We all know that winters in Manchester can be tough. Not only does it take a toll on our mood, but the cold weather also makes it difficult to do anything but stay inside and look forward to spring’s arrival.

Despite this, though, many homeowners in Manchester find winter as the best for home renovations. You may be thinking, “Aren’t warmer months better for home repairs and renovations?”

There are various reasons why it would be much more ideal to hold a home renovation during the summer. This includes multiple reasons, such as the clear skies, comfortably warm temperatures, and the fact that many UK contractors are in full swing during this time.

However, winter might have a few perks for those who do not mind braving the cold and want to do something about their home this season as well!

Why Do Home Renovations In The Winter?

There are quite a few reasons why home renovations in the winter are ideal. Here are some of them:

1. Winter provides the best weather to paint, plaster, or putty.  That means painting and other types of surface preparation are easier in winter according to some advisers.
2. It is also an excellent time for flooring renovations like parquet, vinyl, or laminate installations according to some advisers. Due to the consistency of humidity, they will be less susceptible to warping and damage during this time rather than during the summer where there can be marked variations in humidity.
3. The cooler weather also provides your workers with a much safer environment to work in. There will be less risk for heat-related accidents, heat strokes, hypertension, and the like.

You must remember, though, that even with these benefits, renovating during the winter comes with various challenges, especially when you are determined to stay in your home while the renovation process is ongoing.

Fortunately, there are several tips that you may use to conduct your winter home renovations efficiently and, more importantly, without having to move out.

Tips On How To Manage The Winter Renovations For Your Manchester Home

Many people believe that the best way to make a home renovation quick and easy is by finding temporary housing. However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are several ways of making the job manageable even while you are staying in the place you are renovating. Here they are:

Plan Every Bit Of Your Renovation Properly

The first thing you will want to do is plan out every aspect of your renovation project. From the budget to your schedule, everything must be set and planned before the project begins. Doing this will ensure that every part of the renovation is as efficient and painless as possible.

Moreover, because you have got a clear idea of how the renovation process will run and how much it will cost you, planning your daily activities and performing your daily routine around the renovation will be much easier.

You must keep in mind that some projects may be quite challenging to complete during this season. After all, you might end up dealing with issues in the acquisition and delivery of your supplies and materials. Thus, it would be best to have your requirements all figured out and secured before the project even begins.

Also, always try to be realistic as possible with your plans. After all, the last thing you would want is to plan something that was never going to happen in the first place.

Do Your Renovations In Stages

It is best to do your renovations in stages rather than all at once so that the process becomes easier to manage, less expensive, and faster to complete. We recommend starting with things like painting or minor repairs before going on to major tasks like adding new rooms, tearing down walls, or installing some new bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

Because you will only be working on your house in sections, this also means the rest of your home will always be free for you to use and live in!

Move Your Non-Essential Belongings Into A Manchester Storage Facility

One thing you will have to deal with during a home renovation project, whether it be during the winter or the summer, is the extra level of clutter that is added to your home.

It can be difficult to work and move around all this stuff, and it will just give you more things to do during a renovation project. Thus, we recommend moving anything non-essential into one of the many self-storage facilities in Manchester!

By reducing the amount of clutter in your house, you are essentially making space for the items you need throughout the renovation project. The things you can put into storage include your personal effects, any furniture, and appliances that you will not be helpful in the renovation, and even some of the clothing you would not wear during the winter season.

If you do not find the need to use these items regularly, there is no reason to keep them in your house during the renovation!

Alternatively, because you will probably be stocking up on the most vital materials needed for your home renovation, you may also use a storage unit to keep them safe, clean, and out of the way.

Make Use Of Unique Equipment That Can Help Make The Process More Efficient

Aside from the standard construction tools and equipment you or your renovation team will be using for the job, there are also some non-traditional items you will want to have ready. Although it could be pricey and out of the ordinary, you must be open to the idea of such items to make the home renovation project easy and smooth.

For example, some dehumidifiers and fans would help regulate the temperature of the job site, especially when it is indoors. Meanwhile, if you are making renovations outdoors, then some heaters and generators may also be necessary.

Regulating the job site’s temperature minimises the risk of your structure and your materials getting damaged due to humidity, extreme temperatures, and many more.

Other things you may want to consider during the renovation are pressure washers, which you may use to clean off dirt and different types of debris (e.g., snow on the roof, icicles on the gutter spout, etc.), and blowers, which may be used to remove paint dust on the completed job site. Read more about how pressure washers are helpful in removing snow here.

Work With Professionals

If you want to be hands-on with the renovation, it is possible to do so. However, if you need more time and energy for other things in your life or are not interested in doing any of the work yourself, hiring a contractor will pay off greatly.

The best way to find a qualified contractor for your renovation project in Manchester during winter is to list the type of work you need to be done and what qualifications are necessary.

For example, if you want new windows installed throughout your home and you are looking for someone who will meet specific safety standards, then it is vital that these details be included

Remember that while your stress levels may be a bit high in the first few weeks of renovation in Manchester during winter, there is light at the end of this tunnel: it will all be worth it for your new and improved home! Just make sure to keep these tips in mind, and you will be breezing through this time soon enough!

This article was written by Michaela Pinga of WhatStorage. Michaela, who has since rediscovered her love for writing, has a degree and went to school for digital filmmaking. In her free time, Michaela enjoys consuming an alarmingly large amount of pop content in the form of books, TV shows, films, music, and many others.

Everything needs safety and prevention from damage. Likewise, you also need something to prevent the ice dams that form on your roof during snowy winters. Snowy winters are a season of heavy snowfall. So, it can make damaging ice dams on your roofs.

