Month: June 2013

Choosing Between Aluminum and Vinyl Fencing

Every type of fencing material has advantages and disadvantages associated with it.  What is right for a homeowner is not necessarily desired for a business owner.  Your needs and wants will help you decide between the multitudes of materials that fencing can be purchased in.  This article will take a look at vinyl fencing and decorative ornamental aluminum fencing.

 

Vinyl fencing has an advantage over aluminum in the area of privacy.  Most styles of aluminum fencing have spindles that leave a certain sized gap between the railings that vinyl fencing can avoid.  Vinyl fencing can be purchased as a privacy fence without any gap.  If you live in a subdivision and you are looking for privacy pool fencing, vinyl might be the way to go around your pool.  However, if you already have privacy fencing surrounding the outer edge of your landscape, decorative aluminum pool fencing can be an attractive addition to the pool area to keep the area safe when adults are present and kids are playing in the backyard.

 

As far as maintenance is concerned both vinyl and aluminum fencing are low maintenance.  Vinyl can be kept looking good and fresh with some warm, soapy water.  Ornamental fencing can be power washed and returned to its natural state easily as well.

 

When it comes to having an entire fence and gate system installed vinyl looses when it comes to needing a larger gate. Large gates in vinyl are just not a secure as their aluminum counterparts.  If you are looking into an electronic access gate by all means look into aluminum.  It is hands down the better choice for large gated entry access ways and also can handle a variety of access control systems and control operators including slide gate operators and swing gate operators.

 

When it comes to the price of material, vinyl and aluminum run right around the same cost.  The price increases in relation to the size and decorative features that are added on to the fencing.  For both vinyl and aluminum fencing you can add designer post covers and spindles.  The best way to compare for your yard is to have a professional fence installer out to evaluate and estimate the property in both materials with the features you would want to make the fence exactly what you desire.

 

Both materials come in a wide variety of colors.  Ornamental aluminum can be special ordered in basically any color imaginable.  Vinyl traditionally comes in white.  Manufactures are starting to produce imitation wood grain as well.

 

As with any home improvement purchase, there are advantages and disadvantages.  In this instance the benefits and drawbacks are really left up to personal preferences.  One does not stand out as a clear winner when it comes to a fencing material.  Vinyl fencing is great for privacy where as aluminum fencing seems to be better in regards to security.  For pool fencing I would think the decorative aluminum pool fencing would be a better choice as the gate systems seem to provide better and more fool proof locking systems than what is found in vinyl gate systems.

Consider An Automatic Entry Gate For Your Home or Business

There are a multitude of reasons that homeowners and business owners alike would consider having an automatic entry gate installed.  Electric gates are something that need to be installed with a detailed plan as many details involved are lifestyle orientated.  Many clients begin researching automatic gates and fencing for security reasons.  Only later do they discover the added benefits that an electronic access entry gate brings to the property.  Below are some reasons to think about adding an automated gate to your landscape.

When more than one child is playing in the yard at a time it is often easy to lose track of them. Many times when the kids are out in the yard one will want to be on the swings in the back and one in the front with the garden.  Here in lies the issue of having eyes in more than one place at a time.  Installing a fence and gate system surrounding your property would give structured boundaries for the children.  A closed gate would make it near impossible for the child to leave the yard area.  This is also true in relation to pets.

Security is one of the main reasons people begin to look into electronic gates.  Think about all the random people who come up and knock on your door in a day.  Wouldn’t it be nice to not have unwanted visitors?  Also, a gate would eliminate the random people stopping just to check out your property.  People exploring your property would be a thing of the past.  It will also deter thieves as a gate and fence system provides quiet the obstacle in getting anything worth value out of the home undetected.

Gate and fence systems also keep unwanted animals out of the yard and pets inside.  Deer and rabbits are big culprits in ruining the hard work and effort that goes into landscaping and gardens.  Keep your yard safe from unwanted intrusions by adding fencing as well as the automatic gate entry.  Fencing comes in a variety of material from decorative aluminum fencing to wooden picket fencing.

