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Tuesday, March 18th, 2014

Sometimes, carpets placed in high-traffic areas get extremely dirty. Most old stains are very difficult to remove; plus the DIY carpet cleaning process itself is very time- and energy-consuming. For this reason, most families choose to rely on professional cleaning services provided by Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner.

What Makes Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner So Special?

Wondering why Stanley Steamer Carpet Clear is much appreciated for its services? There are a number of reasons why numerous people choose to put their services to the test.

1) It is one of the largest, most popular carpet cleaning companies in the U.S.

2) It provides quality services that come with a 100% client satisfaction guarantee.

3) It uses premium equipment that is manufactured by the company’s hired specialists.

4) It is open 24/7 and ensures excellent services around the clock.

5) It employs only skilled, well-trained technicians who are permanently screened.

Clean Your Carpets the Easy Way

Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner uses its “magic wand” to make dirt particles disappear. In other words, the company relies on a completely safe cleaning method that eliminates all kinds of impurities and stains in a highly effective manner without putting your delicate materials at risk.

Moreover, it guarantees up to 95% shorter drying time, compared to the one triggered by standard carpet cleaning services. Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner also removes moisture from your carpets by relying on suction techniques.

Ask an Expert

Want to keep your carpets in excellent condition without lifting a finger? In this case, compare and rate some of the most convenient carpet cleaning services in your area. Use TalkLocal to identify respectable carpet cleaning pros in your area with just a few clicks. The process is simple, time-effective, and will enable you to simplify all your daily assignments.

Tags: Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner
Posted in Carpet Cleaners | No Comments »

Finding a Used Snow Blower Attachment

Tuesday, March 18th, 2014

Buying a used snow blower attachment can be a practical consumer decision if you’re fortunate enough to find yourself something that is still in fairly good condition with only minimal cleanup or tuning up required to be functional.

Where to Look

There are several avenues to find a used snow blower attachment. You can start looking at the classified ads section of local newspapers, as these machines are usually sold any time of the year due to moving or estate sales. Online sites for classified ads such as Craigslist or online auction sites like eBay are also great places to search for a used snow blower attachment from private individual sellers.

When shopping for used components, however, the best thing to always do is to go to a source you trust, such as a local retailer of snow blowers and similar machines. You can also ask people you know if they or someone they know happens to be selling a used snow blower attachment. If you can find such a deal, it would lower your total cost, since you can simply pick up the machine instead of paying shipping charges.

Buying Tips

– You would want to look for a snow blower attachment that has only been slightly used. A demo unit would be ideal.

– When shopping online, if you come upon a certain model that seems like a good product, make sure to do your homework first. Find out more information about the model and read online ratings and reviews.

– If you can avoid it, it’s better not to buy from a faraway seller to avoid costly shipping fees and allow you to inspect the unit before making the purchase.

– Spring and summer months are the perfect time to buy a used snow blower attachment when people are ready to sell their equipment after the snow season, and you can negotiate the price since there’s little demand for the unit around this time.

Help is at Hand

Facing snow removal problems? Contact Seva Call now and we’ll help you locate a professional to help with removing snow from your property. Be connected with up to three local snow removal professionals in just minutes.

Tags: Used Snow Blower Attachment
Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

How to Prevent Burst Water Lines in Homes

Tuesday, March 18th, 2014

In extremely low temperatures, many residents find that the water lines in their homes had frozen and they are faced with a potential costly repair scenario, which can reach thousands of dollars when those frozen lines thaw and lead to burst pipes. Once water lines in homes burst, they definitely need to be replaced. In addition to that, they can also create water damage in the home.

This is why homeowners should do a better job of preventing the problem of frozen water lines. Homes can be protected from the damage of burst pipes in the future by keeping the following tips in mind.

Leave Faucets Open Slightly

If you’re expecting cold weather, open your faucets a little to allow water to trickle. When water is moving, it takes a lot more time for it to freeze as opposed to standing water. By letting water trickle down the faucet it will run through the pipes continuously, which can help keep water from freezing.

Additionally, when you leave your faucets open just slightly, it will release any pressure in the pipes between a frozen spot and the faucet. This can also help prevent burst water lines in homes. The only thing you have to remember is to inform your household members that you are intentionally letting the faucets drip so that no one will mistakenly turn off a tap.

Leave Sink Base Cabinet Open

Leave your sink base cabinets ajar to allow warmer air inside the kitchen to circulate throughout the inside of the cabinet. Doing so will help the warm air get into the pipes, particularly if the pipes are located outside the wall. You can also put a small portable heater inside the cabinet or near it to help warm the pipes.

