Categories
Law

10 Divorce Advices You Should Know

Client is explaining the offense to the lawyer and working together to solve the problem of the offense.

Divorces can be pretty hard to deal with. There’s no hiding the fact that a lot of people go through their fair share of emotional turmoil during the proceeding of a divorce and need the skills and resources of a divorce attorney. Here are some helpful things which can be a great boost for you, during this tough time.

Take Care Of Yourself

Divorces are no joke. They can really put you through the wringer and if you don’t want to lose yourself in this tedious process, then it’s crucial that you understand the importance of taking care of yourself during this time.

It’s easier said than done, and a lot of the time, it might be tempting to give up everything and just stay holed up in your room, but you want to force yourself out of this rut. Look after yourself, eat good food, and stay active and healthy, because this too, shall pass.

Be Financially Stable

This advice is very important for all of the women out there. During a divorce, it’s very common to be drained financially. Divorces are expensive because you need to pay lawyers and there’s just a lot of money that goes into a divorce proceeding. If you were not working during your marriage, then it’s a good time to start now.

You want to pick yourself back up and become independent and financially stable. It might be scary to start, but you have to believe in yourself and this is what’s going to get you through.

Seek Therapy

It’s not bad to admit that you need help with your mental health, and in case of a divorce, it’s even more important because it’s quite a mentally draining process for a lot of people. No matter if you’re a man or woman, going through a divorce is tough, and one way to keep yourself sane during this time is to seek therapy.

You can join divorce support groups or can have a one-on-one session with a therapist. What’s important is that you let your feelings and thoughts out and not keep them bottled up. This is very healthy for your mind and soul and you will instantly feel better.

Have A Strong Support System

You don’t have to go through a divorce alone. Sometimes, it’s good to be surrounded by family and the people who love you unconditionally. You might want to be alone most of the time, but it’s good to have people around you who care for you, no matter what. This is why it’s important that you don’t let their efforts go to waste.

Try to mingle with your friends as much as you can, to try to take your mind off the divorce or the proceedings. It’s also a good time to gather your family around and have a good chat. These small things will make you feel so much better and it will definitely be a nice distraction for you.

Get A Good Lawyer

This is the biggest and most important advice you can get, about a divorce. Getting a good divorce lawyer Fairfax VA will make things very easy. It will not only wrap up the proceedings quickly and you’ll be done with this unpleasant time of your life.

Your lawyer can also tackle all of the important stuff that you might have a hard time doing because lawyers deal with these kinds of things on a daily basis. Yes, you will have to pay a decent fee to the lawyer, but it’s well worth it in the end.

Don’t Jump Into Relationships

Divorces can make you feel angry and while that’s a valid emotion, you shouldn’t let it control your actions. You might be tempted to get back at your ex-spouse by showing that you’ve moved on, by getting into a relationship, but that’s not good at all, neither for your mind nor for the divorce currently being proceeding.

You want to resist the urge to jump into a relationship at once, because this might make your case weak in court, and not only that, it will also block out your emotions, which isn’t a good thing.

You need to let all of your pent-up aggression out in a healthy way, and there are tons of ways to do so, rather than getting involved with someone. This will not give you enough time to process the trauma and it will be bad for your mental health.

If you want to show your soon-to-be-ex spouse that you have moved on, remodel your place if you have some money to spare.

Don’t Settle For Reconciliation

This is actually quite common, believe it or not. A lot of the time, one spouse backs off from the divorce and tries to reconcile. This is not how you want your divorce proceeding to go. It’s going to mess with your brain and you won’t be able to move on.

Asking for a divorce in the first place creates a huge rift in the marriage and one can’t downplay the hurt by trying to back off the claim. If your spouse is asking for a divorce, then there’s probably something wrong in the relationship, and it’s better that it ends because prolonging it will only add to the hurt.

Avoid Making Decisions By Yourself

A lot of the time, couples can go for a DIY divorce and that’s not a good idea, generally. You don’t want to make decisions by yourself, because you both are not in the right state of mind to do so.

It’s better to have the lawyers deal with all of the drama and come to a decision for legal separation or divorce because that’s going to be best for both of you. You don’t want to put yourself through the turmoil of going through a divorce by yourselves when you’re already hurting and confused.

Divide Assets Justly

This advice is super important for men to follow, who think that it’s going to ensure their “safety” and they don’t want to “give away their hard-earned money in a divorce settlement”. The judges and lawyers are going to sense this and they might demand an audit done on your assets.

This is going to eventually bring everything out in the open and not only will it be humiliating, but you will lose everything you were trying to protect, so it’s better to not hide your assets at all.

Avoid Being Selfish

It’s very easy to forget, during a divorce, that you are two people who have spent the majority of your life together and have been through a lot. This is not the time to be selfish. If a man is the primary breadwinner of the family, then it’s important for him to financially support his wife, even if they’re getting divorced.

