The Benefits of Solar Garden Fountains

Solar powered electric appliances find definite place in our homes recently. Many home owners invest into solar powered home appliances, and of course solar fountains. You can see many advantages to having a solar fountain, but there are some disadvantages as well.

How do solar fountains operate?

Usually  solar garden fountains   don't requare much installation. Like other solar powered devices they use solar panels with Photovoltaic (PV) cells to collect energy of the sun. Since a fountain pump doesn't require a lot of energy, the panels are not big.

There are two main types. First are fountains where solar panels are incorporated in the design of the fountain itself. This type is the easiest to install, but you have to make sure that you place your new fountain in a sunny spot otherwise it isn't going to operate properly.

The second type of solar fountain has remote solar panels, which can be positioned several meters away from the fountain. If you chose this type, it doesn't matter whether your fountain is in a sunny or shady spot as long as the panels are exposed to the sun. Most solar fountains with remote panels come with easy to set up mounting system for the panels. As a general rule you can mount them on the wall, use grass stakes to position them on the loan or use a tall wooden stake to put your panel high up above all the plants.

Pros and cons of solar fountains

There are many plus sides of investing into a solar fountain for the garden rather than the electric one. The most obvious advantage is that you don't have to pay for the energy and the environment doesn't suffer. An electric pump won't add much to your energy bill in a day, but if you want your fountain to work all summer, you can save a lot by using sun energy instead of electricity or batteries.

Another advantage is that you are not limited by proximity to a power source when selecting a place for your fountain. This gives you freedom to install your fountain whereever you want. You can place your fountain in the farthest corner from the house, as long as the solar panels are on a sunny spot.

Also solar fountains don't requare much installation work. Fountains with panels built into a body of the fountain don't require any special installation at all. This type is perfect as a solar pond fountain that sprays water from your pond. Since there is no cord the fountain can just float on the surface.

The main downside of a solar powered garden fountain is that it won't work without sunlight. Most pumps will still work on a slightly cloudy day, but if it is really overcast the flow of water will be much less. And, of course, your fountain won't work at night.

Also, it is best to disconnect your fountain in winter. It would work fine on a sunny day without snow, but snow and frost can damage your pump.

Patio Gazebo Adds Outdoor Space

When the warm months of summer arrive, many homeowners start looking for ways to enlarge and enhance their outdoor living space in order to make the most of the nice weather. By choosing to add a patio gazebo to the exterior of your home, you can create a wonderful, additional living area that adds beauty, value and functionality.

A wonderful and practical gazebo canopy cover over the patio area can serve as the roof for a brand new outdoor living room. Many people take advantage of these shade structures and the protection they provide from the sun and the rain, and fully decorate and furnish their patios with comfortable chairs, couches, tables and patio accessories that make outdoor living a real pleasure.

One of the great things about a patio gazebo that is installed to protect a deck or patio is that it creates a space that is almost like an extra living room and it is a wonderful area for hosting garden or patio parties. There are many people who just feel more relaxed and comfortable when they have a chance to be in a comfortable outside setting with a group of friends, as opposed to mingling in an enclosed indoor space.

gazebos fall into two distinct categories: fixed and retractable. As the name implies, a fixed gazebo does not move and is not adjustable. In most localities, fixed house gazebos also require the proper permits in order for it to be constructed. Once these types of permanent shade structures are in place, there is no flexibility and it is part of your home for good unless you decide to demolish it for some reason.

A permanent outdoor aluminum gazebo for example requires a framed structure, which includes the support poles. These can often cause an obstruction and can interfere with enjoying a full and complete view of the rest of your yard or garden area surrounding the patio. If you have small children who enjoy being active and running around the patio and yard, then the structure can also pose a safety issue, as they usually are placed away from the house at the edges of the patio and children can collide with them while playing.

