Why Buy a Home Elevator?

If you're wondering why buy a home elevator, here are some reasons that could convince you.

Why the home elevator makes sense

The elevator facilitates better mobility between the floors of your home or mansion, enabling you and the elderly members of your family to be independent while also helping transport stuff such as laundry or heavy items up and down the floors. Beyond the utility factor, the home elevator adds value to your home and even accentuates the interiors.

An elevator just for your home

ThyssenKrupp Access, Savaria Concord and Federal Elevator are some of the leading names in the business, offering a wide range of reliable and user-friendly elevators. They have high end models with customized interiors with materials including glass, wood and stone available, models incorporating state-of-the-art technologies including gearless traction and variable speed, models requiring no machine room and only a shallow pit or no pit at all, cost efficient budget elevators, and basic but elegant and space saving mini-elevators ("vanishing" or "through-the-floor" elevators) that require no hoistway, pit or machine room and hence no significant structural modifications to the home.

Great features and reliable performance

The Panorama residential elevator from Federal Elevator is one of the models that offer customization options as well as deliver efficient and reliable performance. Other features of the Panorama include:

• Loading capacity of 1000 lbs (454 kg)
• Maximum speed of 50 fpm (0.15 m/s)
• Manual or automatic swing entrances
• 1:2 cable hydraulic drives
• Emergency battery lowering & car lights
• Compact hydraulic pump unit
• Stainless steel trim
• Stainless steel control panel
• Number of maximum stops-8
• Accordion or scissor style car gates
• Automatic controls CSA/UL listed

The customer friendly service of leading elevator suppliers who undertake professional installation of these elevators as well as maintenance tasks would also go a long way in eliminating the question of why buy a home elevator from your mind.

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Reviews of the Top 4 Plantation Shutters For Your Home

Contrary to popular opinion, there exists a wide ranging world of shutters for home windows that serve a variety of different purposes. One specific type of window shutter is the plantation shutter that is available in a variety of different components. When picking plantation shutters for your home, choose between wooden ones, vinyl ones, and other composite materials to match with a home.

One of the most expensive, but best types of shutters to buy is called the designer Alder wooden shutters. These shutters, obviously made of wood, can run a person up to seven hundred dollars per set but are some of the most durable shutters on the market. They can come pre-painted and stained to promote a better look for the home but should be installed by professionals to ensure their longevity.

Another type of wooden plantation shutter that is good fit for most homes is the traditional designer wooden shutter. These shutters, produced by the same company as the designer shutter, sport the common look of shutters but are guaranteed to have a long lasting life. These shutters serve as the first line of defense when dealing with inclement weather and can be purchased for about $750.

There are two major types of composite shutters that can be found on the market and serve to be much more durable than just about any other product on the market. These two varieties of shutters are called Polydesign shutters and MDF shutters. These window apparatus can be bought at a much cheaper price than the best wooden ones because they are much easier to mass produce.

Finally, the last variety of shutter to look into is the polyvinyl or vinyl type. These shutters are best suited for windows only and can be built to any size for just about any home. Polyvinyl shutters are the cheapest out of these four major designs as they exist in the $200 price range. They provide adequate protection from the elements as well as from theft and unwanted cold and heat, depending on the season.

Four plantation shutters styles that can be purchased are the designer Alder shutters, traditional wooden shutters, vinyl shutters, and composite models. Each has their own price range due to color, stain, size, and base material. Choosing one of these types of window apparatus can improve the décor of the exterior found around the home as well as serve as protection from the elements.

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Be Prepared For Your Next Event Emergency

Whether you've planned one event or hundreds it's happened to you: someone runs up in a panic because they need _______ and they think you'll have it because you're the event planner. That's right, __blank__, they'll ask you for anything and everything and they need it NOW! Thumb tacks, scissors, glue, a hammer, needle and thread, batteries, or Tylenol - you name it and as far as they're concerned their crisis is far more important than anything you could be dealing with at the registration table or backstage. Well, after a few instances like this I decided to make sure the next "ask" would be met with an assuring "yes". So I created THE EVENT KIT. It's an emergency kit that has everything anyone could ever ask for while at an event. Exhibitors, performers, caterers, attendees, limo drivers, and volunteers - I'm ready for all their 9-1-1's.

This was the most fun I have had shopping in a long time. I went on a shopping frenzy to Staples, Home Depot, and a few other stores (spent about $1,000 in total) and prepared the most amazing emergency event kit that I've every seen. We're talkin' the grand daddy of event kits here. I started off with a Pelican Case because I wanted something durable (I also have a bit of gear envy and this was my way of trying to be cool like my photographer and A/V friends). I bought some small organizers to make sense out of the little bits, and then I tackled the extremely difficult task of making it all fit. Now, when I show up on event day I feel armed and prepared to help everyone with their mini-emergencies.

Someone asked me the other day if I got the idea from watching The Wedding Planner (Jennifer Lopez) and I laughed out loud right in their face. I felt bad. Nope, I didn't steal it from a movie. I don't really remember any sort of brain wave - inspiration didn't really come into play on this one. I've seen other planners with kits before but they've always been small tool boxes or sewing kits and I just wanted to take it over the top.

Here's what's inside my emergency event kit:

Electrical Supplies
15' Extension Cord
5-spot Power Strip
Cables

• Mac Book Power Extension
• Firewire
• Ethernet
• USB
• 1/8' to 1/4'
• 1/4' to 1/4'
• S-Video
• Phone
• RCA Dual to 1/4'

Adapters:

• iPod to Computer
• Mac Display Output; Various
• RCA to 1/4'

USB Splitter
USB Flash Drive
SD Memory Cad (16m)
Headphones
Flashlight
Laptop printer
Inkjet cartridges (B&W, colour)
Emergency Equipment

First Aid Kit; Including:

• Tylenol
• Benadryl
• Sunscreen SPF 45
• Visine Eye Drops
• Hand Sanitizer
• Hand Cream
• Wet Wipes
• Granola Bar
• Frisk Breath Mints

Stationary
Accordion File Folder

• Clip Boards (3)
• Receipt Book
• CD-R (2)
• Card Stock; Multi-colour (40)
• Note Pad (1)
• Lined Paper (10)
• File Folders (3)
• Stickers; 1" Dots
• Labels; #5160; Multi-colour (8)

Accordion Pouch
Envelopes

• 10"x14" Padded (1)
• 9"x12 Tyvek (2)
• Catalogue (3)
• CD Mailer (2)
• CD Mailer Padded (1)
• #10 (20)
• #8 (10)

Writing Utensils
Highlighters; Yellow (2)
Permanent Markers; Black (2)
Medium+Fine Point; Black (4)
Dry Ease Markers; (4)
Pens (15)
Mechanical Pencils (2)
HB2 Pencils (2)
Pencil Sharpener
Eraser
Correction Tape
6" Ruler
Stapler+Extra Staplers
Post-it Notes
Elastic Bands; Various Sizes (50)
Lens Cleaner
Name Badges; Clip (10), Lanyard+Sleeve (10), Cards (15)
Calculator
Fasters
Binder Clips; Various Sizes (30)
Push Pins (100)
#1 Paper Clips (100)
Velcro loops (3)
Velcro Peel Strips (6)
Adhesive Puddy
Glue Stick
String (100')
Zip Ties (8)
Bungee Cords (4)
Removable Double-Coated Tape
Magic Scotch Tape
Gaffer Tape; black, red (2)
Miscellaneous
Garbage Bags; Big (2), Small (2)
Zip-Lock Bags; Big (2); Med. (2)
Twist Ties
J-Clothes (2)
Rubber Gloves
Lint Roller
Tide-To-Go Stain Stick
Sewing Kit
Food Thermometer
Lighter
Razor Blade
Multi-bit Screwdriver
Hammer
Batteries

• 9-volt (2)
• Triple-A (4)
• Double-A (4)

Ticker Tape; Various Colours (2)
Scissors
Hands Stamps (5)
Click Counter
Digital Camera
Hole Punch; Single
Hole Punch; Full Sheet
Wrist Bands; Various (10)
Coat Check Tags (125)
Raffle Tickets (125)

**Set-Your-Own Master Lock (for the case)
**Stanley Organizers; various sizes

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Accordion Album - The Best Choice For Scrapbooking!

Everyone has some good and some bitter memories. The good ones paint smiles on the faces wherein the bad ones makes you dull. However, they are things that happen when you do not expect them.

A way of keeping memories alive is by keeping photographs of the person who was with you in each occasion. People love taking photographs during field trips, excursions, get togethers, vacations, birthdays, graduations, holidays, weddings and occasions of the like. These photos keep the memory alive in all the eyes that have had the glimpse of it. However, instead of having the photographs in a traditional album or something of that sort, it would be better if you worked on scrapbooks and spice them up a bit.

Creation of scrap books does not need skill or expertise in photography. You just ought to be able to design the layout for your scrapbook for which you must know the concept of design and also must select the photographs you wish to include in the scrapbook.

