Premier Restoration Firm Tracks Feedback and is Rewarded with Customers Praising Everything from Friendly Crews, Prompt Service, to Help with Adjusters
Rhema Roofing and Exteriors a 5 star residential insurance restoration contractor is proud to announce it has been praised by customers for its service described as efficient, incredible, excellent and very professional.
Almost a year ago we began our 5 star customer care program to provide an unprecedented level of customer service which is managed by a team of top notch project managers. We have always recruited associates with the highest level of character and integrity to insure our customers have a great experience with Rhema and become a customer for life. Were happy to report an overwhelming approval from our customers.
Rhema Roofing and Exteriors has 3 locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Stillwater and has emerged as a customer service leader in the industry.
Some customer comments include:
“The fact that you handled all of the paperwork with both my insurance and mortgage company was awesome! That was one less headache for me!†- Martha G
“They left my property so clean; it looks nicer than when they started!â€Â - Lynn L
“I can’t believe how fast you guys got my roof done!†- Hikmet O
My roof was started and finished while I was doing business in Europe; definitely easy to work with.†- Ken E
It is now ten months since the introduction of the new UK planning regulations that came in to effect on the 1 st October 2008 and here, ConservatoryLand, a major manufacturer and supplier of DIYÂ conservatories report on the effects that they have had on the conservatory industry since then.
David Bingham, director of ConservatoryLand says “I have heard reports from certain large conservatory roof manufacturers that the volume of their roof orders have increased but their sales revenue has actually decreased in 2009 compared to that of 2008.
This is thought to have been caused partly due to the new planning permission regulations which are causing consumers to opt for smaller conservatories with a view to keeping within the new size criteria for which you do not now require planning permission approval.â€
The size criteria elements within the new planning regulations that could be affecting this are:
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof
• Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres
• Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres including ground floor
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house
Taking the above criteria in to consideration, it is clear to see why some manufacturers of conservatories and conservatory roofs are thinking that consumers are being guided in to buying smaller conservatories and are blaming this for a smaller average order value.
David Bingham Managing Director of Conservatory Land has given an insight into the conservatory industry and the current trend he is seeing. With 20 years personal experience in the industry he has given some useful advice and tips for anyone looking to buy a conservatory.
Currently, one of the UK’s most popular and appealing home improvement projects for homeowners is adding conservatories to their homes. The choice is vast and if you are considering a sizable investment it is wise to start with the company itself. Choose a company that has satisfactorily supplied or installed conservatories for friends, family or someone else you know. The next step is to decide what type of conservatory you want, or more importantly, what type will best suit your property and keep within your budget.
Measure the space you have available and decide what size you would like and which style would look best. Choose a style and size that will provide you with a usable, furnishable living space whilst at the same time not looking out of place or out of proportion with your property. This step is the most important one so take your time as you will only get once chance to get it right. No one wants to end up with a conservatory that is too small to be of reasonable use or too large for the size and style of your home. David Bingham went on to say “I have heard so many times, customers saying that they wish they had purchased a larger conservatory so that there was more room to seat the whole family for dinner or for watching TV, so choose carefully, but don’t over do it, it needs to be just rightâ€.
Once you have decided on the size and style, be it an Edwardian, Victorian or a simple traditional lean-to conservatory, you need to decide on the actual design. There are three main designs to choose from, dwarf wall, full height glass to ground and full height bottom panels.
Then there are the doors. The most popular choice are French (double) doors but in some situations, sliding patio doors or bi fold doors and be more suitable for some conservatories depending of their location on your home and how you intend to use your conservatory. The company you choose will be able to give you further advice on design options and supply you with CAD drawings to help give you an idea of how the finished conservatory will look.
Colour is also very important. Modern PVCu profiles are available in many colours with the most common being white, mahogany, rosewood, golden (light) oak and more recently cream has been introduced. White PVCu is usually the cheapest option. It is a good idea to choose a colour that will best compliment the fabric of your property and your existing windows and doors.
