Installing Pella Replacement Windows

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

Pella is a well-known manufacturer of door and window products for new construction and replacement projects. Because of the wide range of choices in material and style, Pella replacement windows are some of the most popular options for homeowners who want to upgrade their old windows.

Pella offers windows made of primed or unfinished wood (Mahogany, Pine, Douglas Fir, and Alder), aluminum-clad wood, Duracast fiberglass composite, and vinyl. Pella replacement windows come in various styles including:

– Casement

– Awning

– Double-Hung

– Single-Hung

– Sliding

– Bay or Bow

– Special Shapes (i.e. Full Chord, Full Circle, Octagon, Springline, Rectangular, etc.)

– Specialty (i.e. French/Push-Out/In-Swing French Casement Windows, Tilt-Turn and Hopper Windows)

– Custom

Pella Replacement Windows Installation Process

Step 1: Measure the openings.

Getting the exact measurement of your window openings is critical to making sure your Pella replacement windows will perform as expected and contribute to the energy efficiency of your home.

Measure the opening vertically and horizontally across three areas: top, middle, and bottom. Get the width by measuring from jamb to jamb. Get the height by measuring from the windowsill’s top to the header’s underside.

With all measurements taken, choose the smallest width and height measurements for the final dimensions. A local window specialist can assist with this step to ensure precise measurements.

Step 2: Remove the old windows.

Your old windows must be removed carefully to prevent the walls of your home from being damaged. It’s also important that old windows be disposed of in a responsible manner, so they will be hauled away by local Pella window replacement contractors at no additional cost.

Step 3: Ensure the new window is weather tight.

Be extra careful in making sure that your Pella replacement windows are uniform, plumb, and level in the openings. Insulation should be installed between your windows and wall.

Also, check that windows are well sealed to your walls to keep water and air from getting into your home.

Step 4: Finish and clean up.

Test to ensure that every new window is working properly. All hardware should be installed.

Depending on your preferred finish, the windows would either be painted or stained. If necessary, replace both the window’s interior and exterior trims and apply desired finish.

Once all the finishing work is done, the Pella installer will clean up and vacuum the work area. They will explain to you how to operate and care for your new Pella replacement windows.

Find a Local Pella Certified Windows Installer

All Pella window replacement projects are completed by installation professionals who have been specifically trained by Pella to be distributors and installers of their products. For help locating a certified Pella contractor in your area, contact Seva Call. We’ll connect you with local Pella experts in no time for free!

Tags: Pella Replacement Windows
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How to Check Snow Tires Performance

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

In winter weather, one of the most important safety additions you can make to your vehicle is to switch out the regular tires to snow tires, especially when your area gets a lot of snowfall. Here are some points to look for when checking snow tires performance to make sure you purchase the right product.

1. Hard grip on snow or ice. Obviously, any winter tire has better grip on snow- or ice- covered roads than an all-season or regular tire. However, the best snow tires performance is characterized by an incredible grip that’s significantly superior to average winter tires.

2. More durability. With their softer rubber material, snow tires wear out more quickly than regular tires. Nonetheless, when you choose good tire models, they should last you about three winters or at least 20,000 miles.

3. Improved ride comfort. It used to be that snow tires with their hefty treads made rides very uncomfortable, but there has been a lot of improvement in this specific area of snow tires performance. Today, there are snow tires without studs that allow for a quiet and comfortable ride. Studded types, however, still have noise issues.

4. Good warranty. Usually, snow tires don’t come with a warranty for tread wear. However, the best products will always include a five-year tire warranty against defects.

Using Snow Tires

Snow tires performance can also be affected simply by your usage. Before you decide to switch to snow tires or keep them on, think about whether you do need to use them or not.

Snow tires are recommended when you drive regularly on snowy or icy roads. You’ll be able to put your brake on faster, keep the car from sliding when turning corners, and go uphill better when you have winter tires instead of all-season tires.

