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Thursday, November 21st, 2013

Experienced hikers appreciated the benefits of a modern, simple, yet incredibly reliable gas wood stove. The idea of being able to pack a stove that won’t force you to carry fuel is brilliant.

Indeed, those who plan to spend at least one week in the wilderness would have to transport heavy isobutene canisters or denatured alcohol to be able to cook their daily meals and stay warm. On the other hand, a gas wood stove enables them to use scrap wood as fuel, save big, and reduce the weight of your backpack.

Check out the Main Advantages of Gas Wood Stoves

Last-generation gas wood stoves display numerous advantages that definitely please even the pickiest campers. These products are well-liked for a number of reasons, including:

– They are lightweight and easy to carry around (most models weigh between 5 and 11 oz.)

– They are inexpensive (reliable, modern models cost anywhere from $28.50 to $100)

– Some models occupy less space, since they can be stored flat

– Enable users to save money and go green by using scrap wood

Analyze the Main Disadvantages of Gas Wood Stoves

Of course, even the most sophisticated gas wood stoves have their fair share of disadvantages.

Preparing a meal with a wood gas stove is a lengthy process. You have to make the fire and “babysit” it; this means that it could take you more than half an hour to cook the simplest lunch or breakfast. On the other hand, you could boil water in a matter of a few minutes with an isobutene canister stove; the whole process is time-efficient and much simpler.

Wood fires get soot residues all over your pot and stove. Cooking with a gas wood stove is definitely far from being a memorable experience. Wood fires will produce a considerable amount of soot residue that will inevitably land on your stove and pot. To minimize damages, you could always cover your pot with tin foil. But then again, how many people remember to pack tin foil when they go camping?

Ask an Expert

Should a gas wood stove be considered a smart investment? If you need a second opinion, ask a heating and cooling expert. Find the best one with TalkLocal, a free service created to help you meet competent experts who operate in your proximity.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Aromatherapy Massage Benefits

Thursday, November 21st, 2013

Most people who want to benefit from a relaxing spa day think about making the most of the virtually endless list of aromatherapy massage benefits. You might be wondering: what type of health-related problems could I actually prevent or relieve during an aromatherapy massage session? Is this alternative therapy method risk-free, or are there any restrictions that I should take into consideration? Keep reading to discover accurate answers to all your questions on this topic.

Identify the Most Relevant Aromatherapy Massage Benefits

All essential oils used during a massage session have one thing in common: they reduce stress levels and help the stiffest muscles relax. They eliminate muscular pain in a highly effective manner. However, the rest of the benefits provided by massage oils vary a great deal, depending on their particular ingredients.

> Rose essential oil corrects hormonal imbalances and helps bedroom problems.

> Sesame oil has extraordinary moisturizing properties and keeps the skin soft, while lowering blood pressure levels and reducing stress.

> Lavender oil battles germs, due to its proven antibacterial properties; it also prevents or helps control insomnia, urinary disorders, joint pain, and respiratory problems.

> Peppermint oil calms sore muscles and eliminates headaches.

Of course, these examples illustrate only the most notable properties displayed by common essential oils that contribute to an overall satisfactory general state of health. There are hundreds of other types of aromatherapy oil, and each type tackles various health concerns.

How Aromatherapy Massage Can Help You

Aromatherapy massage performed by a licensed, fully trained specialist can elevate your quality of life in many ways, by:

– Reducing chronic pain and fatigue

– Improving circulation

– Reducing muscle stiffness

– Effective anxiety control and reducing stress

– Boosting your immune system

– Mental revitalization and battling negative emotions

– Removing toxins from your body

– Offering you fast pain relief and excellent cellulite prevention

Find the Best Essential Oils with Expert Help

Browse hundreds of types of essential oils available online by active ingredients and promised benefits to find the ones that address your specific therapeutic needs. When in doubt, consult a massage therapy expert. Find the best one in your area by relying on TalkLocal. Talk Local’s purpose is to connect you with reliable professionals who are just one call away.

Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

How to Prevent Gutters Freezing

Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

Frozen Gutters

Frozen gutters are not only unsightly, but they can bring about a host of other problems as well. They can lower the property value of your house and can result in expensive repairs. Clogged and frozen gutters can be a home for pests such as cockroaches, rats, and other unsightly animals. It can also cause the eaves of your home to rot when left unchecked for long periods of time.

Frozen gutters allow water to pool around your home, which weakens the foundation. Again, this will lead to expensive repairs later on. During the winter months, frozen water can block the drainage of unfrozen water from the roof, which can weaken the shingles and can cause leakages.

