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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query andre. Sort by date Show all posts

Common Poisonous Plants

A luscious garden in your backyard is generally a welcome sanctuary in a busy world. The majority of people, however, are unaware as to how many of their favourite plants, though seemingly innocent, are actually quite poisonous.

Fortunately for us, most plants are only potentially harmful if you eat them and not all of them are lethal. While this fact doesn’t pose a problem to most discerning adults, a brightly coloured berry or flower can be highly attractive to both young children and pets alike, increasing the danger and risk to their young lives.

Here are a few of the common poisonous plants found in South African gardens:

1. Oleander

Photo Credit: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Laurier2.jpg 
This fragrant flowering shrub is extremely hardy and drought tolerant.  Although beautiful to behold all the parts of this plant are extremely poisonous, even lethal. If you have small children or pets at home, this plant is probably best removed from your garden.

2. Syringa 

Photo Credit: Anna Anichkova 

Children and dogs alike seem to love the ripe berries of this tree, however, they can make humans and animal violently ill because they contain a high concentration of meliatoxins.

3. Rhubarb


Photo Credit: sutton.co.uk 

This common food may come as a surprise. While many people enjoy eating the stems of this plant in a variety of desserts, eating the rhubarb leaves can actually be fatal. Ingesting a large amount of the leaves will affect your mouth and throat and can lead to convulsions, internal bleeding and death.

4. Cycads

Photo Credit: Wikipedia 
Cycad seed cones resemble large pineapples and while a dedicated gardener is unlikely to consume these valuable seeds, young children are not as discerning.  The ripe cones expose large brightly coloured seeds which are highly toxic.

5. Elephants ear


Photo Credit: Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The sap and root stock of this plant are poisonous. If the sap gets into the eyes they will sting and burn for a few hours. The plant has a particularly unpleasant taste which usually deters children from consuming enough to be dangerous.

6. Delicious Monster


While beautifully adorned on clothing as prints, and inside homes, this plant is common both in the garden and as an indoor plant. Dogs seem to have a particular attraction to it.  Unfortunately, every part of this plant is poisonous and chewing on it will aggravate the mouth making it difficult to swallow.

7. Dieffenbachia


Photo Credit: Karen K Krietemeye via Pinterest 

This plant is another indoor and outdoor favourite. Dieffenbachia is more commonly known as Dumb Cane for the sap from the leaves and stem which can cause the tongue of the victim to swell so much that they are not able to speak!

So how can we ensure the safety of those we love? With the exception of Oleander, education, not elimination, is usually the best way to deal with poisonous plants. Removing all of the toxic plants from your garden would create a safe environment at home (and some very bare garden beds), however, it isn’t the best solution.  Instead, educate your children to refrain from putting berries, flowers or leaves into their mouths.  By educating them you are ensuring their safety when out and about, even when they are not under your supervision.

Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. [https://harfield-village.blogspot.co.za/search?q=andre]

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za








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Asbestos - To Use or Not to Use

Asbestos – To Use or Not to Use, that is the Question

Asbestos is a fibrous material that became popular in the building industry in the early 1900’s. It occurs naturally and helps to create products that are extremely durable and resistant to corrosion and weathering.  These attributes, coupled with the fact that asbestos was an affordable option, meant that the rate of use increased significantly. Despite its excellent properties, it has become known that exposure to asbestos is a severe health hazard, and it is now declared to be responsible for thousands of deaths each year globally.

So where is asbestos found? Asbestos fibres are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric to create materials that are resistant to fire and heat. It also makes an ideal reinforcement component in glues, mortars and finishing cements. It can be found in roofs, gutters, pipe coverings, insulation boards, ceiling tiles, sprayed coatings and many other products. In addition, it is not uncommon to find asbestos in a friable form such as in loose insulation material found in roof cavities for the purpose of insulation.


Studies have shown that these products, if in sound condition and left undisturbed, will not pose any serious health risk.  If they remain fully intact, then it is generally safe and there is no need to remove them.  Asbestos is at its most harmful when the microscopic fibres are dispersed into the air.  These fibres can be easily inhaled by those in close proximity.

