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There is something so appealing about heading out onto the open road to whatever destination you desire. Here are four reasons why RV travel is growing in popularity.

1. It’s Inexpensive

One great thing about traveling in an RV is that you spend less money. No expensive hotels to pay for, no airfare, and you only eat out if you choose to do so. Staying all night at an RV park will cost you between $35 and $50, whereas staying in a hotel usually costs hundreds. When it’s time to store away your rig, rv parking Lodi has space available.

2. Allows Total Flexibility

Another plus about RV travel is that you are totally in charge of your schedule. If you want to change where you are headed, you have the power to do that. Are you enjoying where you are at and want to spend more time there? No problem. Many RV sites offer extended stay deals that you can take advantage of.

3. Carry Everything You Need

When you are RV traveling, all of the comforts of home are right at your fingertips. The necessities of life are different for each person. Kids may want their video games and favorite snacks. Mom may take her favorite books along and dad his laptop. This is a welcome relief from trying to fit everything you wish you were able to bring along on an airplane.

4. Ideal for Family Bonding

Traveling in an RV is ideal for taking a family vacation. Staying in a campground presents many opportunities for family members to have fun participating in activities together. For example, KOA campgrounds offer playgrounds, pools, bonfires, and volleyball courts for campers to enjoy. You can even bring your furry friends along when you are RV traveling, instead of having to leave them at a boarding kennel.

Final Thought

Traveling in an RV has never made more sense than it does right now, as it is ideal for practicing social distancing. This self-contained form of travel allows you to sleep, cook, shower, and eat in your own space.

Winter is here and with it new weather-related problems. This year, get ahead of the issues by planning ahead and ensuring you have the right tools at hand to save you time and money. Follow this guide for three costly winter-related problems and how to avoid them. 

Electricity Issues 

Losing power due to winter weather is not new news. However, it doesn’t have to be a big problem with the right generator installed. Depending on your area, power outages can go on for days, and this can lead to the risk of frozen pipes and other household damage. These outages are why it is important that you do your research in advance to get your house set up with a generator, so when the lights do go out, they won’t stay out.   

Snow Buildup  

Every winter, the snow comes, and it stays. While it seems harmless at first, snow buildup on your roof can build up to costly damages. As the snow grows, this weight can spell trouble for your roof. This is why you want to install a roof monitor and get a proper roof shovel to help take care of the snow quickly. Without the proper system in place, you are at risk of a cave-in from the weight, costing you thousands. 

Frozen Pipes

You may not worry about frozen pipes, but you should. Whether you have insulation problems or you don’t have the thermostat at the right temperature, pipes freezing can be expensive and time-consuming repairs. Thankfully, with some prep work and awareness, you can avoid frozen pipes this year. Start by looking in vulnerable spaces, such as your attic. Then look for signs such as frost on the pipe as this could indicate a problem. By being vigilant, you can catch the freeze before it is too late. 

Stay safe this winter and don’t forget to be alert.  

 

If you’re a property manager, you may be researching the benefits of energy star products. There is certainly a higher initial cost to installing energy star products and appliances; however, it’s important to remember that these types of products save you money in the long run. Upgrading windows is a common improvement project because of the return on investment. Here are the top four reasons to install energy star windows in your apartment buildings.

1. Added Protection for Valuables

Old or single-pane windows allow harmful ultraviolet in each day. Over time, UV light causes fading and discoloration. As a property manager, it’s important to protect your valuables. Energy star apartment windows Ocean County NJ reduce the damage to your floors, drapes, furniture and paintings by up to 75 percent. With multiple apartment buildings, the savings to your valuables certainly adds up.

2. Increased Comfort

Even though you’re not living in the apartment buildings you manage, you want your renters to enjoy their home so that they will stay longer. Simply put, increased comfort increases the likelihood of your renters staying. Aside from the people inside your home, comfort is a close second priority. Ensure that your renters enjoy a comfortable home by installing energy star windows.

3. Lower Energy Bills

Most apartment buildings require that renters pay for utilities. Energy star windows are proven to lower energy bills by up to 12 percent annually. Even though you may not see these savings, your renters will definitely appreciate this benefit.

4. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions caused by a person. Carbon dioxide emissions are harmful to the environment. Because you likely own several apartment buildings, you can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by installing energy star windows.  

Energy star windows are beneficial both personally and professionally. Consider installing energy star windows in your next project.

When you want to update the flooring in your house, a natural consideration is a wood floor. They are a popular choice that can enhance the beauty of your home. Once you have decided on a wood floor, you need to pick what kind of floor you want. While there are many options available, none are as unique and spectacular as Jamie Beckwith Flooring. Here are a few things to keep in mind when narrowing down which floor type you’d like to install in the various rooms of your home.

Many flooring collections offer unique patterns. You are no longer limited by strips and planks that are linear. Modern and intricate patterns available today are pushing the boundaries of the typical wood floor you will find. These patterns can be used for all of your flooring or just a section with a rug inserted in it. You can mix any of the patterns or add in color to make it even more unique. Unique flooring patterns can even work on an accent wall if you’re looking to extend the pattern beyond the floors. Interesting patterns to consider are jigsaw, hive, sextant, and many more interesting designs. 

Etched patterns are also growing in popularity. The floor is cut, sanded, stained and then hand finished with a hard oil wax that does not contain VOC. This is a treatment on a wood floor that allows you to add your own style and flair. Some of the options include a pop option, which is curved and circular shapes connected and look different from anything you have seen on a wood floor. There is the option to etch text, symbols, emojis, logos, and hashtags on the floor. This is a great way to bring your wood floor into the digital age.

Have you considered putting wood planks on your walls to give them depth and pattern? Adding unique wood designs to a wall is a creative way to improve the walls of your home instead of sticking to the usual paint and wallpaper. No longer will you be surrounded by boring walls in your house. You can opt for a rustic look and feel that is reminiscent of an old cabin, or you can aim for a sleek, modern look that is clean-cut and fresh. 

No matter what patterns or styles you gravitate towards, installing wood flooring is an excellent choice due to the material’s long-lasting properties. The best thing about wood floors is the many options available so you can customize the look and feel of your home before you even begin selecting furniture and decor pieces. Start with the flooring and walls and you’ll be inspired to pull together complete rooms that suit your style. 

The oil and gas industry is responsible for just over 10 million jobs here in the United States and brings in around eight percent of the country’s gross domestic product. As hundreds of billions of dollars are invested in this industry every year, it is important to protect those working in the field, as well as the equipment, from unexpected loss or damage. Corrosion is a sneaky little element that can be blamed for over 25% of the failures that occur within the oil and gas industry.

The Damage of Corrosion

What you might see as a bit of harmful rust can have a massive, devastating impact on the integrity of the materials and equipment of one of the nation’s largest industries. Whether it is found in the refineries, in production lines, during the drilling process, or riding along with elements of transportation, implications of corrosion estimates to around $1,372 billion a year. Much of this is found in damage to surface pipelines and facilities (around $589 million), with another $320 million relating to capital expenditures to address the impact of corrosion.

The Solution for Corrosion

Although the industry relies on different equipment types (such as an anodizing tank) to protect the integrity of specific contents, there are other factors that can help mitigate the damage that rust and corrosion can do. As new material combinations continue to develop, equipment will need to be upgraded to add additional protections. The impact of the process also contributes to the presence of corrosion, and both protective coatings and inhibitors need to be used together to alter the environment to be more rust-resistant.

Billions of dollars are wasted each year as a result of the damage corrosion does to the oil and gas industry. More extensive research in anti-corrosion operations and materials can help improve both efficiency and financial stability for the industry and those companies dealing with the natural decay of metals.

WArm humid environments such as what we have in the Florida Keys can be conducive for insect pest infestations in your home. While in some cases you may be able to treat the problem by yourself, in other cases, a professional exterminator may be required. They utilize a variety of treatment techniques, depending upon the nature and extent of the infestation. One excellent and thorough method is tent fumigation. If you have a termite infestation in the Florida Keys, other techniques simply won’t work. If your infestation problem is getting out of control, contact tent fumigation specialists Florida keys.

