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Planning Your Home For Aging In Place Renovations

In general, society tends to shy away from talking about and planning for the steps necessary as we age. The hard-cold truth though is that we are all going to get older. We will start to lose the ability to do as we once did and eventually will need aides in place to assist us with everyday tasks. Age in place remodeling allows us to be in charge in the changes happening in our homes. Beginning this process sooner rather than later allows for better planning and helps to create a safer, more usable space that is easy for homeowners of all ages to live in.

Below is a list of age in place renovation ideas to help get you inspired during your next remodeling project. It is important to take control of your quality of life while you are still fully in charge to ensure your own personal comfort in your home throughout the aging process.

Age in Place Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Kitchens are a key space in renovating for aging as much of our time is spent in the space. Elements to consider include:

Sinks: If possible, install a motorized sink that can raise and lower. These are a perfect addition for individuals who are unable to stand for long periods of time or are wheelchair bound. Increasing the height of a sink can be beneficial as well as it offers support to lean upon for those using the sink in an upright position. Consider installing a shallow sink with a hands-free faucet element with a pull-out sprayer are beneficial as well.
Cabinets: Install cabinet hardware that can easily be opened and closed, most often “D” shape pulls work the best. Cabinets with shelving that is easily pushed in and pulled out is the best suited option for both top and bottom cabinets when remodeling a kitchen for aging in place.
Appliances: The installation of universally designed appliances is a major advantage when renovating your kitchen for ease of use for aging homeowners. To save money, invest in energy saving appliances that are specifically made for easy use of individuals that are aging.

Age in Place Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathrooms are another space within the home that are used daily. Elements to consider in age in place bathroom renovations include:

Space: The less clutter and the more open floor space the better. If aides such as a wheelchair or cane are needed it is crucial that there is space within the room to move about.
Toilets: A seat extender can be used on a standard toilet height however a taller toilet is the best option. Install a toilet that can accommodate aging users with limited mobility. It gets harder to stand up off a toilet the lower the basin is. Consider adding a budget for improved hygiene. Toilet paper holders should be installed within easy sitting reach.
Grab Bars: Anytime you can add on support it increases the safety of a room and task ten-fold. Consider adding grab bars around the toilet and shower. Grab bars should support upwards of 300 pounds. Textured grab bars are better than non textured.
Bathtubs/Showers: Standard bathtubs are not ideal for aging individuals. If possible, replace standard tubs with walk-in tubs or a no threshold shower. It is crucial to offer seating either permanent or temporary, adjustable shower heads with a hand-held option, and a non-slip floor.

Each room in your home from the laundry room to the garage should all be included in planned age in place renovations. It is important that spaces are uncluttered, free of throw rugs, and made to be as easy to use as possible. If there is a simpler way to complete everyday tasks make sure it is in place to bring as much ease of living as possible to your home and loved ones.

Glen Miller the Home Doctor is a licensed general contractor servicing Livingston County and the surrounding areas. Glen offers a wide range of services including home maintenance plans, age in place remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, finished basements, and hardwood floor refinishing. More information can be found online at https://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/.

It Is True, Wedding Planners Do It All

When it comes to planning a wedding the spectrum of brides ranges from those who have absolutely no idea what they are doing to those who believe that after they have planned their own wedding, they should quit their jobs and plan weddings full-time. It is pretty obvious that brides who have no idea where to start would hire a wedding planner to help them through the planning and execution of their big day however, for brides that feel like they have it under control or where money is tight the answer might not be as clear cut.

Should you hire a wedding planner?

YES! All brides, no matter if they have a clue or not can benefit from the experience, industry connections, and extra hands that a wedding planner offers to their big day.

A wedding planner not only saves brides and grooms time but also money. Choosing to hire a wedding planner is wise. In actuality, the money spent on a wedding planner is often recouped by brides and groom in a multitude of ways. Consider the days off that you would have to take if planning your wedding without the help of a planner. Days off without pay to visit vendors and scope out venues. Think about all the lost connections as well. Wedding planners have connection within the industry that brides and grooms don’t. These connections can lead to big savings. It is not uncommon for vendors to offer discounts to brides and grooms who book them through certain wedding planners.