Snow tires performance is simply better overall in areas with cold temperatures. Go for performance winter tires if your winters are mostly either rainy or dry. This type of winter tires is suitable for snowstorms but does not compromise the grip on wet roads or cold and dry pavements, unlike regular snow tires.

Get Expert Snow Removal Help

The best snow tires performance cannot stop your vehicle or your entire yard from getting buried in several inches of snow during harsh winter. To take care of snow removal quickly, hire expert local professionals with the help of Seva Call. We can connect you with reputable snow removal companies within minutes to clear the snow outside your home.

Tags: Snow Tires Performance
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Tea Tree Oil Benefits

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

Tea tree oil is an effective natural remedy for many ailments, due to its curative properties in fighting infections. It is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral, which is used in a wide spectrum of conditions.

Tea tree oil should not be confused with tea oil. They come from different plants and have different uses. Tea tree oil is extracted from a plant which is native to Australia, and has been used for a long time by the Aboriginal people on the Eastern Australian coast as an antiseptic in treating various skin problems.

What Are the Most Important Tea Tree Oil Benefits?

Topical Application

Tea tree oil is an effective antiseptic and can be applied on the skin to heal a number of conditions, including:

– Acne

– Blisters

– Warts

– Rashes

– Sun Burns

– Herpes

– Skin Irritation

Oral Care

Used as mouthwash in a water mixture, tea tree oil can remove bad breath, plaque, and can reduce gum inflammation. It can also prevent infections associated with dental surgery. However, it is important to use tea tree oil as directed, and never more than indicated. Tea tree oil should never be swallowed undiluted, because it can have serious side effects due to its powerful ingredients.

Tea Tree Oil Inhalations

Tea tree oil is also used to alleviate or cure respiratory problems, such as sore throat, asthma, and bronchitis. Used in steam inhalations, tea tree oil can cure sore throat and laryngitis, can eliminate mucus, and destroy throat or chest infections. Inhalations are done by pouring a few tea tree oil drops in hot water, and then inhaling the vapors, after covering your head with a towel and leaning over a bowl filled with hot water.

Avoid taking tea tree oil in pure form under any circumstances, because it can cause serious side effects.

Ask an Expert

Interested in aromatherapy or looking for a massage therapy expert? Seva Call can make it easy for you. We can connect you with the right professional in your area in no time.

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Propane Gas Heating Installation and Maintenance

Monday, January 27th, 2014

Propane gas heating offers many advantages for heating homes. Unlike a standard electric furnace, a propane furnace produces hotter air. Compared to other fuel oil furnaces, it runs more efficiently and cleaner. It offers all the benefits of gas heating without the restrictions of being located near a natural gas pipe.

How It Works

Propane gas heating works by using a forced-air blower, which moves hot air through a pipeline network in your home. There are many available propane furnaces with efficiency ratings of 95 or higher, producing air that’s up to 25 degrees hotter than electric heating pumps. For homeowners, the ability of propane gas heating to generate hotter air simply means getting more heat in the home for less of the cost.

Modern propane furnaces are also not just energy-savers but space-savers, too. Many units designed to heat the entire house can fit into small spaces such as utility rooms and even closets. They are also quite durable with an average life span of up to two decades, longer than the average for electric heating pumps.

How to Install and Maintain

Propane gas heating serves the needs of millions of households for home heating. If you’d like to enjoy the benefits of this type of heating, here are some useful tips:

– Rely on a heating professional for installation. A propane gas heating system must be installed only by a qualified service technician with the proper knowledge and training in installing, servicing, and maintaining a propane furnace.

– Teach your household how to detect leaks. Propane has a strong smell like a rotten egg, so it is quite easy to detect if there is any leak just by sniffing. Teach household members how to recognize the smell of propane so you can call a technician in for help at the first sign of a leak.

