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If you’re a homeowner who is dealing with a basement that’s prone to flooding, you know how much of a headache it can be to deal with. Not only is flooding a health hazard for you and your family, but it is also destructive to your property and damaging to the integrity of your home as well. If you’re ready to make flooding a thing of the past, keep reading. Here are some ways you can do just that and ensure your home is left safe and healthy for everyone.

Focus on Its Foundation and Drainage

Sometimes, making major changes to your home is necessary in order to prevent disasters like flooding. Other times, making simple changes might be all you need to fix the issue.

Depending on the severity of the flooding, getting a good look at your entire foundation will serve as an indicator of what’s really going on down there. Since this is not exactly a project you can effectively even begin do by hand, don’t hesitate to call for emergency excavation services Festus MO. Keep in mind that any work done around a foundation has the potential to be dangerous so it’s important to rely on the professionals.

Do you have gutters and downspouts installed on your home? If you do, are they clear of debris? If you don’t have a gutter system yet, add it to the top of your to-do list. When installed correctly (and in good working condition) these are instrumental in ensuring rainwater runs away from your home, not towards it.

It’s also important to make sure the grade of your landscape is appropriate, making changes as necessary. Grade plays another huge part in whether the soil around your foundation is well-drained or not.

Clean the Right Way

Drying out and cleaning a flooded basement is no small task, and it’s important that you do it the right way.

Having a sump pump on hand to remove as much standing water as possible is a necessity. For those times when there’s too much water for your pump to handle, calling in water damage professionals will ensure your basement is drained effectively. Proper ventilation is also critical to this process, as is tossing out items that have become soaked, such as cardboard boxes, carpeting and other soft surfaces that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

If your basement is finished, removing the drywall might be the only way to determine how far the flood water seeped through. Any soaked drywall should be removed and replaced. However, you still might be able to salvage some depending on the depth of the flood.

In addition to removing water and ventilating, be sure to make sanitation a priority. Since floodwaters tend to contain harmful bacteria, thoroughly disinfecting all washable surfaces in your basement with bleach is a must.…

Tile Cleaning Equipment With Vacuum Extraction Feature

Ask most contractors what they require with their tile cleaning equipment and they would reply – productivity. Without a machine that offers high output, your business could fail. Tiles can be very hard to clean. Soap scum, water stains, molds, food stains, and other impurities accumulate on tiles quickly. In commercial kitchens and public restrooms especially, dirt accumulates on tile very fast.

Dirty tiles are a health hazard. They are home to bacteria and molds. These organisms cause allergies and various other illnesses. If you do not clean tiles in bathrooms and kitchens regularly, you would be creating unsanitary conditions for employees and customers.

One of the fastest ways to clean tiles is to use tile cleaning equipment, like advanced commercial steam cleaners. These steam hard surface cleaners offer very high temperatures, up to 386A�F, with the ability to remove dirt spots, sugars, food, and other residue easily. They are also suitable for removing chewing gum provided they are equipped with gum cleaning kits.

One of the major differences between home use and commercial tile cleaning equipment used in large commercial and industrial settings is vacuum extraction.

Advantage of Vacuum Extraction

Vacuum extraction makes the cleaning process faster and safer. Usually, steam cleaning cannot remove dirt from the surface; it can only loosen the dirt in order to make their removal easier. High capacity commercial tile cleaning equipment and floor steam cleaners, however, are optimized for dirt removal.

These machines are fitted with dry and wet vacuum extraction. Dry vacuum feature works much like ordinary vacuum cleaning. Wet vacuum extraction eliminates the need to handle dirt and moisture. It eliminates the need to use a separate vacuum cleaner prior to steam cleaning. Instead of wiping the surface with a towel after applying steam, the wet vacuuming feature will help suction off moisture and dirt particles.

Most machines geared for vacuum extraction offer an additional advantage. They have a HEPA filter to enable complete removal of dirt particles and allergens in the air. These filters can trap the minutest of pollen, dust mites, and similar particles. Consequently, whether you use them for dry or wet vacuuming, these machines will offer stellar service in dirt removal.

Detailing Tools

Detailing brushes, squeegees, and steam hoses are an important component of tile cleaning equipment. If you are cleaning tiles with floor steam cleaners, these detailing tools will help get the tiles and grout lines clean.

Usually, commercial floor cleaning equipment is sold with the following types of brushes and tools specific to tile cleaning:

Rectangular brush, large – Add a microfiber towel to clean the entire tiled surface.

