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Friday, December 20th, 2013

Teak wood is a great material for landscaping projects, including outdoor flooring. Its visual appeal and sturdiness recommend it as a top choice for decks, patios, verandas, and even outdoor furniture. If you’re considering changing your outdoor flooring or rebuilding your deck, and count teak among your options, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Teak Outdoor Flooring: Characteristics and Benefits

Teak is a hardwood, which is extremely durable and versatile. This is why it is widely used in outdoor applications. Teak decks have a natural elegance, which makes this material a perfect choice for outdoor spaces. Teak maintains its natural, golden-brown color through the years thanks to its natural lubrication.

Longevity

If you choose to install teak outdoor flooring, you can be sure to enjoy it for several decades. It doesn’t crack, and it’s not subjected to warping over time. It resists well to scratches, which makes it a suitable option for homes with children and pets.

Natural Finish

Due to its natural oils, teak doesn’t require treatment, and has the ability to preserve its shine through the years. You don’t need to apply any kind of finish because teak preserves its shine through the seasons.

Water Resistance

Exposure to water does not deteriorate teak, again because of its natural oils, which protect its texture. This property helps teak wood last well in rainy climates.

Pest Resistant

Unlike other types of wood, teak doesn’t get infested by termites or insects thanks to its tight pores, which are protected by its natural sealer.

Maintenance

Teak is easily maintained. Its natural ability to preserve its luster eliminates the need to apply a finish. Also, unlike other wood outdoor flooring materials, it doesn’t require sanding to restore its appearance.

Price

Teak is relatively more expensive than other materials commonly used for outdoor flooring because of its properties and high market demand. However, teak outdoor flooring is a worthwhile investment, which will preserve its value and appeal in the long run.

Get Expert Advice

Want to know more about teak outdoor flooring? Let an experienced landscaper guide you in your home improvements projects. TalkLocal will find three professionals in your area and will put you in touch with them right away.

Tags: Teak Outdoor Flooring
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Orkin Pest Control

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

Whether we like it or not, we are often forced to face the unpleasant fact that we share our home with insects and rodents. If you notice any signs that you have unexpected company – act immediately. Orkin pest control is a must in such circumstances. Postponing in a situation like this is not an option if you don’t want to become even more uncomfortable in your own home.

Bed bugs, ants, wasps, cockroaches, dust mites, termites, mice, and many other critters can make your life miserable if you don’t take the matter in your hands right away and call Orkin pest control to solve the problem.

Here are some of the most important benefits of Orkin pest control.

Orkin Pest Control Benefits

– Customized plans

– Cost-effectiveness

– Reliability

– Professionalism

Professional Pest Control

Pest control companies can offer you customized plans that take into account your individual needs. You can benefit from long-term pest prevention services and treatment. This option may prove to be more cost-effective in the long run than calling a different service every time you need pest control help.

Moreover, by contracting Orkin pest control, you know you can rely on professional help in emergency situations. Last but not least, pest control employees know how to use special products which may be hazardous for human health.

Buying a pest control product from the supermarket might temporarily solve your problem, but sooner or later you’ll notice that the critters are back. Professional services offer long-term solutions that will keep you and your family safe and pest free.

Looking for Pest Control Services?

TalkLocal can put you in touch with local pest control experts in minutes. Contact us today to find your pest control solution right away!

Tags: Orkin Pest Control
Posted in Pest Control | No Comments »

Wall Electric Heaters

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

As winter approaches, millions of families start looking for ways to preserve energy and reduce their utility bills. Some of them have already tested the effectiveness of wall electric heaters, considered an amazing alternative due to their long list of advantages.

Why Are Wall Electric Heaters an Excellent Alternative?

If you want to warm up your office or only one or two bedrooms at home, zonal heat may be your most inspired choice. Modern wall electric heaters provide an ideal level of heat over a relatively short period of time. They also help reduce energy costs, because they turn almost 100% of the power they consume into heat.

Electric heaters are green too, compared to their gas and kerosene counterparts. They reduce the carbon footprint of your household; so they are perfect for people who choose to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle and make the most of renewable energy. Wall electric heaters run quietly, don’t pollute, and represent the perfect candidate when it comes to heating small indoor areas.

Electric Heaters versus Gas Furnaces

Some people prefer gas furnaces, while others choose to install electric heaters in their homes. What would be the best option for you? It all depends on different factors, including the size of the space that you plan to heat and your budget.

One thing’s for sure: last-generation wall electric heaters, launched on the market by reputable manufacturers, like Cadet, for instance, guarantee zero heat losses, while most gas furnaces are much less efficient, displaying an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of only 65%.