– Arrange for a yearly checkup. While your propane furnace is built for durability, it’s highly recommended to schedule a yearly professional inspection. When done by a qualified service technician, this inspection will ensure that the critical parts of the system, such as the pilot light and ventilation system, are all running at peak condition.

– You should have the furnace filter changed regularly to help the system stay clean and running efficiently.

Want Propane Gas Heating in Your Home?

For safe and proper installation or maintenance, always rely on a qualified professional. And to find the right professional for free, rely on Seva Call. We can match you with up to three local professionals so you can choose quickly who to work with. Try us today!

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Patio Columns Ideas

Monday, January 27th, 2014

The patio provides relaxation in an intimate and quiet setting. This living space has several types, ranging from the classic, colonial European courtyards to today’s chic, paved havens found in many urban yards. In whatever form or design, the patio functions as a place for family dining, entertaining, or peaceful alone time.

Whether the patio is entirely covered, partially shaded, or wide open, it can be dramatically improved with trendy patio columns ideas. The right type of column doesn’t just offer support to structures, but it can also easily turn a patio into an elegant space or simply add a touch of stylish detail to an area. Here are some patio columns ideas you might want to try in your home:

Fiberglass Patio Columns

These columns combine classic beauty and cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Made with fiberglass-reinforced polymer, these columns offer exceptional durability even stronger than stone or marble. They come in either round or square columns, which are stately and architecturally precise. They are perfect for homes with a traditional Colonial style.

PVC Patio Columns

Made in very durable cellular PVC, these columns are designed to appear like traditional painted wooden patio columns, but the great thing is they free homeowners from the chore of maintenance and are economical.

There are tapered and non-tapered PVC columns with the tapered ones offering a stylish form to the usual column. The surfaces of the columns can be plain and smooth or paneled with some traditional details. These columns can be square or round. Square columns outline spaces and are popular choices in traditional homes.

Wood Patio Columns

No matter how advanced building materials get, many still go back to natural wood because of its unparalleled beauty, texture, and warmth.

Some of the classic column designs include the festive Corinthian style with leaves and scrolls, which is great if you’re looking for an elegant and detailed column, and the simple fluted Greek Doric column, which is very versatile and suits most modern patios and porches. A more detailed version of Greek Doric but still minimalist in style is the Roman Doric column, which is an excellent choice when you want to add height and simple elegance to a living space.

Thinking of a Patio Makeover?

Anytime you need help with your home improvement projects, you can quickly get all the expert help you need by using Seva Call. We’re a free service that connects customers to local qualified service professionals. Try us now and save time finding the right professional for your job. Best of all, our service is free!

Tags: Patio Columns Ideas
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Schultz Plant Food

Monday, January 27th, 2014

Most people are probably wondering: What exactly do I need in order to maintain a beautiful garden on a budget? The answer is quite simple: You’ll need the right type of plants, great soil, a basic set of tools, lots of spare time and, of course, high-quality plant food.

Excellent plant food will help you obtain bigger, tastier fruits and take pride in a truly spectacular, envy-generating garden. What’s so special about Schultz plant food? Keep reading to find out, and don’t forget to consult a dedicated landscaper if you have any additional questions.

Getting Started

It’s no secret that most plants need fertile soil to grow properly. Those who want to obtain 100% organic fruits and vegetables choose to utilize compost to enrich their garden soil; some of them go the extra mile and prepare the compost in their own backyard.

Others choose to take the easy way out and rely on effective plant food, launched on the market by respectable companies that make gardening look like a child’s play, like Schultz, for instance.

Which Type of Plant Food Is Suitable for My Garden?

Why is it so important to purchase premium plant food brought to you by a well-known brand? A respectable manufacturer will always offer you a wide range of products, allowing you to choose the best one based on your unique needs and requirements.

For instance, there are numerous types of Schultz plant food that have what it takes to meet and even exceed your highest expectations, including water-soluble, liquid, granular, and extended feed formulas, adequate for most plants and most types of soil.

