Contractor Tips Blog

Jul
21

What Is the Best Roofing for Your Needs?

Posted in Roofing

If it is time to replace your roof or you are building a new home, you have a big decision to make. What kind of roofing will best meet your needs? There are many options available, all with their own benefits and disadvantages. To make an educated choice, consider the breakdown on the common roof materials available.

Asphalt Shingles

The most commonly used roofing is asphalt shingles. This is an affordable option that usually will last approximately 20-30 years, with some lifetime or 50-year options available. While common, asphalt shingles are not the most durable or longest lasting material, yet still are preferred by many homeowners and roofing companies.

Wood Shingles

Cedar shingles or wood stakes are another option for your roof. Considered a ‘green’ option since they do not use petroleum-based products, these shingles have grown more popular in the environmentally-friendly market. Most wood roof products will last about 30 years and are a durable, beautiful option, but can require more maintenance and are more expensive than asphalt.

Metal

There are many different types of metal roofs, from the cheaper aluminum varieties to the more durable steel roof shingles. These roofs can last upward of 70 years, depending on the type. They are also fire-resistant and can withstand heavy abuse during storms.

Tile

A tile roof can be a beautiful option that lasts 50-100 years. Both ceramic and slate tile are popular in upscale homes. The aesthetic value is high, as is the cost in both installation and repairs.

Where you live, your budget and your priorities will have a big impact on what type of roofing you choose. Talk to your local roofing contractor to determine which type is the best option for your needs.

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

Jul
21

Buying a New Home? Don’t Forget the Chimney Inspection

Posted in Masonry

When you are searching for a new home, you want to ensure that this giant purchase is protected. It is standard to have a home inspection performed to understand any possible problems with the house. While this can cover many aspects from the foundation to the structural integrity, it does not cover everything. If your potential home has a fireplace and masonry chimney, add a high level chimney inspection to your list of ‘do’s” before you buy.During a standard home inspection, they will generally include an inspection the chimney for damage. However, this is a very basic look for any obvious problems. If the chimney is leaning or has visual damage to the structure, it will most likely be caught. However, big problems could be lurking under the surface of a chimney that looks structurally sound.

There are many different components in a chimney and factors that can affect the structure and safety. There are also different levels of chimney inspections that look at these components. Chimney inspections come in three levels, with number three being the most comprehensive. The levels include:

  • Level 1. A basic inspection of the accessible areas of the chimney for any problems, including the interior, exterior and connections.
  • Level 2. The next level goes above and beyond level 1 by also inspecting deeper into the chimney with a camera, plus other areas like the basement or attic. In many cases a level 2 is required for selling a home – check with your realtor.
  • Level 3. Level 3 is the most comprehensive inspection available, uncovering any structural issues that may be hiding inside the chimney.

Don’t risk an expensive chimney problem down the road. Insist on a level 3 chimney inspection by an experienced masonry company, especially on older homes with fireplaces, before you buy.

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

Jul
21

5 People That Would Love a New Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

When it comes to time to buy gifts, we can often can be stumped on what to buy. This is especially the case for the man or woman who seems to have everything they need. Whether you are shopping for Christmas, a birthday or an anniversary, there is one gift that could earn you some kudos from your loved one. A golf cart is an excellent gift for more than just golfers – here are five people that would to have a new golf cart.

  1. Have a loved one that is an avid hunter? Golf carts are an excellent option for scouting in the woods. Electric models are quiet, while gas motors can give a farther travel capacity.
  2. Disabilities. Those with bad knees, hips or foot problems can benefit from having a golf cart for their use for outdoor transportation.
  3. Outdoorsmen and women. Anyone who likes to enjoy time in the woods or outdoors will love having a golf cart for their adventures.
  4. A street-legal golf cart is excellent for local transportation in retirement communities. Retirees can use this green vehicle to visit friends, go to the clubhouse or hit the golf course.
  5. Farmers. Large tracts of land like farms are an ideal place for a golf cart. It is an excellent way to get around the property or to haul items from one building to another.

And of course, golfers are always happy to get a new golf cart with all the bells and whistles for their days out on the course. For you next gift purchase, consider the people in your life that would love a new golf cart for the ultimate surprise.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

Apr
19

Tips for a Complete Pool Remodel

Posted in Swimming Pools

During the sunshine and swimming season, your pool area is the busiest place around your home – a cool dip in morning, a refreshing swim in the late afternoon and many evenings relaxing on the pool deck with friends and family. If your pool area needs a remodel to get ready for the busy season ahead, here are some tips to make this popular spot spectacular.