The final step is to decide on glazing types, both for the frames and roof and you don’t necessarily need the exact same glazing type in the roof as the frames. Frame glazing for conservatories can take many different forms. The very basic frame glazing used in conservatories is clear toughened safety class, usually made up in double glazed sealed units.
However, you may want a higher insulating glass to help keep your conservatory warmer during the winter months such as Pilkington K Glass or a solar reflective glass to help keep it cooler in the summer such as Pilkington Activ Blue which is also self cleaning – or even a combination of both to help keep your conservatory more comfortable all year round. Your conservatory supplier will be able to give you advice and associated costs regarding this.
Then there’s the roof glazing which is very important. There are two basic materials, polycarbonate and glass.
You should decide how you would like your conservatory to look and consider your budget as glass roofs for conservatories are far more expensive and often require additional reinforcement of the frames and roof, further adding to the cost.
The main disadvantage with polycarbonate is the ‘drumming’ effect which can become very loud during heavy rain. Glass roofs can be a better option for conservatories as there is far less noise during rainfall.
David went onto say “I have tried to provide this advice with a view to helping anyone buying a conservatory, whether it is fully installed or a DIY conservatory to make sure that they get exactly what they want and need. When it comes to conservatories, especially DIY conservatories, getting it wrong can be a very expensive mistake and I like to think that ConservatoryLand is one company that can professionally advise on these issuesâ€.
Lonsdale Metal Company Limited has secured a deal with Network Rail to provide roof glazing at more than 40 UK railway stations.
The North London based company has previously installed glass roofs for many Network Rail properties. Major work undertaken so far includes a 16,500 sq/m roof at Liverpool Lime Street, a 28,500 sq/m roof at Waterloo and an intricate canopy at St Pancras as well as glass roofs at a number of other stations including Carlisle, York and Derby.
While Lonsdale will be manufacturing the roof glazing, the company’s strategically located dealers throughout the UK will be installing the roofs.
Lonsdale’s sales director Richard Burgess commented on the deal, saying: “It’s really a question of the right product for the job at the right price. You only have to look up at most rail stations to see evidence of patent glazing from years gone by in various states of repair all over the country. The modern systems Lonsdale supply can be installed 60-70% cheaper than sloped curtain walling and at half the price of cassette style, linking panel type systems.”
Patent glazing can have a life span of up to 40 years, with very little maintenance required during that time, as well as an excellent safety record. Burgess added: “When you are suspending glass over the heads of thousands of members of the public who flow through these stations, you have to be sure everything stays put. At Waterloo, for example, there is over 264 tonnes of glass sitting up there. It is not the time to be specifying questionably inferior products and our systems are tried and tested.”
Key considerations for safety in roofing include regulations regarding non-fragility. Safety glass that stays in place even when broken and ensuring the system can cope not only with the usual design wind and snow loads, but also exceptional forces such as the vortex caused by express trains travelling through stations at speeds in excess of 100mph.
Burgess said: “I think our expertise in providing good, reliable technical information and the ability to perform structural and impact testing to comply with the latest regulations, gives engineers and designers the confidence they need and know they are dealing with the right people”.
Network Rail has committed to spending £2bn in a refurbishment programme across the UK.
About Lonsdale:
Established in 1946, Lonsdale Metal is the UK’s market leader for aluminium patent glazing and rooflight systems. Lonsdale has been responsible for recent installations at 10 Downing Street, Buckingham Palace and Legoland.
ContractorsCompare.com, the comparison site established for the benefit of tradesmen, has undergone a major renovation in order to deliver a more user-friendly experience by increasing visitors’ ease of usage.
The first change visitors will notice is to the homepage of ContractorsCompare.com. This page has been redesigned to include key services in prominent places, guiding the majority of users to their desired destinations.
