Services & Stuff

Many homeowners enjoy the task of finding that perfect replacement window. It’s fun looking at styles, colors, and finishes. It’s rewarding to seek out windows that could provide extra comfort or energy savings. Far fewer homeowners enjoy the task of choosing a quality window installer. By the time the window is selected, the choice of installer can almost be an afterthought. That’s a mistake. Without expert installation, nothing else will matter. A beautiful window that isn’t plumb and square will be an annoyance, not a pleasure. The best-engineered window will let in heat and cold if the opening wasn’t properly filled and sealed. What’s worse: a poor-quality installation could allow water to penetrate the window opening and cause damaging, and expensive, rot. Starting to think that finding the right window installer is worth a little time and effort? Here are some tips which should help you choose a good one:

• Check references for multiple installers, starting with the Better Business Bureau. Also look at reviews and ratings on sites such Google, Yelp, or Angie’s List.
• Get multiple bids. You should get at least three bids for your window installation.
• Check each bid for start and completion dates, specific breakdowns of labor, and notes regarding whether or not there is a flat fee, or if the fee will vary depending on the time required.
• Ask for proof of insurance, state licensing, and local permits; no reputable installer will take this request personally. Keep in mind that licensing and permit requirements vary by both city and state.
• Ask about a warranty – the installer should offer one. A two-year warranty that covers workmanship is an industry-standard.
• If possible, use the same contractor for both windows and installation; many window companies, such as Renewal by Andersen of Central NC, handle both sides; this can make the process easier – especially if something goes wrong.
• If possible, use installers that specialize in windows; any team that installs windows every day is likely to be more skilled than one that handles a wide variety of construction tasks.

Choose your installer wisely, and your windows should be a source of pride and enjoyment for the next 20 years. So when it comes to choosing your window installer, take your time and perform your due diligence. You’ll never regret it.

For someone in her late-seventies, my mom is pretty self-sufficient, but that doesn’t mean that much comes easy to her. For almost as long as I can remember, she’s suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. So things I’m lucky enough to take for granted – like being able to rise from a chair and walk across a room without discomfort – haven’t been part of her life for a long time now. As I said, my mom is self-sufficient. She cleans, she drives, she shops, and she cooks. Her townhouse still looks neat and clean, and her fridge is usually full when I come over to visit. But I’ve realized that maintaining her home is taking too much out of her – even when I pitch in to help. Lately, she’s been spending less time doing things that she enjoys, like drawing old Victorian houses or tending flowers in her garden. My mom also seems to be spending less time socializing, too. Lately, I’ve found myself worrying more about my mom’s happiness than about her ability to take care of herself. But I’ve drawn the conclusion that getting someone to help take care of my mom would give her the time and energy she needs to focus more on the things she enjoys instead of the things she has to do. And I’ve started looking into the possibility of arranging for some senior care for her. One thing I soon discovered was that senior care comes in almost as many forms as there are seniors. Some seniors, for example, have lost the ability to live alone without help. Possibly they can no longer drive. Perhaps they no longer have the energy to clean or shop. Or maybe the issue is cognitive, where the senior can no longer reliably manage things like paying bills, keeping appointments, or managing medications. Senior care can address any one of these issues, or all of them – depending on the situation. Other seniors are like my mom. They can still handle things, but – either by choice or necessity – would be better off delegating. Like my mom, they can do almost anything. The problem is that it’s getting too hard to do everything. My mom needs someone to – more regularly than I can – relieve her of some of the burden of managing everyday tasks. With some senior care, she could have the luxury of deciding which tasks to hold onto, and which ones to delegate to a care provider. I’ve also been wrestling with the idea of how to bring up the subject without it being quickly dismissed. While my mom enjoys my help, it’s because it’s provided with love by her son. I’m not sure that she would be open to the idea of relying on someone else to do the dishes, scrub the floors, or fold her laundry. She would say she can do it herself, and she would be right. So I’ve decided to package the idea of senior care as a way to enhance her life – not take over the management of it. Every task handled by a caregiver can give my mom a little more time, energy, and freedom to do what she wants. I also discovered that some senior care might offer some social benefit for her. Seniors Helping Seniors is an agency that employs seniors as care providers. It would be nice if she enjoyed the company provided by the caregiver, just like she enjoys my company when I drop by to lend a hand. I’m hoping that my mom is open to the idea of getting some help from a senior care agency for a few hours a week. If I can get her to understand that getting some help is about providing freedom – and not taking it – that will go a long way in getting her to agree to it. If she believes that the care agency could introduce her to a friendly new senior or two, that would be helpful as well. More happiness and independence are almost within my mom’s reach – she just needs a little boost to get there.

