Our Tree Cutting Tips Will Help You Save On Costs And Get the Job Done Right

Posted on January 29, 2022 by Dean

tree cutting services

Ah, getting rid of trees. It’s not an easy job, you have to have the right equipment, or you won’t be able to complete the job. There are so many different aspects of tree cutting that you need to take into consideration before actually starting the job.

Luckily, there are tree-cutting tips from tree cutting services you can apply to ensure you go about it the right way. 

Get proper equipment

If you’re going to cut down a tree, it’s best to make sure you have the proper equipment. You’ll need a good saw so the job gets done quickly. It’s also important to make sure you have a safe place to work.

Make sure that all branches are cleared away from power lines and any other electrical equipment because if you cut a branch and it falls on top of something, it can cause serious problems.

Shield your eyes

When you are cutting trees, you should always wear eye protection. This is true whether you are cutting down a tree or simply pruning. Eye protection should include goggles, glasses, or a face shield.

A limb can easily cause an eye injury that could result in loss of vision or even blindness. If you have any doubt about whether goggles or glasses will be sufficient for your needs, invest in a face shield.

In addition, wear protective clothing. Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your arms and legs from cuts, scrapes, and debris.

Tie back long hair or put it up in a hat. Long hair could get tangled in branches or cut by the saw blade.

Keep a first-aid kit nearby

Tree cutting is one of the most dangerous activities that you can do on your own. Accidents are common, and they can lead to serious injuries or even death.

To lower the risks involved, consider having a first aid kit readily available and make sure it has bandages, gauze, rubbing alcohol, and other essential items needed for minor injuries.

Get an extra set of eyes

When you are cutting a tree, one of the most important things to do is to keep your eyes open. You want to make sure that you do not accidentally cut into any electrical wires that might be in the area.

Also, you want to make sure that when the tree falls, it does not fall on top of a car or a building.

To avoid this from happening, you should have someone on hand who will alert you if something is about to go wrong.

Choose the direction the tree should fall

The best way to avoid injury from falling trees is to choose a direction for the tree to fall that will not put anyone in danger. It is often more effective to cut far enough away from structures so that the tree falls away from them rather than toward them.

Hire a professional arborist if you are unsure of how to proceed with your tree removal project.

Make sure you have an escape route planned if things go wrong. Never begin cutting a tree until you are sure there is an escape route available should something go wrong.

Bottom Line

Not all trees should be cut.

Some benefits of leaving a tree in your backyard include shade, supporting the ecosystem and biodiversity, and other various reasons.

If you’re still going to cut down a tree, it is recommended to have your protective gear on and a first-aid kit in the event of an accident.

It will also help to have someone to watch out for any branches that could potentially cause harm and warn you in advance.

Scared of the dangers that come with tree cutting? Let an experienced tree removal services MD handle it for you.

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Do You Tip Countertop Installers?

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Dean

granite countertop installers

Embarking on the journey of remodeling or renovating a home where you install granite countertops and everything is no small feat. There will be sleepless nights, expenses off the roof, and uncooperative workers. However, you may encounter great workers and feel the need to appreciate their efforts.

Do you tip countertop installers? Tipping countertop installers is a matter of personal opinion. Some people believe it is necessary, while others feel that it is optional. 

People from different backgrounds have different tipping customs, and tips are usually given in cash. In addition, countertops can be heavy, so having someone help with moving them into the house can make things easier for both parties involved.

While some people believe you should tip others, others believe that the job should pay well enough on its own that tipping is unnecessary or even considered rude.

So, should you tip? Here are some compelling reasons to do so.

They put in a lot of effort

Countertops can be heavy, especially when they are in the process of being installed. Because countertops are large and heavy, they require special equipment and care when they are being moved. 

If you have had a new countertop recently installed in your home, you may or may not also have noticed that the installers do not lift the entire piece at one time. Instead, they take shorter breaks while lifting the countertop into place.

A countertop installer may have been on his feet all day, carrying heavy pieces of stone or marble. Suppose you have hired a professional countertop installer. In that case, it is possible that he already has been paid for his work by your contractor or other party involved in your renovation project.