Fence and gate access are one of the upgrade you can make in your yard that you can actually recoup when you sell your home.  An automatic gate adds value to the property as well as appeal to the buyers. Consider how nice it would be to sell your home for more and quicker.

Privacy is something that is often desired amongst homeowners.  Privacy fencing can be purchased and installed along with a closed gate.  This maintains privacy and helps reduce noise.  This is especially important in high traffic areas with a lot of noise pollution and in over populated subdivisions.  If you live in a community with “community rules” you will want to check with the home owners association before purchasing and installing privacy fencing as some communities foster an open air feel.

A fence is a super nice luxury to have installed and the benefits are unique to each household and business.  Before committing to a style check out all of the options in gate mechanics and access control systems.  Not only do you have to consider the material, style and aesthetics but also how it will function and what mechanisms will be the most convenient for your household.

Choosing The Perfect Wedding Bands

One of life’s most meaningful events is your wedding day.  The day you marry that one person that will always be with you, fighting the battles good and bad.  The one piece of jewelry that symbolizes it all is your wedding bands, the promise of never-ending devotion. The stress that comes along with the wedding is enough so choosing a wedding band should be one of the fun and joyous parts. Below you will find some easy tips to help you and your partner find the perfect wedding bands.

The first tip is to narrow the choices down to just a few pieces.  Wedding rings/bands are one of the few, if not the only piece of jewelry that you will shop for together and wear every day.  There are some choices you need to make together before you hit the jewelry stores.  Decide upon a metal that you can both love forever.  Do you like yellow or white metals? Do you like something simple, classic or something that says something, a statement?

Don’t wait till the last minute to shop for wedding bands.  Start sooner than later so that you don’t end up settling in the end.  Once you have discussed the basics above start heading out to stores to get a feel for rings. Another place to look is online.  Online jewelry retailers can often afford to offer lower costs because their overhead is not as large as chain stores.  Research, browse, budget and examine pieces that you are considering several times before making a final decision.

Another thing to remember is that wedding bands don’t have to match.  The groom can choose yellow while the bride wears platinum.  The rules regarding wedding pieces don’t exist anymore.  Brides need to consider their engagement rings if they would like to wear the two pieces together.  Consider having one element or aspect that matches on the rings that bring them together.  Consider an inscription or having the rings engraved with the same verse or saying.

Consider the budget that has been set aside for the wedding and wedding jewelry.  The choice of metal and details will depend upon your budget. Consider the budget especially if you would like custom wedding jewelry.  Custom designs and intricate pieces will cost more.  If you have a low budget consider simple matching bands for now and later on down the road when you are ready to renew those vows consider an upgrade.

Think practically when considering a wedding ring/band.  Seriously a pretty piece will bring you no value if it is uncomfortable to wear and needs to be removed often.  The band is to be worn all day, every day.  If you work day in and day out with your hands consider that something simple might hold up better during your day to day life.

Although trendy pieces are okay make sure to think about the piece and how it will look in the future.  Is this going to be a piece you will want to wear in fifteen years?  Do you ever look at the jewelry that is being worn by the elder women in your family and instantly can date the piece back to the decade they were married in?  This is just one more thing to think about when purchasing your wedding band and ensuring the piece holds up to the longevity of the bond you are embarking on.

 

Cleaning Your Pool Like a Professional

Spring is a great time to get pool repairs taken care of. Gunite swimming pools need maintenance and taken care of those larger projects is better before the pool is open, filled and inconveniencing the fun a pool brings to your backyard in the summer. The summer season brings a whole new level of care and maintenance to having a swimming pool, including daily cleanings. Many families hire a professional pool cleaning service to come in and clean the tile, caulking and cement. In this article we will show you that it is possible to clean your own pool in under an hour with reasonably priced tools that are readily available.

Step 1: Clean the surface of the pool water with a pool skimmer.

Clear off the water’s surface. Skim off fallen leaves, beetles, flies, floating frogs and ordinary debris that have collected. You will want to empty the skimmer in a plastic trash bag and throw the debris in a closed trash can. Small critters and leaves decaying is not pleasant to smell. Continue this process until you have removed all of the debris.

