Trick To Make Your Own Trenchless Pipe Replace

Trenchless Pipe Replacement –  Advantages to No Dig Repairs

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Periodically, those underground plumbing lines can become damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. If you notice a sewage smell in your yard or are seeing wet spots on the lawn, you could have a problem with the underground sewer line leading out of your home. Traditionally, repairing one of these pipes would require digging up your yard in order to replace the pipe. Now, fortunately, you have the advantage of a trenchless sewer repair. A certified plumber will be able to assess your concerns and offer viable solutions if any repair is needed.

THE PROS AND CONS OF NO DIG TRENCHLESS SEWER REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

A new no-dig solution has arrived! For the past 15 years, the emergence of the trenchless sewer repair technology has dramatically changed how people perceived pipe repairs and replacements. From new drain installations to clearing clogs to repairing and replacing sewer lines, trenchless services provide the ultimate solution. Sewer line repairs made this way have more advantages to offer!

Pros

Trenchless sewer repair has many benefits over traditional methods:

  • Higher quality

State-of-the-art equipment and superior materials are used by expert plumbers to repair broken sewer pipes. In turn, you end up with an extremely durable pipe system that will not corrode, rust, crack, nor fall apart due to tree root invasions.

  • Greater Time-Efficiency

Expert plumbers can carry out the trenchless sewer pipe lining method in as little as a few hours towards bring your pipes to a new-like condition. You get to save time and spend it on what matters most.

  • Cheaper

Lining sewer pipes save residential and commercial properties up to 75% in costs as compared to replacing the old pipe with a new one. The cost of labor goes down as less hours are needed to complete the trenchless operation. It’s simply the best value out of all the repair methods just about anywhere else.

  • Versatile

You won’t have to worry about your old sewer system being made of traditional materials such as concrete, cast iron, orangeburg or clay. Trenchless CIPP technology works for all kinds of pipes, and presents two repair and replacement options of pipe lining or pipe bursting.

  • Eco-Friendly

You are bound to enjoy big savings in the long run, apart from helping save the planet, by simply opting for an environment-friendly sewer line repair process.

  • No-Dig Technology

The process of trenchless pipe rehabilitation is a no dig solution that makes use of the existing pipe structure, so extensive excavation is no longer needed. Trenchless technology is called as such, simply because creating a trench or a hole in the ground to reach the problem pipe is totally unnecessary.

  • Durable

Pipes lined with epoxy resin can last up to 50 years. It is the most efficient and non-invasive method of repairing your sewer pipes, and arguably the wisest investment that returns numerous benefits.

Con

On the downside, there are rare occasions when it might be already too late to rehabilitate a pipe system using the trenchless method. The sewer line could be irreversibly damaged and corroded to a great extent, leaving even the most knowledgeable and experienced plumbers no choice but to manually dig up trenches to replace the pipes.

BENEFITS OF TRENCHLESS “No Dig” PIPE REPAIR

  1. You Save Money Three Ways – It doesn’t take a full crew of technicians to handle trenchless repairs, so you save on labor costs. You also save the time of master plumbers on the clock because the process is efficient and finishes up much more quickly than traditional techniques. Your new water or sewer line will last for years, and that saves the expense of future repairs.
  2. Downtime Is Significantly Downsized – The time it takes to dig trenches, pull up damaged pipes, lay in replacements and finish the job averages two weeks. All the while, you have to make different living arrangements, and the process can shut down business operations. Trenchless “No Dig” pipe repair only takes one or two days from start to finish, so you return to the house and the office in far less time.
  3. The Landscape Doesn’t Change– Digging up pipe in the yard or around your commercial building means tearing up lawns and uprooting shrubs. It’s a messy job that can ruin grass because sewer line replacements can contaminate surrounding soil and cause long-term turf problems. Trenchless “No Dig” technology spares your landscape’s natural good looks and helps preserve its health. Having to deal with commercial plumbing repair can provide a lot of discomfort for many businesses who rely on getting sales on a daily basis.
  4. Infrastructure Stays Safe and Sound– Excavating pipe under parking lots doesn’t attract customers, and pulverizing the patio doesn’t improve relaxing in the backyard. Traditional replacement techniques pose structural hazards to home and building foundations, but trenchless pipe repairs spare expensive infrastructure like sidewalks, loading docks and commercial driveways.
  5. Trenchless Repairs Rehabilitate Pipes– The trenchless “No Dig” process restores damaged water and sewer lines with special epoxy-treated material that bonds with existing pipe. This proven process creates a barrier that resists cracking and root invasion for years longer than traditional materials. The lining never rusts or accumulates hard water buildup, and it actually improves flow capacity.

Which method of trenchless technology is right for me?

While this question is best answered after your trenchless contractor inspects your drain system, we will provide you with what we see most sensible.

If you have a home built on a slab:

If your sewer is located under a concrete slab, we find cured in place pipe lining is most cost effective. Because pipe lining requires only one access point, it is less disruptive than pipe bursting. If you have connections in the drain line, a pipe liner can be installed right over the connections. After curing the liner, reinstatement cutting tools cut out pinpointed sections of the liner to restore flow to the connecting drains.

If you need a sectional drain repair:

Pipe coating is most cost effective. With the ability to navigate bends and provide pinpointed repairs, pipe coating can be quick and inexpensive.

If you are replacing your underground sewer located outside your property:

Pipe bursting is the preferred choice and typically the most cost effective. With the ability to increase your pipe size and only requiring two access points (provided your drain pipe not have connections in between) pipe bursting can save your property from the irreversible scar excavation may leave behind.

How Trenchless Technology Works

Trenchless pipe repair options are available from our team at Hawaii Drain Pros. Whether you need pipe lining or trenchless pipe bursting, we can be of assistance to you. One option is to install a liner inside the damaged pipe through a single access hole that we will create during the sewer camera inspection that we will conduct in the beginning of our appointment. Once we have inserted the pipe liner, we will pull it and inflate it within the damaged pipe. Once the liner has cured in place, you will have a new pipe within the old damaged pipe. This non-invasive technique is efficient and cost-effective. On the other hand, our pipe bursting method will require two access holes on either side of the sewer line. We will pull a new sewer pipe through the current, albeit damaged one. We will have the old pipe burst outward.

Tips To Choose Electrical Maintenance

Steps for Proper Electrical Maintenance

Remember the golden rule: Safety first

You should never start any home maintenance or repair work without proper preparation and safety tools. When working with electrical items, make sure to unplug the unit or turn off the power to the specific circuit. Don’t forget that water and electricity don’t get along, so make sure to unplug anything electric before cleaning. Never use a metal ladder when performing electrical tasks.

Use electronics accordingly

It’s important to be smart about how you’re using electronics. Avoid plugging in too many things into one circuit, which can overload it and cause a power outage. Be mindful of where you place small appliances and electronics, such as toaster ovens and hair dryers. Make sure they’re not under any vents that could potentially drip on them or are too close to a source of water, such as sinks and showers. Further, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends installing ground-fault circuit interrupters for all of the outlets in wet locations, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They’re designed to turn off electric power immediately in the event of an incident, which can be a potentially life-saving feature.

Be mindful of plugs, outlets and wires

Treat your plugs kindly and don’t force them to fit into outlets. Don’t try to bend and adjust the prongs, as this could cause an electric shock. Alternatively, if it’s loose inside the outlet, it may be time to replace the cord for a fresh plug. Replace old outlets with new electric sockets with advanced safety features, such as built-in surge protectors. Unplug extension cords when you’re not using them to avoid an electric and fire hazard. When you’re outside, only use cords and electrical items that are specifically for the outdoors.

Schedule routine professional check ups

Electricity can be dangerous, so never hesitate to call a licensed electrician for help. In fact, one of the most important steps in good electrical maintenance is having a professional inspect your system at least once a year. An electrician can check your electric panel, replace damaged wires and test circuit breakers.

