What Is the Difference Between Commercial And Residential Roofing

Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

The biggest obstacle homeowners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and perform the necessary roofing repairs. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in

Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.

Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). GAF strictly enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite® Contractors. (Unlike other manufacturer designations, Master Elite® Contractors cannot use this top designation in another territory, only in the location of the storm. Find a Master Elite® Contractor near you.

Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right after a storm looking for work, so it’s important to look them up on the BBB website and make sure they have a good score. Stay away from contractors who do not exist on BBB.org. GAF Master Elite® Contractors are required to maintain satisfactory ratings with the BBB in order to retain their certification.

Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up—and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself. A Master Elite® Contractor can offer one of the longest workmanship warranties on the market—the Golden Pledge® Warranty.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Replacing your roof is a big decision. It goes without saying that you want the best roofing contractor for the job. But how do you know what to look for? Most people will only replace a roof once in a lifetime. It’s a big investment, and you want to make sure you choose the right company. Here are 10 questions to ask before you decide on a roof installation company

Ask How Long the Roofing Contractor Has Been in Business

You probably wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who has been on the job for two weeks. And you probably wouldn’t sign up for heart surgery with a doctor fresh out of school. So why pick a roofing contractor that doesn’t have a long track record of doing high-quality work?

Double Check Licensing and Insurance

Roofing is a dangerous job, which is why we never recommend homeowners take it on themselves. It’s important to have the right tools, materials and safety equipment. It’s also important to have experience. Reputable roofing contractors hold the requisite permits and licenses for every job they perform.

Look at Past Work

For most businesses that provide a service, reputation is everything. Think about the last time you went to a new restaurant, or even visited a new hair salon or dentist’s office. In past years, you might have asked a friend or relative for the names of a good place to grab dinner or get your teeth cleaned. Today, however, the internet provides unbiased, third party reviews from people who have used a business’s services in the past. In fact, 81 percent of consumers say they research online before they make a purchase. Before you spend money, it pays to do your homework

Price Isn’t the Only Thing That Matters

If you’ve ever undertaken a home renovation project in the past, you may have been told to “get three estimates.” No one really knows where this so-called “three estimates” rule comes from, and no one seems to be able to say why three is the ideal number.

 

TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT RESIDENTIAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR

The right roofing contractor can ensure the success of your roofing project, whether it’s a minor repair project or a complete roof replacement. When choosing a contractor, don’t make the mistake others did by settling for the one with the lowest price. The following are tips on how to choose the right roofing contractor.

PROTIP: Choose Among Local Contractors

Local roofing contractors have the advantage of being in close proximity, which can be handy in case of roofing emergencies. But more importantly, local roofers are more familiar with local building codes and regulations, which lessens the risk of having compliance issues that lead to unwanted delays (and possible expenses) correcting these issues. You also get the added benefit of knowing that we mean to stick around the area as long as you do and then some. Your warranty doesn’t mean a thing if your roofer has already packed up and left town.

PROTIP: Ask if They Have a Contractor’s License and Proper Insurance

A legitimate contractor in North Carolina must have a valid license issued by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Note that this is different from a business license. A contractor must have insurance coverage for both accidental property damage (liability insurance) and bodily injury (workers’ compensation). Like their references, a legitimate contractor should have no problem providing verifiable proof for both. You can call your contractor’s insurance company and check up on them. Ask if they’d had any recent complaints, and ask if they pay their bill on time every month. If they haven’t paid their insurance, then their insurance is no good, and could leave you footing the bill for costly repairs to your property, or worse

PROTIP: Always Ask for References

When it comes to the quality of work, don’t take the contractor’s word for it. Talk to their past clients. Reputable contractors should be able to readily provide the contact information of at least three recent clients, whom you should call or visit to see if the contractor truly provides quality roofing services.  References also means reviews. Check out the company’s reviews on Facebook and Google

PROTIP: Ask About Their Warranty Coverage

Regardless of which roofing manufacturer they represent, a roofing contractor should have warranty coverage for both materials and workmanship; the latter is especially important as most roofing problems in the first few years are due to installation errors. As a GAF Master Elite® contractor, we are authorized to offer the full range of GAF’s industry-leading warranties, including the Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty, which features  50 years of material coverage and 25 years of workmanship coverage. When it comes down to it, The warranty anybody gives you is only as good as the company giving it to you!

 

TIPS TO HELP HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Your home is the safest place for you to be. A home is a place where you can be yourself, wear whatever you want, do whatever you want to do. Your home is your haven. If you don’t have a home, then you are lost.

GET NATIVE REFERRALS.

There’s less probability of potential problems or scams once you opt for a contractor from your community. they’re additional conversant in native rules and code laws and have a relationship with crews and suppliers in your area.

SEARCH FOR MANUFACTURER DESIGNATIONS.

Manufacturer designations ARE THOUGHT to be a badge of honor because they are considered as the minimum needs that a contractor should pass to be factory-certified (although, some makers have additional tight needs than others). GAF strictly enforces their prime designation by solely permitting two of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Roofers Elite Contractors.

ANALYZE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) RATINGS.

Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right when a storm hits, searching for work. Thus it’s vital to look for them on the BBB website and make certain they have a decent score. If these contractors do not exist on this website called BBB.org, then you must not go anywhere near them or contact them. GAF Master Elite® Contractors are needed to take care of satisfactory ratings with the BBB so as to retain their certification.

GET A GOOD WARRANTY.

Not all contractors can give manufacturer warranties that embody coverage of the contractor’s acquisition. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it should take months or years for the harm to point out up—and insurance won’t purchase it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your sole recourse is to purchase their mistake yourself. A HydroTight Contractor can give one of all the longest acquisition warranties on the market

 

Tips For Choosing The Right Roofing Contractor

Choose A Roofer With Standards.

Would you settle for a plumber, restaurant, or doctor that is just “average” or has “decent” standards? That’s not going to cut it if you’re going to spend $10,000 or more on a roof that protects your home from the elements. When it comes to something as expensive and important as your roof, you want a roofing company that expects and demands the very best in roofing quality

Choose A Roofer With Quality Materials.

Even if you have the best installation team on the planet, cheap roofing materials just won’t stand up to the elements. Here in the South, high humidity, heavy rain, tropical storms, and even hurricanes can put your roof to the test — and low-end roofing shingles, nails, and the like just won’t be able to protect your home in the short-term or the long-term.

Choose A Roofer With A Great Online Reputation.

Before you start believing everything you hear on the internet, remember this: not all reviews and review sites are created equal. Sites like Yelp! have users that give much lower ratings than other sites, and that’s because they profit on people who need a sounding board for negative feelings. Think about it: are you more likely to leave a review for a reasonably good experience or a poor experience?

Choose A Roofer With The Right Licenses And Insurance.

Licenses and insurance protect homeowners and roofers in a variety of situations — it’s the only thing standing between you and disaster if something goes wrong during the roofing process. That’s why it’s crucial for any roofer you work with to a) have licenses and insurance and b) have them on hand at all times.

Choose A Roofer Your Friends And Neighbors Trust.

Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding when it comes to a roofer’s quality of work — and that means there’s only one group of people you can trust with roofing opinions: your friends and neighbors who have gone through the roofing process.

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Preventing Cockroaches The Safer Way

Why Boric acid kills roaches?

What is Boric Acid?

Boric acid is a combination of water and boron, which takes the form of powder. Boric acid is a naturally-occurring compound found in fruits and plants. While this mix is highly toxic to cockroaches, it is relatively harmless to humans and pets. You can make boric acid yourself or buy it from local stores and even Amazon.com.

The most prominent drawback to boric acid is that, when misapplied, its effectiveness is greatly diminished and can result in a mess. The powder is best applied to an area where cockroaches are likely to walk through it. Don’t use too much boric powder in one place, as cockroaches will avoid it if they see it. Remember: you’re trying to trick them into walking through it.

 

How Does Boric Acid Kill Roaches?

