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Why Residential Home Tinting will Increase the Comfort of your Home

Most of you are familiar with window tinting but it’s commonly associated with cars. These days, you can install window tint films in residential and commercial buildings – a fact that seems to surprise many people.

Why would you install window tinting in your home windows?

Contrary to popular belief, a residential window tint is not just for increasing your home’s privacy (although it’s a real benefit). Installing window tinting in your home can effectively increase its comfort levels. Here are some ways that a residential home tinting can increase your home’s comfort.

5 Ways a Residential Home Tinting Can Improve Your Home’s Comfort

1. Better Energy Savings

Arguably, the most important benefit of residential window tinting is the potential for energy savings. A reliable tinting company will have your windows bleed out less heating and cooling.

This means that during summer, cool air will be kept in. On the flip side, during the winter, heat will be conserved. This gives your HVAC systems plenty of slack which results in lesser fuel and electricity costs. This keeps your home comfortable all season without the added costs.

2. Reduced Glare

While it’s nice to have sunlight inside your home, it can also be annoying due to excessive glare. This is especially true when you’re watching TV or using the computer against the sunlight.

Once your windows are treated with tinting film, the glare will be blocked while still letting natural light in.

3. UV Protection

The dangers of ultraviolet rays are well documented. With that said, you don’t really want to apply sunscreen while hanging out in the family’s sunroom, do you? Residential home tinting blocks 99% of the sun’s UV rays. Thus, you can freely bask in the sunlight without damaging your skin.

By blocking the UV rays with window films, you are also protecting your furniture, paintings, carpets, and tapestries from discoloration.

4. Increased Privacy

If your neighbors can see inside your home through your windows, you should consider getting help from window tinting services.

As mentioned, window tinting still allows the beautiful natural light to enter your home. However, they’re also quite effective in obscuring the interior of your home from outside viewers. Rooms that require extra privacy like the bathroom can benefit from the increased privacy provided by window films.

5. Improved Security and Safety

Installing window tints also reinforce your windows, making them harder to break and penetrate. The film holds the glass together which means that it won’t shatter when broken. This reduces the risk of potential injury from broken glass.

Obviously, this benefit comes in handy when there’s a break-in, natural disaster, or a wayward baseball.

Improve Your Home’s Comfort With Residential Window Tinting

As you can see, installing residential window tinting can go a long way in improving your home’s comfort. If you’re not sure how to go about your home window tinting installation,  consult with  a professional tinting company.

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What You Should Do Immediately After You Find Your House Flooded

There are many ways that a house can be flooded. The issue can stem from a leaking pipe, a natural disaster, or even a pipe burst. Flood restoration is not simple, but you have to deal with it immediately before it becomes a bigger problem for your house and everything in it. Here is how you should proceed once you have discovered flooding in your home.

Safety First

The first thing you should do after flooding is discovered is shut off the power to the house or flooded area. But be wary of water that may surround the power source. Coming into contact with an electrical box surrounded by water can be dangerous. If you notice water around your power source, be sure to contact an electrician right away. While it is essential to shut off the power as quickly as possible, it is important that it is done safely,

Before entering the home, check for cracks or any structural damage that could lead to falling pieces of ceiling or walls. You should also protect yourself before entering. Waterproof clothing, boots, and rubber gloves are required, as it is possible for diseases to be spread through the water.

Take Photos and Call a Professional

Your flood restoration provider will need visual documentation of damages done to your home and belongings, so be sure to photograph your findings and save the pictures for when you get in touch with your provider. Unless it’s vital for your own protection or to prevent further damage, do not move any objects. Repairs may be paid for by your insurance company depending on the cause of flooding. But if that ends up being the case, your restoration team will provide aid with moving objects.

Water Removal

After getting approval from your insurance provider, it’s time to get rid of the water. If there is a lot of it, you’ll need to eliminate it with a sump pump. If just carpeting and other materials are soaked, you can use a wet vac.

