Author: Heidi Gutierrez

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Do You Have To Clear Your Roof Of Snow?

question roofing contractor snow removal

Everyone loves snow for the lovely landscape and atmosphere it creates, but unfortunately it may also cause serious problems, for example when it accumulates on the roof.

Snow deposited on the roof can put a significant weight on its resistance structure and may end up causing damage to the entire building and also be a potential danger for those who pass under the eaves. Changes in temperature cause the snow to melt and then freeze again, creating ice dams and icicles on the roof. Gutters and downspouts are also directly exposed to frost and thaw cycles and they may crack and become inefficient in evacuating the water away from the building, when the ice and snow eventually start to melt down. All these problems can make homeowners pay high costs for roof repairs from a local Aurora roofing contractor.  And all because of that beautiful snow…

So… no matter how lovely it looks, the snow must not be allowed to stay on the roof for too long. Here is what you can do about it:

Manual cleaning

Manual cleaning of the roof is possible with certain tools (shovels, brooms), but make sure you choose them and use them carefully! If you have a ceramic roof, the risk of hitting and damaging the tiles while cleaning the snow off is very high. Metal tools are the most dangerous, so you should avoid them in favor of plastic ones.

Installing snow guards

To avoid the problems that may occur when the snow on the roof slips down in large quantities, you should purchase and install snow guards. The shape and size of these accessories differ depending on the type of roofing materials they are installed on. In order to purchase the right type for your roof, take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A de-icing system – the safest solution to avoid accidents and damage caused by snow accumulations on the roof

Today’s modern technologies make our lives easier by the day. Life runs at an alert pace, so we need simplifications, which makes us to appreciate maximum efficiency combined with minimal investments.

Snow and ice cleaning is a common operation during the cold season, but also an inconvenience for many homeowners. But by choosing an automated electric de-icing system, every snowy day can become a joy, because you no longer have to worry about going out in the cold and clean the roof, wasting time with these operations instead of relaxing and taking advantage of the seasonal joys.

An efficient electric de-icing system can be installed easily and is equipped with a thermostat, with temperature and humidity sensors, so that the system comes into operation only when necessary. These systems can melt snow and ice in no time and maintain your roof clean and risk-free. They become more and more popular, as people realize that they are much more efficient and convenient than shovels or mixtures of sand and salt that may damage the roof and the vegetation around the house.

 

 

 

 

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How To Reduce The Chance of Broken Pipes In The Winter?

Reduce Fire Damage Risk Need For Restoration

In the cold season, you probably already know that, among many other problems, you may also have to deal with broken water pipes, mostly outdoors but sometimes indoors too.  Water has the property of freezing and regardless of the materials a pipe is made of, frozen water can break it from the inside and flood the area. The pipes that freeze more often are those exposed to severe cold, such as hoses, pool lines, irrigation systems, poorly insulated exterior wall pipes, but also water supply pipes in unheated interior areas, such as basements, storage spaces, attics or garages.

However, if you are well prepared and have the right information, you can avoid these problems, which are often very costly. When the water freezes, it increases its volume by about 10%, making pipes burst from the inside, because the materials they are made from cannot cope with the pressure exerted on them.

So, before the arrival of winter, you will have to make some small changes, here and there, regarding some essential details.

“Preparation is the key”, say the water removal Phoenix specialists. Use polyurethane foam to block any small cracks in the piping system. Another thing that homeowners should have at hand is a patch kit to seal the pipes, as you will have to wait until favorable weather to make a permanent repair. And above all, make sure you have the contact details of a professional installer, ready to deal with frozen pipes. Look for a local installer, because they are prompter in providing emergency services and typically more reliable, because they have a reputation to protect in the community.

Drain the water from the pool and sprinkler lines, as directed by the manufacturer or installer. Do not put antifreeze in these pipes, even if you heard that this solution may keep you trouble-free, as it is harmful to the environment and dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife and the land.

Disconnect and drain water hoses. Open the taps to allow water to flow and drain the outdoor water system. Keep the valve open so that the pipe empties completely and does not risk to be damaged by the freezing remaining water.

