Roof Installations Are Not For Amateurs

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Is Your Roof at High Risk? Need Roofing Installation and Repairs?

What is important a roof or a quality roof? Quite obvious «a quality roof.» Let us first look at what we really we want in roofs, it’s the durability, strength, and more importantly quality materials. People construct their houses to keep things safe, and it is more important to install quality roofs for further protection. When we talk about the cost, satiability, and quality, we mainly talk of quality roofs that people want when installing a new roof. At present, technology is growing very rapidly to cater people what really they need at reasonable prices. Everyone wants to have house that looks modern and attractive. When we compare the all parts of house with one another, roof is one that plays a vital role. Roof is considered as an incorporated part of a complex building system that includes foundation, house walls, windows, and structural components.

The lifespan of any roof, whether it is of your house, hospital, commercial building, malls, retail shops, schools, etc depends on quality of installation job, climate condition, and quality material. Roofs are considered as complex structures and sometimes require many featuring layers to install. A little mistake can be a cause of heavy destruction. If you think of installing a roof of your house without any knowledge and experience, it can be very dangerous. So, it is important to hire a professional who has the ability to take care of all the details from start to end. An experienced roof installer can help you choose the best material for the installation process. They have the quality to do their work with keeping your things under proper safety and cleanliness.

What Makes a Roof You Can Trust

Here are some factors that affect a roof’s longevity and performance:

  • Roofing materials: The quality and thickness of roofing materials, such as shingles, has an effect on how well they stand up to multiple freeze-thaw cycles, wind and hail.
  • Local climate: If you live in an area where hail and high winds are common, it’s a good idea to have roof condition evaluated more frequently.
  • Roof age: Like make home components, some roofing materials are vulnerable to age. Over time, intense sunlight and physical damage can make them more brittle or prone to leaks.
  • Original installation: The person or company that performed installation has a huge effect on roof performance. If it was a DIY job, sadly chances are high that leaks are an issue due to improper sealing or poor adherence.

What Professional Roofing Contractor Offers

Like a great doctor that takes the time to discover the problem before writing a prescription, expert roofing companies evaluate the condition of your home’s roof. They can solve problems in several ways:

  • Preventive roof maintenance
  • Roof repairs
  • Old roof removal
  • Complete roof replacement
  • Application of energy-efficient roof coatings

If you suspect leaks or recently purchased a new home, the best course of action is always to contact a professional roofing company for an inspection. This way your family stays toasty and dry all year long.

Finding Out Whether Or Not Your Roof Is Considered High Risk

What’s important a roof or perhaps a quality roof? Very apparent “a quality roof.” Let us very first check out what we truly would like in roofs, it is the durability, power, and even more important quality materials. Individuals construct their homes to preserve things safe, and it’s essential to set up quality roofs for additional safety.

When we talk about quality, suitability, and the cost, we primarily speak of quality roofs that individuals really want when setting up a new roof. At current, technology is developing extremely rapidly to cater to folks what actually they need at prices that are reasonable. Everyone wants to have a home that looks attractive and modern. When we compare the most parts of the home with each other, the roof is one that plays a crucial role.

The lifetime of any top, whether it’s of your home, hospital, commercial structure, malls, retail stores, schools, and so on is dependent upon the quality of installation work, climate quality, and quality materials.

Roofs are viewed as complex buildings and at times require many featuring layers to set up. A bit of error could be a cause of weighty destruction. In case you think of adding a roof of your property with no experience and knowledge, it can be really harmful. Thus, it’s essential to hire a professional that has the capability to take care of all of the details from start to stop.

A seasoned roof installer is able to help you pick the most effective material for the setup process. They have the quality to perform their job by keeping your items under appropriate safety and cleanliness. It’s typically easy to make sure that roofing set up and roofing fixes are executed promptly before they start to be large issues. This can make sure that the life phase of roofing is enhanced while you’re competent to cut costs on the continuous repairs desired because of neglect.

When it involves the phase of roofing installation, various materials are needed as flooring, metals, bricks. When you mention the business roof repair, the acceptance of adding metal roofs continues to grow in the past couple of years due to different benefits. Different substances are used when it involves roof installation like titles, bricks, metals, and more.

When does work on roofs become high risk construction work?

Construction work on roofs is high risk construction work when it involves, for example: „

  • A risk of a person falling more than two metres „
  • Demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure, like bracing on a roof „
  • Involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos, or „
  • Is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services.

What are the main hazards and control measures? Falls Falls from height are the major cause of death and injury when working on roofs. Hazards to consider in managing fall risks include: „

  • unprotected edges
  • fragile surfaces, skylights, holes or vents „
  • weather conditions such as wind and rain (for example being blown over the edge or slipping on a wet roof surface) „
  • trip hazards (for example roof components and protrusions)
  • overbalancing or losing grip on steep pitched or sloping roofs.

Workers such as electricians, plumbers, pest control operators, installers of roof aerials, solar panels and air-conditioning systems, can trip and fall on roofs, through roofs and openings or while accessing or exiting roof areas. Falls from even low heights can leave workers with permanent and debilitating injuries such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, concussion and brain damage. The risk of serious injury or death from a fall increases significantly as working heights increase.

Roof edges and openings

Falls from roof edges occur on both commercial and domestic projects and on new build and refurbishment jobs. Many deaths occur each year involving smaller builders working on the roof of domestic dwellings

  • Sloping roofs: sloping roofs require scaffolding to prevent people or materials falling from the edge. You must also fit edge protection to the eaves of any roof and on terraced properties to the rear as well as the front. Where work is of short duration (tasks measured in minutes), properly secured ladders to access the roof and proper roof ladders may be used.
  • Flat roofs: falls from flat roof edges can be prevented by simple edge protection arrangements – a secure double guardrail and toeboard around the edge.

Fragile surfaces

Always follow a safe system of work using a platform beneath the roof where possible. Work on or near fragile roof surfaces requires a combination of stagings, guard rails, fall restraint, fall arrest and safety nets slung beneath and close to the roof.

  • Fragile roofs: all roofs should be treated as fragile until a competent person has confirmed they are not. Do not trust any sheeted roof, whatever the material, to bear a the weight of a person. This includes the roof ridge and purlins.
  • Fragile rooflights are a particular hazard. Some are difficult to see in certain light conditions and others may be hidden by paint. You must provide protection in these areas, either by using barriers or covers that are secured and labelled with a warning.

Why You Need To Repair Broken Pipes Immediately

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How to Keep Pipes From Freezing

As a general rule, the “temperature alert threshold” for freezing pipes is about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature was determined by researchers at the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois, who determined that uninsulated water pipes began freezing when the temperatures outside dropped to 20 degrees or below.

However, this is not a hard-set rule. Depending on their exposure to wind and the elements, pipes can freeze when temperatures are higher than 20 degrees. In interior spaces, if pipes are near cracks or openings that let in cold air, they may develop ice blockages even if they are in a heated space.

To keep your pipes from freezing and bursting, make sure they are not exposed to temperatures approaching the alert threshold of 20 degrees.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If your pipes are frozen, you can take steps to reduce potential damage and help melt the ice blockages — but not every cold snap will mean frozen and blocked pipes. Look for these signs to check if your water system is truly frozen:

  • Frosty pipes: If a section of your piping system is exposed, check to see if any frost has developed on the surface. If it has, there is a good chance your pipe is frozen.
  • Unusual smells: Strange and odorous smells coming up from a drain or faucet could indicate a frozen pipe. If your pipes are blocked by ice, the smells have nowhere to escape except back in the direction of your home.
  • No water: One of the most obvious signs that a pipe has frozen is a lack of running water. If you turn on a faucet and nothing or only a small trickle of water comes out, this probably indicates that the pipe has an ice block.

Once you’ve determined your pipes have frozen, you can take steps to thaw them out. However, take care when trying to unfreeze any pipes — if one of them has burst, thawing them out could cause a flood. For broken pipes, the best course of action is to turn off your water at the main shutoff valve and consult with an experienced plumber. They can resolve the problem before spring temperatures unfreeze the pipes and flood your home.