It is unlikely that he will be reimbursed for any gas or car expenses he used to travel to and from your home for installation. You may choose to give them a token of appreciation for their effort because if you were in their shoes, you would be in the same situation.

Appreciating a job well done

Some people feel they should tip anyone who does an excellent job installing countertops because they are making things better than they previously were. 

Others feel they should tip only if the installation is better than expected since if it meets expectations, there is no extra motivation to be rewarded.

Whatever the case, a tip is always appreciated. A lot of skill goes into getting you the perfect countertops, so if you feel that the countertop installers have done a stellar job, it is good to appreciate them.

It motivates them to keep doing what they are doing and feel recognized that their skills can not only bring change but also joy.

Countertop installers are human 

At times, giving out a cash tip may seem rude because the countertop installer may be assumed to be underpaid. In such a case, the cash tip may make the countertop installer feel small if they expected a little more.

To avoid such a situation, you can tip them in other ways by offering them food and drinks during their break. This lets them know that you care that they are also human and need a break and food to restore their energy.

Bottom Line

There is no right answer to whether you should tip your granite countertop installers Rockville. The decision is solely on your beliefs and what you feel like. If you want to appreciate them for a job well-done, you may proceed to do so.

Just be careful that your tip doesn’t end up insulting them or belittling them. Instead, you can go for non-monetary tips and still show your appreciation.

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How to Tell if Sewer Pipe is Leaking

Posted on November 20, 2021 by Dean

appliance repair

Nothing paints a bad picture of a great home than unpleasant smells from leaking sewer pipes. The sight is undesirable and unhygienic for anyone to be living in such conditions.

The worst thing is some pipes can be leaking, and you won’t even know it. To maintain your hygiene levels, you need to stay on top of things. The trick is to watch out for any signs early enough and address them before they become severe.

Do you think you might be having a leaky sewer in your home? Here is how to tell if sewer pipe is leaking as given by drain cleaning services: 

Bad smell

The most obvious sign of a leaking sewer pipe is a terrible smell. Sewer pipes are supposed to be sealed and airtight to pass the waste without any smells. If you catch a hint of any bad smells, it might be time to get your sewer pipes checked out.

Strange sounds

If you hear any strange sounds, such as constant running water or a slow drain, it could be a sign of a leaking sewer pipe. 

To ascertain that the problem stems from the sewer pipes, close all faucets and check that your toilet has no leaks. If the problem persists, you have a problem that needs to be handled, and you should call the plumber immediately to fix it.

Be careful not to use chemical drains without consulting an expert, as it could worsen the problem. 

Mold

Do not take the appearance of mold lightly. At first, it may start small, and you may think it’s just a tiny leak. However, if left unaddressed for a long time, the situation could worsen, and you may end up having to replace your roof, walls, and anything else that may be damaged.

Mold prospers in areas with high humidity and will start to grow. Now, you will have bad smells to deal with and mold to take care of.

To prevent reaching such extremes, inspect your walls and roof often to check for any mold. The sooner, the better.

Dip in your lawn

When walking around in your compound, don’t just soak in the sun and enjoy nature. Make an effort to observe your lawn and check any areas that may have an indentation along your sewer line. 

If you notice the area around the sewer line has dipped, or soil has dissipated, you may be experiencing a sewer pipe leak. The leak may be directed to an undesignated area causing the soil to scatter hence causing the dip.

Cracks in walls and sinkholes

If you notice any cracks in your wall that were not there, this is a reason to be worried. A leak that has not been treated for an extended period tends to cause cracks in walls and other areas where the sewer pipe passes.

You may also notice your sinkhole leaves some water residue whenever you are using the sink. It is important to report these problems as soon as you spot these signs, as cracks in walls can interfere with the foundation of a house.

Drain contractors Harrison report that a small crack can graduate and become a large one that can bring the house down, forcing you to move out or, in extreme cases, collapse the building.

Bottom Line

You don’t have to be an expert in plumbing, but you can equip yourself with the knowledge to spot any leaks in your sewer pipe early enough. 

