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Monday, February 24th, 2014

Exposure to harsh weather, daily wear and tear, and lack of proper maintenance can deteriorate your hot tub skirting. While regular maintenance can extend the life span of your hot tub skirting, helping you avoid premature deterioration and costly replacement, at some point it might become imperative to install a new skirting.

Hot Tub Skirting Replacement: Wood or Plastic

If your hot tub skirting is made of wood, it might rot over time as a result of water exposure. Ideally, you should replace it with the same type of wood. If you’re on a tight budget or want to make a change, you can find several types of plastic skirting in home improvement stores. Plastic hot tub skirting requires less maintenance, and is less prone to damage than wood, but its color can fade over time due to sunlight.

For wood hot tub skirting, it would be ideal to use the same type of wood when replacing it. In case you can’t get similar material, you can opt for lumber or plywood, which are more accessible. It’s important to pay attention to the measurements to prevent water from infiltrating into the wood.

Hot Tub Skirting Replacement Steps

There are several steps to follow in hot tub skirting replacement.

1. Remove your old skirting by unscrewing the panels.

2. Cut new skirting panels to fit your hot tub.

3. Install the hot tub skirting panels as instructed if you’re using a synthetic wood material kit.

If you replace your old skirting with wood, and aren’t confident about your carpentry skills, ask for professional help. Improper installation of the new skirting can ruin the material. Besides, you want to upgrade the appearance of your hot tub.

Unless you know what you’re doing, you might not get the expected results. To get the job done quickly, and enjoy your hot tub right away, you might want to leave it to pros.

Need Help?

If you need assistance with replacing your hot tub skirting, Seva Call can connect you with reliable handymen in your area in no time. You don’t need to spend time making calls. We’ll make them for you. For free.

Tags: Hot Tub Skirting Replacement
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Polyethylene Pipe Sizes

Monday, February 24th, 2014

When it comes to performing your next home improvement project, it is always better to count on the skills, the know-how and the experience of a local specialist. Note that piping system problems can be difficult to evaluate and solve. There are certain things that you may not know, like for instance, which polyethylene pipe sizes are actually suitable for you.

The Benefits of PE Pipes

PE pipes are durable, versatile, and can transport a wide range of products, including clean water, wastewater, compressed gasses, oils, and toxic wastes. They are leak-free and have a considerable hassle-free service life, which means that they represent a smart long-term investment.

Different Types of PE Pipes Currently available on the Market

Since they serve different purposes and they have to respond to different needs and demands, PE pipes are produced in different pressure grades (according to the European standards). PN 2.5, PN4, PN6, PN10 and PN 16 are the main types of PE pipes.

AS-NZS 4130 compliant PE pipes have a size ranging from 16 mm outside diameter (OD) to 1,600 mm OD. Pipes made to transport clean water and wastewater are made from PE100 Polyethylene, pipe that carry gas are manufactured from PE80/100 Polyethylene, while pipes that are utilized in the electrical sector are produced from PE80 Polyethylene. Pipes have a standard 12 meter length, but customized products based on the client’s specifications can be made on demand.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know how to choose the best types of pipes for your next project? Can’t say for sure which polyethylene pipe sizes would be recommended in this case? If so, just discuss your options with a local plumber. Identify the best ones in your area with a little bit of help from Seva Call, your #1 connection to the best professionals.

Tags: Polyethylene Pipe Sizes
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Cold Resistant House Plant for Your Home

Monday, February 24th, 2014

Most houseplants originate from tropical climates, so exposure to cold is one of the top dangers to them. However, there are a number of houseplants that can resist cold temperatures, especially when they are placed in hardwood-floored areas that are exposed to low to moderate heat.

If you’re thinking of using a cold resistant house plant to decorate your interiors during the cold months, here are some choices.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen plant can tolerate a wide range of cold temperatures from 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It blooms all year round and needs very minimal attention in order to grow. This plant grows slowly and will be able to tolerate the cold, provided you do not over water it, since soil not only absorbs moisture when temperatures are cooler, but also retains it.

Flower Carpet Roses

This plant is known for its excellent winter hardiness. It is available in a variety of colors such as amber, scarlet, and pink supreme. It’s a very low-maintenance plant, although winter protection especially during the plant’s first winter is strongly recommended. They are perfect for planting in pots, large containers, as well as hanging baskets.

Lady Palm

This plant is highly adaptable, being able to tolerate both extremely hot and cold climates. It can thrive in low temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but can also adapt to high temperatures up to 100 degrees when indoors. The Lady Palm has leaves that are thick and wide. It is slow-growing but can reach up to 14 feet high. It’s a very sturdy plant that can cope well indoors in various regions.

