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Friday, March 15th, 2013

During winter months, melting snow can be a serious safety hazard. If you’re looking for a way to prevent snow melt in the garage, you first need to determine the source of the problem. There are two possible sources:

Your Car

Snow melting off of your car is a common source of puddles in the garage. The cheapest way to prevent this problem is to remove snow upon garage entry. Because you don’t always have time to sweep off snow, a good second line of defense is a snow melt mat. These ultra absorbent mats are designed to withstand the weight of your vehicle while absorbing all of the water dripping off of it. They will dry naturally and, once dry, can be vacuumed to remove all of the dirt that builds up.

While they are designed to hold a lot of water, should the mat become ultra-saturated, the water can be vacuumed out with a Shop-Vac or similar vacuuming device.

Run-Off From Your Driveway

This problem is likely more expensive to fix, but can also prevent snow melt in the garage. If your driveway slopes toward your house and is not properly leveled to angle away from the garage entrance, you will likely get lots of melting snow coming under the door. The cheapest way to alleviate this problem is by shoveling snow from your driveway before it begins melting. Drains can be installed in front of the door and in the center of the floor to catch the water before it becomes a hazard.

A professional driveway paver should be able to help with installing a driveway drain or re-leveling the driveway to divert water around the house.

Don’t Just Call For Help … Make A Talk Local

The best way to get in contact with a highly-qualified professional in your area is by using TalkLocal‘s free service. We will find the right professional for you quickly and easily. Don’t put off fixing a problem that could present a real hazard in your home.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

Where Can I Recycle Styrofoam?

Friday, March 15th, 2013

Styrofoam is actually a brand name for a material that is really named polystyrene. These products are practically everywhere. One important thing to note is that research has linked these types of products to certain cancers. These products are not at all good for the environment so it might not be wise to simply drop them in the trash like any other piece of garbage.

You may be wondering, “Where can I recycle Styrofoam?” Well, there are many different ways to reuse and recycle Styrofoam. The following is a list of ideas to reuse Styrofoam and places to recycle it. After all, if you have the chance to re-use trash, why not?

Reusing Styrofoam

Use Styrofoam cups to plant flowers or vegetables in.

Use them for craft projects. Kids love them.

Crumple cups and other items made of Styrofoam up to use as stuffing in bean bags.

Use crumpled Styrofoam items as packaging for shipping items in the mail.

Where Can I Recycle Styrofoam?

Check with local businesses in your area to see if they use reuse or recycle Styrofoam items.

Check with the local recycling center in your area to see what type of Styrofoam recycling options that they offer.

Contact Blue Earth Solutions. This company is a Styrofoam recycling company.

Search for recycling options on Earth911.org. This is a very helpful website in finding Earth friendly recycling solutions.

Be Part of the Green Solution

Recycling Styrofoam is important for a number of different reasons. Asking, “Where can I recycle Styrofoam?” is one of the first steps in reducing the size of your carbon footprint and helping the environment.

Try to reuse Styrofoam whenever you can. Throwing it in the trash to enter landfills is simply thoughtless. Be a part of the solution instead of the problem.

Get Connected

You can even start a recycling program in your neighborhood. TalkLocal has the ability to connect you with garbage removal services that are Earth friendly. We take a great amount of pride in connecting you with the businesses that provide the services you are looking for.

Posted in Garbage Removal | 1 Comment »

Building A Stone Fire Pit

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

If you are longing for some rustic entertainment and feel that building a stone fire pit would scratch your nature-loving itch, we have some tips for you to consider. Fire pits can be an eye-catching addition to the yard, much like well designed areas of mulch or flowers.

Keep in mind before planning your project that, while stone fire pits are certainly elegant, they are much more work than a metal bin.

Before you start:

Check your city ordinances. While barbeques usually aren’t regulated, open flames sometimes are.

Ask if you need a permit. You can find this information, along with ordinance information, in your city inspectors’ office. It’s not worth building without a permit, only to be fined later.