Early detection can help you save your house and unexpected expenses.

The trick is to be on the lookout, especially in areas where no one would expect. So, ensure while you are taking a dip in the pool, your lawn has also not taken a dip. 

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Is It Worth Remodeling a Modular Home?

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Dean

modular home

Most people look into renovating their homes to improve their living conditions or add value to their property. But is it worth remodeling a modular home? 

Unlike stick-in houses, modular homes (also known as manufactured homes) depreciate over time. So is it worth hiring architects builders and putting your money in something that will be worthless in a few years? Let’s find out.  

3 Main Factors to Consider Before Remodelling a Modular Home

Don’t just wake up one day and decide to pump in money into a modular home. Sometimes it is not worth it. So before you make the decision, consider the following factors carefully.

The Purpose

Why are you doing the remodeling? 

This is a very crucial question in this situation. Is it to increase your comfort in your home, or are you doing this for other purposes? For example, if you think remodeling a modular home will increase its value, it is not worth it. 

As mentioned earlier, unlike permanent fixed homes, manufactured homes do not appreciate. It is advisable to remodel a modular home only if you are looking to fix underlying issues and improve the general living conditions of your family. 

Renovating with the hope of increasing the value might lead to disappointments because depreciation on a modular home could mean the value of the upgrades will lose their value as well.

The Condition of the Home

The next big question is,  what is the condition of the home you aim to remodel? What is the state of the wiring, roofing, and windows? 

If there was no proper maintenance done over the years, there might be more significant problems regarding the state of the home in general. Remodeling a poorly maintained modular home might take much more effort and money than if you were to buy a whole new manufactured house. 

Also, does the home already have water damage? This might be even worse than a poorly maintained home. To check if the house has water damage, ensure no stains on the ceiling or around windows or doors, and the floors are not soft.

A modular house in good condition should have solid and damage-free floors, ceilings, and walls. Also, the hinges on the doors and cabinets should open and close smoothly without any hindrances. 

If you suspect that the house already has water damage, investing more money in it might not be worth it. 

The Cost of Remodelling

Before you consider remodeling a modular home, first consider all the expenses. Is it worth it? 

Just like regular stick-in houses, it is possible to estimate the value of your home based on the current market prices of the same design modular homes. Check the home’s value and compare it to the top market value after making certain repairs or upgrades. 

Is the cost worth it? There is no point in remodeling if the cost of repairs cannot be justified by obtaining a higher value after the remodel. 

Well, unless your motivation is not related to the home’s market value and is based more on personal satisfaction. 

Planning to Remodel a Modular Home?

Although it is not always value for money when remodeling a modular home, it is still a good improvement for your living conditions. You and your family can significantly benefit from a well-thought-out and well-planned remodel.

But before you jump both feet in, it is crucial to take your time and carefully consider the above factors. This will help you determine whether contacting home remodeling architects DC to remodel your modular home is a good decision or not. 

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How Often Should a Furnace Get Serviced?

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Dean

furnace repair

If you have ever lived through one piercing cold winter without proper heating, then you know how important it is to have a well-conditioned heating system in a home. The crippling shiver is not a joke! Don’t wait until you have to endure it.

One way to ensure that no mistakes are made is to make sure that your home furnace is serviced frequently enough. But how often should a furnace get serviced, you ask? Here is all you need to know as given by HVAC repair services providers. 

How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance?

A furnace should have a comprehensive inspection and maintenance service at least once a year. Many people assume that a furnace does not require yearly maintenance services, especially if you are not using it often. 

But the truth is, whether you are using your furnace daily or once every two weeks, a healthy furnace needs to have comprehensive checks done once every year. You skip your monthly dentist check because you do not eat sweets often, do you? If you do that, that small cavity could end up bringing down the whole tooth. 

The maintenance costs might dissuade you from scheduling that appointment, but you must resist that temptation. If anything goes wrong, the cost of repairing the furnace and bringing it back to working condition might be greater than the cost you will incur for the annual maintenance. 