The best thing you can do when you leave home for a longer time (a weekend or a vacation) is to turn off the main water tap before you go. This way, no matter what happens to the main water system while you are not home, you will significantly reduce the damage.

Check whether you have other water pipes around the house located in unheated areas. Take a look at basements, attics, garages, but also in kitchens and bathrooms. Water pipes in these areas should be insulated. Consider installing specific products to insulate water pipes as a “sleeve”. Talk to a specialist and take into account the recommendations you get, because not all insulation materials are suitable for the climate in your area. Additionally, you can opt for heating cables to protect your pipes during the winter.

You can ask you restoration company to provide other services in the restoration process like Colorado roofing services.

 

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Why Should a Business Have a Security Camera?

The success of a business can depend on many factors. To keep your business profitable, you need to motivate the employees to work efficiently and provide the service required by their job and also be in a market that you can fully exploit. Also, you need to keep your business safe, protected from dishonest employees and threats from the outside. Having a good video surveillance system should be a priority for any business today.

small business security systems

5 reasons why you need video surveillance for your business

  1. To increase employee productivity

It has been statistically proven that employees who are monitored tend to be more responsible. Video surveillance reduces the amount of time people spend in talks and coffee breaks, so this method increases productivity. Workers` safety can be also more easily monitored by managers.

  1. To prevent thefts

Obviously, one of the main functions of a video surveillance system is to prevent thieves from trying to enter the property. Sometimes, thieves may be closer than you think, in the shape of some of your employees, but security cameras can help you identify them. You just need to place the cameras in strategic locations to cover your entire business property; this way, you will discourage thieves and your employees will think twice before acting fraudulently inside the company.

 

  1. To monitor your business headquarters entirely

Installing small business security systems will allow you, as a company owner, to monitor the building with all of its offices, as well as the space around it and other areas such as the parking lot, from different angles. You will be able to simultaneously monitor main entries, cash registers, storage rooms and more. A video camera will allow you to monitor all employee actions and identify anything suspicious. You can even keep an eye on your business by accessing the video recording on your mobile phone or other mobile device, even when you are not there, to ensure that things go smooth in your absence.

So far, so good: a security camera ensures a safe environment for both employees and the business, it protects against internal and external threats and increases employee productivity. When combining video surveillance with other forms of security, your business is expected to become almost impenetrable and also considerably more efficient. Some examples of additional security systems that can be added:

  • Interphones or video intercoms
  • Access Control / Biometric Access
  • Alarm Systems
  1. To control the access

Another advantage of a video surveillance system is that it can monitor the access into the supervised location. With today’s advanced systems, you can easily identify who is coming in, where do they go and with whom they meet.

  1. To save money

Perhaps the most convincing argument in using a video surveillance system is that it can bring important budget savings. Although there is an initial investment in implementing such a system, the amount of money saved over time is very motivating. Reducing thefts means that your inventory will remain intact. Improving productivity also brings more money. Building a good relationship with customers by making them loyal will earn you more money, while conflict prevention is leading to a better working environment.

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How To Find Used Industrial Shelving

Shelves represent the most popular commercial and industrial storage solution. They are versatile when it comes to the provided functionality and come in different designs and materials. There are modular or hanging systems that can be made of wood, metal, plastic or glass. Storage shelving solutions can range from economic to premium, where materials, design and quality are the factors of differentiation.

Which industries use storage shelves?

Retail remains the most popular industry, due to the research and evolution in the retail sector, that constantly find new methods to improve the experience offered by the stores.

  • Retail (Clothing, Shoes)
  • Horeca, (Hotel, Restaurant, Café)
  • Food (Sweets, Spices)
  • Petrol stations
  • Cosmetics (Make-up Stores, Beauty Salons)
  • Tobacco

Why are shelves a necessity?

