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cleaning a patio wicklow

STCS What’s Up With These Flashy Vacuum Cleaners?

Word Count:
701

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For most people, a vacuum cleaner is not really a very inspiring object. Let s face it, you don t really care how it works and you probably do not even want to endure the chore of vacuuming in the first place. However, almost everyone who doesn t want to live in a pig-sty needs one (note: students need not apply!). Recently, however, things have begun to change. People s attitudes are changing. Vacuum cleaners are becoming interesting and it s all thanks to a guy called James…


dyson, dyson vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner, gadget

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For most people, a vacuum cleaner is not really a very inspiring object. Let s face it, you don t really care how it works and you probably do not even want to endure the chore of vacuuming in the first place. However, almost everyone who doesn t want to live in a pig-sty needs one (note: students need not apply!). Recently, however, things have begun to change. People s attitudes are changing. Vacuum cleaners are becoming interesting and it s all thanks to a guy called James Dyson, inventor of the Dyson vacuum cleaner.

Thanks to Dyson, vacuum cleaners have taken on a personality and life all of their own. The same tactics employed by the likes of Apple to successfully ply their iMacs and iPods to the mass population (think: design and color) have now been used to great effect in the vacuum cleaner industry. And with the same results; the proliferation of styles, colors and the general level of gadgetry associated with these newfangled vacuum cleaners (the new Dyson DC15 has 182 patents filed for it), not to mention the clean lines and chic design, means that you no longer have to hide it away in the back of a darkened cupboard. It can become a design statement in its own right, and even a topic of conversation at a dinner party. It may be sad, but it s very, very true. Premium vacuum cleaners, as they ve become known, are all the rage and models like those in the Dyson range are bizarrely becoming the next must-have purchase for the hip-and-trendy crowd!

Let s break down the decision that faces the would-be purchaser of one of these premium vacuum cleaners. First, you have the choice between the upright or cylinder (canister) versions. The uprights require you to use them in the traditional push-and-pull fashion, although the latest offering from Dyson, the DC15, has even turned this on its head with its The Ball technology, which lets it glide effortlessly around your house in any direction you please. The canisters on the other hand come with a hose attachment for greater flexibility and control you can easily and accurately get into all the hard to reach places. There s not really much difference between the two and it s mainly down to personal preference, although the upright vacuum is probably best suited to large carpeted areas.

Second, you should consider the power of the motor and the efficiency of the filtration system. Allergy suffers in particular should pay close attention to the filtration. Dyson has been very successful by marketing the benefits of its patented Cyclone technology which does not suffer a deterioration in suction like traditional vacuum cleaners, because there is no bag or filter to get clogged up (which is the main cause of diminishing performance). So, if you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner that will always deliver maximum efficiency, you can’t really go far wrong with a new Dyson like the Dyson D14 or the newer Dyson DC15.

Of course if you are really feeling super adventurous, you want to stay ahead of the curve and you happen to have some spare cash burning a hole in your pocket, you could opt for one of the increasingly popular robot vacuum cleaners such as the ZA01 from Electrolux or the cheaper iRobot from Roomba. While you busy yourself at work all day, this gizmo will scuttle around your house of its own accord, vacuuming it s little heart out so the place looks spic-and-span for when you get home! It even has the smarts to return to its “base” when it’s running low on battery power in order to recharge itself!

So you see, something that is perceived to be boring the humble vacuum cleaner – can actually be quite interesting when you look into it. What you may think of as the purchase of a necessary, almost commodity, item can actually turn out to be a technology purchase or a design statement that will keep you way ahead of the curve. I wonder if Daniel Hess, who filed the original patent for the hoover back in 1860, had any idea how his invention would turn out 150 years later?

