services - 41/263 - Talk Local Blog

Archive for the ‘services’ Category

Monday, December 30th, 2013

Aluminum siding is one of the most popular types of external cladding for homes. It is affordable, easy to install, easy to maintain, and now comes in various colors to suit many homes.

While it is a low-maintenance material, it is prone to different kinds of damage. For instance, aluminum siding can be dented by a simple hard knock. Keep your house’s siding in top shape with these tips on how to repair aluminum siding.

Repair Dents on Siding

Step 1: Take a No. 6 self-tapping screw and drive it into the deepest area of the dent. Use locking pliers to pull the screw until the dent is in effect pulled part of the way. Before doing this, however, make several holes (1/8-inch in size) in the dented section if there’s a bigger dent. The holes will allow the filling compound to adhere firmly.

Step 2: Sand the dent area until it is bare. Using a wide putty knife, apply auto body filler.

Step 3: Smooth out the dent area. Use medium-grit sandpaper to work down the area until it is even and smooth or flush with the rest of the area. Then, paint with a matching color paint that is suitable for aluminum siding.

Replace Damaged Corner Caps

Your project to repair aluminum siding will not be complete if you don’t check the corner edge caps of the siding, which are also prone to damages. Here’s how to replace them:

Step 1: Take off all the damaged corner caps. Use a pry bar to remove the nails underneath.

Step 2: Put in the replacement caps. Beginning at the lowest end, insert the new cap beneath the bottom edge of the cap above it. Nail down the replacement with aluminum nails. Repeat until the last cap is installed.

Step 3: Seal the caps. When you reach the final cap, use a utility knife to cut the nailing strip off the top. Apply some silicone sealant on the backside of the cap; insert it under the edge of the side strip. Press down.

Keep Your Siding Well-Maintained

The steps above should make it easy for you to repair simple aluminum siding problems. However, anytime you require professional help for complicated siding repairs, TalkLocal offers a free service to quickly match you with qualified service providers in your area. Contact us now to speak with the right professionals in minutes!

Tags: Repair Aluminum Siding
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

How to Buy Lowes Water Heaters

Monday, December 30th, 2013

Lowes is a home improvement store that carries literally dozens of water heaters. While they don’t carry their own exclusive brand, Lowes water heaters come with the Lowes guarantee.

However, a guarantee can only stretch so far if you pick the wrong water heater from the get-go. It’s important to understand your home’s needs and how much you plan on using your water heater before you make a purchase.

Pick Your Fuel Type

Your fuel type is ultimately determined by your home. Do you have solar panels in place? If so, you might want to go with a solar-powered water heater.

Is your current water heater gas or electric? You’ll want to pick a fuel type that is based on what is already used on your current unit.

Pick Your Demand Type

The demand type refers to whether or not your water heater will have a tank or be tankless. Tankless water heaters or on-demand water heaters heat the water as you need it — instead of storing heated water in a tank. If you’re going through hot water quickly on a daily basis, a tankless unit might not keep up with your household demand.

If you opt for a Lowes water heater with a tank, you’ll need to also think about capacity. For five or more people, you will need at least 80 gallons for an electric unit or 50 gallons for gas. If you only have one to two people in the house, you can get away with 30 gallons for electric and 30 for gas.

Consider Your Skill

Buying a Lowes water heater is only half the battle. After you’ve picked out the perfect unit, you need to consider your skill level at installing it. If you need help installing your water heater, contact TalkLocal. We will connect you with a skilled plumber in your area who can install your water heater when you need them.

Tags: lowes water heater
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

How to Tip Car Wash Employees

Friday, December 27th, 2013

A well-mannered person knows when to tip service professionals and how to give a tip. On the other hand, those lacking good manners are never bothered to offer a tip, even when most deserved. While it is not mandatory to tip an individual, a gesture of gratitude should be made most if not all of the time.

Why Tip?

Tipping is an act of gratitude for a good service done for you. While many car washes today are run automatically, you will sometimes see five or more guys working on your car if you get a full-service car wash.