Basically, an ice dam is an ice build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings that results from melting of the snow under a snowpack reaching the eave and freezing there. Also, it is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and thus prevents melted snow from draining off the roof.

However, prevention is important for this. Thus, there are many ways to prevent the damage of the ice dams. So, forget all your worries, because we will help you with this matter, just as experts do. Thus, scroll down to get to know more.

Keeping Gutters Clean 

Gutters are the main part of the house that controls the flow of dirty and clean water. However, you should keep your gutters clean because clean gutters offer a path for melted snow to move away from your roof and home. Rather than allowing it to back up and refreeze.

Thus, do keep your gutters clean. Also, a quite simple way to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof in the winters is to keep your gutters clear of debris, like twigs and leaves. In simple terms, you just must avoid solid things that can cause gutter blockage and prevent proper flow.

Although, gutters do not cause ice dams directly. Even so, gutters do help in concentrating ice and water in a very vulnerable area, at the edge of the roof. Thus, as the gutters fill with the ice, they simply bend and rip away from the house. Therefore, bringing fascia, fasteners, and downspouts in tow. 

Invest In A Snow Rake

There are many ways to prevent the ice dams on your roof during the snowy winter. Besides, these ice dams can severely damage your roof. So, it is important to get rid of them.

Thus, here you will get to know how investing in snow rakes helps in preventing ice dams. Investing in a snow rake is an excellent idea to protect your roof. Since it helps to prevent the accumulation of ice dams on your roof much like a leaf rake.

Basically, snow rakes have flat heads with a long handle. They permit you to remove snow from your residential roofs while allowing you to stay on the ground. Thus, the use of a long-handled roof rake for removing the snow from at least at lower 4 feet of roof edge can help prevent ice dams from forming.

However, never take a risk of removing snow from the roof in the winter by getting onto the roof yourself. Your life is more important than clearing out the roof.

Ventilate Your Attic 

There is not only one way or tip to prevent ice dams. There are many different tips for it. However, ventilating your attic is the method that most people use. So, for the best results, you must place roof ventilation near the roof’s peak and soffit vents in the eaves. 

Moreover, the air flows in through the soffit vents and out through the roof vents. Interestingly, these vents come in various styles. Therefore, some people choose rectangular roofing vents and rectangular soffit vents because they are easy to install.

If you have not vented the attic properly, excess heat and condensation can cause major damage to your roof and roofing materials. Because the hot air is full of moisture all that water hanging out in your attic can cause condensation to build up. 

Must Consult A Professional 

Yes! Prevention is good but it is better that you should consult a professional for this as well. These professionals will guide you on how to save roofs from ice dams in the snowy winters. Thus, consulting a professional is the best idea for it.

Moreover, these professionals will inspect your roof to ensure that it is able to handle the tough winter months. In fact, they remove any snow or ice dams that may have already accumulated. Furthermore, the great thing is that best roofing companies can help you with this problem themselves. This means you do not have to look for anyone separately.

The Only Way To Get Rid of Ice Dams

There are many ways to prevent ice dams but here is one of the only ways to get rid of the dam easily. The upcoming steps are the only ones you can apply when nothing else is working for you. Thus, without further ado, the steps are:

1. Make sure to seal all the points where warm air leaks from the living space into the spaces immediately below the roof sheathing.
2. Also, you can insulate the living space well enough that it prevents conduction and convection of heat through the ceiling.

Thus, these were the few measures you can take to save your roof. However, people still consider the use of hot water and the installation of heat cables as the best way to prevent ice dams. 

Conclusion 

Roofs are an important part of your house. So, its maintenance and care should be your top priority. It acts as the protective shield of your house. However, sometimes snowy winters are a reason for damage to the roofs with the accumulation of ice dams. Since they can weaken the roof surface during heavy snowfall.

Even so, you can correct this problem in the simple and easy steps we mentioned above. Hence, heat cables work perfectly for melting the ice from the roofs in winter.

Ventilation is just another way to prevent ice dams. Also, you can even take help from professionals. They will surely guide you well. Thus, there is no need to worry about it. Because these steps will surely help you in your tough time of snowy winters.

This is a guest post contribution from John Adam

Choosing a low-maintenance metal roof is not an easy decision. There are several materials available, whether you put a roof on a new home, or if your current roof needs a complete upgrade.

However, whatever the design of the roofs you have, their durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency will make them attractive. And you can select tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel – simply check that your material for metal roofing is checked and labelled with UL, FM Global or equivalent and verify any code specifications with your local construction department.

So, before you Install New Roof Independence MO, you may also want to know the reason for choosing the metal roof.

However, first, let us take a little insight into what is metal roofing?

Metal roofing is an alternative to conventional asphalt roofing, typically consisting of wide sheets, although there are variations that imitate the appearance of regular asphalt sheaths.

Zinc, tin, steel, copper, aluminium, and the composite metal combination may be used as materials that can be used to reflect heat, avoid corrosion, and protect material against damage caused by humidity. They all have special coats for reflecting heat.

But why are they known as low maintenance roofs?

Metal roofs offer a range of benefits, including a longer lifecycle than asphalt and cedar materials. These metal roofs will withstand the elements of hail, heavy rain and snow, and high winds.

Metal roofs are also accredited at a higher level for forestry and brush fire housing safety rating. Indeed, homeowners in certain areas give insurance providers up to a 30% reduction in insurance for their owners when building using a metal roof.

1. Cost-effective

Metal roofing indeed costs more than asphalt, but, according to HomeAdvisor, it has a considerably longer life span that can compensate for initial investment. It is important to do your research when making the decision as to whether to go for a metal roof or the more traditional asphalt.

