Gutter Materials: Options You May Consider
If you are noticing water damage after a downpour, then you probably need to have your entire gutter system replaced.
Since rain gutters come in a variety of materials, it can be nerve-wracking for you when trying to identify the best gutter system and material for your house. The best way to do this is by talking to your rain gutter service provider to seek counsel on what is best for the type of structure that you have. Here are options that your provider may propose to you.
Aluminum Gutters
This ranks among the most popular types of gutters today. It owes its popularity to its rustproof and lightweight nature and ease of installation. Additionally, aluminum can withstand all weather conditions and can be stained or painted to suit the theme color of your home. However, to ensure that you enjoy all the above benefits, select primary aluminum quality as it is not prone to dents as opposed to its recycled counterpart. Aluminum gutters are available in both ordinary and seamless models.
Stainless Steel Gutters
While they come with a heftier price tag, stainless steel gutters are worth every penny you spend. The reason being is that they are the strongest of all gutters and they never rust regardless of the weather condition. Moreover, they require minimal to no maintenance to keep them in a good working condition. Therefore, if you reside in a windy or snow-prone area, stainless steel gutters are the way to go.
Vinyl Gutters
This has slowly but continuously gained popularity among homeowners. They are preferred due to their non-rusting nature and affordability. They are easy to install, too. However, homeowners are highly advised against DYI installation of vinyl gutters because there is a chance that you will not get it right, which may cause water pooling in certain sections of your roof. While vinyl gutters are functional, they are not a good option for anyone living in a cold climate as they tend to crack over a long period.
Zinc Gutters
This gutter type is an alloy made from 99.5% zinc and tiny bits of copper and titanium. Normally, zinc will be used unpainted as it develops a protective patina, which shields the gutter from corrosion and weathering. While zinc gutters are more expensive than aluminum gutters, zinc gutters last twice as long as the aluminum gutters. Moreover, zinc gutters require minimal maintenance and no painting at all.
Galvalume Gutters
This is made of steel as the primary metal and coated using zinc and aluminum. The result is a highly durable and sturdy gutter that has long-term corrosion resistance. The coating is 45% zinc and 55% aluminum and is evenly applied on the steel through a continuous dipping process. Depending on where you live, galvalume gutters can last up to nine times more compared to galvanized steel.
After deciding on the material to use on your gutters, you can now engage your service provider for installation. Remember to choose the right gutter size and avoid creating too many seams and hanging up the hangers far apart. This ensures that your gutters are as functional as possible and that they last for as long as possible.
Tips for Boosting the Speed of Your Pontoon Boat
Pontoons are the best option for spending time on the water nowadays. They suffice for fishing, skiing, or simply a day out on the water surrounded by family and friends. A pontoon is among the most spacious options nowadays for boaters, and it comes equipped with various elements to make your time on the water worthwhile. The key feature that determines your boating experience is the pontoon’s speed.
Picking the right engine among those on offer at a Michigan shop for pontoon boats is only the first step. The efficacy of your boat’s engine will depend on its horsepower, mounting height, vibration prevalence, directional control, and low-speed thrusting abilities. The typical speed for pontoons is between 10 to 35 MPH. However, the speed needed for different activities varies. Waterskiing, for instance, will be enjoyable with speeds of 20 to 25MPH, wakeboarding with 10 to 20 MPH, and water tubing needs about 15 to 25 MPH. With the right skills, you can speed up your boat to match your water activity. Here are some tips on how to do this:
Invest in a Booster Ball
If your pontoon’s power is insufficient for some activities, consider the addition of a booster ball to your tow rope. The booster ball is an inflatable football-sized implement that will keep the rope out of the water. In so doing, it will reduce the rope’s drag and consequently increase the enjoyability of waterskiing and tubing. Booster balls do not increase your pontoon’s speed but rather mimic a high-speed towing that makes watersports exhilarating.
Adjust Your Engine’s Angle
A trick that might help you reap more performance from your pontoon is the changing of your motor’s angle. This is known as trimming of the engine. It boosts your boat’s power by reducing the resistance under it. Other than this, trimming the engine will improve your gas mileage while making the boat ride more comfortable and smoother.
Go Easy with Your Boat’s Gasoline
In general, something that is heavy will move slowly. This analogy is particularly true for pontoons with engines in the 60 to 115 HP range. A full gasoline tank, however, will also contribute to your boat’s weight and might slow it down, more so if you also have the maximum number of people aboard. Cut back on your gas if you are sure that you will not need a full gas tank for your boating. This will ease the weight of your pontoon and allow it to glide effortlessly.