Wedding consultants can really help stretch a wedding parties’ budget. After planning so many weddings, consultants know what is important, what aspects are going to have an impact and what aspects will get overlooked. Although releasing 20 doves may seem like a good idea, the same affect can be had from just two and save a ton of money. What seems like a small decision can wind up costing brides and grooms’ big bucks. Wedding planners can help guide them into better decisions that offer the same impact.

Wedding planners will always be on your side. They fight for what you want and work for you to keep your vision in mind when working with vendors and YOUR FAMILY. It is true, not all fairy tale weddings occur without some hiccups from the people throwing their two sense in the mix which can often derail an already stressed out bride’s ability to make decisions. Thankfully when you hire a wedding planner to help make your magical day come to life all they want is to bring your dream to life. They will fight for your wants and needs. They take your unique vision and eliminate the opinions of others to make it happen.

The journey from “Will you marry me” to “I Do” is a long one. Many brides have told us that by the end they just run out of fight. A wedding planner doesn’t let this happen. If you want an outdoor wedding even if it looks like it is going to rain, a wedding planner will fight to bring your vision to light up to the very last minute. They will be out drying chairs if it stops 5 minutes before you are walking down the aisle and if the rain looks like it won’t be stopping, we do our best to turn the indoors into an outdoor paradise for you.

Wedding planners bring the level of stress down a hundred notches. Let’s face it, brides are under a lot of stress. Vendors often mention that it way more difficult to work with a bride, groom or their parents then it is to work with a planner. Wedding planners streamline the process, thus decreasing the overall stress that participants from all angles are experiencing.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget. We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations. More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Professional Programmer When Developing an Apple iPhone App?

Do you think that you have the next big idea for an app for the Apple iPhone? Are you interested in developing and marketing it to the masses? If this describes you, we have some helpful advice. First and foremost, unless you are a professional mobile app developer it is important that you team up with an experienced iPhone developer like Creative Programs & Systems to help you bring your iPhone app design into reality.

Benefits of Professional Mobile iPhone iOS App Development

Mobile apps are being used more and more by a variety of industries as a way to connect companies to clients in a reliable and efficient manner. iPhone apps have a variety of purposes including fun, education, medical, financial, health, planning, and more. If you have a mobile app idea and the ability to promote it, you will find a market that is looking for exactly what you are developing.

Hiring for iPhone App Development

As you already know the iPhone is a tool that many of us cannot live without. It provides us with the latest technology, delivering a number of functions and features that make our everyday lives simpler. A fun fact is that the Apple App Store is the largest throughout the whole world. Many industry experts surmise that Apple is the main contributor in the success and constant advancements in the mobile app industry. To venture alone into the maze of apps available in the iTunes store would simply be detrimental. To make your mark on an already crowded market a professionally designed mobile app starts you out in the right direction.

It is almost impossible for novice app designers to keep pace with the industry and its changes. The professional team of iPhone app experts at CPS are up to date on the latest industry news, tech updates, and will work directly with you to develop your iPhone app.

Another benefit of working with a trained iPhone app programmer is that your app is developed according to your deadlines and within the budget that you set forth. This is not always easily handled when you are working in your spare time on getting your new app launched. It is also very difficult for novice app designers to create a faultless app that integrates itself the abundance of features on the iPhone. This allows the best of your app to be show cased without unnecessary adaptations that take extra time, money, and effort to create.

Finding the Right Developer to Create Your iPhone App

With an ever-booming industry such as mobile app development you are sure to find thousands of companies claiming to be iPhone app experts specializing in all the aspects of iPhone development. Your goal is to find a professional that fits your need. Some developers prefer to clients to be hands off throughout the process while others are super excited to work with you to bring the app you envision to life. Below are some steps you can take to help you find the perfect fit for your project.

