Livingston Reporting - page 273

Options In Coping For Your In-Ground Swimming Pool

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Having a new pool installed is exciting.  There are tons of decisions to make throughout the process with one of the most important being the swimming pool coping.  The pool coping covers the edge of the pool.  It creates safety as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing appeal to the pool area.  When the pool is being installed talk with the contractor about the options that are available in coping to help create the environment you desire.

Pool coping provides a cover to the sharp edges of swimming pools.  In ground swimming pools are often made from gunite which creates a rigid jagged edge where the patio meets the surface.  When the coping is installed it protects the swimmers from scraps and cuts.  Coping is smooth and curves around the perimeter of the pool.

Coping for swimming pools also helps to prevent cracking that can occur in the pools plaster and foundation.  The borders and edges of the swimming pool are the most fragile point of the pools construction.  When you cover the edges with pool coping you are adding an extra layer of protection against chips and cracks.  Cracked coping is less expensive to repair than concrete and plaster.

Another benefit to coping is how pleasing it is to the eye.  Coping is attractive and adds a decorative border between the patio and the pool.  It is adds visual appeal that flatters the pool area.  Coping magnifies the beauty that a swimming pool brings to the landscape of your homes backyard.  A pool is a great addition to any backyard adding to the splendor of your homes landscaping.  Coping helps to make the pool pop.

With the use of coping you can make your pool unique.  There is simple, plain coping or something unique like natural stones.  Coping allows you to create the look you desire for your pool simply.  Take some time looking into all of the options available to you when looking at coping for your swimming pool.

An in-ground swimming pool is a beautiful addition to any homes backyard.  Creating a safe pool environment is the most important aspect for most homeowners.  Pool coping creates a safe edge where the concrete and plaster meet the deck.  The other benefit to pool coping beyond creating a safe edge is that it helps to preserve the concrete and plaster.  Coping helps to prevent cracks to the pools surface all while creating an appeal visually.

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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Factors When Choosing An Electrical Circuit Breaker

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Every home and business has an electrical circuit breaker.  Many of us have no idea what the circuit breaker really does or how it works.  A breaker is a unit that is installed that protects your circuits from becoming overloaded essentially causing a short which could create an unsafe situation.  By design, when the breaker becomes aware of a disruption in the system it breaks the electrical current flow thus protecting the rest of the circuit.

Commercial and residential electrical circuit breakers are purchased based on a number of essential factors including the vast abundance of different designs that they are sold in.  Other factors to weigh before you buy a circuit breaker include the voltage load, the mounting style and the unit’s trip style.

Voltage Load

This is a fairly obvious feature to figure out.  Commercial and industrial settings need higher voltage circuit breakers then a residential environment.  This is because of the amount of electricity that will be flowing through the circuit.  Larger equipment requires a higher amount of electricity therefore requiring a higher voltage breaker.  It is crucial when buying or selling circuit breakers that you understand what purpose the breaker is serving.  Installing a circuit that is either too big or too small can end up being detrimental.

Low Voltage Circuit Breakers: Consider this style of breaker for most residential applications.  This circuit takes a load up to 1000 volts without issue.

Medium Voltage Circuit Breakers: Consider this style breaker for commercial office buildings or residential uses when using high voltage tools.  A home wood working shop is the perfect example of a residential environment that needs more than a low voltage circuit.  A medium voltage breaker is good for circuits between 1000 to 72,000 volts.

High Voltage Circuit Breakers:  For any use that requires more than 72,000 amps of voltage this is the breaker you need.  This is what is needed for industrial and commercial applications that use large pieces of equipment for manufacturing.

Mounting Style

The manner in which a circuit breaker is mounted is also another consideration for which purchasers choose the correct mechanism for their need.  Two main styles include fixed mounting and removable mounting.  Draw out mounted breakers are used for medium voltage breakers.  Bolt on and plug in electrical circuit breakers are also options that can be obtained from companies that sell electrical equipment and supplies.

Trip Unit Type

When you are purchasing a circuit breaker you need to also take into consideration the unit’s trip type.  There are a few main types including magnetic, thermal, thermal magnetic and magnetic hydraulic trip units.  Another consideration is the temperature operating range in which the circuit breaker operates.  You want to purchase a breaker that operates at different temperature ranges.

