Bat Removal And Bat Control

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Bat Pest Control

Bats, the only mammal capable of flight, are a crucial part of our ecosystem. Living exterminators, these flying critters are responsible for controlling pests like mosquitoes from getting out of hand. Regardless of how useful they are, these creatures have a bad reputation of being associated with the supernatural, and often have been referred to as “flying rats.”

There are several different bat species.

There are multiple bat species that could inhabit your home; each has different habits and habitats. In North America, the following species are most common.

Big Brown Bats: These bats are mid-sized mammals that are dark in color. They feed on insects and roost in any high point they can find. You can find them in your eaves, attics, and other high places during the day and hunting at night. They are common nesters during the winter months and can travel alone or in groups.

Little Brown Bats: These little creatures are only about three inches. They can hide in small spaces in the warmer months and seek shelter when they hibernate. Their favorite delicacy includes small, soft-bodied insects, or bugs near slow-moving water.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bats: These bats live in the southeast and west near the coast. They are tiny, about three inches, and are mostly tail. These wild animals tend to live in big colonies and seek shelter in a cave or cave-like areas.

Natural Insect Control With Bats

Bats get a bum deal. Thought of as blood suckers and destroyers of fruit, bats are seen as frightening pests when in fact almost all are beneficial. Those blood sucking bats? Out of some 1,000 species only three actually take blood from mammals. And those live only in the Central American tropics. Most of the fruit bats live in the tropics as well. The bats, like the tiny Indiana bat that populates most of the midwest and east? They’re not blood suckers. They’re bug suckers. Over 70% of all bats — and more in the U.S. — are insectivores.

Some smaller bats also feed on pollen and flower nectar. Like bees, they’re pollinators. Most of these bats also live south of the border and pollinate such fruits as guava, avocados, bananas, and mangoes. The lesser long tongued bat and the Mexican long tongued bat, both pollinators, migrate into the American southwest and California. Both, sadly, are on the endangered species list.

As organic gardeners, it’s important that we encourage every natural predator of harmful insects that we can. One thing we can do is provide bat houses near our garden to encourage bats to live there. About the same size as a bird house, bat houses can host dozens of bats (remember, most bats are small). A bat house, by providing a preferable alternative, will also discourage bats from roosting in your attic or garage. If you install a bat house outside, be patient. It may take bats a season or two to find the house and move in.

If you have a budding scientist at home, bat houses can make a swell gift. Keeping record of the traffic in and out of the bat house as evening sets in, and attempting to identify the type of bats using it, can be a fascinating pastime for bat-happy kids and a way to teach data recording and scientific observation. Bats have been little studied compared to most of the animal world, and learning about bats can make for a fine science project. Here’s a source of information (PDF) on bats. And here are plans for building your own bat house … another worthy project to do with your kids. Not so handy? We know where you can get one that’s ready to go.

Remember, that bats, like all wild animals, can be dangerous. They will bite to protect their territory and can carry rabies (there have been 15 case of rabies transmission from bats in the last 50 years). We used to find bats roosting at a perfect height for observation in dwarf fruit trees around our neighborhood. But you and your children should be taught never to disturb a roosting bat. It might be bad for you and it will certainly be bad for the bat. And you want them out there, cleaning up insect pests.

CHOOSE PEST CONTROL SPECIALISTS WHO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BED BUGS AND BAT BUGS

If you’ve gone this long without hearing the endless news stories and constant complaints from tenants and homeowners about bedbugs, you must have been living under a rock.

A lot of fuss has been made about these tricky insects as bedbugs have a rightly-earned reputation as difficult-to-kill nuisances.

Many reasons are cited for the recent bed bug explosion: increased international travel, increased number of people renting furniture, the uptick in people relying on used clothing items, and of course, the intensifying effects of global climate change.

The trick to identifying a bat bug is by recognizing first that you have a bat issue. Once the little brown bat issue is dealt with, the bug issue can be tackled. It is very important to remember that bats are the catalyst and not the cause of the problem. Bats, possibly due to their nocturnal nature and secretive ways, have been widely mistrusted and feared

Bats are natural, effective pest control specialists — but their portrayal in popular media has led to their vilification. The truth is that almost all North American bats are insect feeders, catching their prey while in flight or plucking them from vegetation. Many people would likely be surprised to learn that a bat can consume more than its body weight in insects in a single night.

Give Bats an Easy Way Out — Embrace Expert Exclusion

Homeowners all around the region know that bats can be a common problem — but chances are you’d rather not get too close to determine exactly what kind of winged wildlife is haunting your home.

Most bats pose a threat to human health and, when threatened or fearful, will bite, with some carrying rabies. What’s worse, bats keep questionable company — namely, bat bugs. A relative of the dreaded bed bug, bat bugs feed on blood and, like the bats they flew in on, require professional pest removal in order to be fully eradicated from your home.

Where Bats May Be Hiding in Your Home

Bats are brilliant at breaking into spaces that might suit their needs. Barns, attics, eaves, garages, loose siding, even tucking behind shingles and shutters — all are ideal areas for bats to roost.

Dangers of Having Bats in Your Home

The greatest dangers of having bats in your home concern health and hygiene. While bats can carry disease, like rabies, bat guano presents the fungus histoplasmosis. When exposure to histoplasmosis is contained within the lungs, the result is a severe respiratory infection. Bad enough; however, if left untreated, histoplasmosis can spread throughout the body and prove fatal.

BAT CONTROL

Over the centuries, bats have gotten a bad rap from humans. Like many small and somewhat unappealing animals in the animal kingdom, they are often the subject of myths, misinformation, and misconceptions. In truth, these flying mammals are amazing creatures and an important part of the ecosystem. Because they devour a huge number of insects every night, they provide a real benefit to humans by reducing harmful pests in the great outdoors.

BATS POSE SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS FOR HUMANS

A bat’s bite and excrement can pose serious health risks to humans. You absolutely do not want to share your residence with a colony of bats. While it’s rare, bats do carry diseases and can transfer them to humans under the right circumstances.

Most prominently, bats have been known to carry rabies, and they can infect humans if they bite. Rabies is extremely deadly when left untreated, and bats can also transfer it to other animals, like your pets, if they’re allowed to linger. Bats can carry a disease known as histoplasmosis as well, which is an aggressive respiratory disease that attacks the lungs. Humans can become infected through bat guano, as histoplasmosis originates through a fungus that grows in the dung.

HOW TO HANDLE A SUSPECTED BAT INFESTATION

Bats are nocturnal and generally avoid contact with humans. Often the only signs that you have an infestation will be their distinctive noises, dark stains around the openings they use, and the characteristic droppings filled with parts of insects. If you notice any of these things, give our Tampa pest control professionals a call and we’ll respond quickly to confirm your infestation and provide immediate solutions.

Many companies market DIY repellents that utilize various chemicals, but their general effectiveness is fairly hit-or-miss. Spraying it around suspected entry points might not be effective at all, and the chemicals can even hurt the bats — which you should actively try to avoid. You also want to avoid sealing off crevices, as trapping bats in your house can create even more problems.

How To Hire The Best Criminal Defense Attorney

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5 Reasons to Become a Defense Attorney

While there are multiple types of law you can practice after graduating from law school and passing the bar, you may want to look at some of the top reasons to become a defense attorney.

The criminal justice system in America relies heavily on both defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys. Prosecutors are the ones who bring forth evidence to charge a suspected criminal, while a defense attorney attempts to defend that person and show why the individual is not guilty. Working as a defense attorney is a good option for those who want to help others.

Follow the Constitution

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution gives all American citizens the right to legal counsel and legal representation. Working as a defense attorney gives you the chance to learn more about constitutional law and to follow the standards put forth in that document. While you may work with poor clients, you can also work with wealthier clients too.

Protect the Rights of Others

One of the top reasons to become a defense attorney is because you have the chance to protect the rights of others. Laws require that prosecutors gather enough evidence to present to a judge and jury that proves without a reasonable doubt that a suspected criminal is guilty. As a defense attorney, you need to show that your client is innocent or that there is not enough evidence to prosecute. You essentially protect the rights of clients from criminal prosecution.

Make More Money

Defense attorneys can make quite a bit of money. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median salary for lawyers is nearly $116,000 a year. Those making the highest salaries are those working for private firms and in private practice. The clients who come to you have the money necessary to pay your costs as well as the cost of hiring any experts to work on that case. You can also work for a local agency that provides free or reduced cost legal services for clients who make less money.

