Home » Posts tagged 'home'
Tag Archives: home
Snow Removal Solutions For Your Business
Many areas have laws that require Snow Removal Solutions businesses to clear snow within a certain period after a storm. Not only does keeping pathways free of snow improve safety, but it also helps attract customers who are willing to brave the cold for your business. Shoveling can be expensive, and not everyone has a vehicle capable of hauling away large amounts of snow. However, there are several alternative solutions for removing snow from walkways and driveways.
Brine Tanks
Brine tanks are a cost-effective way to reduce the use of rock salt on your property. This method sprays a brine solution over the surface area instead of traditional granular rock salt and saves money on labor, fuel, and vehicle maintenance. It also cuts down on the amount of salt chloride that runs into rivers and streams, which can harm aquatic life.
Unlike granular rock salt, which can bounce or blow off walks and sidewalks, brine stays in place. It also seeps into the cracks and pores of concrete and asphalt surfaces, where it’s less likely to get tracked into buildings or plowed into surrounding grass and landscaping, which can kill them. Additionally, it requires one-quarter the quantity of traditional salt to do the same job.
A student at UW-La Crosse did some research on brine and found it’s an excellent alternative to traditional rock salt for the university. Casey Christ, ’23, says that using brine reduces the overall amount of salt used, reduces environmental contamination from salt runoff, and cuts down on expensive labor costs for snow removal.
It’s important to remember that the brine tank will always have water in it, since the salt-making process happens inside the cabinet. However, it should never have standing water when the brine system is in service. If it does, there may be a clog or a malfunction in the tank itself.
To clean out the brine tank, first remove the float and cylinder from the safety float assembly. Then disconnect the fill tube and head valve from the brine tank. Finally, lift the tank off and dump it into a drain. When dumping the brine tank, make sure to wear a dust mask to protect yourself from salt fumes.
Anti-Icing Agents
A proactive approach to snow removal that saves salt, labor time, and minimizes environmental impact, anti-icing consists of lines of liquid deicing solution sprayed on pavement before a storm. Anti-icing works by inhibiting the bond between snow, ice and pavement with a chemical freezing point depressant. This prevents the accumulation of ice and snow on the roadway surface, allowing the snow or ice to be easily removed with snow blowers or shovels. The use of anti-icing agents is a highly recommended practice in accordance with snow and ice removal best management practices.
There are several different products that can be used as anti-icing agents, including brine, sodium chloride and calcium chloride. The most effective products are liquids as they work better at preventing and breaking the bond between ice and pavement than solid rock salt. Additionally, liquids stay on the road whereas granular solids can be displaced or blown away by vehicles driving over them.
Liquids are also more effective than solids for anti-icing because they can be spread quickly and in larger volumes. This allows crews to work more efficiently and reduce the amount of product and labor needed in order to keep roads and parking lots safe during and after a winter storm. This is why anti-icing is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly snow and ice management techniques. Less material and labor means less salt, which in turn means fewer chlorides being discharged into streams, rivers and lakes. This is because unlike deicing, which uses a high concentration of chlorine, anti-icing only requires a small amount of chemicals to be effective. This is the advantage of taking a “Salt Smart” approach to winter maintenance!
Salt Pellets
Rock salt is a tried and true winter solution for snow removal. It is inexpensive, effective at a wide range of temperatures, and is easy to find in most locations. It can be purchased in bulk or by the bag and spread manually or with a salt spreader following manufacturer instructions. It also works well in conjunction with plowing and shoveling to quickly minimize the risks of slippery sidewalks and driveways.
Rock Salt is usually sprayed down on pavement or concrete surfaces prior to a storm to act as an anti-icer, or after the snow melts to prevent re-freezing in the freeze-thaw cycle. The angular shape of the salt penetrates the surface and bites into ice, improving traction for pedestrians, snowblowers, and cars. Rock salt should not be used on vegetation or grassy areas where it can damage plants.
Unlike rock salt, liquid ice melt products typically work better as an anti-icer when applied a few hours prior to a storm or during the initial snowfall. It is also easier to apply evenly than solid pellets. Liquid deicers do not roll away or blow away as easily, and they have a lower environmental impact than rock salt.
