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    How to Detect and Repair a Slab Leak

    A slab leak occurs when a pipe underneath the foundation of your house springs a leak, or worse, busts all together. When the pipe begins to leak water, the water begins to go into the actual foundation and cause some serious damage that can cost homeowners a lot of money. It is so important to detect the slab leak as early as you can so that the problem is caught at the onset of the issue and does not cause more damage than it has too. In order to catch the problem at the start, it is important for homeowners to know the warning signs of a leaking slab and start slab leak repair work as soon as they see the issue. Below are some symptoms of a slab leak to be on the lookout for so as to diagnose and treat the problem quickly.

    Signs you have a slab leak

    Hearing running water: When you have the water running in your home somewhere, you can hear the sounds of the water gushing throughout the pipes which are completely normal. However, if you hear water running but you are not running it anywhere in the house, then you have a probable leak

    Having an insanely high water bill: Chances are that your water bill is in the same relative ballpark every month more or less. If you see that your water bill is higher than normal without cause, start by checking your pipes under the sinks and all the faucets for a minor leak which can be fixed quickly and at a low cost. It is when your water bill is double the usual price or higher when you should start considering the fact that you have a major leak somewhere causing you to lose a lot of water. If all the plumbing inside the house looks good, then you could have a serious leak in your foundation’s slabs.

    Cracking foundation: If you notice your foundation buckling or showing cracks outside of your home or even throughout the walls in your house, it is a sign that there is severe water damage to your foundation caused by leaky slabs.

    Mold and mildew growth: A final symptom of a possible leaking slab in your foundation is the growth of mold and mildew in your home. Once the foundation is saturated with water, moisture just sits there and becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew to grow into your home.

    What to do if there is a leak

    It is important to be vigilant and look out for these signs as an undetected leak can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation leading to cosmetic and structural damage. It can destroy your belongings and cost thousands upon thousands of dollar in repairs. If you catch the leak early enough there are some repair techniques you can take to fix it. Some of these methods are more invasive and costly than others, and the method you need to use depends on how bad of a leak you have and where in your foundation it is located. Your plumber will try the following techniques to fix the leak:

    Cutting the foundation open to fix the pipe: This method is mostly used in homes that are newer and have a newer pipeline. The plumber finds where he thinks the leak originated, cuts into the slab, fixes the pipe, then patches the foundation again.

    Repipes the whole pipeline: If your home is experiencing slab leaks frequently, one after another, then your plumber is more than likely going to open up the foundation and completely replace the pipeline. This is an expensive option but will ensure you have no leaks for many years to come and will keep your home and foundation from experiencing any further damage that has to be repaired.

    Coating the pipes: If it is not easy or financially smart to open up your foundation and replace or repair the pipes, then your plumber will use an epoxy coating to coat the pipe and keep it from leaking again.

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    Home Loan VS Loan Against Property

    When it comes to housing loans, two terms are frequently interchanged – home loans and mortgage loans. Here, in this post, you can find the benefits and features of both these popular loan categories helping you choose the right one that meets your borrowing needs.

    First, let’s look at the basic definitions:

    Home loans – Here a borrower takes a loan from the lender to purchase a home, a plot or an under-construction property.

    Loan Against Property – Also known as a mortgage loan or LAP, in short, is a loan taken by a borrower by mortgaging a property they own. Here, the loan amount is mostly used to meet personal or business requirements.

    Difference between Home Loans and LAP:

    The one huge difference between the two is that home loans help you buy property, whereas LAP pledges a property you own to help you secure the required loan funding.

    The next big difference is the usage of funds. In home loans, the loan amount you receive must be used for funding the purchase of your home, whereas, in LAP, there is no restriction on the usage of funds. You can use it for any purpose. Be it financing your child’s marriage, expanding your business, medical expenses or even leisure vacations – the choice is all yours.

