When it comes to curb appeal, you have the chance to turn your house into something truly spectacular and striking. With a bit of attention to detail and planning, you can transform an ordinary, blasé exterior into a product that will be the talk of the town. If you want to improve your curb appeal, here are a few must-try suggestions that will give you the visual boost that you want.

Light It Up

Exterior lighting can be so much more than a way to illuminate your home. It can add both an element of visual intrigue and additional safety with the right choice. While you can choose an exterior light fixture that only focuses on function, there are more visually appealing options for your exterior lighting Winter Park. Give yourself something truly beautiful and up the ante with your design game.

Brighten up Your Exterior

While neutrals are typically unoffensive colors that match just about anything, they add little to your home’s visual intrigue when used in large quantities. If you are used to relying on neutral colors, step out of the banality and add some color. Whether you repaint your exterior, introduce a bright door or add pops of color with flowers and greenery, make sure that your home’s exterior is anything but boring.

Bring in Help

Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to manage all of their home’s maintenance themselves. While you can do this if you have the time, don’t be afraid to outsource this and bring in someone to help you improve your curb appeal. Whether you bring in a professional painting service, landscaping services or a designer to help you bring your vision to light, there are plenty of professionals that can lighten the load of your design dreams.

With your curb appeal, there are a vast number of options available to improve your overall look and feel. Don’t limit yourself to boring and unappealing when you can take charge of your curb appeal and transform your home’s exterior into something extraordinary.…

Most people are looking for ways to bring home more money. Before you decide that the only means to increase your available cash is to take on more work, consider that cost-saving solutions could be right under your nose inside your home. Check out these three tips to keep a little more of your wages in your wallet at the end of the month.

Replace Insulation

HVAC systems have to work overtime when they’re fighting against the elements. Whether you want to keep out sweltering heat or frigid gusts of wind, quality insulation is essential. Many folks find that batt insulation in Pittsburgh is a quick and straightforward solution to lower their energy spending. What you pay for the install will rapidly come back to you through a smaller power bill.

Change Old Lighting

Not all methods of shrinking energy expenses require professional assistance. Pick up a few bucks by swapping your old bulbs for smart light bulbs. Instead of leaving lights on because you’re too tired to get up and hit the switch, you’ll be able to turn them off with a smartphone or tablet. Many offer a dimming feature. That will provide further savings since you don’t always have to display lights at maximum brightness. You’re also extending the life of the bulbs.

Lower Your Hot Water Temperature

If the water in your house can reach levels near scalding, you’ve just stumbled on another hot tip. Head to your water heater, and adjust the temperature down a notch or two. Over the coming months, you’ll watch the numbers on your invoice go down.

Money spent on unused electricity unnecessarily lightens your checkbook. This is to say nothing about how it affects the environment. Taking a few steps like the ones above will leave you with some extra disposable funds, and who wouldn’t like that?…

There are three words that strike fear into the hearts of anyone involved in metal roofs… Cut Edge Corrosion, which, if left untreated, will lead to the exposed metal surface corroding and eventually perforating.

This is the opinion that’s most popular among roof sealant manufacturers.

Simply put, sealing the overlaps between metal roofing sheets will stop water from spreading between them.

It is often argued that a sealant prevents condensation from the cold roof from being released. This will help to prevent corrosion. Let’s look at an example of an old roof where two sheets of metal have been coated and sealed.

As you can see there is visible rust. However, it stops at the place where the seal was applied. This shows that the metal sheets are not being cooled by condensation.

What happens if the metal roof is coated but not sealed?

You can make it worse if you just coat the roof. Any movement between roof sheets on a roof with a coating only can cause cracks in the roof’s coating. Capillary action can cause water ingress and corrosion. Rainwater can also contain pollutants that will accelerate the process.

The treatment of cut-edge corrosion with the Right Sealant

Sealing under the roof overlap is only possible if the sealant used is high-quality. There are many ways to seal your lap, including using tapes or mastics. You can also embed a fleece or glass in a liquid. It is important to choose one that is easy to use and effective.

Lap sealing is often ineffective due to the weakness and flexibility of silicone mastics and tapes that lift at the profile corners, allowing water ingress and retention.

Sealant Application

It is possible for the product to not be installed according to the specification. This could lead to a smaller amount of sealant or insufficient coating. The product wouldn’t have the strength to withstand the roof sheet overlap movement.