There are websites that help you with making that decision. Home Advisor is one such website and their article Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingle Roof: The Complete Guide can be read by clicking here. It is an important decision as metal roofs can last for 40 to 70 years.

2. Impact and Fire Resistance

It is not rare for shingles from an asphalt roof to fly off when winds are high or dangerous. Asphalt can also be susceptible to mildew or mould by the accumulation of moisture and provides little in terms of fire resistance apart from varieties of fiberglass.

On the other side, metal roofing can withstand a wide range of conditions and it poses no risk of damaging moisture accumulation. It is immune to flames, too. There is thus a lot more toughness against extreme elements, though you may get some damage from of a major hail tempest.

3. Environmentally Friendly

100% recyclable metal roofs, and many producers of metal roofs use recycled materials from 25% to 95% for the manufacture of their goods. That explains why metal-coated roofing has been declared one of the most environmentally friendly options for roofing by the Florida Ministry of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Besides optimizing the use of recycled materials in the manufacture, metal roofs may also be reused to prolong their service life rather than need to be fully replaced.

Moreover, it is unlikely that they would end up at a waste dump when they are no longer in service because of the common use of their material.

4. Boost Your Home Value

When you know that it will raise the value of your house by about 1 percent to 6 percent, the cost of installing metal roofing is easier to justify.

According to Home Guides, owners can expect the average costs of a metal roof to recover by 85.9 percent, with a return of 95.5 percent on average for those residing in eastern regions of the country.

This means you will still benefit from the cost-effective advantages of metal roofs even if you do not intend to live in your house for the next 40 or 70 years. The article from Home Advisor mentioned above is worth rereading from this point of view.

5. Save Money on Home Insurance

If you add a metal roof onto your house, you could get a discount on your homeowners’ insurance. Since they are longer-lasting and less vulnerable to weather damage, insurance providers may give substantial discounts for those with metal roofing.

It is necessary to verify whether an insurance supplier advertising such a metal roof discount is correct and what you will be your discount. Otherwise, you will turn your research to another home insurance supplier who does have a cheaper rate because your house has a metal roof.

6. You May Not Have to Remove the Existing Roof

You could save money by installing a new metal roof directly on existing asphalt shingles, depending on your local building codes. This procedure greatly lowers the cost of labour, as the shingles are not removed, and the fixation of a strapping device can be used.

Only ensure that your existing roof is thoroughly tested so that you are not stuck with problems such as moisture accumulation or pests before placing metal roofing on it.

7. Energy Efficient

Metal roofs are suitable for households that want to maximize the energy efficiency of their home. One research has found that the use of the four-inch belt (horizontal boards between plywood and metal sheets) and in using a reflecting light color such as white, light green, or blue provides 40 percent reduction in energy consumption in summer and 15 percent energy saving with winter heating.

These roofs can be 50 to 60°C cooler than dark shingles of asphalt because metal roofs reflect harsh sunlight instead of trapping it in the building.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for all the above-mentioned benefits for your home or office, then it’s time to Install Flat Roof Independence MO. So, you can just have them enjoy the low-maintenance home for you.

Related Content:

• How To Clean A Roof
• How to Pressure Wash Roof Shingles
• Best Roofing Nailers

Author BIO: This is a guest post article by David Wilson for Pro Roofers.

2021 is here, signaling a lot of changes in our lifestyles, behaviors, and interactions. This year we are going to re-style our homes and make them look like never. The best part, Supreme Signature Homes is here to help us at every point with their wide range of sophisticated products.

Interior designing is a very delicate job. An interior designer picks a living space and transforms it according to the likings of the resident. He selects wall paints, hangings, and furniture. He is the one who decides the whole tone of the room.

So, this 2021, all of you are going to be interior designers of your own space. No need to consult numerous YouTube DIY videos and Pinterest posts to have an idea of what works best. We have compiled the Top 5 Best Home Decorating Ideas so that you can have a taste of everything in one place.

The interior design for winters is starkly different from summers. Summers are all about bright, vibrant, and cheerful interiors. Whereas we want warm hues and a cozy ambiance for winters.

So, here we have handpicked Top 5 Trending Decorating Ideas for the winter season this year. Have a look:

1. Earth Tones

Winters are all about having a steaming cup of coffee while you are curled up in your layers of blankets. That is the cosy environment we all desire in the cold season.

Imagine having bright wall paints in your room. My idea of a cozy bedroom just killed itself. So, our trend #1 for 2021’s winter is earth hues.

Select brown, burnt, beige, sand, and similar hues to have an ambiance you desire in winters. Let your walls decide the mood of the room.

2. Vintage Is Gold

We all are nostalgic about our grandma’s homes from the intricately woven linings to the warm feel of solid wood. From gramophones to small sitting stools, we have seen them all and have a personal attachment to them.

The best thing is that millennials now collectively feel the nostalgia and are bringing back all the vintage items. Old-school patterns are making their way back into modern interior design and this trend is a fantastic one for winters.

Supreme Signature Homes understand this nostalgic sense of styling your home and it offers you two vintage products at amazing prices: VINTAGE CAMERA

3. Fireplaces

Fire has always kept humankind warm even in ancient civilizations. It has slowly made its way into our interior decoration and honestly, we are thankful!

From traditional mantelpieces to sleek, contemporary finishes, fireplaces have never been out of fashion. Sitting on a swinging chair with a cup of coffee and a good book adjacent to the fireplace is our winter dream come true!

So, our recommendation: Have a fireplace integrated into your interior for a chic display.

4. Light Up Your Corners

If you are not a fan of bright lighting in winters, try using candles to add a sense of warmth. The flickering flames will create a relaxing environment. You can place candles at various corners to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Scented candles are just a bonus!

