Contractor Tips Blog

Nov
21

Food Conveyor Belts

Food conveyor belts are used in every food manufacturing facility in the United States, as well as a number of fast food establishments and restaurants.  As with other conveyor belts, food  grade conveyor belts require periodic replacement because they do not last forever.  An experienced conveyor belt manufacturer will be able to assist any food facility in need of replacement belts determine the proper one for the equipment in the facility.  

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must approve food conveyor belts, which is a distinguishing characteristic between these belts and other conveyor belts.  In addition, normally these belts are provided with some sort of specialized coating to prevent staining, as well as to reduce the accumulation of sticky substances, on the belt.  Two of the most popular and effective coatings for food conveyor belts are Teflon and silicone.  

Despite the coatings available, all food conveyor belts are not the same in the materials used.  Another important consideration when ordering a replacement food conveyor belt is the temperature of the food being moved.  If the food being moved is hot, then a belt capable of resisting melting or burning should be used.  If the food being moved is cold then a material that is resistant to cracking, due to the cold, should be used. 

A highly experienced food conveyor belt manufacturer will be able to assist in providing specific recommendations to which belt to use, the best coating to use, depending upon the application, and the best material, depending upon the food being moved!

Posted on behalf of The King Group

Nov
21

Custom Metal Work

Despite the availability of tens of thousands individual metal components in the marketplace, a vast majority of steel and miscellaneous metals work remains custom work.  The metals are custom fabricated by experienced craftsmen to fit a specific application on a specific project. 

Examples of custom metal fabrication projects include interior and exterior stairs, handrails, landings, walkways, catwalks, ladders, lintels, bollards, work stands, counters, cabinets, storage racks, storage bins, canopies, awnings, trellises, gates, grating and banisters.  Often the metals used in this type of work include steel plate, ornamental iron, stainless steel and aluminum.  Finishes on these projects typically include paint, powder coating, galvanizing and a variety of high tech finishes. 

The key to properly executing these projects is a highly trained and integrated staff including estimators, designers, shop and field craftsmen and project managers.  In addition a properly equipped fabrication facility is key as well.  The estimator will determine the cost of the work, the raw materials needed, as well as the time necessary to fabricate and install the work based upon the conceptual plans provided.  The designer will take a concept provided by an architect or engineer to develop a detailed set of plans that the craftsmen will use to fabricate and install the work. 

The shop craftsmen fabricating the work will use a combination of modern and “old world” metal working techniques to fabricate the raw materials into the product being fabricated.  Once fabricated, the field craftsmen then install the finished product, while the project manager manages he entire process.  A well-equipped shop is essential to the craftsmen being able to fabricate the product accurately, efficiently and safely.  

Properly done by an experienced licensed and insured contractor, custom metal work is a unique blend of functionality, art, engineering and workmanship that will last a lifetime!

Posted on behalf of  LCG Welding

Nov
21

Metal Stair Repairs

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal is an extremely durable and a strong material as long as it is properly maintained, especially when it is subject to heavy use, impact, weather and chemicals, all of which can cause deterioration.  One of the most dangerous things that can be found on any commercial, industrial, educational or residential structure is a metal staircase, handrail or guardrail where this deterioration has occurred.  Often this deterioration includes such things as corrosion, cracked or broken welds.  Other potential damage includes impact damage, wear and fatigue, which can lead to failures in the treads, railings and supporting structure. Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation, with the possibility of severe injury or death, if not corrected. 

The process for repairing steel stairs is relatively straightforward.  It is recommended that any property owner use an experienced metal stair repair company to periodically inspect their metal stairs, metal guardrails and metal handrails.  It is critical that the stair repair company use certified welders to make any minor corrections on the spot and that they be experienced in working with all sorts of metals and just not steel as the welding techniques and equipment are different.  In addition to being experienced, the company should be licensed and insured as well. 

In some cases if the experienced craftsman performing the inspection and repairs may notice something out of the ordinary and a structural engineer may need to be consulted to recommend the repair.  An example of this would be when the anchors securing to the stair to the wall are pulling away from the structure or an obvious structural failure, other than a broken weld, of a supporting component.  An engineer should be consulted to provide guidance on what to do. 

In most cases the inspection and the repairs can be done quickly and economically by a qualified welding company that specializes in metal stair repairs!