Similarly, if too much sealant is used, you’ll end up with significant costly implications, which was explored in one of our recent articles .

This is a great example of the expression, “A product is only good if it’s installed properly.”

Conclusion

Seal or not seal? That is the question.

There are many factors to consider before you make a decision. As you will see, it is not a straightforward yes/no answer.

For you to remember…

You must select the correct product to seal sheets that overlap before applying coating. Also, ensure that your applicators have sufficient training.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Clearwater Roofing Contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978.  Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.…

Galvanized steel has been a popular choice for home plumbing lines for many years. But steel is prone to corrosion and rust, so after several decades, pipes within a home will need to be replaced completely. Copper was the preferred material due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. Copper piping is now used in many homes across Florida and throughout the United States.

If you live in Florida, you might be able to get your water from reverse osmosis plants. While there are many benefits to drinking water that is clean, clear and free of mineral inclusions, there are also some drawbacks. Desalination and reverse osmosis water can cause corrosion to copper pipes, which could lead to eventual leaking.

Why R/O Water Corrodes Copper

Copper is supposed to be resistant to corrosion. But what could make it suddenly so vulnerable to falling apart? What happens to water during reverse-osmosis is the answer. Because of the salts and other substances found in water, south Florida’s water is naturally slightly alkaline. Alkaline water is less likely than corroded metal. The salts and other substances that provide alkalinity can be removed and water becomes more acidic. This makes it more likely to corrode and absorb other substances.

Reverse osmosis systems use the same water you would find in a municipal supply network to reduce the alkalinity. This makes it more aggressive on your plumbing, and can slowly eat away at copper lines in your house. You’ll see the effects of this over time in small plumbing leaks and pipe bursts.

Copper Pipe Corrosion: Solutions

What can you do if your house is supplied with water by a massive reverse osmosis plant? You don’t want to worry about your water quality. However, it is impossible to switch water providers or cancel this service unless you are able to move to another service area. There are several options.

You might first consider installing a Calcite filter on your main water supply. Calcite filters are basically blocks of calcium carbonate. They gradually dissolve, increasing the pH and making your water less aggressive to your plumbing lines. This may sound absurd as it would reverse all the hard work that was put into purifying the water. Calcite is not harmful and can be found in water all over the country. However, it can make water taste strange to some people. This means that you might want to filter the water once more to preserve the original taste.

You can also get rid of copper pipes and replace them with plastic ones that are completely free from corrosion. These plastic lines are extremely resistant to corrosion and can last for many decades. They are also extremely affordable. Although copper prices have risen over the years, these plastic plumbing lines are extremely affordable. They only cost a few cents per ft. and are very easy to install.

This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we …

When you own a home, the list of repairs and maintenance items can seem like it’s never getting shorter. Because of this, you might be tempted to push some things to the side to worry about another time. While some things, such as updating the caulking around the sink or running a cleaner through the washing machine, can be pushed back a few weeks, there are others that you will want to address as quickly as possible. Here are some repairs that you should never push off completing.

Foundation Issues

It’s virtually inevitable that your home is going to have some kind of issue with its foundation at some point in time.  However, the longer you wait to address the issues, the worse they can become.

If you notice that a once level floor has started to slope down, you could have an issue of settling or sinking into the ground. A foundation repair service can lift and level the home in very little time, saving it from any additional problems.

Water Leaking

When water leaks, it doesn’t just leak out of a pipe and stay in that local area. It spreads as far as it can and can cause an immense amount of damage in a short time. Even something as simple as a leaky sink that isn’t addressed quickly could mean that you have to replace the entire countertop.

Whether it’s an issue with a sink or a water line that has sprung a leak, immediately turn the water off to the issue item. This prevents any further leaking from happening until you can adequately address the situation.

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems are often caused by old, frayed wires. The wires can come loose and stop the switch or outlet from working, but the electricity is still flowing through the wires. Then, the wires slowly fall over time and can touch metal or other exposed wires, and a fire can start. When you first notice that your outlets or switches aren’t working, immediately call an electrician to come and take a look.…

Compressed air is a key component in many manufacturing processes. Since it plays a major role in the function of many types of equipment, it is important that compressed air be both clean and dry.

