Gutter Maintenance Tips for Rainy Climates

Well-maintained functional gutters can protect your home’s foundation from water damage. This, in turn, can translate into better structural integrity thereby maintaining the value of your investment. Sagging and clogged gutters can overflow, causing damage to the soffit and fascia of your home. By taking care of your roof’s drainage system, you not only extend the life of your roof, you can also boost the value of your home and help prevent water damage to your home. Regular maintenance of your homes gutters and roof is crucial especially in regions that receive a significant amount of precipitation.

Unmaintained, dirty, full gutters can decrease the value of your home. This occurs because of a phenomena known as “tiger stripes”, unsightly marks and stains along the outside walls of a home’s gutter system. Mold can begin to fester along these stripes blackening the whole surface and destroying the original aesthetic look of your precious home.

The steps below apply whether you are utilizing the services of a professional contractor or you are a DIY, do-it-yourself.

Clean Gutters

Clean gutters ensure the rainwater flows freely. They also see to it that leaves and other debris brought about by the rain do not clog the drainage system causing damage to the home. Part of cleaning the gutter involves repairing sagging or loose gutters and replacing the gutter spikes with gutter screws. Gutter screws hold much better than standard gutter spikes, thus providing support and security.

Seal Leaks Promptly

Due to wear and tear, gutters will often have leaks. Inspect these thoroughly and use a water hose to check for leaks in the joints and seams. Most gutter repair experts will recommend using silicone caulk to seal leaking gutters.

Repairing Downspouts

The downspout is the pipe that typically drains rainwater from the roof to the ground level (and away from the building’s foundation). A well-functioning downspout is a must in order to protect your home from water damage. Because this system sometimes becomes clogged, it is important to inspect it regularly for leaves and debris to ensure rainwater continues to flow unimpeded.

In conjunction with a functional downspout is a system of splash blocks that utilize an irrigation pipe. These work together to ensure water flows freely and is diverted from the roof and away from the home’s foundation.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com. Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Event Planners Find Interactive Events Some of Guests Favorites

Many people are interested in ways that they can make their events interactive for participants. From weddings and birthdays to corporate outings and non-profit events, event planners are often tasked with finding ways to make the event interactive so that guests can have a way to be active participants in the event. To turn guests from passive to active here are a number of ideas to set your event in motion.

Inspire Imagination: When you see a canvas that is blank what is the first thing you want to do? I know the first thing that enters my mind is to draw on it! This is the case with most people. One interactive activity that people love is to turn a blank space into something special. A space or two to doodle with paint, chalk, dry-erase markers, crayons, and more are all great options to give guests the inspiration they need to create a wall of awesomeness. If you are looking for zero-waste and little clean up some tech organizations are offering graffiti walls out of digital devices.
Photo Memories: Photo booths are such fun and very common for events now-a-days. They allow guests to capture memories and leave event attendees with a personalized keepsake. Depending on the type of event, it may be a nice touch to add props and costumes. It is even better if the images that are taken can be projected for viewing throughout the venue.
Up Close Entertainment: Performers that are allowed to showcase their skills while integrating into the crowd is an awesome way to keep guests involved. From magicians, dancers, gymnasts, still-walkers and more are popular to work a crowd especially during cocktail hours before and after the main event.
Voting Booths: Encourage guests to get involved through voting. Create campaigns on anything from music to food samplings. Get creative casting online votes before the event or throughout the event using smart phone devices.
Item Testing: If your event is to introduce a new product or service allow attendees a firsthand experience. Find a fun way for items to be used from massages to pedicures and cookware to paint incorporating a way in which attendees can use your product or services.
Teach Guests Something New: A great way to get guests involved in your event is to teach them something they didn’t know before they came. Maybe it is a fun game, activity, dance move, cooking technique, drink, or whatever the case may be teach guests. This allows them to be involved while taking something from your event.

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. Contact the professionals at Event Planning DC http://www.eventplanningdc.com today!

