frontstepdesign

Local suppliers - steel

Freeport Steel is now open, just east of Seminole.  They threw a heck of a bash, and seem to provide a neat product.

I took a few pictures, but apparently night photography, even with a digital, really requires a tripod.

This is about the best.

Here's the first band, and Dread Clampitt was next.  Even I've heard of them!

House Projects

This counts as re-use, since we live in an old house.  Well, old for this part of Florida = 1948.

Here's the list for the second half of 2006:

1. Change roof color, to increase reflectance values.  It's currently medium gray asphalt shingle, in good condition.  I've been trying to get someone to call me back from Seal-o-flex, but no luck so far.  I want to use Seal-o-Flex to treat a leaky spot, and it might be good to coat the whole roof - but if it's expensive, then maybe I can just paint the roof?  I know, weird, weird, and I'd be painting it white, too.  But the theory says I could reduce the AC part of the bill by 25%, which is $8/month.  Maybe I should try it out on some spare shingles - wonder what sort of heat sensor might work best to measure results.  (I swear, science fair projects are wasted on schoolchildren.  I never had good ideas like this when I was in school.  Ask my mother about the dishwasher and the stainless steel flatware.)
2. Plant basic BioIntensive garden. Half the double-digging is done.
3. Build garage workshop.  Get permit.  Call concrete guys.
4. Install graywater system, for the next drought, and the veg garden.  Find storage canisters.
5. Build arbor to shade hot sunroom.  Cut tube for foundation, dig holes.  Measure for lumber, buy concrete.
6. Prune fig to nettable size.  Look out for nets on sale.
7. Insulate walls.  Get quote for icynene foam.  Figure out alternatives.  DIY foam. Mineral wool?  Vermiculite? Get quotes.
8. Lay new kitchen floor (utility-grade oak strips).
9. Insulate hot water heater. ($15)
10. Sign up for Good Cents Select (get programmable thermostat).
11. Clean and paint front door trim.
12. Paint front door.