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The Best To Make Stucco Repairs

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How to Repair Stucco

Stucco Recipes

Directions: Shovel the dry ingredients into a wheelbarrow and blend them with a mortar hoe. Add the acrylic bonding agent, then stir in water, a little at a time, until the mix reaches the consistency of buttercream frosting. Too much water will make it loose and unworkable. Once water is added, the mix will stay usable for 30 to 90 minutes before it starts to harden.

Break Off Loose Stucco

Whack it with a hammer, or a hammer and a cold chisel, taking care not to damage the underlying wood lath supports. Eye protection is a must.

Chip Away At The Edges

Continue until you reach stucco that’s firmly adhered to its lath. Cut any metal mesh with snips.

Cover The Exposed Lath

Using a utility knife, trim a piece of grade-D builder’s paper to fit tightly along the boundary where the old stucco meets the exposed wood lath. Fasten the paper to the lath with roofing nails, then put a second layer of paper on top of the first.

Add Mesh

Place galvanized metal lath over the paper and trim it tight against the edge of the stucco. Snips with offset handles will make this job easier. Drive more roofing nails through the mesh and into the wood lath.

How to Repair Stucco Siding

Fixing Large Holes in Stucco

Patching large holes in stucco is a job that homeowners adept at basic home repairs can handle-though it may be difficult to create a patch that blends perfectly with the wall unless you repaint.

Remove loose stucco from the hole with a cold chisel and ballpeen hammer as shown at right; blow out the dust. Staple new wire mesh over any damaged mesh. Spray with water.

Apply the first coat of stucco to within 1/4 inch of the surface, using a mason’s trowel or putty knife (stucco should ooze from behind the mesh). When firm, scratch with a nail. Let cure for two days.

Apply the second coat over the dampened first coat to within 1/8 inch of the surface, using a mason’s trowel or putty knife, as shown below left. Smooth the stucco and let it cure for two days.

Apply the final coat over the dampened second coat with a metal float or mason’s trowel. Smooth flush with the existing surface. Texture as desired, and allow to cure for four days.

Paint if necessary. See How to Paint Stucco.

HomeTips Pro Tip: For deep holes, build up the patch with several successive layers, allowing each to dry before applying the next. Match the texture by touching it up with a float or a small brush.

Stucco Repair: A Quick and Easy Way to Make Your Home Look Like New

How to make DIY stucco

Stucco changes color over the years, so your new patch probably won’t match. But you can paint the new layer after installing, or buy coloring pigment to add to your mix to match the existing color. Mix small batches, add some pigment to the mix, then put it on a piece of cardboard, and allow it to dry. You will need to try different amounts of pigment until you match the color, and you will want to do it before you start your repair.

Apply the first coat

Use a mason’s chisel and hammer to chip away any old stucco or loose material. Then use a finishing trowel to paint on the damaged area and repair cracks. This first layer is called the “scratch coat” (you’ll see why next).

Add grooves

When the scratch coat is applied, use the notched trowel to scratch grooves into the mud. This helps future coats adhere better.

Prepare for the brown coat

After the scratch coat sets and dries for at least 24 hours, sponge water onto the area to help the next coat adhere. This next layer is called the “brown coat” regardless of color.

Apply the coat

Make sure you spread this layer of new stucco evenly, then “screed” (leveling with a straight edge) the mix to ensure the coat is flat and level (no texture).

HOW TO REPAIR STUCCO

Stucco exteriors have many advantages. Stucco is insulating and can make heating and cooling a home energy efficient. It can reduce outside noise, is fire retardant and can last for decades, if you maintain it. Cracks and holes must be fixed as soon as they are noticed to keep the structural integrity of your stucco intact. Learn how to fix stucco cracks and holes with these tips and techniques and ensure your stucco is a lasting part of your home’s curb appeal.

HOW TO REPAIR STUCCO CRACKS

Small, thin cracks in your stucco can be easily fixed with exterior latex paintable caulk. Choose a caulk color that is close to your stucco color. You may not find an exact match, but something close to it. If need be, you can touch up the caulked area with an exterior paint that matches your stucco color. Use a utility knife to cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle, and place it in a caulking gun. Puncture the internal foil patch at the base of the nozzle with a nail or other slender sharp object. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle parallel to the crack being filled and pull the nozzle along the crack. Don’t push it. Position the nozzle opening so that it forces sealant onto the crack. As you finish applying each bead of caulk, release the trigger and pull back on the caulking gun rod to stop the flow of caulk and relieve the pressure inside the tube. Releasing the trigger alone will not stop the caulk from flowing out of the nozzle. Let the caulk set for the manufacturer-recommended amount of time.

For cracks larger than a ¼” or so, fill the crack with premixed stucco patch and a small putty knife. Allow the stucco patch to set for the a mount of time recommended by the manufacturer. You may need to apply a few layers of the stucco patch to adequately fill the crack and make the patch flush with the surrounding stucco surface. Follow all instructions.

REPAIRING THE STUCCO ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE

It’s about time I share more about our landscaping project that I’ve been teasing about for awhile. I last left off sharing how I saved thousands of dollars and saved foliage from the landfill when trying to clear out our front yard to make way for new plantings.

Once we removed the existing plantings and admired our dirt pile, it became obvious that there was some stucco repair to be done. I’m here to share what I did, how I did it, and give you some satisfying before and afters to enjoy.

Now, I realize this isn’t a DIY project that most people need to do. But I want to share this post to keep you updated on the work that went into the restoration of my home and demonstrate the power of a determined DIYing woman (me). If you have the privilege of time, energy, physical ability, and money, you can do nearly any home improvement project – even the unglamorous ones. Plus, I took a bunch of photos, so I need to publish them on the internet – If I don’t prove I did it, did the project didn’t even happen??

Scrape away loose materials

I shared this above, but I must repeat again that removing loose pieces and dust is super duper important. New material won’t stick to the flaky dusty stuff.

Side note. There’s something that I really like about revealing the brick underneath the stucco. It’s such a beautiful reminder of the work that went into building my house over 100 years ago. I find it kinda neat to touch the piece of brick that someone else touched but hasn’t been seen for 100 years. Ya know what I mean?

Tips To Choose The Best Mold Inspection

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Mold Inspection – What Is Involved?

What Is A Mold Inspection?

A mold inspection focuses on determining if there is water damage present within the home that is causing a mold problem. Because some sort of mold content is present in just about everyhome, a determination is made during the mold assessment if it was caused by water damage.

How Is A Mold Inspection Done?

A mold inspection consists of a visual inspection for mold growth, moisture mapping for hidden leaks, air sampling, surface sampling, and checking the air conditioning for mold. Every inspection can be different as some could be limited in nature.