Technically, you aren’t divorced until the settlement is complete, so you still have some sort of responsibility for your spouse and you should come through during this hard time.

Conclusion

Divorces can put a toll on your mental health, no matter if you’re a man or woman, it’s going to be hard. Hopefully, these pieces of advice will help you sail through the divorce with much-needed strength, a new perspective, and motivation for the next step ahead. Be sure to follow the lead of your family attorney Fairfax VA because they have the experience to guide you better.

Categories
Home Improvement

Why Are People Using Quartz Instead Of Granite Countertops?

If you know anything about granite, then you would have heard about its popularity in the kitchen as a great material for countertops. However, nowadays, there is another stone taking over granite, and that’s quartz. Here’s everything you need to know as to why people are choosing quartz kitchen countertops over granite.

Quartz Is Less Expensive

You might have a slight idea about the price of granite and how it’s one of the most expensive kitchen countertop materials in the world. Granite is a beautiful and durable material, but the hefty price isn’t justified at most times, by a lot of people.

On the contrary, however, quartz is actually a very cheap alternative to granite. It is just as durable (if not more) and it comes at a pretty reasonable price, so it’s literally a win-win situation. However, don’t expect a huge cost difference between quartz and granite.

Provides More Durability Than Granite

Granite is a hard material, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t get damaged by things like water and moisture. Quartz, on the other hand, is a lot more durable than granite in many ways.

For starters, it doesn’t chip or crack near the edges, which is a huge problem area for granite. Quartz is a very hard and strong material and it will last for a long time, without all of the hefty maintenance and caring.

With quartz, you can literally set it and forget it, which is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time on their hands to maintain kitchen countertops, on a regular basis.

Doesn’t Need To Be Maintained

If you know anything about granite, then it wouldn’t come as a surprise to you that it is a maintenance-heavy material. There are so many areas that you need to look after, when it comes to maintaining granite counters, and frankly, that’s the reason why people don’t go for it.

Quartz, on the other hand, doesn’t need to be maintained on a regular basis. You don’t even need to seal it, which is a mandatory step in granite, otherwise, it will get damaged by water and moisture. So, you don’t just save a lot of money when buying quartz, but you also save a lot on maintenance costs, which is a huge plus.

The Texture Of Quartz Is Better

There is something about quartz, which is so appealing, especially the surface, because it’s so smooth and the texture is very even too. The appearance of granite is a huge selling point for a lot of people, but in comparison, quartz looks a lot more clean and crisp the appearance of quartz is downright beautiful and it will sate the inner minimalist in you if you want to go for something which has minimal designing and a beautiful look.

There is no harsh veining or dark colors on quartz, which a lot of people don’t find appealing at all, so it’s perfect.

It Is More Environmentally Friendly

Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the Earth in huge slabs and stones and then, they are taken to factories where they are cut into more manageable pieces. This can cause a lot of damage to the environment and there’s also a depletion of natural resources.

Quartz, if you didn’t know this already, is a man-made material and it is made with packing broken rocks and sediments, combined with resin until it forms a solid surface which is a perfect addition to your kitchen.

This quality of quartz makes it less hazardous to the environment than granite. Yes, there is a lot of manpower and energy that goes into the making of quartz as well, but it’s not nearly as much as that of granite. As a bonus, quartz is also more long-lasting, which means fewer chances of replacements or repairs.

It Is Stain Resistant

Stains are a huge issue with granite countertops, which is why they need to be sealed so that no water or any other liquid can seep into the surface and ruin the look of the countertop. As for quartz, though, there is no issue of stains because it is non-porous in nature, from the start.

There are no pores on the surface of quartz, which makes the possibility of stains almost zero and you don’t even need to seal it in order to prevent stains from forming on the surface. This feature is greatly appreciated by a lot of people because let’s be real; who wants to maintain a countertop material regularly? This is also why people prefer quartz over granite.

Quartz Is Easy To Clean

Granite is very reactive if it comes into contact with acids and it can form huge holes on the surface. Acidic cleaners can eat away the material and this can ruin the countertop over time.

Luckily for quartz, there is nothing you need to worry about. It is very easy to clean and it can even be cleaned with regular soap and water. You don’t need to spend a fortune on specialty cleaners, because quartz is pretty low maintenance, in this way too.

There Is A Lot Of Variety

Granite countertops Rockville are available in a variety of darker colors, but if you want to go for some lighter and neutral options, then quartz has you covered. There is a whole lot of variety in colors in quartz, so much so that you can get confused as to which color you should go for. There are light and bright colors, neutral and warm varieties, and there are also a couple of darker colors that you can choose from.