Posted on behalf of LCG Welding

Nov
21

Replacement Roofing

Posted in Roofing

One of the most important parts of every home is the roof, which protects the occupants of the home, as well as their possessions and the structure of the home itself from weather.  Roofing materials include asphalt shingles, slate shingles, wood shakes and a variety of synthetic specialty materials used on flat roofs.  Although these materials have a long life span and are extremely durable when properly installed properly by a licensed and insured contractor, eventually the roof will need to be replaced either due to age or other causes.  Often these other causes will include extreme weather events such as hailstorms. 

The first step in determining if a roof needs to be replaced is to have a thorough inspection performed by a highly experienced and customer service focused roofing contractor, who is also licensed and insured.  During the inspection the technician will take note of any storm related damage, as well as normal wear and tear and discuss their findings with the property owner. 

If the roof is need of replacement, the contractor will provide a written estimate and can provide assistance to the property owner if they are seeking a bank loan or making an insurance claim on their homeowner’s policy to pay for the residential roof replacement.  Once the property owner has approved the roof replacement, the work will be scheduled and performed as quickly as possible by highly trained and experienced craftsmen.  Once completed, the new roof will provide years of protection to the home, occupants and their possessions, while providing the energy efficiency of the home as well as improving the aesthetics of the home.

Posted on behalf of Ken Christie, CZE Roofing and Remodeling

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Nov
21

Cell Phone Repairs

In recent years, smart phones have become very integrated into our daily lives to the extent that most people cannot function in their daily business and personal lives without these devices.  In many cases, these devices have replaced the personal computer for many functions including Internet access, email, schedules and note pads.  The integration is so complete, that most people would be in a real bind if their smart phone were to stop working and they were to lose the data stored on the device. 

One of the most popular of all of the smart phones on the market is the Samsung family of smart phones including the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3.  While extremely popular, these phones are also very expensive, especially if they stop functioning properly due to a broken touch screen, water damage or a dead battery.  In many cases the owner would be required to purchase a new phone if the non functional phone was not insured or if the customer was not eligible for a phone upgrade or discounted phone thru their carrier.  In the past cell phone repairs were just not possible. 

Now if is possible to have the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 repaired by a highly trained and experienced technician!  Repairs include touch screen replacement, water damage diagnostic and battery replacement.  In addition, it is possible to have the repairs done at one of many conveniently located repair facilities or the technician can come to the customer’s home of office location.  In all cases, the cost of the repairs is very reasonable and the repairs are quickly done.

Posted on behalf of  iDevice MD

 

Nov
21

Want to Sell Your Old iDevice?

Well you finally were able to get that newest iphone or ipad that you have been wanting since Apple announced it.  Once all of the data has been transferred to the new device, the next decision is what to do with the old device.  Options include giving it away, throwing it into a drawer to store as a backup.  Another option is to sell it and get cash for it! 

In addition to being able to sell your old iphone 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, 5c and 5s, it is also possible to sell your ipad 1,2,3 Mini and new Air as well as your ipod Touch 2,3 and 4.  The exact purchase price varies due to condition, as well as the capacity and functions and capabilities of the device.  

The condition of your device includes “just like new”, “normal wear”, “only a cracked screen” and “pretty beat up”.   A device “just like new”, is new out of the box, has no scratches, marks or dents and in perfect condition.  “Normal wear” is used to describe a device that is still in good shape, has few scratches, but no cracks and all buttons properly work.  “Only a cracked screen” describes a device that has a cracked screen, the buttons work, the device still functions properly and it has never been wet. 

A device “pretty beat up”, cannot be turned on, has a cracked screen and has gotten wet at some point.  It is important to remember that no matter the age or condition of your old ipod, ipad or iphone, it still has value and the first step to take in getting your money is to call!

Posted on behalf of iDevice MD

Nov
21

Usefulness of Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts and other utility vehicles are not only limited to usage on the local golf course, but have a wide variety of uses for homeowners, outdoorsmen, property managers and event planners.  Homeowners can use these vehicles, some of which are street legal, to move around their neighborhoods.  Hunters, fisherman and other outdoors people use the off-road and tough terrain utility versions of these vehicles to get in and out of the field.

Property managers often use multi-passenger versions to take clients on tours of properties.  Event managers use them on a number of activities including sporting events, horse shows, sporting clays, weddings, parties, tradeshows, sports tournaments, concerts, trap shoots, graduations, corporate meetings and festivals. 

In addition to being able rent a gas or electric golf cart or utility vehicle, it is easy to own a new or used golf cart or utility vehicle, as well as a custom golf cart or utility vehicle.  The vehicles are generally available in gas and electric powered versions, manufactured by Club Car. E-Z-Go Carts and Yamaha Carts.  Once of the most popular brands is Club Car, who is recognized as the global leader of in golf carts and utility vehicles, as well as zero emissions vehicle technologies in general.  Club Car electric vehicles offer a cleaner, quieter alternative to gas without sacrificing any performance.  