Protects Against Contaminants

With entire manufacturing processes relying on the quality of compressed air the importance of Donaldson compressed air filters cannot be overlooked. Unfiltered compressed air spreads contaminants like dirt, oil, and water throughout the equipment. These contaminants may cause pipe corrosion or other equipment malfunction. Filters extend the life of equipment by capturing these polluting agents before they become a problem.

Protects Against Pressure Loss

Manufacturers use compressed air for a reason – it improves equipment performance and efficiency. Its power comes from the pressure produced by compressing the air. This means that even the slightest decrease in air pressure can slow or halt production, leading to unnecessary delays and maintenance costs. Proper filtration ensures that air pressure will remain at a consistent level and decreases or eliminates the risk of pressure loss.

Protects Against Moisture

Moisture is the nemesis of manufacturing equipment, and, as a byproduct of compressed air, filtration is necessary to keep the airflow dry and protect against condensation. Like other contaminants, water can lead to equipment corrosion, rust, and higher maintenance costs. Moisture also attracts bacteria and viruses, which could lead to product recall and loss of faith in the product or manufacturer.

Protects the Bottom Line

By protecting against corrosion, contaminants, pressure loss and moisture compressed air filtration decreases operating costs by extending the life of the equipment and eliminating the unnecessary maintenance costs and downtime caused by inadequate filtration. The increase in efficiency and reliability has a significant positive impact on the bottom line.

There is no doubt a quality air filtration system saves time and money while improving efficiency and productivity in manufacturing plants that use compressed air for their processes.…

There’s nothing quite like a blast of cool air on a hot, oppressive day. Imagine how intolerable it would be if your cooling system suddenly broke down. If you’re dependent on your air conditioner every day, here’s why you should have it regularly serviced.

Catches Problems Early

The only thing worse than a sudden loss of air-conditioning is the expense to repair it. If you schedule AC services Pensacola FL at least once per year, they’ll find small problems before they become big ones. Having your cooling system inspected ensures you have fresh air when you need it most.

Improves Air Quality

Keeping your home cool isn’t the only thing that air-conditioning does. It also filters out particles and bacteria from the air you breath and keeps humidity at bay, preventing dampness and mold. To keep your air quality at a healthy level, have your system checked and cleaned every year and get the filters replaced.

Saves Money

An energy-efficient cooling system will save you money but if you neglect to have it cleaned, you’ll see a spike in your power bill. Over time, your air conditioner becomes clogged with dirt, dust and pet dander. This forces it to work overtime which is expensive and can lead to a breakdown.

Prevents Damage to Your Home

If your air conditioner fails, it can get uncomfortable fast and it’s also damaging to your home furnishings. Extreme humidity ruins wooden furniture, carpets and perpetuates mold growth. Not only does this lead to costly repairs, but it’s also unhealthy for you and your family. A quick annual service call is all you need to prevent this disaster.

If you enjoy a cool home on the hottest of days, don’t risk a malfunctioning air conditioner. Regular service improves your air quality, prevents damage and saves you money.

…

Are you looking to enhance the look of your home, improve its mood, or impress guests that come into the home? Then, you should consider using any of the best interior design tips that you can find, especially from experts.

While there are some of these design tips that will cost you a fortune, there are others that you can do on a minimal budget. Opinions shared on ReviewsBird.com shows that more people are willing to spend on interior design than they are on exterior design.

If you are one of those people, the good news is that we have identified seven best interior design tips for 2021 from best design companies and they include:

1.      Use pendant lights in strategic places

As an interior design tip, you can consider using pendant lights and using them creatively. You don’t have to put these pendant lights in the conventional places. Instead, you can identify strategic places in the home that need more lighting and place them there.

2.      Use an open-plan design

One of the best interior design tips for 2021 that you can consider is an open-plan design. Instead of making the interior of your home appear all closed up and sometimes clumsy, why not consider an open-plan design? An open-plan design is basic, simple, and quite more comfortable than you can ever imagine. Worthy of mention is that an open-plan design is also a cost-effective option to consider.

3.      Use plants to decorate the living room

To enhance the interior of your home, you can consider decorating your living room with plants in. You can get fancy vases and have these plants placed inside them in a well-arranged manner. These vases are, in turn, placed around the corners of the living room. Plants complement the light in a room and give the room color while also improving its mood.

