services — Talk Local Blog

Archive for the ‘services’ Category

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Have you ever been awoken in the middle of the night by a violent storm? It can seem very frightening: rain pounding the roof, trees swaying about, winds pummeling the sides of the house. The worst part is knowing these sounds may mean damage to your roof. You may not be able to get a repairman to the site immediately, which is why you should perform a temporary roof repair for leaks after a storm. This guide will show you how.

The first thing you need to do when your roof is leaking is take care of your house. You should mop up any leaks from the floor so that there is no internal damage along with the external damage. When you find the leak put a thick towel down. On top of the towel you need to place a watertight bucket or cooler. This will stand to gather and hold the water that leaks through until a repair can be made.

As soon as it stops raining, you need to determine the source of the problem and how extensive it is. Work your way up to the roof by first checking out the attic. Inspect the insulation to see if it is wet and to make sure there is no mold. Many people will encourage you to caulk the leak to deter further leaking, but unless you have prior roofing knowledge you shouldn’t do this. Caulk could actually damage the shingles and roofing rather than help.

Covering your roof with a temporary cover will allow you to stop the roof from leaking even more. You will need a tarp, some wooden stakes, rope, a ladder, and gloves. You need to measure the distance from the roof to the ground and get twice that amount in rope for each corner of the house. Install the stakes into the ground as an anchor for the rope. Tie a rope to each hole in the corner of the tarp and lock it into a stake. Do this for all four corners so the house is entirely covered by the tarp. This should hold until a roofer can come by and fix your roof properly.

Continuing Problems

If you need professional help as soon as possible, use TalkLocal. This free concierge service will search for reliable local roofing businesses that can meet on your schedule, even if that means right now! Simply go to the TalkLocal website, input your problem, location, and availability to be connected within minutes to someone who can help.

Posted in Roofers | 1 Comment »

How to Remove Tree Sap from my Car

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

If you park your car under a pine tree, then you may find a sticky tree sap substance on the exterior of your car. Read more to learn how to remove tree sap from your car.

There are several household products than can be used to remove this tree sap. One thing you can do is to use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove it. Afterwards, make a solution of water and baking soda to make a paste, and then clean the remaining area and apply wax to shine it over.

You can also use a paint brush cleaner made of household findings like bacon grease or leftover lard. This can release the stickiness immediately and make removing the sap a quick fix. Be sure to wash off the grease with a soapy solution, and apply a final wax to the car’s surface.

You can also purchase wax and grease-removing products from your nearest car supply store. Use a soft towel or terry towel, both which can lessen the impact of scratching the paint.

If the tree sap has set in for an extended period of time, it may be a bit more difficult to remove. You should let these mixtures sit in for longer on the surface, and be sure not to use heavy pressure when rubbing or scrubbing, as to avoid scratching the paint. After wiping the sap away, it is recommended to finish it off again with wax or car polish to remove any signs of scratching.

If the tree sap is too hard to remove, you may want to take your car to an auto repair shop for professional assistance. Try using TalkLocal to locate an auto professional near you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, reputable auto repair specialists in your neighborhood, within minutes. Simply enter in your specific problem, location, and availability and TalkLocal will contact multiple pros, who will then call YOU directly, ready to help.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

What Not to Use to Clean Hardwood Floors

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

What cleaning supplies to use on hardwood floors depends not on the type of wood, but on the type of finish your floor has. Most modern floors now are surface sealed, which means that they have a urethane, polyurethane, orpolyacrylic surface seal. To test if your floor is surface sealed, run a finger across your floor and see if it leaves a mark on the floor. Otherwise, your floor is probably treated with a penetrating seal or an oil finish. In that case, you’ll need to apply liquid or paste wax to your floor, and regular cleaning methods will not work.

Surface sealed floors are usually quite resilient to cleaning methods that might harm a floor treated with a penetrating seal. However, there are cleaning methods that should not be used on surface sealed floors. Read on for more information on what not to use to clean hardwood floors.