Have you heard of accordion albums? These might have been encountered by you or you keep one of them in your room. It is not the regular photo album. It is smaller in size and are ones that are meant for keeping the memories of loved ones alive. Accordion albums for love relations is the most common as being lovers people would have spent a lot of quality time together, which they wish to retain forever. For such instances, scrapbooking is the best, for which you may have to create an accordion album, which would be the best thing to do.

The layout, design and size of the scrapbook depends completely on the total number of photographs that are to be included. To increase the liveliness of the memories stored, captions like quotes and poems can be employed as captions or tag-lines for the photos, which will manifest the intimate feeling in the album and also augment the feel of the memories while taking a second glance.

While writing the journal, memorable or funny incidents can be recalled about the photo which will make it more alive and also expressive. Also, the colours will play a very important role in the scrap book. Soft colours like gold, silver blue and cream are used, which makes the scrapbook look lively and attractive too.

Accordion Album - Worthy topics:

Some of the topics that are used widely for accordion album, "10 things i love i you" and "Our relationship's history" are very common. Any other title can be employed, so long as it expresses the intimacy of your scrapbook and the more personal the title is, the better title it would be in the future when you look at it.

Moreover, accordion album, used for scrapbooking, may serve also as memorabilia of items like love letters, cards, concerts attended, restaurant dined at, dried flowers and other things that were exchanged between the two of you. You can even have a question answer session between each other and include it. The questions may be about the traditions, ambitions, pastimes, personal favourites, pet peeves and so on. It may even be on the things that you disagree on.

Accordion Album - Important for Scrapbooking

The accordion album is the easiest way in which special memories, shared by you and your special one can be recorded. Creation of a scrapbook is real fun and you may laugh your heart out when you remember certain incidents that were behind the scenes shown by the pictures. When it is shown to your partner, your output will please him or her too.

Valuable Steps to be Followed

Before scrapbooking is started, the pictures should be obtained that will be included in your scrapbook. They must be sorted in a chronological order and before pasting the photographs, you ought to make sure that they occur in the same order you conceptualised. Add embellishments that are artistic to the pages and include captions for as many photos as possible. This process should be done for the whole of the scrapbook and if you follow properly the in and out of it, you will be able to make an adorable album for your scrapbook.

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The Original Accordion Style Baby Gates - A Safety Hazard

Looking back and comparing our childhood to that of our children, it becomes apparent that there were many devices used by children that turned out to be very unsafe. When you consider things like lawn darts, it often begs the questions, "What were they thinking?" However, there are many things that seemed like a good idea at the time and were used with the best intentions. One of these devices that turned out to be unsafe is the accordion styled baby gate.

The accordion style baby gate was very popular for many years. Most children growing up prior to the eighties probably remember them. They featured two pieces of wood on either side, which would be attached to the wall or between a doorway. The middle of the device used many smaller strips of wood, which were hinged, so that the two ends could be brought together or spread apart. This gave it flexibility, because it could be fit into different sized areas.

These gates characterized by the diamond shape that the slats would form when it was spread out. At the top of the gate, a series of half diamonds would create a V-shaped zig-zag pattern.

These gates presented several dangers to the child and were a major safety hazard. The child could easily become entrapped in the gate if they stuck their head in one of the diamonds or on the top. If the gate became dislodged or even slightly moved, the diamond could close, catching the child and potentially pinching or causing strangulation.

By February of 1985, companies in the United States had stopped manufacturing these gates. Some gates are still around that use this design though, so it is important to always avoid using these types of gates.

Federal regulations now require that the distance between two sections of a V-shaped gate not exceed 1.5 inches and the diamonds must be smaller than the head of a six month old child.

One of the reasons the accordion gate was popular is because one gate could be used in different areas of the home that had different widths. Today, pressure gates are available, which offer similar functionality.

These usually are made of two pieces of plastic or wood. Some sort of tensioner, commonly a spring, causes the two pieces to be pressed into the edges of the door or the wall. Unlike the earlier version, these usually have a solid edge on top. While a pressure gate is much safer than the diamond shaped accordion gates, they are fairly easy to break free. Even the most well designed pressure gate is going to come loose eventually and an adventurous toddler can knock it down.

You should never rely only on a gate to protect your child from dangers like the stairs, but a pressure gate requires more attention, since they can be knocked down rather easily. Usually a hardware mounted gate is recommended. These come with mounting brackets that are physically secured to the wall. The gate can then be snapped into the brackets where it will be held in place. Most of these will wing open, to provide temporary access or taken down, while leaving the brackets in place.

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Choosing the Right Storm Shutters

Choosing the right storm protection can be a challenging task, especially when you have got new products being released just about every 6 months. There are quite a few aspects of these products that you need to consider before making the final decision or signing any installation contracts.

Price - In an economy like ours this is always an important thing to look for. With storm shutters you don't want to limit yourself by price, however. I suggest considering all of the products and their performance beforehand. There are quite a few cheap products which do perform well though. One perfect example of these would be corrugated hurricane panels. Something important to keep in the back of your mind is that the less you pay for your shutters, the more work there will most likely be when it comes time to apply your protection.
Performance - This, in my opinion, is the most important factor. At the end of the day a shutters performance is what's going to protect your home. One of the tried and true products are the accordion shutters. They are easy to apply and don't have any motorized or hard-to-repair components. It is always best to review the actual product engineering of a shutter (these include their max pressure etc.)
Value - It all depends on exactly what you're looking for. If you're unable to do any labor such as installing panels then it would be best (if financially possible) to get motorized roll down hurricane shutters. Obviously if this is the case, roll downs are going to be your best value. If you're young and physically able to install products, you're going to find panels to be much more affordable and usually just as effective when it comes to storm time.

In all honesty, you should not be too worried about what you're spending protecting your home from hurricanes. These are very powerful natural wonders and they can completely destroy your home and investments. When a terrible storm is heading towards your town it is usually suggested that you leave your home behind to fend for itself. If you value your property, I suggest protecting it with shutters of some sort. If you decide to stay home for the storm it's even more imperative that you have strong protection, as your family is going to be depending on it.

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Dryer Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are 15,000 clothes dryer fires per year. The result of these fires are material losses, injuries and even death. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

To help prevent fires follow these helpful tips:

· Clean the lint screen/filter before each load of clothes. It is so easy to forget to do this each time. A small reminder sign near or on the dryer itself is a good idea. Be aware of clothing that is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked. Your high utility bill can be an additional signal.· Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically - A good rule of thumb is once a year.

Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. Many times the damper is actually stuck. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer.

· Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Also clean the interior of the dryer chassis to prevent lint build up. Always use a qualified service person to clean the dryer's interior vent system.

· Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with an approved fire resistant duct. Flexible plastic and foil type ducts are susceptible to kinks and can trap lint causing heat build up - A potential fire hazard! Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow.

· Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals. Clothes that have come in contact with gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning products, or paint solvents can be combustible. If possible, wash the clothing several times to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.

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Deciding on Modern Patio Doors

Looking at modern patio doors can be overwhelming if you don't have some sort of idea of what you are looking for. This is why it is important to think about your investment before making the purchase. For instance decide whether you want sliding glass, out swing, French, a pet door in them, bifold or accordion doors. Decide on a style such as contemporary or modern patio doors and then decide on whether you want the same finish on the interior as you get on the exterior. All of this can make a difference when you begin shopping.

Some of these choices may be simple to make but others will require some deep consideration. One decision that may require deep consideration is whether you want a pet door. Most of us have to physically take our dogs outside because they can't jump up and open the doors for themselves. We live very busy lives and this can sometimes be a problem. With sliding glass doors that have pet doors in them, you no longer have to worry about that. The doors can be locked for security when they are not in use and they are generally sealed to keep the weather out.

Another major consideration is whether to use sliding glass, French, bifold, outswing or accordion doors. Each one has their own special features but which ones will give you the better return on your money when it comes time to resell your home? French doors add a style all of their own to your home. They allow diffused light to enter while keeping prying eyes from seeing in. They can be either outswing or in swing doors depending on your preferences. Accordion doors allow you to open your home up to your family and guests. They generally fold up neatly against one side leaving your patio free of obstacles.

Consider whether you will use your modern patio doors as a replacement for an existing door or whether this will be a brand new doorway. Sometimes installing new doors means more expense. Using new doors as a replacement for existing doors can be relatively inexpensive. Most of them come with all of the hardware that is needed for installation so there is nothing else to buy, no added expense. Sometimes additional window treatments such as blinds or curtains may be necessary to conceal the interior of your home from passersby. This may require extra hardware such as curtain rods but they too are relatively inexpensive.

Whether you are looking for patio doors that are contemporary, modern or new age, you can always find what you need from the various retailers online. They can match the exterior colors of your home with your new doors as well as give you ideas for window treatments. You should check with local retailers to see what is readily available in your area and what is popular. You may find the bargain you are looking for in your own backyard.