Common Problems of a Not So Well Maintained Furnace

Many problems come from not taking care of your furnace – if you are lucky not to freeze on one of those chilly winter nights. Statistics show that 75% of the calls furnace maintenance experts receive are during winter nights, and most are ‘no heat’ complaints. 

These experts believe that half of these calls are a direct result of neglecting furnace maintenance. The trauma could have been avoided if the homeowners had taken the annual maintenance service seriously. 

Here are some of the other furnace problems that arise from not scheduling your maintenance on time. 

High energy bills

A maintenance service helps ensure that your appliance is working efficiently and does not spend more energy to perform the same service for your home. For example, dirty filters make your furnace work a lot harder to heat your home, therefore using a lot more electricity. This leads to higher energy bills and, thus, high expenditure on your part.

High repairs costs

Prevention is sometimes better than cure. For example, a clog in the pilot opening can lead to a damaged or broken gas valve. If this clog had been efficiently taken care of during the annual maintenance service, the cost of replacing the whole gas valve could have been avoided altogether. 

Dirty air circulation inside the house

The unclean filter will not bring clean air into the house. One of the primary services offered during the annual maintenance service is cleaning or replacement of air filters. This ensures that the air coming in is clean and healthy. 

Benefits of Scheduling Your Annual Furnace Maintenance Service

Call your maintenance service today. Do not wait until the situation is dire. 

In addition to ensuring that your furnace is efficient when you most need it, many benefits come from getting your furnace regularly serviced. These benefits include:

  • Reduce energy bills
  • Reduced repairs costs
  • Extended life expectancy for your appliance

Conclusion

Good and regular furnace maintenance keeps you on the green and allows you to enjoy the winter season without the worry of freezing your toes. Disregarding how often you use your furnace, ensure that HVAC companies Arlington VA inspect and do a thorough maintenance service on your furnace at least once every year.

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I Hate My Granite Countertops. What Should I Do?

Posted on August 26, 2021 by Dean

granite countertops

I hate my granite countertops. What should I do? Well, if you hate them, then throw them out and replace them. Simple! 

But since you are here, it is clear that you are not looking for this answer, right? We all have one or two things in our home that do not precisely make our hearts pound. It could be that vanity that you ordered online that was not exactly what the pictures promised, or it could be an antique table that your spouse insists on keeping, although it does not go well with the rest of the decor. 

But what do we do when replacing something is not an option? This article will give you tips on what to do with those countertops that do not precisely match your preferences. 

3 Ways to Change Granite Countertops That Does Not Involve Replacement

Paint it!

One of the boldest ways to deal with not-so-pleasing granite countertops is to paint them. This allows you to have a completely different look for your countertops without the need to replace them. 

On the surface, it looks like a crazy idea. But people paint laminate all the time, right? So why not paint granite? The process is a little bit more complex, but it is very doable. You can hire a professional to do the work or do it DIY as a little private project and save even more money. 

To demonstrate how easy it is to completely change the look of your kitchen on a budget, here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint granite countertops. 

If You Can’t Change the Granite, Then Tone It Down!

Although you may not like it, you also may not have many options at your disposal. So why not try to work with what you have at hand? Check and evaluate all the elements of the kitchen that you can work to draw attention from the countertops. 

For example, you could paint the walls around the kitchen to give them a more aesthetic appeal to draw attention away from the countertops. You could also provide the cabinets with a facelift by painting them or even replacing them altogether. 

Sometimes, the problem might not be the granite but the surrounding environment. For example, if the countertops are too bright, they might clash with the rest of the kitchen decor and make you hate the feel of it. Adjusting the other decor slightly can solve the whole problem. 

Seal It!

This is a good option especially if your granite countertops have a matte finish – a polished finish might be a little harder to remedy. 

All you need to o is use a color enhancer sealer to darken the color. It will give the surface a sheen and ‘wet look’ effects that can potentially give the granite a completely different look and feel.

This trick can also be used on polished granite, but the effects will be watered down, and sometimes, there is no result at all. So if your granite countertops are already shiny, this might not be the best option for you. 