  Oral health is a subject that very few people actually understand. Do you know that taking care of your mouth, gum, and teeth is crucial in achieving an overall healthy body? It's clear that maintaining good dental health protects one from experiencing bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. It's important to know that the importance of dental hygiene doesn't begin and end in the mouth. Research shows that dental flossing and brushing helps fend off many medical disorders that aren't mouth related - such as stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. It's always important to visit your dentist in Raleigh, NC on a regular basis. To understand how oral health impacts your overall physical health, it's important to consider the following concepts.

1. Most Systemic Infections First Manifest in the Mouth According to research by the Academy of General Dentistry, almost 90% of systemic conditions such as HIV & AIDS and diabetes initially manifest in the mouth. These disease often present as concerning lesions in the mouth. A regular dental check-up is vital in discovering these systemic conditions in order to prevent them from persisting and getting worse.
2. Oral Health Can Help To Determine Overall Health A simple mouth swab can reveal to a doctor everything that is going on inside your body. The doctor is able to tell from the composition of the saliva if you are healthy. It's vital to understand that the mouth is the main window into the body. This means that you can prevent entry of micro-organisms into the body by controlling your oral health.
3. Saliva is an Effective Diagnostic Tool Saliva contains a number of indicator molecules that your oral specialist can look at to make an assessment of your general health. For instance, the level of cortisol in the saliva is indicative of stress response. Traces of protein in saliva indicate signs of osteoporosis in men and women. Due to the ability to detect HIV antibodies, scientists have developed commercial saliva kits. Though this has not come into effect yet, the saliva kits are bound to replace blood kits in the future. This means that conditions such as liver cirrhosis, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes will soon be detected with a saliva kit.
4. Your Mouth is a Source for Infection Experts in cosmetic dentistry and other branches in oral medicine emphasize the importance of better teeth and gum structure. What many don't explain is that strong gums and good teeth are integral in preventing conditions such as gingivitis, trench mouth, and periodontitis. When flossing, it's important for you to make sure that there are no cuts in your mouth that microorganisms can use to invade your bloodstream. The cosmetic dentist will help you go through the right procedure so as not to compromise your oral defense.A condition like Bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood) starts from the mouth, and can result in serous heart infections such as Endocarditis. Recent research shows that there is a strong relationship between plaque and major systemic conditions. According to the study, plaque can result in poor diabetes management, cardiovascular diseases, and pre-term delivery. Frequent visits to the dentist are advised in order to prevent these conditions.
5. Saliva Can Prevent Harmful Bacteria It's proven that saliva is the body's first line of defense against harmful microorganisms that enter the mouth. Saliva is believed to possess antibacterial and antiviral properties. This means that healthy saliva can protect you from most viral and bacterial attacks. The antibodies in saliva help to protect you against the flu and the common cold. This means that if you are prone to these illnesses, you should consider taking better care of your oral health. Microbes can enter your bloodstream, resulting in serious health issues.

Conclusion By now, you should have adequate reasons to take care of your oral hygiene. The health of your mouth has a great impact on your general health. If you take care of your dental hygiene, you can help your body keep diseases away. With the right dental care, you can be sure of a boosted general physical health.

