Identifying Household Mold

Tuesday, April 1st, 2014

Mold is an organic material which will develop and spread given the right environment. All it requires is a sufficient amount of moisture. The source of moisture can be condensation, drops of water from leaking pipes or high levels of humidity in a home. The typical materials where mold grows include paper, natural fibers, ceiling tiles, and drywall.

Identifying Household Mold

Household mold is a common problem for homeowners, because there are many areas inside a home with enough constant moisture to support its growth, and because mold spores are practically everywhere. When inspecting and identifying household mold, check out the following typical breeding grounds of mold:

– Flood damaged rooms

– Wet ceilings resulting from a leaky roof

– Plumbing leaks or areas with drainage problems

– Damp basements and crawl spaces

– Kitchen and bathroom areas most often exposed to steam

– Poorly insulated/ventilated ductwork that has high condensation levels

– Humidifiers

– Clothes dryers with indoor vents

– Wet clothes left to dry indoors

Signs of Mold

When you’re identifying household mold, it’s crucial to find which areas in your home have water damage or moisture problems. Look out for discolored walls and ceilings, warped floors, or moisture beads on windows or walls. Mold will definitely grow on or around these surfaces, if it hasn’t developed already.

The simplest way of identifying household mold is to check out the areas of your home and look out for any visible signs of mold. You can usually see a mold problem when it is present.

Mold often appears as slimy or fuzzy patches. There are different colors of mold including white, blue, green, brown, orange or black. As mold develops, the patches increase in size.

Also, a mold problem frequently produces a noticeably unpleasant smell. In fact, mold’s distinct musty smell is often the first sign of a problem. If you can smell it, then it’s safe to assume there’s a mold problem in your home. Follow the odor trail to get to the source. You may need to look under surfaces or behind walls to find mold growth.

There are several areas in a home that are very prone to mold growth, such as shower curtains, shower stalls, bathroom tiles and surfaces surrounding air conditioners. Be sure to clean these areas routinely to control mold growth.

Do You Have Mold?

If you need help with identifying household mold or removing mold, TalkLocal can quickly match you up with qualified mold removal specialists in your area. Try us now!

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Custom Men Shirts

Monday, March 31st, 2014

For some men it may be hard to buy ready-made shirts that really fit. If you’re often unhappy with the shirts you’ve bought from a shop because they’re too large or have shrunk after washing, and you can no longer wear them, you might want to try something different. Custom men shirts are the best option for a number of reasons.

Here are some tips on what to look for in a custom made shirt.

Fabric Type

When you get a custom made shirt, it is important to choose the right fabric. Quality fabrics preserve their appearance for a long time, even after years of wearing and washing. Moreover, good fabrics make smart shirts, which give a man a characteristic distinction. Compare several textures before you decide for a particular fabric, and choose the one that will make you feel comfortable.

Quality

Some fabrics tend to shed when washed. Make sure you choose quality fabrics that will preserve their texture and softness for a long time. You can recognize quality custom men shirts not only by fabric, but also by design and craftsmanship. Look at every part of the shirt and see how it’s made and if it fits you well.

The collar shouldn’t be too tight, because after repeated washings, it shrinks a little and might become uncomfortable. Also, see to it that your custom shirt is neither too tight, nor too loose. Check cuff length and buttons, as well. Don’t forget about the seam because it plays an important role in the overall appearance of a shirt.

Color Selection

When you have a custom shirt made, consider the colors available. There are many options, so be sure to choose those colors that go well with your skin tone and match the clothes in your wardrobe. The color of a shirt can enhance your appearance, making you look your best.

Keep these simple tips in mind when you go to a tailor to have a custom made shirt, and you’ll get the perfect shirt that will give you a top notch appearance.

Need Help?

Can’t find a tailor who meets your standards? TalkLocal can help. We’ll put you in touch with local professionals who make exceptional custom made clothes.

Tags: Custom Men Shirts
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High-Density Polyethylene – HDPE

Monday, March 31st, 2014

If your piping system is giving you a hard time, it might be best to rely on the expert guidance and the professional services provided by a licensed, certified plumber. Your specialist can also provide additional info on different types of materials used in this field of activity, like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for instance.