Electrical Safety & Maintenance Tips

  • Consistently tripped breakers (or blown fuses) are an indication of electrical system problems.
  • Flickering or dimming lights are warning signs of an overloaded circuit.
  • A burning odor or a mild shock coming from an outlet are also signs of an overloaded circuit.
  • Make sure that all the breakers or fuses in your breaker box are clearly labeled.
  • Never plug two or more extension cords together.
  • Always check an extension cord for damage before plugging it into an outlet.
  • Only plug one major appliance (refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers) into a receptacle outlet at a time.
  • All major appliances should be plugged directly into a receptacle outlet.
  • An overreliance of extension cords indicates that there are not enough outlets in your home.
  • Never use a three prong plug in an outlet with only two slots.
  • Never attempt to use an extension cord as permanent wiring.
  • Never use an electrical cord outside that isn’t specifically designated for outdoor use. Indoor cords are not designed to withstand the elements.
  • Extension cords should never be placed underneath rugs or in the path of a heavily trafficked area.
  • If you have toddlers or young children, make sure that you replace all your easily accessed outlets with tamper resistant receptacles.
  • Only use the appropriate wattage bulb for a lighting fixture. An incorrect wattage might start a fire.
  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required by the National Electrical Code in every room/area where there is a water fixture. Homes built before 1970 might not have GFCIs installed in outlets.
  • Check your home’s outlets for GFCI protection. If the outlets do not contain a red rest button, they have not been replaced with GFCIs.
  • Arc-Fault Interrupters (AFIs) protect against dangerous arc-faults. AFCI Breakers should be installed in your home to combat arc-faults caused by damaged, overheated or stressed wiring.
  • AFCIs should only be installed by licensed electricians.
  • If your home is over 40 years old or has recently had a major addition, renovation or large appliance added it should be inspected by a licensed electrician.

Tips To Maintain Your Electrical Wiring

  • The presence of live current in switch boards and sockets, however mild they might be, can be a sign that your wiring has been exposed to water or is not getting earthed right. If a switch in the washroom or kitchen gives you even a tiny shock when you turn it on and off, chances are that there is an issue.
  • Notice frequent dips in voltage, flickering lights once in awhile or bulbs fusing more often than they should? Definitely a sign of internal electrical wiring damage.
  • Appliances can get damaged by short-circuiting, but there are times when the only sign of the fluctuation or short circuit is through the appliance malfunctioning itself. If your plug sparks when it is in the socket or an adapter heats up and doesn’t work even though the voltage is appropriate, then there could be a problem with the electrical outlet.
  • Each circuit board has a specific limit to the load it can take, but within that limit, the appliances connected to it should function perfectly. If the turning on of the dishwasher or air conditioner causes lights to dip, the circuit may be damaged and unable to take the load.
  • Besides visible signs, make sure that you keep an eye out for open wiring being chewed by rats or raccoons in the attic, or rainwater accumulating around the circuits in the basement. Even though the impact may not be immediate, any noticeable damage to the wires can lead to serious internal havoc.

The far-reaching effects of faulty wiring bring to mind the much used saying ‘better safe than sorry’. A small investment in a professional, DIY check-up of your electrical wiring or getting the home warranty for your home can be imperative to keeping you and your loved ones safe. Repairs are costly and maintenance is no doubt an easier way to prevent future problems, so we bring to you seven simple tips to keep track off and maintain your entire electrical wiring system.

Routine Testing

Mark your calendars and keep a monthly check on your electrical outlets, you can do this by yourself and won’t need any assistance. The testers are inexpensive – you can find them at any home hardware store. A three-prong plug, the tester will have indicator lights on each prong. As you plug the tester into each outlet, the lights indicate any problems with the individual outlet. The earlier you know the problem the easier it is to get it solved and the risk of fire or a greater electrical malfunction is avoided.

Electrical Safety Checklist for Your Home

  • If you have breakers tripping and fuses blowing on a regular basis,it’s time to bring in a professional to inspect your home.
  • Be sure all your circuits are properly grounded. A circuit consists of wires transporting electrical current to your lights and appliances, so properly grounded wiring is connected to a ground wire in your home.
  • All outlets near wet locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms should be Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
  • Water and electricity don’t mix, so unplug any appliance before you wash or wipe it down.
  • If you have children or grandchildren, put protectors in all your outlets or replace them with tamper-resistant outlets, as these outlets are now required by code in all new homes.
  • Replace any frayed wires in your house, as they can potentially cause shocks or fires.
  • Replace all plugs that wobble or fit loosely in the socket.
  • Never force a plug into a socket, and never attempt to adjust a plugs metal prongs to make it fit. Both actions are dangerous!
  • Make sure all plugs and cords are kept a safe distance from heat sources such as radiators or space heaters. Don’t place furniture on top of cords, and don’t run cords under rugs or blankets.
  • Any indication of dimming lights, flickering lights, a sizzling sound, or a burning odor mandate a prompt professional investigation.
  • Never plug a generator directly into your home’s electrical system, as this can unintentionally damage appliances or even put you at risk. Hire an electrician to get it done safety.
  • When outside, only use cords (and items) labeled for outdoor use.
  • Extension cords are a temporary solution. They shouldn’t be used to power home appliances on a permanent basis. Most extension cords aren’t built to handle high-powered items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, or space heaters.
  • Don’t leave extension cords plugged in if they’re not in use, as they can create an electrical or fire hazard.

Why Have Electrical Wiring Maintenance?

Keep Your Home In Good Condition

So to keep your home in the best condition possible, follow these top tips. Not only will you keep your home in better condition for longer, but you can save yourself a few extra pounds on your energy bills. We hope that this article was helpful if it was then why not share on social media?

Replace Don’t Repair

If you find out that you have a problem with your home’s electrics and you’re given the option to replace or repair, we always recommend repairs. Simply because with repairs you can’t always foresee how long the repair is going to last before it becomes faulty again. With a replacement, you are guaranteed a brand new working part that you know is reliable. Sometimes things can be repaired but only for a short amount of time, which is why we always recommend replacing over the repair. Even if it does cost slightly more than a repair, you will save money in the long run on frequent maintenance and repairs, as well as saving on your energy bills.

Have Your Appliances PAT Tested

PAT testing is a legal requirement for all commercial properties, landlords and business owners, each must ensure that all kitchen appliances and other electrical appliances have gone through PAT testing Milton Keynes before they can be used. In the case of a faulty appliance in the workplace that causes injury to yourself or others both the landlord and business owner are liable for not creating a safe environment. Read more about safety at work here.

Don’t Overload Your Electrics

Overloading your electrics is easier than you would think. The worst culprit of this is extensions leads. Extension leads are extremely popular in homes and allow you to give a wire extra length to sit further away or in a different place. Extension leads are commonly plugged into each other while also having other appliances plugged into them.

Never Attempt DIY Electrical Work

Electricity is extremely dangerous and can cause severe injuries if it’s tampered with by someone inexperienced. Always rely on an electrician to carry out any electrical work within your property or commercial building. Qualified electricians are always the safest option, and by tampering with your own electrical wiring, you have the possibility of causing more damage which will end up costing more than an electrician would.

Tips How To Learn About Electrical Wiring

How to Identify Wiring

Service Panel

When you open an outlet, it can be useful to figure out the position of the outlet or switch in the circuit, as well as the function of each wire. This knowledge can help you pinpoint problems and connect wires to the correct terminals when making repairs.

If you can’t find the source of a problem with an outlet, work from that point back to the service panel, troubleshooting each load on the circuit and its connections until you locate the fault.

End-of-Run Outlet

When there’s only one cable entering an outlet box, it means the outlet is the last fixture on the circuit. Power comes from the service panel along the black (hot) wire through other outlets, switches, and light fixtures on the circuit and begins its return to the source through the white (neutral) wire attached to this outlet. The black wire attaches to a brass terminal; the white wire, to a silver terminal.