As soon as the boric acid powder touches the body of the roach, the tiny particles stick onto it and some of it gets absorbed through the roach’s greasy outer body covering. As the roach preens and cleans its body it will also ingest some of the powder. The mineral and crystalline qualities of the boric acid then begin to damage the exoskeleton of the roach from the outside, and cause dehydration from the inside. Once they have been affected by the boric acid, cockroaches will start to behave abnormally in that they will come out into the daylight in exposed areas, rather than keeping to darkened places and staying against the walls.

How Long Will it Take to Get Rid of Roaches With Boric Acid?

After an adult roach has come into contact with boric acid it would take approximately seventy-two hours for it to die. Nymphs and juveniles would usually die in a shorter time, within about twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The roaches will return to their nesting areas and carry the powder with them thus infecting others. Roaches also tend to be cannibalistic, so they will feed on their dead, thus spreading the toxic effect further. Boric acid is deadly for all types, sizes and ages of cockroach, regardless of the species with which you dealing.  This is what makes boric acid for roaches one of the most effective methods of elimination.

 

How to use boric acid to create and and termite traps

Boric acid can effectively kill ants. Simply combine 1/8 teaspoons of powdered boric acid with 1/2 teaspoon of honey, pour the concoction into a few bottle caps, then place the caps in the path of where you’ve been seeing ants. Ants will bring this toxic mixture back to their nest and spread it around the colony, effectively killing many ants. Be sure to retrieve the boric acid ant traps afterwards and carefully wipe down the area where they were left.

To get rid of termites using boric acid, mix four tablespoons of grape jelly, three tablespoons of canned cat food, and one tablespoon of boric acid for a quick and effective termite solution. Place a pinch of this recipe into any area you think termites might be nesting — once again, preferably in a small container such as a bottle cap that allows for easy cleanup. Hopefully, the workers will bring this mixture to feed the queen and offspring (much like ants), and the boric acid will go to work.

 

How to Make a Boric Acid Spray

Boric acid is a naturally occurring chemical compound containing the element boron. It is found in soil, plants, rocks and water. This versatile compound offers a host of home and garden uses, including as an insecticide, as a weedkiller and in household mold remediation. Boric acid is available for purchase in a crystalline powder form, and it may be mixed into a solution for simple application. Boric acid in powder or liquid form is a toxic substance for humans and pets when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and it always should be handled with care.

  • Mix boric acid powder, sugar and water to create a boric acid insecticide spray. Use 2 tablespoons of boric acid and 2 cups of sugar for every 1 cup of water. The sugar will attract insect pests, including ants and cockroaches, while the soluble boric acid will kill them. Wear protective gloves each time you mix the boric acid solution because it is toxic.
  • Dissolve boric acid powder in warm water to make your own weedkiller spray. Put on protective gloves. Mix 10 ounces of boric acid powder into 1/2 cup of warm water, and stir the mixture until all the powder is dissolved. Dilute the mixture in 2 1/2 gallons of water to kill creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) and other common weeds
  • Combine 1 cup of boric acid powder with 1 gallon of water, while wearing protective gloves, to create a boric acid spray to remove mold from your home. Wear protective gloves, safety glasses and a respirator when in close proximity to mold spores.

Heavy Infestation Help

  • Double the effort by combining 50/50 boric acid and brown sugar then pour the mixture in a thick line around the entire room and entrance ways. The roaches will get the stuff on their bodies and carry it back to the nest. Once there is no trace of the pest left (usually within the month), vacuum up the powder.
  • Sprinkling Diatomaceous Earth is another good option. It’s a natural insecticide that works by scratching an insect’s body as it crawls through it. This powder then absorbs water from the host body and the insect then dies of dehydration. Lightly sprinkle it in hot spots where you notice activity.

Keep the bait away from children and pets. If you have little ones running around, tuck the balls behind furniture, large appliances and inside cupboards

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The Secret Of Electrical Maintenance That No One Is Talking About

The Role of Electrical Maintenance in Home Safety

Electrical Maintenance

It is essentially important to carry out electrical maintenance on a regular basis; maintaining all the electrical material fittings, appliances and devices in and around your home. Maintenance enhances the smooth running of all the electricity powered items in your home, while creating a safe environment that will be free from all sorts of hazards.

Home safety is obviously one of the most dearly held goals by most, if not all, homeowners everywhere. A home is designed to be a safe haven for its dwellers, and therefore anything and everything that favors home safety should always be accorded first priority. Electrical maintenance for the home is without question, one of the foremost and sure steps towards fostering a safe home.

Importance of Proper and Timely Electrical Maintenance

When regular electrical maintenance checks are carried out for a home, various unwelcomed mishaps associated with electricity get avoided in an opportune manner. When such mishaps are avoided, it makes it easy to escape unplanned and often very high expenses of repairing, or even replacing badly affected electrical devices due to small problems that would have otherwise been detected and dealt with earlier.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) In general, having your home’s HVAC system working well is a welcomed convenience. However, there are instances where the proper working of the HVAC could mean more than just a convenience. Take for instance, a home where there are senior citizens, small children or even a sick person; for such people, extreme heat variations, whether up or down on the thermometer, can result in life threatening complications.Such extreme heat variations would only happen in a malfunctioning HVAC system, and this is something that would have been avoided altogether through properly scheduled electrical maintenance of all its components in a timely manner like say, before the onset of winter or summer.

Outdoor Lighting The outdoor lighting in your home does a lot for your home safety. For one, it ensures that your porches and walkways are well lit and thus safe for both you and your guests at night. The other thing that they do for your home’s safety is deter thieves and burglars, who always prefer to operate in the dark. The light fixtures, bulbs and lines of your outdoor lighting require regular checks and replacements because of the nature of the outdoors. Having a contracted electrician carry out such checks on a regular basis will ensure that at no point will your outdoors be dark.

 

Should You Be Doing Electrical Preventive Maintenance?

Electrical Preventive Maintenance

Too many people mistakenly think a lack of moving parts means little can go wrong with electrical systems. In fact, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) reports that the failure rate of electrical components is three times higher for systems without preventive maintenance programs.

The two top causes of electrical distribution failures — loose connections and parts and exposure to moisture — account for nearly half of all electrical losses. And both problems can be corrected with a comprehensive electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) program.

Qualified Personnel

The people who perform your EPM program must be properly trained for the specific equipment being maintained or tested. They should have a thorough understanding of electrical safety practices and procedures

Scheduled Maintenance

Inspection, testing and servicing of equipment should be done on a regular basis — at least once every three years and more often for critical components

Informed Decisions

You want to make informed, responsible decisions about how best to correct any problem conditions. That can only be accomplished if personnel reviewing test reports have a thorough understanding of the specific subject matter

 

Electrical Repair and Maintenance

An electrical repair and maintenance worker is typically required to earn an associate degree or complete a formal training program before earning employment. If you are interested in working in this field, keep reading to explore education requirements and career options

Inside Electrical Repair and Maintenance

Electrical power installers and repairers tend to concentrate in specific areas. These areas include electric motor, power tools, transportation, commercial and powerhouse equipment repairs and maintenance. Regardless of what specialty area you’re interested in, you can gain insight into training options and career paths by checking out the following resources.

Education Information

Employers often prefer electrical repair and maintenance workers who hold a certificate or an associate’s degree. In a degree program, students can expect to earn hands-on training in lighting and alarm systems, hydraulics, circuit control and process measurements. Take a look at the articles below to learn more about degree options in electrical repair.

Career Options

There are many different specializations or focuses for those working in the electrical repair and maintenance field. Discover possible careers by visiting these links

Certification Information

Many employers prefer or require their electrical workers to be certified. The certifying bodies for electrical repair and maintenance include the Electronics Technicians Association International and the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians. Eligible candidates must pass an examination to obtain certification. Check out the following link for more information.

