Bathtub Liners & Inserts: A Quick Guide

When you want to update the design of your bathroom, a bathtub liner may seem like a perfect option for a replacement or even refinishing. Unfortunately, bathtub inserts have a number of issues that you may not see until it is too late.

Don’t apply a bandage when you can cure the issue for less money!

What are Bathtub Liners?

Bathtub liners, also known as bathtub inserts, are molded plastic or acrylic coverings that are bonded and caulked into place over your existing tub.

6 Issues Related to Bathtub Inserts

Switching from Porcelain to Plastic

When you install a bathtub liner over your existing tub, you exchange the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain tub for that of acrylic or plastic. Although acrylic is durable, it is not as durable as porcelain. It is typical for tub liners to develop cracks. Acrylic and plastic have a different feel than porcelain, which is something to consider if you prefer soaking in the tub on occasion.

Tub liners are more costly.

In spite of the common misconception, that bathtub liner are a cost-effective option for refinishing, liners are often much more costly. Liners may easily cost several thousand dollars, but refinishing costs just a few hundred.

Inserts for bathtubs may leak.

Although tub liners are designed to fit as tightly as possible over your tub, they are nevertheless glued and caulked into place. This makes it simple for water to enter the space between the liner and the existing tub, leading to stink, mold, and mildew. Water removal is difficult, and water accumulation will occur again.

It may take many weeks to install.

The installation of your bathtub liner might take weeks or even months from the moment you sign the contract with the contractor you’ve selected. Your tub’s dimensions must be provided to the manufacturer, who then makes and ships the liner to the installer. The technician must then plan a time to install your liner.

You Must Contact a Plumber

It may seem simple to slip a cover over your bathtub, but the increased height will need a plumber to adjust your drain and overflow.

Replacement is challenging

Your tub liner will eventually wear out and need replacement. The procedure of removing the old liner is difficult and typically entails cutting the liner out of the tub.

Save Money and Time Through Refinishing

Refinishing your bathtub is a one-day job that costs a fraction of what a liner would. There is no need for demolition, mold or mildew danger, or a plumber. Our restoration method returns your porcelain tub to its original splendor, if not better. We provide a choice of color options so that your tub will always complement your interior design. Request your free quotation now!

Floor Tiles: Refinish or Replacement?

In order to make your house a beautiful place, the tile is vital. It’s a location where you’re free to do anything you want. Choosing a tile is an important decision, and you should take it seriously. Do not only go with the cheapest option; weigh the advantages and disadvantages as well.

Knowing the pros and cons of each kind of concrete flooring can help you determine which is best suited to your lifestyle and your family’s demands. For the sake of your house, this piece will examine the merits and cons of both techniques.

Refinishing floor tiles

When a floor tile has been refinished, it will resemble the original tile’s appearance. The finish will be immaculate and stain-proof. After a thorough refinishing, there will be no signs of wear or stains on the floor’s surface. Refinishing your tile or countertop to make it appear like it was just installed might be as simple as reglazing your bathtub or resurfacing your countertop.

A professional reRefinisher may be required to complete the task of refinishing a floor tile. Equipment and soap specifically designed to remove mildew, filth, mold, and dirt from floor tiles are needed for the procedure. Additionally, specific glues, solvents, and brushes are needed to clean the grout lines throughout this operation.

After carefully cleaning the floor tiles, a protective coating is applied. The floor tile will be completely dry and free of moisture or stains when this procedure is completed. Before utilizing the final tiles on your flooring, you must allow the layer to cure fully.

Floor Tile Refinishing has several advantages, including the following:

Afterward, the floor tiles will be spotless and free of any stains or wear.

The tiles will seem as though they’ve just been installed for the first time in years. In locations with a high concentration of speculators, this may assist raise the value of your house.

One visit is all that is required to finish the procedure. Follow-up visits are unnecessary after the first procedure is complete.

Replacement of the floor tiles

Replace a floor tile by taking out the old one and installing a new one. If you do some study on the sort of tile you’d want to utilize, this may be accomplished.