Have More Flexibility

During your time in law school, you’ll hear horror stories about what it’s like working in a law firm as a recent graduate. You’ll hear about attorneys working 60 hours or more a week and how new lawyers seldom have time for themselves. One of the reasons to become a defense attorney though is that defense attorneys often have more flexible schedules than other lawyers do. Once you gain more experience, you can decide which cases you want to take on and how you want to divide up the work. You can use associates and others in your practice to prepare for that case without that case taking over your life.

Help Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

One of the top reasons to become a defense attorney is because you’ll have the chance to help others who cannot help themselves. Working in a legal aid office or for a civil rights organization lets you work on cases that involve an individual charged with a crime who does not have the financial means to hire a lawyer. These clients may suffer from mental diseases, have a lack of education or have a history of criminal activities in the past. With your help, they can escape their criminal charges.

Job Description

Criminal defense lawyers typically work at least 40 hours a week, but longer hours are common. Additionally, work hours may be irregular because evenings and weekends may be required by clients or law firms. New criminal defense lawyers usually join up with an existing firm; however many go on to open up their own firms. Criminal defense lawyers regularly travel to courtrooms, law libraries, prisons, hospitals, offices and the homes of clients.

Research and case preparation are the two main duties performed outside of actual trials. Criminal defense lawyers examine evidence, laws and statues, and past judicial rulings in order to build up the strength of their arguments. Once all this research is gathered, a criminal defense lawyer prepares it by creating an effective argument strategy for the courtroom. When in the courtroom, a criminal defense lawyer must constantly adapt and choose the most effective argumentative methods available to them in order to win a case.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research and analyze a case to determine a probable outcome and devise an effective strategy to defend your client/s in court.
  • Interpret laws for clients and help them to understand their legal options.
  • Aim to resolve cases as quickly and favorably as possible.
  • Represent clients at arraignments, hearings, and court trials.
  • Present evidence to a judge and/or jury should the case go to trial.
  • Prepare and draft legal documents, including legal briefs and appeals.
  • Negotiate plea negotiations, punishments, and settlements.
  • Undergo ongoing training to stay updated about changes and new developments in the legal field.
  • Conduct yourself in an ethical and professional manner at all times.

WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD A PERTH CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER HAVE?

Communication – The interaction between you and your lawyer is extremely important. It’s vital that you have a criminal lawyer who is easily approachable and can communicate legal advice to you honestly and in a way that you clearly understand. Your criminal lawyer should be a good listener, as he is a speaker, so your queries and concerns can be considered and properly answered. Effective communication with your lawyer will assist you to understand of the law as it relates to your charges, the plea options available to you, the court procedure, and the potential legal issues that may arise during the court process. Good communication facilitates a client-lawyer relationship built on confidence and trust.

Understanding – The criminal lawyer should be understanding and empathetic to the stressful and emotional impact that the criminal charges are taking on you. The lawyer should have respect for your reputation, concern for your safety and well- being, as well as concern for the direction that your case is headed. The criminal lawyer should ensure that you understand what measures can be taken to minimise public exposure and to maintain privacy during the court process.

Consideration & Preparation – A criminal lawyer should carefully consider the evidence giving rise to the factual allegations of the criminal charges and provide you with honest advice about your case. The lawyer should be thorough and detailed in the preparation of your case for trial and consider all possible defences that may be raised at the trial.

Representation – The criminal defence lawyer should be a good speaker and maintain commitment, determination and focus to achieve the best possible result in court for you. The representation should be strategic in its approach. The defences to your charge should also be communicated and presented in a way that is clearly understood by a Judge or Jury.

Can a lawyer get you out of anything, as long as you haven’t talked or incriminated yourself?

Absolutely not. If there is evidence against you which proves the case, then there is evidence against you which proves the case. If there is enough evidence, even if you never say a word, then you might still be convicted. There have been times when very good lawyers in combination with just the right jury have allowed people to be acquitted of crimes that they were clearly guilty of. But those are a combination of a lot of skill on the part of the attorneys, (often) a lot of money on the part of the client, a lot of luck on the part of picking the right jury, and frequently, mistakes on the part of the prosecution.

Basic Guide To Roof Installation

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Preparing for Your Roof Installation

Replacing your home’s roof is one of the best investments you can make in your property. Not only do today’s roofing designs look beautiful, they’re also designed to last for as long as you own your home.

As you prepare for your home roofing installation, there are several things you can do to ensure the job unfolds as smoothly as possible. Here  tips to keep in mind before the roofers arrive.

1.    Make Sure the Home Roofing Company Has Access to Your Roof

It goes without saying that the roofers will need access to your roof to get the job done. While a professional home roofing company will work as neatly as possible, tearing off an old roof and installing a new one is a big project that takes up a lot of space around the perimeter of your home. To protect outdoor items from debris — and ensure the roofers can work as efficiently as possible — it’s important to clear driveways and sidewalks before the crew arrives.

If possible, move vehicles and other items away from your driveway. This ensures that your cars, children’s toys and other items will be safely away from any falling debris or dust.

Similarly, if you have patio furniture, grills or other items near the house, you should also consider moving them into the garage or covering them with a tarp or plastic sheeting while the work is performed.

2.   Clear Valuables from the Attic

Experienced roofers will work hard to minimize the dust and debris created during your roof’s installation, but there’s no getting around the fact that roofing is a messy, dusty job.

If you store heirlooms or valuable items in your attic, consider moving them to a safe spot until the job is complete. If certain items are too bulky or heavy to move, try covering them with drop cloths or a plastic sheet to protect them from dust and shingle debris.

3.   Make Arrangements for Children and Pets

If you have pets or young children, you might want to make arrangements for them to stay with a friend or relative while your new roof is being installed. The construction that takes place during a roof tear-off and installation can be noisy, which can disturb pets and small children.

Because construction equipment and materials can also pose a hazard to children, many parents choose to keep their kids indoors while the crew is on site.

4.   Be a Good Neighbor

Chances are, your neighbors will be nearly as excited as you are to see your home getting a brand new roof. Major exterior upgrades like a new roof boost your home’s value, as well as the value of properties around you.

Before the roofers get started, however, it’s a good idea to give your neighbors a heads up that you’re replacing your roof. This small courtesy can go a long way — especially if they have pets or children who might be disturbed by the noise and commotion that inevitably occurs during installation.

5.   Prep the Inside

Although experienced roofers do their best to keep dust and noise to a minimum during a new roof installation, any type of heavy construction on your home’s frame can cause strong vibrations that shift mirrors and photos on the walls.

To reduce the risk of a photo or mirror falling during installation, it’s best to temporarily remove any hanging frames or mirrors on your upper floor. You should also consider removing any glass sconces on light fixtures that are attached to the walls on your upper floor.

6.   Prep the Outside

Installing a new roof means nailing down thousands of shingles. As a homeowner, the last thing you want to experience is a flat tire caused by a roofing nail — or, even worse, stepping on a roofing nail in your bare feet.

Expert roofing contractors perform a thorough clean-up once a roofing installation is complete. This includes using powerful magnets and special rolling tools designed to pick up nails. Before your roofing installation, cut your grass to a short length, as nails can easily get missed when they fall into long grass.

If you have a satellite on your roof, you should work with your cable provider to move it while your roof is being installed.

If you have flowerbeds or landscaping around your home, it’s a good idea to protect them from dust and debris by covering them with tarps or plastic. You should also remove any hanging plants while the new roof is being installed.

7.   Work with a Home Roofing Expert

One of the best ways to prepare for a new roof installation is to choose a professional roofing company with a track record of superior customer satisfaction. An expert home roofing company will ensure that your roof is installed properly, and that any underlying damage is addressed and repaired.

Factors That Impact Roof Installation

No matter how well prepared you and your contractor are for roof installation, construction may uncover unforeseeable problems or delays. These can add additional costs or extend your project’s timeline. Some common unexpected roof installation obstacles include:

Bringing Your Roof Up To Code

  • Your roof may have originally been built to meet decades-old building codes that will no longer apply to new construction. Making necessary repairs may add to the length of your roof installation.

Pests and Mold

  • Especially in humid areas of the country, mold and termite damage may be found during a roof replacement. Whether it’s insects or decay, these problems will need to be addressed before new shingles can be installed.

Poor Roof Design Causing Water Traps

  • Water traps are a common issue that homeowners are often unaware of until a roof replacement takes place. Water traps are areas that are prone to leaks due to runoff areas that direct too much water to one place. Water traps also lead to faster wear on your shingles and other materials like siding or brick. If your contractor uncovers this issue, you can expect to add time to mitigate the problem.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY ROOF IS BEING REPLACED?

