Automatic Transmission Repair

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Common Car Gearbox Problems And Why They Occur

Your car has a very intriguing process of delivering power from the engine to wheels. Of all the mechanical components participating in that process, the most important one is arguably the car gearbox. While your car can transmit power successfully without the presence of the gearbox, its utility with the rapidly developing automobile technology over the years has made it an indispensable component of the powertrain. The car gearbox accomplishes its duty of transmitting the right amount of power through continuous rotation, grinding and a never-ending battle with friction. With so much at hand, it is inevitable that the gearbox incurs wear and tear and develops some form of malfunction occasionally. So, in this article, we will address some of the common car gearbox problems and understand why they are caused.

Common Car Gearbox Problems: Lack of Acceleration/Insufficient Throttle Response

The first car gearbox problem we will be addressing on this list concerns the acceleration of the car. At times while driving you will notice a slight delay in the acceleration of the car after shifting gears. But a delay not longer than a second is acceptable in the case of manual transmissions occasionally. This delay could be longer and more frequent in the case of automatic transmissions. However, if the case occurs where the RPM increases after shifting but the car’s speed barely increases, you are looking at an attention-worthy issue.

Diagnosis:

This problem occurs due to a faulty clutch component which isn’t letting it fully engage or disengage on time. Because of this, the clutch of the car stays active even after the shift is complete and stops/minimizes the transmission of power to the wheels. The primary components causing this problem are either worn out plates, clutch springs or the master cylinder. It could also be caused due to the presence of air in the fluid channel. In case there is air in the system, it can be fixed with simple bleeding of the concerned channel. In the other situations, the affected part will have to be replaced. Sometimes more than one of those parts can be the reason which might require the entire clutch housing to be changed

 

Common Car Gearbox Problems: Burning Smell

If you’re driving your car and sense any burning smell emanating from it, you’re looking at trouble. In case this smell is accompanied by lazy or improper gear shifts, then there is an almost certain probability that the smell is originating from your car gearbox.

Diagnosis:

Such a situation most commonly occurs when the transmission fluid overheats. Transmission fluid is used to cool down the heat generated by the rotation and friction of the gearbox components. If the fluid level is too low, the gearbox runs with more friction which in turn generates more heat. This heat loosens the transmission fluid, rendering it useless and causes even more heat build-up. Another major cause is the usage of an inappropriate fluid. Transmission fluids are created to function in heat levels corresponding to the gearbox operation. In case a wrong fluid is used, it won’t perform correctly and result in excessive heat build-up. Both these cases cause severe damage to the car gearbox so be sure to use the correct type of fluid and top it up on time in case the level is low.

 

Common Car Gearbox Problems: Car Shaking with Grinding Noise During Gear Shifts

In the ideal situation, your car is always supposed to devoid of any grinding or shaking during operation. If any such sensation is present then there is an issue with some component. In case you observe this grinding noise or sensation during gear shifts accompanied with the car visibly shaking, then you are looking at one of the very common car gearbox problems.

Diagnosis:

If you are able to observe this grinding sensation after fully pressing the clutch pedal, then there is an 80% possibility that it is due to worn out clutch plates. If it is happening after you have taken your foot off the clutch pedal, the issue is more likely with the gear synchronizers. In both cases, the parts will have to be replaced promptly as the more the grinding, more the damage getting transferred to your gearbox.

Common Car Gearbox Problems: Gears Slipping

Unless your car is an automatic, the gearbox is always supposed to work solely on your actions and your actions only. At times, you will be faced with the situation where you shift a gear, step on the accelerator pedal and the car jerks and falls back into the previous gear. In certain cases, it is also possible that the gear goes into neutral. This phenomenon is known as gear slipping.

Diagnosis:

Gear slipping harms the gearbox components but above that, it can also put you in a dangerous situation. Imagine the case where you are attempting an overtaking manoeuvre and the gear slips into neutral or a lower gear. God only knows how that situation will end up. Gear slipping occurs due to a variety of factors but most commonly due to a damaged shift fork. A damaged fork doesn’t move properly to lock on to the correct gear which causes the transmission to automatically shift back. Apart from that, it can be caused due to worn out gear teeth or low transmission fluid as well.

 

Common Car Gearbox Problems: Car Doesn’t Slot Into Gear

Like we said previously, the car gearbox is supposed to work solely on your actions. It is possible that sometimes the gearshift lever will simply refuse to budge from the position it is in. In the case of automatic transmissions, this issue will present itself as the gearbox getting stuck in one gear no matter how much throttle you apply.

Diagnosis:

Non-shifting of the gears can be attributed to several reasons. The primary reason is a dysfunctional clutch linkage. The clutch is used to take the load off the primary shaft leading to the gears such that the shift fork can slot into gear with ease. If the linkage is damaged or the clutch is extravagantly worn out, the load won’t shift and the gear will not slot properly. In automatic transmissions, it is caused mostly due to car’s electronic systems. If some error occurs with the electronic system responsible for the gear shift timing, the gear shifts won’t take place correctly. Needless to say, this will require a visit to the service centre for repair.

How Long Should a Transmission Last?

With so many moving parts inside, it’s always possible that something can go wrong. Often, it’s preventable with routine maintenance – a transmission fluid service according to your owner’s manual. Properly maintained, a transmission often outlasts the rest of your car. It’s common for transmissions to last beyond 200,000km, and some reports have transmissions lasting beyond 500,000km!

Can My Transmission Be Repaired?

In a vast number of cases, a blown transmission can be repaired. Gears, clutches, seals, and any other parts are replaceable internally. However, if the transmission case is cracked or gouged inside, a repair usually isn’t possible. A complete replacement transmission will be required.

 

Does your vehicle have low transmission fluid?

Transmission problems are more common than you might expect. Delays in fixing any early warning signs might be because the vehicle owner does not have any idea that there is already something wrong with his/her car or has no knowledge about transmission problems in general. As a vehicle owner, you should know the symptoms of low transmission fluid before something small turns into something bigger. Transmission problems, if left unattended, can get worse and damage crucial components of the vehicle.

  1. TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS

One of the common symptoms of car problems is the abrupt hard shifting of gears. Although this symptom is very common to manual transmissions, it is not just limited to them. Even automatic cars have gears, so, if your car experiences a slight disparity when accelerating, then it is already a sign of transmission problems and low transmission fluid could be the culprit. If you experience a delay or missing response when you shift gears, this is even worse, as it can indicate a failed transmission.

  1. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING

Another common issue is transmission slipping. This can be determined if there is a lack of synchronization between the engine and the vehicle. This happens when the engine speeds up and the vehicle fails to respond to it. Transmission slipping is just one of many common low transmission fluid symptoms that should not be ignored. Not enough fluid means the gears cannot properly engage.

  1. UNUSUAL NOISE

In general, the transmission of the vehicle should be noiseless. However, in the example of a loose transmission torque converter, this can result in noise that can resemble rhythmic pounding. If you start to hear unusual sounds from your vehicle’s transmission, then it is best to have it checked. Hearing grinding clatter or experiencing hard or erratic shifts when changing gears could be the result of a low ATF.

  1. TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING

Too much heat is a sign that your car transmission is about to fail and can likely be attributed to low or ineffective transmission fluid. Overheating is very dangerous to your car; most transmissions fail because of too much overheating. The fluid temperature should not surpass 200 degrees for the most part.

  1. TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS

One of the most obvious signs of low fluids is leaking transmission fluid. The fluid in an automatic transmission is absolutely vital in ensuring that your vehicle’s shifting capabilities are functioning properly and will continue to do so. That’s why it’s always important to check for leaks under your car and in the engine compartment. This fluid is easily recognizable because it is a clear bright red with a sweet smell. If it smells burnt or is a dark color, you have a problem on your hand and can be the result of too little ATF working overtime to compensate.