4.      Decorate your walls with amazing art pieces

Gone are the days when bare walls used to be the best thing. The new interior design trend now is placing art pieces on the walls. From your living room, kitchen, and bedrooms to the bathroom, you can find an amazing art piece that resonates to the space and fit it on the wall.

5.      Use white woodwork

Are you looking to add more color to your home outside what the lighting fixtures offer? Then, you can consider using white woodwork which could be for the ceiling or for shelves in the room space. If there is none already, you can consider painting existing woodworks in the home to white.

6.      Use simple but attractive furniture

Another interior design tip for 2021 that is worth trying out is the use of simple but attractive furniture. Whether it is the living room, kitchen, or hallway, making use of attractive furniture can enhance the aesthetic of the home making it more visually appealing to everyone that comes in.

7.      Use hardwood flooring

Finally, you can also consider installing hardwood flooring in your home. …

If you’re planning on selling your home this year, you can make your house popular with home buyers by adding the features buyers are looking for now. Here are three upgrades that give you the best return on your investment.

Install a Security System

The top upgrade home buyers desire is home security systems Houston TX. Buyers want a burglar alarm with indoor and outdoor cameras that are controlled on their smartphones. Video doorbells that enable the homeowner to communicate with whoever is at the door are also in demand. Other popular features are sensors for carbon monoxide, smoke and water leaks.

Add an Outdoor Living Space

No matter the size of your yard, there is room for an outdoor living space. A small yard fits the bill with a cozy patio outfitted with a table and a couple of comfortable chairs. If you have more space, add a fire pit area so family and friends can enjoy s’mores and stargazing. Place pots full of blooming flowers around the space as well.

For a large yard, add all-weather couches and lounge chairs to the space. Outdoor kitchens under a covered patio are particularly in demand now, especially if you include a pizza oven. A small fountain will add a nice ambiance to the area.

Upgrade the Kitchen

Kitchens have become the most popular room in the house, so make sure yours is upgraded with the trendiest looks. If your appliances are more than a decade old, it’s time to replace them. Switch out the lighting fixtures as well. If your cabinets are old but in good shape, consider refacing them for a fresh new look.

Installing an alarm system, adding an outdoor living space and upgrading your kitchen gives your home the features new home buyers are looking for this year. They also give you a good return on investment as they increase the value of your home as well.…

Having a setup budget before undergoing any task is beneficial in so many ways. Collected.Reviews state that not only does this help you properly manage money, but it also helps you not lose sight of essential needs. Budgeting is highly important when planning on home remodeling.

Home remodeling can be a hassle sometimes. Some of the best financing companies support that budget is the first step to handling those hassles.

Below are 5 things you should put into consideration when planning this budget:

1.       Start With the Why:

Having a clear vision of why you are remodeling your home is crucial to your budget. Ask yourself questions like, “why am I doing this remodeling”. This question helps you narrow down your needs. Whether it is majorly for aesthetics or for the maintenance purposes like fixing worn out pipes, broken faucets, and other home appliances.

2.       Figure Out Financing:

After you must have answered the question of why, the next most important step is to figure out your finance and how you’re probably going to finance this project. Figuring this out involves either setting up savings funds solely for the project or dipping into an already existing savings or determining how an available finance can do the job. Figuring out your finance helps you choose a convenient way to carry out your remodeling without facing financial challenges that might result in borrowing from sources that paying for could place your home at risk of loss. Don’t go bankrupt while financing a beautiful house.

3.       Determine the Budget:

This helps you have a clear view of what you have within your budget. Having this budget helps you know which areas of your house require the most spending on and areas that you can pad up and still arrive at an excellent result. It also helps you know projects to leave behind for later times. Determining this helps you know what you’re up for and how to cut ends and arrive at excellent results.

4.       Is it for Investment:

Some people venture into remodeling for the sake of increasing their property’s rate for investment purposes. Knowing if your remodeling is to help increase the future rate of your home reflects in your budget. This is worth considering as it helps you tread according to your need.

5.       Available Amount:

Sometimes, before budgeting, you already have an amount set aside for your remodeling. It’s important to consider what that available amount is likely going to cover during the process. Not having a clear sight of your available amount during remodeling could add to the financial and emotional toll most homeowners encounter. Nobody wants to be placed in a position of having to stop work midway due to finance.

Considering these tips when planning your home remodel budget gives you a vivid picture of where to exercise your energy and finance mostly and also know projects that could be forgone or pushed back on your scale of preference.…