Get an Expert Opinion

These days, one could easily find different types of wall electric heaters, introduced by reputable brands. The key is to spot, purchase, and install the one to meet your specific heating needs. When in doubt, it’s advisable to consult a skilled heating and cooling expert before making a final decision. Rely on TalkLocal to meet hundreds of professionals operating in your area, who have what it takes to complete any task to your complete satisfaction.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Clean Outdoor Teak Furniture

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

Teak is a widely popular choice for outdoor furniture, because it’s highly resistant to moisture and sunlight, has a distinctive appearance, and is easy to maintain. However, to protect your investment and make the most of its unique qualities, it is advisable to clean outdoor teak furniture on a regular basis.

Basic Clean Up

Just as you need to dust off your indoor furniture, your outdoor teak table and chairs will look better and last longer if you clean up the dirt and dust that build up over time. Use a hose to spray them gently with water, then clean the furniture with a sponge dipped in a soapy water solution. From time to time, you can add some bleach to it to restore the shine of the wood. Rinse with water and dry the surface with a soft cloth.

Use Teak Oil

Because it stays outside, your teak furniture will gradually lose its vivid color, turning to a silvery gray. If you don’t like this patina, and want to restore its original tone, you can apply some teak oil three or four times a year. However, to avoid staining your furniture, it is important to spread the oil evenly.

An alternative to teak oil is to use a special teak sealer, which will create a protective coating for your outdoor teak furniture.

Remove Stains

Sooner or later, someone will accidentally spill a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on your outdoor teak furniture. No worries though, because stains can be easily removed by gently sanding the surface of the wood. Sanding also uncovers the golden texture of your teak furniture.

Use Covers During Winter

To protect your outdoor teak furniture through the cold season, you can place some covers on it. Avoid plastic covers, because they cause moisture and may damage the wood.

Protect Your Outdoor Teak Furniture

Use these simple tips to clean outdoor teak furniture from time to time to extend its life, and enjoy it for years to come.

Need help to keep your house and patio in tip-top shape? Contact TalkLocal now, and we’ll connect you with reputable cleaning services that will take housekeeping duties off your hands.

Tags: Clean Outdoor Teak Furniture
Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Snow Removal Pricing

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

During the cold season, people are looking for accurate info on snow removal pricing methods. As long as you do your homework properly and consult more than one trustworthy source, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the best snow removal companies in your area. If you want to avoid the hard labor and potential dangers associated with snow removal, let real pros do the heavy lifting.

Extensive Research is the Key to Success

Start by surfing the Internet to find the most competent providers of snow removal services. Keep in mind that there are three different price structures that you should consider. Some companies charge seasonal rates, others charge by the hour, and some contractors prefer to bill you “per push”.

The relatively common “per push” system means that your contractor will charge you for every single visit. The average “per push” snow removal rate depends on several factors, including:

– The average fees charged for snow removal in your area

– How labor-intensive and how lengthy the snow removal process is expected to be

– What kind of equipment is required in your case

– The total surface that you plan to clear of snow

Identifying the Best Pricing Method

The “per push” pricing structure is considered the best alternative at hand by numerous homeowners. This is because it enables them to determine the exact amount of money that they would have to spend to get the job done.

Of course, prices differ a great deal based on the surface that requires the snow removal process. For instance, a client could pay less than $30 for plowing a small-size driveway. At the same time, a different customer would have to take a few hundreds of dollars out of their pockets to clear snow from the gigantic parking lot of a large commercial center.

Note that you can be charged extra for supplementary services, like salting, for instance. To avoid unpleasant surprises, contact more than a few snow removal companies and ask for up-front estimates.

Ask an Expert

Know very little or nothing at all about your local snow removal pricing method? If so, discuss your options with a snow removal expert who lives and works in your area. Find the best one with TalkLocal, your best connection to the top professionals in your area.

Tags: Snow Removal Pricing
Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

Storage Solutions for a Cleaner Home

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

When you first move into a home, it is clean, empty, and brimming with possibility. You can decorate it as you choose, decide where things go, and everything will look fresh and new. However, over time, things will deteriorate, as the place gets more messy and full.

You will obtain new items and goods that will need a place to inside. You will fill up cupboards, coffers, spare rooms, cram things under beds, buy a shed, fill up the attic, and much more. You will keep getting objects and continue to need place to put them all.

Eventually, your home will be full of clutter and mess, and this can ruin your living experience. It could even become tough to relax and feel at ease, as your home won’t look it’s best. If you are having such problems, then read on to learn about some storage solutions for a cleaner home.