With the standing water gone, go ahead and dry everything out. This is a preventative measure against mold growth. It takes about 48 hours for mold to start developing, so time is limited when it comes to saving your furniture and personal belongings. Dry everything that you want to keep, and do so as quickly as possible.

Once that step is done, it’s safe to turn the electricity back on. You can use fans to dry out the flooding area, walls, and flooring that cannot be removed in order to dry out.

Hire Professionals

Floor restoration is a daunting task to do alone; but with a professional company, you can rest assured that the job will be done well. Flood restoration services help you professionally clean and dry out your belongings, and bring your home back to full form. They also are trained to deal with any extra issues that may come up, such as carpet cleaning and mold removal. If your home has been flooded, reach out to reduce damages to your home and make it safe for you and your family.

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The Artificial Turf Purchasing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you have decided to make the switch to artificial grass…and you aren’t alone. Over the last few years, expanding residential growth has led to a 2.2% growth in this market. When going through the artificial turf purchasing process, you might not know where to begin as there are many types of grass to choose from. This step-by-step guide will answer all of the questions you have when it comes to changing to artificial turf.

Do the Research

The first step in this process is to do your own research on artificial turf. You probably already know the benefits of installing artificial grass and why it is a good investment for your home, but you might not know all the specifics in terms of brand, type, and price. You can find plenty of information online to start the research process.

Choose the Location

Where do you want to install the artificial grass in your home? Some common places that artificial turf is used in the home is on decks, patios, terraces, around pools, playgrounds, or pet areas.  You might want to do the entire lawn or just a portion of the lawn. This will give you an idea of exactly how much grass you will need to purchase.

Book a Consultation

Having a professional come to your house and evaluate your specific needs will ensure that you get the lawn that is the best choice for your house. Speaking with an expert who can answer your questions will set your mind at ease over this investment. He or she can direct you not only to the best kind of artificial turn but also on the best infill choice by examining the area where you want to lay it.

Types of Turf

Not all turf is created equal. Some variations are better suited for residential areas, while some are for sports-use. With so many variations on the market, you will need to determine which one is best for your house. High-quality turf will be more expensive but will last longer. If your house has kids or pets, a long-lasting, durable turf is a good choice. Installing long-lasting artificial turf will hold up in places that receive heavy traffic. And, artificial turf that is well-maintained can last 10-15 years.

Most artificial grass for the home has more yarn, which makes them look better. They are also strong enough to handle heavy foot traffic. Since it will be used outdoors, it should also be able to withstand the heat, sun, and elements, especially if you live in a particularly hot climate.

If you are considering installing artificial turf in your home, Synlawn can offer a free consultation to ensure you are getting the type of lawn that fits your needs and your budget.

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How Much Water Can You Actually Save With Artificial Grass?

Sustainably using our resources seems to be becoming a common goal in our society. This is especially so when people realize that it only takes a little change to make a big difference. One of the main things we can all do is use less water in our everyday lives. From how long we take a shower to not waiting for the water to get hot when we wash our faces or brush our teeth–these efforts can go a long way. One effort you may not have thought of is getting artificial grass for your yard. It’s a simple and powerful way to reduce water usage because it simply doesn’t require any water for its maintenance.

How Much Water Can I Save With Artificial Turf In My Lawn?

In order to know how much water you can save with artificial turf, you need to know how much water you currently use on your lawn on average. 12,000 gallons of water is used on 200-square feet of lawn each year. Consider this figure as you’re trying to figure out the needs of your lawn specifically. It seems obvious, but the larger your yard is, the more water you’re using every year and it’s more water than you probably thought.

The Many Benefits Of Artificial Turf

The good that comes from artificial turf does not stop at saving all that water every year. Artificial turf also saves you hours upon hours of maintenance. It does not need anywhere near the amount of maintenance that the average natural grass lawn needs. You do not have to water it, cut it, or edge it to ensure it stays pristine.

