Common Problems of Roof Drains on Flat Roofs

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

With a flat roof, being able to drain water from the roof is vital to protect the structure of your home. Having good roof drains on flat roofs is crucial to relieve the roof from the weight of the water collecting on it. However, if there are a few puddles on your roof, those should not pose any concerns with the performance of your roofing system. It’s only normal for flat roofs to have small pools of water after a rain. However, some common problems with flat roof drainage may need to be addressed.

1. The roof is not sloped properly.

If drains are not installed with a sump, the drain ring can create a significant obstruction in the drainage to cause a large pool of water. Consequently, this pool will allow more debris to collect easily on the roof surface, which will only increase the level of water above the roof.

2. The drains were not installed properly.

Primary drains and/or secondary roof drains on flat roofs should be installed at the correct elevation. If the secondary drain is placed at a height that is too low, it will lead to constant water pooling around the drains. Unfortunately, improper installation is quite common, especially if the roofer is not experienced working with roof drains for flat roofs.

3. Some parts are not heavy-duty.

Some flat roof drainage systems have plastic parts, which are not as durable as the rest of the roofing material. When these plastic components deteriorate and fall apart, they end up clogging the drains. Sometimes, they are blown away and the drain is left unprotected from debris.

4. The drainage system is not properly maintained.

In cleaning their roof drains, homeowners usually just drain the water that has backed up the drains without clearing the debris off their roof. When debris is left on the roof, it will only be washed back to the drain when it rains again, causing another blockage to the drain.

Solve Roof Drainage Problems

Let professional roofing contractors eliminate your issues with roof drains, flat roofs, or any roof for that matter. They can check the installation of all roof drains to ensure proper placement and elevation. They can also put in place a regular maintenance program to avoid blockages in your system.

Let Seva Call help you find local reputable roofers now. Send us your service request and we’ll take care of the search for you, for free! Connect with professionals in your area in just minutes!

Tags: Roof Drains on Flat Roofs
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Houston, Seva Call has Landed!

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

Heeeeeeelllllllloooooooo, Houston!

Seva Man is taking his first ever Texas Tour. During the next few weeks, Seva Man will be hitting up thirteen lucky cities in the state where everything’s bigger and better. From San Antonio to Dallas, from Lubbock to Corpus Christi, it’s a cross-state road trip to share the word about Seva Call.

First stop: you guessed it, Houston!

There are a lot of cool things about Houston. Like the fact that its home to Mission Control for NASA. (Hence the ever famous line “Houston, we have liftoff”). It’s also the 4th largest city in the U.S (because everything really is bigger in Texas) and has one of the most beautiful skylines Seva Man has ever had the opportunity to fly over.

Well, Houston, Seva Call has just landed in Texas, and we’re getting bigger and better everyday.

Check out this video to see who we are and what we do.

When looking for one of over 13,200 service professionals in Houston, you want to find the right company the first time. Seva Call’s innovative algorithm aggregates social media popularity, online reviews, and call ratings; calculates the results, and plucks out the best service companies in the Houston area.

When you go to www.talklocal.com and put in the details of your service request, we will connect you with these top-rated professionals to do the job when and where you want it done. It’s a completely free service to you, and we will connect you using a specialized phone line to protect your contact information from spammers and telemarketers.

Seva Call is THE mission control for local service professionals. You can trust us for safe take-off starting off any new project.

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How to Fix Leaning Mailbox Posts

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

If your mailbox is leaning for various reasons, such as severe weather or improper installation, sooner or later you’ll have to fix it. That’s a must-do, especially if you consider selling your house. Here’s what you should know about how to fix leaning mailbox posts.

1. Remove the Leaning Mailbox Post from the Ground

If your mailbox is installed on a wooden or metal post and it’s leaning, the best way to fix it is to dig it out of the ground. This may be an easy job if the post was simply stuck into the ground without having a foundation. If the initial hole was not deep enough, the cause of the leaning is obvious. If the ground around the post is packed very hard, is stony, or has a thin layer of concrete, you might need to use a mattock to break up the surface.

2. Prepare the Hole for the Mailbox Post

To make sure your mailbox will withstand the test of time, you need to dig a hole which is about two feet deep and about half of that in diameter. After digging the hole, insert a layer of gravel into it to minimize the effect of water infiltration. If you use a metal mailbox pole, the gravel on the bottom of the hole will help prevent rusting.

3. Insert the Mailbox Post into the Ground

Insert the post into the hole and add soil to keep it in place. Level the mailbox post and fill the hole with dirt. Make sure the mailbox post stands up straight, and tread on the dirt to pack it down. Don’t forget that the ideal length of a mailbox pole is 41-45 inches above ground level.

