Contractor Tips Blog

Nov
21

Upgrade to Vinyl Siding for Your Home

Posted in Siding

There are many reasons why vinyl siding has become so popular for home exteriors. Compared to many other exterior siding materials, vinyl offers easier maintenance, durability and versatility. Whether you have older shingles which constantly need painting or outdated aluminum siding, upgrading to vinyl siding may be just the facelift your home has been needing. 

Benefits of Vinyl Siding Over Other Materials

For a beautiful home exterior that will last, vinyl siding is one of the most affordable and versatile materials on the market today. It has become a staple in the home building industry due to the many benefits which can be attributed to this popular material. Some of the most notable include: 

–        Energy efficiency. As older siding becomes worn, it can decrease your home’s energy efficiency signficantly. New vinyl siding can help insulate your home and protect it from the elements, in some cases, decreasing your energy bill.

–        Design options. Vinyl siding comes in a large selection of designs, which can give your home a new look every 10-20 years. Choose the look of brick, wood or just a new color for an expensive look at relatively low price.

–        Maintenance. One of the biggest benefits of vinyl siding is how easy it is to maintain. No painting is needed, and cleaning it is a breeze. This is especially appreciated by busy or older homeowners who do not want to paint or pressure wash their house constantly in order to keep it looking beautiful. 

To give your home a new look and increase your curb appeal, hire an experienced contractor to add new vinyl siding. It can increase the value of your home, and is a worthwhile investment.

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

Nov
21

The Perfect Gift Idea for the Mobile Device Enthusiast

With the holidays approaching, you may be scratching your head trying to figure out what to buy everyone on your list. You want something they will use and enjoy, but also something that reflects their personality. A great gift idea for the mobile device lover on your list is accessories. There is a wide variety of cool cases, Bluetooth headsets and screen protectors the tech-savvy person on your gift list will use and appreciate this year. 

Personalized Cases

Since iPhones, iPads, Galaxy Notes and many other devices are so popular and expensive, a beautiful case is the perfect way to protect these devices. In addition, cases provide a great way to personalize a device, making it unique. Cases come in a wide variety of choices, such as: 

–        Leather

–        Canvas

–        Fashion or brand options

–        Colors, patterns or text 

Headsets and Bluetooth Accessories

Tablets and smart phones are also listening or music devices, making Bluetooth headsets and speakers great accessories to have on hand. There are several options which many mobile device enthusiasts would enjoy receiving as gifts, such as: 

–        Bluetooth stereo headset for personal music enjoyment

–        Bluetooth speaker to share music

–        Stereo headphones 

Other Mobile Device Accessory Ideas

There are many additional accessories which can be purchased for the smart phone or tablet lover in your life. Give them something they will use everyday, such as: 

–        Screen protectors

–        Carrying pouches

–        Holster clip

–        Button decals 

Most accessories for mobile devices are affordable, making them a great gift idea for those buying on a budget. This holiday season, make all the mobile device users on your list happy with a thoughtful accessory for their treasured phone or tablet.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Nov
21

Save Money With Phone or Tablet Screen Repair

It is hard to imagine life without the many electronic devices we depend on everyday, especially smart phones and tablets. These incredible electronic companions make our lives easier and more enjoyable, traveling with us almost everywhere we go. Unfortunately, the screens on these devices can only take so much abuse. It only takes a small slip, drop or accident to crack or break the screen, leaving you to ponder how you can afford to replace it. What you may not know is that, in many cases, you can have the screen repaired at a fraction of the price of replacement.  

Screens Repaired or Replaced – Fast!

Since smart phones and tablets are so popular, an industry has emerged to repair these devices to help consumers avoid expensive replacement. The touchscreens on these devices are needed for many of the functions, making it one of the most used repair options. In most cases, if a screen is cracked or not functioning, a mobile device repair company can repair or replace the screen the same day. This can save you hundreds of dollars in comparison to replacing your device, plus get your tablet or phone working again within a few hours. 

Some mobile device repair companies offer home or office visits to make it even more convenient for you. Just like having a windshield repaired on your vehicle, they come to you and do the repair wherever you are. It is fast, easy and affordable, keeping you in touch with the world with hardly any downtime. 

The next time you drop your tablet or phone, have water damage or need a battery replacement, consider calling your local mobile device repair company. It can save you a substantial amount of money compared to  replacement, while getting you back in touch in a matter of hours.

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

Nov
21

Now is the Time to Renovate Your Pool Deck

Posted in Swimming Pools

If your pool deck is looking a little shabby, winter is the perfect time to schedule a renovation. Spring, summer and fall are the busiest times for relaxing by the pool, making winter the ideal season to remodel or repair your pool area. Give yourself the gift of a beautiful new pool deck this winter, which you can enjoy in the sunny, warm months to come. 

