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The Complete Drywall Repairs Installation And Taping Guide

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Tips for Working with Drywall

We’ve hung and patched and primed and finished our fair share of drywall. Check out this compilation of tips for working with drywall to make your next build or repair easier.

Use Setting Compound for Big Holes

It’s fine to fill screw holes and other small wall dings with patching compound, but for dime-size and larger drywall repairs, and for holes that are deep, it’s best to use a joint compound that sets up by a chemical reaction. These are available in powder form with setting times ranging from five to 90 minutes. The reaction starts when you mix in the water, and the compound hardens in the specified time. The five-minute version is nice because you can buy the powder in a convenient 5-lb. box, and the compound hardens quickly, so you can apply another coat right away. Remember, setting-type compounds are harder to sand than regular patching materials, so make sure to strike them off flush to the surface when you fill the hole. You’ll find setting-type compounds wherever drywall taping supplies are sold.

Make a Dent for the Patching Compound

When you remove a nail, drywall anchor or picture hanger, there is usually a little ridge of old paint or drywall sticking out that’s hard to cover with patching material. The solution is to make a dent over the hole, and then fill the dent. Most good-quality putty knives have a rounded hard plastic or brass end on the handle that works perfectly for making the dent. The rounded end of a screwdriver handle or the handle of a utility knife will also work. Press the handle against the hole and twist it slightly while applying pressure to dent the surface, or if you have good aim, use your denting tool like a hammer.

Cover Cracks with Repair Spray

Stress cracks usually show up around window and door openings. The cracks are the result of framing movement and are hard to fix permanently. But using spray-on crack repair is a good way to at least extend the life of your repair. The spray forms a flexible membrane over the crack that can stretch and relax as the building moves.

Rent a Drywall Lift for Ceiling Work

If you have to drywall a ceiling, don’t hesitate to rent a lift. It’s well worth the daily rental fee and is by far the best way to get a ceiling up without back strain.

Choosing the Best Type of Drywall Compound

Drywall mud, also called joint compound, is a gypsum-based paste used to finish drywall joints and corners in new drywall installations. It’s also handy for repairing cracks and holes in existing drywall and plaster surfaces. Drywall mud comes in four basic types, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. You may choose one type for your project or use a combination of compounds for the desired results

All-Purpose Compound: Best All-Around Drywall Mud

All-purpose compound is a pre-mixed mud sold in buckets and boxes. It can be used for all phases of drywall finishing: embedding joint tape and filler and finish coats, as well as for texturing and skim-coating. Because it is lightweight and has a slow drying time, it’s very easy to work with and is the preferred option for DIYers for coating the first three layers over drywall joints. However, an all-purpose compound is not as strong as other types, such as topping compound.

Topping Compound: Best Mud for Final Coats

Topping compound is the ideal mud to use after the first two coats of taping compound have been applied to a taped drywall joint. Topping compound is a low-shrinking compound that goes on smoothly and offers a very strong bond. It is also highly workable. Topping compound typically is sold in dry powder that you mix with water. This does make it less convenient than premixed compound, but it allows you to mix just as much as you need; you can save the rest of the dry powder for future use.

Taping Compound: Best for Applying Tape and Covering Plaster Cracks

True to its name, a taping compound is ideal for embedding joint tape for the first phase of finishing drywall joints. Taping compound dries harder and is more difficult to sand than all-purpose and topping compounds. Taping compound is also the best option if you need to cover plaster cracks and when superior bonding and crack-resistance are required, such as around door and window openings (which tend to crack due to house settling). It is also the best mud option for laminating drywall panels in multi-layer partitions and ceilings.

Quick-Setting Compound: Best When Time Is Critical

Commonly called “hot mud,” quick-setting compound is ideal when you need to finish a job quickly or when you want to apply multiple coats on the same day. Sometimes called simply “setting compound,” this form is also useful for filling deep cracks and holes in drywall and plaster, where drying time can become an issue. If you are working in an area with high humidity, you might want to use this compound to ensure a proper drywall finish. It sets by chemical reaction, rather than simple evaporation of water, as is the case with other compounds. This means that quick-setting compound will set in damp conditions.

HOW TO REPAIR A HOLE IN DRYWALL

Drywall repair is a common home maintenance task that many homeowners can do themselves. The skill set, tools and techniques required for drywall repair depend on the size of the hole. If you can flip a fried egg, you can easily patch a small nick in your drywall, but it gets trickier as the holes get bigger. But don’t worry; Mr. Handyman is here to help!

Drywall Repair Techniques

The size of the hole will determine what method of repair you’ll use. You may not need all of these tools – before you purchase anything, reference the guidelines below to see what you’ll need. You’ll find the required materials listed with each step. Drywall tape is available in paper or mesh, select mesh if you have a choice. The tools in bold are required for each step, regardless of hole size.

HOW TO PATCH A SMALL HOLE (ANYTHING SMALLER THAN A NICKEL)

Small holes in drywall are simple to fix. Any hole larger than a nickel should be repaired with the instructions under Medium or Large hole. Use spackle or joint compound to fill the hole. If you’re using joint compound, buy it pre-mixed for small DIY jobs. Spackle may shrink as it dries in larger holes and may require an extra application. Joint compound may run out or bulge as it sets and will require sanding and a second application.

HOW TO PATCH A MEDIUM HOLE (ANYTHING SMALLER THAN SIX INCHES)

For a professional finish follow the instructions under Large hole. This method requires finesse to feather the joint compound into the rest of the wall – if not done correctly, you will see a slight bulge in the wall. You must feather the repair area (gradually reduce the thickness outward) when applying the joint compound and in the sanding stage. Use a drywall patch that is slightly larger than the hole that needs to be repaired. You can purchase these at your local hardware store. Look for a kit, which will include everything you need.

HOW TO PATCH A LARGE HOLE (ANYTHING LARGER THAN SIX INCHES)

Take your time, and be careful not to nick any wires or plumbing during installation. Although this method requires more tools, the final result is more professional looking.

Everything You Need to Know About Drywall

Choosing the right drywall

To hang and finish drywall, you need drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, fasteners and edge treatments. That seems straightforward, but when you’re standing in the drywall aisle at the home center, the choices aren’t so simple.

Is drywall fire-resistant?

“Type X” drywall is 5/8 in. thick and designed to slow the spread of fire. It is often required on garage walls and ceilings that adjoin living spaces, ceilings between living spaces inside the house, and under stairs.

Is drywall mold and moisture resistant?

Also called “greenboard”, mold-and-mildew-resistant 1/2-in. drywall is a somewhat different animal. Manufacturers use various methods to eliminate or treat the paper that covers the gypsum core. Getting rid of the organic paper food source was supposed to keep mold and mildew from growing. Builders used to install it in wet and damp locations, placing it behind tile in shower and bath enclosures. Those enclosures have already been or soon will be replaced as the greenboard fails.

Half-inch drywall

1/2-in. drywall is the best choice for most walls and some ceilings. There are standard and lightweight versions. Lightweight is stronger and weighs 25 percent less

3/8-in. and ¼-in. drywall

If you’re doing repairs in a house that was built in the ‘50s or ‘60s, you may very well have 3/8-in. drywall. You’ll want to match that thickness to patch an existing wall. Measure the existing drywall or take off a switch plate cover to find out.

Tips For Hiring a Drywall Contractor

Like painting, drywalling is a very labor-intensive technique. In addition the drywall installer and taper has to be skilled because any imperfections will be picked up long after the painters have left. This is why a great emphasis should be placed on hiring the right drywall contractor for the job.

Drywalling is actually two separate jobs. The first part is the sheetrock installation which entails cutting, shaping, putting the panels into place and then fastening them. The second part includes taping the seams and then sealing both these and the screw heads with drywall compound. This latter process revolves around coating and sanding these surfaces until the walls and corners are smooth and you can’t tell where one sheet begins and the other ends.

Preparation

If you take a look at a finished wall in any home it looks like a seamless flow of color which is only interrupted by the corners. And these looked like they have been hewed from a single block with a precision saw blade. Only your previous knowledge of building will tell you differently. However, the drywall job is only as good as the framework to which it is fastened.

Hiring the Drywall Contractor

As nothing is more infuriating to a homeowner than to see bulges and rifts on a finished wall you can’t hire just anyone to drywall your home. There are ways to find out the ones who will do the best job. A drywalling company can cost in the realm of $25 to $45 per hour per person for sheetrock installation and drywall taping so they are not cheap

Finding a Contractor

This can be accomplished through a variety of places like the internet, home building stores and word-of-mouth. Usually home building places are good because they know the credit history of all the contractors and can give you an idea of who is trustworthy. Web sites like HandyAmerican.com can provide you with detailed information about contractors rated and reviewed by your neighbors.

Have Your Basement Electrical Wiring Checked

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How to Choose the right electrical wire?

Whenever you shop for electrical wire, you will see that there are numbers of types and sizes from which you have to choose from. So different types of wire are made for different uses, but with any of these wire types knowing the right wire sizes or gauge, is key to making the right choices. Wire gauge refers to the physical size of the wire, rated with numerical designation that runs opposite to the diameter of the conductors . In other words, the smaller the wire gauge number, the larger the wire diameter.

Stranded vs. Solid Wire

One more thing to keep in mind is to select the style of wire that best fits your needs. Some wire is stranded, while other wire consists of a solid copper conductor. In installations using metal conduit, the solid wire doesn’t always pull as easily if the conduit has a large number of bends. But solid wire is usually easier to secure under screw terminals, such as those found on standard switches and receptacles.

Why wire gauge is important?