Here are a few considerations to make for when your roofer comes to install your new roof:

KIDS

If you plan to be at home during the roof replacement with the kids, be sure to let them know what’s going on, and give them a few extra rules for that time period. Designate certain safe spaces in the house for them to play in, and make sure they know not to go outside to play while the roofers are working. Since roofers have to tear off your old roof, there’s a lot of debris falling off on all sides of the roof, and it’s not safe to have the kids running around below them.

PETS

Whether you’re planning on staying in your home or leaving during your roof replacement, it’s a good idea to consider removing or securing your pets. Even very calm pets can find the roofing process distressing, and may not react well to strangers banging around on their home. At the very least, keep your pets in a quiet room, like the basement, where they can have a little relief from the noise, or consider taking them with you for the day if you’re concerned they won’t react well to the additional stressors.

CARS

Most quality roofers will recommend you park your car on the other side of the street during the roofing process. If you normally park in the driveway, falling debris could hit your car, and if you typically park in the garage, the construction can shake tools and items down from the walls, accidentally hitting your car. It’s best to make sure your car is parked far away from the house while roofers are working, just to be on the safe side.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND LANDSCAPING

Roofing is notoriously messy. While quality roofers will lay down tarps to catch debris and come around with a magnet after the job is done to collect any stray nails, you’ll want to bring in any outdoor furniture, grills, or valuables you have outside your home. Debris can fall from the roof and you’ll want to make sure your items are protected. Additionally, if you have any landscaping around the house you want especially protected, it doesn’t hurt to lay out a few of your own tarps, just to make sure nothing unwanted falls on your landscaped yard.

How Long Does it Take to Replace a Roof?

One of the most common questions people have when their roof is being replaced is how long it will take? Having your roof replaced is a noisy process and home owners are happy to get it done as soon as possible.

For residential homes, roof replacements will usually take two days. The first day is to remove the existing roof from the building. The second day is to install the roof. Depending on the size of the roof a day or two longer may be necessary. If you are reroofing or roofing over your existing roof then you can subtract a day. If some of the plywood on the roof needs replaced additional time may be required.

Commercial roofs can take a few weeks to finish depending on the scope of the project. Some commercial roofs can be installed faster than others. For instance, cold sealed single ply roofs can be installed very fast and installation is generally quiet and noxious fume free.

In general, it will take around a week to get three quotes from different roofers. Then it will take a few days to review their quotes and pick a company. After you sign the paper work, you can expect another few days until the roofer is ready to work on the roof.

Knowing which materials you want to use on your roof will increase the speed of the process. You are usually responsible for picking the roofing material you will use so you can get a head start easily.

Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.

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.

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.

Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online. 

Pay your deductible. Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.

Handle your own claim. A contractor who says they are “a claim specialist” or can “handle your insurance claim” may be breaking the law. In most states, it is illegal for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor who opens the door to potential legal action is not acting in your best interest.

How To Find The Perfect Drywall Repair Services

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Basic Tool List for Minor Drywall Repairs

Need to repair damaged drywall in your home? Use our drywall tools list to get the job done right. It examines the six essential drywall tools you will need.

There’s more to drywall repair than just putting some joint compound on a wall and calling it a day. A drywall contractor has special tools that are used to get the compound smooth and perfectly blended with the wall. If you’re planning to do it yourself, these are the 6 essential drywall tools you will need. But consider the cost – if you purchase all these tools, will the return be worth the investment?

1. Hawks and mud pans

A hawk is a large square sheet of metal supported by a center handle. Mud pans resemble meatloaf pans and have crisp, sharp edges. These tools are used to carry the drywall compound with you while you work. Hawks are the tool of choice for professionals, so they tend to cost a little more. A mud pan will work nicely for occasional repairs.

2. Knife

Plaster repair requires the right kinds of knives. Putty knives range in size from two inches across to more than a foot. The size you need depends on how large a repair you are doing. Nail holes are easily patched with a narrow knife, but larger work over seams or big holes will require a wider blade.

3. Sandpaper

You cannot do a proper patch job with sandpaper. A sanding block is OK, but actual paper with a special hard sanding pad is better. If you will be working on higher areas, invest in a sanding board that you can put an extension on.

4. Sanding sponge

Sanding drywall produces a ton of dust. Small jobs can be finished with a sanding sponge. Used along with a bucket of water, the sponge will eliminate concerns about drywall dust. They should be used with care, however, to avoid removing too much of the compound.

5. Corner tools

Inside corner tools are perfect for finishing off the difficult area in the corner of a room. It will speed up the process of finishing a stretch of drywall. However, it’s not typically required for repairs around the house.

6. Tape

Large repairs, like cracks or seams, should be fixed using tape. The tape will prevent the crack from reappearing and can easily be blended in with the wall. Holes can be covered using special sheets of self-adhesive mesh.

Basic tools for cutting drywall

Drywall can be cut with a T square and utility knifeDrywall is easily cut using simply a drywall utility knife. The basic concept involves scoring through the paper on one side of the sheet of drywall and then bending the board until it breaks the interior gypsum material. You can read a step by step guide to cutting drywall here. You will also want to use a drywall T square as a straight edge as well as a measuring tape. There are of course other tools that allow you to cut drywall but these are the basics.

Basic tools for hanging drywall

Drywall can be installed over wooden studs using either nails or screws as fasteners. When installing drywall on steel studs you must use screws. Therefore you need at least a drywall hammer or an electric drill to install drywall. You can use a cordless drill but you have to be careful not to puncture the drywall paper when setting the screws.

Basic tools for taping and finishing drywall

Taping and finishing drywall patches is done with drywall finishing knives. Good quality taping knives can be purchased for around $12 to $18 each, and a good quality drywall mud pan can be found for around $15 to $20. Some people debate whether stainless steel knives are better than blue steel knives. It basically comes down to the trademan’s preference. On the other hand, stainless steel mud pans are always the best choice.

How to Patch a Medium Hole (anything smaller than six inches)

For a professional finish follow the instructions under Large hole. This method requires finesse to feather the joint compound into the rest of the wall – if not done correctly, you will see a slight bulge in the wall. You must feather the repair area (gradually reduce the thickness outward) when applying the joint compound and in the sanding stage. Use a drywall patch that is slightly larger than the hole that needs to be repaired. You can purchase these at your local hardware store. Look for a kit, which will include everything you need.

Materials: For this job you’ll need a drywall patch and joint compound.

  • Sand and clean the area around the hole where the patch will contact the wall.
  • Apply the adhesive side of the patch to the wall.
  • Cover the patch with a joint compound.
    • Use a crisscross pattern with your putty knife to apply the compound.
    • Apply enough compound to cover the patch and have enough to feather.
    • Once dry, lightly sand and apply another coat.
  • Sand the dry second coat with sandpaper.
    • Feather the edges to blend the repair into the wall.
  • Prime and paint.

Tips Proper Spackling Techniques

Before you start, here’s a brief lesson on spackle. Spackling paste or spackling compound is made of gypsum powder and binders and is used to patch small holes, cracks and other imperfections like dents in drywall, plaster walls, and sometimes in wood. It comes in powdered (mixed with water before application) or paste form, the paste form being the most commonly used and known. Actually, the word Spackle® itself is a registered trademark but it is commonly used to describe spackling compound. It is also sometimes used, erroneously, in reference to drywall joint compound, which is similar but an altogether different product. Joint compound is mostly used to cover joints between wallboard panels and to cover the fasteners and screws used to attach wallboard to studs underneath. It can be used like spackle, but it is better for repairing larger holes and damage that require backing or other reinforcement.

Step 1: Prepare the Spackling Spot,

Helpful Tips

  • Fine-grit sandpaper is good for smoothing down the surface around a hole if there are not too many fragments or a protruding outer edge. Just give it a couple of quick brushes with the sandpaper to smooth it down.
  • If you’re going to spackle over nails or screws that popped through your wall’s paint, use a nailset and hammer to push them in below the wall’s surface.
  • If you’re working on holes of 2″ or greater in diameter, you may need to purchase or make a wall-repair patch and apply it before using joint compound to seal it in place. See Patch and Repaint Walls.

Step 2: Apply Spackling Compound

Helpful Tips

  • Consider using two putty knives — one with a wide blade and one with a narrow blade. Dip the wide knife into the can of spackling compound and use it as a palette. The narrow knife can be used to apply the compound to the damaged area on the wall. You can also scrape excess compound from the narrow knife onto the edge of the wide knife for a cleaner, more controlled application.
  • Always close the spackling compound lid after you’ve taken out what you need. It dries quickly and can be ruined if left exposed to the air.