Step 2: Scrub the sides and bottom of the pool to loosen and remove build up.

Pool wall cleaning brushes are specially designed long bristle brushes that are made to curve up and down the walls of the pool as well as the bottom. The pool broom will loosen up the dirt, debris, grime and oils that have settled and collected on the walls and floor of the swimming pool marcite. The next step is to use the pool skimmer/net to collect all the debris that is now floating around on the top of the swimming pool water and again place it in a trash bag and dispose of it.

Step 3: Clear out the pump basket and thoroughly clean all of the garbage that has accumulated.

The first step in cleaning out the pump is to turn off the pool pump. Remove the pump basket and pull it out and empty out any built up debris. This will help make sure that the filtration system is running smoothly. While the basket is out it is a good time to check it over and make sure there are no cracks in the oil ring. Put everything back in place and turn the pump back on. Look around the ground around the pump and make sure that nothing is leaking.

Step 4: Vacuuming the swimming pool.

More time than not the cleaning brush will be enough to clean out the pool. If the pool looks dirty after the cleaning brush and skimmer have been used it is time to pull out the vacuum. Make sure the pool vacuum is attached and a strong suction is created. Run the vacuum along the sides and bottom of the pool just as you would household carpet. Use slow and steady strokes throughout the process to ensure that you have reached every spot. There is no need to go through the hassle of cleaning the pool and getting the vacuum out if you aren’t going to do a thorough job.

Step 5: Balance the chemicals of the water.

The chemicals in the pool are so important to the overall health of the pool water and pools plaster. Purchase a tester to test the levels of the chemicals in the pool water. Add alkaline and chlorine to ensure the water is at a hundred percent. If the balance is off it can harm the marcite surface of the pool. The plaster is the hard shell of the pool so it is important to keep it in shape and you can do this with the correct ph of the pool.
Give yourself a solid hour, follow each of the above steps to the tee and you will have yourself a sparkling clean pool ready for the family to jump in and enjoy!

Tree Removal Specialists and Stump Grinding

Hiring a tree removal service company can be an interesting process to say the least.  Everyone thinks they are a specialist when it comes to whipping out a chain saw and hacking away at the trees in your yard.  Try this, I dare you.  Go outside, start a chainsaw and I can guarantee that within fifteen minutes at least a few guys from the neighborhood will be out asking if you need help cutting the trees in your yard down.  Mind you these are not the people you want to trust with this high priority job.  If a tree falls on your house, injures someone or something you will not be covered by your insurance.  Stupidity is not covered.  Professional tree removal service companies have the proper tools, insurance, crew and machinery to ensure the job goes as planned.  When is the last time you have known a random group of men with chainsaws to have a plan?  That’s right – NEVER! Not to mention the unsightly stump that will be present after the job is complete in their eyes.

With that being said it is important to hire professionals that are insured, trained and specialized in tree removal techniques and stump grinding.  The best bet for any homeowner is to have several estimates regarding the issues within your landscape.  A professional will not try to talk you into removing trees that don’t need to be removed.  That is of course you as the homeowner have reasons to have the trees brought down.  Many healthy trees need a good trim every few years to clean up the dead limbs and branches that occur.  Every expert will have an opinion and a fee associated with it.  This is important to help you think clearly about what you actually want for your yard and space.  They often present options that home owners may not have considered.

If your decision is based solely on price alone make sure to determine if stump grinding is included in the package price.  Stump grinding is a long and tedious process for a homeowner and requires a lot of effort.  To be the most cost effective consider that each stump ground out by a professional will usually run between $90 and $150 to remove. To rent a stump grinder you are looking at about $190 for an entire day.  It will take you the day don’t think this is a four hour rental job.  Depending on the number of stumps you have to grind and the time that will be put into the job you can determine what option is most cost effective.

If you do decided to grind the stumps down on your own you can guarantee the neighbors will hide at this point.  This is not nearly as “fun” as dropping a tree. Call miss dig at least three or four days in advance of grinding as they will mark any lines to be aware of in the ground. When renting the stump grinder determine that the blade is sharp and the directions clear on how to operate the machine before leaving the rental place.  When you get the machine home there are several steps to take to ensure that a proper, safe job is done.