The affects that asbestos can have on one’s health can be devastating. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.  Mesothelioma occurs when inhaled asbestos fibres lodge in the outer tissue linings of the lung and abdomen. Over time, asbestos inflammation on the surface of these membranes can cause scar tissue plaques and a cancer known as mesothelioma. The risk increases proportionally to the number of fibres inhaled and often those affected have been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time.  Symptoms for these conditions often do not appear until 20-30 years after first exposure.

Any bonded asbestos material that is broken or damaged needs to be removed safely. Work that might release the fibres of asbestos containing material can cause a serious health hazard and it is therefore essential to ensure safety around this harmful substance at all times.


Protecting oneself from the harmful effects of asbestos, especially while building, is essential. Ensure that you are familiar with all the material being used on a project and get any material that you are unsure of inspected prior to use. If any materials which are damaged or broken are thought to possibly contain asbestos, the following short-term precautions may be put in place:

1. Spray with water to prevent soil/dust from becoming airborne
2. Cover with a tarpaulin or plastic sheeting
3. Prevent access to the site by children and pets
4. Use wet clean up procedures rather than dry sweeping or vacuuming

Only those who have been trained to work with asbestos removal and have the correct safety equipment are authorised to remove it. Any work such as drilling, cutting, high pressure cleaning or demolition needs to be carried out by an approved asbestos contractor.

Asbestos use is regulated in South Africa by The South African Department of Labour, as well as The Occupational Hygiene Section of the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH). The South African Department of Labour Asbestos Regulations (No.155 of 2002) prohibit an employer or a self-employed individual from carrying out work that will put any person at risk from asbestos exposure, while the NIOH provides a comprehensive range of asbestos-related services and advice throughout Southern Africa, including consultation, training, asbestos surveys, monitoring and evaluation. While still possible to use in building, asbestos remains a hazardous form of material and every precaution therefore needs to be taken when being used.


Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. [https://harfield-village.blogspot.co.za/search?q=andre]

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za [http://www.norgarbproperties.co.za/]













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Permission to Braai



One day you wake up and think that you're finally going to build that built in braai you've wanted for years. It should be easy, choose a spot, grab the bricks, cement it all together...

However, there is more to a built-in braai than just throwing bricks together. There are all sorts of things you need to consider - the height of the flue, spark inhibitors, the proximity to roofing timbers, wind, rain, heat, planning permission, and so on.

One of the most frequently asked questions is: "Do I need planning permission for a built in braai?"
Well, yes and no. A built in braai is normally classified as "minor building work" and whilst you do not need to submit plans, The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (No. 103 of 1977) states that no person may erect, alter, add to, or convert any building without prior approval by the local authority. So as long as you comply with the "minor building work" regulations and have received permission from the local authority's building control officer, you do not need to submit any plans.

If your braai does not fall under "minor building work" then you will need to submit plans for approval before building commences. If you are not sure which category your built-in braai will fall under, it is probably best to check with your council just to be sure. If your braai is being built against a boundary wall, in most parts of SA, your neighbours' consent will be required. This can be done by informing them in writing. Keep in mind that they might object if the smoke will interfere with their own property and the enjoyment thereof.

Because the regulations can be a bit of a minefield and no case is the same, it is probably best to contact your local building inspectors for advice on where and how to begin. From there you can go to the planning department of your local municipality. If plans are needed, by law, only building plans from professionals registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession will be accepted. This may seem like a complicated task, but you won't regret the fees when you have peace of mind that the person you've hired has sound knowledge of the regulations and you can get everything right the first-time round.

Happy braai building!

Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. [https://harfield-village.blogspot.co.za/search?q=andre]

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za [http://www.norgarbproperties.co.za/]








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Humane mole control


Humane Ways to Deal with Moles
Don’t make mountains out of literal mole hills. In fact, if you have a mole issue, take it as a compliment - it means there’s something good going on in your soil and an abundance of earthworms. Although having moles might be a compliment to your delicious soil, they can damage your garden. Here we’ll take a look at moles and the most humane ways to deter them.

Firstly, you need to determine if the mole is indeed becoming a pest. Moles have good qualities too, they turn the soil by aerating it, creating better drainage and they eat slugs and other insects which may be destroying your garden. If, however, the mole is digging up and ruining your flowers and lawn, you may want to consider helping him find a new home. 