Lily-of-the-Valley Bush

This is a pretty and versatile shrub that is ideal for cooler zones, particularly in mountain areas. It can grow up to 12 feet in height and 10 feet in width, producing hanging bunches of delicate flowers in a variety of colors from white to shades of pink and faint purple. It blossoms in summer and winter.

Snake Plant

Also called bowstring hemp, the snake plant has dark green foliage with yellow or light green lines along the edges. It can reach up to four feet high. It can survive practically any harsh condition, unless it is overwatered.

Get an Expert Opinion

Want to know more about which cold resistant house plant is best for your home? Ask a professional landscaper or hire one for any landscaping project you’re planning. Seva Call can connect you with up to three reputable local landscapers within minutes. Call us now!

Tags: Cold Resistant House Plant
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Hiring Roofing Repair Contractors

Monday, February 24th, 2014

Was your roof damaged by a strong storm? Is it simply time to replace it? Whether roof repair is forced by circumstances or roof replacement is due, you need to consider several important things before hiring roofing repair contractors to ensure a smooth job that will meet your expectations. Here’s what to look for in a professional roofer.

Location

It is best to hire a roofer that has a nearby office. A local contractor is more likely to do a better job, since a huge part of their business relies on maintaining a good local reputation. They would also be able to respond more quickly simply because they are near your home.

Insurance

Reputable roofing repair contractors carry the appropriate insurance coverage for comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation, which will protect you should an accident occur during the job. Ask to see their insurance certificates to verify their coverage. You should request up-to-date certificates from their insurer before starting the job.

License and other Credentials

While a roofing contractor’s license is not required by all states, you want to make sure to choose a contractor with a license if it is required in your state. Do note that a business license is different, is for tax purposes, and has nothing to do with their qualifications or competence. You can also ask for their other credentials that would demonstrate their knowledge and training in the roofing trade.

Length of Being In Business

Obviously, working with established roofing repair contractors is ideal. The fact is, businesses experience a high failure rate within their first three years. However, any business needs to start somewhere, so don’t discriminate blindly. Be reasonable about reviewing qualifications and customer referrals.

Customer Complaint Resolution

Find out from licensing agencies or the Better Business Bureau if any customer complaints have been filed against the roofing repair contractors you’re interviewing. Businesses that have been around for many years may have encountered such problems. What’s also important to look at is how well the contractor resolved the complaints filed against it.

Hire a Reputable Roofer

With Seva Call’s help, you can be sure to hire a qualified and reputable roofer for your roofing project or any roof repair need. Not only that, we’ll connect you with local roofing repair contractors in just a few minutes, and our service is free! Try us now!

Tags: Roofing Repair Contractors
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Snow Tire Effects: The Good and Bad

Friday, February 21st, 2014

Snow tires are tires that are specially made to be used in the winter to provide additional traction to cars. Unlike all-season regular tires, snow tires are made of a stronger rubber compound material and can feature studs for much better grip. While it may seem like a good idea to always equip your car with this set of tires, they have their own disadvantages, which creates the need for regular tires.

Positive Snow Tire Effects

The best thing that snow tires do is give your car a greater grip. Without question, snow tires offer better grip than any type of all-season tires on snow- or ice-covered roads. This is not surprising, since they are designed precisely to do this. These tires are able to provide the most superior grip and traction possible because they have a softer type of rubber that can clutch to cold surfaces much better with deeper treads that are sometimes combined with studs. Using snow tires is a must for anyone living in areas that experience harsh winters; regular tires simply won’t do.

Another advantage of snow tires is much improved braking, which is crucial in snowy or generally poor road conditions. Regular tires tend to lock up on icy roads and skid dangerously, but snow tires can prevent this, thanks to their superior braking and grip that allows them to dig into the snow and safely put the car to brake.

Negative Snow Tire Effects

On the downside, snow tires are relatively less sturdy than all-weather tires because of the fact that they are made of softer rubber. Thus, they wear down faster, especially when they are used during normal weather when road conditions are not meant for their specific design.

Also, the design of these tires makes vehicles more difficult to handle, so drivers must drive with even more care.

One of the most common negative snow tire effects is their impact on roads. Asphalt roads can be ruined overtime by snow tires with studs when these are used all year round instead of just in winter weather. Potholes and other deterioration on the road can occur from the use of snow tires when not warranted.

When Should You Use Snow Tires

As explained above, knowing when to use regular tires and when to use snow tires is important. Check outside conditions and always switch to snow tires when the ground is already covered with a layer of snow. Local media also usually give out warnings when snow tires should be used.

Need Help With Snow Removal?

Aside from using snow tires, another thing that’s necessary during winter is snow removal. Find a local contractor to remove the snow from your driveway or walk way. Seva Call is your free connection to trusted local snow removal companies. Try Seva Call now!