 

Tips For Hiring Electrical Maintenance Service Contractor

On the rise need of every good electrical maintenance service contractor whenever new buildings are build or any renovation goes on of existing building. They plays an important role in providing all the maintenance, repair and installation work for your electrical appliances along with the safety aspects of the office. Generally, to provide the electrical services they hire a greatly qualified and trained professional or electrician to ensure that all your electrical system should be carried within a proper and safe path. These electricians after completing training and apprenticeship get the certification and license to handle electrical repair shop in their respective status

Ask for referrals- Before hiring an electrical contractor always call for the referrals from your friends, with the and people around for you. One of the best ways to find these service providers is by browsing the net where you will discover list of them. When you visit them ask for testimonials and also visit that place where they have worked before

Set an arrangement – Call the electrician and set up an appointment so may visit your home and a person with estimation rrn your electrical position. Before finalizing for the electrical repair and maintenance service also examine the specialization in order to ensure that they should be comfortable in handling that particular electrical try to avoid any hazard. While checking specialization make sure you confident check the appropriate experience and from just how many years they have been in business so far. A certified electrical contractor also show you proof and license to don’t possess hesitation choosing them.

Ask for estimation and bids- One of many effective way of choosing a contractor and electrician is to consult with various professionals in order to ensure how the price they may be asking is fair not really. If the price is simply high or low then this may work as the indication that the company is not reliable

Get a written contract- If you want to perform all your electrical system repair and maintenance work by these professional make sure all things should be written on the paper. This written contract will help you in getting accurate service as well as you can present it if any problems arises in probable.

 

Find Local Electricians

If you’ve got a project, we’ve got the home improvement and repair pros you can trust to get it done. Just choose the type of service you need and enter your zip code to start browsing our directory of the available, pre-screened, local pros who’ve been rated and reviewed by homeowners like you.

HomeAdvisor’s Guide to Hiring an Electrical Contractor

While any homeowner should know how to replace a burned out light bulb or reset their breakers, there are some cases where you will need to call a professional electrician, whether out of preference or due to legal requirements

Tips on Hiring an Electrician

When it comes to hiring an electrician, there are some things that you want to consider. Hiring the right person for the job is very important, as electrical problems are a major cause of house fires.

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded? – An insured and bonded contractor protects both of you. If someone gets hurt at the worksite, insurance keeps you from being held liable. Likewise, if your property is damaged during the course of the work, you can be reasonably sure of being compensated for any loss. Being sure to use a licensed contractor means that you can expect things to be done up to code without having to tear everything out.

What certifications do you have? – Different electrical projects require different levels of expertise. Just because an electrician knows how to replace a breaker panel doesn’t mean that he also knows how to install a home automation system. Also be sure that the person with the certification will be the one doing the job. Some electricians use subcontractors, so be sure who will be doing the work

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The Most Convenient Time Of Year For Kitchen Deep Cleaning

TIPS TO DEEP CLEANING FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

HOUSE CLEANING IN FALL AND WINTER

Deep cleaning your home goes beyond hitting the high spots, vacuuming the center of every room and swiping at the kitchen and bath counters. In addition, the benefits of deep cleaning can be found in improved indoor air quality and overall cleanliness, which leads to a happier disposition. In a study conducted by Clorox, the famous bleach product, the results pointed to people who enjoy house cleaning as being more relaxed and more focused, as well as enjoying improved sleep and productivity. Adults reported that their kids studied better in clean rooms and half-believed children and teen behavior was more positive

The whole cleaning regimen at home can be a DIY kind of job or contracted with professional house cleaners who have expert skills and access to the best toxic-free products and equipment. Hiring a maid cleaning service and keeping things tidy in between makes it a joint operation with mutual goals. Just knowing that a clean home environment improves critical thinking ability and reduces stress is enough motivation to keep a clean house, condo, apartment, townhome, loft or mansion.

Light bulbs and lampshades. Maximizing light, especially in winter when daylight is dramatically reduced, can ease the eyes and keep as much brightness as possible indoors. Clean windows thoroughly during warm months, then spot clean dog nose smudges and other dirt monthly so natural daylight is permitted to stream through clean glass. Light bulbs are often overlooked for dusting simply because they are not as visible as a picture frame or trim, but they need serious dusting as well

Ceiling fans. These come with two settings to force air down (winter) or draw air up (summer). Be sure the setting is correct. One good way to remember this is flip the switch when the clocks change into and out of daylight savings time. Dust the paddles and housing for best performance from the motor and the unit

Trash cans. It is so easy to overlook washing out all the trashcans in a house, but these are often perfect places to harbor bacteria and wee mites for having dampness and small spills, even if they are routinely lined. Take each one outside to hose and wash with sudsy water, then sprinkle baking soda in the bottom and place extra liners there for easy replacement each time

 

How to give your home a good regular deep cleaning

Regardless of the time of year, your house needs a good deep cleaning every now and then. That is not to say that you need to run and fork out hundreds of dollars for a fantastic cleaning service. You can deep clean your home by yourself and even follow some of the below tips to ensure quality results

Start by decluttering your home

Regular house cleaning is easier to do when you clear out the junk first. It allows you to move faster which gives you time to tend to every corner in your house. Now, you don’t have to clean out all of the junk at once but, we recommend decluttering once a month to ensure that each time you deep clean, you do a good job.

Work your way down

We recommend starting with hard to reach places that are above the ground such as ceilings, cupboard tops and so forth. Then move your cleaning down to walls, furniture and eventually, floor surfaces. The reason for moving in this direction is so you don’t release any dust into the air or spoil your floors or furniture as you are cleaning.

Pay attention to your floor

As we mentioned earlier, your floor should be the last surface that you clean in your home. Having said that, floors can be tricky and especially underneath furniture, you will find a lot of dirt and dust collecting. Try and move your furniture so you can get access to the floor underneath. Where possible, you can also use a special vacuum cleaner that allows you to reach underneath for a thorough clean.

Consider getting help

If cleaning is not your forte, you can always look for help. Domestic cleaning in London is a big market and there are plenty of professional services you can enlist to give your home a good deep clean. You can even hire them for specialised cleanings such as deep cleaner carpet cleaning or even floor polishing.

 

Deep Cleaning House Tips From The Pros

Almost all of us are spending a lot of time at home and it’s spring, which may mean spring cleaning, tidying up and wiping stuff down like we’ve never done before. To set ourselves up for success, we sorted through pages of tips and tricks from professional house cleaners like Merry Maids, the Cleaning Authority and more so we could all clean our homes just like them. Ready, set … clean

Don’t clean the floor first

No matter what room in your house you’re cleaning, leave the floor for last. As you clean, dust will fall and gather on the floor, so starting with the floor will only double the amount of work you have to do since you’ll have to broom, vacuum or mop all over again.

Always work top to bottom in the bathroom

The bathroom is a highly trafficked space and the proper way to clean it is working from top to bottom. Cleaning experts suggest starting with the ceiling fan or vents, then moving on to the wall tile, shower doors, mirror and vanity. You should clean the toilet, tub and the floor last.

Clean small stuff in the bathroom, too

You might clean the toilet bowl every week and scrub your bathtub often. But what about the toothbrush holder or the soap dispenser? According to Merry Maids, when you forget about small details, your bathroom can still look grimy even if you just finished cleaning

How to clean a showerhead

Anything in the bathroom that is exposed to moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria. The Cleaning Authority has a three-step approach to clean a showerhead. First, remove the showerhead and clean between the holes using an old toothbrush, then soak it in a tub of white vinegar for a few hours, which will make it easier to scrub the debris. Last, clean the filter per the showerhead manual — doing so can improve the flow of water dramatically.

 

How to Deep Clean Your House

Life gets busy, and dirt and clutter can quickly add up. With our deep cleaning checklist, you’ll be able to keep your home in tiptop shape throughout the year. We’ll show you all the spots that need attention on a seasonal basis, complete with deep cleaning tips for each space to give your home a fresh start.

How Often Should I Deep Clean My House?