How Can You Fix Leaning Mailbox Posts with Cement Bases?

If your leaning mailbox is set in cement, it will be more difficult to fix it, but you can do so by enlarging the base. Repeat the first step by removing the mailbox, make the hole wider, reinsert the mailbox post, and add cement to make the post stand upright.

Get Professional Help

If you don’t want to repair your mailbox yourself, Seva Call can get you professional help by putting you in touch with local handymen who can get the job done in no time. Our service is fast and free of charge.

Tags: mailbox, quick fix, repair
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Terminix Ratings Online

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Terminix is a large pest control company. It offers extensive services to help residential and commercial customers address seasonal pest threats from termites, rodents, spiders, bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, and others. As with any service provider, no matter how popular, it is helpful to check what others are saying about the provider before getting their service.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable online Terminix ratings that you can take a look at. Here are some major points to consider before hiring this company as well as corresponding Terminix ratings.

Service Coverage: Rated 9.4/10

Terminix handles the widest variety of pests, offering treatment for common and uncommon pests. They have developed their own treatments for fleas and certain types of bugs. They can also protect your home from local pests. Terminix also specializes in controlling mosquitoes and rodents and even snakes. Do note, however, that mosquitoes cannot be completely wiped out, but they can be effectively controlled. One service not offered by Terminix is bird and bat control, although this is a fairly common problem.

Customer Support: Rated 10/10

Terminix rates perfectly in this area with customers reporting the company’s very quick response and excellent support. In addition to quarterly scheduled visits, their crew will come back to your home as many times as needed until your pest problem is resolved.

Everything they do is monitored closely, and each visit includes comprehensive reporting so you can see the progress of the job. You can also call them at any hour of the day for emergency pest problems. There are many online Terminix customer testimonials and Terminix ratings, so take advantage of all of these to see whether this company is worth your business.

Hire a Reputable Pest Control Company

Obviously, hiring a pest control company with a good reputation is important. We understand this, so we pre-screen every service provider in our network. With Seva Call’s help, we’ll make sure you get connected with qualified pest control companies with no time wasted.

Tags: Terminix Ratings
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AO Smith Hot Water Heater Options for the Home

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

A. O. Smith is a water heater manufacturer based in Tennessee with products for residential and commercial use. It’s a trusted name that has been in the business for more than 70 years. For your home, you will find several AO Smith hot water heater options to choose from. In fact, they have around 160 models on their website just for propane water heaters.

Of course, they offer all the other types of water heaters, such as tankless water heaters, solar water heaters, electric water heaters, and hybrid water heaters. Once you’ve chosen the type of AO Smith hot water heater to buy, you can then narrow down your choices by different filter options like capacity, BTU input, or emissions to specific product lines, features, and fuel type.

Product Models

Because of the myriad of AO Smith hot water heater options available, it will make shopping much easier if you become familiar with the most popular AO Smith hot water heater models and what each can do.

Energy Saver: These gas- or propane-fueled water heaters are designed to completely meet all governmental safety requirements for the installation of manufactured housing. They come in either standard venting or direct venting units, with your choice of natural gas or propane operation.

Conservationist®: This line is available in either gas or electric models and is one of the most energy-efficient water heaters around. The gas-fueled model features corrosion resistant glass coating and environmentally friendly gas burners designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NO) emissions by more than 30 percent compared to regular burners. The electric models feature heating elements than can last thrice as long as regular elements made of copper.

Vertex™: These innovative models are also highly efficient, delivering long-lasting hot water supply that can match larger water heaters, so they are perfect for homes with high water heating needs. They are about the same size as the regular units, making them easy to install.

Effex®: This line of state-of-the-art conventional vent gas water heaters are the most efficient models available in today’s market. It is perfect for homeowners looking for a hassle-free way to upgrade old, inefficient water heaters.

ProMax®: This is a line of gas and electric water heaters that are designed to give you huge energy savings. The gas models feature side loop vents, very low NO emissions, and high recovery, which makes them suitable for households with high water needs. The electric models are engineered for reduced sediment and lime buildup. Thick foam insulation (CFC-free) provides exceptional efficiency.

Voltex®: This AO Smith’s line of hybrid electric water heaters utilizes heat pump technology that allows it to store more energy and, thus, boost savings. It is simple to use and comes in 50- to 80-gallon units.

Are You Ready to Buy?

You can only purchase an AO Smith hot water heater exclusively from plumbing contractors and wholesalers. Find a plumber near you – quickly and at no cost – with Seva Call‘s help! Try us now.