When should a mold inspection and mold testing be considered?

When visible mold is not present, but the smell of mold is. Here a mold inspection and mold test can reveal whether there is indeed elevated mold, and where it is located.
There have been plumbing leaks or water issues and there is a suspicion that elevated mold may exist in the air and/or behind walls.
Post Mold Removal Clearance Testing to ensure that the previous mold issue has been resolved and mold counts have returned to levels found in normal environments of the same type.
Health Concerns: In some cases, a doctor or the patient has a health issue that they cannot pinpoint the cause but seems to be related to mold symptoms (coughing, sneezing, headaches, etc). Here, a mold inspection and test may help to confirm whether the doctor’s or patient’s suspicions that a mold problem exists.
For real estate transactions for the protection of Buyers and Sellers.
Landlord/Tenant disputes as to whether there is a mold problem.
Someone thinks they see or smell mold but are not sure.
Someone is interested in a general Indoor Air Quality test of their environment.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A MOLD INSPECTION?

While there isn’t really any prep work needed for a mold inspection, there are a few things you can do to make things easier for the mold inspector.

Make sure that all areas of your home are accessible. A lot of people have their attic access inside closets. It is helpful to have the closet entry clear before the inspector arrives.
Since the mold inspection process in both an interior and exterior inspection, try to move items away from the exterior of the home so the inspector can get a good visual.
Be prepared to answer questions about your home. A good mold inspector will want to gather information about the history of your home including leaks, flooding, or other water intrusions.
If you have pets, please inform the mold inspector ahead of time and let them know if they need to make sure the cat doesn’t get out or if the dog is leery of strangers. Mold inspectors may choose to wear protective gear. They also carry equipment that may startle a pet.

Why Should You Have a Mold Inspection?

There are several reasons to have a mold inspection performed in your home. Any one of these situations would be enough cause for an inspection:

You frequently have allergy-type symptoms in one room of your house. Or you have allergy-type symptoms in your home that go away when you’re somewhere else.
You’ve had a water leak or flooding somewhere in your home.
You smell mold, but don’t see any.
You’re about to make a real estate transaction.

If you see visible mold, you can typically proceed to the mold remediation process without having an actual inspection. However, if you’re unsure that what you’re seeing is mold, an inspection is wise.

Six Important Things You Should Know About Mold Inspections

Mold inspections need to be performed by a qualified mold inspector who has formal training and experience with mold inspections. Training and experience are necessary.
Mold inspections should look for evidence of past or current mold growth. Past mold growth may indicate a water problem which will come back when certain conditions return such as a recurring leak. Past mold growth may also cause sensitized individuals to have an allergic reaction or, conceivably, cause some individuals to start becoming sensitized to mold.
Mold inspections should look for mold within the building, inside walls, and in other areas where mold growth is undesirable, including areas where mold growth could be causing structural issues such as wood decay in crawlspaces.
Some mold growth in buildings may be perfectly normal. For example, Ceratosystis and Ophiostoma are two molds that grow on lumber (sometimes referred to as lumber yard mold) and are frequently found growing on two by fours or other structural framing within buildings. These molds grow on the sap of wood and stop growing once the wood has dried. Although they cause black staining on the wood, they do not cause any structural issues. If black staining is found on wood, the mold inspector can take a sample and send it to the mold testing lab for analysis to determine if it is one of these molds.
It is very important (and some would say essential) that the mold inspection look for sources of moisture. Water is essential for mold growth. Without a source of water, you will not have mold growth. Consequently, if there is mold growth, it must be associated with a source of moisture. If this source of moisture is not found and eliminated, the mold growth will return and remediation efforts are of negligible long term value. The importance of looking for sources of moisture cannot be overstated and must be included.
Mold inspections are a subset of investigations called “Indoor Air Quality” (IAQ) investigations. These investigations look at the broader question: “What irritants are present in the air causing discomfort to the occupants?” If you are having a mold inspection because you feel ill when you are in a certain building or room, you might consider whether other irritants may be causing the discomfort and include these in the investigation.

Tips To Be A Pediatric

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How to Become a Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric Nursing

Pediatric nursing is a specialization of the nursing profession that focuses on pediatrics and the medical care of children, from infancy to the teenage years. This is an important field because the health of children is distinct from that of adults due to the growth and development that occurs throughout childhood.

It is worth noting that a certification as a pediatric nurse is not required to work as a nurse for children. However, obtaining specialized knowledge and training helps to improve job prospects and is recommended for nurses who have a passion for caring for children.

The Basics

What you’ll do: Pediatric nurses provide preventative and acute care in all settings to children and adolescents. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) perform physical exams, diagnose illness and injury, and provide education and support to patients’ families. They often work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with pediatricians and other health care providers.

Minimum degree you’ll need to practice: Pediatric nurses are registered nurses (RNs) and usually have four-year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degrees (BSNs).

Certification: Certification for pediatric nurses and pediatric nurse practitioners is available from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

Career Overview

Pediatric nurses and pediatric nurse practitioners work in a wide range of settings from doctor’s offices and community-based settings to hospitals and critical care facilities. Here’s what you’ll do and how to become a pediatric nurse.

Primary care services may include:

Health maintenance care, including “well child” examinations
Routine developmental screenings
Diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses
Anticipatory guidance regarding common child health concerns
Delivery of immunizations
Performance of school physicals

Acute care and specialty services may include:

Caring for children who are acutely, chronically or critically ill
Performing in-depth physical assessments
Interpreting results of laboratory and diagnostic tests
Ordering medications and performing therapeutic treatments

Some pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners focus on a pediatric specialty area, such as cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology or oncology.

What Does Your Pediatrician Do?

They’ll see your child many times from birth to age 2 and once a year from ages 2 to 5 for “well-child visits.” After age 5, your pediatrician will likely continue to see your child every year for annual checkups. They’re also the first person to call whenever your child is sick.

To take care of your child, your pediatrician will:

Do physical exams
Give your child vaccinations
Make sure she meets milestones in growth, behavior, and skills
Diagnose and treat your child’s illnesses, infections, injuries, and other health problems
Give you information about your child’s health, safety, nutrition, and fitness needs
Answer your questions about your little one’s growth and development
Refer you to specialists if they think your child needs expert care

What you should know before becoming a pediatric nurse

Now that you’ve got the basic lay of the land down, here’s what the experts think you should know about the day-to-day life of a pediatric nurse.

1. Listening and observation is key

Nurses interact face-to-face with patients more than any other provider. With adult patients it’s relatively simple to get information about what ails them—but working with young patients can bring unique challenges on this front. Though a child’s medical chart may cover quite a bit, many crucial pieces of information still need to be gathered from the patients and the family. Factors like lack of financial resources, additional life stressors and transportation concerns can greatly influence the patient’s care plan.