  • Storing products
  • Highlighting products and attracting customers
  • Keeping products organized
  • Adding value to a space through their design

When it comes to industrial shelving, they are mostly used in warehouses and are made of metal. These shelving systems must bear significant loads and products of different sizes and sometimes unusual shapes. They are very expensive, but luckily you have the option to buy them second hand.

used warehouse racking Denver

How to find shelves if you are on a budget

Used industrial shelving systems are a good alternative if you are on a limited budget. The wide range of used metal shelves offered by resellers is a useful solution for any customer.

However, before purchasing second hand used warehouse racking Denver shelving systems, it is essential to check not only their condition, but also the re-seller`s history. Look for companies that have been in this business for many years. The longer their experience, the better. Make sure you check their website and look for an address and a phone number. Avoid re-sellers of used shelving systems that do not provide basic information about them or pictures and description on their website of the products they sell. They must also be willing to allow you to see and inspect the shelving system, before you purchase them.

If the shelves are not damaged and look good, they will have almost the same capacity as when they were new.

How can you find re-sellers of used industrial shelving units?

A simple research on Google reveals a huge selection of second hand industrial shelving for sale. Make a list with suppliers in your area and contact them.

Things to look for before buying used shelves for your warehouse:

Damaged beams

Second hand shelves can hide defects. All racking beams will deflect slightly over time, and when you purchase second hand shelves systems, you do not know to what loads they have been subjected to previously, or in what conditions they have been stored. A layer of new paint may cover up rust and cracks in beams and frames.

Defective welding

When buying used industrial shelving systems you must check that beams have been poorly welded, otherwise you risk that the entire racking system collapses, damaging your stock. This is even worse considering that you get no warranty when you purchase second-hand shelves.

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Green Facts about Steel Buildings – How Steel Protection Protects the Environment

Green Facts About Steel

Steel buildings are not only among the most durable and most attractive types of construction, used in all industries and for an almost endless range of applications, but they are also environment friendly solutions, preferred by environment-conscious buyers to any other building type – here are some green facts about steel buildings.

100% Recyclable

One of the most important, unique features offered for metal buildings for sale and the features that makes them the preferred choice of environment-conscious builders and owners is its recyclable nature. Steel is the ideal green building material: it is 100% recyclable and the recycling process does not cause any degradation in the quality of the material. This also means that steel can be recycled endlessly without compromising any of the material’s qualities. The modern technologies used for recycling are much less energy-intensive than the initial manufacturing process and the process also frees up landfill space.

Recyclable By-products

Any manufacturing process generates waste materials and steel manufacturing is no exception. Steel making technologies use water for cooling, cleaning and descaling processes and they also generate waste water, but that waste water is filtered and cleaned and then used again for industrial purposes.

Steel making also generates slag, a stony material extracted from the iron ore during the smelting process. In the past, steel manufacturers used to dump the slag they generated, but today the material is reused for making cement, so no by-product of the steel making process is wasted.

Faster Construction

Steel buildings are manufactured to the client’s exact specifications in the factory, then they are assembled in the manufacturing plant to test the components, followed by disassembly, transport to the client’s site and re-assembly at the final location. The technology is very efficient – even the largest steel buildings can be assembled at their final location in a few weeks. The faster the construction process, the less energy-intensive it is, which means that the environmental footprint of steel buildings is further reduced by the expedited construction process.

Energy-Efficient Buildings

Steel buildings continue to save energy during usage as well. The strength of the material used for the panels and for the frames allows for using insulation of any type and of any sickness and efficient insulation is known to be the best way to reduce energy bills in summer as well as in winter. In summer, steel buildings stay cool naturally, without requiring owners to run their air conditioners all the time and the buildings also provide air that is of better quality and less humid, so air purifiers and dehumidifiers are not necessary either. Steel panels and frames work as very efficient thermal barriers in winter as well, keeping the air inside comfortably warm even when the winter is hard outside.

Durability

Steel buildings are resistant to even the most extreme climate conditions and weather events, they stay strong in front of the highest winds, hail, heavy rain, snow and seismic movements. Steel buildings can last up to a century or more, so if you choose steel for your construction, you can be sure that you will not need to build again – an aspect that further reduces the material’s environmental impact.

