The pernicious and invasive native weed commonly called Horsetail has been around since the Palaeozoic era, which lasted from 541 to 252 million years ago. That means it was thriving before dinosaurs, and it used to grow to 98 feet tall. So, I think it is fair to say that
Remodeling a kitchen is exciting, but also presents homeowners with an almost overwhelming number of options. One of the most important is the choice of countertop materials. Shoppers need to consider their budgets, decorating themes, kitchen functions, and the overall value of their investment. With these factors in mind, many
At a time when there’s enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene, whether in the home or in the workplace, it’s reassuring to know that the moulded range of products from Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – possesses inherent anti-bacterial properties
SITECH UK & Ireland, the leading distributor of Trimble® technology, now offers an innovative progress tracking software solution that uses drones to help site managers map, measure and manage their sites more effectively. Trimble® Stratus, powered by Propeller, is a data analytics and visualisation platform that is designed specifically for
A commercial trash compactor is a type of machine that allows you to reduce waste products so that it can take less space in dumpsters, landfills, and garbage cans. Upgrading your waste management systems is noteworthy if the volume of waste materials need efficient processes. Any type of business looking
Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer Euramax is celebrating its 70-year anniversary. Incorporated in 1950 as a family run business, Euramax now employs 150 people, operates from a 205,000 square foot facility and manufactures over 3,000 products a week. Boasting an impressive number of firsts in its 70 years, the
Contractors must be prepared for the growing popularity of smart control technology in residential and commercial building heating systems, according to Warming The Next Generation, a new downloadable guide from polymer specialists REHAU. With space heating methods continuing to change and develop as efficiency and sustainability becomes an increasing priority,
Sealants and adhesives retailer SPC Supplies has seen its online sales rise by 700% during the UK national lockdown, following unprecedented demand from domestic households. The company, which primarily supplies materials to commercial businesses and contractors has shipped a record number of domestic orders this quarter, as homeowners around the
Air conditioning systems go a long way in improving comfort and air quality in indoor settings, homes, and commercial premises. The AC helps you beat the heat in summer, making your indoor environment more pleasant to be in. However, not all air conditioning systems work the same. On this note,
In today’s world, beyond the beautiful products and services that you might be selling, customers are also interested in world-class amenities at your business premises, such as parking lots and walking pathways. A cracked, bulging parking lot would be detrimental to your company’s reputation. For instance, during summer, the parking
The pernicious and invasive native weed commonly called Horsetail has been around since the Palaeozoic era, which lasted from 541 to 252 million years ago. That means it was thriving before dinosaurs, and it used to grow to 98 feet tall. So, I think it is fair to say that there is no quick fix if you want to control it. But it can be done. Deep-rooted, spore-spreading Equisetum arvense is the bane of many a gardener’s life, spreading quickly to form a dense carpet of foliage up to 20 inches high and crowding out many less vigorous plants in beds and borders. However, if it is discovered on a construction site, it can cause a major headache for developers, who then have to prove to the satisfaction of planning, building control and certification bodies that it has been properly dealt with. Sometimes called a living fossil, Horsetail is related to ferns. It is easily recognised by its upright, fir tree-like shoots. The problem is that its creeping rhizomes can reach down to seven feet under the surface and, even if it is laboriously dug out, small remnants can quickly re-establish the invasion. It is not notifiable, but it is classed as problematic and can grow up through tarmac. It is not anything like as scary as Japanese Knotweed but its presence on a building site creates real problems which can be time-consuming and costly to resolve. The most common response is to dig the intruder out and remove it – this is the tack most usually taken by council inspectors – but this course of action can create its own issues. The spoil containing the weed can only go to landfill and, as every builder knows, landfill taxes are increasingly onerous. There are also the costs of transporting it in a safe and compliant manner. These costs can sometimes be enough to make a site commercially unviable. But the reality is that dig-and-remove should be the last, rather than the first, option. There are much more economical and environmentally sensitive ways to reduce the infestation and keep it under control. The key is to have a sustainable Horsetail management plan and to engage closely with the relevant local authority personnel in order to persuade them of its efficiency and to demonstrate that the plan will stand both the test of time and the plant’s determined nature. The next element of the plan may seem counterintuitive, but it involves retaining the Horsetail-contaminated material on site. This has the immediate benefit of stripping out the major costs in dig-and-remove. The obvious question is: what do you do with it on-site? The answer is two-fold. Firstly, the material can be stock-piled and used for landscaping, protected by a suitable geo-textile membrane barrier to prevent spread or obtrusion. Secondly, knowing that the weed will spread where it can, the strategy is to direct it towards grassed areas where it can be mown regularly. Frequent cutting exhausts the spore-bearing first shoots and allows it to be kept in check and even wholly eradicated over a number of years. Infestations can also be weakened with proprietary herbicides, though the waxy cuticles which prevent penetration must be compromised first. This can be done by bruising the plant before application or by use of appropriate adjuvents to enhance the efficacy of the herbicides. In the end it is all about management on site and developing a dialogue with local authority officials to convince them that the plan is viable and sustainable. To achieve this expert advice is indispensable – Horsetail is a cunning and resourceful enemy and it needs to be taken on by professionals who not only know how to beat it but also how to save their clients from the most expensive and unnecessarily complex options. Keith Gallacher is Director of Complete Weed Control Scotland.
