Showing posts with label homeimprovement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeimprovement. Show all posts

Thursday, November 20, 2014

3 ways to make your backyard a private sanctuary



Privacy is an important part of our lives, especially when we have nosy neighbors to contend with. There can’t be many things worse than trying to relax in your own backyard and not feel comfortable because people are peering over the fence “to chat” or to critically analyze your backyard “me time” attire.

But there are ways around this that don’t include staying inside with the drapes pulled. You can kit out your backyard to become your own private sanctuary by utilizing one of the following:

   Hedges



While trees take a long time to grow, shrubs are a smarter option as they grow faster and provide greater privacy (plus you can sculpt your hedge to create hilarious designs that will impress/scare your neighbors).

For a mosaic look, it’s best to choose a variety of shrubs of different colors and sizes that will eventually grow into one beautiful and natural “feature wall” in your garden.
Here are a few suggestions of shrubbery that grows beautiful hedges:

  • Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
  • Columnar juniper (Juniperus scopulorum'Skyrocket')
  • Columnar white pine (Pinus strobus' Fastigiata')
  • English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
  • Pittosporum tobira
  • Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
  • Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria)
  • Yew (Taxus x media)

  Fences

Building a fence to protect your privacy is an obvious choice. They can come in many different styles and colors, but for a privacy fence it’s best to stick to vinyl or wood. Better yet, vinyl and wood can both be painted to suit the color scheme and tone of your home. 

Fences also provide a sense of security and therefore greater peace of mind. They’re especially useful if you have children or pets.

For the best Westchester fence company, you can’t go past Campanella Fence Co. They’re a family owned and operated business who’s been around for two decades. They’re experts in fence installation and maintenance.

They’re licensed and insured to work in Westchester, Putnam, Yonkers, and Rockland counties.
Campanella is the Bedford FenceCompany you can trust.

  Pergolas


A pergola is a great option if you just want to create a cozy, private space with a section of your backyard. Better yet, pergolas can be blended with the environment and your garden if you choose the right vines (not too big, not too small) to grow up them. The effect will be your own secret garden to rival Mary Lennox’s. 

Once again, we recommend Campanella, the best Westchester fence company, to do the job for you. Campanella Fence Co. provides an extensive range of services that include garden furnishings and enclosures.

Campanella - the best Westchester fence company

Friday, November 14, 2014

To screen or not to screen? That is the question.



 Are gutter screens worth the investment? It depends. 

Purchase Gutter Cleaning


It depends on the amount of foliage falling from your trees and if there are other debris catching in your gutters as well.  If your gutters are catching the big leaves but a lot of them, then the gutter screens should work very well for your gutter system.  In this case, gutter screens will reduce the number of cleanings a year.  This will save you both time and money.


Montrose Gutter Cleaning
However, if a lot of leaves are falling or if you have small leaves and pine needles catching in your gutters, then they will probably end up sitting on top of the gutter screens.  This would simply clog them and make it more difficult for water to drain properly.  If this is the case, then gutter screens are not a good idea.

As with anything in life, there is no 100% guarantee that gutter screens will be effective, but in some cases they are definitely a worthwhile investment.   In order to determine if gutter screens would be a good investment for your home, take a look at your gutters throughout the year to see how much foliage is falling. It is also important to pay attention during the winter season when the snow is falling to see if snow and ice are clogging your gutters.  Or get a professional opinion!

The best option would be to have a professional gutter technician come to your home to examine your gutter system.  Then the technician can determine if gutter screens would benefit your current gutter system.  If you are in the Westchester or Putnam county areas, contact Westchester Gutter Cleaning for a consultation today.


Westchester Gutter Cleaning has been serving the Westchester and Putnam county area s such as  
Purchase Gutter Cleaning, Montrose Gutter Cleaning, Valhalla Gutter Cleaning for over 15 years providing the best customer service.  You can trust them to do the job properly the first time.

Learn more about Westchester Gutter Cleaning Services:

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Septic Systems – it’s time for service!



If you live further away from a city, chances are you are not connected to a sewer system.  Instead, you probably have a septic system to treat your household water waste.  Septic system installation can be very costly, but if you maintain your system properly it will last for many years.

How do you properly maintain this critical household system?  How do you know when your septic system needs to be serviced?

Let’s explore the 6 ways you can tell when it’s time for service.


1. Pooling water
If you see pooling water, it’s time for service!  If you notice pooling water near the lawn in and around your drain field, this is an indication that your tank is full.  If your system is working properly, the waste water should be out of sight and remain underground.  However, if solid waste is clogging the drain field pipes it causes the waste water to build up and then rise to the surface of the drain field

2. Funky odors
If you can smell a funky odor, it’s time for service! This is probably a sign that your septic tank is full.  Your waste water includes the water from your sinks, bathtubs, dishwasher, clothes washer and of course, the toilets.

Since a septic tank holds both the solid and sludge-like waste along with the liquid waste, when the tank becomes full it gives off a funky foul smelling odor.  If you notice this smell outside of your home near the drain field, it probably means that your tank needs to be serviced.