If you’re looking for a professional carpet cleaner, you’ll want to take your time and do it right. Look at it this way: Your carpet represents a big investment. The right cleaning service can help you enjoy that investment, every day, for years. The wrong cleaning service can ruin that investment, cutting short the life of your expensive carpeting and requiring you to replace it years too early. The best way to select a quality carpet cleaning company (aside from personal recommendations), is to take the time to ask a few questions. Start with the ones included below. Get the right answers, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a carpet cleaning service you’ll trust for years. Be wary of the lowest-priced option The most successful carpet cleaners are rarely the least expensive. Cleaning services that succeed do so on the strength of jobs well done; the quality of their work generates positive word of mouth, stellar reviews, and repeat business. Successful cleaning services also tend to retain the best employees – paying them a premium in order to ensure that work is performed by skilled technicians who take pride in their work. Companies that can’t rely on quality results to generate business have to use other means – such as offering deep discounts to potential new customers; if you see a price that’s below the competition’s, be wary. Ask if the cleaning company is insured One way that successful carpet cleaners maintain a quality team is by offering quality insurance coverage. While you don’t need to know the details of this coverage, it’s entirely appropriate to ask your cleaner if a.) they are fully insured and b.) if they provide offer workman’s compensation. This insurance not only covers the employees, but protects you from liability should an injury occur on your property; a lack of insurance suggests that the company has no problem cutting corners to make a few extra dollars. That’s a red flag, for certain. Ask if work is guaranteed A carpet cleaning should always come with a satisfaction guarantee. Generally speaking, the cleaning service will pledge to return and re-treat any areas of the carpet where a spot was left behind; this spot will be treated until you are satisfied with the results. Companies that perform quality work will rarely be asked to return – a small price to pay for giving their customers extra confidence; only companies worried about having to return too many times will fail to offer a guarantee. These are the cleaning companies you’ll want to avoid. Ask if the company uses green cleaning methods As you should know by now: There’s quite a difference between the best carpet cleaners and all of the rest. So it shouldn’t surprise you that their cleaning methods can also vary a great deal. One key difference that separates the best cleaners from the also-rans is the use of green cleaning solutions. Meridian Chem-Dry, for example, uses only non-toxic, child-safe, and eco-friendly carpet cleaning solutions. Competitors that employ less expensive detergents or solvents may be able to remove stains, but they may also leave you with a carpet that you would rather not touch. Ask for a quote in advance Reputable carpet cleaning companies have experienced, confident technicians who will get the job done in a minimum amount of time, with a minimum amount of surprises. As a result, these technicians have no problem providing written quotes prior to beginning work. Companies that don’t offer quotes in advance are a.) less experienced, b.) less efficient, and/or c.) less transparent in their pricing. None of these options should inspire your confidence. Stick with companies that aren’t afraid to offer pricing in advance.

Dreaming of a fall wedding? You are not alone. Fall, with its slight chill and colorful foliage, is a great season for a wedding. With a fall wedding, you can incorporate seasonal elements into different areas of the ceremony for a truly unique experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. Here are the steps for planning the ultimate fall wedding.

1. Make the big decisions first.

There are a couple of things you need to get out of the way before you sit down to plan your wedding. First, you need to decide on the kind of ceremony you want. Do you want a pastor to officiate, or would you opt for a rabbi or an imam? Do you want to do it indoors or outdoors? Can you decide between an unconventional wedding venue or your local church? How many guests do you want to invite? What's the color and theme? It is best to agree on these major areas before you take the next step to lower the chances of disagreements and miscommunication once you're knee-deep in wedding preparations.

2. Make a budget.

The budget is essential especially if you both decide to put a cap on how much you want to spend. A budget can also help you narrow down your options which can make for more efficient decision-making. A great tip when doing your budget is to ask your local wedding planner for a rough estimate for a wedding such as yours to get a reasonable benchmark. This is a great way to avoid overpaying for certain services and can help you allocate more resources to areas of the wedding that mean more to you as a couple.

3. Choose the reception venue.

Choosing the reception venue is one of the major areas of wedding preparation that should be done months ahead of the wedding date. Since you already know what kind of wedding you want to have and how many guests you want there, you can choose a venue that will suit these preferences and your budget. There are so many reception venues for fall, from outdoor gardens to barns, a local quaint hotel with a pretty courtyard or a small bed and breakfast for a small, intimate affair. Consult with your planner, ask recently married friends, look at venue directories in your area and check out bridal magazines and websites if you need more wedding venue inspiration.

4. Send out the save the dates.

Some couples hold a photo shoot for Save the Dates, so you may need to book a photographer and have these cards printed before you are able to check this off your list. Plan for your Save the Dates ahead of time so you can get this out of the way and get back to wedding prep in no time.

5. Book your suppliers.

Start looking for vendors right after your engagement because you will need to narrow them down until you meet the vendor that is appropriate for you. Vendors include your photographer, caterer, make-up artist for the big day, florists, and of course, your wedding coordinator. To make things easier, choose your coordinator first. He or she can do most of the legwork by connecting you with the vendors most likely to deliver the kind of products you want for the big day. Experts recommend doing this four to five months before the wedding date, because you still need to allocate a week or two to personal meetings with your potential vendors, attend cake tastings, meet with your make-up artist for a trial session, and the like.