Tent Fumigation: The Technique

Tent fumigation, also known as structural fumigation, treats the entire building in one fell swoop. Here’s how it works: Your property is completely enclosed by a  specially designed tent. Then, a controlled amount of gaseous fumigant is released into the tent. All spaces, nooks, cracks, and crannies are permeated by the agent. After a certain prescribed amount of time, the tent will be opened and vented. Once thoroughly aired out, your home will be pest-free. Even hard-to-eliminate pests such as termites will be eradicated. The gaseous agents that are used leave no residue after venting. There are no adverse post-treatment effects.

Prior to the actual fumigation, a trained technician will visit your residence. He or she will inspect attics, room corners, crawl spaces, and basement areas. In addition, careful attention will be paid to floors, window areas,  overhead timber, closets, and cabinet areas. Furthermore, they will evaluate the home’s immediate external surroundings. 

Pests Exterminated By the Tent Fumigation Technique

Chief among the species targeted by tent fumigation is the drywall termite, which can only be eliminated by tent fumigation in many cases. Other pests that will be eliminated by tent fumigation include:

• Asian subterranean termites
• Spiders
• Carpenter ants
• Cockroaches and silverfish
• Fleas and bedbugs
• Mice and rats

Being a landlord can be a very rewarding experience. This is something that experienced landlords Steven Taylor of Taylor Equities knows all too well. Landlords have the chance to build wealth, utilize their secondary properties, and become entrepreneurs in their own right. First-time landlords may need a few tips and pointers before they can become truly successful, though.

Luckily, Steven Taylor Taylor Equities and other real estate pros can help navigate all of the newbies through the process. Preparation is everything. A new landlord is only going to be as successful as the work that they have been putting in ahead of time. Those who thoroughly research the marketplace are poised to reap the highest return on their investment.

Be sure to read on and learn more about these crucial tips!

1. Keep Immaculate Records

Landlords have to become masters of record keeping. Take the time to examine all of the available software. The days of keeping records by hand have come and gone. Sure, the tax benefits that are associated with property ownership are great. However, the landlord is not going to be able to enjoy any of them unless they have kept all of the proper records.

Write-offs become much tougher to defend in these instances. That’s why a landlord needs to know where their money is, where it has been, and where it is going. The conditions of the property also need to be monitored, so that there are no disputes in the long run. Online tracking programs keep the landlord from having to sift through file cabinets filled with handwritten records.

2. Don’t Expect Maximum Occupancy At All Times

There is no shortage of property management tips for new landlords to be aware of but this one might be the most important. Any landlord who is expecting to fill every possible vacancy in perpetuity is setting themselves up for a major letdown. Loss of income insurance can provide protection for first-time landlords who experience natural disasters or issues that are out of their control.

High rent and low demand are issues that a landlord has to face on their own, though. A first-time landlord that does not have money saved to help them through the tougher times may struggle to keep up with their mortgage. If these types of issues become a regular hassle, it may be time for the landlord to start decreasing their rent prices (or adding amenities!)

3. Be Upfront With Tenants

Some first-time landlords may view this as an obvious tip but that’s not always the case. On-time rent payments must be a priority and without these monies, the business will not be successful. Make expectations clear with tenants when they move in, so there is no confusion later on. Due dates must be established, as well as grace periods.

Penalty payments have to be enforced. Otherwise, tenants will come to believe that on-time payments are not an actual priority. Check the tenants’ rental histories, speak to past landlords when necessary, and take a closer look at their credit report. This paints a very clear picture of the type of person that is being rented to. Responsible residents are a must.

As a business owner, you understand the importance of maintaining a comfortable work environment for your employees. When your employees are comfortable inside, no matter the weather outside, productivity remains high and business hums. In order to keep everyone happy, it’s in your best interest to complete regular maintenance on all of the systems in your building, including the systems within the systems, such as the chill water pumps in your A/C unit. Here are a few reminders about the importance of regular maintenance to prevent issues.

Reduce the Risk of Breakdowns

If your air conditioner unit is going to break down, it will likely be on one of the hottest days of the year. Unfortunate coincidence? Maybe, but sometimes a breakdown can be the result of your system being overworked. Have a professional come once or twice a year to conduct regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs on the chill water pumps NYC that your system depends on to run properly so that you can avoid major interruptions to your business.

