Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy floor coatings are commonly used for commercial and industrial flooring. Epoxy coatings are normally applied over concrete floors to provide a high-performance, smooth, and durable surface that can last many years and withstand heavy loads. Typically, epoxy flooring lasts 2 to 3 years in heavy traffic. Commercial properties—like garages, restaurants, or factory spaces—with lots of daily foot traffic can expect this experience. However, with proper care and maintenance, your epoxy flooring may last much longer.

Epoxy flooring isn’t as slippery as it looks and it’s easy to add a skid-resistant additive to the topcoat to make the floor very safe, even when wet. Without a nonslip additive, epoxy flooring can become very slippery when wet, especially with oil spills. You don’t need to worry about the floor getting wet because epoxy is like a hard, sealed shell. This means it’s also easy to clean.

Extremely safe – Epoxy is a very safe coating for your hard floors. It’s slip resistant, shock resistant, and less abrasive than concrete and other types of industrial flooring. Some homeowners even choose to have epoxy flooring in their mudrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, or really anywhere. Overall, floor tiles will run you about $3 to $5 per square foot, while epoxy will cost you between $3 and $12 per square foot. Garage tiles average $2 to $4 per square foot, making the materials more expensive. However, the installation is less than $1 per square foot.

Choosing Vinyl Windows?

Are Vinyl Windows Any Good? Vinyl windows are a common and suitable option for replacement windows because they won’t warp or rot. They are made from polyvinyl chloride—a very durable material—and other components that prevent ultraviolet light from deteriorating the frame. The average range for a new vinyl window installed is between $400 and $800, with most homeowners paying around $550 for a double-hung, double-pane replacement window.

Vinyl Windows Pros and Cons
  • Pro: Energy Efficiency – Save Money. Vinyl windows have excellent thermal performance ratings so that you will be saving on energy in the long run.
  • Pro: Low Maintenance.
  • Con: Fewer Color and Trim Options.
  • Con: Less Flexibility with Design.
The Best Vinyl Window Brands
  • Best Value: Simonton Asure Windows.
  • Most Popular/Midgrade: Simonton Impressions Window.
  • Premium: Simonton ProFinish Brickmould Windows.
  • Best Value: Ply Gem 400 Series Vinyl Windows.
  • Popular/Midgrade: Ply Gem 2000 Series.
  • Premium: Ply Gem Premium Series.
  • Best Value: Encompass by Pella Vinyl Windows.

On Remote Car Starters

Some people say they don’t want a remote car starter because it can damage their vehicle. The fact is that a high quality, properly installed system will not cause any damage to your vehicle. Commonly, problems with remote starters are due to cheap equipment and/or improper installation. The other knock on remote car starters is that they can damage a vehicle’s battery. If there are not installed properly it’s easy to ground out one of the wires and drain your battery prematurely. The starter also needs to have a safety switch so that there’s no damage to the electrical system.”

remote start gives your vehicle extra time to reach normal operating temperature, warming the engine and making the oil less viscous, allowing it to flow freely through the engine. Although there is no doubt a remote start will make your drive warm and comfortable, the accessory is not for everyone. Any vehicle started with the remote engine starter can idle for a total of 20 minutes. Automatic engine shutdown occurs after 10 minutes, but the vehicle may be remotely started as many times as you wish for an additional 10 minutes.

Remote starters are convenient, inexpensive and easy to install. You can install a remote starter for your car yourself. It’s a great upgrade, inexpensive and a project you can do yourself with simple tools and the supplied wiring diagram. A car or truck equipped with a remote start system will fetch a higher re-sale value than a vehicle without one. A remote starter can be a very good selling point that will give a car owner leverage and reason to ask for a higher trade-in value from a car dealer.

On Building Permits

Building permits are a type of authorization that must be granted by a government or other regulatory body before the construction of a new or existing building can legally occur. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the finalized number of the total monthly building permits on the 18th working day of every month. The monthly building permit report is closely watched by economists and investors alike. Since all related factors associated with the construction of a building are important economic activities (for example, financing and employment), the building permit report can give a major hint as to the state of the economy in the near future. You need good contractors like Acadia Drafting who are also specialists in coordinating and preparing a full list of building permit drawings.

Building without a permit means fines. Also understand that if you are building without a permit, fines may be assessed. If an inspector is driving through your neighborhood and sees work being done to your home, he can tag the home to be fined. If you don’t pay that fine, the city or county may put a lien on your home. Selling a house with unpermitted work as-is might be the easiest option. However, a home with unpermitted work that is sold as is will likely need to be deeply discounted in order to find a buyer. To find out how much your home is worth with unpermitted construction, contact your real estate agent.