Whether it’s one person or more, if they’re professional and friendly and did a great job, then it’s only fair to give them something back for their service. Another reason to tip car wash employees is the fact that they rely on tips for a good part of their income. At the end of the business day, the collected tips are divided evenly among the staff.

How Much Should You Tip?

The standard tip amount for car wash employees is $3 for a regular car wash and 10 percent of the total cost of the wash if your car was given extra effort and attention during detailing.

When Not to Tip

Your local auto repair center may not require that you tip car wash employees, but doing so will certainly be much appreciated. The only instance when it would be ridiculous to leave a tip would be if you received completely awful service and the person who did the work did not apologize or make any efforts to fix the situation.

In addition, there are many establishments, including car washes, that strictly do not allow patrons to tip car wash employees. If this is the case, you will most certainly see a sign saying so. Generally, the reason they don’t accept tips is they are already paying their employees fixed hourly wages in addition to benefits, so it’s no longer necessary for them to solicit tips.

How to Tip Car Wash Employees

One thing to remember whenever leaving a tip, don’t be a show-off about it. Always tip discreetly. Ideally, you should simply leave your tip in the box, which is normally located by the cashier or at the final checkout lane.

Do You Need Expert Car Detailing?

Anytime you need professional car wash and car-detailing services, TalkLocal can help. We’ll connect you quickly to reliable professionals in no time — for free! Find the best car wash now!

Tags: Tip Car Wash
Posted in Car Wash | No Comments »

How to Find Pediatric Oral Surgeons

Friday, December 27th, 2013

You can take your children to the dentist for general dental care, but some oral problems need to be addressed by a specialist. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children who have different needs from adults and require a special approach. Besides pediatric dentists, you might need to take your child to a pediatric oral surgeon to correct a dental problem.

What Are Pediatric Oral Surgeons?

They are oral surgeons specializing in treating children’s specific dental conditions. These include teeth or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, jaw defects, or oral diseases.

What Are Some of the Conditions Commonly Treated by Oral Surgeons?

– Misaligned teeth

– Missing teeth

– Dental implants

– TMJ disorders

– Cleft lip and palate

– Jaw deformity or asymmetry

– Jaw tumors

– Cysts and infections

– Fractures of facial bones

– Salivary gland conditions

What Are the Qualities of Good Pediatric Oral Surgeons?

Pediatric oral surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat children’s oral problems. It is important for a child to feel comfortable while visiting the dentist. The way a child relates to oral care in the future is determined by his or her childhood experience.

Dental care shouldn’t be traumatizing for kids. Good pediatric oral surgeons have special skills which allow them to calm children and make them forget about their fears.

A pediatric oral surgeon’s office should be a pleasant environment for children, where the staff, along with toys and games will keep them entertained. This way, kids will be distracted from their fear of the dentist.

Good pediatric oral surgeons are able to interact with children successfully. When they come to the dentist, both parents and children may be nervous, especially if the procedure is of a surgical nature. Pediatric oral surgeons are experienced in making both the parent and the child feel comfortable.

Find Pediatric Oral Surgeons

If you need a pediatric oral surgeon, contact TalkLocal today, and we’ll put you in touch with professionals in your local area who can help.

Tags: Find Pediatric Oral Surgeons
Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

Quick Guide to Furnace Natural Gas Conversion

Friday, December 27th, 2013

Should you switch to natural gas heating in your home? Of course, natural gas companies say you should. To be fair, natural gas is indeed a more versatile source of energy than propane or oil fuel. You can use natural gas to fuel a range of appliances from your furnace to the stove or washer.

On the other hand, there are important things to consider before pursuing furnace natural gas conversion. Read on to understand its advantages and disadvantages.

