Author: Gus

Categories
Home Improvement

What To Do If AC Is Not Draining?

Air conditioners work by eliminating moisture from indoor air to keep the house comfortable. The moisture leaves through the drain line to the outside of the building. However, if your ductless air conditioner fails to drain the water, it affects the performance of the unit. Let’s take a look at some reasons contributing to the issue and how you can prevent them in the future.

Disconnected Drain Line

If your air conditioner is failing to drain moisture, the first thing you need to check is the drain line. With time, the drain line tends to clog due to dirt and debris. In that case, the water will simply fail to flow through the pipe. It could also be that some connections are loose due to poor installation.

Try connecting the loose ends to see if the issue gets fixed. If not, chances are that the drain line is blocked. Unblock it by consulting the user manual to become familiar with the steps.

Clogged Drain Line

Another reason contributing to drain failure is dust and debris from the condensate. Try using bleach or a wet/dry vacuum to suck the clog out. Plus, grab a thin wire and poke the clog until the pipe unclogs. If the AC has not been maintained in a while, the blockage might be serious.

Worst-case scenario? You might have to change the drain line. Depending on the air conditioner, the process might be slightly complicated requiring a professional’s touch.

Rust In Drain Pan

Rust in the drain pan is a common issue with old air conditioners. If there is rust on your drain pan, it might prevent water from flowing to the drain line. The reason is that a rusty drain pan might have cracks or holes causing water to leak.

In this case, you should replace the drain pan. However, if the drain pan seems fine, you should use a hard brush with a cleaning agent to thoroughly clean it before reinstalling it.

Malfunctioning Condensate Pump

A condensate pump is a component located inside the air conditioner that pushes the moisture to the drain line. If the condensate pump tends to be malfunctioning, the moisture will not be able to make it through the drain line.

There could be several reasons why the condensate pump could malfunction. Then again, you will need to consult HVAC repair services Huntington and maybe replace the component.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

Air conditioners come equipped with condenser and evaporator coils that work together to produce warm and cool air. If you are living in a region that experiences extreme winter conditions, frozen evaporator coils tend to be a normal situation.

In such cases, modern air conditioners tend to activate the defrost function. If you observe that the evaporator coils of your air conditioner are still freezing, it might be causing the draining issue. As a result, the water will simply leak instead of exiting through the drain line.

Secondly, frozen evaporator coils can easily become damaged if they are left ignored. If the defrost function is not very effective, you should use lukewarm water to help melt the layers of ice.

Dirty Or Damaged Coils

In addition to coils freezing, dirt and dust happen to be the worst enemies causing coil failures. While cleaning the air filters is a necessary and basic part of maintenance, ensuring the coils are free of layers of dust and dirt is also equally important.

Coils help dissipate heat. If they are covered with layers of dust and dirt, the heat will simply not escape and will overheat the coils. As a result, the AC system performance will decrease leading to a permanent failure of the coils as well.

Keep in mind that condenser coils could be expensive to replace. So, when it is time to maintain your air conditioner, make sure to clean the coils during the process.

What Are The Signs Of AC Drain Line Being Clogged?

Puddles Of Water

One of the most common signs of an AC drain line being clogged is puddles of water. You will notice standing water on the floor. If the drain line happens to be clogged, the condensate pan will not be able to empty, causing the water to leak onto the ground. This means there is a clog somewhere in the air conditioner.

Water Damage

If the water does not exit through the drain line, it will leak and find a place to rest. As the water continues to collect, it will travel down to different areas of the house and cause mold in the walls or floorboards. So, if you observe that your walls and floorboards look suspicious, you should investigate if there is a water leakage issue.

Simply follow the trail of water and if it leads to the air conditioner, it surely means there is a blockage

Moldy Smell

A moldy smell is another sign that your air conditioner has a clog. In some cases, the smell takes time to be identified due to a clogged drain pipe, extra condensation, or a filled condensation drain pan. The growth does not take place overnight. In some cases, it might take a few days.

However, as soon as you notice the smell, you should turn off the air conditioner and try to investigate. In most cases, a clogged drain line comes out to be the issue. So, that should be your first point of concern.

How To Prevent AC Clogged Drain Issues?

The best way to prevent clogging issues is to provide professional maintenance to your air conditioner. Air conditioner maintenance depends on the usage frequency and the location of the air conditioner. If the air conditioner is used most of the year, then professional maintenance at least once or twice will suffice.

Furthermore, if the air conditioner is surrounded by trees, bushes, and other natural items, you will need to keep an eye on dead leaves, branches, shrubs, etc. The reason is these things can make their way inside the outdoor unit during thunderstorms and other extreme weather conditions causing damage to the components.

Therefore, you need to make sure the outdoor unit is clean and clear from debris and is installed away from trees and plants.

Should I Consult A Professional Each Time?

Consulting a professional when it comes to solving drainage and other issues ensures that your air conditioner is in safe hands. In most cases, homeowners attempt to fix issues on their own in order to save money but it ends up damaging the components.

This is why consulting a professional is like investing in your air conditioner. It will work smoothly for years to come without minor or major issues. Otherwise, air conditioners tend to become problematic after a few years if not maintained properly.

Therefore, instead of trying to save a few bucks, get your air conditioner maintained and fixed by an expert who knows the ins and outs of the unit.

Conclusion

In the end, drainage issues in air conditioners are minor in most cases but can turn major if left ignored. Keep the tips mentioned above if you happen to come across such a situation in the future. And, if the issue seems complicated, do not hesitate to call a AC repair services Smithtown.