Because of the lack of flexibility, adjustability and safety concerns, many people prefer to have portable gazebos added to their home. These portable gazebo systems are very flexible and can be adjusted to cover varying portions of the patio. This is helpful for those spring and fall days when you want a bit more sun on the patio to warm the area. However, when the sun is blazing or the rain is falling, you can extend these versatile shade structures for maximum coverage and protection.

The retractable type of patio gazebo will fully retract against the home whenever you want to have full light or in the case of impending storm conditions that might damage the gazebo, if left extended. There are two types of retractable gazebos. The manual type uses a hand crank, and the motorized type utilizes a small motor and a remote electronic control to adjust the settings of the sunshade.

Your Gazebo Protects Patio and Deck Area

Installing gazebos is a terrific way to provide shade to the exterior spaces around your home. When shaded, these spaces instantly go from being sunny and hot, to cool and welcoming. These areas can become wonderful outdoor rooms that expand the living area of the home. Some people even call the area that is sheltered by a sizable patio gazebo their outdoor living room and they use it for family activities and entertaining on a regular basis.

Installing a patio gazebo canopy allows you to enjoy the outdoor areas of your property even on blistering hot days, without having to deal with wearing sunglasses while trying to communicate and mingle with friends or family. You can also relax and not have to be constantly squinting to keep the bright rays of the sun out of your eyes.

Of course, you don't have to live in a hot and sunny region of the country to benefit from gazebos. People in areas that are more prone to rain enjoy these canvas coverings to shield their outdoor living spaces from the rain. That means that they can follow through with plans for a barbecue get together on the deck, even if the rain comes, knowing that their equipment and all of the guests will be protected by the canvas gazebo.

Most people think of their patio, which is protected and shaded by home gazebos, as just another room in the house. Often, people will spend a good deal of money on the furnishings and patio accessories to make it as comfortable and inviting as possible. In some parts of the country people will leave their patio doors open as much as possible, allowing for an easy flow from the interior rooms of the house right to the out of doors.

With these types of patio gazebos and the living area they can provide, you can wander out through the patio door at any time and sit and relax and enjoy the area. The only thing that is not as controlled in these patio living spaces is the temperature and the bugs. However, those factors can also be adjusted and controlled to a degree by the use of fans and patio heaters, or by adding a canopies screen enclosure.

If you live in an area of the country where you don't have to worry about extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes and other high wind events, then you can leave the patio gazebo in place permanently so that you can enjoy the benefits all year long. However, if you do live in areas where you can expect harsh weather conditions on a regular basis, then it is better to install a portable gazebo so that it can be closed up to avoid damage to the gazebo itself, or to your home.

There are a number of different types and styles of gazebos that you can choose from to protect areas of your home and provide much appreciated outdoor living areas. There are companies in virtually all areas of the country, so find an gazebo company that specializes in installing these various types of home gazebo systems, as well as one that can help you to choose the right style for your particular situation.

Patio Gazebo Enclosures Keep The Mosquitoes

Perhaps you enjoy having a colorful and bright garden area that surrounds a large and charming patio or deck, outfitted with outdoor furniture that is comfortable and inviting. Combined with pleasant weather conditions, this is the perfect outdoor living set up for may people, allowing them to enjoy either quiet relaxation or a wonderful place to entertain friends and family. About the only addition that might improve the setting is having canopies screen enclosures installed that keep uninvited pests from trying to crash the party.

Installing gazebo 10 enclosures is a terrific way to make the most of your outdoor living spaces. They are also easy to install and are an affordable way to enhance the appearance of your backyard. They make a perfect companion to a patio that protect your patios and decks from the glaring sun and the pounding rain.

Gazebo enclosures provide homeowners with the wonderful benefit of being able to enjoy a true indoor-outdoor lifestyle without the hassle or problems associated with using insect repellants. Most insect repellants are a mixture of chemicals which can cause irritation or which many people are allergic to.