The bulk of the reconstruction has taken place with the site’s navigation. Pages are now more easily found and accessed, leading to a reduced search time for users. Other benefits from the refurbishment include a tradesmens news page with regular updates from the contractors’ world and an RSS feed to help readers stay up to date.
Mark Farrimond, director at ContractorsCompare.com, said: “We hope the new look of the site will enable tradesmen to get a greater understanding of the products and services available from ContractorsCompare.com, not only insurance but also employment law advice, health and safety advice and tax advice. Tradesmen can compare quotes for public and employers liability insurance from leading insurers; AXA, Fortis, Groupama and MMA with more insurers to be added to the panel later in the year.
“Tradesmen can also compare prices on tools and equipment from some of the UK’s largest online retailers.”
The site was originally launched in December 2008 but has since undergone redesigns to increase usability and add function to the site – such as additional products and improved services, like the enhanced tool finding service.
ContractorsCompare.com also includes services such as an online chat facility for users to get instant help and advice as well, and a renewal reminder that will notify members when any of their insurance policies are running out.
About ContractorsCompare.com
ContractorsCompare.com is owned by ContractorsCompare.com Ltd, a company established by the directors of Allied Insurance Services Ltd to deliver tradesmen’s insurance to customers via the internet.
Allied Insurance Services were formed in 2001 and have for many years specialised in providing insurance to tradesmen and contractors in the UK. They became the appointed insurance broker to the Federation of Window Cleaners and the Painting & Decorating Association due to this specialism and excellent customer service. Using this expertise and their strong relationships within the insurance market ContractorsCompare.com was born.
ContractorsCompare.com Ltd now acts as an appointed representative of Allied Insurance Services Ltd for the purposes of introducing non-life insurance business. The company also acts as an introducer of life and financial services business to Allied Financial Services Ltd.
In line with Optima Products’ corporate responsibility and environmental awareness policies, the innovative glass partitions company has come up with a new, eco-friendly way of getting vital information to its clients.
Optima Products is now using an ingenious and eco-friendly alternative to the heavy paper version of their Designer’s Guide.
The Designer’s Guide contains in-depth information on office partitioning and other architectural and construction issues spread out over 100 pages of A4. In previous years Optima Products printed in excess of 1000 copies of the Designer’s Guide for its glass partition customers and associates. To bring the production of this year’s Designer’s Guide in line with the glass partition company’s energy efficiency and waste minimisation policies, Optima Products will be providing this fantastic portfolio of information on a small and stylish USB storage device.
This new system will save thousands upon thousands of sheets of paper, not to mention large envelopes, as well as cutting down on the huge postage costs that come with sending out bulky paper packages. This, in turn, cuts down on the amount of fuel used for delivery of the Guides, reducing Optima Products’ overall carbon footprint.
Shaped to resemble a capsule pill, the new USB format Guide will help thousands of Optima Products clients by ‘taking the pain out of detailing.’ It includes:
• The full Designer’s Guide
• 3D interactive Explore-a-Product technical specifications
• Detailed CAD drawings (.dwg files) for designers and architects
• Optima’s Project Photo Galleries
• 3D animations of the Deflection head and Nebula joint solutions
• In-depth case studies of Optima’s latest projects
• Links to Optima’s highly popular Optiman game
The new USB format Designer’s Guide is the latest in a long line of ingenious ideas from the glass partitions specialist to curtail the environmental impact of Optima Products business activities.
Managing Director, Nigel Westray said, “Our products are installed in the offices of some of the most prestigious companies in the UK, companies who are totally committed to Environmental Management, and it is only right that we meet or exceed their standards of environmental best practiceâ€.
Optima Systems’ environmentally ethical practices recently earned the company IS014001 accreditation for its Environmental Management System and the glass partition company has also drawn up plans to make further emissions reductions across all sectors.
Paper copies of the Designer’s Guide will still be available this year by request; however Optima Products aims to faze them out entirely over the coming years.