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Residential Closet Doors - Traditional to Modern in an Instant

Your home can benefit from the installation of residential closet doors. This is because the modern design are such that they fit into any existing home décor. And they are also inexpensive which means that you get to enhance or improve the look of your interior home without running to the bank.

And what is great, today's doors are available in different attractive styles and designs, with many of them easy and quick to install. If you have limited room space, you may opt for the sliding, bifold, according or folding style. Small spaces also benefit from mirrored or glass closet doors because they bring in additional light as well as create a visual illusion of a larger area.

Louvered interior doors are great decorative options as well as to enhance the flow of air in your room. The French models are perfect to bring affordable elegance and sophistication into your home.

Another notable feature in today's versions is their flexibility. They are designed in such a way that you can install them anywhere in your home-bathroom, bedroom, laundry, utility, pantry, dining room, hallway and linen room to name a few. Plus, their contemporary design makes them the best replacement for your old, bulky walk in closet or wardrobe. Here are some residential closet door ideas available from different online retailers (pineshutters.com, homedepot.com, etc).

Wooden Decorative Room Door with 0.6mm-thick Steel Plate Inside:

A dream of any designer, this door features leaf thickness of 4 centimeters or 3 and ½ centimeters, 06 millimeter thick cold rolled steel, wooden frame and hinges and lock. The standard frame is 830 millimeter by 2,022 millimeter.

The Amherst Café Door:

This café-style door has a traditional design and is constructed from clear Ponderosa pine, smoothly sanded. It has 2-inch full stiles, 6-inch top rail and 2-inch bottom rail. It is delivered to you ready to be painted or stained.

Spectrum 24 In. - 36 In. x 80 In. Via Fruitwood Folding Door:

This door is one of the perfect choices to make if you are looking for value for your money. It brings durability in it solid vinyl panel and flexible vinyl hinges. What is more, this door is maintenance-free and fits openings from 24 inches to 36 inches wide by 80 inches high. This door comes fully assembled with model number HVS3280F.

Pinecroft 735 Series 30 In. x 80-1/2 In. Unfinished Optique Bifold Door:

This decorative glass door in bifold style is constructed from pine croft and designed for quick and easy installation. Any designer would love the glass design of this door as it brings additional light, class and elegance to any home. The assembled dimensions are 1.38 inches deep by 80.5 inches high by 30 inches wide.

These are just some of residential closet doors that you can find on the Internet. More choices are offered by Ikea, Home Depot and Lowes. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on options and retailers so take your time browsing through myriad replacement closet door options.

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Make the Most of Storage-Starved Kitchens With Collapsible Bowls, Colanders and Measuring Tools

Cooks everywhere, especially those of you navigating tight kitchens, prepare to rejoice. A new generation of space-saving collapsible kitchen tools has arrived to make even the stingiest kitchen cabinet seem downright expansive.

Leading kitchen goods brands like Progressive and Chef'n listened to cooks' storage woes and responded beautifully with a new breed of cleverly designed colanders, bowls and measuring tools that flatten for easy storage. Combining rigid rims and bases for stability together with flexible sides, collapsibles fold accordion-style from full height down to about an inch tall -- or less. So, instead of nesting or wedging bulky full-sized items into tight spaces, busy cooks can simply collapse them down to store wherever convenient.

Even better, collapsible bowls and colanders are designed to fit in the dishwasher in their flattened state, making space-wasting bulky loads and hand-washing large items things of the past.

I must admit that flexible-sided mixing bowls and measuring cups sounded a bit flimsy to me when first introduced. So, when testing collapsible tools for product reviews, I gave them a thorough run in our kitchens, subjecting them to plenty of boiling pasta, thick batters, and of course, my assistant chef, age 9.

My inner skeptic was quickly silenced when, in use, these items stood up to any mixing, pouring or dumping we dished out. Though the walls of the collapsible bowls, colanders and measuring cups we tested are flexible, they're formed in rigid, high-heat food-grade polypropylene plastic which makes them very sturdy and self-supporting when expanded. Plus, it's fun to pop collapsible bowls and colanders up and down, making them a perfect lure to get kids into the kitchen to help out.

Needless to say, I was a quick convert to collapsible kitchen tools, especially since my home's kitchen is anything but spacious. Collapsible colanders, bowls and measuring tools are a great solution for any cook looking to save a lot space or simply add convenience in any kitchen.

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Beautify Your Room With Replacement Closet Doors

You can save significantly in your home remodeling if you install replacement closet doors. They come in various styles and designs that you could find one that would match or compliment your room or home decor.

You have a choice of sliding, mirrored, glass, louvered, bifold or accordion. All these designs would fit any modern home decor. When choosing a replacement door, keep in mind that your choice of materials, styles and designs will greatly determine prices. That is why it would be a wise move on your part if you compare the different offerings from online retailers, like dunbarton.com and accordion-doors.com. For starter, here are some that may interest you.

Series 240 Accordion Folding Doors:

This Woodfold accordion folding door creates instant doors and walls when needed. It features an exclusive top and bottom steel hardware hinge to provide durability and strength and long-lasting performance. You can have a custom-built Woodfold door to meet your specified needs and requirements.

Series 2700 Heavy-Duty Steel Bifold Door with Mirror Laminate:

This model is designed for heavy-duty use and long term performance. It features laminated mirror on 24-gauge steel panel, patented Slimfold hardware system and hat, self-aligning spring loaded guide rods, safety-backed mirror measuring 3.0mm, prefinished steel track with polished chrome option, polished chrome handle and mylar mirror edging and top and bottom track in polished brass steel. It boosts with smooth, easy and quiet operation. The door breaks over the center to allow maximum opening. Panel color options are bright white, black and ivory.

Series 4550 Aluminum Framed Sliding Mirror Door with Bottom Roller:

This sliding door has adjustable L-guides on the top for smooth, easy and quiet operation. It also features a jump-resistant roller at the bottom, out-of-square opening that is easy to adjust, one piece 1 and 3/4 inches deep top track, low bottom track to reduce floor obstruction and safety-backed mirror measuring 3.0 and 4.0mm for heights higher than 9 feet. Both its top and bottom track are prefinished to match the door design. Its stiles and rails come in satin brass, satin chrome, bright brass and bright chrome.

Louver II:

This louvered door is a perfect replacement to match a contemporary, colonial or traditional home decor. It is designed to withstand impact of daily use, thus allowing the possibility of a long term performance. It can be installed easily, with no tools needed. It comes with pre-installed hardware system and patented Slimfold hat. It operates smoothly and quietly, breaks over the center to allow for maximum opening and comes with spring loaded, self-aligned guide rods. The prefinished steel track option is mill or polished finished aluminum. You have an option of bottomless track bracket.

Flush Door:

This door is wallpapered, painted or stenciled. You also have the option to use the pre-finished color allowing you an avenue to express your own style. It is heavy duty to withstand impact and can be installed easily and quickly, with no tools required. Optional features are jump-proof track mechanism and bottomless track bracket. It breaks over the center to provide maximum opening, operates smoothly, easily and quietly and has guide rods with spring or self-alignment. It comes pre-installed with hardware and Slimfold hat.

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Vince Gill Next Big Thing Contemporary Country Music CD Review

Richly talented Contemporary Country artist Vince Gill has released him latest album titled Next Big Thing and Wow! It's really a good one.

Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Next Big Thing. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Contemporary Country isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

If you're a Vince Gill fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don't even have to be a fan of Gill, or even Contemporary Country to know is good. It's just good music. Period.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 - She Never Makes Me Cry, track 7 - Young Mans Town, and track 17 - In These Last Few Days

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is 12 - You Aint Foolin Nobody. Outstanding!

Next Big Thing Release Notes:

Vince Gill originally released Next Big Thing on February 11, 2003 on the MCA Nashville label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Next Big Thing

2. She Never Makes Me Cry

3. Don't Let Her Get Away

4. Someday

5. These Broken Hearts

6. We Had It All

7. Young Man's Town

8. Real Mean Bottle

9. Whippoorwill River

10. Sun's Gonna Shine On You, The

11. From Where I Stand

12. You Ain't Foolin' Nobody

13. Old Time Fiddle

14. Without You

15. Two Hearts

16. This Old Guitar And Me

17. In These Last Few Days

Personnel: Vince Gill (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, mandolin); Al Anderson (acoustic & electric guitars); Mac McAnally (acoustic guitar); Dean Parks (electric guitar); Tom Britt (slide guitar); John Hughley (steel guitar); Stuart Duncan (fiddle); Jim Hoke (autoharp, harmonica, accordion); The Nashville String Machine (strings); Kirk Whalam (alto saxophone); Jim Horn (baritone saxophone); Charles Rose (trumpet); Steve Herrman (trombone); Pete Wasner, John Hobbs (keyboards); Willie Weeks (bass); Chad Cromwell (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Amy Grany, Lee Ann Womack, Dawn Sears, Leslie Satcher, Billy Thomas, Harry Stinson, Bekka Bramlett, Kim Keyes, Jenny Gill, Emmylou Harris, Michael McDonald, Andrea Zonn, Jeff White (background vocals).