With some exceptions (like cleaning up your kitchen, changing out your sheets and bath towels and vacuuming rugs) this checklist can be followed every three to four months. You should be giving your home a thorough clean as the seasons change, with special attention to spring cleaning once cold and flu season is wrapping up.

Room-by-Room Deep Cleaning Checklist

You can tackle one room a day or knock your whole house out in a weekend. Performing these tasks as the seasons change is a good way to keep the dust and dirt from building up. Plus, it’s a chance to declutter and reorganize your holiday décor for various times of the year.

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is a high-maintenance spot that needs a lot of attention often, since bacteria from food can cover many surfaces. To make your general daily maintenance easier, use this list to keep your kitchen sparkling clean.

Clean Out the Refrigerator

Clean out all items from your refrigerator and freezer, wipe down all shelves and drawers and throw away all expired food. Pull the appliance out from the wall to wipe down the top and sides and sweep behind.

 

DEEP-CLEANING TIPS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

If you’ve never owned a house before, then it’s entirely possible that you’ve never deep-cleaned a house. (Hey, no shame in that game.) But when the house is yours, the desire to see it as clean and sparkling as it can possibly be is strong — and you might have no idea where to start or how to go about getting your clean on

Don’t panic! Take a deep breath and remind yourself that nobody knows how to do everything. Then follow these tips for new homeowners that will outline exactly how to go about deep-cleaning any home … and how to maintain it so that next time you don’t feel so overwhelmed

MAKE A LIST, THEN DIVIDE AND CONQUER

The most overwhelming part of deep-cleaning is undeniably the moment when you start to realize just how much there is to do. Before you even let yourself go there, stop and make a list of everything you need to do.

START AT THE TOP

Gravity can be your friend or your enemy when you’re cleaning a house. You can avoid a lot of heartache by understanding this truth and beginning your work at the top of each room, moving your way down. That way any dust you’re knocking loose from high shelves or light fixtures will land on a floor that you haven’t yet cleaned instead of a floor you just finished mopping.

DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER

When you have a lot of stuff — books, clothes, sports equipment, pots and pans, whatever — then cleaning around all of it becomes a challenge. The first step in any room should be a sweep to assess what you use and what you haven’t touched in a year or more. Anything that falls into the latter category should be considered for disposal — give it to a friend or donate it if you like, but if you haven’t used it or worn it in that long, then maybe you don’t really need it.

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Eye Care Is More Than A Visit To The Doctor

Finding an Eye Doctor

Seeing an eye doctor is the best way to stay on top of your eye health — and eye doctors aren’t just for people who need glasses or contacts. Many common eye diseases don’t have any early warning signs, so getting an eye exam is the only way to be sure your eyes are healthy.

When do I need to see an eye doctor?

Your regular doctor may check your eyes quickly during an appointment. But that’s not enough to keep your eyes healthy in the long run. It’s time to see an eye doctor

What kind of eye doctor do I need?

There are 2 basic types of eye doctors: optometrists and ophthalmologists. The best choice depends on your eye care needs.

For treating serious eye problems…

You may want to see an ophthalmologist. This type of eye doctor may offer treatments — like surgery — that optometrists don’t. Some ophthalmologists specialize in specific eye diseases, like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

Ask for recommendations.

Start by asking your regular doctor to share the names of local eye doctors. Talk to your family and trusted friends, too. What do they like — or not like — about their eye doctors

 

Factors To Look For When Choosing The Right Optometrist

Choosing the right optometrist in your town might seem tricky. Finding the right fit is essential. Here are some tips that can help you make your decision

Generally, one would think that with aging, eyesight will begin to deteriorate. But with the advent of smartphones, people are becoming victims of poor vision no matter what their age is. The stress on the eyes and nerves has made it difficult to keep perfect eyesight. There is no point in ignoring any eye problem. Sooner or later, you would have to visit an optometrist. Then why delay the much-needed appointment? The important thing is choosing the right optometrist.

Unwavering Reputation Throughout

What do you do when you look for a new service or product? Read its reviews online, right? This helps you know what is best for you based on other’s opinions. Same goes for choosing the right optometrist for you. Search for optometrist near you and go through the Google reviews

Go The Referral Route

Before knowing how to choose an optometrist, one should know the difference between an optometrist and ophthalmologists. An optometrist would conduct an eye exam and prescribe you glasses and detect eye issues if any. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, would treat your diseases. Before going for an eye exam, you should be clear on their differences.

Qualifications Matter A Ton

If you have looked through a list of optometrists and are confused as to which one to choose, check for credentials of the optometrists. The qualifications ensure that the optometrist is the right doctor to consult. The doctor should have an eye specialty degree to start with

 

Tips For Maintaining Good Eyesight

How Do I Maintain Healthy Vision?

Maintaining healthy vision is more than getting a regular vision screening. Your overall health can impact your eye health. Here are 6 tips for maintaining good eyesight

Eat the Right Foods

Fill your plate with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These nutrients may help lower your chance of developing macular degeneration or cataracts. Green veggies, salmon, eggs and citrus fruits are a great place to start!

Use Protective Eyewear

An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year, so it is very important to wear proper eyewear to protect yourself from eye injuries

Always Wear Sunglasses

Don’t just use the free pair of shades you picked up at a concert. Invest in a decent pair that will actually protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Too much UV exposure increases your chances of cataracts.

Get Regular Eye Screenings

Everyone should be getting eye screenings on a regular basis. During the screening, your doctor may recommend you schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist if they believe there’s a potential vision problem.

 

tips for good eye health

Changes to the health of your eyes can happen gradually and you may not have any obvious signs of disease. It is important to have your eyes checked on a regular basis by an optometrist or other eye care health professional. Most vision problems are avoidable or can be treated. You can take action to keep your eyes healthy

Wear a hat and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Ultraviolet light can cause damage to your eyes and, in the long term, lead to eye conditions such as cataracts

Wear eye protection at your workplace. Sixty per cent of all eye injuries occur at work. Jobs that involve handling hazardous chemicals or the use of machinery to cut, drill, grind, hammer, sand, spray or weld increase your chances of eye injuries

Visit your eye care health professional regularly. Regular checks may help to detect problems at an early stage, which means you can potentially have treatment before any permanent damage occurs to your eyes

Wear eye protection when playing sports. Eye injuries can easily occur when playing sports such as fencing, squash or high-speed ball sports. It is also a good idea to protect your eyes from road grit or projectiles when riding a bicycle

 

Eye Care Tips for Healthy Vision

Schedule regular eye exams – Visit your eye doctor yearly to have your vision checked. During the exam, the eye doctor will look for signs of disease. This includes medical conditions that could affect your overall health. Make sure to let your doctor know if you’ve noticed any changes in your vision. Learn more about common eye issues and diseases.

Get plenty of rest – Sleep is important for good vision. Get at least seven hours of sleep each night, so your eyes can recover for the next day. And don’t forget to rest your eyes when reading, gaming or working on the computer. Every 20 minutes look at least 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. If your eyes feel tired, place a cool cloth over your closed eyes and relax for a few minutes.

Eat nutritious foods – Spinach, kale, broccoli, bell peppers, sweet potatoes and dark, leafy vegetables should be part of your daily diet. They help slow the development of macular degeneration and cataracts. Other foods important for healthy eyes are berries, citrus, eggs, almonds, chia seeds, tuna, salmon and trout

Exercise regularly – Maintain a healthy weight to lessen the risk of developing diabetes (or other medical problems). The first signs of diabetes often show up during an eye exam. So at least five times a week, power walk or jog for 30 minutes. Or, exercise more intensely three times a week by swimming laps or attending a fitness class. However, if you haven’t exercised in a while, be careful and start out slow

Follow care instructions for contacts – About 45 million Americans wear contact lenses. Clean and store lenses in a sterile solution made for contacts. Don’t use a homemade saline solution, because it could cause an eye infection

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Tips To Make The Best Party Bus Ever

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Party Bus

Make Reservations: You aren’t going to want to tell your guests that you have a party bus and then attempt to rent the party bus on the day of the event. First of all, you may not even get the party bus, especially if you are planning the event around wedding season. Second of all, there is a chance that the only party buses that will be available will not be the size that you need and won’t be able to accommodate for all of your guests. It’s best to make reservations at least a month before and ensure that the rental is confirmed a few days before your event.