No matter what the need, an experienced full service golf cart distributer specializing in rentals, sales and service will be able to assist in selecting the perfect golf cart and utility vehicle for any use!

Posted on behalf of  Top Dog Golf Carts 

Nov
21

Golf Cart Service and Repairs

Posted in Golf Carts

One of the most important things to determine when looking to buy or rent a golf cart or utility vehicle is to select a firm that is a full service golf cart distributer.  This is important because after the cart is delivered, it is going to need periodic repairs and regular maintenance, as recommended by the manufacturer.  It is important to select a firm that will provide periodic golf cart service and repair promptly, economically and views the relationship between the company and the customer as a long-term business partnership. 

The full service golf cart distributor will have a dedicated service department staffed by factory-trained technicians that are highly skilled.  They will have the ability to work on both electric golf carts and utility vehicles as well as gas powered golf carts and utility vehicles.  Popular manufactures include Yamaha, E-Z-Go and Club Car, so it is important that the repair facility have the parts and expertise to work on these manufacturers.  

While regularly scheduled manufacturer recommended service, tune-ups and check ups eliminates many issues, common issues include battery replacement, battery problems, including recharging problems and electrical shorts.  In addition, they will be able to provide more extensive services, including complete overhauls and reconditioning.  The full service golf cart distributor will also have the dedicated trucks and trailers to pick up the golf cart or utility vehicle and deliver it to their repair facility as well as return it when the work is complete.  All work will be performed to the highest standards and will be fairly priced.

Posted on behalf of Action Specialty Carts 

Nov
21

Benefits of Replacement Windows

Often older homes have the original windows that were installed when the home was built.  In most cases these windows are very energy inefficient and require a great deal of maintenance.  The reason that they are inefficient is because of the use of a single layer of glass.  In addition, these windows, which are typically either metal or wood, will have a poor seal, where the window sash meets the window frame. 

In many cases you can actually feel the transfer of either heat or cold thru the frame and the glass depending upon the season.  These windows also require regular maintenance, which includes periodic painting and the replacement of glazing compound, which holds the glass to the window frame.  Over time the glazing compound dries out and becomes brittle and often falls out.  This can result in the glass falling out, as well as additional energy loss. 

Vinyl replacement windows are an excellent solution to the problem.  These windows, which are custom made to fit into the opening, are made out of extruded vinyl and come with insulated glass.   The insulated glass consists of two panes of glass, with the space filled with argon glass, while the glass has a low e coating.  Both features dramatically improve the energy efficiency of the window allowing the window to qualify for an Energy Star rating. 

In addition, the window sashes are held tightly to the frame, which reduces air loss.  Since the window frame is made of vinyl, the window is extremely durable and never needs to be painted.  Once installed by a qualified replacement window contractor the windows will provide years of useful life and the property owner will see their energy costs dramatically reduced!

Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders

Nov
6

Conveyor Belt Trouble

Let’s face it. No one wants down time due to a conveyor belt breaking or malfunctioning. Such delays cost valuable production time, resources and, yes, money.

As with any equipment, however, it is possible to avoid major complications by routinely checking and maintaining your conveyor belts

Following are some common problems with conveyor belts and possible solutions:

1. Excessive Wear Across Entire Belt –  If wear is even and widespread, then the likelihood is the belt is unsuitable for the application. You may need a stronger belt, or one made of textured material. 

2. Edge Wear – Edge wear indicates uneven tension along the belt system. The belt may need to be realigned or retracked. 

3. Belt Falls Off At Head or Tail Pulley – If the belt is loosening at either of the pulleys, the problem may be build up on the pulleys or belt system. This could also indicate improper loading of the belt. Clean, and reevaluate loading procedures. 

4. Belt Slips At Start-Up or When Conveyor is Running – If the belt is shifting in any way, this may indicate insufficient traction between the belt and pulley or build up of some sort. Readjust tension. Examine pulleys to see if there is any build-up, and clean, if necessary. 

5.  Belt is Cracking, Hardening or Swelling in Certain Areas – If you’re seeing physical changes in the conveyor belt, chances are you have heat or chemical damage.  Reexamine the belt application and consider using a different, more appropriate belt, or impose stricter clean-up standards. 

Though common, the above, of course, are just a few of the problems one can encounter with a conveyor belt. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult the original manufacturer of the conveyor belt if any trouble arises.

Posted on behalf of the King Group

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