Incase of overloading wire and overheating them, circuit breakers or fuses gives good protection but they are not much reliable and not a foolproof protection. Both circuit breakers and fuse are designed to sense current loads to “trip” or “blow” before the wires can overheat up to the danger point.

There is the potential for danger anytime a device or appliance tries to draw more power on a circuit than the wire gauge is rated for. For example, plugging a heater rated for 22 amps into a 16-amp circuit wired with 1.50 sq. mm wire poses a distinct danger.

Differently it will be very safe by plugging appliances with moderate electric load into circuit with heavier gauge and a higher amperage rating. So, for example, running a laptop computer with a very small amperage demand on a 22-amp circuit wired with 2.50 sq. mm wire is perfectly fine.

How to Find The Suitable Size of Cable & Wire for Electrical Wiring Installation?

Whenever current flows through a conductor, a voltage drop occurs in that conductor. Generally, voltage drop may neglect for small length of conductors but in case of a lower diameter and long length conductors, we have to take into account the considerable voltage drops for proper wiring installation and future load managment.

In electrical wiring circuits, voltage drops also occur from the distribution board to the different sub circuit and final sub circuits, but for sub circuits and final sub circuits, the value of voltage drop should be half of that allowable voltage drops (i.e. 2.75V of 5.5V as calculated above)

we will follow both methods and system for finding voltage drops (in meter and 100 feet) in our solved example for whole electrical installation wiring).

How to Determine the Proper Cable & Wire Size for Given Load?

Below are solved examples showing how to find the proper Cable Size for Given Load. For a given load, cable size may be found with the help of different tables but we should keep in mind and follow the rules about voltage drop.

Solved Examples of Proper Wire & Cable Size

Following are the examples of determining the proper Size of cables for electrical wiring installation which will make it easy to understand the method of “how to determine the proper size of cable for a given load”.

Wire Types and Sizing

When wiring a house, there are many types wire to choose from, some copper, others aluminum, some rated for outdoors, others indoors. In general however, there are only a couple varieties used for wiring a residential home.

Romex Cables

Romex (shown in yellow above) is the trade name for a type of electrical conductor with non-metallic sheathing that is commonly used as residential branch wiring. In fact, Romex will be the most common cable you’ll use in wiring a house.

The following are a few basic facts about Romex wiring:

Romex ™ is a common type of residential wiring that is categorized by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as underground feeder (UF) or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM and NMC).

NM and NMC conductors are composed of two or more insulated conductors contained in a non-metallic sheath. The coating on NMC cable is non-conducting, flame-resistant and moisture-resistant. Unlike other cables commonly found in homes, they are permitted in damp environments, such as basements.

Underground feeder conductors appear similar to NM and NMC cables except that UF cables contain a solid plastic core and cannot be “rolled” between fingers.

The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors:

They must be protected, secured and clamped to device boxes, junction boxes and fixtures.

Support devices that may damage the cables, such as bent nails and overdriven staples, are not permitted.

NM and NMC cables should be secured at intervals that do not exceed 4½ feet, and they should be secured within 12 inches of junction boxes and panels to which they are attached. Cables that do not comply with this rule can sag and are vulnerable to damage.

They are intended as permanent wiring in homes and should not be used as a substitute for appliance wiring or extension cords.

Romex is used for most lighting and outlet circuits in your home. Romex will be labeled with “12-2” or “12-3”. The first number indicates the gauge of the wire. You choices are typically 10, 12, or 14 gauge. The second number indicates the number of conductors. A 12-2 Romex will have a black(hot) and a white(neutral) wire as well as an unsheathed copper wire for ground. A 12-3 Romex will have a black(hot), red(hot), white(neutral), and bare copper. The red on a 12-3 is used for three-way light switches which are covered later.

Tips for electrical wiring

Power Tests

Always check & test wires and devices for power inside the box you are working in to prevent electric shock before working on them. Sometimes, even if you shut off power, some wiring may be connected to another circuit & hence may still pose a threat of electric shock.

Uncoil Cable

The best way to easily instal cables is to straighten them out first. Pull the cable from the centre of the coil & lift a handful of coils. Next step is to toss them across the floor as if you’re throwing a coiled rope. Once untangled, it helps in easier handling & neater storage

Amperage Rating

Amperage Rating or Amp needs to be checked for all electrical wiring & devices. Before installing or changing wiring, one must have the appropriate amp rating for all circuits. For example, a 30-amp circuit must have a right-gauge wiring to prevent fire hazard.

Grounding Wires

Grounding provides a safe path for extra electric current to pass in case of a fault or any other issue. Follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams & understand grounding systems.

Boxes & Clamps

You need to ensure enclosing all wiring connections in appropriate electrical boxes or clamps. Enclosures protect the connection as well as the people from accidental contacts with those connections.

QUICK TIPS FOR SELECTING THE RIGHT ELECTRICAL WIRE & CABLE | TPC

Can you think of at least one area where you’re replacing electrical wires and cables often? What happens when this cable fails? Unplanned downtime? You’re too busy for that. Why is it failing? Is there a lot of flexing or tension on this particular wire? Is the area known to occasional, or frequent impact? Does your cable come into contact with chemicals or exposure to extreme temperatures?

When choosing the right cable for your problem area, you must first ask yourself why the cable is failing and how often it disrupts production? If your answer is often, it’s time to look for a longer-lasting product. As experts in the industry, we can help you find the right solution for your failing cable

tips to consider when choosing the right electrical wires and cables with the most life and reliability for your needs:

If the area you have in mind is experiencing frequent flexing or tension, you’ll want a cable that is finely stranded and has a high durometer like our Trex-Onics C-Flex product.

If you’re looking for a cable that might need to be protected from impact, like getting hit or run over, you’ll want to consider a cable with a thick, reinforced jacket. Our Super-Trex portable cord is lined with 100% fabric serve. Don’t like yellow? They come in black, too.

Do you have harsh chemicals in your plant? You’ll likely want to explore our Chem-Gard 200 TC Rated cable, solution with a specially compounded fluoropolymer jacket and conductor insulation.

If you have extreme temperatures — hot or cold, you’ll want to visit our Thermo-Trex 850, a high-temperature electrical wire for your environment.

Tips To Take Control Racoon In Your Area

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Raccoons

How to identify Raccoons

Well adapted to life in both urban and suburban communities, raccoons can be found throughout Southern Canada. The pests are omnivorous and easily recognized for their bushy tails and distinctive mask-like markings on their faces. When they take up residence under porches, within abandoned buildings, and in barns, raccoons cause property damage and leave humans, pets, and livestock at an increased risk of disease contraction.

Raccoon Sounds

Raccoons use over 200 sounds for communication and are capable of emitting a wide range of noises depending on various factors. The pests vocalize excitement in the form of screeching, chittering, and chirping, while warnings are issued using grunts, growls, and snarls. Some of the more unusual raccoon sounds include whistling and clicking of the teeth. At night, these pests may emit screams capable of waking up homeowners and frightening children.

Signs of Infestation

When raccoon infestations are present in buildings, the pests tend to make a lot of noise. House residents may hear scratching, rustling, and squeaking, especially during evening hours. Raccoons also set up latrines near their dens, which is where they deposit their urine and excrement. As such, foul odours should alert individuals to the presence of the pest. Finally, tracks and scratch marks around yards may indicate raccoon infestations.

Raccoon Droppings

Since raccoons often leave their feces in large communal piles, called latrines, cleaning up after these pests can become an ordeal. Homeowners often find raccoon latrines on roofs, decks, attics, haylofts, woodpiles, and other flat, raised areas. To determine whether piles of feces come from raccoons, check for dark, tubular droppings about the diameter of a nickel. If droppings don’t match this description, other latrine-building pests such as badgers may be to blame.

Prevention & Removal of Raccoon Droppings

Discouraging raccoons from living near homes is the best way to escape the risk of roundworm infection. Avoid attracting raccoons in the first place by using tight-sealing garbage bins and bringing outdoor pet food inside overnight.

Raccoon Trapping & Control

Most people love wildlife until it becomes a problem where they live or a disruption in their business. And unfortunately, as cute as raccoons are, in Louisiana they are one of the most common pests we are called out to manage. Raccoons take advantage of shelter in attics as well as raised homes or buildings, and will scavenge through your garbage or even raid your pets’ food on a regular basis. Raccoons are also known as major carriers of rabies, so they can be a serious danger to both pets and people.

Raccoons as a nuisance

Unfortunately, raccoons have adapted well to living in close contact with humans. They’ve learned to where to find food and shelter and remain major problems on roads throughout Louisiana. In addition to the nuisance factor, raccoons can also cause serious problems such as damage to your home or business. In fact, the commercial removal of pests such as raccoons from major industrial businesses and sites is an important service offered by DIAL ONE Pest Control.

OFFERING HUMANE RACCOON REMOVAL

If you haven’t experienced a raccoon infestation, and by extension, those poisonous raccoon feces, you’re lucky. And there’s perhaps no better time to book raccoon removal to protect your home. In short, prevention is the best form of humane wildlife control. Choose this method rather than ineffective raccoon pest control that involves bait traps, raccoon repellent, or raccoon cages

RACCOONS IN THE ATTIC? CHOOSE HUMANE WILDLIFE REMOVAL WITH INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Our integrated pest management devises unique raccoon deterrent methods for different forms of raccoon control. For residential or commercial raccoon infestations, we mix and match a variety of pest control techniques. This way, we create custom solutions that are safe and effective to get rid of raccoons.

