove all wall boards until there are no more visible signs of mold growth. Next, the remediation pro will have to hand sand away the mold. Then, a mold killing detergent will be washed over the surface. The exposed area will then be HEPA vacuumed to remove remnant spores. After the area is tested to make sure there is no more mold, new walls will have to be built back up and painted. As you can see, the process can be time consuming and very expensive. However, to save on excessive destruction, some professionals have been employing fiber optic technology to view within the walls or ceilings, looking for mold growth, before tearing down all the drywall.

If you have had a flooding problem or a major water leak, it is also important to contact your insurance company. Many do not know that insurance may cover the mold removal as well. However, most insurance companies are starting to put limits on mold removal coverage (sometimes keeping caps at $5000 to $10,000.) While it may sound like a lot of money, the insurance company will be giving you money to fix the damage and remove the mold. The mold removal process may cost more than repairing the damage caused by the water. For example, if the roof of a house comes off during a storm and causes water damage to the house, the insurance company may give a lump sum to cover the repairs to the roof, the damage inside, and the mold problem. By accepting their lump sum, you have to pay to replace the roof and damage from water but the money also has to cover the costs to remove the mold that may come days, weeks, or months later.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MOLD FROM COMING BACK?

Once you have removed the entire mold infestation from your property, it is still important to control moisture levels in the structure:

- If there is any kind of flooding, it is imperative you remove the water within 24 to 48 hours.

- Whenever possible, move wet items to a dry, well-ventilated place or outside to speed up the drying process. Remove drywall up to the height of the water level. Remove carpeting as soon as possible.

- Keep the indoor humidity low. If possible, keep below 60 percent relative humidity.

- If condensation or moisture collects on windows, walls or water pipes, dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

- Keep gutters clean and make sure water drains away from the building to prevent it from collecting around the foundation.

- Run or install venting fans in high moisture areas, like the bathroom.

- Run a dehumidifier in moist areas, such as a basement or bathroom.

- Ventilating areas can help reduce moisture, as well as keeping the temperature up or the air conditioner on. However, aim the air conditioning vents away from the condensing surfaces to prevent cold spots where moisture condensation can occur.

- Adding thermal insulation to walls, ceilings, and pipes can help, too (in fact, rust spots on any water pipes could be an indication there is too much moisture in a room. Adding insulation to the pipes is a good idea.)

Mold can be a very serious problem in homes and businesses and it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. The consequences to health and property can be severe. While remediation of mold can be expensive, the damage mold can cause could be even worse. Frank Foreman has seen many cases where it is actually cheaper for the homeowner to knock down and rebuild an entire house rather than remove the existing mold infestation. Keep in mind some of the potential signs that mold may be growing within a property:

* Unexplained discoloration on a surface

* Musty or earthy odor

* Dark spots on or around vents

* Water stains anywhere

* Peeling or curling of floors or wallpaper

Do your homework and hire a professional to handle even moderate mold problems as soon as possible. If one is not sure where to look for a mold removal and remediation specialist, there are services that can help everyone find a local professional. One example would be the service provided by ConstructionDeal.com - they have a network of pre-screened mold removal companies and one can register any mold problem for free. Simply visit http://www.constructiondeal.com and they can help anyone find a local mold removal specialist today. Whenever a home or business owner believes there are signs of mold growth within their property, he or she should contact a professional as soon as possible to avoid future problems or costs. Attack those "Killer Mold Spores" before your own personal home invasion gets any worse. Timothy K. Clark is the Director of Marketing for the valuable website ConstructionDeal.com (http://www.constructiondeal.com) which specializes in fulfilling all the construction needs of homeowners and general contractors. We match project owners with contractors for residential and commercial improvement, repair, or remodeling work.

I Was Asked if I Had Any Stepping Stone Molds

I had to say no. Nothing like losing a sale!

I don't sell them because of postal costs. Molds don't weigh much but are big when you get to step stone size. The Post Office and everyone else use a system called "volumetric pricing".

This means if you send a big light box, it will be charged as if it weighed X lbs. X is an average for what a box that size would hold. So your 13 oz. or so mold is charged as if it weighed 5 pounds.