Plan Details: When you reserve your party bus, you should make arrangements with the party bus companies to personalize the bus with little details. This way, the bus feels like your own. Your guests will appreciate this as well. A party bus can have certain decorations inside of the bus and can even have a banner hanging across the outside of the bus with the name of your event written across it

Ask About Food and Drinks: If you don’t plan on stopping for food and would much rather keep the party inside of the party bus, you should ask about food and drinks. Some party buses will have more restrictions than others. For example, some may not allow food while others may allow food but not allow alcoholic beverages. If you want a party bus that allows food and drinks, be sure that you have the party bus checked for cleanliness before you agree to pay for the rental, since these buses are going to have more spills happen than others will.

Plan the Route: The driver of the party bus isn’t going to want to drive around aimlessly. It’s important that you have a route in mind, ideally one that allows your guests to have a bathroom break if you don’t plan on making any other stops. The route should lead back to your home or wherever you started from after you have spent the amount of time that you want to spend on the bus.

 

Tips for Renting a Party Bus

Plan in Advance

Party Buses are popular and if you are going to a public event like a sporting event or concert, there is a chance you are not the only one with the idea. So by securing your Party Bus rental in advance, you can make sure you get the best bus available with all of the amenities you want

Choosing your Vehicle

Party Buses are just that, a party. Like any party, you need to know how many people will be attending. This is important because you don’t want to rent an 18 passenger Party Bus and have 25 people on it and you don’t want to rent the 48 passenger Party Bus and have the same 25 people. Know your headcount before you pick the vehicle

Plan your Destination

This may seem obvious as you are renting a Party Bus to go somewhere but most bus rentals have multiple stops in the night. Going to dinner before the concert? Your driver will need to know where. What about after the tailgate and big football game? Want to hit a local pub to watch the late games. Let your driver know so they can plan your route, ensuring you arrive as quickly and safely as possible

Understand the Cost

When renting a Party Bus, there will obviously be a cost to the night. Make sure you understand what the hourly rate will be, what happens if you go long and is gratuity or other taxes or fees included. Many people rent a Party Bus as a group, sharing the cost. So if you are the organizer, make sure you understand the entire cost for the evening to make sure everyone can contribute evenly.

Refreshments are a Must

If you are renting a Party Bus for an adult group, then there is a fair likelihood that adult beverages will be consumed. Understand that in Pennsylvania and other states, the Transportation Company can’t supply the alcohol. So make sure you know what you want and plan on bringing a cooler or two. While most buses have a bar (or two) in them, it is often much easier to transport coolers on and off than loading them into the built in bars.

 

Tips for Renting a Party Bus or Limo

There are lots of reasons to consider renting a party bus or a limo. Many people immediately think of weddings, but these vehicles are great for everything from a relaxing ride to the airport to a birthday party to remember.

Find out how many people you’ll need room for

You’ll want to make sure that the vehicle you rent has room for your entire group. You’ll never fit 30 people into a 6 person limo, and even if you could, it just wouldn’t be safe

Define the purpose of the event

Are you renting to get your whole wedding party from the ceremony to the reception? Is this rental for an upscale dinner out? Is it for prom? Or are you planning on bar hopping with a group of friends?

Whenever possible, plan and reserve ahead of time

It’s unlikely you’re going to try and rent a party bus the same day you need it. But planning – and reserving – your limo or party bus well ahead of time does more than just set your mind at ease. It ensures that you have exactly the right vehicle to meet your purpose and that you can spend the time finding a rental company with the best amenities in your price range

Ensure your rental has the amenities you most want

Speaking of amenities… limos and party buses all have different ones. If having a sound system that you can hook up to your phone is important, you’ll want to be sure that’s available. Need a big-screen TV for tailgating? Call ahead and make sure that will be part of your bus rental. Can you bring food or drinks on the bus or in the limo? These are all questions you’ll want to be answered clearly well before you rent, so you’re sure you’re getting exactly the experience you’re hoping for

 

TIPS WHEN RENTING A PARTY BUS

Birthdays, anniversaries, concerts: Any occasion is the perfect occasion for renting a party bus. One of the biggest perks of party buses is keeping your group together in one vehicle. If there’s drinking involved in your outing, the party bus lets everyone partake and eliminates the temptation to drive drunk

Find a Reputable Company

Your safety starts with the limo or party bus company you choose. Research the party bus company online through third-party review sites to check for issues

Have a Guest Count

Get an initial headcount before you start narrowing down party bus options. Buses come in different sizes, and the maximum number of passengers varies with each

Create Your Party Plan

Having a general agenda in mind helps you get a more accurate quote and helps the company plan for your event. Usually, you won’t make just one stop and go straight home. Most party bus events involve multiple stops, such as dinner, a concert, and bars after or a series of bars

Check on Availability

Contact the company you’re considering to check on availability for the party bus size and type you want for your event date. Book at least one month in advance. It’s always best to book as soon as you know your plans to give yourself the best choice in dates and bus types

 

Tips on Party Bus Rental

Party it up properly by hiring a party bus! Considering booking a limo for a special event? Cruising around in classic stretch limos may be a stretch as you are limited to a low roofing system. SUV limousines are a little better, however for the ultimate party, one should definitely check out a party bus rental

Party buses are hot these days. There are many advantages to getting one over standard limousines. First off, they will accommodate people standing, so you can dance with a great deal of open space, while traveling anywhere.

Party buses are great for the supreme party animals. Lots of them are packed with loud and bright entertainment systems, consisting of flashing lights like a club. This permits the celebration never to wane between changes in clubs, dinner, or any place you people are getting wild at.

Security should constantly be priority in any scenario. Nevertheless, when an occasion requires excessive alcohol drinking, security has the tendency to be of least issue. It is necessary not to overlook security when out on the town, particularly when the party is big enough to include all kinds of drinking behavior and mindsets

Visitors and party coordination are among the primary challenges for any host. When guests arrive/leave in different?vehicles, coordination can be even more of a headache.

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Must Learn How To Fix Water Heaters

Water Heater Buying Guide

Purchasing a Water Heater

Whether you’ve just taken that first unexpected and unwelcome cold shower or simply wish to reduce your energy bill, purchasing a new water heater can be an intimidating process

Fuel Source

First, determine what type of fuel source you have in the home. Once you know the fuel source, it’ll be easier to choose a water heater to fit your needs. Here are the differences among electric, gas/propane and hybrid fuel types

Storage Tank

This is the most common type of water heater. These units have an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until it’s needed. They’re available in electric, liquid propane (LP) and natural gas models. Natural gas and LP water heaters normally use less energy and are less expensive to operate than electric models of the same size. When you buy a water heater, look at its cited energy efficiency and yearly operating costs. This information can be found on the EnergyGuide label.

Tankless or On-Demand

They don’t store hot water; they heat water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit. Since the unit only heats water as you use it, a tankless heater is usually more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater. They’re available in electric, LP and natural gas models. A tankless unit can provide only a limited flow rate of hot water. Most tankless units can provide up to 3.5 gallons of heated water per minute. These units are a good choice for anyone whose demand doesn’t typically call for hot water at more than two points at a time

Point-of-Use or Utility

Small storage tank water heaters, known as point-of-use or utility water heaters, are good choices for adding hot water to outbuildings, shops or garages. Utility water heaters usually range in size from 2.5 to 19 gallons. The largest of these miniature units can also be used to provide hot water to secondary bathrooms that may be situated far from your home’s main water heater.

 

Water Heater Tips to Keep You in Hot Water

Know where your water heater is located

Not only should you know where the water heater is, you should have clear access to it, as sometimes it’s tucked away in an attic or basement and the plumbing is not easy to reach.