Step 3: Paint

Safety Alert!

Open the windows to make sure you’ll be priming and painting in a well-ventilated area.

Using Latex Caulk to Fill Small Drywall Cracks

To fill small cracks you need something that is liquid enough to penetrate the crack but drys to a finish that can be painted. The easiest material is a 100% latex caulk and this type of caulk just so happens to be the least expensive too. You will need to use a small rubber spatula to force the caulk into the crack.

First apply a bead to the crack then using a crosshatch pattern work the caulk into the crack. You don’t want to run along the crack or straight against it or you will pull caulk out of the crack rather then force it in.

After the caulk has had about 5 minutes to setup use a damp not wet paper towel and remove any excess caulk from around the crack without actually going over the crack its self.

Painted surfaces especially ones that have paint applied by a roller have a texture so it is important to remove the extra caulk the best you can so the texture will remain.

Why Opt For Professional Upholstery Cleaning

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Upholstery Cleaning Facts For Consumers

What is upholstery cleaning?

From your carpets to your drapes to your furniture, all fabrics need to be cleaned. Cleaning upholstery, or the fabric on your furniture, removes the dirt and oils that are transferred to couches and chairs through regular use. Because furniture upholstery can be delicate and colors can fade easily, it’s often a good idea to let professional sofa cleaners handle the job. They’ll determine the type of fabric — usually cotton, linen, wool, suede or microfiber — and the appropriate method for cleaning it, either steam-cleaning or applying a dry-cleaning solvent. In general, cleaning an entire piece of furniture includes a pretreatment, cleaning, and neutralizing rinse to the body, plus removing and cleaning all cushions and cleaning all crevices.

An upholstery cleaner may clean the entire piece of furniture, on a regular schedule or by request, or do spot treatments to remove pet, food, drink, or oil and grease stains. Furniture can also be deodorized to remove the smell of pets or tobacco smoke. Furniture that’s used often, like that in your family room, should be cleaned once a year to keep it fresh and extend its life. Sofa cleaners often also offer repair services to mend tears in fabric or patch holes in leather.

The Importance of Upholstery Cleaning

Regular vacuuming and wiping down of upholstery furniture is beneficial to keeping the office looking and smelling good. Over time dirt, grime and spills can take their toll on upholstered surfaces, making them look tired and worn out. Deep cleaning will keep upholstery looking like new, and extend the life of the piece.

Office furniture gets more wear and tear than furniture in your home. You spend more time on average at the workplace and track in dirt and allergies all day long. A cleaner, better-looking office provides a better business atmosphere for your employees. Commercial upholstery should also receive a professional deep steam cleaning one to two times a year. This is especially true if pens are dropped frequently on the upholstery leaving ink stains.

When stains get grounded into the upholstery it decreases the life span of the furniture making it look old and unattractive. When furniture does not undergo deep steam cleaning, stains and marks can eventually become permanent. When you hire a professional cleaner, they have special tools to easily remove these stains, making the furniture last longer.

Upholstery naturally collects many different pollutants, especially dust mites. Chairs and sofas that hardly get cleaned have tons of dust on them. The dust is not only on the surface but in the padding deep inside and comes out into the air every time the furniture is used.

Along with dust, upholstery can contain many different types of allergens and harmful organisms such as mold, bacteria, pollen and viruses. These organisms can be released into the environment each time someone sits down on a sofa or chair. Deep cleaning removes many more organisms than a surface cleaning keeping the workplace cleaner for everyone.

General Tips for Cleaning Upholstery

• With any of these techniques, be sure to test an inconspicuous area first (like under a cushion, or on the back side of the skirt) to make sure colors won’t bleed or fade.

• Be sure to avoid getting water or cleaning agents on the wood or metal portions of your furniture, as this could rust, corrode, or cause discoloration.

• These techniques should be used on natural or synthetic woven fabrics. Find out about cleaning leather here.

• If your fabric has an X code, call a professional to clean your upholstery. These services are generally provided in your home, a professional cleaner should be able to give you a general estimate based on the size of furniture and type of fabric that you have.

How to Fix Fading Sofa Fabric

Start spray-painting the sofa at one corner. Move your hand slowly across the fabric, one section at a time, taking care not to leave any unpainted spots. This may require more than one pass over each part of a section. Continue in this painstaking manner until you have solidly spray-painted the entire couch.

Place each cushion on a layer or two of corrugated cardboard. Spray-paint the top and sides in the same careful manner.

Let the paint dry, which typically takes about 72 hours. Spray a second coat onto the sofa in the same manner for further coverage if desired.

Flip the detached cushions over and paint the undersides. Wait another 72 hours for the undersides of the cushions (and an optional second coat) to dry. Place the cushions onto your revitalized couch.

Upholstery Cleaning Facts For Consumers

Did you understand there are many unique forms of carpet and upholstery fabrics and fibers, and they all have their own person cleaning specifications? Additionally depending on the sort of soils localized furniture cleaning using the correct chemical is crucial, and this really should occur just before commencing a basic upholstery cleaning process, to obtain the most effective final results on your highly-priced upholstery just about every time!

By far the easiest fabric to clean is micro-suede normally known as microfibre suede. Some upholstery cleaners contact themselves “Micro-Suede Specialists” but this can be a joke as micro-suede cleans up like brand new almost each and every time! The only stains which might not come out are oil-based soils. Micro-sueue is oleophilic which implies that oil based soils can permanently bind towards the micro-suede fabric and become impossible to get rid of! So take care next time you sit down around the lounge and get pleasure from some tasty oily treats like fried chips or chicken wings, as dropping them on your attractive lounge can leave behind an unsightly permanent stain! Upholstery protection may be applied by your upholstery cleaning skilled if permanent stains are a concern for the furnishings!

Pet or human urine can also pose a important trouble for your upholstery as if left untreated can soak deep inside the fibres and upholstery stuffing, putting it beyond the reach of odour neutralizing agents frequently utilised as part of an expert upholstery cleaning service. Odour neutralizers only work if they are able to reach the urine and chemically neutralize it; in the event the urine has gotten so deep in to the fabric that they cannot reach it, then your upholstery may well smell fresh for any day or two after cleaning but that may soon fade plus the urine smell will return.

As a organic material leather is different again in the other fiber varieties and calls for specialty cleaning to gently separate soils from leather. Cleaning by itself isn’t sufficient as then leather has to be carefully conditioned using the correct oils to restore the skins natural oily texture and preserve your leather feeling and hunting terrific for many years to come! If treated properly leather can outlast all other fabric sorts by a decade or more!

When upholstery is heavily soiled specially on thin material like cushions, a thorough upholstery clean might not be adequate to shift any heavily ingrained soils. In the event the upholstery cleaner uses a lot of chemical or water and is aggressive with their tool they may well make the stains shift, but your upholstery may perhaps take may well longer to thoroughly dry. This trade-off might be prevented by obtaining your upholstery routinely cleaned!

Finding The Right Veterinarian For Your Labrador Retrievers

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Steps To Take When Choosing A Good Vet

Whether you’re a new pet owner or have owned several pets for years, it’s a good idea to select a veterinarian before you actually need one. This way, you’ll be working with someone who you feel comfortable with and seems to have a good rapport with your pet rather than a vet who is simply nearby, open, or listed first in the Yellow Pages

Check Out The Website

Look at each veterinarian’s website for a glimpse of the vet’s personality, staff, and capacity. While someone can be an excellent vet and still have a less-than-impressive website, it’s still a quick way to narrow down a long list

Ask For Recommendations

There are plenty of resources you can use to get recommendations for a vet. Many animal-centered organizations, like pet shelters, boarding businesses, and grooming salons, as well as other pet owners, will generally be happy to provide you with the name of the vet they know and trust.

Understand How The Clinic Operates

Vet clinics can be run using a range of business methods, and you want to find the one that best suits your needs. Call the clinic and speak to the office manager or similar authority figure. Ask questions about hours, overnight care practices, billing details, and any other services associated with the clinic.

Meet With Each Vet

Once you have a short list of possible veterinarians for your dog, make appointments to meet with each vet. Schedule some time to talk with the vets without your pet. Ask a series of questions about important topics, such as their training, whether they participate in continuing education, their approach to treating pets, and the variety of services their vet clinic provides

How to Choose a Veterinarian

I’m going to take a guess that you’d rather not find yourself poking through Yelp reviews for a good vet the morning after your dog has kept you up all night having diarrhea. (Yes, my insight is amazing!) The best time to pick a vet is, of course, before you even have a dog. Or, if you happen to have found the world’s cutest Dogalini on the street, then start looking for a vet about 5 minutes after you get her home. Or, if you’re moving, then start new-vet-shopping right about the time you start to pack.