Supreme Signature Homes brings you a variety of candle stands. Here is our top pick:

5. Scent It Up

Since we just talked about scented candles, let us talk more about scent as a phenomenon. It lifts your overall mood and enhances a living experience.

Ever heard of ‘’Aromatherapy?’’ Google that if you do not know because we are going to integrate that in your home interior.

All of us have been in a time when our grannies’ homes used to smell like jasmines and baked bread, and simply everything nice. So, scents communicate that ‘homey’ feeling.

Pick scents that support your well-being. Fragrance up your living space! Pick lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, or any other fragrance that calms your nerves.

Nowadays, we have scented air fresheners, candles, room sprays, and diffusers. Buy according to your taste and mood. You will notice a stark difference in your mood when you enter a scented room.

6. Get Inspired by Nature!

Open the curtains and bring the sunshine in. Make the most use of sunlight while it lasts. Light the fire. Bring in the plants. Open windows occasionally for ventilation. Use wood for decoration!

Nothing cheers up a room as natural flowers do. Their fragrance and colours instantly light up your room. Go for jasmines, baby’s breath, or hydrangeas.

Since we are not going to spend a lot of time outside, let nature come inside your confines.

7. Throwback to the Time…

All of us have been through a lot during 2020, so our sanity demands a constant referral to what happy times used to look like. Our homes should communicate warmth and good memories to us, so that is what we are going to work on.

For many of us, thinking of our grandparents’ homes brings back the sweet childhood memories. If you are nostalgic for all that, this trend is perfect for you.

Pay a visit to thrift stores and buy antique and rustic pieces. Buy retro items, floral- printed fabrics, and anything that can take you back to your feel-good space.

Fortunately, Supreme Signature Homes has a perfect item that will give an old-school vibe to your living space:

8. Go Bold

If you are not a fan of earthy hues or dark tones in winters, do not be afraid to stand different. If you love vibrant yellows or turquoises, we are here to help you incorporate these preferences as well.

Giving a bold accent to overall bland space is a trend we are stan in 2021 winters. Hang tangerine paintings on grey walls. Buy big, statement pieces in bold accents. Place bright yellow cushions on black couches.

Do not hesitate to express yourself and use your creative mind to integrate plenty of contrast in your home.

9. Add Texture

Boring spaces are so 2020! Your home is not your office, why does it have to be boring? Spice it up by adding textures. Add velvety or embroidered cushions, sheets, and fabrics. Purchase colored pots or baskets for plants.

Find patterned paintings on plain walls. There are plenty of options you can use to bring texture. Be as creative as you can!

So, these winters, let us all style our homes with these Hot 9 Winter Decoration Ideas.

This is a guest post contribution from Josef Mac

Ice dams are very common in countries that face extreme cold weather. It forms as a result of snow that melts and refreezes on the rooftop. This is a common problem faced by people living in extreme weather conditions everywhere.

The layer of snow starts melting when the warmth of the air transfers through the roof. This causes the droplets to run down the roof and reach the edge. This is where these droplets refreeze because that part of the roof doesn’t receive warm air. When this additional snow melts and refreezes, the ice layer builds and becomes harder, creating an ice dam.

Ice dams are very dangerous for people and pets walking around the houses. It’s a risk to the gutter system and roof of the house. The ice dam gets heavier with time and comes crashing down to the ground in the warm weather.

This, at times, breaks your home’s gutters and harms the roof in many ways. When the ice starts melting, the water starts seeping between shingles and freezes there. It further expands and loosens the shingles. The water then starts penetrating through the roof layers if you have any minor ceiling damage thereby causing leakage.

They might make your home look like a cozy place, but they can cause severe damage to your property. If you don’t take it seriously, you might not know how it can affect your house. A single ice dam can cost you a lot if not taken care of.

So, make sure you take extra care of this risk as it might damage the interior of your house, and you wouldn’t like water running inside your home through leakages.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop it from happening. With this information, homeowners will understand how ice dams develop, effective ways to prevent them, faster solutions to eliminate an existing ice dam, and tips to avoid causing more damage.

If you own property in an area that faces intense snowy winters, or if you plan to buy a ski home, understand and address the following issues before the snowfall makes a significant difference:

Preventing Ice Dams

There are a few tactics that homeowners can employ to prevent ice dams in the long term.

• Reduce the heat transference from the interior of your house
• Make sure the roof is maintained regularly
• Block accumulation of moisture from the outside

You can prepare for these long-term measures before the winter season comes. Always inspect your home a few months before the winter season arrives to ensure safety.

Solutions for Interiors

1. The ice dams will very likely not form if you prevent the heat from transferring. It is the warm spots inside the house that create ice dams. The homeowners should have a methodical approach to determine the areas with high possibilities to fix them first.

2. Most of the homes that were built in the 1980s do not have enough insulations. This is one of the essential things to consider because most homes require attic insulations with an R-value ranging from the value of 49 to 60. These insulations age and may require replacement just like any other home appliance. However, there are other areas that need attention and improvement too:

• Ductwork
• Exterior walls
• Chimneys and shafts
• Hatches into the attic

3. Apart from this, air leaks often allow the heat to pass through the walls and roof quickly. Leakages in the ductwork cause more than thirty percent of the warm air to escape. Therefore, if you seal these gaps, it will slow the heat transfer and help prevent ice dams from forming quickly.

Solutions for Exterior

1. Apart from improving the interiors, it is very important to work on the exterior as well. Make sure that what you have in your home is working properly. Next, try installing new equipment to make things better.