Additionally, pediatric nurses will need to keep a close eye out for non-verbal clues. “Patients in all age ranges need nurses to listen, but our pediatric patients cannot always articulate their specific needs through verbal communication,” says Cobb.

Once you get comfortable in your role as a pediatric nurse, it may be tempting to tune out what you might think is extraneous chatter. Listening to the concerns of both parent and child will only further assist you in giving the best care possible for your patient.

2. Kids are resilient

“Kids are very resilient and they heal more quickly than adults. This can be an advantage as health outcomes are generally more promising in pediatrics,” says Tyler Dean, certified pediatric nurse and Associate Professor at Rasmussen College.

A 4-year old can go from crying about an IV stick to giggling a minute later. Working in pediatrics allows you to play a huge part in those giggles. “The most rewarding aspect of working in pediatrics is that you can play, make jokes and be a little goofy at times,” Dean says. Not only is that good for the kids, it’s good for you too. Nursing can be very stressful and these interactions can bring joy to a normal day.

3. You’ll be working with families just as much as you will with children

A patient’s family is an integral part of their recovery, so it’s key that you communicate with them just as effectively as you do with the child.

“Pediatric nurses utilize a family-centered approach, which means you include, engage, and educate all members of the family along with the patient,” Dean says. And don’t forget the patient’s siblings! Often, as the family is stressed and focused on the patient, siblings get ignored, so it means a lot for nurses to acknowledge the siblings’ emotions and presence.

4. You can further specialize with pediatrics

Just as nurses can specialize when working in adult care, pediatric nurses can too. Whether you’re interested in intensive care, emergency care, orthopedics, oncology, trauma, gastroenterology, home healthcare, the NICU or case management, it’s likely you’ll be able to find a pediatric department that aligns with your interests.

The duties are typically similar to the adult equivalent specialty you may be more familiar with, though the ways you communicate and interact with the patient will be different. You’ll look for different developmental markers and rely on information communicated by the patient’s family. You may also need to be more observant of visual and behavioral clues since younger patients may have trouble articulating exactly how they feel or what they need.

5. You’ll have to take care of yourself too

Depending on where you work as a pediatric nurse, you may be caring for children with terminal illnesses or other very serious health issues. While you won’t be the one delivering the bad news initially or working with the family in the long run, learning how to navigate these situations in a positive way can have a positive impact on the family.

But even if you handle tough situations with families perfectly, seeing the pain in family members’ faces in tough medical situations can be emotionally taxing especially as you listen and stay present with them as they grieve. As with all types of nursing, it is important to take care of yourself and have a professional relationship with your patients and their families so you can return the next day and dedicate yourself 100 percent to those patients as well.

Your team will be able to relate to what you’re going through and members may be able to help you verbally process your thoughts, emotions and feelings after stressful days. The charge nurse or chaplain may also check in with you as well. On your own, finding time to refuel, spend time with loved ones and invest in your own hobbies is key to prevent burnout. “We are still human—it’s okay to cry or ask for help,” says Dean.

Pediatric Cardiologist Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Pediatric Cardiologist to treat our young patients by performing non-invasive procedures or, when necessary, carrying out surgical intervention. Your responsibilities will include undertaking various tests, making diagnoses, providing treatment plans and options, and working with other physicians and surgeons to treat patients’ heart and/or cardiovascular disorders.

To be successful as a Pediatric Cardiologist you will need to enjoy being around children and demonstrate emotional resilience in challenging medical situations.

Pediatric Cardiologist Responsibilities:

Consulting with patients and their parents to understand symptoms and health concerns.
Prescribing tests, treatments, and/or surgery, when necessary.
Maintaining detailed notes of appointments with patients, including comments, tests and/or treatments prescribed, and test results.
Performing tests, when needed, to check the health of patients’ hearts and/or cardiovascular systems.
Interpreting test results to determine how effectively the heart and/or cardiovascular system is functioning.
Using medical imaging equipment, such as CT and MRI scanners, to diagnose and treat heart and/or cardiovascular conditions.
Assisting and/or performing surgery which may include complex surgical interventions.
Prescribing medication to treat heart and/or cardiovascular problems.
Providing support and advice to patients, and their parents, receiving long-term care.
Conducting research on heart and cardiovascular diseases, disorders, and abnormalities affecting children.

Pediatric Cardiologist Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, physical sciences, or a related field.
Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
3 to 7 years’ internship and clinical residency training, specializing in pediatrics.
Successful completion of a fellowship program in pediatric cardiology.
Successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Certification by The American Board of Pediatrics in pediatric cardiology.
Valid and active medical license in the state you wish to practice.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Wonderful bedside manner.
Excellent communicator who can empathize with patients.

Learn To Be A Criminal Defense Attorney

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What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

Criminal defense attorneys research the facts, investigate the case against their clients and try to negotiate deals with their adversaries (prosecutors). These deals may include reduced bail, reduced charges, and reduced sentences. Because of a number of factors—political and public pressure, overcrowded jails, overloaded court calendars—deal-making has grown in importance and has become an essential element in unclogging the criminal justice system.

Criminal defense attorneys also examine witnesses, help formulate a plea, analyze the prosecutor’s case, assess the potential sentences (and the likelihood of a particular judge awarding such a sentence), review search and seizure procedures, question witnesses, and gather evidence. Defense counsel also provide more personal services by giving the defendant a reality check as to the possible outcomes, and by helping the defendant to deal with the frustrations, humiliations, and fears resulting from being thrown into the criminal justice system. And of course, if no plea deal can be made, the defense lawyer represents the defendant at trial.

Why are Criminal Defense Attorneys Important?

Criminal law is a complex body of state and federal legislation. In fact, each state often sets its own definitions and punishments for state crimes. The majority of crimes are state crimes. Exceptions include causing damage to federal property or inflicting injury upon a federal employee.

The average person will not have an understanding of criminal law or the criminal justice process. Unfortunately ignorance or failing to understand criminal law is rarely an adequate defense to avoid being found guilty.

Although an individual has the right to represent himself or herself during criminal trial proceedings, the consequences of having poor legal representation can be severe. Misdemeanors, which are lesser crimes, might only entail a fine or a brief jail sentence, but felonies, which are more serious crimes, can lead to long prison terms. This is why it is so important to have someone knowledgeable about the law argue on your behalf.