Middle-of-Run Outlet

Two cables entering an outlet box indicate that the outlet is not the last fixture on a circuit. One of the black wires receives power from the service panel; the other sends it on to other loads on the circuit. The white wires allow current passing through the outlet and the other loads on the circuit to return to the panel.

Electrical Wires

The black wire is the “hot” wire, which carries the electricity from the breaker panel into the switch or light source.

The white wire is the “neutral” wire, which takes any unused electricity and current and sends them back to the breaker panel.

The plain (or it can sometimes be green) wire is the “ground” wire, which will take electricity back to the breaker panel, then outside to a rod that’s buried in the ground. This is to prevent the electricity from running through you!

How to Trace Electrical Wiring in a Wall

If you need to find the wires inside your walls, you’ll probably want a non-invasive way to look for them. After all, without a method to your madness, you’d just be hammering unsightly holes through your drywall in a vain attempt to cross paths with your wires. Instead, there’s a better way: With the right tools and techniques, you can locate, or trace, your wiring without damaging your walls.

Tracing electrical wiring in walls can be tricky, and it involves more than just looking for the wires themselves. To figure out exactly where the wires are, you’ll look f­or the outlets and appliances that each wire connects to. You’ll also figure out which circuit breaker applies to which section of your home’s wiring.

You may be wondering why someone would go through all that trouble just to figure out the locations of wires. Knowing where your wires are can help you make repairs, plan for home improvement projects and even make your home safer. By knowing which outlets are on which circuits, you can decide where to plug in power-hungry appliances without overloading your electrical system. If one of your outlets is on the fritz and you don’t have an electrical blueprint of your home to use as a reference, tracing the wiring can help you figure out exactly where the problem is. If you want to run new wires to a home theater system or other electronics, knowing your current wires’ locations can help cut down on electrical interference, which can lower the quality of your picture and sound. And you’ll definitely need to know where the wires are if you plan to do any renovation or demolition projects to your inside walls. Breaking into a live wire could damage your home and cause serious injury.

Tips for Easier Home Electrical Wiring

Uncoil Cable Without Kinks

Pulling plastic-sheathed cable through holes in the framing is a lot easier if you straighten the cable out first. If you simply pull the cable from the center of the coil, it’ll kink as you pull it through the studs. The trick is to lift a handful of coils (four loops will reach about 12 ft.) from the center of the roll (left) and toss them across the floor as if you’re throwing a coiled rope. Next, walk along the length of cable, straightening it as you go (right). The electricians we talked to prefer this method because they can keep the cable contained in the plastic wrapper for easier handling and neater storage.

Pack Electrical Boxes Neatly

If you’ve done much wiring, we’re sure you’ve had times when you could barely push the switch or outlet into the box because there were so many wires. The solution is to arrange the wires neatly and then fold them carefully into the box. Here’s how to keep wires neat and compact: First, gather all the bare ground wires along with a long pigtail and connect them. Fold them into the back of the box, leaving the pigtail extended. Next, do the same for the neutral wires. If you’re connecting switches as shown here, you don’t need a neutral pigtail. Leave the hot wire extra long and fold it back and forth across the bottom of the electrical wire box. Put a wire connector cap on the hot wire to identify it. The neatly packed box makes it easy to identify the wires and leaves you plenty of room for the switches.

Remove Sheathing from Underground Feeder (UF) Cable

Underground feeder (UF) cable has a tough plastic sheathing that allows you to bury it directly in the ground without running it through a conduit (of course, it has to be buried deep enough to satisfy the electrical code). But that tough sheathing is also difficult to remove—unless you know this trick. Start by separating the black and white wires from the bare copper by grabbing each with pliers and twisting (top). They’re easy to tear apart once you get them started. Pull them apart until you have about a foot of separated wires. Next, remove the sheathing from the insulated wires by grabbing the end of the wire with one pliers and the sheathing with another pliers and working them apart. After you get the sheathing separated from the insulated wire at the top, just peel it off (bottom). Repeat the process to remove the sheathing from the black wire. Finally, cut off the loose sheathing with scissors or a knife.

No-Snag Fish Tape Connections

After going to all the trouble of working your fish tape to its destination, the last thing you want is to lose the cable or get your tape stuck on something inside the wall as you pull it back. Here’s how to avoid both problems. Start by stripping an 8-in. length of cable. Using a side cutters, cut off all but one wire. Cut at a steep angle to avoid a “shoulder” that could catch on something. Then bend the single wire around the loop on the end of the fish tape and wrap the whole works with electrical tape to form a smooth bundle. Now you can pull the wire without worrying that it might fall off, and the smooth lump won’t get snagged by or stuck on obstructions.

Check the Whole Wall Cavity With a Stud Finder

A decent stud finder is a must-have for every wire-fishing job, but don’t throw it back in your pouch after you’ve located the studs. Use your stud finder to check the whole wall cavity for obstacles like blocking and abandoned headers. You don’t want to find out the hard way that you should have fished your wire one stud cavity to the left or right.

All About Electrical Wiring Types, Sizes, and Installation

Electrical Disconnect Switches

An electrical disconnect switch provides a means to shut off the power to a home’s electrical system from an outdoor location. It is typically mounted below the electric meter, either on the side of a home or on the utility company’s power pole. Not all homes have a dedicated disconnect. They are commonly used when the service panel (which also serves as the main disconnect) is located indoors and therefore is not accessible to emergency responders or utility workers. Like electrical service panels, a disconnect must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Wiring an Electrical Circuit Breaker Panel

The electrical panel, or service panel, is the power distribution point of a home electrical system. This is where all of the individual circuits of the house get their power and where they are protected by breakers or fuses. Wiring an electrical panel is a job for a licensed electrician, but DIYers should have a basic understanding of how a panel works and the critical role that breakers play in any system.

Maximum Number of Wires Allowed in Conduit

When running individual electrical wires inside conduit, there is a limit to how many wires are allowed. The maximum allowable number is known as the “fill capacity,” and this depends on several factors, including the size of the conduit, the gauge of the wires, and the conduit material. Metal (EMT), plastic (PVC), and flexible conduit all have different fill capacities, even when they’re nominally the same size.

How to Strip Electrical Wire

Stripping electrical wire involves removing the plastic insulation surrounding the wire’s metal core. It’s important to do this carefully so there is no damage to the metal. The procedure is simple but requires a special wire stripping tool and an understanding of how to use it. This is a critical skill—and tool—for DIYers to have for any wiring project.

Direct Burial Cable

Standard electrical cable is designed to be run indoors, where it stays dry and is protected by wall, ceiling, or floor structures. For outdoor projects or when running wiring underground, you must use direct burial cable, which can be installed underground with or without conduit (depending on local building code rules). With direct burial cable, the individual conducting wires are embedded in solid vinyl to fully protect them from moisture.

Essential Tips for Safe Electrical Repairs

Box and Clamp It

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that all wiring connections be made in an appropriate enclosure. In most cases, this means an electrical box. Enclosures not only protect the connections—and protect people from accidental contact with those connections—they also provide means for securing conductors (like electrical cables) and devices.

Respect Grounding and Polarization

Grounding and polarization are essential for the safety of modern electrical systems. Grounding provides a safe path for stray electrical current caused by a fault or other problem in a circuit. Polarization ensures that electrical current travels from the source along “hot” wires and returns to the source along neutral wires.

Make Tight Wiring Connections

Electricity travels along conductors, such as wires and the metal contacts of outlets and sockets. Tight connections between conductors create smooth transitions from one conductor to another. But loose connections act like speed bumps, restricting the flow and creating friction and heat. Very loose connections can lead to arcing, in which electricity jumps through the air from one conductor to another, creating tremendous heat.