Recorded at Ocean Way, Seventeen Grand and Sound Kitchen Studios, Nashville, Tennessee.

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Lonestar Lonely Grill Contemporary Country Music CD Review

Not sure what's happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Lonely Grill gets. Lonely Grill put simply is one of their best CDs to date.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

These days it's a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

If you're a Lonestar fan, or just a fan of Contemporary Country music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 - Simple As That, track 4 - What About Now, and track 8 - You Don't Know What Love Is

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 12 - Everything's Changed. Great track!

Lonely Grill Release Notes:

Lonestar originally released Lonely Grill on June 1, 1999 on the Bna Entertainment label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Saturday Night

2. Simple As That

3. Amazed

4. What About Now

5. Tell Her

6. Don't Let's Talk About Lisa

7. I've Gotta Find You

8. You Don't Know What Love Is

9. All The Way

10. Smile

11. Lonely Grill

12. Everything's Changed - (acoustic version, bonus track)

Lonestar: Michael Britt (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Dean Sams (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, piano, keyboards); Richie McDonald (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards); Keech Rainwater (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel includes: Gary Burnette (acoustic guitar, mandolin); Biff Watson (acoustic guitar); Dan Huff (electric guitar); Bruce Bouton (steel & lap steel guitars); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Aubrey Haynie (mandolin, fiddle); Jonathan Yudkin (mandolin); Tim Lauer (accordion); Matt Rollings (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Steve Nathan (piano, synthesizer); Robbie Cheuvront (bass, background vocals); Mike Brignardello (bass); Paul Leim (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Russell Terrell (background vocals).

Principally recorded at The Tracking Room and Iliad Studios, Nashville, Tennessee.

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Modern Room Dividers Serve Dual Purposes

Choosing a room divider for your home is not a choice to be taken likely. This divider will become a new piece of furniture in your home and an addition to your interior decorating scheme, as well as potentially becoming a piece of art, just like the framed art on your walls. Make some decisions about exactly what you would like that divider to do you for you before beginning to shop. If it is simply a privacy screen, you will look for different attributes than if you would like to serve a dual purpose of some kind.

Also be sure to know your budget. Prices on room dividers vary widely, so there is a room divider available to suit any pocketbook. If your budget is tight, those partitions and privacy screens made of particle board and veneer might be ideal, although there some reasonable prices to be found on solid wood ones as well. A company that manufactures room dividers may sell their product more cheaply than suppliers might. This is not always the case, but it is worth looking around.

Understand what kind of a divider you need for the area you are wishing to furnish. A folding free standing divider is ideal for many because it is not permanent. It can be moved when you change the furniture around, and in the event that you do not wish to use it for a period of time, it folds like an accordion and stores easily. On the other hand, you may want something more permanent, in which case you can install tracks on your ceiling and floor, and install your room divider as a rolling or sliding partition. Be sure to know the dimensions of the area before making a purchase.

Finally, to choose the style you would prefer, think about the area. If it is small or you would like to have more space, consider a mirror room divider. Obviously, a mirror divider will not actually make a room bigger, but it will add depth and a sense of space. Another divider for a room with limited space is the accordion divider, which needs no space for a door to swing open and closed; it opens by compressing against the edge of the doorway and closes by sliding into place. A modern style divider that serves a dual role is the bookcase divider that will provide storage and decorating space to a room while acting as a partition as well. Bookcase dividers are less mobile than some others, especially once you have arranged your books and/or belongings on the shelves, and obviously, accordion dividers are not mobile at all.

Japanese dividers, while not appearing particularly modern, are wonderful privacy screens because they block out one side of the room from the other, but, if made with rice paper, they continue to let sunlight stream through. Louvered partitions can be solid, when the louvers are closed, but, for most dividers, the louvers can be opened. While it is still doing its job, it will then also allow light to show from the other side.

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Coming to Terms With the Death of a Loved One

Grieving isn't cut and dried; everyone will respond a little differently. For those of us who have lost a loved one either because of age or unexpectedly through accident or disease, grieving manifests itself in different ways and can take months to years to finally come to terms with their death.

While you may think that you can insulate yourself from feelings surrounding the death of a loved one or that of a very close friend, sooner or later the impact of this death will affect you. And, it isn't enough to console oneself with the fact that the person may have suffered through a devastating illness where death could be viewed as a blessing in disguise. In this vein, I speak about my own father who languished for several years with Alzheimer's.

My father was a man of many talents. He not only was an accomplished musician, playing the Hawaiian and Spanish guitar, the accordion and fiddle, he also wrote music, and he taught music lessons for over forty years always enthusiastic about helping young and old enjoy and develop their talent. Some of his students went on to international acclaim giving him a real sense of contributing to a special talent shared worldwide. He was also a man who was able to make a vegetable garden come alive, who had an ability to make any run down house he owned turn into a charming and comfortable home. In fact, I learned the majority of my 'handyman skills' from him over the years.

Yes, there will always be a special place for Dad in my heart, and I will always have those wonderful memories of countless trips into the countryside, those special days of exploring old forts, or abandoned run down farm houses or old one room schools. Even with all these memories, there was always a nagging feeling that I needed to have something more tangible to keep his presence with me alive. So, what could I do?

While my Dad did not have a lot of money, he did leave a small inheritance to me and my brothers and sisters. Now, I had several options to explore of purchasing something that would symbolize my father, or taking something he loved and framing it to add to my home. But, what I decided instead was to erect a flag of our province in tribute to him at the entrance to our country property. Now, every time I come home, walk outside on a winter or summer day, Dad is there waving at me standing proud. It doesn't matter whether it rains or shines, is sunny or snowing, Dad is always there looking out over the countryside that he so much loved to explore.

Memories of a dear loved one need not be closeted in the recesses of your mind. Memories can live with you in many different ways. You see, it's not that you can't or shouldn't move forward with life. You should. But, there are unique or special tributes that can pay homage to a loved one, special ways that they can always be there with you as you also continue on with life just as your loved one would want.

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Carriage Garage Doors

Carriage garage doors could be the true carriage doors that open in the middle and swing out like they did in barns and horse carriage house buildings long ago; or they could be look-alike carriage garage doors which are very similar to the true carriage garage doors, only they are a facade and generally open like a real garage door, upwards.

Carriage doors are very popular in larger, newer homes and are typically wood or wood finish to make them appear more authentic. Most of these carriage garage doors are insulated to help keep out the elements and general noises which is helpful because a lot of the larger houses they are installed in have two or three garages and sometimes the homeowners transform one or more of the garages into a rec-room, office space or workout area.

If a homeowner is considering the traditional carriage garage doors that swing out, one to each side, but think they have to get out of the car to open the doors, think again, many of these traditional carriage garage doors are automatic and with a simple touch of a button on a key fob, will swing open; just make sure the car is stopped back far enough not to get hit by a swinging carriage door.

Some of the doors swing out with two doors, one to each side; others are made like an accordion, sliding to one side while others are made to life up in one piece. These doors could be stained a deep rich mahogany wood color, cherry wood, white wood-look with wearing on it (a sort of buffing or white-washing that makes the white wood look older than it is) or they could be made of heavy-duty steel. The typical doors have windows at the top and some have a diagonal cross of wood at the bottom; although there are different designs to the wood 'planks' at the bottom of the doors, some have small squares or rectangles; others have raised pieces of wood or trim which could be painted a contrasting color and other carriage garage doors offer a unique pattern that spans the length of several doors.

The styles of them are varied from traditional English carriage house to medieval looking arched doors and matching hardware. Homeowner can choose from a variety of styles that will match or complement their house, some of the door manufacturers also make carriage doors for the front, side and back doors in addition to the doors for a full house match of carriage doors.

And wood is not the only material carriage doors come in, there are steel doors that are made to look like wood, but are durable and easier to maintain. All of the doors have high quality springs, rollers and tracks for smooth opening and closing of the doors, no matter if they go up, to one side like an accordion or open like a traditional door.

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Wood Blinds

Wood blinds are comparable to accordion pleats when raised, so the superior texture is not at all stiff or difficult to manage. Discount wood blinds bring the beauty of the outdoor world into a person's home. Along with beauty, these bring durability and improved functionality to homeowners. These woven creations work just like ordinary blinds and can be raised and lowered with ease.

Discount wood blinds also come in a variety of patterns and colors. As all professional and amateur interior decorators know, blinds must match the overall décor of the room. These are sturdy and masterfully crafted. Buyers can choose them to match an elegant room tone, a casual one, or something in between. In addition to the genuine ones there are also faux wood blinds, which sell for less and look like real wood products. The best quality ones have very rich stains, which bring out the true grain of the wood. They also have UV coating that prevents harmful solar rays from damaging the product. These may also have a palette of painted colors that bring a very smooth, silk-like finish.