Criminal Lawyer Skills & Competencies

Criminal lawyers must possess a variety of additional skills to succeed in their jobs, including the following:

Writing and speaking skills: Excellent oral and written advocacy skills in order to argue a client’s case before a judge and persuade a jury.
Research and investigative skills: Investigative and research skills are also important in building a client’s case and establishing a strong defense.
Creative and analytical skills: Strong creative thinking and analytical skills to develop a legal strategy, analyze case law and litigate complex cases.
Legal knowledge and experience: In-depth understanding of state, federal and local rules, court procedures, evidentiary laws, and local judges to navigate the criminal justice system efficiently and competently.
Interpersonal skills: Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary to build a strong client-attorney relationship. Criminal defendants are a finicky group who sometimes go through many lawyers before settling on one they like. Therefore, the ability to attract and retain clients is essential to a thriving criminal defense practice.

Top 10 Attributes of an Effective Defense Attorney

Attorneys defend the rights of all sorts of criminals, from drug dealers to murderers. Although the public may view them with disdain — particularly if they win cases for their clients — defense attorneys have an important role. It is the right of every American to have a fair trial, and it is the defense attorney’s responsibility to see that it happens. His attributes and skills ensure that he fills that role.

Integrity

A defense attorney, as with all lawyers, must have a high level of integrity. He must be honest with his client, keeping him informed of the progress of his case and the likely outcome of the proceedings.

Research Skills

He must be able to conduct research — not only legal research to find precedents and other cases with a bearing on his, but also research into the alleged crime committed by his client and circumstances that the police may have overlooked.

Negotiating Skills

The overwhelming number of legal cases are settled out of court. Defense and prosecutors negotiate agreements and take them to the judge for his approval. The defense attorney must be able to make the best possible deal for his client.

Courtroom Demeanor

Courtroom proceedings are formal and proscribed. Working within the legal setting, the defense attorney must be theatrical when appropriate. He must not be intimidated by the judge or the prosecutors.

Perseverence

With dogged determination, the defense attorney must exploit every avenue that is available to him to defend his client. He must pursue every opportunity to sway the judge and jury if his case goes to court, and, if his client is found guilty, he must exhaust all possible appeals.

Analytical Skills

The defense attorney should have a sharp mind and be capable of making quick judgments. Whether negotiating a settlement, challenging the prosecution or making his arguments to the jury, the defense attorney must be thinking all the time.

Knowledge

Having knowledge of the intricacies of the law is vital to his performance. So is his knowledge of the mannerisms and personalities of the judges who preside over his cases and the prosecutors who oppose him.

Communications

The attorney is a skilled communicator. He is an excellent speaker and uses his skill in and out of the courtroom. His writing skills are also of the highest caliber which he demonstrates in his ability to write briefs and other documents.

Understands Police

The defense attorney is on good terms with the police. He understand what they do and is able to extract information from them. His knowledge helps him better understand the evidence against his client.

Caring

The defense attorney must care about his client, the client’s family and the consequences of the verdict. A guilty verdict, even with no jail sentence, could affect the client’s professional licenses and have additional consequences if his immigration status comes into question.

10 Tips to Help You Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

If you already understand the importance of having an excellent attorney when you’re facing a criminal charge, the next step is finding the best criminal defense attorney to represent you. Not all lawyers are created the same, and finding the right attorney can make all the difference when it comes to putting up the best defense possible.

Taking the time to seek out the best defense attorney can ensure you are represented in the best light possible when you go to court. Although the process of searching for a lawyer can seem daunting, especially when dealing with the repercussions of a criminal charge, this is arguably one of the most important steps of the entire case. Here are ten tips to help you find the best Las Vegas criminal defense attorney.

An Attorney Should Be Responsive

When you’re facing a criminal charge, time is of the essence. Time lost is a case lost. You need a criminal defense attorney that’s going to get to work on the case right away.

When you contact a lawyer, they should respond quickly. Their legal team should be able to arrange a meeting with you within one day. If they’re quick to answer to your phone call or email, they’re probably going to be equally on the ball when it comes to defending you.

The Right Attorney Specializes in Criminal Law

Although they don’t have to practice criminal law exclusively, the right attorney at least specializes in criminal law. If you don’t see anything on the attorney’s website about criminal law, it’s likely that they’re not the right lawyer for your needs.

The practice of law is just that — practice. Your attorney needs regular involvement in criminal law to stay up to date on the nuances of this type of law and the best possible defenses.

Choose Someone Experienced in the Local Courts

In addition to finding a lawyer that’s qualified in criminal law, you should look for an attorney that’s experienced in the local courts. This aspect of deciding on the right attorney is one that is often overlooked, but local connections and relationships can go a long way when fighting a criminal charge.

Not only does each court do things their own way, but each judge does things their own way too. Knowing the ins and outs of the court you’re up against can help you create a winning strategy for your case.

Check Reputable Sources

You can learn a lot about an attorney on the internet. Some of these sources are reputable, and some are not. You can check the State Bar of Nevada to see if a lawyer has any formal discipline on their record. This is a good place to start, but your research shouldn’t stop there.

Some websites like Google+ and Facebook don’t let attorneys remove bad reviews, so these websites can be a good place to look at what other clients have to say. Other sites help attorneys paint a rosy picture. While you don’t want to count an attorney out because of one bad review, reading reviews can give you a general idea of what other clients have to say about them and their services.

Ask for Referrals

One of the best ways to find the right attorney for you is asking your friends and family if they know any good lawyers. Those with first-hand knowledge of how an attorney operates can help offer you insight into how they will handle your case.

Also, if you use a lawyer for business or estate planning matters, you can ask them who they recommend for a criminal case. Word of mouth can be a great way to get an honest opinion especially when the person you’re asking wants what’s best for you.

The Right Attorney Knows the Basics Off the Top of Their Head

An attorney doesn’t have to know everything without having to look things up, but they should know the basics of the most common crimes. They should be able to explain to you the possible and likely penalties for the charges against you.

They should know the questions to ask you to determine if nuances apply to the case. The best criminal defense attorney has a certain level of familiarity and comfort with the laws and the criminal justice system.

Look for a Clear Fee Structure

The best defense attorney doesn’t want confusion about their bill. Instead, they’re going to explain in simple terms how they bill and give you an idea of what you can expect regarding their fees for services and the total cost of your defense.

The least expensive lawyer isn’t always best. Instead, you should ask what their services include and make sure that your attorney is up for mounting a vigorous defense.

Gauge Their Enthusiasm

Some attorneys work harder than others. You will want a lawyer that conducts a thorough investigation. They should go to trial when it’s best to go to trial, and they should encourage you to accept a plea offer only when it’s really in your best interest. When it’s time to decide whether to go to trial or accept a plea, the right attorney can articulate what choice they feel is in your best interest and why.

The way to find this attorney is to look for enthusiasm. While your attorney should be experienced, the number of years of experience isn’t everything. The right attorney has a certain level of sincere interest in their work, and they must be eager to dive into your case on your behalf.