Before signing the dotted line of that proposal take time to go through the company’s portfolio and previous experience. Take time to upload, review, and analyze previous mobile apps that have been developed.
Seek out the opinion of previous clients.
Register as an Apple Developer. This allows the company you are working with to work on your behalf throughout the submission process. It guarantees at the end that you are the sole owner of the app.
Having a confidentiality agreement in place is crucial. It may even be in your best interest to seek a non-disclosure agreement.
Work directly with the developer so that your expectations are clear. Chart out the different requirements within the app so that a goal of what you hope to achieve is understood.
Take time to look into similar apps within the Apple Store. How are they priced? Did they have an introductory price during their initial launch? How does your app differ? What ways will you achieve promoting your app?

The better prepared you are the better. Being able to clearly define what you want and what you expect at the end allows for better communication which allows your dream to become a reality sooner.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more. More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

This will come to no surprise, WINTER is here!

After a mild winter here in Pinckney and throughout all of Michigan, the snow and ice has finally arrived. It is time to break out your favorite moon boots, puffy jacket, and bib overall snow pants, the sledding hills are open. However, if you are trying to sell your home, it can be an incredibly stressful time. Winter house sales are notoriously low, but we are here to help; after all buyers exist year-round not just when the weather is cooperating.

Home buyers and sellers are fewer in the winter months. If you need to buy or sell a home quickly during winter, it is imperative that you work with a professional real estate company like Century 21 Lady of the Lakes. It won’t be a simple process, but when it comes to selling or buying a home, no matter the season, we have you covered.

Attracting Home Buyers

Make Accessing Your Home as Easy as Possible

When visiting homes, buyers are trying to picture themselves in them. They want to feel safe in the place that they choose to call home. Part of this is the ability to easily move about without concern. Make sure you clear the snow and ice from your driveways, sidewalks, backdoor entrances, and porches. Salt and de-icer should be used in all areas that will need to be accessed, it shouldn’t be icy where buyers will be. Clear icicles, make pathways to ease access to the backyard, generally making it easy for sellers to move about the property.

Make Your Home Welcoming

The inside of your home should make buyers feel as if they just stepped into their new home. A few key elements can help with this. First, turn the thermostat up! Not too high as to roast them but the home should be comfortably warm.

Next, it is important to take time to bring in the natural sunlight. Open up the curtains and shades in your home to maximize the natural light. If your home is showing during the evening hours, it is equally important to have light but obviously in a different form. Lamp lighting and candle light can have a similar effect.

If you are having a few showings in one day in may be a good idea to set out some waters, coffee, and fingers snacks. After a long day of looking at homes it will be a welcome treat and a way to allow your home to stand out from the others.

Know About the Mechanics of Your Home

Buyers will want to know all about your home because it could someday soon be theirs. Have as much information available as possible on key elements such as the foundation, appliances, water heater, windows, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roof. Buyers will want to know when they were installed, last serviced, and about the maintenance that has been done. Homeowners appreciate when sellers are good at keeping records about their home’s health and will put their minds at rest.

Remove Clutter and Tidy Up

Your home can look a little cluttered during the winter. Outdoor gear is big and bulky, and Christmas decorations can be overwhelming, and just general stuff seems to take over in the winter when we are too cold to put things in their proper place.

Take time before listing your home to pack up the non-sensical things that have accumulated over the years of living within the space. The goal is to unstuff your home so that buyers can see how ample and spacious the home is. This is one tip not to ignore. Rent a storage unit and simply move things that are not needed into it until you sell your home. When all of the closets and garage aren’t bursting at the seems the home appears roomier.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs. More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.

Is Bankruptcy The Solution?

The prospect of declaring bankruptcy is frightening. Not feeling like you are in complete control over your finances can make you feel like a failure. When you are in a situation in which you are contemplating the pros and cons of bankruptcy it is important to note that you are in complete control. Bankruptcy allows individuals to regain control over their finances. It gives you the ability to start over from scratch. There is no need to live in debilitating debt any longer.