We use inspection, monitoring, exclusion, and trapping. It’s true, even pest control companies must adhere to minimizing pesticide usage and maximizing humane wildlife removal. Staying aware of how our humane wildlife control services affect not only our customers, but the ecosystem, is essential. After all, we want to create a safe environment for everyone – besides pests!

Raccoons

What are Raccoons?

Raccoons, also nicknamed “coons” for short, are mammals that are rarely seen during the day because of their nocturnal habits. Raccoons are found throughout the United States but are more common in the wooded eastern portions of the country than in the more arid western plains. Continue reading if you want additional raccoon facts.

What Do Raccoons Look Like?

Raccoons are mid-sized animals that are about 2-3 feet long. Their bodies are stocky, round and covered in salt-and-pepper colored fur. Raccoons are known best for the “black mask” of fur around their eyes, also known as a “bandit mask,” and black rings around their furry tails.

Raccoons and Rabies

While not all raccoons have rabies, raccoons in general are major hosts of rabies in the U.S., especially in the eastern part of the country where their populations are increasing. Just because a raccoon is active during the daytime, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s carrying rabies. However, there are some indicators that a raccoon could be infected with the rabies virus. Key symptoms of a rabid raccoon include confusion and disorientation, leg paralysis or difficulty walking, wet and tangled hair, significant aggression, and production of very loud, unusual noises. Rabid raccoons may also foam at the mouth and have watery eyes.

Signs of an Infestation

The key signs of a raccoon infestation are both visual and audible. Damage to a home’s insulation, wood, shingles, electrical wiring, walls or other parts of the structure is a telltale sign that a raccoon has taken up residence inside. Another indication of a raccoon infestation is the presence of droppings, urine stains, or built-up materials from creating a nest.

Additionally, raccoons often raid, and can make a mess of, contents in garbage cans while they are in search of food. If a homeowner notices trash dispersed on the property, raccoons could be to blame. Raccoon paw prints may also be visible in the yard.

Raccoons sometimes kill poultry, destroy bird nests, and damage gardens or crops, so any signs of these types of activities can also mean there is a raccoon infestation. Hearing loud thuds and noises from raccoon movement can also signify a homeowner has raccoons in the home.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons

There are various precautions that homeowners can take to try to avoid a raccoon infestation from taking root. First, raccoons can find access into homes through broken vents, holes, uncapped chimneys and other openings along the roof, which is why homeowners should regularly inspect, repair and seal any of these or other potential points of entry. Loose siding and shingles should also be repaired, and it’s also helpful to install a mesh cover or cap over chimneys and other exposed openings to prevent entry.

Homeowners should store trash in sealed areas, ideally as a locked shed or outhouse. Raccoons are very adept at learning how to open garbage cans, so if trash cans are kept out in the open, it’s best to use tightly fitting, animal-proof lids to avoid unwanted attention from hungry raccoons on the prowl for food. Birdseed, bird feeders and fountains should also be removed, as they are sources of sustenance to raccoons and other wildlife. Likewise, built up debris, brush and leaves can serve as perfect hiding spots and dwellings for raccoons, so it’s important to regularly rid the yard of these piles. Also, consider storing firewood, which raccoons may use to help build a shelter, at least 20 feet from the house during the cooler months.

Raccoons

RACCOONS CAN CAUSE A HUGE NUISANCE TO HOME AND BUSINESS OWNERS. KNOCKING OVER GARBAGE CANS, STEALING FOOD AND DAMAGING PROPERTY IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG!

Raccoons can also carry diseases and are known to threaten pets and small children. If you’re tired of raccoons terrorizing your property, call the experts at Delmar Pest Control for same-day raccoon removal services that are guaranteed or your money back!

BEWARE, RACCOONS CAN CARRY A VARIETY OF DANGEROUS DISEASES!

Raccoons are known to carry rabies, a potentially fatal disease that is generally transmitted through animal bites. In addition to rabies, raccoons also carry canine distemper, which is potentially fatal to man’s best friend. Lastly, raccoon feces commonly contains roundworm, which releases infectious spores into the air. With the large number of potential health risks posed by raccoons, it’s important to trap and remove and raccoons present on your property as quickly as possible. However, this doesn’t mean that you should attempt to handle raccoons on your own! Call the raccoon removal experts at Delmar for a safe and effective approach to taking care of your raccoon problem.

CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED WILDLIFE REMOVAL COMPANY THAT’S FULLY LICENSED & INSURED

Wildlife control is a serious business, with dangers being faced by wildlife control experts each and every day. That’s why is especially important to choose a company that holds the proper licenses and certifications, and is fully insured in case there are any unforeseen incidents.

Save A Child With A Pediatric Stethoscope

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Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician might not appear to be important early in pregnancy, but selecting a pediatrician is very important. Many women begin their search for a pediatrician during their second trimester of pregnancy.

What is a Pediatrician?

A pediatrician is a medical doctor that specializes in the care of infants, adolescents, and children as old as 21. Many pediatricians are also trained in subspecialties such as neonatal medicine and cardiology.

What services do Pediatricians provide?

Pediatricians provide preventive care to healthy children and medical care to children with illnesses. The care they provide includes physical, mental and emotional support. Most pediatricians offer a variety of services for children and their parents.

How are Pediatricians trained?

Pediatricians must complete the requirements set by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).

How do I find the right Pediatrician for my child?

Asking friends, relatives and your prenatal care provider for referrals is a good start. The write down the important questions that need to be answered such as whether you prefer a male or female pediatrician or the approximate age of the pediatrician (if it matters to you).

Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician

A Personal Decision

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child’s health. Your pediatrician serves as your child’s primary care doctor. Your pediatrician will guide you through many decisions about protecting your child’s health or treating a condition. How do you find the best pediatrician who is right for your family? Here are important factors to keep in mind.

Get Referrals

Start with a referral list from your own doctor. You can also ask family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. If you’re new to an area, ask your former pediatrician for a referral in your new town. Then, take the time to research the pediatricians’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow your list, visit open houses that many practices offer so you can learn about the practice. You can also make appointments to meet and interview the pediatricians.

Research the Pediatrician’s Credentials

Board certification is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a pediatrician. It tells you that the doctor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide healthcare for your child. Also confirm that the pediatrician has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the pediatrician’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

Consider the Pediatrician’s Experience

Parents call upon their pediatrician for everything from well-child visits and routine physicals to allergy and chronic headache treatments. So experience matters. The more experience a pediatrician has, the better your results are likely to be. If your child has a specific condition, such as ADHD, ask how many patients with the condition the pediatrician has treated. If you know that your child will need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the doctor has performed and find out about complication rates—complications the doctor has encountered as well as your own risk of complications.

Consider Gender

Most likely, your baby or toddler will not care whether a doctor is male or female. While you may have your own preference for your child, think about the years to come. For example, embarrassment or fear of a pelvic exam or breast exam may be a reason that a teenage girl would prefer a female doctor. If gender is not something you want to base your decision on right now, consider choosing a larger practice with both male and female doctors.

Tips for Selecting a Pediatrician

A pediatrician is a doctor who has undergone special additional training to work with infants, children and adolescents. Pediatricians have the knowledge and experience about the physical, emotional and social development of children to give your child care that’s just right for his or her age and stage of life

Plan Ahead

The best time to find a pediatrician for your baby is before he or she is born

Because your baby will need to see a doctor frequently within the first weeks of life, it’s very helpful to choose the right pediatrician well in advance.

Board Certification

It’s a good idea to make sure the pediatrician you would like to meet is board-certified.

Board-certified pediatricians have completed not only medical school and residency programs (on-the-job training) in pediatrics, but they’ve also passed a rigorous exam given by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Choosing a Pediatrician for Your New Baby

From the day you learn you’re pregnant, you make decisions that last your child’s lifetime — like the name you choose for your baby. To give your newborn the healthiest possible start, you’ll want to find a pediatrician to care for your child from their first wellness visit through the teen years. Here are tips on how to find that doctor.

When Should I Start Looking for a Pediatrician?

It’s a good idea to start looking for a doctor about 3 months before your baby is due. Ask for recommendations from relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and doctors you know. Then, check your insurance company’s website to see if the doctors are in your plan.

Pediatrician or Family Physician: What’s the Difference?

Most pediatricians and the nurses and physician assistants in their practices see children and teens up to age 21. Pediatric training focuses on treating children from birth until adulthood. Family physicians take care of patients of all ages, from kids to seniors

MD or DO: What’s the Difference?

Pediatricians can graduate from medical school with either an MD (doctor of medicine) or a DO (doctor of osteopathy) degree. Both degrees train doctors to diagnose and treat diseases — and to try to prevent them when possible.

What Does “Board Certified” Mean?

At the end of their residency, doctors can take exams to be “board certified” in their field — in general pediatrics, for example, or in a pediatric specialty like orthopedics. These exams are set by the governing body in a field of medicine, like the AAP, and they’re not easy to pass.

Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician When Expecting

Choosing the right pediatrician doesn’t just help your baby, it also helps you. A pediatrician and his or her staff can provide you with valuable advice on caring for your newborn, from sleep tips to breastfeeding support

What to Ask When Interviewing Pediatricians

Because your pediatrician will play such an important role in your child’s life, it’s a good idea to meet and talk with potential candidates before you make a decision

Background and Credentials

Our Find a Doctor tool lets you look up Sutter-affiliated doctors by name or specialty to see a biographical sketch, including education, board certification, hospital privileges, special interests and other helpful information. If you have questions, you can also check the status of a doctor’s license online at The American Board of Pediatrics website

Philosophy of Care

Discuss decisions likely to come up, such as circumcision (if you are expecting a boy), nutrition and vaccination. Some pediatricians also include philosophy of care as part of their online physician profile. It is important that your beliefs and philosophy on parenting are compatible with your pediatrician’s philosophy of care.

