03/12/2020 / Last updated : 03/12/2020 Ginger Hale Business Products & Services

3 Ways To Avoid Sinking Under Water-Related Issues

When a pipe bursts at your company or the water won’t turn on, it’s tempting to panic. Water problems often cause a lot of damage, and they shut your business down since no one can work without water. Instead of giving in to your stress, take these steps immediately.

1. Call a Professional

You don’t have the expertise to diagnose or fix the issue with your water system, so you must call a professional as soon as possible. Plumbers can generally solve the most pressing problems by turning off the water and performing simple repairs, but some complicated situations require water system repair products. After doing what he or she can, your plumber refers you to experts who know how to take care of the rest.

2. Move Valuable Objects

Once you identify the area that’s most threatened by water damage, move all valuable objects out of that place. Evacuate paper documents first, especially if you don’t have copies stored online, and then take out expensive equipment that isn’t waterproof. Preferably you can store these items somewhere else in your building, but if not, take them to the parking lot or your car.

3. Assess the Results

Now that the problem is being addressed and you’ve done everything you can to protect valuable items, you must assess the damage. Water often weakens floorboards and walls, requiring extensive renovations. Have an architect inspect your building to determine if it’s safe to come back to work. Also, evaluate your response to the emergency and see how you can improve in the future. For example, if you didn’t know who to call about the water leak, make a list of repair companies to call the next time you have a problem.

Take these steps to respond to water-related crises in an efficient and timely manner.

07/12/2019 / Last updated : 17/01/2020 Ginger Hale Business Products & Services

How To Properly Maintain Your Wood Fence

If you’re looking to install a fence on your property, you may be wondering what type of fence material is best. While there are benefits to any type of material, there are many reasons to install a wood fence. Wood is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and easy to install. However, don’t make the mistake of installing your wood fence and forgetting about it. Here are three things you should do to properly maintain your fence.

1. Clean Your Fence

Did you know there are fence cleaning products available at your local home department store? Commercial products or a homemade cleaning solution should be used to clean your wooden fence Lake County IL at least every two years. This will help maintain the natural beauty and health of your fence.

2. Apply Sealant or Stain

A sealant is applied to a fence to protect it from sun damage. A stain is used to enhance the natural color of the wood and add another layer of protection. Sealants and stains are beneficial because they prolong the lifespan of your fence.

3. Repair Damages

It’s a good idea to check for loose screws and tighten them as needed. If necessary, replace old screws with weather-resistant screws. If you notice any splits or cracks in your wooden fence, repair the damaged slats quickly. Fast repairs will prevent the problem from becoming more extensive. Cracked or split wood can be repaired with wood glue. Apply the waterproof wood glue to the cracked area and then tape it together until the glue dries – or at least 24 hours. If you have any posts that have wood rot, repair them with a concrete spur.

If a wooden fence is properly maintained, it can provide beauty and security for over 20 years. Take proper care of your investment by following these three tips.

20/11/2019 / Last updated : 04/12/2019 Ginger Hale Advertising & Marketing

5 Reason Hydraulic Seal Fail

Hydraulic seals are a key part of a well functioning piece of equipment. A seal exists to keep fluid from leaking. When seals fail it can cause big problems, costly repairs and production downtime. The best way to avoid failure of hydraulic shaft seals is to make sure they are installed correctly. In addition to improper installation, here are 3 common reasons hydraulic seals can fail.

1) Temperature Issues: When the fluid temperature rises to extremely high levels it can damage the seal and create a prime opportunity for failure and leaks. Additionally, if the temperature is too low the seal can also deteriorate. When a seal is exposed to the incorrect temperature for extended periods of time it can harden, lose elasticity and crack resulting in equipment failure.

2) Wear and Tear: Excessive wear and tear can be a result of incorrect installation. When the installer uses the wrong tools to install the seal or places the seal improperly it can cause damage to the seal or cause it to wear unevenly. Wearing can also occur when there is a lack of lubrication. This is why preventative maintenance is so crucial to system performance.