Extended feed products are based on slow-release fertilizers and deliver the right amount of nutrients to the plant for up to 9 months. The granular formula offers the right dosage of slow-release nitrogen for 3 months, while the water-soluble formula and the liquid formula are fast-acting agents that feed your plants every single time you water them.

Ask an Expert

With so many options at hand, most gardeners don’t know exactly which type of Schultz plant food would be better for their plants. If this is your main concern, get the best answer from a skilled landscaper. Find the best one by consulting Seva Call, a free service introduced to connect you with the right professionals in your area at your convenience.

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Aluminum Storm Windows Prices

Monday, January 27th, 2014

Storm windows are a great option for many homeowners who want to find an affordable way to insulate their windows without replacing them. By installing storm windows, you will be able to keep your home warm during the cold season and cool during hot summer days, reducing your utility bill at the same time. Moreover, if you choose the right storm windows, you will protect the primary windows and make your house look better.

Storm windows are easy to install and convenient because they can be removed whenever you want. They also come in various styles and materials. Some of the most popular types of storm windows are made of aluminum. You can have them custom-made or buy standard ones, which can be found in most home improvement stores.

Aluminum Storm Windows Prices

If you choose to install aluminum storm windows, one of your main concerns is probably price. This depends on several factors, including size and style, and whether they are standard or custom made. Another factor to consider is installation costs. If you install the aluminum storm windows yourself, you will obviously pay less than if you entrust this job to a professional.

Size

To get an idea about aluminum storm windows prices, measure the size of your windows. If standard storm windows fit your window frame, and you decide to buy them, you’ll probably pay less than if you had them custom made.

Style

When you purchase or order aluminum storm windows, you also need to consider the style. Storm windows should match the architectural style of your home, so make sure you make some comparisons before deciding.

Standard versus Custom Made

Generally, standard aluminum storm windows prices range from $75-$100. If you want custom-made storm windows, you can expect higher prices, depending on size and style. You can find the price by asking your custom storm window manufacturer for a quotation.

Ask an Expert

If you want to install or replace your storm windows and you don’t have much time on your hands to explore options, Seva Call can do it for you. We can connect you with a local window replacement expert in minutes, for free.

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Common Hot Water Heater Problems

Monday, January 27th, 2014

Having trouble with your water heater? Hold your thoughts about replacing the whole thing. Some hot water heater problems can be solved with a few basic tools. Maybe only certain parts need to be replaced.

Here are a few of the most common hot water heater problems and some quick troubleshooting and repair tips:

1. There’s no hot water coming out.

If you have an electric water heater, you may need to replace either the thermostat or the upper heating element of your unit. If you have a gas heater, check if the pilot light is turned on. If the pilot is on, you may have a faulty gas thermocouple that needs to be replaced. On the other hand, if the pilot light keeps going out after lighting it up, then the problem could be with the gas pilot control.

2. The water coming out smells bad.

If you can detect a rotten-egg odor from your hot water supply, it’s very likely that the tank has been contaminated by bacteria. A water heater has a metal (anode) rod that produces hydrogen gas during operation, and there’s a type of bacteria that feed on this emission.

To address this problem, you need to empty the water from your tank and then fill it up with hydrogen peroxide solution. Leave the solution for a couple of hours and then refill the tank with water. If the smell persists, remove the standard anode rod and replace with a zinc alloy/aluminum anode rod.

3. The water coming out is rusty.

Again, this is a problem with the heater’s anode rod, the purpose of which is to prevent rust from building up inside the tank. If the anode rod stops doing its job, you’ll certainly see rust in the water. The only solution is to replace the anode rod.

4. The water heater is making weird noises.

Are you hearing popping or shrill noises coming out of your water heater? The reason for this could be significant sediment buildup in the bottom of the heater’s tank, which is actually making the water boil instead of just heating it up.

