Make Over Your Porch with Front Porch Repairs

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

One of the nicest places to just hang around in is your very own porch. However, porch maintenance is not always a breeze. Unless yours have a closed-in design, the porch gets a lot of beating from the elements. Also, most porches are not attached to the main foundation of the house and are only supported by a landing place of bricks or blocks that settles over time and eventually causes the porch to collapse.

Here are the steps to perform basic front porch repairs:

1. Take out all the floorboards, making sure not to cause damage to the supporting joists below.

2. On one side of the foundation, remove one foundation block by cutting out the mortar around it. Take a new block. Spread cement mortar and sand mix over its edges and tap it into the foundation evenly. Clean out the extra mortar around the block and make new lines of mortar so that the block matches the existing foundation.

3. To this new block, add a front cover made of stainless steel mesh to let air circulate well underneath the porch. Cut the screen so it fits the block tightly. Attach to the mortar line by tapping it in with a trowel.

4. With a nail gun, attach new lumber beams to the existing joists. The new joist should be a quarter of an inch elevated at the house end.

5. Install the subfloor, positioning the joist and cross joist at right angles to each other. Start laying the floor from the outside, allowing 16 inches of space in between cross joists.

6. Install the tongue-and-groove boards perpendicular to the cross joists. Put some construction adhesive to reinforce bonding.

7. When the floor is complete, place a temporary wooden edge to the porch to guide you and protect the porch as you saw off the uneven floor ends. Paint your finished porch.

Replacement Ideas

Sometimes, quick front porch repairs are not enough and replacement of components become called necessary. For the frame, consider replacing rotten or insect-damaged wood frames with pressure-treated lumber, which can ward off termites and wood decay. This new system will last you for many years.

When it comes to wooden floorboards, these could suffer from wood rot during the damp cold months. When summer comes, they easily crack when exposed to the sun. Replace the boards with composite deck material, which doesn’t crack and decay and is virtually maintenance-free.

You can also upgrade wood railings, columns, and other parts of your porch with high-density urethane components, which are reinforced with steel for durability. Plus, they never need repainting.

Need Help with Front Porch Repairs?

Restore the beauty and function of your front porch with the help of a professional handyman. Let Seva Call find up to three professionals in your area so you can choose the right one for your job. We work fast and won’t charge you a dollar. Contact us now!

Tags: Front Porch Repairs
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Patio Paver Materials

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

Patio pavers can be considered the wow factor of any outdoor area. They are a valuable feature serving a decorative purpose, but they also ensure a superior structural stability for your high-traffic areas. Choosing the right patio paver materials is perhaps one of the most important assignments that you should focus on, to complete this DIY project in a successful manner.

Find the Best Patio Paver Materials

Paving is one of the most costly elements that you should factor in when it comes to conducting a home improvement project that targets your garden or your yard. This is precisely why you should choose the best materials for this job based on several selection criteria, including the following ones:

1) Looks and functionality

2) Maintenance requirements

3) Price tag

4) The demands of your specific application

In other words, opt for a material matching your aesthetic demands, financial possibilities, and real needs. Note that some products are ideal only for certain applications. For example, tile is a very popular option, suitable for paving patios and pool decks, but it shouldn’t be utilized to build or restore a driveway, because it isn’t durable enough for this application.

Moreover, several patio paver materials are extremely versatile, can be used to complete different DIY projects, and are available in a plenitude of colors, enabling you to go for the styles and patterns that you like best. Decorative concrete can be listed in this category.

Ask an Expert

Decomposed granite, stone, brick, tile, and gravel are also fantastic alternatives that may work for you. If you are looking for the very best patio paver materials, but don’t know how to find them or how to mix and match them to obtain an interesting design, ask for help today. Meet some of the most competent landscapers in your area by utilizing Seva Call, your free expert tracking service.

Tags: Patio Paver Materials
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How to Choose From Whirlpool Water Heaters

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

Running out of hot water or paying too much for water and heating costs is something no homeowner looks forward to. However, when you’re shopping for a new water heater, it’s hard to tell which unit will be dependable and which might leave you taking a cold shower in the morning. Whirlpool water heaters come in all sorts of sizes, heat units, etc. and they have a reputation for being dependable. If you’re having trouble figuring out which is right for your home, consider these tips for picking out the perfect unit.