3) Chemicals: When a cylinder seal comes in contact with harsh chemicals that are incompatible with the seal material, the seal can fail and leaks can occur. It is important to check with the seal manufacturers for compatibility before selecting hydraulic seals that will be exposed to strong chemicals. Being clear about your expectations will help the manufacturers identify the right product for your specific needs.

Hydraulic seals may be small but their purpose is hugely important. If you can’t find a standard seal that fit your needs, many manufacturers will create custom seals for you.

When a seal is installed properly, well maintained and exposed to the right fluid it can prevent leaks and failures that can otherwise cause big, expensive problems.

15/11/2019 / Last updated : 26/12/2019 Ginger Hale Business Products & Services

Uses for Plastic Storage Drums

Large plastic or metal storage drums are most often used for industrial purposes like shipping oil, paint, or toxic liquids. You may imagine an automatic drum filling machine injecting contents in to such containers on an assembly line. But outside of the factory and the warehouse, large plastic storage drums can find a second life around your house and garden. Consider what you might fill one with yourself.

Water

Have a gutter downspout that creates a wet, icy area around a corner of your house? Instead of letting that loose water damage your sidewalks and foundations, place a storage drum underneath it to gather up all that rainwater and keep it contained. A drum fitted with a spout can then allow you to use that liquid to water flowers or grass in your yard. Besides rainwater, drums can be a good receptacle for saving up fresh water for emergency purposes.

Storage

Speaking of emergencies, drums may be a good way to keep foodstuffs that are part of your disaster preparedness supplies. Make sure the drums you’re using are clean and safe for storing edible items. You may find them to be good for storing other essential supplies as well—or nonessential clutter you just want to put out of sight. A drum without a lid can be handy for storing recyclables until you can take them to be disposed of.

Gardening

In addition to collecting and using rainwater, drums can be a handy holders for compost. Keep it in the yard near where you’ll be sprinkling the decomposed material as a fertilizer for beautiful blooms. If you have a way to cut a drum in half, crosswise or lengthwise, the halves can become colorful planters for outdoor decor.

While they’ll always be more popular for industrial use, plastic drums can drum up some good uses around your house. Consider them for your storage needs.

16/07/2019 / Last updated : 10/09/2019 Ginger Hale Bedroom Designs

3 Signs That You Have a Termite Problem

Being a homeowner means keeping a watchful eye out for any problems that can have devastating effects on your home. One of the most important things to keep an eye out for is signs of termite damage. Termites live in dry wood such as door and window frames, or even in the foundations of your house. Here are three signs that you may have a termite problem. If you notice any of these things in your home, it’s important that you research professional termite treatments Fort Myers FL right away.

Flying Termites

If you are vigilant, you may be able to see the termites flying around your home before they infest the wood. These are termites that have left a nearby nest in order to build a new colony. Discarded wings are another sign of potential trouble, as termites shed their wings after finding a mate.

Hollow Timber

An area that has termite damage will sound hollow when knocked on. If the damage is severe enough, your finger or hand may even go right through the wood. This is because termites devour wood from the inside out, which leaves only a thin covering of wood behind.

Strange Sounds

Although termites are small, you can actually hear them working if you press your ear to the walls! They are noisy eaters, and you may be able to hear a rustling or munching sound as they work. If soldier termites feel that they are in danger, they will bang their heads against the wood to create a rattling sound in order to warn the rest of the colony.

If you suspect that your home has termites, its best to get control of the problem before serious structural damage occurs. Reaching out to to an exterminator early on can avoid costly repairs down the line.

13/06/2019 / Last updated : 11/07/2019 Ginger Hale Advertising & Marketing

Year Round Roof Care

You may be grateful to have a roof over your head but are you taking care of it, or are you just telling itself it’s probably fine? Roof maintenance is expensive, inconvenient and sometimes requires professional work. It’s tempting to ignore it, but there’s no denying that it’s necessary. Don’t wait for disaster to strike before you pay attention to the roof over your head.