Reasons to Convert to Natural Gas

First of all, here’s how it works: A gas supplier will pipe natural gas into your home, similar to how your water is supplied to many homes. With this setup, there’s no need for constant reminders to refill the propane or oil tank. Here are more advantages when your furnace uses natural gas:

– Improved energy efficiency: Your furnace can become more energy efficient, since natural gas usually burns more completely than other types of fuel. Also, in newer models available today, the most energy-efficient oil furnace is still a little less efficient than a gas-burning furnace.

– Pay after usage: Most, if not all, oil and propane suppliers require prepayment before usage. When you convert to natural gas, you normally have to pay after a month of service, thus only paying for what you actually use.

– Get rebates: Your local natural gas company is likely offering a rebate for customers to switch to natural gas. Some companies even offer a new gas furnace as incentive.

– More than 80 percent of the natural gas used in the country is locally produced, making its cost more stable than other fuels.

Reasons to Think Twice About Converting to Natural Gas

One very important thing to determine even before you weigh the pros and cons of using natural gas heating is whether your area has a supplier and that there are available hookups for your home. Otherwise, connections to the gas main is needed, which involves installing a pipe to the street from your home and running new pipes inside the house.

Also, converting an existing oil furnace to natural gas is most likely expensive. It requires burner replacement at the very least, and upgrading is simply impossible on many older furnaces. It does make perfect sense, however, to convert your aging oil furnace to natural gas if it’s time for a replacement anyway.

Final Words

As you can see, it’s not that simple to just switch your heating system to use natural gas. You should consult with a reputable HVAC contractor who can help you in reviewing the benefits and costs. Count on TalkLocal to match you with the right contractor for your job – fast and at no charge! Try us now.

Tags: Furnace Natural Gas
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Green Carpet Cleaning

Friday, December 27th, 2013

Millions of homeowners worldwide choose to rely on a green carpet cleaning method to protect the environment. These days, aggressive chemical cleaners can be successfully replaced with milder, yet incredibly effective cleaning agents that make your carpets softer, do not damage them in any way, and do not trigger any health risks and environmental problems.

Learn to avoid Potentially Dangerous Cleaning agents that Put Your Health on the Line

Did you know that some of the most common carpet cleaning chemical compounds, like perchloroethylene and naphthalene, for instance, could expose you to numerous health threats?

Naphthalene is considered a potentially carcinogenic solvent, and many homeowners reported nausea and dizziness after using it to clean their carpets.

Discover the Advantages of Plant-Based Carpet Cleaning Solutions

Harsh chemicals used to wipe dirt off carpets can cause rashes, allergies, respiratory problems, and even much more serious health concerns, like cancer, for instance. Luckily, there are many effective, plant-based, green carpet cleaning products that live up to our highest expectations.

Also, there are two other alternative carpet cleaning methods worth considering: steam cleaning, suitable for synthetic carpets, and hot water extraction, which is perfect for natural fibers. They do not pose any health threats and can remove stains and dirt particles quickly and effectively.

Simple, Cost-Effective, Eco-Friendly Spot Maintenance Can Help You Save Time and Money

Did you know that regular, time-efficient spot maintenance could help you save a considerable amount of money? Just follow five simple steps:

1) Vacuum your carpet.

2) Identify potential spots.

3) Apply an all-natural cleaning agent on the spot, and distribute it evenly with a sponge.

4) Rinse the whole surface with clean, cold water.

5) Let it dry.

Note that:

– Salt can eliminate the most stubborn dirt particles, mud, and also red wine stains

– Club soda is a trustworthy ally that enables you to get rid of coffee stains

– Cornmeal is suitable for surfaces that display grease stains

Need More Help?

With so many appealing, all-natural, green carpet cleaning options at hand, it shouldn’t be very difficult to choose the most convenient one for you. If you want to experience the benefits of professional carpet cleaning services, find the best specialists in this line of work with TalkLocal. We will connect you with the right professional sin your area in just minutes.

Tags: Green Carpet Cleaning
Posted in Carpet Cleaners | No Comments »

How to Install Mailbox Metal Post

Friday, December 27th, 2013

A mailbox metal post is a superior alternative to a wooden post. It will last longer than a wooden post and has a neutral effect on your home’s curb appeal. A metal post is also completely recyclable.