Check Amperage Ratings

All electrical wiring and devices have an amperage, or amp, rating. This is the maximum amount of electrical current they can safely carry. Most standard household circuits are rated for 15 amps or 20 amps, while large-appliance circuits (such as for electric dryers and ranges) may be rated for 30, 40, 50 amps, or even more.

Test for Power

The best way to prevent electrical shock is to ALWAYS test wires and devices for power before working on them or near them. Simply shutting off the power isn’t good enough.

Tips How To Handle The Wasps

These Are The Tips You Need If You Hate Wasps

Use Peppermint Oil

A 2013 study showed that peppermint essential oil had a repellent effect against yellow jackets and paper wasps.

You can take advantage of this effect by putting a few drops of peppermint oil on several cotton balls. Place the cotton balls around your patio, outdoor furniture, or wherever you spend time outside to keep wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets away.

Plant These Plants

There are certain plants that wasps don’t like to hang around, so adding these plants to your yard can help keep wasps at bay. Consider planting the following wasp-deterring plants around your yard.

Avoid Floral Scents

Avoid wearing bold floral scents when you’ll be spending time outside. This could include perfumes, body sprays, lotions, and other scented products. Floral scents can attract wasps, and no one wants to be a walking wasp magnet!

Make A Decoy Nest

Wasps are very territorial, so if they see a nest near your home, it may deter them from building a nest nearby. You can take advantage of their territorial nature by making a simple decoy wasp nest!

Move Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbirds love hummingbird feeders, but wasps do too! If you have a hummingbird feeder in your backyard, you may want to move it to a secluded area or bring it inside when you or your guests will be spending time out there.

How to Find a Wasp’s Nest and What to Do Next

How do you know what kind of nest it is?

There are several features that will enable you to differentiate between the nests of different wasp species:

-If the wasps appear to be coming from a hole in the ground, on a building or in a tree, they are most likely yellow jackets. A single yellow jacket nest can contain as many as two thousand insects.

The average hornet’s nest will be round with a slightly pointed bottom, about the size of a football, and have fairly smooth “papery” walls with a single large opening.

A paper wasp’s nest will have large, hexagonal open combs and a “stalk” from which it hangs. Many have described the appearance of the nest as an “umbrella” due to the distinctive shape. Paper wasps are sometimes referred to as umbrella wasps because of this.

-If the nest you’re looking at is formed of yellow layers with tight hexagonal combs, and appears to be made from a waxy substance, you’re most likely looking at a honey bee hive. These are rarely aggressive and are a protected species that is important for the environment.

How to Find Wasp Nests

How to Destroy the Wasp Nest

  • Destroy – To destroy the wasp nests apply NO Wasps Eliminator to the entrance, particularly where the wasps land to walk into the nest entrance. The wasp picks the powder up on their feet and carry it into the nest.
  • Stay Safe – Although powder insecticides help keep wasps calm, for safety apply the powder late in the day when activity is low or has stopped.
  • Tip for Nests in Eaves – The new NO Wasps Eliminator adheres better to surfaces. However, although it puffs upwards well, it can still be difficult to get the powder to the nest entrance. A temporary ad hoc solution is to use the dip tube from a trigger sprayer e.g. NO Bugs Super 1L RTU or other trigger bottle typically found under a kitchen sink. Clean and dry it, and it will fit neatly into the aperture of the NO Wasps Eliminator puff bottle. Push the dip tube down to the level of the powder. The puffer will now puff the powder upwards easily and the nozzle can easily be inserted into the small holes and gaps that usually constitute the entrance to the nest.
wasp hive

What’s the best way to get wasps to go away?

Wasps are attracted to white, bright blue and yellow, but can’t see red, so plan your wardrobe accordingly.

Their vision is also optimised to look for the sudden, sharp movements of insects, so wildly flailing as you try to swat a wasp will just make it more determined.

Killing a wasp also releases pheromones that will attract other wasps nearby. Instead, calmly trap the wasp under a glass, so it can’t return to the nest and tell the others where to find your food.

A 2012 study tested the wasp-repelling properties of different essential oils and found that a mix of clove, geranium and lemongrass oil was the most effective, so try a dab behind each ear.

Getting Rid of Wasps and Hornets: 5 Crucial Facts You Should Know About Their Behavior and Life

Mind that the wasps can sting not only with the sting itself. These guys are so insolent and evil that they also use their mandibles, as well. They rip the victim’s skin as they would with teeth, and it hurts very, very much.

Vivid, artificial, sweet smells and alcoholare to wasps like a red rag is to a bull. They feel these odors miles away and are eager to taste those who carry them. Fragrances and colognes especially excite the yellow jackets. The worker waspsare also attracted by puddled water – get rid of leakages in the backyard.

Wasps go nuts in summer. They reproduce actively and protect their offspring. The hot weather impacts them greatly and these insects sting anything that moves and  – most importantly – smells nice.

It’s best to fight the wasps and the hornets in spring or in autumn. In autumn, yellow jackets lose their enthusiasm and aggression, become drowsy, and slowly retire. It’s extremely easy to access and destroy the hive at that time. By springtime, the queen will have spawned lots of defenders for herself and will be too busy building a nest. You’ll suffer throughout the whole summer if you don’t take your chance at that moment.

Most often the wasps settle in colonies. There could be thousands of these insects in the same nest. They all are subordinate to the queen, who is the head of the nest. The queen is the only member of the colony that survives the winter – that is proven by many scientists including Jeff Hahn, Laura Jesse and Patrick Liesch from the University of Minnesota. So killing all the workers, but leaving the queen alive means working in vain. Another disadvantage of such sociality is the ability of wasps and hornets to attack as a team. The smell of their congeners’ venom excites them and makes them join the attack on the victim.

Tips To Chooce A Good Divorce Lawyer

Family & Divorce Lawyer

Forty to fifty percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. In 1969, California was the first state to legalize no-fault divorce. In 2010, New York was the last of the fifty states to approve it.  No-fault divorce does not require any evidence of wrong-doing on the part of either spouse. Although divorce is a difficult emotional decision, in terms of the law, it can easily be granted under a no-fault divorce ruling.

Divorce in the United States is in accordance with state law rather than governed extensively by federal regulations. A divorce lawyer specializes in civil law. This field can be saturated with emotions and life-changing decisions. Therefore, a divorce lawyer must delicately yet justly handle a wide variety of family law issues from divorce, marriage annulment, and legal separation to child custody, child support and visitation rights. They are also called divorce attorneys or family practice lawyers.

A divorce can take three to twelve months to finalize. However, it depends on how the divorce is filed. It may be a fault or no-fault divorce, contested or uncontested divorce or simplified divorce. The many legal issues to settle and the amount of conflict to mediate influence the time frame.

  • Educational Requirements

There are no specific educational requirements for a divorce lawyer however, some courses are advised. Law school attendance and passing the bar examination is compulsory.  With an interest in divorce law, a law student may select courses in family law to help him specialize in child custody issues, family dysfunction and property rights. While pursuing a Juris Doctorate (J.D.), a law student can receive a certification in family law. In addition, certain law schools offer a Master of Law (LL.M) in Family Law which would follow the acquisition of a J.D..

  • Job Description & Skills Required

When terminating a marriage, many legal aspects must be addressed. A divorce lawyer is responsible for the division of assets and debt among spouses. If there are children involved, a divorce lawyer helps set the terms for child custody and child support. Thorough research is required in order to gather supporting evidence in each case. Detailed paperwork must be compiled and then submitted to the court documenting the evidence.  For legal separations, a divorce lawyer carries out the separation through court orders.

A divorce lawyer must excel in a few unique skills. They have to be an attentive listener because the decisions made in or out of court will greatly affect their client’s lives.  Although it may be difficult, it is vital a divorce lawyer remains non-judgmental to assist them in promoting their own client’s best interests. Their interpersonal skills must be strong because they are dealing with a variety of relationships in their profession. Advocacy, mediation and alternative dispute resolution skills should be acquired and mastered in law school as well as through continual work experience in the field.

