Month: July 2014 - page 2

Hiring A Professional Roofing Contractor Saves Time and Money

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many homeowners attempt home renovations every day that are better off left to the professionals.  When it comes to a new roof, hiring a professional roofing contractors will not only save you time but money as well.  Roofing is an art that is perfected overtime.  Seasoned roofers not only offer experience but provide guarantees on a structurally sound, climate resistance roof.  Hiring a roofing contractor also guarantees you won’t be falling off your roof anytime soon!

When looking to find a roofing contractor to install or to make repairs on your roof consider checking online for a list of local roofers.  The internet is a great resource to find professional roofers in your area along with reviews, testimonials and pictures of roofs that they have recently installed.  Many contractors offer free in home consultations.  Take your time online to narrow down the roofers in your area you are considering for your new roof and consult with each of them separately about your new roof.   Choosing a roofing contractor will come down to more than just the price quoted.  As a homeowner time on site, professionalism and a variety of other factors will come into play as you choose the roofer you wish to work with.

When hiring a roofing contractor look to make sure that they are properly licensed and insured.  Each employee must be licensed.  A license is only one piece of evidence that helps to prove that the contractor you are hiring has expertise but is one that is extremely important.  Insurance is another aspect of roofing that is an absolute must.  When an accident occurs, you as the homeowner could be held liable if the roofing company does not have insurance to cover their entire team.  Roofing contractors understand and will often offer up a copy of their insurance policy when giving you a formal quote for your new roof.

The quote itself will contain a list of materials needed based on price verse quality.  A ten year roof may be less expensive right now however in the long run is this little bit of savings important or is a long lasting roof more important.  The quote will also contain a list of labor costs as well as incidental costs.  If this amount seems high in consideration of other quotes that you have received question the contractor to see what all is included.  Customer references are also listed on a roofing estimate.  Carefully look at all of the companies references especially when it comes to homes similar to yours.  Drive by the home and see if you are visually satisfied with the quality of the roof.  Ask the homeowner questions about professionalism, clean up and their overall experience with the roofing contractor.  This will give you a decent idea if you should consider hiring them to install your homes new roof.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Curb Appeal and Your Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to first impressions you only get one chance; that is why it is called the first.  Your homes first impression comes from its curb appeal.  This isn’t something most homeowners think about when it comes to home improvements and renovations. The reality is that curb appeal can truly end up being the deal maker or breaker when it comes to selling your house.  Without a doubt, one of your top priorities when it comes to improving your home should be the home’s exterior.  Things to consider are the homes landscaping, windows, siding and most importantly the homes roof.

Your homes roof is beyond important when it comes to curb appeal as well as structural integrity.  Your homes roof is one of the main aspects of your home seeing that is covers about fifty percent of the home visible surface. The roof often goes unnoticed by homeowners as it is not something that requires constant attention.  With your homes roof often yearly maintenance is enough to keep the roof functioning structurally as well as looking good therefore it is often something that is overlooked with the overall curb appeal of your home.

The time will come when your home needs a new roof to maintain curb appeal and maintain its structure.  An experienced roofing contractor is the best source of information when it comes to the installation of a new roof.  Many homeowners are inclined to select a roofing material based on their limited knowledge in roofing, the color of the shingles or even the price.  An experienced roofer takes all of this into consideration as well as more important criteria such as durability, climate, weather conditions, and exposure.  With this information they find a roofing material that will not only withstand the test of time, add curb appeal but also give you the best value for your new roof.

Roofing contractors also have the added advantage of experience with different roofing materials and styles.  Roofers have the ability to look at the exterior of the home and recommend products that will enhance the existing exterior.  This is also true of homeowners that are looking into changing the exterior all together as well.  There is more to roofing that choosing between shingles and metal roofing.  Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles just like metal roofing.  Roofing professionals will create a roof that enhances your homes curb appeal using appropriate materials that will stand the test of time taking into consideration natural elements that affect your roofs durability.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Options In Swimming Pool Coping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Swimming pool coping is the part of your in ground swimming pool that finished off the pool and gives it a quality appearance. Without coping a swimming pool looks unfinished; without it a pool appears classless and without style. Not only is pool coping decorative while finishing off the look of the pool it also offers a safety feature; coping offers a non-slip, smooth edge to your in ground swimming pool.