If your pipes aren’t ruptured, you can take the following steps to unfreeze them and restore running water to your home:

  1. First, turn on the faucet. As the ice plug in your pipe begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow through the pipe. The running water will help melt the rest of the ice.
  2. Apply heat to the frozen portion of the pipe. If you can access the portion of pipe that has ice, you can begin thawing it by directly applying heat. Wrap an electric heating pad around the section of pipe, or use a portable space heater or an electric hair dryer.
  3. Keep applying heat until the full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see if any other pipes show signs of freezing — if one pipe has frozen, it’s likely that others have as well.

If you aren’t able to locate the frozen section of pipe, call a licensed plumber to help.

Precautions You Can Take To Prevent Your Water Pipes Bursting:

There are no practical ways of heating the ground temperature around your home, so stopping the contraction caused by the cold water is not something you can control. Our advice is to be mindful of your plumbing system as the temperatures change and check to see if you have any leaks. While we can’t stop the leaks caused by temperature drops, there are things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here is a list of eight things that you can do to avoid water pipe bursts:

1. Keep Water Faucets Running

If it is extremely cold outside, always keep one or two faucets running slowly. Water moving through the system should prevent the line from freezing.

2. Direct Warm Air To Cold Areas Of Your Home

Often, the pipes that freeze are located near an outside wall or a window, so be sure to direct warm air to any colder areas of your home. (Start in your basement and look for any pipes near the exterior of the home).

3. Leave Your Cabinet Doors Open

If your kitchen sink is on an outside wall (as it usually is), be sure to leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air into the cabinet. Your kitchen faucet is usually to leave on during extremely cold weather.

4. Disconnect Your Hose From The Outside Faucet

Be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet. If you leave your hose connected, water is not able to drain out of your hose bib and will freeze and break the device.

5. Install Heat Tape

There is a product called heat tape that can be installed and will warm pipes as needed during cold weather. While you could do this yourself, you may want to consult with an Indianapolis plumber to learn some best practices.

6. Seal Leaks That Allow Cold Air Into Your Home

Seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

7. Check Your Home’s Temperature

Prevent temperatures from dropping below 32 degrees in any area of your home where water lines are located.

Not Just for Cold Climates

It is a common misconception that frozen pipes are an issue only for homes in typically cold climates. However, the homes that are actually more vulnerable to frozen pipes are those in typically warmer climates because the pipes may not be properly insulated against frigid temperatures, or they may be located in unprotected areas (or even outdoors). Abnormally cold weather puts these pipes at risk.

Wherever you live, you need to worry only about the water supply pipes, not the drain pipes. Water pipes are small, only about 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Drain pipes are 1 1/2 inches and larger and are usually made of plastic. Drain pipes carry waste water, but they do not hold water and are not pressurized like water pipes, so freezing inside drains is not a concern.

Adjust your habits

One common scenario in which pipes freeze is when people go on vacation and turn off the heat, which causes the temperature inside the house to drop significantly. Thus, “in an unoccupied house we recommend keeping your home above at least 60 degrees,” Mccan says.

Other rules to follow:

  • Keep interior doors open (this allows the heat to circulate throughout your home more efficiently).
  • If you have ceiling fans, “flip the switch in reverse to draw the air down and warm the room,” Mccan says.
  • Keep garage doors shut, especially if there are water lines in the garage (which tends be colder than other areas of the house).
  • Close outdoor vents, such as in attics or crawlspaces, to prevent cold exterior air from penetrating your home.
  • Disconnect all outside water hoses and let cold water trickle out of faucets in unheated areas or where pipes run on an exterior wall, as this can help relieve any pressure building from ice inside a pipe.

Install water alarms

Like smoke detectors, water sensors can be a godsend during an emergency. These devices detect leaks before costly water damage occurs, which can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repairs. They can also detect moisture before mold can grow. Mccan advises placing water alarms strategically throughout your home in areas that are at risk of water damage — under sinks, behind toilets, near water heaters, refrigerators or dishwashers, next to washing machines, and close to air conditioner drain tubes.

Protect Your Pipes:

We all know water expands as it freezes. If water inside your pipes freezes, it will expand, too, which can cause your pipes to crack and burst. Pipes also can burst when pressure builds up behind a chunk of ice, which is why it’s a good idea to leave faucets dripping in very cold weather. Either way, a burst pipe can cause massive damage. Take a few steps to winterize your pipes and avoid a potentially catastrophic claim

  • Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to keep those pipes from freezing.
  • Disconnect and store outdoor hoses; cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators.
  • Protect water pipes that run through unheated areas of your home with insulation, such as the attic, basement, or garage.

Pro Tip: Know where your water shutoff valve is so that you can turn off the water in case of an emergency. Typically it’s located in the basement or buried near the road.

Check the Heat:

The time to be sure you’re going to stay warm all winter is before the weather gets too cold. Check your furnace by turning on the heat and the blower to be sure they’re operating as they should.

  • Change your furnace filter at the start of the season and then every two to four months. Filters get dirty much more quickly if your home is dusty or if you have furry or feathery pets. Clogged or dirty filters are less efficient, which means your home might not warm up properly.
  • Consider installing a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one. Programming it to be cooler at night and when you’re not at home will save you money, and you can program it to be warmer for when you return or get up on cold winter mornings.

Pro Tip: Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. Everybody thinks of using fans in the summer, but they can help you stay warm in winter too. Set the blades to turn clockwise to circulate warm air from the ceiling down into the room.

Important Tips For Finding A Criminal Defense Attorney

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Tips to Choosing a Good Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case

Are you looking to hire a criminal defense attorney?. If yes, there’s a good chance you’re in some kind of trouble. Perhaps you’ve been suspected of committing a crime or you’re already facing criminal charges. Heck, even when your closest friend has been arrested on some criminal charges, such as murder, it’s advisable to have a defense attorney on speed dial.

Regardless of the situation, hiring a criminal attorney can mean the difference between several years behind bars and freedom. However, not just any attorney is going to help you win your case. You need the best criminal defense attorney on your side; otherwise, your case could be a toss of the coin.

Understand the Nature of Your Criminal Case

You’re hiring a criminal defense attorney to defend you because you’re facing a criminal charge. What you need to know is that criminal attorneys specialize in specific types of criminal cases.

Make a Shortlist of Lawyers You’d Potentially Hire

You aren’t going to find the best criminal defense attorney by making a random pick or settling for the first lawyer you come across. You need to make a shortlist of about 5 lawyers. Then, scrutinize their credentials and case record, and narrow down to the best

Check Licensure Status

Across the United States, active lawyers must have a state-specific license.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

How Do I Find An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you find yourself facing a criminal charge, you need representation by the very best. A criminal charge could potentially have a serious impact on your freedom, livelihood, and future. Given the high stakes when fighting a criminal charge, you cannot take chances on an inexperienced or overwhelmed criminal defense lawyer.

COMPILE A LIST OF POTENTIAL ATTORNEYS

Your criminal defense attorney search should involve first compiling a strong list of potential options. Consider starting with word of mouth recommendations. If you have any friends who have used a criminal defense lawyer or attorney friends in your area, they may be able to refer you to someone they had a positive experienced with before. Do not end with accepting the referral, however, as you will want to vet the potential attorney on your own.

INTERVIEW YOUR POTENTIAL LAWYERS

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential criminal defense attorneys, you will want to phone them and schedule an initial interview.  Some criminal defense lawyers are too busy to sit down with you in person, but most can consult with you over the phone. During your consultation with your potential lawyer, ask about their background and experience.  Ask how familiar they are with the specific charges you are facing. You can then ask some questions about your particular case and how your potential lawyer might defend against the charges you face.

You will also want to ask the attorney about their legal fees and billing practices.  While it may be tempting to go with the lawyer who charges the least, doing so could end up costing you more in the long run if that lawyer does not offer the experience you need.  Find out how your case will be handled and whether other attorneys or paralegals may be involved in your defense. Armed with all of this information, select the lawyer with whom you have the most confidence.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Most people don’t have to worry about getting arrested. In the rare event that you have been charged with a crime or arrested, you’ll need a criminal defense attorney to help you out. A good criminal defense attorney will explain your rights during the criminal process from start to finish. Having this knowledge can help make the difference between a dismissal, plea bargain, or a jail sentence.