At the same time, there are many people who are concerned about using chemical insect repellants around food. If you are planning to be doing some entertaining beneath your portable patio gazebo, then you will no doubt be serving an endless stream of food and beverages, and these chemicals that are either slathered on people's skin or released into the air really should not mix with foods that people will be eating. Because of this, it makes sense to utilize some type of screening system to create screened walls for the outdoor living room where you will be entertaining.

Investing in an outdoor patio enclosure is a big decision, even though these are considered to be a very affordable solution to begin making the most of your outdoor living space. But, when choosing any type of gazebo you should be sure that you are buying the type that is best for your home. You also need to be sure that the company you purchase it from is reputable and that they can do a proper and professional job of installation and will continue to provide any service on it that you might need in the future.

When choosing the standard gazebo 10 enclosure for you deck or patio area, you should strive to choose the highest quality product that you can afford. These patio accessories, no matter what type, allow you to be able to enjoy a wonderfully full and unobstructed view of the nature around you, but not all of these screening products are built to the same quality levels. When subjected to the variables of expose to the elements, you will discover that it is the high quality screen patio enclosures that will be able to withstand the weather over the years.

Because of these things, you should look for canopies screen enclosure units that are made of materials that will be able to stand up to the types of temperature changes that you can expect in your area, as well as to adapt to the expected changes in humidity. Such tent gazebos also need to be able to be subjected to ongoing sun exposure and should be able to withstand the coldest temperatures for your climate.

What Size Should You Build Your Patio?

If you are contemplating new patio ideas and are going to build a new patio, you should be careful to avoid the number one mistake: building too small a patio. Most people think that if they build their patio with just enough room to fit a table, four chairs, and maybe a grill that it will be big enough. Only once it is built and they start to use it do they realize it is way too small.

A great way to start when thinking of constructing your patio is to look at the different rooms in your house. Think about how many people will be using the patio and think about how they would fit into each room. When you find the room that is the right size to accomodate the number of people along with the chairs and table, you will have found the aproximate size your patio should be.

When you decide on your patio's size, it might just be a good idea to even make it a little bigger! When you are planning things it is easy to underestimate how much room you will really need. You need to make sure your patio has enough room for the grill, the heat lamps you may purchase in the future, and any other fancy reclining chairs that may be in your plans as well. It is always better to have too big a patio where everybody can comfortably relax instead of one that is too cramped.

Another thing to think of is any possible house expansions you might decide to do in the coming years. If you make your patio the exact right size for your house right now, what happens when you decide to add on a room or two in the future? What might be right now may become too small if you expand. For that reason, making the patio too big now will eliminate the need for you to make any improvements in the future and save you money.

Your patio design ideas will also be a factor in the size you choose. Most patio designs are a boring square or rectangle shape. If you decide on some other style of patio, like a shape that goes well with the contour of the yard, it will be harder to estimate the exact size you need. In those cases, it is best to map out on the ground the exact shape of the patio to see how it fits in with it's surroundings. A unique patio design shape can be made to enhance the beauty of the yard and house and ultimately add value to your home. Again though, it is best to make sure that it is not too small and provides enough room for all your guests to easily fit and enjoy themselves.

Easy Outdoor Patio Ideas

Hearing the sounds of the birds chirping and chattering and watching as they greedily fight over a strategically placed bird feeder can entertain for hours. Listening to the beautifully placed fountain can lull and relax.  Having a beautiful outdoor room can add value to your home.  It is not hard to create these spaces on your own.

Many patios are built under an existing roof or the existing roof is extended for protection against the elements. Other freestanding patios are made concrete foundations resting in or on the ground with supporting posts to support the deck structure. Patios are typically built at ground level with a door leading from a room or rooms in the house to the outside patio. Often times a sliding glass door or double French doors will be used as the exit door from the house to the patio area offering a scenic view of nature or a landscaped backyard.