Bankruptcy can be the solution if you can answer yes to 2 or more of the following questions:

Are you only making minimum payments on your credit card?
Do bill collectors call you regularly?
When you are paying bills or sorting through your finances, do you feel anxious?
Are you paying for necessities with credit cards?
Have you considered debt consolidation?
Do you have any idea to how much you owe?

Accessing Your Financial Situation

Answering yes to two or more of these questions is a sure sign you should give your financial status a bit more thought. Bankruptcy is a situation where relief is offered when you owe more than you can afford to pay.

It is important first to review your liquid assets. This includes checking and savings accounts, retirement funds, stocks, bonds, real estate, college savings accounts, and other bank and non-bank assets. A rough estimate will do.

The next step is to create a list of your debts including all credit cards, car payments, monthly bills, house payments, and such. Declaring bankruptcy is an option out of a tricky financial situation when your assets are less than your debt.

Steps in Declaring Bankruptcy

There are two ways in which an individual can declare bankruptcy. The most common method is to voluntary file. The second is for creditors to ask the court to order an individual bankrupt. For the best outcome and restart to your financial future consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer is important. An attorney specializing in bankruptcy can determine the best option for your individual circumstances.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common option for individuals when filing bankruptcy. Some of the most common reasons that individuals are forced into bankruptcy include unemployment, medical expenses, overextended credit, and divorce. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a straightforward option to settle debts. In this type of bankruptcy any assets you may have that are considered above and beyond necessary will be liquidated. The cash from these assets will be liquidated and distributed to your creditors.

Four months later a discharge will be received. The bankruptcy will stay on your financial record for the next ten years. This doesn’t have to mean your financial life is over. Even with a bankruptcy on your record you can begin to rebuild your credit. Chapter 7 offers a fresh start to individuals quicker than other bankruptcy options such as Chapter 13.

If you are experiencing financial hardship take time to schedule a free consultation with Bohikian Law Group.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in bankruptcy services including chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy. More information can be found at https://bohikianlaw.com.

Exploring Radiation Therapy Treatments Part 2

As promised in our last blog post today we will dive into the concept of radiation therapy. In our last installment we discussed linear accelerators and how the radiation beam is produced and delivered. If you are unfamiliar with LINAC and how radiation is created and delivered look back at our previous blog post before continuing.

Radiation Therapy

The treatment of cancer with radiation is known as radiation therapy. Depending on the type of cancer you have been diagnosed with will depend on the way radiation therapy is delivered to your tumor(s). The most common method of radiation therapy is external beam therapy. This involves delivery of radiation to the cancerous tumors from outside of the body. The radiation is delivered directly to the tumor. A LINAC allows the radiation beam to be shaped in the same shape as the cancerous tumor. Another option of radiation therapy is internal radiation therapy. This treatment involves implanting radiation directly onto the cancerous tumor. The nature of the cancer being treated will determine the type of radiation therapy delivered.

How It Works

Radiation therapy does not distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells although the effect is greater on cancerous cells. The highest dose of radiation possible is delivered to the cancerous tumor in the attempt to kill, break down, and shrink tumor. Smaller doses of radiation can be delivered when palliative care is the goal. The goal of palliative care is to relive symptoms of cancer by shrinking the size of the tumor. Palliative care is focused on increasing the quality of life left for a patient and their family.

Who Performs Radiation Therapy

A radiotherapist/radiation oncologist is what we refer to as a physician specializing in the treatment of cancer. This individual is the person that will plan and oversee your treatment from beginning until the end of treatment. Radiation is delivered by a professional known as a radiation specialist. A team of professionals will work with your specialists to ensure you are receiving the best care possible. Some of the members of this team include: nurses, health care assistants, counselors, and dietitians.