Know what type of water heater you have

You should know whether your water heater is natural gas, electric or propane, or whether it’s a storage tank type or a tankless type water heater. Also, write down the model number and serial number of your water heater or at least know where this information is on the tank as it has the age and gallon capacity coded into it. This is important for warranty purposes and usually one of the first questions a plumber or water heater repair company will ask.

Know how to turn off the water

It’s a good idea, before you’re facing a water heater dilemma, to know how to shut off the water and the fuel or power supply to the water heater. This is important in the event of an emergency or if your water heater is leaking or you smell gas. There should be a gas valve or a disconnect switch within a few feet of the water heater. It’s also a good idea to know where your main gas shut-off valve is or which breaker is used for the water heater.

Clear the area around your water heater

There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to give your water heater some space.

Drain or flush your water heater

At least once a year, drain a few gallons out of your water heater using the drain valve. Use either a 5-gallon bucket or a garden hose and run it to a place where the hot water will not cause damage. (Do not drain it to your landscaping or lawn, as hot water may kill the grass.)

 

Buying Guide: What you need to know when buying a water heater

Before you consider which water tank is best for your home, think about the energy sources available to you because they’re not all compatible with every type of heater. Typically, storage tanks and solar water heaters work with electric, gas or oil energy sources, while tankless heaters require either electric or gas sources. Heat pumps, on the other hand, need electricity and can’t use gas or oi

You’ll also need to think about water tank capacity. To do this, estimate how many gallons of hot water you use per hour. To ensure an accurate estimate, consider how many people live in your home and what time of day they use the most hot water. Then, look at the first hour rating (FHR) on the water tank that indicates how much hot water can be supplied in a one-hour period. Aim for an FHR that is within 1-2 gallons of your demand during peak hours.

We also recommend consulting a professional plumber about the hot water demands in your home before buying a water heater. A plumber can help you determine which product is best for you and can ensure you choose the right size for your needs.

And when exploring your options, make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol. On average, water heating accounts for 15 to 25 per cent of your household energy bill, so choosing an energy-efficient option can make a huge difference

Storage tank water heaters

Storage tank water heaters store hot water in an insulated tank until the water is needed. The tank has a system of pipes that allows outgoing hot water to be replaced with cold water, so the tank is always full. Storage tank water heaters are constantly heated and regulated by a thermostat

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A WATER HEATER

Heating water is the second largest single user of energy in the home. While we all enjoy a soothing hot shower, rising energy costs—along with their adverse environmental impact—make it a good time to take a closer look at the various options now available.

Storage Tank: The most common hot water system used in homes. Water is kept constantly heated in the storage tank by electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane. Hot water is drawn out of the top of the tank when a faucet is turned on and cold water flows in the bottom to replace it

Tankless: Also known as on demand water heaters. Water is heated by electricity or gas when the water flows through it without the need for a tank

Solar: Water is circulated from the tank through a solar collector where it is heated by the sun. If the water in the tank is not hot enough, a conventional water heater is used to bring it up to the desired temperature.

Heat Pump: Heat pumps use electricity to move heat from one place to another. Heat pumps can be used for water heating alone or in combination with your heating and air conditioning system

 

How to Choose a New Water Heater

It’s the dead of winter, freezing cold outside, and you seek comfort in the piping hot confines of your morning shower. With the lights dimmed, the water hits your face and rolls over your shoulders. Your muscles relax one by one as the warmness of the water finds its way down your legs to your chilly, restless feet. Lathered with soap and shampoo, you slump against the warming tile, eyes closed. You consider falling back asleep standing fully upright when it happens — a sudden burst of ice cold water hits your chest like acid rain. You crank the cold water down to zero with no result. The water temperature has turned against you, refusing heat in a stubborn show of determination. The cruel reality hits you — your water heater has just bought the farm.

A visit to your local big-box home-improvement store is overwhelming, to say the least. You’re faced with too many brands and too many sizes to choose from. Different fuel sources and energy ratings confuse you. And what’s the deal with these heaters that don’t even have a tank? How on earth can they meet your needs? Unfortunately, your big-box home-improvement employee helps you none — you’re going to have to figure

Fear not, consumer — your trusted friends at HowStuffWorks are here for you. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing a new water heater. From gas to electric, tankless to conventional, we’ll lay it out for you in simple terms so you can live to shower again.

Electric

uses large coils that hang down into the tank to heat the water. The coils are similar to the ones in an electric oven. Generally, electric water heaters aren’t as efficient as those powered by other fuel sources, and electricity is more expensive than natural gas or propane. However, they’re less expensive up front and don’t require venting. If your water demand is small, then it may be a good way to go.

Natural Gas

uses a gas burner at the bottom of the tank, with a venting chimney that runs through the center and out the top. The carbon dioxide and water vapor byproducts are vented through the chimney and then run outdoors through your house chimney or side wall vent. A gas pilot light or electric spark produces the flame. Natural gas models cost more than electric heaters but are more efficient to operate

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Must Know How To Take Care Tile Roof

Asphalt Tiled Roofs and Safe Roof Access

Roof shingle fragility and damage risks

Foot Traffic Damage to Roofs: Walking on some roofs causes damage as the photograph at the top of this page shows. That roof damage occurred when an inspector stepped on the fragile corner of an asphalt roof shingle. This pattern of breakage traced his footprints right up the roof to the chimney and back down the other side. These are the very “footprints of damage” which we have reported in some other articles on fragile, old, worn roof shingles.

This “failed” roof was not leaking until the fellow who was asked to inspect it walked across this fragile surface. From a ladder at the roof edge one could clearly see the virtual footprints of broken shingle edges where the “inspector” had walked. In this case the “inspector” was a roofing contractor who came back down to the ground and told the home owner that she needed a new roof right away.

She was upset because her ASHI-certified home inspector had said that the thought she could use the roof for another two to five years. Our opinion was that she did need a new roof very soon but that had not been the case until “bigfoot” had stomped all over it.

Worn out fragile roofs

The roof in the photograph shown here is one which is worn out, probably already leaking at least into the layers of roofing material, and it is so fragile that it should not be walked-on. I would stay off of worn, brittle, or cupped-shingle roofs, particularly in cold weather (shingles are more likely to break).

If we absolutely have to walk on such a roof, we would tiptoe carefully, avoiding stepping on the raised or cupped shingle sections, or if doing repairs, we would prop a ladder up off of the roof surface and work from that scaffold as is sometimes done with slate or other fragile roof surface repairs.

 

Personal Protective Equipment

At a minimum, safety wear should include

  • Appropriate trousers – working on roofs means protecting legs from cuts, grazes and splinters, so shorts are not recommended.
  • Protective footwear. Steel toecaps (or equivalent) are needed to protect against dropped objects. Midsole protection is needed to prevent puncture or penetration by nails and other sharp materials. Rigger boots should be avoided, as they can cause sprains and there have been reports of cement burns.
  • High visibility clothing is needed on all construction sites where there are vehicles. However, it is good practice to wear it on all jobs.
  • Safety helmets. There are two reasons to wear safety helmets when working on roofs. The first is to protect against anything that may fall off the roof, when climbing up or down, or when on the ground. The second is protection in case of a fall.
  • Safety glasses should always be worn in situations where material is likely to fly into the eyes. This includes all cases where cutting or sawing is taking place.

Knee pads should also be considered, to protect the knees from strain and damage, due to compression and wear on the joint.

 

Tips for Walking On Your Roof

  • Distribute your weight evenly
  • Transfer your weight between your feet gradually as you walk
  • Walk on the balls of your feet
  • Never jump or leap from tile to tile
  • Make sure you’re wearing soft-soled shoes with good grip.

  

Competencies to assess brittle roofing

It takes a high level of skill to assess the condition of a roof for stability and brittleness. Roof assessment should only be undertaken by a competent person.