When purchasing rock salt, look for a premium product that is coated with magnesium chloride and permeated with purple dye. This type of salt provides additional traction and is less damaging to concrete than standard sodium chloride. It is also kinder to plants, as it is less likely to burn or irritate the skin than regular rock salt. Also consider buying rock salt early in the season, before the price rises, or even during the summer when many stores are trying to get rid of it.
Dish Soap & Rubbing Alcohol
Several DYI sources including Bob Vila recommend a mixture of half a gallon of hot water, six drops of liquid dish soap and two ounces of rubbing alcohol as a snow removal solution. Pouring the mixture evenly on ice or snow melts the ice and makes it easier to shovel. Rubbing alcohol speeds up the melting process because of its lower freezing point than water. Unlike salt, the solution isn’t harmful to plants or animals. VERIFY’s Meghann Mollerus tried it on her front steps before and after a Dec. 9 snowstorm and found it was effective. It’s also cheaper and less damaging than salt pellets.
Alfalfa Meal & Kitty Litter
If you’re looking for a green alternative to salt, there are several options available. Natural fertilizers like alfalfa meal and wood ash can be sprinkled on the ice to increase traction and speed up melting. These options are also great for plants and don’t have the same corrosive effect as chemical de-icers.
Another option is to use kitty litter to create more friction on icy surfaces, making it safer to walk on. However, it’s important to select a clay-based product that doesn’t contain chemicals, dyes and perfumes.
Other eco-friendly traction-boosting agents include sand, sawdust and fireplace ash. These substances also melt ice and snow, while providing traction.
Coffee grinds are another great option that can be used in place of sand. Its abrasive texture increases traction and, like sand, it helps to melt ice and snow by absorbing sunlight.
There are even heated snow mats available that can be plugged in and placed on walkways to eliminate the need for de-icers altogether. These are especially useful for businesses, schools, and other public facilities that want to avoid the harsh effects of commercial chemical products. They’re even safe for pets and the environment since they don’t emit any toxins into the air. For those that still need a commercial product, there are several low-salt, pet friendly de-icing agents available such as Rogue Quality Feeds Alfalfa Pellets. These are made with a blend of natural ingredients that includes rice bran, which acts as a binder, and will not harm grass or other nearby plants.
Different Types of Flooring
Flooring Middletown NY is one of homeowners’ biggest decisions to change a room’s look and feel. It’s also a factor in resale value.
Wood flooring is trending towards wider planks and more texture—knobby or wire brushed, hand scraped, and reclaimed looks.
Tile is an excellent option for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Glazed porcelain floors are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Hardwood flooring adds beauty and warmth to any space and works well with many design styles. Whether you want to create a classic traditional look with oak floors or modernize your home with honey-hued maple, there is a hardwood to suit your style. Wood floors also have the added benefit of acquiring character over time as scratches and nicks become a part of your flooring.
When choosing a wood floor, consider its durability and how it will work with your lifestyle. Hardwoods with a higher Janka hardness rating, like oak and hickory, are more resistant to scuffing and denting than softer woods like pine and Douglas fir. Also, the width of your planks will affect how well your floor holds up to traffic and furniture, with narrower planks working best for traditional spaces and wider planks working better in open-concept rooms.
The grain pattern of your floor also determines how it will look, with plain-sawn, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn styles, each offering a unique design. Grading levels can also greatly impact color, with more defects in the wood creating a rustic, country style, while less-distressed woods have a clean and contemporary appearance.
A newer option is engineered wood, consisting of solid wood strips glued together over a composite core to form a plank. These floors are often made with a water-resistant finish and can be installed in areas prone to moisture.
Regardless of the hardwood you choose, it is important to be sure your floors are properly installed and maintained to protect them from damage and extend their life. Have your RSA recommend a Bona Certified Craftsman who can help you maintain your investment with regular cleaning and maintenance.
A sustainable hardwood choice has been harvested from a tree that was grown and harvested responsibly. Domestically produced species have a much smaller ecological footprint than exotic tropical trees shipped from far-flung corners of the world. It is also important to buy FSC-certified flooring, as this means the product is sourced from a forest where the environmental and social standards are met and monitored.
Engineered wood floors can be just as beautiful as solid hardwood. They are often less expensive and offer various design options, including color, grade, texture, and finish. You can even get a floor that looks like distressed or hand-scraped wood.