The cheapest way to get a divorce with a child

The cheapest way to get a divorce with a child involves both you and your spouse to remain cordial, and be ready to compromise on several issues. Property division and child custody, which are the main battle fronts in most divorce proceedings.

To get a cheap divorce, you can start the process online and minimize the number of professional services you contract. In order to get the cheapest divorce possible, you must make sure that both you and your spouse are willing to work together and your divorce is uncontested.

Even if you plan on representing yourself, divorce can be expensive. However, there are ways to make it cheaper or even divorce with no money.

Here are some tips to go about it:

  1. Divorce fee waiver

Each state has an indigent fee waiver that allows you to file for your divorce without paying the filing costs. When you go into your local court, ask the court’s clerk what forms you need inorder to waive the fees. This option is only available and designed for those with limited finances while filing for divorce.

  • Getting divorce forms

You can get the divorce forms online from the local divorce court site or use a service like mydivorcepapers.com we highly recommend. You can also download the form for asking for a fee waiver. Some sites have instruction booklets that help users in filling the forms. If you can easily access the courthouse, then the clerk can help you with the forms and instructions for filling them.

  • Provide financial proof of indigence

Include proof of your income, debts, and tax returns to prove to the court that you cannot afford the court fees. You will then get the forms notarized by your bank or the court clerk.

Once the is done, the court will review your applications and once the fee waiver is approved or deferred, you can move forward with the case. You can simply file a settlement or make a court appearance together and tell the judge what you have agreed on. If the divorce is uncontested, then your ex-partner does not need to appear in court, this will be a quick process and much cheaper on both of you.

Here is a list of the 9 things you should never do during a divorce:

1. Don’t forget to consult an attorney.

A lawyer can make sure that you both review and understand anything before you sign or agree. An experienced family law attorney is often a good idea for situations where the divorcing couple has a large amount of assets, property or other complicated financial matters. In more contentious divorces, an attorney can make sure that your interests are represented in court. Even in a “friendly” divorce you are often better off hiring a lawyer to help file paperwork and guide you through the court system.

2. Don’t neglect your finances.

If you’re thinking about divorce, you need to immediately begin to set aside money for the all the expenses involved. Make copies of all your financial documents and legal records before your divorce proceedings begin. These documents should include bank and investment statements, wills, trusts, tax returns, property deeds, insurance policies and vehicle titles to name a few. Keep these copies in a secure location not accessible by your ex.

3. Don’t immediately tell everyone you are getting a divorce.

Emotions are running high, it’s perfectly normal to want to let others know what’s going on in your life. You may desperately want support, you may not want to suffer in silence, or you may just want to punish your partner and embarrass them. This doesn’t mean that you have to keep your a divorce secret from everyone, you just need to decide who you tell and why.4. Don’t use your children as pawns.

This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it still happens, even unintentionally. Check your own behavior and don’t use your kids to punish or manipulate your spouse. In the end, this will cause resentment and have a negative impact on the relationship you have with your children.

5. Don’t take divorce advice from family and friends.

It’s only natural that those close to you want to provide support during this time. Everyone wants to share their experiences, offer opinions and give advice. Your family and friends may have good intentions, but their divorce experience is based on the facts and circumstances that are unique to them and may not apply in your situation. Let these friends and relatives be there for you emotionally, but if they offer financial or legal advice about your divorce, politely say “No thank you.” Your future is too important.

6. Don’t do anything you’ll regret later.

While it is normal for you to feel conflicting emotions making the end of your relationship into a bad reality show is never a good idea. Act like everything you say, do, post, tweet, text or snap will immediately be posted on YouTube. Don’t take your negative emotions feelings out on your children, pets, or personal property. Don’t self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Don’t rant or fight with your ex on social media. At best, these things could be used against you during the divorce proceedings, at worst you could land on the wrong side of the law or lose visitation rights.

7. Don’t jump into another relationship.

This is not the time to start a new romantic relationship. If you already have, consider putting it on hold. Even if you and your spouse no longer live together, in some states a relationship outside of marriage can become an issue during the divorce process. With all of the changes going on in your life, avoiding any type of romantic relationship is often the best thing to do for your emotionally.

8. Don’t focus so much on the little things that you forget what’s important.

In a contested divorce, you are likely to accumulate thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees because your lawyer must spend an enormous amount of time preparing the case and filing paperwork. You may be angry but remember the more you and your spouse argue over issues or items, the more you pay in attorney’s fees. Concentrate on what really matters, and focus on that. Leaving a decision up to a third party often means you end up not getting what you really want, and with a gigantic legal bill to boot.

9. Don’t put your friends in the middle.

Having a couple close to them end their marriage can bring up mixed emotions in your friends as well. They will often feel awkward and uncomfortable around you or your ex. Let them know that this is okay, and that you understand. It’s not fair to demand that your friends take sides. It’s up to your friends–not you–whether or not they will continue to stay friendly with your ex. Respect the choices that they make, even if you don’t agree with them.

Ten Things You MUST Do Before You File for Divorce

  1. Be Certain You Want to Get Divorced

While this may seem obvious, the decision to get divorced is an emotional one, and shouldn’t be made when you’re feeling overly emotional. Make sure you’ve exhausted all hope of reconciliation before you file for divorce. Once you’ve served your spouse with divorce papers, it can be difficult to go back on that decision, even if you’ve changed your mind. The court can grant a divorce even if only one spouse wants to end the marriage. If you’d still like to give marital counseling a try, do so before you file for divorce.

  • Interview Attorneys

It’s a good idea to interview more than one attorney before you decide to file for divorce. You’ll want to work with an attorney that fits your style, and understands your goals for litigation. Avoid lawyers who offer you solutions before listening to the particular facts of your case. Attorneys come at different price points and experience levels. If your divorce is likely to be messy or deals with specific types of assets, be sure your attorney is qualified to handle your particular case. For more information, see What to Look for in a Divorce Lawyer.

  • Gather Financial Documents

Divorce cases depend heavily on documentation. Your financial account records, phone records, mortgages, and car notes are all likely relevant to the divorce. To the extent possible, gather all the documents you’ll need for your case before filing for divorce. If you and your spouse have a shared file of paper records in your home, make copies of everything before meeting with your attorney. It’s also smart to obtain records of your shared online accounts. Not all spouses react well to being served with divorce papers, and some will make it difficult to access documents after you’ve filed. Save yourself potential future headaches by getting your hands on the documents ahead of time.

  • Determine Your Goals for Custody

If you have children, their custody situation is probably at the forefront of your mind when getting a divorce. You should know that, absent extreme circumstances, you and your spouse will end up sharing custody of the children. It’s a good idea to sit down and carefully review your work schedule, your children’s schedule, and your other obligations and come up with your desired schedule for custody. If you can come up with a arrangement that gives both you and your spouse time with the children, you’ll be leaps and bounds ahead of most people who file for divorce.

  • Make Necessary Purchases or Sales

In most jurisdictions, the judge automatically issues an order at the beginning of your divorce case that prohibits you or your spouse from selling, buying, or otherwise encumbering or disposing of any marital property. Courts do this to prevent either spouse from draining the bank accounts, or dissipating the marital estate out of spite.

If you’ve long been meaning to upgrade your car, or sell a rental property, you’ll be prevented from doing so if you file for divorce first. While it’s not appropriate to drain the bank accounts before filing for divorce (as that can come back to bite you), if you have a legitimate sale or purchase that’s been in the works, it’s best to complete it before filing for divorce.

  • Figure Out Your Living Situation

Do you want to stay in the same house with your spouse during the divorce? Do you plan to move elsewhere? Do you want your spouse to move out? Decide what your goals are for your living situation, both during and after the divorce. How you behave in the weeks and months leading up to your divorce can affect your chances of winning use of the marital residence during the divorce. For example, moving in with a relative or friend in the weeks leading up to your divorce won’t help your chances of staying in the residence during the divorce. Speak with your attorney about how to best position yourself for the living situation you desire. Click here to find out more about housing issues during divorce.