Office Procedures

Find out how well your pediatrician’s office systems work with your schedule and specific needs. Ask how to make an appointment, how far in advance you will need to schedule an appointment and how long you will have to wait to see the pediatrician once you arrive.

Why You Should Begin Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer

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How To Find The Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you want to hire a lawyer to handle all aspects of your personal injury claim, or you just want professional guidance on settling your personal injury case yourself (or preparing it for small claims court or arbitration) you don’t want to hire just any lawyer. You want an experienced personal injury lawyer. And you want one with whom you are comfortable.

Finding an Experienced Lawyer

The practice of law has become highly specialized, and many lawyers know less about personal injury law than you will after some reading through this site. So, your first task is to find a lawyer who has experience representing claimants (known as “plaintiffs”) in personal injury cases. You do not want to be represented by someone who has primarily been a lawyer for insurance companies, even if they’re experienced. Such a lawyer may be too accustomed to taking the insurance company’s side and might not fight hard enough for your claim.

A Lawyer Might Not Want Your Case

Finding a lawyer you want to hire is one thing. But that lawyer also has to want your case. And a lawyer could have several reasons for rejecting you as a client.

Friends and Acquaintances

Contact friends or coworkers who have been represented by a lawyer in their own personal injury claims. If the friend or coworker says good things about the experience, put that lawyer on your list of people with whom to have an initial consultation. But do not make any decision about a lawyer solely on the basis of someone else’s recommendation. Different people will have different responses to a lawyer’s style and personality. Also, at any particular time a lawyer may have more or less energy or interest to devote to a new case. So do not make up your mind about hiring someone until you have met with the lawyer, discussed your case, and decided that you are comfortable entering a working relationship.

Lawyers You Already Know

You may already know a lawyer, either personally or because the lawyer has represented you before in some legal matter. And that lawyer may be very good at the job. So, when you consider hiring a lawyer to work on your personal injury claim, it may seem obvious to hire this person you already know.

How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury attorney is someone who specializes in cases where someone is injured, and where they can assist the injured party in navigating their rights to fair compensation for those injuries.

If you have suffered a serious injury due to another’s negligence,it is natural that you feel that someone else should pay for it—the problem is, you don’t know where to start in order to hold that person responsible. You want to hire a personal injury attorney who will know your options and handle the legal process for you. But who do you hire?

Understand What Your Case Entails

To know if a lawyer is right for you, understand the basics of why you need a lawyer in the first place. Different lawyers focus on different areas of law, and if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence your claim is in the personal injury arena. You wouldn’t hire a business attorney to defend you in a criminal case. Similarly, you don’t want to simply hire any family member or friend with a law license unless that person has the necessary personal injury experience. Many people make the mistake of hiring someone that they know, or someone that a friend or family member might know, even if they aren’t the right attorney for the job.

Years of experience – It’s just a fact that newer lawyers do not have as much experience and may not know as many “insider secrets” as lawyers who have practiced personal injury law for decades. A newer lawyer who works at a firm that provides the support and training of highly experienced attorneys should, however, be okay.

Reputation – Lawyers who are respected in the community and who have a positive reputation will often prove better than attorneys who have garnered less-than-stellar reputations. A positive reputation will often mean a dependable lawyer who will commit to your case. In today’s “age of the internet,” there is no reason not to do your research!

tips for choosing a personal injury lawyer

Finding a personal injury lawyer may not always be easy, but these tips may point people in the right direction.

Whether people are driving to a job in the Chicago area, shopping at a mall or are just using a commercial product, they can become injured due to the actions of another party. A drunk driver, a store owner who failed to warn of a slippery surface or a company that sold a faulty design could be found responsible for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages and other damages. However, without the right lawyer, injured victims may have a hard time obtaining the compensation the law entitles them to. Choosing a lawyer is often easier said than done though, because there are so many out there

Look at past experience

Injured victims should search for a lawyer who has dealt with a situation similar to theirs in the past. According to Forbes, county and state bar associations often have a referral service that can help connect clients with lawyers who have experience with different types of personal injury, such as product liability, malpractice, libel, auto collisions, wrongful death, negligence and premises liability. Reviewing a lawyer’s past experience may help people eliminate underqualified candidates.

Go to an initial meeting

While hiring someone based on their background and experience is advisable, it may not always be enough. It is also important the client and lawyer are able to work together throughout the proceedings. Forbes states that taking consultation meetings with more than one attorney can help people make a smarter selection. If this vital step is skipped, the client may sign a contract with a lawyer whose personality is jarring. This may seem like a minor issue, but it could lead to a loss of both time and money. The initial meeting is the perfect time for people to get acquainted with the attorney and staff.

Ask the right questions

In order to best assess a lawyer’s competence, the Illinois State Bar Association suggests that people should ask each lawyer questions about how the case would be handled in that particular firm

Do follow-up research

Even after the initial meeting, it is important that people continue their research of all attorneys they contact before the final decision is made. According to the Supreme Court of Illinois, there are a lot of resources available for public use. Some of these resources highlight the history of individual attorneys, opinions concerning various lawyers and the professional responsibility an attorney has for a client. This type of information could prove essential to hiring an experienced and caring lawyer.

Tips to Help You Find the Right Personal Injury Attorney

Choosing the right attorney to represent you is one of the most important things you can do to help your personal injury case. Hiring the best attorney for your particular situation can help provide you with the support and expertise you need for a more optimal outcome in your case.

Pick the Right Type of Attorney

When you have a medical condition that requires treatment, the first thing you will usually do is search for a doctor that specializes in that kind of ailment. The same thought process applies to selecting an attorney.

Research Several Attorneys

It is essential to conduct research on any attorney or firm before deciding who you wish to interview. You may want to start by speaking to family members and trusted friends about their personal experiences with attorneys in your area. When conducting your research, look for issues with their reputation that may affect your case.

Interview the Attorney

When you have a repair performed on your home, you would never think twice about asking the repair company about their credentials or experience. This consideration should be no different when deciding on an attorney. You will want to talk to your potential lawyer about their past cases and outcomes and ask how they feel they could represent your case.

Ask About Your Case

Ask your attorney what they think about the merits of your case. Ask how they will handle the case and what outcome they would like to see. Does the attorney only take cases that they can settle out of court or are they willing to represent your case before a judge and jury?

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Experience. Never underestimate the value of an attorney’s experience when it comes to assessing and investigating a claim. Hire a personal injury lawyer who knows what to look for and understands what it means to your case. So, before hiring an attorney, ask them about similar cases they’ve handled, their success rates, and whether they are prepared to take the case to trial if needed.

Focus. A personal injury lawyer has unique skills when it comes to determining issues of liability such as negligence and causation and is probably better equipped when it comes to accurately valuing the compensation for damages. Approximately 95% of personal injury lawsuits settle before trial, so knowing how to negotiate a fair settlement is important as many factors are involved. Hiring a criminal lawyer or corporate lawyer will not prove as beneficial.

Reputation. A lawyers reputation provides that added value as it will precede them- not only from a plaintiff’s perspective, but from the defendant’s perspective and the court’s perspective for handling cases and doing things the right way. It puts a client in the best situation to recover as much as they deserve as a result of their injuries.

Objectivity.Make sure your injury attorney is objective and isn’t looking to settle your case too quickly in order to move on to the next client.

Personality.Often the most overlooked factor in hiring an attorney is personality. When you’ve been injured the last thing you need is an attorney who is not going to be there for you to ask questions, give you a status on your case, or return your calls in a reasonable time. Be sure you are comfortable with your lawyer’s ethics and experience.

Financing Your Home Renovation

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Tips To Choose A Trusted Home Renovation Contractor

Are you thinking about renovating your home? If yes, you need a right renovation contractor who can understand your vision and turn your ideas into reality. Choosing a right professional who can coordinate with you throughout the renovation process is a challenging affair. While a careful selection can help you create a space of your dreams, a wrong selection can ruin all your ideas and expectations. Following are the 5 tips that will you choose a trusted home renovation contractor:

Research: Research is the key when it comes to choosing a right renovation contractor for your home. Ask for a free quotation from different contractors and see what they are offering and the overall cost of the project. Then select the one that meets your budget. At the same time, make sure that the contractor is experienced and skilled enough to handle the entire process. He must be able to give feedbacks and suggestions from time to time and discuss about your requirements too. Ask your friends or family too about an experienced contractor if they’ve ever renovated their home.
Plan your budget: If you will not plan a budget beforehand, you will feel lost during the hiring process. Different contractors will have different offerings. If you haven’t set a reasonable budget for your home, you won’t be able to find a right fit for the job. Setting a budget will also help you negotiate on the overall cost of project your contractor has told you.
Check for expertise: Depending on the expertise and the experience of the contractor, renovation can take a few days, weeks or even months to complete. So you would never want to hand over your project to an inexperienced renovation company who has handled just 2-3 projects in the past. The contractor you choose must be licensed and has a good portfolio of successful home renovation projects in the past.
Ask for estimated completion time: Choosing a contractor only on the basis of price quote is not a wise decision. You should also know what completion time they are offering with that quote. Even if one contractor is charging more than the other but offering less completion time, it would be worth your money if you want the work to be completed at soon as possible. Obviously, you would be looking for someone who can hand over the renovated home to you so you can start your routine life normally as fast as possible. Hence, before entering into a contract, read and understand all the terms and conditions carefully.
Warranties and guarantees: A good contractor will always give you surety of his good quality work. So find out if your contractor is giving you any warranty of certain materials he has used during the renovation or not. Bad materials and products used during the refurbishing can cost you a lot in the future. So make sure that your renovation contractor is covering all these.