Ask for Referrals

Your friends probably aren’t vet-evaluating experts any more than you are, but they can tell you whether the vet or the techs in an office manhandle the animals or coax them into cooperating, whether the office returns calls promptly, and how good the vet is at explaining health issues.

Check Qualifications and Expertise

DVMs and VMDs are the general practitioners of the veterinary world. But you’ll find many who treat only “small animals” (a label that stretches to include your 130-pound Mastiff). Also, some vets work mainly with dogs, or cats, or “exotics.” A species-limited vet can be a big plus. Doctors for humans work with just one species, of course, and can usually use words to communicate with their patients. A general practice vet, on the other hand, has to cultivate knowledge about several species, and not one of his patients can say to him, “Doc, it’s a chronic burning pain and it started last Tuesday.” So it can be a big plus if your vet limits her practice to a few species, or just one.

Get a Tour

Call in advance, explain that you’re a prospective client, and set a convenient appointment – you don’t want to show up in the middle of an emergency, or at a just plain busy time. The whole clinic should be clean, of course. Do cut them some slack if a sick animal just vomited, urinated, or defecated, but overall the place shouldn’t reek. On your tour, keep a sharp eye out for the surgery room or suite. It should be squeaky clean, not used for storage or as a hangout for the office cat. If there’s a surgery taking place, you won’t be going in, but take the opportunity to make sure the office practices good sterile technique. Look for a full gown, mask, and gloves, not just a scrub top.

Ask About Pain Management

Weirdly specific, you think? Nope. Not only is pain a huge issue for sick animals, old animals, and animals recovering from surgery, but also how pain is managed tells you a lot about how up to speed a veterinary practice is. Once upon a time, in the Dark Ages, vets used to shy away from pain meds because they believed that animals in pain would remain quiet and thus heal more quickly. Notice I call that the Dark Ages: The truth is that good pain control speeds recovery and lowers the odds of certain complications, both in people and in other animals. As a behavior specialist, I often see pain contributing to aggression and other problems, as well.

Steps to Finding the Perfect Vet

When I adopted my first dog, Ralph, over 10 years ago, I had no idea how to choose a vet. How do you know what kind of practitioner is best for your particular dog, and once you choose one, how do you know if you’ve made the right choice? I complicated matters with several cross-country moves, which meant finding a new vet in a new place each time. We’ve also added to the family with another dog, Radar, and three rascally cats. Needless to say, after many years, many moves, and many veterinarians, I’ve become something of an expert on selecting the perfect vet for my pet family.

Know your pet’s needs in advance

Before you start visiting veterinary practices and asking questions, make a list of priorities for you and your pet. This will help you ask the right questions as you narrow down your options

Here’s my own checklist of veterinarian must-haves (but keep in mind yours may vary depending on your dog):

Knowledge and support for select holistic/alternative treatments, balanced with up-to-date facilities and cutting edge medical technologies and care.

Generous appointment times (I ask a lot of questions, and there’s nothing worse than feeling rushed at the vet).

Support for area pet rescue organizations (it’s important to me that my vet be invested in the local animal welfare community).

Smaller practice. I’m at the vet pretty frequently with my gaggle of pets, so I prefer a place where I know I can see the same doctor every visit and develop a friendly relationship with the staff. Many larger veterinary hospitals offer incredible care (and greater flexibility in scheduling), so it really comes down to personal preference.

How to start (and narrow down) the search

Once you’ve zeroed in on what you want from a veterinarian, it’s time to actually find a few candidates. Good old fashioned word-of-mouth is the best place to start.

Schedule a tour

Once you’ve found one or two potential vets, plan a facility visit without your dog to get a feel for the place itself. Any reputable veterinary practice will be more than happy to show you around and make you feel welcome

Tips for Choosing the Right Vet for Your Pet

When it comes to choosing a vet for your pet, it’s important to choose a veterinarian you can trust, and who you feel you would have a connection with. They’ll be responsible taking care of your best friend’s medical needs to ensure they live a long, happy and healthy life, especially when it comes to emergency care. It makes sense that you take the time to research the vets in your area to find the one that best works for you and your needs.

Establish the kind of care your pet needs

Not all vets treat every type of animal, so you’ll need a vet that deals with your pet’s species. You also need to think about the care that your pet will need. Do they need just routine care, or do they have a specialist condition that will require a different level of care?

Establish the vet’s accreditation and experience

Before you consider any veterinarian practice, check that they’re accredited by the Accreditation Program for Australian Veterinarians (APAV). You may also want to check out the qualifications held by the vet, and the veterinary assistants and nurses. The length of time the staff stay with the practice should give you an indication of the general working environment within the clinic itself.

How attentive are the staff to your pet?

The level of attention a vet gives to both you and your pet is a crucial factor for finding a great vet. If they are not attentive enough, it’s possible that they may miss vital clues of potentially more serious conditions. Take notice of how the vet and the practice staff interact with animals. Do they show a genuine love and concern for animals? How much time are they prepared to spend with your pet assessing any issues.  You’ll be able to judge this from their body language and the way they treat the animals that come into their surgery.

How attentive are the staff to you?

While it’s important to ensure that your pet is getting the right level of attention from the vet, you also need to feel that they’re able to communicate easily with you. A good relationship with your vet relies on communication, shared values, and the feeling that you can ask questions when you don’t quite understand what is going on. You need to feel that your vet will listen to your concerns, and give you confidence in the way they diagnose and treat your pet.

How to Choose a Vet

If you are thinking of getting a pet, or already have one, then it is essential to register with a vet. You should do this while the pet is healthy, because it can take time to find the right vet for you and your animal. Don’t wait until the animal is sick to start looking around. When it comes to choosing a vet you need to balance several factors, including convenience, cost, expert knowledge, and compatibility

Keep your type of pet in mind. Not all vets will treat all species. Make sure the vet has experience with your species of pet. For instance, even if a vet has a very good reputation as a canine vet, this is useless if you own a rabbit, because the two species are very different.

Consider practicality. There is little use in registering with a perfect practice if they are a two or three hour drive away. In an emergency situation you may not have two or three hours’ time to spare. Always consider how quickly you can get to the practice in the event of an emergency.

Decide what services you need your vet to provide. If you have a low income, then cost may be a deciding factor. If your pet has a very specific health issue then you will need a vet that has the equipment, and knowledge, to treat that issue.

Make a list of veterinarians in your area. Do an internet search or look at a telephone directory, or the local press for adverts. Most clinics have websites so go to the website to get an idea of how many staff the clinic has, the facilities, specialities, and for the overall feel of the practice.

Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Parting Thoughts

Picking a car accident lawyer isn’t that different from picking any other professional. Get recommendations, pick someone with experience who you can also tolerate, and choose someone who communicates well with you.

Pick Someone You Can Stand

It might seem trivial, but legal cases can drag on for a long time. If the thought of dealing with a person you dislike for a long period of time makes you shudder, pick someone you’ll actually get along with. After all, you don’t hire a mechanic or a plumber you dislike or distrust.

Pick Someone Who Plays Hardball With Insurance Companies

Car accidents mean dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies want you leaving with as little as possible, so they will offer the smallest settlement they think you will accept.

Choose A Lawyer Who Communicates

Have you ever dated someone who never seemed to take your calls or answer your text messages? It’s frustrating and can sour the relationship, right? The relationship with your lawyer should never look like this.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer

Experience

Ask the lawyer about their experience. Make sure they have specific experience handling car accident cases. You will also want to be sure they have experience arguing cases in court and have a winning track record.

An organized office space

The more organized their office looks, the more organized they probably are. Keep an eye on how their staff does their work and how tidy the lawyer’s desk is. If they have to shuffle through piles of paper in order to find what they’re looking for while their staff struggles to handle incoming calls, they’re probably not very organized, which doesn’t reflect well on their ability to handle your case.

Willingness to provide references

Always ask a lawyer for a list of references you can contact and speak to. These references should speak to the reputation of the lawyer. Even if you don’t contact their references, you can have confidence in the fact that they provided them to you. A lawyer that doesn’t have references or won’t provide you with any should be avoided.

Choosing an Auto Accident Lawyer

How Much Are Auto Accident Lawyer Fees?

