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Monday, February 4th, 2013

Extension Springs vs Torsion Springs

If you are rebuilding or installing a new garage door for your home, one decision you may face during the process is whether to use extension springs or torsion springs for the garage door system. These are the most common springs you could choose from, and they both provide great features and benefits. This article will help you distinguish the differences of extension springs vs torsion springs.

Extension springs are the most widely used of the two, while torsion springs tend to be of a more elaborate, sophisticated design of growing popularity. There are different types of springs within each category. For example, the different types of torsion springs include: standard, EZ-set, Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster, standard commercial, steel rolling door, and one-piece curtain door torsion springs. Extension springs can be sectional garage door or one-piece garage door extension springs.

In general, extension springs get their name because of their function of stretching, or “extending” when force is applied to them. They are usually installed on the sides of the garage door and attached to the door’s swing arms. The more force that is applied, the farther the spring will extend. Extension springs usually span between 5,000 and 10,000 lifts.

Torsion springs, on the other hand, are a function of “torque.” Therefore, when pressure is applied, the springs twist and coil. Torsion springs can be found at the upper section of the door, mounted to the header of the door. They are usually much stronger, and thus more expensive, than the extension springs, and retain a longer life of 15,000 to 20,000 lifts.

Additional Help

If you are looking for a garage door professional to help you with your project, try using TalkLocal to locate one near you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, reputable professionals in your neighborhood, within minutes. Simply enter in your specific problem, location, and availability, and TalkLcoal will contact multiple companies, who will then call YOU directly, ready to help.

Posted in Garage Door Repair | 1 Comment »

Dog Still Smells After a Bath

Monday, February 4th, 2013

If your dog still smells after a bath, it is probably due to the infamous wet dog smell. Why is it we smell better after taking a shower while dogs smell worse? Dogs produce a great deal of oil on their skin, which becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When their skin is wet, the bacterial particles evaporate off their skin and into your nose, making the smell much stronger. Some dogs produce more oil than others, specifically breeds that swim often. Other dogs are just more active than most and enjoy jumping into smelly places. Here is a list of tips and things to watch out for in order to solve your smelly dog problem.

Preventing the Wet Dog Smell

First, make sure the shampoo is actually reaching the dog’s skin. If your pet has long fur, the shampoo and water may have a hard time penetrating through tangles of thick fur. Make sure to always blow dry your dog after a bath, otherwise bacteria will grow in the dog’s wet fur and make it smell worse later. Choose a shampoo that has antimicrobial properties to kill the bacteria hiding in the dog’s fur. However, you should not have to wash your dog more than once a month, otherwise you will disrupt the natural oils on your dog’s skin, which may be counterproductive and actually increase the amount of oil.

Exceptions (Atopy) and Solutions

The above tricks will only work if your dog isn’t suffering from atopy. Atopy is a skin condition in which the skin of your dog becomes incredibly itchy and inflamed due to either a food or seasonal allergic reaction. This causes your dog’s skin to produce more and more oil, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and bad odors. In this case, washing your dog may actually irritate it further. Contact a veterinarian immediately to obtain the correct medication to counteract the skin reaction. If you’re having trouble finding a veterinarian who fits into your schedule, use TalkLocal to immediately find a veterinarian to fix your smelly dog problem for good. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three veterinarians in your area who will be able to help you.

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

Water Smells When Ironing Clothes

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Ironing our clothes makes us want to wear them because they look new. The water in the iron used to spray our clothes helps us achieve the crisp look. However, when that water makes our clothes smell like a sewer, we would rather pick the wrinkly shirt than the putrid one. Keep reading to learn why the water smells when ironing clothes and how to prevent it from happening.

Why Water Smells When Ironing Clothes

Every electric iron has a reservoir for water that is used to spray clothing. It is easy to remember to fill it up when you need to, but we often forget to empty out that water. As a result, the stagnant water smells bad. You will need to clean the water tank in order to remove the stench.

Vinegar is the best item to have in your pantry because of its multipurpose uses, particularly for cleaning. All you will need to clean the fill tank of the iron is vinegar and water.

1. Unplug the iron and empty the water reservoir.

2. Fill the tank with vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

3. Plug the iron back in and turn it on to the steam setting.

4. Grab a white cloth and steam it until the tank is empty. This may take a few minutes.

5. Once the tank is empty of vinegar, unplug it and fill it with water.

6. Plug the iron back in and turn it on the to steam setting again. This time you will steam water to remove any remaining vinegar residue. You do not want your clothes smelling like vinegar!