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Why Hire Hydrovac Services in Colorado – Features and Benefits

Hydrovac services in Colorado use state-of-the-art machinery to make excavation of any volume quick and easy. Whether the construction project involves laying the foundation of a building or modern technology is needed to test the ground for unknown, old and unused utilities, hydrovac services know how to handle the excavation process.

What is, in fact, Hydrovac?

Hydrovac excavators combine the power of water and the power of vacuum to dig into the ground. The machine delivers pressurized water that breaks up the soil and uses vacuum to extract the loosened soil, the slurry and debris and to transport the removed material to a debris tank for depositing.

Why Hire a Local Hydrovac Service for Your Excavation Project?

Using hydrovac technology to dig out foundations or to remove soil for other purposes comes with numerous benefits over manual excavation – here are the most important ones:

  • Safety and security on the construction site – hydrovac excavation being a non-destructive method, it can be safely used in areas where there may be old, unmapped utility pipes or cables underground. Digging into such old utility can cause very serious injuries, but with hydrovac, you can be sure that old utilities are revealed in safe manner;
  • Efficiency – high-capacity hydrovac equipment can move large quantities of soil in a very short time, eliminating the need for costly, exhausting and time-consuming manual digging;
  • Cost reduction – by reducing the time necessary for completing the excavation phase, hydrovac excavation reduces overall construction costs as well,
  • Suitable for any type of soil – another benefit that derives from the high capacity of the equipment, hydrovac excavation is suitable for clay and for other types of hard soil. The technology can efficiently cope with frozen ground as well, therefore it is the go-to solution whenever digging must be done in sub-zero temperatures;
  • Versatility – hydrovac excavation techniques can be used not only for digging out foundations. The technology is great for finding old utility pipes, for digging long and narrow trenches, for removing thin layers of soil for gardening and landscaping purposes as well as for cleaning already existing structures, such as swimming pools that are covered in a thick layer of dirt, soil or debris;
  • Remote digging – hydrovac excavation is a great solution for digging in places that are difficult to access. The machines used have long hoses that can be operated remotely, with the machine itself located several yards away from the digging site;
  • Varied sizes – hydrovac units come in various sizes, allowing clients to use the size that fits their projects. Local hydrovac services offer small, hand-held units, larger, portable units as well as huge, truck-mounted units that can move a huge amount of soil very quickly.

Hydrovac services in Colorado offer not only a varied range of units to rent, but consultation as well, so if you are not sure about the type or the size of the excavator that works best for you, you can turn to them for advice as well.

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In Search of the Best Dallas Commercial Roofers – Business Qualities and Durable Roofing Choices

There are many Dallas commercial roofers you can contact for your next roofing project. Even though some of them are clearly not the best choice for you, when it comes to the specific benefits and roofing features you’re looking for, there are still plenty lined up to help you decide.

So what are you really looking for, and how should you go about searching for the most dependable and professional commercial roofers in Dallas? The following tips should be able to help you out.

The Roofing Services and Benefits Offered by the Leading Roofing Experts

The best roofers in the industry serve only the most professional roofing designs, and can deliver excellent roofing services to Dallas business owners looking for maintenance, installation or repair and renovation.

But let’s take a closer look at what else your Dallas commercial roofers can help you with:

•    With 20-30 years of experience working on commercial roofing projects, the best roofers can give you a perfect diagnosis on what’s wrong with your roof and what steps can be made to remedy the problem as soon as possible.
•    Customers can enjoy complete support for the most advanced and cutting edge roofing materials put together by professional manufacturers. With full certification you can ensure that your business will have no complaints about services associated with these roofing products.
•    Property damage caused by storms, floods and fires will not deter your Dallas roofers from doing their job and completing their work in record time. You can, therefore, minimize any damage on your commercial property, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
•    The roofers also have extensive experience in working to diminish the specific negative effects linked to roofing systems in the American south, especially countering winds and extreme heat.

These advantages and many others will be available to you as soon as you contact a reliable commercial roofer in Dallas. Also, the quotes and prices involved will be equally attractive, as you will see.

How to Look for a Commercial Roofer?