Opting for artificial turf also eliminates the need to keep up with spraying pesticides or having to use fertilizers. It’s also a great option for a game of football with your friends or soccer for your kids, as it’s exactly the same material used on those sports fields.

Saving Money With Artificial Turf

Another great reason to choose artificial turf over natural grass is the amount of money you save. You don’t pay anyone to maintain your lawn, you don’t have to buy gas for lawn equipment when you mow the lawn yourself, and you are not plugging lawn equipment into any outlets (saving electricity). Depending on how much your natural lawn typically needs to be cared for, this could end up saving you about $800 a year when figuring in the cost of water, fertilizer, and maintenance.

Getting Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is a great way to save the environment by saving water, but how exactly do you go about getting it for your yard? The answer is simple. All you have to do is find an artificial turf supplier that will help you along with every step to ensure you get the yard you deserve.

Making the switch to artificial turf can make a tremendous difference in your carbon footprint, your financial situation, and your overall lifestyle. It can be installed on rooftops, outside of your home, on playgrounds, and more. Find out how you specifically can benefit from artificial turf today by getting in touch with Synlawn.

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Four Fire Protection Products Necessary for Your Home or Condo Rental Property

When people go home, they want to feel like it is their safe place and that they can relax. However, sometimes there are circumstances that could deflate that sense of security. Even if done by accident, fires can form from cooking equipment and electrical appliances. These can take place at home, not just at businesses and public places. To be more secure at home, one should look into acquiring products that would provide fire protection. APFE Corp. would offer such products. Below is a list of four of these products that one could add to their home as preventative measures to combat fire.

1. Fire Alarms

For instances in which a fire may start within the home, it would be practical to have a fire alarm that can alert anyone who may be within the building. Sometimes people get so occupied with their own individual tasks that do not notice any smoke right away. Having an audible warning echoing throughout the building would make people aware of the fire and let them know that they should stop whatever they are doing and check on the situation. Once everyone in the building is aware of the fire, they can proceed with the appropriate safety procedures and respond accordingly.

2. Fire Extinguishers

If there is a fire that needs to be put out, then it would be beneficial to have a fire extinguisher in an optimal area of the building. Having one around would make the place feel more secure. When it comes to fire extinguisher use, remember the P.A.S.S. technique: pull the pin, aim low, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side at the base of the fire. Even after the fire seems to have been extinguished, back away in case flames rise again. If the extinguisher runs out and the fire has not been put out completely, then it is time to evacuate.

3. Fire Sprinklers

While they are often installed by hotels and businesses, fire sprinklers are less common in homes. However, they are very effective and beneficial, and thus worth considering. Home fire sprinklers would decrease the chances of civilians or firefighters getting injured or dying from the fire. If the environment gets too dangerous, water would rain down and make it easier to get rid of the problem. A sprinkler system may not be a fix-all solution, but it would certainly lighten the load. Knowing that the sprinklers are in place for these types of situations would make your home feel more safe and secure.

4. Kitchen Fire Suppression System

Some restaurants are equipped with a kitchen fire suppression system. The hoods can be installed over stoves, deep fryers, and the like. The National Restaurant Association claims that 57% of all restaurant fires come from the cooking equipment. While your home may not be a restaurant, there is still the chance that a fire could arise from your cooking equipment. With this in mind, it would feel very reassuring to have a hood over your stove that could spray wet chemicals whenever a fire gets out of hand. If you have a kitchen fire suppression system in place, you will feel very safe at home.

Available Protection

Any of these products would be worth considering for your home security. Whether it be alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, or kitchen suppression, your fire protection needs would be met by APFE Corp. They offer all of these products and more, making sure that people are equipped with the fire protection that they need for their homes and businesses. If you get in contact with these professionals, they would be able to provide you with a quote, as well as take care of installation, maintenance, and inspection if necessary. So think over these precautions and see what you would be able to acquire and utilize in the case of a fire.