Six Ways to Prevent Gutters Freezing

1) Inspect the Vents of the Attic

Check to see if any insulation in the attic is damp or wet. If any is wet or damp, replace them immediately. This will help your home retain heat.

2) Insulate the Attic

Insulate the attic evenly. An evenly insulated attic will mean that ice will melt when in contact with the roof and will prevent the gutters from freezing over. This will also prevent you from needing to shovel snow from your roof.

3) Purchase Heat Tapes

Apply these along the gutters, as these will prevent the snow from forming ice along the gutters.

4) Remove Snow from the Gutters

After a snowfall, remove the snow from the gutters as quickly as you can. This will prevent it from forming into ice.

5) Place Rock Salt in the Gutters

Rock salt will prevent the snow from forming into ice.

6) Use Caulk

Use sealant around electrical cables to stop water from getting into them.

Help is on the Way

Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you find a professional to help you with your frozen gutter woes. We will connect you with up to three professional snow removal experts in just minutes.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

Flower Bed Borders Made Easy

Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

If you’re looking for ways to improve the appearance of your garden, you might want to start with your flower beds. You can enhance their overall look by making some flower bed borders to get neater patterns and protect the plants. Flower bed borders keep mulch and soil from spreading away from plants and don’t allow weeds and gravel to get near them. Here are some tips on how to make flower bed borders.

There are many types of materials you can use to make your flower bed borders, and deciding which to choose comes down to personal preference, the effect you want to achieve, and how much money you’re willing to spend on the project.

Wood Borders

You can make wood borders for your flower beds by using rot-resistant, treated wood and cutting it into pieces. You can cut the wood in symmetrical or asymmetrical sizes, depending on the effect you want to create. Place the pieces of wood around the flower beds, then tamp the soil to settle the edging.

Bender Board

This landscaping material, which looks like wood, is generally made of plastic and is sold in rolls. It’s more durable than wood and adapts well to harsh weather conditions. Bender board is not difficult to install and takes the shape you want. Unlike wood borders, which require repainting to prevent rotting, bender board requires no maintenance.

Metal Borders

Another way to make flower bed borders is with the use of metal. This is a more expensive alternative for making borders for your garden beds, but it’s also the most durable. Metal can be painted and shaped according to your wish.

Metal borders can be easily installed in soft soil by tapping them gently with a wooden hammer. If the soil near the flower bed is hard, it’s best to dig a trench, then insert the metal borders, and fill the trench with soil.

Stone Borders

Stone is a great material for making flower bed borders, but it’s also pricier than others. Stone lasts forever, and if you want to make your garden look as natural as possible, this might be the best choice. As a cheaper and more versatile alternative to stone, you can opt for bricks or even concrete borders.

Need Help with Your Garden?

If you need assistance with your gardening projects, TalkLocal can give you a hand. We can put you in touch with experienced landscapers in minutes, for free!

Tags: flower bed, landscape, landscaping
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

How to Choose a Metal Roof Repair Contractor

Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

Tin roofs have a virtually endless list of advantages: they look great, allow owners to preserve an ideal temperature inside their homes, and can generate financial savings, as long as they are kept in excellent condition. If you want to avoid some of the most common roofing problems, rely on maintenance tips and professional services brought to you by a respectable metal roof repair contractor.

When Should I Contact a Metal Roof Repair Contractor?

As soon as your roof starts to display obvious signs of wear and tear, it is highly recommended to invest in high-quality repairs. If you have moderate skills and a basic set of tools and roof repair products, you could choose to conduct a DIY project. Otherwise, call your trusted metal roof repair contractor if:

– Your metal roof is leaking.

– Your tin roof is rusting.

– The paint applied on your metal roof is flaking.

How Much Would I Have to Spend on My Roof Restoration Project?

The expenses incurred by your home improvement project vary a great deal, according to the current condition of your tin roof, the nature and the extent of your roofing problem, and on the skills and popularity of your metal roof repair contractor. Generally speaking, most contractors charge approximately $9 per square foot for extensive metal roof restoration and $5 per square foot for metal roof painting services.

How do I Find the Best Contractors in My Area?

Your roof isa suitable candidate for repairs if you can step on it. This is what some of the most competent contractors will tell you. Even the oldest, most unappealing roofs covered with flaky paint and roof tar can be restored.

Should you invest in a roofing restoration project? Only a specialist could provide the most accurate answer to this question. Keep in mind that trustworthy professionals always offer guarantees on labor and products, and provide free, no-obligation estimates.