People who are looking for discount wood blinds can find them on the Internet. There are several online retailers specializing in blinds and window décor. Not only can these blinds add personality and elegance to any home, they can also increase a home's value. People can visit PaylessDecor.com for more information on choosing wood blinds, pricing different styles and customizing them before installation. Payless Décor is a company that uses high quality polymers to create these blinds, which come with a guaranteed lifetime warranty.

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Remarkable Business Card Designs

A good marketing campaign is a crucial aspect of any business, regardless of type, nature, and size. When a business is able to carry out an effective marketing strategy, it can easily create demand for the products or services it offers. This in turn will gather profitable customers who are likely to stay loyal throughout the duration of the business.

One good marketing tool to use is business cards. As the tool that creates the first and last impression to prospective customers, a well designed card is important to any business. But because every other business is trying to stand out in the market with their cards, it is important that you create your own creative and distinctive card.

There are actually several ways to make a business card more captivating and interesting. Some of them are the following:

Double sided business card. It's important to make use of both sides of your card. Not only does it provide you greater space to put your information, but it also allows you to make a good impression with the extra design you can put in your cards. Double sided cards also allow you to offer added value in your cards such as printing a discount coupon or free gift item at the back.

Using shard or rounded edges. When designing your card, focus should not only be on the color, images, and texts, but also on the shape of the card. If you want to convey a warm, relaxed, and friendly feeling to your target customers, then go for rounded edges. But if you want to project a structured, firm, and serious images, then stick with the sharp edges.

Brochure business card. You can always turn your business card into a mini brochure. Fold the card into two to give you ample space with which to print you contact details and list your products and services. A brochure card will do more than just provide contact details to your prospects to easily encourage them to keep your card.

Accordion card. This type of card provides you a lot of space to print your contact details. With enough room in the design, you can put as much information as you want in the card. This type of design though requires careful consideration on the thickness of the paper used as a heavy paper stock will be too thick to fold and put in a card holder. The accordion style is also quite expensive to produce, so be sure you budget can afford it before doing the design.

Folded business card. When your contact details don't fit into your standard business card printing, you can always use a folded card. This type of card folds into half to give you more space to print your contact information and allow you to put something unique in your card. This is a bit affordable than accordion business card, so you can easily fit it into your budget.

These are just some of the ways to design your business card. There are other ways you can do to make an impact through your cards. You can try using different materials, paper type, and shape. Whatever design you choose, just make sure that it will effectively convey the message and image you want your customers to have of you.

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Alternatives to Bridesmaid Bouquets

When you begin planning your wedding, probably one of the first things that comes to mind is flowers. As you order the bridal bouquet, you might simply order smaller versions of the same design for your bridesmaids to carry. But before you do, take the time to look into your options for alternatives to the standard bridesmaid bouquets.

If you definitely want to have your attendants carry flowers, but also want something unique, consider kissing balls. They are made of flowers arranged into a round ball, and are usually hung from a pretty satin or organza ribbon. Kissing balls have a very romantic look, and also add a pleasing architectural element to the wedding procession.

A bridesmaid accessory that is making a comeback is the parasol. They are most often done in a shade of white (as opposed to the bright pastel parasols that were popular in the 1970s). Some brides will have their attendants carry the parasols down the aisle for an outdoor garden wedding. In other cases, the bridesmaids will have bouquets, and will use the parasols as props for the photos.

If you choose to use a prop like a parasol, the bride should pay for it, just as she would the bridesmaid's bouquets. After all of the other expenses associated with being a bridesmaid, it would not be kind to force them to buy a parasol as well. Please do not consider the parasols to count as bridesmaid gifts, either. Bridesmaid gifts should be something that your friends would choose for themselves, like a beautiful pair of earrings, not a prop for your wedding.

Another alternative to the standard bouquets is to have your bridesmaids carry fans. This trend can go a couple of ways. If you are having an Asian inspired wedding, choose accordion fans that are handpainted with lovely cherry blossoms. For a more Southern plantation look, fans made from raffia would be a great choice.

Fans, like parasols, are popular for a prop in the wedding photos. They can add a nice repetitive element that the photographer can style into some very striking images. This is the kind of detail that can make your wedding photos very unique.

For very religious ceremonies, some brides will choose to carry a small white Bible or other book of prayers instead of a bouquet. Often the book is decorated with white ribbons and perhaps a small spray of flowers. If the bride has made this choice for herself, she could also have her bridesmaids carry prayer books, as long as there are no religious conflicts.

Each bride wants to find a way to make her wedding distinctive. Choosing an alternative to the traditional bridesmaid bouquets is certainly one way to put your own personal stamp on your day. Having unique details is what will make your wedding even more memorable.

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The Use of Velcro Receptive Room Dividers

Velcro is an attachment of two materials. The materials are different in the sense that one is smooth and the other is mildly rough. The smooth and the rough side are attached and stick to each other when they are pressed together. When pressed together, it forms a strip of two materials of different types that have been made to one. Velcro is used as a form of fastener mostly for materials and in room divisions; it can act as a holder for the curtain room divider.

Velcro receptive dividers are mostly used as curtain dividers and can be customized according to the wishes of the user. This is mostly because of the fact that Velcro is used as a fastener and mostly being used with fabrics and other garment materials, they fit well with curtain room.

Curtains are flexible because they are can be used for both small and large room divisions. With curtain divisions, a beam is installed at the top of two walls at a considerable elevation. This is to hold the curtain in place with ring or a hook and an eye. For retraction purposes, the Velcro will act as a fastener to the curtain and hold the room divider in place as you world not want the curtain hanging.

Velcro receptive room dividers have to be light and flexible. The rigidity of the panels of other room dividers causes them not to work well with Velcro. Velcro dividers can mostly be used in fashion rooms, or other stage performance rooms. They also help to add a bit of beauty to the room as their stylish way of fastening is unique and very attractive. Velcro can be easily applied to use for many functions as room dividers or simply as room decorations.

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Hurricane Shutters - What You Need To Know

The job of hurricane shutters is to protect your home or office glass areas from breakage when hit by flying debris. Why? The simple reason is a broken window or door will allow the wind to build huge pressure inside of your home. This pressure is looking for a quick way to relieve itself. While the pressure is looking for a way out, the wind is shrieking across your roof trying with all of its might to pull your roof off.

So, you have pressure inside pushing your roof up from inside and the wind outside trying to suck your roof off. Sounds like a double whammy doesn't it? Well, that is how and when the roof is pushed upwards from inside and sucked off of your home from the outside and blows away becoming another pile of debris in someone elses yard. Very Sad.

There are many styles and types of shutters that will serve to protect your home or office. Let's start with the most expensive. Pricing for Hurricane Shutters

Roll Shutters are by far the most convenient and easiest hurricane shutter product available. The rolling shutter can be designed to fit virtually any opening, and it can be operated manually with crank handles from inside or outside of the building. You can motorize the shutters with manual overrides and totally automate the operation with timed opening and closing or with wind sensors that close the shutters when wind exceeds a certain preset value. They are, due to the ease of operation, used for all sorts of occasions like security, light and sound control and insulation. Properly-installed, roll-up shutters have a minimum impact on the architectural integrity of your property.

Colonial and Bahama Shutters are an excellent choice for a charming architectural look and are easily closed and secured in the event of a hurricane. They provide security and control of light and sound with a minimum of maintenance. The closing of the shutters is accomplished, in most cases, from the outside. The second floor openings, only available by ladder in some cases, can be secured from inside. However, windows that open outward prevent closure from inside and a ladder will be required to secure Bahama and Colonial shutters on second floor or higher situations.

Accordion Shutters provide excellent storm protection, security, sound and light control. They are most often secured from outside but can be secured from the inside easily when the opening is a sliding window or window or a door that swings in when opened. This limitation could affect second-floor closing with windows or doors that swing outward. Accordion shutters can have a significant impact on the architectural look of a building. Careful installation design is recommended to minimize that affect. They are permanently stacked at the sides of each opening and can be secured quickly.

Storm Panels are simple and effective hurricane protection. They are most often secured outside but can be designed for inside closure for sliding glass doors and windows in some situations. They can be installed vertically or horizontally as works best for each opening. They can be installed using permanently installed headers and sills or can be installed using Tampin(R) Brand Machine Screw Anchors. The Tampin(R) is a simple fastener that installs a threaded attach point for a sidewalk bolt to thread into and hold the panels securely in place. Also, the use of Tampins(R) reduces the architectural impact on the property as there is no hardware showing except the head of the sidewalk bolt.

You can paint the sidewalk head if you like. Panels must be safely and securely stored when not in use (Kids love to make forts from the panels.). The threat of a storm will require you to install the panels for each opening in advance. Trust me, it is no fun to install the panels when the wind is blowing, and you are climbing up a ladder. The installation of the panels will make your house very dark inside. I suggest you consider replacing one metal panel per large opening with a clear Lexan panel to allow some natural light into each room; not to mention everyone iinside is curious about what is going on during the storm. Do not go outside during the storm. Flying debris can kill or seriously injure!