6. Plan for a fall menu.

A fall wedding is a great chance to showcase seasonal favorites, from decadent pumpkin pies to hearty dishes of lamb and pork to whet guests' appetites. Incorporate that romantic autumn feel by opting for apple-based desserts such as piping hot crispy apple pockets and hot cinnamon drinks. It is best to hire a wedding catering service early on in the preparation so you can work on the best dishes to incorporate in the menu. Giving yourself ample time to work on the menu plans with your wedding caterer is important especially if you have guests with allergies and other food considerations.

7. Prepare for fall weather.

Fall days tend to be warm early in the day and gradually cool off as the sun sets. Depending on where you are holding the wedding, showers can happen. It is better to have a contingency plan, such as an indoor hall or tents nearby. For outdoor venues, keep fires burning around the venue. Serve hot cocoa or spicy pumpkin lattes to keep guests warm all throughout the night. Assign a corner where guests can grab umbrellas and complimentary wraps or shawls when it gets chilly. You can even use soft fall shawls, wraps and scarves as stylish wedding tokens for guests. There's no better season to get married on than fall. Romantic and colorful, fall can give you the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding, whether set indoors or outdoors. With timely planning and the help of seasoned industry professionals, nothing can stop you from having the fall wedding of your dreams.

Having an efficient home is important for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, if your home is energy efficient, you will save money every month. It’s as simple as that. On top of that, maintaining your home’s energy efficiency is better for the environment, and more comfortable for you and your family. There are many ways the the efficiency of your home can be compromised. Doors, windows, HVAC systems, and general construction can all affect your home’s efficiency. If you have a historic home, or even just an older home, there are many things that you should check when it comes to efficiency. Modern construction techniques create much tighter and precise joints and seams in walls, windows, doors, and flooring. In older homes all of these areas should be checked to make sure that your cooled or heated air isn’t escaping through a bunch of tiny outlets. It's always a good idea to have your home’s efficiency checked by experts. Your local HVAC company can usually help you test your home to find out where conditioned air is escaping. They can also let you know if your windows or doors are creating hot or cold spots. Here are some solutions to various home efficiency issues:

• Applying Solar Window Films: Solar window films from 3M have a variety of uses, but chief among them is to reflect the sun’s rays to avoid hot spots around your windows that make your AC unit work harder. It’s recommended to have experts, such as Solar Concepts Inc., apply these films to make sure that it is done correctly.
• Regular HVAC Maintenance: Getting your HVAC serviced a couple times a year can make sure that everything is running as it should year round. This can help to catch small problems before they become larger issues. Regular maintenance will make sure that your HVAC stays as efficient as possible, which will keep your energy bills lower each month.
• Make Sure Doors and Windows Seal Tightly: The cracks around windows and doors are some of the biggest culprits of lost efficiency. They can usually be sealed up with weatherstripping or in some cases a fresh line of caulk. If you can feel drafts around your doors and windows, call a professional to come seal them up for you. You’ll save money every month and your house will be more comfortable year round.

Do your part to take care of the planet, and save some money while you’re at it. Complete a full energy audit on your home to see where you could be saving the most. You’ll be amazed at what you find, there are probably areas that you would never think about that are costing you extra on your energy bills each month. Once you seal up any problem areas, your house will stay much more consistently comfortable while requiring far less energy.

Improve Your Respiratory Health With Better Air Quality

The majority of people spend up to 90 percent of their time in indoor spaces. From being at home and at work to traveling in a vehicle, many are exposed to poor air quality. This has the capacity to affect health owing to the significant amount of contaminants found in the homes, particularly in and on carpets. Indoor air quality is compromised by dirt and dust infiltration. Moisture can also play a role in fouling the indoors. Medical practitioners say dust is a chief culprit when it comes to human infection. Dust mites and germs are known to attach themselves to dust particles. Research has shown that the average home collects up to 40 pounds of dust annually. Dust mites feed off organic detritus, especially dead skin cells. Humans shed skin cells and they drift into the air and land on carpets and other surfaces. This provides dust mites a delicious meal, and as a result they thrive. When the level of infestation is too high, the mites cause significant irritation.

Indoor Air Pollution

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) views the problem of indoor air pollution as a major environmental issue faced by millions today. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner provides a sure-fire way to improve overall appearance and longevity of the fabrics. More importantly, the cleaning rids the carpet of pet hairs, dust and other contaminants that affect air quality. The EPA is also concerned about toxic gases, which can attach themselves to trapped pollutants. This means when pollutants are not removed from the carpet, occupants will eventually face the threat of allergies and breathing problems. Young children and immunosuppressed individuals face higher levels of risk. An added benefit of professional carpet cleaning is the removal of odor. Pet owners are often faced with the problem of pet odors. Fortunately, a professional carpet cleaner can thoroughly sanitize the carpet leaving it smelling fresh and looking immaculate. Preventing the growth of mold and mildew requires proper cleaning. Hiring a cleaner allows homeowners and commercial property owners to take advantage of industrial-grade carpet drying tools that eliminate moisture. This allows carpets to dry relatively faster. Eliminating moisture also helps improve air quality and prevent the sick building syndrome.