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Online Pilates

3 Steps To Great Abs!

Marie Borges
3232

Myth: You need to work your abs everyday.
Truth: The best way to develop abdominal strength and tone is to work your abs to exhaustion. You need to allow your abdominal muscles to recover..this equates to 24-48 hours of rest time between workouts. Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually. If you overdo it, not only will you be excessively sore (a little soreness is a good thing, it signifies that you have worked the muscle enough for it to repair itself and become stronger in the process), but you may discourage yourself because you will need more rest time than normal and it will be harder to do your ab exercises.
Myth: The more situps you do, the better.
Truth: Doing hundreds of situps will not help you lose abdominal fat! Situps actually do little to increase strength because they focus on edurance and are inefficient; it is hard to overload the abdominal muscles doing situps. Thus, you will be wasting your time. Crunches (yes, crunches) are the best way to overload the abs and work the entire midsection, whether you do them on the floor or on a Swiss Ball (my personal favorite!). There are many variations of crunches, and each targets different parts of the abdominal muscles. While doing crunches, it is imperative that you focus on proper technique and gradually increasing resistance. Using this method, you can fatigue your abdominal muscles using fewer reps.
Myth: Situps are the key to getting “cut” ab muscles.
Truth: If you have layers of abdominal fat covering your abs, situps, or any other exercise, for that matter, won’t do you much good. For a strong, cut midsection, keep in mind these tips:
1. Train your abs with resistance. If you are a beginner, try crunches without resistance first. As you get stronger, then move to more challenging moves or crunches using a Swiss Ball.
2. You need consistent cardiovascular exercise (helps to burn fat faster, performed at 80% of your maximum heart rate).
3. Cut the fat in your diet to shed body fat and create definition. This is the only way your abs will show through! Remember, great abs are made in the kitchen!
ZZZZZZ

Categories
Driveways Dublin

QDD Beautify With Awnings and Save Money on Your Energy Bills

Word Count:
628

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Awnings add charm and beauty to almost any architectural landscape as they easily dress up homes and businesses. In addition to their good looks and complimentary styles, awnings block out damaging sun rays while admitting daylight. Awnings also help your air conditioning system from working as hard or as often. This should lower your cooling costs by as much as 25% or more.


awning, awnings, canopy, sunshade

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Awnings add charm and beauty to almost any architectural landscape that they are a part of. In addition to their good looks and complimentary styles, awnings block out damaging sun rays while admitting daylight inside. Awnings also offer some tremendous energy efficient advantages that you may not have realized.

Awnings have been adding character to a variety of different style buildings and homes for nearly two hundred years. Simple in appearance and designed to be functional, the very first fabric awnings were only installed when and where they were needed. Originally, the awnings sole purpose was to shield unwanted sunlight and precipitation, and not to be decorative. You might say that the unique visual appeal they ve added to our streetscapes was an unintended consequence. Before the invention of air conditioning, awnings provided natural climate control by allowing cool air to circulate throughout interior rooms while the windows were left open. They were also very beneficial to store owners in a way that allowed people to continue with their window shopping on rainy days.

As time went on, mechanical air conditioning became readily available to anyone that could afford it. Many thought that the old fabric awnings were outdated and unnecessary, and had them removed. Little by little, our streets and neighborhoods started to lose some of their distinguished character that the traditional fabric awnings provided.

Home and business owners soon realized that awnings provided beneficial shading. When used properly in conjunction with air conditioning, the awnings natural shading allows you the option to purchase smaller, less expensive air conditioning systems. Cooling systems would also last longer because they wouldn t need to work as hard to keep inside temperatures stable and comfortable. So it wasn t long before the awning started to make a strong comeback.

This advanced way of thinking paved the way for new aluminum and fiberglass type awnings to be produced. Canopies and sunshade systems, in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, frames and fabrics became readily available. Patios, balconies and recreational vehicles are more enjoyable during warm and inclement weather.

Some savvy businesses owners add their company s name, logo, phone number and address to the exterior of their awnings and canopies. They use their awnings as billboards and business cards to help spread local commercial identity for their business.

Interior shades and blinds are useful and decorative. Whey closed, they reduce the amount of light coming inside, as seen by the naked eye. They also help prevent your carpet and furniture from fading, and keep outsiders from seeing in. However, don t be fooled into believing that they are a replacement for awnings. Interior window shades and blinds do absolutely nothing to prevent unwanted heat from penetrating your windows. When the suns unobstructed rays hit the outside surface of your windows, the light immediately converts to heat as it passes through the window. From there the heat blasts right through the interior window shade and into your home.

A properly installed awning will not only help reduce summertime heat from passing through your windows, they will aid in eliminating unwanted glare and keep your valuables from fading. Keep in mind that the actual effectiveness of any awning will be determined by the size, type and location of your windows as well as the climate you live in. One thing is for certain; your air conditioning system will not have to work as hard or as often. This means that you can lower your cooling costs by 25% or more and easily dress up your home or business at the same time.

