Contractor Tips Blog

Jul
3

5 Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your Shingled Roof

Posted in Roofing

If your home’s shingled roof is fifteen years old or older, it is time to start keeping an eye out for signs that it’s time to start considering replacement. Many roofs can last twenty years or longer, depending on how well they are maintained and the weather conditions they have endured. Still, it’s not age that will tell you whether your roof needs to be replaced; it’s the signs of damage or degradation that you should be aware of when evaluating the life left in your roof. Here are five common signs that it may be time to replace that old roof. 

  1. Curling. If you have shingles that are curling or buckling, it may be time for a new roof, or at minimum, some shingle repair. Your shingles should lie flat against the roof; otherwise water can get underneath and leak into your home.
     
  2. Rotting. Rotting spots on your roof is a severe danger sign that you may need a new roof and could have even more damage in your rafters and house structure.
     
  3. Bald shingles. If you notice bald spots on your shingles where the granules have been worn or fallen off, it may be time for a new roof. These unprotected shingles can become brittle and fragile, needing replacement as soon as possible.
     
  4. Blistering. Blisters on your shingles can be a sign of water underneath your shingles. If water is getting trapped underneath, it’s only a matter of time before you have leaks into your home.
     
  5. Algae. Black stains from algae and moss growth can be signs that you may have damaged shingles. If the moss has been allowed to grow unchecked for years on end, the moss may have already grown into the shingles, causing extensive damage. 

The best way to know for sure whether you need a new roof is to call your local roofers for a roof inspection. They can tell you whether you just need minor roof repairs, or a full roof replacement.

Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders

Jul
3

4 Great Uses For Golf Carts

Posted in Golf Carts

You don’t need to play golf in order to find great uses for a golf cart. More and more, these handy little vehicles are being used in a variety of commercial and residential applications which have nothing to do with the game of golf. Whether you own a business or are looking for a convenient way to get around your property or neighborhood, a golf cart may be an affordable option. Here are four great ways that people are using golf carts

  1. Camping. Love camping? A golf cart can be the ultimate camping accessory. Many people enjoy having the freedom to move around the campground quickly in their own personal golf cart, visiting friends, seeing the sights or just making a trip to the campground store.
     
  2. Personal property. For those with larger pieces of land, a golf cart can be a great way to get from one area to another. Pack up tools or another equipment and head to the other side of your property on a utility cart.
     
  3. Businesses. Family fun parks, campgrounds, retirement communities and parks all use golf carts as an easy way to get around their property.
     
  4. Events. For big parties or events, golf carts are a great way to transport guests from the parking lot to the main event area. Weddings, company picnics and many other events are made more enjoyable when guests can hitch a ride. 

Golf carts come in a wide variety of sizes and models, with both gas and electric models available. For the ultimate accessory for your home, business or recreational needs, check out the new and used golf carts that are available at your local golf cart dealer.

Posted on behalf of Action Specialty Carts

Jul
3

Relax And Rent A Golf Cart This Summer!

Posted in Golf Carts

Nothing can detract from a fun event or vacation more than sore feet, knees and legs. It’s hard to enjoy anything when you need continuously to be on your feet, walking miles upon miles throughout the day. For anyone that has small children in tow, physical restrictions or just doesn’t enjoy walking long distances, golf cart rentals for your next outdoor vacation or event may be the perfect way to avoid the pain while enjoying all the fun.  

Summer Events For Golf Cart Rentals

There are many times during the summer when having a golf cart handy can make the day more enjoyable. There is no need to play through the pain when you can just rent a golf cart to save your feet from walking from point A to point B all day long. Here are some great ideas on when to rent a golf cart. 

  • Weddings. If you are planning an outdoor wedding where guests will need to walk, consider renting a golf cart for your guests. Your older family members will appreciate the lift!
     
  • Camping trips. A week at a campground can become painful by day three or four when you are on your feet from morning until night. Rent a cart to scoot you around the campground so you can enjoy your trip.
     
  • Recreation. Golf carts are great for going out trap shooting, to sporting events and yes, even golfing! Make that next day out more relaxing by renting a golf cart to get you around throughout the day. 

Make all your summer events more fun with less pain by renting a golf cart. It is worth the investment to be able to enjoy the day without worrying about feet blisters, swollen knees or tired toddlers!