Insulate the Pipe

Insulating the pipe or pipes that can cause the potential problem is another preventive trick. You can use electrical heat tape to wrap the pipe/s or insulate them using foam insulation wrap. The latter is ideal for pipes that are located in spaces without heating such as the attic, crawlspaces, basement, or garage.

Additionally, you can also place a heater in these areas. You don’t have to keep these spaces toasty as long as the temperature is just above freezing, then it will help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Having Problems with a Frozen Pipe?

In wintry weather, the first sign of frozen water lines in homes is when there’s no water coming out of the faucets. Oftentimes, you can thaw a frozen pipe before it bursts, so call a plumber quickly when you encounter this problem to minimize damage and costs. Seva Call can get you connected with local reputable plumbers in no time. Contact us now.

Tags: Water Lines in Homes
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Gutter Guard Reviews

Monday, March 17th, 2014

If you want to spend less time cleaning your gutters every season, it is advisable to invest in high-quality gutter guards designed to deter mice, rats, birds, debris, leaves, and ice accumulations that may clog your system. To make an informed decision, start by consulting accurate gutter guard reviews. In case you require additional details, discuss your options with an expert in roofing problems.

Check Out Consumer Reports before Making a Purchase

There are two main categories of gutter guards:

a) Pro-installed, which are obviously more expensive than the ones that can be installed even by inexperienced homeowners

b) Homeowner-installed, which are less expensive

The best method to assess the effectiveness of some of the most popular brands of gutter guards is to consult gutter guard reviews that rate every single product based on several important selection criteria, including:

1) The ability to prevent debris accumulations

2) The ability to withstand simulated heavy/severe rainfall

3) Ease of installation

4) Overall price per foot

5) Type (surface tension, fine mesh, foam insert, screen, brush insert)

According to www.consumerreports.org, LeafFilter gets the biggest score in the first category of gutter guards (pro-installed products). With 86 points, LeafFilter is well liked for its superior efficiency when it comes to preventing buildups and for its “very good” ability to handle a heavy rainfall. This brand is followed by several other popular choices, including Gutter Topper (80 points) and LeafGuard (80 points).

If you are more interested in gutter guards that you could install on your own, note that Gutterglove Pro (89 points), Amerimax 85198 (86 points) and Amerimax 85246 (84 points) are some of the top-ranking products that may actually be worth your time and money.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know how to interpret gutter guard reviews and how to make an inspired decision? If so, just call a local roofer and ask for expert guidance. Find the best one with TalkLocal, your cost-free expert tracking tool. It’s fun and easy to use and will simplify all your decision-making processes.

Tags: Gutter Guard Reviews
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Flood-Proof Home: Windows and Doors

Monday, March 17th, 2014

Floods are devastating events that can do a lot of damage to your property. You don’t have to experience their ravaging effects to think of ways to improve your flood-proof home policy. You may think that your area is not prone to floods, but the truth is that you never know, so it’s best to be prepared.

How Can You Protect Your Doors and Windows?

Are your doors capable of withstanding a flood? Think about this issue and plan a thorough protection ahead in order to protect yourself from harsh weather. Here are several things that you can do if you want a flood-proof home:

Use a Flood Shield

A flood-shield is a sort of small gate to your home that will prevent water from going inside. These shields are easy to install and highly resistant to strong impacts. This type of barrier is suitable for all types of doors and windows and can be made of different materials such as concrete, wood, or PVC. They come in different sizes and with various sealing mechanisms, so you can choose the type that fits your door best.

Get Covered

There are flood insurance programs that can be helpful. If you know that your house is prone to flooding, it is recommended to find an appropriate insurance. Heavy rain, storms, and hurricanes are not covered by standard insurance, so you need to find alternative ways to secure home protection.

To flood-proof your home, it’s essential to make sure your doors and windows are in good condition. If they’re not in tiptop shape, it’s best to repair them to ensure you benefit from the maximum protection you can get.

Need Help?

If you want to secure your home against floods, and need professional assistance, Seva Call can put you in contact with local window professionals in no time. With us, you’re just a few clicks away from getting the help you need.

Tags: Flood-Proof Home
Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

Two Most Common Types of Dental Insurance 1006

Monday, March 17th, 2014

Generally, dental insurance works like medical insurance with majority of such plans having a network of providers who offer services at a negotiated discounted rate. The type of dental insurance you have will determine where you can get dental service and how much your out-of-pocket costs will be.

The two most common types of dental insurance are:

Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)

In this plan, all dental care is provided by the dental professionals who are part of the plan’s network. When you become a member of a DHMO, you choose your primary dental service provider who will coordinate your care and, when necessary, will refer you to other specialists, like an oral surgeon.