Remodeling a kitchen is exciting, but also presents homeowners with an almost overwhelming number of options. One of the most important is the choice of countertop materials. Shoppers need to consider their budgets, decorating themes, kitchen functions, and the overall value of their investment. With these factors in mind, many buyers are drawn to granite. The elegant stone is sturdy, durable, and in demand by house hunters. However, anyone considering granite should speak with their contractor and make sure they understand the most basic facts about the stone. 1) Granite Is a Natural Material There are dozens of counter materials that look like stone, but many are replicas. Some, like quartz, are engineered materials that include resins designed to enhance the stone. Granite is a completely natural stone that is sold in slabs. Clients visit providers’ shops and choose the slabs that will eventually become their counters. The process of forming the stone into finished countertops is called Granite Fabrication and is provided by skilled craftsmen. 2) The Colors Come From Earth’s Elements Granite counters are considered luxury additions to homes, primarily because they are so gorgeous. Surfaces include stunning color patterns that are part of the stone that is quarried from the ground. According to Forbes, granite can have colors ranging from white to black, with many variations in between. The original slabs are actually igneous rock that contains various minerals, including feldspar, mica, and quartz. These elements provide the stunning hues that run through granite. 3) Countertops Are Usually Sealed Most homeowners have their granite countertops sealed to protect them and ensure they last as long as possible. However, granite is one of the hardest counter materials and does not actually need to be sealed unless it is porous. Depending on where it was quarried, the stone may not be porous. It is easy to find out by pouring a little water in a small area. If it is still on the surface in 30 minutes, the stone is not porous. 4) Granite Makes a Tough Countertop Surface Despite its fragile-looking beauty, granite can take a lot of abuse and still remain beautiful. Per SFGate home improvement specialists, granite resists scratches, stains, and bacteria. Owners can place hot pans directly on surfaces without harming them, although most avoid this to prevent weakening the surface. It is also possible to chop food directly on counters, but most people use cutting boards because the stone will dull knives. 5) It Is Easy to Take Care of Countertops Homeowners choose granite counters because they can be cleaned with just soap and water. Most other types of cleaners are too abrasive and could dull the finish. A lot of people have granite resealed every five years or so to ensure it always looks fresh. 6) Damages Can Be Repaired It is very hard to damage granite but heavy impacts may cause it to chip or develop cracks. It is important to have damages professionally repaired immediately to prevent the problem from worsening and causing pieces to break off. 7) Choosing Granite Is a Smart Investment Although the initial cost to install granite counters is higher than some other materials, homeowners usually consider it a wise investment. Granite’s timeless beauty matches any decor, and surfaces look beautiful for decades. Countertops also increase property values and can make it easier to sell homes. Granite is a stone that contains stunning colors caused by minerals in the ground. It is a popular material for kitchen countertops because it is tough, beautiful, and easy to maintain. Granite counters increase home values and last for decades without losing their beauty.