Secondly, look for active tunnels. When you see a mole tunnel, indicated by the typical mole hill, stomp on it to cave it in. If it has been restored the next day, then your mole is definitely living there.
Here are a few ways to remove the mole issue without actually killing the mole:
1. Catch and Release
Catch the mole by flooding the tunnel. Locate a mole hill and insert a garden hose - this will flood the tunnel and cause the mole to surface. Gently collect the mole in a bucket or container and release it somewhere safe…preferably not your enemy’s garden. It might also be easier to have two people to do this, one holding the hose and the other to catch the mole as he surfaces.
2. Plants
There are a few plants which moles are not very fond of. Garlic and Chocolate Llilies have proven to be effective in deterring them. They also don’t like the smell of Daffodils or Marigolds, so you could use these as a hedge around your lawn. Although this might not get rid of the moles completely, you can rest assured that they won’t go near these plants.
3. Build a Barrier
There are a few ways to do this. The first step is to dig a trench around the area you wish to protect. The trench should be about 60cm deep and 20 – 30cm wide.
The second step is to fill the trench with gravel, clay or mesh, then cover it back up. The gravel/clay/mesh will stop moles from digging through.
4. Homemade Repellent
Castor oil is the base for both of these natural repellents. You can simply pour castor oil into the mole’s tunnel as this will upset his stomach and discourage him from hanging around, or you could make the following mixture - ¼ cup castor oil, 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper. Pop it in the blender to make sure it is mixed well. Add 6 tablespoons of water and blend again. Keep this solution in a sealed container until you see a new mound appear, then add 2 tablespoons of the solution to about 4 litres of water and mix well. Take this solution and either use a spray bottle to spray it over the mounds of dirt and the surrounding grass or simply pour the whole lot down the mole holes. This will change the taste of the insects and the mole will gladly move on to scrounge up grubs elsewhere. For this to be effective you should re-apply this homemade repellent every two days and again after it rains.
5. Good Vibrations
This method is pretty effortless! Simply place a few wind- or battery-operated spinners along the mole’s paths and he will be happy to move elsewhere. Moles don’t like being disturbed and the vibrations from the spinners will be just like that noisy neighbour whose bass keeps you up all night.
So there you have it, 5 ways to get rid of moles so that you both can live a happy, peaceful life.

Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. [https://harfield-village.blogspot.co.za/search?q=andre]

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za [http://www.norgarbproperties.co.za/]








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Green Temperature Control for Your Home


The trend in going green is bigger than ever and, in particular, we look at green living in our own homes. Every little bit helps and implementing green living into your home and everyday life can have a much bigger impact than one might think. Here we’ll have a look at some options for natural temperature control in your home and why it is important.

Natural temperature control has many benefits, namely:

• no need to purchase, install or pay for repair of an HVAC
• electricity consumption can be cut by half
• it’s an indefinite source of heating and cooling
• no dependency on the grid
• eliminates noise pollution, and
• is ecologically friendly.

It is important to control home temperature, not just for comfortable living, but as a vital step to reduce damage to your home. Without it, one could have issues such as mould growth, formation of condensation, and damage to the building envelope (walls, floors, roofs, fenestrations and doors). Luckily, the earth and sun provide all the energy we need and there are many ways to harness this to our own advantage.

Insulation - The use of high quality insulation helps to prevent heat loss by decreasing the amount of heat that escapes the house. Good insulation can also keep the heat out in the warmer months. You can insulate your walls, floors, ceiling, basement, attic, windows and doors.

Image from Greener Ideal

Solar Heating – The sun is our greatest source of heat and energy so why not harness all that thermal power? You get different types of solar heating and cooling systems, from radiant floor to hot water baseboards or radiators and central forced-air systems. Solar collectors for air heating are much the same as those used for water heating systems, with the most common being the flat-plate collectors. You can also look into evacuated tube, thermosiphon, Integral Collector Storage (ICS) and concentrating collectors. You also get a choice of liquid or air based. Liquid-based solar heating systems use a non-toxic liquid to transfer the heat from the collector, whilst air-based systems heat air in a solar air collector and then use fans to distribute and circulate the heated air around your home.