Install Lifting Strakes
Some pontoon brands will come with fitted lifting strakes. These are fin-shaped metal flaps that extend from your pontoon’s sides and bottom and help it to move smoothly through the water. Although adding lifting strakes is not cheap, they will considerably boost the speed of your boat.
Remember that considerable power will not always mean a better experience on the water. There are some pontoon boats solely designed for sports that involve high HP. However, these might be expensive, require a lot of gasoline, and give you too much horsepower that you might not need. The tips mentioned will give you enough power to enjoy time on a pontoon boat without denting your finances.
Seven Great-looking Trees to Include in your Landscape
Trees are a wonderful addition to your landscape, be it on a residential or commercial property. They give gardens and manicured spaces a more natural appeal by adding a new dimension, texture, and color. If you’re looking to give your garden, lawn, pool area, or backyard an upgrade, considering planting trees. Other than adding value to your outdoor aesthetics, trees can also be wonderful sources of shade, flowers, and fruits, depending on the type and species you choose.
Before you go to your local dealer though, know that trees are not created equal. Some are loved for their beautiful and fragrant flowers while others offer an interesting foliage color only during a certain season. According to companies offering tree fertilization in Utah County, some trees need meticulous care and maintenance while others will be just fine even without your TLC.
To help you choose your tree, here’s a short list of some of the best trees you can include in your landscape.
Crabapple
Crabapple trees can be your garden’s centerpiece. They come in different varieties that bear red, pink, and white flowers; and produce interesting fruits of different colors such as red, orange, and burgundy. You’ll surely love its fall color as well. What’s more, it’s resistant to most diseases.
Saucer Magnolia
Saucer Magnolia trees are loved for their large flowers that come in white, purple, and pink colors. They look best during mid- to late spring. While this tree is generally hardy, you must find a species that best suits your climate. Some varieties are highly sensitive to late frosts.
Apple Tree
Never underestimate the gold ol’ Apple Tree. These trees are more than just a producer of sweet and juicy fruits; they are also magnificent bloomers. If you’re not interested in the edible fruits, crabapple can be the better choice, but really who would say no to a supply of fresh apples?
Japanese Maple
If you want a great-looking tree on summer, you’ll never go wrong with Japanese Maple. While this tree is more popular as an autumn tree, it also stays gorgeous during summertime. Japanese Maple’s vibrant leaves will surely stand out as they add a pop of color to your landscaped yard.
Birch
It’s not always about flowers and foliage. Sometimes you can make a statement by going for trees with interesting barks such as Birch. A great landscape tree, it grows fast and comes in different varieties. The River Birch variety is favored for its wonderful peeling and scaly bark. Due to its size though, most birch trees may not be suitable for small gardens.
Maidenhair
Maidenhair tree, also known as Ginkgo Biloba, is another beautiful deciduous tree. It has fan-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall. It is hardy and grows easily in most regions. While most maidenhair can grow tall, there are dwarf varieties such as the Jade Butterfly that is perfect for gardens.
Fringe Tree
Fringe Tree is a great choice if you’re after a versatile plant that you can use as a large shrub or a small tree. This Eastern North American native tree displays clouds of sweet white flowers in late spring. These blooms turn into blue-purple fruits during autumn. As a bonus, birds love the fringe tree fruits.
There are a lot more tree species to choose from. Learn more about your options by talking to your local nursery or tree care service provider. They can help you choose the best tree for your property’s landscape.
3 Fireplace Upgrades for a Fresh Home Design
Ask any American homeowner and they’d say that a fireplace is an important feature that they’re looking for in a home. And often, this architectural element is designed to make it a focal point in a room. See how you can do the same for your home; here are 3 ways.
Upgrade the Fireplace
Fireplace replacement is the most common way to update or upgrade an existing fireplace. Traditional ones are slowly being replaced with systems that have temperature control and temperature sensors, making it a practical upgrade investment for any household. You get the same comforting feel of a traditional log fireplace without having to deal with soot and smoke whenever you use it. You get the same warm vibe but with fresher and cleaner indoor air. It’s also more efficient as it uses a heating element and propane to generate heat. Modern technology offers temperature control and sensors, resulting to a more comfortable temperature inside your home. Some designs also come with remote controllers so you can turn it on and off conveniently. If you’re upgrading your interior look, going for a fresh new fireplace upgrade is the best option for you.
Accessorize It
If you’ve done an upgrade or have just recently replaced your fireplace, adding a few accessories can instantly freshen up the look of your fireside. Never underestimate the transformative power of the a mantel; this small design trick goes a long way and packs a punch. A mantel can immediately liven up an otherwise utilitarian look and make it an interesting focal point in the room.