WHY YOU NEED A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Being charged or arrested for a crime is a serious matter. If you are facing criminal charges, you are at the risk of severe penalties and consequences, such as having a criminal record and jail time, among other things. While some legal matters can be handled alone, having a qualified criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

CIVIL VS. CRIMINAL COURT CASES

The United States court system is divided into two different sectors: criminal and civil justice systems.

PICKING THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

There are over one million active attorneys in the United States. So, how do you go about picking the best criminal defense attorney when there are so many to choose from? Below you’ll find a list of six tips to help you pick the best attorney for you.

FIND THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR YOUR NEEDS

Choosing a lawyer isn’t always about picking the best criminal defense lawyer. While you want to find a good lawyer, you also need to find someone who is the best for you and your needs.

How to Pick the Right Criminal Defense Attorney

Choosing your criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. When you are charged with a crime, you need to make sure you have the right legal representation as soon as possible. But in addition to hiring a lawyer quickly, you need to make sure you do your due diligence and ensure you’re picking the right professional to handle your legal matters.

Finding the right attorney can be an extremely tough process. There are so many characteristics to look out for (and so many to stay far away from), but this decision is one that should be handled with the utmost care. Hiring an ill-equipped defense attorney will undoubtedly sink your case and cause you to waste valuable time and money

Look For Relevant Experience

It is important for citizens to make sure they hire a criminal defense attorney who has experience with the crimes they have been charged with. Every lawyer has spent time in school studying the law front to back, but not every one of these lawyers may have experience handling the criminal charges you are facing. Today’s law procedures are so complex that there is a growing number of lawyers who specialize in one area, such as DWI or marijuana possession. Make sure you have a criminal defense attorney who has experience working on cases that are either the same as yours or very, very similar.

Make Sure They Have a History of Success, Too

In addition to making sure you have a defense lawyer who is familiar with your charges, you also need to make sure your potential lawyer has a history of successfully fighting charges that are similar to yours.

The whole point of hiring a private criminal defense lawyer is to try to reach the best outcome possible. With that being said, there is no point in hiring an attorney who has never won a case that is similar to yours. If you’ve been charged with a felony DWI and the lawyer you’re interviewing has no experience beating DWI cases or having them dismissed/reduced, you need to look elsewhere. When interviewing your lawyers, don’t be afraid to ask them about their history with handling charges like yours. Quality attorneys will not hesitate to educate a potential client on their past case results and client testimonials.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer

When facing criminal accusations, you need a criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of the charges you face as much as possible. Choosing a criminal defense attorney, however, can seem a daunting proposition under the best of circumstances; and, let’s face it, facing criminal charges is not the best of circumstances.

Do a Basic Search Based on Geography

Legal marketing websites like Avvo offer lists of attorneys who practice criminal defense law in your city and state, and feature reviews of those attorneys. The direction of most (but not all) criminal cases is heavily influenced by who prosecutes it and who is assigned as the judge to preside over it. Using the tools on these sites to narrow down your search to well-reviewed local criminal defense attorneys is a good first step, because it helps to ensure that you will hire an attorney who has familiarity with the key players in your case, and with the rhythms and personalities that will shape how it proceeds.

Check Experience with Specific Types of Law

Now look to see if the attorneys your search turned up have experience with the specific area of criminal law you need. You want a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the law and court procedures applicable to your specific case. You wouldn’t hire an eye doctor to do your knee surgery, and for the same reason you should only trust your criminal defense to an attorney who has represented lots of clients charged with similar offenses in the same court where your case is pending.

Take a Look at the Lawyer’s Outcomes

A lawyer cannot promise you any particular result in your criminal case. Stay far away from any lawyer who tells you otherwise.

Interview the Lawyers

Many lawyers will offer a free initial consultation on your case. Take them up on it. It’s an opportunity for the lawyer to get to know you and to hear about the charges you face. It’s also a chance for you to get to know more about the lawyer and to decide if it’s a good “fit.” During your interview

New Electric Circuits Tools Safety

Posted on (Updated by stephen

Electrical Wiring Upgrades to Consider During a Home Renovation

Because much of your electrical system is concealed behind the walls, it can be easy to overlook when planning a remodel. Consider home electrical wiring upgrades along with all the other items on your home renovation list. When completing a home renovation that involves opening walls and ceilings for other reasons, you have the perfect opportunity to make electrical upgrades.  Ensure you plan for both current needs and what you might need in the future.

Work with your electrician when planning your home renovation job to include the electrical work that you may need or want.

Too Few Outlets

If your family has grown, your requirements for electrical power has probably grown even quicker. A home renovation is a right time to install additional outlets on each wall. Families have different needs for extra outlets, such as:

  • A home office with some computers and printers
  • Older kids’  rooms with televisions and video games
  • Outdoor Spaces
  • Kitchens with new gadgets or appliances

If you find yourself using multiple power strips and extension cords for your everyday tasks then it’s time to get an electrical upgrade. Your professional electrician can include extra outlets in your renovation plan solving the trouble of having to unplug some appliances before plugging in others.

No GFCIs Installed

GFCIs, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, are designed to instantaneously turn the electricity off if the plugged-in item comes in contact with water or other types of moisture. These safety devices are standard in bathrooms and kitchens now, but if you own an older home they may be missing from your rooms.

It’s a very simple task for your electrician to switch out one type of outlet for another during a home renovation work, but it’s essential for your family’s safety, and may even be required for a renovation, depending on your local building code.

Plugs Fall Out of Outlets

You plug in an appliance, and a few minutes later the plug is laying on the floor,  meaning that you need to upgrade them. Outlets should grip the end of the plug when it’s plugged into the holes. When the clip that’s intended to hold the plug wears out, it allows the plug to slip out and fall to the floor. Regrettably, this situation can cause arcs, sparking, and it’s a fire hazard. Have your electrician change these outlets as soon as possible.

Safety Issues with Older Wiring

Faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires, according to a 2009 study by the National Fire Prevention Association. And the older your house is, the greater the chances that the wiring might be outdated or unsafe.

Old wiring—even knob and tube wiring that dates back to the early 20th century—isn’t inherently dangerous, but unless you were around when the house was built, you can’t be sure the electrical system is up to code. Plus, materials such as wire insulation can deteriorate over time.

If you don’t know when your wiring was last inspected, it’s worth paying a licensed electrician to give it a once-over, especially if you have any of these warning signs:

  • Breakers that trip or fuses that blow repeatedly
  • A tingling sensation when you touch an appliance
  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • A persistent burning smell from a room or appliance
  • Warm, discolored, or sparking outlets
  • Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the house

TOP THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN UPGRADING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

You never know what is lurking under your floor in your ceiling or behind your walls. Along with a variety of bugs, ant nests, mice, lizards, leaves and other things you may find old or outdated wiring, chewed wires and loose connections. It is important to know that making any electrical repairs is illegal in Australia and must be done by a certified registered and qualified electrician.

When upgrading your electrical circuits you need to consider these ideas:

In your parents’ day most homes were wired for a 60 amp circuit as standard, today the average home uses 200 amps plus. This is to power air conditioners, refrigerators, fans, flat screen TV’s, computers and a host of other gadgets

When your circuitry is not adequate for your needs, it is not only very inconvenient, it can harm your electronic equipment with fluctuating currents

You are likely to overload your household switch gear causing them and your wiring to overheat presenting a fire hazard

Today, most people require data in all rooms and while upgrading your electrical circuitry; it might be a good time to consider placing a complete data system in place. You may want the ability to hook up all the computers in the home, have cable TV in all rooms have the ability to have multiple phone lines in each room

Consider your future needs such as smart systems that may require wiring

Upgrading Electrical Circuits

When upgrading your electrical service and rewiring for a remodeled kitchen, a new spa or other home improvement project, you should think beyond your immediate needs and anticipate other features that you or a future owner may want. Spending a little more now to upgrade your electrical wiring may save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Most standard home electrical circuits are on a 120-volt line. To run major appliances and heavy electrical equipment, you need 220-volt current in the house. And unless your clothes dryer runs on gas, it will require a 220-volt outlet to operate, so it’s necessary to upgrade to 220 to handle this kind of appliance.