Floor tool with extraction – Cleans and simultaneously extracts on tiled floors and surfaces, only available with steam vacuum cleaners.

Nylon, brass, and stainless steel detail brushes – Used for additional scrubbing required in grout lines. Test areas before applying more abrasive brushes.

For cleaning heavily greased, stained surfaces, you would require special floor cleaning equipment, including hard surface cleaners such as pressure washers. These versatile machines perform many functions, including floor and tile cleaning over large areas.

To find the most powerful and efficient steam cleaners, hard floor cleaners, pressure washers, and other cleaning machines for floor and tile cleaning, visit reputable, online suppliers.…

Each year, millions of Americans choose to construct a home from scratch. Generally, the people who choose to have a home built are unable to find a residence they like on the pre-existing market. Rather than just settling for a home out of necessity, you need to work on bring your vision of a dream home to life.

The best way to do this is by investing in a custom-built home. Are you trying to have success with the home building process? If so, check out the helpful information below.

Choosing the Right Home Builder is Imperative

The first thing you need to focus on when trying to get a new home built is finding a reputable and experienced builder. In most cases, there will be a number of home builders in your area. Taking the time to research each one is the only way to ensure the right hire is made.

Before you sign a contract with a new home builder, consulting with a legal professional is a must. With the help of a person that has real estate legal expertise Alexandria VA, you can avoid getting taken advantage of. Getting a few different estimates from local builders is crucial when trying to figure out which one can provide you with a great deal.

Be Prepared For Delays

If you are new to the world of custom-built homes, you need to prepare yourself for plenty of delays. Things like bad weather can lead to your home construction getting delayed. Instead of freaking out when this happens, you need to stay in constant contact with your builder to see what they are doing to get back on track.

Getting a high-quality home constructed is only possible with the help of a great builder. Looking at the portfolio a home builder has is wise when trying to assess how much skill and experience they have.…

How to Care for and Polish Your Wooden Floor

Wooden floors are a chic yet simple option for flooring in any home. They can be customised and decorated with different rugs and mats as well as there being a variety of shades and finishes for floors. Although some wear and scratches are inevitable with wooden floors, you can keep them looking in tip top condition by polishing. Here’s how:

Before polishing…

need to clean the floors! Water-based and pH neutral cleaners are best. The pH level refers to the alkalinity or acidity of a cleane; the more acidic cleaners (with a lower pH) are better for rinsing as opposed to cleaning. Higher pH cleaners are better at cleaning but will also dull the finish over time. Cleaners that are pH neutral will clean without harming the wax. They are available at most cleaning supply stores.

Dry clean first.

Floors cannot be cleaned right away with wet solutions, however. First, dirt and other particles need to be swept with a broom. This should of course be done regularly anyway! Next, floors need to be vacuumed in order to get into the hard to reach areas of the floor.

Once surface is clean

After sweeping and vacuuming, spray cleaner evenly on the floor. Wipe the floor with one rag and dry the floor with another. Excess water expands the wood and creates cracks so make sure you aren’t soaking the floor or leaving any excess liquid after wiping. If you find it difficult to get down on the floor, lightly dampening a mop and then mopping the floor twice and buffing dry is another option.

Once the floor has been cleaned…

is time to polish. After all furniture is cleared, a four to six inch puddle of wax should be poured onto the floor. Allow the wax applicator to absorb some wax and reapply the wax if it absorbs it all. Next, place the applicator in a corner of the room and pull it back. Wax should be spread evenly across the floor. Keep soaking the applicator in wax and overlap wax lines for an even finish. Once the wax covers the entire floor, allow thirty to sixty minutes to dry, depending on the bottle’s instructions.

Which wax?

There are several options for floor wax, and the type one uses depends on the floor’s finish. To test a wax, place a few drops in a hidden place on the floor. If the wax beads up, it can be used. If it soaks into the wood and makes it dark, it is inappropriate. In addition to the options for wax available at the store, jojoba oil, linseed oil and tung oil can also be used to polish floors.

With proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors can maintain their luster and style for years.…

Farming attracts people from all walks of life, from people who have watched their parents and grandparents operate their own farms to city-slickers who have never seen a live chicken before but dream of a life in the country. While starting a farm may seem easy, it takes dedication and proper planning to succeed.