Storm Screens are a new and economical Wind Abatement Product that offer storm protection by simply reducing wind pressure as much as 97%. How does a storm screen do that? Let's consider a lanai (true story) that uses the storm screen wind-abatement system to protect the entire lanai area including all of the windows and doors that are in the lanai. The winds in the lanai during Hurricane Charlie were reduced to the point one customer actually sat in the lanai and was able to comfortably smoke a cigarette. This customer did not sustain any storm-related damage at all while homes around her were being destroyed. The Storm Screen wind-abatement system passed all the same tests that all conventional shutters must pass including 100's of impact tests with no failures or damage.

Wow! You say, what is the storm screen made of? The storm screen is fabricated using a light-weight geo-synthetic fabric. This fabric has properties similar to Kevlar. Let's just say it is strong, can be folded, lightweight, stores easily, low maintenance, stronger than many steel shutter products, you can see through it and has passed all Dade County and the new Florida building code compliant tests.

Sounds like the ultimate solution for storm protection. Well not so quick. Yes, the storm screen is a great product but there is one cavaet you must know. The storm screen deflects significantly under wind loads. Not a surprise; after all it is a fabric. Well, suppose the fabric deflects up against the glass of a window and or door and a wind-blown missile strikes the storm screen fabric that is pressed up against the window? Yes, you guessed it the window breaks.

Not good, but not a catastrophe either. The storm screen stops 97% of the wind; and therefore, little or no pressure builds up in the structure. That is a good thing! When there is no pressure build up, you stand a much better chance of preventing the catastrophic loss of the entire structure. Now you know the good, the bad and the ugly about wind abatement systems.

Plywood can protect your property if properly anchored and the proper thickness. I recommend 3/4" and anchors every 6"-12" all the way around. Attaching plywood damages the house. Holes will need to be repaired when the plywood is removed. Don't wait until the last minute.

Film can provide a reasonable level of protection. I have seen tests of the higher quality products, and it is impressive. However, I have not seen any film meet hurricane codes or pass any impact tests. The premise is newer windows are subject to hurricane wind load tests; and if we can protect the glass from breakage thus protecting the envelope of your home, all will be well. This becomes a question of how much protection you want at what price. Buy Panels at least.

Impact Glass is a viable solution for protection. It has been tested and meets the codes. If you are building a new home or doing a major remodel, consider this solution and purchase high-quality windows and thermal-rated impact glass. You win from a couple of ways such as no installation cost, better window seals, no concern about maintenance of shutters, no negative architectural impact, 24/7 protection. The downside is the glass can be broken and is pricey to replace. We have customers that still install panels over impact glass.

The installation of hurricane shutters is well within the capability of DIY weekend warriors. For those of you that haven't the time or inclination, simply hire a local handyman to perform the installation. The experienced online vendor will have access to the best sources for each style hurricane shutter and will provide the proper solution for your needs. Their experience will limit any errors from choice of product for your situation, simple measurement suggestions plus provide telephone installation assistance.

In closing, I strongly recommend you protect your home or office if you are in the hurricane belt. I have a dear friend that owned a resort in the Florida Keys for 11 years. He never was damaged by a hurricane. He moved to Lancaster, South Carolina (150 miles from the coast) and nearly lost everything in Hugo. Florida and Coastal areas are a great place to live. We just need to understand the weather risks and be prepared.

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Ultimate Protection to Your Windows - Accordion Window Shutters

Accordion window shutters are the ones that offer a textured visual effects and also protect your windows against the weather conditions. They are one of the most sophisticated window shutters which are specially formulated to provide you the benefit of opening and shutting shutters easily.

In most accordion shutters, double tracks are installed where upper track is wheels and the carriage configuration and lower is the sill which helps to keep the bottom panel secure. The most important consideration when you are installing accordion window shutters is that it should be within reach so that you can open and shut easily. Your shutters might have all the designing appeal, but if they are out of reach, then they are not functional at all. There are many plus points when you select the accordion shutters for home. The best part is that they can be easily customized according to the size of your window and are flexible as far as the direction of shutter opening is concerned. Additionally, they offer strong protection against hurricanes and bad weather.

The average pricing of these shutters is around $16 --$50 per square ft. and often includes the cost of the window frame. So, it is definitely an affordable deal. One of the main reasons why the accordion shutters have sustained is because they deal nicely with the hurricane and are storm ready and are available with locking system. Many people are reluctant to fit the accordions because of the fact that they look bulky when installed in the home windows.

If you have a look at some of the house plan styles, then they look a bit more like some kind of window dressing which gives an overdone or clunky look. Selecting the best design according to your home style is vital so that it will perfectly match up with your home decor. If safety is your biggest concern and you want to add up some spark in your present designs of your home, then the accordion window shutters is indeed the best one.

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Taking Care of Your Accordion - Getting an Accordion Case

An accordion case is a bag used to contain piano and button accordions for storage and travel. It is made from plywood or soft materials like fabric and nylon. An accordion case also comes in different kinds to suit whatever needs you might have. Your options include soft, multi-row soft, and hard accordion cases.

Kinds of accordion cases

Soft accordion cases are made from durable cordura fabric. They include interior padding that uses dense foam for optimum shock absorption and protection. They also come in small versions ideal for keeping compact diatonic accordions. Multi-row soft accordion cases, on the other hand, use thick EVA foam in their front, interiors, and bottom parts for padding to offer maximum shock absorption and protection. Ideal for accordions with two or three rows, they may also include optional straps for backpacks for more convenient carrying. As for hard accordion cases, it's normal for one to made from solid plywood. Along with leatherette for exteriors, locking latches, and limiting hinges, a hard accordion case has interiors fitted with plush fabric to prevent scratches on the instrument.

Some buying tips

Accordion cases with additional shoulder or back straps allow for easy carrying. To keep you comfortable though, look for those that come with padding. Plush linings are a plus because they won't cause scratches on your accordion. But it's not enough that you keep it away from the elements that may damage it. You wouldn't want your accordion you fall off its case accidentally so opt for accordion cases that come with locking latches to secure your instrument properly. This way, no matter how bumpy things get while on the road, your accordion will always be safe and sound.

Important information

Complete information on a recommended accordion case is available PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced accordion cases in PickyGuide's recommended products section.

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Zipper Binders

Have you ever lost your way in a mess of papers, photos, and stickers? Then instead of fuming and fretting get some Zipper Binders. With Zipper Binders you don't need to browse through heaps of material as these Zipper Binders are fitted with various pockets to make storage easier. Moreover they are translucent enough so that the moment you open them you know the items that you have stored.

There is a whole range of Zipper Binders to choose from, so you can choose the one that suits your purpose. There are some that are well endowed with storage space. The pages for the Zipper Binders are either made of heavy plastic or translucent vinyl, with an accordion pullout file for the protection of pages. At times they are fitted with cut-off pockets also that can be used for holding stickers. Moreover, you don't have to worry about forgetting what you put inside, since the Zipper Binders are translucent. In fact, some Zipper Binders have a large durable plastic envelope that has enough storage space to hold supplies such as scissors, rulers and pens. Another variant of these binders has a separate folder for things that didn't fit into the first one. You can also choose a binder that is fitted with pockets of different sizes, making it ideal for filing and storing all your stickers.

They are a great way to organize things, a far cry from the traditional methods of storage. The Zipper Binders help you access the items easily, so now you don't have to spend your valuable energies digging around the whole place. These Zipper Binders make activities such as crafting, scrapbooking, and needle working all the more fun to indulge in. You are sure to find a binder available in the hues and shades of your liking, and a size that would just suit you fine. And with their reasonable price tags, they make a great gift item.

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Remodel by Installing New Interior Doors

One way of remodeling your home is to install new interior doors. At one time all interior doors were slab doors, but today there are many different styles to choose from. You may think that all you have to do is visit the home improvement store and come home with your new doors. That is, until you get there are realize that you have to make a decision because you like all of the doors on display.

You do have to take your time and look at all the models. The first choice will be in the wood - cherry, oak, pine, and many more kinds of wood. You may decide to take home pictures of the doors to decide which one would suit the interior décor of your home. Then you have to think of the design of the door. Do you want French doors with panes of glass, sliding pocket doors that will save you space or doors with raised panels or other designs? You may decide to have one or more French doors, such as to an office or as a divider between the kitchen and dining area. Solid doors are necessary for the bathroom and bedrooms.

In addition to the door itself, you also have to think about the kind of facings you want to have on the door. There are so many designs to choose from with specially designed moldings and corner pieces that can enhance the look of the door and the room. Another factor you have to consider is the hardware you want to use on the door. Do you want ordinary knobs or do you want to use handles? What about the hinges? Here too you will find many different options you can choose from.