Here are some other things to consider:

1. Appliances: With the wide variety of kitchen appliances such as food processors, blenders, coffee grinders, cappuccino makers and bread machines, there needs to be plenty of electrical outlets in a modern kitchen.

2. Cable/Satellite TV: Where might you want to watch TV? Consider adding cable to an upstairs bedroom or guest room or perhaps downstairs for a family recreation room.

3. Computers: Which rooms might someone want to plug in a computer and modem? A guest room could double as a home office. Consider adding additional electrical outlets or a phone or modem line.

4. Ceiling fans: Additional wiring will allow you to control the lights and fans separately from the wall switch, to adjust the fan speed and to turn off the light while leaving the fan on.

5. Central control stations: A variety of new devices allow you to operate many different lights and equipment circuits from a single location. Multiple-station controls can be preset for entertaining so that, with a single touch, they provide candle-like atmosphere in the dining room, tranquil lighting in the living room and activity lighting in the kitchen.

CAN I DO IT MYSELF?

Since the bulk of the costs involved in upgrading an electric panel are labor, there is a natural temptation to look to cut costs by doing the work yourself. However, in some states, working on an electrical panel yourself is illegal.

Certainly, it can be extremely dangerous if you are not familiar with electrical wiring. In short, it is much better to leave this sort of work to a trained professional.

However, if you are intent on doing the work yourself, then there are ways you can do it.

The first thing to research is the legality of the work. A quick internet search should help you identify what your county and state regulations are when it comes to electrical work within your home. In some cases, you’ll need to apply for, and be granted a permit. In others, you’ll need to find someone with a license in this type of work.

One of the most important things to remember is that even when you disconnect the main breaker, parts of the electrical panel are still live. If this is new information to you, then you are not safe in undertaking this work without professional help. It is simply not worth taking the risk of serious injury or death in order to save on some labor costs.

Why You Should Hire A Commercial Cleaning Service Provider

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What is a Corporate Cleaner?

A Corporate Cleaner is like a domestic worker but they work for a cleaning company. Together, in a team, the Corporate Cleaners clean different places like offices, hospitals, schools, gyms etc.

For example:

  • offices
  • hospitals
  • schools
  • gyms
  • government spaces etc.

The cleaning company is hired by companies or other establishments to clean. Instead of having one person work all day in an office, these teams come in for an hour or two. Because the teams work quickly, they do not disturb the workers. They are in and out and very efficient.

Understanding More About Commercial Cleaning Services

The more you know about the commercial cleaning industry, the better chance you have of choosing a cleaning company that will be the right fit for your business. Read on to learn some of the basic principles of commercial cleaning:

  • What is commercial cleaning and who is it for? Much like residential cleaning is the cleaning of residential properties, commercial cleaning is cleaning for commercial properties or properties where business is conducted. Commercial cleaning is a relatively broad term and can also be used to describe the cleaning of facilities that are not used for business in the traditional sense, but nonetheless, require professional cleaning services. These include schools, universities, government offices, manufacturing facilities, health care clinics, and religious facilities.
  • What types of cleaning services do commercial cleaners provide? A commercial cleaner should provide whatever types of cleaning services their customers need in order to maintain a healthy, hygienic work environment and professional atmosphere. These services typically include detail cleaning of bathrooms, polishing of fixtures, comprehensive dusting and vacuuming, disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and organization of areas that need to look presentable.
  • What qualities make a commercial cleaning service stand out? A high-quality commercial cleaning service in Columbus will offer you a free quote and in-person cleaning consultation to discuss how their services fit your needs. In addition, you’ll want to choose a commercial cleaner that has been fully bonded and insured and is experienced in working with similar businesses in your field.

Things to Look for While Choosing a Commercial Cleaning Service

Most people outsource cleaning to a professional when it comes to commercial cleaning services. It could be overwhelming to decide on the right professional to clean up your workspace.  Here we have provided a whittled list of few things to consider while looking for a commercial cleaning service.

Are they well-trained?

While hiring a cleaning company, make sure that the professionals you choose are certified and well-trained to perform the particular job. They should be trained to use advanced equipment and know how to treat and take care of furniture, flooring and other materials in your workplace. So, perform thorough background checks and ask about their training procedures to choose the right one.

Type of Equipment

A regular mop and a vacuum can make your residential cleaning easier and quick. But, when it comes to a professional cleaning service, the experts should make use of the latest equipment to increase the proficiency of the cleaning job. Also, enquire whether the equipment they are using is of commercial grade and they offer green cleaning.

Experience

The commercial cleaning companies  that have years of experience in the field will have a proven track record of success to deliver their promises to clients. If the professionals you are hiring are highly experienced, they can tackle any number of jobs they are asked to do and knows what technique or equipment should be used to get the job done right.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cleaning Company

  • References. Ask cleaning companies to provide you with references who can vouch for the quality of their service. Many keep Written recommendations from their clients on file. 
  • Experience and training. Experience is critical, but it’s far better when backed by specific and ongoing training. Ask for information about the training staff cleaners receive, who trains them, and how often their training is refreshed and updated. 
  • Certifications. Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIVlS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliant, and ClMS Green Building — these are all things that are going to protect you and your company and, in some cases, save you substantial money. Ask for a list of all certifications related to your business. 
  • Insurance. Make sure any commercial cleaning company you consider is fully insured for the safety and security of you, your company and your facility. 
  • Availability. Ask your cleaner about blackout times in their schedule. Do they have any? What is their policy on emergency requests or issues that arise outside of regular business hours? Get real-life examples of how they’ve come through for specific clients. 

Take the Time To Vet Them Thoroughly

When considering a commercial cleaning services company, you are trusting them with your business, equipment and potentially sensitive information. So, you want to work with an experienced company that has many years of experience in your industry and can clean the type of building or facility you have.

You can learn a lot about a company from the customers they work with and what they have to say. Ask for references and call them. A credible company will have no problem providing you the names and contacts of a few customers for references.

Here are a few other ideas that can help you evaluate a commercial cleaning services company.

  • Search on social media or search engines for any customer or employee complaints.
  • Search review sites to read about customers’ experiences and to see that problems were addressed and handled promptly.
  • Consider doing a credit check to evaluate the company’s financial health

If you find something that concerns you, bring it up with the commercial cleaning services company and listen to their response.

A Simple Guide To Finally Get Rid Of Ants

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How Can I Control An Ant Infestation?

Your first step to battling an ant infestation in your home is to identify the species that’s giving you trouble. Since different species have different habits and preferences, they may also require specific methods to control them. If you’re not sure which species is plaguing you, here are a few basic tips to get you started:

  • Seal – Ants are extremely adept at locating even the smallest cracks and crevices in walls, windows and foundations to enter your home to forage. Seal any potential points of entry you can find using caulk and other appropriate materials. You probably won’t be able to find them all, but it’s a good start.
  • Clean – After sealing all of the entry points you can find, it’s important to clean around them. Ants leave an invisible trail containing pheromones so other ants can follow it to the resource they’ve discovered. Scrub around ant entrances with soap and water to wash away these trails. In addition, clean up messes you make in the kitchen to prevent attracting them again.
  • Remove – Attractants such as sugar, grease and other foods are one of the main reasons ants enter your home. Remove potential lures by keeping food in sealed containers. Pet food should also be sealed and not left out where ants can easily access it. Also, take out trash regularly to prevent the smell from drawing ants in as the garbage breaks down.
  • Dehydrate – Ants need moisture to survive, so you’ll want to minimize their access to it using a few simple tricks. First, fix any leaks you may have around pipes and other areas. Then, check your gutters and spouts to make sure they’re draining away from the house. Finally, try implementing a dehumidifier to reduce other moisture inside your home.