2. Soffits are built on the roof structure. They are linked from the roof’s edge to the exterior walls of the house. They have holes in them, which allows the cold air to enter the attic. However, insulation may block these vents so make sure that they are clear and sized correctly to promote proper air circulation.

3. You can also build some preventions from ice dams with your roof structure. Metal roofing is one way in which you can minimize ice accumulation. You can add ice or moisture barriers under the metal rooftops for better safety.

4. Heating cables, cords, or tapes can also be used to produce heat around the lower surface of the rooftop. This melts the ice dam but, this is not a lasting solution and requires a lot of attention in case of overheating.

Removal Techniques

1. Snow and ice tend to stay even if the water flows downward. The main objective is to clear the accumulation of ice on the roof. You may use a box fan to freeze any leakages if you notice any water damage through the leaks. However, this is not a permanent solution. You must remove the ice dam to protect your rooftop from any significant damage.

2. Walking on an icy roof is very dangerous, so it is better to avoid it if you haven’t done that before. However, you can use safety equipment and procedures to make sudden movements on top of the roof by standing under the spaces.

3. The best way to clear off the snow is by using a push-broom. You can use it by standing on the ground below and pull snow off the roof. However, you should stand at a distance while doing this so that you don’t pull any snow icicles on top of yourself.

4. There is a home remedy using pantyhose and chloride. You can fill up the pantyhose leg with calcium chloride pellets, tie it from the top and place it in the middle of the ice dam vertically. The pellets lower the temperature of the water causing it to melt and drain the water down. However, some people think this is a very time-consuming method and might discolor or damage the rooftop.

5. You can also hire a professional to remove the ice dam. It is generally not possible to get rid of the ice dam by standing and fixing it from below. Someone has to go up the roof to remove the big ice dams. So, if you haven’t done this before, it’s better to hire a professional than to hurt yourself.

6. It can further damage the roof because ceramic and slate tiles can easily crack if anyone steps on them incorrectly, causing further damage to the house. A professional would know the safe place to walk without falling off or causing any damage to the shingles. They often use steamers to melt the snow. They stand on the roof and blow the steamer against the snow, which melts it quickly. This is a quicker and easier way.

7. You can break the ice dams in conjunction with melting them first. It’s better if you clear the roof of excess snow and melt the channels in the dam. Once the ice starts to melt, carefully chip them off with the help of a mallet to hasten and widen the drainage. But, you should be very careful as breaking the ice dams can be dangerous.

The large swaths falling off the roof can damage bushes, break glass windows and injure anyone around. Therefore, extreme measures should be taken. If you’re breaking the ice, make sure you’re standing on the top and not on the ground as the heavy sheets of snow might fall onto you.

Equipment for Ice Dam Removal

1. You can fit a pressure washer into an ice dam steamer. Most people don’t prefer using ‘pressure-wash’ on their roof in extreme winters. The best way to remove ice and snow without damaging the roof is through ‘gentle steam.’ Gentle steam is a customized pressure washer converted into an efficient steamer. This is not easy and requires technical effort to fix it.

2. Use heated cables along the edge of the roof in a zigzag pattern. These heated cables prevent ice dams from damaging the shingles and causing leaks. It helps you equalize your roof temperatures by heating it from the outside instead of blowing it from the inside. Make sure that you install these cables before the cold weather hits for better results.

3. Installing ice and water shielding on your roof is a great idea. It will cost you more, but it will be worth it. Ice and water shielding will not prevent ice dams but, it will stop the leaks entirely. It runs only from the drip edge of the overhang to around 2 feet past the interior wall.

4. Home Energy Audit informs you about the things that need fixing to prevent your roof from any damages. The auditor will tell you about the places that are losing strength. Therefore, start investing and follow the suggestions to protect your house from ice dams. However, it will not eliminate the ice dams but reduce them because you can’t do anything with such weather conditions. But, you must take this step to make ice dams less of a problem for yourself.

5. Shovels don’t entirely help with ice, but it enables you to get it off from your rooftop. Make sure the shovel is plastic and not metal because metal can damage your roof. Next, before getting on your rooftop with a shovel, make sure you’re trained enough to carry out this task. You could fall off and hurt yourself. Keep your feet stiff and firm on the ground, and be very careful.

6. Snow Blowers can be used to get the snow off rooftops rather than shoveling. However, for the delicate rooftops, for example, solar panels, glass roofing, skylights, tile roofing, etc which are not robust extreme care is required and professional advice should be sort. They are perfect for rooftops that are robust and can bear the weight. However, you should still be very careful with this method.

7. Use a plastic roof rake with small rollers because the metal is something you should never use as it can badly damage your shingles. Stand on the ground and pull the snow slowly off your roof. Reach as high as you can, but don’t stand on a ladder.

If the snow is more than 3 inches, then you should get out there and remove it. It’s not necessary to grab the roof rake every time. Just look at the amount of snow; if you see flurries, stay back but, make sure the snow doesn’t pile up.

Warning Signs

A home with a fine line of icicles along the rooftop is a danger zone. The longer they stay, the bigger the ice dam will get. Therefore, homeowners should watch out for warning signs as mentioned below for precautions:

• Snow piles falling off the eaves
• A lot of heavy snow in the weather forecast
• Constant low temperatures making the existing snow stay on the rooftop
• Extreme cold rooms on the top floor of the house
• High temperatures inside the attic
• Icicles sliding off the gutters or siding
• Ventilation in the attic
• Temperature fluctuating around 32°F, leading to a melting and refreezing process

Conclusion

To sum it up, the perfect time to fix the ice dam is during the last winter spell of the year. If you try to fix the ice dam during the winter season, it will very likely reoccur the very next day. But, don’t let it stay for long. Try removing it every day in bits.