  • Talk to an Attorney About Joint Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

Depending on how you and your spouse handle your joint financial accounts and credit cards, your attorney may advise you to close the accounts or leave them the same. You don’t want to be in a situation where your spouse has the ability to run up bills in your name or drain the bank accounts – both circumstances may take the entire divorce to sort out. Your attorney can best advise you about whether you should divide the accounts in half, close them, or leave them the same before filing for divorce.

  • Don’t Live Like You’re Single

Even if your marriage is for all intents and purposes over, refrain from living the single life prior to filing for divorce. In most jurisdictions, even if you and your spouse are living separately, having a romantic relationship with another person is still considered adultery. Additionally, a judge may consider money you spend on a paramour dissipation of the marital estate, and could require you to reimburse your spouse for those expenditures. In any case, it typically doesn’t help your case to have started another relationship before your divorce has been filed. In some states you can begin a relationship after filing for divorce; speak with your attorney about how the court will view dating before your divorce is complete. See Divorce and Dating for more information.

  • Prepare a Marital Balance Sheet

You can’t decide your financial goals for your divorce without having an accurate picture of your assets and debts. While it’s not usually necessary to hire an accountant prior to filing for divorce, it’s a good idea to put together a simple balance sheet showing all of your assets and debts. Include real property, cars, retirement accounts, bank accounts and other assets, as well as any mortgages, notes, credit cards, and other debts. This can give you an idea of what you and your spouse will split, and you can start working on your desired division of the marital estate. Determining your total assets can also help you set a budget for how much to spend on your attorney and the divorce litigation.

One often overlooked aspect of divorce is the emotional toll it may take on you and your family. Just as important as hiring an attorney and obtaining relevant documents is surrounding yourself with people who can help you through this difficult time.

  1. Develop a Support Network

One often overlooked aspect of divorce is the emotional toll it may take on you and your family. Just as important as hiring an attorney and obtaining relevant documents is surrounding yourself with people who can help you through this difficult time. If you have the financial means, it can help to speak with a therapist or other mental health professional. At the very least, speak with friends who have been through divorce. Let your family and friends know that you’ll be leaning on them for advice and moral support. Being emotionally stable will better prepare you to make smart decisions as your divorce progresses.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce?

When it comes to divorces, most people want to get through them as quickly as possible. Since the majority of the states accept no fault divorces, you can quickly and easily get through the entire divorce process within a matter of hours or days, depending on your state’s requirements. However, just because you can get through a divorce quickly and without hiring a lawyer does not mean that you should. The answer to, “Do you need a lawyer to get a divorce?” depends primarily on your situation when you begin to seek the divorce.

Times When You May Not Need a Lawyer

A lawyer isn’t necessary for a divorce when you have no marital assets or children. Oftentimes, this comes up when you’re getting an annulment or when you’ve been married for only a short time. The quickest routes through divorce court involve relinquishing all of your rights for equitable support, as well as spousal support. If you don’t want these things, then you don’t need a lawyer. All you need are the forms, which you can generally obtain from your local courthouse or clerk’s office.

Times When You Do Need a Lawyer

Whenever children are involved, you will want to have a lawyer assist you with the agreement. In some states, the court may even provide legal assistance. All states have some variation on a “best interests of the child standard,” meaning that the primary focus in the divorce will be providing for the children. Your rights as a parent could be severely restricted, or you may find yourself in a difficult position. Whenever you have assets in the marriage to be divided or want spousal support, you will also want a lawyer. You should also get a lawyer if your spouse decides that she wants any of these things, since you could easily find yourself losing just about everything.

Using Flat Roof Make Your House Become Beautiful

Different Types of Flat Roof Material Options

01. Various Flat Roof Material Options

We love the flexibility of a flat roof for certain design limitations, but they have a bit of reputation for leaks and repairs.

Of course, flat roofs are not flat but have a very slight roof pitch of between 1/4″ to 1/2″ per foot. Just enough slope to drain water but also flat enough to be a problem if not constructed properly.

The good news is that there are material options for your flat roof beyond traditional hot-mopped built-up roofing that will increase the reliability of the flat roof.

Let’s review the most common categories of flat roof materials available for your home:

  • Single-layer membrane roof
  • Modified bitumen roof
  • Built-up roof (BUR)

Single Layer Membrane Roof

The membrane roof is the latest roofing technology and is also the roof of choice in commercial construction. Known technically as elastomeric or plastomeric roof membrane (depending on the material), single-ply roofs come in a few different varieties including:

  • Neoprene (polychloroprene)
  • EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
  • Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene sheets
  • Polymer-modified bitumens

Of all these membrane types EPDM, synthetic rubber is the most common single-ply membrane roof material in both residential and commercial use. So all you need to be able to say to your roof contractor is you want an EPDM rubber roof.

These roofs are installed as thin sheet materials 0.030 (30 mils) to 0.060 inches (60 mils) thick and are applied to the roof in a single layer. Being made of synthetic rubber or polymer, they are flexible and elastic and can handle temperature changes and some impact types better than built-up roofs.

Membrane roofs are attached in a variety of ways. They can be partially loose laid and held down with river rock ballast (requires roof structure to support the weight) or fully adhered to the roof deck. EPDM and Neoprene roof seams are fastened by adhesive and PVC roof seams are heat or solvent welded.

02. Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen cap sheet roofing was developed in the 1960s as a replacement technology for BUR, or built-up roofing, by using the proven technology of BUR but also adding polymer reinforced roof wear layers or cap sheets.

These roofs can be installed using any number of techniques which are determined by the project’s specific requirements and material specified. These installation methods include:

  • Hot applied
  • Torch applied
  • Cold applied
  • Self-adhered

The polymer used in the cap sheet provides improved elasticity and flexibility in lower temperatures. The most commonly used polymers are atactic polypropylene (APP) and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS). SBS imparts a rubber-like characteristic to the bitumen.

SBS cap sheets are usually installed using cold adhesives or hot asphalt tar. Thermoplastic APP sheets, on the other hand, are installed using the torch applied method.

03. Built Up Roofing

Going back about 120 years, the grandfather of flat roofs is the built-up roof or BUR. Built-up roofs have solved the low pitch roof problem for ages, a challenge that asphalt shingles could never handle.

Built-up roofs are installed using several layers of a special type of roofing felt that has been asphalt impregnated and embedded in bitumen applied with a hot mop.

The hot-applied asphalt or coal tar pitch blends with the bitumen soaked roof felt and creates a monolithic roof membrane. The roof felt/asphalt tar layering is repeated in overlapping layers until the assembly is two to fours plies in thickness.

A wear surface of finely crushed stone granules is usually applied to the top layer of hot tar to protect the built-up roof assembly from UV light and weather.

Why Do Flat Roofs Exist?

Before we get into comparisons of different flat roofing materials, it’s important to know why they exist in the first place since they’re seemingly such a hassle and an almost-immanent leak threat.

There are two main reasons behind why a contractor would call for a flat roof:

 1 aesthetics

 2 convenience.

For example, when you’re adding on to a home (building an addition) with something like a three-seasons room, a flat roof simply looks nicer. Homes with unblended roof pitches can be an awkward eyesore.

In commercial buildings, flat roofs, outright, offer a more convenient place to install outdoor HVAC units rather than putting them in high-traffic ground areas.

Of course, any roof’s main job is to create a barrier of protection between the building below and the atmosphere above. Therein lies the conundrum associated with flat roofing. For all the aesthetics and convenience, the design doesn’t do a lot to avoid snow and water buildup.

To be fair, flat roofs aren’t completely ‘bubble-level’ flat. They work in much the same way as a gutter system, angled slightly or pitched a couple of degrees, so that water can flow into a downspout. Even so, flat roofing materials need to be able to absorb the brunt of the weather and to withstand ponding water or snow and ice until it melts.