I can't ask anyone to pay that much so I just don't sell large molds. It is enough that the box for the molds I do sell is much heavier than the contents. I send hundreds of pounds of cardboard all over the country. And a few pounds of plastic!

Now for your free stepping stone. Get yourself a plastic garbage can. The bottom of the can should be the size you want your stepping stone to be. I guess you have figured it out now! Anyway cut the can off about 5 inches up from the bottom, and there is your mold.

Google this - Beware the Dreaded Theet O Vac!

Don't cheap out here. Use a new garbage can, old ones seem to be a little "sticky". Release agent helps but you will lose a few castings. Get a new can, they are not that expensive!

You can play around with maybe putting a couple of leaves in the mold before you pour your concrete. They will wash out with your garden hose and you will have an attractive pattern left behind.

You could also try a couple of kid's plastic lizards or worms. They will pull out easily when your stone is cured. There are a lot of kids' toys that are plastic and can be used here, look around. When you see something, think of molds.

Be sure you use a release agent before pouring. (10w engine oil works for me) Try pouring two colors of concrete. Mix your plain, uncolored concrete and set it aside. Then mix some colored concrete. Pour the color then the plain. Maybe a small stir with a stick after both are in the mold. Don't get carried away. You just want to create a couple of swirls, not blend the colors into one unrecognizable blob of mush.

Take a look around, you will see all kinds of things you could try in your mold. You will also start to see lots of things that could be molds.

Happy pouring!

Try - www.freenewarticles.com for more.

Try - www.delsmolds.com for more free molds

Free New Articles has revolutionized the conceptualization of markets. We apply the proverb "A fool and his Thetans are not soon parted" not only to our cross-platform, blog-based solutions but our power to generate. Think world-class. Think Operating Thetan. Think Theet O Meter, B2B2C, innovative Theet O Vac. But don't think all three at the same time. CLEAR? Beware the Dreaded Theet O Vac!

Mold in the Kitchen can be the Result of Plumbing Problems

Some people believe that mold is a basement problem or possibly it will appear on an outer wall. The facts are mold is not that choosey, it will happily develop anywhere the conditions are right. Leaky plumbing will make the inner part of the lower cupboards moist. The wet wood is exactly the kind of base for fungus to grow on. There are molds that will grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. Mold spore are everywhere just waiting to grow. There is no real way to get rid of all mold and mold spores from your home. The only way to control mold growth is to control the moisture level in your home.

There are many pieces of plumbing in the kitchen that can spring a leak. Either the supply lines or the drain lines can erode and begin to weep then drip and finally run. Often these growing problems go unnoticed until the last stage. Longstanding moisture from the weeping and dripping is all the water necessary to provide the growth conditions. Now do not get in a panic if you have a pipe spring a leak and you catch it in a week or so. It is very unlikely that this would be long enough to establish a mold culture.

When you find a leak there are a few basic steps to follow. First close the water supply valve to the area. There is probably a zone shut-off valve or for that area of your home. If the valve does not stop the water close the main water valve for the house Now mop up the water and dry out the area, maybe use a fan if there is a lot of moisture. Now address the leaky item. If the faulty part is a faucet or a supply riser line, you will be able to replace it yourself. However if it is one of the soldered in pipes, you may be well advised to hire a plumber to replace it. Often amateurs will create more problems when trying to solder new pieces into old pipe systems.

Some repairs are easier to do than others are. Many just take time and some are a major hassle. Particularly difficult are those that involve working on pipes that are hidden behind walls or under floors. If in doubt wire a professional. If a small section of a line springs a leak, it is likely that the whole pipe needs replacement. Fix all plumbing problems immediately it is best for the home.

If you keep on top of moisture problems and run your kitchen fan whenever cooking causes steam, you should never have a mold problem in your kitchen. This not only saves you money but more important, it is healthier for you and your family.