Discovering the Properties of High-Density Polyethylene

High-density polyethylene is catalogued as a polyethylene thermoplastic produced from petroleum. It has numerous and much-appreciated properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including its superior strength and its ability to withstand high temperatures ranging from 110 degrees Fahrenheit to 230 degrees Fahrenheit. HDPE has a density of up to 0.97 g/cm³and it is resistant to a large segment of solvents. This is the main reason why it has been given so many uses.

More than 30 million tons of HDPE are being manufactured worldwide at this point in time.

Where Is High-Density Polyethylene Being Utilized?

HDPE is utilized in hundreds of different applications, to produce a generous selection of products, including the following:

– Geothermal piping systems

– Bottle caps

– Folding chairs

– Hard hats and fuel tanks

– Fireworks

– Water pipes (implemented in the agricultural sector or in households)

– Plastic lumber

– Storage sheds

HDPE is a very versatile material that serves many purposes. Pipes made from this material are much appreciated for their long service life, incredible resistance and their ability to transport numerous kinds of substances, including compressed gasses, oils and even toxic waste in a fast, risk-free and cost-effective manner.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know if HDPE pipes would be the perfect choice for your next project? When in doubt, just ask a certified plumber. Find the most competent one in your area with TalkLocal, your free source of information. Give it a try and you won’t regret it.

Tags: High Density Polyethylene HDPE
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Types of Knock Down Cabinet Hardware

Monday, March 31st, 2014

Knock down furniture (KD) is furniture, which is ready to be assembled once you buy it and take it home. It is more affordable than other types of furniture and is specially designed for customer convenience. This goes for knock down cabinet hardware, as well.

The term knock down suggests that this type of furniture can be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled at will. It comes with pre-drilled holes, and parts can be connected with the help of fasteners included in the cabinet or furniture pack. Fasteners are made in such a way as to allow part connection and disconnection.

If you want to refurbish your kitchen, for instance, or install new cabinets, and plan to use one of many available knock down options, it’s useful to know a few things about knock down cabinet hardware.

What Are the Most Common Types of Knock Down Cabinet Hardware?

The components of knock down cabinets are packed together with the necessary assembly instructions and specific hardware. You can even install them yourself!

KD fasteners are hardware components that are used to assemble the parts of knock down cabinets or furniture. The most common types of knock down cabinet hardware or fasteners include:

Cross Dowel Fasteners

They are suitable for butt joints, which don’t involve much strain.

Draw Bolt Fasteners

These are intended for heavy-duty purposes, as they can provide more support.

Connector Bolts

These fasteners are made of a bolt and a cap nut. They can be used in the visible parts of your cabinets without impairing the aesthetics of your furniture.

Other types of knock down hardware you might come across when installing KD furniture and cabinets are zip bolts, rail bolts, mitre connectors, three wing tee nuts, threaded inserts and all fasteners.

Need Assistance?

If you need help installing your knock down cabinets or furniture, TalkLocal is here to put you in touch with a skillful handyman who can get the job done on your schedule. Just give us a call and we’ll do the rest.

Tags: Knock Down Cabinet Hardware
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Best Chair for Back Pain

Monday, March 31st, 2014

After a long day of work, nothing can reduce stress levels and help you relax faster than a highly beneficial massage therapy session. Unfortunately, not all people have the chance to visit a wellness center regularly or rely on the skills of an experienced masseuse on a daily basis.

In this case, a DIY approach is highly recommended. By simply purchasing the very best chair for back pain, you could easily enjoy a well-deserved pampering experience in the comfort of your own home.

Alleviating Back Pain in Your Own Home

Recent studies indicate that more than 50% of all people experience excruciating back pain and are looking for ways to address this awful problem that inevitably impacts their lifestyle and their welfare. Long hours spent in front of the computer affect the normal “S” shape of our spine and expose us to a great deal of pain and various health problems.

Surprisingly, muscle inactivity is the main factor responsible for the abnormal C-shaped spines associated with terrible pain. The best way to prevent unnatural spine curvature is to limit the hours spent on stiff chairs or sofas and to balance your own upper body while you are sitting on a relatively unstable seat. This way, you’ll get the chance to work your muscles and keep your back fit, pain-free, and strong at all times.