4 Best Flat Roof Materials

  1. PVC Roofing

For many projects, PVC roofing is our preferred choice as the best flat roof material on the market. PVC roofing is somewhat more expensive than other single-ply commercial roofing materials, however it offers a wide range of benefits for the price. First, the reinforced membrane makes PVC roofs resistant to impact damage and the cracking which normally shortens the lifespan of single-ply roofs. PVC roofing is one of the best flat roof materials because it is low maintenance with a long lifespan. At J. Smucker Contracting, we offer a 20-year warranty on new PVC roofing we install. In addition, just like TPO roofing, PVC is a reflective white color which is useful as it dramatically lowers the business’s energy bills.

  • Metal Roofing

A commercial standing seam metal roof is the ideal choice for a building with a roof slope greater than 2 inches. Metal is different from most other commercial roofing material types for a few reasons. Due to the expert installation process and the nature of the material, metal is the most expensive roof type to have installed. However, metal roofing has the longest lifespan, lasting between 20 and 30 years. Metal is an extremely durable material and is immune to cracks that affect single-ply roofs. However, metal roofs can be susceptible to leaks around the seams and roof edges.

  • TPO

This very popular roof type is also among the best flat roof materials to install. Not only is a TPO roof an inexpensive option, it has a decent lifespan between 10 and 20 years. In addition, these white-coat roofs have all of the same energy saving properties as PVC roofs. Plus, they require less maintenance than EPDM roofs, as the seams are heat welded to prevent leaks.

  • Modified Bitumen Roof

When compared to other commercial roofing materials, modified bitumen stands out as the more-budget friendly option. Modified bitumen roofs use an asphalt membrane as the base of the roof itself. This surface is susceptible to cracking and blistering which reduces the typical lifespan to just 10 to 15 years. While the lifespan is less than the more advanced options, the price point alone can make modified bitumen one of the best flat roof materials for some businesses.

Why Are Flat Roofs Less Common For Houses?

Also known as low slope roofs, flat roofs are less common in North American residential construction because the low slope of a flat roof has an increased tendency to collect water rather than shed, like its more steeply pitched alternative. This may make it less ideal for rainy or snowy climates.

Keep in mind, all flat roofs have a slope of between five and 15 degrees to allow water to flow into drain systems (such as eaves, drainage holes or outlets).

  • Flat Roof Drain Types

So, even though flat roofs are ideal for drier landscapes, in climates with heavy precipitation, a properly installed flat roof can be a fine choice for a homeowner – especially thanks to ever-improving waterproof materials and installation techniques.

  • It looks good

Flat roofs are an attractive aesthetic choice that give homes a unique form. If you love the landscape or cityscape around your home, a flat roof can help complement that without obscuring the view.

  • Flat Roof Space Is Usable Space

Unlike a steeply pitched roof, most of the square footage of a flat roof is available for use. This offers the option to add a unique application such as a rooftop patio, garden or green roof. Solar panels also are popular among homeowners and are much easier to install – and hide from view – on a flat roof.

Any of these applications will require certain design considerations (such as adding guardrails and other safety protections and/or using more heavy duty materials to handle roof traffic and weight). Special permits may be required from the local building authority, but these efforts may result in an entirely new feature to enjoy on your home.

  • It Performs And Protects Well

Flat roofs are a cost-effective option for homes – thanks to generations of use in commercial flat roof construction, modern materials and application techniques – as viable, protective and long-lasting alternatives to pitched roof counterparts.

By choosing the proper materials, hiring an experienced professional to build and install the flat roof, and committing to regular inspection and maintenance, homeowners may count on many years of reliable performance when selecting a flat roof solution.

When are Flat Roofs Used?

Flat roofs are often used on structures that are not a standard part of the living area. For example, extensions and garages feature flat roofs, as do outdoor living spaces that have been built in the garden.

One of the main reasons is that flat roofs, which generally feature a pitch of 10° and under, are not as thermally efficient as pitched roofs. This makes them ideal for dry, warmer environments where heat retention is a lot lower.

Planning restrictions in some towns will require flat roofing to be installed. For example, if the use of a pitched roof is deemed to be too high as it may obscure the view of surrounding residents and possibly block out light, a flat roof is likely to be the recommended alternative.

A flat roof is usually the preferred choice for extensions likely to be positioned nearby to an existing structure. There are also instances where a new flat roof is installed to replace an outdated roof system. This is often the case with corrugated tin roofs which are no longer allowed under current UK building regulations.

Office Movers Used For New Office

Tips for When You’re Moving to a New Office Space

Start planning early

There’s no such thing as “winging it” when it comes to moving to a new office space. You have to start the planning process early, divvying up who will be doing what, how they’ll be doing it, and when it will be getting done. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling at the last minute, and nobody wants to be in the office all night throwing staplers in a box or trying to figure out how to get a dozen massive printers ready for transport. In addition to planning how you’ll get everything ready for moving day, you’ll also want to have a plan in place for where things will go when you arrive at your new office space. Use a blueprint to figure out office and common space layouts and figure out any new needs you might have. Figure that you’ll probably have to set aside at least a few months to efficiently plan your office relocation, and a couple of months to actually get everything set up and ready to go. And don’t forget to plan ahead for your moving budget—it’s important to know how much you have to spend.

Appoint a move manager

Even if you’re going to be dividing up the work, it’s still important to have a designated move manager who can facilitate and follow up on each step to ensure that things are progressing. Usually the best person for this is an administrative assistant, but you may also choose to appoint someone who has past experience with commercial relocations.

Do research to find the best moving company

We always recommend researching and getting quotes from at least three professional moving companies before booking your move, but because an office move can get very expensive, very fast, you’re better off looking at a couple more than that. If you have the budget for it, plan to hire a full service moving company—they’ll do all the packing for you, as well as the loading, unloading, and unpacking. Ask around for recommendations of moving companies that have experience with office relocations, since you’ll want to make sure you only hire a company with a proven track record of success in this area. To get the most accurate quote possible, have a representative from each company come to your office and see the scope of the work. With jobs like this, it’s not enough to describe what needs to be done over the phone.

Tips to Reduce Office Moving Stress

Start the Planning Process Early

Moving in September? Then start planning now! Give yourself at least three months of time to put together a clear plan. Evaluate what needs to be moved and decide what should be donated or securely eliminated. While many charities do accept old office furniture, you can’t assume the charity will be able to coordinate a last-minute pick up to coincide with your move. The same goes for the secure disposal of electronic equipment. Advanced planning will help streamline these logistics and eliminate unnecessary hiccups. Finally, don’t keep employees in the dark about moving plans! Keep employees in the loop as your plans unfold so they can manage workflow appropriately and support a smooth transition process.

Purge Old Data and Recycle Electronics

Still have old employee laptops or phones lying around? (Let’s face it, no one is going to fire up that BlackBerry from 2010 again!) From old office phones to computers, it’s essential to dispose safely of these products both to protect your company’s security and prevent harmful environmental damage for e-waste. Removing personal data from devices isn’t as simple as just deleting your old files. Do not trade, sell, donate or recycle old electronics until you’ve wiped them clean. Consumer Electronics offers a detailed guide for erasing personal data from computers, tablets and even old BlackBerry phones. Once the data is fully purged, disposal options include community recycling programs and donation programs (like Dell Reconnect and World Computer Exchange). Some electronic companies like Best Buy and Amazon also offer disposal and buy-back programs.

Plan for Coverage During the Move

For most small businesses, it’s simply not practical to completely shut down for an extended move. At the most, you may be able to close your doors for one business day and one weekend. If you primarily service clients remotely, let customers know that you may be a bit slower returning emails or answering phones during the moving period. If your employees are helping out during the transition period with moving-related duties, consider designating one employee as the emergency client contact. This ensures uninterrupted client support without moving distractions.