7. You may want to repeat step 6 once the tank if empty of water to ensure that you have completely removed all traces of vinegar.

Additional Help

Do not forget to empty out the reservoir regularly! If you are having more problems with your iron, TalkLocal can help connect you with local appliance repair professionals. We will connect you with up to three high quality repair professionals in your area who will be available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Appliances Repair | No Comments »

How to Remove Water Stains from Wood

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Water stains can be the most annoying stains to remove from wood. There are two types of water stains that can be appear wood, white and black. White stains occur when the water stain has not penetrated the wood. Black stains occur when the water has penetrated the wood. We have some tips for you on how to remove water stains from wood.

White Stains

1. Rub the stain with mineral oil on a rag. Leave overnight and repeat if it is not reduced.

2. If the stain is not removed, buy mineral spirits, which remove stains in the wax.

3. In a well-ventilated area, apply mineral spirits to a rag and rub into the stain with gloves. If it works, apply a new coat of furniture polish.

4. If the mineral spirits do not work, prepare a mix of baking soda and non-gel toothpaste.

5. Apply the baking soda mixture to a damp rag and rub with the grain.

6. If it works, clean the area and apply furniture wax.

Black Stains (Sanding)

1. Sand the stain gently with sandpaper to remove the finish (#100 grit) and feather edges (#150 grit).

2. Sand the stain with #150 grit and feather edges around the area with steel wool.

3. Remove the sanding dust.

4. Lightly coat the area with varnish several times to match the original finish.

5. Feather the edge of the new varnish with steel wool to eliminate bumps.

6. Use wax to polish the area.

Black Stains (Bleach)

1. Remove the finish of the wood with sandpaper (#100 grit).

2. Pour bleach in a container.

3. Dip a brush in the container and brush over the stain.

4. Wait for a few hours so the bleach can evaporate and the stain can fade to the wood’s original color.

5. Clean area to remove bleach completely.

6. Lightly coat the area with varnish several times to match the original finish.

7. Feather the edge of the new varnish with steel wool to eliminate bumps.

8. Use wax to polish the area.

If none of these processes work, or if you are uncomfortable with repairing your own wood floor, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three high quality cleaning professionals in your area who will be available to help when you need them.

Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Search Engine Virus Removal

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Are you unable to use your favorite search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo! because you keep getting uncontrollably redirected to some other site? Or maybe you have a strange search toolbar at the top of your browser that you are unable to get rid of? If you are experiencing either of these problems it is likely that your computer has been infected with what is colloquially called a “search engine virus.” These viruses are generally a type of adware or malware that infect your computer in order to bombard you with pop up ads or trick you into paying for fake antivirus software. Luckily they are usually relatively simple to remove with just a few steps.

Search Engine Virus Removal

1. The first thing you need to do is to install an anti-malware program on your computer if you do not have one already. There are many great free options for malware scanning and protection out there; two of the most popular programs are Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware.

2. Once you have the software installed, open the program and run a complete scan of all of the hard drives on your computer. These scans typically last somewhere from a few minutes to an hour. When it is done, the program should give you options for removing all of the harmful programs and files that it detected, follow the instructions to remove all of the threats.

3. Restart your computer and check to see if your problem has been resolved. If it has not, it is possible that the malware program has made some changes to files on your computer that were not detected by the anti-malware scan. These hidden changes can be very tricky and hard to discover. Check out this blog for details on how to check for and fix some of the most common occurrences. It provides detailed instructions and step-by-step solutions with pictures to show you how to restore any infected files.

4. Once the problem has been solved, be sure to leave your anti-malware program of choice on in its real time protection mode if it has one. This will help to prevent your computer from being infected with more malware/adware in the future.

Additional Help

If you were unable to fix your problem following these steps, it may be time to get some professional help. Use TalkLocal to get in contact with a reliable local computer technician within minutes. Just enter a description of your problem, availability and location and TalkLocal will connect you directly to someone who can help.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Landscaping Ideas For Front Yard

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

The front lawn is the first thing you see when you come home, the first thing people see when they visit you, the first impression for every person that drives by your house. Landscaping can really change the entire look of your house. If you want your front yard to stand out you should try out some new ideas for grooming your front yard.

Landscaping Ideas for Front Yard

1) Green lawn: A vibrant, green lawn is the first step towards landscaping your front lawn. If your grass is patchy and brown, nothing else on your front yard will look very appealing.

2) Potted plants: You should try to put a lot of vibrant bright colors around your lawn. This will make it seem far less bland, and will accentuate the exterior of your house.