Pick a spot no less than 25 feet from your house, a wooded area or a field.

Building The Pit:

– Before building a stone fire pit, you have to prepare the area. If you are concerned about making it a perfect circle, try spreading a thin layer of sand on the spot you plan to dig. Tie two stakes together with a string the size of the radius of your pit (half the distance across). Place one stake in the center of the area you intend to dig, stretch out the string and use the other stake to draw a circle in the sand as you pull it around the center.

– After laying out your circle, begin digging around the edges. It might be easiest to dig little divots to mark your circle, as the sand will move when you begin digging deep. Dig your hole about a foot deep with an extra 6-inch ring similar to a moat around the edge.

– Fill the ring with gravel and place your first ring of stones on top. After installing your first layer of stones, place your metal ring in the center. Continue placing stones until they reach eight to 10 inches out of the ground.

– Fill the bottom of your pit six inches high with gravel and pack it down. This helps water drain and your fire to breathe.

– For the less mechanical of us out there, or those of us who simply don’t have the time, building a stone fire pit might seem like a daunting task.

Doesn’t Have To Be A DIY Project

Fortunately, there are professional landscapers available to help. Check out TalkLocal to find the right one for you. Our free service will match you with the right local professional quickly and easily.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Different Types Of Massages

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

In the world of massage therapy, terms are often thrown around like “Swedish massage”, “prenatal massage”, and “deep tissue massage”. When trying to determine which of the different types of massages you need, it can be a little overwhelming. Check out this list of massages with a brief explanation of each.

Swedish Massage

This is the most popular massage therapy. It is generally used to promote relaxation, tension release, and stress reduction.

Deep Tissue Massage

As the name implies, this form focuses more on the deeper layers of muscle. It may initially cause a pain reflex due to muscles being worked when they are not used to being worked. A licensed professional will slowly warm the muscle and the pain will eventually recede.

Prenatal Massage

As the name implies, this massage therapy is designed specifically for expectant mothers. Pregnancy puts stress on muscles that aren’t use to stress and this massage focuses on relieving pain in those areas. It is catered to a pregnant mother in that, while traditional massages require the recipient to lie on his or her stomach, this massage generally requires the woman to be on her side.

Reflexology

This form focuses on the feet and points on the feet that correspond to particular organs. It can be very beneficial to those who spend much of their day on their feet.

Hot Stone/Aromatherapy

Both of these forms are simply a traditional massage with the addition of warmed, smooth stones or plant oils. The warm stones are helpful for those who have lots of tension but prefer a lighter massage. Different plant oils can invoke certain benefits such as stress relief, enhanced energy, balance improvement and so forth.

Where Can I Get One Of These Massages?

There are many other different types of massages out there. Your best bet is to get in touch with a local massage therapist who can sit down with you to determine your needs. The easiest way to do that is to use TalkLocal‘s free services. We will quickly connect you to a licensed professional in your area.

Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

Car Only Overheats When Driving

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

If you have recently been stuck on the side of the road in soaring temperatures with an overheating car, you may be wondering why your car only overheats when driving. You may have let it idle for 10 minutes in the driveway before you left and yet here you are a few miles away with a steaming vehicle.

There are two areas on your vehicle that are likely the cause of your problem, though there are other reasons for a car to overheat that you may need to consider as well.

Engine Oil

Oil’s purpose is to lubricate all of the mechanisms to make sure there is as little friction as possible. Friction causes heat, and if your car is low on oil, or experiencing oil sludge, it may overheat due to excess friction.

Radiator

This system is designed specifically for cooling down your engine. If your car oil is full, your problem is likely here. Check that there is water by removing the radiator cap. To check for circulation, start the vehicle with the cap off and watch for water movement. If it is not moving, certain mechanisms such as the radiator fan, water pump, and thermostat could be the culprit. Debris or dirt could be clogging any one of them and will need to be cleared away.