More often than not an attractive paving is laid around the pool area. Your pool coping will really stand out is this paving is in a contrasting color to the in ground swimming pool coping.

When choosing pool coping you have a lot of options to choose from. Coping tiles come in a variety of styles, colors and materials. From expensive travertine to inexpensive poured concrete there is material that will enhance your pools natural beauty. Styles include bullnose coping which allows the concrete to be poured butting up to the lip of the pool whereas cantilever style coping extends over the lip of the pool wall.

Natural stone is an option many pool owners choose when it comes to coping. Natural stone pool coping is available using a variety of materials including sandstone, marble, granite, limestone, travertine and bluestone. Natural stone usually comes in tile form however can be cut to fit bends and corners. You can choose to treat the stone with sealer or not. If you choose not the treat the stone it will weather naturally enhancing the stones beauty.

Concrete coping can be installed in pre-made forms or poured into formers surrounding the pool. Concrete is versatile and can be patterned using stamps, colored and distressed making it look like more expensive coping materials but without the cost or expensive maintenance. Poured concrete is a material that is easy to work with and is laid without the work required in installing natural stone coping.

Brick, porcelain tiles and natural clay bricks are all alternatives when it comes to in ground swimming pool coping. When choosing a material for your pool coping look at your overall budget and decide what you are willing to allocate on coping. This will help narrow down the options as you will be limited by a smaller budget on your material choices. This however does not mean that you can’t have a more expensive look using poured concrete. Contact a professional pool plasterer that specializes in all aspects of pool services including coping, tile, plaster resurfacing, caulking, decking and more.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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The Importance Of Swimming Pool Coping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How many in ground pool owners know the importance of their swimming pool coping?  A pools coping is nothing more edging for your pool however it serves a greater purpose than being a decoration.  Swimming pools coping helps prevent the water from seeping out on to the deck as well as hiding the rough edges around the pool.  These rough edges if not covered by pool coping would cause many cuts and bruises.  There are a variety of coping materials to choose from when it comes to coping for your pool.  Depending on your budget you can find a variety of quality coping materials for your pool.

One option in coping for your in ground swimming pool is poured concrete.  Known for its durability, long life span and affordability concrete is a popular option in pool coping and can be dyed to a variety of colors to match your pool area.  With pool coping the concrete must be poured in.  This helps to limit stress on the pools edge and keep the surface even and uniform in strength.  Regular maintenance and repairs on your pools coping will prevent cracks from expanding with the temperature changes.

Another option in pool coping that is not as popular as poured concrete is brick.  Using brick in pool coping adds a unique look to the pools edging.  The biggest disadvantage when it comes to brick is the rough surface as well as the fact that it tends to retain heat.

Stone is another charming alternative to swimming pool coping.  It is a material sought out for pools coping as it is tough, attractive and stays cool even in the hottest of temperatures.  The main disadvantage with natural stone pool coping is the cost associated with purchasing and installing it.

When it comes to commercial pool coping, safety grip is a popular option.  Safety grip coping is created using a concrete base that minimizes slipping with increased grip.  Many public swimming areas will use safety grip coping to help create a slip resistant surface for their swimmers.

Pool coping materials should be chosen based up your climate, the pools use as well as maintenance time and costs.  The style of the coping is something that needs to be considered as well.  There are four main types of coping styles including bull-nose, cantilevered, rolled edge and rough cut.  Bull-nose coping offers a flat surface with a rolled edge, cantilevered coping offers a straight angle drop to the water, rolled edge offers an upward curve, and rough cut which is often flat.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Updating A Newly Purchased Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Purchasing a home is the most incredible investment anyone can make.  When you own a home you are in charge of creating a space that is all your own.  The problem for new homeowners is that this can be an expensive endeavor.  Here are a few low cost improvements that can be done with the help of a general home contractor or by doing it yourself.

The biggest change one can make within a home without spending a ton of money is through the use of paint.  It is inexpensive and easy for most homeowners to do on their own.  General handyman service companies can be hired fairly inexpensively as well to achieve the same results if talent and time are an issue for homeowners.  A coat of fresh paint transforms any house on the interior or exterior.  Update any part of your home with the use of paint.