    Home Loan

    Here’s a tabular column that contrasts the main features between home loans and mortgage loans:

    Features Home Loans

    Mortgage Loans

    Purpose

    To buy a house, a plot or an under-construction residential property For any business or personal reasons

    Loan Amount

    You can avail loan amounts up to 90% of the value of the property you are looking to purchase

    You can avail a loan amount up to 60% of the value of the property you own

    Interest Rates

    Generally, above 8.7%

    Generally, above 9.5%

    Tenure

    Up to 30 years

    Up to 15 years

    Tax Exemption You can avail tax deductions under Section 80C and Section 24 of the ITA on the principal you pay

    No tax deductions

    Generally, lenders visit the property you are about to purchase before sanctioning your home loan. Similarly, evaluation of the property you own is done before issuing a loan against property. Both are secure loans and involve lengthy documentation processes as the property you own or about to purchase must be evaluated before the lender decides on the loan amount, that you are eligible for.

    Now, let’s look at the benefits of both these loan categories:

    Benefits of Home Loans:

    • Helps you purchase your dream home
    • Offers tax benefits
    • You can transfer the balance to another lender midway
    • Long repayment tenure
    • No prepayment charges

    Benefits of Mortgage Loans:

    • Puts the property you own to use
    • Use the loan amount to fund business or personal needs
    • You get immediate funds
    • Quick approvals
    • Balance retransferring available

    Which Should I Choose?

    It all depends on your specific requirements. Both these loan products cater to different categories of borrowers. So, make sure that you understand the loan product thoroughly, compare different lenders and choose the lender who offers you the best deal.

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    Invest In Security Screens Sydney Solutions For Ultimate Security And Comfort

    Taking The Ever-Rising Crime Rate And Unfortunate Events Into Consideration, window security screens have undoubtedly turned into a necessity for a large number of people. Security screens have become quite popular and prevalent because of the numerous advantages that they offer. Modern day homes and renovations often include big windows as features in the overall design of the home. Since covering these windows in traditional security grilles would not be visually appealing, security is often not an option. In such a situation, security screens turn out to be an efficacious life saver as it ensures the safety of children and keeps unwanted elements at bay.

    In addition to that, the wide variety of premium security screens in the Sydney area will allow you to enjoy the lovely climate, without sacrificing the security of your home. Security screen provides a robust barrier to entry, letting the air to flow freely through your home while offering protection from intruders and insects at the same time. One of the major benefits of investing in security screens is that they are backed by exceptional warranties and created locally by highly renowned manufacturers.

    Security screens come packed with a multitude of features to make them functional and stylish so that they can blend effortlessly into almost any home. This article lists and discusses the various advantages of security screens to provide you with ultimate security and comfort concomitantly.

    What Are The Advantages Of Investing In Security Screens Sydney Solutions

     Here are the various advantages of investing in security screens in Sydney.

     1.Ultimate Security And Comfort

     Security screens maximize airflow without compromising on security and offer a full view of the outside environment. Besides resisting insects and other unwanted elements, it eliminates the requirement for unattractive security bars or panels. Lastly, it comes with security grade strength and offers ultimate comfort.

     2.UV Protection
    Security screens are highly recommended for harsh desert climates and places that get brutal sun exposure. With this effective security solution, most of the sun’s ultraviolet rays are blocked. As a result, the cooling costs are diminished, the life of AC units increases, and fading on interior furnishings such as carpets is reduced by many times.

    3.Requires Less Care and Maintenance

     The best thing about security screens in Sydney is that it does not require much care and maintenance. Since the screens are built with the material of exceptional quality, they are able to retain their remarkable looks and resist unwanted elements for years to come.

    Final Words

    It is imperative to invest in security screens in order to fulfil the modern security needs. These screens provide maximum security and contemporary style concurrently. Besides that, this phenomenal security solution comes with a plethora of functional advantages such as heat protection and UV resistance. Last but not least, reach out to experts to purchase security screens in Sydney to enjoy ultimate security and comfort simultaneously.