  • One of the simplest ways to make your pool look new again is resurfacing. Adding a quality surface like Pebble Tac or Diamond Brite will make the surface safe for swimmers and soft on their feet while giving the pool a beautiful appearance.
  • Pool deck. Adding a new pool deck can change the entire appearance of your pool area. Tumbled marble pavers are a stunning choice for pool decks, with excellent drainage, a cool surface and fade resistance.
  • For a complete pool area remodel, you also need to incorporate the landscaping. Adding plants that compliment your pool area adds a natural touch and blends in your property with the pool space.
  • Features. Adding a water fall or wall to your pool can add sound and movement. Other features to consider are underwater lights, spot lighting and fire features. ‘These little elements can make your pool area the centerpieces of your home and are especially beautiful for nighttime entertaining by the poolside.

This year, be the envy of the neighborhood with a complete pool remodel. Call your local contractor that offers pool renovations, pool resurfacing, pool decks and landscaping – It is simpler when one contractor can do it all, from design to completion.

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

Apr
19

Is a Golf Cart the Ultimate Dad Gift?

Posted in Golf Carts

Whether it is Christmas, a birthday or Father’s Day, dads are notoriously difficult to surprise with a good gift. For some reason, these male pillars of strength, advice and support are not easy to find a gift that really tickles their fancy. For the next special occasion that requires a gift for your dad, here is an idea. Consider buying him a golf cart. This is not just for golfers – many people can use a golf cart for personal transportation. Here are some dads that might appreciate their own golf cart.

  • Campers and RV owners. Have a dad that spends weeks traveling from campground to campground in their RV or just camps on the weekends? Golf carts are excellent for campgrounds, giving dad a quick way to jet down to the water or up to the campground store.
  • Retirement living. If your dad is retired and lives in a retirement community, a golf cart with a street legal kit could be an excellent gift. Dad can get around the neighborhood and to the clubhouse with an economical cart.
  • Dads that like to hunt, trap shoot or just go out in the woods to enjoy nature can use a golf cart. Choose a more rugged, gas model for longer trips into the wilderness.
  • Of course, if dad is a golfer, a golf cart is a perfect gift, especially if he doesn’t already have one of his own.

Golf carts are affordable and you can find quality used models at your local dealer. Next time it comes time to find the ultimate gift for dad, stop by and check out the possibilities at your local golf cart dealer.

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

Apr
19

Advantages of Using Steel Bollards at Your Business

Bollards have been used for many decades as a protective barrier for public buildings or protected areas. However, there are benefits to many businesses that use steel bollards to protect their property. Bollards can offer a barrier to keep vehicles away from buildings or pedestrian areas. Here are some of the advantages of strategically placing bollards around your business.

  • Property protection. Accidents happen every day, especially with poor drivers. While you have liability insurance to cover accidents, the damage to your property or personnel from a vehicle that crashes through a wall or window can be beyond a simple reimbursement check. Installing steel bollards can stop accidents from affecting your business and protect your customers and employees.
  • Terrorist protection. Unfortunately, recent history has proven that terrorist attacks can happen anywhere, even at your business. While bollards cannot stop a terrorist, they are a safety measure that can protect from vehicle terrorist threats and are used at many public and private buildings.
  • Bollards are a good safety measure for pedestrian areas to keep vehicles off sidewalks and pathways. They are also beneficial in loading areas or warehouses to keep vehicles out of areas where employees are on foot or using forklifts.
  • Landscaping. Protect the investment into your lawn and landscaping for your business with bollards. An errant vehicle can quickly wipe out your expensive landscaping that will take weeks or months to regrow.

Steel bollards can be customized for your needs by a metal fabricator. You can choose the design you prefer – bollards can be attractive as well as protective for your business. You have a lot invested into your business; give it the protection it deserves with customized steel bollards.

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

Apr
19

Choosing the Right Conveyor Belt for Your Business

Conveyor belts are the workhorses of the manufacturing and shipping industries. Whether you own a small candy business or a large manufacturing operation, conveyors belts reduce labor and save on overhead costs for making your product. But not all conveyors are the same. Depending on what you need moved, you can choose a specialized belt to complete the job. Here are some of the most common types of commercial conveyor belts.