At a time when there’s enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene, whether in the home or in the workplace, it’s reassuring to know that the moulded range of products from Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – possesses inherent anti-bacterial properties that can help in the fight against disease and infection. The Knightsbridge moulded range is produced using Urea Formaldehyde, a high-grade thermoset material which has properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. In addition, Knightsbridge’s precision manufacturing methods result in fine, scratch free faces – avoiding dirt traps in which harmful microscopic organisms might lodge. The range’s high gloss, high quality materials’ resistance to scratching helps maintain product appearance over the longer term too. The range makes a positive contribution to reducing instances of the most commonly encountered bacterial forms such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella Pneumoniae and E-Coli and Salmonella. From socket and switch socket outlets, plate and dimmer switch modules; through to coaxial media outlets, Euro and modular data faceplates plates; the range is truly comprehensive and easy to install. While there’s no substitute for proper cleaning and vigilance, Urea Formaldehyde’s established anti-bacterial properties help the Knightsbridge moulded range of wiring devices and accessories contribute beneficially to any home or commercial hygiene regime. For further details of Knightsbridge’s innovative wiring accessory and lighting products, please visit www.mlaccessories.co.uk or call 01582 887760.
SITECH UK & Ireland, the leading distributor of Trimble® technology, now offers an innovative progress tracking software solution that uses drones to help site managers map, measure and manage their sites more effectively. Trimble® Stratus, powered by Propeller, is a data analytics and visualisation platform that is designed specifically for earthmoving applications to help contractors track progress and productivity. Harnessing the power of highly accurate surveying and mapping capabilities, contractors are able to avoid costly delays and minimise rework. Unlike other industries that are embracing digitalisation, earthworks and construction have traditionally lagged behind and have been slow to innovate. For example, many construction companies still rely on traditional methods of surveying, such as pegs, to map a project. This often requires skilled surveyors that can make the necessary calculations and interpret the data. However, their time on site is limited, and it isn’t always easy to access this expertise when you need it. SITECH now supplies Trimble® Stratus to help construction companies digitise and overcome common surveying issues. The new package uses Trimble’s ® Connected Site solutions and delivers a new end-to-end solution for contractors. This means that contractors can place and activate their ground control points and then fly their drone to collect site data. Using Trimble® Stratus, you can then upload and view this data and share it between the site, office and across the team. This can help prevent miscommunication and ensure that everyone in the company is updated on site progress. “If manual surveys are inaccurate, construction companies can see a decline in performance and see delays that mean they fall behind schedule and go over budget,” explained Ian Barnes, Head of Business at SITECH UK & Ireland. “By using drone technology, surveyors can access highly accurate data to ensure operations remain on schedule. Companies can also remove employees from difficult to access and dangerous areas, like quarries, improving safety as well as accuracy.” “While other software tries to accommodate a broad category of users, Trimble Stratus is 100 percent focused on earthmoving and construction environments,” explained Jan Wouter Kruyt, Director of European Operations at Propeller. “The cloud-based platform is also really intuitive and can be used without surveying expertise ─ the drone images are processed in Trimble Stratus and then visualised as an interactive, measurable 3D terrain models. It’s easy to create and share measurements on these 3D maps. “The new package delivers several benefits for construction companies, including capabilities to compare designs and minimise rework by generating highly accurate survey data,” continued Kruyt. “Most importantly, having frequent up-to-date survey data on hand means that companies can complete projects ahead of schedule and under budget, something that’s becoming more important as companies try to get back on track following lockdown.” “Trimble® Stratus is ground-breaking for construction companies that want to enhance their surveying,” continued Barnes. “By harnessing the power of drone technology and combining this with a Trimble® platform, contractors now have access to highly accurate progress tracking with a solution designed specifically for earthworks projects like theirs.” Interested in using Trimble® Stratus to help you plan your site? Visit our website and find out more about what we offer https://www.sitechukandireland.com/sitech-drone-services/.