Benefits of Managed IT Services Explained

Regardless of the size of your company, you will need an IT, Information Technology, infrastructure if you are to function within the 21^st century. Qualified IT personnel are essential as the services they provide can save small, mid-sized, and large sized owners. Many times, small and mid-sized companies attempt to perform many IT tasks, roles, and functions in-house. This however can result in poor performance, systems failure, downtime, and even in some cases business failure. Below is a non-exhaustive list of services that a typical managed IT company performs for clients. These skills require

In order to save money many small to mid-sized business owner attempt to perform many IT tasks, roles and functions in-house. The result is poor performance, systems failure, downtime and even bankruptcy. Below is a non-exhaustive list of services required by a typical business and which require highly-skilled staff to complete.

Increasing the longevity and uptime of equipment
Monitoring staff productivity
Software upgrades, licensing, and installation
Spam filtering
Securing systems and data
Patch management and updates
Monitoring and ensuring server reliability
Routine disaster recovery drills and tests
Hardware procurements, monitoring, testing, and repair
Network management
Email server setup and management
Spyware detection and removal
Creating secure systems and complete system backups
Server builds, maintenance, upgrades, and installation

Each of the above tasks require highly-trained IT personnel and technical equipment in order to execute. When business owners skirt around this issue, attempting to do all these tasks in-house, will quickly find themselves facing the results that come from incompetent IT repairs.

Outsourced Managed IT Services

The solution to all most company’s IT problems is to hire the services of a managed IT company. Out sourcing professional IT consultants often saves companies time and money. It is important to have once company that is in charge of all of your IT needs. This ensures that accurate records are kept, your goals and objectives are known, and you have 24/7 access to professional IT service consultants.

Companies looking for the best IT solution will hire an outsource IT services company. Not only will it save your company money it decreases downtime and increases the longevity of your technology as maintenance and upkeep is done on a schedule unique to your needs.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com. To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

Dual Agency-Why Buyers and Sellers Should Avoid It

There can be some confusion when it comes to the role of real estate agents whenever a real estate transaction is being executed. In most states, an agency disclosure form is required and should be signed by both seller and buyer. This form is typically a disclosure, not an agreement and details the roles of each party in the real estate transaction.

In a typical real estate transaction, there is either a single agent or a dual agent. A dual agent is a real estate broker who represents both the seller and the buyer. This is important because, in a traditional real estate deal, the broker only represents the seller. Sometimes the lines become blurred and the broker crosses over to the buyer and negotiates a better buying price. While this is a common practice in the real estate arena, it is considered unethical and can even illegal in many states. In a dual agency setting, the broker is required to disclose that he or she is working with both the seller and the buyer.

Single Agency

In a typical real estate setting, the buyer works with a single buying agent. Sellers, on the other hand, work with brokers or selling agents who are working in a single agent capacity listing agents. Legally, these single agents owe a fiduciary responsibility to their clients and documents are signed to this effect. For instance, they cannot share confidential information with the other party or the other party’s agent. Single agency agents must exercise due diligence in the performance of all their duties, be forthright, and disclose all material facts.

Dissecting Dual Agency

Owing to the fact that all real estate agents are licensed under a real estate brokerage, it is not uncommon to find the same agent licensed by the same broker as the listing agent. This situation creates a dual agency. Even if the agents are located in separate offices and do not know each other, nevertheless a dual agency scenario exists because they are both licensed by the broker (one representing the buyer and the other representing the seller).

Here is how dual agency essentially plays out in the real world: after qualifying for a home, the buyer works with a real estate agent who in turn is registered under the same brokerage firm that has listed the home. In this scenario, a dual agency has been created by that real estate agent. In many cases, the agent proceeds as if it is a single agency transaction. The law, however, requires that this dual agency is disclosed.

A listing agent for a property who also represents the buyer of that property automatically becomes a dual agent. Because dual agents cannot operate in a fiduciary relationship with both the seller and buyer, they must treat both equally. They can offer advice to both but cannot disclose confidential information. There are instances where real estate agents have found themselves embroiled in lawsuits for failing to adhere to these standards.

Consider the complications that a dual agency can cause. If an agent is adamant about proceeding in the representation of both transactions be careful and consider hiring an attorney to review the transaction thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com. To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Refurbished Linear Accelerator

A brand-new linear accelerator can cost upwards of four million dollars, which is why many places will choose to purchase a refurbished one to meet their needs. There is nothing wrong with most refurbished linear accelerators, but as with most things, when you purchase used, you must use an abundance of caution.