The first thing you have to do is make sure you contact a roofer based in Dallas that has extensive experience with the type of commercial roofing system you need help with. You can achieve this by checking their official websites, looking up online reviews about the company, or asking neighboring companies and other commercial building owners to give you a referral.

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to several roofing companies, all of which can deliver excellent quality, it’s time to check if they have the right services. Do you need help with roofing repairs? Maybe you’re having trouble with your already installed eco-friendly roofing systems, or you want to find out how much it would cost to replace or upgrade your commercial roof. Or perhaps your modified bitumen roofing system has been severely damaged in a storm, and you want to know how much repairing it would cost.

You will be able to get answers to all these questions by simply contacting your local Dallas commercial roofing experts, asking for an estimate, and inviting the technicians to visit your location for a full roofing inspection.

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Pool Installations in Nevada – Process Phases and Aspects to Pay Attention to

If you have decided to take the plunge and get an in-ground pool built on your property in Nevada, there are two methods to get it the work done: you can either do it all by yourself, case in which you will have to learn several professions that take other people good years to master or you can turn to professionals. The first solution seems to many of us difficult bordering on impossible, so we would like to tell you about the process of getting a pool constructed by an experienced company that provides pool installations in Nevada.

The First Phase of the Process: Terrain Inspection

View From The Pool!

The first decision you will have to make is the selection of the area where you want your pool built. Pool installation companies usually provide consultancy related to land choice – they will sample the ground and tell you how difficult or easy it is to excavate there. It is possible to build a pool in hard and rocky ground, too, but it will increase the costs significantly.

Choosing the Pool Shell and the Accessories

There are three materials commonly used for creating pool lining: vinyl, fiberglass and concrete. Vinyl shells are flexible and easy to install and they come in many sizes, colors and patterns, but they are very sensitive to puncturing; fiberglass pools are made in the factory and put into the hole in the ground using a crane, then they are coated with a durable finish, installation taking only a few days while concrete pools are the strongest and the most durable, but they also take the longest to install.

The choice is much wider and much more difficult when it comes to pool accessories and the re-circulation system. The type of the pumps, valves, heating elements, straining baskets, filters and other components as well as the choice of accessories such as underwater lighting all influence not only the costs of the installation, but also its functionality, so the task of selecting them is better left to trained professionals.

Digging and Installation Work

Pool installation companies handle the complete project from initial land inspection to first fill-up will water. After the design is created, most companies that provide pool installations in Nevada offer to take care of the building permits necessary to start the work, then they will come to your site with all the machines necessary for installing your pool. The duration of the works depends on the type of the pool shell, the size of the pool and the accessories you need, but in most cases it takes a few months to get everything ready for the first plunge.

Services You Need after Installation

Pools need to be professionally installed, but to be able to make the most of yours, you will also need to take care of the maintenance as well as of occasional repairs. The best pool cleaning Las Vegas companies provide comprehensive services that include repairs and maintenance as well, so when you select you pool building company, it is a good idea to check whether they provide post-installation services as well.

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A Closer Look at What Concrete Restoration Services Are All About

Although most homeowners and businesses often turn a blind eye to cracked and broken concrete, fearing that they might have to replace an entire floor, wall or outdoor structure made from concrete, the costs involved can be minimized considerably with the help of a dependable concrete restoration service.

 

Masonry restoration contractors employ advanced solutions for repairing damage in concrete fixtures, insulating and treating concrete structures for greater durability in time, and ensuring that your concrete floors and walls are periodically inspected over time for evaluating their structural integrity.