You can also give it a different purpose when it’s not being used, like a temporary niche for a basket of books and throw, or a nice little spot for some scented candles during the warmer months. Another simple trick is to put up a screen in front of it; these screens come in different designs and materials, so you can be sure to find one that compliments the overall design of your fireside.
Update the Surround and Hearth
Another quick and easy design trick that we love is updating the surround and the hearth. This can instantly make this portion of your home stand out. Get in touch with a fireplace company so that you can get professional advice and can come up with a design that will blend seamlessly with your home’s current interior look. There are plenty of ways to update these portions of the fireplace and accessorizing it afterwards is the just quite like the cherry on top. This fun and simple to do design update is guaranteed to bring new life to your fireplace and give a fresh new look to the entire space.
So before jumping into a work-intensive and costly home renovation, zone in on the fireplace and see how this quick and easy improvement trick can highlight this architectural element in your home and instantly give your space a more elegant, warm, and welcoming vibe. Get in touch with the pros today to find out how you can update, upgrade, and accessorize your fireplace to give your entire home a fresh interior look.
A Comparison of the Most Popular Countertop Materials
Among all the surfaces in your home, your kitchen countertop sees the most action and suffers the most abuse. Because many choose the material to use for these countertops based on how beautiful they look, there’s a real chance that the countertop that they end up with isn’t up to your needs.
From a granite to a quartz kitchen countertop, here is a comparison of all the most popular countertops available. Salt Lake City experts look into all the pros and cons of these different materials to help you choose.
Laminate
This is the most affordable material. Apart from its low price, it’s also very easy to install. Where it was once derided for looking cheap, it has improved in terms of style and design over the years.
They are also fairly durable for the price — able to resist much better. The downside of laminate is that it can scuff and scratch easily. This builds up over time and can make your countertop look worn and older.
Granite
One of the most beautiful things about granite is that each slab is unique as it comes from truly natural sources. It’s far more effective at resisting heat, scratches, and scuffs that laminate is.
When sealed properly, its different types of finishes resisted stains fairly well. The material can get costly depending on the rarity of the design, and you do need to constantly reseal to make sure stains don’t build up.
Marble
Another heat resistant material, marble also brings a natural stone kind of look without any of the grains and veins that other stone options display. It’s just as effective as most at resisting heat, although some staining can occur when exposed to prolonged heat. The disadvantage of this material is that it collects cuts and scratches, and you need to sand them down finely to fix those scratches.
Quartz
What makes the quartz kitchen countertop in Salt Lake City quite a popular option is that it emulates the look natural stone materials without needing the heavy maintenance. It’s a very strong and sturdy material that resists heat, staining, scratching, and nearly all forms of damage.
If there is one vulnerability to quartz, it’s that it can chip in the edges and corners. You can deal with this by applying rounded edges.
Recycled Glass
Apart from being very environmentally friendly, the scattered shards lend to this material a very contemporary and artistically modern look. If the glass is ground more finely, it also looks just as pretty — glistening in the light.
It can be resistant to many things that can potentially damage it, but that depends on the quality of the manufacturing process that made the glass you use. That’s why you need to choose carefully.
Your choice of material should depend more on your needs and the volume of kitchen work more than your design preferences. You want your investment in your kitchen countertop to go the distance based on how you use it.
Balance out the options available here and find the best one for you. This should be tempered by choice of a quality, dependable provider.
The Best Towns in Bali for Expat Families
Many come to Bali for the year-round sunny climes, surf, sunsets, and nightlife. But some come to find their slice of paradise with their family in tow. If you’re one of them, you surely have a longer list of considerations and months to years of preparations to make.
To help you narrow down your search, here are some of the most family-friendly towns in Bali to put down roots:
1. North Kuta
Kuta is one of the busiest towns in Bali and is known for being the clubbing destination for foreigners. But if you look beyond the center, you’ll find a few good reasons to live there. It’s where all the action takes place. North Kuta, in particular, has some quiet villages with modern conveniences within reach. It’s also home to one of the best international schools in Bali. So you get to live in an ideal location and still give your kids high-quality education.
2. Denpasar
As the main hub and capital city of Bali, Denpasar is easily an expat’s retirement destination. But its breathtaking sunrise views, laid-back beaches, bustling center, and cultural melting pot make it attractive for families, as well. It’s also the main gateway to the island and where the old meets new, where modern buildings and shopping malls are juxtaposed with shrines, temples, and Dutch colonial buildings. You’ll not only get a taste of Balinese culture and heritage, but you’ll also get the best of city living.