Building The Patio To Suit Your Needs

Put some personality into your patio design.  Step out of the box.  Use unusual materials like flat stones or tile for the patio flooring.  Make use of color with plants and flowers or with stain or paint. Find an old funky patio chair as a conversation piece.  Add a built in BBQ or fireplace that you have constructed yourself out of rock or brick instead of the portable stainless steel item everyone else has.

If you have a swimming pool you may need a changing room and a place to store towels and pool supplies.  A small five foot square pool house divided into two spaces, one for storage and one for changing, could provide that much needed space at a minimal cost.  A shower that drains into the garden could have the dual purpose of rinsing a swimmer and watering poolside plants.

Let your creativity shine when planning your outdoor patio space, whether you want your personality to be displayed in a front yard patio or in a private backyard haven. You want to keep in mind, resale value.  Are you creating a space to be used and enjoyed by you for many years or are you fixing it up for a quick sale?   Some perspective buyers may not share your tastes.

A properly planned and designed patio can become one of the most used spaces in your home.  It can be used as a sun room, kitchen, dining and entertaining area, or a play space for your kids.  It can also be a romantic, quiet and relaxing space to just enjoy a sunset.

Whether you come up with your own outdoor patio ideas and build it yourself, or have someone build it for you remember the end result and how much you will enjoy it.

If you do plan to do it yourself, look online for suggestions and step by step instructions for easy to construct, install, and furnish your outdoor patio ides that are affordable and long lasting.

To find additional information on patios visit Aluminum Patio Awning

Easy Care Outdoor Patio Sets

Different Kinds Of Outdoor Patio Sets

A patio is an open space that usually extends into a backyard or just opens up to a sidewall of your home. The size of your patio dictates the different kinds of outdoor patio sets homeowners should use and how many or how large the outdoor patio sets should be.

If you have a traditional home you may want traditional patio furniture, it you have a Spanish style home you may decide to choose imported iron furniture.  Wicker or rattan furniture goes will with an Asian or country style home.

The Casual Look of Wicker Outdoor Patio Sets

Wicker or rattan outdoor furniture is a versatile look.  Natural wicker gives the feel of a tropical garden, but when painted white, creates a more country style.

The detailed weave in the wicker is both comfortable and beautiful.  It can be elegant looking or very casual and therefore fit into most any home.

Iron Outdoor Patio Sets

Iron is a durable material that can be more expensive then wicker but will last years longer.  Iron patio furniture has a very traditional and classic look.  You can choose many different styles and fabrics for the cushions to go with the style of your home.

The wrought iron patio furniture has a reputation for corroding.  There are many different finishes available today that are baked on and can protect the iron guaranteeing it to last a lifetime.

Homeowners must take care to guard their different kinds of outdoor patio sets from the elements if they are made from these materials. Applying polyurethane on wicker sets may help but sooner or later polyurethane comes off.

Old World Stone of Marble Outdoor Patio Sets

These materials are very hardy and can withstand rain, snow and sun. They are ideal for different kinds of outdoor furniture since they are sturdy and can complement almost any yard design or landscape.

Although very heavy and requiring several very strong friends to help you set them in place, stone or marble patio furniture will not give way under the weight of a large adult or tip when a small child climbs up on it.

Choosing the right set for your patio can be difficult especially since the choices and design today are very beautiful and varied. It is best to get the feel of your patio first before choosing a furniture set. Other things that you might need to consider are the plants and landscape design of the area.

More ideas on outdoor patios will be found here Outdoor Patio Sets

Unique Outdoor Patio Enclosures

With a outdoor patio enclosure your are essentially adding an extra room to the house.  For example, a screened in patio enclosure allows you a space to enjoy the fresh outdoor air with the protection from mosquitoes and other insects.

The enclosed patio space is a great place for a ping-pong table.  It is also a secluded and comfortable space for reading in the fresh air.  Being enclosed and protected from the elements a patio ceiling fan could be added for additional comfort.

