Month: July 2013

Materials Commonly Used In Roofing

When it comes time to replace your roof many things go through your mind including what type of shingle is best for your home as well as your budget.  When deciding what material to use for your homes new roof consider all of the pros and cons related to the variety of shingles on the market today.  You may also consider a consultation with a few local roofing contractors to get a few opinions and prices on materials that will work well within the region of the country you live in.

 

The best material for your roof will be determined a lot on the climate in which you live.  The most common roofing material for homes within our north eastern region is asphalt shingles.  They are the most frequently used material in roofing because they are inexpensive.  They tend to last on a well cared for roof for between twenty and thirty years and can earn major tax credits when they meet the Energy Star standards for cooler roofing.  Laminated and architectural asphalt shingles are a bit pricier than their thinner three-tab shingle counterpart and therefore usually have a longer life expectancy.

 

A material that is also common for use in shingles is wood.  Hardwood shingles such as Cedar and Redwood will provide protection for your roof from anywhere between thirty and fifty years.  For this reason you can understand why they are a bit pricier than asphalt shingles.  Harwood shingles are aesthetically pleasing because of their natural appearance.  They are especially beautiful when used on cabin homes.

 

Metal roofing is another favorite.  Once popular only in the northwest and mountain region, metal is becoming a more popular material for homes throughout the country.  Metal works well with flat roofs or roofs that have steep rooflines.  Because metal roofing is known for its longevity it can be rather expensive in comparison to asphalt often costing double.  Consider though that the metal roof will last twice as long when deciding between the two different materials.

 

Slate shingling is a material that is popular in the northeastern portion of the country as slate is quarried throughout the region.  Slate has been known to last over fifty years and remain intact and leak free even in some older homes with original slate roofing. Slate is expensive however incredibly durable and is very pleasing architecturally.

 

Tile shingles are incredibly expensive but are the longest lasting roofing material on the market.  Many roofs shingled with tile have been known to last for eighty plus years.  The only drawback to tile besides the cost is that some homes are not structurally sound enough to withstand the weight of the shingles.  The unique appearance of tile shingles makes them a popular choice with Spanish styled homes as well as home throughout the southwest.

 

When looking into roofing materials for your home make sure to get several quotes from different roofing contractors.  All contractors have different rates for their services and the materials in which they use for your homes roof.  It is in your best interest to talk with several contractors and choose one not only on the cost of goods and services they provide but also on how competent and reliable they seem to be.

Facts In Hiring A Tree Removal Company

Having trees removed from your yard is not something to take lightly.  You will want to hire a company that sets out to do a thorough job and doesn’t leave you with a landscaping nightmare.  When hiring a tree removal service company there are a few important things to take into consideration.

  • Safety: This is the number one most important consideration to look into when hiring a tree removal service contractor.  Cutting down trees is incredibly dangerous work and needs to be done with precision.  When interviewing companies interested in bidding on your tree removal needs get a detailed description of the safety measures they take when removing and trimming trees.  Make sure the company you hire follows industry safety standards, company safety policies and that the company has a safety first philosophy.
  • Insurance:  Only allow fully insured tree removal companies to perform services on your property.  For a tree removal company to be fully insured they must hold workers compensation coverage and liability coverage.  If an accident occurs while the company is working on your property their insurance will cover damages to your home, property or to their workers.
  • Licensed and Certified:  A business license should be held in the counties in which the tree removal company does business.  Tree care companies will also have on staff at least one professional arborist on staff that can provide care for trees that are sick or damaged.  Some professional certifications include TCIA and/or the ISA.
  • Reputation:  Check out the professionals you are thinking of hiring through references before signing a contract with them. If the company has a solid backing from previous customers you are more likely to get quality services.  You will want to check with the better business bureau and companies online like Angie’s list to check client reviews as well. Check to see if the company owns their own equipment as well.  There is something to be said for an established company that has been in business a while and that owns their own cranes and equipment.
  • Equipment:  When talking about equipment it is not only important that they own the right pieces to get the job done and that they are willing and able to bring those pieces of equipment with them on your job.  Things that should be at their disposal are a bucket and chipper truck, multiple chippers, chain saws, stump grinders and trucks for hauling away debris .  You will want to check to make sure the equipment is well maintained and in working order as well.  That says a lot about the company you hire.
  • Employees:  Find out about the crew and how many men will be on your job site.  It is critical that the man power is present to complete your job in the time specified.  Find out how skilled employees are and about the longevity of their employment.  Let’s be honest who wants an unskilled tree laborer taking down a large tree that is over your house. Not me!  At least a few of the climbers on staff should have over two years experience with tree removal.
  • Payments and Services:  A company that comes knocking on your door asking for your business is most likely not a company with the above qualifications.  Actively seek out a tree removal company and seek to get more than three bids in the process.  Some companies over bid, some under bid and more likely than not there will be a few in the middle to actually consider.  Make sure that with the bid that you accept that you understand the services that have been quoted.  If you need full clean up including tree removal and stump grinding make sure that is all in a written estimate before agree to the terms set forth.