Storage Solutions for a Cleaner Home

You may have goods littering your home, but you do not want to dispose of them permanently. They may have monetary or sentimental value, they may not be needed at this time, or you may be holding onto someone else’s goods. You may even just want to store things in a safe place. If any of these are the case, then storage can help you keep all of your goods out of the way.

Commercial storage depots exist as a means for a person or company to place their goods out of the way when they are not needed. There are many companies out there who will have units in all sizes, from small lockers to containers large enough to store vehicles.

You can hire as many caches as you need, so you can store as much or as little as possible. There will likely be no limit to how long you can amass your goods, meaning you can keep them there for years or just a few days. You should be able to visit your storage unit whenever you need, so you can collect things at any time, or leave more objects behind.

Finding Reputable Storage Companies

Research each firm so you can see who is properly accredited and trusted, and if they can cater to all of your needs. You must ensure that the firm you hire has safe units, which will resist bad weather and temperatures, as well as be locked up tight. You can request a free quote, to see everything they will provide for you and the cost.

Arrange items to your needs, so that something you will more likely require is closer to the entrance with less useful items at the back. Add cupboards, cabinets and shelves to arrange things neatly and safely.

Want to Skip the Research?

Reducing clutter and cleaning your home in one go can be simple, and all you need is a secure self-storage container. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, high-quality storage facilities in your area, so you can reduce the clutter in your home!

Guest post granted on behalf of: http://www.handymoves.co.uk/west-london/removals-west-kensington-w14-w8-manandvan.html

Posted in Moving and Storage | No Comments »

How to Choose Car Oil

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

There are numerous types of car oil available on the market, and each type is intended for a specific purpose. Understanding the basics, such as additives and viscosity, will help you determine how to choose car oil.

What are oil additives?

Refiners mix in different additives to the oil to help it keep the car engine cool and clean. Oil additives account for up to 25 percent of the oil’s cost.

What are oil classification codes?

These are codes on the label of the oil bottle that will tell you whether the product is obsolete or not, and if it’s suitable to be used in your vehicle. The American Petroleum Institute (API) uses a two-letter code for service classification of engine oils for passenger cars. Codes SA through SH indicate that the oil product is already obsolete or formulated for use in vehicles that were built from the 1920 to 1996. Codes SJ through SN are the codes for current motor oil.

What are viscosity ratings?

Viscosity determines how well the oil flows. It is used to identify and rate engine oil. There are two types of engine oil available: multi-viscosity and single-viscosity oils. Practically all vehicles are designed to use multi-viscosity oil.

A lower viscosity rating would mean thinner oil that flows easier. Look in your car’s manual to determine the correct viscosity of oil for your vehicle.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you on how to choose car oil that is right for your vehicle:

– What type of motor oil are you currently using? Is your car running well on this oil? If so, then there’s no need for you to change brands.

– What is the car manufacturer’s recommended kind of oil according to the owner’s manual? If the warranty on your new vehicle has not yet expired, using oil other than the recommended one may void the warranty.

– How old is your car? If you’ve been using single-weight oil on an old vehicle, don’t switch to multi-viscosity oil. The sludge that has built up over the years of using single-weight oil, most of which doesn’t have detergent, will become loose and will mess up your car when you suddenly start using multi-viscosity oil, which has detergent in it.

– Do you live in an area where there is extreme climate, either very hot or very cold? Does the temperature where you live change radically? If so, use multi-weight oil that works in a range of temperatures.

Does Your Car Need an Oil Change?

TalkLocal provides free and convenient service that offers you quick access to auto repair professionals in your area. Try us now, and we’ll connect you with quality professionals in just a few minutes.

Tags: how to choose car oil
Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Home Painting Companies

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

These days, one could easily find and purchase cheap tools and paints in almost any home improvement store. So why should you bother to contact some of the most respectable home painting companies in your area? Here are some of the most important reasons why most homeowners still need (and pay for) professional home painting services.

1. Painters Will Help You Address Common Problems before Painting Your House

Real pros always manage to anticipate and address all your needs. They will take the time to identify and solve common issues affecting the aesthetics of your property, like chipped siding or Chinese drywall, for instance.

Furthermore, they know how to prepare any kind of surface for painting, in order to come up with a flawless, resistant finish.

2. Protect Your Resources by Hiring the Best Home Painting Company

If you want to save time and money, don’t try to cut corners when it comes to painting your house. Go for professional services tailored to your schedule, ensured by reputable home painting companies that offer upfront, no-obligation estimates.

