Contractor Tips Blog

Jan
23

Dangers of Dirty or Clogged Gutters

If you notice your gutters overflowing during heavy rains, it is more than just an inconvenience. Dirty or clogged gutters can put your home at risk for serious damage. Gutters should be sweeping away roof precipitation down and away from the home; if they are clogged, the water can be pouring onto your home and causing damage. Here are some of the dangers of clogged gutters that you will want to avoid.

Foundation Damage

One feature that can impact your entire home is the foundation. Water intrusion can damage the foundation and increase the chance of settling and other issues. Foundation problems can cause extensive structural damage to the house and are expensive to repair. Gutters are meant to keep water away from your foundation to protect this elemental feature, something they cannot do when they are clogged.

Siding, Fascia and Decking Damage

Water flowing straight down over the gutters can be detrimental to the surfaces underneath. Overflowing gutters can rot away wood fascia boards, damage siding and ruin wood decking. It also makes a mess, with needles and leaves coming down with the water onto your siding and deck/patio/porch.

Landscaping

Clogged gutters can cause drainage problems in your yard, impacting your landscaping. Some plants do not fare well with soggy soil, and too much water at once can wash away root systems, mulch and soil, causing erosion.

Considering the extensive amount of problems that can be caused by clogged or dirty gutters, it is much less expensive to get them cleaned by a professional. Call your local pressure washing company that offers gutter cleaning to keep them working properly to protect your home from the dangers of clogged gutters.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Jan
23

Can Repairing Your Cell Phone Save you Money?

Cell phones are no longer a freebie with wireless service. Some phones like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy run several hundred dollars for new models, even hitting a thousand dollars in some cases. Since these phones are often more expensive than a computer or big screen TV, it can be devastating when you damage your cell phone. The question is, should you repair it or buy a new cell phone to make the best financial decision?

Cost Versus Value

When deciding whether to invest in a repair for your cell phone, it comes down to cost and value. While it is not always cheap to repair your cell phone, it is almost always less expensive than buying a new premium phone. You want to ensure that the cost of cell phone repairs will provide you the most value, not just in dollars and cents, but in convenience and practicality. Here are some things to consider:

  • How old is your phone? If you have had it longer than a year and a half, the average time before consumers upgrade their cell phones, you may want to consider a new phone versus repair. A newer phone is always a good bet to be repaired.
  • Do you like your phone? If you love your phone, then get it repaired. Sometimes new is not always better if you really enjoy the product you already own.
  • Do you hate setting up a new phone? When you get a new phone, it can take days, even weeks, to get all the apps and settings the way you like them.

If you like your current cell phone and it is not too old, repairing can be a better option and save you money in long run, while giving you value and convenience. However, if you decide to go with a new phone, check with your local cell phone repair shop. They often buy used, even broken, cell phones for cash.

Posted on behalf of:
iDeviceMD
1570 Old Alabama Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
(678) 869-9899

Jan
23

Kids and Smartphones: Are They Ready?

As a parent, it is difficult to know what is right for your child in today’s high-tech world. From a very early age, kids begin asking for their own cell phone and many parents are tempted to give into their pleas. After all, it is a good way to keep in touch with your kids and give them a way to contact you if there is an emergency. However, kids don’t just want a cell phone; they want a smartphone, preferably a popular model like an iPhone. Considering the cost and responsibility, how do you determine if your kid is ready for a smartphone?

All kids mature at different rates – only you can decide if your child is ready to take on the responsibility of having a smartphone. A study performed by Influence Central in 2016 showed that kids are getting their first smartphones, on average, at a little over ten-years of age. While you ultimately will make the choice when, or if, your child gets a smartphone, here are some tips:

  • Create a contract with your child. You need to have a real conversation about the responsibility of having a smartphone. Not only in keeping it safe, but in how and when it is used. A written contract that you and your child agree on before they get their phone can help outline the rules.
  • Check out security apps. There are many built-in apps in iPhones to give parents the ability to disable certain features or access on the phone for their child. There are also apps for androids that can be downloaded.
  • Protect the phone. You want your child to be safe, but you also want to protect that expensive phone. Make sure to go to a local cell phone repair shop with the new phone. Get a durable case and screen protector; also, ask about screen protection plans that cover unlimited glass repairs, a common kid problem.

If you decide your kid is ready for their first smartphone, take the time to make sure they understand the rules. Get the security apps and device protection in place to help reduce issues for both your child and the new phone.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Jan
23

Roof Valley Flashing Matters

Posted in Roofing

When it comes to roof quality, valley flashing is one of the secrets of a durable, long-lasting roofs, yet many homeowners do not even know what it is. When your roof has different parts that meet for various peaks and parts of the home, the joints are referred to as valleys. These concave areas attract moisture and are the most likely to be saturated during rain and snow. Valley flashing is the material used to seal these joints and protect your roof and home, making it a very important element.