3. Ubud
If your family desires a more peaceful, away-from-the-bustle kind of lifestyle, then Ubud is the perfect destination. This idyllic town is in the uplands of Bali where terraced rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see. It also hosts some of Bali’s most significant temples and shrines. Expect to find big but affordable homes and a charming town lined with shops and cafes. More importantly, you get to live among the locals.
4. Sanur
If you’re moving to Bali for the beaches, then it’s only logical to live in Sanur – Bali’s top destination for diving and quiet coves. It’s on the east coast of the island, which means the ocean is mostly calm year-round, making it ideal for safe swimming with the kids. Not only that, house prices and rentals are much lower in this area, and it’s also near the Warmadewa University and a few world-class restaurants.
5. Seminyak
If you’re looking for a fancier place to live where you can mingle with foreigners and locals, alike, you may find Seminyak an ideal choice. The district is clean, dotted with high-end shops, museums, restaurants, and some of the best beachfront villas in Bali. Not surprisingly, many expats put up roots here or even set up shop.
Whether you’re drawn to the craziness of Kuta or the tranquil landscapes of Ubud, Bali is an island that has it all. Whichever district you and your family decide to live in, all these towns will just be a few minutes to hours away. Just make sure you choose the town that best fits your needs and desires to make your transition smooth and your move less stressful.
Ways to Cope with the Death of a Loved One
You or someone you know might be going through a hard time due to the death of a loved one. Losing a loved one is a traumatic experience, whether or not it was expected. For anyone, coping with the tremendous feeling of loss is challenging and often seems hopeless. Each one grieves differently and must find a way to cope.
Accept what happened.
Denial is a natural response for many, but it’s never beneficial. After some time, you must find a way to accept what happened.
It’s also crucial to accept your reaction and feelings. You might feel guilty from feeling angry or frustrated with your new situation but know that these emotions, as well as exhaustion, sadness, and fear, are all normal. Everyone has a different way of processing death, so you don’t have to guess if what you’re feeling is right.
Change your inner talk from “I shouldn’t be feeling this way” to “It’s okay to feel this way because I am still adjusting.”
When you’re ready, talk about it with someone you trust.
It’s never easy to talk about how we feel, especially when the emotions are still fresh. But keeping it all bottled up inside will only lead to isolation and feelings of loneliness. It’s only natural not to want to talk to anyone about anything that had just happened at first, but you have to take the leap and open up to somebody eventually.
Talk about your feelings and thoughts to someone you trust, like your parents, siblings, colleagues, or a close friend. Some people also find it easier to talk to a psychologist because it’s sometimes easier to open up to a stranger with a fresh perspective. If you can’t talk about it, at least write about it in your journal or on a blog.
Consider getting emotional pet support.
Some people also find great comfort from animals. If you like to get a pet, you can get a certificate of emotional disability and an emotional pet support letter from a licensed psychologist.
It’s great to know that even if you live in an apartment or condo, the Fair Housing Act allows you to live with your emotional support animal legally.
Do something new.
Jinna Young, a lifestyle photojournalist, found that traveling helped heal her wounds from the death of her father. In her words, “It (traveling) opened up my eyes, expanded my perspective and inspired me to continue to fight to find happiness.”
Maybe it’s picking up a new hobby or going somewhere you’ve never been. Maybe it’s reading a new book or meeting new people. Whatever it is, do something new that’s enjoyable for you and will help widen your perspective and change your focus.
In the end, the grief over the death of a loved one is a unique kind of pain. You have to be patient with yourself because the process takes time. But with the support of your loved ones and your continued effort to get support, there’s nowhere to go but up.
Concealed Carry Etiquette: Tips and Tricks
Carrying a concealed weapon is a great way to secure yourself and those around you — as long as you behave responsibly. Apart from training rigorously at the local shooting range to hone your skills, you have to understand the concealed carrying etiquette and practice it to the latter to avoid making people around you uncomfortable.
The rules to follow vary from wearing the right concealed carry clothing to keep your firearm out of sight to instructions on how to handle the weapon to avoid accidents. Here are the top things every concealed carrier must remember on a daily basis.
1. Don’t touch it if you don’t need it.
Most concealed carry people give away their status by fidgeting, adjusting or touching their holsters in public. People will notice your movement no matter how subtle they might be and know what you are doing.
This will not only make people uncomfortable since they don’t know your intentions but also give away your weapon carry status hence doing away with the so important element of surprise in case of an attack.
2. Get used to the setup before wearing it in public.
Every time you buy a new holster, gun or concealed wear clothing, you must first break it in at home before wearing the setup in public. The trial period while at home will not only help you dial in the setup or do away with it all along but also ensure that you are used to it when you step out. This will do away with the fidgeting mention above or accidental exposure of your firearm.