If you are unable to accomplish the task on your own, it is advised that you employ a floor tile specialist. These professionals have the right tools and know-how to take up your old floor tile and put down a new one in its place. Finishing touches like grout lines and sealants are then applied before the tiles are covered in a protective coating that enables them to cure fully before being used on your floor.

Replace Your Floor Tiles for These Reasons

Your floor will be scratch and stain-free once you replace the floor tile.

There will be no usage of toxic chemicals in the process.

The tile will have a fresh appearance and a beautiful surface finish. When you live in an area where speculators are interested, this may assist to raise the value of your property.

Floor Tile Replacement has its drawbacks

At the very least, you’ll need to make two trips: once to do away with the old floor tile and again to replace it.

The color of your new floor tiles is out of your hands.

Refinishing requires more time.

To do this task on your own, you may need to invest in specialized sealers and other equipment.

It may be difficult to obtain a floor tile that matches your original.

Changing a floor tile necessitates removing a portion of the old tile.

Comparison

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the final outcomes of floor tile restoration and replacement are the same. However, the procedures varies greatly and may incur additional expenses as a consequence. The replacement will be more expensive financially. Additionally, you may want to take into account the time and complexity of doing so yourself.

The wear and tear on your floor should also be taken into account if you opt to replace a soiled or damaged tile. While refinishing will eliminate the stains and restore the floor’s original luster, replacing a tile ensures that the new one will last for many years to come and be put to good use.

Consider your individual requirements and circumstances when weighing the pros and drawbacks of repairing or replacing your floor. Consider your finances and the amount of time you have available before making a decision on the best way to remodel your property. You should keep in mind that increasing the total worth of your property may be accomplished in either direction.

Winter Pest Control Treatment

Is a pest control treatment needed in winter? Very much so! Many people think that the absence of flying pests like mosquitoes, flies, and bees means that they can forget all about pest control during winter, when in fact, winter is a major pest season.

Pests seek warmth

When the temperature starts to drop, rodents and bugs seek warmth and food. Where do they go to seek shelter from the low temperatures? To our warm homes.

Mice and rats make their nests in cozy places like wall cavities, ceiling cavities, and any other warm, dry places they can find.

Cockroaches and spiders also seek shelter from the cold and get into our homes. Some dormant insects such as spiders, cluster flies, Asian ladybugs, and boxelder bugs can hide in your house during late fall and early winter to escape the cold winter temperatures and remain dormant until spring when they can easily find their way into your living spaces.

Also, carpenter ants get indoors during the winter and nest inside walls, floors, or decaying wood, damaging your house structures.

That’s why is so important to have a winter pest control plan, to ensure your family’s safety and prevent an infestation. Remember that Rodents can carry diseases such as Salmonella and Hantavirus, cockroaches can be a trigger for asthma and allergies and certain spiders can bite.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) gives the following tips to help prevent pests from making their way into our homes:

Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to help prevent rodents from getting inside. Be sure to check the areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home. Mice and ants can make their nests in woodpiles and easily gain access to your home if the pile is nearby.
Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep storage areas well organized, and store boxes off of the floor.
Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains. Extra attention should be paid to kitchens and bathrooms as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens in windows.
Screen vents to chimneys. Keep attics, basements, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.

Another helpful thing to keep in mind is not leaving food out, as food attracts pests. If you can´t wash your dishes at the moment, you can leave everything soaking in soapy water until you come back. Even small crumbs can be the perfect environment for pests, for that reason the best thing you can do is to clean and vacuum regularly to avoid any crumbs or residue on your rug, floor, or counters.

If you are worried that your house can become home to some pests this winter, it is important to take preventative measures to keep pests out by calling a pest control expert who can perform an inspection and keep the unwanted guests outdoors.

What You Need to Know About Refurbishing Your Cabinets

Old cabinets can really drag down the appearance of your kitchen. Cabinet replacement can be very expensive, but refurbishment is much more affordable. Cabinet refurbishment can be done as a DIY activity or with help from a contractor. If you’re thinking about refurbishing your cabinets, there are many things to know about the process. These tips can help.