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    How You Can Buy the Corner Bookshelf for Your Room

    If you are thinking to buy the corner furniture bookshelf for your room, in this article, I will help you to pick the best bookshelf that will make your room look elegant. Buying the right bookshelf for your study room is not an easy task to do. As there are lots of options available, you can get a little confused about picking the best furniture for your house. Check the write up below to gather information about the best bookshelf.

    Design of the Corner Bookshelf

    It is one of the important aspects when you are buying a new bookshelf. Though this shelf is generally placed at one corner, it must match up with the rest of the room’s design. Choose the colour of the shelf that matches up with the home theme so that the furnishing item does not stand out from the lot.

    Do not restrict yourself on buying the traditional bookcase or the rectangular design. You can also go for the round corner bookshelf to be placed on the right or left corner of your study room. Though you are buying the corner book racks, there is no reason to place it on the corner of the room. You can place it on any corner, as long there is a right angle. For better accuracy, you can place it against any particular corner. You can place it against the wardrobe of your room. But, ensure that the colour and the design match up with the new bookcase that you are purchasing.

    One of the important things that you should consider is the dimension of the bookshelf. Make sure that there is enough space in the room to keep the furniture. You might do not like to rearrange the entire room just for one single bookshelf. Though this item will be placed at one corner of the room, you do not have to buy the oversized bookrack that will look bad.

    If you are putting the bookrack beside another cabinet, make sure that the height of the newly bought furniture matches up with the existing cabinet in your room. You should make a layout beforehand you are purchasing the bookshelf.

    Use of the Bookshelf

    If you are planning to put some books and display other items on the shelf, you should buy the simple designer bookcases. On the other hand, if you are planning to decorate the shelf with the glass ornaments or with the entire set of the encyclopaedia, you can go for the solid wood shelves.

    As mentioned, if you are looking for the item that will last longer, you can go for the wooden shelves that have a longer lifespan than the other varieties available online. You can go for traditional bookcases. You should make a budget before you are purchasing the shelf for you.

    If you are planning to buy the bookcase online, it is very important to make a budget and do homework before ordering the item. This guide hopefully helped you to know how you can pick the best furniture.

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    Reasons you need a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

    Your home performs important functions for you and your family’s comfort and well-being. In every house, plumbing drains are quite vulnerable and tend to get clogged quite easily. Just like any other system serving your property, damage may occur to such a system over time, and it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to take care of the maintenance. Everyone in Phoenix often knows with a kitchen sink or a bathroom wash basin, how easily a drain can become clogged.

    If you have delayed in getting a drain cleaning or yet not convinced that it’s really worth doing it, here are a few reasons for you to consider why you should not show any delays and how it can save you money in the long run.

    Some notable reasons why hiring a professional drain cleaning service is important

    Get rid of basement odor and sewer smells: Is there a sewer smell in your bathroom or kitchen sink? You can often come across an instance when the washing machine is not draining to the floor drain and there is a buildup of sewer gas. Occasionally, sewer gas can upsurge through the drains if there are unfilled drain traps.  Eventually, many areas in your property will smell like rotten eggs or sewage. Professional drain cleaning services are the best way to get rid of this foul odors.

    Avoid untimely crisis calls: Water blockage and clogged drains can occur at any part of the day. It’s not essential that you need to face such hassles only during the day. As a matter of fact, many people face this emergency situation when they come out from the goodnight sleep and flush the toilet. They will be annoyed to see that water is not draining and overflowing in the toilet flush smelling disgusting.

    No one wants to deal with smelly sewage or soggy carpets when they should be relaxing or having peaceful sleep. Fortunately, Phoenix plumbing and drain service who have professional experience in the industry, use all the latest technologies in drain cleaning and repair. They know how to do it fast with the best accuracy.

    Eliminate drained clog: A floor drain should always have a strainer secured over it to prevent injury, entry of foreign objects, or introduction of unwanted pests into the facility. A clog in your plumbing often affects a single sink, tub, shower or toilet. When there is a clog in only one fixture, there are simple and straightforward DIY procedures to get rid of the clogs and get rid of the stress.