Most of the time, people don’t realize they have an ice dam until their ceiling starts leaking. This is an alarming situation because, by this time, the ice dam has played its part already. Therefore, it requires immediate and extensive attention.

Look out for the warning signs and trouble spots that could aggravate the current situation. If this happens to you once, it can happen again, so be prepared for it in every winter season.

Therefore, try getting regular inspections by calling professionals at your home whenever it’s needed. It might be costly, but it will save you from a bigger expense of fixing the whole construction of your house. Your home’s roof is one of the expensive things that should be protected and taken care of deeply. It should be taken as an investment rather than a chore.

Recommendation and disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not a recommendation to act in any way other than to seek professional advice and assistance from an ice dam removal professional in your area. This is easily located by making a Google enquiry for “Ice dam removal professionals” for your area.

Bathing has a long and detailed history. Immersing ourselves in water, whether in a bath container or simply under a water shower, is something we do for personal cleanliness, recreation, and health. There is nothing more pleasant than swimming in the pool on a hot day or taking a scented warm bath during the colder months.

Earlier, access to the hot waters was almost impossible and people living in colder areas were unable to take hot baths. But after the invention of new technologies like an electric tankless water heater, now it is possible to enjoy a hot water bath even if the outside temperature is in negative numbers.

It does not matter what you take, a hot or cold shower, showers are great for us in many ways. Cold showers, as scary as they may be, are great for waking us up in the morning as we prepare for a long hectic day at work.

On the other hand, hot showers are soothing and relaxing especially when we are exhausted or tense. In addition to helping us relax, do you know that hot showers also offer lots of health benefits? Here are some of those explained below.

A Hot Bath Burn Calories

When it comes to burning calories, you probably don’t think about relaxing in the bathtub. But according to a recent study, an hour of soaking in a hot tub if the temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit can burn exactly as many calories as half an hour of walking.

It is not suggested that it is a good substitute for exercise, but it is a nice bonus for taking a hot bath and burning the remaining calories after the sweating exercise.

While losing weight in a hot tub may seem strange, research has shown that sitting for an hour in a hot tub burns the same number of calories as a half-hour walk. Isn’t it incredible? This is a phenomenon called passive heating and it comes straight from a genuine scientific magazine, “Temperature.”

The study, which was published in the journal “Temperature,” was led by Steve Faulkner, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist at Loughborough University. Faulkner examined the connection between taking a hot bath, a person’s blood sugar levels, and the number of calories burned. He conducted the study on 14 men, some of whom were overweight and the results were amazing.

He found that taking a hot bath burns about 140 calories per hour. A calorie is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a gram of water by one degree Celsius. The calories we are talking about in food are the amount of energy released when those foods are burned.

Of course, the first law of thermodynamics applies to humans, so if you consume less energy than you use, it is impossible to store that energy in the form of body fat. But many factors influence energy balance.

The body burns and stores energy from different foods in different ways and at different times in different people in different ways. However, he found that a hot bath was equally beneficial for people with different energy balance.

The experiment also revealed that bathing lowers the men’s peak blood sugar level after eating, 10 percent more than exercise.

Improves Blood Circulation

Hot showers have been shown to help lower blood pressure. This is because hot water can help to widen our veins and arteries, thus improving our blood circulation.

However, to be safe, ask your doctor about showering with hot water and how this can help lower blood pressure. Settling in hot water not only feels good, but that pleasure also gives you strength.

According to psychologist Neil Morris, who surveyed eighty people, bathing can lessen feelings of depression and pessimism because baths provide you a wonderful combination of isolation, calm, and comfort.

The feelings of closeness we experience while being submerged in the hot liquid give us connotations of being in the womb, and it is very comforting. Suggests Dr. John, chairman of the spa foundation’s medical advisory committee.

A Hot Bath Helps You Breathe Better

Being submerged in water beyond the chest with the head extended can have a good influence on lung capacity and oxygen supply. Two factors contribute to this, the temperature of the water and the pressure that the water exerts on the chest and lungs.

When the water is warmer and your heart beats faster, your oxygen supply can be improved and the steam created can clean your sinuses and chest.

Absorption in a little warmer water, such as swimming in a natural body of water or an unheated pool, can help reduce the risk of infection in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Studies of prepubertal girls have shown that swimming can improve the growth and capacity of the lungs due to the resistance it provides and the breathing techniques necessary for endurance. You should take deeper and deeper rhythmic breaths, which improves the strength and ability of your lungs.

A Hot Bath Refreshes Our Skin

We all want our skin to be fresh and clean, aren’t we? The good news for all of us is that hot showers can give us that extra level of sanitation! This is because most germs and bacteria cannot withstand moderate increases in temperature.

This is also why it is advisable to clean your open wound, if you have any, with hot water, as this can help kill harmful microorganisms and speed up the healing process.

A Hot Bath Keeps Our Hormones Stable

Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and certain fertility problems can be alleviated by bathing in both warmer and cooler temperatures. The hormones released by the pituitary gland, such as the adrenocorticotropic gland, and other hormones such as beta-endorphin and cortisol, can become more balanced.

Alternatively, the hot bath can increase levels of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well-being.

Conclusion

Bath is necessary for all and after reading all these benefits of hot water, hope this is enough to ignite a spark in you to start taking a hot water bath, and if you are not getting hot water in your bathrooms, better call a good plumber, fix the issue and start taking a hot bath, at least once in a day and see how your life-changes in a good way.

This is a guest post article by Ella James

What is Mobile Locksmith?

A mobile locksmith is basically a locksmith workshop on wheels that are concerned with the convenience of the customer. For example, there are a lot of mobile locksmiths in Albany NY.