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Artificial Turf 101: Everything You Need to Know About Power Brooming

If you’ve made the switch to artificial turf, you’re likely already reaping its benefits. One such benefit is how little effort it takes to maintain your new lawn, putting green, or wherever you’ve installed your turf. Although artificial turf is low maintenance compared to natural grass, maintenance is still vital in keeping it in prime condition. If you want your turf to last you years on end power brooming is the maintenance method for you.

What is Power Brooming?

Power brooming is the process of using a power broom to clean your artificial turf. It sweeps debris away from any type of turf. Just like natural grass, artificial grass can flatten over time. When you use a power broom on your artificial turf you are returning the bent blades back into their proper, upright position. A large brush wheel has the ability to spin more than 200 time per minute – all without the effort of operating a broom manually. If you can operate a vacuum, you can easily operate a power broom. Read on to find out the key benefits of power brooming and how and when to perform artificial turf cleaning.

The Benefits of Power Brooming

Cleaning your artificial grass is the key to maintaining it. You lawn can become dirty over time due to high levels of activity, pets, and other factors. When you use a power broom on your lawn it cleans away debris, leaves, and trash. Unlike a standard broom or rake, a power broom has the ability to dig deep to remove debris.

Additionally, power brooming helps your turf last longer. When fibers are bent over they lose that life-like look you love. No one wants turf with a thin, faded appearance. However, power brooming protects your investment by distributing infill and correcting turf lean.

When to Power Broom

Power broom can be used before and after installation. When you use a power broom on unrolled grass it makes installation easier since the grass becomes better stretched. This makes it easier to cut and shape it and the grass will receive infill more easily. Still, it’s always important to consult a professional before taking on any installation process.

As discussed above, the power broom is essential for turf maintenance. However, unlike with a regular lawn, you won’t need to spend every weekend on upkeep. Depending on your needs and location, power broom service is recommended quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. This quick and easy process will keep your lawn looking fantastic all year-round.

Maintenance is Made Easy with Artificial Turf from US Turf

The experts at US Turf are equipped to answer any questions you may have about artificial turf – including the power brooming process. Whether you are looking to install an artificial turf lawn for your home, putting green, or commercial property, US Turf can get you started on the path to beauty and convenience. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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How To Hire a Carpenter

Your home is one of the biggest financial investments you will make in your life. Maintaining your home can stave off depreciation and keep it a place you enjoy. If your home is being built, you want to make sure the trade workers you hire for your build are skilled. This will give you peace of mind that your house is built correctly and with quality, and is therefore safe. An important element in any house is the carpentry, as most houses in the U.S. contain wood.

Categories of Carpenters

Carpenters can specialize in different areas of woodwork. Some carpenters frame houses, such as installing studs and framing where windows and doors will go. Others focus on installation of items once the house is framed, such as doors, which complete the build of a house. The third type of carpenter primarily deals with woodwork in a finished house such as bookshelves, closets and cabinets.

It saves time to find a carpentry service that offers work in all of those areas. Some carpentry services Arvada employ carpenters with different focus areas so one company can address all of your carpentry projects. Hiring one company can also result in cohesion and consistency in work because the craftsmen can communicate with each other about their projects.

Benefits of Hiring a Carpenter

Carpenters are trained professionals, having completed formal education or apprenticeship under other trained carpenters. This means that they have been trained to think creatively about solutions to problems, ensure their finished products are safe and sturdy and know how to work with dangerous supplies and equipment.

Good carpentry work often requires specialized equipment. It can be expensive to rent or buy it, so leaving it up to a professional who already owns it can save you money. This equipment can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t followed, and carpenters have been trained on these safety measures.

What To Look for In a Carpenter

Quality carpenters will do a walkthrough with you to learn about your wishes, discuss materials, ensure the quality of the materials they use is high, have proper training, insurance, and licensure, and will openly discuss their complaint process if you aren’t satisfied with their work. Be sure to discuss these topics with the carpenters you’re looking into so you can hire a quality carpenter. It is also a good idea to compare quotes between a few companies to see if the prices offered are fair.