Time To Call A Mechanic

To put it simply, if any one of these systems isn’t functioning, you may not notice problems while idling because idling does not put much strain on the engine. Driving does.

If you have checked all of your car’s cooling systems and, still, your car only overheats when driving, it might be time to call a professional. Thankfully, TalkLocal can hook you up with a well qualified auto mechanic in your area. The best part is that our service is completely free. We can have you speaking to a professional close to your area in no time at all.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

Not much can drop a man or woman to their knees more than tooth pain. To many, the mere thought of going to the dentist causes a visceral reaction. For this reason, most of us avoid the dentist chair at all costs.

Tooth pain can come from a variety of sources, from a traditional cavity to an abscessed tooth. A tooth abscess forms from an infection at the root of the tooth. The infection can also form between your tooth and gums. Some common causes of such infections include gum disease and tooth decay.

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

Pain to the touch

Bad breath

Redness and/or swelling of the gums around the infected tooth

Fever

Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks

Swelling of glands in neck and jaw

Overall discomfort (feeling ill)

Some people dread the dentist enough that even after experiencing these symptoms of an abscessed tooth, they still refuse to make an appointment. It is important to remember that this type of infection does not go away on its own. It will only continue to damage surrounding tissue until, eventually, it kills off the root of the tooth. While this may end the pain, it does not mean the infection has healed.

See A Dentist Right Away!

Only a professional dentist can determine if your tooth is abscessed or if you are experiencing symptoms of a cavity or other related tooth disease.

Regardless of the official diagnosis, the general rule of thumb is the sooner you receive treatment, the better the result. The good news is that TalkLocal offers a free service to connect consumers with professionals in their area.

Our service is fast and easy — you should be speaking to a dentist near you in 90 seconds. It’s never a good idea to put off medical treatment. The best plan of action is to call a dentist as soon as possible, and we can help!

Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

Front Wheel Drive Winter Tires

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

As winter sets in and the bad weather hits, staying home may not always be an option. If you have to drive in snow or ice, you might consider front wheel drive winter tires — assuming they are effective. The following are some benefits and downsides of having winter tires on your vehicle.

Tips For Purchasing Winter Tires

– Tires are not made specifically for front-wheel drive vehicles, even though these are the best to drive in poor road conditions. Therefore, most people who purchase winter tires purchase them for front-wheel drive vehicles.

– Winter tires are designed to grip the road better than their all-season counterparts thanks in part to a special design that allows them to cut through snow and ice.

– Because they are made with a softer rubber, winter tires will wear out faster than regular ones. Snow tires should only be installed during winter months for this reason.

– If you are going to buy winter tires, make sure to buy all four. If you only put them on the front, you will risk a more unstable driving experience and a higher chance of spinning out or fishtailing.

Benefits Of Winter Tires

– Safety: This is the biggest benefit. Although they will not guarantee you will never get in an accident, winter tires certainly make it much more difficult for your car to slide in snowy weather.

– Better grip: If you use your vehicle to plow snow, you’ll especially enjoy this attribute of winter tires.

Downside Of Winter Tires

– They wear out quicker than regular tires

– Must be put on and taken off every winter

– Extra grip makes for a noisier ride

Need Someone To Install Your Winter Tires?

If you decide winter tires are what you need, you may need a professional to help you install them. TalkLocal can connect you with a highly qualified professional in your area for absolutely free.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

Toilets That Use Less Water

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

Everyone seems to be trying to go green and help the environment. One of the many things that you can do to help Mother Earth is to consider purchasing one of the many available toilets that use less water.

Some toilets use less than a half-gallon of water per flush. This is significantly less than traditional toilets, especially if those traditional toilets are constantly running or malfunctioning in other manners. Imagine how much money a water conserving toilet could help you save on your monthly utility bills.

Toilets That Use Less Water

These types of toilets work by offering a larger water hole, which makes it easier for wastes to be flushed down the drain. An air system is also used to help remove waste. These types of systems are often used on trains and airplanes. Water sense toilets are increasing in popularity. The following are a few of the top brands of water conserving toilets.