A commercial trash compactor is a type of machine that allows you to reduce waste products so that it can take less space in dumpsters, landfills, and garbage cans. Upgrading your waste management systems is noteworthy if the volume of waste materials need efficient processes. Any type of business looking to streamline its waste management will benefit from shifting to the commercial trash compactor. If your business also needs something manageable and smaller, you can consider the following tips to successfully buy an industrial trash compactor. Be Familiar with the Features Improving productivity is the ultimate solution for many companies. Ensuring that the compaction speed can keep up with the company’s productions is important. With the rates reaching around 300 pounds per hour, equipment like KenBay commercial trash compactors are fast and in no position to hold up the production process. The compaction rate of these machines is also high, so you may save enough space by reducing the volume of waste materials. Whether you save space with piles of cardboard boxes or waste removal, these pieces of equipment will reduce the dumping costs. 2. Know Different Types of Compactors Buying compaction equipment from a provider like Rotobale may be a great step for your business with a lot of wastes. If you generate around 40 cubic yards of waste materials every week, vertical compactors may be a perfect solution you need. However, for businesses that generate more than 100 cubic yards, self-contained or stationary compactors can serve them well. Self-contained compactors are designed to deal with granulated or waste materials, which may leak. Some of these wastes include medical and food processing yards. As for stationary compactors, you can use them in applications like: Warehouse Industrial Retail 3. Learn About the Maintenance Tips With unattended trash compactors, garbage may accumulate and overflow, resulting in unseemly piles of waste. As the litter continues to fester and pile-up, your equipment may become a breeding ground for bacteria that causes diseases. Because of that nature, your compactor may be prone to constant tear and wear, especially when used regularly. To prolong the lifespan of the equipment, you need to learn about the maintenance tips. Inspecting can be a better way of maintaining your equipment, and this should be done after every one or two weeks. With regular inspection, you’ll note the weak points and parts of the machine that require replacement. Consequently, you may also consider changing the oil filter, keeping the power unit clean, checking all connections for faults, and using quality all-weather hydraulic fluid. 4. Understand the Safety Measures Using commercial trash contractors may come with numerous hazards, so it may be important to ensure that your staff operates the pieces of equipment with precaution. All your employees should not handle your equipment without safety training; otherwise, there might be serious accidents with consequences. You can also consider two safety rules, which you can follow when using compactors. Firstly, you need to ensure the compactor’s door is closed before operating your equipment. Lastly, you should never open the door while the compactor is still operating because the risks can be massive. Apart from training your staff and considering safety rules, you should also consider: Keeping animals away for the equipment Understanding the loading limits Using a rod for moving compactors The Bottom Line! Many businesses, including hospitals and manufacturing companies, use commercial trash compactors. Smaller versions referred to as SmartPack Automatic Trash Compactor are quickly replacing ordinary trash equipment in fast service restaurants, airports, and cafeterias. You can also do the same for your business to save on removal costs, avoid diseases, and increase productivity.
Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer Euramax is celebrating its 70-year anniversary. Incorporated in 1950 as a family run business, Euramax now employs 150 people, operates from a 205,000 square foot facility and manufactures over 3,000 products a week. Boasting an impressive number of firsts in its 70 years, the company has also witnessed the paradigm shift from cost-effective windows and doors to luxury, double-glazed materials. Originally founded as Ellbee, the company’s journey began in Leeds, manufacturing aluminium window frames for narrowboats and the automobile industry before partnering with a glazing company to supply pre-glazed aluminium windows. In the 1990s, Ellbee became the first company in the UK to supply unplasticised polyvinyl-chloride (PVCu) windows to the static caravan market. It also became the first to develop an internal clamping system for efficient window installation, which is still widely used in the industry today. As the company expanded, Ellbee moved to its first of three factory sites in Leeds in 1964. In 1996, Euramax International was formed and in 2013 the company moved to its current facility in Barnsley. After the arrival of managing director Nick Cowley in 2019, Euramax broke into the portable building and modular construction markets. At present, Euramax manufactures and supplies PVCu windows, doors and composite doors for a number of sectors, including the holiday home and home improvement markets, as well as builders’ merchants, including Wickes, Selco and Travis Perkins. “Euramax has transformed into a company that adapts to support its customers’ marketplace,” said Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax. “Following trends and analysing the requirements of our sectors has allowed us to expand our customer base to a number of home improvement customers and builders’ merchants, leisure home and modular home manufacturers across the country. “The caravan market has changed dramatically since the 1960s. StaticCaravans that were not highly regarded and were considered popular for those who couldn’t afford to travel abroad, have now been developed into impressive modern homes. As the style, size and purpose of these products developed, so did the requirements of Euramax’s products,” continued Cowley. “Energy efficiency was not a consideration in the original development of the caravan market. But, gradually the need for warmer accommodation was in demand. We knew that the