They have similar tools, licensing, and training as traditional locksmiths but their main concern is to provide convenience to the customer by responding quickly to their call. Here are some benefits of mobile locksmiths.

Response Time

Concerning the traditional locksmith, they have a quicker response time. Traditional locksmiths most likely take more time to respond and they often request clients to visit their workshops.

Their training focuses mainly on how to respond quickly and get the client out of lock emergencies. Other than this, they have skills such as emergency lockout services, safe entry, changing locks, and creating a new set of keys on site.

They Can Reach Any Location

Mobile locksmiths can reach locations where it might be difficult for traditional locksmiths to get. They have flexible operations which enables them to do so. Because of their mobility, they are suitable for people who live in rural and industrial areas.

Rigorous Training

The certified mobile locksmiths must go through an extensive training program before they are given their license. They are taught about different kinds of locks that the traditional locksmiths might not know about. Many mobile locksmiths keep on training themselves to enhance their knowledge.

Such training activities enable these mobile locksmiths to offer a wide range of services concerning traditional locksmiths. Moreover, they are trained to handle electronic locks, rekeying, safe combination problems, installation, master key systems, etc.

High Professionalism

Unlike traditional locksmiths who are employees of large companies are less professional than mobile locksmiths. It is because they have worked hard to establish their brand and people tend to give more attention to their own business rather than anyone else. So most mobile locksmiths deliver quality services to develop customer relationships and to build their clientele.

Availability

Lock issues can happen at any moment of the day, especially at inconvenient times. The biggest advantage of mobile locksmiths is that they give service 24/7. With traditional locksmiths, you must make advance appointments and pay double at odd hours. This is not the case with mobile locksmiths.

Other than the benefits, here are some essential services which are given by the mobile locksmiths.

In Case of a Breach

When a home has been breached, it very well may be hard to keep living there securely. Changing the locks will give you more true peace of mind, and a mobile locksmith can help trade out invaded frameworks, rekey locks, overhaul old frameworks, and suggest better safety efforts for the future, so you can live securely and unhesitatingly in your own home again.

Malfunctions in Hardware

Regardless of whether you are managing a computerized or traditional locking system, things don’t generally go how they should. systems breakdown, specialized glitches crop up, parts consume, parts corrode, and bolts simply stop working now and then. It very well may be abuse, misuse, or age, yet in all cases, you’ll be happy to have a mobile locksmith to help.

Locked Out of Your Car

If your keys are locked in the vehicle or the storage compartment or essentially lost. You have places you should be! A mobile locksmith will answer your call immediately, be on the scene quickly, and utilize their skill to open your vehicle proficiently and consistently so no valuable time is lost. Mobile locksmiths are the uncelebrated yet genuinely great individuals of security systems.

FAQs

This is a guest post contribution from
Wilson David for locksmiths in Albany New York

Lawn Mowing Tips: Mowing sounds easy enough, but you’re paving the way for your lawn’s success or failure any time you cut your grass. Mow well and you’re going to groom a good, drought-tolerant, and dense enough lawn to choke out weeds. Mow it wrongly, and the lawn is going to struggle to survive.

Cutting time so that for each cutting you never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface (of a single grass blade).

Let us have a look at some of the best lawn and landscape maintenance ideas to help you enjoy the best.

1. Do Not Scalp The Lawn

The grass is diminished too easily by scalping, which leaves the grass too susceptible to weed infestation and numerous types of disease. Stop revealing the ground, while the vegetation stays sparse and scarce.

Weed development is caused by reduced competition to soil from the lawn grasses, as it allows the rooting of the weed crop. A thin lawn often causes too much light to penetrate the grass blades, which enhances the growth of the weeds.

2. Sharpen The Blades

For better efficiency, your mower blades should be sharp before any mowing session. A sharp blade is able to cut turf well, while a rough blade with sharp rims destroys the lawn’s surface. The intermittent tears of the grass blades would most likely give access to viruses and pests.

For contrast, a lawn cut with a rough rusty blade could develop as a brownish or white shade as the tips of the individual grass-blades die.

Allow routine in the mowing season to sharpen the blades of your mower regularly. You can also reduce the frequency of sharpening by not mowing over stone or dense leaves, which can increase blade dullness. Getting a spare mower blade is not expensive and it always comes in handy.

3. Adjust The Height Of The Mower

You will have to raise the height of the mower as the seasons change. You should, for instance, shift the cutting deck higher in summer to allow the turf to grow longer. This is because, from the summer heat and exposure, taller vegetation can shade the surface. Preventing the growth of weeds and rapid water evaporation from the soil.

In comparison, taller grass is expected to grow deeper roots, making the lawn more resistant to drought. In late autumn, especially in places where snow cover comes with winter. Lower the cutting deck so that the mould resulting from snow does not grow on the lawn.

4. Use Different Patterns

Any time you mow, do not mow in the same pattern or direction. This is because you are at risk of soil compaction and ruts or potholes in the lawn developing.

Take notice that the health of your grass as it is probably compromised by compacted soil and furrows. In addition, weeds would probably seize the chance to flourish in the compacted soil.

5. No Mowing On The Wet Grass

When it is dry, it is advisable for you to mow your lawn. This is because the mower deck will not be clogged with damp grass and clump together, leaving you with rough cuts.

Use a silicone spray on the underside of your lawnmower if you must mow in wet or humid weather. This way, for better and even slices, the grass does not stick anywhere on it. It also helps prevent rust and the mower deck deterioration. An example of this spray can be seen here:

6. Do Not Forget To Leave Clippings

After mowing, leave the grass on your lawn rather than bagging it because it turns into natural fertilizer which is good for the lawn. The term for this is called grass recycling which is best accomplished by frequent lawn maintenance with just one-third of the grass blades removed with each mowing and the cuttings left on the lawn.