Building permit costs should be included in home project bids and building permits issued in the contractor’s name. Typically, contractors will include permit costs as a part of their bid. But it’s important that your contractor is the one who obtains and pays for the permit. Permits are usually required for projects involving electrical, plumbing or HVAC work, and for any major structural changes to your house. Permit requirements and fees vary by city and state, so check local regulations as you plan your project.

Entry Doors Choice Of Material

We’ve found that most entry doors perform well overall. But the materials they’re made of—fiberglass, steel, and wood—each have strengths and weaknesses. And while a low-priced steel door can be the equal of a wood or fiberglass door costing five times as much, it’s not the best choice for wear and tear. Look out for front doors for sale and choose what is the best for your budget and weigh the pros & cons.

When it comes to materials, unlike wood doors, fiberglass entry doors do not shrink, warp, split, crack or delaminate. They’re ideal for harsh or humid climates. Because fiberglass doors last so long, many come with long warranties. Fiberglass entry door systems are engineered to be highly energy efficient. The cost of fiberglass and steel doors varies widely depending on the style, quality, and size. A quality fiberglass door can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,000, while a higher-quality fiberglass door can run from $1,500 to $2,500. The cost to install a fiberglass door varies depending on the installation company.

The steel has a baked enamel finish that can be painted in the color of your choice. They can dent, paint can chip, and un-repaired scratches can lead to rust. Yet they are the most secure for homes. Prices vary, but they are typically less expensive than wood doors. Basic steel entry doors cost around $200 to $500. The price depends on the thickness of the steel. More upscale, quality steel doors range closer to $1,000. Installing a basic steel door measuring 32 x 80 x 1 ¾ inches ranges from $600 to $1,800.

Best Energy Efficient Exterior Doors
  • Fiberglass Exterior Doors. Fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
  • Vinyl Doors. Vinyl is another energy efficient door material.
  • Steel Doors. Steel doors are also energy efficient as steel is a good thermal insulator.
  • Wooden Doors.
  • Glass and Weatherstripping.

Washer Maintenance

Even though washing machines are pretty care-free appliances, you should still be alert of any problems that signal that it needs something fixed. Minor faults can turn into major problems if they’re not looked after. And if you do have a major problem make sure that you have a reliable service providing company handy like Max Appliance Repair who can help you fix those issues.

Here are some signs that your washing machine needs service:

Leaks: Even small leaks can cause shorts in the electrical parts of the washing machine.
Noises: Unbalanced loads can make loud noises and coins rattling can be concerning, but those things can be easily remedied. If you hear other strange noises coming from your washing machine, have it serviced.

Washing machines can be breeding grounds for salmonella and other germs. When you wash items in hot water, your machine is being cleaned as well, but once a month, you should still run an empty load with hot water and about a cup of distilled white vinegar to sanitize the basin and wipe out any lingering germs.

How do you do a maintenance wash on a washing machine?

Give the detergent drawer a thorough wipe, and remove, empty and soak the filter, before replacing it. Perform a washing machine maintenance wash every couple of months to clear the drum and the pipes of dirt and grease. Simply run an empty wash on a warm temperature, with a normal dosage of detergent.

Choosing Ceiling Tiles

Ceiling tiles are typically made with mineral wool, fiberglass, gypsum, perlite, clay, cellulose or starch. Metal, glass and wood are also gaining popularity as specialty materials. When selecting ceiling tiles,  it’s important to consider the material used and the potential for negative health effects. Look for tiles with recycled content and tiles that will be easy to recycle in the future. Some manufacturers will take back old ceiling tiles at the end their use. Look for good, reliable distributors for ceiling titles like Talissa Decor and other companies.

Ceiling tiles can reflect light to increase the efficiency of lighting systems and reduce energy costs. They can also effectively block or reduce noise. Drop ceilings cost $991 and $2,549, or $1,766 on average, depending on the room size and material quality. Labor is $2 to $5 per square foot, while ceiling tiles and grid rails are $3 to $23 per square foot total. Rail covers, insulating tiles and lighting add more to the price.

Also known as a suspended ceiling, drop ceilings cover damaged/stained ceilings, decrease noise from outside the room and hide ductwork, plumbing pipes and wiring. They consist of two basic parts: the grid and the tiles. The grid attaches to the walls in a crisscross pattern of beams. The beams have a small ledge which supports the tiles and holds them in place.