market needed energy efficient windows, which is why we moved from supplying single glazed aluminium windows, to double glazed PVCu, which has better thermal properties. In fact, our windows are rated A for their energy efficiency by The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC). “While the industry and its requirements have changed, our ability to consistently supply glazed PVCu windows to what is an ever-changing market has remained the same. Some of our longest serving customers include Willerby Holiday Homes, Atlas Leisure Homes and Carnaby Caravans. “Turning 70 is a great milestone for Euramax. There aren’t many window and door manufacturers that can say they have survived a recession. We’ve gone from barges to building and construction and I’m very proud of that. Who knows what the next 70 years will bring?” “In addition, we developed our unique hybrid PVCu and composite doors in 2019. We wanted to provide our customers with the best of both worlds as we found that composite options can become swollen in the summer,” added Cowley. “I don’t think our success this far would’ve been attainable without the dedicated team we have,” said Richard Banks, commercial director at Euramax. “Some of our employees have been with us nearly 40 years now. “During my time with Euramax, I have seen many changes in personnel, products and processes. However, the one thing that has remained consistent is the dedication of our employees to fuel our passion to listen to our customers and deliver the solutions they require,” said Banks. August 2020 marks 70 years of manufacturing for Euramax. For more information or to browse its products and the sectors it supplies, go to www.euramaxuk.com or call +44 (0) 1226 361639.
Contractors must be prepared for the growing popularity of smart control technology in residential and commercial building heating systems, according to Warming The Next Generation, a new downloadable guide from polymer specialists REHAU. With space heating methods continuing to change and develop as efficiency and sustainability becomes an increasing priority, REHAU’s new guide focuses on smart controls and their role in this shifting landscape. Specifically, it explores the use of underfloor heating (UFH), and its flexibility in commercial and residential properties when combined with such smart technology. The guide explores trends in modern space heating requirements in multiple environments, including co-working spaces and home offices. It goes on to outline the growth of smart controls within the heating and energy markets and offers practical advice for developers and contractors looking to implement smart control and underfloor heating technology into their projects. “We are moving towards a smart future and the role of technology in our everyday lives is increasing exponentially,” says Franz Huelle, Head of Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “With guides such as Warming The Next Generation, we aim to raise awareness of this ongoing trend, the factors behind it, and what it means for building professionals. Equipped with clear, concise information about the future of UFH and smart controls, contractors and developers can ensure they are best placed to react to this growing demand for greater levels of modular control within residential and commercial buildings.” Referencing the introduction of 5G and the ever-growing smart technology market, the guide goes on to highlight the importance of keeping abreast of the latest smart innovations as the construction sector moves toward a connected future. Using REHAU’s own NEA Smart 2.0 UFH smart control as an example, it explores how internet connectivity, machine learning and geofencing technology can optimise space heating, simplify installation and maintenance, and give any building heating system flexibility and adaptability long into the future. Franz continues: “Alongside government bodies and contractors, suppliers have a major role to play in ensuring the country’s building stock is sustainable and efficient, and this guide is part of our commitment to achieving this. We want to show construction professionals that, regardless of their project’s size or complexity, expert advice and comprehensive, flexible solutions that improve overall sustainability are available.” For more information and to download Warming the Next Generation, visit: www.rehau.uk/smartguide
Sealants and adhesives retailer SPC Supplies has seen its online sales rise by 700% during the UK national lockdown, following unprecedented demand from domestic households. The company, which primarily supplies materials to commercial businesses and contractors has shipped a record number of domestic orders this quarter, as homeowners around the UK take on DIY and garden projects. “These last few months have been really testing for businesses across every industry, and to have so much interest in our products at a time that could have been really difficult for us has been amazing,” said Henry Blunt, Sales and Marketing Manager at SPC Supplies. In the weeks since national lockdown was introduced at the end of March, SPC have seen a surge in customer orders for products designed for paving, patios and decking projects in particular, as people across the UK make the most of the warm weather and take on garden DIY. “The uptake has really been nationwide so we’ve taken on additional freight firms in England, Scotland and Wales to make sure we meet the extra demand, and to allow us to continue to provide unrivalled levels of customer service,” Henry continued. SPC Supplies is owned by SD Sealants, the UK’s leading sealant and cosmetic repairs company headquartered in Caldicot, Wales. “We could not be happier with the increased interest we’ve received in SPC Supplies since the lockdown began. We’re very fortunate to have had such a successful few months and on top of that its fantastic to see so many people taking on DIY jobs at home, as well as commercial businesses slowly regaining momentum with their construction projects,” Managing Director of SD Sealants, Nick Jones, commented. SPC Supplies has over 40 years’ experience in the adhesive and sealants sector. As an official Sika UK retailer, SPC holds a unique understanding of the needs of a wide range of construction industries, offering expert product knowledge and a 24-hour delivery service.