They Have Courtroom Confidence

One type of experience that matters is courtroom experience. Criminal trials move fast. Sometimes, your attorney has mere seconds to make an objection that could impact the outcome of the case. Make sure your attorney has enough experience to know the court rules and have confidence and comfort in a court hearing.

In this regard, you can judge a book by its cover. If an attorney has a neat appearance and is well spoken when you meet with them, they’re likely to be the same way in court. The attorney you choose speaks on your behalf. When you meet, you should like the way they present themselves, because they’re going to be speaking for you.

They Take Direction From You

Ultimately, your criminal charge is yours to defend. Your attorney should control the specific methods of mounting your defense like filing court motions and what witnesses to call, but the big decisions are up to you.

It’s up to you to decide if you plead guilty or go to trial. Your attorney should take the time to understand your goals and priorities and take them into account when they’re helping you make your action plan.

Tips To Make Residential Roofing

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Top Roofing Tips

Think Safety First

Fussing to try and find a leak as soon as it happens is something that could put you in the hospital. Meddling on a roof while it’s raining or covered with ice and snow isn’t the ideal way to find a leak. Trying to temporarily fix a leak could be highly dangerous. If you want to do it right, there is no quick-fix. Just take your time, and be very patient and careful to wait for Mother Nature to give you the green light.

Take Precautions

Being on a roof will put the body in positions that are not comfortable or safe. Make sure to wear rubber sole shoes to prevent slipping. Also use a harness and always work with a buddy.

Spray the Roof

Take a garden hose and go up to the roof and start spraying in different locations to find the leak. Wait if it’s wintertime because it’s not safe to run water on the roof when it’s freezing out.

Keep Gutters Clean

One of the most common areas and causes for roof leaks are clogged gutters. Gutters that have not been cleaned can cause the water to build up during rain.

Avoid Dry Rot

Dry rot isn’t related to any type of water damage, but lack of ventilation. If a roof repair is right in the middle of the roof, there is a chance that the plywood might be deteriorating. The roof will actually sag in and cause the roof shingles to get brittle, crack and then leak. Preventing dry rot consists of installing a ridge vent, which will only work if there is a soffit vent. Holes have to be drilled through the soffit vents so cool air comes in through the bottom and pushes the hot air out through the top.

Roofing: Replacement or Repairs?

As an Portland homeowner, you may not look forward to regular roof maintenance, but if you want your roof to live up to its full potential, hiring a roofing contractor for a roof inspection is a wise decision. Homeowners should have their roofs inspected at least once a year, and severe weather may necessitate more inspections because rain, hale, snow, and wind can damage roof shingles and tiles, cause premature aging, and create leaks. Roof inspections allow a professional to examine your roof for complications that may otherwise go unnoticed.

What Does a Roof Inspection Entail?

A roof inspection with your roofing contractor will include many examinations and an overall assessment of your roof. The inspector will search for weather damage, granular loss, debris, cracks, ponding, blisters, water staining, deformations, leaks, and corrosion. The inspector will also check the state of your skylights, chimney, and gutters.

How Does a Roof Inspection Prevent Roof Problems?

If you haven’t experienced any problems regarding your roof, you may just not be aware of current damage and the complications that will surely follow. Roof inspectors are trained to look for signs of damage, so they are able to find areas of concern that you may not spot. Your roofing contractor may notice improper ventilation, shingle granules in rain gutters, missing or loose shingles, and sagging near ridges or between rafters. Gaps in the flashing, pools of water, and leaks may also be present on your roof. All of these problems may appear minor at first, but they can result in severe damage that compromises the integrity of your roof and leaves it susceptible to pests, mold and mildew, and collapse.

Think of roof inspections as an investment in your home because your property value is likely to increase when your roof is in good condition. You will also avoid expensive repairs by hiring a roof inspector to examine your roof regularly. When the time comes to check your roof for damage, contact RJ Ramos Roofing, a reputable Portland roofing contractor.

Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

The biggest obstacle homeowners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and perform the necessary roofing repairs. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these 10 important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.

Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.

Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). GAF strictly enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as profesional. (Unlike other manufacturer designations, profesional cannot use this top designation in another territory, only in the location of the storm.

Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right after a storm looking for work, so it’s important to look them up on the BBB website and make sure they have a good score. Stay away from contractors who do not exist on BBB.org. GAF profesional are required to maintain satisfactory ratings with the BBB in order to retain their certification.

Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up—and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself. A profesional can offer one of the longest workmanship warranties on the market.

Roofing Tips That Can Help You Out

There is a ton to know about roofing. All of this can be overwhelming, and that’s why it’s so important to have lots of good advice in one easy to read place.There are a lot of great roofing tips in the article below.

Make sure that your roofer you choose has liability insurance. The main thing that this will show you about a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability.Secondly, should something happen to your roof as they are working on it, their insurance company would cover the costs.

Don’t use short-term solutions for short periods of time when dealing with roof repairs. It may seem cost effective at the time, but in the end, and that may cost you more. The best thing to do is to completely fix the problem as quickly as possible to prevent things from getting worse.

When you have your contractors narrowed down, check with each with regard to their warranties. You want a warranty that lasts for at least 3-5 years. It must cover workmanship and defective supplies, plus they should give you copies of all manufacturer warranties as well.

Residential Roof Repairs

Make sure any roofer you employ has the licensing necessary to do the job. Do not simply believe that he is legitimate based off what is required.Contact your local building department and see what is needed.

Make sure a roofing contractor has current, and make sure thy are current.Just about every locale requires roofers to be licensed, so be sure they have a valid and current license.

A good team can achieve good results more quickly.

Only hire a roofing contractor for roof repairs Dublin that is able to supply you with proof of current insurance and insurance.

Ask contractors about their memberships in industry associations. The good contractors join industry groups to stay informed on the latest technological advances and improvements to standard techniques. If your roofer is not, question their level of dedication to the field.

It’s very important to catch damage to the shingles are replaced as soon as possible. Look over your roof, but do so safely.

Tips To Maintain Your Roof

Proper roof maintenance requires regular inspections. Seasonal or yearly checkups will lengthen the life of your roofing materials, preventing leaks that lead to damage, costly repairs, and — horrors! — the necessity for a complete roof replacement.

We decided to put together a quick list of roof maintenance tips that will alert you to any problems and help extend the life of your roof.

Roofs are designed to weather (literally) all kinds of storms, but there is going to be some wear and tear. So be sure your roof is ready for the next big storm by following these helpful tips on roof protection.

If you have any questions about roofing repair, damaged shingles, roofing home improvements, or your roof system in general, please call Pacific West Roofing. We’re happy to guide you through the best solutions for you and your home.

