August 2020 - Diwaligiftz

What Is Manual Therapy Chiropractor

What Makes A Good Chiropractor

Today we’re going to talk about going to a chiropractor and how to tell your out-of-town loved ones how to choose a good one on their own. Without your help even! We’re also going to talk about being the kind of chiropractor that your colleagues are happy to send their family to.

OK, we are back and you have found the Chiropractic Forward Podcast where we are making evidence-based chiropractic fun, profitable, and accessible while we make you and your patients better all the way around.

We’re the fun kind of research. We’re not the stuffy, high-brow kind of research oh no…. we’re talking about research over beers. If you haven’t yet I have a few things you should do, like our facebook page, join our private facebook group and interact, and then go to chiropracticforward.com and check out the store link. Sign up for our weekly newsletter there too.

Now if you missed last week’s episode, we covered a lot of research. It was Episode 100 so make sure you don’t miss that info. I know there were some good solid knowledge nuggets found there within so make sure you’re up to date and not falling behind the rest. Keep up with the class, man!

On the personal end of things I cannot tell you what a trying and what an emotional week it’s been. These episodes are recorded a week or two ahead of time so you’ll note the time difference of when this happened and when it’s making its way live. On Saturday November 9th, my dad had a stroke. He got out of bed that morning and said he’s got a tall bed so he always has to sort of find his footing before he gets out and walks. He said on this day, he got out of bed and got out a bit awkward and fell.

ANTI-AGING TIPS FROM A CHIROPRACTOR

People have been obsessed with staying young for almost all of recorded history. As the medical profession finds ways to keep people living longer, the problems with aging are becoming more obvious. Back pains are a common ailment for adults, and age only makes the pain worse. In fact one of the images that first springs to mind about older people includes the person holding their back.

You may not be able to stop the passage of time, but you can slow the aging process through proper care of your back. All of the things that your mother and teachers tell you to do as a child are habits that you should adapt. By strengthening your back from an early age, you can reduce the likelihood of problems, or minimize the pain if you are injured. Even if you aren’t young anymore, there are things you can do to help your back feel younger.

START STRENGTHENING YOUR SPINE

If someone were to say that you are the backbone of a project or group, you know that means you are the main support. You are the spine of that project or group.

This shows just how the spine has come to be synonymous with support. Your spine is literally the support for your entire body. By strengthening it, you reduce the likelihood of suffering back pain. More importantly, you will ensure that your back can support you over the course of your life.

Here are some things you can do to focus on strengthening your spine and the muscles around it.

Do planks, not sit-ups or crunches. While these older exercises can help strengthen a back, doing them wrong will do far more damage. Planks are just as effective, and it helps build other muscles.

Work on your stomach muscles. One of the best ways to strengthen your spine is by not requiring it to be your only support. Strong muscles will provide support for your spine.

Avoid repetitive movements that put a strain on your back.

If you have to lift heavy objects, use a back brace to provide extra support.

Stand Up and stretch over the course of a workday. If you just stand and stretch your arms over your head once an hour, you are helping your entire body, including your eyes. The human body was not designed to sit for long periods of time, so give it some movement every hour.

Carry objects close to your body, including backpacks. This distributes the weight of the object over other body parts instead of straining the back and arms.

Wear comfortable, well-balanced shoes.

Avoid staring down at your phone or tablet. If you look around you now, there are probably people staring at their phones, their necks bending down. Over time, this will have an adverse effect, just like slouching.

Meditate to help you get accustomed to sitting properly and learning to think about your body more often.

THE THINGS YOU KNOW, YOU SHOULD DO REGULARLY

Those things that you’ve been ignoring for years are exactly what you need to do to have a healthier back. Yes, it will be annoying. It will definitely take you a while to get accustomed to many of the things that you have been ignoring most of your life.

What’s the Difference Between a Physical Therapist and a Chiropractor?

Many patients coming to physical therapy have at some point considered going to, or have been to, a chiropractor. Physical therapists and chiropractors often treat similar conditions and areas of the body, leading patients to wonder, “What’s the difference between a physical therapist and a chiropractor?” While chiropractors and physical therapists treat and even co-treat many of the same conditions, they both offer unique perspectives on the focus and methods to reach a positive outcome for clients. Below is a quick examination of the differences in training, focus, and treatment offered by chiropractors and physical therapists. Understanding what your healthcare provider can offer makes you a much more informed advocate for your own health!

Chiropractors:

Chiropractic means “to be done by hand,” which is an accurate representation of this field’s focus. Chiropractic care emphasizes diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the spine and joints, with a particular focus on how the joints can influence the nervous system and overall body alignment. The chiropractic field was first established in the 1890s with a focus on using spinal manipulation and joint adjustment to avoid reliance on other forms of medical intervention. This emphasis on use of more conservative methods of treatment rather than reliance on medication or more invasive procedures continues to be a primary focus of the chiropractic field and is one of the reasons it’s attractive to many patients! To become a chiropractor, a student must complete a Bachelor’s degree, attend an accredited chiropractic program and receive a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and then pass a certification exam to be able to receive licensure. Depending on how recently they were licensed and their status, chiropractors in Oregon are required to complete anywhere from 6 to 20 hours of continuing education annually. The mission statement of the American Chiropractic Association is: “To inspire and empower our members to elevate the health and wellness of their communities,” and their vision statement is: “The American Chiropractic Association is leading a modern movement of chiropractic care based on higher standards and a focus on patient outcomes.”