Categories
Health

Everything You Should Know About Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Sick senior man with cane touching his back while talking to clinician on way to hospital

Hip injuries can be hard to deal with especially if people get them at an older age or because of a terrible accident. Here is everything you need to know about partial hip replacement surgery, how orthopedic surgeons perform the surgery, and things you should and should not do after the surgery.

Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

The hip bone consists of two parts: the ball and the socket. Normally, when the hip is injured beyond repair, it means that surgery will be done to replace the ball and socket with medical-grade prosthetics. This is a total hip replacement surgery. Partial hip replacement surgery is basically a surgery where only the ball of the hip joint is replaced. The socket is normally uninjured and doesn’t need any replacement.

Partial hip replacement surgery is also called a hemiarthroplasty. It is done by either cementing the prosthetic ball to the very core of the femur or it can be done by uncementing, in which there is a type of coating on the tip, which the bone attaches itself to.

Partial hip replacement surgery is less invasive than total hip replacement surgery, but the general procedure is pretty much the same and it may take some time in healing. This is why it is recommended that you shouldn’t push yourself too much after the surgery and let your incision and hip heal properly before you resume life activities. It’s for the betterment of your own well-being. If you try to overexert your newly replaced hip, then things can take a turn for the worse and you might end up doing more bad than good.

What Happens In Partial Hip Replacement Surgery?

Here is a general run-down of what happens in a partial hip replacement surgery:

You will be put under anesthesia. The anesthesia can either be local/regional or it can be general anesthesia. In local or regional anesthesia, the area undergoing surgery will be numb and you will be given extra drugs to feel sleepy, but you can also be awake for this process. In general anesthesia, you will be put to sleep for the entirety of the surgery and you will be woken up after the surgery is successfully completed. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on your general health and how quickly you can recover from the aftereffects. This is why a doctor will call you in for anesthesia fitness before the surgery.

Once you are under anesthesia, an incision will be made where the ball of the hip joint is present. It will be removed and another metal ball will be placed on the core of the femur, also known as the thigh bone. Once the position of the ball is perfect, it will be either cemented to glue it in place or it can be adhered to by a porous substance, which is safe for the body and bones.

Once that is completed, and it takes anywhere between 1 to 3 hours for this process to be completed, you will be taken off the anesthesia and your recovery time will start.

You may also have a catheter placed because, after this surgery, you will find it hard to walk, so it’s better to have a catheter because you can empty your bladder without having to get up and go to the bathroom every now and then.

Recovery After Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Here are some things you need to take care of, post-surgery:

The recovery time is different for everyone, but the general rule of thumb is that you will be needing help to walk and move around for a couple of weeks. The recovery time for a partial hip replacement surgery is about 5 to 6 weeks.

After the surgery, you want to keep exertion to a minimum. This is why you will be given crutches to walk in, to alleviate the pressure from your hips.

Keeping your legs up will do wonders for you. If you keep your legs down for longer periods of time, there might be fluid retention in that area and it can lead to pressure buildup near the hips, which can cause a lot of pain.

Speaking of pain, after the surgery, you will be administered IV pain medication to help deal with any sort of discomfort you’re feeling. It’s completely normal for people to be in pain or feel pain near the hips or the incision, after the surgery. As time passes, your dependency on pain medicine will become less and less, until you don’t need them anymore. Your surgeon may suggest you pain management clinics Woodbridge for this purpose.

You will also need to be mindful of certain movements, which could injure or hurt your hip. This is why you should consult with your doctor about how further you can push your body to move and do things, without affecting the hip.

Things To Do And Not To Do After Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Here are things which you should and shouldn’t do after partial hip replacement surgery:

  • Take advantage of the crutches. Without them, you might experience a lot of difficulty in walking, especially right after the surgery.
  • Don’t overdo it. Listen to your body and get in tune with it. You don’t want to put any unwanted stress and pressure on your newly healed hip.
  • Exercise! Not all movements are bad for your hip. In fact, some exercises might help you heal faster. You will have to join a rehabilitation program and they will tell you what kinds of exercises are best for you.
  • Have someone with you to take you to and from the hospital, because you won’t be able to drive until the doctor gives you the go-ahead. Usually, it takes about a month to 2 months for you to be able to drive again.
  • Focus on your diet. Create a diet plan that can speed up the recovery.

Potential Risks Of Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Here are some risks of partial hip replacement surgery. Keep in mind that these things seldom happen, but as protocol, the patient should know about these things.

  • Nerve damage is a general complication in any type of surgery. There are nerve endings almost everywhere in your body and during surgery, the doctor needs to be careful, to not damage any nerves during the process. Nerve damage can lead to permanent numbness in the leg and even loss of sensation in other areas.
  • Blood clots can turn a hip replacement surgery into a full-on medical emergency. Things can take a deadly turn if the blood flow can’t reach the legs and other organs like the heart and lungs, and this normally happens because of blood getting thick and clotted in the veins.
  • Infection in the incision is also a common risk and it needs to be properly taken care of. Make sure that the incision doesn’t get wet and always look out for signs of swelling around the incision, and insanely high fever. If that happens, inform your doctor as soon as possible so that things can be controlled.

Conclusion

There you have it! Partial hip replacement surgery is different from total hip replacement surgery, and it can be done to heal the serious injuries of the ball and socket so that you can resume life activities as normal. Prepare for the surgery with the help of your hip replacement surgery surgeon Woodbridge for faster recovery.