American Standard: American Standard brands are some of the most affordable and highest quality toilets that use less water. American Standard is known for producing quality brands like Champion.

Adair: Adair is a quality brand of water conserving toilets that can be purchased at Kohler’s. This water conserving toilet uses less than one gallon of water to get rid of waste.

Numi: Numi is a company that is known for providing comfort. This brand is now aimed at providing water conserving toilets at prices that are affordable.

Toilets that use less water may be a bit more expensive than traditional toilet designs, but toilets that conserve water pay for themselves with the long-term savings that they provide.

There are a ton of perks and benefits in opting for a water conserving toilet. You will save money and help conserve fresh water at the same time. It is a win-win situation.

Find Plumbers Who Know Water Saving Toilets

TalkLocal helps introduce businesses with customers seeking their products or services. Save yourself time and frustration by letting us do the work for you.

Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

When Should I Change My Windshield Wipers?

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

Windshield wipers are arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment on your vehicle. You might be able to live without air conditioning, but you simply cannot drive if you can’t see through the windshield. Just think how crippling it is when your windshield wipers are damaged or won’t stop running.

Like many other parts of your vehicle, windshield wipers require regular maintenance. Unfortunately, many people wait until it is too late to ask themselves, ‘When should I change my windshield wipers?’

When To Change Your Windshield Wipers

Most wiper manufacturers will suggest replacing them once a year, though, some may say every six months. It is important to note what time of year you are replacing the blades and the climate in which you live.

If you have mild summers but cold winters and are replacing the blades before summer, you should be fine for a year. Here are some things to consider:

Extreme weather changes affect the lifespan of blades. Hot weather can dry-rot blades, making them brittle. Ultraviolet rays can also cause further damage. Cold weather creates wear on the blades from ice and salt.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Inspect wiper blades before summer and winter.

Don’t ask yourself, ‘When should I change my windshield wipers?’ when the warning signs are right in front of you:

Annoying squeak or thudding as blades operate
Missed spots or streaks
Cracked or collapsed blades

Don’t be intimidated by installing the blades. Many brands offer step-by-step instructions posted right on the packaging.

Finding Someone To Install Your Windshield Wipers

If you are unsure about your current blades, or you are still lost when it comes to installing some new ones, try contacting a local professional mechanic. He or she can explain the benefits of a particular type of blade and will tell you how long they should last in your specific climate.

The best way to get in touch with a local professional is through TalkLocal. We’ll match you with the perfect mechanic quickly, easily and for free.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Install RV Awning

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

Learning how to install RV awning can help you save time, heartache and money. Even those who are not mechanically inclined in the slightest can easily accomplish this task. And, much like home awnings, these will help you steer clear of the elements when camping or living in your RV.

You will only need a few tools and a little patience to get the job done. You will need a screwdriver, the type of which will vary. Keep both by your side just in case. You will also need a tape measure.

1. Purchase supplies: You will need to purchase an RV awning that specifically fits your RV. Be sure to take proper measurements to ensure that you purchase the right awning.

2. The installation process: The first step in installing an RV awning is to screw the railing of the awning to the top of your RV with the screws that came with your awning purchase. Secure the railing, but do not screw them in too tight or you could run into trouble later. Unroll the awning and place the tension arm. Unfold the support legs to place on the floor. Attach the bottom brackets.

3. Protect your awning: Natural elements can take a serious toll on your awning. You can easily protect your awning by not letting it flap in the wind. You can purchase a de-flapper at any RV supply store. Tie-down ends and stakes can also help secure your awning so that it is not damaged by the wind.

Get A Professional To Do It

If you do not want to take the time or effort to complete this task by your lonesome, count on an expert roofer. TalkLocal provides customers information about businesses that cater to them in the local area. All you have to do is fill out some brief information on our website and you will have highly-qualified professionals calling YOU in minutes!

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

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