The Ins And Outs Of Building A New Home Builder

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HOME BUYERS GUIDE

Learn how you can build your perfect home within budget, on-time and without worry, stress or nasty surprises. What is included inside:

How much does it cost to build a home?

How to design your perfect home?

How to find the right block?

What should I know before I start?

How to build your dream?

What should I know before start?

Understanding the home building process

How to find the right block?

How to design your perfect home?

How to choose your home builder?

How much does it cost to build a home?

How to select your products?

The importance of a detailed blueprint

Of course, building a new home is very exciting and a lot of fun – but it can also be stressful if riddled with surprises. That’s why if you’re keen to build but have a lot of unanswered questions buzzing around your mind, I’m really happy you have this guide.

What I cover in here is very practical and should get you up to speed fast. There’s also these handy tips to give you peace of mind right from the get go, saving you swags of money and time.

How to Build the House You Want Without Worry, Stress or Nasty Surprises

through the need-to-know details of building a new home.  Get this ultimate guide to peace of mind and avoid budget blowouts, design disasters and any risk of being ripped off!

 

GUIDE TO HIRING A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

One of the largest investments that most people make in their lifetime is building a new home. It is therefore crucial to get it right the first time. Selecting a professional custom home builder for yourself and the project is mandatory for its success. Most likely, you will be working together with your home builder for 6-12 months. Therefore, this relationship needs to be clear, honest and trustworthy.

What is the role of a custom home builder?

A reliable home builder becomes an advocate of the property owner as well as a collaborative and integral part of the design team. This homebuilder works hand in hand with the homeowner to establish a realistic and fair budget for the project and monitor spending as well as the scope of the project throughout the project term to successfully build affordable custom homes.

How do I find excellent affordable custom home builder?

If you have already hired a designer, they are a great resource for your research. This is because they have existing relationships with custom home builders and possess firsthand experience regarding their communication skills, construction quality as well as business practices. Other resources may include:

  1. Local lenders provide valuable information into builders as well as their history in terms of proper project handling and timely completion.
  2. To build affordable customer homes, you need experienced reputable realtors in the local custom home industry to serve as a source of home builder referrals.
  3. Internet searches help identify custom builders in your location and their websites which is beneficial in giving you an overview of the quality and style of projects they are accustom to building.
  4. Family, friends and acquaintances are also an excellent source of information regarding customer home builders in your region.

Custom Home Builder Responsibilities:

  1. The custom home builder manages subcontractors during the project design process so that the design team can easily coordinate major building systems into the design of the property. In this case, the builder has a responsibility of ensuring sub-contractors execute their work as specified in the building code and the designer’s plan specifications in order to come up with the affordable custom homes.
  2. The custom builder is charged with the responsibility to contract with the property owner regarding the construction price, expense tracking, submit pay requests to the owner and bank for approval, collect money for owner approved change orders, prepare work estimates and provide lien release waivers for successfully completed work.
  3. Once the designer obtains or files for the building permit, the custom builder links the building inspectors, design team and governing jurisdictions.
  4. The custom builder is responsible for obtaining and managing all approvals, certificates of occupancy and inspections.
  5. The builder orders, checks, and accepts all building material and component’s prior to installation.
  6. Once the project is complete, the project designer reviews for any discrepancies. If any issue arise, the custom home builder works with subcontractors to resolve the issues. Once complete, the relevant city inspects the property and awards certificates of occupancy after which the custom builders deliver the affordable custom homes to the property owners.

 

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Designing Your Own Home

In fact, in a recent analysis, 32% of Americans said they plan to purchase a home in the next five years, and 15% have purchased a home in the past five years. And it’s not just the older generation or retirees looking to settle down in a home for retirement; 82% of said, “buying a home is a priority.

It is clear that Americans don’t plan on giving up homeownership, and that made us ask: Are the people looking for a new home planning to buy an existing home, or do they want to design and build their own home? If you are reading this, you may be asking yourself the same question

Is it worth building your own home, or simply purchasing an existing home and moving in? There are nuances to both building your own custom home or buying an existing home, and if you aren’t sure which side you belong to, that is OK! In this article, we are going to explore the pros and cons of both. We will also look at the overall process of designing and building your own home.

Building a new home allows you to start with a fresh start and a clean slate. You choose the options, customization, and design that you always wanted in your dream home! Let’s begin by looking at the pros of building your own home. Whether you design your own home or use a custom home builder, it is exciting to think about the possibilities when you build your own house!

Because you are starting from scratch, you have more options to choose from with location. It is important to think about the needs and desires of your family at this stage. Do you want an urban or country setting? What do you think is an ideal commute for work? Do you prefer a wooded or open setting? These are some of the questions you should answer in picking your location.

 

Home Builder

HomeBuilder provides eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. HomeBuilder will assist the residential construction market by encouraging the commencement of new home builds and renovations.

You will be able to apply for HomeBuilder when the relevant State or Territory Government that you live in, or plan to live in, signs the National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

Signatories

The Commonwealth is pleased to announce that all states and territories are now signatories to the HomeBuilder National Partnership. All states and territories are now accepting applications for HomeBuilder.

Applicants can register their interest for HomeBuilder (Part A). Applicants must lodge the Part A form by 31 December 2020 for their application to be considered. If you register your interest you will be advised of updates to application forms and supporting materials. Completing the registration form does not in any way constitute eligibility for the grant.

Applicants can now complete the second part of their application by submitting a comprehensive application form (Part B). The Part B form requires detailed information about the applicant, their builder, type of construction, as well as detailed supporting documentation.

 

HOME BUILDING GUIDE

HOW TO CHOOSE A BUILDER

You will want to choose a professional home builder because:

  • Building professionals believe that homes should be well-designed, well-constructed, and well-located, with accessible educational, recreational, religious, and shopping facilities.
  • Building professionals have a strong responsibility to their customers and to their community.
  • Building professionals have honesty as their guiding business policy and believe in dealing fairly with their customers, employees, and suppliers.
  • Building professionals try to build high standards of health and safety into every home.
  • Building professionals recieve continuing education every year on the newest building techniques, assuring you the best possible quality of construction.

HOW TO FIND THAT PROFESSIONAL BUILDER:

  • Check to see if the contractor belongs to a builders association –

Becoming a dues-paying members of such a group usually means that a builder is an established member of the community. Associations care about the image of their industry, so builders who belong will have a greater incentive to conduct business in a professional manner.

  • Choose a builder with whom you feel comfortable –

You will be in frequent communication with your builder during the construction process and after you move into your home. You must find someone you can talk to comfortably about the building process.

  • Talk to 3-4 recent customers of the builders you are considering –

Try to visit some of the previous homes and ask the residents about their experiences. Don’t be shy about approaching people. In most cases, they will be quite open with you. If they are unhappy, they will let you know, and if they are happy, they will want to give the builder more business!

WHY HIRE A MEMBER OF AREA BUILDERS?

When you work with a member of our Association you can be assured that the company is:

  • Licensed as necessary with the state of Minnesota
  • Insured
  • Compliant with our Code of Ethics

Tips For Home Kitchen Remodel

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The Six Layouts for your Kitchen Design Ideas

Getting your kitchen layout right is the most important factor in ensuring a functional and practical kitchen area. Whether your kitchen is small and cramped or large and expansive, a clever layout will make all the difference in helping you to get the most out of the space. Especially in a kitchen, there is a lot more to layout than just placing furniture and cabinetry: ergonomics has a huge role to play as well. Getting the heights right, ensuring enough space for comfortable movement, placement of appliances and ease of use are all going to factor in your enjoyment of the room.