1. Create a Plan

While it may be tempting to just buy a plot of land and get started, it is a good idea to do a lot of research before beginning. There are plenty of different types of farms, from small hobby farms to large-scale operations. It is not usually feasible to raise many kinds of livestock or grow many kinds of crops in one area, so pick one or two things to focus on. The plan should also include marketing ideas and a budget with realistic numbers to keep debt to a minimum.

2. Obtain Land

Once the desired livestock or crops have been picked out, a suitable plot of land should be found. While debris removal Tallassee can be used to clear out land, it is a good idea to pick a plot that is the right size and shape.

3. Find Supplies

Look for bargains online and at auctions to find cheap equipment and supplies. Do not be afraid to walk away from a deal if the price isn’t right. Friends and neighbors may be willing to use the barter system, so be prepared to negotiate mutually beneficial deals. Make sure to inspect items before purchase to ensure they are in good condition and will serve their intended purpose.

Deciding to start up a farm can be a wonderful choice for people who love nature and don’t shy away from hard work. With careful planning and research, it is possible to create a prosperous farm that can be an enjoyable source of income for decades.…

Do you ever walk into your bathroom and just feel tired? Do you want to upgrade it but don’t have the budget for a full remodel? You are not alone. Luckily there are several steps you can take to spruce up your bathroom without breaking the bank. From paint to decoration, these are inexpensive ways to freshen up your room.

Paint or Wallpaper

Adding a fresh coat of paint is a quick and affordable way to refresh your bathroom. You can paint the whole room or add an accent wall. Do yourself a favor and choose a color that makes you look great when you look in the mirror to make you feel your best. If you want to add an extra level of design, choose a fun wallpaper. Just make sure that it is a wallpaper that will do well in a high-humidity space.

New Bathroom Decor

Purchasing new bathroom decor is a quick, inexpensive way to give your bathroom a new look. Soft furnishings like towels will make your showers more luxurious. Decorate your sink or vanity with a hammered silver texture bath set. Instead of wallpaper, you can choose a patterned shower curtain. The options are endless and you can have fun decorating your bathroom.

Lighting

Change your bathroom’s ambiance with new lighting. Make it opulent with a chandelier. Install Hollywood style lights around the mirror for a touch a glamor. Don’t feel like you need to settle for harsh or dim lighting. See yourself in a new light with a new fixture.

Self-care is more important these days than it ever has been before. You deserve to take care of yourself in a bathroom that meets your needs. Have fun upgrading your space and treat yourself to decorations and fixtures that make you feel good and happy to be getting ready in the morning.…

When you’re choosing kitchen countertops, you want something that looks amazing but also holds up as a great kitchen workhorse. After all, those counters are expected to handle a lot of food preparation and family gatherings while still looking beautiful.

With endless options available these days, it’s easy to feel intimidated when it’s time to make a choice. To make it a bit easier, here are a few of the top considerations to keep in mind before making your purchasing decision.

1 – Do You Care About Maintenance?

Some types of materials come with a lot of maintenance, while others only require a regular wipe-down when counters are dirty. Go with granite countertops Denver or other porous materials like limestone or marble and you need to seal them yearly. Wooden countertops can require oil a couple of times a year. Know the demands of living with different materials before making a choice.

2 – How Will You Use Your Countertops Most?

Think about how you and your family use the kitchen. Do you do a lot of cooking? Does a lot of snacking take place in your kitchen? Are you worried about food stains? Do you cook multiple times a day or only a few times a week? How you use your kitchen and countertops will help you determine the best options for your needs.

3 – Know Your Size Requirements

It’s helpful if you know how many linear feet you’ll need in your countertop material of choice. Knowing any dimensions for the counters that aren’t standard will also help. This will help you determine prices as you compare materials. If you happen to have an island, you may want to go with an affordable option, while still choosing more expensive materials for the rest of your adjacent counters.

4 – Keep Budget in Mind

Budget is probably one of the top considerations as you’re choosing your countertops. Plastic laminate begins at about $22 per square foot, but if you go with top-grade granite countertops or marble, then you could pay as much as $250 per square foot. Prices vary widely and depend on local builders and suppliers. Know your budget, but if your ideal material costs just a bit more than you planned, it’s often worth it since you’ll be living with this decision for years.

5 – What Materials Grab Your Attention?

Aesthetics is important. After all, you have to look at the counters every day for years. You want countertops that really speak to you. Think about what materials really grab your attention. What makes you do a double-take? Knowing what you love looking at can make up for any shortcomings the material may have. So while budget, maintenance, and other considerations are important, you want to have countertops in your kitchen that you love looking at each day. …