Choose tiles that have been tested for emissions and are Greenguard Gold certified. For wood ceiling panels, choose ones certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC. For high-humidity areas, choose naturally moisture-resistant tiles like perlite, clay or metal. Choose tiles without any added chemical flame retardants.

Why Custom Built Homes?

Custom homes cost anywhere from $350,000 to $1.5 million or more. Expect to pay $300 to $500 per square foot for custom and luxury builds. Custom homes come in almost any shape and size. They’re a step up from the semi-custom options you’ll find in many suburban housing developments.  The biggest difference between custom builds and production builds is the cost per square foot. You will need to find the right custom home builder for your home. The flexibility building a custom home affects the price, and you’ll ultimately be paying more for the customizations you plan with your new home.

Most homebuyers end up spending lots of time and energy either searching for or designing “the perfect home” before signing any contracts or laying down funds. There are two primary advantages to buying an existing home: convenience and cost. Once you are pre-approved by your lender, you can shop around, pick out a home, and make an offer. On the flip side, the most significant disadvantage of buying an existing home may be that you won’t get exactly what you want. You may not be in love with the floor plan and may wish that half bath on the first floor was a full bath or that there was another bedroom on the main floor.

Building a new home doesn’t offer the same convenience as buying an existing house. Not only do you have to find the land, which may not be in an existing neighborhood, you also have to factor in the time to find an architect or builder, and choose every element of the new structure.  The big advantage is you are much more likely to get exactly what you want. For many, this factor alone is enough to choose to build over buying. Still, there are other advantages, too, like the ability to create a more efficient home that meets new energy codes and standards for heating, ventilation, and cooling, plus insulation, and air filtration. Better efficiency is good for the environment and can save you money on your utility bills each month.

Custom Drapery

Drapery usually means hangings of heavy fabric for use as a curtain. Drapery is a general word referring to cloths or textiles. It may refer to cloth used for decorative purposes – such as around windows – or to the trade of retailing cloth, originally mostly for clothing, formerly conducted by drapers. People usually like custom drapery for their homes.

Custom drapes are made to order – you select your fabric, your colors, and your designs. You get to choose custom size curtains made specifically to fit your area. But the question still remains – why are custom drapes so expensive? Even being custom made to order, what drives the costs to be so high? There are many things that drive the higher costs of custom-made drapery. The workmanship put into custom drapes is the biggest cost driver. Anytime something comes custom-made, the price is driven much higher due to the ability to personalize every detail of your order.

Curtains vs drapery?

Generally, drapes are floor length while curtains drop to just below a window sill. 14. Drapes usually have a backing on them that gives them structure while hanging on a rod while curtains are made to move in the breeze. Some people prefer that window treatments hang just above the floor, while others want the drama of a voluminous puddle that requires an additional 18 inches of fabric once it has reached the floor. This is often done to be able to tie the curtains back. On average, however, a puddle is about 4 inches on the floor.

Refrigerator Maintenance

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home, it needs some time to settle before you can start using it. You should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. You can plug your appliance in once 4 hours have passed. Even if you still need to look around for a good, reliable appliance repair service near you, there are some easy to follow maintenance & cleaning tips you can do.
Never let your refrigerator reach a dismal state! Just stick to our recommended fridge cleaning schedule to keep your refrigerator looking good and smelling fresh. Make it a habit to rinse off jam jars, salsa containers, ketchup bottles, and other items that tend to get grimy on the outside. This, in turn, helps keep your refrigerator clean. Also, wipe up spills right when they happen to prevent sticky spots from forming.
5 Keys to Refrigerator Maintenance
  1. Check the door seals.
  2. Keep the coils clean.
  3. Set the right temperature. Keep the fridge between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees.
  4. Fill it up (even if you never cook and only have takeout). Refrigerators need “thermal mass” (a.k.a. lots of stuff) to maintain low temperatures.
  5. Be prepared.

Maintaining Your Dishwasher

Is it cheaper to use a dishwasher? This, again, depends on your dish washing habits. As long as you only run your dishwasher once it’s fully loaded, it should cost you less than hand-washing. There is no rule that says your dishwasher needs to run at a certain time every day. If it is not full, then don’t start it. It is perfectly normal to leave your dishes in the dishwasher for another day. After all, running the dishwasher when it is not full is a waste of energy and water.

So you may look for dishwasher repair services near you but you can also do use some easy tips to effectively maintain the dishwasher.

