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What is Polystyrene Insulation?

Home and office insulation are important, and there are dozens of methods from polystyrene insulation to using recycled fabrics. The insulation market includes both synthetic and natural recycled products that have their benefits and drawbacks. From these options, polystyrene insulation is a popular choice as it is natural material and eco-friendly.

Polystyrene insulation is a rigid form of insulation that is widely used in both residential and commercial buildings. You can also buy polystyrene packing foam, Canada and other parts of the US to transport cool or hot items. One of this material’s benefits is that it can handle extreme temperatures; is waterproof and also reduces noise. It is, therefore, ideal for homes and offices because it insulates and is long lasting.

For a cheaper option, look at buying expanded polystyrene insulation. This product is less dense and therefore cheaper. However, it will not last as long as the dense variety.

If you have a larger budget opt for extruded polystyrene insulation. This material is more expensive and because of its smaller size beads, it works well to insulate a space.

Although polystyrene insulation has many benefits, due to high manufacturing costs, prices for this product are high. However, most homeowners and builders overlook this cost, as they make savings on their heating and cooling bills over the life of the property. Therefore, think of polystyrene insulation as a worthwhile investment, one that will give you the right insulation at the right price.

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The Foam Factory is a specialist company when it comes to providing foam replacement solutions for various types of projects. They also offer closed cell foam Canada for different indoors and outdoors projects.

Why Storing Your Outdoor Furniture Can Prolong It’s Life

Keeping your patio furniture safe and sound is the key to less maintenance.

As autumn approaches, it’s time for you to start storing all of your patio furniture pieces until it’s right to bring them out again. By doing so, you’ll be ensuring that they remain in good condition and free from trapped dirt, bacteria, and mold. Here are some tips on how you can go about doing this.

Cleaning and Storing Your Outdoor Furniture

While it’s just as important for you to clean your outdoor furniture, it’s also necessary for you to store them properly. This way, you won’t have to constantly rub off pollen, dirt, spider webs, and other tidbits off your patio cushion. To clean your cushions, it’s relatively simple. You can use a homemade recipe consisting of mild dishwashing soap and some warm water. Most outdoor furniture pieces are designed to withstand this concoction and it can be used for nearly every piece. Many plastics and resins can be used with the same formula but with the addition of oxygen bleach.

Caring For Your Patio Cushions

Before you go about cleaning your patio cushions and the cushion filling, be sure that you read the manufacturer’s recommendation. Some outdoor fabrics can get ruined when machine-washed and some should avoid excess moisture. Prior to storing them, be sure that the fabric and filling are completely dry. Then, use a clear plastic box or a specially designed fabric cushion storage bin. Be sure that you keep these boxes in a dry and clean environment, like your garage or basement.

The Foam Factory is a leading foam manufacturer that supplies the finest foam products on the market. For dry fast foam and more, visit The Foam Factory today.

How To Become a Successful Consultant For Construction

Whether you are a newcomer or retired and simply want to work in a different area of the field, becoming a construction consultant can be rewarding. You may want to run construction consulting services and hire others to work for you.

Types of consulting

If you are new to the field, you will want to get some experience before working on your own. You may choose to work for a law firm in which you advise attorneys and act as a construction expert witness. The government may hire you to assist in building structures or renovating historic landmarks. You can also offer consulting services to advise clients on different aspects of the job.

Building your business

Your main goal is to build a client base that is solid and will offer referrals. Advertise your business on social media and wherever you go. Treat clients as though they are family. After all, they are providing your paycheck now. Respect and familiarity go a long way when you’re providing construction advisory services.

You also want to make sure you figure your expense budget accurately and conservatively. You will be responsible for your own taxes now and probably paying them quarterly, says professional consultant, Lyle Charles. If you can afford one, hire a CPA to help.

Don’t worry about getting a large office and all the things that go with it. Build your client base and work with them. The other is just icing on the cake that will fall into place later.

How to grow lucky bamboo

Lucky bamboo is an easy houseplant that looks great in kitchens and bathrooms. Here are a few tips to grow and maintain a healthy lucky bamboo plant.

Selection – Choose a plant with bright green leaves and stems. You can also look for plants that have been braided or curled to create intricate designs.

Grow your bamboo hydroponically – The easiest, cleanest way to grow your bamboo is in water. You will need to fill a tall glass vase (avoid shallow bowls) with at least 1-3 inches of water.