Hope, these tips will help you get a renovation contractor who turns your boring space into a wonderland of your dreams!

Things You Must Do Before Renovating Your House—or Else

Renovating your house is an adventure, one that can easily go off the rails. There are a mind-boggling number of wrong turns homeowners can take, from going over budget, to hiring a shady contractor, to just realizing that the quartz counters or paint color they picked are so wrong—after the work is done.

So if you want to make sure your renovation turns out all right, it’s essential you be prepared. Here are five things you should do before embarking on any major home improvement project to avoid a whole bunch of headaches and regrets.

Know what you like

Oh that part’s easy, right? You want a totally new kitchen. But what exactly does that mean? You have to narrow down whether that’s just cosmetic (e.g., new cupboards, counters, and appliances) or structural (e.g., reconfiguring your space or knocking down a wall).

Run the numbers

There’s a reason we call it a “dream house”: It might not exist in real life—at least within the parameters of our budget! So before you get too attached to single-slab counters or spendy light fixtures, take a stroll down the aisles of your local design center to start pricing materials and labor.

Do a reality check

You might be wildly off base on what’s feasible in home renovation. For example, a project that might seem simple, such as adding a laundry room upstairs, can easily become a budget buster when you realize you have to configure complicated plumbing because of the location you chose. Having a consultation with an architect or a contractor can give you some insight into which projects will be workable—and which you might want to abandon before you even get started.

Vet your contractor

We’re not talking about doing just a cursory audit of online reviews or references, although those are helpful. You have to do a full-blown check and get proof of the following:

Contractor’s license
Certificate of insurance for general liability and workers’ comp
Lien history
Bond number and certification

And remember, you are going to be spending a lot of time with your contractor, as well as parting with a lot of cash and potentially a good bit of your sanity over the duration of the renovation. Your contractor is soon to become an almost-roommate, so take the time to conduct in-person interviews to find both a personal and professional fit.

Time your renovation right

Renovation projects are notorious for running over schedule, often through no one’s fault. Weather can delay projects; necessary materials can be on back order; subcontractors can get sick; tricky wiring can take longer than expected. It’s wise to just expect there will be delays, so plan the renovation with ample time if you have a “due date,” such as house guests coming or a special trip that will take you out of town.

Construction blueprints with calculator, red pencil and roulette on wooden background closeup. Floor plan designed building on the drawing, top view. The part of architectural project.

How to Renovate a House

A look at the major elements of a whole-house renovation will give you a sense of what’s involved.

Design and Planning

A sketch on a cocktail napkin, full-blown architectural plans, or just a firm set of thoughts about how the remodel should progress. It is cheaper and less frustrating to correct mistakes before the remodel takes physical form. Ensure that you have funding for your renovation.

Roof, Foundation, Water Issues, Siding, Windows

Roof replacement or repair; foundation fix; stopping water infiltration; installing or repairing siding and windows. Large projects must be done first because

Structural Carpentry

Carpentry that is in support of other work such as drywall, new or moved walls, windows, doors, etc.

Moving walls.
Constructing new walls.
Adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs.
Punching in new doors (or removing existing doors).
Adding framing for new construction windows, or significantly enlarging the window openings.

HVAC Ductwork, Electrical, and Plumbing

Vital services that need to be installed when the walls and ceiling are open.

With the walls and ceiling open, it is time for the HVAC company to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning.
Run new electrical and plumbing systems. Electrical and plumbing inspectors will visit at this time, too.

Windows

Installing new-construction or replacement windows.

Window installation, whether whole-house or partial, almost always plays into a home remodel project.

Insulation

Laying the insulation in the walls and ceiling.

Install insulation in the walls and attic.
Insulation goes fast, so make sure that your drywall company is ready to go soon after this.

Drywall

Closing up the walls with drywall: hanging it, mudding it, and sanding it.

A second inspection from the electrical inspector (and perhaps the plumbing inspector) will give you the go-ahead to close up the walls.
Drywallers hang sheets of drywall, apply drywall compound, and let the compound dry. After drying, they sand it smooth. Sometimes, they will repeat the process until they achieve a seamless surface.

Fine Carpentry

Carpentry that is not supportive: baseboards, molding, trim around windows and doors, built-in elements (bookcases, breakfast nooks, etc.).

Fine carpenters give your house that finished touch.

Interior Painting, Wallpaper, and Other Surface Finishes

Painting interior walls, hanging wallpaper, painting molding and trim, staining and sealing trim.

All of these detail-oriented surface finishes should be one of the last items you do indoors as this work can damage other work of yours.
Should you paint before installing or sanding your flooring or the reverse? This is debatable. Laying flooring first means that paint might get on the flooring. Painting first means that the floor sander may scuff your walls.

Flooring

Your final floor covering—laminate, solid hardwood, tile, engineered wood.

Installing the flooring as late as possible in the renovation process saves your flooring surface from significant damage.

Couple making plans to renovate old attic

Where Should You Start First When Renovating a House?

You’ve decided to renovate your house but don’t know where to begin. If you’re renovating so you can stay in your home for a longer period of time without systems breaking down, your approach is different than if you’re renovating to get a higher price when you eventually sell. Analyze your reasons, needs and how much money you have for the renovations before you put your plan into effect. In most markets a complete renovation only increases your value slightly, according to a report issued by the National Association of Homebuilders(NAHB).

Assess Your House

Hire a licensed home inspector to check your house from top to bottom. He’ll climb into the attic to check for dampness, scour the basement looking for leaks, test the heating and air conditioning systems, examine the roof, the plumbing and electrical panels. Evaluate the results before deciding on a plan of action. Whole-house remodeling is down from its peak in the mid-2000s, according to the NAHB, while repairs increased.

Systems

If your heating and air conditioning unit is problematic, decide whether a full replacement or a temporary fix is in order, depending on your goals. Providing a comfortable environment is paramount to your enjoyment of your home. A faulty air conditioner promotes mold which is unhealthy for you and your family, and is expensive to remediate.

Plumbing

If you’re going to upgrade your bathrooms, be sure your plumbing can tolerate increasing pressure and usage. Repairing leaky fixtures, damaged flooring and improper ventilation results in lower water bills. If they’re not repaired and you’re selling the house, the problems will be pointed out by the buyer’s inspector. In a survey by the NAHB, bathroom remodeling jobs were the most common upgrades purchased in 2011.

Efficiency

Homeowners are guided by energy efficiency. The importance of downsizing and using energy efficient appliances is reflected in the Energy Star ratings attached to appliances today. Renovating a kitchen with granite, stainless steel, new cabinetry and flooring is the second most requested renovation project, the NAHB says. A new kitchen increases your home’s value, and installing energy-efficient appliances attracts a buyer’s eye.

Windows/Doors

A home renovation project that includes installing new windows and doors leads to less cost in running the house. Double glazed windows and solid doors are an expensive renovation but yield benefits, both for the homeowner and a potential buyer.

How to Set a Home Renovation Budget

Here are five key steps in planning your home remodeling project.

1. Estimate home renovation costs

As a general rule of thumb, you should spend no more on each room than the value of that room as a percentage of your overall house value. (Get an approximate value of your home to start with.)

For example, a kitchen generally accounts for 10 to 15 percent of the property value, so spend no more than this on kitchen renovation costs. If your home is worth $200,000, for example, you’ll want to spend $30,000 or less.

2. Consider home remodeling loan options

3. Get home renovation quotes from contractors

Some contractors will give you an estimate based on what they think you want done, and work completed under these circumstances is almost guaranteed to cost more. You have to be very specific about what you want done, and spell it out in the contract — right down to the materials you’d like used.

4. Stick to the home remodeling plan

As the renovation moves along, you might be tempted to add on another “small” project or incorporate the newest design trend at the last minute. But know that every time you change your mind, there’s a change order, and even minor changes can be costly. Strive to stick to the original agreement, if possible.

5. Account for hidden home renovation costs

Your home may look perfect on the outside, but there could be issues lurking beneath the surface. In fact, hidden imperfections are one of the reasons renovation projects end up costing more than you anticipated.

Benefits Of Epoxy Flooring Paint

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Choosing the Right Epoxy Flooring for Your Needs

When it comes to giving your floors an overhaul, there are many different options available. One of the most popular for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications is epoxy flooring. However, there are also several different choices available, which means you need to know which one will work best for your needs. The following information will help you determine the best option for your application

High Build Epoxy Coatings

High build epoxies are a great choice for areas where durability, slip resistance, and easy maintenance are most important

Self-Leveling Epoxy Flooring

Self-leveling epoxy (SLE) is a great option for industrial flooring applications, including chemical and battery plants, loading docks, ramps, and other high traffic areas. It can be used to either replace or restore concrete floors that have started eroding. SLE is a strong, durable 100% solids epoxy that provides a dense surface that is skid resistant, and can provide different degrees of shock, thermal, and impact resistance. It also prevents dirt and chemicals from penetrating the surface, which results in a longer lasting flooring option. There are also several different polyurethane and epoxy topcoats that can be added to provide even more durability and chemical resistance.

Lumiere Designer Epoxy

Lumiere designer epoxy flooring is a premium coating that provides enhanced shine, color, and three-dimensional depth that comes from its ability reflect light via metallic pigments. This high shine option is perfect for businesses that want to ensure that their prestige and quality permeates every inch of their establishment, including showrooms, nightclubs, offices, health care facilities, gyms, spas, salons, and any other locations that want to project a high-class image.