Image from EcoVeta

Solar Cooling – Also referred to as solar-assisted cooling, these systems may also be used for heating your home during the winter months. You get two types – absorption chiller systems and desiccant systems. The more popular of the two is the absorption chiller system which uses a process very similar to your refrigerator. The desiccant system on the other hand passes air over a drying agent such as silica gel, which draws the humidity out of the air making it cooler and more comfortable.

Image from letsgosolar.com

Natural Ventilation – Think stylish skylights and hidden vents. These allow for the collection of heat or the flow of air through your home. Carefully placed skylights can easily warm a room, whilst vents allow easier flow of air throughout the house. The only problem with these is that they serve a singular purpose and whilst vents might be a joy in summer, they may not be your best friend during winter. Likewise for the skylights which would perhaps overheat a room during the summer months.

Image from SlideShare

The Simple Life – There are also simple practices you can look at that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Investing in black out curtains and/or simply closing your blinds can instantly affect the temperature of a room. Closing doors to unused rooms in the winter months prevents cool air from circulating and locks in more heat, likewise in summer, you’d want to keep your doors open and allow for maximum air flow. A little window hack can also make a huge difference – open the top section of your windows on the downwind side of your house and the bottom section of your windows on the upwind side. And last but not least, switch your light bulbs to CFL’s. Incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their energy in the heat that they emit, so not only would your house be cooler, but so would your electricity bill.

There are so many natural systems one can use to control the temperature in one’s home and new technology appearing all the time. All in all, it’s best to do some research and pick the option that suits your home as well as your budget.

Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. [https://harfield-village.blogspot.co.za/search?q=andre]

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za








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Loft Conversions

If you’re looking to expand your home without the hassle of a full-on extension, then a loft conversion may be just what you are after. Converting your loft or attic into a beautiful living space is far more cost effective than a normal extension and will make practical use of an area of your home which is more than likely harbouring dust and unwanted clutter. Not only is a loft conversion more affordable and very trendy, but it actually adds value to your property.

Image from coolloftconversions.co.uk

Although a DIY might seem like fun, it is best to get the professionals in to do this one as there are quite a few things to consider and some processes best handled by those who know what they are doing. For starters you’ll need to check the dimensions of your loft to see if there is enough height for the conversion, including space for a staircase. The general requirement is around 2.1 – 2.3m with at least a 2m clearance above the position of the stairs. The roof will also need to be checked for any water leakages and the area will need to be assessed for electrical work, heating, plumbing, etc. Keep in mind that certain roofs such as trussed, flat, and those with a very low pitch will probably not be able to be converted.  However, once the area has been assessed and you have the go ahead, the fun can begin!

How you install your loft conversion will obviously depend on the assessment and what you would like to convert your loft into. There are many options and your imagination is the limit – think home office, games room, music room, home theatre, bedroom, gym, a children’s play den, or even that walk in closet you’ve been dreaming of!

Image from charlesgrosvenor.co.uk

Image from hartmanbaldwin.com

Here are the things you will need to consider:

Planning Permission

Whenever you add extra living space to your home, you will more than likely need planning permission. Having a loft converted will often require that plans be drawn up and you’ll have to make sure that these are in line with the national building regulations and are approved by your local council. It sounds like a pain but the good news is that, in most cases, the experts you hire will draw up the plans and have them passed for you.

Windows

Windows are important for natural light and ventilation. If you already have a large loft you can simply install roof windows – choosing a size that suites the space. Picture a bedroom with windows that run from floor to ceiling, creating a light and open room. If your loft is a bit on the small side with little height readily available then you may want to look at something called a dormer extension. Dormers are a bit like bay windows that jut out of the roof and extend the space. Obviously this will be more noticeable than your roof windows but are just as stunning.

Flooring

Most loft floors are intended simply to retain the ceiling underneath and not to support an entire living space. For this reason you may need to look at strengthening the floors. Another option you need to look at is what type of flooring you’d like in your finished conversion – carpets, wood, etc. The professional you hire can give you some good advice on what is and isn’t possible.

Stairs
Image from bragallaboutit.com
Access to your new space is obviously very important and careful planning is needed when it comes to the design of the staircase. Stairs take out a big portion of floor space and whilst you will want to position it so it is out of the way, you also don’t want it so close to the eaves that you bang your head every time you go up. The stairs will also need to accommodate furniture being carried up and down as you design the interior of your space – so whilst a spiral staircase might be aesthetically pleasing, they aren’t altogether practical and can be quite expensive to manufacture.