Treatment Plan

Each course of radiation therapy is uniquely designed for the patient that is being treated. A preliminary appointment will be scheduled in which you will discuss your course of treatment. This plan is created by your radiation oncologist and radiation therapist using all the scans and x-rays that have been taken of your cancerous tumor. The skin is colored in to define the location of the tumor and where the treatment will be delivered. If radiation is being delivered to your head a head shell will be created for you that allows for the exact placement of treatment to be marked on the shell vs on your skin. Treating cancer in the mouth or throat will require a dental assessment to determine if dental treatment is needed before radiation can be delivered.

Inpatient vs Outpatient

Patients that can go to and from the hospital easily will most likely be allowed to have outpatient radiation therapy. Your radiation oncologist will tell you if they would prefer your treatment to be inpatient but overall most treatment is done on an outpatient basis.

Additional Tests/Scans During Treatment

Over the course of radiation therapy, patients will be asked to have an occasional blood draw or urinalysis completed. X-rays and other scans can also be required to determine if the radiation is working and if the placement of the treatment is correct based on the shrinking or break down of the tumor.

During Treatment What Should I Avoid

Radiation therapy should be considered an interruption to normal life. Your daily life can be continued as normal if you are feeling emotionally and physically able.

Things to Keep in Mind During Radiation Therapy

Delivery – External radiation therapy is delivered using a machine known as a linear accelerator which was described in detail in our last installment. For radiation to be delivered, you as the patient will be asked to lie on a couch under the LINAC and will need to remain still until the treatment is over.

Pain – Radiation therapy is painless. The radiation can not be felt or seen during delivery.

Radioactivity – Patients always wonder if they will be radioactive after receiving radiation therapy. You can rest assured that you will not be radioactive, there is no possible way for this to occur.

Duration – The duration of treatment will be decided by your radiation oncologist. A course of radiation can be between one treatment to one every day, for one week to six weeks. This will all depend on the type of cancer being treated, the dose of radiation needed, the part of the body being treated, and the aim at therapy whether it is therapeutic or palliative.

Length of Sessions – The length of each radiation session varies between machines and what is planned in your specific treatment plan. Some LINAC operate at a faster rate than others. Some cancerous tumors respond better to longer treatment sessions with smaller doses of radiation. On average patients can expect that their sessions will last between five and fifteen minutes.

Do’s and Don’ts During Treatment

Do’s

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids
Eat a regular, balanced diet
Shower regularly

Don’ts

Avoid alcohol, spicy food, or extreme hot and cold food
Avoid exposure to sunlight on the treated area
Avoid applying creams and deodorant to the treated area

Side Effects

Radiation treatment is localized. Side effects depend on the location of treatment on the body. We should note that side effects are rare however the following can occur:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Frequent Urination
Sore Throat
Localized Hair Loss

Work

Patients can keep on working as usual as long as they are feeling able and their radiation oncologists agree. If your oncologist suggests time off for rest, it is best to listen to them and avoid work.

Once Treatment Is Finished

If you do have any of the above side effects, it can be assumed that they will end after a week or two. The full benefits of radiation can usually be reached after a few weeks. You will follow up with your specialists after four to six weeks of your final radiation treatment. This will all be determined by your radiation therapist.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale. More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

Do the Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery Outweigh the Risks?

As with any surgical procedure there are potential risks that need to be weighed against the benefits, Glaucoma is no different. Even the most advanced cases of Glaucoma can be treated, patients need to collaborate with their eye surgeon to ensure the benefits offset the risks.

Glaucoma is a disease that is associated with aging. It is a disease of the eye that causes advanced decline of the optic nerve. The optic nerve which is at the back of the eye carries the visual message from the retina to your brain. Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure within the eye that doesn’t provide an environment for the nerve’s health.

In order to treat Glaucoma, the IOP (intraocular pressure) must be lowered. Lowering the intraocular pressure prevents (or slows) the damage to the optic nerve. Treating Glaucoma begins with the use of medication. If this fails to treat or your eyes do not tolerate the treatment your ophthalmologists will often turn to surgical procedures.

