Contractor Tips Blog

Dec
7

Garage Door Masonry Repairs

Cracks in the brick and mortar above garage doors can signal foundation settling or sagging of the lintel. Major settling will require foundation repair, but most cases are minor settlement issues and can be easily repaired by removing the damaged bricks and mortar and replacing them. It is important that any cracks in the bricks and mortar above the garage door(s), or any part of the home, be looked at and evaluated by a professional masonry company right away. Quick evaluation can save thousands of dollars and weeks of time in repair. 

The most important factor in any brick and mortar restoration once foundation issues have been eliminated or resolved is the mortar used. The replacement mortar requires more than just matching color. Improper mortar will not bond to the original mortar in the joints correctly, causing more damage to occur in the future. Cracks in the bricks and mortar above the garage must be carefully restored in order to ensure proper restoration and the longevity of the repair. Mortar that is too hard or too soft can crumble, crack, or deteriorate allowing re-cracking, additional damage, falling bricks, and even falling walls. 

Damage to the exterior walls of garage doors requires masonry repair. Masonry is thousands of years old, and it is the trusted method for all brick and mortar repairs to garage doors. If you have noticed a crack in your brick or mortar, contact a masonry contractor immediately. That crack could mean much more than a simple settling issue – it could indicate that the foundation of your home is compromised.

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

Dec
7

Window Replacement

Knowing when to replace windows is essential to making sure that a home is as efficient as it should be. Windows older than fifteen years of age, windows that are difficult to open or close, and moisture on windows are definite signs that window replacement is necessary. Over time windows need to be replaced due to settling of the home, natural aging of materials, and home improvement. Determining when it is time to replace windows can help the home retain or increase in value. 

Older homes were built with single-pane glass in the windows. Single-pane glass windows are not energy efficient and let much head and cold in during the year. They are also very susceptible to frost during the winter months, making them more fragile which increases the risk of breakage and damage to the home. 

Many people notice that their curtains, carpet, and/or furniture begin to fade. This is because ultraviolet rays entering through windows and patio doors cause the discoloration of materials inside the home. Having window replacements done to upgrade to more energy efficient windows can potentially reduce fading and extend the life of in home items and materials. 

One telltale sign that windows need replacement and should not be ignored is when windows leak in water and air. Inefficient windows can leak which allows water to come in through windows and can damage the window casing and walls of a home. This water leaking is the number one cause of mold and mildew in the home – both that are dangerous to health. 

If you are in need of window replacement in your home, contact your reputable window manufacturer for quality windows. Your home is probably the largest investment that you will make in your lifetime. Make sure your windows are adding value, not taking it away.

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

Dec
7

Discharge Hoses

Discharge hoses are mostly used in plant operations to carry out materials such as water, sand, and waste. It is highly important that a plant have the proper discharge hoses and well as the proper fitting of the hoses for their operations. There are all sizes and lengths available for discharge hoses and a professional manufacturer can assist operation managers in choosing the hoses that are needed. 

It is important to realize that there are many factors involved in choosing the correct hose for the specific needs of each plant or commercial facility. Perhaps the best method in choosing a proper discharge hose is to use the “STAMPED” method – Size, Temperature, Application, Material being conveyed, Pressure, Ends, & Delivery. Knowing these factors, will allow an expert staff supplier to lead buyers in the right direction. The size of a discharge hose depends on the application that it will be used for. Discharge hoses are used in various industries such as construction, marine, industrial, mining, agriculture, and municipal. Knowing the working pressures (low, medium, or high) for the specific application is necessary so that the purchased hose will withstand application uses. Custom discharge hoses are made with the specifications of buyers and can be purchased in bulk. 

Finding a reliable supplier of discharge hoses with a quick turn around is important to plant operations. An experienced supplier can help you find exactly what type and size discharge hose you need for a particular application. Custom discharge hoses can be made for those needing hoses with specific diameters and lengths, so finding the most reliable and reputable supplier is essential.

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

Dec
7

Exterior Hand Railings

Whether for safety or purely for aesthetics, hand railings can provide commercial properties with a much needed appeal. Commercial hand railings can be placed on decks, porches, stairs, balcony rails, walkways, and decorative landscape. Many codes have been put into place in order to keep people safe while on commercial properties. Pedestrians should not have to worry about their safety when walking around a doctor’s office, courthouse, or public park. Therefore, exterior hand railings are a common necessity in any commercial building.   

