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Not only is Reflectix clean, neat, and tidy, but the product literature also states that Reflectix offers thermal-blocking R-values of up to R-21. With fiberglass insulation R-values ranging from R-15 to R-19 for two-by-four wall systems, Reflectix appears to be a better insulating material than fiberglass or other thick, dense materials. Or is it? What Reflectix Insulation Is Reflectix is a brand of double-reflective insulation. Found in the insulation aisle, Reflectix comes in tightly spooled rolls of shiny, reflective, foil-look insulation that resembles bubble wrap....

Rubber flooring is a type of resilient flooring, and therein lies its most obvious advantages. Like other resilient materials, namely vinyl and linoleum, rubber flooring provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface that’s suitable for hard-wearing environments, such as gyms, basements, rec rooms, playrooms, laundry rooms, and utility areas. It’s fair to say that rubber tile flooring represents a niche in the flooring market. This means there are many fewer manufacturers and dealers—and consequently fewer options—than with other major flooring materials....

It’s quite possible for manure to spread disease to human beings. According to the University of Madison-Wisconsin horticulture extension, fresh manure should never be used on fruits and vegetables because of the potential of transmitting human pathogens such as e .coli. Tips for Avoiding Contamination by Manure There is always a risk when you use manure or manure tea in your garden, but there are some precautions you can take to stay safe....

Even though casement windows tend to be less popular than other types of windows, they do have a number of strong points that may make them the right choice for your home. Some of casement windows’ downsides border on myth, with other downsides being surmountable if you feel that you would like to install this type of window. Casement Windows vs. Other Windows Casement windows offer a number of advantages over other types of windows, especially slider windows and double-hung windows....

Not only that, paint-brushing might seem like a time-consuming activity best confined to smaller areas like window trim or doors. Yet when the conditions are right, brushing your house’s next color coat does make some sense. Using a Brush vs. Sprayer For Painting a House Exterior Using a Paintbrush Using a paintbrush to paint your house lets you get started faster each day. You don’t have so many tools and materials that need to be brought out and set up....

SKILSAW is a 90-year-old power tool company that, somewhat uniquely in today’s marketplace, focuses its offerings on saws. I tested one of its core products, the 10-inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw (SPT70WT), while rebuilding the deck on my Colorado home. Read on to see if the saw’s touted motor and portability got the job done on-site. Performance: Powerful enough for most tasks This portable table saw handled all the relatively light-duty board ripping I needed for my deck project, but I also tested it against a variety of sheet goods and other board sizes to assess its capability....

Your main care task will be to prune your southernwood plants to maintain healthy growth and to divide them when they become overgrown. Southernwood also occasionally might need supplemental watering and feeding. Light Although southernwood prefers a spot with full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days, it can still grow well in some shade. Growth just won’t be as vigorous, and the plant’s lemony scent won’t be as apparent....

For the earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, the most common color associations that come to mind are neutrals. While neutral tones like black, tan, white, and gray certainly work well in representing the orderly, grounded, and simple aspects of these signs, there is much more to them than meets the eye. Your element may be in earth, but you shouldn’t feel you have to stick to those tones to reflect your true personalities–there are ways to bring color into your space that still rings true to who you are....

Their green leaves come in a variety of shapes depending on the species, including narrow, oval, or round. The plants can also vary in size according to species, though most of the ones commercially available are fairly small. The leaves are covered with glands with tiny stalks (sometimes referred to as “tentacles”) that secrete mucus which captures insects by luring them with scent. The insects are then trapped in the sticky surface of the leaves where they are digested....

We compiled expert recommendations from Byrne, then researched and tested high-quality options of various sizes and materials. Our top choice is the Chunky Cable Knit Throw from The Company Store, a warm, welcoming blanket made of ultra-soft combed cotton. Ahead, the best blankets for every room and budget. This blanket features a sweater-like cable knitting pattern, giving it a subtle three-dimensional texture. While the design is reminiscent of fall and winter comforts, we can easily picture it draped over a front-porch rocking chair in the summer or in a sunroom during the spring....

Our favorite is the Robern R3 Series Framed Medicine Cabinet, a strikingly modern piece with adjustable shelves and a low profile that provides plenty of storage space without getting in the way. Here are the best medicine cabinets for every bathroom and budget. This medicine cabinet is available in two sizes (26 x 16 inches or 20 x 16 inches), both of which are 5 inches deep. Depending on the size, you’ll have four or five shelves for storing your products, and you can adjust the middle shelves as needed....

We tested and researched the best sewing machines to help you find the perfect machine for all your crafting needs, evaluating setup, ease of use, features, weight, price, and durability. Our top pick, the SINGER Stylist 7258 Sewing Machine, is ideal for sewers, quilters, and crafters of every skill level as it comes from a well-respected brand and offers 100 stitch options, six buttonhole options, and an expansive accessories kit....

Besides talking with Matt, we researched the best solar pathway lights to recommend this collection based on their design, durability, ease of use, type of lighting, charging and retention capacity, and longevity. We also had the opportunity to test three of the picks in this roundup in The Lab and evaluated these picks based on the same qualities for our research. Our top pick, the Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Solar Landscape Path Lights, are durable and produce 10 lumens—bright enough for hiking and reading—and have an eight-hour run time when fully charged....

In our search for the best bathroom mirrors, we sought advice from interior designer Annie Kersey of Purple Cherry Architects, who provided tips on installation, placement, and design options. She also helped us sort out how to pick the best mirror for different types of bathrooms. “You should also consider shape,” Kersey told The Spruce. For example, she pointed out that round mirrors are better for filling long horizontal spaces, such as between wall sconces....

“Carbon monoxide is known as a ‘silent’ killer because humans are unable to see, smell, or taste it,” says Kelly Johnson-Arbor, the Interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center and a medical toxicologist. She points out that a working carbon monoxide detector emits a loud, obnoxious noise in the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide: “The noise is loud enough to wake up a sleeping individual who might otherwise not experience any warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning....

Our favorite was the Room&Board Natural Rubber Rug Pad for its impressive quality and steadfastness against sliding. This rug pad didn’t move at all, even when our testers took a running start. Here are all of our top picks for the best rug pads on the market. While we noticed this rug pad didn’t fit perfectly under the test rug, it does come in a variety of sizes (from 2 x 3 feet to 10 x 14 feet) that might work for your rug needs....

We researched the best bath toys on the market, considering the safety, recommended age, and educational value of each. Through our research, we chose the Sophie Bath Toy as our favorite pick. The iconic giraffe teether now has a bath toy counterpart that floats and is soft enough for your little one to grab, splash, and chew on. Here are the best bath toys for babies, toddlers, and older kids....

We researched the best women-owned businesses to buy from, considering factors like ownership, diversity, and community ties. Our list features brands like Minted, Estelle Colored Glass, The Sill, and Otherwild, a destination for unique and sustainable finds. Here are the best women-owned businesses to support now and always. “Not only does Minted offer standout home decor, but also gives insight into the amazing artists who create them.” Estelle Colored Glass “The bold colorful hand blown glass is sure to stand out on any dinner table and add a vintage vibe....

To help your search, we researched the best gifts to celebrate 10 years, including unique experiences, meaningful picks, and options that relate to their interests. Our list includes a practical yet elegant jewelry box from Mejuri, a flower subscription from Urban Stems, and a set of Williams Sonoma champagne flutes for toasting to a decade of love. Here are the best 10-year anniversary gifts. The stylish genuine grain leather exterior comes in two muted colors for matching any bedside table or vanity decor....