Additional Epoxy Uses

In addition to these epoxy flooring options, epoxy can also be used for wall coatings. This type of system uses 100% solids epoxy for use in commercial, residential, and industrial settings that require high chemical and impact resistance, ease of maintenance, high durability, and protection from mold and bacterial growth, all with high reflectivity. With different topcoats, this coating system can also become antimicrobial, and withstand exposure to strong acids, alcohols, and solvents

How to Choose the Right Epoxy Flooring?

Prior to selecting the right coating for epoxy flooring, you must address an array of questions to help you choose correctly

Addressing all these questions carefully will help you find the perfect epoxy flooring for your house, garage, or office space. Doing so in the least amount of time. Once you have successfully answered all of these questions, you will be able to browse through and check out some of the most famous options of epoxy flooring with ease!

The Affordable Cost of Garage Epoxy Flooring

It is no secret that Garage Floor Epoxy Flooring is definitely one of the most prevalent and coatings across the globe. This includes beautiful showrooms as well as commercial garages. You might be surprised, but even standard garage epoxy can be made for a fantastic finish at super budget-friendly and affordable pricing.

Self-Dispersing Epoxy Coatings

Self-dispersing epoxy coatings are kinds of epoxy coatings that are employed in areas containing a heavy use of machinery. In addition to that, when it comes to several highly functioning facilities dealing with food processing, beverage producing and chemicals, epoxy floors are used widely. These kinds of flooring options have amazing anti-slip properties. This is beneficial for facilities that have a large number of employees.

Graveled Epoxy

Graveled epoxies are coatings that are typically used for old concrete surfaces. Furthermore, these coatings are ideal for all those areas which require smooth and seamless surfaces such as garages, kitchens, office buildings, and warehouses.

How to Choose Best Epoxy Floor Coating

Are you thinking about changing the floor of your living room, kitchen, or walking path? Epoxy floors are an affordable and seamless option as there is no space for bacteria or other contaminants to grow. It is also a perfect choice for food processing and restaurant businesses. But don’t forget, it is also great for residential building especially for kitchen or toilets.

So, if you want to gets a shiny, glossy, long-lasting, and non-slippery floor, then contact with a Mesa, AZ epoxy flooring contractors to avail the best option. You can conduct DIY epoxy flooring installation wok just by following some easy instructions or hire an expert to do so. There are several epoxy flooring options, you can choose the best based on how much traffic passes on your required area and how often you will have to clean or touch up. Definitely, the cost is the most considerable factor while choosing the epoxy floor coating.

Water-based paint

Water-based epoxy flooring is easy to apply, least toxic, durable, and cheapest option for you, if you want something economical for your home. It is a great and user-friendly option for domestic buildings but not so good for industrial purposes that have problems with dampness. Water-based epoxy flooring paints often need annual touch-ups. Some people don’t believe that water-based paint is a real epoxy resin since it does not come with two separate parts like other kinds of epoxy materials. You will not need to mix the hardener with the resin chemical before the application. It is pre-mixed paint that is why it is easy to apply.

Two-parts solvent-based paint

The epoxy floor paint is stronger than water-based paint but it is a more toxic option. You have to mix both the parts of the paint before application. You should be cautious and meticulous while applying it. Professional painters claim that it is not user –friendly option for many reasons. But on the opposite side, it is durable and lasts longer than others. Also on the positive side, it is easy to clean and maintain.

Two parts 100 percent epoxy solids

It is a perfect choice for you if you want a durable floor. This type of epoxy coating is created through multiply chemical processes that make beautiful, hard, and strong surfaces. Some epoxy flooring experts have claimed that it is more durable than concrete flooring as it is five times stronger and thicker than water-based paint.

Comparing Estimates and Choosing the Right Epoxy Floor Contractor

These are the questions you should be asking every contractor you talk to

We encourage you to compare us with other companies. We compare ourselves to our competition all the time, and we are confident that we offer the best value on garage floor coatings in Dallas-Ft. Worth

Who will be performing the installation?

Most garage floor coating companies subcontract the work or hire general laborers for the installation. We have highly-experienced Artisan Installers on staff.

How will you prepare the surface to receive the coating?

Diamond Grinding is the preferred method in residential coatings.

What materials will you be using, and where do they come from?

We purchase the highest-quality epoxy, polyaspartic, and polyurea directly from the top manufacturers in the United States. These industrial-grade floor coating products are not available at home improvement or paint stores.

How much material will be used on each coat, and what will the overall thickness of the coating be?

Please visit the Epoxy Floors page to see the specifications for each coating option that we offer. When you receive estimates from other companies, they should provide information on the type of materials they will use, the number of coats, and the amount of material or thickness of each coat.

Do You Know How to Pick the Right Thickness of Your Epoxy Flooring?

How much epoxy coating is too much? It depends. You might even fall into the group of people that believe that there is a standardized thickness of epoxy. Epoxy, however, is just like layers of paint. It can be applied too thinly or too thickly depending on the type of floor you have.

How Thick Is Epoxy Usually?

The thickness of epoxy flooring can range from anywhere between 300 microns (0.01 inches) and 5mm (⅕ inch). 300 microns is the thinnest that you can go. 5mm is the thickest you can choose, but instances have arisen before where a floor needs a coat that is 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.

What to Consider When Choosing Thickness

People interested in getting epoxy for their floors are interested in protecting their floors for years to come. Choosing the right protection is when it gets complicated for people. You want to choose the thickness of your epoxy based on the condition of the floors.

Traffic—The amount of traffic that your floors get is one of the top factors to consider when choosing the thickness. Heavy traffic from high foot traffic and heavy machinery will need a thicker base to protect the concrete below it. If you’re coating your own garage, where you don’t hand out much, then go with the thinner epoxy and save some money

Chemical exposure— Chemicals can cause some serious damage to any type of flooring, even those with an epoxy coating if they’re exposed to too many chemicals. Even epoxy floors that are exposed to a lot of cleaning products can be worn down if the coat is too thin. Many companies that use chemicals in their everyday work will be thankful for epoxy flooring that has thicker coats. When choosing the thickness of your coating, keep chemical exposure in mind.

Tips On Choosing The Best Garbage Disposal For Your Home

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Garbage Disposal Buying Guide

A garbage disposal helps reduce landfill waste and keeps your home smelling fresh in between trash days. But what are all the available options? We’ll show you how to pick the best garbage disposal for your kitchen.

Garbage disposals come in two feed types: batch feed and continuous feed.

Batch feed disposals can only be turned on by putting a special magnetic stopper in place. These models prevent objects from accidentally falling into the disposal when in use. With this type of model, you can insert food waste in batches and run it all at one time. Batch feed garbage disposals are a good choice for locations where adding an electrical switch isn’t viable.

Tip

Most sinks are compatible with a garbage disposal. If you’re adding a new disposal as part of a complete kitchen sink replacement, check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing. Some bar sinks have drains that are too small and may not be compatible.

What Horsepower Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Garbage disposal motors come in varying horsepower (HP) ratings, anywhere from 1/3 HP to 1 HP or even higher. If you plan to use your disposal often or have a large household, opt for a model with more power

Tip

Garbage disposals with more horsepower often operate more quietly and are less likely to jam than standard or basic disposers with lower horsepower.

How to Determine the Right Size Garbage Disposal

Selecting the right sized garbage disposal for your home is an important decision. With so many choices, you may feel overwhelmed at first, but it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Purchasing a garbage disposal too small for your household can lead to drain clogs and jams, leaving you annoyed and frustrated. But buying one that’s too large, can mean you spent more money than necessary. This article will show you exactly what size garbage disposal to purchase.

How Much Horsepower Do I Need?

Garbage disposals measure their grinding strength in horsepower. When the motor has more horsepower (hp), the disposal will be more powerful. In other words, a 3/4 hp motor will have more grinding power than a 1/2 hp motor.

Household Size

One method of determining the correct-sized horsepower, is to factor your household size into the equation.

1/3 Horsepower

The starting point for garbage disposal motors is 1/3 horsepower. If you’ll only be grinding soft foods, such as vegetables, live in a studio apartment, or you’re on a very tight budget, a 1/3 hp may be a decent fit.

What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Whether you are replacing an existing unit or installing a new one, purchasing a garbage disposal is always plagued by the question, “What size do I need???”. The garbage disposal offers an excellent alternative to placing more waste in landfills, and it is environmentally responsible. Moreover, it reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment (from decomposing food). However, for all of its benefits, this is one scenario where buying bigger does not always equate to buying better.

Determining Space Constraints

The first thing you need to do is break out your handy tape measure and measure how much space is available underneath your sink. Don’t forget to measure length, height, and width. Physical dimensions are important because a garbage disposal can consume quite a bit of physical space. Generally, the more power a garbage disposal is, the larger dimensions it has. If storage space is at a premium in your apartment or home and you need the space underneath your sink, then you will more than likely need to purchase a less powerful unit.

How Many People Live in Your Home?

In the world of garbage disposals, size is determined by power. To determine what size of garbage disposal you need, you must first calculate how much grinding power your household requires. The main question you need to ask yourself is “How many people are living in my household?” Simple enough, right?

The Different Types of Motors

A 1/3rd HP motor is the weakest motor available on the market, but these models also tend to be the most affordable, which is why they are so popular. They are ideal for studio and one bedroom apartments.