Physical Therapists:

Physical therapy can mean something different to each patient because, similar to MDs, the field is split into many different medical specialties. In general, physical therapists embrace the description of “the movement specialists,” paying close attention to how the body moves and functions as a whole. Because of this, physical therapists perform both hands-on, “manual” therapy (which ranges from soft tissue work to adjustments or manipulations that you might receive from a chiropractor), as well as prescribe exercises and neuromuscular education to encourage independent healing and empowerment to self-manage symptoms. This field grew out of the many nurses who helped rehabilitate soldiers following World War I. This filled a gap in the medical field that gave individuals who would have been unable to walk or function independently a chance to lead a fulfilling life with the maximum amount of function. Currently, to become a physical therapist one must complete a Bachelor’s degree, attend an accredited physical therapy program and receive their Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and pass a licensing exam. Additionally, many physical therapists choose to specialize in a specific field, often going through residency programs or participating in fellowships to receive several years of additional training in a particular field. physical therapists are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The mission statement of the American Physical Therapy Association is: “Building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society,” and the vision statement is: “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.”

Being familiar with your health care providers and what they are able to offer is a great way to advocate for your own health! While both physical therapists and chiropractors offer an alternative to more invasive procedures, they also offer a wide variety of other healthcare options and interventions. Feel free to ask more about what your healthcare provider can do for you. You might be surprised!

HOW CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS IMPROVE BODY FUNCTION

Everything that takes place in the body is regulated by the information contained in the brain and the nervous system. The brain is the control center of all bodily functions. The spinal cord and branching nerves send signals from the brain to control and coordinate the function of all the organs, tissues and systems. Nerves also send signals from the body back to the brain.

This relaying of electrical and chemical signals to and from the brain allows the body to function and adapt to everything that we do and experience.

All organ systems and processes in the body connect to the brain, including the:

Heart and blood vessels

Digestive system

Production of hormones

Skin and sensory perception

Immune system

Muscular and skeletal systems

Detoxification and elimination of waste

Reproductive system

Respiratory system

Regulation of body chemistry

The brain controls all that we see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and feel. It is also the center for our thoughts, emotions, and behavioral responses, both conscious and subconscious. The delicate brain and spinal cord are protected by bone. Pound for pound, bone is harder than cast iron or steel. In order for the body to be healthy, it must be able to adapt to internal and external forces.

The body can be subjected to experiences that may overwhelm its ability to fully adapt. These stressors impact the body and may create vertebral subluxations. Vertebral subluxations are disruptions in the motion and/or alignment of spinal bones with related irritation or obstruction of proper nerve function. Vertebral subluxations alter the ability of the brain and nervous system to properly control and coordinate the body, which results in decreased body function, adaptability, and vitality.

Back Pain: Can a Chiropractor Help?

Back pain is one of the most common-and debilitating-ailments people face. And finding the right pain relief is no easy feat: A paper in The Spine Journal likened choosing a treatment to relieve back pain to supermarket shopping, comparing the wide array of treatment choices to the vast inventory on grocery store shelves.

Getting your back on track

Modern chiropractic treatment is based on the assumption that back pain is caused by misalignment of the spine. Spinal manipulation involves physical pushing, pulling, and methodical repositioning of the head, shoulders, neck, back, or hips to help alleviate back pain.

Caveats to consider

Other treatments can also relieve back pain, from over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), to physical therapy, massage, or a combination of therapies. Research has found that spinal manipulation works about as well as anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications and other traditional interventions

Why consider chiropractic treatment?

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), chiropractors treat not only back pain, but several other health conditions, including neck pain, headaches, and muscle, ligament, and joint injuries and disorders. Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) undergo extensive training to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems.

Chiropractors perform spinal manipulation by using their hands or a device to apply a small amount of force-or a more forceful thrust-to readjust the bones in the spine and neck. Spinal manipulation is typically most effective when combined with more traditional therapies to treat back pain, such as:

Heat and cold therapies

Massage

Relaxation techniques

Electrical stimulation or ultrasound

Exercise and stretching

Patient education

DUI Lawyer Training

Do Most DUI Cases Go To Trial?

Realistically, DUI cases sometimes do not go to trial often enough. Many different things can come up with DUIs. One of the things that we see a lot is any time it is a first time DUI, if the plea offer is to plead to the charge, you really do not have that much more to lose by going to trial. The potential is out there to receive a harsher penalty, but in reality many times that is not going to happen. The unfortunate thing is when it is a DUI case there are many issues involved. Often times the prosecutor may make an offer to a non-DUI resolution, and many clients want to try, and avoid the risk of a DUI trial. It is not very often that they go to trial, but we try to encourage cases that should go to trial go to trial.

Is It True That Many DUI Attorneys Avoid Taking A DUI Case To Trial?