Inspect Your Shingles

Do yearly checks on your roof shingles — especially after the wild weather months. But remember: It’s not just wind and wet that can damage your roof. Ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays can also wreak havoc over time. So be sure to examine your shingles as a regular part of your roof inspections to ensure they’re still installed properly and functioning as they should.

Trim Branches

If you have trees with overhanging branches, have them trimmed before the winter sets in. Heavy snow, wind, ice and other natural phenomena can whip branches around or pull them from the tree completely, causing damage to the root and the structures on top of it.

Unclog Gutters

Many of us are familiar with the problems associated with clogged gutters, which can include bubbling wall paint and rotting wood. But clogged gutters can overflow with so many leaves, bugs, and debris that the rain washes up instead of down. Over time, the water can damage the roof and the support beams that hold it aloft. You can imagine the kind of problems that will cause: the expensive kind. Clean your gutters and clean outs heading into the spring and fall seasons.

The Best Way To Make Residential Electrical Remodel

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Electrical Remodeling Tips For Home Renovation

Home renovations bring about all sorts of stresses – don’t let a lack of electrical remodeling tips be one of them! While renovations bring excitement into your life, the process opens the door for an assortment of issues to come forward, especially with your electricity.

Hoover Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Clinton Township, Michigan, knows how crazy home renovations are, so we gathered the best electrical remodeling tips for you!

Home Renovations and Electrical Wiring

When you renovate your home, you often stumble across issues you never knew you had. Electrical problems usually fall into this category. Say you decide to open up your kitchen. You knock down a wall only to find that your electrical wiring is aluminum—a safety hazard—instead of copper.

You need to rewire the entire house to keep the safety standard high. Aluminum wiring loosens more than copper over time, which causes fires at the outlet.

But don’t worry! Hoover electricians know when aluminum wiring needs to be replaced. Just remember – while it is possible to repair aluminum wiring, replacement is the best option to remove safety hazards.

This marks the first of our electrical remodeling tips: keep an electrician handy! Experienced electricians know the difference between a complete replacement and a quick update. Save yourself time and money—have a Hoover electrician at the ready!

Avoid Electrical Problems During Remodeling

Electrical Problem: National Electrical Code

Most important of all — remember to follow all recommendations and follow all standards as set forth in the National Electrical Code, the latest edition, and also follow local and state requirements.

Electrical Problem: Light Fixtures

Do not replace light fixtures in older homes without a grounding conductor. Replacement of light fixtures requires grounding if a metal fixture is installed, or install GFCI protection on the circuit. Non-metallic fixtures may be replaced without grounding.

Electrical Problem: Replacing Wires

NEVER replace a two-wire receptacle with a three-wire receptacle. Exception: A two-wire receptacle can be converted to a GFCI receptacle. Be sure to follow electrical code recommendations and follow proper grounding principles.

Electrical Problem: Connections

Remember each wire has its function — either the neutral, the live current or the ground; each one of them must be properly connected. A cable connector must be used to keep the metal from damaging the cable sheath and causing a short circuit.

Electrical Problem: UF Cable

F cable MUST be protected inside a conduit. This cable commonly used to bring power to other areas, but it is frequently used as an exposed wire, leaving it prone to damage.

It is ideal for branch and circuit when used as direct buried. However, since it is kind of flexible, be careful on a tight radius as it might damage the internal wiring, leading to an arc fault and fire.

Planning to Remodel Your House?

How To Make your Home Electrically Safe

Having a safe home is very essential. If you haven’t thought about it before then the remodeling of your house gives you one more chance to do it. So make sure that all your internal wirings and plug points are safe to use.

Always select the wires with the best quality and design. Compromising on other factors is better than compromising on electrical safety. This can affect the well-being of your family.

For safety, always install ground fault circuit interrupters. This can be installed in your kitchen, bathroom, garage and other spaces that may need it.

Ask your electrician to install tamper-resistant plugs. This will help in protecting your family against shock.

Always have an electrician who has a license. Electricians in reading may not be having much experience. Safety is always first. Hence make sure that your electrician is well qualified in carrying out the electrical work at your home. If your house needs to make electrical work then discuss your plan with the electrician and then proceed with the plan.

Ways to Save on Your House Remodel

Increase Efficiency, Not Size

If you can reorganize and equip your kitchen for maximum utility, you may not need to blow out the walls to gain square footage. Start by replacing space-hogging shelves with cabinet-height pullout drawers 8 inches wide, containing racks for canned goods and other items.

Bring in Natural Light Without Adding Windows

Before cutting a big hole in the side of your house and rearranging the framing, consider less invasive—and less expensive—ways of capturing light. To brighten up a windowless bath or hallway, for instance, you can install a “light tube,” which slips between roof rafters and funnels sunshine down into the living space.

Hit the Recycling Center

Do-it-yourselfers can reap big savings with recycled or lightly used fixtures and building materials. Habitat for Humanity operates about 400 ReStores nationwide, which offer salvaged materials at half off home-center prices.

Donate your Trash

Before you begin a remodeling job, invite the local Habitat for Humanity chapter to remove materials and fixtures for later resale. “About 85 percent of a house is reusable,” says B.J. Perkins, Habitat’s ReUse program manager, in Austin, Texas. “We can do a total takedown, or do a cherry-pick job and take the cabinets, the tub, the sink, and so on.”

Do Your Own Demo

Knocking down may not be as costly as rebuilding, but you can still shave dollars by doing some of the demolition yourself—as long as you proceed with care. “If a homeowner wants to demo a deck, well, I am sure they can handle that,” says Michael Winn, owner of Winn Design, in Virginia. “But when it comes to interior spaces, I would dissuade them from doing it unless they have done it before.”

Electrical Remodels

At Barney’s Electric, we are proud to have the constant supervision of our boss and owner of Barney’s Electric, Barney Messenger. Including Barney, we are truly a team of electrical design specialists who are expertly trained to work closely with you during the design and construction phases of your remodel project. This practice will ensure that your expectations and your budget stay closely aligned and your complete satisfaction is our reward!

Before beginning a home remodel or addition it is crucial that you understand your budget and your goals. Electrical design and installation plans should take into account functionality, aesthetics, and include a list of both need-to-have and nice-to-have items. If you are planning on staying in your house for a long time, then perhaps items that enhance the resale value of your house are not as important to you as the must-have items. In addition, if enhancing the sales price of your home is a top consideration; your budget priorities may change to make sure those items get included at the expense of some of the nice-to-have options.

Carpet Cleaning Is For Your Clean Carpet Free From Dust

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Why is Carpet Cleaning So Important?