Categories
Home Improvement

How To Choose Condo Flooring For The Remodel?

Whether you’re doing other renovations as well with the flooring or focusing on just the flooring, take help from this guide for choosing the flooring, and don’t hesitate to ask home addition contractors about trending floorings.

Condo Flooring Options

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is made of solid wood without mixing anything else in it. It’s wood throughout the plant. This makes it durable and natural. It’s an expensive type of flooring, but still a popular choice among condo owners.

As it’s a costly yet desirable flooring option, it increases the value of the condo as well so if you’re looking to sell your condo in the near future, installing hardwood flooring can get you better returns.

Pros Of Hardwood Flooring

  • The planks are made of natural solid wood.
  • Various types (maple, walnut, oak, cherry, ash, and many others).
  • Strong and durable flooring.
  • Increases the resale value of your property.
  • You can refinish hardwood flooring multiple times.
  • Well-maintained hardwood flooring can last for decades.

Cons Of Hardwood Flooring

  • It’s an expensive flooring type.
  • Hardwood flooring is prone to damage with moisture.
  • You should not install hardwood flooring in parts of the condo where moisture is persistent like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
  • Hardwood flooring requires more maintenance than many other flooring materials. You may need to use a specialty hardwood floor cleaner once a month and also refinish it every 3 to 5 years.
  • It can get scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas.

Engineered Wood Flooring

This is considered a cost-effective more durable alternative to hardwood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is made of a thin layer of solid wood that is bonded to layers of high-quality plywood to form composite planks that are more durable than solid hardwood planks.

Engineered wood flooring is less prone to warping when exposed to moisture and temperature changes than hardwood flooring.

Pros Of Engineered Wood Flooring

  • The top layer is made of real wood and appears almost the same as hardwood flooring.
  • Various types of wood can be used to make engineered wood flooring. You can use any type that is employed for hardwood flooring as the top layer in engineered wood flooring.
  • It can last for decades if maintained well.
  • Less prone to expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
  • Moisture damage is seen less on engineered wood flooring compared to hardwood flooring.
  • Due to its better resistance to moisture than hardwood, engineered wood flooring can be used in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms as well.
  • Less expensive than hardwood floors.
  • You can install it yourself.

Cons Of Engineered Wood Flooring

  • You can install it in moist areas of your house, but you will need to be careful and maintain it well because engineered wood is susceptible to moisture damage after all. Moreover, there are better flooring options (tiles, stone) for moist areas so you should consider those options as well.
  • Engineered wood flooring can’t be refinished more than once.
  • Walking on this type of flooring sounds hollow compared to hardwood.
  • They emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are emitted as gases from engineered hardwood flooring and many other engineered products and can cause health problems like skin irritation, difficulty in breathing, nausea, and damage to the central nervous system. Some VOCs can cause cancer.
  • You should clean water and spills immediately to avoid damage.

Laminate Flooring

It is a cheaper flooring option that looks like wood flooring. Laminate flooring is made with particleboard wood. The top part of this material has a photo of real wood printed on it for a wood-resembling appearance. On top of everything, there is a protective plastic coating.

Pros Of Laminate Flooring

  • Laminate flooring is fairly durable, but as much as hardwood flooring or engineered wood flooring.
  • It’s scratch resistant and good for condo owners who have pets.
  • It can get the design and color of any wood or natural stone on laminate flooring.
  • Laminate flooring is cost-effective.

Cons Of Laminate Floorings

  • Laminate flooring has the print of real wood on it but it’s almost never convincing. You can spot laminate flooring quickly due to the repetition of the wood design.
  • It gives off a plastic feel and sounds underfoot.
  • Laminate flooring can’t be refinished. If it wears off or fades, you will need to replace it.
  • Standing water on laminate flooring can damage it quickly.
  • Laminate flooring chips easily.

Tile Flooring

Tiles are commonly used in bathrooms and any moisture-prone area of a house or condo. This is due to the water-resistant and durability of tiles.

There are two types of tiles: ceramic and porcelain. Ceramic tiles are softer and affordable whereas porcelain tiles are denser, more durable, and resistant to water.

Pros Of Tile Flooring

  • With the two types, you can choose the tile with respect to the cost or durability you prefer.
  • There are limitless designs and styles of tiles. You can even choose various sizes of tiles and those with minimal grout lines.
  • Tiles are waterproof and work best in moist areas.
  • Tile flooring is low-maintenance and easy to clean.
  • Porcelain tiles are more durable and resistant to scratches and dents.
  • Porcelain tiles are also long-lasting.

Cons Of Tile Flooring

  • Tiles should be installed by a professional so this flooring is not DIY-friendly. Consult home addition companies McLean for tile flooring installation.
  • Porcelain tiles are costly and are in the same range as hardwood flooring.
  • Tiles are slippery when wet.
  • Tiles can be cold in winter. If you live in a colder region, consider heating under tile flooring.

Vinyl Flooring

It is also called resilient flooring and the most waterproof flooring that looks like wood. Laminate flooring is a multi-layered flooring made with plastic, fiberglass, and PVC. It has three types: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and vinyl sheets.

Like laminate it can have the image of any material you want like wood, stone, or ceramic. The topmost layer is the protective layer that makes it waterproof flooring.

