Posted by Bob Bulmer on Wed 23rd July 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in DIY News, Green DIY
If you’re considering going down the eco friendly route next time you replace the roof, consider cedar shingles. They offer a sustainable and long lasting roof covering - plus their very attractive to boot.
Shingles are also lightweight and create improved ventilation within the roof void. The lightweight nature of shingles means that they require a less strong supporting structure.
They also have an impressive durability of 30 years and thermal insulation value is 0.1067. That means a reduced heating bill…..
If you’re a DIY enthusiast with concerns over the environment, you maybe pleased to hear that Dulux released Ecosure a couple of months ago.
Developed in conjunction with Forum for the Future (Sustainability Experts) the new paint has been designed to minimise environmental impact. About time to, some might say.
Apparently, Forum for the Future took a look at the impact of water based matt, gloss and undercoat products right through the production process. There results identified a reduction in embodied carbon and VOCs.
I have to admit that most solar powered garden lights leave me a little disappointed. However, the new “Solar Mate Point 5” and “Solar Mate Secure I” seem to push the technological envelope a little.
Solar Technology recently launched these two products as reliable mains free solar lights for the garden, out buildings and camping trips.
Solar Technology say:
“Each Solar Mate lighting kit from Solar Technology is quick and easy to install, requiring no special tools and is ideal for UK weather conditions, featuring high power solar panels designed to absorb sun light even on dull, cloudy days.”
The Solar Mate Point 5 provides lighting which is suitable for garden buildings such as; summer houses, sheds and stables, or even for camping/festival trips, and can be installed in minutes, is easily activated either via a manual On/Off switch or with the handy remote control provided. I particularly like the remote control!
It incorporates an advanced Thin Film solar technology which powers three internal, rechargeable AA batteries during the day to provide power for 10 super bright LED’s, powerful enough to illuminate up to 9 sq meters for 3 hours.
The Solar Mate Secure I has been developed by Solar Technology as a movement activated Security Light. It features an integrated PIR movement sensor which can be easily adjusted both for sensitivity and time. When activated the Solar Mate Secure I can work for between 30 seconds and 20 Minutes and can illuminate an area up to 5m away.
For much bigger areas - Solar Technology also offers an additional eight Solar Mate interior lighting kits designed to illuminate much larger areas.
Summary features and information about each product
Read more...
When constructing your own home, you may want to give some consideration to proper sound insulation. An effective and eco friendly solution is recycled rubber Acousticel Wall Panels from Sound Service.
Integrated into party walls, the recycled rubber panels apparently reduce sound transmission by almost 90%. Well worth it, if you want guaranteed sleep at night.
Sound system say:
Read more...
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 1st January 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Green DIY
If you’re looking to build yourself an eco friendly home then consider the following key points:
• Positioning and aspect are important issues to consider. These factors will determine the effectiveness of solar panels and the fall of natural light.
• Design principles need to incorporate proper insulation measures.
• Water recycling and retention using the roof and guttering.
• Energy conservation measures within the construction.
• Natural materials from sustainable resources.
• The design needs to be long standing and durable - plus offer potential for recycling at the end of it’s useful life.