Quartz is known for its light and neutral tones which is typically the first choice of most people because it’s that beautiful.

Repairs Are Easy

Quartz is a lot easier to replace and repair, in comparison to granite. With granite, you need to have a professional come in and deal with stains and water damage and the best way to rectify this issue is to sand it down. This can actually weaken the material and it can lead to the countertops looking uneven most of the time.

With quartz, however, the repair is super easy and you can even do it by yourself if there’s a small stain or crack here and there. Quartz countertops will definitely make your life a lot easier.

It’s Water Resistant

Last but not least, quartz is water resistant as well. This is also due to it being non-porous. Water doesn’t get sucked into the material, rather it beads up on the surface and you can clean it up right away with a swipe of a cloth.

Granite is definitely not friendly with water. It can get severely damaged by water, which is why it needs to be sealed in the first place. Sealing is not only tedious but adds up as you go, too. With quartz, there is no water damage.

Conclusion

Granite is great and all, but there’s obviously something more about quartz and why people are choosing this material over granite for their kitchen countertops. Find a quartz countertops dealer Potomac to see the different qualities of quartz and a huge variety of quartz colors.

Categories
Business

How To Optimize Your Yelp Listing?

Yelp is a blessing for businesses that want customers to find them via reviews and search results. But your business will show up if you are continuously optimizing your Yelp listing and employing review management software. Surprisingly, many business owners are making the same basic mistakes that are costing them customers. So, here are a few tips you need to keep in mind to utilize Yelp to your benefit.

Fill Out All the Information

The first thing you need to do is fill out all the information related to your business. Keep in mind that this is the first step to Yelp optimization and most businesses take it for granted. Every single bit of information counts and customers tend to trust a business that mentions the information of its owners and staff.

Furthermore, with all the information already mentioned on your Yelp profile, you do not have to repeatedly answer the same questions from the customers. Make sure that you update information along the way to prevent customers from being deceived.

For instance, if you have changed your location or phone number, you should immediately change it on Yelp as well. Otherwise, do not be surprised if negative reviews pop up.

Keywords

Including keywords is another important tip that will help you rank in the search results. However, you need to use the right keywords in the right places such as in history, business information, and owner/employee profiles. And if possible, suggest your customers to add keywords in reviews and mention specific services and products.

Reviews

Reviews can make or break your business. The thing with online reviews is that they are not easy to get. Sometimes, you have to trigger your customers’ interest to have them pen down reviews for you. However, then again, you will need to wait for the right time and use the right technique.

The twist here is that Yelp does not allow businesses to ask people for reviews. Even though, businesses do it anyway but as long as they aren’t caught. According to Yelp, forcing people to give reviews in return for incentives is biasedness.

The best way to request people to give you reviews is by adding a link to the review section or adding a review card while delivering products or services to their doorstep. Plus, reviews from active Yelp users are ranked relatively better than inactive ones, even if the review is negative. So, keep that in mind as well.

Respond Professionally & Strategically

Just as using a review management system is important for your business, responding to reviews too is important for the growth and authenticity of your business. As a business owner, you will have to deal with every kind of criticism. You should take it as constructive criticism. Most business owners tend to ignore responding to positive reviews but you should reply for a few important reasons.

To begin with, responding to positive reviews brings you closer to the customer. Try sending a brief private message to thank them for their efforts and time. However, do not use this opportunity to pitch your products and services. It should solely be thanking them for their review.

This will help customers realize that you are serious about the reviews and value their opinions.

In addition to that, you will often face a situation where customers are offering constructive criticism and you need to be careful. For instance, if a customer is pointing out a flaw in your business and is suggesting a particular way, instead of turning them down, you should help them understand why you are doing it your way. Constructive criticism will only benefit your business if you act on them. Not every review is supposed to be negative.

And finally, you will have customers penning down negative reviews simply because they didn’t get the experience they expected. During the process, it is normal for them to be angry and frustrated but you have to keep your calm. Begin by apologizing to them and asking for suggestions. You should also direct them to contact you so you can fix the problem.

It could also be that some comments are only meant to troll your business. Your competitors or marketing firms might indulge in such acts out of jealousy. It is generally advisable not to respond because it will be a no-win scenario.

Make sure to keep your focus on reviews that will further help your business grow.

Managing The Yelp Review Filter

The infamous Yelp review filter is undoubtedly the most famous as well. If you have used it before, you will surely find it infuriating. According to Yelp, the main purpose of the filter is to filter out fake and low-quality reviews. However, businesses often end up removing their positive reviews leaving with nothing but just negative reviews. This hurts their ranking and reputation.

As a result, there have been some lawsuits challenging the power of the filters. On the other hand, you can control which reviews get filtered and prevent positive reviews from vanishing into thin air. For positive reviews, the business owner should send a friend request to the customer who left a positive review and check all the boxes underneath.