Grass recycling will save you time and money because it accounts for up to 25 percent of lawn fertilizer. First, you need to cut it for long grass, then mow more frequently with sharper cutting blades.

7. The Evening Is The Best Time For Mowing

The high heat of mowing is likely to stress you and your lawn. If you cannot mow in the dark, wait in the evening for the sun to set and then mow. When temperatures are cooler, it is easier to mow so that individual grass doesn’t lose as much water and recovers easily after mowing.

Conclusion

Except in harsh weather conditions such as high temperatures, drought, and even during winter snow, mowing properly will make the lawn look better over time. So take care of your grass for a better lawn, with the above lawn and landscape maintenance ideas.

Related Articles:

• Lawn Mower Carburetor Cleaner
• Excellent Lawn Care Tips

This is a guest contribution from Vaishali Sonik.

CNC machining is the pinnacle of carving and fabrication. It is not just limited to wood, plastic or aluminium fabrication. It goes all the way to steel and many other metals fabrication. CNC is digitalized and automated. It uses codes to receive commands and understand tools and workpieces.

CNC machining is the process of fabrication through subtraction. Meaning it carves and creates things out of materials by cutting parts of. In this article we will discuss more on the question “what is CNC machining?” it’s working principles, capabilities and many more. We will try to provide a complete and clear concept of CNC machining.

Definition of CNC Machining

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It’s a type of machining that does the work of fabrication automatically. It takes commands from the user or machinist through codes. They are mainly called G-codes and M-codes.

In the traditional perspective, CNC machining does only a few types of machine work. Some common CNC prototype machining services are milling, turning, grinding, routing and drilling and a lot more. You can visit artmachining.com to know more about CNC machining services.

Functions of CNC Machining

CNC machines are fully automated. They only take commands from digital codes and files. Since they are computerized, that is the only way to communicate with the machine. The fabrication or designing process needs tools to work.

The physical tools might be given, but if the machine does not recognize them, they are useless. That is why most machinists have a set of tools in the digital library files of the machine. So the machine can easily recognize the tools.

Whatever design you want to produce, you must give input to the machine. This input of your design can be modelled in 3D software, like CAD. CAM software is responsible for preparing the model. It will check for errors in the model. Then it will create a fabrication instruction for the CNC machine.

When all of this is done the machinist must set the parameters and dimensions for the workpiece. The machinist must also give instructions to the machine. These include cutting speed, voltage, fan speed, RPMs, etc. They will determine how much work the machine has to perform for the workpiece.

The last step is called nesting. It is the orientation and placement of the material pieces. This process finishes the fabrication process.

CNC codes

There are two codes for CNC machines to work with.

One is called G-code. G-code stands for geometric codes. It is a type of language that tells the machine how and where to move. From the help of this code, the machine can determine how much energy out it needs to provide.

G-code is literally the bread and butter for CNC machining, but there is another code that is also very important. That is called the M-code. It stands for machine codes or miscellaneous codes. It gives instructions for other tools that are not really necessary, like the use of coolant, program stoppage, power back up etc.

These two codes together make the CNC machine work perfectly. One gives the directions and the other acts as side support or a backup. If one of them is missing, the machine might not function to its fullest.

Classifications of CNC Machining

There are many different types of CNC machines. Based on their functions which we have mentioned earlier CNC machining comes in many classes. A list of some of the CNC machining is given below.

Cutters:

• Beam cutters
• Plasma cutters
• Water jet cutters
• Fire cutters

Press Breakers

Milling machine
Turning Machine
Driller
Routing machine
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine)

And there are many more. With the digitalization of machining, the potentials are unlimited. CNC machining is the breakthrough of this century.

CNC Machining Capabilities

Since CNC machining has no limitations and the potential is limitless, there are so many things CNC machining can make. Since the tools have a wide range, there are so many materials CNC machining can make use of. For example, 3 axis milling machines can make most materials of basic shapes.

While a common 3 axis milling machine has 3 axes with linear movements, a 5 axis is way better than that with rotating capabilities. A 5 axis milling machine can rotate the axe cutter head and even the machine bed.

This tremendous improvement in machining is great, but it has costs. CNC machining is the most costly. This is why traditional machines are still in use in the prototyping industry. CNC machining is now used in more quality enriched rapid production.

In industries that require high accuracy, CNC is dominant. For example:

• Aeronautics
• Electro
• Defense
• Mining and drilling
• Industrial machining
• Food and Beverage
• RMG
• Vehicle manufacture
• Prototyping, etc.

CNC machining has made its place in the production industry. To be frank, CNC is dominant now. And why wouldn’t it be? It is reliable, it provides quality and it has rapid production capabilities. Yes, CNC machining is a bit more costly than others, but the big picture is that it makes complex tasks possible.

It is surely difficult to finance and operate CNC but think of all the potentials. It can assure top-notch quality. It promotes the creativity of the machinist. We believe that in the future, even though traditional machines will always prevail, CNC automated machining will become the main go-to.

Conclusion

CNC machining is a revolution in fabrication and manufacturing history. It has changed a lot of things. We don’t have to say no to a design anymore. Complex designs don’t take forever now. We don’t need only experts to carve something.

We can now make any designs come to life if we have the code for it. CNC machining has made all of these possible. Although CNC machining is highly expensive, the output that comes from it is greatly valued.

We hope our take on what is CNC machining, its working principles, capabilities, and many more were covered in this article. This knowledge about CNC will definitely help anyone who wishes to learn.

This is a guest post article from Erik Neil for artmachining.com