    Nevertheless, when there are more clogs, you would certainly need the help of professional drain cleaning services. The job of clearing clogs in the larger drain lines found under the floor is not an easy task which can be carried out by you, whereas the professional plumbers like phoenix plumbing and drain service providing expert residential and commercial plumbing and heating service to homes and businesses all over Phoenix. They can do the best service to clear your pipes for good.

    Bottom Line

    In order to avoid difficulties and frustrations due to clogged drains and smelly sewers, many Phoenix homeowners invest in plumbing maintenance for the money savings. The plumbing services are extremely quick and they ensure to keep your drains and sewers in the top condition.

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    Issues only a split AC user will understand

    Coming home to a refreshingly cool house after a long day under the scorching heat of the sun has an indescribable satisfaction of its own. However, central air-conditioning is quite costly while window units are a source of incessant noises. A more feasible and affordable option would be a split air-conditioner system.

    A split air-conditioner includes an outdoor unit as well as an indoor unit. The installation of the outdoor unit is done near the exterior wall of the room where you wish to cool. This unit contains the compulsory condenser coil and the expansion coil. Here are some of the most common problems faced by a split AC user:

    Refrigerant leakage:

    If your AC is not cooling properly that means it is running low on refrigerant. Due to the high pressure at which the coolant is stored, all the joints in the copper wire are under pressure. Due to corrosion, caused by humidity, these copper pipes develop rust on the on the surface and develop holes through which leakage happens. Repairing for leakage problem is fairly easy. Consult the professionals from the split AC service in Ghaziabad and get your refrigerant refilled.

    Compressor switching off too quickly:

    Accumulation of dust and debris clogs the filters of the split AC. Due to this, the AC works even harder for the air to circulate, thus increasing the AC’s temperature above the ideal temperature. Just take out the filters and wash it with tap water. Do this every month and you are good to go.

    Accumulation of ice on the cooling coil:

    When the refrigerant level is low, the cooling temperature of the of the coil drops, much below the normal temperature resulting in condensation of the moisture, present in the room, on the coil and freezing. To rectify the problem, call services of AC repair in Ghaziabad.

    The foul smell upon switching on the AC:

    Ever experienced a foul smell on switching on your split air-conditioner unit? The problem lies within the drainage system of the AC. Accumulation of dust and debris inside the drain pipe and drain tray leads to blocking of water and starts smelling bad. Get the repair technician to clear out the drainage system and the problem is solved.

    Split AC is not starting:

    This happens most likely, due to a fault in the PCB of the AC unit. There’s no specific reason behind the failure of PCB. it could be caused by too frequent on-off cycles, physical damages etc.

    Too much noise made by the indoor unit:

    The fan present inside the indoor unit is the reason behind those latch obnoxious noises you heard upon switching on your AC. A day to day basis usage may misbalance the fan, making it shift from its original position. Call the technician and he would just dismantle the indoor unit and fix the fan’s position. Sometimes accumulation of dirt on the fan also causes the fan to vibrate. Cleaning the fan after every 2 weeks would solve the problem.

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    Things You Need to Know About outdoor security lights

    Both natural and man-made lighting plays a significant role in comfort and liveability of our surrounding space. It is one of the most essential elements in home decoration because it creates both reality and illusion. In addition to illuminating our treasured objects and highlighting colours light also affects our mood, performance and mental health. Therefore, it is a source of life. While we cannot control natural sources of light, artificial illumination can work well for us in many wonderful ways if given the attention it deserves.

    Used properly, light can improve people’s lives by making neighbourhoods and streets come alive at night by enhancing safety. As such, the relationship between proper outdoor illumination and our sense of safety cannot be ignored. For many homeowners, unauthorized entries and burglaries are a serious concern. In this article, we will focus on the importance of outdoor security lighting.

