Livingston Reporting - page 269

How To Take Proper Care Of Your Jewelry

People wear jewelry on a daily basis.  Very few people realize that they can preserve their jewelry using some forethought.  Follow the steps below in taking care of everything from your finest jewelry to costume pieces.

The first tip in caring for your jewelry is to remove pieces when you are performing tasks that expose the pieces to physical damage or chemicals.  For instance, when you are washing dishes it is best to remove all rings, bracelets and watches.  This helps to prevent soap residue from building up or accidently drowning a watch that is not waterproof.  Other tasks to consider removing jewelry for are gardening, household cleaning, car repairs and other common tasks that are taken on in our daily lives.

Apply makeup, perfume, lotion and hairspray before you put on your jewelry for the day.  All of these products contain chemicals that can cause damage to the gemstones as well as the metal on pieces of jewelry.  Putting jewelry on after you have made yourself up for the day will limit the exposure your jewelry has to these harmful materials and will in turn increase the longevity of your pieces.

When you are planning on going into a swimming pool or spa it is best to take of all of your jewelry and store it in a safe environment.  The chlorine in the water can cause a reaction with certain metals causing a change in color and possible damage to the structure of the piece.  To keep your pieces in top shape it is best to take them off before entering a spa or pool.

During sports is another time it is best to store jewelry.  A hard blow during practice or a game can damage a piece beyond repair not to mention the damage it could cause to someone’s person.  Jewelry of all kinds should be removed before you play any type of sport non-contact or contact.

It is important to remember that your jewelry only gets dirty when worn in the shower.  Many people think that the shower or bath is the ideal environment to clean jewelry.  What people need to remember is that anytime you are using soap of any kind to clean a film can form.  This film is what will make metal less shiny and gemstones dull.  Taking care of jewelry and removing it before you bathe or do any other task involving soap or chemicals will prevent the occasions in which your jewelry needs to be taken in for professional servicing.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

Maintaining the Integrity Of Your Homes Roof

Many homeowners don’t understand how important their homes roof is to the structure of their home.  Not many of us take time to climb a ladder to inspect the roof.  That is our nature.  We have an out of sight, out of mind mentality.  If the problem is not obvious and we don’t see it from where we stand on the ground we don’t further inspect.  However, this is the wrong approach to have when it comes to your homes roof maintenance.  If homeowners took the time to evaluate their roofs or to hire a roofing contractor to come out and inspect the roof they would save thousands of dollars.  Roof maintenance verses a new roof equals a ton of cost savings and money in their pockets.  Here are some tips to prepare your homes roof for the long, cold winter that is right around the corner.

As with anything it is always recommended that you call in the professionals before you attempt any home repairs or maintenance on you own.  This is important when it comes to your roofs maintenance.  A roofing contractor is a professional and will know what to look for in regards to damage to your roof.  What looks like something major to us might be something very minor and easily fixed with help from a roofing contractor.  Also there is the safety factor to consider as well.

To begin maintaining your roof it is important to start at the outer most part and work upwards.   Roof maintenance starts with gutter maintenance.  Gutters should be cleaned twice a year at the end of fall and the end of spring.  This allows the water to remain free to flow through the gutters and into the downspouts without clogging.  If gutters are left filled with debris the water run-off has nowhere to go and can freeze causing damage to the gutter as well as to the shingles, overtime causing damage to the structure of your home as well.

As mentioned earlier most damage that occurs on your roof will go unseen from ground level.  You may never notice that you are having issues with your shingles or roof structure without climbing on a ladder to check it out up close.  Some common issues with shingle roofs are curling, buckling or blistering.  If any of these are seen it is time to begin considering a new roof.  These are all signs that your shingle roofing’s life expectancy is coming to an end.

There are other repairs to consider when you are examining your roof and shingles.  Take for instance the materials around your chimney.  If they are coming loose or show extensive wear it is time to replace them.  All the materials around your chimney, pipes and other vents into the home through the roof must be kept in place and free of wear.  Additional roofing tar or caulk can be applied, when needed.  This will help with water leaks and prevent water from freezing underneath the area and causing extensive damage to the roofs structure.

Check the shingles to ensure that they are not losing an excessive amount of granules.  The granules on the shingles protect the roof’s structure from ultraviolet rays as well as adding weight to the shingles.  If you notice an abundance of granule loss consider looking into replacing your roof soon.