It is important to take into consideration all of the essentials pieces of purchasing a circuit breaker before installing one in your home or business.  The electrical component will prevent accidental electrical issues from occurring down the road.  Overworking a circuit can cause shortages that will cause fuses to continually blow. This is only one disruption that can occur if a circuit is overloaded.

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.

J & P Electrical Company

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Understanding The Importance Of Proper Switchgear Maintenance

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Electrical power systems, often referred to as grids, are created using a combination of electrical components.  The combination of disconnects, fuses and circuit breakers, known as a switchgear provide a way in which power equipment can be de-energized and faults can be cleared.  You often see large electrical lockers within manufacturing factories.  This is where the switchgear is located.  The switchgear, using circuit breakers and fuses help to isolate each piece of electrical equipment.  This is helpful because it allows plant managers to de-energize and repair issues to the electrical system before a breakdown occurs.

There are two main types of switchgears: high and low voltage.  High voltage switchgears are used for electrical supplies such as motors and large capacity electrical equipment requiring upwards of 35,000 volts.  Low voltage switchgear run electrical equipment under 1,000 volts.    Electrical switchgear can be found on the inside or outside of buildings.  When switchgear is located on the outside it is contained within a weatherproof metal locker.

As is the case with any equipment utilized by your company it is important to take care in preventing issues before they arise.  When it comes to care and preventative maintenance for switchgears a plant supervisor is in charge to oversee that the equipment is kept in working condition.  When the power is shut off to your plant nothing is accomplished.  Work is shut down completely and money is being lost.  When a machine breaks because a malfunction in the electrical circuit it is important to understand that maintenance could most likely have prevented the issue.

Switchgears help to protect electrical machines.  What occurs is that a breaker is tripped causing an electrical surge which indicates a fault.  With switchgear the power can be re-directed from another source on the circuit until the issue is fixed to help keep machines online.  It is always better to prevent issues with normal maintenance to your switchgear and electrical equipment then to react to the challenges that occur when power outages occur and machines are unable to function.

There are companies throughout the area that are hired specifically to maintain switchgears and other valuable electrical components to ensure they are properly maintained.  One of the methods they use is thermal imaging. When a hot spot is detected by the thermal imaging equipment it allows for the issue to be fixed before it becomes a problem.  Discover a fault and fixing it before any down time occurs saves manufacturing plants valuable resources including time and money.

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.

 

J & P Electrical Company

Decisions To Be Made When Installing A New Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When I became a homeowner six years ago I could have never guessed the number of decisions that would need to be made. Every home improvement endeavor we venture to take on turns into fifty different decisions that need to be made before work is even started. The same can be said of exterior improvements on your home as well. Our homes new roof, for instance required a variety of decisions we weren’t even aware would need to be made. Not only are there a variety of shingles, there are choices within each shingle category including styles, colors and warranties. Who would have ever known there was so much to roofing?

To narrow down the choices you will need to make when looking into a new roof start by determining a reasonable budget as well as a sensible time frame that you desire for the roof to last. If you are looking to live in your home for another thirty years and don’t want to have to deal with replacing the roof every again that will affect the choice you make when picking out a material for your roofing.

Asphalt Shingles

The most commonly used material in roofs today is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive to manufacture therefore is a cheaper material to purchase when installing a new roof. The truth is that it is an easier material to work with when installing a new roof as well so hiring a roofing contractor will be less expensive when installing asphalt shingles. If considering asphalt you will also need to decide if you want to go with three tab shingles, laminated or architectural shingles. Shingles can be found in a variety of colors and often last anywhere from twenty to thirty years if installed and maintained correctly.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are super nice to use when looking for a natural appearance to your roof. The main disadvantage is that you pay extra for these aesthetically pleasing shingles. Wood is more expensive over the asphalt roofing counterpart. Consider though that wood shingles last anywhere from thirty to fifty years with proper upkeep. The longer lifespan and pleasing natural look may be worth the extra expense.

Metal Shingles

Metal roofs an option that is growing in popularity. Metal is a perfect material to use when looking to add to the longevity of your flat or extremely steep roofline. Metal roofs are not cheap but last up to fifty years. You can choose from solid metal or constructed metal shingles. Not only is metal roofing a material that is known for longevity it is incredibly durable and is reasonable priced when taking into consideration the length of time it will last you. There are also a variety of colors available in metal shingle roofing.