Write Down Your Current Unit’s Requirements

Before you pick a new water heater, write down what your current unit has. You’ll need to write down the gallon capacity, fuel units required (gas or electric), whether it needs natural gas or propane, and the diameter of the exhaust vent (if applicable).

Use a Water Heating Size Guide

Whirlpool water heaters offer water heater sizing guides to help you determine what size unit you’ll need. For example, a family of five or more would need 80 to 119 gallons for electric and 50 to 100 gallons for a gas water heater. The higher number of gallons is appropriate if your house is a high-demand house (meaning you use a lot of hot water on a daily basis), while the lower number is for a regular or low-demand house.

Other Things to Consider

Even though you know what size and fuel type you need, there are special circumstances that can change your purchase decision. Some additional things to consider can include:

1. If your home has an oversized or jetted tub, people shower at the same time, or you do several loads of hot laundry per day, you might want a larger capacity unit.

2. If you’re going to stay in your home for a long time, pick a model that has a longer warranty period.

Install Your Water Heater Right and Maintain It

Proper installation and maintenance is what keeps Whirlpool water heaters lasting for a long time. Try Seva Call today to find a plumber in your area that knows how to install and maintain Whirlpool units so you can maximize the return on your investment.

Tags: whirlpool water heater
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The Search for the Best Auto Glass Repair Shops

Monday, February 10th, 2014

The best auto glass repair shops will be able to handle your repair needs and provide you with quality services to fix or replace your vehicle’s windshield, rear or side glass. You can tell a shop is experienced in auto glass repair simply by the range of services they offer, which can include back auto glass repair, windshield repair and replacement, rock chip repairs, door glass repairs, and others.However, while the best auto glass repair shops will have no problems fixing any auto glass damage, they usually have a specific expertise.

Also, the best auto glass repair shops provide convenient services. First, they are located in an accessible area so customers can reach them easily. They are also able to make both in-shop and mobile repairs whether at home or at a workplace or even on the road to serve customers who cannot travel to their shop.

Beware of These Auto Glass Repair Shops

As you may know, many dishonest businesses lure customers with cheap car repairs. Before you fall into these unscrupulous deals, keep the following in mind:

– Don’t deal with auto glass repair shops that only list their mobile phone numbers. Visit shops personally so you can see for yourself whether their facility is properly licensed to provide auto repair services.

– Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints filed against a particular shop.

– When interviewing potential auto glass repair shops, ask how long it will take them to complete your auto glass repair service. If they tell you they can finish the job in less than an hour, it’s very likely they are not experienced or knowledgeable about the job, or they could be using poor-quality adhesives.

– Find out what type of glass the shop will use. Reputable auto glass repair shops always use OEM replacement parts or those that are made by the original parts manufacturer.

– Don’t be too quick to get the services of a shop just because they will throw in free services like brake checks or rust removal. It’s likely these will come at an extra but hidden cost.

With these tips, you should be able to spot which auto glass repair shops to avoid and which you should consider for your auto glass repair needs.

Are You In Need of Auto Glass Repair?

Through Seva Call’s free service, we can match you with auto glass repair shops in your area that are experienced in repairing your auto glass. Seva Call makes sure you will be connected with only qualified service providers that can fix your auto glass properly. Try Seva Call now!

Tags: Auto Glass Repair Shops
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Sheet Metal Heating Ducts

Monday, February 10th, 2014

These days, HVAC systems influence our level of comfort a great deal and enable us to turn our homes into pleasant, cozy environments. Its components play an important part in this equation and should be inspected periodically.

For instance, high-quality sheet metal heating ducts can often raise the performance of an air distribution system, turning it into an excellent long-term investment.

The Pros and Cons of Sheet Metal Heating Ducts

If you want to install or replace your current HVAC system, you should know that you have the opportunity to choose from different types of ducts. All of them display their fair share of advantages. Metallic, rigid ones and their flexible counterparts made from corrugated plastic are two of the most popular choices.