Jim Stewart has been involved with home construction and improvement for over 40 years as a tradesman, contractor and site supervisor and has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. Jim is a student of the industry and gladly passes on what he has learned. Jim is now the also the publisher of http://www.best-kitchens.com/ and http://www.Basement-Central.com/

Jim can be contacted at Homes42005@yahoo.com

Basement Mold - The Most Common Place In The Home

Basement mold is the most common mold that you will encounter in your home. This is because the basement is underground and is usually not developed as the rest of the house, and so is the perfect breeding ground for basement mold. It is often a storage area where there is little heat and it is also where moisture can build up from condensation on the pipes or even a leak. The mold can actually build up quite a bit in the basement if you do not keep a close watch on the conditions, such as excess moisture and damp conditions which are the prime breeding areas for basement mold.

Once mold spores settle in your basement, they will keep growing. Mold in basements can be found on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, cement, sheet rock and insulation. There is no realistic way to get rid of all the basement mold that you have because mold spores are everywhere. Once you do find mold in the basement, though, you have to look at methods of basement mold removal.

You have to be careful when you are removing basement mold because once you disturb the mold spores you spread them around. Cleaning up one area could spread the mold to another part of the basement. You also have to be careful when you handle moldy materials to make sure you don't breathe in the mold that is in your basement when you are going through the process of basement mold removal. When you set about this task, you should wear a paper facemask and gloves so that you don't breathe in or come in direct contact with the mold.

Basement mold is one of the leading causes of allergies in homes as well as toxic mold syndrome. Not all molds are toxic, but you won't know if the mold in basement is toxic or not until you get it tested. This is why basement mold removal is so important. Mold allergies often disguise themselves as sunus problems or flu-like symptoms and they can aggravate asthma.

When you realize that you have basement mold, the first thing you need to do is search for the cause of the mold. If you find leaks or excess moisture, you have to make the repairs to prevent the moisture from re-occurring and the mold from coming back. Then you have to take measures of basement mold removal. There are many excellent sprays and cleaners on the market that do an effective job of mold removal. You do have to make sure that you completely dry the area after you clean to prevent the basement mold from growing back.

To find out more about Mold removal visit Peter's Website <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.the-mold-removal-guide.com/">The Mold Removal Guide and find out about <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.the-mold-removal-guide.com/mold-removal-products.html">Mold Removal Products and more, including Mold allergies and toxic Mold.

I am a Moldy Dirty Dumpster Diver and Lovin It

When I was born they threw out the mold but I fooled them ...I grew back. Some say I was born born a dumpster diver. I will always be a dumpster diver. I love waste. Especially in Doylestown Pa my hometown. I'd rather go without most things, than buy them new, because I will wait until someone near my home will throw it away for me to find, first. I have even collected toilet paper and soap, new of course.. But I get my shoes, housewares, clothing, linens, furnishings, cleaners, paints, nuts and bolts, tools, tractors, lumber, computers...you get the idea why I am a dumpster diver.
Now what I can do with all these treasures. Some end up at Milan Hirst Nursery and Treasures which is our store at our nursery located in Milan Pa. along rt. 220 in Bradford county. Some I use as freebies.