Surface sealed floors

– Don’t use oils, they tend to leave a residue that builds up over time

– Don’t use furniture spray, as it makes your floor incredibly slippery

– Don’t use wax, it’s not necessary for your surface sealed floor and wax is a huge hassle to take care of

– Don’t use any abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or other alkaline products that will dull the surface of your floors

– Don’t only use water, since water alone will not remove dirt very well and your floors will not be as clean as they could be

– Don’t use vinegar and water, as vinegar is an acidic substance that may dull your floors faster

– Don’t use a completely wet mop, because water can still get behind the seal and ruin the wood flooring

Penetrating seal floors

– Don’t use acrylic and water based waxes, which can turn a floor white

– Don’t use furniture waxes, since they make your floors incredibly slippery

– Don’t use one step waxes, as they tend to trap dirt

– Don’t damp mop, floors with penetrating seals are much more vulnerable to water damage

A flooring specialist will be able to tell you in greater detail other products you should not use on your specific type of floor, in addition to what you should be using to clean your floor. Use TalkLocal to find a high quality flooring specialist at no additional charge today.

Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Pesticide Spraying Techniques

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

Pesticides are extremely useful for prevention of insect damage to crops and plants. However, while extremely useful against insects, these pesticides are also extremely dangerous for most animals and even humans. Use caution and follow these pesticide spraying techniques.

First and foremost, read and follow the label directions. The directions vary from pesticide to pesticide, but generally, the pesticide will need to be mixed with water. Make sure to use the proper mix ratio that the product tells you to use. Using stronger concentrations usually doesn’t increase effectiveness, but it can increase the toxicity.

One safety tip is to use the pesticide in well-ventilated areas to ensure the chemicals don’t get absorbed into your body. Liquid pesticides in particular may produce poisonous fumes that are released when the container is opened or when the product is being used or mixed. Also be sure to avoid contact with skin, as some of these chemicals can be absorbed through skin. Be careful for sparks and open flames, as well. The pesticides are often highly flammable, so caution is advised. When you mix the pesticides, be sure to never use any utensils that may later be used for food.

Once you are ready to spray the pesticides, place it into a sprayer and test it to ensure it sprays properly. If it is working properly, begin by spraying the plants on both the upper and lower sides of the leaves. You should spray the plant from a distance between six and 10 inches. Continue spraying your plants until you have used all of the pesticide in the sprayer. When you are done, clean out the empty tank and rinse it at least three times.

If you would prefer professional help, consider using TalkLocal to find a specialist for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Posted in Landscapers | 1 Comment »

Do Maids Clean Garages?

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

The roles of maids have changed significantly over the years. In modern homes, maids work alone and perform various chores, including cooking, cleaning, ironing, laundry, etc. A maid is almost like a handyman that takes care of the things that go on within the house rather than the ones that go on outside of it. All maids are different and have different views on what is part of their job description and what isn’t, but in general, if the job requires some elbow grease and time, your maid should be able to do it.

Do maids clean garages? Garage cleaning is one such job that a maid could help to accomplish. There may be the rare cleaning lady who thinks that such a job is not part of their job description, but for the most part, a maid will do what she is asked to do. Cleaning a garage can be a weekend project depending on how your garage currently is, so having a maid help out with this can be very beneficial.

Before you begin cleaning your garage, getting organized is the first step. Be sure to purchase several plastic containers of different sizes to hold the various things you may find within your garage. You may also want to consider having a garage sale if you have many things you don’t need anymore. Once you have the plastic containers, go through your stuff and organize them by category into different piles. Have another pile of things that you do not need or wish to keep in your garage. Place these different piles into the containers you bought and stack these somewhere where they are both easily accessible, but still out of the way. Label them so you know exactly what is in the container.

With all this done, you can have your maid sweep the garage to get rid of dust and garbage that may remain. If you need help finding a maid to help clean your garage, consider using TalkLocal to find a maid service for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, maid services in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location, and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Tags: cleaning, garage, garage cleaning, maids
Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Is it Safe to Clean Carpet when Pregnant?

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

It is common for pregnant women to worry about how their actions will affect their baby. It is not unnecessary to worry because there are activities that should be avoided during pregnancy for the safety of your baby. However, if you are in good health and physically active you should be able to safely continue basic household cleaning, if you have not been told otherwise by your doctor. Is it safe to clean carpet when pregnant? Yes, as long as your take the proper precautions.