Air conditioning systems go a long way in improving comfort and air quality in indoor settings, homes, and commercial premises. The AC helps you beat the heat in summer, making your indoor environment more pleasant to be in. However, not all air conditioning systems work the same. On this note, a portable AC can be more beneficial in various ways compared to split systems and central air conditioning units. For instance, it is a more energy-efficient option in instances where cooling for only one room is needed. Moreover, some come with additional functionalities such as dehumidification, not forgetting that the unit fits better in smaller spaces and can be used on-the-go, say in travel trailers. In other words, a portable AC unit can be the perfect choice in many situations. It is, however, worth noting that not all mobile ACs are the same either. When choosing a portable air conditioner, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you are making the right investment decision. Some of these may include factors such as size, type, capacity, energy consumption, features, noise levels, drainage, and programmability. But then again, why should you invest in a portable cooling unit in the first place? How do you choose a good one? To answer these burning questions, here are some of the benefits of portable air conditioners and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. Portable AC Benefits Among others, some common benefits of having a portable AC include: 1. Great Convenience If you live in an apartment building, there’s a big chance that they won’t allow you to install your own AC. The same case applies to HOA’s, building regulations, and many city ordinances. The good thing about portable ACs is that they don’t require physical installation. They come as a standalone unit and thus won’t protrude outside your home’s window or structure. What is more convenient is that you can easily relocate it to another room in your home or business premises depending on your needs. As earlier mentioned, people who travel with camper vans and travel trailers can find a portable AC really useful. 2. Fit Well In Smaller Spaces For those living in a smaller space, especially apartments, portable air conditioners are the perfect solution. This is specifically because no permanent installation is required, so the set up can be really quick and easy. They will also not take much of your window space, meaning that you don’t have to sacrifice your precious views and natural light. 3. Cost-Effectiveness Apart from cooling your home and making it comfortable, a portable AC can also help cool your energy bills. Unlike a central AC, which has to keep running to cool the entire house or building, a portable AC will only cool the room where it is placed. This means that even if you have a whole-house air conditioning system, you can turn it off and switch to the portable AC whenever you need cooling for only one room. In line with the HVAC energy efficiency changes we’ve seen over the past few years, this can help to significantly lower your energy bills, saving you hundreds of dollars or more by the end of the year. With the energy costs soaring almost every minute, homeowners are increasingly turning to this trick for relief. 4. Cooling On-the-Go As had been hinted earlier, a portable AC also makes a great cooling alternative for campers, RVs, and travel trailers. Yes, some of these mobile dwelling units come with inbuilt air conditioning systems, but they may not always be reliable. If you’re a frequent vacationer, camper, digital nomad, or recreational traveler, you can never go wrong with investing in a portable air conditioning unit. 5. Cooling + Dehumidification from A Single Unit Those who live in humid regions will appreciate this benefit most. Many portable air conditioners of this day come with an added dehumidifier feature, which allows the unit to reduce humidity in the room while providing cool air. While beating the heat, your indoor air will also be fresh and drier. It helps keep your family safe from allergies and other health risks associated with high moisture levels in your home or space. Some models allow you to choose between cool-only and dehumidify only modes, making it even more convenient. How to Choose the Right Portable AC The best portable AC for your needs will largely depend on your needs. In most cases, this will be determined by the size of your space/home, your budget, and personal preferences. Some factors to consider when picking an Ac may include the following: Type There are two main types of portable air conditioning units. These include the single-hose and the dual hose units. While both of them work almost the same, the dual-hose unit is more advantageous since it doesn’t cause negative pressure when cooling your home, making it more energy-efficient. Cooling Capacity/BTU A higher BTU rating means a higher cooling capacity. The unit can cool a larger space. Before buying your