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Friday, March 28th, 2014

People who are always concerned about their appearance seldom settle for common clothes with a dull design. They want to be at the center of everyone’s attention; this is why they seem eager to pay the right price for exclusive, high-quality, custom dress shirts online. How could you possibly find the best tailor who can help you dress for success? Here’s how.

1) Browse Fabrics

In most cases, excellent fabrics lead to extraordinary creations. If you want to take pride in fashionable clothing items designed especially for you, start by identifying the right materials. Opt for a tailor who displays a large selection of first-hand fabrics, available in different patterns, including:

a) Solids

b) Stripes

c) Grids

Remember that luxurious materials like virgin wool, silk and pure cotton will always stay in fashion, no matter what. Moreover, if you’d like to feel the fabric before actually paying for it, go in favor of a tailor who offers you the chance to receive a fabric swatches set. This way, you’ll know for sure whether the material that you see in the online catalog matches your taste or not.

2) Customize Your Creation

Many tailors who run online businesses know how to attract and keep their clients. They encourage prospects to personalize their own custom dress shirt online in a few simple steps. For instance, if you want to design a shirt, you have to…

1) Choose the fabric.

2) Choose the shirt style options.

3) Personalize the shirt by choosing the position and style of your monogram, label and embroidery.

4) Choose your custom size by…

a) Consulting a tailor

b) Sending your tailor a shirt and asking him to measure it

c) Measuring one (or more) of your best fitting shirts

3) Check Out Exclusive Designs

Check out your tailor’s product portfolio. Do you like his/her style? Are his/her creations entirely to your liking?

Ask an Expert

If you don’t really follow trends and don’t know how to perfect your fashion sense, discuss your options with a respectable provider of custom dress shirts online. Find the best one with just a few simple clicks by consulting TalkLocal, a free service designed to help you meet gifted specialists who work around the clock to keep you satisfied.

Tags: Custom Dress Shirts Online
Posted in Tailors, talklocal | No Comments »

Broken Fence Post Repair

Friday, March 28th, 2014

A straight, solid fence protects property and enhances the curb appeal of a home at the same time. What happens when a fence post snaps or starts to rot? Powerful thunderstorms, heavy snows, extreme temperatures, auto accidents, and elevated levels of humidity are all important factors impacting the aesthetics and the functionality of wooden fences.

In this particular situation, you have two options at hand: you could either repair your broken fence post on your own, or you could rely on professional services brought to you by a great handyman. Here are a few steps that you should follow in case you want to conduct a simple, cost-efficient, DIY broken fence post repair project.

1) Analyze Your Alternatives

Does your fence require a simple, quick fix, or do you need to invest in a large-scale repair project? You can discover the answer to this question by contacting a contractor and obtaining a free estimate, or you could just analyze every fence post on your own.

If more than 20% of your wooden or iron fence posts are in bad condition, it is advisable to opt for a total replacement to avoid unpredictable expenses in the long term.

Rotten or broken wood posts can be easily replaced with new ones; just make sure the color of the new element matches the shade of the old one.

If you own a wrought iron fence that is now visibly affected by rust, clean or replace the damaged posts and always try to eliminate and control rust by applying an effective anti-corrosion product suitable for various metal surfaces.

2) The Do’s and Don’ts of Your Broken Fence Post Repair Project

If your fence post is severely damaged at ground level, it is advisable to replace it in a timely manner. Don’t try to fix it, as this method would never manage to make the old fence post stand the test of time.

Installing a solid reinforcing patch is a valid alternative only if there are approximately 7 inches between the ground level and the damaged surface. Afterward, the job can be easily completed by following 4 simple steps: get the fence panels and rails out of the way, install the fence post cup and the fence post cap, and then reassemble the boards, rails, and wires.

3) Ask an Expert

You could easily get the job done in less than one day, as long as you have enough time, patience, and a set of basic tools, including a hammer, safety gloves, metal flashing, tape measure, and tin snips.

If you don’t have what it takes to complete a broken fence post repair project on your own, choose to hire a skilled handyman operating in your area. Find the best one with help from TalkLocal, a free service designed to connect you with the right professionals.