Sheet metal ducts have a long service life and are well liked for the fact that they trigger a superior energy-efficiency and remarkable performance. On the other hand, because they are very rigid, they require lots of space. Nonetheless, you can order custom-made ductwork, especially designed to guarantee a perfect fit in your own environment.

Sheet Metal or Flexible Ducts?

Flexible ducts are cost-effective, even though they do not last as long as their rigid, metallic counterparts do. They are usually manufactured from corrugated plastic, and they are properly insulated to preserve heat in an ideal manner.

Due to their flexibility, they can be implemented even in the tightest areas where the installation of full-size sheet metal ducts is out of the question. Therefore, would it be better to install sheet metal or flexible, plastic ducts? In the end, the choice is up to you. Make a final decision based on the criteria that matter to you the most, like for instance price tag, lifespan, durability, performance, and so on.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know much about sheet metal heating ducts and their unique particularities? If so, eliminate all doubts by contacting the best heating and cooling expert in your area. Find the most competent ones in your area with Seva Call, your one and only expert tracking service.

Tags: Sheet Metal Heating Ducts
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When to Replace Engine Coolant

Monday, February 10th, 2014

Engine coolant or radiator fluid is an essential element of your vehicle’s cooling system. Also called antifreeze coolant, it is responsible for cooling your engine while your car is running. During winter, it prevents the engine from freezing if you park it outside. Changing the engine coolant on time is vital to keep your car in good condition.

When to Replace Engine Coolant

Engine coolant contains antifreeze liquid and water. After extensive use, it may accumulate dirt and various contaminants or it may turn acidic, which will not only prevent your car from functioning properly, but could also damage the engine.

Car manufacturers advise drivers to change the engine coolant every two to three years, or after an average of 24,000-36,000 miles.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this can also be influenced by how and where you drive your car. For instance, if you live in a hot climate and use your vehicle often, you might need to replace the engine coolant sooner. Experts recommend you do this before you hit 15,000 miles.

What You Need to Do

You can take your car to an auto shop to have your engine coolant changed by a mechanic, or if you feel comfortable about it, you can do it yourself. The process is not complicated, and if you haven’t done it before, you can learn it easily. To be on the safe side, you can ask an experienced person to assist you the first time you attempt to do this.

Steps to Follow When Replacing Engine Coolant

1. Remove your radiator drain plug, and wait for the engine coolant to drain. The plug is on the radiator bottom.

2. Flush the radiator and the entire cooling system of your car to eliminate dirt that hasn’t been evacuated with the fluid.

3. Refill the radiator with new engine coolant, containing the antifreeze and water mix.

4. Dispose old engine coolant properly by taking it to a recycling center.

Need Help with Your Car?

Seva Call can connect you with a dependable auto shop in your local area right away. With our help, you won’t need to waste precious time looking for trustworthy professionals.

Tags: When to Replace Engine Coolant
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Snow Guards Gutters

Monday, February 10th, 2014

People who live in areas impacted by harsh winters should take a few extra measures of precaution to protect their properties against water damage. Melted snow can easily take you by surprise and cause an endless list of costly roofing problems. This is the main reason why you should protect your gutters by implementing cheap, easy-to-install snow guards gutters.

How Can Snow Gutter Guards actually Help You?

If you want to invest less time, effort, and money in roof maintenance projects, start by buying and installing the very best snow gutter guards, commercialized by respectable brands. These products serve three purposes:

a) They prevent the formation of icicles that could trigger extensive property damage and considerable safety risks

b) They make snow and ice accumulations melt at a faster pace

c) They help you weatherize your property

How Could I Choose the Right Snow Gutter Guards?

There are numerous appealing options on the market, so finding the most suitable snow guards gutters can take time. To simplify your mission, start by consulting online reviews. Melted snow guards are considered an excellent investment, since they can withstand lower temperatures and manage to prevent icicles from appearing on your roof.

Moreover, the most effective types of gutter guards also stop debris, small animals, tree branches, and dead leaves from clogging your gutter system and keep it clean and fully-functional for many years to come.