Just take a moment to think about all the things that hide deep down in the fiber of your carpet: dust, dirt, allergens, bacteria, pet and human hair, grime, and whatever else makes its way via the occupants of your home. So why is it important to regularly clean your carpet? Read below to find the benefits of regularly cleaning your carpets.

Save Money

Carpets are expensive! Regularly cleaning your carpet helps to keep it in good condition, protecting the money you spent on it. This is especially important if your carpet is brand new or if you’re planning to sell your home soon. Its much easier to spend some money on a carpet cleaning service rather than replacing the entire area.

Maintain the Look

A home and/or office simply cannot look clean if the carpets in it are not actually clean. Vacuuming regularly is a great way to remove dirt and debris that ends up in the carpet. However, a regular deep clean is also needed to get some tougher stains out. You’ll appreciate the look and feel of the carpets much more and you will be happy to show off your place to guests/visitors.

Improve The Smell Of Your Carpet

Another obvious reason to clean your carpet is to improve (or maintain) its smell. This is especially true for homes with pets, and children who often produce vomit and/or urine which may leave an unfortunate smell. Routine cleanings are important, and an occasional steam clean is a great option if you want a fresh smelling carpet.

Prevent the Spread of Allergens/Bacteria

Regular carpet cleaning can prevent your carpets from harming your health. They are a perfect breeding ground for allergens and bacteria, and they can expose you and your family to dangerous pollutants. Especially if you have young children or pets, or if someone in the home has allergies, regular carpet cleaning is essential.

Should You Vacuum Your Carpets After Getting Them Cleaned

We often get asked if it is wise to vacuum your carpets after getting them cleaned. This question is usually based around when to vacuum the carpets, and not if they should every be vacuumed again.

So the simple answer is YES! You should vacuum your carpets after getting them cleaned, but only if the carpet is 100% dry. And we mean DRY.

What Are The Benefits Of Vacuuming Your Carpets After Cleaning?

To be quite honest the benefits of vacuuming your carpets after you clean them (a bad idea for YOU to clean them) or after a professional cleans them are pretty small.

But after having said that, there are a couple of benefits that to vacuuming after carpet cleaning.

You will get out some additional cleaning residue. If your carpets were cleaned the right way there should be very little cleaning residue left in your carpet to begin with. But in many cases poor carpet cleaning (especially when you do it yourself) leads to too much cleaning residue being left in your carpet and this is not a good thing.

When this cleaning residue dries, in many cases, there is a powdery flaky substance in your carpet; and by vacuuming your carpets after they have been cleaned you can get a lot of this residue out of your carpet. And getting out carpet cleaning chemical residue is always a good thing.

There is a carpet cleaning method called Encapsulation Cleaning that basically leaves EVERYTHING in your carpet, dirt and cleaning agent. This method relies on soil “extraction” to come during the vacuuming process. This is the only time when leaving cleaning agent in your carpet is accepted and even then this type of cleaning is NOT recommended for residential environments.

Gives The Carpet a More Uniform Appearance. While the vacuum itself can lead to “vacuum patterns” in your carpet (depending on the type of carpet) the cleaning patterns many carpet cleaning machines leave (including those of professionals) in your carpet are NOT wanted.

By vacuuming your carpet after it has been cleaned you will get rid of most, if not all, of these carpet cleaning marks a carpet machine or wand make.

On a side note: Many carpet cleaners purposely leave patterns in your carpet from their cleaning. And this is NOT good. Many professional carpet cleaners leave these patterns because they cover up dirty traffic areas and spots or stains they did not get out or clean properly. The pattern is put there to trick the eye into not seeing these problems. This is a very poor practice by many carpet cleaners and you should not allow this. Make sure you have your carpet cleaner brush or rake the carpet after they have cleaned it. It allows you to REALLY see how the carpet looks and the carpet will also dry faster.

In the end run vacuuming your carpets after they have been cleaned is a good idea but ONLY IF THE CARPET IS 100% DRY!

If you vacuum your carpets before they are dry there is a very good chance you are going to transfer soil from the vacuum cleaner, especially the brushes, onto the carpet you just had cleaned. Obviously this not good.

At Linton’s Carpet Cleaning we usually get very fast dry times so you can usually vacuum your carpets the same day, or early the next morning.

And speaking of dry carpet. In our next article the subject will be CARPET CLEANING DRY TIMES.

5 Tips For Using A Shampooer To Clean Your Carpet

Using a carpet shampooer keeps your carpet fresh and clean. These cleaners resemble a vacuum cleaner but with a hot water extractor that produces warm, sudsy water to clean the carpet. The shampooing machine has a solution tank and cleaning attachment with a nylon brush. The brush spins and releases the cleaning solution into the carpeting, which creates foam. Moving in a circular fashion, the brush scrubs the carpeting. It uses suction to remove the water and then sends the water to a dirty water reservoir. They’re really not that hard to use, and they can save you an absolute fortune in professional carpet cleaning!

Here are 5 steps to shampoo your carpet to get it clean:

Prepare your carpet and areas to be shampooed

If available, review the directions that go with your carpet to ensure that the cleaning solution and shampooer you use are appropriate for the carpet you own.
Begin by removing furniture from the room and then thoroughly vacuum the carpet preferably with a powerhead vacuum cleaner, before shampooing to remove loose dirt, pet hair and other particles. This should also expose the carpet stains, if there are any.
Pay attention to high-traffic areas, as well as corners and spaces where the carpet meets the wall. Use an attachment, if necessary, to get suction into spots the vacuum can’t adequately cover.
When using a carpet shampooer it is wise to perform a spot test on an out of the way portion of the carpet to make sure that no discoloration occurs and the settings are correct before applying it liberally.
Treat tough areas with a stain remover spray. Spray the cleaner directly on the stain and follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning it up. Some sprays are left on the stain until you vacuum it up while others will be dabbed with a clean cloth. The stain remover works by using chemicals to break the electrical charge between the dirt particles and carpet fibers. This allows the dirt to break free and the solution draws it to the surface of the carpet for removal.
Removing as many of the allergens, dirt and dust mites as possible with a powerhead vacuum before shampooing will significantly increase the quality of the result.
Clear the room you will be cleaning. Work in one room at a time and remove as much furniture as you can. If necessary, shift all the furniture to one side of the room so you can clean the other side. This may cause issues however when you have to set the furniture on the damp carpet. This may not allow the carpet to dry properly.

Note: Silk carpet should not be treated with a carpet shampooer.

Prepare the carpet shampooing machine

Fill the clean water tank with water and carpet shampoo as directed by manufacturer instructions. Do not use more shampoo than required. Excess shampoo will leave greater residue on the carpet, allowing dirt to cling to the dried residue and making carpets look dirty again.
It’s important to read the list of ingredients on the shampoo bottle before cleaning. Mix carpet shampoo according to the instructions and add to carpet shampooer.
When looking for carpet shampooer, be sure that the shampooer is an extractor with a clean water rinse cycle.