Septic Pumping Poughquag NY

3.  Backed up or slow drains  
If your drains are draining slowly, it’s time for service!  If you have tried using drain cleaning products or a plunger for the toilet to no avail, it probably means that your septic needs to be pumped. 

4. Retrograde Sewage
If you see sewage backing up in your sink, shower, bathtub or toilet, it’s time for service! The backup is usually black and foul smelling. 
Septic Pumping Pawling NY

5. Lush grass near your drain field
If you notice the grass near your drain field looking lush, it’s time for service!  If the grass there appears greener that in other parts of your lawn it probably means that the water from your septic tank is rising too much.

6. Unhealthy levels of nitrates
If there is a high level of nitrates in your septic tank, it’s time for service!  You can easily to a test to find out your system’s nitrate level.  If your system is full it can cause bacteria and nitrates to get into the soil and surrounding areas.

If you don’t catch any of these signs just remember to have your septic system serviced every 3 to 5 years.  If you are in the New York area, Jones Septic is a family owned and operated business with over 60 years in the septic industry. Jones offers prompt services at competitive prices and is a company that you can trust. Jones Septic offers
septic pumping Patterson NY, septic pumping Bangall NY, septic pumping Annandale on Hudson NY and septic pumping North East NY. They offer free estimates and 24 hour septic emergencies NY service.  



Learn more about Jones Septic:

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Turn Your Garage Into a Halloween Haunted House

With Halloween right around the corner Hudson Valley Overhead Doors and Operator thought it would be fun to provide you with some simple steps you can take to convert your dreadful garage into a haunted house of horror for all the little ones that will be passing by your home this Halloween. 
Clean up:

Before going all in and purchasing all your horror gear, clean up your garage.  Try to make the most room possible.  If you have another location where you can hold your garage items great!, If not try pushing your equipment as close to the wall as possible.  Any items that you have hanging from the walls can be left in place. 

Make a Plan:
 
Winging it will not work when creating a haunted house.  Your best option is to make a simple map showing where you will be directing your little visitors.  By making a game plan you can use your garage space to the maximum.  If you have a small garage try creating a simple curved walkway, if you have a larger garage you can actually create separate rooms with different themes.  Either way with enough spooky items you’ll ensure that the kids will have a great time.

Go and purchase some goods:

If you go to your local Halloween store you will be able to find just about everything you need.  Anything from props to costumes can be found here.  So don’t hold back and go nuts purchasing the spookiest items available.  

You’re going to have to hit the hardware store:

It’s not all just props and candy.  You will have to purchase some simple items to properly set up your haunted house.  Walls can be made using simple black heavy duty plastic bags which you will be hanging from thick string and hooks that hang to your wall.  While you’re at it you might consider purchasing some plywood and paint to make a mini crib or a coffin. 

Music:

Don’t forget to hit all sensors.  Part of the scare is to have a kick ass soundtrack with scary moans and Halloween music.  Buy a few cheap speakers and put that CD on a loop and you should be all set. 
For more helpful tips from Hudson Valley Overhead doors and operators and for our following services contact them today. 

Supplied Services:


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

What Can Light Up Your Path, Record Your Surroundings and Speak?

If it seems as if we are living in a world where everything is interchangeable that’s because we are.  Everything nowadays masquerades as something else.  Cellular phones have gotten to the point that they can run your entire life.  Consider the fact that from the palm of your hand you can organize your life, make payments, play video games, take photos, make videos, communicate on numerous social media platforms, watch movies, oh and yes! Make a phone call. 


closed circuit ct


You will be hard pressed to find an electrical device that doesn’t do more than one thing in thuis day and age.  That’s why it’s no surprise that the home automation industry is also following suit in this practice.  New home automation devices are hitting store shelves every day.  With competition become ever increasingly companies have started to integrate their systems. 

A perfect example is the new product brought out by KUNA.  KUNA has brought to the market a home monitoring camera/intercom/outdoor light fixture.  Pretty nifty design if you ask me.  Not only is the product effective but it is also aesthetically pleasing lending itself to any outdoor patio. 
As we all know outdoor lights and home security is not a new idea, nor is outdoor lights.  There are some outdoor lighting/surveillance systems on the market but these come up short when compared to the KUNA.  Most of these devices record to a removable memory card making them useless for up to date minute by minute coverage. 

KUNAS’s product records to a live streaming video making it accessible to you at a moment’s time.  KUNA’s built in intercom also allows you to leave prerecorded messages to would be intruders making them think twice of breaking in.  You can also have prerecorded messages for the mail man and unwanted door to door salespeople.

It is exciting to see all these new changes in the Home Automation industry.  Like most technology these days the Home Automation Industry is fast growing and it may be difficult to keep up.  That’s why we recommend the help of integrators and dealers such as Cyber Technologies.  With over a decade of experience Cyber Technologies can help you with all your home automation and system integration needs.  For more information on the following services contact Cyber Technologies today.