Pick a Stain or Color

The stain or color of the cabinets can have a big effect on the appearance of the kitchen. Darker kitchens benefit from lighter colors, while lighter kitchens benefit from darker colors.

Before the homeowner settles on the stain or paint color, it’s important to apply samples to a piece of cardboard or wood. Viewing the samples in different lights and at different times of day can help the homeowner get a sense for how the stain or paint truly looks.

Prep the Surface

Before the cabinets can be stained or painted, gouges in the cabinets must be filled with wood filler, and the old sealer must be removed. This process can take as long (or even longer) than the actual painting process.

All doors and drawers must be removed, and the hardware put in a separate location. Ideally, the hardware should be placed in sandwich bags and labels should be applied so the hardware can be matched to the doors and drawers where they were originally placed.

Doors and drawers must be put back in their original location after the painting is finished. The easiest way to make this happen is to draw a map of the kitchen, number all cabinets and drawers on the map, and write numbers on the doors and drawers themselves. When it’s time to put the doors and drawers back in their place, the map will make this possible.

Apply Multiple Coats

When the time comes to paint or stain the cabinets, it’s generally best to apply multiple coats. Applying multiple coats helps ensure that the paint or stain will be enduring and durable. When applying stain, the cabinets must be properly sealed. Kitchen cabinets must be fairly waterproof in order to withstand the moisture of a kitchen. Using polyurethane can help ensure the finish will be durable and long-lasting.

Or Work with a Licensed Contractor

Homeowners who aren’t willing or able to refurbish their cabinets themselves can instead get help from a licensed contractor. When choosing a contractor, it’s important to select a professional with experience. Working with a capable professional can help ensure that the project will be a success while adding value to the home.

Finish Off Your Weight Loss Journey With Body Contouring

It’s hard to measure all the benefits you’ve gained by reaching your weight loss goal. Dropping those excess pounds can improve your health, boost your energy, and elevate your self-confidence to new levels. Take some time to savor your accomplishment, and then consider rewarding your amazing new self with body contouring for the finishing touches.

Nonsurgical body contouring

In the past, surgery was your only option for removing excess, sagging skin and fat left behind after weight loss. The surgery can certainly accomplish this goal, but it’s expensive and not typically covered by insurance. And it may take weeks to months of painful recovery before you feel comfortable with your new shape.

Advances in medical technology in recent years have made it possible to accomplish real body contouring results without surgery.

Body Contouring

A body-contouring session takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. As you relax comfortably on a padded table, the handheld device targets the treatment area with a gentle heat that penetrates your skin and shrinks the underlying fat cells.

Our system is designed to maintain your comfort and safety. It uses multipolar radiofrequency energy and electromagnetic fields to smooth away stubborn fat without damaging your skin. Many patients describe the warmth noted during a session as the same you would experience with a stone massage.

The gentle heat of our system encourages your body to boost its collagen and elastin production. These substances are part of your body’s own natural tissue repair system and help reduce the appearance of cellulite as they restore your skin’s youthful vibrancy and elasticity.

How soon can I see results?

Many patients start to notice results a week or so after a session. However, the natural tissue repair and improvement triggered by the radiofrequency energy continues for three to four months after your final visit.

Most people require several sessions to obtain their desired results. Our experts will discuss your expectations and the details of body contouring before scheduling your first session so you know what to expect.

Schedule your consultation regarding body contouring today. bergencountymedicalspa.com

5 Benefits of Physical Activity in Learning For Kids

If your child doesn’t seem to go out and perform physical activities, or if his/her teacher says that he isn’t active when it comes to their physical education class. Then maybe it is time for you to take charge of that, go talk to your child. Go buy tickets to parks and etc. Make him/her have fun performing physical activities, and maybe you would be able to change his/her perspective on physical activity.

Physical activity for children is a crucial part of their development as they grow up. There will always be times when kids will apply physical activity in their lives. They use physical activity when playing with their friends, when going on adventures, when biking, or doing any other sports activity. Good thing that schools have a physical education because the government knows that children need it.