Yes, many attorneys do not want to go to trial on DUI cases. We have seen this couple of different ways. Sometimes an attorney will offer a flat fee, and then they will include the trial in that flat fee. If the trial outcome is going to be the same thing that the plea agreement is, then you save time by not going to trial, which would essentially cost you more money as an attorney. We do not do that, we have a trial fee, which sometimes means that the client would want to avoid that payment, and would rather take the plea.

Most of them have are backed up by science statistics, which makes them a little bit difficult. Sometimes it is just an ego thing. Some attorneys may not want to go to trial and have to say that they lost a DUI trial, but that happens. You have to get over it, so that you can be better and win these trials the next time.

What Criteria Do You Consider When Deciding Whether Or Not To Take A DUI Case To Trial?

It depends on the legal issues. Some problems that are considered include physical control issues, meaning whether the state can prove that our client was actually driving the car. There is a litany of issues with the blood testing, and the different problems that can happen with that process. There is also the ability to cross-examine the officer on the different field sobriety tests if the client took those tests when the stop occurred.

Ultimately, it is always up to the client as to whether or not they are going to take up a plea offer or if they want to go to trial, but there are some factors that we do take into account. If the client has any other criminal history, and if they have a bad driving history, the state may try to offer a harsher penalty at trial. Again, if the plea offer is to plead to the charge, our general consensus is you might as well go to trial and fight. Problems come up at trial that you never can really prepare for and that is the thing we want to capitalize on.

Should Someone Go To Trial Simply Because They Did Not Like The Plea Offer?

Realistically, the client could decide whatever reason they wanted to go to trial. I have represented police officers, politicians and legislators and other people who just cannot have a conviction on their record, so even if they had a horrible case, they would want any chance or possibly to not have a conviction on their record.

During my career, I have handled at least 2 cases where I had told them it was not worth it to go to trial because I did not see the likelihood of wining and that I thought it was a waste of time and waste of money, but they still insisted, so we went to trial and then something went wrong during the trial for those two cases and they ended up walking free because the prosecutor had either made a mistake or else they did not show up.

The client would not have to explain their reasoning for why they wanted to go to trial, because it would be their constitutional right to go to trial. I would only be able to advise them with respect to my thoughts about them going to trial and what their options would be so they could make a fully informed decision on how they wanted to proceed. It would be perfectly fine if they wanted to go to trial and it would be perfectly fine if they wanted to take a plea agreement.

Do Most People Have A Clear Understanding Of What A DUI Trial Is All About?

Almost all clients come in with a misconception of what proving a drunk driving means. Most individuals assume if they have been stopped, arrested and charged, then they must be guilty and there is nothing they can do about it. That is the biggest mistake an individual can make. Every case has defenses. Every case requires the prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Every case is worth fighting, whether or not the result of that fighting may be a reduced sentence or a trial. Nothing can be determined at the inception of the case, prior to preparing the defense. Only then can it be determined whether or not the prosecution actually has a strong case.

What Are The Common Reasons That A DUI Case May Be Dismissed?

I am able to have most DUI cases dismissed for a number of different reasons. Sometimes there is a legal defect in the case, or what somebody might call a technicality. Other times it might be a constitutional basis. A case could be dismissed if it was determined that there was no probable cause to make that traffic stop. A case can be dismissed if there was no probable cause to arrest them for a DUI. I have had situations where there is a roadblock or a roadside sobriety checkpoint, and I was able to have it determined by a judge that the entire checkpoint system was performed in an unconstitutional manner. Sometimes, they are forced to dismiss a case if I am able to exclude or suppress certain evidence. It may be the only evidence that I do exclude, which is the only information they had against my client to begin with.

How To Select The Right Paint For Your Garage Epoxy Flooring

Are epoxy floors worth it?

The first thing you need to know is that garage floor epoxy coatings are not like regular floor paint and that all epoxies are not the same.

So exactly what are epoxy floor coatings? Epoxy floor coatings are usually two part solids based, solvent based or water based. Epoxy flooring consists of a Resin part and a Hardener part, much like epoxy glue. Regular garage floor paints are one part oil based or water based. High quality epoxy floor paints are neither one part, oil based nor water based and all epoxies are not the same and you need to know why so you don’t have to do your floor a second or third time.

Why Should You Epoxy Your Garage Floor?

When the compounds in epoxy are mixed together, a chemical reaction starts and unlike paint, epoxy doesn’t dry, but cures. But once it’s cured, the finish is unlike any other flooring you can get.

Besides its appealing surface, epoxy has a high tolerance to chemicals, stains, impacts, scratches, and chipping. If you drop something heavy on the floor you won’t see as much as a crack in the epoxy. And when that transmission fluid spills all over the garage, cleaning it off the hardened resin is much easier.

Another advantage of having an epoxy coating for your garage floor is the fact that it can cover any imperfections in the cement floor. Cracks and small holes, especially where the floor meets the wall are common in garages. And these can become homes to spiders and other insects. Epoxy covers all these holes and gives the floor a professional and clean finish.

If you live in a humid region or it snows a lot in your area, then moisture must be one of the problems you have to deal with in your garage. It leads to mildew and mold breakouts and attracts pests. Epoxy is highly resistant to moisture and you can clean road salts and icy brines off it with little effort.