Extend Equipment Lifespan

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner system, from the inside out, not only prevents breakdowns, but can extend the overall lifespan of your system. Instead of barely squeaking by with the ten year minimum the system is supposed to last, regular maintenance could push it to the top end of its intended lifespan, or even over. Repairing or replacing an internal mechanism is generally less expensive than replacing the entire system.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Finally, regular inspection of your system will improve the efficiency of it. If your system is clean, and there are no leaks or drips, hard water blockages, or rust interfering with performance, your energy bills should be entirely reasonable. High energy bills are often indicators of a problem with your system.

By allowing a professional to regularly inspect your big building systems, there are less opportunities for climate issues to interfere with your business’s success.

One of the joys of modern living for many people is the ability to have hot water come pouring out of a tap whenever it is desired. Unfortunately, hot water heaters do not last forever and will need to be repaired or replaced when they begin to break down. Some signs that there is a problem with the hot water heater include leaks, unusual noises, problems with the temperature and discolored water.

1. Leaks

For people who have their hot water heater in a regularly used area of the house, one of the most noticeable signs is a leaky tank. While a bit of condensation on the tank is normal, a pool of water or a steady drip from pipes or the tank itself is usually an issue. If a leak is spotted, the pipes, valves, fittings and the tank itself should be examined to determine exactly where the water is escaping and how to fix it. If unsure about how to proceed, contact someone experienced with plumbing repairs Woodstock GA for assistance, as attempting to fix a leaky heater without the help of a professional may result in a voided warranty or other issues.

2. Odd Noises

Over time, mineral deposits harden on the bottom of the tank and create a layer of sediment that reduces the efficiency of the water heater. This layer creates a barrier between the heating element and the water itself, causing the hot water heater to work harder to bring the water up to the correct temperature. As the water heater struggles to heat the water, the tank becomes overheated and banging, popping or rumbling noises may result.

3. Temperature Problems

Another issue that is caused by the deposit of mineral sediments is temperature decreases. If the hot water is no longer as hot as it used to be, or it runs out quickly after the tap is turned on, then that could indicate problems with minerals building up in the bottom of the tank.

4. Discolored Water

If the water pouring out of the tap looks rusty, cloudy or mucky, then it is a sign that rust or bacteria is building up in the tank. The water may also have an unpleasant odor associated with it as well. Check the cold water tap to be sure the problem is isolated to the hot water tank to narrow down the problem.

Having a hot water heater in the home is normally a wonderful thing. However, it must be properly maintained in order to function well and not break down prematurely. Talk to an expert for advice about how to maintain the model owned to ensure years of use.

First-time homeowners discover very quickly that there’s always a project that needs to be done. If you want to maintain or grow the aesthetic and financial value of your home, you must commit to upkeeping it inside and out. That’s easier said than done in some parts of the country than others. If you live somewhere with extreme heat and cold, as well as rain, snow, and high winds, you may find this challenging. The best thing you can do is to plan and understand what your home needs.

Weatherproofing

Investing in weatherproofing is essential. Whether you need to hire professionals for stucco weatherproofing Albuquerque NM, or treat wood or vinyl yourself, you must research and educate yourself about what your home’s exterior materials need to defend themselves against the weather in your area.

Cleaning

While most people clean the inside of their house regularly, it never occurs to many of them to clean the outside. Or, they simply don’t know how to do it properly. While it may seem intimidating, basic exterior home cleaning is often simpler than it may appear. This is again a matter of understanding what material you’re working with. Pressure washing is generally the best option, and you can more than likely do it yourself. You just need to have a clear understanding of the equipment you need, the amount of pressure to apply, and how to wash from a safe distance.

Alternatives to Wood or Stone

If this all seems to be more work than you’re up for, you can always outfit your house with something a little more manageable. Vinyl siding doesn’t suffer the effects of weather in the same way that painted wood does. It can also emulate many different materials and resemble wood or stone at a glance. The same is true of metal, to an extent.