How to Identify the Right Chair for You

According to respectable chiropractors, the best chair for back pain is the one that helps you preserve your mobility while seated. Now, you could easily find a wide range of products serving this purpose, from huge bouncy balls to elegant ergonomic office chairs with armrests and cushions designed to keep your spine in an ideal position.

Discuss Your Options with a Massage Therapy Specialist

Choosing the best chair for back pain can be difficult, especially since you’d have to analyze many appealing options currently available on the market. Narrow down your search by simply contacting a massage therapy expert.

Identify the most reputable one by using TalkLocal, a cost-free, useful service introduced to help you meet hundreds of professionals from different fields who are ready to address your specific needs.

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Tips to Clean Teak Bench

Monday, March 31st, 2014

People who own teak furniture would do everything in their power to preserve its lovely honey-gold tones and to keep it in excellent condition for a long period. If you need to clean teak bench, you can complete this simple assignment on your own, or with help from an expert who specializes in professional maid services. The choice is up to you.

How to Clean Stains That are Easy to Remove

If you’re not dealing with very difficult stains, you can try to wash your bench by using a soft brush and a mix of hot water and mild laundry detergent. Apply the solution on the entire surface, gently rub the stained areas and rinse with clean water.

How to Handle Stubborn Stains

If your bench displays stubborn food or drink stains or an unpleasant black or dark grey layer of mold or mildew, it is advisable to rely on a one-step special cleaning product especially designed for teak surfaces.

This agent removes the most difficult stains, kills all mold and mildew spores, prevents future contaminations and preserves the unique glow of your bench for several months. You can find this specially formulated cleaning product, based on mild chemicals, in almost any boat store.

How to Keep Your Teak Bench Looking Like New

Want to boost the appeal of your patio furniture, but don’t know how to treat your old teak bench? If so, note that this highly resistant hardwood material can be treated with organic teak oils, designed to restore its satiny finish.

Moreover, polyurethane and varnish represent ideal sealers, used by many people to protect the teak from exterior threats and preserve its remarkable glossy finish.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know how to clean teak bench on your own? In this case, the best answers are only a few clicks away. Identify the best providers of maid services who operate in your area with help from TalkLocal, a free service enabling you to spot real professionals in your area.

Tags: Clean Teak Bench
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Safelite Auto Glass

Friday, March 28th, 2014

A severely deteriorated windshield is a major inconvenience that should be addressed in a timely manner. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is very difficult to find a reliable technician who could solve your problem in the blink of an eye and provide spectacular results and solid guarantees. Safelite Auto Glass^® is one exception that you may want to consider.

Experts Who Are Always Ready to Respond to Your Emergency Situation

A broken windshield could stop you from going on that extremely important business trip. It could make you postpone your plans and trigger a lot of frustration and considerable financial losses.

This is precisely why you need to fix or replace your damaged windshield, as soon as possible. The experts from Safelite Auto Glass^®are always ready and eager to lend a helping hand by ensuring timely glass repair and replacement services when you need them the most.

Mobile Service Keep You Informed

Wouldn’t you like to find out everything there is to know about your technician (credentials, expertise, and competencies) before meeting him/her? The Technician Profile Email feature keeps you informed and allows you to rest at ease, knowing that your car is in good hands.

Innovative Windshield Replacement

Due to a revolutionary windshield replacement system (entitled TrueSeal), Safelite Auto Glass attains a perfect seal and extraordinary results that stand the test of time.

High-Quality Repairs

Why waste money on a new windshield, when you can easily fix the old one? GlassHealer^™ is a highly beneficial resin designed to penetrate even the tiniest cracks and lead to longer-lasting repairs that never let you down.

Decades of Expertise and a Lifetime Guarantee

Safelite Auto Glass has been a leading company in its line of work for more than six decades. It offers a lifetime guarantee for its services and knows how to keep its clients satisfied in the long term.

Rely on an Expert Opinion

Should you replace or fix your damaged windshield? Are the services provided by Safelite Auto Glass truly the right option for you? Get the best answers to these questions by consulting an auto glass repair expert. Find the best ones in your area with TalkLocal, a free service created to help you track professionals in your area.

Tags: Safelite Auto Glass
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Find Custom Dress Shirts Online

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
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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
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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.

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