Are epoxy garage floors worth the investment?

One of the most common questions that people ask when considering ways to improve their garage is whether an epoxy concrete floor coating is worth the investment. You may have seen a neighbor’s garage looking sleek and unusually clean, and they may have told you that epoxy is the secret to transforming their garage from an outdoor-area to sleek indoor-outdoor workspace.

But is it worth it? How much money will you save on garage maintenance by installing an epoxy floor coating? And how much more might your home sell for with an epoxy-reinforced garage floor? Today, we’re here to answer your questions on whether epoxy garage floors are really worth the investment.

No more cracking concrete maintenance

Concrete maintenance is the single biggest cost associated with your garage. Most garages have floors of poured concrete which looks smooth at first, but concrete doesn’t last forever. Concrete is actually porous and made of a gravel medium that eventually breaks apart. Concrete swells, cracks, and then contracts pulling the cracked edges away from each other.

You can pour time and money into filling these cracks and trying to refinish or repaint your garage floor surface, but a far more practical answer is to apply a thick epoxy coating. Epoxy both provides a sealant and is more flexible than concrete, helping you to fill cracks, hide, and prevent cracks instead of worrying about them.

Your garage becomes easier to climate-control

Concrete is fairly susceptible to the elements and during a cold winter, the cold seeps up through your garage’s concrete floor turning the whole area into a freezer. This is not just uncomfortable for the family, it’s bad for your car!

With an epoxy coat on your garage floor, your garage is far easier to climate-control. Because heat will not escape and cold can’t seep up as easily, any use of space heaters or even ACs in the summer will more effectively keep your garage at a comfortable temperature.

Stop worrying about insect invasions through your concrete cracks

When the ants go marching into the house at the turn of the seasons, your job is to track them back to wherever they’re coming from and spray so the invasions stop. You can get every doorway and the home perimeter and yard. But sometimes, insects come straight up from the ground through the cracks in your garage floor. An epoxy coating seals those cracks and prevents new ones from forming so you can finally stop worrying about insect invasions sneaking in through the garage concrete floor.

Epoxy floors are child-safe and easy to clean

For some families, the garage is a place for the whole family. Maybe it’s where you keep your kid’s bikes and sports gear, maybe you host indoor-outdoor barbecues for the whole neighborhood out of your garage. Maybe you’re teaching family members the secret arts of automotive care. Some families even keep the dog kennels in the garage.

Epoxy floors make your garage even more welcoming to the family because the floors are easy to clean perfectly. Automotive chemicals and oils won’t soak in because of the smooth plasticky surface and when you run a mop over that epoxy, everything comes up. You could let your toddler play on an epoxy garage floor when you’d never be comfortable letting them sit on the dirty gravel and motor oil covered concrete.

Pros of Epoxy Floors:

Appearance

Compared to an average garage floor, epoxy floors are bright and professional. Their appearance alone makes them enticing to use. The smooth and even surface is also very easy to sweep and maintain. Since not much sticks to this type of flooring, cleaning up a mess a very easy.

Affordability

Compared to other types of flooring, the per square foot cost of epoxy floors are tough to beat. Since it can be installed directly over concrete and other flooring types, the installation costs are quite a bit lower than the others. Pricing remains one of the biggest and the most immediate advantages you’ll find with epoxy flooring.

Resistance

Epoxy floors are highly resistant to just about everything – oil, gasoline, bleach, transmission fluid, cleansers and more. This is one the main reasons they’re frequently used in garages and within the automotive industry. Besides withstanding chemical spills/cleaners, epoxy floor coating is also heat and water-resistant. They are almost impervious to most chemical spills without any negative effects on the coating.

Another pro is that these floors also resistant to bacteria and germs, which makes them very easy to sanitize. This is why epoxy is an excellent choice for hospitals and clinics.

Durability

Distinctly valued for their durability, epoxy floors have a longer lifespan than many other floor types. Concrete is the only material that beats it, but it needs to be properly sealed and maintained. Besides, an epoxy floor coating required concrete beneath it anyway. Epoxy floor coating makes renders concrete exceptionally durable. They also offer benefits of anti-fatigue and can be easily rolled-out on the cement without mortar or glue. But if you wish to go that extra step to care for your floors, consider getting yourself epoxy resins for wood on woodimprove.

Cons of Epoxy Floors:

Temporary

One of the major disadvantages of using epoxy on your floors is that it’s a temporary flooring solution. Though durable and resistant, you will have to replace it eventually. Unlike some other flooring solutions, everyday wear and tear takes it toll on epoxy floors. To keep things looking good, you’ll have to put down a new coat of epoxy. This is inevitable especially if heavy things are dropped on the surface of the floor.

pros and cons of epoxy floors

Cracks can develop and chipping is a very common issue. Thought chips can start out as a small annoyance, eventually they can lead to a large area of the coat peeling off of the floor. Wheeled carts and toolbox wheels also get caught catch as they are rolled over the damaged spot. The floor has to be repaired when this happens.