3. Profit from Expert Advice and the Very Best Painting Tools, Products, and Techniques

It’s rather difficult to paint your house on your own and take pride in excellent results if you don’t have any experience in this line of work. On the other hand, a specialist could recommend the best tools and products for this job and utilize the best techniques to trigger your complete, long-term satisfaction.

Moreover, true professionals usually offer a two-year guarantee for their services, enabling you to boost the curb appeal of your home in a time and cost-effective manner, without lifting a finger.

Ask an Expert

Looking for the most competent, licensed, fully trained experts employed by local home painting companies? If so, track them with TalkLocal, a free service designed to put you in contact with hardworking talents who live and work in your area.

Tags: Home Painting Companies
Posted in Painters | No Comments »

Purchasing Furnace Repair Parts

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

It can be exasperating and seriously problematic when your furnace is not working. The good thing is there are many suppliers of authorized furnace repair parts such as igniters, capacitors, flame sensors, heating elements, thermostats, and others, so repairing your furnace should not be a problem.

However, it is crucial that you obtain the correct furnace repair parts that match your particular equipment, and these parts must come from a registered supplier who can offer a guarantee on the parts in case an issue arises during or after installation.

Accessibility of Parts

Your location and access to a supplier will affect how quickly you can get your hands on the exact furnace repair parts that you need. It can be especially difficult to find the right parts when you’re attempting an emergency repair in the middle of winter.

How fast you need the repair done may mean that you may have to purchase some of the parts from unusual sources. Some parts may only be for sale to an HVAC engineer and are not available to public consumers. You will have to look for a company that will sell you just the furnace repair parts, or ask your trusted HVAC engineer to make the purchase for you.

Buy From Reputable Dealers

Whatever furnace repair parts you need, make sure that you buy only from reputable dealers. A dealer may keep parts for older furnaces in stock, but make sure you’re not buying second-hand parts and that the products come with the right paperwork and instructions for use. When it comes to HVAC parts, never buy recycled or second-hand parts. Doing so is not only inefficient, but also dangerous.

Ensure Safe and Proper Installation

Once you have purchased the right furnace repair parts, you’ll need to hire a trained HVAC engineer to install them. Ideally, a registered gas engineer should install the parts, as improper installation can result in inefficient fuel combustion, which can in turn produce dangerous poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide.

Hire a Professional Now

If you find your furnace is not working, then the safest and quickest way to get it fixed is to hire a professional. TalkLocal offers a free and convenient service that will connect you with up to three HVAC experts, so you can quickly find the right service professional for your needs. Contact us now, and get the help you need to get your furnace working like new again.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Replacing a Loose Mailbox Post

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

Is it time to replace your mailbox post? If it has given you about a decade of service before needing repair or replacement, you’re quite lucky. Mailbox posts are typically made of pressure treated wood, metal, or plastic pipe. In any case, the mailbox post is normally installed in the ground and cemented in place with the mailbox fastened to the post.

Regardless of what type of mailbox post you use, it will need replacement or repair sooner or later. If the post doesn’t get knocked down by a snow plow or get damaged by vandals, extreme weather will take its toll on the post eventually.

You might also find yourself with a broken or loose mailbox post one day should a car accidentally side swipe your mailbox, which is a fairly common occurrence.

When you have a wobbly mailbox post, whether due to an accident or a weakened material, it is best to go for a replacement.

Remove the Old Post

Perhaps the most difficult part of replacing a loose mailbox post is removing the old one. If the old post is not yet loose enough, wiggle it a little to allow the ball of cement underneath to come loose from the earth. You may need to dig around the post to remove some of the earth. Pry the post from the ground using a mason’s bar or pry bar.

Install the New Post

1. Once you’ve removed the damaged mailbox post, it’s time to install the new one. It’s important to make sure that, when the mailbox post has been installed, it will position the bottom of the mailbox about 45 inches above the road level.

2. Also, there should be around a 6 to 8-inch distance from the mailbox door to the curb or edge of the road. Get the US Postal specifications concerning mailbox location and measurements from the local post office.

3. Put the new post in the hole. Hold the post in a straight, vertical position using small braces.

4. Pour premixed cement into the hole and around the post, tamping it down, and then just add water.

5. Allow the cement to dry for about 4 to 6 hours. Then, attach the mailbox to your new post.

Are you not up to the task?

Let a reputable handyman do the job for you. If you don’t want to spend hours looking for a service professional, TalkLocal can help. Simply provide us the details of the service you need, and we will connect you qualified professionals in your area. What’s more, our service is completely free. Try us now.

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

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