Uncertainty Analysis and Fault Identification Blog

Title: Wintertime is Coming Insulate Your Home & Save on Heating System Costs Description: With the Canadian Geese honking in the sky practicing for their annual migration to fall climes there is no doubt that Father Christmas, cold wintertime and huge wintertime heating bills are soon to be upon us. Yet it not only normal household maintenance schedules and use but downright negligence that leads most of us to have inadequate , insufficient and downright deficient levels of insulation in our homes leading to larger fuel bills and heating costs that need be and downright false economy.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />According to those in the heating trades its an everyday occurrence that they see in their heating trades service calls and visits that a vast majority of American and Canadian homes are inadequately protected against both summer and yet winter weather conditions. These residences and office buildings have poorly maintained and installed weather stripping an...

Title: The 5 Critical Things to Consider When Buying a Dining Set Description: Buying a great dining table set requires more planning than you might expect. This dining table will be in your home for many years to come. This will be the same dining table you will be enjoying dinner with important guests, family, and friends. So not only do you want a great looking dining table set but you also want to make sure that it can accommodate the right amount of people.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Choose the right size&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Choosing the right size for your dining sets may sound obvious, but it may surprise you how many customers have returned their furniture because of forgotten factors such as the size of the chairs that comes with your dining sets.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />So how do you choose the right size? First you must ultimately consider how much space is left in your kitchen or dining room for your dining table set...

Title: The Incredible Convenience of Counter and Swivel Bar Stools Description: Contrary to its name, bar stools aren't used only at bars, but also as a common piece of furniture in people's homes. Because of the very popular layout of the bar counter in some homes, two types of bar stools have become extremely popular: counter bar stools and swivel bar stools.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Counter bar stools in addition to swivel bar stools are durable, easy to maintain, and adaptable. Because of their simple structure, counter bar stools are easy to clean around the corners.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Before consider buying a counter bar stool or a swivel bar stool it is always good practice to consider going to furniture shops to get a good feel of the size, feel, and look of the bar stool. In addition, you may want to consider the color and design when buying either the counter bar stool or swivel bar stool. They should ideally match the new fur...

Title: Hiring Contractors With Developmental and Architectural Management Description: When there is a commercial or a residential renovation that needs to be done, a client may reach out to a contracting company. However, how does one determine which contractor is best for the job at hand? There are those that handle only the basic architectural aspect of each job, and then there are those that have the capability and experience to handle every aspect of a remodeling job from design to construction. These are the contractors that possess the qualities of developmental and architectural management as well as basic contracting work.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />By hiring a contractor who can complete the entire project skillfully from start to finish, you eliminate conflict, headaches, and wasted time and money. Working with one contractor assures that they understand your needs, budget, and timeframe, and can assist you better in making everything go smoothly. If multiple...

Title: The Comfort and Joy of Owning a Platform Bed Description: The days when you needed a box spring and a hard to assemble bed are long gone. Today, platform beds will help you have an amazing sleeping experience and you get to enjoy the killer designs that platform beds come in.&nbsp;<br />Here are just a few of the many reasons why platform beds are becoming so popular:&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Increase the Spaciousness of Your Room&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Platform beds have the unique ability of making your room seem larger and more spacious than it really is.&nbsp;<br />This is because of how low it sits to the ground. It adds an air of largeness to the room, giving it more of a look and feel of luxury.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />An Incredibly Modern Look&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />If you want to have a look that will "wow" visitors, then look no further. The platform bed will do j...

Title: Staying Within Budget On A Construction Project Description: Reliable sources indicate that proper budgeting and management of construction projects reduces stress and saves money. With today's emphasis on maximizing every dollar, careful planning that focuses even more attention on costs and energy efficient materials have changed the way individuals are viewing their construction projects.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Most construction projects begin with laying out a realistic budget with time frames and funds that are adequate to accommodate for any unexpected incidents. Suppliers and contractors may need some time to order materials or schedule crews, and for that reason, being flexible can often times earn a better price.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />To avoid any unnecessary time constraints, experts stress the idea of shopping around in today's buyer's market for the best deals on materials before starting the project. Suppliers can...