Slate and Tile Shingles

Both slate and tile shingling options are unique. They are not found on the majority of homes. Slate and tile are popular because they are incredibly durable and have a one of a kind appearance. If you are looking for something to allow your home to stand out from other homes in the area consider slate or tile. Your roofing contractor will check to ensure your roof’s structure is stable enough to support the extra weight.

Your new roof is filled with important decisions that need to be made. It isn’t all about the style and color of the new roof. You will need to look at a variety of options in roofing materials as well as the longevity that you hope your roof installation results in.

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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The Benefits Of Shingle Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Shingles are one of the most common materials used in roofing today.  Meeting with a roofing contractor will help to determine is shingling is the best option for your home. The most important piece of the puzzle is that the roofing material you choose is the right style for your roof and roofing desires.  There are a number of options available to fit a variety of budgets and needs.  Shingles tend to be an option that is often more often chosen over other types of roofing materials.

One of the biggest advantages of asphalt shingling is that it tends to be one of the most inexpensive roofing materials to purchase and install.  Roofing contractors can often install a shingle roof at about half the costs involved with the installation of metal roofing.  Manufacturing asphalt shingles is relatively inexpensive when compare it to the cost of other available roofing material options.  Your roof is a large part of your homes curb appeal.  It is important to remember this especially when you’re considering selling your home soon after installing a new roof.  You are more apt to get the money that you put into a new shingle roof out of your homes resale values over that of a metal roof.

Another reason shingle roof tends to be purchased more often than any other material for roofing is the ease of installation.  Roofing contractors charge less to install shingle roofs because the process is simpler.  Shingles are extremely flexible and can be easily manipulated to fit most any homes structure.  Some homeowners with a lot of experience in construction even find that they can install a shingle roof without too many issues.  This is not recommended because even one shingle installed improperly could cause hundreds of dollars in damage to the roof’s structure.

When it comes to maintaining a shingle roof it is fairly simple and most homeowners can achieve a long lasting roof with minor yearly maintenance.  Shingles are lightweight and simple to replace.  For most shingle roofing repairs you will not have to involve a professional roofer.  Algae on shingles are also easy to maintain and prevent.  With the use of copper strips at the peak of your roof you can prevent the growth of algae and moss on your shingle roof.

Shingles add to the curb appeal of your home. Shingles come in several different styles as well as a variety of colors to fit your homes unique look.  Many professional roofers have software that allows them to take a picture of your home and change the look using different colors and styles of shingles before making any purchases.  This allows you the freedom see the change before committing to it which is so nice especially for homeowners looking to do something new with their homes exterior.

To reach your homes full potential when it comes to a new roof the best option is to start by contacting a local roofing contractor.  Most offer a free initial consultation where they can discuss different options in roofing materials as well as associated costs and the time frame for installation.

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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Get A Better Understanding Of Your Product Label

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to labeling there is no shortage of products in need of accurate, attractive product labels.  The market today is one in which labeling has never been more important. With food allergies and specific ingredient-free products on the rise labels are vital.  When a product is stored in a container that the contents cannot easily be identified, which most are now a days, the label is the only source of information on what is in there.  Labels come in a variety of forms and can be pasted or printed on the outside of the package.

The shape of your products package and the form the product comes in are all important marketing tools to help sell your product and company image.  Making your product easily recognized and remembered by consumers is what will differ between a product that succeeds or fails.  A combination of characteristics that make up your products exterior will help to give your product a boost over the competition.

There are two ways that product labels can be adhered onto a package; they can either be printed directly on the package or onto a label that is then placed on container.  Paper labels are less expensive and more vibrant in design but can easily come off if not attached to the container in a strong manner.  When a label is printed directly onto the container it is more expensive but also can be more easily read by consumers and less likely to wear off.

It is valuable to not only the company but also to the consumer to place relevant product information in a place that is constant and clearly visible location. Labels can come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit all products and containers.  If a label that adheres directly onto the package is what you are looking for you can choose between cut & stack labels, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling and shrink sleeves.  Flexible packaging is one way that labels can be printed directly onto the product.

One thing that is important to remember is that there needs to be enough space to not only includes the “important” product information there needs to be space to ensure the product is recognized.  This can be done with the use of a brand image or company graphic without over powering or over crowding the label.