Slippery

Epoxy floors are relatively skid resistant. This con is not universal. It’s specific only to oil-covered epoxy since that can be very slippery. But they can also become very slippery when wet, which creates a dangerous situation. They are not a good choice in areas that may be prone to spills or water on the floor. This is another drawback. However, you can mitigate this risk, at least to some degree, if you’re able to texturize your floor.

Preparation

Getting the existing floors ready for applying epoxy is tedious. A significant amount of effort goes into it to. The concrete floor has to be clean and free of any grease, oil, or solvents before the epoxy coating is applied. Cracks will need to be filled as well. Cleaning concrete floors requires multiple attempts. All this preparation work required is a drawback.

The good news is that with the advancements in the manufacture and application methods, homeowners will find it relatively easy to apply using hand tools in a minimum amount of time.

Application

Apart from the extensive preparation that goes into getting the concrete ready, applying the epoxy coating is a time-consuming process. It also takes several days to dry properly. Additionally, the first coat of epoxy must dry completely before adding the next coat.

The Difference Between Shingle And Tile Roof

How to Repair a Loose Cement Tile Roof

Concrete or cement roof tiles are made with a mixture of cement, sand and water that is molded and dried in a kiln or tunnel. Pigments are added to the tiles to make them look like terracotta roofing tiles. Cement roof tiles are highly durable and crack resistant, with a marketed life expectancy of 40 years or more. They can come loose after extended exposure to strong winds, hail or earthquakes. Repair loose or cracked cement roof tiles by lifting up adjacent tiles and sliding new tiles under the wooden batten that holds the tiles to the roof.

Put on heavy work gloves and safety glasses. Ascend a ladder to the work area on the roof, taking the necessary tools.
Pry up the tile located above the loose tile with the flat end of a pry bar and the bend end facing down. Set the bend end of the pry bar gently down on the roof to prop the tile up. Do the same with the tile located directly to the left of the loose tile and the second pry bar.
Pull off any broken tile parts. Tap and crack any parts of the broken tile that will not pull out with a hammer and remove them. Tilt and lift the back end of the loose tile up and off the wooden batten, also called a hanger strip, on the roof.
Remove any loose nails from the loosened wooden batten with pliers. Replace the hanger strip if the wood is damaged or rotten. Nail the loose hanger strip onto the roofing felt with three even spaced roofing nails.
Slide the top horizontal ridge of the cement tile under the propped-up tile above and over the top edge of the wooden batten on the roof so that the top ridge on the cement tile rests on top of the wooden batten. Slide the left edge of the cement tile under the propped-up cement tile to the left.
Slide the pry bar out slowly from under the left tile and then slide the second pry bar out from under the top tile to finish installing the cement tile.

How To Repair A Tile Roof

Tile roofing is durable and adds great curb appeal to your home. All roofing will need some maintenance and repairs at some point. The following steps show you how to repair a tile roof. Should you not have the tools or time our team is always ready to help you repair your tile roof anywhere in the Phoenix Valley.

Step 1: Identify The Cause

Clay tiles may leak because of several reasons. While some issues will go beyond your roof and will be related to other things to do with roofing or the installation methods, some of the common issues with clay tiles are:

Broken tiles
Cracked tiles
Collection of debris on the roof valley
Worn out or defective waterproof membrane

In order to fix the leak, you will have to fix the issue that applies to you. Keep in mind that the clay roof tiles will break easily under pressure, so be sure to be careful whenever you are walking on your roof to find the cause of the leak.

Step 2: Fixing the Membrane

If the issue is in the waterproof membrane, then you will have to remove the existing tiles and replace the membrane with a new one. Then you will have to retile your roof. You may need the help of a professional for the removal and re-tiling.

Step 3. Removing the Debris

The roof valleys, especially closed ones will collect a lot of debris. This can cause leaks. To remove the debris, so there is no more leaking, you will have to remove the tiles from the area, then clean the area out, and lastly reinstall the tiles. You may consider wanting to covertyour roof valleys to be open to help to avoid any collection of debris within the future.

Step 4. Fixing cracks

If you happen to notice any fine cracks within the tiles, then you may repair them by applying RT-600 on the cracked tiles and then allow it to spread on the whole tile and let it dry.

Step 5. Fixing broken tiles

Tiles that have large cracks or are broken will need to be replaced in order to fix the leak. You will need to remove the damaged tiles using a pry bar. Use a hammer to help with the removal, but be careful to make sure that you will not damage the good tiles. If the roof is old, then the chances are that the tiles have been fixed using mortar. If this is the case, place the new tiles and use mortar to seal them in place.

Water-Testing for Roof Leaks

If you can’t find the cause of a leak from the attic or by visual inspection on the roof surface, wait for dry weather and ask a friend to help you do a water test. To do this, one person goes onto the roof with a garden hose; the other person goes inside the attic with a bucket and a strong light.

The person in the attic watches carefully while the one on the roof floods the roof with the hose, starting at the bottom (the eaves) and slowly working uproof until water from the leak appears in the attic. Once the leak is found, push a nail up through the hole to mark its location for rooftop repair. Mark the surface of the roof with chalk, if necessary.

Remove Damaged Slate Tile

The proper way to remove a roof slate tile utilizing a slate ripper. Jurin Roofing Services, Inc.