Whatever your woodworking project, consider hiring a professional carpenter so the project is done with the proper skills, knowledge and equipment to give you peace of mind that your house has safe and quality woodwork.

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The Costs and Benefits of Wood Countertops

When it comes to selecting new countertops, it seems like the options are endless. From metal to wood to granite, and everything in between, your countertops need to serve a functional purpose and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. Many designers and contractors have seen a rise in popularity in wood countertops over the past few years, but is this trend appropriate for your new kitchen remodel? Consider the costs and benefits of wood countertops to see if this style is the right fit for your home.

Rising Popularity of Wood Counters

In the past few decades, the home improvement market has been flooded with a variety of materials, textures, and colors to achieve almost any image you can imagine. However, wood has always been a popular choice for designers due to its versatility, appearance, and durability. While wood has been a staple construction material for decades, it’s popularity in the kitchen has fluctuated with design trends. Lately, wood countertops have seen a rise in popularity thanks to the trending farmhouse style. More and more homeowners are transitioning to earthy, natural tones, and wood counters offer the perfect balance between style and function.

Wood Countertop Styles

The type of wood you select will influence the color, texture, and longevity of the countertops in your kitchen. For types of wood that are naturally more suitable for daily wear and tear, go with maple, walnut, or oak. These woods are also very customizable to your design needs; they can be cut into a minimalist single slab or laid into more intricate patterns such as herringbone, checkerboard, or stripes. When selecting wood, be sure to consider the layout of the kitchen and other important factors such as the placement of the sink and proximity to stovetops.

Natural Material Drawbacks

When it comes to evaluating which countertop material is best for your kitchen, you should be aware of some drawbacks that natural countertops might present. As an organic material, wood is prone to experience changes over time like splitting, cracking, and warping, especially when it is not properly cared for. For some people, this only adds to the rustic charm of the material; but for others, this might be a dealbreaker. Wood surfaces need more upkeep and maintenance than other materials to seal the surface from moisture and protect from discoloration.

Benefits of Wood

If you don’t mind the maintenance requirements, there are amazing benefits to choosing wood countertops. First, wood is incredibly popular for its aesthetic qualities and ability to add a warm, rustic feeling to any home. The wide range of stains and finishes provide you with more flexibility for achieving the exact color you need to coordinate the rest of your kitchen. The functionality of wood countertops is also unbeatable; they provide a solid, durable work surface that grows in character the longer you use it.

Consider Wood Countertops

If you’re looking to add some rustic charm to your home and unafraid of a little elbow grease, then wood countertops will bring you joy for many years to come. Contact our friendly team at Quality Kitchen today to learn more about the qualities of wood countertops and installation services.

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4 Things to Know Before Self-Installing Your Own Turf

Many home and business owners are turning to artificial turf lawns for their variety of benefits. In recent decades, ever-refining materials and advanced technology have allowed for more realistic appearances and textures of artificial turf, far surpassing the stiff, neon-green material of the past. With reduced maintenance and increased safety measures, synthetic lawns truly provide more than what natural lawns have to offer. With the purchase of artificial turf, though, there arises the decision of whether you should use expensive installation services or install the turf yourself. Before you decide, here are a few important things to know before you tackle your own lawn makeover.

Ground Preparation

The first step to installing artificial turf is to prepare the ground to ensure the material is laid properly. This process helps your turf last for years to come. It’s important to check for underground hazards, such as irrigation and electrical lines, and note their location. Part of ground preparation also involves removing your old lawn. This can be the most time-consuming and labor-intensive part of the process, especially as you discover tree roots, rocks, and other vegetation to clear out of the way. Once this step is complete, you can focus on leveling out the ground and angling the edges to allow for optimal water drainage. You can also choose to add some preventative measures like rodent wire to keep pests away or weed cloth to cut down on unwanted growth. This process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is critical in order to make sure your artificial turf is installed correctly and will not become damaged by standing water or vegetation over time.