The most important thing to do when hiring any service company is to look into who they are and the work kind of work they do. Trust your gut and instinct and hire using the tips mentioned above.

Tips On Repair Coping in Gunite Swimming Pools

When you become a pool owner whether you have had on installed or you have purchased a home with a pool there is so much to learn in regards to the upkeep. There will be many new terms to learn about, one in particular is pool coping.  The swimming pools coping in basic terms is the buffer between the deck of the in ground pool and the pools beams.

It is particularly important in new gunite swimming pool construction that the coping is kept up on.  You will find major settling in the pool over the first year or two.  This is when changes in the ground as it shifts and settles can cause cracks in the pools tile, coping and joints.  If the cracks are left and are not repaired water is allowed to seep in between the pools plaster walls and the soil supporting the pool as a whole.

When fixing the damaged swimming pool coping you find the hardest part is finding coping stones to match the areas that are broken.  Below you will find steps to help do your coping repair on your own.  Most homeowners find that since the coping is such an aesthetic part of the pool that a swimming pool contractor is much better suited to handle the detailed repair.

Step by Step Swimming Pool Coping Repair

1)      To begin your coping repair you will need to remove the old mortar that is holding the stones/tile in place.  Most of the time for small swimming pool coping repairs you can use a hammer and a chisel to get into the area that is damaged.  When the repair is larger the mortar can be removed using a saw.  Be so careful not to damage areas around the original area of damage.

2)      Remove the coping stones that are damaged and in need of replacement until you see the exposed beam below.  You need to thoroughly clean out the old mortar that is left within the hole. Use the chisel and hammer to get off all of the mortar and a shop vacuum to help get even the smallest bits of mortar cleaned up.

3)      The next step involves mixing the coping repair product in a work bucket.  This will be used as your mortar and grout for the coping repair job. Every material that is being used will have directions specific to prepare it.  The basic consistency will be mashed potatoes.

4)      With a trowel you will add the mixture to the beam and create a space to set the replacement coping stones in.  The bed will be just deep enough for the new stones to be level to the surrounding stone.  If the area is uneven it leaves room for stubbed toes and the look of the pool being off.

5)      Using the trowel you need to add a layer of the mortar to the sides and back of the coping and set the stone in place.  The stone should fit firmly into the mortar bed laid in step 4.

6)      This process will be continued until the entire area that had been damaged is replaced with new coping and mortar.  It is crucial to make sure the spacing is even throughout the process. Any gaps can be filled in with any additional mixture.

7)      Before the mixture dries on the surface of the coping use a clean damp sponge to clean the area.  The grooves between the copings can be created using the handle of the trowel once the mortar has begun to set up.

Coping repair can be complex and should be done with great care.  If there is color in your existing mortar make sure you add the color to the mix before you add water.  These little things are what make this job an easy one to hand off to professional pool contractors.  The match must be spot on otherwise the repair will be evident and this is what is to be avoided anytime a repair is needed.

Computer Repair Services

It is quite possible that the majority of households own a computer.  The internet is the gateway for many interactions we have.  Without access to a home computer it is possible to miss out on this interaction and to be less up to date with what is happening in the world around you.

We use the computer and internet for social media, business, constant contact via email, shopping and a variety of other activities.  Not surprisingly people seem to be lost without access to their computers and the internet.  When a computer goes in for repair because of a virus needing to be removed, a hard drive reconfigured, system upgrade or an operating system reloaded minimizing the downtime is important.

Not only is it important to minimize downtime as a consumer you want to ensure you are getting quality service at reasonable rates. Technology is a booming industry and computer repair companies are popping up all over the place.  The difference will be in the service you receive and the quality of the technician working on your pc.  To make sure you find quality computer repair shop follow the steps below.

One thing to do is to check with people that have used the shops services. You want to be sure that you are working with a technician that can replicate and fix the issue that is wrong with your PC.  Things to consider are fixes to your computer such as a virus removal.  Any anti-virus protection your computer has can be manipulated by the designers of computer viruses.  So if your computer is going in for the removal of a virus make sure the technician updates your antivirus protection and provides you with safe internet searching tips to prevent a virus from being able to infect your computer otherwise you could infect your computer once again.