Conclusion

In all honesty, none of the above options are guaranteed. The only reliable solution is to replace the granite kitchen countertops Durham NC entirely with something that tickles your fancy. Also, keep in mind that what you might not like might be perfect for another homeowner. 

So if the granite does not have any flaws other than being a shade that does not match your preference, you can consider giving it a chance and letting the countertops be. 

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What Do I Need to Know About an Outdoor Kitchen?

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Dean

outdoor kitchen

What do I need to know about an outdoor kitchen? Outdoor kitchen contractors reckon there are plenty of things you should know. 

Any homeowner looking to extend their outdoor living area must have had to ask this question at some point. Like building a house, much thought and financial investment go into successfully constructing an outdoor kitchen. 

Hence it is vital to ensure that you know all there is to know about the whole process. An outdoor kitchen not only extends your home and living, but if done right, it adds market value to your property. So, here are some things you need to know about an outdoor kitchen.

Things to Consider Before Building an Outdoor Kitchen

Materials

The climate and environment in your home play a significant role in your outdoor kitchen’s building materials. Different climates affect different materials differently and have their unique challenges. 

Therefore the material you choose will affect not only the design of the kitchen but also the functionality of the kitchen – for example, in areas with drastic weather changes, materials vulnerable to extreme fluctuations in temperature can interfere with sliding doors and hinges. 

In such regions, powder-coated stainless steel is usually the recommended material to use. It is known to interact well with any chemical changes and can withstand severe weather conditions. 

Design and Layout

In addition to functionality, the outdoor kitchen design you choose should complement the design and aesthetic of the other parts of the home. It would not go well to have a modern chic interior design for your indoor kitchen and have an old-school design for the outdoor kitchen. 

The general layout of the outdoor area is also essential. For example, having a dining table and sitting area that is inclusive makes the area look alive. Also, have the sitting area close to the grill to make serving more effortless and enjoyable.  

Appliances 

Appliances are an essential part of outdoor living. I mean, imagine an outdoor kitchen without a grill. Can you even call that an outdoor kitchen? Although you could do the cooking from the indoor kitchen and transfer the already cooked meals to the outdoor area, preparing meals and cooking outside with the free air makes the experience worthwhile. 

A small refrigerator keeps condiments cold and readily available for grabs, while power burners make frying as easy as snapping your fingers. Before you start building your outdoor kitchen, first sit down and decide what appliances are essential for your kitchen. 

Also, while constructing the kitchen, ensure that each appliance has a proper ventilation system to avoid any safety hazards. 

Location

The best location for an outdoor kitchen is in a place that is easiest to access from the indoor kitchen. It allows for minimal effort to transfer items from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor kitchen. 

You do not want to travel all the way across the yard every time you need something from the indoor kitchen. This also ensures that it is easier and cheaper to run utilities.  

Maintenance and Care

Since the kitchen is outside, it will probably require more cleaning and maintenance than an indoor kitchen. However, it also depends on the material used. For example, for stainless steel, a simple wipe down with a mild all-purpose cleaner once in a while will do the trick. 

Also, you might need to cover your kitchen in certain weather conditions to protect it from damage. But it is considered good practice to cover the grills anytime they are not in use. 

Conclusion

Whatever you do, remember that an outdoor kitchen is an extension of your home and should not be taken for granted. One way to ensure that the kitchen is professionally built is to ensure that experienced masonry contractors Long Island do the work. 

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Guide to Cleaning Oriental Rugs With Baking Soda

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Dean

Did you know that you can use baking soda to clean your oriental rugs? Yes, you read that right! Baking soda is an affordable, environmentally friendly, suitable friend for your oriental rugs. It comes in handy when you most need a quick solution.

However, before you get all excited and start dumping baking soda on all the visible stains, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Therefore, this article provides a safe guide to cleaning area oriental rugs with baking soda.

How to Use Baking Soda to Clean Oriental Carpets

Baking soda has a variety of uses in modern homes. In fact, it seems like it is used in just about everything except for its actual purpose – baking. But who to blame? Baking soda is like a modern magic genie that grants unlimited wishes.