While the floorplan of your home will most likely determine the layout that your kitchen will have, you can always optimise the area to work better. Here are the most commonly found kitchen layouts, with tips to help you do just that

The Work Triangle

The work triangle was devised in the 1920’s as one of the first measures of efficiency in a residential kitchen. The triangle creates a clear path between the area for food preparation (stove top), the cleaning area (kitchen sink) and the food storage area (refrigerator).

The Principles of the Kitchen Work Triangle:

  • The length of each triangle leg is between 1.2 and 2.7m
  • The combined length of the three legs should be between 4m and 7.9m
  • There should not be any appliances or cabinetry intersecting any of the legs of the triangle
  • There should not be any major traffic through the triangle

Read on to learn about  The Six Layouts for your Kitchen Design Ideas that are most often used to cut down on time spent in the kitchen and make working in the heart of the home just a little bit easier:

 

One-Wall

As the name suggests, one-wall kitchen remodels are a small-scale alternative to a full-on renovation. Often featured in apartment studios and more compact spaces, an elongated work-space provides an opportunity to save space without sacrificing function. A one-wall is a one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation.

Galley

Are you working with a long or narrow space? A kitchen remodel contractor will probably tell you to stick with a galley kitchen. This option features two opposing walls, fit with all the necessary appliances and cabinetry,  with a narrow walkway in the middle. And, did we mention, no corner cabinets?

L-Shaped

You’re probably already familiar with L-shaped kitchen renovations, after all, they’re a staple of traditional home design. Perfect for small family homes that like to host, these kitchens feature two adjoining walls cornering a central kitchen island. Chances are, your kitchen remodel contractor will suggest this design if you’re looking to achieve a classic family home design.

U-Shaped

Looking for a supersized setup with sufficient storage? U-shaped kitchen renovations work well for homeowners who like to cook frequently but require a lot of open space to move around. If you like to get crafty in the kitchen, your kitchen remodel contractor may propose a U-shape kitchen layout.

Island

Ready to turn your kitchen from an occasional cooking space to the center of attention? This type of kitchen layout can inspire homeowners to open up the neighboring spaces as well, bringing the living room or dining room in step with the newly refreshed kitchen. With the proper amount of seating and intuitive design based on your personal needs, your kitchen can turn into a place that the entire family can enjoy.

Peninsula

A peninsula is a connected kitchen island, that can often take on an L- or U-shape. It can also serve as a divider between two rooms, typically a kitchen and a living room. The difference between these two kitchen renovations can be little, so the final layout will likely be determined by how well you’re able to make it work in your existing home. Ask your kitchen remodel contractor which one could work best for your home!

 

How To Make Kitchen Layout Work:

One-Wall

How to Make A One-Wall Kitchen Layout Work:

Think vertical. You only have so much width to work with, so taking your cabinets up as far as possible will help create extra storage space. While the traditional work triangle is not possible in a one-wall kitchen, try to put your fridge on one end, oven and hob in the middle and the sink at the other end. If your cabinets do not go up to ceiling, utilise the space above them by storing lesser-used items there. Alternatively, you can use this space as a display area to strengthen the theme of your kitchen.

The Galley Kitchen

How to Make A Galley Kitchen Layout Work:

With an additional row of cabinetry, the galley kitchen already offers more flexibility when it comes to storage space. Especially for bigger families or multiple-cook kitchens, it is important to have the work areas along only one of the walls, not both. This will help you to avoid traffic through the work triangle and eliminate the risk of injury.

The L-Shaped Kitchen

How to Make A L-shaped Kitchen Layout Work:

Where space allows, make the most of the corner by installing a walk-in pantry cupboard. This way you won’t lose the valuable space that is usually lost in a corner, and you gain a huge asset to your kitchen. With an L-shaped kitchen, you may even be able to create a small breakfast nook in the opposite corner, further increasing your family’s enjoyment of the room.

The U-Shaped Kitchen

How to Make A U-Shaped Kitchen Layout Work:

Keep window areas open and uncluttered in a U-shaped kitchen. This type of kitchen layout provides the perfect opportunity for an uninterrupted work triangle so make the best use of the space by having the work areas on the opposite end of the back- and entry doors.

The Island Kitchen

How to Make An Island Kitchen Layout Work:

Utilise the island as both a work- and social area where family and friends can interact while meals are being prepared. Because of its location in the centre of the kitchen, it is a great place to install prominent decorative lighting that can also serve as task lighting.

The Peninsula Kitchen

How to Make A Peninsula Kitchen Layout Work:

As with the island kitchen, the peninsula offers a great opportunity for interaction during meal preparation. It is a great solution for a small enclosed kitchen, where a wall can be removed to open the area up to an adjacent room without giving up on storage space.

 

Mixing and Matching

Don’t be afraid to mix and match floor plans. Remember that the kitchen is ultimately a personal space that should suit your individual needs. You could try combining the single wall layout with a peninsula, or even a double-island layout. While you’re mixing matching you can also think about the theme and whether you’re looking for a minimalistic Scandinavian feel, contemporary kitchen or a simple white kitchen,.

Here are a few novel variations from the six standard layouts:

Single Wall With Island

Single wall plans usually suffer from limited counter space and a cramped work flow. If you can spare the clearance, adding an island would solve both of these problems, transforming the space into something similar to a galley layout. Transferring one of the workspaces onto the island could create the ideal work triangle.

Double Island

Another layout similar to a galley layout, a kitchen with two islands is a real treat! You can use one surface for cooking and the other as an informal dining space, allowing you to prepare meals while socializing with family and friends. Just make sure you plan your pendant lights to suit the space.

Double L

The double L is one way of using a tricky space, with one L flush against the wall and the other one freestanding, like an island. They can be a clever way of maximizing a corner, but can be difficult to pull off without the help of an experienced interior decorator.

 

Creative Storage Ideas for Cabinets

When choosing kitchen cabinetry, consider features that make it easier to reach your items. You remove every pot, pan, dish and groceries from your cabinets to prepare for all new storage. Cabinets are installed, and it’s time to put back your stuff. Except the problem is there isn’t room for everything. This scenario is all too common, according to Dennis Poteat of Blum Inc. The lesson: Look beyond the surface when choosing cabinets. Think about how tall cereal boxes are and where you keep them. Consider how you reach for a dish towel when you’re working at the sink. A drawer nearby should accommodate this. Plan for space to neatly store all of your plastic-ware (and all of the lids).

The Latest in Storage Options

The keyword with storage is: access. Here are some ways to make more room for your stuff in your existing kitchen space:

  • Pull-outs. Access, along with ergonomics, is the reason for the move from doors to drawers in base cabinets. The issue with doors is when you open a cabinet with a door on it, you have shelving, and you can reach the first thing but everything behind it is impossible to get at. For the sake of storage and access, movement from a door to a pull-out gives you the ability to bring the content of the cabinet out into the room.
  • Specialty hardware. The pull-out spice drawers and nifty utensil drawers that were once offered only by custom cabinet makers are now available in mid-priced fixtures
  • Base cabinets. Designers today aren’t married to the idea of wall cabinets. Base cabinet drawers can organize dishes, pots, pans, utensils, basically anything. Pull-outs allow you to access everything stored in the drawer without straining your back.
  • Floating shelves. Visually pleasing open shelves break up the monotony of standard cabinets and serve as a place to display beautiful vases, store cookbooks and keep ingredients in pretty jars.
  • Extended wall cabinets. Say no to soffits if you want to expand storage. Extend wall cabinets to the ceiling and improve accessibility of those higher shelves with lift-up doors. Or, dedicating an entire wall to storage and building cabinets floor to ceiling creates a focal point and makes room on other walls for aesthetic features, such as a mosaic backsplash, windows, artwork or functional appliances.
  • Fully-extended drawers. Full extension runners on drawers allow pull-outs to extend completely rather than just three-quarters of the way. This once high-end feature is now common to most drawers, but it’s a good idea to ask the supplier or designer about it.