The net is a free market at is best. I have merged my dumpster diving with my farm. I try to use and recycle as much as possible. I just love free stuff. I have found that so do a lot of other people. So we try to give them what they want. Free items. This is a lesson that I learned many years ago. I always try to offer a customer something that is free. Customers remember the free item more than items that they buy. Of all the different types of adds that I have run over the years, its the free offers that people cut out and save. After all think about coupons that people save. They don't collect product adds they will collect coupons. That is why I like to always advertise my free items. I even plan days around free give aways. When customers are at nursery I will even make up a free offer on the spot many times such as when I ask the customer, " Do you know what day it is? Do you know its free Lilac day? Let me show you a Lilac that is free today". I will then give them a lilac and say such things as every landscape needs at least one lilac. I can them show them all the different lilacs that we have and promote many different lilacs. I never give away a teaser. I make the free plant a quality gift of real value. This is what is remembered by customers.
This is a copy of my most recent email newsletter. This was an overwhelming success. We had an estimated 600% weekly sales gain by using this newsletter add.
January 2006 The Early Bird Gets the Worm---Don't Delay Free Tree Day Jan. 28Th is a Free Higan Weeping Cherry Tree Day Greetings! January 28, 2006 is free Weeping Higan Cherry Tree Day.....All members of our email club can receive a free Higan Weeping Cherry when you bring your pickup to our 5275 West Swamp Rd. Fountainville Pa. location. These trees are 10-12' tall and in 24" baskets. These trees must be picked up on the 28Th, before 5pm. sorry, no rain checks. There is a limit of one per family and you must have been a member on or before January 27, 2006 of our email club. Sincerely, Bill Hirst Free Tree Day Jan. 28Th, 2006 is Free Tree Day 5275 W. Swamp Rd. Fountainville, Pennsylvania 18923 January 28, 2006 8:00AM-5:00PM Reasons to Come to this Event We are selling 150 acres of our nursery and we must liquidate many trees and plants. Some of of plants are in quantities that would supply us for many years of sales. But we can't move that number of trees. Thus they will be either sold at a discount, destroyed, or given away. I like the last option. Thus if you bring your pickup to the farm today, Saturday the 28Th, we will give away 1 free Higan Weeping cherry to each email newsletter subscriber to Highland Hill Farm that picks up the tree by 5PM. Sorry you must be have be signed up by Jan. 27Th, to qualify. There are no rain checks. These trees are in 24 and 28 inch baskets and are app. 10-14' tall. We will help load them in your pickup. We have a total of 75 trees ready to give away while the supply lasts. All other trees and plants are 20% off today. Driving Directions to the Farm Highland Hill Farm 5275 W. Swamp Rd. Rt. 313 Fountainville, Pennsylvania 18923 myhirst@yahoo.com HTTP://www.seedlingsrus.com We will have other free tree offerings each month. So keep in touch. Within 15 minutes of this email being sent people started to arrive to make selections. We would have had no customers on this day. Yet we sold enough other stock to make this offering possible. We gave away 52 trees and this was even covered by the press showing up and giving us exposure in local papers.

Bill likes to dumpster diver and is Americas most sucessful Urban miner - farmer. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.highlandhillfarm.com http://www.huntingrelics.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

Ceiling Medallions, Crown Molding, and Ceiling Domes: 3 Ways to Add Elegance and Beauty to Any Room

I want to draw attention to your ceiling. Take a look at it. Ceilings are an often neglected area of the room when it comes time to redecorate (or repair). There are so many things that you can do too, that are inexpensive, yet provide the simple elegance that speaks to your style. Choose decorative ceiling medallions, crown molding, ceiling domes, rosettes, or panel molding, just to name a few. Three of my favorite ways to accent a ceiling: ceiling medallions, ceiling domes, and crown molding.

One of the easiest and least time-consuming projects is the installation of a ceiling medallion. Although in the past they were made from plaster, today these decorative ornaments are made of lightweight polyurethane foam. This makes them much easier to handle. Ceiling medallions are used to draw attention to chandeliers and light fixtures, or to enhance crown molding. They can also be combined with a rosette and used to decorate an otherwise plain ceiling. You can use these architectural ornaments as wall decorations. Use several small ones in the hallway. Ceiling medallions are versatile and come in many styles and sizes. They can be painted to match any room. Ceiling medallions are one of the most popular architectural details.

Ceiling domes are similar to ceiling medallions in that they can transform any room into a work of art. However, they are larger and actually recessed into the ceiling, necessitating that they be planned for at the time of construction. Ceiling domes effectively enhance a foyer, dining room, living room, or even the bathroom.

Crown molding, also referred to as crown moulding, or cornice, is probably THE most important architectural element used to define any interior space. Most of today's interior designers agree that every room benefits from the use of crown molding treatment. Crown molding smoothes the transition from wall to ceiling and does much to define the architectural style of a room. The size and style of crown molding used may vary widely, from a simple cove in a farmhouse kitchen to a large built-up cornice in a grand entry.

These are just a few of the architectural designs and accents you can use to enhance the overall experience of all who enter into your home. Just don't forget the ceiling!

Patricia Tomaskovic is the owner of www.goceilingmedallion.com. Copyright2005. Visit us soon and register for the monthly drawing. We look forward to serving you.