In the Fall, Prepare for Winter

Fall maintenance, such as cleaning the gutters, is going to be about preparing your roof for the coming snow and ice. Make sure you have roof snow removal plans and a way to deal with ice buildup. Gutters need to be clear of leaves once the leaves are done coming down. No one enjoys cleaning gutters, but it’s better to clear your gutters now than to have your clogged gutters cause snow and ice to build up on your roof.

In the Spring, Check for Damage

Among other spring cleaning and springtime household maintenance tasks, look for damage from the previous winter. Check the gutters again: if you missed cleaning them in the fall, you may have put stress on your roof over the winter. And if you had an unusually snowy or icy winter, there may be unusual amounts of strain or damage. Look for signs of leaks and stress on the rafters and beams in the spring, so you have plenty of time to deal with the issue before next winter.

Keep an Eye on the Inside All Year Round

Remember that even a small leak may be a serious one. It may not be easy or safe to get out on your roof in the winter, but you can always check the insides for signs of wear and tear. The roof over your head is just as important as the rest of your house, perhaps even more so. You don’t want to neglect it.

13/06/2019 / Last updated : 11/07/2019 Ginger Hale Advertising & Marketing

Which Valve Lock Should You Choose?

When it’s time to perform maintenance or repairs on a pressurized valve, it’s necessary to shut off whatever material is in inside. Valve locks perform this critical role, one which can prevent potentially harmful accidents. But before you install one, it’s important to know that valve locks are not one-size-fits-all. There are several different types which are engineered for specific valves.

It’s more likely than not that your valve is one of the three most common: Ball valves, butterfly valves, or gate valves. Here’s how their corresponding valve lock systems work:

Ball Valve Locks

Ball valve lock systems combine an outside handle with an interior ball to control flow through the valve. You simply shift the handle to the off position to do so. They typically range from one half to eight inches in diameter and will work on a wide variety of pipes, including ones constructed of stainless steel, brass, bronze, chrome, titanium, PVC, CPVC and others.

Butterfly Valve Locks

Butterfly valves themselves are discs positioned in the center of a pipe. When given a quarter turn, they control flow. They are generally cheaper than ball valves because of their lighter weight. Butterfly valve locks, like ball valve locks, can be used on different sizes of pipes, but have a more limited range of 2.5 to 4 inches in diameter.

Gate Valve Locks

Gate valve locks work by blocking access to valve handles. They are thermoplastic covers in the shape of half circles. After they’re installed, a padlock or hasp can be used to secure them in place. Gate valve locks are mostly used with larger pipe diameters (from 2″ to the largest pipelines).

Valve lock systems have a wide range of applications: manufacturing, mining, utilities, municipal service, and oil and gas. But before choosing one, always make sure it is the right fit for the valve you need to shut off.

15/05/2019 / Last updated : 07/06/2019 Ginger Hale Advertising & Marketing

Tips on a Stress-Free Move

Whether you’re moving to downsize as an empty-nester or you’re a young professional transferred to a different company branch location, packing up all of your belongings and moving to a new home can be a stressful experience. Here are some tips to help your move go smoothly.

Get Help

When it comes to big items like appliances and furniture, you’re going to need some help. If you don’t know anyone in your new area, you might want to consider hiring one of the many companies specializing in furniture and appliance installation Washington DC has to offer. Consider hiring a moving company if you know you’re going to have a tight schedule. Trying to do too much by yourself will only make you feel overwhelmed.

Stay Organized

One of the very best things you can do to keep calm during the chaos of a move is to stay organized. For instance, packing all of your kitchen items together can help you quickly find what you need in the new house while packing too many ‘miscellaneous’ boxes can wreak havoc when you’re unpacking everything. Make a list of all the steps you need to take for the move and keep important documents in a safe place so you don’t find yourself scrambling at the last minute.