3) Koi ponds: A lot of people also turn to small little ponds or seating areas that will encourage people to spend more time on their front yard. Ponds can also bring a feeling of serenity to your yard, especially if you fill your ponds with fish.

4) Flower beds: Flowers and such perennial plants will really pop against a well-watered lawn. Again, try to choose flowers of different colors to add some aesthetic appeal to your lawn.

5) Hedges: Hedges can be used to create natural barriers to your lawn, acting as a boundary between your yard and the street, the driveway, or even your house.

6) Trees: Like hedges, trees can provide a natural barrier for your yard. Well-placed trees can also provide shade for a front patio or even for your house during the hot summer months.

7) Gnomes/statues: If you want to add a little pizzazz to your lawn you can add some lawn gnomes and statues. Try to stick with smaller statues, and scatter them among the flower beds, or other areas. Clusters of large statues could look too gaudy.

8) Rocks: Rocks seem a little strange to have, but medium size rocks in different colors or patterns can pull the whole lawn together, giving it a more natural feel.

9) Patio/Seating: A patio or seating area can make your lawn seem very welcoming to guests. And it is always nice to have a pleasant place to relax when the weather is nice. A stone pathway can create another form of barrier between your yard and the surrounding areas, such as your driveway.

Additional Help

A welcoming front yard can really enhance your life. People will be drawn into a happy space and your house will soon be the best looking place in the neighborhood. Once you finish landscaping the front yard you can move on to the back yard as well. Creating uniformity between the spaces will really improve the look of your entire home.

If you are looking for a professional opinion on landscaping for your front lawn you should seek specialized help. Use TalkLocal to be connected with reliable local landscaping businesses. Simply input what service you are looking for along with your availability and you will be connected to a qualified company who can help you when you need it.

Posted in Landscapers | 1 Comment »

What is a Dental Crown?

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

Knowing what a dental crown is and how it relates to your tooth can be extremely helpful when going through the experience of visiting the dentist. Dental crowns are known to be quite expensive, and who would want to pay for something that is expensive and seemingly unnecessary? We’re here to help you understand the purpose of dental crowns.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are most often associated with root canals. In addition, they are used if you have a crack in your tooth. In both cases, the crown plays the role of covering either part of the tooth or the entire tooth. This protects the tooth from further damage and keeps the tooth from splitting or breaking off. Crowns make the tooth look better and provide the tooth with a more appropriate shape and size. Crowns are also used with dental implants and bridges. Crowns truly play a large role and are used to cover many different types of dental work.

What are dental crowns made from?

There are 4 types of dental crowns: all-resin, all-metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic.

1. An all-resin crown is used when the tooth needs to be artificially rebuilt using a resin composite material. Often this will be done before a ceramic or porcelain crown is placed over the resin build-up.

2. All-metal crowns give off the typical silver appearance. All-metal crowns are typically used in the upper, back portion of the mouth where they are the least visible.

3. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns have metal shells, on top of which is fused a white porcelain crown. This gives the crown more strength while leaving the appearance of a white tooth. PFM crowns are most common for frontal dental crowns.

4. All-ceramic crowns match the color of your surrounding teeth. The ceramic allows them to be colored accordingly. Usually ceramic crowns will be used in areas that are visible when you open your mouth to talk or eat. Having a tooth-colored crown will allow you to have a crown without the appearance of a crown in your mouth.

Additional Help

Would you like to learn more about crowns or schedule an appointment with a dentist? If so, check out TalkLocal! You will be connected directly to local, high quality dentists right in your area that are willing to help you at the time that is most convenient for your schedule. Check it out!

Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

Does Carpet Cleaning Fade Carpet Color?

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

When it comes to carpet cleaning the square footage of any home can seem like a pretty daunting task. In fact, most people don’t even recognize the cushy layer of fabric that covers their floors until there is a major blemish. Even if you have the most amazing maid services, many times a proper cleaning falls by the wayside. With all the stains that could possibly dirty up your carpet, it begs the question: does carpet cleaning fade carpet color?

Does Carpet Cleaning Fade Carpet Color?

The answer to that question is an astonishing yes. With the broad range of chemicals available to clean carpets it is not uncommon for a carpet to be subject to color loss. And the common culprit for color fading is often times bleaching agents. Many household items contain these chemicals. Perfumes, aerosol sprays, laundry detergents even pesticides. If there is a chance for it can get on the bottom of your shoe then it’s probably in your carpet too.

A possible alternative to using damaging chemicals is to find natural, or home-made, carpet cleaners. These can often decrease damage to your carpet’s fibers, extending the life of your carpet.