A new roof can be installed on your home during any season.  Obviously the winter element of snow slows roofers down a bit but it can be done.  The best time to look into having your roof replaces is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is favorable.  There is less delay in scheduling during these nonpeak times as well.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Fall Roofing Maintenance

Roofing inspections done twice a year can save homeowners a ton of money in the long run.  Preventative roofing maintenance can prevent homeowners from having to make costly repairs down the road.  Not only are exterior roof inspections important to maintain your roof it is important to safeguard against all leaks throughout the winter season.

When your roof leaks damage to the interior and exterior of your home can be quite extensive. Water that puddles up underneath your homes shingles can cause the underlayment to fail or warp.  Also, water and moisture that leaks into the home can cause issues with mold and alga growth in the attic and behind drywall.  When a leak occurs and damage is done to the interior of the home it is possible that everything down to the floor could need to be replaced.

In order to prevent this from occurring it is crucial that you maintain your roof.  Keep the following tips in mind when preparing your home for the winter.

Inspect your homes interior and exterior roof area.  It is important to do this twice a year during the fall and spring seasons.  Inspecting the roof on a rainy day can be helpful especially when you are doing it yourself.  This will enable you to see leaks as they are occurring.  If it is possible hire a roofing contractor to conduct the roof inspection.  They will know exactly what they are looking for.  If you choose to take this task on yourself here are some tell-tale signs that you are experiencing a leak in your roof.

Check the joints, seams and vents for mold or mildew.  It is also important to look at the wooden beams within the attic to see if any warped wood is present.  The last thing to look for in the attic is any presence of stained insulation.  If moisture has been prevalent in your attic it may not appear to the naked eye, you will need to know what you are looking for.  An obvious sign is water dripping in from the insulation, wood or vent areas after a rain has occurred.

If you find a potential leak, it is time to call in the roofing professionals.  They will advise on a plan of action to prevent any further leaks and to clean up the damage that has occurred from the original leak.  It is so important to find and stop leaks from occurring.  Leaks left untouched can cause bigger issues throughout the winter.

Ice dams are another issue that can occur during the winter season that are easy to prevent.  In order to keep ice dams from occurring it is important that your roof has adequate ventilation.  This allows the attic temperature to remain the same temperature as the exterior temperature.  Maintaining a constant temperature keeps the gables, soffits & roof ridges the same temperature as both the attic and outside temperature.

Proper care of your roof with help to increase its longevity.  With the cost of a new roof being well over a few thousand dollars it is crucial to expand the life expectancy of your roof with proper seasonal care.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Updates To Consider In Your Bathroom Renovations

When it comes to bathroom renovations there are a number of trends that have come and went.  How do you make sure that when you are updating your bathroom that you don’t fall victim to the latest fad?  While it basically comes down to installing updates that you desire there are some renovations that will fare better than others when it comes to the resale value of your home.  Below you will find some tips on where it makes sense to spend your bathroom renovation dollars.

One of the most overlooked part of the bathroom space is the medicine cabinet.  To me this is a travesty.  A major focal point in your bathroom should not have to vie for attention over fancy imported tile.  The medicine cabinet should be one item that is picked out at the beginning of the renovation and used to create and design your dream space.  When it comes to sacrifices in your bathroom renovation the cabinetry should not be where the sacrifice is.

Another area that should be invested in is bathroom storage.  Utilize the space you have by adding storage that fades into the space.  This can be done in a variety of ways.  One way is to take space that is normally wasted such as the area above the toilet or under the sink and installing additional storage.  It is possible to add attraction with function.  Instead of shelving for knick-knacks above the toilet or a picture add cabinets or shelving that include storage baskets.  Baskets add to the look of the room while adding additional space to hide the things you need and use within the space.

Bathroom renovations most often include a new toilet.  Adding a dual-flush toilet is the most economical and practical addition to the bathroom.  If you have never seen a dual flush toilet it is important to understand the benefits of how they work.  There are two buttons on the toilet tank.  One button will allow only a small amount of water to be used, for instance when only urine is present.  The other button is for solid waste and allows you to shoot a larger amount of water in the toilet.  This is the perfect addition to any bathroom renovation.

Another addition that is ideal in bathroom renovations is touchless systems including lighting, faucets and soap dispensers.  The benefits are obvious in that without having to touch anything you keep the spread of germs to a minimum.  The use of automatic fixtures promote safety, environmental friendliness and are economical.  The extra cost upfront for automatic, or touchless features will come back to tenfold in other savings.