Tags: fence, repair
Posted in Handyman, talklocal | No Comments »

Types of Pool Cleaning Chemicals

Friday, March 28th, 2014

Having your own swimming pool offers great recreation for you and your family and friends. However, it’s not all fun. As a pool owner, you have to make sure your pool water is clean and safe from so many kinds of contaminants, such as bacteria and algae.

Just as it is important to be aware of unsafe chemicals in cleaning products for the home, it is also important to know about pool cleaning chemicals and their safe use.

Chlorine

The most commonly used chemical to sanitize or disinfect swimming pools is chlorine. It is used to inhibit the growth of algae and kill bacteria in the water. Chlorinating agents come in liquid form or in dry form (tablet or granules). Chlorine is released once these agents are dissolved in the pool water. Chlorine binds with some contaminants in water and forms chloramines, which can cause irritation and produce the unpleasant chlorine smell, so good regular pool maintenance is a must.

Bromine

Bromine is a popular alternative to chlorine as a pool sanitizer, especially in areas with warmer weather, because, unlike chlorine, it is not disintegrated by heat or sunlight. Although bromine is a little more expensive and more complicated to use than chlorine, it is not an irritant and is odorless.

Pool Water Balancers

These are pool cleaning chemicals that are used to maintain the correct water chemistry in your pool, which involve components like the pH level (measures the water’s acidity or alkalinity) and total alkalinity (measures mineral levels that help control the water’s pH level). Sodium carbonate is used as a pH increaser while sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as an alkalinity increaser.

There are also chemicals used to reduce the pH level of water or to increase the water’s hardness (refers to the level of calcium and magnesium in the water, which can cause corrosion, cloudiness, and scaling at the wrong levels).

Other Chemicals

There are several other pool cleaning chemicals that can be used to address specific pool problems. For instance, algaecides are used to prevent and kill algae growth in the pool water. Shock treatments are used to prevent the buildup of organic irritants in the pool. There are also specialty chemicals used to control rust, scales, and stains. Pool clarifiers help keep water clear.

If you need help in keeping the right chemical mix for your swimming pool, TalkLocal can find the right professionals for you! Simply fill out our convenient online form to send us your request and we’ll get back to you quickly with the right professional for you.

Posted in Maid Services, talklocal | No Comments »

Orkin Pest Control Prices

Friday, March 28th, 2014

When you’re looking for pest control services, besides company reputation, you’re naturally interested in costs. How much does it cost to get rid of a termite infestation or vanquish bed bugs or any other critters? The answer varies, according to several factors. Let’s see what they are, so that you know what to expect when looking for pest control services.

Orkin Pest Control Prices

Orkin is actually synonymous with pest control services. Orkin pest control prices are determined by several aspects:

Type of Treatment

Pest control services use a variety of products. Some are more effective than others are, but also more expensive. Toxicity is another element that differentiates pest control products. Basically, all treatment methods can fall into two categories: one includes chemical products and the other encompasses eco-friendly substances, which don’t harm the environment. Eco-friendly pest control products tend to have a higher price as compared to chemicals.

Treated Surface

Orkin pest control prices also depend on the infested surface. A bigger house with a large yard will naturally require pest control professionals to use more resources, time, and labor than a condo, for instance.

Treatment Frequency

Some pest control methods require multiple applications for effective results. This means that you will have to pay more to make sure you got rid of critters for good. Or, you could opt for preventative pest control plans which might turn out to be more cost effective on extended periods of time.

Type of Bugs

Pest control prices may be determined by the kind of bug you intend to have killed. The necessary products and resources to be deployed may differ from case to case.

Need Professional Pest Control

The best way to get an accurate idea about pest control prices is to ask for an estimate. Once you choose a particular pest control service, you can have your house inspected and get a quotation based on that. Make sure you compare the prices offered by several pest control services, as well as their reputation in the industry.

TalkLocal can make your search easier by putting you in touch with up to three local pest control services, right away and for free.

Tags: Orkin Pest Control Prices
Posted in Pest Control, talklocal | No Comments »

Outside Wood Stoves

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Most people who want to heat up their homes and businesses in a convenient manner choose to purchase and install an outside wood stove. Outdoor wood stoves trigger lower utility bills, display increased efficiency, and help users save a significant amount of time otherwise invested in lengthy maintenance routines associated with traditional wood stoves.