Title: Time to Start Preparing Your Patio For Winter Weather Description: I know it is still summer time and you are enjoying the hot weather but winter time is inevitably creeping around the corner and you should be prepared. If you have a back yard and have done your fair share of entertaining this summer I am sure you are going to want to preserve your furniture during the harsh winter months so you can have another year of social events. That is, if you do not have to clean out your storage area and lug it all back into the basement, attic, or wherever you may store it. This much work is unnecessary because there are things called patio furniture covers that will keep your furniture safe all winter long. Patio furniture covers are good to have because they are a solution to all your storing problems. All you have to do is cover your patio furniture where it stands and you will be worry free for the entire winter.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />No more clearing out space...

Title: How to Hire a General Contractor Without Being Bilked Description: Selecting the right contractor for a construction or home remodeling job is a very important decision. There are many things to consider before signing an agreement with a general contractor or a remodeling contractor. Contractors are listed in the Yellow Pages and on the Internet, but obtaining recommendations from friends and neighbors is usually the best and most direct way to find a reliable contractor for a building or remodeling job.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />The estimate should include confirmation of the specific tasks the contractor will perform, the completion date, a schedule of payments, the procedure for approval of changes, and a list of products and materials, and labor costs, along with price and quantity. It is critical to get at least three estimates, and compare the bids. Getting a fair price is paramount, but bear in mind that the contractor who provides the lowest bid is not ...

Title: Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor Description: Finding a contractor is a headache in home repair, causing the most anxiety of all phases. In a contractor you are looking for someone trustworthy who puts effort in a good job and charges a decent price. Unfortunately, contractors cannot offer guarantees. However, do your homework and you can improve your odds, finding a winning home remodeling contractor can take a ton of weight of your shoulders and relieve you of that throbbing headache.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />The Overseeing General Contractor&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />General contractors are the people hired to oversee your project, responsible for managing every aspect of the project. Purchasing material, hiring sub-contractors is all included in the expectations of a general contractor. Usually, a contract is signed between the contractor and the party needing work performed, in order to ensure payments only be made to him. At that point...

Title: Energy Efficiency Tips For College Students Description: Speaking as a graduate student who has been living on her own since March, I try every possible way to be energy efficient in order to help conserve our planet as well as help my wallet! At this day and age it seems like being energy efficient is a fad or trend but it should be looked as a way of life that is here to stay. There are many resources available for people to become educated and aware of the problems that are ongoing and finding ways of fixing them. It is up to us to practice energy efficiency in order to protect the environment and save some money while we're at it.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />When picking a location to live for college, opt to get a place closest to campus or on campus. This way you can walk or ride a bike to class instead of driving to school. My university is a commuter school and because of that they have made a "go green ride" incentive where students are grou...

Title: Shabby Chic For Your Kitchen Description: Many people when designing a shabby chic home seem to find trouble when it comes time to decorate the kitchen. Kitchens are one of those spaces that are hard to decorate without redoing the cabinetry and counter tops. For those who may not have the funds available to redo the kitchen in its entirety but wish to decorate in a shabby chic style, here are a few tips one can do:&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />First, plates and other table wear are inexpensive and quick ways to change the mood to any kitchen. White plates with elegant designs on the ridges are a quick replacement to other dishes, and make for an immediate change to the atmosphere of the space.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Second, little decorations and knick knacks are easy quick fixes especially for countertops and windowsills. Little knick knacks are a great way to bring in little bits of yourself to the space, using pictures, or towels that sport ...

Title: 3 Power Tips For Selecting a Slate Roofing Contractor Description: Selecting a roofing contractor for any type of material or roof construction is important because the roof protects the integrity of the entire home. Choose a good contractor and you are going to enjoy the benefits of a great looking roof, installed without complications and fuss, as well as be able to rest assured you had a good job done which is going to last for years without headaches.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Slate is a naturally occurring material which is the longest lived of all roofing materials. It is heavy which requires extra support and strength in the roof frame and underlying construction. It is fireproof and waterproof, ideal for use in areas prone to fire or subject to heavy rain and snowfall. It is a great insulator and provides no sustenance or support for any living pest such as mold or bugs.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />A properly installed slate roof will last...

Title: Looking After a Slate Roof: The Do's and Don'ts Description: A slate roof is the best roofing material you can install bar none!&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />It is strong, waterproof, fireproof, sterile so no bugs or growths can gain a foothold, it will not rot, warp with extremes of temperature, it is resistant to physical damage and is cheap to maintain because there is virtually no maintenance required.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />A properly installed slate roof will last for your lifetime and your grand-children's!&nbsp;<br />It is not uncommon for a slate roof to last for more than one hundred years, however there are things you should do to maximize your enjoyment of the slate roof and minimize any potential costs down the road.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />The Do's&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Once a year you should inspect the roof for its condition and check in particular for loose slates...