Positioning – Place your plant in a space that gets filtered light, similar to the light that creeps through a forest canopy. The plant will thrive in temperatures of between 65ºF and 90ºF.[4]

Changing the water – You should change your water at least once a week. It is best to use bottled water as the plant can be very sensitive to chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine.

Increasing roots – To increase the amounts of roots increase the amount of water. The more roots, the lusher your top foliage will become.

Fertilizing your plant – It is best to use liquid fertilizer every month.

Tip burn – Tip burn is when the leaves start becoming dead and dry. Reduce tip burn by using bottled water instead of tap water.

Trimming – Over time your plant can become top heavy. It is, therefore, important that you trim your plant with sterile scissors every 3 months to encourage growth and maintain balance.

Patio Furniture Cleaning Tips

Written by Wicker Paradise

Patio furniture can often get ruined due to the rain, the wind, and the sun. Here are some simple cleaning tips that will ensure your patio furniture is in good condition all year around.

Cast Aluminum – Cast aluminum furniture is often a popular addition to patios. To clean this type of furniture, by spraying the furniture from top to bottom and then rub it with a nylon brush. After which wipe down your furniture with a microfiber cloth. To protect your furniture, rub a coat of car wax.

Cushions – Outdoor chair cushions can often look dull, due to varying weather conditions. To clean them, use 1 quart of warm water, together with 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon of borax in a bucket. You will then have to dip a clean sponge into this solution and scrub the cushions on all sides. It is best to leave the solution on for at least 30 minutes, before rinsing it off with a hose and leaving them to dry.

Umbrella – Use a hose to wash down your umbrella and rub it with laundry soap, working from bottom to the top. Hose it down well after and leave it open to dry.

Wicker – Wicker furniture, especially intricate wicker chairs, can often have ants and bugs in the cracks. Therefore, use a vacuum with the crevice attachment. To remove dust, use a microfiber cloth with an all purpose cleaner.

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Wicker Paradise provides the finest wicker furniture for indoor and outdoor use like Lane Venture furniture.

Five gardening tips for beginners

For some growing a garden can be hard work and for others it can seem effortless. If you haven’t found your green thumb yet ,h ere are 5 garden tips that will help you get started.

Know your region – All plants will not grow in any region. Therefore, it is best grow plants that are suitable for your climate and soil type. This will make maintenance a whole lot easier and give you a garden that will flourish. Speak to someone at your local garden centre and ask them what plants are native to your region.

Test your soil – Send a sample of your soil to your local nursery to get an idea of your soil’s PH and nutrient levels. The results will let you know how acidic or alkaline your soil is. This will be a good indication on what type of compost you will need to add to your soil to make your plants thrive.

Start with “easy” plants – Vegetables are an easy way to start your garden, since they grow fast and will give you confidence to venture into other plant varieties. Sunflower seeds or ferns are also a good option, because they grow quickly and require less maintenance.

Create a plan – Create a plan for your garden, so that your plants have space to grow. When planning your space, plant shorter plants at the front and taller plants at the back, closer to a wall or fence.

Keep a notebook – Jot down your plan for your garden. This will help you keep track of your garden’s activity and give you a clear idea of your end goal.

4 Tips for evaluating your garden design

eGardening-Today july 2016 Most gardeners will dream of a ideas on how to redesign or improve their garden. Instead of getting frustrated at your gardening set backs, here are 4 tips for evaluating your garden design and creating a space that is rewarding.

What worked – You should have an idea of a section of your garden that always worked well. This is the key to letting you know what sort of style and plants work best for your garden. Following this style will ensure your garden is always looking its best and an easy garden will give you more time to enjoy its beauty.
What didn’t work – Remember the plants that always needed your attention, or those that never really grew to the plants you had hoped, these are the plants that should be avoided. These types of plants will increase insects and cause stress for you and the rest of your garden. Look at replenishing this section of your soil and putting in irrigation to assist the new plants you intend to grow in its place.
Right plant, right time – Choose plants that flower when you are at home most. For example, if you work during the day, choose plants that flower at dusk. You could also add some plants that add fragrance to the air, creating a relaxing evening for you and your family.

Over Achieving Plants – Usually new gardeners will choose fast growing plants that spread quickly. However, as your garden grows you will need to be selective on what you grow to maintain space.

How to Choose the Right Foam Manufacturing Company

Finding the right company to do business with is important for quality purposes.