Check out the Main Advantages Provided by High-Quality Outdoor Wood Stoves

Those who want to turn their properties into warm, cozy environments the easy way, without breaking the bank while addressing their unique heating needs, should consider investing in an outdoor wood stove which offers multiple benefits, including:

– Lower Utility Bills (no heating bills for those who choose to utilize only scrap wood): Recent studies indicate that homeowners and business owners who use outside wood stoves benefit from financial savings ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 over an entire decade.

– Reduced Safety Risks and No Mess: The wood burning process takes place at least 500 feet away from your property, so modern outside wood stoves pose minimal safety risks, as long as they are properly operated.

– Increased Efficiency: Sophisticated outdoor wood stoves are specially designed to boost the combustion and ensure superior heat delivery.

– No Health Concerns: Burning wood inside your house may cause a wide range of respiratory problems and lower your level of comfort. Outdoor wood stoves eliminate this threat and boost your quality of life.

Identify the Disadvantages of Outdoor Wood Stoves

Outdoor wood stoves also have their fair share of disadvantages. They are relatively expensive (newer models cost somewhere between $3,000 and $6,000 on eCommerce websites) and installation services are quite pricey.

Moreover, some models display a low efficiency below 50%, inferior to the one associated with most traditional wood burning stoves, estimated at 70-80%. This means that these low-efficiency stoves emit darker, smellier smoke that could attract many complaints from your neighbors. Furthermore, cheaper models have a short lifespan, rust easily and can deteriorate over a short period of time.

Ask an Expert

Is an outside wood stove the best alternative for your family? When in doubt, discuss your heating options with your heating and cooling expert. Find the best ones with TalkLocal, your trusted connection to the best professionals in your area.

Posted in Heating and Cooling, talklocal | No Comments »

Benefits of Tailor Alterations

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Undoubtedly, tailor alterations ensured by a reputable specialist can save you time and money. However, how could you possibly spot the most gifted specialists who operate in this line of work? What is the key to success when it comes to relatively complex tailor alterations and how could you minimize failure risks and obtain excellent results? Keep reading to find out.

Alterations Are Perfect for People Who Want to Dress for Success

If your dress, shirt, pants, vest, skirt, and various other clothing items don’t fit you perfectly for one reason or another, this means that you should try to schedule an appointment with a local tailor, specialized in alterations. A pro can make anything look good on you and he/she could help you “recycle” and “reinvent” older clothing pieces that have started to gather dust in your closet.

Alterations Can Trigger Considerable Financial Savings

Moreover, alterations enable you to make smart, fashion-forward decisions without overbalancing your monthly budget. A tailor, who can ensure a perfect fit for you in any given set of circumstances, will tell you which pieces are worth altering and which alterations would involve too much labor, time, and money.

For instance, a specialist can gently mask that tiny tear in your jacket, help you take in a dress and hem your favorite pair of pants. The same expert can help you decide if you should actually invest in that designer coat that’s loose around the waist and if you should donate those inherited suits that are one size too small.

Furthermore, a kindhearted pro will also provide great advice on how to keep your clothes looking and smelling like new for a long period.

Alterations Can Save the Day

What would happen if the zipper of your wedding dress would break three hours before your wedding ceremony? This worst-case scenario makes all brides tremble in terror. Fortunately, a tailor providing emergency alteration services could save the day and let you enjoy those special moments to the fullest.

Ask an Expert

Most people are unable to alter their cloths on their own. If you are one of them, don’t hesitate to consult a respectable local tailor, especially if your favorite clothing items require fast or complex modifications.

Find the best tailors in your area with TalkLocal, your dependable expert that will you in contact with professionals who provide time and cost-efficient services.

Tags: Tailor Alterations
Posted in Tailors, talklocal | No Comments »

Athletes Use Kinesiology Tape At The Olympics

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

If you watched the Olympics this past winter, you’ve undoubtedly seen high-profile athletes wearing brightly colored tape on their bodies. The tape is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a flexible cloth tape called kinesiology tape. Keep reading to find out why athletes use kinesiology tape at the Olympics.

What is kinesiology tape?