As with any space in your home you have to live in it and it has to function for your family.  When considering any renovation list the goals you have with the space.  What do you want the renovation to accomplish?  Some spaces are renovated only to improve upon the aesthetics of the space while others are based on improve the functionality of the space.  Think about what you want out of the end result and work from there to design a space that is perfect for your home and family.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Perfect Home Renovations To Do During Fall

Fall is the perfect time of year to complete home improvement projects.  It is not too hot or too cold to be working either on the interior or exterior of your home.  If you are looking to improve your home or to make the home more energy efficient for the winter; fall is the perfect season to work around your home.

Fall home improvements are popular not only because of the perfect weather to complete tem in but also the timing is ideal with the holiday’s right around the corner.  Consider improvements to your kitchen.  This is the gathering spot for many occasions from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas brunch.  With all the cooking and entertaining that will take place kitchen renovations including a double oven and additional seating will sure to be crowd pleasers.  Minor kitchen updates like new cabinet hardware are also a great way to update the space.

Another home update that is ideal to accomplish in the fall is replacing older windows with new energy efficient ones.  Old windows tend to be the biggest source of lost heat within the home.  Cold air easily enters and hot air escapes through the cracks in the window frames.  If new windows are outside your budget consider caulking window sill and adding plastic overlay to window in the areas with the greatest heat loss present.  This simple renovation to your home can save you hundreds of dollars in utility costs.

Fall is the perfect time to evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic.  Too little or too much ventilation can be problematic when it comes your homes attic.  The addition of insulation to your home can be done in a variety of ways.  The two most common are for insulation to be blown in or to use rolled insulation.  This is a simple home renovation that can really make a different during the cold winter months.

Another repair or renovation that is wise in the fall is roof repairs or the installation of a new roof.  Roofers are often less busy then they are in the summer months during the fall season.  Now is the perfect time to have a new roof installed.  You can negotiated a better price on labor as well as roofing materials.  Fall is when they start to move last year’s stock so many contractors will offer specials on fall roofing projects.  Just remember that you have to live with your roofing choice for the next fifteen to twenty years.

Fall is also the best time of year for exterior painting.  Summer weather has a negative effect on the paint.  The hot temperatures and direct sunlight all expose the paint to elements that don’t allow for it to properly adhere.  The fall temperatures make is ideal to add a fresh coat of paint on to the exterior of your home.

Home improvements can be done throughout the year.  The fall weather is ideal for many different renovations that are difficult to do in summer temperatures. Space out renovations in a manner that allows you to take advantage of the seasonal temperature benefits.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Understanding Bus Ducts and Bus Plugs

When it comes to electrical equipment many of us non-electricians have no idea what a product is or what it does for us.  Electrical components are a mystery.  The mystery doesn’t ever come into question until an issue within the power system occurs and we non-electricians are left scrambling over what needs to be done.  That is why we have decided over the next few months to give a brief overview into all the different areas within the electrical equipment industry, starting today with bus plug and duct systems.

In order to understand the basic purpose of bus plug and duct systems you need to know about how power can be delivered.  In most buildings we are familiar with such as most commercial and residential settings power is sent through hard wires within the walls of the building.  We gain access to the electricity through power outlets.  It is pretty simple concept to understand.

This is not so true when looking at the electrical distribution needed within a manufacturing plant or other industrial settings.  In facilities that operate with an open floor plan you will have a variety of machines throughout the building.  Many times the machines need to be able to move to other areas within the facility to allow for other pieces of machinery to be used.  Take for instance a fabricating plant.  The same space on the floor will be used for a variety of tasks that need to be accomplished with a piece.

For power to be run to different areas of the facility while being able to accommodate different sized pieces of equipment bus duct and plugs are used. This allows the most freedom with plant layout and alleviates the need for stationary power supplies.  In order to achieve power throughout the open floor plan ducts are installed throughout the facilities ceiling area.

Bus ducts can be ran wherever power is needed and are simple enough to add to if needed in the future.  The power is transferred from the bus duct using a giant industrial electrical plug called a bus plug.  Each bus plug connects to the overhead bus duct feeding electricity where it is needed.  Bus duct and plug systems can be used for anything from overhead lighting to heavy machinery.

This system allows for flexibility in manufacturing.  It allows large industrial plants the ability to change the amount of power, electricity, to different areas within a large open space.  With this type of system there is no need to hard wiring so as the plant grows or equipment needs increase the power system can change and grow with the need.

That is really all there is to bus ducts and plugs.  For options in new, reconditioned or obsolete bus plugs are sure to check for an electrical equipment distributor online today.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

 

Added Benefits Of Using Bus Plugs and Bus Ducts

When it comes to many pieces of electrical equipment there are questions that surround what each component offers to the bigger picture.  Take for instance bus ducts and bus plugs; how many people could pin point what this exact component within the electrical equipment puzzle?