Title: The Top 7 Advantages of a Slate Roof Description: A slate is cool, beautiful and environmentally friendly because it is a 100% naturally occurring material. Hey are popular in many parts of the country but they are the quality roof of choice no matter where your home is located.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Here are the top ten advantages of installing a slate roof:&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Long Life&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />A slate roof is the longest lasting of all roofing materials – it is not uncommon for a slate roof to last for over one hundred years and even longer than that. Slate is a naturally made rock formed under intense pressure within the earth's crust. The high pressures cause the sedimentary materials which form slate to align themselves into laminate layers which easily split to create the slate tile in the hands of a skilled craftsman.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Fireproof&nbsp;<b...

Title: Which Roofing Material Minimizes Total Cost of Ownership? Description: Take a look in your neighborhood and look at the roofs you see-you will probably see a lot of asphalt shingles or a derivation on them (composition shingles for instance). In some areas you will see wood shingles (particularly cedar or hickory shakes), terracotta tile, cement tile, slate tile and if you have an esoteric neighbor maybe even bamboo (that's not a joke, they do exist).&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />When you are looking at reroofing or installing a new roof, you are going to be confronted by a dazzling array of choice in terms of materials and their respective qualities. A simple question for you to ask, bearing in mind all the roofs you've taken a look at in your neighborhood, will be this: "How often do they need replacing, repairing or maintenance work carried out on them?"&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />The answer for most roofs will be that they need...

Title: Roofing Choices: Cost and Benefits of a Slate Roof Description: There are numerous different materials available for covering your roof – the main ones in the United States are asphalt shingles, wood shakes (typically cedar or other hard wood), a range of tiles made from a variety of manmade materials, cement and such, and of course slate. Which material you eventually choose will be determined by the budget, the requirements of the home itself (slanted roof versus a flat one), local building codes, your ability to access specialist contractors for some kinds of materials (slate does need someone experienced in handling it) and a range of other factors – not least, how the finished job will look!&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Slate is a hard, naturally occurring material which is mined in the US, Spain and the UK. Most of the slate in the US comes from here in the country though you can source imported slate which does have different color characteristics...

Title: Lighting Controls Can Improve Energy Efficiency Description: Both in the home and the workplace, lighting is responsible for a significant proportion of energy costs. Lights being left on when they are not needed or operating at a higher intensity than is required is wasteful in terms of both financial costs and natural resources. Furthermore, the excess energy usage makes a substantial contribution to the carbon footprint of homes and businesses. By installing lighting controls, it is possible to curb these waste, pollution and financial factors.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Dimming controls&nbsp;<br />One type of lighting control provides automatic dimming and brightening according to the amount of daylight entering the room. In-built sensors detect the presence and intensity of natural sunlight in an office or living room for example, and use digital controls to set the output of electrical lights accordingly. This is a highly effective energy conserva...

Title: Best Emergency Lighting Solutions For Extreme Conditions Description: Sufficient emergency lighting is not just a legal requirement for all workplaces. It's also essential for guaranteeing the safety of workers and being prepared for the worst case scenario. This is even more important for those operating in extreme conditions where risk is high such as oil rigs, power stations and factories using hazardous or combustible materials. In such cases, specialist emergency lighting is required to deal with the specific risks present in the workplace.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Emergency lighting with unique characteristics&nbsp;<br />In addition to escape route lighting to aid swift evacuation and open area lighting to prevent panic, extreme conditions demand emergency lighting with unique characteristics. These will vary according to the specific needs of the workplace. For example, oilrig workers need a reliable and effective source of emergency lighti...

Title: Seven Remarkable Reasons to Own an Infrared Sauna Description: The Ultimate in Luxury & Health- Infrared Saunas&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Summary: When you think of an Infrared Sauna, it's probably a very pleasing thought- BUT like most people, you think it's only for the very rich. Well, think again!&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />When I think of a sauna, I think of a foggy room with a box of coals you drip water over to keep providing a wet atmosphere to sweat and relax in. Not a bad thought enters my head. As a matter of fact, I picture myself with a towel around me, my eyes closed and a smile on my face. How about you? Your experience may have been more along the lines of being at an over-priced resort, with strangers sharing your "relaxing" time in a crowded sauna room, serviced by someone with a questionable Swedish accent.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Now new technology can give you thi...