If you’re constructing your own metal post for your mailbox, use the proper tools to ensure the finished product will be stable and sturdy. Also, make sure to check local mailbox regulations for post diameter and mounting height before you begin the construction. Once you have a metal pipe ready, follow the instructions below to install mailbox metal post.

Measure and Cut

1. Take a metal pipe two inches in diameter. Use a tape measure and soapstone to mark the pipe where you need to cut it along its length to allow for the standard mailbox height of 45 inches above ground, plus 30 inches more to extend underground.

2. Place the marked metal pipe down on a steady surface, preferably using clamps. Use a portable band saw to cut the pipe right along where you marked it with the soapstone. Once you’ve cut the metal pipe to length, proceed to install mailbox metal post.

Dig and Fill

3. Locate the area where to put the mailbox post. Check with your local post office for the proper placement regulations before you dig. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and protective eyewear during installation.

4. Use a post-hole digger or clamshell digger to dig a hole with an 8-inch diameter and a minimum depth of two feet.

5. Pour water up to a third of the post hole. Put the post in the hole. Fill the hole with dry concrete mix. You will need about 50 pounds of dry concrete. Add a little more water on top of the concrete.

6. Use a level tool to plumb the post. Secure the post in place while the concrete dries by packing topsoil around the post. Wait until the concrete completely dries (6-24 hours) before mounting the mailbox.

Attaching the Mailbox

7. Place the mailbox above the metal plate of the post. You will find the bottom of the mailbox has mounting holes. Use the soapstone to transfer these holes to the metal plate. Put the mailbox aside.

8. Using a drill bit attached to a 3/8-inch drill, create holes through each of the marked holes. Then, screw your mailbox into place through these mounting holes.

Get Professional Help

Getting help from a professional handyman is the easiest way to install a mailbox metal post, especially for those who are not into DIY projects. TalkLocal can help match you with up to three qualified handymen within your area. Let us connect you with the right pros now!

Tags: Mailbox Metal Post
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

House Painting Estimates

Thursday, December 26th, 2013

A brand-new, shiny coat of paint can beautify even the dullest property in record time. Some owners choose to paint the interior and exterior of their home on their own, while others decide to rely on professional house painting services.

People who would rather contract a team of experienced painters to get the job done are usually looking for accurate house painting estimates. Keep reading to learn how to determine the final costs associated with your painting job.

Phase 1: Take both Fixed and Variable Costs into Consideration

As tempting as it may seem to just purchase and apply primer and paint on your own, if you don’t want to settle for mediocre results, choose to hire a skilled painter. If you want to know how much you might end up spending on house painting services, start by evaluating both fixed and variable costs.

Determine the expenses associated with this home improvement project by analyzing important factors, such as square footage, production time, and the type, color, and amount of paint that you’ll need to use.

Phase 2: Use an Online Calculator

Modern technology lends a helping hand, allowing you to surf the web and find out exactly how much you’d have to invest in your painting project. Several contractors provide online job cost calculators, enabling you to decide whether or not you can afford to paint of repaint your house.

Phase 3: Discuss Your Options with an Expert

If you want to get accurate house painting estimates quickly and effortlessly, choose to contact several local providers of painting services.

Find the best ones in your area with TalkLocal, a free service introduced to put you in contact with dependable professionals who provide timely, inexpensive services around the clock. Use TalkLocal to simplify your life and make smart decisions on a daily basis.

Tags: House Painting Estimates
Posted in Painters | No Comments »

Comparing Electric and Gas Central Heating

Thursday, December 26th, 2013

An electric heating system is cheaper and easier to install, not requiring a chimney, like a gas heating system does. On the other hand, electricity costs more than gas so the operational costs of a gas heater are lower than an electric heater. In addition, gas heating warms up bigger spaces better than electric heating, although the latter may be more cost-effective for small spaces.