Hand railings can be decorative, useful, or both in all commercial settings. From sturdy basic pipe rails to the most elaborate decorative hand railings, commercial properties have a variety of hand railings to choose from. Skilled welders and craftsmen can create handrails from all types of materials to meet the design needs of a commercial property. Steel, iron, aluminum, and stainless steel are popular choices as they offer strength and can be completed with a wide range of finishes from galvanization to paint to high tech polymer coatings. 

It is important for any commercial property to have an experienced contractor who knows and understands the building codes and structural needs of any property being developed. Hiring a premier metal railing contractor who is licensed and experienced with design, fabrication, and installation is the best way to ensure the highest quality products. Thinking of the safety of those who will eventually be on the property from the very beginning is the best way to provide an atmosphere that will meet necessary building codes and will ultimately invite the desired patrons and visitors.

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

Dec
7

Vinyl Siding Pressure Washing

Vinyl is the most popular choice for siding material. More than one-third of the exterior cladding installed on new and existing homes is vinyl. Not only do people pay less for vinyl as it is installed, but the upkeep for keeping it clean and looking nice is much less than other choices. While vinyl eliminates the hassle and expense of repainting the house’s siding every five years or so, vinyl still needs to be cleaned in order to look its best. Pressure washing is the fasted and most effective way to clean vinyl siding, and a professional pressure washing service can offer fantastic results to homeowners. 

Any type of home exterior covering gets dingy over time, but a pressure washer can quickly restore a home to its original beauty. While there are pressure washers available for rent and personal use at neighboring home good stores, having the home professionally cleaned is highly recommended. Professional residential pressure washers are experts at what they do. They understand how much pressure is needed to clean vinyl siding and can make professional adjustments as needed. Professional pressure washers also come to the home equipped with the right tools for the job. Sometimes years of grime are difficult to clean around windows, chimneys, gutters, etc. A professional residential pressure washer can get into grooves that are hard to reach with his tools of the trade that are not known about, or accessible, to the average homeowner.  

If you are looking to have your vinyl siding cleaned, pressure washing by a professional is the way to go. The appearance of your home can be greatly improved by pressure washing – making resell easier, your neighbors happy, and your home looking its best.

 Posted on behalf of Impact Services

Dec
7

Design Your Own Phone Case

These days it is almost unheard of to see someone without a mobile phone with him or her at all times. Our phones are now the way to keep in touch, to keep up to date, to handle business deals, to make appointments, and to make last minute trades. With so much going on every single day, it is no surprise that many wish to personalize their phones. Mobile shops offer the ability for customers to design their own phone case. Because for so many their mobile phones are almost an extension of their persons, a customized phone case only makes sense. 

There are many different layouts to choose from when designing a phone case. Many people like to go with a graphic design that reflects their personality through color and design. There are whimsy designs, bold, classic, feminine, masculine, adolescent, and many other designs available that can suit the personality of almost anyone. For some, pictures of their families or children are a way to keep family members close at all times. Choosing from a single picture to take up the entire back of the phone or a template where multiple photos can be displayed can add a touch of charm and sentimentality to a mobile device. However, it is always important to think of the importance of privacy when putting family members’ photos on a device that is often seen by others and has the chance of being stolen. That should be taken into consideration for anyone who wishes to put pictures of their most valued loved ones anywhere the public eye can view. 

Customized design your own phone cases are a huge hit among many people. Adding a bit of fun or class to an otherwise typical mobile phone can be a way to set someone apart or to help distance not feel so great. If you would like to design your own phone case, contact your local dealer to see what options are available.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Dec
7

iPad Mini Screen Replacement

Dropping an iPad Mini on the way out of the door or while running late to a meeting can be a headache for anyone. But dropping an iPad Mini and cracking the screen can seem like a complete disaster. When lines appear across the screen or blurred spots appear, or if the dreaded completely black screen simply won’t “do anything” – it’s time to call in the experts. Having the screen replaced on an iPad Mini is a relatively easy fix, but it is one best left to the professionals. 

There are many do it yourself videos on YouTube offering people guidance on how to make an iPad Mini screen replacement. While these tutorials may be informative and helpful to some, they do not offer what a qualified, licensed, and professional repair company can: guaranteed service. Not only are the parts and services typically guaranteed from a quality repair source, but should anything go wrong during the repair to other functions of the iPad Mini, they would also be covered. A DIY approach to an iPad Mini screen replacement may seem as though it will save money at the beginning, but damaging or messing up other functions of the iPad Mini can actually cost much more than a professional screen replacement. 