However, for negative reviews, you should simply flag them. If possible, try contacting the customer to request them to bring down the review but it rarely works.

Make Regular Announcements & Special Offers

Make regular announcements and special offers to keep your Yelp profile active. As mentioned earlier, Yelp prefers active profiles over inactive ones. So, whatever you advertise or offer will end up in Google organic searches leading to customer traffic to your business profile. Then again, use the right keywords for your announcements and special offers to show up at the right place at the right time.

Consult A Yelp Expert

If you are new to Yelp and are struggling to manage your business profile, you should consult an expert. It could also be that your business does not leave you with enough time at the end of the day. So, you should contact a small marketing company that manages the profile on your behalf.

But keep in mind that finding the right company is not going to be easy. There are a lot of options out there waiting to waste your time and money. These companies can get you involved in illegal situations that might severely damage your business.

So, ask around for suggestions and pick a company after putting in your research. And if you are unable to find the right company, search for an individual who can manage your profile on a daily basis.

In Conclusion

Yelp is becoming more and more popular each day. While your presence is important, you should not solely rely on it for reviews. Find out the sources you get the most exposure from and target them accordingly.

However, keep in mind the tips mentioned above especially if you are a new business in the market. And, do not hesitate to consult an expert or a team of experts. You will have to do everything to survive in the ever-increasing competitive world. So, make sure to use a white label review management software for managing online reviews.

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

What Mistakes to Avoid During a Kitchen Remodeling Project?

New home remodel with new kitchen and diningroom in eclectic style

A kitchen remodel can significantly enhance your home’s functionality and appearance, but it is also essential to avoid common blunders that could make your dream kitchen into a nightmare. While exciting, kitchen remodeling companies can also be intimidating, particularly if it’s your first time.

Mistakes to Avoid During a Kitchen Remodelling Project 

Some of the mistakes to avoid during a kitchen remodeling project are as follows.

Not Setting a Realistic Budget

Setting an unrealistic budget for kitchen remodeling is one of the errors that homeowners make. You should set a proper amount to spend on remodeling your kitchen. Kitchen remodeling companies can help you in estimating your total cost. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that unforeseen costs could crop up. 

Neglecting the Importance of Functionality

When designing your new kitchen, utility should be prioritised over aesthetics. Consider how you use your kitchen every day and make the necessary adjustments to the layout. Make sure you have enough counter room and storage for all of your cooking necessities, for instance, if you cook a lot.

Not Hiring a Reputable Kitchen Remodeling Company

Making the correct choice for your kitchen remodeling project can make all the difference. It’s important to conduct a study and pick a business with a solid reputation and a history of completed projects. Do not feel reluctant to check reviews on the internet before finalizing the design. 

Rushing the Project

Depending on the size of the job, remodeling a kitchen can take weeks or even months to complete. Being calm and taking your time is crucial. Rushing the job increases the likelihood of errors and lower-quality results. It is important to set a realistic timeline for your project in collaboration with your kitchen remodeling company. 

Ignoring the Importance of Lighting

Even though good illumination is crucial in every kitchen, it’s frequently disregarded during renovations. To ensure that your kitchen is well-lit and practical, it is good to have a range of lighting choices, such as overhead lights, task lighting, and under-cabinet lighting.

Choosing Trendy Over Timeless

Although trends come and go, remodeling your kitchen is a long-term commitment. Instead of choosing trendy options that might quickly go out of style, it’s essential to choose classic design elements that will endure. This will make it more likely that your kitchen will stay fashionable and useful for many years to come.

Forgetting About Storage

Many kitchens lack a proper storage room just for kitchen appliances. When remodeling your kitchen, don’t forget to include plenty of storage options like cabinets, drawers, and pantry space. This will keep your kitchen clean, tidy, and organized.

Compromising on Quality Materials

The quality of the material is often compromised to save money. It’s necessary to spend money on long-lasting, high-quality materials. This includes flooring and equipment for cabinets and countertops. Investing in high-quality materials will help ensure that the kitchen looks good for a long time. 

Failing to Draft Future Plans

It is logical to keep your present and future requirements in mind when planning a kitchen remodel. Consider how your family might evolve in the future, such as whether you intend to have kids or whether your elderly parents might need to come visit. To ensure that the kitchen is functional for a long time, design it with these future requirements in mind.

Conclusion

Kitchen remodeling can significantly enhance your home’s functionality and appearance. However, it is crucial to avoid common blunders like unreasonable budget, overlooking functionality, hiring an unsuitable kitchen remodeling Bowie company, and rushing the project. You can guarantee a successful and stress-free kitchen remodel by avoiding these blunders and working with a reputable kitchen remodeling Bowie company.

 

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.