Common Reasons For An Ant Invasion

Ant invasions don’t come out of nowhere. There are usually triggers that lead to an ant invasion. The following are some of the reasons that ants may invade.

Causes of Ants

Sugar, Crumbs, and Uncovered Food

The most common reason that ants invade is because they have found access to sugars and uncovered foods. Ants send scavengers all around your home to try to find some sign of food. When they do, they go back to their nest, send a message to other workers, and suddenly swarms of these ants will come into your house to pick up food for the rest of their colony.

Spilled crumbs, uncovered foods, and more are all very common causes of ant invasions, and unfortunately no matter how much you clean it may be hard to completely control for all uncovered food items.

Dog Food

It’s not always your food either. Dog food can also lead to ant invasions, because the food is often sitting outside for extended periods of time. While many people control for their own food, they often forget about pet food and the way that pet food is often sitting in the same spot out in the open. Dog food, cat food, and any form of animal food can be a common source of ant invasions.

Nearby Nest/Openings

In some cases, the problem may not be with what’s around your house. The problem may simply be that you have ant colonies too close to your home and too many holes and openings on your property. You’ll need to have someone inspect the property thoroughly to find nearby colonies, eradicate them, and then seal the holes that they’re entering from.

There’s always a source.

Unless you see just a handful of ants foraging for food — randomly milling around your countertops — they’re generally going somewhere, and coming from somewhere. Instead of swiping them up, take your time to follow the train in both directions. Most likely, you’ll be able to find their food source — whether it’s a juice spill or a dirty spoon in the dishwasher — and where they’re getting in, too. Typically if you clean up the spill, the ants will go away on their own (until next time). And while you can try to seal up their entry points, it’s sort of a losing battle: Ants can get in just about any crack or crevice — we’re talking about pinholes here — so they’ll be coming through holes in your screens, or cracks along the baseboard.

Ants Follow The Scents Of Other Ants

Another reason why ants are infesting your home even if it is spic and span is that they may have picked up a scent that has attracted them. The scent could be the sweet scent of sugar or candy, the scent of other ants and even their own scent if their colony has previously invaded your home.

Perhaps these new ants were triggered by a collective memory of their colony which indicated that your bedroom or kitchen is where they can find food. No amount of ant spray can prevent them from invading your home if this is the case.

The reason is that members of this colony have been pre-programmed to scout your home for food regularly. In that case, this colony will send out scouts at regular intervals. The best way to prevent them is to eliminate the entire colony so that there will be no collective memory left.

There are times when ants pick up the scent trail of other ants which have previously infested your home. Perhaps the ants invading your home now have just followed this previous trail. When they can’t find food at the end of the trail, they will wander around your home to find it.

Want to guard your fortress from a colony of ants? Try these outdoor preventative measures:

  • Use crushed stone or rock around your house rather than mulch or pine straw — ants love to nest under garden bed mulch — and keep a mulch-free zone under the perimeter of the house
  • Fix leaking water pipes and maintain proper drainage of water away from your home (clean gutters and landscape drainage systems)
  • Seal cracks and crevices around your house with a silicone-based caulk
  • Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows
  • Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed away from the exterior of your house
  • Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from the house — ants and other pests love it!
  • Routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture and repair any leaky pipes

If you’re too late and ants have already started making themselves comfortable, grab some household cleaner and wash down the surfaces where you’ve seen them crawling.

Pediatric Physical Therapists

Posted on (Updated by stephen

How to Select a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician for your baby is no easy task. After all, this doctor will help your little one through childhood vaccinations, nasty colds, and everything in between. But when should you start looking for a pediatrician, and what criteria should you focus on?  Here are our top tips for choosing the best pediatrician near you.

When Should I Look For a Pediatrician?

Start looking for pediatricians while you’re still pregnant—preferably between 28 and 34 weeks along. “It’s important to have a pediatrician you’ve already met and respect, because you have enough going on after the baby is born,

There’s also another benefit of finding a pediatrician early: Dr. Alessandrini’s recent study, which she co-authored, found that babies who see the same doctor for their first 6 months are up to twice as likely to receive important health tests before they turn 2. Sticking with the same doctor also prevents wasted time on things like “going over whether immunizations are up to date,” she says. “If you have a continuing relationship with a doctor, you have the time and comfort to go deeper.”

How to Research a Pediatrician

Searching for a pediatrician may seem daunting, but remember that you’re not trying to find “the best doctor in the world.” You’re simply looking for the most effective doctor for you, your partner, and your future child. Here are some tips.

Get references. Everyone has different criteria for picking a pediatrician, so you should collect at least three names from friends and coworkers. (If you’re short on preferred doctors, try the American Academy of Pediatrics’ referral site at aap.org/referral.) Also look into the hospitals that your candidates are affiliated with; you’ll want one that’s both convenient and reputable.

How to Choose the Best Pediatrician for Your Child

Parents seem to go to a lot of different extremes when choosing a pediatrician.

Some do almost nothing and simply choose the pediatrician on call in the hospital when their baby is born or pick a doctor randomly from a list in the phone book or their insurance directory

The Importance of Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing the right pediatrician is more important than most parents think. While you can simply change doctors if you don’t like the first pediatrician you see, if your newborn or older child is truly sick, the first doctor you see could be making life-changing decisions about your child. Or they could miss a potentially life-threatening problem.

Pediatrician Recommendations

A common way for parents to choose a pediatrician is to get a recommendation from their friends or family members. This is probably one of the best ways, but when someone tells you that they love going to their pediatrician, be sure to ask why before you blindly follow them to the same office.

Many parents have different needs and you may be really turned off by the reason that they like their doctor. For example, they might like that their pediatrician is really fast and they are in and out of the office quickly, while you might like someone who moves slower and spends more time during the visit, even if it means that you have to wait a little longer for your appointment. Or your friend might like that their pediatrician prescribes an antibiotic every time they walk into the office, whether or not they need one.

How to Choose a Pediatrician

When looking for a pediatrician to care for your baby, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to find someone both you and your partner feel comfortable with. So it’s a good idea to begin choosing a pediatrician at the beginning of your third trimester. Ask your OB and trusted family and friends for recommendations. These questions can help you choose the right pediatrician for you.

Does this doctor have a good reputation?

What is this doctor’s training and experience?

Does the pediatrician respect my philosophy on breastfeeding and immunizations?

Does the doctor listen to me and explain things clearly?

Will my child see the same doctor every time?

 Who covers for the pediatrician when he or she is not available?

Is my spouse or partner comfortable with this doctor?

Is the office staff pleasant and helpful?

Is the office location convenient?

How long does it take to get an appointment?

How long will my child and I spend in the waiting room?

Does the pediatrician offer evening and weekend hours? Who sees my child during these hours?

How are emergencies and after-hour calls handled?

What hospital is the pediatrician affiliated with?

Does my insurance cover this doctor’s services?

Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician might not appear to be important early in pregnancy, but selecting a pediatrician is very important. Many women begin their search for a pediatrician during their second trimester of pregnancy

What is a Pediatrician?

A pediatrician is a medical doctor that specializes in the care of infants, adolescents, and children as old as 21. Many pediatricians are also trained in subspecialties such as neonatal medicine and cardiology.

What services do Pediatricians provide?

Pediatricians provide preventive care to healthy children and medical care to children with illnesses. The care they provide includes physical, mental and emotional support. Most pediatricians offer a variety of services for children and their parents

Services may include:

Evaluating a child’s growth and development

Education about children’s safety, lifestyle, and breastfeeding

Administering immunizations

Detecting problems such as developmental disorders and behavioral difficulties

Diagnosing common illnesses such as ear infections and stomach flu

Prescribing medications

How are Pediatricians trained?

Pediatricians must complete the requirements set by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).

Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician

Get Referrals

Start with a referral list from your own doctor. You can also ask family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. If you’re new to an area, ask your former pediatrician for a referral in your new town. Then, take the time to research the pediatricians’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow your list, visit open houses that many practices offer so you can learn about the practice. You can also make appointments to meet and interview the pediatricians

Research the Pediatrician’s Credentials

Board certification is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a pediatrician. It tells you that the doctor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide healthcare for your child. Also confirm that the pediatrician has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the pediatrician’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

Consider the Pediatrician’s Experience

Parents call upon their pediatrician for everything from well-child visits and routine physicals to allergy and chronic headache treatments. So experience matters. The more experience a pediatrician has, the better your results are likely to be. If your child has a specific condition, such as ADHD, ask how many patients with the condition the pediatrician has treated. If you know that your child will need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the doctor has performed and find out about complication rates—complications the doctor has encountered as well as your own risk of complications.

Consider Gender

Most likely, your baby or toddler will not care whether a doctor is male or female. While you may have your own preference for your child, think about the years to come. For example, embarrassment or fear of a pelvic exam or breast exam may be a reason that a teenage girl would prefer a female doctor. If gender is not something you want to base your decision on right now, consider choosing a larger practice with both male and female doctors.

Consider Office Atmosphere

You may be spending a good deal of time at your pediatrician’s office if you have an infant or very young child. Make sure you are comfortable with the practice and that your child’s needs will be met. For example, are there separate waiting areas for sick visits and well visits? Does the office have a small play area or other ways to keep your child occupied while you wait? How many people are waiting? How does the office staff treat you and other parents and patients? Is the pediatrician part of a group practice? Ask about after hours urgent care and what happens if your pediatrician goes on vacation.

Home Renovation A Place To Start

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How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor

When choosing a contractor to head up your remodel, these simple steps can mean the difference between complete confidence and sleepless nights

Ask for Referrals

Word of mouth-hands down, is the best way to find a qualified professional to tackle the job. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors whom they’ve had good experiences with. And ask what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems and whether he or she would use the same contractor again.

Look at Credentials

With recommendations in hand, do some preliminary research, whether it’s with a phone call or a visit to the contractor’s website. Find out whether he or she holds all the required licenses from state and local municipalities, along with designations from any professional associations such as the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders. Look for contractors who have invested in course work and passed rigorous tests to earn particular certifications. Be aware, however, that not all certifications are created equal. Do some homework and find out the requirements.

Interview Candidates

Narrow down the list of contenders and set up meetings. Try to keep it to three contractors, because things can get confusing beyond that. How a contractor answers questions is extremely important, but communication goes both ways. Candidates should ask plenty of questions, too

Check References

Ask to see some of the contractors’ projects. If you approve of them, request references and call contractors’ former customers to check up on them. Ask how the contractors did at executing the projects. Were they on time and on budget? Were the customers pleased with the outcome? Was there anything that could have been done differently?

How to Choose the Right Home Remodeling Contractor

Often times, the hardest part of starting a home remodel is choosing a remodeling contractor. What do you look for? Do you hire an architect or a design-build firm? How do you choose? Searching for the right contractor takes work. To make it easier for you, and to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible with the fewest regrets, we’ve put together a few steps for you to consider as you begin the selection process. Use these guidelines to ensure that you hire the right contractor for your next home remodel.

Know What You Want and How You Want to Live

Beyond knowing what you want your kitchen or bathroom remodel to look like or where you want to add or expand living space in your home, you should also consider having an important conversation with your remodeling contractor about how you plan to live, work and play in your home (in 5 years, 10 to 15 years or even a lifetime). Do you have plans to keep your home in the family for many generations? Do your family members have any health or physical needs that will need to be accommodated now or in the future? How does the flow in and around rooms currently function for you? What challenges are you experiencing with your home, or anticipate in the future?

Decide Which Delivery Method is Best for You

If you’re considering a major remodel, it’s important to explore the two most common delivery methods for your home remodel. Many homeowners start by hiring an architect, working with him/her to come up with a plan set, then shop around for a building contractor. With this approach, the homeowner makes decisions about almost every detail of the home remodel design and building process without any input from the contractor.

Ask for Referrals from Friends & Family

Reputable home remodeling contractors generate glowing recommendations. When you’re ready to remodel, be sure to ask your friends, family, neighbors, and other acquaintances to identify a remodeling contractor that they trust and would use again. Asking for a recommendation helps you narrow down your selection, and may also help you determine which contractors to avoid. Look for someone who has experience in your neighborhood or specific remodeling expertise (e.g., you need someone who has experience remodeling kitchens).

Review Their Reviews

Put your computer to work and take the time to read online reviews. And, look for places where reviews are hard to fake, such as Houzz, Google, Yelp and a third party customer satisfaction surveying service, like GuildQuality. What are people saying about the company and their experience with them? And better yet, how is the home remodeling contractor addressing complaints? Look for someone who is able to provide quality references and don’t be afraid to ask to see some of their completed projects in person or to speak to their past clients! This simple exercise can tell you a lot about your contractor prospects and help you hire the right one.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LOCAL CONTRACTORS FOR YOUR HOME RENOVATION

Are you dreaming of a new kitchen, an updated bathroom, or about adding a room to your home? Or perhaps you’re in the process of building your dream house? Before you can start any of these projects, you need to find the right local contractor for the job.

Use the Right Search Engine

Before you can choose the right local contractors for your home remodeling project, know where to look for

Find a Specialist

Different types of work you need to have done around the home require a different type of contractor. No matter the type of work you want to do, there’s at least a few local contractors out there who would be great for the job. The trick is finding them.

Check the Reviews

Once you’ve narrowed your search, assess your options. Luckily, online reviews make this a breeze. They are just as good as asking a friend or neighbor for their opinion

Screen Potential Contractors

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to contractors with great online reviews, it’s time to start screening. This is an important step. Websites allow you to book services online, and can make it tempting to skip this step. But resist the temptation.

How to Choose the Right Renovation Company

People are becoming increasingly aware of how to achieve that luxurious, statement home when new construction is not an option – that’s right, it’s home renovations! There are so many advantages of house renovations, starting with the improved comfort and increased value of your home.

When done correctly, home renovations will:

Decrease the amount of building maintenance required

Improve appearance and functionality

Add decades of life to your home – achieved by strengthening the bases and structures

A home that’s on point with the latest, yet timeless, trends and designs

For most, it makes complete sense that the final outcome is going to vary greatly and depend on the experience and workmanship of the renovation company you choose. If you want all the benefits listed above, plus some, choosing the right home renovations company is imperative! For others, cheaper is better… but unfortunately this is usually where the “renovation nightmare” stories originate.

Be ready! There’s no point jumping on Google and contacting endless amounts of contractors and building companies if you don’t have a plan. Know what you want and when you want it. It’s also much easier, and wise, to set a budget for your home renovations too.

Obtain quotes. All the best home renovation companies offer free quotes. Extensions offers a FREE, no obligation consultation with one of our specialist design consultants.

Set appointments. By now you’ve checked references, compared quotes, viewed a history of their workmanship and you’ve narrowed it down to two or three of Sydney’s best home renovation companies. It’s time to book those first appointments and see who’s really going to deliver the goods!

Tips for Choosing a Home Remodeling Contractor

When it comes to home improvement projects, you may find that many of them are not “do it yourself.” If it’s time for a home remodel, it may be in your best interest to leave it to a professional who knows what it takes to deliver high-quality results. Choosing a contractor to lead the project is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, who you hire could have a huge impact on the outcome of the project and your level of satisfaction.

Experience

The type of remodeling project you’re considering can play a huge role in which contractor you choose. For example, if you’re making changes to your bathroom, you don’t want to hire a contractor that doesn’t have experience in . Whether you’re changing the look of one room or doing a major overhaul of your home, it’s best to find a contractor who has experience and expertise in many different types of remodeling projects. Ideally, you want someone who can do it all. It’s also important to consider how long they’ve been in business and how many similar projects they’ve completed.

Project Details

Be sure you know exactly what you want to accomplish. Be specific about how you want the finished project to look. Think about the materials you want to use and how much money you have in your budget. Are you willing to compromise on certain elements if you need to? Which changes are top priority? Letting the contractors you’re interviewing know these things up front can give you an idea of whether or not they’ll be able to deliver the results you’re envisioning.