A ½ HP motors is ideal for apartments, condominiums, and small homes. It will work well in any environment where it receives light use. Although tougher than 1/3rd HP motors, it must still be treated gently.

The ¾ HP motor is the most popular option among consumers. It is the ideal size for most single family homes and can a wider variety of “hard” foods, like hard vegetables and small bones.

A 1 HP motor is what you want if you live in a large household or have a kitchen that receives a lot of heavy use. Because it is much more powerful than its cousins, it is also a lot more forgiving about what is placed inside of it. It is also good for smaller places of business.

How to Buy a Garbage Disposal: A Buyers Guide

If you’re in the market to buy a garbage disposal, you probably have a few questions. Most homes today come with a disposal already in place, but that’s not the case for many older homes.

Whether you need to replace an existing garbage disposal or install one for the first time, this buyers guide will help you sort thru all the sales hype so you can find the right one to meet your needs. You’ll have the knowledge to confidently start your shopping experience, and in fact, you may even know more than the sales person!

Garbage disposals are a wonderful convenience. Some municipalities encourage the use of garbage disposals because of the potential health benefits they offer. This is largely because they can help prevent the spread of disease.

When food is ground up and sent down the drain, it’ll decompose faster than when its sent to the landfill. Making garbage disposals environmentally friendly, and justifying the necessity of using a bit more electricity and water.

What’s My Budget?

Before you start shopping, it’s always a good idea to have a budget in mind. When you start learning about all the bells and whistles, it’s easy to purchase a garbage disposal with more features than you need, and thus, spend a lot more money than necessary.

Best Garbage Disposals

Thousands of happy owners have made the InSinkErator Evolution Compact garbage disposal a best-seller. This 3/4-horsepower unit has a 34.6-ounce grind chamber with stainless steel grind components, and reviewers say it’s the perfect size to handle food waste from a large, hungry family. This model is a continuous-feed disposal, so it can handle a constant stream of food, too.

Experts give this InSinkErator very good marks for speed, fineness of grind, and ability to cut through tough vegetable scraps. It gets slightly lower marks for noise, but most owners say it’s not too loud thanks to SoundSeal technology with sound insulation, an anti-vibration sink mount, and an anti-vibration tailpipe. Several owners say it was easy enough to install without a professional and has plenty of power for all kinds of food waste. A few note that the rubber baffle means their sink drains too slowly, and some say they’ve had issues with leaks. Fortunately, this model is backed by a four-year in-home warranty, so if something goes wrong, service agents will come to you.

Another very popular garbage disposal, the Waste King Legend is beloved for its sturdy build and easy installation. Like the InSinkErator, it’s a 3/4-horsepower unit with stainless-steel grinders that can stand the test of time, and because it’s a continuous-feed model, users can keep it running as they’re adding food waste—convenient for most families.

Features on the Waste King include a front-mounted reset button, a removable splash guard, and sound insulation meant to reduce noise during operation. Most reviewers say the noise is typical for a garbage disposal, though some people complain of a loud click when it’s first turned on. However, almost all are happy with the motor’s power, saying the blades blow through lots of food waste without jamming.

They also say it’s fairly easy to install thanks to an EZ Mount system that includes necessary hardware. It’s backed by an impressive 10-year in-home mechanical warranty that means repairs are done in-home, and there is a lifetime warranty protecting against corrosion.

What You Need To Know About Commercial Electrical Remodel

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Tips for Choosing the Best Electrical Contractor for Your Business

Whether you need to retrofit an area of your business or remodel your entire building, choosing the right electrical contractor is one of the most important decisions you make to determine the success of the project. Commercial electric work requires an electrician with experience and skill working on large scale projects at businesses such as yours.

Gather Recommendations from your Network

Work your network to get good recommendations from family, friends and other business owners. Specifically, ask about the scope of their projects and whether they were satisfied with the finished job. You can also consult with local hardware and electrical supply stores, which often have a short list of professionals they recommend to their customers.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Going with the lowest bid on your project might save some money in the short term, but you need to make sure that the commercial electrician you choose has the appropriate licensing and insurance for the work you need completed. A licensed electrician by law must carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance for accidents and injuries that might occur at your business. Hiring someone that only carries the minimum is opening yourself to risk, so never be afraid to ask a company for a copy of their insurance certificates. This is very common and they should have this information readily available. Note that bonded electricians have insurance that covers you if your electrician abandons the project and disappears.

Assess Credentials and Training

When you interview each electrician, you should evaluate their experience and capability, based on their past work. You should also find out if each electrician has the proper license. The highest license in Florida is the Unlimited Electrical Contractor license, which means the company is qualified to do anything electrical. There are various other licenses for specialties like fire alarm, low voltage, etc. Besides the company being state licensed, individual electricians can be licensed as either Master or Journeyman electrician by their local county. If they are a “card-carrying” electrician, they will at least have passed a basic test on code requirements.

Check Reviews and References

References still mean something in an increasingly digital world. So, find out as much as you can about the kind of jobs the commercial electrician has done. Then, ask for and call prior clients to assess their satisfaction with the work done. If you can, ask the electrical contractor to provide the contact information of recent clients for the same work being done on your home. Though it’s time-consuming to do this for each company you evaluate, make sure to follow through on the top three to five picks.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIAN

If you’re a commercial property owner in Saugus, Massachusetts or surrounding areas, you probably don’t spend too much time thinking about electricians. Most days, your lights turn on the way they should, you and your tenants are satisfied with internal and external lighting, and you go about your day thinking about more important things.

There’s an ice storm and your entire building loses power. Or a pesky tenant plugs in a piece of new equipment and blows the circuit for the entire building. Or maybe your air conditioning unit goes out in the middle of summer and you’re at risk for losing all of your perishable inventory

WHY YOUR COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIAN MATTERS

Sure, you could conduct a quick Google search for “electrical services in New Haven” or even pick up the good, old fashioned phone book and call the first commercial electrician you see. But that’s rarely the best way to find an emergency electrician you trust.

CAN THEY MEET YOUR COMMERCIAL DEMANDS?

Let us be perfectly clear, not every electrician in Saugus is cut out to be a commercial electrician, especially if you have a particularly large company. The equipment, skills, and team size of a residential electrician are vastly different than a commercial electrician. Commercial and residential electrical work are completely different in terms of energy needs, load demands, and equipment setup. Hiring the wrong one can mean a delay in repairs, which translates to lost revenue for your company.

DO THEY HAVE PROPER LICENSING & INSURANCE?

Even if a commercial electrician has the skills, it’s not worth hiring them unless they also have the proper licensing and insurance to work in your state. Hiring an electrician who’s not properly licensed and insured could be a financial disaster for your Saugus business if something goes wrong during the repairs.

How to Choose a Contractor for Your Business

If your business is eyeing new construction, renovating existing space or updating infrastructure to improve energy efficiency, security or networking, you’re faced with the task of sifting through a lengthy list of commercial electrical contractors to find the one that’s right for your project. You’ll need to do your homework to find the provider who can deliver the best in safety, service and results.

Define Your Project

Start by identifying the scope of your project. Is it new construction or renovation? Will you need a contractor with experience in all aspects of the general contracting process, from initial design and scheduling to final inspection and ongoing maintenance? Do you need an assessment of existing systems to identify specific areas for improved energy efficiency and performance? Will your project involve specialized services such as fire alarm, voice and data or security systems? Does it include outdoor space, such as landscape lighting, parking lot lighting or perimeter security?

Consider Experience and Expertise

Once you know what services you’ll need, look for commercial electrical contractors who can demonstrate experience and capability in delivering them. Find out how long they have been in business. An established company is likely to have a record and reputation based on projects that it has completed over the years. Look for a contractor with a professional portfolio that includes the types of work that you need done.

Commercial construction, renovation or build-out can be demanding and complex. Consider whether the contractor has the skills and experience to handle all facets of the work without the need for additional or specialty sub-contractors. An electrical contractor with a broad range of services can realize substantial cost savings over one who needs to budget the outsourcing of project components

Verify Licenses, Insurance and Certifications

One of the most important ways to protect your business from potential liability during construction or renovation is to confirm that a contractor is licensed and insured in the project location. Secure a copy of the contractor’s license and insurance indemnification. Ensure that any subcontractors are also licensed and insured. If a contractor claims specialized certification, research the requirements for attaining it and the meaning of the certification within the industry. Make sure that the proposal specifies that all work will comply with the National Electrical Code and National Electrical Installation Standards as well as any additional specific requirements of state or local jurisdictions

ELECTRICAL REMODELING FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Have you been planning on carrying out electrical remodeling in your home or office but you can’t find a suitable contractor? It is very important that you choose a licensed and professional specialist who will consider all your needs and complete the job exactly as you planned. Prolectric Electrical Services is ready to relieve you from stress and overwhelming challenges. We do both new electrical installation and remodeling.

Our highly-trained technicians will ensure you have a safe electrical system which is up to code and adequate for modern needs. When we carry out your electrical remodeling, we’ll upgrade the wiring and breaker boxes. We can also add new lighting fixtures, power outlets or ceiling fans.

Whether you want electrical remodeling services for your commercial or residential building, we’re here to help you. Choosing the right electrician is important if you want the job done correctly and in a timely manner. We’ll listen to your requests and ask the right questions so we can give you the results you want and help you stay within budget.

Bathrooms – As you know, water and electricity make for a potentially deadly combination. We take great care in placing Ground Control Fault Interrupters so you and your family are protected from shock

Kitchens – Whether you need under-the-sink lights or a complete commercial kitchen renovation, we’re the right company for the job.