Some tips:

  1. Wash Regularly.
  2. Empty the Dishwasher.
  3. Inspect & Clean the Spinning Arms.
  4. Clean the Edges and Exterior.
  5. Unclog & Clean the Drain.
  6. Use an Acid to Remove Buildup.
  7. Get Rid of Mildew.
How To Maintain Your Dishwasher:
  1. Clean Filter. If your dishwasher has a filter, remove it and clean off any food or grime. …
  2. Clean The Door And Seals. Dishwashers have seals around the door rim to prevent the machine from leaking while running. …
  3. Use Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner.
  4. Clean The Spray Arm.

Looking At Wall Ovens

Wall ovens come in standard widths of 24, 27 and 30 inches, but models can vary by as much as an inch or two, making it wise to stick with the same brand. Measure the distance across the top and bottom of the oven from the left and right edge of the cabinet cutout. Note the measurements on the reference sheet. Measure the distance along each side of the oven – from the top to bottom edge of the cabinet cutout. Note the measurements on the reference sheet. Note that you will also have to look for a good appliance repair service when getting a wall oven for installation & repair.

Having so much space dedicated to cooking appliances can be limiting, and costly. Having a wall oven can become more expensive because it requires two appliance purchases—a wall oven or double oven plus a cooktop. The combination of wall oven and separate cooktop can often cost thousands of dollars. Wall ovens do not vent to the outside. There is an internal vent on wall ovens. Prior to 2007: Oven is vented through a vent tube under the control panel. After 2007: For single and double wall ovens, the vent is below the door to keep electronics cooler, improve appearance, and provide a better door seal at the top.

wall oven allows an easier transition from the oven to the countertop. If you prefer to dine out or you just don’t cook for large gatherings often, a free-standing range may be a better choice for you. It is certainly beneficial to have more than two feet of counter space that you would lose to a wall oven cabinet.

RIP Gerard Houllier

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has died at the age of 73. The Frenchman managed the Reds from 1998-2004 and led them to five major trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2000-01. Prior to Liverpool, Houllier managed Lens, Paris St-Germain and the French national team, and after leaving the Reds won two Ligue 1 titles at Lyon. His last managerial job was at Aston Villa, but he left in 2011 after nine months, following heart problems. In a statement, Liverpool said they were “deeply saddened” by Houllier’s death.

Houllier made his managerial name with Lens and PSG in the 1980s before taking over the French national side in 1992. However, after Les Bleus failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup finals – with Houllier blaming a mistake from winger David Ginola for their exit – he resigned from the role. In 1998, he moved to England and took charge of Liverpool as joint manager alongside Roy Evans. Evans resigned three months later and Houllier took sole charge, rebuilding the Reds and leading them to the unprecedented treble in the 2000-01 season.

In October 2001, he had open heart surgery after suffering from chest pains during a home match against Leeds, but returned to the dugout at Anfield and remained there for another three years before leaving in May 2004. After leaving Liverpool, he led Lyon to two French titles before joining the French Football Federation in 2007, but he was enticed back into management by Villa in September 2010, signing a three-year deal. But the following April Houllier was admitted to hospital with chest pains and Gary McAllister stepped in to help steer Villa away from relegation trouble. He stepped down from the role at the end of the 2010-11 season with concerns that a return to the dugout could cause further health issues.

He has since held the head of football role at Red Bull, and in November became technical director of women’s football clubs Lyon and OL Reign.

Arsenal 0 Burnley 1

Granit Xhaka was dismissed for violent conduct as a desperately poor Arsenal side were jeered off by their own supporters after being stunned by Premier League strugglers Burnley. Defeat Mikel Arteta’s side have now lost four straight league games at home for the first time in 61 years. Gunners skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wretched run of form continued as he failed to score at the right end – and headed an own goal at the other end. Burnley’s winner came after Xhaka was dismissed on 58 minutes for grabbing the throat of Clarets midfielder Ashley Westwood – the Swiss midfielder given a red card after referee Graham Scott reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor. The Gunners had plenty of attempts at goal but most of them were dealt with comfortably by Nick Pope, a superb reflex save to keep out Alexandre Lacazette’s low strike aside.

Burnley’s victory lifts them out of the relegation zone, a point clear of Fulham, while Arsenal stay in a lowly 15th place. Arteta will celebrate one year in charge of Arsenal on 26 December and his reign looked full of optimism when he led the club to FA Cup success last season. Although they have reached the Europa League knockout stages this term, Arsenal’s league form has been woeful both at home and away – they have lost seven of their past 10 games overall – and questions will soon be asked of Arteta’s capabilities. There were 2,000 supporters in attendance at a subdued Emirates Stadium and those watching will have been less than pleased at their side’s showing, while it was all too much for one supporter who covered his eyes with his face mask.