Tags: AO Smith Hot Water Heater
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Miracle Grow Plant Food

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Numerous homeowners who want to beautify their indoor and outdoor spaces and feel the need to contemplate Mother Nature’s perfection on a daily basis choose to cultivate delicate, appealing plants.

However, this task is not as easy as it might seem, as different plants have different feeding requirements that should be taken into consideration by their owner.

In this context, how could one identify the right miracle grow plant food? Discover the best answer to this question by contacting a gifted landscaper who knows more than a thing or two about garden plants and their particular growing conditions.

Analyze Your Garden Plants and Their Special Feeding Requirements

Some varieties, like Camellia or Azalea, for instance, require special plant food. However, if your plants are not very “picky” when it comes to their food, you could easily offer them an all-purpose Miracle-Gro formulation, allowing them to grow properly.

How to Spot the Right Type of Plant Food

How could you possibly make an inspired decision when you have to analyze a plentitude of products promising more than satisfactory results? Identify the best type of plant food based on how much time you plan to invest in your gardening project.

Some people spend at least a couple of hours a day cleaning, watering, and feeding their plants. Others don’t have that much time on their hands and would rather go for a different type of plant food that can be applied every once in a while. In this case, you should know that concentrated formulas are for those who love to spend a lot of time in the garden, while controlled-release miracle grow plant food is suitable for owners who want to feed their plants every 3 to 12 months.

When it comes to choosing the right type of plant food, you definitely want to invest in a product that is easy to use. The LiquaFeed formula from Miracle-Gro can be easily applied in your garden thanks to its ingenious hose-end feeder, and it enables gardeners to water and feed their plants simultaneously. Also, Miracle-Gro brings plant lovers a wide range of compost-based products, which can absorb a significant amount of water (usually twice as much as homemade compost) and release it at the right time.

Need More Info?

People who love gardening are often wasting a lot of time trying to find the best answers to numerous questions. Focus your entire attention on your plants and let a skilled landscaper offer you the most accurate information, as well as high-quality services that could turn your garden into a small corner of paradise. Meet the best landscapers by relying on Seva Call, a great free service introduced to help you meet competent professionals in your area.

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Which Chromebook Is the Best?

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

People who want to purchase an insanely sophisticated gadget carrying a reasonable price tag are flirting with the idea of purchasing a Chromebook. In this context, those who hate the idea of throwing money out the window are probably asking themselves the following question: which Chromebook is the best? Keep reading to discover the best answer to your question.

Advantages Provided by Chromebooks

What’s so special about Chromebooks anyway? These inexpensive gadgets may surprise you with a relatively long list of advantages, including the following:

– Fair price

– Rapid start (most models can be turned on in less than 8 seconds)

– Satisfactory performance

– A familiar, intuitive interface

– Cloud storage (some models come with free cloud storage for a limited period of time)

– Security advantages

What Type of Model Would Be More Suitable for Me?

Make an informed purchase by evaluating your own needs and requirements, in terms of design, performance, price tag storage, memory, screen size, and various other selection criteria that you could consider important.

Acer Chromebook C710-2847 is well liked for its 320 GB hard drive and for its minuscule price tag of only $199. This is definitely the best option for those who want to purchase a quality, inexpensive Chromebook.

Google Chromebook Pixel is up to 6 times more expensive than you average Chromebook. It costs no less than $1,300, displays a battery life of only 5.5 hours, a 12.8-inch screen, a memory of 4 GB, and an appealing design.

HP Pavilion 14-c010us Chromebook costs $329 and gets bonus points for its large screen (14 inches), comparable to the one displayed by your old-fashioned laptop. However, its battery life isn’t remarkable.

Samsung Chromebook XE303C12-A01US is appreciated for its matte display, which makes it easier for people to use it in well-lit environments or in outdoor spaces. It is decently priced at $249 and comes with a 16 GB SSD (solid-state drive).

Ask an Expert

Don’t know which Chromebook is the best? If so, get the best advice from an experienced computer repair specialist. Find the best one in your area with Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professionals in your area.

Tags: Which Chromebook Is the Best
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Efficient Wood Stoves

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

An efficient wood stove can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. But how can you actually determine the energy efficiency of your stove? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, older wood stoves (manufactured before 1990) are far from being the best option at hand for those who want to profit from energy savings and monetary advantages.

Superior Energy Efficiency: the Main Reason Why You Should Buy a Newer Wood Stove

Older models of wood stoves create a lot of dust in your indoor spaces, waste wood by burning it inefficiently, and can even lower air quality in your entire neighborhood. These are all great reasons to invest in newer models which display elevated levels of energy efficiency.