When kids have physical activities they earn a lot of benefits, benefits all about their health, physically and emotionally, especially when they perform physical activities with friends and family. Below are the benefits when kids perform physical activity.

It improves your child’s focus

A study led by a group of psychologists discovered that a child who is active in physical activity tends to have more focusing skills than a child who is not physically active. A child becomes better in focusing when he/she is physically active, they tend to solve problems better and faster, they tend to understand problems better, and they tend to be organized in many aspects.

Improves mood

As we all know, most children always have mood swings. And when a kid has mood swings it could really be annoying. If your kid always has mood swings, maybe it is time for you to provide them with some physical activities. A study shows that physical activities improve the moods of children, not only children but also as adults. When they perform physical activities, they are promoting a good health, and when they have a good health they will have a good mood. Now, mood swings would be avoided.

Builds a better posture

One of the most common problems for children as they grow up is their posture. Some children don’t mind about how they sit, how they stan, how they sleep, or how they perform other activities. They don’t know that it might affect their body posture negatively. But if a child regularly performs physical activity, having a bad body posture would be avoided and instead, it will give the child a better posture.

Avoids obesity

This is also another common problem among children, obesity. As what all we know, children love to eat, especially sweets. And sometimes children overeat, that’s why we should always keep an eye on them. A children’s weight grows faster than an adult, so whether they eat a little or eat a lot, body weight will still increase, and this makes them a common subject for obesity. But if the child is physically active at least an hour a day, he/she would be able to avoid obesity. Physical activity for children would control their weight.

Allows them to exceed their capacity

A study shows that a physically active child tends to receive more information than children who are not physically active. When a child is physically active, they will have a healthy body and mind, and when they have a healthy mind, all obstacles in their mind are deleted which would allow them to take more information and store it in their brain.

Exposing your children in more extracurricular activities in their school, daycare center, indoor playground, and such – will allow them to improve themselves as a growing individual. Consider prioritizing their physical activities so they can get the most out of the benefits.

Ways to Keep Your Home Safe

Our home is where we feel secure, happy, and comfortable. But you never know that there are bad minds out there that could enter your home, vandalize it or do crimes in it. This doesn’t mean you can’t tough up your home and prevent these criminals and unwanted guests. Night time is when these bad guys do their work, but that doesn’t mean they don’t do it in the daytime, they do and there are many cases too. So suit up and get ready to keep your home safe as we provide you the ways to keep your home safe.

Keep eye-catching stuff

Keep your expensive and valuable things or gadgets out of your front yard or backyard as it attracts burglars and intimidates them to get their hand on that item. Grills are the most common stolen items at homes since their commonly located in the homes yards. A grill with wheels will make the thieves work much easier. There is nothing wrong storing your grill inside your home or garage, it’s for the best. If you don’t have a closed garage, always make sure to lock your vehicle properly, and make sure to put in a well-lit area.

Clear your yards of materials

These objects, tools, or materials can provide the intruder a tool to get inside your home easily, like when you leave a ladder in your backyard, the intruder can utilize it.

Know your neighbors

Do some background checks on them to know if they don’t have any criminal record or so. Also, socialize with them so you can ask them a favor of watching your house when you’re out of town.

Speak with the neighborhood association

If you see problems in the neighborhood regarding the people’s safety, speak to proper officials because it is your right. Common problems are the street lights if you see a street light not working, it is better to tell the association so they could run some solutions to it.

Always use curtains or blinds

Use curtains or blinds to prevent burglars seeing what items you have in your house, preventing them from making your home a subject or choice for burglary. You can also install curtains and blinds in your garage windows or basement windows. For a more high-tech feel, you can have some Home Automation installed in your home – like. motorized window shades installed in rooms, and in your own office.

Eliminate opportunities

Do not forget to leave your fences, windows, and doors unlocked. It will surely cause your home to be a subject for burglary, even more, if visible to the eye of an intruder. So train yourself and everyone in the household to always make sure that everything is locked, especially when night.

Purchase a CCTV system

Having these cameras in your home will make your house safer and could provide evidence of crimes committed in the house or even in the area. Consider purchasing a smart CCTV system since it has more features than ordinary CCTV systems. Smart CCTV systems can let you access the camera through your phone even when you’re not home. (If you need a great computer consultant for managed computer services, click this line.)