In rugs, for example, it helps remove stubborn stains and eliminate bad smells. So here is a simple guide on how to use baking soda on your precious rugs.

Removing Stains

There are two kinds of stains – greasy and non-greasy. There are two different ways to deal with these two kinds of stains;

Greasy Stains

  • Step 1. Always start by vacuuming the carpet to get rid of all the dirt and debris
  • Step 2. Use a paper towel (or a piece of cloth) to blot off as much grease as possible. However, do not rub around so that the grease doesn’t set further into the carpet.
  • Step 3. Spread a generous amount of baking soda on the affected area and thoroughly spread it into the mat (Ensure that the spot is not wet as baking soda can damage a wet carpet).
  • Step 4. Allow it to sit for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight).
  • Step 5. Thoroughly vacuum the baking soda off the carpet. If there is still a stain, use dish soap and a cloth to blot over the stain gently. Soak a different cloth in water to now remove the soapy residue of the stain. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
  • Step 6. Dry the rug as necessary.

Non-greasy Stain

  • Step 1. Vacuum the rug to remove dust and debris.
  • Step 2. Sprinkle a nice big amount of baking powder over the stain.
  • Step 3. Leave it to sit for at least eight hours
  • Step 4. Thoroughly vacuum the area. The stain should be completely gone.

Remove Bad Odor

Naturally, your carpet will start to smell after some time – especially if you have pets. Fortunately, baking soda provides a great way to remove the smell from the comfort of your home. Here is a step-by-step guide.

  • Step 1. Ensure that the room has restricted access and no one will access the room for the next few hours.
  • Step 2. Remember always to vacuum your carpet before you do any kind of cleaning.
  • Step 3. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking powder on the carpet and let it sit for a few hours – The smellier the carpet, the longer you should wait.
  • Step 4. Vacuum off all the powder from the carpet. Your carpet should now have a fresh, inviting smell.

Conclusion

Taking your oriental and antique rugs Vienna VA to the cleaners every time after a small accident happens can be tasking both financially and physically.

Fortunately, baking soda comes in as a modern carpet cleaning savior. A little vacuuming and sprinkling can save you a massive headache and frustration.

Above, we have listed down a step-by-step guide to help you quickly solve all these problems and keep your precious rug cleaning and smelling nice.

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Pros and Cons of Stamped Concrete vs Pavers

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Dean

\When constructing or replacing your exterior landscaping, there are various factors you need to take into consideration. Besides the pergola builders long island, the other important factor to consider is the nature of the construction material, as this is what determines the quality of your walkways, driveways, patio, or any other project you are doing. 

In the market today, there are a variety of options to choose from. However, stamped concrete and pavers are quite popular and a common choice for many homeowners. Therefore, in this article, we will explain some pros and cons of stamped concrete vs. pavers to help you make a good decision. 

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete describes concrete that is patterned or embossed to look like stone, brick, wood, tile, etc. Many builders refer to stamped concrete as a “miracle material” because of its versatility. It is used in almost every construction project, from simple patio construction to massive bridge structures. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of choosing stamped concrete for your construction project. 

Pros

  • Unique texture and variations. Stamped concrete offers plenty of colors and patterns. This, together with its great texture, gives it quite the ‘wow’ finish. 
  • Versatile. Stamped concrete is easy to mold, which gives it the ability to imitate many other materials, e.g., natural stone. This, together with its other advantages, gives it a superior hand in the construction industry. 
  • Easy to seal. They can seal easily stamped concrete to guarantee durability. 
  • It takes less time to construct. It takes less time to pour and flatten stamped concrete than the time it takes to lay pavers. 

Cons

  • It is hard to maintain, especially in areas where the weather is irregular. Uneven expansion and contraction can cause the concrete to crack. 
  • The colors fade with time. 
  • Difficult to repair. Patch repairing is very difficult and might leave the floor uneven, especially in terms of color matching. 
  • Hard to construct. To be built appropriately, you might need to hire a professional. 
  • High maintenance costs. If the concrete is sealed, the sealant needs to be reapplied every year. 