    Types of exterior security lights

    • Motion-Activated Lights

    This is an ideal option for homeowners who like to regulate their spending on electricity bills. Unlike other outdoor lights that remain turned on during darkness, motion activated lights are fitted with sensors that turn on the light when movement is detected in specific areas of the compound.  They are mostly installed in entry points such as gates and doorsteps, back yards, parking lots and swimming pool. Due to their delicate nature, they are often protected from direct exposure to elements such as sun, rain and snow.

    • Solar Floodlights

    This is an environmentally-friendly approach for enhancing home surrounding safety. The lights are indistinguishable from others except that they are not powered from an electrical outlet. Instead, they collect power from solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical energy, which is stored in batteries. Being an independent unit it saves electricity bills. Additionally, their installation is cheaper compared to other forms of external lights.

    • Halogen Floodlights

    They are the most common external illumination systems in neighbourhoods, industries, and commercial centers. While they emit strong brilliance, halogen lights are very costly because they consume more energy. Their only advantage is that a few of them can be used to illuminate a wide area because they are often mounted on high posts.

    • Fluorescent lights

    Compared to traditional bulbs fluorescents are energy efficient. This means they consume less electricity. Additionally, they have a long life and can last for many hours which offer added savings in terms of labour and maintenance.  They are simple and can be installed in almost every part of the compound.

    • High-Intensity Discharge lights

    Their luminescence is incomparable to other types of exterior lighting. They can cover expansive areas and are mostly used in huge parking lots, stadiums, residential areas, industries and recreational centers.

    Importance of outdoor security lights

    It secures the front door. While it defies logic most burglars use the main door for unauthorized entry into homes. External lights help in illuminating shadows from large trees and potted plants around the house, which provide hiding places. Homes near alleys can use motion-activated lights without attracting attention. External brightness during darkness also enhances the safety of property by keeping criminals at bay.

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    How to light your Kitchen

    The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where your family spends a lot of time, where family meals are lovingly prepared and where a lot of memories are made. Children will sit at the table and do their homework, or friend will stand there with a cup of tea and have a well-needed catch-up. With so many uses it is essential that your kitchen is decorated perfectly, and the lighting is the most integral part. It creates ambience and sets the mood.

    Under the counter lighting:

    The countertops are probably where most of the action happens in most kitchens. Unfortunately, while you are lighting areas such as islands and over the stove, there are occasions when this area gets left behind. There are often dark shadows under the cabinet obscuring your view of things stored on the counter, as well as when you are cutting, chopping and mixing.

    There are two types of methods you can use to try and better this situation.

    • Strip lights:

    These are great to use under cabinets, allowing for a flood of light on the counter, illuminating the space. Strip lights are a strip of LED ceiling lights that are fitted in places that need a lot more brightness than other areas.

    Strip lights are also a great addition to the inside of cabinets. This extra amp of light can be extremely helpful when looking for pantry items or trying to navigate your collection of crockery.

    • Puck lights:

    Puck lights are also LED lights, that are available in around an oval shape. The brightness and spread of these lights can be adjusted. They can be used to create a pool, scallop or spot of light. Puck lights have two definitive uses- creating mood and also illuminating areas.

    Lighting your kitchen island:

    An island within the kitchen is used for one of the two things. It can be the area over which your kitchen hob is situated, or it can be used for under counter storage in cabinets as well as eating.

    The lighting that is used to accent the island should be based upon what it is used. An island that is used for cooking requires brighter lighting so that you can see what you are doing. To achieve this hanging lights and LED lights in combination are perfect. While you are cooking, the LED ceiling lights will provide the illumination you require, but when they are not needed, you can create an ambience with just the hanging lights.

    If your island is used more for eating, or generally just hanging out then, pendulum lights are a terrific option. As an alternative, linear lights also look captivating, especially if you have a modern feel to your kitchen.

    Whenever you install a light above an island, it is important that you know how long or how high they need to be installed to give you the desired effect. Pendulum lights should be no lower than 32 inches above your island, whereas linear lights require a minimum 40-inch gap between them and the island.