Avoid chemical cleaning products

During pregnancy, you should avoid chemical cleaning products as they can be harmful to your baby. You can still steam clean your carpet with water. You can also create a mixture of one-third cup vinegar and two-thirds cup water to remove stains by hand before steam cleaning.

Take precautions to prevent mold

Mold can also be potentially harmful to your baby. Before you begin steam cleaning your carpet, open any windows and turn on any fans near the carpet so that it will dry quicker and not give mold a chance to grow. If it is a humid or rainy day, you should put off steam cleaning until a dryer day. Additionally, if it is very cold outside and windows cannot be opened, wait until a warmer day so you can properly ventilate after steam cleaning.

Vacuum carpet after steam cleaning

After you steam clean your carpet, you should vacuum twice per week to reduce carpet allergens, dirt, and dust mites. Make sure that your vacuum has a HEPA filter and do not use carpet sprays or deodorizing powders.

Contact healthcare professional if you feel pain

If you begin to feel back pain or pelvic discomfort while you are steam cleaning your carpet, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately because pregnant women are at a higher risk of injury due to the fluctuation of hormones during pregnancy.

If you take these precautions it should be safe to steam clean your carpet while you are pregnant. However, if you are nervous about harmful effects to your baby, you can hire someone to steam clean your carpet for you. With the help of TalkLocal, you can receive up to three phones calls within minutes from high quality carpet cleaners in your area that are available when you are.

Posted in Carpet Cleaners | No Comments »

Why is my Paint Peeling in the Bathroom?

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

You notice that your bathroom walls are not looking so good and you keep asking yourself, “Why is my paint peeling in the bathroom?” The most common reason for paint peeling in a bathroom is the sheer amount of moisture absorbed by the paint. If your bathroom paint is frequently exposed to moisture, eventually it will peel. When getting out of the shower or bath, try not to get too much water on the walls. Some factors, on the other hand, are out of your control, such as the water vapor after a shower, which will occur no matter how careful you are. The easiest solution is to always turn on the bathroom ventilation fan after a shower to quickly drain away the moisture before it soaks into your walls. If you don’t have a ventilation fan, leave the bathroom door open after a shower.

If it’s too late, and paint is already peeling in your bathroom, here are some tips for a more water resistant paint job when you redo your walls.

1. Use a scraper to remove the old and peeling paint from the walls.

2. Fill up any cracks you find to make the wall as smooth as possible.

3. Use a mold and mildew resistant primer that binds tightly to paint.

3. Select paint with a high sheen, as the higher the sheen the less moisture it will absorb. Satin or semi-gloss paints are the best for bathrooms.

4. Use an oil-based paint as opposed to a water based paint. However, if you use an oil based paint, make sure the room is well ventilated as oil-based paints can be toxic when wet. To check if the paint in your bathroom is water based, rub it with ethanol; the paint becomes soft and comes off, then it is water based.

A moist bathroom that has peeling paint also has a high chance of having mold behind the paint, so you should get a professional painter’s evaluation of your needs. He/she will recommend the paint that’s best suited to your bathroom. To find a professional painter, use TalkLocal for free to book an appointment on your schedule right now!

Posted in Painters | 1 Comment »

What to do when my Dog is Constipated

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

Constipation is defined by the inability to defecate normally. Like in humans, older dogs are more prone to the condition, though it can happen to any dog at any age. If you notice that your dog is straining when trying to poop, your dog may be constipated. Read on for tips on what to do when your dog is constipated.

Primary Causes

Swallowing objects that are not easily digested, such as hard pieces of bone, buttons, coins, grass and sticks most commonly causes constipation in dogs. Other causes include slower intestinal processes, parasites, enlarged prostates, concurrent kidney disease, hernias, or simply swallowing grass or hair.

Immediate Care

If you notice a thread or string in the anus, do not pull it. This can cause internal damage. Also note:

– Always wear rubber gloves when dealing with feces and related anal problems.

– If you can see grass in the anus, gently ease it out.

– If feces are matted around the anus, trim carefully with scissors. (For longhaired dogs, particularly small ones like Yorkies, you may need to soak the dog’s bottom in warm water before you begin trimming to make it more comfortable.)

– Wash the anal region with warm, soapy water and apply a soothing water-soluble jelly (such as K-Y) to the inflamed area.