Pavers

Pavers are individual concrete units that are interlocked to form a surface to walk on. They are made in a factory using a mixture of concrete and color agents before they are molded into different shapes. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of choosing pavers for your project. 

Pros

  • Durable. Pavers are more durable than concrete. If correctly installed, there are very minimal chances of cracking and will therefore last longer. 
  • Easy to repair. Even if they crack, pavers can be easily corrected by replacing the slab that is broken. You do not need to replace the whole area. 
  • Easy to design. You can easily mix and match various designs and colors to create your unique design. 
  • Cost-effective. Depending on your location, pavers cost the same or less than stamped concrete. And in addition, they are cheaper to maintain. 

Cons

  • Unless you use polymer sand when installing pavers, you will likely get a weed infestation every quite often. Weed will grow in between the slabs. 
  • Also, unless polymer sand was used, the pavers will need to be topped off at least once in two years. 
  • Without proper prior preparation, the pavers are likely to settle and move over time. 
  • Unless a skilled person does the installation, the area might have blotchy and uneven due to uneven dye lots between paver pallets.  

Conclusion

As you can see, both of these building materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Whichever choice you make, it is entirely up to you. 

If you are concerned about maintenance, fading, and the effect of climate on your patio or walkway, then pavers might be your best bet. However, if you are looking for something quick with an instant ‘wow factor, then stamped concrete is your go-to. 

Regardless of the material you settle on, ensure that you work with expert backyard patio builders  or any other experienced professionals and professionally install them.

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9 Air Source Heat Pumps Disadvantages

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Dean

heat pump repair services

Air source heat pumps are branded as perfect, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly home heating systems but are they really perfect? Absolutely not!

Like other heating systems, they come with their fair share of setbacks. Here are air source heat pumps disadvantages as given by heat pump repair services providers:

They are expensive

When you walk into the stores, you will notice that the heat pumps don’t come cheap. The units are also expensive to install. This is because, in most cases, you have to make significant changes in your home for them to work.

For example, if you live in a flat without an outside space and space for a hot water cylinder, you have to come up with ways to create the space.

They produce less heat than boilers.

Compared to oil and gas boilers, air-source heat pumps have a lower heat supply. This means you will need larger radiators to heat your house properly.

They can be noisy

If you install the heat pump in the same room you are living in, the units can be too noisy, making your house a living hell. To reduce the noise, have the unit installed in the bedroom or any other room away from the main living area.

They can add up your power bills.

Heat pumps require some electricity to operate, meaning they add to your electricity bill. It also means they aren’t totally carbon-free. The fact that they use electricity means that if they have an issue, they can consume a lot of power hence increasing your power bill.

You have to insulate your house.

To reap the heat pumps’ full benefits, you have to insulate your house to prevent heat from escaping through the doors, windows, and other parts of the house.

They are inefficient at temperatures below 0°C

Although the units still work at lower temperatures of up to -20 degrees, their efficiency reduces when the temperature falls below zero degrees. This means the units don’t heat your house as well as you want them to when it too cold outside.

You may have to install underfloor heating.

Since they have a lower heat supply, the units are best used with underfloor heating to get the most from them. This means if your home doesn’t an underfloor heating system, you have to install it, and as you can guess, it doesn’t come cheap.

They can spoil the appeal of your property.

Air source heat pumps are installed above ground, so they can easily mess with your property’s look, especially if the contractors install them at a highly visible part of your house.

If you install the unit and notice it doesn’t blend properly with your property, consider getting a container case that will soften the aesthetic impact.

The heat pump has a short lifespan.

Since the air source heat pump has plenty of its components exposed to weather elements, it tends to wear out fast, so you have to replace it more often than a ground source heat pump. Thankfully, you can add more years to your unit by taking good care of it.

For example, at least once a year, hire a heat pump repair McLean professional to inspect the unit and fix any faulty area. You also should make it a habit to fix even the most minor issue as soon as you notice it.

Is an air source heat pump right for you?

After reading these heat pump disadvantages, the big question is whether you feel the units are right for you. We can’t make that decision for you. It’s up to you to think about it and make the right decision.

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