Ask for Help

Need to find the most popular metal roof repair contractor near you? If so, start by consulting TalkLocal, your free connection to the best professionals in your area.

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Types of Radiant Heaters: Convectors

Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

A radiant heater that uses convection, heats air when it comes into contact with the heater’s surfaces, causing air temperature to increase and consequently warming a room. Some of these types of radiant heaters have a fan that draws in cool air.

Residential Convection Heaters

There are two general types of radiant heaters using convection – electric and gas. The common types of radiant heaters that use electric convection include wall-mounted panel or fan heaters, standalone fan heaters, night storage heaters (using minimal thermal mass), and ducted central heating systems (where the heated air is delivered through a duct network).

As for the types of radiant heaters that use gas-fueled convection, the common ones are balanced flue gas heaters, boilers that supply hot water radiators, wall-mounted gas furnaces, and ducted central heating systems.

Use of Thermal Mass

Thermal mass refers to any material that is capable of absorbing and storing thermal energy for later use. There are certain types of radiant heaters that utilize convection heating with thermal mass, such as hot water radiators, night storage heaters, underfloor heaters, and solar hydronic heaters. A heater with a high capability to store heat usually does not become as hot on its surface as a heater with low heat storage capacity, and therefore can produce steadier heat.

What does a convection heater do?

A convection heater will:

– Heat up a room vertically from top to bottom. On larger spaces or areas with tall ceilings, it will take a bit of time for the heat to get to the level of occupants.

– Increase the room air temperature faster than other radiant heaters, although the temperature changes steadily, so the room becomes warmer gradually.

– Require more energy to reach the same change in temperature as that achieved by radiant heating in bigger areas.

– Need adequate air circulation to distribute heat evenly, since it works by warming the air immediately around it.

– Create gradients in temperature and convection flows as warmer air rises from the heater.

Need Help Heating Your Home?

If you have a convector heater at home and need service or repair, call a trusted heating expert in your area and have it repaired fast. TalkLocal would be glad to help your search. We can connect you to up to three local heating professionals – no hassle or charges to you. Try Talk Local now!

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

A Guide to Storm Shutters

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

If you want to protect your window openings, consider investing in durable, aesthetically pleasing storm shutters. There is a generous selection of models on the market, offering various benefits and displaying different price tags.

Check out the Most Common Types of Storm Shutters

You should know that there are numerous types of hurricane shutters that could provide a high level of protection for your home. Buy the best ones according to your design specifications and preferences, favorite materials, and financial possibilities.

Looking for the best candidates for this job? If so, note that storm panel hurricane shutters made from steel and aluminum are strong, durable, inexpensive, and completely removable. They cost up to $8 per square foot.

Furthermore, some models of Accordion hurricane shutters can be locked and represent an exceptional theft deterrent. Their prices range from $16 to $20 per square foot.

Permanently affixed Colonial hurricane shutters can beautify your property, but require an extended storm preparation time of up to 45 minutes. Roll-down shutters are fairly reliable, but also very expensive. Opt for this last alternative only if you can afford to pay $55 per square foot.

Make Your Own Storm Shutters

Storm shutters are extremely practical when it comes to minimizing damages triggered by extreme weather events. This doesn’t mean that they have to be ugly! If you aren’t able to find attractive, colorful, resistant storm shutters in your price range, don’t hesitate to create your own.

For this relatively simple DIY project, you would need a basic set of tools, a sheet of plywood, plus two hinges and six latches for each window. To obtain excellent results, remember to measure twice and cut once.

Ask an Expert

Choosing the perfect storm shutters shouldn’t be a hassle. If you need expert guidance to make an informed purchase, contact the best storm replacement specialists in your area by using TalkLocal, a free service that will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes.

Tags: storm shutters
Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

How to Improve Gas Mileage of Snow Tires

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

With winter approaching, it’s wise to start preparing for the cold season early on. Besides making sure that your house is properly insulated to keep you warm during the following months, you most certainly want to have your car ready for snowy and icy roads.

So the first thing to consider is replacing your all-season tires with snow tires. To save money on gas, it’s important to know a few things about snow tires and gas mileage. Here are a few tips on how to improve gas mileage of snow tires.

Make Sure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

Evidence shows that about one in two drivers fail to inflate their tires adequately, which is both unsafe and detrimental for the vehicle. Moreover, failing to have optimal air pressure in your tires negatively influences your gas mileage. Under-inflated tires are subject to more road friction, which is bad for gas mileage.