– Take t he dog’s temperature. If it is abnormally high or there is blood on the thermometer or resistance when inserting the thermometer, see your veterinarian

Veterinarian Care

If your pet has trouble defecating for several days, is vomiting, or seems abnormally uncomfortable, take him to a veterinarian immediately. The vet will run tests to discover the problem. Depending on cause, the vet may administer fluids intravenously or even recommend surgery.

Prevention

Since the ingestion of foreign objects is a primary cause of constipation, it is important to control the habit as much as possible. This includes the ingestion of grass and sticks. Avoid giving your dog bones. Instead, substitute a nylon chew toy. Keep your dog hydrated by providing water regularly. As your dog ages, change his dog food to a senior-dog brand that has more fiber. Also, neutering your male dog at an early age will prevent growth of the prostate, which can lead to constipation.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s digestive system, it is important to consult a certified professional. Use TalkLocal to find a reliable veterinarian quickly and easily!

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

When should I Change my AC Filter?

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

One of the cheapest things you can do to maintain your home A/C system is to change out the filters, as dirty filters can release dirt and pollutants into your home that can damage your health and equipment. Asking yourself, “When should I change my AC filter?” will depend on several factors about the environment that your A/C system is servicing.

Type of Filter

The quality of filter you use will significantly impact how often you need to change the filter. As a general rule of thumb with standard 1″ to 3″ air filters, you should change them out approximately every one or two months. However, if you are more sensitive to dust or have allergies, you may want to upgrade to a high quality filter that usually lasts longer (these have a higher upfront cost).

Overall Air Quality

The lower the air quality in the home, the more often you’ll need to change out your A/C filter since it will be picking up more debris and pollutants in the air. This can be influenced by many geographical factors, such as if you live near warm, dusty climates or by high levels of air pollutants (from factories and other industrial sites). Likewise, the amount of smoking, mold, or moisture deposits can decrease the air quality in the home and, correspondingly, the life of your A/C filter.

Occupancy of the Home

The number of people and pets living in the home will also impact the life of the air filter. Pet dander and hair can quickly block up your AC filter. In general, the more traffic there is in your home, by pets or people, the more often you should change your filter. Vacation homes that are hardly used other than the summer can last up to a year before needing to be changed.

If you want to contact a HVAC service to replace your filter, TalkLocal can connect you directly to a high quality local business in minutes!

Posted in Heating and Cooling | 1 Comment »

Should I Repair or Replace my Roof

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

Roofs are one of the most critical parts of a home to repair and maintain. The roof keeps the home dry and prevents any water damages. With damaged or worn shingles, water can seep through the roof, rot the wood, and cause bigger problems for your house. You should be repair loose shingles immediately because they are easily damaged during storms. If you keep asking yourself , ” Should I repair or replace my roof?”, you should estimate the time it would take to do each and see what works best for you. Take into consideration how long the job will take and if the weather will permit. Also, how much are you willing to spend? You should also consider the age of the roof. Roofs that are under twenty years old should be fine with just a repair. Furthermore, loose roof shingles are easy to fix and can be done without a professional.

Materials

– Pry Bar

– Roofing Cement

– Hammer

– Replacement Shingles

– Galvanized 1 ¾ inch roofing nails

– Ladder

How to fix loose shingles

1. Climb the ladder to the roof. Remember do not go on the roof when is wet or slick.

2. Examine roof for loose shingles. To check for loose shingles, try to lightly pry at shingles. If they come up easily then they are loose and need to be repaired.

3. Pry the tab portion of the shingle to expose the nails that attaches them to the roof.

4. Slide the pry bar under the nail and pry out the nail. Repeat until all the nails are out of the loose shingle.

5. Remove the loose shingle and examine it and the shingles near it for damage. If the loose shingles is damaged, remove and trash damaged shingles. If is loose shingle is not damaged, insert the shingle back into place and re-nail the shingle down with an additional roof nail.

6. Apply roofing cement on the underside and edges of the original or replacement shingle and press it back into place. Use utility knife if necessary to fit the replacement shingle in the spot of the trashed shingle.

7. Nail the original or replacement shingles into place.

8. Cover nail heads with some roofing cement.

If you want shingles replacements from a professional, use TalkLocal to find the best roofers in your area.

Posted in Roofers | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries

Newer Entries »