How To Beat Car Dealers At Their Own Game

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How do you not get scammed at a dealership?

If you’re shopping for a new car and you’ve decided you’d prefer to travel the path of used car dealership cars, then you’ve arrived at the right article! In the sections below, I’ve left you with a plethora of information to use (or disregard) to get you into the best new, used vehicle you can get.

Here’s how to not get scammed by a used car dealer.

Bait and Switch – False statements about the price of the car.

You walk into a dealership and a salesman gives you a price quote. But  when you are preparing to finish the deal, the price on the contract is  not  the same price that you were quoted.  You may also notice that your contract contains other fees that increase the Total Cash Price of your vehicle

What you should do:

  • Make sure that the Total Cash Price on the written contract matches the price that you were told. If the prices are different, you may be the victim of fraud.
  • If the dealership refuses to honor the representations made to you by the salesperson, refuse to sign the contract and walk away from the dealership.

“Packing the Contract” – Adding unwanted options and accessories.

Some dealerships “pack” a contract with add-ons like service contracts, warranties, options and accessories that you did not ask for. Common add-ons are “protection packages” and rust-proofing.

What you should do:

  • Before you sign, look at your contract carefully for any items you did not authorize .
  • If you were told something was included for “free”, check to see that the item is in the contract and that you were not charged for it.
  • If you find any items that you don’t want, tell the salesman that you will not pay for it. Put a line through the item in the contract and reduce the Total Sale Price by that amount.

 

Buy-Lease Switch

Buying a car means that when you finish making payments on it, you will own the vehicle.

Leasing means that there is a period of time – the lease period – when you’ll be making monthly payments on the car and at the end of the lease period you will NOT own the car (unless you make a large payment to own it). Plus, if you want to return the car before the lease period is over, you’ll have to pay a big penalty (an “early-termination fee”) to do that.

Customers are routinely scammed when salespeople lead you to believe that you are purchasing when you are really leasing (and vice versa). Other misrepresentations include telling customers that you will own the car at the end of the lease. This is false because almost all leases require you to make a large payment at the end of the lease in order for you to own the car.

What you should do:

  • Make sure you read and understand the entire written contract. If you want to buy a car, make sure the contract you are signing doesn’t have the word “lease” in it. It seems obvious but many customers are easily tricked at the dealership Bring a friend if you are not sure.
  • Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into a lease if you want to buy.
  • Shop around and make sure you understand what your obligations are.

Trade-in Fraud

Many customers who trade in their old cars are tricked by dealerships who are not truthful about the value of the trade-in. They might tell you, “A 1999 Toyota like yours only sells for $3,000.” But the Toyota’s wholesale value may really be worth a lot more. Customers who don’t know what they can get for their car if they were to sell it today (the wholesale value) are likely to accept statements like these and may walk away with very little for their trade-in. The dealership will then turn around and sell the trade-in for much more

What you should do:

  • If you are not sure of the condition of your car and/or its market value, you may want to take it to a few dealerships. Tell them that you are thinking of trading in your car and see what they offer you for it. This amount may be a more accurate estimate of your car’s market value.
  • If you are thinking about trading in your old car, make sure you know its current market value. You can go to the library or bookstore to find a book that lists values of most cars.

 

Be Passionate, Particular and Prepared

Knowing exactly what you want before you even think about approaching a dealership, will set you up as a person who is not to be messed with. It will also build up your confidence.

I’ve watched plenty of people go into a dealership before doing any serious preparation and they either ended up severely disappointed, or they got ripped off. If you don’t want to experience either one of those scenarios, make sure you’re Passionate, Particular AND Prepared.

You need to have some very important bits of information ready to go:

  • Know your credit rating and history by heart.
  • Know exactly how long you want to be into a loan and how much you can pay per month for that term.
  • Know exactly how much you have and are willing to pay for your down payment, and exactly how soon you will have that in cash.
  • Narrow down your choices to 3 vehicles. Know the make, model, year, specs, value and recalls for each of those cars.
  • Have your financial proof ready to go. Your last 3 paystubs are a must, but tax returns, positive bills, bank statements and any receipts from any cash you make on the side, are extremely helpful.

Knowing all of this information in detail will help you avoid getting scammed into a bad load or a crappy car. It will also give you an edge which will allow you to subliminally say to the salesperson: “I know what I want and you won’t scam me into anything that doesn’t fit in with my plan.”

 

Be Busy!

When you interact with a salesman and woman, you never want to be seen as a person who has time to waste. Busy customers represent three things to a salesperson:

  • Fewer hassles for them
  • Less time to try to con you into something
  • Someone who is likely dependable and who works hard

The sales force is trained to recognize and handle people who are very particular with their money. The particular people are the ones that will pay on time dependably. They are the ones that will be sure they cross all their t’s, dot their i’s and look over every last bit of the contract.

Those customers are also the ones who are not going to be tricked into sitting around a dealership for 4 hours working on a deal that realistically could have been completed in 30 minutes.

 

Packed or loaded payments

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. When a dealer “loads” your payment you are literally being ripped off. Here’s how it works: You ask how much the monthly payment will be on a certain automobile and the salesperson will quote you either a slighly higher APR or loan amount. It might not be much but if the actual loan payment should be $325 a month and their mathematical shenanigans push it up to $365.00 that could end up costing you an additional $2300 on a typical 60 month car loan. It doesn’t seem like a small amount anymore does it? It’s a very difficult scam to detect unless you go into the dealership with your homework completed. Before you go into a dealership, gather all of the pricing information on the cars you’re interested in so you know what the payments should be. An informed consumer is a lot harder to fool than an uninformed car buyer. This is no guarantee you won’t be ripped off but your odds will be a lot better.

On the other hand, if you agree to this packed loan payment without comment the dealer will attempt to boost the final price again and again and again. If you’re not prepared for what can happen at each step of the car buying process a salesperson will use every trick in the book to separatate you from your money. As you work your way towards a final deal you’ll be offered high price items like extened warranties, undercoating and clear coat paint layers. If you’re not careful you’ll end up paying extra for items added to the car at the factory!

All About Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

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SKILLS TO LOOK FOR IN A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Did you know that on your wedding day, you may end up spending more time with your photographer than your family (or even your fiancé ?)? Wedding photography is unique in that it’s an active part of your wedding day. Unlike other vendors who do most of their work behind the scenes, your photographer will be frequently interacting with the people closest to you.

His or her personality and style will have a big impact on the overall energy and mood of your day. Not only do you deserve beautiful images, you also deserve an amazing photographic experience!

They understand your wedding vision

The best photographer for you totally gets your style and expectations. It helps to find someone who has a similar vibe to what you’re looking for—who understands that you might not want overly posed or traditional photographs, for example, but rather a more candid and natural feel.

They’re supportive and encouraging

It’s almost like they’re part of your bride (or groom) tribe You’ll see pretty quickly that having a photographer who’s part of your support system before, during and after your wedding day makes a world of difference.

They help you create a timeline

Another sign that a photographer wants you to have the best experience is when they work through your timeline with you to figure out the general flow of the day.

 

HOW TO CONDUCT A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY CONSULTATION

If you are wondering how to successfully conduct a client meeting, I am excited to invite you to learn how I treat each wedding photography consultation, and how you can improve yours as well!