Once your loft conversion specialist has all the details and plans, then the conversion can begin. And once the conversion is done, you can have absolute pleasure in designing the interior of the space – choosing wall colours, buying the furniture pieces, deciding where to place them, and ultimately enjoying the beauty of your newly extended, trendy home.


Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. [https://harfield-village.blogspot.co.za/search?q=andre]

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za








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Work from home

Work from home is on the increase as opportunities for remote work grow thanks to advances in technology. The benefits are immense, from saving on overheads (if you run your own home business), to the freedom to work to your own schedule. Here we’ll take a look at some of the legal aspects as well as what makes a home office a productive and inspirational work space.



The legal side of doing work from home may contain some red tape which needs looking at; depending on the size and nature of the work you will be doing.

Doing small scale work such as remote work for a company or freelancing, generally won’t need any special permission. However, starting up your own small business may need some planning and permission, especially if your business includes an increase in visitor traffic or noise. Whether renting or owning your own property, residential zoning means leases and title deeds often contain clauses which prohibit business use. If renting you can check your lease or ask your landlord for permission. If buying your own home, check the title for information on restrictions as you may need to get permission, especially when a residential mortgage is in place. Another bit of red tape would be your neighbours. If your business in any way adds risk or prohibits them from enjoying their own property they are well within their rights to take you to court. Obviously if you plan on making any alterations to your home for your work, then planning permission will be needed.

Also make sure to check whether your home insurance will need changing as you don’t want to end up not being fully covered should something happen. You may also want to look at public liability insurance to cover third parties.

One last bit of red tape is special licenses. If your home business is related to child care, food production, or hotel/B&B business you will need special health and safety licenses in order to legally operate.

Now the fun part – creating your very own work-from-home space! The great thing about not working in a corporate office or a tiny cubicle is that you can design your office and hours to suit your personality and your needs. If you already own a home, find a spot that is seldom used or turn the spare room into your office. If you are looking for a new home and know that you need to set up an office, you’ll want to keep that in mind. Look for a home that has an extra room, make sure it is light and airy, easily accessible without causing too much disruption to your everyday family life, and can be expanded if you will need that option later on.

Once you find your ideal spot, here are a few essentials you’ll need to think about to set up your work space:

 A separate office space - to avoid unnecessary distraction; especially important if you have children! If space is limited you could even convert a closet in a room into a desk and workspace which is easy to close off when you are not working.
 A routine and clear boundaries – It is all too easy to be distracted by housework or a quick catch-up with your friend, but to work from home productively you need to be strict with yourself. Setting up clear boundaries with those around you, and a routine which works with your day, is the best way to achieve success.
 A good computer or laptop – one that is reliable and has efficient memory and speed for your work requirements. You may want to look at one with a working camera and mic if you’ll be attending remote meetings.
 A good WiFi set-up - if you are doing remote work for a company you will need access to files and work being sent. If running your own business going digital is far easier than mountains of paperwork.
 A productive work space – This is entirely personal. You may choose a standing desk, a desk with a pilates ball, or a standard desk and comfortable chair. You will want a calendar nearby where you can jot down appointments or deadlines, or even just make notes. And of course you’ll need easy access to files/books/stationery.

Other items depend entirely on your business needs. You may want to install a printer/scanner, you may need shelves for files or reference books. You may want to put up a clock so that you have a clear view of the time. You could paint a wall with chalk paint and write down notes and plans as you go along. Whatever you decide, it’s best to sit down first and write down what your business will require and what you would like to include in your space. In the end, plan a work space that will allow you to work efficiently as well as create a sense of joy for what you do every day. Happy working!

Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. [https://harfield-village.blogspot.co.za/search?q=andre]

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za








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SYNTHETIC LAWN


In a time when water is so precious many are doing their best and implementing many water-savers into their homes and gardens. One such water-saver is synthetic lawn.

Synthetic lawn is made from a mixture of synthetic materials which vary from supplier to supplier. The raw materials used are crucial to the quality of synthetic lawn. Blades are always made from nylon, polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP) – a common form of plastic found in plastic bags and bottles. It comes in solid pellets which are melted down and mixed with dyes and UV resistant additives. If you’re looking for quality, PE is generally your high-end option.