How to Install Your Synthetic Lawn

After you’ve selected the type of artificial grass you want based on the height, weight, and color, you can begin the turf self-installation. The synthetic grass comes in large rolls that you will need to spread out across the prepared base. Lay the rolls flat and leave them in the sun for a few hours to allow the material to soften and become more pliable to work with. Next, align the edges of the turf to the lawn, and use adhesive along with landscape staples or nails to secure the sections to the ground. Take time to ensure that all of the nails and staples are flush with the ground to avoid accident or injury.

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining your artificial turf is incredibly easy, and proper care will keep your turf durable and fresh for years to come. First, use a leaf blower to keep dirt, dust, and debris out of the grass blades. You can also use a rake or a stiff broom to remove larger objects. Lastly, be sure to rinse off the lawn frequently if you have pets, and spray it with a disinfectant every so often to eliminate unwanted odors.

Benefits of Artificial Turf

Artificial grass is a popular option for people who are tired of spending endless time and money watering, fertilizing, and mowing their lawns, but this material offers more benefits than just reduced maintenance. On top of cutting down on your water bill, artificial turf can help you conserve water to live a more environmentally-conscious life. This is a great option for people who live in areas that experience regular droughts but don’t want to sacrifice the beauty of a lush, green lawn. On top of that, the material is non-abrasive and antimicrobial, which helps to facilitate a healthy play environment for families with children and pets.

Consider Artificial Turf

For home and business owners who are looking to cut back on maintenance costs while maintaining the beauty of their lawn, artificial turf is the way to go. If you have questions about the installation process, our knowledgeable team at US Turf is happy to assist you.

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Artificial turf is a great option for home and business owners who want to reduce their landscaping budget without sacrificing a lush, green lawn. Find out some important facts and tips before installing your own synthetic lawn.

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Thinking about installing your own artificial turf, but don’t know where to start? Check out these tips and tricks to get an amazing lush, green lawn all on your own.

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Elevate the Experience of Shopping at Your Retail Store By Implementing These Simple Upgrades

The retail industry is arguably more competitive than ever before. With new innovations in technology allowing many consumers to buy their necessities and almost anything else from the comfort of their home, brick-and-mortar establishments are in a fierce battle over the remaining shoppers. Nevertheless, there are millions of customers who still enjoy walking the aisles of a traditional shop while loading up their carts with groceries, clothes, or any other household needs and desires. For those operating such a business, it is important to remember that repeat business and great recommendations via word of mouth can be the lifeblood of a small retail operation. Fortunately, there are a few easy tips that any entrepreneur can follow to engage customers and increase the likelihood that they will return again with more money to spend.

Don’t Neglect the Creature Comforts

Though patrons might enter the doors of a store for a few items on their shopping list, they are more likely to return if they enjoy the experience. As it turns out, the little details often make all the difference in how a shopping experience is interpreted by those inside the store. Among these could be a pleasant greeting by staff, interesting displays and even small giveaways or exclusive discounts. Others are a bit more practical, including the replacement of shopping cart wheels that squeak or stick. This can be a grating annoyance for people as they push an improperly functioning cart around the establishment.

Don’t Forget to Reward Loyalty

The trend of shopper loyalty cards and accounts has become incredibly widespread in recent decades. That is not the only way to recognize repeat customers, though. Email lists and other offers can remind customers that they are important while keeping the name of a business at the front of their minds.

Don’t Skimp on Design and Organization

In the end, a shopper is generally more drawn to a store that is easy to navigate and appears clean. This type of organization is vital to the long-term success of a retail establishment. Sure, prices are important and should remain competitive as much as possible. When all things are equal, however, it is usually the store with more attention to the aesthetics that will end up with more consistent business.
Owning a shop in any economy or location can be difficult and require constant work. Keeping the three tips outline above in mind throughout the process can help reduce some of the stress about attracting new and repeat business.