Before you hire a lawyer, it is important that you understand the fee arrangement. You must understand how you are supposed to pay the attorney. It is impossible to tell exactly how much work will be required for a case and because of this attorney’s fees can be more or less than originally expected. If you have any concerns about attorney’s fees, be sure to discuss them with them before signing anything.

How Do I Decide on an Auto Accident Lawyer?

After meeting with a lawyer and discussing your case, you will be better prepared to make a decision on whether or not to hire them. After the meeting, ask yourself the following questions.

What Should I Ask when I Meet with a Lawyer?

When you meet with a auto accident lawyer you should have as much detailed information and facts about the car accident and any injuries or financial losses as possible. It is also important that you feel comfortable with him/her. If you feel that you cannot have a positive relationship with them, find another one. There are many lawyers who are happy and willing to help you so be sure to find the right one. If you feel comfortable with them, then here are some questions you should ask.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle

The circumstances of each auto accident will vary almost as much as the resulting damage. Our car accident attorneys handle all types of accident cases. In addition to cases which simply involve violation of traffic laws, we also handle complex cases, such as those resulting from:

  • Drunk or drowsy driving
  • Vehicle rollover
  • Defective roadways or poor signage
  • Defective vehicles
  • Distracted driving
  • Weather conditions

In large cities like Atlanta, Houston, and New York, commuters and pedestrians battle traffic congestion on a daily basis. This increases the chance that even the most careful driver will at some point be involved in a wreck. Getting the right help and advice is the most important thing you can do for your future.

What questions should I ask when I meet with an attorney?

Remember that this is essentially an interview—you are interviewing a prospective contractor to determine if you feel comfortable with this person and whether or not you can trust him or her. Interview several attorneys and law firms as you are searching for a car accident attorney. Ask questions such as:

  • How long have you been practicing law?
  • Do you handle other types of cases or do you focus your practice on car accidents?
  • How many cases do you handle at one time?
  • How do you communicate with clients to keep them informed of the progress in the case?
  • How can I reach you (i.e. telephone, email, cell phone, text, etc.)?
  • Will I always work with you, or will other junior attorneys and paralegals do most of the work on my case?
  • What are the terms of the fee agreement? Do I receive an itemized bill for your services?

Tips To Choose The Perfect Asphalt Shingles Roof For Your House

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How to Select the Best Roof Shingle

Selecting the best roof shingle can be a daunting task. There are many options involved, including shingle composition, style and colors, not to mention price. All of these factors must be weighed into making a shingle decision, and even then, there are variables within variables. Foremost to keep in mind is how long a particular type of shingle will last in your particular climate. Bottom-basement-priced shingles won’t last as long as top-grade shingles, and some types of architectural shingle patterns are more suited to a dryer climate than wet-weather patterns.

Determine the cost. Use a tape measure to measure the approximate square footage of your roof. Shingles are sold by the square, and each square will cover 100 square feet. Measure the length and width of your roof area to determine the square footage. Multiply the results together. For example, a 10- by 18-foot roof equates to 180 square feet of roofing area. Add in 10 percent to cover waste for a total of 198 square feet. You will need two squares for that project. Knowing this will allow you to calculate the cost for any type of shingle that you desire.

Decide on a warranty or how long they will last. In general, the more expensive the shingle, the longer it will last. This will vary with architectural shingles, however. Your cost will be more for these designer shingles, but they may not last as long. Warranties are only as good as the company they were made by. Stick with a known shingle manufacturer instead of some fly-by-night start-up that may guarantee you the moon but not be around long enough to honor it.

Choose the type you want. Asphalt shingles are the standard of the industry and are priced accordingly. They have some of the longest warranties available and are always a good choice for durability and effectiveness

Choose the color that you want. Shingles come in a variety of colors that will fit the decor of any home. Reds, greens, blues, whites and custom colors are available. The darker the color, the more heat will be retained on the roof. A lighter color roof makes for a cooler attic, so if you have usable attic space, a lighter color may be a better choice.

How to choose roofing shingles

Consider your needs and preferences

The best roofing shingles for your home will meet your budget, provide the durability your roof needs, and create the curb appeal you want

Your budget

Your roof may be one of the largest investments you make in your home, and with so many types and styles, you can find shingles that fit a range of budgets.

Durability

All GAF shingles are designed to help protect your home from the elements.

GAF Advanced Protection Shingles

Our most popular Timberline® Shingles feature proprietary GAF Dura Grip™ adhesive that seals each shingle tightly and reduces the risk of shingle blow-off, with a warranty to withstand winds up to 130 mph. Timberline® Shingles have also earned the highest roof fire rating — UL Class A, Listed to ANSI/UL 790.

If wind is a significant part of your area’s weather patterns, our most popular Timberline® Shingles offer all-around durability and performance.  And now, Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology may qualify for WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, the industry’s first wind warranty with no maximum speed limitation when installed with the required combination of GAF accessories

How to Choose High-Quality Asphalt Roof Shingles

A new asphalt shingle roof is a significant investment. To get the most bang for the buck, you’ll want to consider the quality of shingles, the knowledge and skill level of the roofers you intend to hire, and also a few preventative maintenance guidelines. When high-quality asphalt roof shingles are correctly installed and well maintained, they can last for decades

Though getting the best asphalt roof shingles for your project isn’t too complicated, choosing the right shingles involves more than just considering style and color. Now, we invite you to read on for the best tips on how to select and maintain asphalt shingles.

Fiberglass Shingles – Fiberglass shingles are made from a woven fiberglass mat coated with top-and-bottom layers of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. Since these shingles have a higher fire rating (typically Class A, while organic shingles only garner B or C) and are more durable than their organic counterparts, they come with extended warranty. Additionally, today’s manufacturers make available Energy Star certified fiberglass shingles, which keep buildings cooler and reduce air-conditioning costs

Organic Shingles – Traditionally consisting of cellulose fiber (e.g. recycled waste paper or wood) saturated with asphalt, organic shingles are coated with a mixture of asphalt and mineral fillers. Compared to fiberglass shingles, organic shingles are costlier, heavier, thicker, and less environmentally friendly due to the high asphalt content. Because these shingles absorb more water than fiberglass shingles, they deform more as they age

Choose the Right Style

One thing good about asphalt roof shingles is that they are made so many colours and styles some even look like other types of roofing materials. Before opting for a particular style, it’s essential to know that fiberglass and organic shingles are further divided into two categories

How to Choose the Color of Roofing Shingles

Your roof is one of the most important parts of the exterior of your home, and choosing the best color for your shingles will ensure that your home looks beautiful. In general, roofs last about 20 years, so you might be stuck with the shingle color for quite a while. To make an informed decision, you should consider your home style, the look that you want to achieve, and the climate where you live.

Choose a color that pairs well with the color of your house. Shingles can create contrast with your siding materials, or they can blend in with the other design features of your home. If you want to go the traditional route, stick with gray, brown, or black shingles. For a contrasting pop of color, opt for reddish-orange shades or lighter tan colors

Accentuate the architectural style of your home with your shingles. Drive around several neighborhoods to get an idea of what color of roofing would look best on your home. Look for houses with a similar shape, exterior, and color as yours. Note which roofing and siding pairings seem to look the most appealing to you, and search online for houses that are architecturally similar to yours

Install a “cool roof” to make your home more energy efficient. Opting for an energy efficient roof can lower the temperature of your attic by 20–40 °F (−7–4 °C). If you live in a warm climate, install this type of roof to help lower your electricity bills and improve the longevity of your roofing materials

Check rules about shingle colors if you live in a residential neighborhood. If you have a local homeowners association, read their rules carefully to make sure your choice of roofing color does not violate any regulations. Even if you don’t have set rules to follow, think about how your roof will look alongside your neighbor’s house

Roofing Calculator – Estimate your Roofing Costs

The roof accounts for as much as 25 to 40 percent of your home’s visible exterior and plays a key role in how your home is perceived from the street. That’s why it is crucial to pick the right shingle color, especially if you want to enhance your home’s overall curb appeal and present it in the best possible light

What to expect: This guide offers practical and proven tips for choosing the right asphalt shingle color to achieve that WOW effect in highlighting the beauty of your home. The advice provided below will help your achieve visual harmony with respect to how well the roof color integrates with the rest of your home’s exterior and its surrounding environment. Let’s get started.

Coordinate with Siding and Shutters

Interior designers don’t randomly pick pretty colors for flooring, cabinets, countertops and walls without regard to the big picture.