Pros Of Vinyl Flooring

  • It is more durable than laminate flooring but less than hardwood and engineered wood.
  • Vinyl flooring is waterproof so you can use it in moist areas of the condo as well like condo kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
  • Standing water doesn’t damage vinyl flooring.
  • The multiple layers of vinyl flooring give off a softer feeling underfoot compared to hardwood and stone.
  • The multiple layers of vinyl flooring provide insulation as well and help in maintaining a consistent temperature.
  • Vinyl floors have mild soundproofing qualities as well.
  • DIY-friendly installation.

Cons Of Vinyl Flooring

  • It scratches easily so if you drag or move heavy items on the flooring, the scratches will be visible.
  • Vinyl flooring can’t be refinished. If it fades or wears off, you will need to replace it.
  • There are many qualities of vinyl flooring. Every type doesn’t add resale value.
  • Vinyl flooring is not environmentally friendly. Toxic chemicals are used during the manufacturing process that may emit VOCs which can affect your indoor environment and health.
  • The cost of vinyl flooring varies. Low-cost vinyl is less durable whereas some high-quality vinyl flooring may reach the cost of inexpensive wood flooring. Therefore, compare prices of vinyl, hardwood, and engineered wood before making a purchase.

Conclusion

The flooring of your condo impacts its appearance and resale value. For durability and appearance, choose engineered wood flooring, and for moist areas, tile flooring is suggested for your condo remodel McLean. Hire a contractor for flooring installation to prevent mistakes.

Categories
Fashion

A Guide On How To Do Balayage On Straight Hair

Balayage is also called natural-looking highlights because no kinds of foils or patterns are used in this process. It’s considered an excellent way to get the sun-kissed look. If you have straight hair and are worried that hair color and highlights won’t look as good on you, think again. Balayage adds dimension to any type of hair and straight hair is no exception so don’t delay your appointment with a balayage salon.

However, if you want to take on the challenge and do it yourself, follow the steps in this guide.

Steps For Getting Balayage Hair On Straight Hair

Choosing The Color

The first thing is to choose the color you want to do. Although you can choose any color you want, there are some rules that you should follow to avoid colors that mismatch and ruin your hard work.

If you have brown color hair, you can go for balayage shades of ash or khaki. You should also look into caramels and honeys for making the color pop and adding the depth that balayage is known for.

However, if your brown hair is very dark, you should consider bleaching or lightening it before proceeding with lighter colors otherwise it may not appear as good. In case you have naturally light brown hair, other than caramel and honey, you should also try red, gold, or copper.

Women with light blonde hair would look amazing with cool beige or flaxen shades. However, if you have white blonde hair, you should avoid balayage and consider lowlights.

If you have warmer, yellower blonde hair, you should be looking for light gold or burnished yellow.

For red, straight hair, you can try other shades of red to make your locks interesting and beautiful. For instance, try cooler colors like strawberry if you have blue-red hair.

Get The Right Balayage Kit

For getting balayage hair, you should get a balayage or highlighting kit. These kits will make the process easier for you because it has all the essential items you need like a comb applicator, lightning formula, conditioner, plastic gloves, and also the much-needed instructions. Balayage kits are available at any beauty store. If you can’t find it at a beauty store, try a salon.

Additionally, if your hair is dark and you want to go for a way lighter shade, you would also need a bleaching kit for lightening the hair before applying the shade you want.

Apply The Hair Dye

Once you have bought the balayage kit, you’re in your home and ready to allocate time for balayage hair highlights Rockville, then prep the hair dye.

Follow the instruction on the balayage kit for preparing the dye. Hair coloring is infamous for spills so wear an old shirt and wrap a towel on your shoulders. Moreover, make use of the plastic gloves that are in the balayage kit as well. Plus, make sure your hair is clean and dry before starting the dyeing process.

Usually, you won’t need to lighten or bleach your hair for balayage because the dye formula in a balayage kit has ingredients that lighten hair without a need for bleaching. However, this is for mild lightening of hair. If you want a drastic change and want to lighten your hair, you will need a separate bleaching kit.

Patch Test First

Whichever hair coloring technique and shade you want to do, you should do a patch test first. So, select a thin strip of hair from the bottom part of your hair and apply a small amount of dye to it. Let it rest for the time shown on the package, rinse it, and see the results.

This will tell you the kind of shade your hair will get and you will also be sure that your hair responds well to the shade without any negative reactions.

Make Three Sections Of Your Hair

Sectioning is important in balayage so make sure you do it correctly. As you have straight hair, making sections may be easier. Take the tail end of a comb to move from one ear to the other hair through the hair to separate your hair into top, middle, and bottom sections.

You can make small buns of the above and middle sections of hair because you should start with the bottom section.

Apply The Dye

You should select the width of hair strips before dying. You can choose any width but if you want the best look don’t go over 1-inch-wide strips. So, the thinner the better.

Take the brush that comes with the kit or use your fingers to apply the dye. Dip the brush in the dye bowl and brush the hair strand that you’re holding with the other hand. When doing so, you should apply the dye heavily on the roots and go gentle when you reach the middle part.

When dyeing your hair for balayage, don’t forget that you should not dye your roots. The technique of going lighter with the brush strokes will give your hair the natural transition from one color to the other.

Furthermore, be cautious if you have short hair because many people with short hair cover more part of the hair strands with dye than they should.

Take a strand from the other side of your head and perform the same process as above. Keep doing this for all the strands. You can pick strands one inch apart from each other or any other length. The choice is yours.