GREETING

I usually meet my future clients at a local Starbucks. When they arrive, I greet them and ask them what they would like to drink (my treat). I am not usually a coffee drinker, so I am always curious to see what others like and try new flavors each time. After we get our drinks, I usually break the ice by asking them how the wedding planning is going.

ASK ABOUT WEDDING PLANNING

“So, how is wedding planning going?” is usually the first question I ask. People like to talk about themselves, so by asking them this question, I am doing exactly that. I am allowing them to talk about themselves, their wedding, the vendors they’ve booked so far, and just getting them excited about the process. Next, I am looking to see if we share any similarities because I know that the more a bride trusts me, the more likely she’ll book me.

ASK HOW THEY MET AND HOW THEY GOT ENGAGED

“So how long have you known each other, how did you guys meet?” – the bride usually likes to answer this one. This time I am trying to see if I can find similarities outside of the wedding world and connect with them that way as well. Like if the bride mentions a place I’m familiar with, or if their story reminds me of something that is relevant, I make sure to mention it.

TALK ABOUT THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

After listening to their engagement story, I usually ask something like “Do you have any ideas for your engagement session?” Then I go more in depth about what an engagement session entails

 

Photographers

Finding the perfect Wedding Photographer is one of the most important yet difficult things to do when planning your wedding. After booking your Venue, you have to start looking at booking your Wedding Photographer.

Lucky for you, we have listed the best photographers in South Africa in our Directory. You can use the filter option to select the wedding photographers in a specific area or province. We have also added some important information about each photographer in their listing, plus you can view a gallery of their previous work. Once you have decided which photographers you would like to request a quote from, click on the little envelope to send an enquiry

 

The Ultimate Complete Wedding Photography Gear Guide!

What wedding photography gear and equipment do you need?

At the time that was our wedding photography kit that we loved to pieces and used at each and every wedding.  Since then our Nikon wedding photography gear has grown as we’ve added lenses and gear that have enabled us to give our clients a more diverse set of wedding photos.

Today I am going to share with you our current set of gear that we use for weddings and also give you a detailed look into when we use each specific lens or piece of equipment throughout the wedding day giving you my “Ultimate Complete Wedding Photography Gear Guide”.  In fact, to make this post as honest, unbiased and as transparent as possible I have specifically only included photos from the same wedding showing exactly which photos were taken with which lens.

See the photo below (taken with cell phone) for our current wedding photography kit.  Items that aren’t shown that were packed away in checked luggage were: a LED video light, a Yongnuo YN 560 III speedlight flash, a collapsible nano light stand, and my favorite waist shooting bag, the Think Tank Lens Changer 3.

When to Use What

Despite us having a complete wedding photography gear kit, we use only 3 lenses for about 75% of the entire wedding day and only use the flash gear for 2 segments of the day.  Here is a detailed look at when we use each specific piece of gear.

Lenses

Our power primes – It is no secret that we love shooting our prime lenses, to read why click here.  These three lenses account for about 75% of the wedding day with the bulk of the events before the ceremony & portraits being captured with the 50 and the 85.

Nikon 28 1.8G: Primarily used for getting ready shots, group shots with bridal party and also family portraits, some wide shots during the ceremony and open dancing at the reception.  When not working a wedding, I find this is a great go-to “walk-around” lens when traveling or casual shooting at parties and what not

 

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Hello, I’m

I love weddings. Big weddings, small weddings, field weddings, urban weddings…they’re all good. Much like many of my clients, I like to keep things special but largely informal. For me, the best weddings are about good times, unexpected moments and, above all, some truly awful dancing.

I’m a creative documentary wedding photographer who loves a good story. Every couple has their own and it’s pretty cool that so many choose to share theirs with me. Better yet, they ask me to document it for them on the most exciting day of their lives. If I were the kind of person who would use the term “it’s a real honour”, then I would. But I’ll just say it’s awesome and leave it at that

LET THE GOOD TIMES

I try not to “tinker” with your day too much. I won’t ask you to pose or do anything that feels unnatural to you, I’ll just move unobtrusively through among your guests, keeping my eyes open for those moments that really make a wedding: a flower girl hiding under a table, the raucous reactions to the saucy bit of the Best Man’s speech, your new father-in-law cutting a rug on the dancefloor.

I’m very happy to create some beautiful portraits with you, but I always find that the heart and soul of any wedding is in the fleeting moments that nobody sees coming. Those are the moments I try to fill your album with.

What Can DUI Lawyer Help You With

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Can you beat a DUI with a public defender?

A DUI charge is an extremely serious offense, which is why the penalties for a DUI conviction can be so severe. You can have your driver’s license revoked, you can end up paying huge fines, and you can even get jail time. That is why you want the best possible defense when facing a DUI charge. An attorney who specializes in DUI cases is ideal, but what if, for some reason, that option is not available to you? If you cannot get an experienced DUI lawyer, then you may have to make do with a public defender instead. Can you get adept representation from a public defender? Keep reading to find out.

What is a Public Defender?

When a defendant cannot afford a lawyer, that individual is declared to be indigent and a public defender is assigned to them. The public defender’s office is a government-funded agency that provides lawyers to indigent defendants; a public defender is one of those lawyers. If a defendant is indigent, then the court appoints a public defender’s office to represent them and the office assigns a public defender to represent that individual.

There are certain assumptions and misconceptions related to public defenders, some of which have a basis in the truth. One of them is that public defenders are often underfunded, underpaid, and overworked. This can be true in many cases since public defenders often have a heavy workload. There is a recommended limit to how many cases a public defender can take, but many of them go over the limit because there are not enough public defenders to go around.

That is a result of the underpaid assumption, which is also sometimes true. The lower salary means that many lawyers do not choose to become public defenders, instead choosing to join the private sector. One misconception is that public defenders are bad lawyers but that is not usually the case. Rather, public defenders are dedicated attorneys who believe in helping people who cannot afford a private lawyer. If they underperform, then that is because they typically have a huge caseload that any talented attorney would struggle to balance.

 

Private DUI Defense Lawyers

When you select a private DUI attorney, the motivation and attitude is often different. Private attorneys are inherently hungrier for wins in the courtroom and they’re often very crafty. You will want to choose a private attorney with a lot of experience and a great track record so that you can be sure he or she knows their way around a court room. Private lawyers go into great detail about how to get their clients off the hook. That’s because this is their livelihood. A public defender is an employee while a private attorney is self-employed. His or her track record will make or break their business. For that reason, you may be getting a better deal when you go with a private attorney in these cases.

 

A Privately Retained DUI Lawyer Can Appear In Court Without You

Unless you’re charged with a felony DUI or a misdemeanor DUI, but with a separate felony charge, a privately DUI lawyer can appear in court on your behalf. This would not be the case if you were represented by a public defender. Although your non-appearance in court will not offer any strategic advantage in the defense of your case, it is a convenience many of  clients appreciate as a diligent and thorough DUI pretrial period could involve multiple court appearances over the span of several months.

 

What Can Court-Appointed Attorneys Help With?

A DUI arrest normally results in two separate proceedings: an administrative proceeding through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a criminal case. Although a DUI conviction will normally result in license suspension, the DMV can suspend a driver’s license even without a conviction in criminal court. The implied consent laws of most states require the DMV to administratively suspend the license of any driver who was arrested for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more.

Drivers who want to contest an administrative license suspension must request a hearing. At these administrative DMV hearings, there’s no right to court-appointed counsel. Defendants who want legal representation at the administrative hearing must hire an attorney.

When Is an Attorney Appointed?

At the first court appearance (usually the arraignment), the judge will typically advise defendants of the right to have an attorney and ask if they want a court-appointed lawyer. The defendant can opt to hire a private attorney or request that the judge appoint an attorney. Though generally not advisable, defendants also have the option of waiving the right to counsel and representing themselves (called “pro se”).