Traditionally, athletes have taped their muscles over gauze to form a stiff bandage so they can immobilize or support a joint to help it heal. Kinesiology tape (or kinesio tape for short) differs from traditional tape in the fact that it’s extremely flexible and strong and even has a proprietary taping technique. The tape is stretched across certain muscles in a specific pattern depending on the type of injury or muscle group. Olympic athletes all around the world are turning to kinesio tape to help relieve pain and heal muscle strains faster.

What are the benefits?

Kinesio tape was invented over 30 years ago by a Japanese doctor name Kenzo Kase. He says that kinesiology tape allows athletes to support their muscles and joints without restricting their movements by mimicking the elasticity of the skin. Other practitioners also claim that the tape lifts the skin to reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation.

However, many scientists have questioned the efficacy of kinesiology tape and whether or not it’s anything more than a colorful placebo. Some scientists argue that the physics of “lifting the skin” as simply sticking the tape on the skin cannot produce the opposite reaction necessary to lift the tape upward.

Furthermore, while many professional-level athletes really believe in the powers of kinesio tape, all the medical studies on kinesio tape have offered extremely inconsistent results, leading many to doubt the true benefits of the tape.

Should I use kinesiology tape?

It’s hard to say. Research currently is inconclusive on whether or not kinesio tape actually has real medical benefits, but it may be helpful when you’re recovering from an injury. If you’re seriously considering using kinesio tape, you may want to talk to a personal trainer so that they can give you a personalized assessment of your situation. Talk with a high-quality, local personal trainer in just minutes by using TalkLocal. It’s fast, easy, and completely free!

Posted in Personal Trainers, talklocal | No Comments »

Viking Gas Stove

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Many people who enjoy the unique taste of a home-cooked meal choose to invest thousands of dollars in modern, sophisticated, expensive kitchen appliances. If you want to cook as fast as a master chef, then you need to rely on fabulous, energy-efficient gas stoves introduced on the market by respectable manufacturers, like Wolf or Viking, for instance.

What’s so special about the Viking gas stove, currently considered a hot must-have by numerous homeowners? How much is too much when it comes to purchasing great kitchen appliances? Keep reading to discover accurate answers to these questions and find out how you could easily spot a respectable appliance repair expert with minimal effort.

Viking Gas Stoves Offer Endless Possibilities

A simple meal can be turned into a spectacular culinary artwork, as long as you count on a modern device like the Viking gas stove. For instance, the VGCC Custom Gas Ranges come with flawless gas ovens. You have the option to opt for a model with a width ranging from 30″ to 60″ width and 24″ depth.

Freestanding ranges launched by this respectable manufacturer enable users to profit from unrivaled performance for every fuel type (gas or electric). These advanced kitchen appliances are extremely versatile and seem to be designed to match different cooking styles.

What Makes the Viking Gas Stove an Appealing Candidate

When it comes to rating the well-liked Viking gas stove, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration. For instance, every single burner of this model has 15,000 BTU’s, compared to less-efficient ranges displaying only 7,000 BTU’s for each burner. In other words, a Viking gas stove will always cook your food evenly in record time, allowing you to receive numerous compliments for every home-cooked meal.

It comes with a spacious convection oven and with incredibly powerful fans designed to cut one third of the overall baking or cooking time. Most people who have used this range for a long period of time state that the oven prepares a meal in record time. Cooking while using the Viking gas stove might be just as easy and time-efficient as using the microwave.

All of these advantages justify its heavy price tag of approximately $5,300.

Ask an Expert

If you want to buy a Viking gas stove, start by discussing your options with a real expert specialized in appliance repairs. Find the best one by consulting TalkLocal, a great free service designed to help you meet the best professionals who are only one call away.

Posted in Appliances Repair, talklocal | No Comments »

How to Maintain Clean Heating Ducts

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Heating ducts serve to distribute warm air effectively all throughout your home, but on the downside, they are great at collecting dust, dirt, mold spores, and other disease-causing microorganisms that can trigger or make breathing problems worse and, in general, just make your indoor air unpleasant.

A healthier environment inside your home is a benefit worth having from clean heating ducts, especially if there are members in your family who have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems.