Posted on behalf of Top Dog Golf Carts, LLC

Jun
3

High Density Polyethylene

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE is one of many types of polymer products and is used in the production of many popular items including plastic bottles, plastic lumber, and corrosion resistant piping. High density polyethylene can withstand high temperatures, and it is a very hard product. High density polyethylene was first experimented with in the 1930s during World War II. It was used in the application of high frequency radar cables during the war, and because of its success it gave way to commercial production. Polyethylene is one of the most widely uses plastics world wide, with production in the billions of pounds each year. 

There are many advantages of high density polyethylene. It is impact and wear resistant, it is flexible, and it can have a very high elongation before breaking. Because of these properties it is a favorite choice when wrapping and shipping food. Plastic milk jugs are one of the most common items produced from high density polyethylene. The product can sustain cold temperatures, and high density polyethylene lends itself particularly well to blow molding for forming milk jugs. 

For companies that are in the business of manufacturing plastic bottles, piping, or plastic lumber it is important to find a reliable source for purchasing high density polyethylene. Because HDPE is an industrial product, it must be bought in bulk from reliable companies with the license to manufacture and sell it. High density polyethylene is a product that is needed and used world wide, therefore pricing can be very competitive. By shopping around and doing your research, you can find the most reputable and budget friendly source. 

Posted on behalf of The King Group, Inc.

Jun
3

Home Siding Replacement

Posted in Siding

The siding of the home serves as the main barrier between your home and the weather. Elements such as rain, snow, wind, and temperature changes can have an effect on the inside temperature and humidity within your house. When the siding on your home has been damaged or is simply in need of replacement due to wearing down from age, it is important to have it replaced in a timely manner. Worn down siding can have a negative impact on the appearance of your home, it can decrease your home’s efficiency, and it can leave it susceptible to damage from weather elements. 

There are different options when it comes to replacing the siding on your home. If you are replacing the siding on the entire house, you have the option of changing the color. Of course you want to choose a color that works within your home owners association guidelines, but choosing a new color can add a new appeal to your home. You can also choose a different siding material when replacing the siding. Different materials can give your home a slightly different look. Replacing aluminum siding with more durable, energy efficient vinyl siding can add value to your home. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and it holds its color for a longer period of time. Because there is no painting required for maintenance, there is little involved to keep it looking nice. 

Finding a company with a solid reputation for customer service and quality siding replacement is essential to making your home improvement a valuable investment. Siding can look great and protect your home, making your investment worthwhile and beautiful.

 Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders

May
27

Kitchen Design

Posted in Interior Design

Since the economy took a backward turn a few years back, many people have chosen to stay in their homes and renovate. Of the first rooms that people choose to renovate,  95% of people choose the kitchen. The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home, where people congregate together as family and friends. Cooking is done together for family dinners and hosting parties. Therefore, many people want to update their kitchen to have an inviting atmosphere. 

Remodeling a kitchen can seem like an easy task when you are just throwing around ideas, but when it comes to actually executing your plans, hiring a reputable design company is highly recommended. The kitchen is also one of the most expensive areas of the home to renovate. A well established kitchen design company can help people take their ideas and dreams and bring them into reality inside their own homes while maintaining a set budget.

A reputable design company will take into consideration the needs of each family — large family, regular hosting events, single parent, compact space — and will make the new kitchen work for them and their specific needs as well as their desires. The design company also pays close attention to the details of the home as well as current trends. By mixing in contemporary kitchen designs with timeless traditions, an established design company can remodel a kitchen to exceed the expectation of their clients. 

Find a company that offers expertise in all aspects of kitchen remodeling. From design to installation to reveal, and everything in between, you should be guaranteed that your result will be the beautiful dream kitchen that you have always wanted.

 Posted on behalf of J Christopher Design and Construction Services

May
27

iPad Repair

It seems that almost everyone has some type of electronic device that can do more than was ever dreamed possible just twenty years ago. iPads are a popular choice for electronic devices, but they are not cheap by any means. Without a special type of case or protector, an iPad can be damaged very easily. From a fall off of a table, stepping on the screen during the middle of the night, to an excited two year old repeatedly pushing the “home” button — there are a variety of repairs that can be needed for the iPad. 

The most common iPad repair is a cracked or shattered glass replacement. Dropping an iPad on a hard surface, such as concrete, can crack or shatter the glass almost instantly. While there are any number of tutorial videos on how to replace the iPad glass via “do it yourself” methods, experts agree that this is a repair best left to the experts. Professional companies can offer a glass replacement in under thirty minutes, and their replacements typically come with guaranteed service — something YouTube cannot offer its viewers. 