Written by Dan Piercefield for http://www.the-awning-advantage.com

Categories
Driveway cleaning dublin

L2LLAddition To Coolness

Word Count:
587

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To the budget conscious people, an air conditioner is not a wise alternative in a room especially during the summer. There is always the standard stand or desk fan or using fan or just plain opening the window.

A wise addition to a room, which is both, cost efficient and stylish is a ceiling fan. This is preferred especially when your aim is keep one room cool. The ceiling fan functions by moving the both cool and warm air around the room, which would really aid in making …


ceiling fan,hunter ceiling fan,hampton bay ceiling fan,outdoor ceiling fan,casablanca ceiling fan

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To the budget conscious people, an air conditioner is not a wise alternative in a room especially during the summer. There is always the standard stand or desk fan or using fan or just plain opening the window.

A wise addition to a room, which is both, cost efficient and stylish is a ceiling fan. This is preferred especially when your aim is keep one room cool. The ceiling fan functions by moving the both cool and warm air around the room, which would really aid in making the room comfortable.

Ceiling fans has gained popularity as a fan of choice in homes. They are popular because they can be both stylish and very useful. Also, most ceiling fans are within the budget.

In shopping for your new ceiling fan it is important that you look at various brands. Check essential features such as the pitch of the blade, the size of the motor and the finishes on the surfaces of the ceiling fan.

Note: don’t hesitate to ask for help from the salesperson to help you with selecting the ceiling fan that suits you needs.

Ceiling Fans Saves Money

Many people save a lot of money because of using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners. However, this will depend in a lot of different factors. An important factor is the type of blade used. The material and weight of the blade would be determine if the ceiling fan’s lifetime. High-end ceiling fans are usually made of plywood and weighed accordingly to prevent wobbling. Low-end ceiling fans are usually made of cardboard and can be observed to have slight wobbling.

Ceiling Fans Saves Energy

In addition to the practicality of using ceiling fans, it is also very productive in cooling. The fan pushes the warm air that has risen back into the room. In turn, the thermostat will not turn on the heating system.

Essentials

Remember that the greater the pitch and the more revolutions per minute, the more efficient the fan is in cooling and heating. The smaller motors may seem fine at first but could possibly produce annoying sounds when she’s done.

Fan size depends on the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. Usually specifications come with the purchase of the fan. A fan dealer can help you select fans for your room. For high ceilings sometimes a downrod is needed. For sloped ceilings, flush mounts and angled mounts are available. Some ceilings must even be braced to support the additional weight of the ceiling fan.

Whatever the theme of your house or room may be there will be fan for you. Ceiling fan have been available since the late 1800’s. Today ceiling fans are specifically made for hallways, patios or even children’s bedroom.

The fan is usually hung in the middle of the room. This gives the best air circulation compared to any corner of the room.

Putting lights are optional. Some people attach glass globes or bulbs that will provide the needed illumination in the room. If the ceiling is low, lights cannot be added.

The real deal

The selection of ceiling fan is not just picking another appliance for your room. Remember that this item will add to whole environment of your room. You must take the selection of the ceiling fan for granted.

Ceiling fans can be bought in various stores such as hardware stores, home improvement centers or at discount stores.

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Categories
Gardening dublin

L2LL Copper Roof Shingles

Word Count:
490

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One of the advantages that copper roof shingles offer over other forms of long lasting roofs, especially the solid copper roof, is that the shingles are actually surprisingly light and most roofs and structures can usually cope with the load admirably.


Copper Roof Shingles, copper roof shingle, copper roofing

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The world is full of copper lovers, and lovers of the copper roof are by no means an exception. There are essentially two different types of copper roof you can buy, there is the solid copper roof that consists solely of sheet copper on your roof. It is very resilient to weathering and will protect your house for decades but it is incredibly costly, as you can imagine. On the other hand, copper roof shingles are made by attached sheets of copper around standard asphalt shingles. All in all, the cost is likely to work out less than a slate roof but once the copper roof shingles have aged and been weathered they will take on the magnificent green look that only copper can create.

Can I use copper roof shingles?

One of the advantages that copper roof shingles offer over other forms of long lasting roofs, especially the solid copper roof, is that the shingles are actually surprisingly light and most roofs and structures can usually cope with the load admirably. As long as you are prepared to pay approximately $4 per square foot (compared to $1 for standard asphalt but up to $15 for solid copper) there is unlikely to be any good reason why you can not use copper roof shingles on your roof.