Choices in Pool Deck Pavers

Many people opt for plain concrete when choosing a material for pool decks. However, there are other options which can add style and beauty to your pool area. Pavers are a great choice for pool decks, as they provide a variety of color and style options while offering easy maintenance and repair. Some popular choices of pavers for pool decks include: 

–        Travertine pavers. Travertine is a perfect material for pool decks. The rock stays cool and offers a non-slip surface, which is excellent for the area surrounding your pool.

–        Tumbled marble pavers. Similar to travertine pavers, tumbled marble offers durability and beauty for your pool deck. The natural look of marble can add a touch of class to your outside living area.

–        Brick or concrete pavers. Another option for your pool deck is clay or concrete pavers. While less expensive than natural stone, they are still aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. 

By renovating your pool deck now, when the warmer weather of spring and summer arrive, your pool will be ready for your first pool party. Don’t wait until everyone else is scheduling their pool area remodels; call your local paving company today to get your pool deck renovation done during the slower winter season.

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

Nov
21

Is a Gas or Electric Powered Golf Cart Right for You?

Posted in Golf Carts

When shopping for a new golf cart, there are several options you must consider. Size and model type are among these options, but one of the most basic choices is how the motor is powered. Golf carts come in two main varieties: gas or electric. Which one is best suited to your needs will depend on how and where you will be using your new cart, plus whether environmental considerations are important to you. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing between a gas or electric golf cart: 

–        Trip lengths. Both electric and gas powered golf carts can run for hours. However, electric powered carts do have a limited charge. For those planning on using their carts in the woods or away from an electrical source, gas will be a better option.

–        Accessories. Just like any vehicle, golf carts can come with a wide variety of accessories and features such as stereos, fans and other equipment. Since these must be also run off the power source, if you want a cart with plenty of accessories, a gas powered model may be best.

–        Maintenance. Both gas and electric golf carts are fairly easy to maintain. However, keep in mind that the gas powered models may have extra maintenance for the fuel powered engine, like gas filter replacements.

–        Horsepower. If horsepower is a consideration, gas powered golf carts have much higher horsepower options than electric, up to four times as much in some cases. 

The best way to decide which power option is best for you is to discuss your needs with your golf cart dealer. They can match you p with the right golf cart, one that will meet your specifications and preferences.

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

Nov
21

How Would You Use a New Golf Cart?

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts are quickly becoming the preferred way to travel around large commercial properties or even in residential areas. These small, economical vehicles come in a variety of sizes and capabilities which allow them to transport their users quickly and safely within short distances. Although you will still see plenty of these carts on the golf course, at parks and airports, they are becoming very popular for individuals. If you owned a golf cart, how would you use yours? 

–        Neighborhood transportation. Golf carts can be equipped to legally travel on roads in many areas. This gives their owners a quick, fun way to visit neighbors or even go to the local store down the road.

–        Hunters and outdoorsmen. Many hunters and outdoorsmen love using a golf cart to get to their backwoods destination. Their small design allows them to travel where larger vehicles cannot, saving outdoors enthusiasts time and effort.

–        Large property owners. Those who own a farm or large piece of property enjoy the convenience of having a golf cart to transport them, along with any items they need, from point A to point B.

–        Physical impairments. For anyone who has a physical impairment which makes walking long distances difficult, a golf cart can give them back their freedom. Small golf carts can be brought along to large events, campgrounds and many other areas that require too much walking for some people. 

Golf carts come in both electric and gas models, with sizes ranging from two to six people, or more. If you’ve always wanted a personal transportation vehicle, it may be time to get yourself a new golf cart. It’s also the perfect gift to give a loved one who would benefit from the convenience all these small vehicles can offer.

Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Nov
21

Do Your Metal Stairs Need Restoration or Replacement?

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal stairs are extremely durable and can last for many years. However, eventually even heavy metal will begin to corrode, weaken or rust over time when it’s regularly exposed to moisture and other elements. If you own a building with metal stairs, you may have started to notice they’re are beginning to show the effects of time. While replacing an entire flight of stairs can be a large investment, it may be possible to restore your metal stairs, giving you many more years of use and saving you a substantial amount of money. 