 

The Services Offered by Concrete Restoration Companies

 

Most concrete restoration services focus mainly on minor and major repair solutions, services geared toward making concrete products smoother and more appealing, or solutions for increasing their resilience over time. When you contact a company for a quote, or look through their website, you will find mention of services such as:

 

  • The most experienced companies offer repair and restoration services for anything from apartment buildings and parking lots, to sewage and water plants, large industrial and commercial buildings, bridge decks or warehouses.
  • Careful surface preparation is required for every restoration project to be a success. Concrete restoration experts cover this area of expertise through services such as scarifying, shotblasting, hydro-demolition and high pressure waterblasting.
  • Waterproofing is an essential part of concrete restoration. Modern day services can use a number of special formulas for reinforcing the concrete as well as polymer-based coatings for complete waterproofing.
  • Specialized services such as slab jacking, shot crating and anchoring are also available at the most experienced of concrete restoration companies.
  • Special epoxy coatings and decorative coatings are also available for swimming pools, warehouse floors, washrooms, plazas and a host of other applications where aesthetic appeal if of heightened importance.

 

Compared to restoring your concrete structures as part of a DIY project, using professional concrete restoration services can be much more practical. They can help you save a lot of time, make sure the job is done properly so you don’t need to call a professional service again for a long time, and even enjoy special restoration solutions that will make your concrete walls and floors nearly immune to the effects of the elements.

 

Contacting a Concrete Restoration Service

 

Concrete restoration professionals are everywhere, and their services span across a variety of areas ranging between catering to the needs of schools, churches and businesses, to other specialized solutions for stadiums and large shopping centers.

 

To get the most out of your local concrete restoration services, it is essential to acquire as many quotes as possible. Free estimates will be provided, so you don’t have to worry about paying anything just to see the price and the repair and restoration services available, and many companies will give you an accurate assessment of any commercial or residential project you might be interested in.

 

The fastest way to get in touch with a professional service is by phone, but many companies nowadays also offer reliable online support. So you can simply look up concrete restoration quotes and rates online, then contact the company’s representatives to find out more about any specialized services.

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When Do You Need Private Utility Colorado Springs Locating Services?

Private vs. public locating

First of all, let’s try to clarify what private locating means and in which way it is different than public locating.

Basically, when you plan to excavate or simply dig on your own property for a new construction project, you will be required to mark only the lines that you own and maintain. This means up to the meter. What goes beyond the meter is public and may include water systems and sewers, public communication lines, lines attached to a septic system etc.

Locating companies are required to locate and mark only public utilities; it is landowners` responsibility and legal obligation to call for private locating specialists, in order to be able to keep track of what else is on their property and dig safely, without damaging underground utilities that may affect not just their property but the entire community.

Residential and commercial locating

Residential locating refers to locating utilities on private properties (farms, ranches), while commercial locating is performed on commercial land (airports, hospitals, schools, government facilities etc.).

What types of projects absolutely require contacting a contractor providing utility locating services?

Residential owners should make the call anytime they plan to dig (and digging goes from small jobs to excavations).

  • Installing irrigation systems

Such projects can easily interfere with underground utilities, considering that their nature involves buried runs of long pipes and conduit.

  • Installing mailboxes

These may seem like small projects, but their typical placement along the streets, for the ease of delivery, as well as the required depth for their proper installation should make residential owners treat them with consideration; many utilities are also buried along the streets, so damage probability is very high.

  • Replacing or installing new fences

These projects require a number of holes that must be dug deep and, just like in the case of mailboxes, often along streets and property lines

  • Planting trees and shrubs

Too often, the location for this type of vegetation is chosen based exclusively on aesthetics or their practical purpose (providing shade). Obviously, this is very wrong, considering that underground utilities can be damaged not only by planting trees and shrubs but also as a consequence of their growth.

  • Building a backyard pond

The recommended depth for backyard ponds is 25-35 inches, which make these projects risky for underground utilities if they are not planned properly.

What do you need to do to request a private locate?

You will be required to provide the following information:

  • Name and contact information (address, phone number etc.)
  • Cross Street
  • What is to be located
  • Scope and purpose of locate
  • When you plan to start the digging project

Remember that utility locating services are not just for large contractors, involved in major underground projects; they are for everyone, even if private landowners are not always aware of this aspect and neither of the consequences of digging irresponsibly on their property. Statistics show that in more than 60% of the cases, they are the ones responsible for property damage, injuries and disruption of service after damaging an underground private utility. So remember, call before you dig Colorado Springs 811 services and keep your family and home safe during your home improvements.