     

     

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    These 5 Life Events Will Force You To Change Your life Plans

    Life is unpredictable and it is important to keep up with current times as well to adjust your plans and needs to your physical and mental condition. Your estate plan is not something that should sit idle, especially in later chapters of life when changes occur more frequently and thus it is important to have it reviewed regularly in order to have the most satisfactory outcome

    Your family expands

    New additions to your family are always nice, your children will get married and bring grandchildren to the fold which certainly is a big change for everyone and thus it is the right time to review your estate plans because chances are big that you’ve changed your mind along the way.

    Disease

    A disease is, unfortunately, a normal part of life and when it is diagnosed it is important to think about the development of these new circumstances and adjust your plans accordingly. Depending on the type of disease you can choose your treatment plan and make your loved ones aware in case you are no longer able to take care of yourself and have to look for a caregiver from a company such as A Better Way In Home Care. This is yet another reason to give your estate plan another look and just double-check your previous decisions or make new ones now that things had changed.

    People and circumstances change

    You can never absolutely rely on anyone in your life to fulfill your wishes 100%. Maybe your feelings towards those people have changed or those people’s lives took a different path, or who knows what the reason might be. You should not delay and hold those people as your trustee or power of attorney. This is a serious motivation for you to rethink whether the choices you’ve made before are still valid.

    Divorce or death

    Nobody takes divorce or death of their spouse easily. These are difficult times for everyone in the family but as hard as it may sound, you need to keep your head up straight and think about the future. These occurrences might drastically affect your stand on trustee or power of attorney and the faster you choose new ones the better.

    New state new laws

    If you decide to move to a different state you need to have its laws in mind and how they might affect your estate plans. You need to make sure your plans are in accordance with the law and you need to hire someone who is familiar with those to help out.

    An unfortunate case of death of your trustee

    Whether it’s someone in your family, a close friend or your child you can never know whether they will outlive you and that is just a harsh reality of life. In that tragic moment, people don’t usually think about their estate and how things would change. There is now a vacant space that needs to be filled and your estate plans to be reviewed and possibly altered. However you decide, it is best to not wait for too long.

    It is hard to predict the course of one’s life but what you can do is decide, to the smallest of detail, how your possessions will be handled after your passing. In order to have it exactly as you want, regarding constant changes during life, it is crucial and healthy to review your previous decisions and questions your choices because people, feelings and circumstances change.

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    A Comprehensive Analysis of Roller Blinds

    When it comes to decorating, people always want modifications. The idea is something new and fresh. One thing that probably will not go out of style in the near future: roller shutters. In fact, they have become a very popular alternative to curtains.

    A typical roller shutter consists of wood, around which is covered with elegant fabrics. Then, mechanisms are incorporated so that the blinds can be raised or lowered to the desired height. Usually, under the winch is placed under it to straighten. Then its lower part is covered with braid. Several other materials can be used even for blinds, such as vinyl, to add decorative elements.

    Depending on where the material will be used, there are many different fabrics

    There are waterproof blinds available and a necessary option if you want to buy one for your bathroom, and you can do so at rollerblinds. In addition to wood, metal pipes are also used to increase the number of blinds. The materials used for the steering frame also vary, although aluminum is becoming increasingly popular among owners due to its durability. Aluminum is the substance most commonly used for rails.

    roller blinds

    Due to the fact that currently many companies offer personalized services, several options for these blinds are growing rapidly. This is ideal for those homeowners with less standard window sizes. They are very convenient to keep the room to a minimum. They are very useful for people who have trouble sleeping; you just have to place them behind the curtains. Some roller blinds even have account controls. Many of these products are sold with brackets, bolts or screws so that owners can easily install them. There are even people who are generalizing, they are installed at the touch of a button.

    Final word

    The advantage of life in our time is that almost everything is available and available in different styles, colors and materials. Companies make their products easier to sell (and without mentioning that they are faster), which makes them even more functional than they are, including many variations of their designs and materials, so they are perfect for any need the client’s. Nowadays, it is important to understand and know what products can work for you and what is worth investing. Inside you want something that does not go out of style. The roller shutters are between them.