When done with the bottom section, repeat the same steps with the other two sections one by one.

The reason we do the bottom section first is that hair at the bottom of the hair is usually darker so applying dye on them first will give them more time to process.

Rinse It After Leaving It For The Instructed Amount Of Time

Check the instructions on the kit again and leave the hair to process for the amount of time mentioned in the box. Normally, it’s 20-30 minutes.

Keep in mind when you give more time to the dye to process, your hair will be lighter. So, if you have dark hair and you want to lighter you should wait more, but if you like the dark shades of your hair, then rinse it out a bit quickly.

After this time, rinse the hair with the shampoo that comes in the kit. Moreover, you should also use a toning mask if it’s included in the kit. If not, get one separately and apply it after rinsing the hair with shampoo. There will be instructions about the toning mask on the box so leave it on the hair as instructed and then rinse it out as well.

Maintenance

You should repeat the same process whenever you notice that the effect is fading. However, will not need to do it frequently. It usually takes about 2-3 months before the color starts fading. Moreover, use a sulfate-free and color-correcting shampoo to keep your balayage shade fresh.

Conclusion

Balayage can add depth to your straight hair. You can try to do it yourself by following the steps mentioned above. Select the right color, focus on sectioning, apply the dye, and rinse. If you want a no-fuss balayage, then visit a balayage hair salon Rockville.

Categories
Home Improvement

How To Resurface A Pool

Swimming pool surfaces deteriorate over time and you need to refinish your pool to keep it looking new and beautiful. You hire a pool contractor to resurface your pool. However, if you’re a DIYer, keep reading to learn how to resurface your pool.

When To Resurface Your Swimming Pool?

You may need to resurface your concrete pool every eight years. However, if you notice some deterioration signs like surface stains, cracks, coarse texture, loss of pebbles, and discoloration, you can schedule a pool to refinish sooner.

Step By Step Instructions For Resurfacing A Swimming Pool

Before starting, create an estimate of the project’s cost. Prepare a list of the items you need and go to a store where you can check the cost of all the items.

Prepare The Area

You will need to clear the area surrounding the pool. You should remove furniture from the patio and near the pool, electronics, and other pool accessories. Use weather-resistant dropcloths in the area surrounding the pool to avoid dust and stains.

Moreover, while the pool is filled with water, check all the features of the pool to make sure they are functional. For instance, if a filter is faulty, you should repair or replace it first before going ahead with pool resurfacing.

Drain The Pool

From the central pump of your pool, change the settings to drain so it drains the pool water. If the pool pump is not accessible or not working, you can use a small submersible pump to force water out of the pool.

Repair Damages

Get inside the empty pool and look for cracks and crumbling, and other types of damage. If there are a few small areas that need patching, you should do. However, if you see any part of the pool that appears as a bigger problem, you should let a contractor inspect the pool to advise what you should do about it.

Clean The Pool

For cleaning the pool, you should first remove things like leaves and stones by hand. After that, go ahead with pressure washing the entire pool surface. This should remove stains, mineral deposits, algae, and other things.

Keep in mind that you must be thorough with the cleaning because even if a small amount of dust or debris is left, it can cause problems in refinishing the pool.

Strip The Existing Materials

For plaster, fiberglass, and composite surfaces, you should use the method of sandblasting. Make sure to wear safety gear during this operation.

After completing the process, use a vacuum to remove dust and debris. After this, remove the clothes you used during sandblasting and take them to an area somewhere else where you can easily clean them.

Keep A Check On The Weather

For the project to go well, you should select days when there is no possibility of precipitation and gusty winds. This is because the materials you’ll use for resurfacing require some time to dry up and rain or wind can hurt that.

Select The Materials

There are many options for surfacing materials. To keep it simple, you can choose a plaster or fiberglass finish. They are also cost-effective.

For choosing a finish, choose a long-lasting one such as pebble, concrete, ceramic tile, or quartz. They will be less likely to allow stains and algae growth.

Epoxy Paint

Use an epoxy primer that is specific for pool surfaces and apply it to your pool. When it’s dry, brush on 3 to 4 coats of top-coat epoxy on areas that are difficult to reach. When applying epoxy, sand the surface before each coat.

Spread Plastic On The Pool Surface

Create the plastic mix by putting the dry plaster components and water in a big bucket. Mix the plaster enough to reach a thick consistency. Use a trowel to spread it on the entire pool surface.

Apply Fiberglass

Take a thin seal coat and cover the surface of the pool with this liquid using a sprayer or paint roller. After this, spray a coat of resin. Then, roll and sand the layers and let them dry. Basic epoxy paint dries within a few hours. However, plaster and fiberglass take many days to dry up.

Afterward, check the features of the pool like lights and plumbing fixtures, and refill the pool.

Conclusion

Resurfacing your pool can drastically improve the appearance of your pool and increase its lifespan. Consult pool builders Long Island for proper resurfacing of your pool.

Categories
Home Improvement

6 Chimney Cleaning Myths Busted

A red ceramic brick chimney standing at the rear of the building, by the facade, with a blue sky in the background.

To prevent corrosion of the chimney and avoid chimney fire, it’s essential to regularly clean your chimney. There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding chimney cleaning that can put homeowners at risk if they start following everything they hear about chimney cleaning. Therefore, we are busting common misconceptions that may be a good clue for you to get help from chimney sweep services for a chimney cleanup.