The backing is often made from polypropylene fibres, rubber compounds or polyester foam. A flexible adhesive such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or latex is used to coat the underside and bind the grass fibres into the backing.

Installation can actually make or break your experience. The method to install synthetic lawn varies depending on the surface onto which you are installing it and DIY can be risky. There are many factors to consider such as which region you are in and what weather conditions your artificial lawn will be exposed to. For example, you cannot use nails in extremely cold regions whilst extreme heat and reflections from windows can melt the lawn. Professionals also have knowledge of roll orientation and the direction of the lawn blades as well as excavation depth, preparation of the base, etc. It is advisable to get a local installer in to conduct a site visit and give advice on which method would best suit your individual circumstances. You could try DIY but you’d be saving yourself time and money getting it done by a professional.


Once the grass has been correctly installed you’ll need to give it some TLC in terms of cleaning and maintenance; but don’t worry, it’s not nearly as time consuming as traditional lawn. Basic maintenance would include the following:

• Brush the lawn with a stiff bristle broom (not steel) regularly to remove debris and encourage the blades to stay upright. Brush in accordance with the amount of traffic your lawn gets – you’ll soon see if the grass is looking dull or flat.
• Rake or use a leaf blower to remove fallen leaves, branches, etc.
• Hose down your lawn every month (more if heavy traffic) to get rid of dust, dirt, and pollen. If something is spilt on your lawn it is best to rinse it straight away. Recommended detergent use varies so check with your supplier.
• Remove solid pet waste as per normal – with a scoop or bag – and remove urine by hosing down the area. If odour starts to build up you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water mixed in equal parts.
• Even artificial lawn can get weeds if not looked after. Weed removal is easy enough -pick them out or spray a weed killer in advance to avoid them altogether.

The good news is that with good care, synthetic lawn can last up to 20 years. This figure obviously depends on which brand you use, but most come with a warranty of 8 to 15 years. Modern synthetic grass is chemically treated to be UV resistant and has been improved to be more wear-resistant. So whether you want to switch over to a lower maintenance back yard or simply create a little manicured spot in your courtyard, synthetic lawn is a great long term investment that may even add a little value to your property. After all everyone loves a lush green, manicured lawn!

Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here.

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za

Locals Help with Water Saving Tools


We are all trying our best to save water. We have recently discovered Water Saver CT who supply a rolling out pipe that can be attached to gutters to funnel rain water into the pool or attached to bottles on the upstairs patio - funneling bath water into the garden below. Whatever you clever plan is - have a look at Water Saver CT and see how creative you can get.


Based in Claremont, Water Saver CT is selling PVC roll up pipes which attach to your gutters and down pipes to fill up your pool, save water or water your garden. The pipes can be rolled up and automatically unroll as the water runs down the gutters. 


The 200micron pvc roll up pipes sell for R25 per meter. It is a standard width and measures 15cm when flat, fitting all pipes up to 300mm. The pipes are attached to gutters or drains using duct tape and it's very easy to install yourself. 

You can order as much as you need (by meter) online. Orders can be collected in Claremont or delivered counter-to-counter for R99.
  
Email orders to watersaverct@gmail.com
Order online at: www.watersaverct.co.za
Visit their Facebook page: Water Saver CT    


Norgarb Properties Agents Andre and Lucia (Intern Agent), who specialise in the Claremont area, will be sharing some household tips and handy home hints with you every month.

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367   |   andre@norgarb.co.za  |  www.norgarbproperties.co.za
Lucia Salters (Intern Agent): 082 806 4619  |   lucia@norgarb.co.za

START YOUR OWN COMPOSTING SYSTEM AT HOME


Compost can be used to feed your soil and is perfect for if you are trying to grow your own food, either at home or in a community garden. You can also start composting at your small business premises if you have a suitable garden area. 