Issues That Can Be Resolved Through Metal Stair Restoration

There are some times when metal stairs have deteriorated to the point where they need full replacement to be safe. In other cases, many metal stairs may only have surface damage, which can be repaired through professional restoration. For many business or commercial property owners, this can be an affordable solution to keeping their stairs safe and functional for many more years. Some issues that restoration may be able to fix include: 

–        Worn finishes or coatings

–        Surface rust

–        Weakened welds

–        Worn or fatigued metal components 

A professional metal stair restoration company can inspect your stairs to evaluate the extent of the damage. If your stairs are still viable, they can transform your old, corroded metal stairs back to a beautiful, functional staircase. Once the corroded or worn metal pieces are fixed or replaced, they can add a protective coating to keep these new improvements safe from the elements. Once restored, your stairs can look as good as new, with many more years of use ahead of them.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028

Nov
21

A Clean Roof Is A Happy Roof

One of the most expensive home improvements you can invest in is a new roof. While many of the newer asphalt roofs can last more than twenty to thirty years, keeping your roof clean can extend the life of your older roof or make your new roof last for decades to come. Branches, needles, leaves and algae can accumulate on your roof, making it look dirty while possibly damaging the roofing material beneath. With winter quickly approaching, now is a great time to get your roof cleaned, protecting it from harm and increasing your home’s curb appeal. 

Damaging Effects Of A Dirty Roof

Fall leaves, winter storms and excessive moisture can all contribute to an dirty roof. By the time spring comes around, many homes are sporting roofs with moss, algae streaks and debris collected in the crevices and gutters. Having a dirty roof can cause damage in a couple of ways: 

–        Algae. Two common algae types which collect on roofs is ugly black algae, and green or yellow moss. While the black algae can streak your roof shingles, it rarely does any damage. Moss, however, can grow into your shingles and damage them permanently.

–        Water damage. When debris collects on your roof, it can cause water to dam on the roof surface. This can damage your shingles or cause the water to penetrate under the shingle, costing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs. 

Now is the time to prevent this type of damage to your roof by scheduling a roof cleaning. Your local pressure washing company should be able to clean your roof, gutters and possibly also offers moss treatments. Your roof will look better and last longer, making it a clean, happy roof for years to come!

Posted on behalf of Impact Services

Sep
10

Tired Feet And Bad Knees Or Hips Love Golf Carts

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts are a blessing to anyone who has trouble walking long distances without pain. If you have had medical issues with your feet, knees, hips or back, you may find wonderful relief in owning a golf cart for outdoor transportation. These useful carts are great for getting from point A to point B for homeowners who have large properties or live in a communal development, especially if walking has become difficult due to age or medical problems. 

Types Of Golf Carts For Home Use

While golf carts are still used on the course and in many commercial industries, they are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners. Golf or utility carts come in a variety of sizes and power options, from small electrical carts to large gas-powered vehicles. For home use, most people want a smaller version that can easily drive on turf or pavement. Some great types for home use include: 

  • Off-road use. Some of the smaller carts are perfect for off-road use on larger properties, like farms or homes with acreage. This convenient mode of travel is great for moving from the house to gardens or outbuildings without putting excess stress on your body. These can be as small as one-seat carts, or larger options which have room to carry multiple passengers or extra cargo.
     
  • Street-legal carts. For those in a communal or urban setting, a street-legal golf cart can be an economical and convenient way to jet up to the neighborhood store or visit a neighbor. Many towns allow these carts to travel on certain streets, as long as they meet all the safety requirements. 

If you are ready to give your feet and legs a rest, consider investing in a golf cart for your home. Some golf cart retailers offer both new and used options which can fit almost any budget.

Posted on behalf of Top Dog Golf Carts

Sep
10

Are Your Metal Stairs In Poor Repair?

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal stairways are an excellent investment for commercial properties, offering durability and longevity over many other stair material types. Still, even steel staircases will eventually deteriorate due to heavy use and exposure to moisture. Once steps, railings or stair braces become worn, they are a serious hazard and potential liability for property owners. Undergoing repair or restoration of problem areas can prevent the need for expensive replacement of metal staircases. 

Risks Associated With Old Metal Stairs

Although metal stairs used in commercial construction can last for decades, they will need repairs as wear, corrosion and impact take their toll. Over the years, treads can become thin and corroded, railings can become loose and the underlying structure can become weak. Once these problems start, they will only worsen over time, creating higher risks both those who use the stairs and to the property owner in the form of liability. Poor maintenance can cause: 

  • Trips and falls on corroded treads
  • Cuts and injuries from sharp edges
  • Falling hazards
  • Dangers related to staircase collapse 

Repair Or Restore?

If you are a property manager or own commercial property with metal staircases, maintaining these stairs is important to reduce liability risks. If you are able to perform regular maintenance, you can repair small issues before they become expensive problems. An experienced metal staircase fabricating and welding company can offer repairs for small issues, as well as restoring metal stairs which have been allowed to deteriorate beyond only small repairs. 

Taking care of minor metal stair repairs, or even larger restoration of metal stairs, can prevent major liability issues and legal costs. In addition, these repairs can extend the life of the stairs and delay the need for expensive complete replacement.

Posted on behalf of LCG Welding, LLC

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