Now you are ready to shampoo your carpet

Rushing the cleaning job may give poor results so plan to take your time.
To thoroughly clean the carpet, maneuver the machine across the surface several times. This may include stopping periodically to empty the dirty water from the reservoir and refill it with clean water.
Use consistent forward and reverse strokes over the carpet surface.
Clean the entire room by moving in an up and down motion, working from one wall to the other and then back until the waste water being sucked up is clear. Empty the waste water tank and refill the clean water tank with solution, as needed. For harder stains, you may wish to move back and forth over the stain several times until the water is clear.
Don’t ‘overdose’ the shampoo solution, it is better to go over a dirty spot twice than put excess shampoo in the carpet
Removing the soap from your carpet is very important. The amount of water extracted is also very important. If you leave water in the carpet, you’re leaving dirt and the moisture will possibly lead to mold and mildew.
If too much detergent is used, or if all the detergent is not removed, the carpet will get dirtier sooner. Detergent left in a carpet, serves as a magnet for new dirt.
When finished shampooing, run a tank of clear water over the heavy cleaned areas (e.g. entrances and walkways). This will help remove excess shampoo and keep those areas cleaner for longer. It also helps to rinse out the shampoo from inside in the machine!

After shampooing

Press your hand on the carpet. If your fingers have residual moisture, it’s important to extract the remnants of water/shampoo from the fibers by suctioning the carpet further. Do this until the process of pressing your hand to the rug no longer produces much residue. Carpet care needs patience, and it is not a minor task.
Wipe cleaning solution from woodwork and wood furniture immediately to prevent damage to the wood or upholstery.
Allow ample time for the area to dry before putting furniture back on it. This could take overnight. For smaller areas, it can be dry in as little as 2 hours. Larger rooms may take 1 day for everything to be completely dry. Opening windows and turning on fans can help it to dry quicker.
If furniture must be placed back in the room before the carpet is dry, use aluminum foil or plastic under the furniture legs to prevent staining the carpet.
Use towels or white cloths to step on if you must walk on the area before it is dry. Try to keep children and pets off the carpet until it is completely dry.
When your carpet is dry, vacuum again to remove any loose particles suspended on top of the carpet before anyone walks on it.

Cleaning Frequency

How frequently you should shampoo carpet depends largely on the amount of traffic a carpet receives. A carpet that is walked on daily should be cleaned at least once or twice per year, but carpet in an infrequently used room may need to be shampooed only every 18 months.

Light colored carpeting will show dirt more easily and may need to be cleaned more often.

How to Clean Brown Stains After Carpet Cleaning

You may notice brown stains on your carpet after a thorough carpet cleaning. These stains occur if there is too much cleaning solution and water used during the cleaning process. Another reason these brown stains occur is that dirt that is usually deep down in the carpet resurfaces as the carpet dries. This is called wicking. If these problems occur, clean the areas again with as little water as necessary.

Step 1

Purchase a low pH acid cleaner from a janitorial supply store. You need a low pH acid cleaner of about 2.0 to safely remove the brown discoloration from your carpet.

Step 2

Use a wet vacuum to suck up the water and cleaning solution left behind from the previous carpet cleaning. If the spots are dry, skip this step and move on to Step 3.

Step 3

Spray the low pH acid cleaner on the brown spots. Do not over-spray; you do not want to over-wet the affected area again.

Step 4

Scrub the area with a cleaning brush to get the cleaning solution deep down into the carpet fibers.

Step 5

Blot the stain with paper towels to absorb excess cleaning solution on the carpet surface. Repeat this process until you can no longer see the brown stain.

Step 6

Remove any excess moisture using a wet vacuum.

Step 7

Use a box fan to expedite the drying process. Point the fan toward the affected area. The brown stain was due to over-wetting, so thoroughly drying the area is important.

Vacuum Features and Settings for the Best Cleaning Results

Establishing the needs of the facilities you manage is crucial for delivering exceptional cleaning results. Follow these steps to help you determine which vacuum settings you need and how to properly set up the vacuum for your specific job:

Step No. 1: Determine Your Priorities

Tailor your needs based on the industry in which you service and your responsibilities. For example, schools require cleaning each day before the bell rings, so high-performance and power are important. Hotels and restaurants require cleaning several times a day to meet high expectations, so quiet cleaning is necessary. Cleaning large areas is important in offices, so look for reliable machines that cover a lot of ground quickly.

Step No. 2: Choose Key Features

Once you narrow down your industry’s priorities, it’s important to select a vacuum model equipped to meet them. Look for professional-grade features, components, and specifications based on your needs.

Corded: Vacuums featuring quick-disconnect power cords can help reduce downtime if you damage a cord. An extension cord replacement eliminates time required to replace a permanent cord.
Cordless: Speed up productivity by eliminating cord changes and the need to search for outlets. For on-the-spot cleaning needs, use models with quick recharge times and long-lasting power.
Quiet cleaning: If it’s important to clean quietly, consider vacuums with 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or less. These vacuums help meet LEED requirements for sound and keep energy costs down.
Lightweight: Models weighing 16 pounds or less allow for easier maneuverability and comfort.
Allergen reduction: For allergen reduction and improved air quality, look for vacuums that feature a sealed HEPA system and a HEPA filter on the exhaust.
Motor life: Models with extended motor life provide years of reliable performance, reducing cost of ownership over time.
Multisurface cleaning tools: Extension wands are useful for extended-reach cleaning. Crevice tools allow for easy cleaning in tight spots like corners and baseboards. Upholstery tools are ideal for vacuuming stairs and furniture.

Step No. 3: Get Prepped

Once you have a vacuum armed with the features you need, it’s important to adjust a few settings and check some key parts to make sure you’re ready to get the job done:

Bag: Check that the bag is either new or has enough room for extended cleaning.
Height settings: Get quick adjustments for multiple floor surface types using the height adjustment knob. Remember: The brushroll must reach the carpet to be effective.
Filters: Inspect filters for blockage and clean them if necessary.
Brushroll and belt: Look for damage or tangled debris (such as hair) before each use.
Tools: Make sure hoses and wands are properly secured, and attachment tools are in the storage position so you can easily access them.

It’s helpful to choose equipment that can be assembled and maintained easily. In addition, don’t forget to take time for daily inspection and maintenance, and follow manufacturer instructions for proper cleaning and safety.

By selecting the right vacuum features and settings for your industry and job, you can efficiently clean every surface, crevice, and corner to deliver exceptional results day in and day out.