What to compost
As a rule, organic matter that will rot or decay will make good compost, but each composting system is slightly different, so some research and trial and error is needed. See the guide below for what works really well, and what you should avoid:
COMPOSTABLE:
  •       Garden waste such as grass cuttings, leaves, soil, branches and so on
  •       Vegetable and fruit peelings
  •       Tea leaves and tea bags
  •       Coffee grounds
  •       Egg shells
  •       Paper, cardboard, sawdust and wood shavings
  •       Wood fire ash
  •       Seaweed (in moderation, as it is very salty)
  •     Torn up newspaper and kitchen towels

NON-COMPOSTABLE:
  •       Anything that doesn't rot, like metals, glass and plastics
  •       Meat (it attracts rodents)
  •       Garden waste sprayed with pesticides
  •       Toilet or septic tank sewage
  •       Dead animals
  •     Cooked table scraps (only if your system can accommodate these)

Getting started is easy. Make sure you have the following:
  1. Garden waste or acceptable organic kitchen waste
  2. A secured, separate section of your garden with open soil, or a container you can put outside on the soil: an old tyre with a board covering the top, or a covered box.  Any container you use should not be sealed underneath, as liquid needs to drain into the soil
  3. A garden fork or stick for turning the compost in the container or heap
  4. Gloves for handling food waste 
Full, yet simple instructions on setting up and harvesting your compost system can be found on the City of Cape Town website.
    

   
Norgarb Properties Agents Andre and Lucia (Intern Agent), who specialise in the Claremont area, will be sharing some household tips and handy home hints with you every month.

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367   |   andre@norgarb.co.za  |  www.norgarbproperties.co.za
Lucia Salters (Intern Agent): 082 806 4619  |   lucia@norgarb.co.za

Is WiFi dangerous to your health?


The question of WiFi and the unseen radiation that is all around us has long been under scrutiny with a vast amount of conflicting information found on the internet. Before we even delve into the WiFi and health question let’s take a look at radiation.

Most often the term radiation brings up images of nuclear blasts and humans with three arms but really this is the emotive fantasy of TV. There are two types of radiation – ionizing and non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation examples include x-rays, gamma rays, and good old ultraviolet (UV) and has the energy to excite electrons, knock them out of orbit and therefor ionize the atom. High levels of exposure to ionizing radiation has the potential to mutate your cells and can be detrimental to your health, which is why it is used in such controlled and protected environments. Non-ionizing radiation however is a wavelength longer than light and includes infra-red rays, microwaves, radio waves, baby monitors, Bluetooth, cellphones, and so on. In fact, it is hardly possible to avoid it all together as society has made full use of non-ionizing radiation in modern technology. WiFi comes in at a low 2.45GHz, along the microwave band with baby monitors and cellphones.


Image from howtogeek.com

Research on the effect of radio waves on human health can be dated back to the 1950’s when concerns were raised about the Navy servicemen being exposed to the powerful shipboard radar. This accumulates to at least 60-odd years of apparent research and yet the internet is full of websites disagreeing on whether or not WiFi is actually dangerous to your health. From websites stating that even low wave radiation can cause oxidative stress, fertility damage, neuropsychiatric effects, calcium overload, cancer and endocrine changes to conflicting sites stating that there are no harmful effects whatsoever…so who do you believe?

The overall consensus seems to be that there is no conclusive scientific proof either way. Several studies have reported biological effects of prolonged WiFi exposure (headaches, etc) yet technical limitations have prevented any solid conclusions from being drawn up. It seems that prolonged exposure and exposure to high levels may cause some effects. Either way authorities have still put in place exposure limits with which wireless devices must comply – with WiFi being way below the set limit.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed that there is no established scientific evidence of adverse health effects below current exposure limits. It may be that the amount of exposure 24/7  can be detrimental, especially long term, however until science catches up and is able to produce solid evidence, all we have to go on are our own personal experiences and beliefs. To err on the side of caution, you can do the following:

• Ditch the microwave.
• Hardwire your laptops, desk tops and smart TV’s to your router.
• Switch off your WiFi when you are not using it.
• Put your mobile devices onto aeroplane mode whenever you can.
• Do not charge your mobile devices in your bedroom when you are sleeping.

As with a lot of new age technology, science sometimes seems to get ahead of itself, designing and creating without being able to mark the effects these things really have on us. Until it catches up and is able to prove the effects, we’ll continue hearing different stories from all corners.

Remind yourself that science once told everyone that the earth was flat…so perhaps “scientific proof” isn’t always the final word.

Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here.

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za








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