Flooring is another way homeowners bring new life to their homes without breaking the bank.  New carpet is relatively inexpensive as is refinishing hardwood flooring.  Ceramic flooring is a relatively inexpensive option to bring to life old linoleum floors.   The great thing about flooring is that it can be updated in stages.  Consider doing one room each quarter until you have updated the entire home.  Start with the areas in the home that are most visible and move on from there.   Flooring contractors can often get a better deal on flooring than everyday homeowners so if looking to redo your entire homes flooring consult a flooring expert.  This is especially true with hardwood flooring contractors as well as contractors that lay ceramic tile.

Landscaping is another area in which homeowners can update their homes relatively inexpensively.  Your homes curb appeal is something that should never be ignored.  Landscaping that has become outdated should be updated. When you can tell the year a home was built by the way the home is landscaped then it is overdue for a landscape makeover.  Your landscape should continue to evolve with your home throughout the time you live there.  Maintain the landscape, upgrade accessories and be conscience of changes in style.  Never make drastic changes; simple changes are more effective then large changes especially when it comes to landscaping.

Another major improvement for homes that can save you a ton of money without costing you a ton is with the addition of insulation.  Many homes are poorly insulated leading to loss of heat and air conditioning.  This increases homeowner’s monthly bills.  Adding insulation lowers monthly heating and cooling expenses without too much expense.

Update your kitchen.  This does not mean do a complete kitchen renovation however it does mean taking a look at the space and update the outdated areas within your space.  This can be done with a fresh coat of paint, some new faucets and updated hardware.  Even small kitchen updates can completely transform an outdated space into one that is modern and more accommodating.

Owning a home is a large expense in itself; updating your home doesn’t have to be.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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The Road To Purchasing Quality Kitchen Cutlery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

 

The road to finding the perfect kitchen cutlery is not one that has to be complicated or expensive.  Buying quality kitchen knives isn’t about purchasing an expensive set of knives; it is all about the basics.  The most important tip is to purchase knives that fit and feel right in your hand.  It will not matter what the latest chef is endorsing or what celebrity name accompanies the knife block set, what matters most is how it feels when you are using it.

The basics are important when buying cutlery.  When it comes to the assembly of a kitchen knife there are four basic components to every knife; the front of the knife, the tang, the bolster and the handle.  Each component offers a unique benefit to the user.

The front of the knife contains the knife blade, spine, tip and heel.  The part that cuts is the knife blade.  This is the sharpest part of the knife and is incredibly important to the knife’s use.  The spine of the knife is the area opposite of the blade.  The spine is used to add stability and weight to the blade and is the area in which you can add pressure when cutting without the worry of slicing your hand. The knife tip is the area that comes to a point on the end of the blade.  The tip is perfect for smaller cuts and for help in opening packages that are difficult to open.

The knife tang is the metal piece that extends from the knife blade that the handle attaches to.  The tang, along with the spine are the pieces of the knife that offer balance and weight.  Without the tang the knife would be too front heavy for proper use.

The knife bolster is the area on the knife that looks like a collar that separates the handle from the blade.  The collar is an important part of the knife as it acts as a guard for your fingers against possible slipping when cutting with the knife.  In knives the bolster can run all the way from the spine to the edge or on a partial way.  Quality knives for the kitchen will have a bolster.  Knives without bolsters are not a good choice for use in the kitchen.

Kitchen knives can be purchase with handles made out of several different materials.  The importance when choosing a knife handle material is how it feels in your hand as you are cutting with it.  Note that just because you choose a paring knife with a plastic handle this does not mean that all of your cutlery will feel best with plastic handles.  In cutlery it is okay to mix and match to meet your preferences.  Look at all the options in materials for your knife handles including wood, composite, stainless steel and plastic.

When seriously looking to purchase kitchen knives it is a good option to go to several department stores to test out the different options and to see what fits your needs.  When purchasing kitchen cutlery look online. Many online knife specialty stores offer the same knives as department stores at a discounted price.  Online shopping for knives is a great way to get the cutlery you are looking for without breaking the bank.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including kitchen cutlery and top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Knife Mule

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More Options in Pocket Knives

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Our series on pocket knives is coming to an end as we discuss blade steel, handle materials and opening mechanisms.  In our series we have looked at the different size pocket knives that are available, blade numbers, blade types, blade sizes and prices.   If you are considering the purchase of a pocket knife you will want to review the different options that have been discussed to find the perfect pocket knife for you.