There are two different types of surgery that can be performed to treat Glaucoma. One method is using a miniscule incision into the trabeculectomy. This can be done with or without the ExPRESS microshunt implantation, tube shunt implantation (which is a glaucoma drainage device), and cyclophotocoagulation. Another surgical Glaucoma procedure that is often performed is known as MIGS, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Surgical procedures all have their own unique set of risks and rewards. Before you have any surgical procedure on your eye, especially for the treatment of Glaucoma, it is important to have talk with your surgeon about your specific diagnosis and the benefits and dangers of the specific Glaucoma surgery best for your specific situation.

Glaucoma Surgery Benefits Outweigh the Risks in Most Situations Even in Advanced Cases

There are risks involved with any surgery however, the results with Glaucoma surgery are typically successful. Success in Glaucoma surgery slows the progression of the disease. Success means that the intended eye pressure was achieved. If Glaucoma was left untreated, the loss of your vision is almost guaranteed. Surgery can help to prevent additional vision loss, often improving your vision. This however is temporary as the damage with Glaucoma has already occurred and is permanent. Surgery doesn’t reverse the damage it does however slow down the progression.

Although side effects do occur with Glaucoma, they are rare. Here is a list of occasional side effects that patients have reported:

• Vision Loss

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Eye Pressure

• Scarring

• Cataracts

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Exploring Radiation Therapy Treatments Part 1

Medical facilities have a lot to consider when purchasing new or refurbished medical equipment. It is imperative to offer clients the highest patient care possible while also meeting the goals of the facility. As patients we often don’t consider the rigorous behind the scenes work it takes to bring us the latest and greatest treatments. We just want to know that we are getting the best possible treatment for our unique situation. This is especially true in the treatment of cancer.

Being told you need radiation is perhaps one of the scariest things you will hear. Everyone has their own experience while going through the process to eliminate their cancer however, it seems the “negative” always outshines the positive as we are seeking answers to questions before our own treatment begins. We are here to help. The following installments will give you a solid understanding on the ins and outs of treatment. Information reduces anxiety and at a time when anxiety is at all time high the last thing you want is to have unanswered question in connection with your treatment.

First and foremost, lets talk about the medical equipment that will be used in treating your cancer with radiation therapy. Linear accelerators are large machines that can be quite intimidating. In all honesty, the size of the machine and the impact of the treatment are both extreme and just their sight can create anxiousness. The truth is there is no reason at all to be intimidated by the size or treatment that is provided by linear accelerators, LINAC.

A LINAC is a large piece of medical equipment that uses elevated electromagnetic waves to accelerate electrons into extreme energy in a linear path that travels through an accelerator waveguide. These electrons collide with a heavy metal target and the result of the collision is the production of high energy x-rays (photons) that are delivered to the patient. Linear accelerators have special features that allow these beams to be shaped to conform to the tumors shape. The LINAC treatment angles can be manipulated receiving a variety of angles through the rotating gantry and movable treatment couch.

Linear accelerators, LINAC, continue to evolve. Radiation therapy continues to advance as well. What does this mean for patients?

Increased survival rates, more efficient treatment, fewer side effects, faster results, and more await patients with the advancements of LINAC systems. The radiation therapy process doesn’t have nerve wracking to patients. In our next installment we will dive further into the treatment, side effects, and questions patients often ask when discussing treatment with radiation therapy.

Best Options In Treating Your Homes Water Supply

When it comes to figuring out the what the best option is for treating your homes water supply there is a lot of confusion and conflicting information within the industry. Homeowners will find a variety of solutions when it comes to water treatment including solutions that treat the whole house and point of use options. Although some within the industry like to sell water treatment options as interchangeable it is crucial that homeowners understand that each treatment option is unique and deals with removing different contaminants through difference processes. Each system has distinctive qualities in how they treat the water in your home.