Here is what you want to look for when purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator:

Software and Hardware

Each refurbished linear accelerator comes with software and hardware, and it helps if you are familiar with it all before you begin the purchasing process. You will not want to purchase a refurbished linear accelerator that does not meet your current needs due to the fact that it does not have the software or hardware components that you are looking for.

Know What Has Been Refurbished

There are many parts of linear accelerators that can be refurbished, and you will want to know if those items were mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic. While all three categories should be checked on the machines, to see if any repairs are needed and that everything is operational, it doesn’t mean that there is always something seriously wrong with them. Instead, the process can ensure that the linear accelerators are in excellent working order and lists exactly what items need to be repaired or replaced.

See if the Refurbished Linear Accelerator Received Routine Maintenance and Servicing

Records that show that a refurbished linear accelerator was carefully maintained and serviced when it was in use may not guarantee that it will work better than any other refurbished linear accelerator, but it does show that it was well taken care of. That means that there is a better chance that there will not be any surprise issues right after the purchase.

Accessories that are Included

Certain accessories can ensure that a refurbished linear accelerator works better than those that do not have specific accessories. A few of the accessories that you should look for include a water chiller, power conditioner, in-room monitoring system, and patient positioning lasers. If you can find a refurbished linear accelerator that includes these accessories, you can save yourself even more money.

Always Get an Inspection of the Refurbished Linear Accelerator Before Purchasing

Anyone that doesn’t want you to have a professional inspection done on the refurbished linear accelerator that they are selling you is trying to hide something major and that should be your first clue to walk away quickly. An inspection can show any inadequacies of the linear accelerator as well as any repairs that need to be made before it can be used.

You won’t need to worry about being scammed when purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator as long as you take your time and know what you are looking for as you are going through the purchase process. If you are unsure of certain things, talk to other professionals as you are going through the process for input and guidance.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com. To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

Removing Hard Water With A Water Softener

Before we discuss water softeners, it’s essential that one gains an understanding of what hard water is and how it affects you and your family. Hard water refers to water with a higher-than-usual mineral content. This is typically the case with water that is extracted from areas with large deposits of calcium and magnesium carbonates (naturally occurring in areas with limestone and chalk). While it can be argued that hard water does have some health benefits for humans, it can also pose some serious problems to homes and industry found in these areas.

Recognizing Hard Water

Here are a few ways you can recognize the presence of hard water:

If your water fails to foam or lather up when exposed to soap, you most likely have hard water.
Hard water is also responsible for corroding metal. This will show in faucets and sinks that are not covered with an anti-corrosive coating. Other equipment exposed to this water may also begin to corrode over time.
If used to fill a swimming pool, it manifests a “milky” cloud in the water. This occurs when the calcium in the water reacts with the carbon dioxide present in the air.

Softening Hard Water

Hard water can be “softened” using a water softener. Water softening is the chemical process of removing calcium and magnesium (among other metals) from the water. The end result is water that responds well to soap and which has little or no corrosive effect on metals. Water softening is thus a good idea especially in residential and business buildings because there will be less corrosion in the plumbing system and other critical equipment.

If you suspect you have hard water, then you may want to consider purchasing and installing a water softening system. A quick search online will yield high-quality, local, water softener installation and repair companies. Some are costlier than others depending on the features and capacity. Sometimes they’re known as water purification systems, water conditioners, or water filtration.

For residential homes, water softeners can be installed as a complete system costing thousands of dollars or a point of use filter which has a lower capacity and can be more affordable.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need. We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help! For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

Medigap in Michigan

Medigap, also referred to as Medicare supplement insurance or Medicare supplemental insurance, refers to the various private health insurance plans that supplement Medicare in the United States. Supplemental Medicare policies are designed to share in the costs not covered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including deductibles and coinsurance amounts.

There are similarities in coverage especially when it comes to the Medicare-covered hospital, home health and skilled nursing care, ambulance, durable medical equipment, and doctor charges. But Medigap was essentially envisioned to cover those areas where there are “gaps” in Medicare coverage. According to statistics, approximately 20% of Medicare recipients have Medigap.

Medicare Supplement Policies

Medicare supplement policies are often referred to as “Medigap” policies. Michigan residents who are not covered by employer-based insurance or any retiree health package but can afford to pay premiums can get Medigap.