When slate tiles are damaged there usually are remnants of the tile left behind including nails. As a result, the second step in replacing a missing or damaged slate tile is to remove those remnants. This includes the nails used to attach the slate. This must be completed prior to the installation of the new slate tile.

Insert the top end of the slate ripping tool under the bottom edge of the slate tile or into the location where the tile is missing. You will notice that the slate ripper has a hook on either side of the top of the flat end of the ripper. The hooks are used to catch and cut the nails. As you catch the nail with the hooks, use your hammer to hit the handle of the slate ripper to drive the hook down against the nail. This will either cut the nail, or it will rip the nail out. Afterward, use the slate ripper to lift up on the slate and slide the slate out from its position.

What Causes Leaks at Valleys

Installing top flashing offers numerous advantages compared to other types of flashing available on the market, such as aluminum, lead, steel, or copper. Top flashing will effectively protect your tile roof from leaks in addition to being environmentally friendly and quick, hassle-free installation. Top flashing works well on virtually all flashing applications, offering durability and weather resistance.

How to Fix Leaky Roof Flashing

Most roofers will simply rely on sealants to waterproof difficult transitions; such as walls, plumbing stacks, or valley returns. As a result, sealants dry out and crack after a few years. So, while you believe your roof is performing well, the roof is slowly leaking with each rain causing havoc. Even when most roofers repair leaks, they again rely on sealants as waterproofing. In just a few years, the same leak is back.

Installing proper transition flashings using metal or flexible metal in these troublesome and high water volume areas is the correct way to fix a leaking roof. Using long-lasting materials ensures they will not break down from the exposure to sun or excess water flow.

Additionally, you should ensure your roof is inspected and/or maintained regularly to help it last up to twice as long. The most common areas to install flashing are around skylights, ridges, valleys, chimneys, and roof penetrations. Typically, flashing is the last line of defense before water damage.

Repair Couplings Are Efficient Tools That Manage All Broken Pipes In Plumbing Systems

Plumbing Leak Detection, Hidden Trouble of Pipe Corrosion

There are many reasons by a water pipe can be compromised, from corrosion to poor installation. No matter what the cause, if they aren’t repaired properly, they can end up putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Think you know everything about leaking pipes?

Whether it is a large gash in a pipe or a small pinhole drip, the water coming out disintegrates the materials the pipes are made from. So that small leak behind the wall you didn’t even know existed, will just get larger over time, leading to more damages and higher repair cost.

Hidden Trouble

Most water leaks are hidden from view, whether under a concrete slab or behind the kitchen sink. Hidden water leaks can be detected in higher than normal water bill, a musty odor, unexplained mold, warm areas on the floor, blistering paint and peeling wallpaper.

Wasted Water

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks. That’s equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry.”

Tub and shower: Splash leaks

Splash leaks are simply water escaping past a shower curtain or a shower door. Plumbers tell us it’s the most common type of bathroom leak. Although it may sound minor, this leak causes major damage when water seeps into the subfloor where flooring meets the tub or shower. Before long the vinyl flooring or tiles begin to loosen. Even worse, the plywood subfloor delaminates and rots, requiring a huge, expensive tearout and replacement project.

Signs of trouble:

Curling vinyl flooring or loose tiles next to the tub.
Peeling paint or flaking, chalky-looking wood finish near the shower.
Water stains on the ceiling or joists below.
Mold spots on the wall or floor near the tub or shower.
If you use a curtain, look for standing water on the floor after you shower.

How to find the source of a bathtub drain leaking:

If you have a shower door, splash water all around the door and frame. Leaks around the frame may take five minutes or longer to show up.
If the door has rubber gaskets or a rubber door sweep, check them for gaps.
Also check for any gaps in the caulk where the shower or tub meets the flooring.

How to fix a leaking tub drain:

Be sure to overlap sliding doors correctly when you close them. The inner door should be closest to the faucet.
If you have a shower curtain rather than a door, make sure you close it completely when you shower, or add a splash guard.
Seal a leaking frame by running a small bead of tub and caulk around the inside of the frame. Force the caulk into any gaps between the frame and the shower surround. Quickly wipe away all the excess caulk. When the caulk dries, test for leaks again.
Replace any worn gaskets or door sweeps. Bring the old one to a home center or plumbing supply store and look for a matching replacement (be sure to get the correct size to fit).
If the old caulk along the floor shows gaps, scrape it out and run a new bead.

Smart ways to find hidden water leaks without destroying your house

A water leak can result in serious problems, especially if it goes unnoticed. If you even suspect you have a leak somewhere, there are a few clues and ways you can detect it before it’s too late.

Check out these fives tips on how to detect water leaks so you can correct and stop the problem before it gets out of control.

Monitor Your Water Meter

If you start to notice a higher water bill but you know that your water usage hasn’t increased, it’s a good sign that there’s a leak. Keep a close eye on your water meter to see if you detect any huge fluctuations. While you’re outside, make sure that there is no water source accidentally left turned on such as a garden hose. Turn all water off including inside water before you check the meter.

Next, take a closer look at the leak indicator and look for any movement. It depends on the type meter you have but for many, it’s a triangular-shaped dial. It may also look like a small silver wheel that spins when water flows through it. If either of these types of dials is turning after you’ve turned the water off, you likely have a leak. Another option is to take a reading and then wait an hour or two.