Interviews

Choosing a contractor to remodel your home should be taken very seriously. After all, their expertise directly impacts the quality of the project, and a remodel is a significant financial investment. As a general rule, it’s wise to interview at least three contractors for your job before you make a decision. Use that time to get to know the contractor. Try to get a feel for their work ethics, priorities, and overall dedication. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions. It’s better to be thorough now than regretful later. The answers you get could be the deciding factor between one contractor and another.

Insurance

Before you hire a contractor, check with your insurance agent to see what’s covered by your homeowner’s policy regarding home repairs and remodeling. Make sure the contractors you’re interviewing have insurance, as well, and that their policy has adequate coverage for your projects. Checking this out ahead of time could help save you a huge headache later.

Flat Roof Coatings For Your Roof Surface

Posted on (Updated by stephen

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROOFING MATERIALS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Commercial and industrial property owners and managers need to choose their roofing materials thoughtfully. Installation of a compatible roofing system will last for years and possibly save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars annually. Roofing materials can drastically reduce energy costs and once installed correctly, require very little maintenance. If you’re investing in a new commercial roof, do your due diligence to learn more about the products offered and how they might benefit your property

WHY CHOOSE CERTAINTEED

By choosing CertainTeed, you’re investing in sustainability. They have many products that come with an Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, or are LEED compliant

EPDM ROOFING

EPDM roofing characteristically has flexibility and adaptability to high and low temperatures. It can be implemented on low-slope commercial roofs. EPDM is constructed from a black rubber membrane that has a reputation for being one of the longest lasting in the industry. It’s made with an elastomeric compound roofing material manufactured from ingredients to withstand high levels of ozone

WHY CHOOSE EPDM ROOFING

You have a few installation choices with EPDM: ballasted, fully adhered, or mechanically attached. Overall, EPDM displays excellent performance characteristics and has a long lifespan when you conduct routine maintenance inspections. Many typical repairs are pretty straightforward to perform, meaning the cost for upkeep won’t break the bank. EPDM also comes with warranties giving property owners that extra bit of security.

TPO ROOFING

TPO was developed to help industrial property owners install energy efficient roofing systems that don’t negatively impact the environment. TPO or thermoplastic polyolefin single-ply roofing membranes use a unique technology to add strength and durability to construction. Just how durable are TPO roofs? On average, they are three to four times stronger than rubber. TPO roofs can be installed fully-adhered, mechanically-attached or ballasted.

Things to consider when choosing your flat roof

Once you have decided that a flat roof is the way to go, there are still things to consider, such as the type of flat roof you want, materials and the roof coverings. So what are the essentials that you need to know? There are varying types of flat roof systems that are commonly used in the UK. So it would be a good idea to get a detailed understanding of these types of roofs, and which would be the best fit for your project

Single ply

Single ply roofing membranes are increasingly popular in UK construction projects, both for new build and refurbishment. Single ply roofs are popular for projects where cost is a big factor, as they have a low capital cost and cost in use, are lightweight, flexible and swift to install. Single ply roof systems provide strength, flexibility, and long-lasting durability. Single ply roofs are also an ideal surface for PC systems and green roofs.

Hot melt roofing

Many prestigious buildings in the UK have used a hot melt system, utilising its numerous benefits which include excellent life expectancy, extreme high performance and competitive installed costs. On a hot melt roof the waterproof membrane is applied as a hot liquid directly to a prepared structural deck. This creates a completely seamless monolithic layer that is extremely difficult to damage and has a very long life expectancy. One important point to make about this system is that the installation involves potentially dangerous hot works, so health and safety issues need to be taken into account.

Liquid roofs

Occasionally, complex roof shapes require something a little different and paint-on solutions can be used effectively where other methods struggle. Cold liquids are especially popular on refurbishment or repair projects as the liquid can usually be applied directly to the existing roof makeup, making it very cost effective. Due to its flexibility, liquid roofs are being specified frequently on new build projects, with their ability to easily be installed in restricted spaces.

Asphalt roof

Asphalt can be laid on most rigid structures such as concrete, timber and metal and can be worked around all sorts of details like curves, upstands, slopes and roof lights. Asphalt is applied hot, usually in two coats onto a felt membrane which isolates it from the roof. It is finished with small white chips to reduce solar radiation which can soften the asphalt. Asphalt has been around for a fair old time but todays asphalt contains modern polymer formulations making it even better. Polymer-modified mastic asphalts, usually containing styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, provide enhanced flexibility and a reduced susceptibility to the effects of temperature

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MATERIAL FOR A FLAT ROOF

Covering a flat roof will be different from a traditional sloped roof for many reasons including the materials required. While a pitched roof can use overlapping shingles or tiles, this method is likely to lead to leaking for a roof without any slope. There are many different materials and methods to installing a flat roof, including rubber, thermoplastic, tar and gravel and modified bitumen, but which one is best?

Rubber membranes such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) are often applied in giant custom sized sheets to fit your flat roof. This material is durable, and the custom size limits the areas where a leak could occur. This kind of rubber can be more expensive than other materials.

Thermoplastic materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPO (thermoplastic olefin) are durable options, due to heat-welded seams, and offer improved energy efficiency. However, roofs made of these materials can be difficult to repair.

Tar and gravel are used in the Built-Up Roof (BUR) method. While this is typically a cheaper way to cover a roof, it can be heavy and messy to install and is usually accompanied by a strong odor. If you get a leak in this kind of roof, it may be hard to detect where it started.

Using modified bitumen on a flat roof can help save on costs as compared to newer technologies. The installation process can be very time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the number of layers and roll-on method of installation. It can also be difficult to detect the origin of leaks in a modified bitumen roof.

A Design & Materials Guide for Residential Flat Roofing Systems

Flat Roofs Are Everywhere – But What About Homes?

Flat roofs are a familiar sight throughout North America. Any typical mall, warehouse, apartment building or school usually features a flat roof. This roof type is easier to install over large surfaces and is the most common choice for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.

From the start, you’ll likely have questions, including: is a flat roof the right choice for a home? Is it more expensive that a steeper pitched alternative? Is it harder to install? What about ongoing maintenance? Whether choosing a roof design for a new home, or replacing/repairing a current flat roof, IKO Industries offers much of the information needed to make informed decisions for a lasting, sturdy cover for your investment.

Why Are Flat Roofs Less Common For Houses?

Also known as low slope roofs, flat roofs are less common in North American residential construction because the low slope of a flat roof has an increased tendency to collect water rather than shed, like its more steeply pitched alternative. This may make it less ideal for rainy or snowy climates.

Flat Roof Drain Types

So, even though flat roofs are ideal for drier landscapes, in climates with heavy precipitation, a properly installed flat roof can be a fine choice for a homeowner – especially thanks to ever-improving waterproof materials and installation techniques.

It looks good

Flat roofs are an attractive aesthetic choice that give homes a unique form. If you love the landscape or cityscape around your home, a flat roof can help complement that without obscuring the view

WHAT MAKES A GOOD FLAT ROOF?

Once associated with poor materials and shoddy workmanship, flat roofs are now back in vogue and are highly favoured amongst designers and architects. With extended life-spans, ease of maintenance, and proven resistance to the fluctuation of the British weather, together with high performance and cost effectiveness, a flat roof can offer a real alternative to a pitched roof. When installed and maintained correctly, a flat roof can ​have a long life expectancy. But what actually makes a good flat roof?

Membrane: A good membrane is key. Whilst their primary purpose is to waterproof the roof area, they typically allow water to run off from a slight inclination or camber into a gutter system. Choose from Reinforced Bituminous Membranes (RBM), Liquid Waterproofing and GRP Roofing Systems, EPDM or Single Ply and Paints and Solutions.

End use: This must always be taken into account as the weight of a mastic asphalte membrane or planters could cause deflection. It is also an important factor when considering installing solar panels.