Outdoor patio enclosures are not only screens but glass could be used also.  This would create a wonderful sun room.  In the winter months, with the sun shining through the glass, the solar energy could make this space the warmest area in the home without using any electrical or gas energy.

Outdoor patio enclosures are a cost effective way of adding a room to the home.  In most cases, the foundation for this room would already be there if there was an existing cement patio floor.  There may also be a patio roof already in place requiring the addition of just a few studs with screen or glass in between.

However, there are outdoor patio enclosures that can function as both without a lot of headache. With large, opening windows that can be closed in bad weather and opened during the summer, they can have the best of both worlds.

There are some many variations in outdoor patio enclosures.  They can be elegant or simple.  They can be permanent or removable. There are screen enclosures, plexiglass, and glass enclosures.  You can purchase structures that you can install in a day. They can be mounted on your existing deck or patio without costly site prep.

Does Your Family Need Another Room?

Outdoor patio enclosures are much more than just room additions. They provide a sanctuary for you and your family. The combination of natural light and comfort ensures that this new room will be the most used room in your home.  Sunrooms are significantly more cost effective, easier to install, and cause less mess than construction of ordinary room additions; not to mention take much less time to construct. You'll save money on heating and cooling costs and get to enjoy outdoor living indoors all year long in your spectacular Four Seasons Sunroom.

Construction of outdoor patio enclosures is less expensive and easy.  The major consideration would be that the roof is properly supported on a solid foundation.  To dress up a cement slab foundation you can add flooring made of tile, brick or pavers.

One of the usual steps when installing outdoor patio enclosures is the inclusion of electricity or plumbing, since it does not make sense to have an added room in the home use and use it like an old log cabin. When performing these upgrades most states require the services of a licensed electrician, which is a good idea to prevent possible fires to the new outdoor patio enclosures.

To find additional information on patios visit Aluminum Patio Awning

Winter Is The Time To Design Your Patio

Fall is here and Winter will be right behind it. Believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to sit down and come up with some great patio design ideas. During the Summer, the patio gets used a lot and there is little time to start rebuilding or making modifications to the patio.

During Fall and Winter, when the patio is not in use, you have the time to work on which of your patio ideas you want to pursue.A patio is an extension of your home and should be much more than the slab of concrete you have now.

While designing or redesigning your patio, you need to have a plan of the overall style you want. Your patio is an extension of your house and should flow well with your home's style. What type of patio surface you choose, whether it be flagstone, brick, concrete, or something else, will contribute greatly to the look of the patio and how it compliments the surrounding area.

The garden area around the patio is also an instrumental part of creating the "feel" of your patio and giving it a unique style. Flowers, trees, bushes, and potted plants all need to be positioned with thought so that they work together to create the right atmosphere.

Do you want to ad a cover to your patio? If you live in a rainy climate a retractable cover might be a good idea. There are many to choose from including ones that are free standing and ones that are attached to your house. If you choose to install a patio cover that is actually attached to your house, a permit from your city might be required. Since obtaining a permit from the city takes time, you want to plan ahead for this and Winter is a great time to get started.

Many people like to include a hot tub on or near their patio. This is another thing that might take some advance planning as a hot tub that looks like it was just plopped down on the patio does not add the right atmosphere. The hot tub needs to look as though it belongs there and is part of the patio design.

The possibilities for a great patio design are endless and Fall and Winter is the right time to start getting your ideas together. Patio books can be found at most bookstores and home improvement stores that will have pictures to get your imagination flowing. If you have all your ideas organized and ready to go, you will be ready when Spring comes along to put your patio redisigns into motion so that your patio will be ready by Summer.

What Makes A Great Patio Design?

A great way to make your house seem bigger is to add a beautiful patio to it. If you skillfully take advantage of the natural landscaping in your yard, your patio will look and feel like it is a part of the house.