In order for your remodeling project to really make you feel as if you have a new home, you do have to put a lot of thought into your interior doors.

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Accordion Doors Have Many Uses

One of the most versatile types of closet doors is accordion doors. They can be used almost anywhere in the home as well as for room dividers. They make great replacement doors for a wardrobe, bedroom closet or as a shutter for a window. They are folding doors which make them great space savers because they fold up neatly against one wall. With a contemporary style they add a touch of modern class to the home. These doors are constructed from different materials such as wood, vinyl and glass. Most are intended for interior use only but the glass accordion doors can be used to enclose a sunroom or patio.

Many people view accordion doors as old and outdated. These contemporary style doors are very modern not only in their looks but in the materials used in their construction as well. One very modern example is glass accordion doors. These are perfect for enclosing a patio or sunroom because they can be opened so that you can use the room as part of your outdoor entertainment. While the doors are not being used, they store neatly against one wall. When it is time to close it up, simply pull the doors around in the track and lock them down.

Interior accordion doors are made of wood or vinyl. Most of them are constructed of thin strips of wood that is either hinged together or woven together with thin thread. They may also be made of wide panels that have vinyl hinges. When measuring for these doors, it is only necessary to get accurate dimensions of the height of the doorway. Most will fit a narrow opening or a much wider one. If you are using them for partitions, you will need at least two of them to put together. Some are sold with wider dimensions and can be used for w built in wardrobe or a walk in closet.

Accordion doors are available at most local retailers that sell home improvement products. Each retailer will have their own set prices for these folding doors but they are all competitively priced. The prices of the wider accordion doors will of course be a little more expensive but they are all relatively inexpensive. Most come with everything you need for installation except the tools.

Whether you are looking to replace the doors of a bedroom wardrobe, enclose a patio or sunroom or as a replacement for a window shutter, you will happy you chose accordion doors to do it with. Your home will have a more modern look with the simplicity of a contemporary style. There is a wide variety of these doors to choose from and you are sure to find the ones that are right for your needs. Remember to take along the door opening's dimensions so you are sure to get the ones you need.

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Is it Possible to Learn to Play the Piano Without Having a Piano Teacher?

It's possible to learn anything you want if you have a guide and you're prepared to put the effort in needed to learn. To learn to play the piano you will need a piano course, which you can download from the internet.

To start learning to play the piano, obviously you need a keyboard of some kind. This can a be a standard acoustic piano or electric keyboard or an accordion or even a roll up piano. Next, you need a piano course, preferably software that you can download. Next, decide how much you want to pay for your piano course, this can vary from five pounds to fifty pounds.

Download your piano course and start learning

When you have found your piano course and downloaded it, you can start learning immediately. You need to set yourself goals. A piano teacher would give you a piece of music to practice and hopefully complete for the next lesson. You need to do the same for yourself.

Which piano course is the best to start with?

It all depends on your budget which course you start with. Think of it like this, the more you pay for course, the more there will be to learn. On the other hand, you could start with a cheaper course and when you have completed that, buy another one and build your knowledge up gradually as you would with a piano teacher.

If you really want to learn how to play the piano there's nothing stopping you, except, maybe yourself. Do it now, you wont regret it.

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Accordion Storm Shutters - Easy Protection for Your Home

Most accordion shutters are tested and made to exceed most building code regulations in all of the states.

Accordion shutters help lower costs, while still providing more overage per blade. You can do things like enclose an entire balcony with one shutter or protect patios from heavy rain.

Usually made with high quality extruded aluminum and stainless steel parts, accordion shutters can provide the ultimate protection.

Accordion hurricane shutters stay permanently installed all year round, for full protection from all the seasons. When they are not needed, you can just fold them back into a compact position.

They can also be locked from the inside or outside for increased security and protection.

Another bonus about accordion hurricane shutters is the fact that they can be assembled and installed quickly with very little hassle.

Cleaning Accordion Storm Shutters

This is one of the best aspects of this type of storm shutter. Accordion shutters only need to be cleaned and lubricated once a year and that is the only maintenance required.

Installing Accordion Storm Shutters

To install this type of shutter, it only takes a few minutes, and a whole house can be done in just a few hours.

Usually installation consists of putting together the frame, securing it in place around the designated area, and then finally you slip the shutters into the track.

That is of course for installation around a standard window. If you do a more complicated area like a patio or a different type of enclosure, it will take more time and expertise.

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How to Make Tissue Paper Pom Poms

One of the most favored crafts to make is the tissue paper pom poms. They can be made to be used in several ways. These include hanging them from the ceiling, or using them to cheer the home team to victory like a cheerleader. These are two separate and distinct ways to have fun with tissue paper crafts. Children will especially love to help out making these. Make a bunch and string them up for a lively and festive look to any birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower. As holiday decorations, they are a big hit and easy to create.

The pom poms that open up into beautiful colorful paper balls can follow the same patterns used in making tissue flowers, except they are not place on pipe cleaner stems or plastic straws and stuck into vases for display. Rather, these poms can be made on a greater scale than their smaller counterparts and be suspended from the ceiling as decorations.

The materials for tissue paper pom poms that can be hung from the ceiling include a pair of scissors and floral wire, needle nose cutters and clear fishing lure line or long lengths of colorful wide ribbon. The tissue can be stacked into a variant degree of color for a tie-dye look, or one or two colors for a feeling of depth to the pom poms. The tissue is then cut in half. The rule of thumb is that the bigger the pom the wider the sheets of tissue paper.

Starting with one end of the paper, it should be folded together like an accordion. A fan-like pattern should emerge. Remember to crease down the sides of the tissue to sharpen the edges. A piece of floral wire, which has been cut into a two-inch piece, should be wrapped tightly around the center of the work piece. The tissue pom poms can be opened up fully into a ball shape and attached to a long piece of fishing wire, which is tied to the floral wire to aide in the suspension of it from the ceiling.

The cheerleader pom poms are created using smaller strips of stacked tissue paper, instead of two separate and even halves of tissue. Materials for the pom poms are simply a couple of rolls of colorful ribbons, large sheets of tissue paper and some sharp scissors and floral wire. The paper can be stacked together in the desired color scheme and cut into long strips which are even in length.

These strips are bond together with floral wire and a ribbon is wrapped around one end of the pom poms. A ribbon can also be used to make a loop handle for the pom poms. This pattern for tissue paper pom poms calls for at least fifty or more strips of tissue paper, but the end results are well worth cutting and binding the strips together.

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Outdoor Pet Stairs For Your Car, SUV Or Truck

Does your dog enjoy taking trips in your vehicle with you? Do you need a convenient way to load your pet in your car when you go to the veterinarian? Did you know that pet ramps are not the only solution to this problem?

There are dog steps for cars available that work just as well for getting your dog in and out of your vehicle conveniently. Allowing your dog to jump in and especially out of your suv or truck is an unnecessary chance you are taking that could easily injure your pet. These outdoor pet stairs will not only make it safer for your pet, but you as well if you are lifting your dog each time. Don't risk injury to both you and your pet by trying to load them into a car or suv by picking them up each time.

Certain pet stairs have been designed for the specific task of helping you get your dog in and out of vehicles safely. Whether you are trying to load your dog in the back seat of a car, the cargo area of an suv or into the bed of a truck, you can find a set of pet steps that will serve the purpose. These pet stairs are made from high strength plastic, aluminum or powder coated steel to withstand being used in the rain and snow. The stair tread covering has also been carefully chosen to provide traction in inclement weather, so you can use these with confidence regardless of the conditions.

There are several lightweight plastic foldable dog steps that work well for loading your pet in your car and can pull double duty by being used inside your home to allow access to couches and beds. These pet steps normally fold flat to make storage in your vehicle a piece of cake. The weight capacity for these stairs is very high, but because of the lightweight of the stairs, care must be taken to insure they are stable when being used by your dog.

Folding pet stairs that open and close like an accordion are extremely convenient for storing in your vehicle when not in use. They require very little effort to open and set up when you are ready to load or unload your dog from virtually any vehicle. One particular model can be adjusted to several different heights within a limited range giving it flexibility to be used in different locations or for different suvs and trucks. With a capacity of over 500 pounds they are the perfect choice for larger breeds getting into any vehicle.

You can also find a pet step trailer hitch that utilizes the trailer hitch receiver present on many suvs and trucks. Simply slide the lightweight dog step into the receiver for use and then remove for convenient storage in your vehicle.

Do yourself and your dog a favor to prevent the possibility of an injury when you are ready to take your dog for a trip in your vehicle. A set of pet steps designed to help you get your dog in and out of almost all cars, suvs and trucks definitely will make both your's and your dog's life easier and safer.

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Rascal Flatts Feels Like Today Contemporary Country Music CD Review

The exceptionally talented Contemporary Country group Rascal Flatts have released their CD entitled Feels Like Today. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Rascal Flatts fans, and Contemporary Country fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Feels Like Today their artistic excellence is on full display as they have once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be their best work to date.