Valley flashing is usually made from metal and is needed to secure the joints on your roof and protect them from leaks. Once the roofing material is put on, you cannot see the valley flashing, but it needs to be there performing its job. Unfortunately, if not installed correctly or if it becomes worn or corroded, it can lead to a major problem with your roof. 

Problems with Valley Flashing

If installed correctly, your valley flashing should last with your roofing and protect your home from leaks. However, there are some poor flashing practices that can create issues with your roof valleys. These can include:

  • Not extending the flashing beyond the eaves
  • Using metal that is corrosive
  • Putting holes in the center of the valley for fasteners

Even if your roof looks great, if the flashing underneath is not high quality, you could have expensive damage occur to your home when heavy rain or snow hits. Valley flashing matters, so it is important to discuss the type of flashing that will be used when you have a new roof installed. Choose a quality roofing contractor and make sure to talk about the valley flashing that will be installed with your roof.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jan
23

3 Questions You Should Ask Your Foundation Repair Company

If you need a repair on your home’s foundation, you want to ensure you have the best contractor for the job. The foundation of your home is one of the most important elements in protecting your investment, so you want to ensure that is repaired using the highest quality materials and most advanced techniques. Here are three questions to ask any foundation repair company you are considering for work on your home’s foundation.

  1. How many years has your company been repairing foundations? A company may have been in business for 20+ years and repair foundations, but have they been doing those types of repairs for twenty years? You want a company that has decades of experience repairing foundations, with an excellent reputation in the community.
  2. What type of warranty do you offer? Does the company stand behind their work? If they do, they will offer a lifetime warranty that is transferrable. It shouldn’t matter whether you own the home or sell it to someone else; the work should be warrantied and covered, regardless of who owns the house in the future, which will protect the value you have in your home.
  3. Do you have references? Most contractors will have references, but look for a foundation company that has a wide variety of references, including homeowners, building contractors, architects and realtors. Make sure to take the time to talk with a few of these references, not just read a pre-written testimonial.

Doing a little research and asking a few questions can make a big difference in the quality of foundation repair you receive. While price is important, a quality foundation repair contractor can offer you both good value and quality with their service.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Dec
5

Top 3 Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Pressure Washing Needs

Does your driveway, deck or siding need cleaning? Pressure washing is the best way to clean most outdoor surfaces, but it does require some expertise. While operating a pressure washer may seem simple, there are good reasons to hire a professional to do your outdoor cleaning project, including these three benefits.

  1. Avoid Damage. Pressure washing can remove paint or damage surfaces if not done properly. Professional pressure washers know the power of their equipment and can adjust it to only remove dirt or debris, not the paint, stain or wood. This can prevent expensive damage to your home that cost more than hiring a professional.
  2. Safety. If you need your siding or roof cleaned, this can involve standing on a ladder or on your roof. This can be a safety issue and lead to an injury. Professional pressure washers have the experience and safety equipment to do these high-level jobs without injury. Make sure to check to ensure the company you hire has the proper insurance in case one of the workers is injured while working on your home.
  3. Environmental codes. In some municipalities, there are EPA regulations regarding gray water runoff from pressure washing. Professional pressure washing companies are equipped to use the correct procedures to dispose of gray water to avoid fines for breaking any regulations.

Next time you need a major cleaning project done on the outside of your home, consider the benefits of hiring a professional residential pressure washing company to do the job. Relax and let the experts do the project right to avoid damage, injury or other issues.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Dec
5

Is it Safe to Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?

One of the reasons vinyl siding is so popular is that it is easy to maintain. It doesn’t need to be stained or painted every few years; the vinyl is the same color all the way through the siding, so it won’t chip or flake. However, even though vinyl doesn’t need to be painted, it does need to be cleaned. Pressure washing is an ideal way to clean vinyl siding, but you need to know how to do it correctly to protect your home from damage. Here are a few tips:

  • Use soap, then rinse. A mild cleaner can help remove mildew or dirt from the siding. Make sure to use a cleaner that is safe for cleaning vinyl, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Don’t spray too closely. While vinyl siding can withstand pressure washing, full pressure at a close range can damage the siding instead of cleaning it. Step back a few feet to dissipate the extreme pressure to avoid damage.
  • Spray downwards. You don’t want to spray up under the lapped siding. Instead, spray downward to avoid loosening the siding.
  • Avoid fixtures. Eaves, light fixtures, vents and other accents on the house should be avoided. The high pressure could damage these fixtures.
  • Avoid windows. You need to be careful around windows. High pressured water can damage the trim around windows or even break the glass.