The first attack on the stump will not involve the grinder at all. That is correct, get ready with a shovel or mattock and begin removing rocks from all around the base of the stump.  Rocks cause the cutting wheel blade to get dull and could possible damage the blade causing a large time delay in actually removing the stump from the yard.  Make sure you are starting on a stump that has been cut as close to the ground as possible. This will help to make the process move along faster.

The wheel of the grinder should be placed about 3 to 5 inches above the stump to begin with.  It is best to start grinding at the front edge of the stump and lower the wheel into the stump, starting at 3 inches and going till about 5 inches. You will cut around the entire stump in this manner.  You will slowly move the wheel to the left and right which will cause the wood debris to begin clearing out.  If you are not worried about the root system of the tree you can stop at grinding around the tree until you have created a 4 or 5 inch deep hole.  At this point there will be a hole that can be filled with top soil, tamped down and covered with grass seed.  Hay will help hold the seed in place temporarily while it begins to sprout.

Tree and stump removal is a process that should be left to the professionals. So many things can go wrong if not done correctly including damage to property and life.  Professionals are insured and trained to take on tricky tree removal situations. They have the proper equipment to ensure a smooth, accident free job is done. Why chance it that is what I say.

 

 

 

Tips On Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney

Most people don’t ever consider the fact that one day they may need a lawyer.  No one wakes up and says, “Today looks like a good day to get myself arrested.”  When it comes time to get a lawyer it is not something that is planned out.  Although selecting the right attorney for your case instantly becomes one of the biggest decisions you will make.  There are many things that go into selecting the right attorney for your case starting with finding someone that concentrates on the area of law in which you are finding yourself in trouble.

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney can be the most difficult issue in the whole nightmare.  You will want to choose an attorney that can represent you to the fullest level of service needed in a defense case along with taking into account their previous record, ability, price and practice experience.   When you find the right attorney you will know.  The combination of your case and your attorney will come together and fit like a glove.

If you are charged with a crime don’t settle for any attorney that your friends and family may know.  You want an attorney that specializes in criminal defense.  This is important as they have experience with prosecutors that other attorney’s don’t have.  A criminal attorney that has experience has probably handled cases similar to yours before and therefore can get concessions some attorneys may miss.  Attorneys now a day have websites that can help direct clients in the types of law they are experienced in.  A website is a great way to view the types of work and cases the attorney is familiar with before setting up an initial meeting.

There are several different concentrations criminal attorneys can specialize in.  Some tend to focus more on drunk driving cases, while some take on cases of rape and violent crimes.  It is not required that criminal defense attorneys specialize in one certain area of criminal law. What you are looking for is to find a defense attorney that is willing to put time and effort into representing your case as a unique case.

Many people charged with crimes have limited resources and settle for a public defender.  When it comes to your freedom a public defender is not the best option for you.  Public defenders are trying to juggle several cases if not hundreds of cases at a time for the state.  Therefore don’t have the necessary time to give to your specific case. This is obviously not a position you want to put yourself in when it comes to defending your freedom.  This is not to say that public defenders are in any way inept however more overwhelmed as their case loads are often larger than those of private attorneys.

Don’t settle when it comes to finding a lawyer to represent your well being.  Criminal cases are often lengthy and require you to work directly together towards a common goal; making sure that you don’t pay the price of a crime with your freedom.  Guilt is not something that can be assumed although it may feel like that when you are trying to prove your innocence.  Find a criminal defense attorney that you can collaborate with to find the best results in your case.