portable AC, make sure it is the right one for the space that needs cooling. Size and Energy Efficiency Modern portable air conditioning units come with features that make them highly efficient in terms of energy consumption. A programmable thermostat, for instance, is a must-have these days when shopping for a cooling unit. Always ensure you have enough space for the unit to fit in the location you want it to cool. Noise Levels Some portable ACs can be extremely noisy when operational. Although most of the units on the market produce a noise range of between 48 dB to 60 dB, always go for a quieter unit. Other Features to Look For In addition to these, other factors you may want to look for when picking a portable Ac include: Remote control Portability (weight, rollers, and handles) Drainage system Heating function Dehumidifier function Multiple fan settings And there you have it. A portable AC is the best thing you can invest
In today’s world, beyond the beautiful products and services that you might be selling, customers are also interested in world-class amenities at your business premises, such as parking lots and walking pathways. A cracked, bulging parking lot would be detrimental to your company’s reputation. For instance, during summer, the parking lot will be dusty, and customers won’t appreciate that. Likewise, no one would want to struggle with mud and pools of dirty water during a rainy period. Hiring commercial paving services for industrial paving can help you enhance the appeal of your commercial premises, which will help you attract and retain more customers. Besides turning away customers, dilapidated parking lots and pathways increase the liability risks of your business. You don’t want to be tied to multiple compensation claims simply because lawyers have higher grounds of proving negligence on your side. In that regard, it helps if you take the necessary steps now than to regret it in the future. So, why should you hire commercial paving services to put your parking lot and pavements in shape? Well, we have the following reasons for you: Prepping the area If you’d want to do it differently, it will force you to hire different contractors, which is expensive in the long run. Moreover, prepping the area would require a lot of work and will need professionals who can leverage machine work to do it perfectly. Moreover, based on your premises location and requirements, commercial paving contractors can offer excellent recommendations for a durable, long-lasting infrastructure. Put an end to constant pothole repairs. Necessary regulations and construction standards As noted earlier, dilapidated infrastructure in your company’s premises can be an avenue for liability lawsuits. An experienced contractor knows both your state’s regulations and provisions involved in designing, constructing, and repairing commercial parking lots and pavements. This includes mandatory parking space for people with disabilities and any other important accessibility feature that must comply with safety measures. Consequently, you’ll have saved yourself liability responsibility for any accident that might happen within the premises. Timely completion of projects Professional paving contractors have the machinery and the resources to get the job done within the agreed time-frame. While completion time needs may vary from one commercial building to another, you would still want someone who honors the commitment of getting the job done as stipulated in the contract. You will also need nothing but quality work to cut down operational costs and allow the business to resume as soon as possible. Design versatility There are various pavement designs to choose from based on budget, preference, or requirements from the local authority. Getting a professional that is well-versed in your town area will see to it that you gate more design options on your plate to match your needs and expectations. Environment-friendly Just like safety regulations, professional pavers know the environmental impact that a poorly completed project can have on the building and neighboring community. For instance, professionals will ensure meticulous water drainage systems to eliminate water runoff pollution. Moreover, some local authorities may even give you tax incentives if your parking lot and pavements enhance a greener world. Warranty for labor and materials Lastly, you might want to work with someone who gives you warranty for materials and labor for a few years, protecting you from unnecessary repair costs. Professional paving contractors will inspect your pavements and parking lots during the warranty period because they are confident in what they do. Moreover, if there is an issue listed in the contract, you’ll get free, speedy repair that will not interrupt your business’s normal running. Get the right professional paving contractor today to estimate your project’s cost, and you’ll never regret putting your business premises in shape!