Plan Ahead

Another way to take the stress out of moving is to plan ahead. One way of doing this is if you know you’re going to have no time or energy to cook the week of the move, go ahead and plan for it. If you’re worried about the financial strain of eating out, go ahead and stock up on restaurant gift cards ahead of time so your cash flow isn’t tied up the week of the move. A little extra planning now can reap real rewards when it comes to moving day.

Overall, moving is an exciting time of change. If you can do what you can ahead of time to keep the stress to a minimum, your experience will be a lot smoother and more enjoyable.

13/04/2018 / Last updated : 13/04/2018 Ginger Hale Business Products & Services

5 Redecorating Tips for the Office

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to redecorate your office. You don’t have to hire contractors for a professional renovation, either. If you’re looking for easy, no-stress ways to jazz up your work space, here are just a few ideas.

1. Paint the Walls

You might be surprised at how drastically you can change the atmosphere of your office with a simple coat of paint. You don’t even have to break out the crazy colors; going from one neutral shade to another will still be new and refreshing.

2. Get Decorative

This applies to walls, desks, cubicles, lobbies and anywhere else that could use a sense of personality. Hang up pieces from local artists. Bring in a flowering plant for a touch of the outdoors. Reupholster your furniture with pattered fabrics instead of plain ones.

3. Upgrade Your Lights

What’s the lighting like in your office? If your answer is “boring horizontal bars,” it’s time to make a change. Maybe you can re-panel your windows to let in more sunshine, or maybe you can bring a few lamps from home for a cozier feeling in your cubicle. You can even jazz things up with an LED socket for your wall fixtures.

4. Buy Area Rugs

Rugs are a great way to get a little sassy with your office design. Since they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures, you can dare to show your own sense of style by laying one down. At the same time, they’re not permanent, so they can be removed and replaced when necessary.

5. Get Funky Furniture

If you need new furniture, don’t look at boring, utilitarian pieces. Go for something fun! For example, buy a desk in an unusual color or get yourself a stylish file cabinet. Make the furniture of your office say something about you.

These are just a few tips for bringing new life into your dull, listless office. Don’t feel limited by these suggestions, however! The sky is the limit when it comes to redecorating your work space, especially if you’re willing to get creative.

15/02/2018 / Last updated : 15/02/2018 Ginger Hale Business Products & Services

How to Fix Up an Old, Neglected Pond

Water features are wonderful to have on a property, especially when they are included in the sale. Ponds will fall into a state of neglect over the course of a single year when they are without human intervention, and nature will continue to take over with each passing growing season. In order to recover a neglected pond, the homeowner will have to put in a bit of elbow grease.

Removing Brush and Debris

When a pond becomes overgrown, it doesn’t look very attractive. It can also be somewhat dangerous if venomous snakes have turned the brush into a home. All brush should be removed from the banks of the pond, along with any debris or trash that may have blown in during a strong storm. This will keep snake and rodent populations under control, while making the pond much more aesthetically pleasing.

Keeping Mosquitoes Under Control

Mosquitoes can breed out of control very quickly. Ponds are a great place for them to congregate and produce offspring, especially if there are no natural predators. Mosquito pond treatment is a good way to control them quickly; introducing native frog species to the pond can help to control mosquito larvae thereafter, too.

Repairing or Building Docks

Docks are perfect for fishing, swimming, and tying a boat. Even if the pond may not be large enough for a boat, a dock is still wonderful to have. Any existing docks should be carefully inspected and repaired as needed to prevent injuries. Once the dock is built or repaired, a small, rustic bench is all that’s needed for a tranquil evening and a good conversation.

Establishing an Ecosystem

For those who want the pond to become a functioning part of nature, a few animals could be introduced. It will take a few years for the populations to stabilize, but it will eventually flourish. Local species of fresh water fish, native frogs, a few ducks, and even some fresh water turtles could be introduced. They will help to keep bug populations under control, while maintaining the health of the pond. In addition, the fish will be a wonderful food source for the family within a few short years.

With some tender love and care on a regular basis, ponds are a beautiful water feature that will provide years of joy for any family.