Check the air pressure in your tires from time to time. Make sure they are inflated as per manufacturers’ recommendations. You can do that with a tire pressure gauge, readily available in auto parts stores and gas stations. You can also have your tires checked at an auto repair shop. Make sure you check all the tires to make sure they’re equally inflated.

Choose Your Tires Wisely

Snow tires are specially designed to make driving through snow easier, but gas mileage is affected. To minimize this effect, you can consider using steel belted tires, which will improve your gas mileage during winter time.

Another aspect to keep in mind when it comes to gas mileage of snow tires is the rolling resistance of the tire. A tire with low rolling resistance is better for your gas mileage. The same goes for wide or studded tires.

Check Your Car’s Balance

After you’ve fitted your snow tires in readiness for winter, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop and have a mechanic check the alignment and balance of your car’s wheels. Proper alignment and balance means lower gas consumption.

While it’s important to keep all parts of your vehicle well maintained, it’s advisable to give the tires a high degree of attention. This way you’ll be safe and benefit from the best possible gas mileage of snow tires.

Need Help?

If you need expert advice on how to choose the best snow tires and have them installed, TalkLocal can put you in contact with a local professional right away.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

Repairing Roof Hail Damage

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

Knowing how to repair roof hail damage is important. Roof hail damage is mostly circular and can sometimes be large and troublesome to homeowners. Remember, it’s not always safe to go up onto the roof right after a hail storm, because the roof is still slippery. You have to wait until the roof is reasonably dry before you go up to inspect any damage. Depending on how big your roof is, the damage may be significant.

Here, we show you how to repair your roof after a hail storm.

1. Wait

Wait until the hail storm is over and the roof is completely dry before you go up and inspect the roof. If you decide to go up right after the hail storm, you risk slipping and falling off of your roof.

2. Inspect

Look for broken or missing shingles and gutters that are broken or misplaced. Also, look for holes or gouges that the hail storm has made. Especially if the hail has been large, these holes should be circular and big, with high impact holes.

3. Watch Out

Look for other debris that the wind has brought to your roof, like twigs and branches, and clear them out. These will weigh down your roof and make it harder for you to repair your roof.

4. Repair

Once you know what the broken or missing parts of your roof are, repair them immediately. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can repair it yourself, or you may need to call an expert to do the repairs. If the only problem is a missing shingle or two, then you can repair them yourself. However, if the hail has gouged out holes in your roof, you need to call an expert to repair roof hail damage.

Found a Large Hole?

You need to call an expert today! Contact TalkLocal.], and we can help you with finding an expert roofer near your area to help you repair roof hail damage.

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

What to Do When the Muffler is Falling Off Your Car

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

Are you driving with your car muffler at risk of falling off? Maybe you just drove home with half of the muffler dragging on the road. There could be a number of reasons why the muffler is falling off your car.

One of the most common causes of this problem is corrosion in the exhaust pipe. Some part of the pipe may be rusted through, such as the joint connecting it to the muffler, which would naturally cause the parts to break apart.

A damaged exhaust bracket is another possible reason behind muffler problems. The bracket may have come off due to loose screws or a worn out weld, which would cause the muffler to fall off too. Of course, it can also happen that you just hit a pothole and this caused your muffler to break off. If your muffler is in a condition where it is not salvageable, you should consider replacing it. You can find a muffler for your specific vehicle from Amazon and have it shipped overnight starting at $26.99.

Bring to a Pro

Whatever caused it, now that the muffler is falling off your car, what should you do? The best answer when dealing with any muffler problem, whether it’s a broken or loud muffler, is to bring your car to a muffler shop as soon as possible. Not only can you get a ticket if you’re driving your car without a muffler, but, more importantly, it creates a high risk of dangerous carbon monoxide leaking into your car. Furthermore, having no muffler will naturally increase the noise level created by your vehicle’s engine.

Quick Fix

If you are not able to have it repaired just yet, there are temporary fixes you can try to put the muffler back on as long as it is not entirely corroded or worn out. A new muffler clamp may work to attach it to the exhaust pipe. You will need to get a new bracket or hanger to support the muffler’s weight and prevent it from falling off. You can also find and purchase a muffler clamp from Amazon and have it shipped overnight starting at $2.48.

Solve the Problem

If the muffler is falling off your car and you want to deal with it pronto, a professional auto repair technician is what you need. Contact TalkLocal now to be connected with a qualified auto repair service nearest you.

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Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

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