What kind of life can I expect from copper roof shingles? This is something of a confusing issue. Asphalt roof shingles will normally only last 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. However, the copper sheet itself will last an average of about 150 years. Obviously the copper roof shingles themselves will only last as long as the asphalt roof shingles that are found underneath the copper.

The cost of copper roof shingles.

Copper roof shingles are by no means a cheap alternative to other styles of roofing but if you like the look of copper and you want a longer life than asphalt shingles can offer then copper roof shingles are an excellent option. The copper sheet doesn t an excellent job of protecting the asphalt shingles underneath effectively giving them an extended life of around 30 to 40 years. The copper sheeting also protects the shingles from most general wear and tear meaning that with good, regular maintenance you won t need to have repairs done too often. On a yearly basis copper roof shingles do work out cheap but not overall and not for the initial installation.

Standard asphalt roof shingles usually cost around $1 per square foot, whereas solid copper roofing will set you back around $15 per square foot. Copper roof shingles are available at approximately $4 to $5 per square foot so they are 4 times more expensive than asphalt but considerably cheaper than a full solid copper roof. However, you are undoubtedly paying for the attractive looks of a copper roof but for less money than covering the entire roof in an expensive metal.

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construction project management consultancy

EKCS How To Select A Conference Room Chair

Word Count:
432

For the best construction project management consultancy company, call EK Consultants.

It can be quite challenging indeed when you select the right conference room chairs.

You may want to consider several things, such as the comfort of your clients and guests, along with staying on a budget – all without compromising your professional appearance.

Seeing as how your guests and clients may be sitting for extended periods of time, the chairs you choose should be ergonomic for all body types. The more comfortable the chairs in your conference room are, the le…


office chair

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It can be quite challenging indeed when you select the right conference room chairs.

You may want to consider several things, such as the comfort of your clients and guests, along with staying on a budget – all without compromising your professional appearance.

Seeing as how your guests and clients may be sitting for extended periods of time, the chairs you choose should be ergonomic for all body types. The more comfortable the chairs in your conference room are, the less likely your guests will have to take breaks or get up during meetings.

Several conference room chairs will offer a contoured seat and back that will allow you to adjust the height and also the angle of the chair for better lumbar support. Most offer a swivel mechanism that will allow you to move from side to side with little to no effort. You can also get sturdy wheels as well, which is ideal for sliding across the floor even carpet.

If you don’t want to scratch the floor, you can get rubber tipped casters on the rollers. Conference room chairs also feature tilt tension to keep muscles flexible during meetings. You can also add chair arms as well, which will help to provide extra support and also help guests and clients maintain good posture.

You should also consider the look as well as the feel of your conference room chairs. If at all possible, you should try to select designs and colors that match the current look of your office or conference room. You’ll want all the chairs for the room to be consistent with both style and color.

A majority of chair manufacturers will allow you to customize the upholstery of the back and the seat with leather, synthetic blends, padded foam, or even stitched fabrics. To make the chair look a bit more professional, you can also have the arms of the chair upholstered.

When you spend the money on a conference chair, you can’t go wrong simply because of the durability these chairs have to offer. They offer strong frames and quality mechanics, making them last anywhere from 10 – 15 years. In addition to this, most manufacturers will offer limited lifetime warranties as well on these chairs to protect your investment in the long run. These types of warranties will cover the frame, mechanisms, and even severe rips in the upholstery.

A conference room chair is a great investment for any office, as it will keep your guests and clients very comfortable during those important meetings. A conference room without a conference chair just doesn’t make any sense at all.

Categories
pilates exercise

Diagnosing & Treating Parkinson’s Disease

Word Count:
419

For the best pilates exercise company, call Cara McGrath Pilates.

Characterized as a movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease often is accompanied by muscle stiffness, a slowing or loss of physical movement, tremor, etc. In addition, Parkinson’s disease may carry symptoms that include mood swings (i.e., depression, anxiety, panic attacks, apathy, etc.), changes in behavior, sensations (i.e., arms, legs, hands, etc.) and the ability to process thoughts. Because each case of Parkinson’s disease is unique to the individual it affects, the sympto…

parkinsons disease

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Characterized as a movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease often is accompanied by muscle stiffness, a slowing or loss of physical movement, tremor, etc. In addition, Parkinson’s disease may carry symptoms that include mood swings (i.e., depression, anxiety, panic attacks, apathy, etc.), changes in behavior, sensations (i.e., arms, legs, hands, etc.) and the ability to process thoughts. Because each case of Parkinson’s disease is unique to the individual it affects, the symptoms may vary from one person to another.