Myth #1: Metal chimneys don’t require annual cleaning

You can find different types of chimney flue liners like stainless steel and cast-in-place liners. Chimneys without a liner are considered hazardous so a chimney liner is an important part of chimneys.

Stainless steel is the metal commonly used for flue liners and its many benefits like it’s non-corrosive and can withstand the high amount of corrosive smoke and chemicals passing through the chimney. However, similar to other types of chimney liners, stainless steel liners require cleaning as well.

Stainless steel won’t corrode, but creosote and soot buildup will occur on the liner. Creosote and soot are black materials that can catch fire if enough amount of them builds up. Therefore, you must clean your chimney at least annually to sweep away creosote and prevent a chimney fire and avoid damage to the house.

Myth #2: You can skip cleaning the chimney of an unused fireplace before beginning its usage

This can sound convincing that if you haven’t used the fireplace, you don’t need to clean the chimney before starting to use it.

When a fireplace isn’t used, it won’t produce smoke. As a result, you won’t find any soot or creosote buildup on the chimney. However, chimneys collect dust and debris over time even when they are not in use.

If you don’t have a chimney cap installed on the unused chimney, it will become an ideal nest for birds and rodents. They create their home in your chimney and as the chimney is not in use, you won’t notice it.

This will block your chimney and if you happen to use the fireplace, the room will become smoky because no or less smoke will make out of the chimney and most of the smoke will turn back and enter the room.

Even if an unused chimney has a chimney cap, dust and debris must be cleaned before using the fireplace. So, make sure you clean your unused fireplace and chimney before using them.

Myth #3: No need to clean a chimney before liner installation

If your chimney didn’t have a liner installed or your existing liner is damaged, you will consider relining your chimney. However, make sure to clean your chimney before the flue liner installation. Failing to do so will keep a layer of creosote between the chimney walls and the liner.

Myth #4 You can DIY chimney cleaning

Chimney cleaning requires expertise and special equipment. This makes sure that the whole chimney is properly cleaned without leaving any spot uncleaned. A DIY chimney cleaning can be improper, might leave a spot, or leave contaminants that might cause problems like smoky fireplaces and chimney fires.

You can DIY your chimney cleaning every month, but for a thorough cleaning, you must hire an expert.

Myth #5: Softwoods create more creosote

Another common myth about chimney cleaning is that softwoods create more creosote and they must be avoided. But the fact is that creosote buildup is affected by the moisture content in the wood. Wood with higher moisture levels will create more creosote in comparison to firewood that has lesser moisture levels.

Freshly cut and green wood has high moisture while seasoned wood has lower moisture. Therefore, use seasoned wood for a lower rate of creosote buildup in your chimney.

Myth #6: Burning orange peels in the fireplace can clean the chimney

Orange oil has properties that can remove grease and is used in many cleaners. However, burning orange peels in your fireplace won’t clean the chimney. Your room will smell like oranges, but that’s it. The best method of chimney cleaning is by getting an expert to sweep it properly.

Conclusion

Your chimney will require cleaning annually if you regularly use it. Moreover, an unused fireplace and chimney should be swept by a chimney cleaning service Ellicott City before starting its usage to prevent a chimney fire.

Categories
Shopping

How To Choose A Rug For Guest Room

Your guest room should have the necessary décor items to give off a warm and friendly vibe. Therefore, you should consider incorporating an area rug for style and comfort. When selecting a rug for a guest room or any other room, you’re not limited to modern rugs, all Persian rugs are distinct but still go well with any house theme.

You should consider the below things when buying an area rug for a guest room.

Placement Of The Rug

You should determine where you want to place the rug before selecting anything else. There are different ways you can place a rug in your guest room aka bedroom for guests. However, the four common ways of placing a rug in guest rooms are:

The area rug is under the entire bed only and nothing else is on the rug.

The area rug is under the entire bed, nightstands, and a bench at the foot of the bed.

The lower 75% part of your bed and the bench at the foot of your bed is covered by the rug while the upper end of the bed and the nightstand don’t have a rug under them.

The lower 25%-50% part of the bed has a rug under it along with the bench at the foot of your bed. A good part of the rug is on empty space which can add more color and texture to a small guest room.

Size Of The Rug

Once you have determined the placement of the rug, selecting a size becomes a notch easier. It’s better to measure the area you want the rug on and shop for a rug of that size or near that size. But you should keep a few things in mind to avoid décor disasters.

For a small guest room, the rug size should be enough to cover the areas you want and but ensure the size should be 2-5 inches away from the walls. The rug and bare floor will visually enlarge the room.

If you’re getting an area rug for a large guest room, using a rug too small even when it’s covering the bed, nightstands, and a bench will appear small. The rug should be big enough to cover the room and leave out 8 inches of space between the rug and the walls.

More Items In The Guest Room

For large guest rooms that have a sitting area, vanity, or others, use multiple rugs. These rugs will allow you to define these spaces separately. It will add depth and beauty to the guest room.

Moreover, the area rug should not slip under the front legs of the dresser. Use a larger rug so the entire dresser can be on top of it or select a smaller rug that leaves at least 2-3 inches of space between the rug end and the dresser.

Guest Room Rug Materials And Styles

There is a huge variety of rug materials, textures, and styles. So, you should consider what kind of type and style you want for the guest room.

If you’re going for a warm, traditional-style guest room, use Persian wool rugs. For providing calm and comfort, find silk, polyester, and faux fur rugs. The patterns and colors are completely up to you, the color theme of the house, and which ones you find when shopping for rugs.