  • Heavy duty. If you are moving heavy or sharp objects, you need a belt that can withstand the weight and be cut-resistant. Heavy duty belts are used for moving glass, rocks and other materials that can easy tear or cut basic conveyor belts.
  • For objects that will be moved up an incline or can easily slip off a flat belt, cleated conveyor belts are used. Flat or round items can be kept on the belt with the use of cleats of various sizes, depending on your needs.
  • A vacuum conveyor belt uses suction to hold the items on the belt as they are transported. This is used in printing operations, but can be used to hold any flat item in place on the belt for gluing or other purposes.
  • When processing food items on a production line, you need to have special care for the cleanliness of your conveyor belt. Food-grade materials can be used for these conveyors, ensuring they meet FDA requirements for food sanitation.

When it comes to choosing the right conveyor belt type and material, you have many choices. To determine the best fit for your needs, talk to a conveyor belt service that offers all types and customized options for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Apr
19

4 Reasons to Hire a Pressure Washing Service This Spring

Spring cleaning around your home means sprucing up the outside as well as the inside. There are some tasks that require pressure washing, removing the grime and debris from the winter months. While you can perform some pressure washing yourself if you have the equipment, there are some legitimate reasons to hire a professional. Here are four reasons to leave the big outdoor cleaning jobs to a professional pressure washing service.

  1. Roofing cleaning. Keeping your roof clean will make your home look tidy and protect your roofing. However, pressure washing shingles must be done with care. Quality pressure washing professionals will use low pressure to clean your roof while protecting the shingles from damage.
  2. Driveway stains. Do you have oil or grease stains on your driveway? Let a professional scrub away those stains using methods that will protect the environment; some municipalities require gray water removal that must be done by a professional.
  3. Save time. You have better things to do than pressure wash your deck, patio, siding, roof and driveway. Get it all done in one afternoon with the help of a professional pressure washing service.
  4. Cleaning some areas of your home like the roof, siding and multi-level decking can require pressure washing on a ladder or on your roof. This can be dangerous; let the professionals take the risk – make sure the company you hire is insured and licensed.

Give your home a thorough outdoor spring cleaning this year without straining your back or wasting a whole weekend. Call a local pressure washing service to give all your outdoor surfaces a fresh, clean look for summer.

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

Apr
19

Importance of Recycling Your Cell Phone

Electronic waste has become a major problem in landfills, especially items that are replaced often like cell phones. It is estimated that the average cell phone owner replaces their device about every year and a half, even when their current device is still working. The problem is where the old phones go once they have been replaced by a new model. Recycling is vital to keep these devices out of landfills to protect the environment.

Cell phones are made from materials that can be toxic to the environment. The metals and other elements they contain can pollute the water system and soil, never breaking down but building up to toxic levels. However, almost all the components in cell phones can be recycled or reused. By recycling a million cell phones, the following metals can be obtained:

  • 750 pounds of silver
  • 70 pounds of gold
  • 30 pounds of palladium
  • 35,000 pounds of copper

These metals can be used to make new cell phones and other electronic devices, instead of mining for more metals. This also saves on the resources needed to mine and process these metals, offering a double benefit to the environment.

Electronic recycling is recommended by the EPA and is the law in many states. Most major retailers of electronics offer e-cycling drop-off points where you can bring your cell phones, TVs, computers and other devices. But you don’t need to recycle your cell phones for free. Most cell phones are worth money, even when they don’t work any longer.

Check with your local cell phone repair store. Some of the major chains of cell phone repair also buy old cell phones for cash, recycling them for their usable parts and materials. It is a great way to finally recycle those old cell phones and get paid a little money for doing the right thing.

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

Apr
19

Give Your Old Phone a New Look

Cell phones have become more than just a way to stay connected. They are the unisex accessory that goes with you wherever you go. For many, the look of their cell phone is as important as the clothes they put on each day. It needs to be stylish and fit their personality. If you have been considering replacing your old phone because it no longer reflects your taste, why not just give it a makeover instead? Here are a few ways to give your old phone a new look to avoid the expense of replacement.

  • Fix that cracked screen. Have you been using an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy with a cracked screen for months? Not only does it look bad, it can jeopardize the phone’s components. Get that screen repaired – many quality cell phone repair stores can fix cracks in just a few minutes.
  • Update your case. Your cell phone can look like new again with a simple changing of its outfit. Cases come in thousands of options, including customized styles you make yourself. Pick up a few new cases and change the look of your cell phone to match your mood.
  • Add accessories. How your phone looks is not as important as how well it functions. New accessories like headphones, speakers and chargers can ensure your phone does everything you need.

Buying a new cell phone is expensive. If your existing phone stills works great, keep it and save the money by giving a new look and makeover. Fixing a crack or buying a new case is an affordable way to extend the life of your phone while keeping it fresh and stylish.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

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