If you choose to have a label printed and designed for your new product look into finding an experienced and reputable printing company.  Look for a company that is able to offer in house design services for your label as well as updated resources that cater to your specific product.   Finding a company that caters in industrial and commercial product label printing will be helpful as your brand further expands.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Influence Consumers Using Your Product’s Label

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A product label is an intricate part of what influences consumers to buy your product.  A label identifies your product from similar products that are selling in the marketplace.  It is crucial for business owners to have a label designed that is plentiful for marketing and promotions as well as complete product information.  The label on a product is meant to provide an accurate ingredient list as well as to highlight everything that distinguishes you from the competition.  The more attention your label is able to grab from consumers the more likely they are to make a purchase.

When you are marketing your product within foreign markets your product package design and label will separate you from others.  If the item that you are selling is edible it is important that your label clearly states all the ingredients as well as what ingredients your product is free from such as nuts, gluten, dairy or other allergy inducing things.  Allowing your customers to be knowledgeable about your product makes it easier for them to commit and make an educated purchase right away.  The label should engage the customer and allure them into committing to buy.

A label embellishes your product and is made to continually bring attention to your product.  Not only should it grab their attention but it should drive them to make a purchase.  What is the best way to do this?  Marketers work diligently to design a perfect product label.  The label design should be professional, unique and engaging.  When a product is visually interesting people tend to want what you are offering.  When consumers are stimulated, which can be done with an appealing label, they often make a purchase.

When looking to produce a label there are several different types of labels to consider that are of higher quality.  A higher quality label will speak high volumes for your product.   There are a variety of superior types of labels including cut & stack, pressure sensitive, roll-fed and shrink sleeve labels.  If you are looking for labels that are printed directly on the product consider the option of flexible packaging.  Flexible packages are good for products ranging from chemicals, beverages and nutritional supplements.

The products tag or label as it is more commonly referred to delivers information, grabs the attention of consumers and help to inspire a purchase.  With each of these features working together it is remarkably easy to persuade the buying decision of your customers.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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The Advantages Of Shrink Sleeves

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There are a number of options when it comes to choosing a label for your product.  Common options in product labeling are cut & stack, pressure sensitive, roll-fed, and shrink sleeve labels.  A main way that companies bring attention to their brands without depleting their budget is to use shrink sleeve to label their products.   At the supermarket checkout the different products that from beverages to pharmaceuticals that use shrink sleeve labeling.  Here are a few things to help you consider if shrink sleeve marketing is the right option for your product.

Shrink Sleeve Labeling and Marketing

One of the best things about shrink sleeves is their ability to fit any shape or size product your company offers for sale.  Shrink sleeves can be designed to fit your products no matter how odd the shape of the package.   If you have a lightning bolt or heart shaped package consider shrink sleeve labels as they can be designed to properly encase your product as well as to offer effective marketing that draws consumers to purchase your product.

When it comes to tamper proof packaging sleeves offer an unmatched level of protection.  When you your entire package and it conforms to the shape of the product it makes it almost impossible to interfere with product inside.  This makes sleeves one of the best options for food and beverage manufacturers.

Standard labeling allows for front packaging marketing.  Standard front labels leave a tremendous amount of wasted space on the back and sides of the package.  This space left blank is valuable promotional space and should be used wisely.  Shrink sleeve manufacturing allows for 360 degree marketing space for your products label.  No matter what direction your product sits on the shelf you will have prime advertising space that can be seen by your customers.

As a product manufacturer marketing is an incredibly costly endeavor.  Some label choices are expensive to produce and since the product label is not something that changes often it is important to choose wisely from the start of label production.  Shrink sleeve labels are created using a thin plastic film.  The thin film is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other label options and can be printed using a variety of techniques.

With all the different options to consider in product labeling it is obvious that you want to make an educated decision.  Shrink sleeves offer a variety of qualities that make them attractive including that they can be designed to fit any shape product, they are tamper proof, there is not wasted space and they are inexpensive to produce over other options in product labeling.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Getting To Know And Understand A Variety Of Knife Styles

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Knives have been a part of our society from the very beginning of time.  Stones were made into knife blades by our early ancestors.  A knife is a tool that is diverse and that is used for a variety of functions.  Now a day’s knives are made from a variety of different metals but their uses remain the same.  A knife is a hand-held piece of equipment that serves different purposes.   What knife you choose is dependent on what you purpose the knife needs to serve.