Ask an Expert

On average, good snow guards gutters can help you save up to $1,500 annually, otherwise spent on gutter cleaning operations. Not sure how to find and install the best guards? If so, just consult a dependable local roofer. Find the most reliable ones with Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professionals in your area.

Tags: Snow Guards Gutters
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How to Save Energy on Hot Water Heating Costs

Monday, February 10th, 2014

Have you ever wondered how you could save energy on hot water heating costs? Check out this quick video for some helpful hints!

Created by SaveOnEnergy.com

If you have more questions or are having issues with your hot water heater, speak with a reputable professional today. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, so you can get the help you need when you need it!

Posted in Plumbers, talklocal | No Comments »

Basic Steps of Carpet Water Extraction

Friday, February 7th, 2014

When you’re carpeting has been flooded, for whatever reason, you need to act quickly to address the situation. First of all, identify the source of the water entering your home. If possible, stop the leak. However, if contaminated water is involved, do not attempt the carpet water extraction or clean-up on your own.

Black water or contaminated water is not just simply dirty. It is laden with all sorts of disease-carrying pollutants from sewage or floodwaters. In this case, it is a must that you call a professional water restoration and carpet cleaning company for help. Avoid coming into contact with contaminated water or with the wet carpeting until the professional crew arrives.

If the water is not contaminated, do the following steps to extract the water from your carpet:

Clear the Area

Before you start the extraction, move out the furniture in the room, especially wood furniture that can emit its wood stain or finish and permanently stain your carpet. Also, make sure to remove all other objects that have been damaged or affected by the flooding or leakage such as cushions or clothing that may obstruct the carpet water extraction and drying process.

Begin Carpet Water Extraction

The most important thing to remember about this task is that you need to use a carpet water extractor or a wet/dry vacuum and not a regular home vacuum. Carpet water extractors can be rented from your local hardware store and retail stores, among other sources.

To start extracting water, slowly go over the entire affected area with the vacuum wand. Continue vacuuming until you can see there’s no more water being suctioned into the tank. It may take you some time to finish depending on how saturated the carpet is.

When you’ve extracted all of the water from the carpet, empty the extractor’s reserve tank. Vacuum the carpet one more time for good measure.

Dry the Area

Adequate air circulation is very important to restore wet carpets successfully. To speed up the drying process, consider installing a dehumidifier or an industrial-sized fan. Leave this equipment running continually until your carpeting has dried thoroughly. Keep the fans on for up to 48 hours to make sure the carpet padding dries completely.

When You Need Expert Carpet Cleaning

While having your own carpet cleaner at home is great, sometimes it’s still necessary to call for professional service. To locate reliable carpet cleaning companies in your area, use TalkLocal. We’ll connect you directly with qualified carpet cleaners in just a few minutes!

Tags: Carpet Water Extraction
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Great Garden Plants

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Before actually planting your garden, you have to decide what kind of fruits, veggies, and herbs you would like to grow in your outdoor space. Below you will find some relevant info on great garden plants that may raise your interest.

Do a Little Research on Your Own

It is highly recommended to find out more about the specific requirements of each type of plant before buying the seeds. Choose wisely, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Pick the best plants for your garden based on…

1) Climate

2) Soil particularities and available space

3) Feeding and caring requirements

4) Planting and harvesting time

5) Personal needs and preferences

Discover Great Garden Plants that You May Love

There are millions of types of annual and perennial plants to choose from. Some of them attract butterflies; others attract hummingbirds. Some of them provide extra shade – others bloom all summer long. The key is to find and cultivate the plants that best meet your specific goals.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the perfect plant combination for a truly gorgeous garden, note that there are many options you may want to consider. Several plant combos look great and smell divine, like pink roses with a touch of violet ensured by salvia or lady’s mantle.

For a nice, contrasting look, you could also try to mix powerful colors, such as orange lilies with purple salvia. If you’re interested in obtaining a rainbow of colors, just plant these great garden plans offering you a great variety of appealing shades and odors: creeping jenny, petunias, Lamium, and geraniums.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know which type of great garden plants would be more suitable for your garden? In this case, discuss your options with a competent landscaper. Find a good one in your area with Seva Call, your free connection to the right professionals, right now.

Tags: Great Garden Plants
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