When it comes to the blade steel options of pocket knives there are two main options to consider, stainless steel and carbon steel.  There are advantages and disadvantages with each type of metal options.  Stainless steel is easy to sharpen, resistant to rust, is great when being used in the rain and an ideal choice for survival knives.  If you are going to use the pocket knife in survival situations stainless steel is a perfect choice.  The disadvantages of stainless steel are that it quickly dulls, is more susceptible to stains and does not get as sharp as carbon steel.

Carbon steel is also a great material for pocket knives as well.  With carbon the edge is held longer, the material is harder than stainless steel, is super durable when used roughly and is a great blade for use in hunting.  The disadvantage is that is it more difficult to sharpen, is susceptible to rust and can stain.  Choose the material for your pocket knife based on what options and advantages are the best options for your circumstances.

Pocket knives come in a variety of handle materials to choose from.  Consider the look and feel that you desire when you choose a knife.  Aluminum is a light weight pocket knife material choice.  Celluloid is a material that can be turned into any color and fabricated to resemble natural materials. Bone, wood, steel, stag, titanium and more make up modern day pocket knife handles.

There are three types of opening mechanisms available for the blade when you purchase a pocket knife.  Manual-opening is the most common.  With manual pocket knives there is often a groove on the knife that makes it simple to open using the tip of your nail.  An automatic/switchblade is another option in pocket knife opening mechanisms.  This type of blade automatically opens with the push of a button.  A newer option in pocket knife opening mechanisms is the assisted-opening option.  An internal device engages the blade when pressure is employed upon the knife blade.

Locking mechanisms are also important on pocket knives.  Liner lock, lock back, mid lock, frame lock, ring lock and lever lock are all options available the only real difference is the location of the lock and the manner in which it is released.  Once the knife is locked in place no matter what type the blade is as stable as with any other lock.

Shopping for the perfect knife, whether it is a pocket knife or fixed blade knife is never simple.  There are many variables and options to consider.  Be prepared to test a few knives and top knife brands out before settling on a favorite.  Top knife brands can be purchase through online retailers at deeply discounted prices over those of retailers.  Consider this when looking to purchase survival gear and specialty knives.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including pocket knives and top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Knife Mule

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Choosing The Perfect Hunting Knife

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Hunters and fisherman alike all know that having a solid knife in their arsenal of tools is essential. Having a good knife is essential however when it comes to finding one that meets all of your needs the choices can become quite overwhelming.  Below are some tips to help you find a solid hunting knife for your outdoor adventures.

The first thing that you will want to consider and decide upon when it comes to choosing a knife to carry with you on hunting adventures is between a fixed knife and a folding knife.  For the heavy duty tasks involved in hunting a fixed knife offers the best stability.  A fixed blade knife is rugged, reliable, sturdy and simple to clean.  The main drawback is that fixed knives are bulky and take up more space than a folding knife.  To transport a fixed blade knife can be made simpler when using a sheath attaching the knife to a belt or boot.

If you do choose to use a folding knife instead because of the easy to carry feature a lock-back folding knife is a solid choice for a hunting knife.  A lock-back knife allows the blade to be locked in place using a locking mechanism creating a solid knife to assist in all of your hunting needs.  With the technology present in knives that are currently produced there is little risk involved in the locking mechanism to fail.  With any hunting accessory be aware of the risks and rewards.

The length of the blade is also important when seeking out a knife to use in hunting.  Choose a hunting knife that is between three and four inches long for the best results.  This is the perfect size knife blade for control and maneuverability. Consider the size of the animal that is being hunted as well.  Smaller animals can easily be skinned and gutted with a three inch blade as a four inch blade makes for an easier job on larger game.

The blade point is equally important on hunting knives.  There are three popular options in hunting knives today including a clip point, drop point and modified clip, drop, spear point.  A clip point blade offers a concave back with a fine point.  This blade is perfect for making small punctures like ones needed for removing deer rectums. A drop point blade offers a convex back.  This type of blade offers more maneuverability for skinning game and tends to reduce the risk of puncturing the animals hide. A modified blade can be found on lock-back style hunting knives and offers the advantages of both blades.