Whenever you need dental service, your first visit should be with your primary dentist. One of the advantages of joining a DHMO is the convenience of not having to fill out a ton of paperwork. In terms of costs, you just have to pay a specific co-payment amount and the deductible, if any, upon your visit to a network-affiliated dentist.

Usually, DHMOs have lower out-of-pocket costs than other types of dental insurance as long as you choose a provider within the network. If it’s not an emergency and you decide to get care from an out-of-network provider, you will have to shoulder the full cost of the service.

Dental Preferred Provider Organizations (DPPO)

In this plan, you can choose to get care from dental providers whether or not they are part of the plan’s network. You also don’t have to choose a primary care provider or request for referrals if you need to see a specialist. However, receiving care from an out-of-network provider would still cost you more than going to an affiliated dentist.

The difference in this case would be that you do not have to pay the full cost of the service, just a larger percentage of the cost. Also, there will be minimal paperwork if you choose to stay within the plan’s network of providers since the dentist’s office will take care of sending the claims to your insurer.

If you choose an out-of network provider, you will need to pay for some of the cost and then submit the paperwork for reimbursement to your insurer.

Consult with a Local Dentist

To know more about the different types of dental insurance, speak with your dentist. Looking for a reputable dentist for you and/or your family? That’s where TalkLocal can help. Find the best dentists in your area with our free service. Try TalkLocal now!

Tags: Types of Dental Insurance
Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

Average Dry Cleaning Prices

Monday, March 17th, 2014

The price you can expect to pay for dry cleaning will vary greatly, depending on the job that was done. Some of the factors that affect dry cleaning prices include:

– The fabric or material of the garment

– The dry cleaning method/s that was used

– The geographic location of the dry cleaning company

– The expertise or skills of the dry cleaning company

On average, dry cleaning prices cost $10 to $11 for suits, while dresses can cost anywhere from $10 up to $22 for evening or cocktail dresses.

Wedding gowns are the most expensive items to be dry-cleaned, typically costing about $135.

The average dry cleaning prices for common items such as shirts, blouses, blazers, sweaters, skirts and shorts range from $4 to $8, while coats can cost around $11 for short coats and up to $16 for long coats.

Accessories like ties, scarves, and hats generally cost a little over $4, the same price for vests or waistcoats.

Why is dry cleaning more expensive than regular laundry services?

If you’re not aware of how dry cleaning works, you’ll probably wonder why dry cleaning prices are higher than standard laundry prices. In the latter, clothes are cleaned and stains are removed by using a standard detergent, water, and a regular washing machine. The cost to do regular laundry jobs is comparatively less than with the dry cleaning process, which uses a special machine and chemicals instead of water to clean clothes.

Only certain kinds of fabrics should be dry cleaned anyway, so you only have to spend on this premium service whenever necessary.

Is it worth paying more for dry cleaning?

Some fabrics like chiffon, silk, satin, or taffeta can only be safely cleaned by dry cleaning. Otherwise, the fabric will be ruined when washed in a regular washing machine or soaked in water. For this reason, if you have such a fabric, it is definitely worth paying premium dry cleaning prices to protect your clothes.

Need a Professional Dry Cleaner?

Seva Call can put you in touch with the most reputable service professionals in your area, whether you need an expert dry cleaner or tailor. Let us know what service you need and we’ll take care of locating the right professionals to help you. Contact Seva Call now!

Tags: Dry Cleaning Prices
Posted in Tailors | No Comments »

Installing Stone Pavers

Monday, March 17th, 2014

Many homeowners choose to boost the resale value of their property by installing stone pavers and creating a beautiful, fully functional outdoor patio. This task is relatively simple, requiring moderate skills and just a basic set of tools, and can be completed even by novices. Here’s some of the most important info that you should know, before giving the green light to this project.

Identify the Right Materials for This Job

Get quality stone pavers from a respectable provider. This material is durable, resistant, and extremely versatile.

Follow a Few Simple Steps to Obtain the Desired Results

1) Visualize your plan by drawing a sketch. Illustrate all the important elements that will be a part of your project (including the drainage system).

2) Contact representatives from your utility companies. It would be ideal to have someone come to your house and supervise the process, to make sure that you don’t accidently damage some pipes or wires in the digging phase.

3) Measure your square footage and order your favorite materials from your local supplier.

4) Mark the area where you plan to install the stone pavers and scope the slope.

5) Excavate the entire surface.

6) Identify and apply the best base material for your project (crushed stone is a marvelous, popular choice).