It is important that before you leave the computer repair shop that you turn on your computer to ensure the problem you brought it in for is fixed and that you don’t see any new issues occurring.  Once you leave the shop it is hard to prove that the technician did not in fact fix the issue.

Ask friends, family and neighbors who they have used for computer repair.  With households now owning at least one or more computer the likelihood that someone you know has had an experience with a local computer repair company is favorable.  Check with them to see if they would recommend the services provided by the company and if they were satisfied with the communications and recommendations given by the technician.  It is important that the technician is knowledgeable of computers and technology but also able to communicate in a manner that is understandable to a non tech savvy individual.

Computers Plus Service, CPS, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computers, business networking and website development.  You will find more about their search engine optimization packages online at http://www.cpsmi.com/.

Finding The Right Diamond Cut

When men are seeking out the perfect engagement ring one thing they are after is a perfect shaped ring for their beautiful fiancé to be.  A classic diamond is thought to be round, brilliant and a kaleidoscope of stunning aspects that bring allure to the eye.

Although this is true there is a lot more to diamonds than most people choosing one know, including that they come in a variety of shapes.  Although traditionally diamonds are round and that shape is considered the most popular that is hardly it when it comes to the majestic diamond.

Round Diamonds

A round shape diamond is the shape people first think of when considering purchasing a diamond.  Many engagement ring setting are specially designed to be paired with a classic solitaire diamond. This is why round diamonds account for over seventy-five percent of all diamonds sold now a days.  Solitaires are cut to maximize the crown, girdle and pavilion and are calibrated to allow the most intensity and brightness that the diamond has to offer.  This is a favorable option when choosing a diamond for a very traditional bride to be.

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are equally as beautiful to the classic solitaire.  Ovals are perfectly symmetrical and look wonderful on women with small hands or shorter fingers.  It allows the hand to appear elongated.

Marquise Diamonds

A marquise is a long shaped diamond with points at the end and is said to be inspired by the smile of Marquise de Pompadour.  A marquise diamond is beautiful when paired with smaller solitaire diamonds that enhance the unique and distinct pointed shape of the diamond.

Pear Shaped Diamonds

This shaped diamond combines the beautiful elements of both the oval shaped and marquise shaped diamonds. The pear is oval at the base and is pointed at the top and gives the appearance of a tear drop.  It compliments small to average sized hands.  Many pear shaped diamonds are used as pendants and earrings.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Talk about romantic!  A heart shaped diamond is one of the most difficult diamonds to produce and takes an extremely skilled diamond cutter to assure an even shape and well defined outline.  For a true romantic this is the most perfect choice in diamond shapes.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

An emerald cut diamond is cut in the shape of a rectangle with round cut corners.  When it comes to selecting an emerald cut diamond pay particular attention to the clarity and cut.  In this shape the flaws of the diamond are more pronounced therefore to choose one that is of the quality you wish for an engagement ring stone it takes a great deal of diamond knowledge.

Princess Cut Diamonds

This is a square cut diamond that is cut with an enhanced number of facets to improve upon the brilliance and sparkle of the stone.  This stone is beautiful on many different sized hands but is exceptional for those with long fingers.

Diamond cutters are still coming up with new shapes as we speak.  Some cutters take classic designs and improve upon their brilliance.  The shape you choose to propose with will be determined by personal preference and your spin on what your bride to be desires.

When men are seeking out the perfect engagement ring one thing they are after is a perfect shaped ring for their beautiful fiancé to be.  A classic diamond is thought to be round, brilliant and a kaleidoscope of stunning aspects that bring allure to the eye.

Although this is true there is a lot more to diamonds than most people choosing one know, including that they come in a variety of shapes.  Although traditionally diamonds are round and that shape is considered the most popular that is hardly it when it comes to the majestic diamond.

Round Diamonds

A round shape diamond is the shape people first think of when considering purchasing a diamond.  Many engagement ring setting are specially designed to be paired with a classic solitaire diamond. This is why round diamonds account for over seventy-five percent of all diamonds sold now a days.  Solitaires are cut to maximize the crown, girdle and pavilion and are calibrated to allow the most intensity and brightness that the diamond has to offer.  This is a favorable option when choosing a diamond for a very traditional bride to be.

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are equally as beautiful to the classic solitaire.  Ovals are perfectly symmetrical and look wonderful on women with small hands or shorter fingers.  It allows the hand to appear elongated.