When considering rug materials, keep in mind their durability, stain resistance, and washability. Synthetic rugs are soft, durable, and washable while natural rugs give off a natural feel but are not easy to clean.

Use A Rug Pad

Even when your rug is under the bed and nightstands, you need a rug pad to keep the edges down. Moreover, a rug pad will provide extra cushioning and noise reduction. Not to mention that rug pads reduce the shedding of rugs and prevent frequent tugging resulting in a longer lifespan of the rug.

There are several types of rug pads. However, if you don’t want to spend time learning about the types, go for a natural rubber rug pad. It will ensure that the rug is non-slip and is also water-resistant.

Conclusion

To choose an area oriental rug VA for your guest room, follow the rug placement rules, select the right size, and look for colors and textures best for the theme of the room and house.

Categories
Entertainment

9 Outdoor Birthday Party Planning Tips

Birthdays are fun and exciting. And by considering an outdoor birthday party, you can open doors to many opportunities to make the day memorable for the kid or person. You should be consulting with tent rentals, venue managers, caterers, and more so a lot of hard work goes into planning a party and making it entertaining. Use the below outdoor birthday party planning tips.

Determine The Guest List

You can set a budget and make arrangements when you know how many people are going to attend the birthday party. So, the first step in planning any party is creating a guest list. You can make your guest list small or large depending on your budget.

Set A Budget

When you finally have compiled a list of the guest you want to invite, you can set a budget. But you need to create another list of the items needed for an outdoor party to set the budget.

Generally, common things required for an outdoor birthday party are:

  • Venue rental
  • Tents
  • Party decoration
  • Food, drinks, and the cake
  • Power supply
  • Catering
  • Invitations
  • Other costs

Identify The Amount Of Food And Drinks You’ll Need

Determining how much food and drinks to prepare is difficult even when you know the number of guests attending the party. So, use the general rule that each and every guest will have one and half of the food items (burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, etc.) and one and half of the total drinks (juice, beverages).

You’ll also have to consider the menu. Keep in mind the type of guests when creating a menu. If it’s a kid’s birthday party, make the menu accordingly. Make sure your whole diverse guest list has something good to eat and drink.

Select A Venue

You’re planning an outdoor party, so you will be choosing a venue unless you’re throwing the party in your backyard.

When choosing a party venue, the first consideration is the cost. Other than cost, you should also think about how far the venue is from where you and the guests live. Moreover, the venue should have the visual appeal you’re looking for – for example, if you need a park-like venue where you can set up a tent and throw a party.

Choose A Tent

When selecting a tent, you should consider the number of people attending the party, the type of surface of the venue, the size of the venue, seating configurations, weather, and any other preferences of the host.

Moreover, there are various types of tents for parties. You can choose pole tents, frame tents, high-peak tents, pop-up tents, marquee tents, sailcloth tents, and more.

Party Décor

Decorations can bring life to your outdoor birthday party and can make it unique and exciting. You have as many styles and options as you can imagine. Generally, parties look pretty with string lights, outdoor rugs, flowers, pillow seating, solar path lights, table lanterns, and grass-wall panel backdrops.

Use Fans

Usually, outdoor parties are in summer. So, if the weather is hot, consider having some portable fans to offer the breeze your guests will welcome. Moreover, fans will also keep mosquitos away.

Furthermore, some outdoors have standing water which invites bugs. Avoid your party from becoming a bug party. Make sure to remove standing water from the place a week before if it’s your backyard. For other venues, make sure the venue is clean or talk to the manager.

Explain The Event In The Invitation

Your guests should know what to expect at the party. As it’s a birthday party, they have the idea already, but be sure to lay out the details if you can, the dress code or theme if you have set up any for the party.

Entertain Your Guests

A party can’t be without entertainment. At your birthday party, you will have guests of different ages, so you need effective entertainment ideas that keep the kids happy and also the adults.

You can plan different kids’ games and activities because they enjoy activities the most. For adults, you can use cards and similar games to keep them occupied. Many guests won’t mind if you let them sit back and relax.

Conclusion

You can make the outdoor birthday party entertaining and beautiful by planning properly. Make sure you’re hiring reliable party rentals Clarksburg for tents and equipment.

Categories
Fashion

What Not To Do After A Keratin Treatment

If you want smooth and shiny hair, with no trace of frizz, then a keratin treatment by hairstylist is perfect for you. But, if you want to make this treatment last long, then you need to follow these tips so that your treatment doesn’t get ruined.

Say No To Regular Shampoos

After a keratin treatment, your hair needs extra moisture and protection, so a normal shampoo will not cut it for you. You need special shampoos which are catered towards treated hair, more specifically for keratin treatment.

These shampoos are not only going to effectively clean your hair, but they will also make sure that your treated hair remains vibrant and healthy for longer. When buying a shampoo for your hair, look for something which is a specialized keratin treatment shampoo, with extra protein and no sulfate.

Don’t Wash Your Hair Immediately

One of the biggest things you need to avoid after getting a keratin treatment done is washing your hair. After the treatment is done, your hair stylist will recommend that you don’t wash your hair for at least 2 days, if not for a week. This is going to make sure that the treatment doesn’t budge and your hair stays healthy and frizz-free.

You don’t want to wash your hair, because this is going to lead to extra damage and breakage and the whole treatment will be pointless. So, play the waiting game and avoid washing your hair for a good number of days.