How Does Professional Carpet Cleaning Work?

Professional carpet cleaners use a wide variety of methods and equipment to remove dirt, odor, mold and contaminants from the carpet. These methods and equipment include wet shampooing, dry cleaning, buffer machines, dry foam and more. Wet shampooing is one of the methods used by carpet cleaners. It involves the use of a buffer machine, which applies the shampoo to the carpet. However, this method requires careful handling to avoid damaging the carpet fabrics with the rotary discs. The solution takes several hours to dry. Dry cleaning is also a practical way to clean carpets properly. There are various methods employed to dry clean. Some of the ways use wet cleaning but dry very quickly while others are completely dry. Drying cleaning techniques involve the use of a bonnet, dry foam or absorbent powder. Cleaners can opt to use a bonnet attached to a buffer machine. The bonnet is covered in cleaning solution that contains carbonate w ater. The attachment absorbs the dirt and is replaced once it is saturated. The use of dry foam, on the other hand, follows the same process as wet shampooing. However, this method does not involve any wet solution but rather a dry foam. This eliminates the need to wait for the carpet to dry. When using the absorbent powder approach, a professional carpet cleaner applies a solvent and lets it set on the carpet. After a short while, the professional will proceed to work the solvent into the carpet using a buffer machine.

Deep Carpet Cleaning with Hot Water Extraction

Dry and wet carpet cleaning methods lack the capacity to deep clean. They can only handle quick cleaning of the top part. For a thorough clean, professionals recommend deep cleaning once every year. This provides a sure-fire way to prolong the carpet's working life. This type of cleaning can be handled using a floor wand that sprays a pressurized mix of hot water and solution. The carpet is then vacuumed. Advances in technology have improved the way deep cleaning works. The improvements have made the method more popular, safe and effective. The approach is sometimes referred to as steam cleaning even though no actual steam is involved. Professional carpet cleaners can use a portable or truck-mounted system to clean the carpet thoroughly. The portable version uses the customer's electricity and water. Conversely, the truck-mounted deep cleaning equipment relies on its power to handle the job. These units are capable of delivering more pressure and higher temperature. Hence, they are more effective at eliminating contaminants and leaving the carpet dry. For this reason, it is best to opt for truck-mounted carpet cleaning system.

We get it: No one loves to change a car’s oil. If you do it yourself, you know it’s a dirty job. If you rely on a pro, a trip to the car repair shop is an extra errand that takes time and money. As a result, some of us wait too long between oil changes. But regular oil changes are an essential part of keeping your car running smoothly – a basic, relatively inexpensive task that can help you avoid bigger, costlier repairs in the future. Once you understand the importance of oil changes, you’ll feel better about getting them done on schedule. First, let’s consider the role oil plays in your car – specifically your car’s engine. Inside your engine, metal parts like pistons and valves interact with and move past each other thousands of times each minute; this interaction should happen smoothly, efficiently, and with a minimum of friction. The lubrication that clean oil provides is what allows metal parts to smoothly slide past each other. When these metal parts aren’t able to slide, when clean oil isn’t there to provide needed lubrication, bad things can happen. Bare metal on metal contact scrapes and scratches. Parts wear down. Friction builds up. Engine performance is compromised, along with mileage. Points of contact can overheat until individual components – and even the entire engine – are damaged beyond repair. A lack of oil in your car can cost you your engine. If you ever find yourself in the position of having to price out a new engine, you can expect to pay somewhere between 10% and 20% of the cost of your vehicle – when it was new. Ouch. Keeping costly car repairs at bay aren’t the only benefit of regular oil changes: Improved performance is another. When parts slide past each other with ease, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard. As a result, you may notice a smoother feel and better acceleration. You’ll also enjoy improved mileage. The money you save at the pump could easily be enough to pay for your oil changes – and then some.   If it’s been too long since your last oil change, schedule a visit at your local car repair shop. Your technician will be happy to change your oil and filter. You’ll be assured that your car will receive the right kind of oil. And you’ll be able to schedule your next oil change in accordance with your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.