An appointed lawyer generally continues to represent the defendant through all criminal court proceedings resulting from the defendant’s DUI arrest.

 

Is a Public Defender as Good as a Private Attorney?

It’s hard to definitely say whether hiring a private attorney will get you a better outcome than a public defender. However, her are some factors you might want to consider.

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will benefit from a public defender’s efforts. But public defenders, because of their heavy workload, typically won’t be able to spend a lot of time explaining things to you and giving you special attention.

If you want to make sure you have substantial one-on-one time with a lawyer and you can afford to hire one, you may be better served by a private lawyer.

Of course, some practical realities can also affect the quality of legal representation. For example, PDs may be overworked and understaffed, but they usually know the courtroom players well and also take quite a few cases to trial. This experience can be a valuable asset in defending against any charge.

One reason that weighs in favor of hiring a private attorney is to represent you in administrative DMV hearings. A private attorney can represent you at both the court and DMV hearings, but a PD will represent you only in court (because the DMV hearing has no potential for jail time). Because DMV hearings are typically held prior to DUI trials, it may benefit you to have an attorney present at the DMV hearing to preview the evidence to be used against you at trial.

Epoxy Flooring Technical Hierarchy

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How long will epoxy floor coating last?

Average epoxy lifespans for industrial settings

Epoxy flooring systems are hard, abrasion-resistant, and have high-impact strength. Due to the excellent properties of an epoxy flooring system, some technicians refer to epoxy as “a coating for life”.  Unfortunately, this is a bit of false advertising.

In residential cases, some epoxy floor coatings have been known to last for 30 years, but industrial and commercial settings are generally subject to much higher rates of vehicular and foot traffic, as well as spills, accidents, or other issues that can wear epoxy down faster.

For these reasons, most industrial epoxy applications last between 5 to 10 years, though occasionally they last longer.

 

Factors That Influence The Longevity Of Epoxy Floors

Because epoxy covering is such a diverse flooring solution for homeowners, businesses, and industrial operations, it’s difficult to pinpoint precisely when your flooring will need to be replaced.

The following three factors greatly influence the longevity of epoxy floors.

  1. The installation of your epoxy floor

Going the DIY route may seem like a cost-saving choice, but in reality, you’ll end up paying a whole lot more for your epoxy floors.

Achieving a strong, beautiful, resilient floor depends on how the material is applied. Epoxy specialists like the team at Tough Floors understand how the various chemicals involved react and know how to achieve flawless results that meet strict Australian standards.

  1. How much foot traffic your epoxy floors endure

A car that drives 100 km daily will burn out a lot fast than one that’s used exclusively for the weekly grocery shop – the same logic can be applied to epoxy flooring.

In the home, epoxy flooring is not likely to endure much foot traffic. It’s just you and your family, visitors a few times a week, and maybe a furry friend or two. Commercial floors will be put under a bit more stress, particularly if heavy equipment is dragged over the floor regularly.

Be sure to let your trusted epoxy flooring contractors know how much traffic you expect your floor to receive. That way, they can ensure they deliver a flooring solution that stands up to wear and tear for as long as possible.

  1. How well you maintain your epoxy floor

Caring for your epoxy floor will extend its lifespan considerably. How often you’ll need to clean your floor will again depend on how it’s used and how much traffic it endures. Typically, we suggest a quick daily sweep and deeper clean every week or two. If your floor looks dirty – clean it. It really is that simple.

 

Routine Maintence

One of the biggest factors in how long that your epoxy coating is going to last is the current condition of your concrete slab. If your concrete is on the verge of structural damage with heavy cracking, gouges, and peeling surfaces, there is a more than likely chance that your concrete slab will fall long before epoxy flooring. This is why routine maintenance and repairs should be completed on your concrete slab before thinking about using an epoxy floor coating.

Location Is key

Another major deciding factor in how long your concrete flooring is going to last is the type of area that it is going to be placed in. For example, a professionally installed epoxy flooring system can last up to 30 years in a residential and light traffic area, but the flooring system may only last up to 15-20 years when placed in heavy-duty commercial and industrial facilities due to heavy traffic simply wearing the floor down rapidly.

Keep It Clean

Where epoxy flooring can appear to block all damage from accidents, spills and other forms of abuse, heavy abuse of your epoxy flooring can lead to the floor coating rapidly becoming worn down. This is why it is completely crucial to pick up any and all chemicals or any moisture exposed to the epoxy flooring ASAP. It is also recommended to try and limit items that are dropped on the epoxy if possible. Heavy objects especially can bring a quick end to your epoxy if dropped high enough.

 

Cleaning Epoxy Floors

For a long-lasting epoxy floor, follow the recommended cleaning procedures. Using rough brushes or pads will abrade the surface and remove the coatings/sealers. The cleaner you keep your floors, the longer they will last because dirt, sand, and other particles will not be worn over the surface (in essence, like sandpaper). Despite the durability of epoxy floors, it is still possible for continuous use on the surface to cause damage. If your epoxy floor begins to show damage due to abuse, it is important to repair the issue so that the damage does not spread. A reputable flooring company will provide you with a warranty. Recoating and retexturing as needed will keep the floor in good condition and prevent the base system from being worn down.

 

How often and how well is the floor maintained?

Just like any other product, the better maintained it is, the longer it will last. If your flooring is consistently and properly cleaned, it will not show its age as soon as one that is neglected.

While we’ve talked about the proper maintenance of epoxy floors in a previous post, here are a few simple tips:

  • Try to do a daily sweep to remove particles and dirt from the surface.
  • Perform a thorough clean, including scrubbing with an auto scrubber, at least once a week.
  • Recoat the flooring every few years to retain its shine.
  • Proper maintenance of the flooring will ensure it lasts and looks great as long as possible.

Epoxy floors are designed to be a long lasting flooring solution for a vast variety of industries. With proper installation and maintenance, you can count on getting years out of your epoxy flooring. However, if your installed floor is showing some wear and tear too soon, Liquid Floors will be able to help you get it back to its original luster.

What It Takes to Make an Epoxy Floor Coating Last Longer

As you’d expect, there are low-end and high-end products available for epoxy concrete floor coatings. Better materials reward you with better longevity, appearance, non-slip performance, and everything else you want. However, it’s not just about spending more money. It’s also about applying an epoxy floor coating correctly.

The key factors include:

  • Preparation: The floor needs to be cleaned and, in some cases, sanded or ground. Existing cracks and chips should be repaired before attempting to adhere the epoxy.
  • Adhesion: We use our own formula designed for climate and conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region. We even test the humidity levels and customize our formula for each application as needed. Proper coating process leads to a stronger bond with the concrete.
  • Multiple layers: For a strong bond and membrane-like final result, you need multiple layers, including a topcoat to protect the epoxy from scuffs and scratches.
  • Usage: A home garage faces a different environment than an outdoor patio, and a commercial kitchen or auto shop has yet different factors to consider. Custom epoxy floor coating applications beat off-the-shelf kits every time.

Setting Up A Specification For Annual Roof Repair

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HOW TO FIX A LEAKING ROOF FROM THE INSIDE

FIXING THE ROOF

Keep in mind that these methods are considered temporary fixes. The only permanent solutions to a leaking roof is a professional repair or replacement. But, depending on the age of your roof and the overall condition, this may help to buy you some time.

DIVERTING THE WATER

You may not be able to seal the leak right away, especially if it’s raining and wet. Roof patch will not hold in wet conditions until it’s had time to cure.