Tags: Snow Tire Effects
Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

New Water Heater Installation Cost

Friday, February 21st, 2014

On average, a traditional water heater, whether gas or electric, will last only up to 8 to 12 years. When it’s time to replace your water heater and install a new one, cost is always one of the major considerations. However, actual water heater installation cost varies greatly and can range from $623 to $2,000 depending on the installation type, which is unique to each home.

When looking at the average cost of installing a water heater, several factors come into play, such as:

– Delivery costs for local material and/or equipment to the job site.

– Transportation costs of the service provider’s technician to the job site.

– Costs to get the site ready for water heater installation and ensure the job is up to code (adding/renovating structures, replacing, or protecting finishes and other existing components).

– Cleanup and debris removal costs after installation.

– For small water heater installation, minimum hourly rates usually apply.

Planning Your Water Heater Installation

Homeowners should expect their water heater installation cost to be at the higher end of the price range if they work with a licensed, bonded, and insured service provider, which is always the safest and best option. Costs would also be higher for rush or complex installations.

Relocating the new water heater or converting to a different type of water heater will add to the total water heater installation cost. The cost would also increase if the existing plumbing and fuel source connections were altered to accommodate the new water heater installation.

A professional contractor would be able to help you determine the upfront costs and long-term cost efficiency of operating your heater, as well as the other variables that can affect the overall water heater installation cost. When it comes to hiring a contractor, do so carefully no matter how urgent the need to have a water heater installed. If you’re concerned about costs, you should be doubly concerned about hiring a qualified service professional so make sure you verify the background and credentials of a contractor before hiring.

Needless to say, electric water heaters pose some serious electrocution risks, while improperly installed gas water heaters can lead to dangerous gas leaks so it is worth every dollar to hire a qualified person to do the job.

To save on water heater installation cost, get quotes from multiple providers so you can choose the best offer without sacrificing quality. If you have another related home improvement project, consider combining the work. Being flexible with the project dates may also allow you to take advantage of lower rates from a provider.

Looking to Hire a Professional Plumber?

Seva Call is your go-to resource when you need reliable service professionals quickly. We’ll you connect you with up to three reliable, local plumbers in just a few minutes for free. Contact us now!

Tags: Water Heater Installation Cost
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History of Balinese Massage

Friday, February 21st, 2014

Balinese massage is an old form of massage developed in Bali, an Indonesian island, which is a popular vacation spot for tourists. Bali is also famous for its traditional healing techniques, of which Balinese massage is an integral part.

What Is the History of Balinese Massage?

Because contact with Indonesian islands was sought for their spices in the past, there were frequent commercial exchanges. Balinese massage was inspired by Ayurveda, or traditional Indian medicine, and Chinese acupressure, which were brought by travelers and merchants from India and China. Balinese traditional medicine was first documented by a Doctor W. Weck, a Dutch man, in the 1930’s.

Balinese massage, as it is practiced today, combines a series of techniques deriving from acupressure and reflexology. To this, it adds aromatherapy to enhance relaxation, both of the body and the mind.

Balinese Massage Techniques

Building on Ayurvedic texts that teach a holistic healing system which aims to restore balance between the body and the mind, Balinese massage includes techniques that work most body muscles, increasing blood flow and energy. Because it uses pressure more than other forms of massage, it’s more demanding for muscles, and may be more relaxing if performed in a spa.

Besides acupressure, Balinese massage incorporates reflexology. It focuses on specific points in your body to remove tension and alleviate pain. Reflexology targets the hands, ears, and feet, which are thought to be correlated with internal organs. By pressing particular points in these parts of the body, the masseuse stimulates relaxation and healing.

Balinese Massage and Aromatherapy

Balinese massage integrates aromatherapy to enhance relaxation and well being. It uses strong and exotic oils, which are combined with massage techniques to induce full body relaxation and relieve stress.

Find Balinese Massage Near You!

Want to find out more about Balinese massage? Seva Call can connect you with up to three professionals in your area, so can find the right massage for you. Relaxation is just one call or click away.

Tags: History of Balinese Massage
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Saving on Replacement Window Pricing

Friday, February 21st, 2014

Getting new windows put in can be an expensive project. The average replacement window pricing ranges from $3.99 to $5.50 total per inch, including material costs ($212 to $289) and installation costs ($56 to $160). As you can see, there’s a wide range of replacement window pricing, and this is due to many different factors, one of which is your location and the cost of living there, which affects the prices of materials and labor fees.

Ensuring smooth and quality installation is one way to save on the replacement costs. The best way to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a quality job at a reasonable price is to hire licensed and bonded contractors who are experienced in carpentry and window replacement work. Ensuring that installation is done with the proper materials and techniques will also help prevent costly problems with maintenance and warranty.