Engineered floors are also more durable than traditional hardwood floors. Their core is usually plywood, spruce pine, or high-density fiberboard. These boards are then topped with a layer of hardwood veneer. This construction helps to prevent the boards from separating or warping over time. In addition, engineered wood floors are more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture than solid hardwood floors.
Another benefit of engineered hardwood is its compatibility with paints and stains. This is important because it gives you more color options, a way to create a more unique look for your home, and the ability to update your style without replacing your flooring. However, you should avoid using water or harsh cleaners on your engineered wood floor, as it can damage the material.
One of the greatest benefits of engineered wood is that it uses fewer trees than solid hardwood. Only the surface veneer of an engineered wood plank consists of real hardwood, so fewer trees have to be cut down to produce enough hardwood flooring for your entire house. Furthermore, manufacturers use environmentally friendly materials and processes to make their engineered hardwood floors.
Most engineered wood comes pre-finished, which makes it easier and quicker to install than unfinished hardwood floors. The finishes are highly durable and can include a variety of textures and effects, such as hand-scraped, wire-brushed, or aged. These surfaces can be sanded down and refinished over the floor’s life.
Engineered wood is a versatile, affordable option that complements any interior design. It is available in various colors, grades, and textures and can mimic any hardwood species. It can also be installed in any homeroom and is a great choice for rooms with heavy foot traffic, such as bedrooms and living areas.
Tile flooring is a classic choice that adds durability to any room, from kitchens and bathrooms to laundry rooms and mudrooms. It resists moisture and stains, stands up to scuffing and scratches, and can be swept or mopped for easy cleaning. It is also economical, with plenty of design versatility and various textures and patterns.
There are many types of tiles, from ceramic to porcelain and natural stone. Each has its unique look and carries its benefits. Ceramic tiles are fired at high temperatures to make them durable and water-resistant. They can be glazed or unglazed and come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. Tiles are often arranged into different patterns to create intricate and eye-catching designs.
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, which makes them more durable and stain-resistant. They are a good choice for areas of frequent moisture, like bathrooms and shower enclosures. Natural stone tiles are quarried from various materials, including granite, marble, and slate. They can vary in color and texture, but they all have a natural and organic feel. These are a beautiful floor choice, though they require regular sealing to protect against staining and other damage.
Tiling a floor is a DIY project that many homeowners can take on. The key is to prepare the surface thoroughly. Start by ensuring it is clean, dry, and free of any loose or broken pieces. Once it has been leveled, apply a waterproof membrane to ensure the integrity of your floor. Then, lay down a row of tiles along a straightedge more than halfway across the room, with spacers between each to help you achieve consistent joints.
When selecting tiles for your floor, it is important to consider their PEI and traffic ratings. A low-traffic rating, like class 1, is best for areas that will be primarily walked on with bare feet, such as a guest bathroom. A higher traffic rating, such as class 3, is suitable for most residential applications and can even be used in light commercial spaces.
Natural stone is a beautiful, durable flooring material in various colors, textures, and styles. These floors work well in rustic and luxurious projects alike. They’re also a great choice for biophilic designs because they offer a non-toxic, natural material to complement your design choices.
The benefits of natural stone floors include their long lifespan, durability, and ability to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They’re also easy to clean, assuming they’re sealed properly during installation. However, it can be hard for cleaning products to reach all the nooks and crannies between stones, meaning mildew can develop in these areas. This is why it’s important to specify pH-balanced cleaners and schedule regular sweeping and mopping.
A disadvantage of natural stone floor tile is its cost, especially if imported. It can also be difficult to install, which may take longer than other flooring materials. This type of flooring is also vulnerable to water damage, which can cause the tiles to stain or crack over time.
The cost to install tile flooring will vary based on the type of tile you choose, and labor costs will also change. Marble is the most expensive of these materials, while travertine and slate are less costly. To determine the total project cost, multiply the room’s square footage by the price per square foot for each type of flooring.
When shopping for a new tile floor, visiting a store that offers natural and artificial options is best. This will help you compare the pros and cons of each alternative.
Contact a professional installer if you’re considering installing tile in your home. They will be able to provide you with the exact installation cost and give you a good idea of how long the job will take. They will also be able to answer any questions about the process. If you decide to install yourself, purchase the tools and supplies you need from a reputable supplier like Floor & Decor.