Remove all of the water from the tank and fill it up again. You should also ensure your water softener is still working fine. On electric water heaters, the shrill noises can be caused by sediments that have built up on the heating elements. Again, you need to empty the tank and then scrub the elements clean.

Need an Expert to Fix Your Water Heater?

If you don’t know who to call for help with your hot water heater problems, contact Seva Call for a quick solution. We offer a free service to quickly find and connect you with the most reliable plumbers near you. Talk to a pro within minutes. Try us now!

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Do You Need Home Landscaping Services?

Friday, January 24th, 2014

If you’re like most homeowners, you would like your outdoor area to be beautiful, functional, and not so high-maintenance. This may sound like a dream, but this kind of yard exists in many homes, thanks to professional home landscaping services.

Obviously, a spruced-up yard takes a lot of work, not to mention specialized knowledge and training. Knowing which plants would look good together and what features to use in your lawn to make it look cohesive and well designed is not common knowledge. This is where home landscaping services come in.

Types of Home Landscaping Services

Landscape Design: This is how the vision for your outdoor space starts. Whether you’re planning to install a flower garden or a more elaborate landscape, professional landscapers can bring your ideas to the drawing board and come up with a project design.

During this stage, plants to be used in your landscape will be identified based on your property. Local plants are usually preferred because they would require no special maintenance. Features that would make your landscape sustainable would also be considered.

You will receive an architectural rendering of your landscape design, and you will be included in every phase of the review process until final project approval.

Landscape Installation: This incorporates all of the services to be done to carry out a landscape design, which may include:

– Soil preparation and treatment

– Planting

– Stone work (walls, natural stone paving, and ponds)

– Lighting installation

– Irrigation

– Carpentry work

Landscape Maintenance: Quality maintenance and care is crucial to making sure you keep the beauty of your newly landscaped lawn. A wide range of landscape maintenance services are available.

For older landscapes, there are renovation/restoration services to restore the beauty of your landscape. There are also seasonal landscaping services available to get gardens ready for the coming season. Maintenance services can be one-time visits or scheduled weekly for an entire season. Some of the services that fall under this category include:

– Weeding

– Pruning

– Fertilizing

– Mulching

– Edging

– Planting and/or transplanting

Give Your Lawn a Gorgeous Makeover

Hire a professional and reputable landscaper without wasting any time searching for one. Seva Call is your quick link to local landscape professionals who are all pre-screened and qualified to do your landscape project. Speak to us about your service needs now!

Tags: Home Landscaping Services
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Heating Duct Fans

Friday, January 24th, 2014

When it comes to purchasing and installing a new heating and cooling system or replacing some of the most important components of your old one, it is imperative to understand the particularities and the functionality of essential heating duct parts. Heating duct fans influence the overall performance of your system a great deal, so they should be chosen and implemented with maximum care.

Discovering the Particularities of Different Kinds of Heating Duct Fans

These days, you could find a generous selection of heating duct fans on the market, displaying different price tags and different features. The key is to find and purchase a fan designed to meet your unique ventilation needs. There are several models that you may want to take into consideration:

1) Tube axial fans, which are reliable, cost-effective and provide a medium-duty output without burning holes in your pockets.

2) Centrifugal duct fans make less noise and ensure superior ventilation in any type of environment; they are suitable for multiple applications, including household ventilation, commercial ventilation, hydroponics, and horticulture.

3) Mixed flow duct fans are well liked for their versatile design, ensuring easy servicing. Moreover, they deliver superior pressures without making a lot of noise.

Most models of heating duct fans have solid blades made from quality materials, such as polycarbonate sheet or balanced aluminum. They can boost your supply air, enhance your indoor air quality, and allow you to feel comfortable in your own environment year-round. Just make sure you opt for a model that meets your particular ventilation requirements.

Ask an Expert

When it doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable heating and cooling expert. Spot the best ones in your area with Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professionals. Use it speak with reputable professionals who can help you when you need it most.

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