There are several treatment options available to patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, including medication that may help to ease the symptoms, surgical procedures, a customized diet consisting of nutrition and exercise. Clinical research indicates that nutrients may help to treat Parkinson’s disease and may even help to slow it’s deteriorating effects. Certain types of physical activities, including yoga and dance are believed to be beneficial in helping to maintain mobility and may ease the discomfort associated with muscle stiffness caused by Parkinson’s disease.

Certain types of medication, including those prescribed for treatment of Parkinson’s disease, carry a risk of dangerous side effects. Therefore, it is important for patients to discuss any possible side effects with their physician prior to taking any medication. It is equally important that physicians be made aware of any past or current medical condition from which the patient suffers and/or any medications that they are currently using. At times, one medication can have a negative reaction with another, which is why it is very important that the patient disclose their medical history to the doctor who is treating them for Parkinson’s disease.

To this day, research continues in the fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Fundraisers and donations are all a part of what makes medical research possible and what many hope will eventually lead to a cure for this life-altering illness. While Parkinson’s disease may result in the patient becoming more apt to developing other medical conditions, the most common cause of death in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease is believed to be that of pneumonia.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of Parkinson’s disease. If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor for information regarding the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease, a proper diagnosis and/or course of treatment.

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Driveway reselling dublin

L2LL Solar Home Improvements and Tax Deductions

Word Count:
398

For the best Driveway reselling dublin company, call Leaf 2 Leaf Landscapes.

Going solar is all the rage these days with massive financial incentives fueling the fire. Here s a little trick to write off an additional part of your solar system purchase.


solar, improvements, tax deduction, tax credit, net metering, eem, energy efficient mortgages, irs

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Going solar is all the rage these days with massive financial incentives fueling the fire. Here s a little trick to write off an additional part of your solar system purchase.

Financing Your Solar Improvements

Improving your home with a solar panel system is financially advantageous these days. The federal government, most states and even cities throw financial breaks at you to promote going solar. With the federal government, you are going to get a $2,000 tax credit, a figure that is subtracted from the amount of tax you owe the IRS at the end of the year. States pursue a variety of plans, but most offer rebates wherein they actually pay for part of your new system. Cities also offer rebates, often by discounting your property taxes.

On top of all of this, you can take advantage of net metering laws in a majority of states. Net metering simply means you can sell your solar electricity to the local utility when you aren t using it. Known as being on the grid, nothing is more satisfying than watching your utility meter run BACKWARDS during the day! As you might imagine, this has a nice impact on your utility bill at the end of the month.

There is one additional financial trick many people fail to take advantage of when it comes to writing off solar panels and such financing. Even if you have the cash in your hot little hand, you should consider taking a home equity loans or refinancing your home to pull out cash to pay for the system. Why? The mortgage interest deduction! Improvements to your home are deductible if they are incorporated into your mortgage payment.

Now, you might be rolling your eyes contemplating regarding going through the refinancing process. Don t. Many federal mortgage institutions are required to write financing for people wanting to improve their home with solar systems. Even better, most of the loans are written at interest rates well below current mortgage rates.

If you are considering doing a solar-based improvement to your home, talk to your lender about financing options. Take advantage of this strategy and you ll be getting a mortgage tax deduction, tax credit, rebate, property tax discount and selling power to the utility company when you go solar. With so many financial incentives, you have to ask yourself whether you can afford not to go solar.

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Maths Tutor Ireland

san_jose_schools__alternative_education_program_saves_troubled_students

Title:
San Jose School
s’ Alternative Education Program Saves Troubled Students

Word Count:
577

Summary:
San Jose Schools face the same problem that all school districts around the country face, losing at risk students. The San Jose School District has found a solution to this problem while still including these students as a part of the traditional school population. San Jose Schools alternative school program allows for individual attention to the students’ needs while having them participate in activities at the regular campuses.

For the best Maths Tutor In Ireland company, call Ace Solution Books. Keywords:
San Jose Schools

Article Body:
A Different Kind of Education

San Jose Schools face the same problem that all school districts around the country face, losing at risk students. The San Jose School District has found a solution to this problem while still including these students as a part of the traditional school population. San Jose Schools alternative school program allows for individual attention to the students’ needs while having them participate in activities at the regular campuses.