Avoid Heat On Your Hair

A keratin treatment is going to get ruined if you heat treat your hair. Your hair is extremely delicate after the treatment and it is already straightened, so it’s better if you don’t style your hair any further and wait for a couple of days before you want to use heat on your hair for styling it.

Your hair stylist will recommend that you leave your hair be, for about a week or two, to give the treatment adequate time to settle in and work its magic. Heat will only ruin the treatment.

Stay Away From Water

This doesn’t just mean showering. You want to make sure that you don’t sweat or have external contact with water, especially if your treatment is recent. If it’s extremely rainy or humid where you are, try to protect your hair from sweat. To avoid hair damage, cover your hair with a good-quality cap and tuck all of the loose strands in.

This is going to make sure that there is no friction produced because of air and your hair will be protected from the damages of every possible weather, be it rain, extreme humidity, or snow. If you sweat a lot, then make sure that you avoid it from accumulating on your scalp and forehead.

No Tight Hairstyles

A keratin treatment doesn’t thrive well if you keep putting your hair in tight buns, ponytails, and other counter-protective hairstyles. Try to leave the hair loose and flowy and avoid putting it in tight and secured hairstyles.

Try to style your hair loosely and use claw clips or very loose hair ties to secure your hair. This is going to avoid kinks and knots in your hair and it will also prevent extreme breakage and hair fall. Loose hairstyles will also preserve the keratin treatment, prevent damage to your hair roots, and make your hair look shiny, frizz-free, and healthier.

Don’t Dye Your Hair Immediately

Last but not least, you don’t want to apply any harsh chemicals to your hair immediately after a keratin hair straightening treatment. It’s best to leave the hair without any dye for about 1 to 2 weeks, if not longer.

Your hair, after a keratin treatment, is extremely weak and any harsh chemical like bleach or hair dye can strip the hair of its moisture and make it look dull and lifeless. Try to put off the use of hair dye, and chemical products like clarifying shampoos and other things for a little longer. Otherwise, your hair may become dull and damaged.

Conclusion

There you have it! With these tips, your hair treatment will stay put for longer and you won’t need to constantly go to the keratin treatment salon Bethesda to fix the frizz.

Categories
Home Improvement

Do Roots Of A Tree Damage House Foundations

A tree falling in the cut a tree with a chainsaw broken the tree after a hurricane

Every homeowner wants a natural touch in their home that takes the aesthetic appeal to the next level. While trees have several benefits to offer, they can also prove to be threatening due to which you may need to cut them down by hiring tree services. We are going to discuss how trees can turn from being a blessing to something you should look out for if their roots grow near the house foundations. Let’s begin!

Trees Can Cause Concrete Settling And Foundation Damage

One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to planting trees is homeowners believe that trees can be planted anywhere. The truth is that trees need to be planted in areas that do not threaten the foundation and structure of the house. In addition to that, you might have come across some cases where homeowners had to dig up their yards to repair the network of drain pipes. This is because the trees are planted in areas that are affected by the roots as they expand.

Even though it takes years for the roots to expand, once the damage is done, the homeowners have to spend a lot of money and risk the tree’s life to fix the issue. There is a reason experts suggest planning the planting of trees. Anything that can come in contact with or influence the foundation or structure of the house should be kept at a distance.

Another thing to keep in mind is the condition of the soil also plays an important role in terms of damaging the foundations. You might have heard the term “Concrete Settling” which is rare nowadays but can be dangerous if it occurs.

If it occurs, the concrete may crack and can damage the foundation of your house. However, if there is a root disruption, you will hardly notice it especially if it’s a new house.

Signs Of Tree Roots Under The Foundation

Now that you know that tree roots can damage the foundation and structure of your house, it is important to become aware of the signs as well. The first sign you might notice is that your house is slanting towards the tree.

This happens due to moisture loss. As a result, the house may tilt to one side causing the foundation to detach. Additionally, you might notice visible foundation damage to your house. It could be that the trees in the surrounding or adjacent are sucking up all the moisture.

Some trees are naturally built to drink loads of water on a daily basis. Therefore, the soil beneath your foundation is left with almost no moisture leading to its collapse. And finally, if your sewerage or other networks suddenly leak out of nowhere, you might be surprised to find out that the culprits are the tree roots.

There have been many incidents in the past and continue to do so where the roots puncture the pipes and result in expensive repairs for the homeowners.

How To Prevent Root-Related Damage?

If you have been observing some root-related damages over time, you should take several steps to prevent the situation from turning worse. For instance, one of the ways to prevent root damage is by installing a root barrier. To do so, you will need to dig up all the way down to the foundation of the house.

During the process, you can cut any roots that come your way while installing the barrier. This is going to be a costly and tiring process but will prevent your house from being damaged by weather cycles and root growth in the future.

Another way to prevent tree roots from damaging the house is by opting for tree species that are slow-growing and have less aggressive rooting tendencies. Instead of opting for silver maples, willows, and elm trees, go for sugar maple trees.

And finally, the best way to prevent root damage is by considering how big the yard is and the location where the tree will be planted. If you do not have enough space, you should opt for tree species that do not grow extremely tall.

Conclusion

Concluding, preventing root-related damage is pretty easy if you are wise with your tree-planting decisions. If a tree is damaging your house foundation, have experts from tree removal companies Kensington to fell the tree and stop the roots growth.