Install motion sensor lighting

You should install a motion sensor lighting system for your home to easily detect burglars, and also alarm you. Having this would also scare burglars and making them have thoughts on entering your home.

Educate yourself and your family

It is better to have knowledge than to just leave your home gadgets to do the work on keeping you safe. But what if the burglar enters and you don’t know how to fight. Enroll yourself and your kids in self-defense to ensure yourself if things go wrong. Not only self-defense but also security and safety techniques and strategies to apply to your home.

Build an emergency doomsday room

Build an emergency doomsday room or bunker. If worst comes to worst that criminals have entered your home armed with weapons, it is better to have a secret bunker or hiding place with food, water, weapons, and medicine. Make sure the bunker is hard to find and access so the intruders won’t find you and your family. Also, make sure that your bunker has enough signal to make a call or a message.

Having a firearms license

Earn a firearms license and be a responsible citizen, purchase a firearm so you could have a weapon in your home. Place the firearm always near to you, mostly beside your bed. Or purchase multiple firearms to ensure yourself of having a weapon when you’re stuck in a certain area.

4 Ways to Maintain Your Financial Stability

Dealing with worries financially? Want to achieve security and stability in this area and live a comfortable lifestyle? Majority of us want this, but only a small percentage gets to have it. Financial stress can affect our life drastically in all aspects – relationships, career, health, perception, and more. But fear no more! All hope isn’t lost and you can turn your finances around and take control of your life! Here are some steps you can apply to lead you to your financial stability:

1. Appreciate the small things and live beneath your means

A simpler life makes you happier, and that’s that – especially when you’re still starting. Start appreciating the simple life and what it has to offer. Expecting too much, in so little time, will most likely leave you disappointed – which then leads to you losing your drive to work harder. Live below your means and know your realistic budget for your lifestyle.Prioritize the essentials and the luxury can wait for a later time until you’ve become financially stable. Know your current financial status, accept it, make a realistic budget, stick to it, and I repeat, live below your means.

2. Focus on income streams

And, I mean, thinking of sources of income. You may put up a small start-up, have sidelines, sell a bunch of old stuff, and more! There are a lot of ways out there to earn extra cash – you just have to put in your efforts and stop complaining. The more you add income streams, the more you get nearer to becoming financially stable with the continuous flow of money from different directions.

3. Pay debts immediately

As much as possible, don’t allow your debts to grow increasingly high because of interest rates. Prioritize to pay off all your debts before spending on something that can wait more or is unnecessary. Allow yourself to be free from debts and open up more space and chances for saving money and eventually investing your savings.

4. Talk to a Professional Financial Advisor

Whatever your financial goal is, consulting a professional financial planner will help you a lot and make your goals reachable. They can give you advice in every aspect of finances – savings, budgeting, using your resources, investing, planning for a better future, and to be financially secured. Be amazed with what you’ll learn in the little time you’ll be talking and working with them. Set yourself for the road to financial stability!

Following these ways and taking baby steps will help you achieve this. Put in all your effort, patience, and hard work – and you’ll surely get what you want in time!

5 Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Kitchen and Pantry

It is such a nightmare when we see unwelcome pests around our kitchen and near our food. Who would know where they came from and where they have crawled? Some pests are also known to carry germs and diseases. There may be roaches, fruit flies, rodents, weevils and many more kinds – crawling around our food, spreading bacteria and contaminating food in a “sacred” space in the home.

Homeowners should always be on the lookout for this pests. That’s why we listed some tips that you could apply to keep these pests away from your kitchen pantry, as much as possible. Prioritize the cleanliness of your home, especially where the food is!

1. Most basic and important: Proper Storage

I cannot stress this enough. Start with this and it will make a drastic change in keeping pests away. How will pests reach their target (food) when they can’t get it, right? Invest in insect-resistant containers, such as thick plastic and metal containers with a tightly fitted lid. Always stock up on airtight containers.