Basic Cleaning

If your ducts have a buildup of dust or dirt, it doesn’t take a lot to solve the problem. However, it is best to prevent dust and other debris from building up in the first place by regular cleaning to maintain clean heating ducts. One thing you can do by yourself regularly is to make sure that heating vents as well as cold air returns are free of dust. Also, change the filter frequently.

Professional Cleaning

It’s also a good idea to have heating ducts professionally cleaned every two years to make sure there is no mass buildup of dust and especially mold taking place inside the system.

You’ll want to hire a reputable and qualified cleaning professional so that the job gets done properly. Otherwise, the dust and any other airborne substances collecting in your ducts may end up being spewed out into your home and could cause damage to the heating system.

When to Clean Heating Ducts Thoroughly

A simple visible check of your ducts is all you need to determine whether the entire duct work needs cleaning. To check heating ducts, remove the grill first by unscrewing it from the wall or floor. With a flashlight and a small mirror, check the length of the duct as far down as you can see. Do this with a few ducts. You know the ducts need cleaning if you find any of the following:

– Thick dust layer (more than 1/8 inch)

– Obstructions due to masses of dust or debris

– Signs of mold or mildew

– Signs of rodent infiltration

Usually, when you have any of the above, the register grills will be quite dusty or dirty as well. If all you see are a few dust bunnies, this is not a cause for concern. You can just use a high-efficiency filter on your heating system to help prevent dust buildup.

Hire a Heating Pro

When hiring a contractor to clean your heating ducts, look for someone with the right qualifications and a great track record. TalkLocal can help find the right professional who fills your criteria. Send us the details of your service request and speak to local experts in minutes. Try us now!

Tags: clean heating ducts
Posted in Maid Services, talklocal | No Comments »

Porch Column Repair Kit to Restore the Beauty of Your Porch

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

By design, porch columns typically hold significant weight, whether from the roof or a second story area. As such, it is important to ensure that porch columns are strong enough to support the structures of your house. However, porch columns are naturally exposed to weather conditions and they eventually are damaged.

The top and bottom of a porch post have the tendency to deteriorate or rot. Porch columns also tend to split without proper maintenance. Fortunately, rot and other types of damage can be easily repaired and reversed with a basic porch column repair kit. Do not attempt to repair severely damaged columns.

Dealing with Wood Rot

1. Stop the spread of wood rot by removing the rotted section of the column. Make sure there is no drop of moisture on the remaining material. If necessary, leave your work area open for a couple of days to allow moisture to evaporate.

2. Use water putty or an auto body-filling product to fill in the damaged sections.

3. Sand the post into shape with the appropriate sanding tool.

4. For large rotted sections, cover them with new material from crown molding or baseboard. Nail the cover in place. Use silicone caulk to seal any seams.

5. Paint or apply stain to match the existing surface.

Fixing Cracks and Missing Areas

1. If the wood grain of your porch columns has vertical cracks due to drying, you’ll need to have wood glue (exterior grade) in your porch column repair kit and apply this into the cracks of the wood using a large syringe.

2. Wrap the column with double-strap clamps, placing clamps each at the top and bottom of the crack. Tighten the straps and cinch them up together with a ratcheting clamp until the crack seals.

3. Clean up the excess glue on the column. Leave it overnight to dry.

4. Apply water putty or auto body filler into any missing areas. Color the putty with dye stain or paint to match the rest of the porch column.

Applying a New Coating

1. If the paint on your old porch is already faded or chipped, it’s high time to give it a fresh coat of paint or stain.

2. Bring out your porch column repair kit and start by sanding down the column to its base material. Use a belt sander to quickly sand big sections and use small sanding device or hand sanding for details.

3. When it comes to the type of paint, go for exterior house paint with semi-gloss latex finish. If applying wood stain, apply clear finish over the stain. Painted columns should be primed first.

4. Using a fine bristle brush, apply paint in long, even and vertical strokes without any drips as much as possible. Make sure the first coat is already completely dry before applying the next coat.

No Time to Repair Your Porch?

TalkLocal can save you time finding a qualified local handyman who can do any porch repair job. Contact us and you’ll be in touch with service professionals in no time.

Tags: Porch Column Repair Kit
Posted in Handyman, talklocal | No Comments »

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