For some students the traditional school format doesn’t work. Students can become apathetic and risk not graduating. In the San Jose School District’s alternative education program students can play sports, participate in extracurricular activities and be included in the graduation ceremonies of a regular school. At risk students can have English language proficiency issues, difficulty in motivation, simply moving to a new school or many other seemingly small but crucial reasons. San Jose Schools are successfully meeting the needs of these students.

Helping Students to Learn

The alternative education program of San Jose School District could become a model for the rest of the country. Classes in these programs tend to be much smaller and focus on the needs of the individual student. The San Jose School District has approximately thirty-two thousand students, so has to find a way to manage the needs of all thee students while dealing with the concerns of budget and resource allocation.

San Jose Unified School District has created smaller alternative specialty campuses inside six of its high schools. Each of these campuses has about fifty students being instructed by two teachers and an on-site counselor. The students involved in the program are generally juniors or seniors who are in peril of actually graduating from high school. The aim of the program is to help these students catch up in the academic credits needed to graduate. The students spend about half the day in intensive classes and the rest of the day taking classes at a community college or a vocational training facility.

The principal of San Jose School District’s alternative program, Linda Ferdig-Riley, uses information provided by the high schools to choose the students who are in need of assistance and will be included in the program. The program provides a distinctive and exclusive curriculum for each student. These specialized plans include monthly reporting of grades, personalized counseling sessions, and career guidance that is specifically designed of the different students.

How San Jose School District’s Alternative Program Compares

This program appears to be working; San Jose School District has around a seven percent dropout rate as compared to the California state average which is double that rate. The amount of students in the program is smaller than that in other district yet the results seem to be better. The number of students considered for the program is far more than the number of available spaces.

Other alternative educational programs in the state keep the students from actively feeling that they are a part of the school population. San Jose School District’s alternative program relieves the fears that could keep students from taking advantage of this opportunity. This program allows students to attend school functions at their old high school which helps to keep them as a part of the school population and alleviates the stresses the students feel when changing to the alternate campus. When trying to keep students in school these types of pressures might be key in keeping them in school.

Categories
cleaning a patio wexford

STCS Home Improvement: Deck Repair And Maintenance

Word Count:
382

For the best cleaning a patio wexford company, call Southeast Contractors.

For many American homeowners, warm weather is an invitation to take the party out to the backyard patio or deck. Before you haul out the grill and light the tiki torches, however, take some time to do a little preventive maintenance.


Home Improvement: Deck Repair And Maintenance

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For many American homeowners, warm weather is an invitation to take the party out to the backyard patio or deck. Before you haul out the grill and light the tiki torches, however, take some time to do a little preventive maintenance.

“This is the time to do a few simple things that will make your deck last for years,” says home repair expert, Jim Rocchetta. “Plus, you’ll have your outdoor environment looking great before you and your friends head outside for those backyard get-togethers.”

The first step is a thorough inspection of the entire structure to ensure that it is safe and secure. Check for loose nails and screws, and either replace them or retighten them. Tighten any railings that have become loose. Then, look beneath the deck to confirm that beams and support poles remain in good working order. “If you find structural components that are loose, rotten or out of position, for your own safety, quit using the deck and call a pro in to fix the problem,” says Rocchetta.

As an additional safety precaution, replace broken or rotten deck boards before they break through completely. Boards that have become bowed or warped will also need to be replaced because they hold water and make the deck surface uneven, and create another potential safety hazard. If you’re replacing those boards with pressure-treated lumber, maximize the life of your deck by using stainless steel or high-grade galvanized fasteners designed to combat the corrosive effects of modern lumber treatment chemicals.

Once everything is secure, clean the deck boards with a biodegradable deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew and algae. These environmentally friendly solvents are now commonly available and actually perform better than previously popular outdoor wood cleaners such as bleach. Even if your deck is made from a composite material, most manufacturers still recommend a thorough annual cleaning. During the cleaning process, also take a little time to sand down any spots that have become rough or splintered.

Finally, ensure your deck looks great by protecting it from mildew and water damage with a high-quality finish and preservative. There are many good products on the market. “The best preservative products contain UV-resistant compounds which will really liven up the deck surface and add a high-degree of protection from the elements,” says Rocchetta.