3. Control your emotions or don’t carry.
Concealed carriers must be even-tempered. Rash action, impulsiveness, and anger could be catastrophic. Don’t carry your gun on days you are angered by something, are going to drink alcohol or feel unsettled.
Such states of mind not only make you a danger but also increase the chances of the firearm being directly used to harm you and your loved ones. You should also avoid highly charged areas, such as bars at late night, political rallies, and high-risk street corners. Don’t put yourself in a confrontational position just because you have a firearm.
4. Concealed doesn’t only mean ‘out of sight.’
Most people assume that concealed carrying is all about keeping the firearm out of sight. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Apart from covering it well, ensure that your firearm doesn’t draw a discernable outline against your clothing when you sit, walk or climb into a car. Choose the holster or carry clothing that best keeps such outlines out of sight.
Every time you step out of the house with a firearm, know that you can be either the solution or problem to people around you. Following the basic etiquette practices and only bringing your weapon to play when absolutely necessary will not only keep you safer but also keep the person who would have been on the other side of the gun safe.
Frequent practice at the shooting range and regular self-defense classes will help you assess the situation better hence making you a better and helpful concealed carrier.
Keep Braces on the Down Low
Doesn’t everyone like to be a bit mysterious sometimes? It can be quite a thrill hiding a secret from the world and even from family and close friends. After all, who wants to advertise the fact that they are wearing braces? If they are teenager, while it’s not the coolest thing to get teeth straightened, it is expected. For adults, it’s embarrassing and odd to have a mouth full of metal. Strangers feel the need to ask personal questions, or at the very least have a good stare.
Wouldn’t it be great to go incognito for teeth straightening treatment? Well, it’s possible, with, Incognito in Weybridge. These are lingual braces that fit to the back of the teeth, and so are hidden from view. Teeth straightening dentists in Surrey, such as Weybridge Orthodontics, fit lingual braces.
Who is suitable for Incognito in Weybridge? A wide range of patients. They can be used to treat children, teens or adults, and they are effective for mild misalignments as well as more complex cases.
Early renditions of lingual braces weren’t as comfortable as their front-facing counterparts. These days, lingual braces are more often custom-made for each individual patient. This is especially important for lingual devices such as Incognito in Weybridge, because while the span of the front of the teeth is similar for everyone, the back profile is unique. These bespoke braces mean that the teeth straightening dentist has a high level of control over the movement of the teeth, making them as effective as a traditional brace.
Incognito in Weybridge can be used by almost anyone, but there are particular groups who really benefit from them. Sporty folk will love them because there’s no chance of their brace getting smashed during the hustle and bustle of a game. And lingual braces are also great for brass and woodwind musicians. This is because a front-facing brace would interfere with the mouthpiece they use to play their instrument.
And, of course, anyone who wants to keep their treatment on the down low. This could be because of a high-profile job, a big occasion on the horizon, or just anyone who likes to keep a secret and stay incognito.
Take a Trip to the Dentist for Facial Aesthetics in Camden
One of the emerging trends in dentistry is facial aesthetics. What is this and why are dentists involved? Don’t they deal with teeth?
Yes, they do, and this is precisely why they also offer facial aesthetics in Camden at practices such as Ace Dental. Imagine this: a patient decides that they would like to show off their smile. So, they have a couple of veneers to cover up chips, get some gum contouring to remove excess tissue and finish off with teeth whitening to really make that smile sparkle. The cosmetic dentist steps back and smiles, happy with their work.
But the patient isn’t finished. Now they have this lovely set of teeth, they want to house it in a refreshed face. Time was, a trip to the cosmetic surgeon was the only option. However, these days there are many non-surgical beauty procedures that offer a temporary lift for the facial skin. Beauty procedure? What’s that got to do with the dentist? Well, a lot as it turns out.
While beauticians and cosmetic doctors do perform these non-surgical facelifts, dentists are ideally placed to offer them. Let’s go back to that moment the cosmetic dentist steps back to admire their work. How beneficial for the patient would it be if, instead of having to go to another clinic for their facial treatment, they could stay with their dentist, who knows their medical history and has already has a good rapport with them?
This is where facial aesthetics in Camden come in. The cosmetic dentist can offer treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles and rejuvenate the face. Not only does this provide the patient with continuity of care, the dentist also offers a skilled, professional, medical treatment at an affordable price.
Dentists study the complex anatomy of the face for five years at dental school, and they also administer injections every day. They know exactly where to place the injection to have the most natural-looking effect. With powerful substances such as Botox, going for the natural effect is all-important.
Facial aesthetics in Camden aren’t a permanent fix in the way a surgical facelift is, but the treatments can be repeated if the patient likes the effect.