Most repair services offer iPad Mini screen replacements done daily and within a short time frame. It is understandable that most people who need their iPad Minis for work or a highly social schedule will be at a loss without their device. If you are in need of a professional iPad Mini screen replacement, do your research and find the repair service with the most reputable qualifications.

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

Dec
7

Backyard Fire Pits

The temperatures are cooling down and there is no better time to enjoy a fire pit in the backyard. Fire pits are a great way for families to enjoy quality time together and invite neighbors over for an evening of relaxation or fun in the backyard. For those interested in having a fire pit, it is important that quality construction is the number one priority for the company that is chosen to add this great feature to any landscape. It is also important for homeowners to check with their insurance to understand any potential impact a fire pit may have on their coverage. 

There are different types of fire pits available to those looking to add value and appeal to an outdoor living space. Custom outdoor fire pits can be designed to best compliment the landscape and décor of the home. There is a wide selection of materials and products that can be used to meet the design criteria and taste of all homeowners who wish to add a fire pit to their backyard. A licensed and experienced landscape designer will know and carefully adhere to the building codes within each area in order to get the proper specs and regulations regarding a backyard fire pit. 

Backyard fire pits can be built in most backyards and with the specific design details that homeowners have in mind. Consult with a licensed and qualified contractor about the material you wish to use and the maintenance required for your choice. Adding a fire pit can bring a backyard to life as a wonderful addition to the home. Nothing is more welcoming than a chance to unwind while enjoying the beauty, warmth, and inviting atmosphere of an attractive and well-built fire pit.

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

Nov
21

Will Your Chimney Last the Winter?

With the colder weather and holiday months upon us, it’s time to enjoy the heat that can only come from a roaring fire. However, to safely enjoy your fireplace, you must have a chimney which is properly functioning and in good repair. Over time, brick or stone chimneys can begin to lean, causing them to become an eyesore or worse, a hazard. If you have a chimney with structural problems, you need to have it repaired before it causes further damage to your home and ruins the upcoming holiday season. 

Causes of Leaning Chimneys

Brick or masonry chimneys that are leaning are a definite hazard, and need to be repaired. The heavy weight of these structures can cause them to become unstable, crumbling or toppling down with the pull of gravity or during a storm. This can cause damage to your home, property, and even injure a family member or pet. 

Most leaning chimneys are caused by a foundation problem. The footing the chimney rests upon may be sinking or cracking, making the chimney lean. An experienced foundation or chimney repair company can inspect your leaning chimney, and offer repair solutions before it causes more expensive damage to your home or family. It may need the footing repaired, as well as masonry repairs to the chimney, or even a full chimney replacement. 

Don’t let a leaning chimney ruin your holiday season. Have your leaning chimney repaired now to prevent any avoidable accidents.  Enjoy the winter months with a comforting fire, knowing your chimney is steady and stable, doing its job while you relax by the fireplace with your family.

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

 

Nov
21

Who Should You Call to Troubleshoot Your Conveyor Belt Problem?

If you own an industrial operation which relies upon conveyor belts, you know how important these devices are to staying productive. Once these belts go down, you are losing time and money, making it essential to find the right conveyor repair and service company – fast! However, you want to choose a company that’s going to fix the problem right the first time, preventing further shutdowns in the future. Before calling a service company for your conveyor belt problem, consider these factors: 

–        Years of experience. You want a service company which has been around the block and has an established reputation in the industry. Choose a conveyor belt repair and installation company with decades of experience working on all types of belts.

–        Industry experts. While many companies dabble in several types of mechanical repair, they may not be experts in conveyor belts. To troubleshoot and repair a conveyor belt quickly and correctly, find a company that specializes in belt repair and installation.

–        Parts supplier. Choose a conveyor belt service company which will have the parts needed to repair your belt. A premier belt service supplier will also carry a variety of hoses and other rubber products which may be needed for your repair.

–        Offer fast, convenient repair options. An experienced conveyor belt troubleshooting company should be able to diagnose the problem fast, and offer solutions. Some of the best in the business can diagnose an issue right over the phone just from gathering the details of the problem, helping you get back up and running even faster. 

Once you find a conveyor belt service company you can trust, keep them on speed dial for all your service and installation needs. They are few and far between, making it worth the effort to find the right company that will be there when you need them.

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

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