Common All Purpose Knives

The most commonly purchased knife is one that can serve a variety of purposes.  One type of all purpose knives is a pocket knife.  Pocket knives are great all-purpose tools and store within themselves for ease of use and carrying.  It works on opening boxes, cutting ropes, slicing apples, opening letters or for a weapon if needed.

Switch blade knives or knives with retractable blades are another common option in commonly carried all purpose knives.  With retractable blades the knife blade retracts into the handle so that it is safely stored when not in use.  Most knives with retractable blades or even switch blade knives are good for any typical cutting jobs.  The knife handle can be made from an assortment of materials including plastic, wood, bone or more.

Fixed blade knives also are common for all purpose knives.  A blade that is fixed is typically more stable than a retractable or folding blade.  As with switch blades and retractable knives the handle can be made from a diverse selection of materials.

Kitchen Cutlery and Cooking Knives

All kitchen knives serve their own purpose.  Cutlery is designed to take on specific job in the kitchen.  There are knives for all different purposes such as bread knives, fillet knives, paring knives, chef knives and more.  Most cooking knives have thinner pliable, longer blades.  The blade is not nearly as strong as the blade on a utility knife.  Cutlery is thinner and allows for easier use to slice meat and work within the kitchen.

Combat Knives

Knives used for combat are larger and made from a variety of strong metal alloys.  They are suitable for cutting tough objects and are often used by the military as a general tool to carry as well as extra weaponry.   The larger, longer blade with the heavier handle is incredibly difficult for precise cutting or for cutting on small objects.  They are better used for heavy duty needs.

A knife is handy no matter what you do in life.   They are used for a variety of purposes and depending on what you need the knife for will depend on which type of knife you choose to purchase.  It is important not to limit yourself when it comes to buying a knife.

Knife Mule

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Choosing Ceramic Cutlery For Your Kitchen Knives

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Top notch ceramic cutlery has become the latest obsession in kitchen accessories.  If you watch cooking shows on television you will see many professional chefs using ceramic knives.  In the culinary field ceramic knives are an essential accessory for all kitchens even novice cooks.  As with all tools there is a special purpose for each knife.  There are knives for cutting meat, dicing vegetables and slicing fruit.  Ceramic cutlery is well known for retaining a sharp edge and is made from zirconium oxide.  There are several advantages to purchasing ceramic knives as well as some disadvantages.  Continue reading for more information to help you make an educated decision before investing in knives for your kitchen.

Ceramic Knives: The Advantages Of Ceramic Kitchen Cutlery

  • In comparison to steel kitchen knives, ceramic is known for retaining a sharp edge for months especially if cared for properly and used sensibly.
  • Another advantage is how user friendly, light weight and safe ceramic knives are in comparison to steel knives.
  • If you are looking for a non-corrosive option in cutlery that is stain proof these knives are the way to go.  For chefs and cooks these two options make ceramic a no-brainer over steel for professionals throughout the industry.
  • Ceramic knives are easy to clean.  Ceramic is easy provides a non-stick surface that is non-reactive making it easy to clean up after a long day of cutting, slicing and dicing.

Ceramic Cutlery: The Disadvantages Of Ceramic Kitchen Knives

  • Zirconium oxide is an expensive material therefore ceramic knives are a pricier option over there steel counterparts.  If you are looking to buy ceramic knives purchasing a block set may be a way to cut the cost.
  • Another disadvantage of ceramic is that it tends to be a bit fragile.  They are not a good choice when it comes to cutting bones off of meat or other hard materials.  Just because ceramic knives are fragile does not mean they aren’t tough enough to do most any job you need them to do in the kitchen.  They will not shatter but again caution should be shown when cutting tough bone.
  • Ceramic blades are breakable.  This is another inconvenience of ceramic knives.  Be careful when applying pressure to knife, handle them with care and use them for cutting softer foods.
  • It is also important to note that ceramic, once dull, is not easily sharpened.  In order to sharpen ceramic knives you must send it in to the manufacturer as sharpening ceramic at home is difficult and not advisable.

When looking for cutlery, ceramic is a highly efficient, useable material for kitchen knives and accessories.  Look online for deals that can make shopping for your kitchen knives affordable.

Knife Mule

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