7) Implement plastic, steel, or aluminum edge restraints to preserve the initial shape of your perimeter for the longest period of time.

8) Apply a top layer of high-quality sand.

9) Start laying your pavers in the correct position; don’t hesitate to cut them if they don’t fit perfectly.

10) Rely on a place compactor to place your pavers in the sand.

11) Use a sealing product to keep the pavers in place.

12) Wipe off any remaining dust or debris with a broom.

Ask for Help

Installing stone pavers can be quite a hassle. After all, you have a lot of measuring to do, and this process can really become tiresome at some point. To save time and effort, consider hiring a competent landscaper. Find the best one with Seva Call, a cost-free service enabling you to spot and meet local specialists in the blink of an eye.

Tags: Installing Stone Pavers
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Do-It-Yourself Shave Horse Plans

Friday, March 14th, 2014

If you’re interested in woodcraft or working with green wood for your wood projects, then you may want to have your own shave horse. Just like how any good carpenter requires the right set of carpentry tools, a woodworker also needs certain tools such as a shave horse to create a range of projects. It’s a brilliant tool that has been used by woodworkers even before the dark ages until now. Why not try your do-it-yourself skills by taking on shave horse plans and build this tool yourself?

Why “shave horse”?

It’s called such because one has to mount it like a horse in order to operate it, and it’s used traditionally with a shaving tool known as a drawknife to turn a piece of wood into the desired shape with the right thickness.

What does it do?

The main job of a shave horse is to grip a round piece of wood so it can be worked on. Its ability to clamp on wood is powered by the user’s legs. Pushing on a foot bar at the underside of the horse makes it hold the wood positioned on the work area. Releasing the foot bar releases the wood as well.

What does it look like?

There are a number of shave horse plans with slightly different styles and variations. However, the basic design consists of a bench with legs (three-legged horses are more stable) that function as the base frame and seat for the horse. The other basic components are the foot bar, treadle frame, yoke and, of course, the hinged work area where the piece of wood is placed.

Need Carpentry Help?

Shave horses are easy to make if you already have some experience with woodwork. However, if you’re just starting out in this wonderful hobby, you may not have the skills yet to follow DIY shave horse plans. This shouldn’t stop you from owning one, though. Seva Call can help you find an experienced professional who can take your shave horse plans and build this tool for you just as you want it. Contact us now to start your search.

Tags: DIY, shave horse
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Flood-Proof Home with Flood Resistant Flooring

Friday, March 14th, 2014

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in certain regions of the United States, and things are not about to change given the unusual changes in weather and the building of more and more hard surfaces. One way to get a flood-proof home is to make the flooring resistant to flooding. Having flood-resistant floors is a must if you reside in a flood-prone town or you have a leaky basement or poor downspouts.

Build Flooring Using Flood-Resistant Materials

If your home is located in an area that is below the 100-year flood level, your floors and walls should be built with flood-resistant materials. Some of these materials include concrete, porcelain tiles, stone lines, laminate, linoleum, and vinyl tiles.

Add a Waterproof Barrier

Another way to make a flood-proof home is to construct a waterproof barrier over your exterior walls to help keep water from getting in. This job is for a licensed contractor only. The barrier will consist of a course of brick with a waterproof membrane backing. Before installing this barrier, remove the house siding first, and then use exterior-grade plywood sheathing as replacement.

If needed, extend the footing of the existing foundation to give additional support to the layer of brick. You will also need to make changes to the interior walls to protect them from water damage when they come into contact with flood water. Use washable closed-cell foam insulation instead of regular batt insulation. Make sure the pieces of wood blocking placed inside the walls are made of exterior-grade lumber. Do note, however, that this method is not applicable if water can enter the house due to groundwater flooding.

Seal the Floors

Coat the flooring with epoxy products to add a waterproof membrane to it. First, clean the floors and make sure all contaminants and dust are removed. It may be necessary to grind the floors to achieve a clean and hard surface. Repair minor flaws such as cracks by grinding these out.

Fill any cracks along the wall and floor joint with fillet seal or epoxy patch repair mortar. Next, apply a coat of clear epoxy seal. Apply one to two more coatings of clear epoxy seal.

Has Your Home Already Been Flooded?

If you’re already dealing with the aftereffects of a flood in your home and you’re wondering whether it’s possible to clean a flooded carpet, it’s best to call carpet cleaning experts quickly to prevent mold growth. Don’t waste time. Use TalkLocal to find qualified carpet cleaners operating in your area within minutes. Contact us now!

Tags: Flood-Proof Home
Posted in Carpet Cleaners, talklocal | No Comments »

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