Marquise Diamonds

A marquise is a long shaped diamond with points at the end and is said to be inspired by the smile of Marquise de Pompadour.  A marquise diamond is beautiful when paired with smaller solitaire diamonds that enhance the unique and distinct pointed shape of the diamond.

Pear Shaped Diamonds

This shaped diamond combines the beautiful elements of both the oval shaped and marquise shaped diamonds. The pear is oval at the base and is pointed at the top and gives the appearance of a tear drop.  It compliments small to average sized hands.  Many pear shaped diamonds are used as pendants and earrings.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Talk about romantic!  A heart shaped diamond is one of the most difficult diamonds to produce and takes an extremely skilled diamond cutter to assure an even shape and well defined outline.  For a true romantic this is the most perfect choice in diamond shapes.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

An emerald cut diamond is cut in the shape of a rectangle with round cut corners.  When it comes to selecting an emerald cut diamond pay particular attention to the clarity and cut.  In this shape the flaws of the diamond are more pronounced therefore to choose one that is of the quality you wish for an engagement ring stone it takes a great deal of diamond knowledge.

Princess Cut Diamonds

This is a square cut diamond that is cut with an enhanced number of facets to improve upon the brilliance and sparkle of the stone.  This stone is beautiful on many different sized hands but is exceptional for those with long fingers.

Diamond cutters are still coming up with new shapes as we speak.  Some cutters take classic designs and improve upon their brilliance.  The shape you choose to propose with will be determined by personal preference and your spin on what your bride to be desires.

The Reasons Don’t Matter When Going Through A Divorce Your Attorney Does

When you walk down the aisle into wedded bliss no one is ever thinking about what lies on the opposite side of happily ever after.  The vow does not say happily ever after until the divorce after all.  As much as we don’t like to think that our marriage could fail and that we could be the fifty percent that don’t work out it does happen.  As a divorce attorney I am often asked what the leading factors in divorce are.  From experience and years of experience I have gained little knowledge to actually narrow the exact cause of divorce.  Instead I have come to realize that many little factors combine into one massive explosion which in itself leads to filing for divorce.

For instance, many people believe that a fifty-fifty split in the chores around the home will keep you happily married until death do you part.  This view is a rather modern version of society’s views on marriage and does not necessarily help with keeping your marriage out of divorce court.  The chores might not be as much to blame as the way the structure of the family in this situation is viewed.  One theory is that the marriage becomes less sacred as the wife is viewed as not doing her duties in maintaining the family.  Although this is an old fashion view it still plays into the mindset of a family unit.

In marriage both partners should be willing to do things around the house for their partner as a desire to please them.  Whether this is done in a perfect fifty-fifty split is less of an issue verse the mindset that you are doing something for your family and your partner.  With this view of marriage you are doing chores to please your spouse rather than out of a combative view that everyone must stay equal.

In-laws and the relationships couples have with them are another source where people often site as the reason their marriage has failed. In studies it has been said that when a husband is close with his in-laws the marriage is 20% less likely to end in divorce where as the opposite is true when it is the wife that is close to her in-laws.

Why you ask?  Many times men take criticism as constructive and use the information making it a less personal jab against them.  This is not true when it comes to the wife accepting criticism or input.  Women are more likely to see it as a meddlesome, personal attack on them.  This rift often causes issues within a marriage.  The fact is the relationship with the in-laws is not necessarily the issue but instead the manner at which we take in and process situations.

The list of reasons people think their marriages have failed is plentiful.  Here I sited two issues that come out a lot when talking about why couples think their marriage dissolved.  The main thing to remember if you find your marriage in a state in which it is beyond repair you both must seek council.  Divorce attorneys work together to diffuse explosive situations and to create an outcome that will be in the best interest of both parties.  In divorce proceeding’s  the same thing is true as it is when talking about marriage success and failure… the little things add up and combine into one massive explosion.  Attorney’s can help prevent your divorce from combusting.

Protect Your Family With An Aluminum Swimming Pool Fence

Pools and hot tubs are a family favorite for summer fun.  While they may be fun without the proper precautions in place they can become dangerous.  This is why many states have laws in place that state pool fencing needs to be in place where ever a pool or hot tub is in place.  Pool fences help to prevent falls and drowning saving thousands of lives every year.

 

When it comes to adding a fence to your pool area you should first check with the local municipalities to determine any special regulations that are needed.  It does not make sense to purchase a fence for the area only later to determine that local guidelines were not followed. Many of the considerations surrounding pool fence requirements include the type of pool, above ground or in ground, the material of the fence, the height of the fencing and the type of a gate and lock installed.