This line of questioning often comes from personnel working within a commercial facility, office work space or processing company where pipes and wire are used to distribute electrical power within the building.  Often times bus ducts and bus plugs are used in spaces other that large open manufacturing centers.  Here are some facilities that distribute power using bus plugs and bus ducts throughout their work place environment.

One such place that bus plugs and bus ducts are used to distribute power is a fabricating facility.  A bus duct is used to distribute power throughout the open areas of the plant.  The bus duct helps ease the use of machinery that needs to be moved around often.  Depending on the product that is being manufactured the distribution of power can be rearranged to fit the need at that moment without worry about where the electricity is coming from.

You can easily add too or change up the bus plugs in use to accommodate different machines with varied amp requirements.  It is possible that at any given moment you can have twenty plus bus plugs on the bus duct.  It is simple to add additional bus ducts to accommodate more bus plugs thus more equipment to be powered.

A system using bus ducts and bus plugs is one of the most efficient manners in which to provide power to a manufacturing setting.  Bus plugs provide power to process and production equipment as well as to power and lighting panels.  Using bus ducts allows a lot of power to be spread across a larger area where the power requirements often change.  This happens in many manufacturing facilities where the power to run one piece of equipment in a space is different that another piece of equipment that also needs to be run within that space.  Different power requirements at different times within the same space are issues that are prevented when manufacturing plants use bus ducts.

Commercial facilities and offices are powered through fixed units of electricity through pipe and wire.  These facilities rarely require a change in the amount of electricity within a certain area.  If you are looking to add flexibility to your manufacturing facilities power capabilities look into adding a bud duct and bus plug system.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

Aluminum Fencing For A Variety Of Landscapes

When you are looking to enhance your home and property value it is worthwhile to check into updated fencing for your yard. Many homeowners start out with cheap chain link fencing believing that in time they will change it up for something more attractive. As time goes on things come up and a new fence goes down on the list of priorities. When it is time to put a new fence back on the top of your list of concerns look into updated fencing to replace that old, beat up chain link fence that is making your house look homely.

As a homeowner there are a variety of options to choose from when considering to build a new fence.  The first and most important is how the fence you pick will meet the needs of your family and the look of your home.  What is your goal with your fence?  Are you looking to provide safety for a pool area, to keep kids and pets contained or simply to add to the value of your property?  Another consideration to think about with fencing is the amount of maintenance needed as well as the restrictions that are laid out with your homeowners association.

Below are some tips that professional fence installation companies have shared.

  • Choose the best fence for your home, landscape and yard.

Homeowners are looking for something in particular with the installation of fencing.   It is important to prioritize the need the fencing is going to fulfill when choosing the material for your fence.   You may love the look of a privacy fence but in reality a picket fence will better serve your need.  Choose what you need over what you want.  In the long run this is the most viable option for permanent fixtures around your home.

If you are considering privacy fencing be ready to answer questions when you go to sell your home.  Many people looking to buy a home with privacy fencing want to know what was being hidden or what you are hiding from.  Wooden fencing is the most widely used style of fencing when looking for privacy.

If you are looking for containment consider adding an aluminum fence to your landscape. A fence used for containment can be made from any type of material however aluminum fencing is the most accepted type of fencing when it comes to homeowners associations.  This type of fence adds to the overall look of the landscape; essentially turning a dull yard or ordinary home into something that is classy and sophisticated.

  • Choose fencing based on the amount of maintenance your willing to do to keep up on it.

Visually wooden fencing offers a uniqueness to the landscaping that is hard to get with other types of fencing.  The disadvantage to wood however is the amount of yearly maintenance required to keep the fencing looking as you desire.  Wood fences left unsealed will eventually stain and rot.  It requires yearly washing and sealing to keep it fresh.  This is often more maintenance then homeowners are willing to spend on the upkeep of a fence. Vinyl and aluminum fencing require little upkeep adding to their appeal with homeowners.

As with all home improvements it is necessary to look into the options available to you.  This will help in creating a list of pros and cons that go along with each option.  If you are set on the look of wood but can’t imagine dealing with the maintenance on a yearly basis then reconsider which is more important to you; is it the look of the fence or the amount of work that you will need to put into it that will help you make the ultimate decision.

iFence USA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

Options in Pool Fencing

Why do homeowners with in-ground pools need pool fencing?  One of the main reasons that pool fencing is installed is to keep animals and children away from the pool area when no one is watching.  The most common reason is to install a fence around your swimming pool is to prevent children from entering the pool when adult supervision is not around.  The fence provides a barrier to prevent the children from gaining access to the water where the potential exists for accidental drowning.  Consider the following option in pool fencing when looking to enclose your pool area.