Move the Non-essentials First

Conduct a thorough analysis of all parts of your office and divide items between “essentials” and “non-essentials”. Reduce downtime by moving non-essential items first to your new office space. Carefully label all boxes and bins to minimize unpacking hassles. Equipment that’s necessary for day-to-day operations should stay in place until moving day.

Group of young people moving in new office, holding boxes and stuff.

Must-Know Tips for a Smooth Move

Plan well in advance

If possible, start planning your move 4-6 months before you actually want to make the transition in order to attend to all of the details without becoming overburdened. Once you know you’re moving into a new office scope out the space and decide on the layout, including where everything and everyone will go. That will allow you to plan out what your needs are as far as new office equipment goes, and give employees an opportunity to do their own planning ahead for their new space. Create a map or floor plan and make it available to both employees and movers so that everyone knows the plan moving ahead.

Hire your moving company early

Since moving a corporate office involves a lot of equipment and details, be sure to get a full estimate and hire a full-service moving company 1-3 months ahead of time. Make sure they have experience with commercial relocation and have them give you an on-site quote for the move — or even better, get recommendations from others in your network who have moved offices before. The movers should be held to the same professional standard as anyone else you do business with.

Get the IT Team on board

Give your IT team three months advance notice to start planning the transfer of all things technical: equipment, internet plans, phone connections, etc. They will need to evaluate the new space for any upgrades that need to be made, either to the infrastructure or to equipment being brought to the new office. When relocating a corporate office you want your landing to be as smooth as possible on the tech side, so do the legwork well in advance.

Do a deep cleaning

Don’t bring things you don’t need! Shred all unnecessary papers, get rid of office furniture that has been collecting dust and sell or donate equipment that you won’t be needing anymore. Anything you choose to donate can be used as a tax write-off, so check with your accountants to find out what sort of paper trail you need to create as you purge.

TIPS TO HELP YOU ORGANIZE YOUR OFFICE MOVE

1. Decide if you will use full office relocation service movers before creating your project plan. If you decide to work with a full-service office mover, your mover (or move-management company) will handle the majority of the corporate relocation for you. This saves you and your team a lot of work and time! Once you select a relocation company, they should provide you with the detailed plan and help you manage the process.

2. No matter what, your office relocation plan must include the steps  that your organization will  take to select the best office  mover. The plan will need to include a process to interview and hire a commercial mover with the experience, resources and manpower required for an efficient office move.

3. Before signing a contract, make sure the moving company you hire has insurance and get them to fax you a copy of it.

4. Inform employees of the upcoming move as early as possible. If you are making a long-distance relocation, discuss relocation packages. Keep employees informed throughout the process via regular emails, posted notices and announcements during company meetings.

5. Determine the required space needed in the new office. Plan for future growth if needed.

Tips to Make the Process Easier

1. Start early.

Depending on the size of your business and the number of people you have helping you with your move, you’ll likely want to start the moving and packing process as early as possible. In some cases, moving a business involves more possessions than moving a home does, so the moving and packing process will take considerably more time. Don’t be one of the many business owners who underestimates the time it takes to move. Save yourself the headache and optimize organization by starting early.

2. Invest in proper packing supplies.

Moving your business requires shuttling your commercial possessions – many of which are quite expensive – from one location to another. To keep your possessions organized (and in one piece), it’s important to invest in proper packing supplies before beginning the moving and packing process. Essential packing supplies for commercial moving include cardboard moving boxes, bubble wrap or moving blankets, packing tape, clear zip-locked bags, and pens or markers for labeling.

3. Don’t be afraid to donate.

For businesses of any size, moving presents an excellent opportunity to downsize or upgrade. If you have possessions in your business that serve little to no purpose – or if you have essential items that need to be upgraded – your move is the perfect time to get rid of them. Old phones, office furniture, printers, copiers, PCs and even stray office supplies are all great candidates for donation. Not only does donation save you the hassle of meticulously packing and moving these items, it may also earn you some extra money through a tax write-off. If you do plan to write off your donation, be sure to double-check which donation centers are registered charities.

Remove Mold With Mold Inspection

Mold Problem – How to Check For Mold in Your Home

Proper inspection of the house every year and proactive cautions are very important to get rid of this deadly mold problem. A home is an expensive asset of a person which can easily be damaged by a mold, there are 50 types of harmful molds that can destroy the health of a person in a few hours.

Point of Concern:

It is recommended to wear a mask or gloves at the time of inspection, it helps to prevent the unnecessary contact and harmful inhaling.

Identification of mold

Mold problems are different in types according to the palace;

It may be in different color like white, black, yellow or brown.

Its texture may be like leather or cotton.

It carries a rotten or pungent odor.

MOLD, ALLERGEN AND PARTICULATES INSPECTION AND TESTING

Mold is a fungus that can be found everywhere, but it will grow more aggressively in moist areas without proper ventilation, or on surfaces that do not dry easily. Modern building materials and methods, such as well insulated homes where outside air does not easily come into the house, allow for mold growth.

While some types of fungi may be useful (to make antibiotics, cheeses and beer), others are toxic and potentially harmful. Increased awareness of sicknesses associated with mold and the concern of insurance companies to insure property that is mold infested has made testing for mold almost a necessity when buying or selling a home.

Mold may or may not be visible. When it is, it appears as a surface stain or discoloration, or as a dark growth. At times, a musty smell is present. Mold poses a health hazard when present in large quantities, called colonies.

With our mold testing services we conduct an initial non-intrusive visual inspection focused on the discovery of mold growth and moisture intrusion – the leading causes of fungal contamination and mold growth.

  • Use of a moisture meter and thermo-imaging (as needed) to help locate areas of actively wet building materials.
  • Use of a temperature and humidity meter to determine the relative humidity in the areas inspected.
  • Outdoor cursory check, if the living areas inspected have outside walls.

Mold Inspections in San Diego, California

If your home smells moldy but you cannot see the mold source, you might need a mold inspection to locate hidden mold. Also, you might want a mold inspection if your San Diego home had water damage or if you (or your tenants) are experiencing health problems. Mold could be hidden in many possible places including:

Back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling

Top side of ceiling tiles

Underside of carpets and pads

Inside walls around pipes that are leaking or have condensation

On walls behind furniture where moisture has formed

Inside ductwork

Roof materials above ceiling tiles from roof leaks or insufficient insulation

Why You Must Need San Diego Mold Removal If Infested:

Mold removal in San Diego CA has recently become one of the most common service residents in San Diego are looking for. This further confirms the data, why San Diego ranks number #1 spot in the list of cities most affected by mold in California State. Mold causes serious health risks, especially to young children and this is why it becomes mandatory to get rid of that as soon as possible. A major mold infestation can ruin your home value—and your health! When you find mold growing in your home, sound the alarm and get rid of it fast. Delay can mean extensive and costly remediation and repairs. Without proper mold removal, the mold can go dormant until the next bit of moisture revives it. Mold Removal in San Diego should not be hurting your pockets. Getting quotes from various mold remediation companies in San Diego will take care of this problem without breaking your budget.

Air Quality in the Home

Indoor Air Quality testing Services we provide include;

Pre-remediation mold inspection and air and/or direct sampling for mold in your homes IAQ.

Post-remediation clearance testing to ensure your remediated areas are “clear and ready for occupation.”

VOC testing for the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds in your homes IAQ.

Tobacco smoke testing for the presence of tobacco smoke in your homes IAQ.

Formaldehyde testing for the presence of Formaldehyde in your homes IAQ.

Radon testing for the presence of Radon in your homes IAQ.

IAQ Testing for the presence of Alergens in your homes IAQ.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality is just a fancy term for whether the air in your home is safe to breathe.  Whether you are buying or selling, or if you are just interested in maintaining a current residence, educating yourself on the air quality in your home will help to ensure that the health and safety of all residents, as indoor air quality can affect all living things inside the home.