The handle on your hunting blade is as important to your hunting knife as the blade length as well as type.  Both wood and bone handles are popular options when choosing a knife to carry with you while hunting.  They tend to be warmer to the touch then a metal handle on those cool autumn and winter mornings.  The problem with wood and bone is that they are often adorned with metal inlays which can feel quite cold.  Knife handles made from polymer and nylon are the best options as they offer a combination of a solid grip, warmth and tend to lessen the overall expense of a hunting knife. Find a handle that fits your hand, is easy to grip and contours to your thumb and fingers.

A solid hunting knife is like a best friend that accompanies you on all of your outdoor adventures; be sure to find one (or two) that are perfect for your next hunt.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including hunting knives and top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Knife Mule

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Understanding LTL Shipping Rates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When looking into global logistics it should be noted that less than truckload shipping is growing in popularity.  Shipping smaller orders around the world is less expensive and quicker than using other modes of shipping freight.  When thinking about less than truckload shipping it is best to look at it as a way to transport like items in small quantities from a variety of different locations at a cost savings to business owners.  Bringing together small shipments of like kinds of goods saves time and money.

When calculating the rates in less than truckload shipping consider the total miles that will be covered as well as a fuel charge.  LTL shipping rates use a rate/mile basis and fuel charge to determine the rate in which shipments are sent.  Understanding this along with some of the other factors that can influence LTL shipping rates is useful in helping to save money on logistics here and abroad.

Base rates are taken into consideration when it comes to LTL shipping.  This rate is most often determined based on every one hundred pound shipped.  This rate will vary from one LTL provider to another. The CWT, or Centum Weight is calculated by looking at considerations such as the type of freight, the distance traveled and the total weight that is being shipped.  Carriers will modify and shift base rates annually.

The National Motor Freight Classification, commonly referred to as the NMFC classifies freight based on type and weight.  The NMFC has based at least eighteen classes of freight based on liability, product density and the type of special handling needed to ship the specified freight.

The type of freight being shipped also helps to create the cost associated with shipping LTL.  The carrier and customer will enter into an agreement based upon the type of freight to be shipped.  The agreement is made to help clients that send multiple consignments or items which in the end reduces the expense by a considerable extent.  The more a customer ships with a certain carrier the more reasonable the rate will be overall.

The distance shipments have to travel are also factors in less than truckload shipping.  The more miles that need to be covered the more expenses carriers acquire and therefore affecting the cost to ship.

When it comes to shipping and global logistics take into consideration the different factors that come into play in the rates that are charged for goods to be shipped.  Knowing and understand these key factors will help you to negotiate the best rates possible in LTL for your company.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

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Understanding Gate Operators

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Gate operators create convenience in home security.  A gate operator is a mechanical device that is powered by solar energy, electricity or a combination of both to open and shut the homes electronic driveway gate.  Gate operators can be easily installed on both sliding and swing gates to allow remote entry into the homes driveway.

Gate operators are controlled in many different manners including the two most common remote control and card reader entry.  With the use of a gate operator in both residential and commercial applications you achieve a higher degree of security, convenient access and egress control.  They can be configured in a number of ways depending on what is most suitable for your gate type, the size of the gate and how often the gate will be cycled.  For commercial gate operators it is important to purchase an industrial grade operator to support the number of times it will be opening and closing each and every day.

Four main gate operators are sold today and are each specific to different applications.  The lift gate operator is a simple device that moves the obstruction out of the way.  Lift gate operators are most often used in access and egress points within parking slots.  Slide gate operators are most often used in large residential complexes and residential driveways.  A slide operator simply moves the game in one direction to allow for entry.  Swing gate operators are used in gates that have two side by side pieces.  A swing gate operator uses two separate motors top open the gates, one for each side. A trolley gate operator is often seen in parking garages and works on the premise that the gate is pulled up allowing access.  All gate operators are installed using sensitive sensors that offer safety while using the gate.  The sensors set limitations for the gate when opening and closing.

When it comes to protecting your home or business commercial and residential electronic entry gates offer a superior choice in protection.  Gates have become less expensive and more readily available throughout the consumer market making electronic entry gates more commonly seen in residential areas such as driveways and entry into exclusive communities.  Electronic entry gates are popular in parking garages to create a safe and secure place to park your vehicle.  This is an option that is often seen in large cities and helps to secure vehicles as well as creating safety for the people using the parking garage. Gate operators with the assistance of electronic gates keep people out that don’t belong which helps to protect those that do.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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