If you are concerned about safely pressure washing your vinyl siding, leave it to the professionals. Hiring a professional residential pressure washing company to clean your siding ensures it will be done correctly without damaging other exterior surfaces on your home. While they are there, you can have your roof, driveway, patio or other surfaces around your home cleaned as well.

Posted on behalf of:
JB Power Clean
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
(704) 658-5896

Nov
30

How to Maintain Your Paver Surface

Posted in Paver Driveways

One of the many benefits of using stone pavers for your pool deck, driveway or patio is the low amount of maintenance needed. Unlike many other paved surfaces, pavers are simple and easy to keep looking great for many years. However, although maintenance is low, caring for your pavers can make them look like new and last even longer. Here are a few maintenance tips to care for your stone pavers.

  • Cleaning. Stone pavers are simple and easy to keep clean. Most can be cleaned with plain water from a hose or pressure washed on a low setting. If there are any stains, use a mild detergent and scour the spots with a brush, then rinse clean.
  • Edging and weed control. If there are gaps in or around your paved surface, you may need to do occasion weed control to keep it looking neat. Pull any weeds, edge the outside area and treat to keep weeds at bay.
  • If erosion occurs under your paved area, some pavers can settle or heave up to make an unlevel surface. While a few pavers may need to be removed, this is another benefit of pavers versus a solid surface. Repairs are less expensive since the entire surface is not usually affected.
  • Repairs. Replace any pavers that are cracked or chipped. Your local paving company can quickly repair broken pavers to keep your patio, driveway or pool deck looking like new.

Stone paver driveways, patios and pool decks can last for decades if maintained. Keep your pavers clean and well cared for to protect your investment into your home. Scheduling annual maintenance through your paving contractor can ensure your surface is kept in great shape and gets the ongoing care it needs.

Posted on behalf of:
Tri County Pavers & Design
3300 S Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
954-603-3244

Nov
30

Give Your Tired Joints a Rest with a New Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

If you have bad knees, a weak hip or ankle issues, it can be painful to get from one place to the next. Walking to the neighbor’s house or to outbuildings on your own property can be difficult, if not impossible. Personal golf carts are a wonderful solution for those with joint or other medical issues like arthritis that make walking painful. More and more people with medical conditions are investing in golf carts for home use to give them more mobility.

Golf carts come in all types and sizes, from small electric models to larger gas carts that can take on rough terrain. For personal transportation, there is a couple factors to consider to determine what type of cart will be best for your needs. Some things to consider include:

  • How many people will it need to hold?
  • How far will you travel with your golf cart?
  • How many hours during the day will it be in use?
  • Will it be used on the roads?

Answering these questions can help you determine whether you should invest in an electric or gas model, the size you’ll need and if you need a street legal kit. Electric models are cost and energy efficient for short trips; however, if you plan on making longer excursions, a gas model may be a better option. Both come in a variety of sizes and can be converted to a street legal model if it is allowed where you live.

Your local golf cart dealer can help you find the right cart for your needs to give you the transportation you need to spare your aching joints. You deserve the chance to stay mobile and have a higher quality of life, which a personal golf cart can help you achieve.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Nov
30

Extend the Life of Your Metal Staircase

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal staircases are a wise investment for commercial properties, offering durability for heavy use. However, both indoor and outdoor metal stairs do wear out from exposure and heavy traffic. Avoid untimely replacement by restoring your metal staircase. A quick overhaul can add many years to the life of your staircase, protecting your investment.

Restoring Metal Staircases

Metal can withstand plenty of abuse from weather, chemicals and weight, but it will eventually corrode and weaken. Metal fatigue can occur in treads and support structures on your staircase; coatings can wear thin and expose the metal to rust and corrosion. Restoration can fix these issues and extend the life of your staircase.

Metal stair restoration starts with fixing structural issues. All elements of the staircase need to be inspected and repaired when needed. Treads that have worn thin from metal fatigue should be replaced. Railings that have become loose may need new welds to strengthen the structure. Once all the small issues have been addressed and repaired, you will need to add new protection to the surface.

Recoating the staircase can protect the metal and make your structure look like new again. Primer, coating and new paint can add the layers of protection needed to keep rust and corrosion at bay. Once completed, you can look forward to many more years of use before you need a complete staircase replacement.

For metal staircase restoration, only trust an experienced metal fabricator that specializes in commercial metal work. Considering the amount of use and abuse your staircases withstand, you want to ensure the best techniques and products are used in your restoration for long-lasting results.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028
(678) 455-5552

Most Popular

How Often Should You Service Your Golf Cart?

Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends…

Quality Metal Stairs for Apartments

Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.  And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex…

Pros and Cons of Smartphone Insurance

Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a…