The LCD screen inside the iPad is the most complicated component of the iPad. It controls the touch screen capabilities, which control almost everything else. Only professionally certified technicians should be trusted to make a repair on the iPad screen. Minute adjustments can make or break the functions of the iPad. Because the iPad is a pricey investment, one wrong adjustment can ruin its capabilities. 

Trusting the professionals for any of your iPad repair needs is highly advisable. Apple does not cover faulty repair services from anyone other than one of their technicians, so choose wisely when searching for a company to trust with your iPad repair.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

May
27

Metal Stair Repairs

Posted in Metal Stairs

Commercial buildings are under tight safety protocols these days in order to protect all who enter and exit. Metal stairs are a common construction element in large buildings, and they require constant observation to keep them within protocol. When metal stairs are in need of repair, it is important that a company with a highly dependable reputation is chosen. A metal stairs specialist is committed to being a leader in design, fabrication, and repair of metal stairs. Having a full understanding of how metal stairs should work is highly important when making any type of repair. 

Deteriorated metal staircases can be incredibly dangerous and lead to serious injuries and even death. Corrosion, cracked or broken welds, wear and tear, and impact damage can all lead to failures of metal staircases. When the threads, handrails, or supporting structures have been compromised, repairs are needed right away. While there are many welders out there, only licensed experts should be called upon to make any sort of repair. 

Metal staircases are a huge investment for any commercial building. Regular repairs and maintenance are required to keep them within code of safety regulations. Regular metal stair repairs are also a wise money managing tool, because it is much more cost effective to repair stairs than it is to replace them. Much research is needed to find the highest quality service for metal stair repairs, but it is worth it to be safe for all of those who will step foot on the surface.

Posted on behalf of LCG Welding, LLC

May
27

Golf Cart Rentals

Posted in Golf Carts

Not everyone owns a personal golf cart, but there are many times that people wish that they did. Camping trips are popular for needing an easy method of travel along paths where normal vehicles are not allowed and where walking takes a great deal of effort. Activities such as large family reunions, graduations, weddings, and parties are also popular for needing an easy method of travel for those with handicap disabilities, injuries, or for the elderly where walking is not easy. Golf cart rentals are becoming highly popular for all of these activities and more. 

Many companies today provide golf carts for rent. Some companies offer golf cart rentals strictly for large venues where shuttles are needed to help people get from the parking lot to the arena. Some companies specialize in providing long term golf cart rentals to families who are taking an extended vacation. And many companies are providing both to clients to meet their needs. 

There are different types of golf carts for people to choose from. There are golf carts strictly for residential use on paved roads and sidewalks. There are utility vehicles used for off road events. These golf carts are equipped with special tires making it easy to travel the terrain of being off paved surfaces. And there are golf carts made to carry multiple numbers of people so that groups can travel together. Finding a company that offers golf cart rentals is relatively easy with the use of the Internet. Call around to find one that offers the type of vehicle needed, and get out and have some fun!

Posted on behalf of Action Specialty Carts

May
27

Customized Golf Carts

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts are not strictly used on golf courses these days. Many families have golf carts to help them take all of their gear to the neighborhood pool or park without having to load up the van or SUV. Many older adults use them to travel between neighbors’ houses as it provides an easier and quicker means of transportation than their feet allow. The breeze in the air and the ease of accessibility for getting in and out makes golf carts a popular choice among many people and families. 

Sometimes, though, just a regular ol’ golf cart won’t do. Custom golf carts can be designed and manufactured to meet customers’ needs and desires. From simple refurbishments to custom built golf carts, nothing is impossible when you have the money to spend. 

Many people like to have a golf cart customized to look like an old fashioned automobile with custom headlights and frame. Some people want to equip their golf carts with off road tires, rear view mirrors, speed chips, safety features, and more. These days almost anything is possible when it comes to customized golf carts. Colors vary from pastel to neon; logos and custom art decorate golf carts to make them unique. 

Trained technicians are available to make all types of customizations on all makes and models of golf carts. If you have a golf cart and you are interested in making it more unique, start looking around for ideas of how to “supe up” your ride.

Posted on behalf of Top Dog Golf Carts

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