The statistics make for equally unpleasant reading. Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal has now seen them go 12 hours and 32 top-flight minutes without finding the net from open play. Of their openings, Kieran Tierney had a drive smothered by the inspired Pope, while Bukayo Saka’s strike was straight at the England international goalkeeper. Lacazette had his side’s best chance in the opening period but the Frenchman now has just a solitary goal in his last 11 appearances, while Aubameyang – whose own goal settled the game – has scored only twice in the past 12 games.

5 Difficult Countries To Get Citizenship

Liechtenstein, a tiny, mountainous country between Austria and Switzerland, has a population of just under 40,000 — and the country’s immigration policy appears to aim to keep it small. If you want to become a citizen, you need to live in Liechtenstein for at least 30 years, with each year before you turn 20 counting as two years. If you’re married to a Liechtenstein citizen and already live in the country, that time period is shortened to five years of marriage.

If you want a shortcut from the 30-year residency requirement, you can ask your community to vote you in after 10 years. Regardless of method, you’ll have to give up your current citizenship.

The Himalayan nation of Bhutan is known for measuring its success by its National Happiness Index rather than GDP. It is one of the most isolated countries in the world. The country didn’t open to tourism until 1974 and continues to regulate and monitor travel to the country closely, so you can imagine that the immigration process is not easy. It takes two Bhutanese parents to be born a citizen, and if you only have one, you have to apply for naturalized citizenship after you have lived in Bhutan for 15 years. The 15-year requirement also applies to government employees.

Those with non-Bhutanese parents who don’t work for the government may apply after living in the country for 20 years, as long as you meet a list of requirements, including no record of speaking or acting against the king or country. If you do that in the future, your citizenship can be rescinded. Even if you meet the requirements, Bhutan reserves the right to reject you for any or no reason.

If your father is not Qatari, then neither are you, even if your mother is, according to Doha News. If you have been a legal resident of Qatar for 25 years without leaving the country for more than two consecutive months (among other requirements), you can apply for citizenship. The Doha News reported that Qatar only naturalizes about 50 foreigners a year. Additionally, naturalized citizens are not treated the same way under the law as citizens born in Qatar, likely because the country provides very generous government benefits that would be costly to extend to all citizens.

The UAE, home to the sparkling city of Dubai, will let you apply to be a citizen if you have legally resided in the Emirates for 30 years, according to the CIA. Federal Law No. 17 states that if you are an Arab citizen from Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain, you can apply for naturalization after three years of residency. Arabs from other countries are eligible after seven years of residence in the UAE. Descendants of Emirate parents are eligible for citizenship if they were born of known or unknown parents within the state. As of December 2011, UAE women can pass their citizenship to their children, according to Congressional Research Service.

According to the Nationality Law of 1999, after living in Kuwait for 20 years (15 for citizens of other Arab countries), you can apply to be granted Kuwaiti citizenship, but only if you are Muslim by birth or conversion. If you converted, you must have been practicing for five years. You must also speak Arabic fluently. The Nationality Law also states that the wife of a Kuwaiti man can ask to become a citizen after being married for 15 years.

Some Awesome Facts On India

A Meghalaya village has won the Guinness world record title for the wettest place on Earth, with about 11,873 milliliters of rain annually. The monsoon season lasts six months, so make sure you pack an umbrella!

India has over 300,000 mosques and over 2 million Hindu temples. Get ready to be awed and amazed by all the stunning architecture India has to offer. About 15% of India’s population is Muslim. The mosques across the country range from small village buildings to immense famous ones, like the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad or the Jama Masjid in New Delhi.

Chenab Bridge is the highest rail bridge in the world. Not all of India’s famous monuments are religious. The jaw-dropping bridge spanning the Chenab river in Jammu is 1,178 feet above the water. If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to skip this one!

India is home of a mysterious skeleton lake. Located in the Himalayas at about 16,470 feet, the glacial Lake Roopkund has become famous for the human skeletons found in the lake and surrounding areas. It is thought that the skeletons are the remains of people from the 9th century who perished during a severe hail storm.

The popular game “Snakes and Ladders” originated in India. Now sold across the world (sometimes adapted to “shoots and ladders”), this board game traces its roots back to India. It was first created to teach morals and lessons about karma in a way that young children would understand and remember.

A village with no locks and doors may be the safest on Earth. The village of Shani Shingnapur is famous for not having a door or lock on a single house. Beyond that, there has not been a recording of a criminal act for almost 400 years. Many people think that the shared vulnerability has created a neighborly trust between the residents, which has formed a protection stronger than a deadbolt or heavy gate.