The style of your patio should go hand in hand with the style of your home. In other words, if you have an older house it would probably not look right to add on a new ultra modern patio. Likewise, if you have a newer home, you should be thinking of patio design ideas that look right with the modern aspects of your house. The patio is really just an extension of your house so the style you use for your patio should be similar to what you have indoors.

How big and elaborate you make your patio will be determined by both the space available and your budget. Some patios are only big enough for a small table and a couple of chairs while others might have a full outdoor bar and kitchen along with the table and chairs. One of the more popular accessories you can get now is a portable table/fireplace. These are great when the weather turns a little colder and might extend the time you are able to use your patio.

The type of furniture you decide to use for your patio might depend somewhat on the weather in your area. Chairs and sofas with soft material cushions are not great choices for wet climates. Chairs and tables that are water resistant will make you life easier if it rains a lot. Likewise, if you live in a hot sunny environment, the sun will both fade and do other types of damage to any furniture you keep outside on your patio. In a sunny local, it is advisable to find furniture that will resist the sun and its harmful rays.

Plants and vegetation can be used to enhance the look of your patio. Potted plants always look great on patios and some bushes skillfully planted in the right areas will help define the shape of your patio. In addition, a tree or two might be planted to block out some of the sun and provide shade for your new patio.

The surface you decide to make your patio out of will also be crucial in defining its look and feel. Popular patio surfaces include concrete, flagstone, brick, stone, and slate patio designs. There are different advantages and disadvantages to each one of these surfaces so do some research before you choose.

Make sure you look through lots of magazines and visit your local furniture / home improvement stores for patio ideas before you start designing and building. Starting with a plan is always the best way to go.

Retractable Awnings Give Versatile Sun Cover

Many people love to find great ways to enlarge and expand their living quarters to give them more space just for everyday family activities or for entertaining. Retractable awnings that are designed to cover and protect outdoor spaces, like patios and decks, are one of the most popular solutions on the market, in terms of the patio awnings and canopies that are available. They provide all the protection from the elements you could want while also being very adaptable and versatile depending on the needs of the family.

Another reason why patio awnings that are fully retractable make a lot of sense is that when severe weather conditions arise, unlike a fixed gazebo 10, they can also be rolled up to prevent damage to the canvas awning itself. Also, a permanent awning structure can do damage to the structure of the home if it gets battered by high winds, in the event of tornados or hurricanes, which are frequently a concern in a number of parts of the country.

Another reason for the popularity of retractable awnings is the fact that they are much less expensive to add to a home than building fixed patio sunshades. With the retractable patio awnings, you can enjoy the same level of protection and comfort that you get with the permanent installations, but at a much lower cost.

In addition, a retractable awning also provides much more flexibility because they can be either fully extended or fully rolled up, or opened to varying degrees, which allows you to have a great deal of control over your outdoor environment. If you want to allow more light into your home, then you can retract the awning enough to brighten things up, while still providing enough shade to protect carpeting and furniture from direct sunlight.

In general, shade awnings for a home, whether a patio awning or a window awning, can also help homeowners save a great deal of money over time, especially if its a new build and priced into the building contract. If you live in an area with abundant sunshine, then the awnings around your homes can add an additional layer of protection from the sun, shading windows and doors and reducing the amount of heat that permeates into the house. This can substantially lower energy bills in many cases, especially when the awnings are used to create structures for shade on the sunniest sides of the house, usually the western and southern exposures.

A retractable awning is available in two main types; manual and motorized. Manual awnings are adjusted by the use of a hand crank mechanism and have sturdy stabilizer arms that are attached to the walls of your home or the patio structure. These are less expensive to install and maintain than the automatic, motorized versions.

The retractable awnings that are motorized are controlled either with a remote control device or with a wall mounted switch. These awnings also include a manual override function in case of a power outage. Most of the time, these types of sunshades also have wind sensors that are incorporated in the unit and when triggered by high winds the awning will automatically retract. This is perfect for those instances when an unexpected storm arises when you are not home.