Mesh Pool Safety Fence

A mesh pool safety fence is convenient for small in ground pool.  Often times they surround pools that are inside an enclosed area because they are removable.  For instance, many homeowners in warmer climates have pools that are kept enclosed inside a patio type area.  A mesh pool safety fence is perfect for this area as it is removable. It is also convenient because the pool is already in doors so the mesh will keep children out but doesn’t need to be permanent because the structure enclosing the pool is already permanent.

Mesh is easy to remove and store when you are ready to use the pool.  It is also less expensive than other options in pool fencing.  The one disadvantage is that it does require you to remove the fence and install the fence before and after each use.  Another disadvantage with mesh pool fencing is that the material is installed right at the edge of the pool.  This makes the pool feel tiny and closed in when the fence is left up.

Aluminum Pool Fencing

Aluminum pool fencing is one of the most popular option in swimming pool fences.  Aluminum fencing is a basically maintenance free type of fence that is durable and can be customized to fit into any backyard landscape.  The fence looks the same on the inside and outside of the pool area; this makes the sight of the fence enjoyable no matter whether you are in or out of the pool.  The maintenance free aspect of the fencing leaves you more time to enjoy the actual pool than worrying about making sure the fence is left looking as fresh as the day you bought it.  Aluminum swimming pool fencing is easily customized to any color and style to fit into any backyard.

Alternatives to Mesh and Aluminum Pool Fencing

There are two other options that are available when it comes to pool fencing, they are glass and wood.  Both are incredibly difficult to maintain and require maintenance on a regular schedule.  Although they are both options that can be installed to protect your pool area they aren’t really viable for most pool owners.  You aren’t really able to sit back and able to enjoy their pools throughout the season without the concern of fence maintenance.

Consider all the pros and cons when choosing a fence for your home.  You will not be disappointed with a top quality, brand name aluminum fence that’s for sure!

iFence USA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Benefits Of Installing Aluminum Fencing

One of the most common types of fencing material used today is aluminum fencing.  Aluminum fencing is a popular options because of the many benefits it provides to homeowners looking to protect and enhance their homes and landscape.  It is a popular option amongst pool owners as well as it meets the safety guidelines set forth by legislators. Below is a list of reasons why choosing aluminum fencing is the best choice when it comes to installing a fence for your home.

  • Cost:  When it comes to the cost of fencing there are options in a variety of price points.  Aluminum is a cost effective way to get the look of traditional wrought iron without breaking the bank.  Aluminum fencing is affordable and can be purchased in quantities specific to your custom order.  This ensures that you are not paying for materials that will not be used.
  • Rust Proof: Aluminum fencing is rust resistant.  Unlike iron aluminum is not created out of ferric metal and therefore will not oxidize or rust.  It has been said that it can take up to ten thousand years for aluminum to disintegrate.
  • Low Maintenance:  Aluminum fence is the simplest material in fencing to care for.  It does not require yearly maintenance to keep it look fresh and up to date like wooden fences.  Nor does it require regular power washing to keep it clean as does vinyl.  Aluminum fencing is basically maintenance free.  It is sprayed with several layers of protective coating including a powder paint coating that stays looking as new as the day it was installed for the life of the fence.
  • Esthetics:  Aluminum fencing can be manufactured in just about any color.  The most popular option being black aluminum fencing.  It is the most appealing type of fencing while also providing security and containment.  Not only does aluminum come in a large selection of colors you can also find it in a variety of styles.  One that is sure to make your home and landscape stand out.
  • Security:  It is near impossible to scale over aluminum fence.  This is especially true when your fence is decorated with spears point finnels.  Think about how simple it is to climb a chain link fence.  That ease allows your home to become an easy target.
  • Rakability:  When you are purchasing fencing it is important to find a material that will easily adjust to the slope of your yard.  You will find this feature in most every quality aluminum fence panels for purchase today.  Without this feature unsightly gaps can be left with uneven landscape which makes containment of small animals and children less reliable.
  • Warranty: The warranty that comes along with aluminum fencing is unbeatable.  The material is so tough and rigid, standing up to a variety of climates and uses that a lifetime warranty is easy to offer for most manufacturers.  The warranty of the style of aluminum fence you choose will come down to the manufacture.  Be sure to find a warranty that fits your need which shouldn’t be difficult when looking into aluminum fencing.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!