How to Find Electricians: Find the Best Electrician for You

Expert Tips and Quotes on Finding, Evaluating, and Working with Professional Electricians

Finding yourself in need of the services of a professional electrician is not an everyday occurrence for homeowners or business owners, so many find themselves unsure where to look to find qualified local electricians, how to determine the best electrician for the job, and what certifications and qualifications a professional electrician should have.

Experts help demystify the process of finding local electricians, along with evaluating and comparing their qualifications. Plus, experts provide insights into determining the professional best-suited for any project. As a result

local, professional electrician capable of handling your complex electrical projects without leaving you in a lurch when things don’t go as planned or you find that the work is not performing adequately after the project is complete.

Don’t attempt electrical work yourself if you’re inexperienced.

“A faulty wiring system in a home is a fire that is waiting to happen. For this reason, it is important that you hire a highly qualified and experienced electrician. Wiring is a vast and interdependent network and needs to be done with precision. Even circuits that appear safe, but poorly designed cause damage to electric equipment and appliance motors. This is due to the fact that they can deliver the wrong amount of amperage. These electrical problems may sometimes affect your lighting in your home. The decision to hire a qualified and experienced electrician can possibly save you from these problems while avoiding safety hazards as well.”

Most electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician.

“Anything beyond changing out a light fixture, light switch or electrical outlet should be done by a licensed electrician. If you are dealing with new construction and want to save a few dollars on labor costs, you can attach outlet, switch, and light boxes to the framing but leave all wiring to the electrician. These electrical boxes should be attached firmly to the framing and you should consult an electrician as to the positioning and location of the boxes.”

Keeping Your Upholstery Cleaning

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Tips To Choose Best Upholstery Fabric

Needless to say, no matter what furniture you buy, be it an armchair or a sofa, upholstery is always an invincible part of the big investment. Upholstery, to a large extent, determines the look of your furniture and should be chosen with great care

Have patience and invest some time while choosing the right fabric

People make a big mistake by being in a hurry while shopping for the upholstery fabric. Won’t work! Look for each available option, check the label and ask all kinds of questions related to the durability, material and the cleaning process of each fabric. The main thing to look for is, how long the concerned upholstery will last

Take note of the scale and the shape

One must be clear about the shape of the furniture they need upholstery for. For example- for a curvaceous piece of furniture, it is better to go with solid-color fabrics. Thus, it is important to take into account the size and the shape of the furniture

Testing and taking trials is good

The best way to decide whether you should buy an upholstery fabric or not is to actually test that, how it feels like to sit on it. The feeling of comfort is the prime concern that should be on your mind while shopping for upholstery. So, won’t it be best to try how comfortable is the fabric then and there? It helps you to make the best decision, among the various options available.

Pre-decide your budget

Well, this mantra of “Pre-deciding your budget” is applicable in every situation where you want to buy something which is costly. So, before actually shopping upholstery, you must be sure of the approximate amount that you are ready to spend on it. When you go for shopping of the upholstery fabric, it is a sure fact that you will like a lot of stuff but if you are specific on your budget, then it will be easier to choose

The Right Way to Clean a Couch, According to a Top Expert

After all the Hallmark movie marathons and Netflix binges, your couch quickly becomes the catch-all spot for crumbs, popcorn kernels, and occasional wine spills. While vacuuming or wiping down your sofa may tackle dirt, pet hair, and crumbs, bust out your fabric steamers and cleaners if you really want to get rid of set-in stains and spills. Every six months or so, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean a couch by the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab to make the focal point in your living room statement-worthy again.

How to Clean a Couch

Whether you’re trying to tackle a specific stain or want to give your entire couch a seasonal refresh

Use a handheld garment steamer or bursts from your steam iron to kill dust mites. Go over the entire sofa, allowing just the steam to touch and penetrate the fabric. If you don’t have a steamer or iron, skip this step and go straight to vacuuming.

With your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, go over the entire sofa: back, arms, skirt, and cushions. If the cushions are removable, take them off and vacuum the fabric underneath, going as far under the back and arms as your vacuum can reach. With the crevice tool, go along the seams, around any buttons, and along the trim

For fabrics that can safely be cleaned with water, treat food and pet stains with an enzyme-containing formula like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover. In a pinch, mix together mild dish soap with warm water. Always test any cleaner in a hidden area first

How to Choose the Best Professional Upholstery Cleaning

The need for professional upholstery cleaning is something that many people never stop to think about. The way we live our lives creates a need to have our furniture cleaned every now and then. We never stop to think about what gets on the couch or the chair on a day-to-day basis. We come from work or school and just go directly to the couch, never even considering what kind of filth and germs get on it as a result.

With this in mind, you may consider professional upholstery cleaning to be a valuable service. When you decide you want your furnishings professionally cleaned, you might be able to choose from many companies. You want to find a company that is both affordable and reliable. If you pay someone to clean your furniture, you want to make sure the job is done right. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you try to choose the best company for professional upholstery cleaning

Determine the Cost Range of Professional Upholstery Cleaning

When you are considering professional upholstery cleaning, you would like to know how much you can expect the bill to be. The truth is that costs can vary wildly within the industry. Your price may depend on what type of furniture you are having cleaned. If you are cleaning a tiny footstool, the bill is obviously going to be much less than cleaning a sectional sofa. Though prices can vary widely, the average upholstery project costs about $200. However, if you have them complete a very large project, you could pay more than $1000. Of course, you’ll want to check with local companies to get accurate estimates for your area.

Compare Estimates from Local Companies

If you live in a large area, you will usually not face a shortage of options regarding professional upholstery cleaning. If you want to find out how much they charge, just ask. Pick up the phone book, open it to the Yellow Pages and find the section for upholstery cleaners. Explain what you want them to clean and ask for price estimates. After you’ve called several or all of the local companies, compare the prices

Consider Other Factors

When you are trying to decide which professional upholstery cleaning company you should go with, price is a big factor. But you may not necessarily want to go with the outright cheapest service. Make sure to ask if anyone is offering special deals. Also ask how packed their schedule is and any other questions that come to mind. You’ll also want to know if the company offers good service. You’ll try to answer this question in the next step.

How To Choose Best Upholstery Cleaning Machine?

Furniture creates the style within each room of your home. This means that the upholstery of your furniture needs to be cared for in order to maintain longevity and cleanliness. You clean your carpets, so there your upholstery should be maintained the same way. When it comes to cleaning your upholstery, the cleaner you use makes a big difference. Stains can really make your furniture look dingy and dirty, therefore finding a cleaner that does the job without ruining your furniture is important

Cleaning your Upholstery with Steam

The first thing that you should know when looking for an upholstery cleaner is that steam is the best option. This means that you need to buy a steam cleaner. Steam is most effective in getting out set-in stains. This means that even stains you do not catch right away can be removed by using this a steam cleaner. A steam cleaner works by releasing a pressurized steam on the area of the stain. There is a heating element within the cleaner that works to produce the steam. There are different models and sizes of cleaners to choose from, so you need to know which type of steam cleaner is best

High Temperatures to Clean Deep and Disinfect

It is best to look for a make and model that offers a high-temperature option. This is the only way you can be sure that the steam will have the ability to soften the dirt in order for it to be removed. The steam cleaner is designed to do all the work and you simply will be able to wipe the stain away once the steam has been applied. This is most effective when you are using an upholstery cleaner that has the capacity to reach high temperatures. The higher temp will allow you to clean away more set-in stains

A Compact Design Still Packs Power

You might assume that an upholstery cleaner is bulky and hard to lug around, but this is not always the case. There are plenty of new portable upholstery cleaning machines that are specifically designed to be compact and easy to store. These cleaners may be small in size, but they are still big in power and have the ability to clean all types of stains. These are also designed to be portable and easy to handle, which is something that you need to look in an upholstery cleaner. You need a cleaner that you can carry from room to room with ease.

Steam Cleaner Wand Accessory

Another feature that will really come in handy when you own an upholstery cleaner is a wand. A wand is a great accessory that comes with most steam cleaners. The use of the wand allows you to get more access to stains that might not be as easy to clean or reach. For couches and sofas this is really ideal and allows you to give them a very thorough and deep cleaning. The wand will let you reach areas that you otherwise couldn’t with a generic steam cleaner

Professional Upholstery Cleaning: Which Fabrics Need It?

There’s nothing better than lying on a plush couch in the middle of a lazy day. A good couch provides a place to nap, watch the big game, or cuddle with a loved one. But a good, well-used couch can also hold onto odor and harbor harmful allergens and germs that can make you and your family sick

Keep Your Upholstery Looking Great

Having your upholstery cleaned by a professional will both extend the life of your fabrics and keep your home and household healthy. Professionals recommend that homeowners have their upholstery cleaned every one to two years.

However, if your furry friend has made your loveseat her favorite napping place, you should have that area cleaned more often—at least every six months. In between professional cleanings, homeowners are encouraged to properly care for their fabrics.

Below are some common and specialty fabrics along with pieces of furniture that can greatly benefit from professional upholstery cleanings:

Common fabrics and materials: cotton, polyester, linen, wool, leather, chenille*, chintz*, rayon, nylon, microfiber, and suede

Specialty fabrics and materials: Haitian cotton, jacquard, mohair, silk, damask, and velvet

Commonly cleaned furniture: Sofa, recliner, ottoman, chaise lounge, dining chair, barstool, window treatments, headboard, office chair, and mattress

The Upholstery Cleaning Methods

Once you know what pieces you would like to have professionally cleaned, research a couple of upholstery cleaning companies, and ask them about their cleaning methods.