One insurer participating in Medigap In Michigan is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has been a fixture in the Michigan insurance landscape for decades. Today, the company has participated in the Legacy Medigap plans which have been subsidized. For the past 5 years, insurance rates have been more or less frozen or price below market value. It is helpful to note however that as of January 1, 2017, new rates took effect.

Subsidizing Medigap

It is important to note that in the State of Michigan, The Michigan Medigap Subsidy program is administered by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. It is tasked with helping to defray the costs of providing Medigap in the state. As of January 1, 2017, applications are screened (for instance, single applicants must not make more than $26,730 a year) and if the applicant is found eligible, the program pays a subsidy directly to their Medigap insurance company. This amount offsets the actual premium thus lowering it.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com. Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans. To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

What Do Medicare Plans Actually Cover?

Medicare, which was launched in 1966, is the national health insurance program for people over 65 years old and is administered by the United States federal government’s Social Security Administration. It is funded by worker payroll taxes, taxes from beneficiaries and a few government subsidies. The overarching goal of Medicare is to cover enrollees over 65 years old for at least half of their healthcare costs while they cater for the other half out-of-pocket.

As already mentioned, in order to qualify for Medicare, one has to be 65 years of age or older or be receiving social security disability or have End Stage Renal Failure. The program is divided into Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Medicare Supplemental Insurance Policies including Medicare Plan D, prescription drug coverage.

Understandably, Medicare is designed to defray healthcare costs for seniors and those with certain disabilities. Initially, Medicare consisted solely of hospital insurance and medical insurance but was later adjusted to cover additional expenses with the purchase of additional insurance called Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans.

Medicare Part A is actually hospital insurance and covers anyone who is found eligible. It covers mostly inpatient care including hospital stay, skilled nursing facilities, and care, and hospice facilities with some home health care also included. It is not intended to cover custodial or long-term care. The good news about Medicare Part A is that enrollees need not pay a premium for this portion.

Part B is termed medical insurance. Its goal is to cover medically-necessary services such as lab tests, doctors’ services, diagnostics, therapy and general outpatient care including some preventive screenings. It is intended to cater for portions of Medicare that Part A does not cover. Enrollees have to pay a premium for Medicare Part B although it is optional

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. It is said to contain more or less the same coverage and enrollee gets from Medicare Parts A and B and supplemental insurance plans. The only difference is its benefits are administered by private insurers rather than the federal government. Enrollees, in turn, pay their premiums directly to this private insurer. Medicare Part C is optional as well and enrollees can opt for it instead of Part A and B.

Medicare Advantage has often been referred to as supplemental insurance because it covers the gaps left by Medicare. The difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, Medigap, is that Medigap coverage is purchased in addition to Original Medicare coverage. An enrollee has the option to choose one or the other with the difference being benefits are administered by the private entity rather than Medicare itself. Many people view Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) as subtle replacements for Parts A, B, and D.

Medicare Plan D involves prescription drug coverage and is only offered through private companies which are government-certified and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, it is just one of ten Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans available to Original Medicare Part A and Part B enrollees. It is also optional, and enrollees have to pay a premium directly to the private insurance company.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com. Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans. To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Creating the Perfect Porch

For many homes, the porch is one of the most overlooked of all spaces. One of the main reasons for this is because most people don’t really take the time to spend outside on the porch. Unless you are lucky to have one that is already fully finished, chances are you probably have not spent much time enjoying yours. However, it does not have to stay that way and depending on your situation this could be a great time to begin considering porch improvements that allow you to enjoy it.

In this article we will give you some ideas and suggestions on creating a porch that you want to make time to enjoy. As always remember to do your research when you are considering a residential contractor especially when it comes to exterior home improvements that affect the curb appeal of your home.

10 Unique ideas for transforming your porch

Create an area of transition –

Remember the porch is part of the entry of your home and therefore you should consider the porch as a transition from the outside to the inside of your home. The spaces should flow and offer a natural transition between the interior and exterior.

Use it to let the light in –

Be sure to add extra large windows to allow more light to shine into your home from the porch. Having temporary sun blocking helps for the times that you are sitting out however letting the natural sunlight in to the home when the porch is not in use is important as well.

Consider adding a fireplace –

Living in an area that gets cooler at times, you may want to consider having a fireplace put in on the porch to add a little extra comfort. There are a number of different fireplace options to choose from, you are likely to fire something that fits.