New models of wood burners

– Help users save time and money

– Exceed the energy efficiency of older product by up to 50%

– Reduce creosote accumulations in the chimney, enabling owners to reduce home fire risks

– Reduce indoor and outdoor pollution levels by up to 70%, minimizing considerable health risks (asthma, allergies, severe respiratory problems)

In order to experience considerable health, environmental, and monetary benefits, the Environmental Protection Agency advises homeowners to replace their outdated wood-burning heating appliances with an efficient wood stove.

Insulate Your Home to Avoid Energy Losses

In some cases, people buy the most expensive model of wood stove and expect to witness major improvements in the blink of an eye. This is not how it works. In order to reduce their utility bills, first they have to weatherize their properties, by insulating crevices and cracks. This simple action leads to considerable energy savings.

Ask an Expert

These days, one can easily spot numerous manufacturing companies offering reliable, durable, aesthetically pleasing wood-burning stoves. Choose the most efficient wood stove based on your specific heating needs by consulting a specialist. Find the most competent heating and cooling expert in your area with Seva Call, a free service designed to help you identify real pros in your area in no time.

Tags: Efficient Wood Stove
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How to Patch Vinyl Siding

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

Have you found a small crack or hole on your vinyl siding? You probably don’t know what caused the damage. Whatever the reason is, what’s important is fixing the damage to make sure moisture, insects, or dust do not enter your home. The good news is you can repair most small vinyl siding damage without hiring a contractor. Here’s how to patch vinyl siding.

How to Patch Vinyl Siding

Step 1: Clean the area of the siding surrounding the hole using a vinyl siding cleaning product or a solution of water and dish detergent. Dry the siding after cleaning.

Step 2: Use a sharp utility knife or shears to cut scrap vinyl siding to the right length, which should allow several inches away from the hole.

Step 3: Again, use a utility knife to cut away the top most section of the scrap vinyl, making sure to cut along the nail hem and not the entire curved edge. Do the same trimming on the bottom edge of the patch vinyl siding, leaving the curved edge intact. After cutting off the top and bottom of the patch, it should be flat with curved top and bottom edges.

Step 4: Press down the patch vinyl siding over the hole. You should be able to fit together the curved edges of the patch with the ridges of the existing siding. However, if the patch will not fit the damaged area, you can make it flat instead by cutting off both curved edges.

Step 5: Fit a vinyl siding caulk of matching color to your siding into a caulk gun. Apply the caulk onto the patch vinyl siding generously and then apply a string of caulk around the hole to be covered.

Step 6: Install the patch vinyl siding over the damaged area, applying some pressure to help the panels adhere together well. Allow the caulk to dry according to manufacturer recommendations. If you want to, you may also apply more sealant along the fringe of the patch. Note: If you ended up using a flat patch vinyl siding, secure it with painter’s tape until the caulk has dried.

When You Need a Pro

If the damage on your siding is large or extensive and requires more than just a quick fix, it is best to hire a professional to assess the damage and handle the repair or replacement of your vinyl siding. Seva Call is just what you need to find a professional contractor right away. Our search and matching service is fast and free. Contact us today!

Tags: Patch Vinyl Siding
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Where Do Orthodontists Work?

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

Orthodontists straighten your teeth, fix “bad bite” problems, and make the most of techniques and products utilized to guarantee an envy-generating smile. They apply pressure on the patients’ crooked teeth, make them move, and gradually bring them into an ideal position. But where do orthodontists work? Keep reading to find out.

Things You Need to Know Before Scheduling an Appointment with an Orthodontist

Good orthodontists are specialized in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, required to correct certain dental problems. Their main goal is to help patients take pride in perfectly aligned teeth and provide excellent results, in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

They diagnose the problem and elaborate a suitable treatment plan based on x-rays and realistic models of the patients’ teeth. Orthodontists can create these models on their own, or by contracting the services of a technician.

Where Could I Find an Orthodontist?

Where do orthodontists work? Orthodontists work in modern office environments, equipped with all the tools and the products that they may need, in order to perform surgical or non-surgical orthodontic procedures.

They typically work 5 days a week, from Monday to Friday, but some of them also choose to see their patients in the evening and are extremely flexible when it comes to scheduling appointments.

How to Find a Good Orthodontist in Your Area

Did you know that more than 8,300 orthodontists currently operate in the U.S.? Moreover, 420 new employment opportunities for orthodontists are created on an annual basis in America.

In this context, finding the best specialists can be quite challenging. Check out online reviews and ask your closest friends and coworkers for recommendations, to narrow down your search. Better yet, use Seva Call, a free service, to identify the most respectable orthodontists who provide high-quality services in your area. Save time, money and effort by tracking local experts with Seva Call.

Tags: Where Do Orthodontists Work
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