Money-Saving Tips for Replacement Window Pricing

1. Typically, replacement window pricing is quoted by installers based on industry standard rates. It is possible for a contractor to give you a cost estimate of the job even without visiting your home.

2. As mentioned above, many variables come into play when calculating replacement window pricing. The skill or expertise of the contractors should be considered, as well as the seasonal professional rates. In terms of location, those who live in or around major cities will have higher costs.

3. If your window replacement job is complex (you prefer intricate window designs or configurations), you should expect total material and installation costs to increase at least 5 percent, and even up to 14 percent.

4. When obtaining estimates from contractors, check if the services quoted for include all necessary work such as framing the window’s opening or fitting decorative elements.

5. Going for higher-priced windows is usually worthwhile, because they normally feature better construction and operation, finishes that are more hardwearing, and energy-efficient glass.

6. You can save on replacement window pricing by getting multiple bids from vendors. Just make sure you provide all vendors with the same description of your project with all complete information, so you can get the most accurate estimates.

7. You can also save on installation cost if you’re flexible with your project schedule. Scheduling your job during the installer’s non-peak period will usually get you a discount.

8. Save on replacement window pricing by shopping for windows online, or ask a dealer about discontinued or incorrectly ordered products.

Find a Trustworthy Windows Installer

You can spend hours or even days looking for the right contractors. With Seva Call’s free service, you don’t have to. Let us know about your project and we’ll connect you quickly with up to three professionals who can take care of your window replacement project to meet all your requirements. Contact Seva Call now!

Tags: Replacement Window Pricing
Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

How to Locate Electrical Wiring in Walls

Friday, February 21st, 2014

You might want to locate the electrical wiring in the walls of your house for various reasons. These include identifying electrical short circuits, repairing the wiring, planning home improvement projects, and increasing the safety of your home. It also allows you to avoid overloading your electrical system by connecting too many appliances to the same outlet.

To trace the electrical wiring, you need something that doesn’t involve tearing down your walls. Hitting an electrical wire while demolishing a wall can be extremely dangerous, and you want to avoid that. If you have an electrical blueprint of your home, things are simple, but if you don’t, what’s to be done?

What to Do to Locate Electrical Wiring in Walls

First, check the outlets and see where the wire comes from and what it connects to. Do the same for wired appliances. Then, try to understand the link between circuit breakers and the electrical wiring in your house.

Use Special Tools to Locate Wiring in Walls

You can also use several tools to locate the electrical wiring in the walls of your house.

– Stud Finder: this tool uses a magnet to trace the nails and the wires in the wall frame.

– Voltage Detector: this allows you to locate the wiring in the wall and tells you whether it’s still functional or not. In case you need repairs, this tool is very helpful, as it tells you exactly what’s wrong.

– Wire Tracers: these are specially designed to locate the electrical wiring in walls or even underground.

Professionals Help

However, some of these tools may be expensive, and you may not want to invest in them. If you need help locating electrical wiring in walls because something’s not working, it might be better to get help from a professional. Seva Call can put you in touch with experienced electricians in your area in minutes.

Tags: Locate Electrical Wiring in Walls
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How to Refinish Wooden Floors

Thursday, February 20th, 2014

If your old wooden floor needs refinishing, here’s what you can do.

First, examine it in order to establish if it needs repairs, too. If it is damaged, it’s best to fix it before any starting your refinishing project. It’s not difficult to refinish wooden floors, but you should pay attention to a number of details.

Preparation Works

1. Take your time when preparing the floor for refinishing. That means its surface must be cleaned and sanded. A good preparation starts with the removing of all the objects in the room — not only carpets, but also whatever may hinder the cleaning process.

2. Insulate all electrical openings and switches using tape. At the end, vacuum the wooden floor. Now, it is ready for sanding.

Sanding

3. The sanding operation is meant to smoothen and polish the floor. You will sand it down by rubbing its surface with sandpaper. Stains and different scratches need to be sanded away.

A mechanical sander can be of great help, but it won’t be able to touch certain small areas. You can use sandpaper for these spots to make sure you remove all stains.

4. Once you’re done sanding, clean the floor thoroughly.

Refinishing

5. At this stage, you can start refinishing your wooden floor. If you have vacuumed the floor and there isn’t any debris left, you can start applying the finish. Your floor should be dry and your windows opened, in order to ensure the circulation of fresh air around the room.

6. Apply the finish carefully, so that the whole surface of the floor is covered with the same amount of finishing agent. Stain your wooden floor using a pad, and then let it dry. If necessary, apply another layer of stain for a deeper color.

Need Help?

If you find this process difficult, Seva Call can put you in touch with professionals who can do it for you. Just give us a call and we’ll find the right painters in your area who can refinish your wooden floor.

Tags: refinish wooden floor
Posted in Painters | No Comments »

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