Suitable deck: The roof deck is the foundation or base upon which the entire flat roof is dependent. It must be designed to provide sufficient support for all loads to which it will be exposed, and the method of attachment to it must be appropriate.

Adequate falls: A flat roof needs to be able to clear surface water as rapidly as possible. The required falls may be formed by the slope of the joists. If not, then cut to falls insulation may be needed. Falls in the structure can be achieved by adjusting the height of the supporting beams or purlins, by using tapered supports, or by the addition of firring pieces before the deck is laid.

The Waterless Toilet Installation

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Tips for Choosing a New Toilet

The traditional gravity-flush toilet is pretty trouble-free plumbing fixtures, thanks in part to the fact that it has no high-tech parts. Although the water-supply valves, flush valves, and wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor all may fail and need to be replaced from time to time, the porcelain or china fixture itself can last for decades in perfect operating shape unless the bowl or tank become cracked. Nevertheless, you may want to replace your toilet, either for purely aesthetic reasons, such as when remodeling a bathroom or to take advantage of new water-saving features available on modern toilet designs.

Taking Measurements

The first step is to measure carefully to ensure that the toilet you purchase will fit in the same location as the old one. Measuring is done with the old toilet still in place.

Start by measuring from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the bolts at the base of the toilet. If your existing toilet has four bolts, measure to the center of the back bolts. This measurement is known as the rough-in measurement. For a standard toilet, the rough-in measurement should be between 11 inches and 13 inches. Keep this measurement handy when you go to purchase the replacement toilet.

Toilet Type

The first option is between one-piece and two-piece models. With one-piece toilets, the tank and bowl are all one integral unit. These toilets look very sleek and have a low-profile, but they are generally more costly than the typical two-piece toilets. Since two-piece toilets are more common, they are also more competitively priced.

Bowl Shape

When choosing a toilet, you can choose from those with bowls that are elongated, compact -elongated, or round-front. Elongated toilets offer deeper seating areas and will fit most residential applications. Compact-elongated toilets have a slightly shorter footprint and take up less space while still offering good comfort. Round-front toilets take up the least space and are a good choice where space is at a premium.

Choosing a Toilet: Tips to Ensure You Get the Right Fit and Flush

Choosing a toilet used to be a simple matter of finding a design that suited you. Today, though, you’ll need to choose among different mounting types, flushing methods, bowl shapes and other options. Each option has its pros and cons, and what’s right for you depends on your individual needs. Before you start browsing for a new toilet for your Southwest Florida home, get clear on your choices so you can select the model that’s best for you.

Measure for fit

Your first step in choosing a toilet is to find your current toilet’s rough-in measurement so you can find a model that fits your bathroom. The rough-in measurement is the distance from the wall to the middle of the toilet flange, which lines up with the center of the hold-down bolts. For a toilet with two bolts on each side, measure to the center of the back bolt. If you’re measuring from the lowest part of the wall, take the thickness of the baseboard or molding into account. Ideally, measure directly from the wall.

The standard distance is 12 inches, but most toilet designs can accommodate a distance of 11 to 13 inches. Any more or less than that, and you’ll need a toilet designed specifically for this distance. That will most likely be a 10- or 14-inch rough-in model.

Choose your design

When choosing a toilet, you’ll need to decide if you want a one-piece, two-piece or wall-mount design. Two-piece toilets are the most common. These plumbing fixtures have a separate bowl and tank you can buy together or separately. Because there are so many on the market, opting for a two-piece toilet gives you a greater chance of finding one with the features you want

Decide on bowl type

Toilet bowls are available in two shapes: elongated and round. Elongated bowls are around 2 or 3 inches longer in the front than round bowls. Round bowls never surpass 28 inches, while elongated bowls can be as large as 31 inches. Despite the fact that they take up more space, elongated bowls offer some advantages. Some individuals, including the elderly and those with physical impairments, may find the bigger seat more comfortable because it supports the thighs like a chair. These bowls also retain less soiling and hold back odors better. For some, the streamlined oval shape is more visually appealing than the traditional round shape.

Choose the Right Toilet for Your Bathroom

Is there really much to think about other than looks when selecting a toilet for a bathroom remodel? Surprisingly, yes. When it comes to choosing a commode, size, height and how well it functions should play into your decision.

THE PERFECT FIT

There are thousands of toilets on the market, but a rough-in distance, which measures the distance from the finished wall to the center of the sewer drain for the toilet, will narrow the field. The standard rough-in is 12 inches, and the widest selection of toilets is available in this size. If a bathroom remodel makes use of an existing rough-in that is another size, 10 or 14 inches for example, choices can be more limited.

Comfort also comes into play with toilet heights. Many manufacturers now offer toilets that measure a few inches taller than standard 14″ fixtures. “For taller people … it’s more comfortable,” says Suzie Williford, National Kitchen & Bath Association vice president and manager of luxury products at Kiva Kitchen & Bath in Houston, Texas. Taller toilets are also an integral part of universal design, which makes a bathroom accessible to all users regardless of mobility, because they make sitting down and standing up easier.

WHAT STYLE?

There are several toilet types available. A two-piece toilet, in which the tank bolts on top of the bowl, is typically a bit more affordable. A one-piece toilet, with an integral tank and bowl, can cost more, but these units are easier to clean because they have no seam. Wall-mounted toilets add drama to a bathroom, and cleaning under them is a breeze. However, this higher-end fixture can be more expensive to install because it requires a thicker wall to mount the toilet and house the tank, and future maintenance could require reopening the wall.

FLUSHING TECHNOLOGY

Once you’ve settled on the size, shape and style, find a toilet that flushes efficiently. “You can have the most beautiful toilet in the whole wide world, but if it doesn’t flush, it’s ugly,” Williford says.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Toilet

Fortunately, today’s Bath market offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a modern or traditional, one-piece or two-piece, or white or colored toilet, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Not sure where to begin? Let our guide walk you through the basics of selecting a toilet!

Measure the Rough-in

In plumbing terms, a “rough-in” is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the bolt cap of your toilet. Toilets typically have a 10”, 12” or 14” rough-in. This distance determines the type of toilet your plumber can install.

Choose a Toilet Style and Type

Toilets come in a wide range of styles, including traditional, transitional, modern, eclectic and contemporary. Once you know what you’re looking for in a style, you can then consider the type of toilet of that best suits your needs.

Two-piece Toilets consist of two units: a bowl and a tank that is bolted on top. Depending on the model, you may be able to mix and match your bowl and tank. If you are interchanging your tank and bowl, make sure the tank securely lines up with your bowl’s bolt holes. Two-piece toilets work well with a variety of styles.

One-piece Toilets seamlessly integrate the toilet and the bowl as one unit. This creates a sleek, clean look that’s perfect for a modern or contemporary bathroom. One-piece toilets are easier to clean and install than two-piece toilets. One-piece toilets are typically found in modern, contemporary and eclectic bathrooms due to their sleek appearance.

TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE A TOILET

Check the plumbing

Your existing bathroom will have plumbing that’s set up for your specific layout. This and the size of your space will narrow down which toilets you can use. However, if you want to change the plumbing to suit the toilet you really want, talk to a plumber so you can assess if the additional cost is worth it.

Determine your pan type

Australia has three common pan types: S-trap, P-trap and Skew trap. The trap is the bend in the toilet pipe that expels the waste.

Measure the set-out

Before you choose a toilet, it’s important to first establish the ‘set-out’ you need. This is the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste outlet for an S-trap, and the floor to the outlet for a P-trap

Water efficiency

The Australian Government has introduced a WELS scheme to help reduce the water consumption in homes. Based on a star rating system, it measures the amount of water per flush. A 3 STAR rating uses 6L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush. While a 4 STAR rating uses 4.5L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush.

Styles of toilet

Once you’ve settled on your toilet pan, your final step is to choose a toilet style. From concealed to wall faced, we’ll take you through the main types. Remember, it’s always best to check with your plumber about the types of toilets that will suit your bathroom. Mondella spec sheets can be downloaded and reviewed with your plumber to assess which will fit your plumbing set up.