Know When to Use Color Blends

Asphalt shingle lines are produced in solid colors and blends. For example, CertainTeed Landmark shingles in Hunter Green show no variation. They’re just deep green

Now, here’s the blending principle: The plainer the siding is, the more a blended color pattern is needed to make your home look interesting and appealing. A solid black roof on a home with dark brown wood siding creates a boring combination

How To Paint Stucco Repairs The Right Way

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Stucco Repair Contractors

Stucco is one kind of plaster coating that can be used both on the surface of the building inside or outside. It is actually a plaster of Portland cement. Stucco is such plaster that doesn’t need that much of maintenance. However, it is a very sustainable, cheaper, hard, fungal resistant and durable plaster you can ever have. Stucco plaster can be prepared by the mixtures of Portland cement, sand and water together. It can be applied through the automated machine or manually into the interior or exterior part of the building or wall.

Choosing the Right Stucco Repair Contractors

Whenever you face any problem with your stucco plaster, you can contact with any good stucco repair expert. They can suggest you the best way to fix any problem regarding stucco plaster. As a homeowner, you may face various type of problems with you stucco plaster. Improper application or coating of stucco plaster can cause rotting of wood under the coat, cracking, bubbling of paint, an infestation of insects and much more. You will be amazed that, the level of humidity within the home can also be increased for the damaged stucco plaster. So before you choose an expert stucco contractor, you should check the company where he has come from. Because, a good stucco repair company will definitely hire a good or a group of good stucco contractors. You also should check out the background profile of a contractor before you impose any repair work.

These are some basic listings you should definitely check before you choose any contractors to repair the stucco problem. Repairing stucco is an important job to do as fast as you face any problem. You must go to a contractor for immediate stucco installation, to repair stucco cracks, for stucco patch repair, stucco wall repair and much more. The stucco repair cost varies. The cost depends on the company or contractor you are willing to go for. Some companies or contractors can provide the best service at a lower cost.

So, before you choose any stucco repair contractor, you should check these certain things first. There are many stucco contractors in your area but you always have to choose the best one to get the best and reliable service.

Tips for Choosing the Right Stucco Contractor

Whenever you’re in need of a stucco contractor, whether it’s for stucco repair or you need completely new siding for your home, you should choose your contractor carefully. It’s important to take the time to research contractors and filter through them or you could end up receiving sub-par service. This could result in you having to hire a second contractor to fix what the original one had done. So, before you hire a stucco contractor for your project, be sure that you are taking the necessary steps.

RESEARCH MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS

The first thing to avoid is hiring the first stucco contractor that pops up in a Google search. While you may end up actually hiring that contractor, you still want to research a handful of different companies before making a decision. The main thing you should look for is a company that specializes in stucco. General contractors may offer stucco services, but a contractor that specifically specializes in stucco will deliver the high-quality results you want.

ASK FOR BIDS

Before you make a decision about which contractor you’re going to hire, you’ll want to ask at least a handful of them to send you bids for the project. This will allow you to compare prices, experience, and estimated project timelines of each contractor. Remember, the cheapest price is not always the best option. Take a look at each bid carefully and try to narrow your choices down to two or three contractors.

ACQUIRE REFERENCES

Once you have your choices narrowed down, you should ask each of the remaining contractors for a list of references. The only way to truly know how well a contractor will do the job is by seeking advice from previous customers. Ask each of the references how their projects were handled from start to finish. They will be able to tell you how the contractor communicates throughout the project and how friendly or accommodating they were. At this point, you should be able to select the contractor that you would be most comfortable working with.

ASK ABOUT THE PROCESS

Once you’ve chosen the stucco contractor for your project, you should ask what the process will be like from start to finish. This means asking when they will begin and end their work on a daily basis. You may also want to ask about what happens when the project is complete. Most stucco contractors will ensure your property is left exactly how they found it but be sure to ask how your contractor plans to clean up after the work has been completed. You may be told that a dumpster will need to be placed in your driveway throughout the project. This will be something you and your family need to plan around. It is strongly recommended that you get the entire scope of the project in writing. This is good for both parties so there is no confusion about any phase of the stucco installation or repair.

Stucco Contractors : How to Choose the Right One

Whether you need specific stucco repair or your entire house exterior needs a facelift, you’ll probably find yourself looking to hire a stucco contractor. Being that this is an issue most people only encounter once or twice in a lifetime, if at all, you most likely don’t have the phone number for one handy. You may ask a friend or coworker if they know anyone, but you shouldn’t hire someone on a whim. As with most things, you want to evaluate your options to ensure you’re hiring the right stucco contractor for your needs.

RESEARCH MORE THAN ONE STUCCO CONTRACTOR

Don’t just do a google search and pick the first name that comes up, or the one closest to you. While these may, in fact, be the ones you ultimately choose, it’s wise to compare and contrast several different contractors.

In addition, be sure that you’re looking specifically for a stucco contractor, and not a general home improvement contractor. While the latter may be able to get the job done, a contractor specializing specifically in stucco will be more qualified to handle the project. They’ll have a wider knowledge base in this specific area, especially concerning products or possible problems.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION

Once you’ve narrowed down your options to two or three contractors, it’s not a bad idea to reach out them for further information. Most contracting companies encourage potential customers to contact them if the customers are interested in hiring for a job, or have questions. You can inquire more about specific materials used, whether or not they sub-contract the work, if they get their supplies direct from the manufacturer, etc.

GET AN ESTIMATE, AND THEN SOME

You want to get an estimate from your stucco contractor, but consider going a little further than that. Ask when they can start the work, and how long they think it will take. Your stucco contractor probably won’t be able to begin work right away, but they should be organized enough to give you an idea of the start date.

Invest Some Time When Choosing a Stucco Contractor

When a home improvement project requires a stucco contractor, most homeowners will likely not have the names and phone numbers of any installers stored in their computer, smartphone, or address book.  Since the need for a stucco contractor may be a once-in-a-lifetime circumstance, the first reaction of a homeowner might be to ask a friend or a family member if they or someone they know could recommend a reputable company

While this could provide a viable lead, it will in all likelihood merely scratch the surface of what will be needed to make a comfortable and informed decision on the contractor who will ultimately be awarded the project.  In other words, it would be prudent to invest some time in doing research, or homework, before settling on a stucco contractor – and while there are indeed several stucco companies to choose from in Toronto and the GTA, homeowner diligence upfront will pay dividends in the long run from the standpoint of return on investment.

First and foremost, it is suggested that homeowners obtain a minimum of three written estimates from various stucco companies – this is no different than shopping around for a new roof, interior/exterior painting, or kitchen renovations.  While this may seem like a somewhat tedious process, it is an important element in making an informed decision on how the money will be invested – and should any contractors hesitate or outright refuse to provide a written quote, this should be a ‘red flag’ to direct research time elsewhere.

Stucco installations represent a substantial financial investment, and choosing the right stucco contractor is vital to achieving both the desired look and the best return on that investment. Therefore, dedicating an appropriate amount of time for research/homework before making a final decision would also be a wise investment.

Ready to Answer All of Your Questions

A reputable stucco company, such as Canadian Stucco, should basically anticipate that potential customers will want and need to know this type of information and be willing to respond openly and honestly.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST STUCCO COLOR FOR YOUR HOME

It’s all about curb appeal

whether you’re adding stucco to your home’s exterior or changing the color of old stucco, the color you choose can affect your home’s curb appeal. Much like picking a stucco texture, choosing the right stucco color for your home can be a little overwhelming. If you’re worried about picking the wrong stucco color for your house or are having trouble visualizing how your home will look with the color scheme you’re considering, then this article is here to help you.

Getting Started

When choosing the best stucco color for your home or building, it is probably a good idea to first purchase some samples and do a comparison board. Sure, this may seem like overkill, but wouldn’t you rather find out that hot pink color you fell in love with isn’t going to look so good on your home before your stucco contractor installs 2,000 square feet of it?

Ideally, you should use the same material for your sample board that will actually be on the exterior of the house, because the color will often vary a bit depending on what it is being applied to. Once you have your sample board, take it to the building site and figure out which stucco color looks best against that particular environmental backdrop.

Stucco Basics

Stucco base coats are usually a cement-based, plaster-like compound that goes on the outside of your home. Whether you’re using a “one-coat” (which usually is actually a two-coat) or a three-coat stucco system, the final coat is called the finish coat. The finish coat can be cement or acrylic based (I recommend acrylic because of its flexibility). You can purchase a stucco finish coat that already has the color mixed in it, or you can pick a color and paint it later (I recommend getting it pre-mixed for a more uniform look).