Purchasing foam products can be a confusing task when you know little information about what you’re exactly looking for. What makes matters worse is that foam manufacturing companies are only looking to make a profit rather than help find what you need. There are numerous factors that you much consider when choosing a foam company that you will be doing business with.

Are They Reputable?

Don’t instantly trust what they write on their website. Check the feedback of the company to ensure that you are dealing with someone that is reputable. They should be in good standing with the community. Check their online reviews and see what their previous customers had to say about them. You’d be surprised at the amount of mixed reviews that are out there. Now, it is up to your good judgment to decide whether or not you want to do business with them. Don’t get suckered in by their vibrant personality. What you’re looking for is to replace your cushion filling with a quality foam product, not a chat with someone who’s looking to profit off of you.

Check Their Inventory

You’d be surprised at how many times a customer does business with a foam company, only to find out that they don’t even have the item in stock. These nuances and hassles can be easily solved by contacting them directly and asking what you’re exactly looking for. If you need outdoor furniture cushions, call their customer service and let them know what you want. If they’re knowledgeable and caring, then you know that they’re serious.

If you need a new patio cushion to replace your old, worn-down one, visit The Foam Factory today.

How Not to Be Scammed by Unethical Garage Door Repair Companies

If you have ever gone through the nuances of choosing a garage door repair company that overcharged you, performed unnecessary repairs, and did subpar work, then this article is for you. While you may be already familiar with the most common tips like avoiding companies that have bad reviews or startup businesses, there are numerous other ways that you can defend yourself from these unethical repair companies. Here is a list of some of the major thing that you should look out for the next time you are enlisting garage door services in Atlanta.

Take Your Time

A broken garage door is a necessity that needs to be fixed immediately. Street parking for you may be a hassle, or the weather may not be favorable for your brand new sedan. However, this quick thinking may lead you into handing over $500 to $1000 for a $150 repair. Most of you that are reading this will almost always say that they won’t go that route. But, you may consider it once your garage door falls apart and you’re in need of fixing.

Beware of False Pricing

Many unethical garage door companies will target repair work intentionally because the customer are desperate for a quick fix. They also do this because the average consumer won’t know the full cost of garage door parts. Be sure that you bid on a company that focuses on providing a realistic price by comparing one from the other. However, be sure that they provide flawless work through looking at their reviews.

Watch Out for Generic Greetings

Be careful for companies that answer with the generic “Door service” or “Garage doors” greeting. This tactic has been used by many companies that operate under a slew of names so they cannot answer their phone with a specific name. If this occurs, be sure to inquire about their company name. If they balk at that, just hang up and continue your search.

Heavy Advertising Can Be Deceiving

Now, heavy advertising may be enticing when you see the company first thing on your search engine. But just because you see “the best garage door repair in Atlanta”, doesn’t mean you’ll get all the bells and whistles. As a matter of fact, heavy advertising can actually indicate a disreputable company. The company is willing to advertise hard at the consumer in order to have their technician fix your garage. But, this does nothing to advertise their skill set.
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Superior Garage Doors is your number one destination for garage door installation in Atlanta GA. With a seasoned team that’s worked in the industry for years, you’ll receive the finest handiwork.

The advantages and disadvantages of a cottage garden

eGardening-Today june 2016 A cottage garden is defined as an informal garden with old fashioned flowers and plants. Signature modern cottage gardens will have self sowing plants, bushes and plants spilling off the edge of pathways. Although this style of garden may look like it requires no care, a good deal of maintenance is involved. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of creating and maintaining a cottage garden.

Advantages

Personalized garden – Each cottage garden will look different from each other. Usually the plants in a cottage garden will change and flow with each passing year.

Inexpensive and Economical – To create a cottage garden you will need a few packs of seeds and some patience. If you decide to spend money on larger plants like rose bushes and flowering shrubs, you can mix your garden with less pricy plants.

Your garden doesn’t have to be perfectly maintained – Cottage gardens need not be maintained immaculately and therefore a few stray weeds are not a problem.

Disadvantages

Can look messy – Cottage gardens if not maintained for extended periods of time, can look overgrown and messy.

Thinning out plants – It is important that you thin out your plants to avoid plants and vines moving in on each other.

It can be hard to find space for new plants – Finding space can be difficult as your garden grows. Remember to ensure you have a clear plan as to how you want your garden look in a few months.