A competent person should be able to:

  • carry out their assigned duties at the level of responsibility allocated to them
  • understand any potential hazards related to the work (or equipment) under consideration
  • detect any technical defects or omissions in that work (or equipment) and recognise any implications for health and safety caused by those defects or omissions
  • In this context, for assessing brittleness, a competent person is one who can demonstrate that they have:
  • thorough knowledge of roofing and of the mechanical and physical properties and behaviour of the particular roofing material and methods of installation
  • extensive knowledge and experience of installing the product the roof is made of, its usage limitations, behaviour, and mode of failure in service
  • an understanding of the effects on the product the roof is made of ‘under test’ when purlin centres are increased and decreased, and the ways the roofing material could fail when the resulting structure becomes more or less rigid.

 

How Do Solar Panels Attach to My Roof?

Solar panels can attach to roofs in different ways. The attachment method used will depend mainly on the material and the pitch of your roof. In most cases, with the exception of standing seam metal roofs, solar panels are mounted with a system that drills into the rafters. Let’s Asphalt Shingle Roof: For asphalt shingle roofs, solar panels are attached with a standard penetrating mount, which is easy to install.

  • Tile Roof: Solar panels can be installed on tile roofs with a standard penetrating mount that raises them above the roof. Attaching solar panels to a tile roof can require some extra labor since tiles may need to be cut or removed to make way for the mounts.
  • Standing Seam Metal Roof: The raised seam allows solar panels to be attached with a clamp, so there’s no need to drill into the roof.
  • Flat Roof: On flat roofs, either a ballasted racking or standard penetrating mount can be used to install solar panels. Tilt-up brackets are used to keep solar panels at a 30-degree angle.

Some homeowners may be concerned about drilling into their roofs. However, the stanchions used to mount panels to rafters are flashed, which keeps water from leaking into your home.

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Must Know Tips To Make Stucco Repairs

Technique for Repairing Stucco Exterior Walls

Many of the homes using the products are still in existence today and still have the original stucco. Stucco is most often damaged as the result of water from leaking roofs or pipes that causes the wall to be over saturated for extended periods of time. These damaged areas are easily repaired and there are several household items that will help you mimic the look and texture of the existing stucco and keep its historic beauty intact.

  • Chip away the edges of the loose or damaged stucco with a mason’s chisel and hammer. Continue chipping the areas all the way down to the wire mesh. Clean the area with a wire-bristle brush to remove any loose dust and debris. Wipe the entire area with a damp rag to pick up any remaining dust.
  • Cut a new piece of wire mesh if the old mesh is damaged or rusty. Nail the new piece of mesh into the repair area, using galvanized roofing nails. Spray the patch area with water from the spray bottle.
  • Mix a small amount of the stucco mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not mix more than you can use in 20 minutes as it will begin dry out and won’t adhere to the wall properly.
  • Color-match older stucco by having a professional mix the stucco for you. Alternatively, take a chip of the old stucco to your local paint supply store and ask a sales representative to match the color and tint a gallon of paint for you. For newer homes, check to see if the color mix for your stucco is still being sold at your local building supply store.
  • Spread a 1/4-inch layer of the mixture into the hole, using a brick trowel. Do not get the mixture on the existing stucco and immediately wipe away any drips. Scrape the patched area with the edge of the trowel in a cross-hatched pattern. Keep the mixture moist while it cures for 24 hours.
  • Mix another small batch of the stucco and apply a second 1/4-inch coat in the same manner. Allow it to cure another 24 hours. Keep the patched area moist during the curing process. In some instances, two coats are enough to fully repair the wall. If not, mix and apply a third coat.
  • Match the finish on the new patch to the finished texture on the existing stucco while the final coat is still wet. Use the trowel to create a smooth surface or blot a damp sponge against the wet mixture to mimic stippling. Use a wadded piece of cloth to achieve a random and gentler stipple pattern. Alternatively, use a broom for matching swept or stippled patterns.

 

The Importance of Weather to Stucco Work and Stucco Paint Coatings

Moisture, humidity, rain, or wet conditions during thin-coat or EIFS stucco work can lead to a subsequent series of failures of the entire installation.

The home shown in our photo (left) was the subject of litigation. We observed that the final stucco had been applied over wet surfaces and in some cases over surfaces that also had been troubled by soil that had splashed-up on the building during rainy weather.

Stucco wall paint failures are also traced to moisture, efflorescence, and failure to adequately clean the exterior and then allow it to dry before painting.

  • Temperature during stucco work will speed up or slow down the hydration process that cures the cement in stucco. It is best to avoid application in extremely hot or cold temperatures. In hot, dry, and windy weather, frequent misting will be required on the scratch coat or the installer may need to tape polyethylene sheeting in place for proper curing.
  • Direct sun tends to dry out the fresh stucco too fast, so installers should try to follow the shade around the building. Also, retardants are available that can be sprayed on the scratch or brown coat in hot weather to slow down the curing. Sun, heat, and rapid drying conditions can present special stucco application troubles or subsequent stucco paint coating troubles in hot dry climates such as the American Southwest. (Photo at left).
  • Cold weather also presents problems. Stucco should not be applied under 40°F, and it should not be allowed to freeze within 24 hours of application. Accelerators can be added to the stucco mix in cold weather, but these can weaken the material, and calcium-based accelerators can lead to efflorescence. Heating the materials and, if necessary, tenting the structure can permit work to proceed in cold, even freezing, weather.
  • Cool, moist weather is ideal for traditional stucco wall installations. In humid weather, with relative humidity over 70% or heavy fog, misting is not usually required.

 

General Guidance for Historic Stucco Repair

A skilled professional plasterer will be familiar with the properties of materials involved in stucco repair and will be able to avoid some of the pitfalls that would hinder someone less experienced. General suggestions for successful stucco repair parallel those involving restoration and repair of historic mortar or plaster. In addition, the following principles are important to remember:

  • Mix only as much stucco as can be used in one and one-half to two hours. This will depend on the weather (mortar will harden faster under hot and dry, or sunny conditions); and experience is likely to be the best guidance. Any remaining mortar should be discarded; it should not be retempered.
  • Stucco mortar should not be over-mixed. (Hand mix for 10-15 minutes after adding water, or machine mix for 3-4 minutes after all ingredients are in mixer.) Over-mixing can cause crazing and discoloration, especially in tinted mortars. Over-mixing will also tend to make the mortar set too fast, which will result in cracking and poor bonding or keying to the lath or masonry substrate.
  • Wood lath or a masonry substrate, but not metal lath, must be thoroughly wetted before applying stucco patches so that it does not draw moisture out of the stucco too rapidly. To a certain extent, bonding agents also serve this same purpose. Wetting the substrate helps retard drying.
  • To prevent cracking, it is imperative that stucco not dry too fast. Therefore, the area to be stuccoed should be shaded, or even covered if possible, particularly in hot weather. It is also a good idea in hot weather to keep the newly stuccoed area damp, at approximately 90 per cent humidity, for a period of 48 to 72 hours.
  • Stucco repairs, like most other exterior masonry work, should not be undertaken in cold weather (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and preferably warmer), or if there is danger of frost.

 

Stucco Recipes

Directions: Shovel the dry ingredients into a wheelbarrow and blend them with a mortar hoe. Add the acrylic bonding agent, then stir in water, a little at a time, until the mix reaches the consistency of buttercream frosting. Too much water will make it loose and unworkable. Once water is added, the mix will stay usable for 30 to 90 minutes before it starts to harden.

Watch The Weather

Freezing temperatures can ruin wet stucco. Wait for nighttime temperatures that stay above 40 degrees before tackling repairs. Hot, dry, windy weather can also interfere by sucking out moisture the mix needs to cure properly. Work in the shade so the stucco doesn’t dry too fast. Between coats, keep the patch moist by covering it with a plastic sheet.

Work Safely

The alkalis in wet cement can cause burns. So when working with fresh stucco, wear gloves or touch the mix only with your tools, not your fingers. Keep a bucket of water nearby to wash any splashes off your skin.