Location, Location, Location

You ever hear the phrase, “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate? Well, the location of your home is often important when determining the best choice of exterior stucco color, as well.

LED Downlights Switches Installation Guidelines

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HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ELECTRICAL SWITCHES FOR A SMALL WORKSPACE

There is no doubt that a safe workplace ensures a safe workforce – and the one aspect that plays a big role in safety at work is the use of right electrical switches. This is especially true when you are dealing with a small workspace where the switches are used frequently and over long working hours. While there are a plethora of elements that come to play in choosing electrical switches, read on for the most prominent factors you need to keep in mind to design a small office.

The type of switch

From switches exclusively designed for machinery to aesthetically pleasing ones that complement your office decor, there is a multitude of types to choose from for a small workspace. Mentioned below are some of the common types of electrical switches that strike the right balance between functionality and practicality.

Toggle Switches

Not only are toggle switches unique but they are also user-friendly because they have only one output and input. An electrical circuit is opened and closed when the switch is moved back and forth. The easy-to-use nature of this switch makes it ideal for workspaces, especially due to the simple mechanism it offers. These type of switches are also used in certain types of machinery and electronic planes.

Multi-Location Switch

Multi-location switches add value to small workspaces as they can be installed in many locations at the same time with multiple access points. This type of switch is an interconnection between two or more electrical switches. They are ideal for hallways or open spaces and add to safety and convenience. In fact, they are the most preferred choice for small workspaces because if one component fails the other switch can be used to control the fixture.

Double-Pole Switches

Unlike single-pole switches which can only break the connection between terminals for a single fixture, double-pole switches are used to control two fixtures. This type of switch is ideal for a small workspace because it can control two fixtures without having the need to install a separate box for each fixture. Additionally, the fixtures are mechanically operated by the same button making it easy to install, operate and replace if necessary. The usability of double-pole switches is what makes them a good choice for small organisations where two fixtures can be operated at the same time.

factors for finding the perfect switch for your application

The process of selecting switches does not always receive the time and attention it deserves. Given the relatively low cost and simple nature of most switches, often they are selected without full consideration of the features and functionality they offer. Depending on the application, there are certain parameters that will guide a designer to choose a particular switch, but amidst the myriad of options that are available it is all too easy to be led astray.

Driven by Data

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) is generating vast amounts of data across all sectors. This data needs to be stored or, more often, communicated. The necessity of accommodating the required antennas, transmitters and additional circuitry can have a drastic impact on the space available for operational, detection and data collection components, such as switches. Despite this, switches must still interface with the user, while also withstanding harsh environments and aggressive interaction. Manufacturers of medical equipment, for example, are increasingly focusing their investments on developing the systems and platforms to store, correlate and analyze this data. Designers must therefore carefully select switches that are capable of meeting demanding specifications, including miniaturization and low power consumption.

Meeting Physical Demands

With the growth of wearables, the demand for switches is growing. While wearable devices have been around for some time, there are different philosophies when it comes to designing devices for different industries. Components within medical wearable devices, for example, need to be resilient against rough treatment and environmental challenges, while also working the first time, every time. The challenge for designers is to ensure that every individual component is fit for purpose within the demanding environments in which these machines operate. Switches are a vital part of the interface between a user and a device, so when it comes to ensuring consistent performance, long life and quality of the switches, making the correct choice is crucial.

Form Factor

Within the industrial sector, for example, switches are used in a variety of applications including CNC machine controls, safety and position sensors, battery chargers, power supplies and gas detection equipment, to name but a few. One thing they all have in common is that space is limited on the PCB, both when it comes to height and footprint. This form factor is becoming increasingly important as the functionality of devices increases, making the real estate on the PCB even more valuable.

Electrical Rating

Another crucial consideration for switch choice is the required signal current. There is a great variety in electrical requirements depending on the product design, with some switches needing to handle low signal currents for PLCs and microprocessor inputs, while some need to handle higher currents in order to actuate relays.

CHOOSING LIGHT SWITCHES FOR YOUR HOUSE

Types of Light Switches

Single Pole / 1-Gang Switch: This type of light switch is considered to be one of the most commonly used ones in Singapore. As such, a single pole switch uses a simple on and off toggle in order to control devices, receptacles, and lights from a single location. Flipping this switch on single pole models either connects or disconnects the circuit. You are required to wire the switch in a correct direction to ensure that the markings match the position of the light switches. Single-pole light switches are also likely to have two brass screws on either side of the switch. These brass terminals then house the incoming and outgoing hot wire. Additionally, a green ground terminal can also be found in such light switches.

3-Gang Switch: This kind of light switch usually comes in pairs and allows you to properly turn the lights on and off from two different locations. Usually, a 3-way switch is ideally installed in long hallways. A 3-way switch design is considered to be more complicated than other kinds of switches out there.

Double-Way Switch: Like single-pole light switches, a double-pole light switch also has a green ground screw and uses an on/off toggle and controls devices such as receptacles and lights from a single location. With its four brass terminals, it can effectively house two different hot wires. This indicates that these double-pole models can switch to a 240-volt circuit. Remember to hire a certified electrician in Singapore if you are thinking of installing double-way switches. This ensures that the light switches are properly and professionally installed.

Water heater switches usually come in 20amp and are recommended to be installed by a qualified electrician. This is because a water heater switch needs to be correctly wired to the water heater, as well as, your home’s circuit breaker or DB Box.

Dimmer switches are commonly installed for lights that have ambience lighting. Dimmer switches can come in many classic styles to fit the design of your home perfectly. It is best to replace or install a new dimmer switch if it emits a crackling sound, produce sparks, produces a flickering light, or simply not performing as well as it should be.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Enterprise Switches

Nowadays, to set up an enterprise network, network switches for enterprise are necessary, connecting the users in local geography such as an office, departments or buildings connected to each other and allowing data transferring to the assigned devices. It is an indisputable fact that Ethernet switches matters a lot in an enterprise network, no matter it is small or large-sized. Before you make your choice of buying enterprise switches, here are some criteria you need to consider.

Map out the Enterprise Network

The most critical thing you should make clear is your requirements including the network size, the purpose of the network, the devices which will be connected to the switches and the future network planning.

Evaluating Enterprise Switches

After deciding the enterprise network architecture, you should get some information about enterprise switches which will help you better choose the switches you will deploy. If you are aware of the switch specifications, you can skip this part and go directly to the next which will give your suggestions on evaluating switch suppliers.

Port Speeds and Cabling Connections

There is a wide range of network switches available in the market. 1 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 GE, 40GE and 100GE ports are all supported by the modern enterprise switches. These interfaces can be a combination of RJ45 ports for copper connectivity and SFP or SFP+ uplink ports with higher speeds for fiber connectivity. In terms of the cabling connections, Ethernet connections with standard RJ45 ports can be more economical. Sure the network switch interface selection is influenced by the installed cabling. If you have already installed Cat6 or Cat6a cabling, then choose switches with RJ45 ports; If multiple fiber cabling is installed, then choose switches with SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ ports. Despite the fact that Cat6 cable running from the access closet may be less expensive, the distance it can reach will be limited.

Installation Environments

Based on the environment where you are going to install switches, the switch size, the operating temperature, relative humidity are all your considerations. In a place where space is limited, you must examine the switch dimensions and ensure the rack space is adequate for the switch deployment. If the temperature of the installation environment is either too hot or too cold, it is necessary to check and choose the switch which can operate in a harsh environment. Also, be careful about the moisture migration and penetration caused by high humidity which will impact the operation of the devices.

How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Installing a dimmer switch is one of the easiest DIY electrical projects you can do. Read these steps on how to install one in your home.

ControllingControlling the level of lighting in a room is a great way to set a mood. While you may want brighter light for reading, you might want less light for watching TV, and perhaps even a third level of light for a romantic evening at home. Dimmer switches can accommodate all of these circumstances.

Make Sure Switches and Light Bulbs are Compatible

Not too long ago, the only dimmer switches you could buy were rheostats that reduced the amount of electricity going to the light by turning some of it into heat at the switch.

How to Wire a Dimmer Switch

One difference between dimmer switches and regular switches is that with the latter, the house wires attach directly to the switch. Most dimmers, on the other hand, come with integral wire leads that connect to the house wires using wire nuts.

What Are Three-Way Dimmers?

A three-way circuit controls a light from two locations and requires special switches. Four-way circuits are similar but control the light from three or more locations. Rather than using cable with two insulated wires (one black and one white) plus a bare ground, these circuits use cable with three insulated wires (black, white, and red) plus a bare ground.