Here’s a more detailed look at how electric and gas central heating compare with each other when it comes to installation, cost, and safety.

As mentioned above, a gas heating system requires a chimney through which gas emissions will be vented. In general, when a chimney is installed, a venting and air duct system must also be installed throughout the house. Also, a gas heater is quite large and will require professional installation.

As for wall-mounted electric heaters, they also need to be professionally installed, but the job is much easier and can actually be done by homeowners. If using portable electric heaters, these do not need to be installed.

Two things should be considered when comparing the cost of electric versus gas central heating: the cost of installation and the cost of operation. It is more expensive to install a gas heating system than an electric one because, as described above, it needs a centralized furnace to be installed with vent outlets. Electric heaters are relatively cheaper to put in.

In terms of the operating cost, however, gas heaters win because of the fact that gas is typically cheaper than electricity. Also, a gas heater generates more heat than an electric heater in the same length of time. An electric space heater is the cheaper option if you plan to heat up only a small space and only at lower temperatures.

A radiant heater, a common type of electric heater, produces focused heat and can pose risks of ignition. An electric space heater can also cause household fires, so make sure to keep them at least three feet away from combustibles like drapes and bedding.

With gas heaters, if you’re using a ventless system, it is crucial that it is installed in a properly ventilated space and that the occupants turn off the unit before sleeping. Gas that did not burn completely might release hazardous gases like carbon monoxide.

If you’re not sure which heating system will work best for you, consult with an HVAC expert who knows everything about electric, gas central heating and all other types of heating for your home. Use TalkLocal to get in touch with reputable heating professionals quickly and easily. Contact us now!

Tags: Comparing Electric and Gas Central Heating
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

When You Need Emergency Electrical Service

Thursday, December 26th, 2013

A good number of calls for emergency electrical service are related to harsh weather, and those that are not caused by it in some way, occasionally signal problems in a home’s wiring. Other potential causes of electrical emergencies include:

– Not enough power to operate multiple appliances at one time

– Electrical parts that are incompatible (either out-of-code or out-of-date) with technologically advanced appliances

– Poorly done do-it-yourself wiring jobs by the homeowner.

Resolving the Problem

Regardless of the reason you find yourself needing emergency electrical service, the critical thing is to have it fixed right away by a well-trained and reliable electrician who is licensed to diagnose and perform electrical repairs.

During an electrical emergency, a qualified electrician will first troubleshoot the situation. Sometimes, all that’s needed to be done is to repair a faulty electrical part or replace it when repair is no longer possible. Another common fix is completely rewiring a room where the emergency situation occurred, or adding new circuits and outlets.

Preventing Electrical Problems

While some electrical emergencies happen beyond anyone’s control, there are many situations that lead to such emergencies that can be avoided. Here are some preventive actions that you can take:

1. Make sure your new appliances are wired properly. Are you buying new appliances that will help improve your home’s energy efficiency? Having a good wiring system is necessary to support your appliances and ensure safety.

2. Let a professional handle the hot tub wiring. Can’t wait to enjoy your new hot tub? The owners’ manual may describe a pretty straightforward wiring installation for your tub, but it’s best to leave this job to an expert for safety’s sake, considering that it involves both water and electricity.

3. Schedule regular inspections. With regular safety inspection of your wiring and overall electrical system, you can ensure that your circuits are not being overloaded and that all appliances are running with the right efficiency.

In addition, the electrician can detect and inform you during the inspection of any electrical problems that may come up in the future. One reason for potential issues is poor wiring installation done by careless technicians for new machines or appliances.

We Can Assist You

When you need emergency electrical service, you cannot afford to waste time. If you don’t know a reliable electrician who can help, call us first at TalkLocal, and we’ll connect you to local, qualified electricians who can respond to you right away. Let us find help for you quickly and at no cost!

Tags: Emergency Electrical Service
Posted in Electricians | No Comments »

« Older Entries

Newer Entries »