Finish It Right

No patch, no matter how expertly textured, will match the color of the old stucco around it. To do that, you need to apply a pigmented coating over the entire surface. The patch at this house was covered with a thick, sprayed-on acrylic elastomer that bridges and seals hairline cracks. Other acceptable coatings include concrete paints and stains, mineral paints, lime washes, and “fog coats” of pigmented cement. Whichever coating you use, make sure it’s alkaline tolerant and permeable to water vapor. Otherwise, it will be peeling off in no time.

 

Stucco can and should be sealed properly to prevent moisture intrusion.

If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance. These are typically silicone type sealers. While effective, these finishes will usually need to be redone every 4-5 years. Redoing sealing on a regular basis is what prevents deterioration and damage, which can lead to the need for full replacement.

If the stucco is older and has already developed cracking, an elastomeric coating would be a best choice. These finishes are waterproof, seal hairline cracks, and are extremely pliable and flexible. If cracks develop below these coatings, the finish will stretch and bridge the crack, and help keep waterproof. As importantly, these finishes are microporous; they will breath to allow moisture vapor behind it to properly escape without bubbling and blistering. When properly done, elastomeric coatings can easily last 10 or more years.

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Vinly Flooring Will Be Good Choice For Your Home

Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

Why Vinyl Tile Flooring?

You’re missing out if you haven’t seen the latest advancements in vinyl tile flooring. Vinyl tile today is nothing like it was a decade ago. Today’s vinyl tile has the look and feel of real ceramic or stone tile, for a more economical price. This is why the popularity of vinyl tile continues to grow. The tile is waterproof, which means it can be placed anywhere in the house

Groutable Vinyl Tile

Some varieties are designed to be laid end to end, while others can even be grouted like real ceramic or stone tile. Consider groutable vinyl tile for even more realism. Tile makers offer a broad range of color options for the grout to give you the flooring you’re looking for. Depending on the source, the grout is ready to use and requires no sealing. It’s also resistant to stains, moisture and cracking

Vinyl Composition Tile

Vinyl composition tile (VCT) or commercial VCT is designed to be durable and to maintain its look despite being in high-traffic areas. The tile is typically used in commercial settings. VCT is available in many styles and patterns.

Why Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank is for you if you’re looking for an economical and durable alternative to hardwood floors. This flooring method has improved over the years to realistically mimic different varieties of colors and types of wood. Manufacturers have also taken steps to improve on how the planks feel, with added detail to its texture

Why Sheet Vinyl Flooring?

Like vinyl tile and vinyl plank, sheet vinyl has also improved greatly over the years. Makers have created a flooring method that offers an accurate representation of its alternatives made from real wood or tile.

 

VINYL FLOORING BUYING GUIDE

With planks, tiles, sheets and more, vinyl flooring is one of the biggest categories on the flooring market. First things first, let’s get one thing straight: Vinyl flooring today is not the vinyl flooring of the 1970s with dated prints and cheap materials. Vinyl flooring today is full of possibilities, style and class.

What is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is one of the hottest flooring options on the market. Often compared to laminate flooring, vinyl is made from man-made materials to resemble natural sources like wood and stone.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

The most popular vinyl flooring option is vinyl plank flooring. These planks typically mimic the look of solid hardwood, offering a warm, inviting and expensive feel to your home.

Today’s luxury vinyl planks even offer the texture and character of trending hardwood options, including handscraped and wirebrushed looks.

One of the major benefits to choosing vinyl plank flooring is the easy, approachable, DIY installation. Most vinyl plank options come as interlocking or “floating” floors and simply click together, similar to laminate. Other DIY options include loose lay (the easiest – just lay your floor down and you’re done!) and peel and stick.

 

What to Look for When Buying Vinyl Flooring?

Traditional, luxury or hybrid vinyl

There are three main types of vinyl, namely: traditional vinyl, luxury vinyl and hybrid vinyl. The common traits they all share such as being durable, waterproof, easy to clean etc. will vary from type to type. Each kind has a different constitution and structure and the production process for each varies so the characteristics they share will differ to some degree.

Vinyl sheets or planks

Sheet vinyl, as the names suggests, comes in a wide roll that can installed in large areas with minimal joins. While that is an advantage in some cases, it means that timber or stone look prints won’t appear as realistic as planks. Nevertheless, they provide a very attractive look for people who are not driven to simulate a natural wood/stone floor cover

Vinyl planks, on the other hand, require significantly more time to install as they must be placed piece by piece. However, they provide a very realistic appearance for those wanting the look of natural timber or stone.

So, how does vinyl stack up when compared to other flooring alternatives such as laminate, linoleum, cork, etc? As well as being soft and hard wearing, easy to clean and affordable vinyl is easy to install – great for DIYers and it comes in a virtually unlimited variety of styles, colours and patterns.

 

How to Choose the Best Vinyl Sheet Floor

Innovations in design have made it possible to get affordable vinyl sheet flooring that lasts for years — and for it be so stylish you’ll be thrilled to keep it that long! To help you begin your search for the best vinyl sheet flooring, let’s review some basics.

What is vinyl sheet flooring

Vinyl sheet is often used as an alternative to natural stone, ceramic tile or even hardwood, especially in rooms like kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms that are more susceptible to moisture. The layered construction provides stability, cushioning and a protective finish for durability.

Can I get vinyl sheet flooring that looks like hardwood or natural stone?

Most people think vinyl sheet, then envision kitchens of decades past. Well things have definitely changed. Innovative technology allows us to create vinyl sheet styles with visuals and texture so realistic they can be mistaken for real hardwood, ceramic or stone flooring. Homeowners with great taste are opting for premium vinyl sheet over other flooring types for its winning combination of realism, on-trend stylishness and practical durability

What are my design options for vinyl sheet flooring?

Natural realism” is a popular trend in vinyl sheet flooring. Lots of homeowners want to capture the look and feel of objects found in the natural world, but also have the stress-free maintenance of vinyl.

Range of Color Options

There’s no shortage of color options in vinyl sheet floors. For looks inspired by natural materials, like hardwood, stone and slate, you’ll find shades of white, beige, red, orange, brown, green, blue and gray. Alternative looks like geometric patterns and black and white checkerboard are also available.

 

WHEN CHOOSING A VINYL FLOOR

The right flooring is one of the cornerstones of a beautiful home. It should look good, be comfortable to walk on and functional for daily use. Factors that can influence your choice include appearance, feel, colour, space and care. We offer a broad assortment of vinyl floors to suit all tastes and interiors, with all the durability and advantages of modern flooring technology.

THE RIGHT FLOOR FOR THE RIGHT ROOM

Floor, walls and ceiling. Three elements that give a room its feel. It’s also the play between these elements that can influence how we experience a room, with different colours, patterns and light. The base is the floor, providing weight and character. But your floor should also interact with your furniture and other features, so consider the entire room when choosing. Our vinyl floors come in a large selection of looks so you can find the one that fits all aspects of your room.

START WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION

A vinyl floor is much more than something you walk on. Look at it as the foundation of your home, which must work with all other details you add to it. Since your floor’s appearance is more permanent than the colour of the walls or ceiling, you should choose a vinyl floor that functions as a base for all furnishings. Our Luxury Tiles series features vinyl floors in a variety of styles of imitation wood and stone; light, dark, lively, calming and everything in between. You’re sure to find something that feels just right for your home

WHICH COLOUR OF VINYL FLOOR SHOULD I CHOOSE?

The colour of a vinyl floor can have a strong impact on how a room feels. For example, a dark floor absorbs a lot of light, giving the room a warm feel. A bright vinyl floor reflects light, which can make the room seem bigger.

IN WHAT DIRECTION SHOULD I LAY MY VINYL FLOOR?

Consider lighting – the direction of sunlight, window size and indoor lighting are all factors influencing the impression a floor gives. One tip is to lay the floor longitudinally against the sunlight that comes from, for example, a large window. You may also choose to lay your vinyl floor in a different way to highlight other qualities in a room.

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