Rascal Flatts have been a heavy hitters in the Contemporary Country genre for quite some time now and Feels Like Today is an excellent illustration as to why.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Contemporary Country isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the musicians.

I'm of the opinion that Feels Like Today is certainly some of this groups best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it's a collection that even the casual Contemporary Country fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 - Bless The Broken Road, track 4 - Feels Like Today, and track 6 - When The Sand Runs Out

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8 - The Day Before You. Good stuff!

Feels Like Today Release Notes:

Rascal Flatts originally released Feels Like Today on September 28, 2004 on the Lyric Street Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Where Are You

2. Bless The Broken Road

3. Then I Did

4. Feels Like Today

5. Fast Cars And Freedom

6. When The Sand Runs Out

7. Here's To You

8. Day Before You, The

9. Break Away

10. Holes

11. Oklahoma-Texas Line

Rascal Flatts: Joe Don (vocals, electric guitar); Jay (vocals, bass guitar); Gary (vocals).

Additional personnel: Jerry McPherson, Tom Bukovac (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Jonathan Yudkin (banjo, mandolin, fiddle); Tim Akers (accordion, keyboards, synthesizer); Steve Nathan, Gordon Mote (piano, Hammond b-3 organ); Lonnie Wilson (drums).

Recording information: 2004.

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A Tickler File Not Only Gives You Your Desk Back, it Prevents Tasks From Falling Through the Cracks

No matter how computerized you are, there will still be paper -- memos to discuss at a meeting, proposals to review, things to read, bills to pay. Most of us have piles and piles of current paper on our desks. We leave papers in plain sight for quick access or to remind us to follow up. Obviously, we can't file this stuff because it's still active. So we leave it out on the desk, in plain sight, so we don't forget.

The problem is, the 'leaving in plain sight' method soon backfires -- a few papers turns into a pile, then several piles --now the only thing you can see is the top layer. For most people, this causes lost files, wasted time, missed deadlines, and stress. Wouldn't it be great if there was a system to keep current papers close at hand, yet organized -- and reclaim your desk as a work surface?

There is a system, and it's called the tickler file. I've used one for years and I don't know how I ever managed without it. It's an open-sided accordion file with 43 slots -- 31 are numbered for the days of the month, followed by 12 slots labeled January to December. The 1-31 slots are always used to hold papers for the current month; the 12 monthly slots are for future months. For example, during the month of March, the numbered slots hold papers for March, according to the day of the month when you'll act on each paper. Every day, first thing in the morning, you remove the papers in that day's slot and also check the next few days' slots to see what's coming up.

By the end of March, the 1-31 slots are empty, and ready to hold April's papers. Now you'll spend a few minutes doing the monthly ritual: Remove all the papers from the "April" slot, look at when they're due, and insert them into the appropriate 1-31 day slots. Directions to a meeting on April 7 are put into the 7 slot. An agenda for a meeting on April 14 go in the 14 slot. Some items should be put in early --a birthday gift idea for a friend whose birthday is on the 20th should go in the 10 slot - this gives you time to shop and mail the gift.

While some people use a standard accordion file, I don't recommend it because it's very difficult to see what's inside. A bona-fide tickler file is much better because it's open on both sides, making it much easier to open up and see the contents. You can open it fully on the desk or on your lap. I've noticed that the people who lose things in their tickler files are those who use an accordion folder instead of a real tickler file.

The tickler file was originally designed for people who have a lot of time-sensitive follow-up activity, like sales people. But that's only a tiny part of this tool's potential. The tickler file can hold memos on which you're awaiting a response, phone calls to return on specific dates, bills to pay (file them several days before the due date), decisions you must make by a certain date (if you're going a seminar, you must register in advance), a project you'll begin next month, airline itineraries and tickets, greeting cards to be mailed, dry cleaning tickets, things to give to friend you'll see on a certain day, and so on.

Now you can use your desk as a work surface again, using it only for what yo're working on right now. Everything else has a home in the tickler file, depending on the date you'll need it. Once you begin to think this way, you'll find more and more uses for your tickler file. For added peace of mind, make a note in your calendar - whether it's paper or electronic - for important, time-sensitive items. (If you don't have enough papers to warrant 31 slots for each day of the month, create a simpler version with 4 hanging file folders, one for each week in the month.)

People ask me how I remember to look in my tickler file everyday. I can't possibly not look - I couldn't function without it. It just takes a little discipline to get started, just like any other good habit.

The seconds it takes to drop papers into the tickler file is nothing compared to the hours it'll save you every week - and the stress it will spare you. You'll no longer waste time looking for papers. You'll be on top of things because you can see what's coming up. You'll act on things before they're due, rather than at the last minute. You'll find yourself automatically reaching for your tickler file many times each day. It will make your life so much easier, you'll wonder how you managed without it.

Copyright Jan Jasper 2008

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Make Your Own Fabric Room Divider

The primary purpose of room dividers is to define spaces. But designers have taken a step further by creating dividers that are not only functional but also decorative. And fabric room dividers are no exception.

Fabric dividers are most versatile and easiest to make. For the rugged and distressed look, you can use thicker fabrics, while soft, silky fabrics would give a formal look. Fabrics can easily be removed for cleaning, and can be mixed and matched, depending on the season or degree of privacy that you wish to obtain. Sheer fabrics can be used for minimal privacy, while thicker types like canvass can be used for an opaque effect.

The simplest fabric divider that you can make is the curtain type. With suspended curtain rods and a piece of cloth, you can have an instant divider. Instead of curtain rods, a track may be mounted on the ceiling. The cloth can then be pulled to open up the space, and closed again when privacy is needed. As a variation of the curtain type, you can also use PVC pipes as curtain rods. But instead of suspending them from the ceiling, the pipes can be made to stand and can be moved around and dismantled if not in use. With a few pipes and connectors, the divider that you create can actually go a long way.

You can also make folding screen dividers. You can use 3 or 4 panels, depending on the space that you wish to cover or divide. It can be of any size or height that you want. Cover the screen with the fabric that you want. The panels can be stand-alone pieces, or you can connect them with hinges. If you use canvass or other fabric with solid color, you can do some artwork on the fabric. Using acrylic paint, other colored fabrics, colored stones and beads. Create designs that would match the room owner's personality.

Instead of screen, you can also use wood panels. Assemble the wood frame. Cut fabric of the same size as the frames, and then staple them onto the frame. Glue some ribbon on the edges of the frames to cover the edges of fabric. With hinges, connect the panels together to form an accordion-type divider.

Fabric room dividers are easy to make. Be bold in trying new designs and colors. These dividers would make interesting pieces of décor for your home. Just make sure that they match with theme of the room where it will be placed. With these fun ideas, you can make variations and create your personal divider.

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All About Accordion Shutters

Accordion shutters are great solution for extra wide, vista-type windows. Sometimes called bi-fold, these are multi-paneled shutters that can span a larger window opening.

Accordions do just as they sound, they fold into each other. Think of the old timer organ grinders with the monkey in the red fez and vest on the street corners. He was playing a type of accordion. The instrument moved back and forth and folded into little triangles. Same concept.

The thing you need to be careful about when it comes to accordion shutters is the sturdiness. Wood is your best bet. This style of shutter is framed all the way around with thicker stiles that can help each panel fold back without it warping out of shape.

If your window is over three feet across, consider getting accordion shutters. You can get two panels hinged together on each side for a total of four panels across the entire length of the window pane. Traditionally, they fold back to the right side of the window. Since this is standard, you need to make sure you have clearance on the right side of your window to accommodate the panels.

Even though most accordion shutters will not fold completely flat, you still have to make allowances. So if your window is near the corner of a room, this type may not work well for you. Check with your local home improvement store. Many ready-made shutters can be flipped and still look the same, whether they are hinged to open left or right.

Some bi-folds, also called accordion shutters by designers, will fold either way (left or right) and can be hinged to where two panels meet the two other in the middle. These are not "true" accordions, though many people inter-exchange the terms. Thus, when you are looking to purchase, be really clear on the type you want. It may be easier to say how many panels you want and if you want them to open in the middle or all to one side.

Accordion shutters come in single, double or even triple tiered varieties. It all depends on the height of your windows. The tiers have a sturdy rail bar or board in between the slats that helps frame each panel and keep it plumb. The rail bar is often twice as thick as the traditional louver. So, if your louvers are 1 inch thick, the rail bar will be 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick. When measuring the height, that is a good thing to keep in mind.

It used to be you could not get them in the Plantation style because the slats tended to be too big and cumbersome. Traditional shutters were the only style of accordions you could get. But today with lighter woods and faux woods, even Plantations can be found in this style.

That's great because you can -cover a larger window span, more readily adjust the width of the opening to regulate the amount of light or breeze you wish to let into the room and provide a clean, crisp and classy look to your windows

If you have larger window and really enjoy the view, but like your privacy, too, consider accordion shutters. They may be the perfect solution. They definitely class up the place.

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