Additional Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by keeping your carpet clean, don’t worry, you are not alone. Millions of people all over the world are simply uneducated on the proper way to prevent color fading and carpet cleaning. Luckily, TalkLocal has got you covered. With TalkLocal will connect you with up to three high quality carpet cleaning professionals in your area, who will be available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Carpet Cleaners | No Comments »

Kitchen Exhaust Fan Repair

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

The most important appliance in your kitchen is not the blender, or the toaster, or the sink. In fact the thing you probably need the most is your exhaust fan over the stove. This device sucks all of the smoke and smells out of the air in the kitchen so that your entire house does not get clogged up. Cooking on the stove can create various aromas and odors as well as steam and smoke. If your exhaust fan is broken you should take measures to repair it as soon as possible.

Kitchen Exhaust Fan Repair

Here are some tips on kitchen exhaust fan repair.

1. Make sure that the device is receiving power. Use a voltmeter to make sure that whatever outlet the exhaust is plugged into is live. This step needs to be done before you turn the power off. The problem may not be with the actual fan but with the electrical wiring in your home.

2. Now that you have determined if the problem is with the actual fan you can turn the electricity in your kitchen/home off. Do not touch the fan if it is still on. Once you switch the power off, unscrew the vents to access the fan. Once you can see the fan, disengage it and remove it completely from the exhaust.

3. With regular use, the exhaust fan will gather dust/grease so it will stop working as efficiently. You should inspect each part and clean the entire fan. The gears can get clogged and prevent the blades from spinning. Removing all of the dirt obstructing the fan will help it work more efficiently. If the filter for the kitchen exhaust fan is dirty as well, you can run it through the dishwasher to clean it.

4. If cleaning the exhaust fan does not fix the problem you should check the wires in the appliance. Visually inspect the connections and use a voltmeter to figure out where the kink is. The vibrations from the fan can loosen the connections and screws, and the heat from cooking can melt the wiring. Oil up all of the moving parts in the fan after doing this and reconnect the fan to the exhaust unit. This should take care of your exhaust fan problem.

Additional Help

If you have more questions about kitchen exhaust fan repair you should try to talk to a professional so that you can get the best help possible. The easiest, fastest way to get in contact with reliable local appliance service companies is to use TalkLocal. Just put in your problem and availability and let them do all the work. Within minutes you will be connected to someone who should be able to help you out

Posted in Appliances Repair | No Comments »

Dell Laptop Overheating and Shutting Down

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

Dell Laptop Overheating and Shutting Down?

Overheating is a very common problem for laptop owners. When too much heat builds up inside your computer or the computer’s battery it will often shut itself down in order to avoid permanent damage. This can be very frustrating, especially if it is happening regularly. Luckily, there are some simple steps that you can take in order to fix overheating problems.

Clean Out Your Laptop’s Fan and Vents

You might have noticed that your computer’s fan was spinning very fast and making a lot of noise as your laptop got hotter. This is the sound of the fan working as hard as it can to cool down the computer. Most of the time, overheating in a laptop is caused by a blockage of the airflow in the vents of its cooling fan. When these vents get clogged, hot air is unable to escape and your fan is unable to keep the laptop from overheating. The most common cause of clogged vents is dust, hair, or fluff that gets sucked in and builds up around the exhaust vents. In order to fix the problem, this dust buildup must be removed. The easiest way to do this is to buy a can of compressed air and spray all the holes and vents in your laptop, particularly where the fan is located. If you are unable to get everything cleared you may need to open up your laptop’s case in order to get the vents completely clean. Once the dust is gone your laptop’s overheating problems should be cured.

Use a Cooling Pad

If your laptop is dust free but still overheating, you may want to consider purchasing a cooling pad. These are flat metal stands that have built in cooling systems to keep your computer from getting too hot. There are some great deals on cooling pads at Newegg. Another possible cause of laptop overheating is using the laptop on an uneven surface that might be physically blocking the airflow of the vents. This is especially common when using laptops right on your lap or on a bed. Having a cooling pad will fix this issue, or if you don’t want to invest in one you can try simply using your laptop on a flat, even surface that allows for unrestricted venting.

Additional Help

Are you still having issues with your Dell laptop overheating and shutting down? If your laptop is still overheating and shutting itself down, there may be a malfunction with the actual hardware. It might be time to call in professional help. You can use TalkLocal to get in contact with a reliable local computer technician within minutes. Just enter a description of your problem, availability and location and TalkLocal will connect you directly to someone who can help.

Posted in Computer Repair | 2 Comments »

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