  • You need to provide a path for the water to drain. The easiest way to do this is by sticking a nail into the hole. It will attract the water to it, and allow it to funnel in one direction.
  • Place a large 5-gallon bucket under the area to catch any water that drains. Make sure the bucket is large in case it fills quickly.
  • Wait until the area is dry enough to seal the leaking area.

SEALING THE LEAK

If the damaged area is already dry, you don’t need to use the above trick for diverting the water. You can go on to this step of sealing the leak. If it has been raining, then you must wait for things to dry out before you can seal it.

  • First, you must identify where the leak is coming from. The best way to find the source of the leak is to go into the attic or crawl space above the home.
  • Next, take a flashlight and shine it around check for areas of dampness. These are usually easy to find because moisture causes darkness and mold.
  • Using marking chalk, draw a circle around the area that is problematic. This marking will help you to identify the problem when you make a more permanent repair.
  • The area must be dry to use the roof patch. Once it’s dry, apply a liberal amount of the roof patch to the leaking area. Use a scraper to spread it evenly, and ensure the entire region is covered.
  • Once the roof patch has dried, use caulking to cover the edges and any holes that appear. You can use your finger to make sure you get the caulking spread around to the entire area.

 

Enter into The Attic

To fix your leaky roof, look for the attic of your house and enter inside. Clear insulation from the wet ceiling wall and dry off any standing water. To do this, you can put a small piece of plywood across the joists of your ceiling and then place a bucket on it to catch the water.

Locate the Leak

Find the leak by following the position at which it enters your roof. At times, it can be quite a distance from the spot where it is dripping onto your ceiling. You can certainly trace the path along a beam, but at times water can follow the base of the roof deck.

Make a Transient Patch

The next step is to make a transitory leak patch using roofing tar and plywood or a piece of shingle. Apply the roofing tar onto the leak on the base of your roof deck, utilizing a putty knife. Press the plywood or piece of shingle on the roofing tar and add more tar round all the edges of the leak patch.

Measure the Leak’s Distance

While you are still at the attic, measure the distance of the roof leak from the ridge and the gable as well. By doing this, you will be able to trace the leak once the rains are over. Once the rains let up, you can go back to your roof and measure similar dimensions, and then fortify the base of the shingles surrounding the leak with more tar.

 

How to Repair a Leaky Mobile Home Roof

Mobile home roofs tend to leak because of changes in temperature and harsh weather conditions. You will know your mobile home has a leak if you see ugly stains on your ceiling. It is important to repair the leaky roof before fixing the stains caused by the leak in your home. Many times it is difficult to identify where the roof leak is located because the hole may be a tiny space between the flashing and the roof. You will need to check your entire roof thoroughly and use the necessary materials to repair the leak.

Step 1

Use a ladder to climb up to the roof. Make sure to walk on the rafters, and inspect the gutter system, flashing, seams, seals and shingles for leaks.

Step 2

Remove all dirt from the area to be patched by scraping the area with a putty knife. Put strips of butyl tape in a square around the perimeter of the area to be patched.

Step 3

Use tin snips to cut out a patch of galvanized metal that will overlap the leaky area by 3 inches on all sides. Place the metal patch over the butyl tape.

Step 4

Predrill holes in the galvanized metal patch, as well as the roof. Use metal screws to screw through the patch, butyl tape and roof metal. Place the screws every 2 inches around the perimeter of the patch.

Step 5

Apply caulk to seal the edges of the patch and the screws. Once it dries, cover with a roof coating.

 

How to Stop a Roof Leak in the Rain: Preparatory Phase

Clean Up Leaking Area Fast

How to stop a roof leak from the inside? Make sure the area underneath the leaks is clear of water. If you can anticipate leaks by knowing their telltale signs, you can make early preparations that prevent further internal damage.

You can do the following to clear up rooms with leaking roofs fast:

  • Use a mop and pail: Run the mop along the drenched floors. Then, squeeze the leak water into the pail. Perform the same for all ceiling areas and leak-infiltrated rooms. Lastly, place pails to catch further rainfall in the rooms.
  • Suction Hose: If leak water has submerged a room one foot or above, use a suction hose that leads straight to your sewer system to get rid of water fast. Next, clear the room with a mop and pail. Don’t forget to catch the roof leaks with pails too.

Move Furniture and Appliances

If you want to know how to stop a roof leak in the rain, you’ll need to trace its original path. To do this, you’ll need to move all your furniture and appliances outside of leaking rooms. You can’t stop roof leaks without the water destroying your furniture and appliances. Move all furniture and appliances into non-leaking rooms. Furthermore, move a high-powered heater inside these rooms to assist in drying all your belongings.

If you cannot move the furniture or appliance for any reason, you can use thick plastic material to cover its top and underside. Unfortunately, rooms with high likelihood of leak submersion will damage your appliances severely. On the other hand, a water removal and reconstruction service is more expensive than just limiting your expenses on roof repairs. So, prioritize leak repairs first!

Do The Same for The Other Rooms

If you have many leak-infiltrated rooms, perform the same methods we shared above. It is imperative you do this quickly. The more time leaks stay, the bigger the leak source becomes over time. You can assign family members to do steps one and two in different rooms to save time. As an alternative, you can use rags instead of mops to hasten the process. In addition, you can use any container type to catch leaking water from your roof.

 

PE Plastic Covers

As an alternative, you can use polyethylene plastic to cover leaks. This is especially useful if you can’t identify the roof leak source. If you want to know how to stop a roof leak in the rain swiftly, always have PE plastic handy with you.

True enough, your roof vent leaks during heavy rain along with other roofing structures. Pulled flashing is a common reason for internal leaks through your chimney, skylights, and others.

If you want to know how to a stop roof leak in the rain with PE plastic, proceed further below.

First, unroll the plastic. Then, use a measuring tape or ruler to approximate the right amount of PE plastic to cover the leaking area. Additionally, always add at least an extra four feet to your exact measurements to give allowance for heavy downpour leaks.

Next, use a staple to attach the thick plastic. Lastly, nail the positions into place for additional PE plastic reinforcement.

Kitchen Faucets Functional And Sophisticated

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How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Double-Handle Faucet

Determine which side of your faucet is leaking by shutting off the water supply valves one at a time. If the leak doesn’t stop after the first valve is turned off, it’s the other line that’s leaking.

Once you determine which side is leaking, turn off both supply valves.

If your valves are stuck, shut off the water main. You will have to replace hardware for both sides since you won’t be able to identify whether the hot or cold side is leaking.

Disassemble the Faucet

First, take the faucet apart.

Instructions

Step 1

Towel placed in sink basin to protect the finish and catch plumbing parts.

Turn faucet handles to the “on” position to release any residual water. Close the drain and place a towel in the sink to protect the surface and catch any dropped parts.

Step 2

Vinegar soaked towel wrapped around aerator and secured with rubber band.

Remove the aerator and inspect it for damage. If it’s stuck, soak a towel in vinegar and wrap it around the aerator to help loosen mineral deposits. After an hour, gently twist the aerator with a towel and pliers.

Step 3

Towel with organized faucet parts.

As you disassemble the old faucet, lay the parts in order on a flat surface and snap a picture for reference. Then, put those parts in a plastic bag and take them to the store with you when shopping. You may only require one part, but it may be best to buy a kit and replace everything, including a new aerator if yours is damaged.

 

How to fix a leaky cartridge faucet:

  • Pry off the decorative cap on the handle, remove the handle screw, tilt the handle back, and pull it off.
  • If there’s a threaded retaining clip holding the cartridge in place, use needle-nose pliers to remove it, then pull the cartridge straight up.
  • Remove the spout and cut off the old O-rings using a utility knife. Coat the new O-rings with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease.
  • To replace the entire cartridge, match the length of the old cartridge with the length of the replacement. Also match the stem end where the handle attaches.