2. Keep the area clean

Pests are attracted to food spillage, crumbs, loose foods and open garbage – it’s like you are serving them food by leaving them in the open area, free to infest on. Immediately wipe countertops, tables, floors, and shelves. Garbages should also be sealed properly and thrown out regularly.

3. Seal any entryways of insects

Watch out for cracks and crevices around the kitchen area where pests may use as an entry point.Be sure to seal them immediately. Drains in the sink aren’t exempted – especially when a drain is clogged or filled with filth, it can actually attract insects of sorts and they may even live there. Good thing we can avoid clogging our drain and lessen the attraction our kitchen gives to pests.

4. The organic way: Bay Leaves

These leaves can work some magic among pests because of its pungent smell which the insects hate. You can add these leaves in a canister and packages of dry goods like rice, flour, and other grains.

5. Keep eyes open when shopping

Be a smart shopper and always look at the packages of the items you’re buying.Make sure there are no signs of damages. Some grocery items tend to be infested on upon purchase. You definitely don’t want to bring these pests into your home and damage all the other goods.

Another important pointer when shopping is to check the expiration date. When you see expired items, inform the clerks. Back at home, toss away any products that are past their expiration date or have been stored for a long period of time.

Deal with Pests Immediately in Your Kitchen and Pantry

If you are currently dealing with pests infestation in your kitchen, or anywhere at all in your home, there are some DIY remedies you can do. But the best way to deal with them instantly and completely is to call a Professional Pest Exterminator for help. They would know the right methods and techniques to totally get rid of them. Quality exterminators also give advice to their clients regarding on what to do to prevent the infestation in the future.

How to Improve Your Interior Lighting and Make the Most of Your Home

Lights are fairly used every single day and are essential in a household. A little magic of good lighting can make a big difference in a room – be it artificial or natural lighting, both can have a big impact on the look, feel and function of your home. Make the most of your home with these simple and easy ways you can apply to improve the lighting of your home.

Have natural lights and let the sunshine in!

Sunlight is also known to be an antidote to depression and can easily uplift someone’s mood! All you need to add natural light are multiple windows and consider a glass door. Another bonus is that you can cut down on electric cost because then you will be less reliant on electrical lighting.

Pick the proper bulb

Know first what kind of lighting you want and need. Some rooms can be brighter, like the bathrooms and laundry room, while some can have warmer lights like the living room and dining room. LED Bulbs having 2700K (Kelvin Temperature) have a warm yellow light and bulbs with 3000K are the white lights.

Have some candles for ambiance

For a warmer, comfy feeling, candle lights can exactly give your home that touch. It can also add to the relaxing vibe – bonus is scented candles that can give a soothing aroma in the room for a much better ambiance feel!

Add a Dimmer

Want an easy way to control the mood and brightness of the light depending on the time of the day? Dimmer is the answer! Adjust from bright light to low light. Keep in mind that the dimmer should be compatible with the light you’re using and has a nice quality. There are high-quality dimmers that you can get in Home Depot

Install Skylight in your ceiling

Pull in more natural light and save more on energy cost with skylights or “windows of the roof”. Having skylights can have various physical and psychological effect – not can it just bring a new life to the room, but it will definitely improve your health and mood making you happier!

Have Mirrors around your home

Having a mirror can reflect more light, bounce them around and give an impression of a bigger space. Consider also using glossy or eggshell finish which has a better ability to bounce lights, compared to flat matte finishes.

Experiment with Pendants

Pendants are a great way for lighting and style. Just use your imagination and creativity with mixing and matching different pendants from different collections to come up with some unique look.

WOW with your entrance

First impressions last, that’s why consider wowing your guests right in your doorstep! Chandeliers can be installed in your entryway or any other lamp furniture that can be an accent and gets attention.

Consider the scale and create a focal point

Having larger sculpture lamp or oversized pendants can definitely create an impression in the room. Just make sure it fits the room and other furniture, also make sure the size compliments the space of the room and doesn’t make the room look stuffy.

Now, remember that lighting has a power to make or break an interior scheme. Make your home reflect more of your personality with the moods you’ll set up with your lighting.