 

When looking into a fence it is good to know that the fence needs to be designed with young children in mind.  The primary reason pool fences are installed is to keep children safe around water.  Drowning is the leading cause of injury and death in children between the ages of one and four.  A fence should surround the pool and be installed with a self-closing, self latching gate.  Even if your home does not have little children in it consider visitors welcomed and not.  Accidents happen, that is why they are accidents.

 

There are many varieties of material to choose from when looking into fencing for your pool area.  One of my favorites for durability, ease of installation, easy maintenance and style is aluminum fencing. Aluminum pool fencing is available in a variety of colors, styles and heights.  It can easily be anchored into existing concrete pads or newly poured concrete. Aluminum fencing is also great as it is rust-proof.

 

Wood fencing is another option in pool fencing.  When purchasing wood fencing for your pool area it is good to note that this material will need regular maintenance including cleaning and weather proofing.  This is a major drawback to wood fencing as well as the low visibility it provides inside of the pool area.  Wood fencing is not a first choice for most pool owners as the extra maintenance and upkeep usually detour wood in favor of something with ease of maintenance even when it costs a bit more.

 

In warmer climates where many homeowners have a pool indoor small mesh fences are used.  Even with this, a safety fence is needed for the pool area.  A vinyl and mesh fence is placed around the edge of the pool area.  The fence relies on vertical post placed into the concrete and a non-climbable mesh attached to the posts.  The fence is removable when the pool is in use and is required to be installed when the pool is not in use. This ensures that even if a small child were to get out onto the porch area where the pool is the water remains blocked and off limits.

 

A gate and latch is recommended for all pool areas.  Locking mechanisms vary however something more complex, a self closing, self latching, self locking option is recommended for optimal security for the pool area. Mesh fences aren’t required to have a gate if the owner is willing to remove the mesh each time the pool is in use.  The main thing for pool safety to be effective is that the lock needs to be used each and every time the pool is unsupervised.

 

Great deals in aluminum pool fencing can be found online.  Most sellers also have a direct connection with fence installers local to your area if you are not interested in installing the fence on your own. The key element to look for in purchasing aluminum fencing for your pool online is a reputable seller that offers assistance before; during and after you purchase your pool fence.

Making Your Home A Safe Independent Living Space

Eventually everybody comes to a point in life where they need to rely on care from someone else.  Most of the time it is a parent needing end of life care. Depending on each situation the choice to bring them home to live with you or to live in an assisted living facility is a personal one.  Both situations involve a change for your loved one and you and both require a great deal of planning.

 

If the choice is to bring them into your home it is important to make sure you are equipped with independent living products and solutions throughout your home.  Note that these products are no longer clinical in style and have been made to enhance ones home while not necessarily needing to be permanently installed.  These products help to allow seniors to maintain an independent and safe lifestyle while retaining the homes appearance and allowing the senior to feel like less of a burden to you.

One of the most important rooms to make safe is the bathroom area.  Many homes have multiple bathrooms.  The bathroom that the senior in the household will be using most often should be the one that is equipped with essential safety measures.  To make sure the bathroom renovations are up to par for independent adult living make sure that getting in and out of the tub and up off the toilet is as easy as possible.  This may mean that grab bars need to be installed and that padding and anti-slip materials are added to slick ceramic tile and linoleum floors.  Preventing the fall from happening in the first place is a whole lot easier than caring for the patient after the fall.

 

If your home is one in which a threshold is crossed to enter or if the home has small steps that help vary the levels consider the installation of a threshold ramp is an affordable option that can be made to blend with the existing décor of the home.  It does not have to be permanent and can be easily installed.  These are good to have no matter if a walker or wheelchair is needed.  Week knees and legs are better equipped to handle small threshold ramps better than steps and more likely than not a walker or mobility equipment of sorts will be needed at some point.  If your home has stairs the best option is to make everything that the senior needs accessible to him/her on the main floor where they will be spending most of their time. Otherwise be prepared to install a chair lift to ease access to the rest of the home.

 

The bedroom is another room that requires the senior to be independent in movement and needs to be extra safe.  Sensors are a must for seniors in the bedroom area.  Lights that are activated with movement or clapping are needed so that the minute the elderly loved one is awake they can have access to light without leaving the bed.  Depending on the level of care needed there are a multitude of products available to assist seniors in getting around with little to no help and that help maintain the aspect of privacy that is so desired.

 

Each room in the house has certain challenges that will need to be overcome when it comes to handicap construction otherwise known as age in place accommodations.  When it comes to caring for a loved one and ensure their independence and safety as they live out the last years of their lives no obstacle is one that a solution can’t be found.