Whole House Water Treatment Solutions

Water Filters and Water Filtration Systems: Water filter systems often use a carbon filtration solution to treat foul odors and improve the taste of water throughout your home. Carbon filters are known for treating a variety of elements in water including: chlorine, chemical tastes & odors, organic chemicals, and pesticides.

Municipal city water sources are known for their overpowering use of chlorine. The installation of a whole house carbon filtration system is often recommended to stabilize drinking water and making bath water less irritating to sensitive skin. Some private wells may also benefit from the installation of a filtration system especially those in more urban settings where organic chemicals are used in treating crops. These chemicals can run off into water sources or soak into the Earth affecting the quality of the water coming from the well.

Water Softeners and Water Conditioners:

Water softeners and conditioners are common and well-known amongst homeowners for removing hard water minerals and preventing limescale build up in appliances and plumbing. Hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium can be found in both city water and private well water. Soft, scale-free water can be delivered throughout the house with the installation of a whole house water softening unit.

Reverse Osmosis:

The biggest misconceptions in water treatment center around reverse osmosis systems. Reverse osmosis systems are commonly mistaken for providing the same treatment to your homes water as water filters and water softeners. RO systems should not be advertised to treat chlorine, foul odors, hard water, or iron removal. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems have a semipermeable membrane that removes 95 to 99% of contaminants from your homes water. However, the membrane contained in RO systems don’t compare to the carbon filtration or water softening units.

In fact, chlorine and hard water can actually taint the RO membrane. In fact, water should be treated before it is sent through a reverse osmosis system. When RO systems are used in conjunction with a water softener and filtration system you will prolong the life span of your RO system thus leaving you with the highest quality drinking water.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more. More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

The Roofing Experts Speak: Don’t Forget Your Roof When Preparing for Winter

Winter is in full swing here in Southeast Michigan. The harsh weather winter throws at us during these next three months is especially hard on your homes roof. The presence and continual thawing and refreezing of snow and ice tends to create roofing issues that can be quite costly to repair when not addressed properly. Our roofing contractors will address common problems that your roof may face during the winter season.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm air meets with cold surfaces. When an attic is not properly insulated condensation can form and lead to mold and mildew that damages the interior structure of the home. In order to prevent condensation homeowners must make sure their attics have proper ventilation. When a roof is inadequately ventilated damage can occur to the roof or roof decking. It will also promote ice dams, all of which will shorten the lifespan of your roof.

Leaks in Flashing

Flashing refers to the metal strips that are on the front edge, corners, and ridges of the roof, around the chimney, and the skylights. Leaking flashing is a common issue of sloped roofs. If flashing is not properly installed or we are experiencing a common Michigan winter storm the flashing can start to pull away which can lead to leaks. To prevent this the flashing on your homes roof should be inspected every six months to avoid this common problem.

High Winds

Although wind storms are not common in Southeast Michigan, they do happen. Strong wind speeds can loosen asphalt shingles. If you start noticing little bits of roofing on the ground it is important to contact the professional roofing contractors at Kearns Brothers to have your roof inspected. The sooner the shingles are replaced the less damage that will occur.

Tree Limbs

One of the biggest benefits of living in Michigan is the number of trees that surround us. Trees are both a blessing and a curse when it involves your home. Large trees add privacy to the landscape but also can cause damage if left untrimmed. Overhanging tree branches can end up damaging the surface of the roof by scraping the protective layer on the shingling. Falling branches can also cause problems for homeowners. In order to protect your homes roof from damage it is important to keep branches trimmed. This also helps to prevent small critters from getting up on the roof.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common issue that homeowners in Southeast Michigan have to deal with. An ice dam is when the upper areas on an icy roof start to thaw while the lower perimeter of the roof are frozen over. Snow and ice continue to melt from the warmer sections of the roof and refreeze when they come in contact with the lower section of the roof and gutters, thus creating an ice dam. As the water continues to flow it can pool behind the dam which can cause a leak. Ice dams are impossible to eliminate however, with proper attic insulation and ventilation, they can be curtailed.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services. More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.