Closed Circuit CT

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Home Invasion on the Rise Due to Unprotected Garage Doors

Because of its size and weight most people tend to envision their garage door as impenetrable.  This is true to a certain degree. A properly installed and properly maintained garage door can provide the needed extra security your family deserves.  Unfortunately the majority of people do not take the precautions needed to ensure that their garage door functions properly. 


lagrange garage doors


As of late it seems that a rash of robberies has taken place in Fullerton, California. Police believe that a man in Fullerton has been going around targeting residents with open garage doors.  The suspect is believed to have committed six robberies in the area in as many weeks.  Police were called Tuesday night on august 19th at around 9PM to a robbery taking place in the 1200 block of Crestview Drive where a resident was injured.

The 17 year old who did not want to be identified was interviewed by NBC4.  Sporting a bandage on his forehead the young man claims to have pushed and shoved to the ground by the assailant.  The assailant was apparently after money shouting at the boy “I don’t care where it is, give me my money”.  According to the young man the assailant was brandishing a firearm which the he cocked back the hammer on before putting it to the back of the young man’s head. 

In another case a man entered a couple’s home through their partially open garage door on the 1500 block of Avenida Selva.  This case was also very similar to the first.  The assailant appeared to come in through an open garage door brandishing a hand gun and demanding money.
 
All in all three crimes were committed in the last week.  All which could have been prevented if there was more emphasis on garage door safety.  Remember to always keep unattended garage doors locked.  Criminals can easily slip in while you are occupied.  It is also important to deal with professional and experienced garage door installers and sellers.  Hudson Valley Overhead Doors and Operators have helped thousands of clients throughout the years.  For more information how they can keep you safe with their heavy duty garage doors contact Them Today.  Hudson Valley Overhead Doors and operators provide the following services:



Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Pros and Cons of Having a Pet Door on Your Garage Door

The idea of having a pet door installed unto your garage door might be appealing to some but there are a few things to consider before making such a structural change.  Some good may come to such an addition as well as some bad.  Look at the tips below before making the decision of installing a pet door to your garage door. 

The Pros:

If you don’t really use your garage for holding you car then the installation of a pet door might be a good one.  You can use your garage as a pet kennel allowing your dog to have a good amount of livable space.  If this is the case remember to insulate your garage properly.  When homes are constructed most contractors do not bother insulting garages for the simple fact that it is only used for storage. 
By installing a pet door you are giving your pet the freedom to come in and out with ease.  Make sure your garage is protected by some sort of fence so that you pet cannot go wondering off into the streets.  If your garage will be used as a primary kennel this will also help against intruders.  Unwanted pests such as raccoon's will also not come in as often if they feel the presence of a dog. 

The Cons:

If your garage will not be used as a pet kennel then you might have some issues.  A pet door gives easy access to any intruder.  The same goes for pest.  There are many areas where a raccoon or possum can hide if they enter you garage.  The last thing you want is a rodent coming in and causing havoc on your items. Make sure you contact an experienced installer before adding a pet door.  You will want to make sure that you are putting the door at a proper height so that it does not interfere with the panels.   

When doing any type of maintenance or modification on a garage door, contact an experienced company such as Hudson Valley Overhead Doors and Operators.  With years of experience Hudson Valley Overhead Doors can help you with their following services:



Monday, August 18, 2014

Motorola's Moto 360 Smart Watch Turning Heads

The Moto 360 is finally here!  Well, not exactly. This nifty new gadget will be in the hands of consumers very soon.  Motorola is set to unveil its new product the MOTO 360 at a press event in Chicago on September 4th.  This is just one of the newest smart watches on the market.  Unlike other competitors this product is sure making big waves in the market. 


It seems as if Best Buy may have mistakenly made a product page for the android wear smart watch live, leaking the price tag of the watch.    Apparently the price tag on this new device is $249.99, making it a shy more expensive than other smart watches on the market.  Consumers don’t seem to mind though considering all the usage you can get from this beautiful watch. This is not the first time consumers have heard the price tag of $249.99, but it is the first time we can be confident that the MOTO 360 will in fact be only a few more dollars than what is currently on the market. 

Along with the price tag the page seems to have contained some other information as well.  The page totes some preliminary specifications.  The LCD touch screen is said to come in at a resolution of 320x290.  The display is protected by the newest in Gorilla Glass.  What is Gorilla glass you ask?  Gorilla Glass is, well, Glass! You can find Gorilla Glass in over 2.7 Billion devices. That’s right! BILLIONS! What makes it so unique is the way it is made.  Gorilla Glass is not only chemically strengthened, its atomic configuration is also formulated so that the glass is more durable.  Considering the MOTO 360 will be on your wrist all day using a heavy duty glass is just logical. 

We know quite a lot about the exterior of the Moto 360 but not much about the interior specs.  We can assume though that the Moto 360 will be able to connect to the internet making it capable of running devices via WIFI.  With home automation becoming more and more popular, wireless devices will become more and more important.  With a WIFI device you can run multiple devices such as your home security and home entertainment system. 

With over a decade of experience in Home Automation, Cyber Technologies can help when deciding on the type of system you want for your home.  In its years Cyber Technology has helped countless of customers make the perfect choice.  For more info contact Cyber Technology today for our following services: