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Asphalt pavements last more than a decade or a decade and a half. The material requires little maintenance, which explains why several people opt for asphalt for their sidewalks. Unfortunately, as soon as the asphalt is laid in your home or business premises, it gets exposed to conditions that start to degrade it. It would be great to understand some enemies of asphalt paving so that you know how to maintain it and extend its lifespan. While some factors that degrade asphalt paving are natural elements, you can take control over the other factors. Here are some common asphalt enemies.

Standing Water

If water, from a well, rain or sprinkler comes into contact with your asphalt surface and it sits for a long time, it damages it. Divots or cracks in asphalt create a place for standing water, and the water weakens your asphalt. Once the surface is weakened, it makes the cracks worse than before and encourages potholes. That is why you need asphalt resurfacing pittsburgh pa to repair cracks before they develop into potholes.

Oil Stains

Oil stains coming from parked vehicles can slowly degrade your asphalt paving. You should address any oil stains on an asphalt parking lot or paving as soon as they appear. The stains become saturated into the asphalt and get harder by the day, which makes them harder to remove and costly.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are strong and they often extend in search of water for growth. If you have a section of your asphalt next to a large tree, its roots are probably extending under it. When that happens, the roots shift your parking lot or pavement cracks.

The earlier you notice signs of damage on your asphalt, the better for you. You should hire a professional to resurface your asphalt when you see may damage. Also, make sure you maintain the asphalt to extend its lifespan.…

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Getting your commercial space ready for leasing might require some renovation to the building itself. Updating the facility will add value to the property as well as allow you to ask more for rent. Here are a few steps to follow before you get to work.

Analyze What Needs To Be Done

First you need to determine what should be repaired before you call a contractor. Check out major expense items such as the commercial plumbing geneva il, the heating and cooling system, and the roof to see if they ought to be replaced. Examine the windows to see if additional insulation must be added. If you would like to see two tenants use your building, look into what it will take to add walls, additional doors, and other necessary amenities.

Find a Contractor

Once you have an idea of the renovations you want to make, hire a contractor to complete them for you. Call for multiple quotes on the job and research which one will be right for the changes you want to make. Ask around to get opinions of the work your selected builder has done before you hire them. You can also ask the contractor for advice to see if there are any other repairs that they recommend.

Apply For Permits

Before any work can begin on your property, you will need to obtain building permits from your city. Find out which department issues these then set aside time to fill out the application. There will be a fee involved with this process and it will take some time to get the approval so plan accordingly for this. Your contractor can also advise you on the steps you will need to follow or might possibly complete this step for you. When the permits arrive, you can contact your builder and the work on your building renovations can begin.…

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The official start of winter is nearly here. The strong winds, harsh temperatures and excessive precipitation can take a heavy toll on your business’ rooftop. Too much winter damage can also affect the rest of the building, disrupting your commercial operations and driving customers away. Prevent these costly incidents by following these winter roof maintenance tips.

Remove All Snow and Ice

One of your first priorities this season is to eliminate as much snow and ice from the roof as possible. While it can look nice on your building, it can also lead to large problems. Too much precipitation on the roof can create a heavy weight that can lead to collapse. Additionally, the constant melting and freezing of water forms ice dams, which create a water buildup that damages shingles and leaks water inside. Remove as much ice and snow as you can, and call a roofing service for assistance.

Clear the Gutters

Another way of preventing water buildup on your building’s rooftop is by removing all obstructions in the gutters and drain systems. This blockage can manifest through either leaves and debris leftover from fall or accumulated frozen water and snow. Both elements prevent water from draining downward properly, leaving it on the roof. This can lead to several problems, from ice dams to foundation problems and water leaks. Inspect the building’s gutters, and safely remove any debris you notice.

Have the Roof Inspected

Removing snow and ice from the roof’s edges and drainage system is the most maintenance you can accomplish alone. The slippery conditions and lack of knowledge regarding roofs can lead to the destruction of the structure or harm to yourself and others. Therefore, you will need to hire commercial roofing specialists to inspect the area and repair anything wrong with it.

The winter season presents unique challenges that can ravage your property and damage the business. Consider these maintenance tips to prevent larger problems.…

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Almost everybody agrees that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If you aren’t able to remodel your entire, it is worth focusing your energy in this room of the house to produce the most resale value. What are some updates most people look for?

Countertops

Laminate or tile countertops no longer cut it in today’s housing market. People consistently look for granite countertops when buying a home. A seller like granite countertops lewisville tx can measure your space and give you an estimate. If your budget doesn’t quite cut it, materials like quartz or bamboo are also trendy and acceptable to most young buyers. Just don’t use marble- even though it looks great, it’s very high maintenance and porous.

Appliances

Old or outdated appliances will catch the eye of a prospective buyer right away. Even if they still work great, if they aren’t stainless steel or modern-looking you are most likely to have a negative reaction from people touring your home. It could be a worthwhile investment to replace them. You can always donate your old appliances if they are still in good working condition, or bring them with you to your next home.

Walls

It is common for older homes to have closed in kitchens. For today’s buyers, one of the most important layout features of a home is how open it is. This is known as the “open concept“. If you have the time, knocking down unnecessary walls adds a huge amount of value to your property. People are looking for sight-lines to other living areas of the home while they are working in the kitchen. While you’re at it, add an island into the newly opened space.

Open and modern are the two most important concepts to keep in mind when updating your kitchen. Knocking down walls may not be an option for everyone, but you can still make changes that give the illusion of this aesthetic.…

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When you are starting a garden, you may be confused by the wide array of choices you have as far as garden tools are concerned. However, you should not let that discourage you.

Gardening experts such as Garden Club London can help you a lot when deciding which tools you want to keep in your shed. On the contrary, if you want to make the purchasing decision yourself, it helps to know what to look for.

Your tools will be an essential component in ensuring the health and vibrancy of your garden. It will also save you time, money and effort if you only acquire, the must have gardening tools.

The following are the gardening tools you should have:

Trowel

A hand-held trowel is one of the most useful tools you can have in your garden. It can be used for a wide variety daily gardening functions including digging holes and transplanting seedlings.

Both small-scale and large-scale gardeners both use trowels every day. If you were to buy only one tool for your garden, then a trowel would be the best choice.

You should ensure that you clean the trowel every day after using it to maintain its integrity. Given the importance of this tool, proper maintenance cannot be overstated.

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears can be used to harvest fruit or cutting bushy weeds. Pruning, as the name suggests, is what they are made for. However, if you want to cut anything small in your garden, this is the best tool to use.

The best way to use shears when pruning is to snip branches at the node of the plant. On the other hand, pruning shears are mainly for small plants and you might need loppers once plants in your garden are large enough.

Hose/Watering Can

Just like your body, your garden will wither away without the right amount of water. The importance of water to your garden makes a hose or watering can paramount to your garden’s health.

If your garden consists of plants planted directly in the ground, then a hose is the best choice. On the other hand, for young plants in beds or plants in pots, a watering can is the preferable choice.

Moreover, it is best to water your plants during the cooler parts of the day e.g. morning and evening.

Rake

A garden rake’s main function in a garden is to level the soil while weeding your garden. The uniform metal tines are designed specifically for this task.

A rake can also be used to collect dead leaves and other waste materials that you can throw into your compost pit. Rakes, however, are not meant for hefty, unruly spaces.

Angled Shovel

As you would expect, a shovel is a garden must-have. However, due to the multitude of shovel varieties available, you have to select one and the angled shovel is the ideal one.

The triangular end of such a shovel enables you to dig holes, move soil and even transplant. If you do not have a shovel, your garden will surely suffer the consequences.

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Are you ready to sell your place? Do you desire an updated or refreshed look? Whatever the reason, making changes can improve your home’s value and provide a sense of satisfaction. Don’t skip the exterior. Weather and time can alter the appearance of your home, taking a beautiful place and making it look run down. Spruce it up with these three renovations.

Mend the Walls

Cracks in the siding or stucco can be unsightly. These issues need attention. Contact stucco experts or siding contractors lake county il to evaluate the condition and make repairs. They can patch or replace damaged sections. In addition, consider repainting and pressure washing at this time, removing any excess dirt and grime.

Add Greenery

When guests or prospective buyers drive up, they don’t want to see unsightly landscaping. Consider redesigning garden beds, pruning current plants and adding color. Don’t overdo it. Simple can be elegant. Furthermore, you want the grass in a healthy state, full and green. Mow it regularly, attending to edges as well. If dead spots appear, call in a lawn company to assess the need for treatment.

Enhance Details

Look over the front, thinking about what has rusted over or started to fall apart. For example, are the front lights looking poor? These can be simple to change out, usually for a small price. Does the mailbox need a new coat of paint? Look up homeowners association recommendations and restore it back to pristine form. Larger projects might also add benefits. Some homeowners place pavers on the side of the driveway. This allows for more car space, adds a bit of unique touch and color. These bricks could be placed all the way to the door or back yard, creating a pleasant walking path. Finally, look over any porch furniture, and consider changing it out for something comfortable and durable. Rocking chairs or a small table set make the front look inviting.

Working on the home’s exterior could revitalize its appearance. Make a list of your needs, and tackle each one by one.…

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Hardwood floors are an attractive addition to any home. However, to get the most out of your floors, you need to take proper care of them. Here are some tips for effectively maintaining your hardwood floors.

Lower the Temperature

If your floors are exposed to high temperatures and humidity, they may begin to gap or buckle. Be sure to maintain a comfortably cool temperature in your home to prevent your floors from becoming damaged. For optimal results, keep your thermostat set between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit and ensure that the humidity level is between 30-50 percent.

Cover Furniture Legs

Chair and table legs can easily scratch wood floors if they aren’t properly covered, which can lead to severe damage over time. To keep your floors safe from scratches, cover your furniture legs with felt pads. This can help to protect your floors even when chairs are moved back and forth across the wood.

Sweep or Vacuum Regularly

Wood floors require substantial care and attention to look their absolute best. Make a point to sweep or vacuum your Monarch Plank Windsor Collection flooring at least twice a week to prevent dust and debris from accumulating. If you have pets, it may be a good idea to clean your wood floors on a daily basis to keep them sparkling.

Call a Professional

It’s crucial to do what you can to keep your wood floors protected. However, to ensure that they are consistently in top condition, it’s best to call a professional who can assess the state of your floors. Not only can an expert help to maintain your wood floors, but he or she can also tackle any problems immediately. This ultimately helps to extend the lifespan of your floors.

Your wood floors are a valuable feature of your living space. Treat them well by taking the proper steps to maintain them.…

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