Take a second water meter reading to see if anything has changed. This is how to detect water leaks for most of your home. Just make sure you haven’t used any water during that hour to a two-hour window.

Check Your Faucets

For many homeowners, the source of a water leak stems from the faucets. A worn rubber washer is often the culprit and can be found underneath the handle. You can easily replace the washer if you have the correct tools. You will need to turn the water off under the sink, or at the main cutoff valve.

Next, remove the faucet handles to access the gasket. Most home improvement or hardware stores sell replacement gaskets and the tools you need to fix this simple, common problem.

How to Detect Water Leaks from Your Toilet

The toilet is another common culprit for water leaks, and it can often go unnoticed. A leaky toilet can waste several hundred gallons of water, which also means it can waste quite a bit of money.

Remove your tank lid and add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Dye tabs are another easy alternative that can be purchased at many hardware stores.

Let the coloring saturate the water and wait approximately 30 minutes without flushing. If any color has come through the tank and into the toilet bowl, you likely have a leak.

Luckily, these types of leaks can often be resolved by replacing the flapper. The flapper has likely just worn out over time or become cracked which causes water to constantly flow from the tank into the bowl without you even noticing.

Another toilet-related red flag? If you need to jiggle the handle to keep your toilet from running, you likely have an issue with the flush bar and chain sticking.

You can fix this by adjusting the nut that secures this mechanism inside the tank. Or, you might need to replace the handle since it could be sticking.

Perform a Visual Inspection

Leaks coming from plumbing inside the ceiling or walls can slowly go unnoticed until it’s too late. You can stop these types of leaks before they get out of control with a simple visual inspection.

Take a closer look at your walls and ceilings in every room. If you notice unusual staining or discoloration, you could have a hidden leak. A burst pipe is definitely something you want to fix as soon as possible.

Be on the lookout for mold or strange dips and bowing the ceiling or walls. Water damage will cause the material to stretch and eventually cave in.

This isn’t something you should stress about too much, but an occasional visual check can’t hurt. Often, people don’t know about a serious leak until their ceilings are completely caved in.

Be Aware of Underground Water Leaks

Outdoor water leaks can get quite expensive to repair, so it’s important to know what to look for. If an area of your yard seems softer than others or you notice dark spots, this could be cause for concern.

If one particular area around your home seems to stay wet even after a dry spell, this is a red flag. You can also look closely near your driveway and street and see if you notice any unusual water flow.

Water flow doesn’t have to be a constant stream of flowing water. Even puddles that seem out of place may indicate that there’s a deep, underground leak.

If you suspect that you have an underground leak, call your local water or utility company as soon as possible. They have the tools and the know-how to further diagnose and fix the issue.

How to Connect a Water Softener Using Push Fittings

When your soap doesn’t lather and the toilet is staining, hard water could be the culprit. Hard water consists of large amounts of calcium, iron and magnesium minerals. Water softeners use an ionization process to capture these minerals and recharge the ions with sodium. Water softeners can be plumbed with copper, PEX or CPVC piping. Push-fit fittings create an opportunity for homeowners to forgo expensive plumbing equipment or soldering skills and install the system themselves.

Water Softener Installation

Close the main water supply valve and open all faucets. Drain water from the home’s plumbing.
Cut into the water supply line above the water softener using a pipe cutter. Allow enough space between the cuts for two push 90-degree elbow fittings to be installed.
Deburr the end of the pipe with a deburring tool. Deburring prepares pipe ends and removes sharp protrusions which can cut the gaskets inside the push fittings, creating future leaks.
Insert the push fitting 90-degree elbows into the water supply line and firmly push until completely seated.
Measure the distance from the 90-degree elbows on the main water supply to the bypass valve on the water softener.
Cut the pipe to the measured distance using a pipe cutter and deburr the ends.
Insert the pipe ends into the 90-degree elbow push fittings until fully seated.
Insert the other end of the pipes into the bypass valve on the water softener using the installation parts supplied by the manufacturer.
Close open faucets, open the main water supply valve and check for leaks.

Tips

Check code requirements in you area to insure proper and legal installation.
Push fittings can be removed and reused using a special removal tool.
Outside house bibs do not require soft water and should be plumbed upstream of the water softener.
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, while CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride

Efficient Interior Painting

About Interior House Painting

Considering interior house painting? Are your interior walls of your home looking a little dull? Maybe you’re tired of white or off-white walls and want to liven up things. If this is you, then take note, there a few things you may want to consider before you pull out the paint rollers and start your interior painting project. Interior house painting makes for great weekend DIY projects. The fall and winter months are a good time to take on this task. By the time Spring rolls around your home can have a fresh new look. Interior color trends change, so you want to know what’s hot and what’s not.

Before you head out to the nearest home improvement or paint store, check-out these 4 things you need to know about interior painting.

Don’t Be Afraid of Color

Color is everywhere so why settle for boring when it comes to the interior paint color of your home. Be bold and daring and transform each room with its own unique theme. Or find a color theme to play with throughout the house.