 

Why Faucets Leak

All faucets work by controlling the flow of water through the use of an inner stem or cartridge with rubber or neoprene washers or seals that open and close against water inlet ports inside the faucet body. When these seals don’t properly fit, it allows a small amount of water to continue up to the faucet spout, where it creates that maddening and wasteful drip, drip, drip. The failure to seal can be caused by corrosion, by foreign material inside the faucet body, or (most often) by washers or seals that have lost their resiliency and are failing to seal properly.

There are some problems that can occur with any faucet type:

  • Mineral (scale) buildup on the inner parts can cause any faucet to leak, since this mineral buildup interferes with the faucet’s ability to seal the water inlets. Here, you may be able to clean away scale and restore the faucet to good operating condition.
  • Corrosion of parts within the body of the faucet. This can deform the water inlet ports to such a degree that the washers or seals on the faucet stem or cartridge can no longer seal properly and stop the flow of water. In this case, the practical solution is the replace the entire faucet, since repairs—even if they are possible—may not be cost-effective
  • Leaking around the base of the spout is usually caused by worn O-rings around the body of the faucet underneath the spout assembly. This can occur with either cartridge faucets or traditional compression faucets.

 

Leaks Under the Sink

A leak under the faucet and sink can be the hardest to notice since most people don’t even look under the sink on a regular basis. This can actually be one of the most damaging leaks, though, since this water has nowhere to go but onto the floor. Left unrecognized, this kind of leak can damage the floor or your vanity or seep through the floor where it can cause very expensive damage.

Start by emptying out the sink vanity and thoroughly drying everything off. Next, run a bit of water to see where the leaking comes from. There are two likely sources of leaks under the sink:

  • Water supply connections that are loose.
  • Sink drain or P-trap connections that are loose.

These leaks can be very small, so if you can’t immediately see the source of the leaking, lay some dry paper towels on the floor or bottom of the vanity and check back in a day or so for water marks on the paper towels.

The water supply lines have three connections you should check: where the supply pipes connect to the shut-off valves; where the valves connect to the flexible supply tubes; and where those supply tubes connect to the tailpieces on the faucet itself. Any of these locations could be the place where water is leaking. It’s a matter of close inspection to identify the spot where the leak is occurring, then tightening the fittings to stop the leaking. In some instance, the shut-off valve or flexible supply tube may be worn out and need to be replaced.

It’s also possible, though less likely, that the faucet itself is worn out and needs to be replaced. In a very old faucet, the tailpieces may have corroded so far that tight connections to flexible supply tubes are no longer possible.

 

How to determine the cause of a leaky faucet

It’s best to always be vigilant of dripping faucets, as a single leaky fixture can waste 20 gallons of water a day! Give your sink a once-over to try to identify the source of the leak. If water is pooling around the stem of the faucet, you most likely need to replace the O-ring or tighten the packing nut.

If the leak is coming from the spout, there’s most likely a problem with the faucet handle. At this point, it’s helpful to have some knowledge about which type of faucet is in your home. The Spruce explained that a cartridge faucet is most common in modern homes, and you’ll typically need to replace the cartridge.

A compression faucet, on the other hand, is more typical in older homes. The rubber seals can wear out over time, so replacing them can usually remedy a dripping faucet.

Mold Inspection Misconceptions

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What about Black Mold or Stachybotrys?

Recently, there has been heightened concern regarding exposure to a specific type of mold commonly referred to as black or toxic mold. Currently there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking the inhalation of black mold spores or any type of mold in the indoor environment to any illness other than the previously described allergy symptoms. The term “toxic” is an inaccurate description of this mold. There are many common molds that are black in color.

If you see mold growing in your home, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. You do not have to leave your home or belongings behind or destroy everything in the house. Instead, seek the help of someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with mold. Contact your local public health agency or state health department for more information on mold.

Mold Cleanup

Professional cleaners or remediators may use methods not covered in this publication. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.

Protecting Yourself During Mold Cleanup

Before starting your cleanup process, make sure you have the proper equipment and take precautions to protect yourself.

  • Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold spores, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front; others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Look for the label of N-95 and NIOSH to assure the respirator will provide the protection needed.
  • Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, chlorine bleach or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or PVC.
  • Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended to avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

 

Who should do the cleanup?

This depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3-foot by 3-foot patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below.

  • If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult with an InterNACHI inspector.
  • If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations of the EPA, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.
  • Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold. This could spread mold throughout the building.
  • If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
  • If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

Tips and Techniques

The tips and techniques presented in this section will help you clean up your mold problem. Professional cleaners or remediators may use methods not covered here. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.

  • Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.
  • Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
  • Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
  • Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.
  • Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces.
  • Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel. If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair and restoration, painting and art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

 

Why Shouldn’t You Get a Free Mold Inspection?

A free mold inspection is usually a bad idea. Here are some reasons why you should think twice about that free inspection:

Inaccurate Results

If a company offers a free mold inspection, it’s unlikely that they are giving you the best. Often, things that sound too good to be true are too good to be true. Thorough mold inspections aren’t cheap. A company that offers high quality inspections needs costly equipment and skilled workers. For that reason, they can’t afford to offer free inspections.

When you receive a thorough inspection, you get more accuracy. You can learn exactly what types of mold are in your home. Furthermore, you can find out where your mold is coming from. When you do hire a mold testing specialist in Houston, you can get better results. Unfortunately, free inspections don’t involve precision. The specialist might tell you that you have mold, but they might offer no other specifics. It’s also likely that they have less training, which causes inaccurate results.

More Costly Than Paid Testing

Typically, a free mold inspection is more costly than a paid one. This is due to the inaccurate nature of free testing. If you have a mold problem that goes undetected, you could be in for thousands of dollars worth of damage. Mold spreads quickly. Failing to diagnose the problem early on means it will only get worse. As the problem progresses, the cost of repair only increases.

Scams

These days, most people are targets for scammers. Regardless of your age or situation, you could be a victim of a scam. Some companies offer free mold inspections and try to take advantage of you. For instance, some businesses shake out rugs and pillows to release more spores into the air. The result is higher mold concentrations throughout your home. Other companies use gimmicky equipment that don’t actually get the job done. This point comes back to the lack of regulation in the mold inspection industry. If a company wants to make money off of you, they could argue that you have more mold than you actually do. To remedy your “problem”, you could spend money in unnecessary mold remediation.

 

How do you keep mold out of buildings and homes?

Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth (e.g., water leaks, condensation, infiltration, or flooding) to prevent mold growth.

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

  • Controlling humidity levels;
  • Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
  • Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
  • Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

 

How Mold Home Inspections Work

The first step in a mold inspection should be an IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) or MAS (Mold Air Sampling) test to determine what irritants or possible mold strains are present in the home.

As mentioned before, not all mold is toxic black mold, despite the color. A visual inspection alone will not indicate how dangerous a mold growth is. Only mold testing can accurately identify the specific strain of mold in your home.

During your inspection, we will also look for signs of mold, past mold growths that could become active again, or areas with signs of moisture that could lead to future mold problems.

Next, any samples collected during the mold testing and home inspection will be sent to a certified lab for analysis and identification of the exact nature of the problems found.

Thermal imaging can also be useful in detecting the presence of water that could lead to a mold problem. For example, if you smell a musty odor but have not had any recent water damage, thermal imaging can be used to determine if there is a hidden leak inside your walls causing the mold growth.

Mold home inspections must follow strict requirements to get an accurate reading of the air quality inside your Florida home. Don’t trust this process to just anybody. Always make sure you hire an inspector that is certified to perform mold inspections and beware of prices that are too low or too high.