Establish a plan before getting started –

Before a professional contractor gets started with any changes or serious remodeling be sure that all of your plans are put down on paper so that there is a visual of what the outcome will look like.

A back porch extends your living space –

As the front porch welcomes you into a home, a back porch is seen as an extension of interior and you should treat it as such when considering your remodeling plans. A screened in back porch is even better as it helps prevent insect attacks.

Be sure that your porch idea fits in with the exterior of your house –

When planning the porch take into consideration the rest of the exterior of the house as not to change it too much. Porch spaces should be a natural extension of the interior of your home.

Go a little crazy with a back porch –

Depending on the location of your home, you might consider how a back porch would fit with the outside of the back of your home. Consider adding extra lighting, color, and seating. Make the space comfortable, cozy, and inviting for friends to enjoy.

Front porches should be welcoming –

Since the porch is at the front of your home and is where your front entry door is, your porch should be designed in a way that is welcoming to everyone who arrives. Curb appeal is everything when it comes to home ownership!

Use the space wisely –

Unless you are considering a major remodel and adding extra square footage to the porch space, you want to be sure that you consider the space limitation with all of your plans.

The devil is in the details –

When finishing up the decor of your porch, be sure that you pay close attention to the details. Adding in small finishing touches can add a big punch in the overall design.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

When to Use Single vs Double Aluminium Driveway Gates

Traditionally, wooden and wrought iron gates were used for fencing and driveway gates for their durability, beauty and strength. As technology has evolved instead of wooden or wrought iron gates, aluminium fencing and aluminium driveway gates are being used. They are much lighter in weight as compared to the wooden and iron ones. They have more strength. They can be shaped and molded into different shapes and sizes. Further they are more durable and can endure the changes of weather and rust more than what wooden and iron fencing and driveway gates can maintain.

Aluminium fencing and aluminium driveway gates are also more affordable than iron fencing and driveway gates. Aluminium fencing and gates can be purchased in several different ornamental styles, arches, colors, sizes, and more. Aluminium fencing can be installed along the stairways, uneven pathways and curves. Aluminium driveway gates can be installed on both level and non-level surfaces.

The driveway gate is that aspect of your house which gives the first impression. To create a lasting impression towards your guests, neighbors and any passer, it is important for you to choose an appropriate aluminum driveway gate for your house. It will not only portray your aesthetic sense but will also help you to secure your house.

There are two main types of aluminum driveway gates, single driveway gates and double driveway gates. To choose the right type of aluminum driveway gate you must consider the pros and cons of both the driveway gate types and select the one which fulfills your requirements the most. We have included the pros and cons of both the driveway gates for you below:

Single Driveway Gates

Pros

This aluminium driveway gate is more affordable as it costs less because it only needs one automatic opener.
It requires half amount of the hardware than a double driveway gate requires. Tat us hinges, bolts, no drop rods etc.
They give an elegant look and require less maintenance.

Cons

For this aluminium driveway gate, you need a 12ft swing distance for 12ft single driveway gate, which double the swing distance of a double driveway gate.
They have a greater shipping cost due to their length.
A 12ft single drive way gate requires the largest 6X6 post. It is more expensive and heavier duty post. This is required because all the weight of the gate is hanging on one post.
They are harder to install due to their heavy weight and leverage of a single piece for lifting and dropping on the mounts of the hinges.
They are available in limited sizes.

Double Driveway Gates

Pros

This aluminium driveway gate requires a shorter swing distance. A 12ft double gate only needs a 6ft swing distance and takes less space.
It requires a duty post which is less expensive and light in weight. A double driveway gate requires only 4X4 heavy duty posts.
A double driveway get can accommodate a wider driveway opening than a single gate.
Double driveway gates give a traditional look when opening from center.
Double gates are easier to install due to their light weight and have a smaller shipping cost due to their size.

Cons

Double aluminium driveway gates require more hardware as compared to the single driveway gates including hinges in both sides and drop rods for the center.
In case you are using an automatic gate opener, you will require two opener motors which will be more expensive for you.

Aluminium driveway gates will give you a more aesthetic appeal and traditional look in addition to their low maintenance and extreme durability.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need. Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/. For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.