You can even create contrast by using a satin finish in one room and a matte finish in another. Or you can stick with a semi-gloss on every wall. But be ware, semi- gloss will emit a bit of shine.

The goal is to step out of your comfort zone and try new colors.

Let Technology Help You Choose

Don’t spend hours or days going back and forth to the paint store in search of the perfect paint color. Plus, those sample cards can often be off if the lighting isn’t right. Thanks to technology, you can now paint your wall virtually with apps you can download to your phone.

Each app has its own feature. Some are from the makers of specific interior paint brands.

Measure Rooms to Get the Correct Amount

Don’t make extra work by running back and forth to the store to buy extra paint. You also don’t want to get stuck with too much paint.

Measure your room from ceiling to floor and corner to corner. You will also want to measure the size of both the doors and windows in the room.

Once you have the area of the space, multiply by 2 to cover the two coats you will most likely need. If you choose not to prime your walls you may need additional paint. It is best to buy paint that already has the primer included. Do your homework to understand paint quality.

Mix Gallons for Uniformity

Just because the paint you buy is mixed using the same formula, it doesn’t mean it will be uniform once applied to your walls.

To avoid this issue, get a 5 gallon bucket from your home improvement store and mix the cans of paint. In painting terms this is often referred to as boxing the paint together. If the container does not come with a lid you may need to pour it back in the original cans. Otherwise, you will need to get your painting done in one day.

What’s a Monochromatic Color Scheme?

When colors are in harmony with each other you can call them monochromatic. Harmony doesn’t mean every color is the same. Instead, you’ll have a well-balanced room with dramatic color variations.

For example, you could choose a gentle red color for the main interior walls. Then use different hues of red for your decorations. Have fun and be creative as you play with your interior palette.

Smoothly Transition Room Colors

One of your goals should be continuity from room to room. If one room has a cold wintery feel, the next room shouldn’t be a brilliant red theme. Instead, the next room could be more silver than white and slowly you can transition to louder colors.

One way to help the rooms tie together is to get multi-colored decorations. Ideally, you should find several decorations that all use the same 3 colors. Let’s say you find garlands that use gold, silver, and red. Then you can use paints in separate rooms, using those colors.

One room will be gold, one silver and one red themed. In a common living area, you’ll use the multi-colored garlands. While each room expresses its own individuality, the entire home will be one visual delight.

Oil-Based Versus Water-Based Paint

There are options when it comes to what type of paint to choose for your home interior. There are several different kinds of water and oil based paints. We won’t be able to cover them all. But here are a few of the standard varieties.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint typically dries more slowly. This will increase the chances of it leveling and eliminating brush strokes. Oil based paints are used for several applications. As it pertains to interior house painting, it’s typically applied on wood or interior trim. surfaces. But with everything there is always a drawback. Oil-based paint is more likely to turn yellow, crack, or fade were there is little light. Especially on the back sides of closets door.

Another thing to consider is the fumes of oil paint. Oil-based paint is considered a household hazardous waste.

It’s flammable and has to be disposed of properly. It has extremely high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like toluene and xylene.

Oil-based paints are also notoriously difficult to clean. If you get paint on a surface, you need to clean it with a toxic chemical such as mineral spirits or denatured alcohol.

Water-Based Paint

Water-based paint – also known as acrylic or latex paint – dries faster and is less likely to turn yellow over time. It also doesn’t give off those strong fumes. If you get paint on interior surfaces, you can easily clean it up with water and soap.

In fact, water-based paint is more environmentally-friendly. It’s not considered a hazardous waste. Just make sure you purchase an acrylic enamel if your searching for comparable durability of oil.

Never Underestimate the Primer

One of the keys to getting a great, even finish is priming your walls before you paint your walls. The primer evens out small differences in texture and color. It also helps paint cover better if you’re painting over a bright or dark color.

Primer is especially important if you have patches or holes in your wall. These materials can interact with paint in a different way so the texture looks different. A primer will even it out so you that after you paint, you can’t even tell the patch existed.

However, professional interior house painters that have a high level of product knowledge may be able to recommend specific paint products that are less likely to flash.

Quality and Color

Another huge factor to consider, of course, is the cost of the paint! Some contractors will offer you a specific set of colors and/ or products that are already included in their price and fees. Others will require you to buy your own paint upfront, it really just depends on who you go through.

If you are purchasing your own paint, the quality and color will make a big difference. Some paint colors are difficult to achieve, and will, therefore, cost more to purchase. Therefore, hiring a full service painting contractor maybe the way to go. They should be able to offer recommendations based on the painters experience applying several colors and products.

Some paints have a much higher value because of the sheen, the thickness, ease of use, and more. A cheap bucket of paint can cost as low as 15 bucks. However, in most cases you will end up using more product due to lack of coverage. While it may be tempting to buy the cheap stuff, especially when you’re going to be needing 10-plus buckets for a whole home job, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for.

Whereas, some ‘higher end’ paints can cost up to $70 or more for a bucket! In most cases, they are simply overpriced and you will never see the real value for the additional cost associated with such a premium.

Picking quality paint will give you better-looking results that require fewer coats and last much longer. Keep that in mind when pricing or receiving recommendations.

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