 

Choosing A Perfect Colored Shingle For Your Roof

Curb appeal is such an important aspect of homeownership. When considering the atheistic value of your home how often do you consider the color of the shingles on your roof? It is definitely not the most exciting aspect of your home. Choosing the color of your shingles may seem intimidating when you first begin the hunt to find the right color however below you will find four tips to narrow the selection down.
Consider Your Home’s Color When Choosing the Color of the Shingling
What color is the home’s vinyl siding, brick or stone? This is the most important thing to take into account when selecting the color of the shingle. It is too expensive to change the color of the exterior of your home. So naturally this is the first thing you should consider when choosing a shingle color to compliment your home’s roof. Contact a local roofing contractor to get shingle samples to find one that works with your home. A few colors that shingles come in might be absolutely out of the question for your home so ditch them from the selection process right away.
The Home’s Trim Should Compliment the Shingle Color
Although the trim and home’s siding should ultimately coordinate with one another already sometimes they don’t. Shingles should be a color that complement and enhance both the trim and the home’s exterior coloring. If the roofing shingle color doesn’t work for both the siding and the trim then it is not a contender for your roof unless you are willing to repaint all the home’s trim. Which seriously, are you even considering that at the point in which you already are in need of a new roof?
The Location of the Home Is a Large Element in Picking A Shingle Color
The last thing you want is for your home to be known as “that home” when choosing the color of the shingling. You don’t want your home to stick out like the sore thumb of the neighborhood. Consider the shingles that you have narrowed your choices down to and then look around to see which best compliments the shingles on the neighbor’s roofs as well.
Contemplate Shingle Coloring with the Style of your Home
Look at the style of your home when you are choosing a roof shingle color. Different styles warrant different colors. For instance if you have a Spanish style home blue shingles are not the best option. If the shingles compliment the exterior trim and siding but don’t fit the homes architecture then that is not the color for your home.
Find some ideas using the internet and looking in different home improvement magazines. Find homes similar in style, color and location as yours and see what has worked in the way of shingling color for them. The perfect shingle will soon be found and installed, by a professional roofing contractor, accentuating your home’s exterior. Hiring a professional roofing contractor will save you tons of money, time and energy no matter what color shingle you choose in the end.

Bathroom Remodeling Taking Into Consideration The Inevitable Aging Process

Every year our home finds a way to be updated, accidentally or planned, it happens. This year it is planned thankfully. The kitchen did not catch on fire from a faulty built in microwave, the pipes did not explode in the laundry room, and the kids did not spill every unknown substance on the living room floor, nothing. This year we planned to take on turning the master bathroom into a sanctuary. We also needed to take into consideration that we were getting older and with that coming physical challenges, such as a knee reconstruction, would make it difficult to use the tub/shower for much longer.
The first thing we did was to consider that even though a tub was out of the question we needed a space that promoted relaxation while showering. The last thing that was going to happen is a cramped, tight one person shower surround. Instead we constructed a barrier free entry shower that is large enough for a party with built in bench seating. The days of bending in every direction known to man to shave my legs in the shower were going to be a thing of the past. We also decided it was in our best interest to install grab bars and to make one of the multiple shower heads a hand held removable one. All of these details will allow us to age in this home and be comfortable.
The next thing I considered is that I wanted a minimal effort bathroom in regards to keeping it clean. For this reason I choose to have quartz countertops installed throughout the space. The sink station and vanity area are all quartz. The material requires minimal effort to maintain and looks great wet or dry which was perfect for the space.
A detail I wanted to make sure we did not overkill was the latest in bathroom trends. I did not want to be living in this space in ten years with an outdated master bathroom. I knew I disliked walking into a home and knowing exactly when the house was built based upon the trendy tile, colors on the wall or appliances. It is with that in mind that we went as neutral in the tile, countertop and wall color. We added color in with the use of trendy colors in the accent pieces throughout the space. A vase here, some hand towels and baskets make the space trendy without making it permanent.
As I mentioned before this is the home we are continually put time and money into as we intend to grow old here. With that in mind many of the home renovations that we decide to take on require us to consider that we are aging. The kids are getting older and moving on. We need to be able to access the space freely. This requires some fore thought and planning. When it comes to age in place remodeling we have several sources to look towards to make sure the upgrades we are making in the home meet with the National Association of Home Builders Certified Age in Place Specialist Designs. It is possible to maintain a home that is safe for our aging bodies without turning the house into a sterile hospital environment.
With every remodel, accidental or planned, from here on out we will be turning to the experts in age in place remodeling to ensure that we aren’t wasting time, money or effort in our home renovations.