To find out more about Optima’s eco friendly glass partition systems and services or to learn more about the Designer’s Guide, please visit: http://www.optimasystems.com.
Lynne Crowe, Regional Manager at Hays Construction, commented, “Although the length of contracts has become shorter on average, the demand for trades and labouring jobs has remained steady in some parts of the UK.”
Employers can afford to be more selective regarding the calibre of applicants they recruit and the specific requirements needed given the excess supply of experienced and quality site staff available in the marketplace. Flexibility is an important pre-requisite for employers, who are looking to hire individuals on a temporary basis for their labouring and trades jobs.
Currently the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a key requirement, particularly given the health and safety regulations that contractors need to abide by. Lynne Crowe stressed, “It does not matter if you are a fully qualified experienced tradesman or a first time general labourer, a CSCS card provides proof of competency. Employer requirements also include Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) passes in the building aluminium towers.”
The public sector continues to prove resilient and there are a number of long-term opportunities for tradesmen such as carpenters, painters, tilers, plasterers, bricklayers, painters, decorators and banksmen, particularly within the health and education sectors, which have benefited f r o m a significant injection in government investment. Examples include renovation programmes for hospitals and the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, which continue to create opportunities for skilled operatives.
Although commercial new build activity is being scaled back in the private sector, there has still been ongoing refurbishment activity. “Companies may seek to re-evaluate a move to a brand new office building and instead look at redeveloping existing premises,” noted Lynne Crowe. “The high-end residential market has also created opportunities for those companies with strong cashflow who are able to pick up bargains and inject funds into upgrading properties, which they can then re-sell when property values increase.”
Jobseekers need to stand out and differentiate themselves f r o m their peers to have the best chance of securing employment in the current market. Whether seeking both permanent or temporary work, employers are looking for CVs with evidence of a solid work history, excellent ready references and for tradesmen, full tools specifications. But interpersonal skills are equally important, “A good attitude to work is a must and all jobseekers must be keen to impress, as every job interview is their platform to excel,” concluded Lynne Crowe.
Hays Construction is part of Hays plc, the leading global specialist recruitment group, specialising in construction jobs including construction manager jobs and quantity surveying jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group employs 8,294 staff operating f r o m 380 offices in 28 countries across 17 specialisms.
Optima Systems’ team of technical engineers have come up with two exciting new products to add to the Optima range.
The two new glass doors are designed to glide smoothly open, saving precious office space and creating a sophisticated and sleek office aesthetic.
The two new products, the Framed Sliding Door and the Pocket Sliding Door, are very different and can be used in conjunction with different Optima glazing systems.
Traditionally, sliding doors and acoustic performance do not go hand in hand, but Optima’s new Framed Sliding Door ensures that this design dilemma is a thing of the past.
The minimal aluminium frame of the Framed Sliding Door incorporates full length brush seals at the head and base and compressible seals on the vertical ‘door stop’ edge for an enhanced acoustic performance.
The door is operated by pull handles which run on Optima’s ever popular Kinetic dual trolley rolling system. The base detail incorporates a discreet anodised channel to fully control the door’s travel, thus eliminating the potential for leading edge drift and ensuring a light yet solid operating feel.
Optima’s Framed Sliding Door is the perfect way to form a space efficient office entrance within Optima’s 117 single glazed partition system, without compromising on acoustic performance.
Optima’s Pocket Sliding Door provides an attractive solution where minimal detailing, space efficiency and acoustic performance are important considerations.
The door was designed as an addition to our popular Revolution 97 double glazed mullion-free partition system. The 12mm glass leaf door is suspended from Optima’s highly popular and proven Kinetic operating system which enables the door to glide effortlessly into the double glazed screen.
The door is designed to be operated by pull handles, providing the benefit of upgrading to floor deployment lockable handles if necessary.
About Optima: Optima offers the highest quality service and innovative design to secure consumer satisfaction, ensuring that their extensive range of partitioning systems are able to meet customers’ exacting specifications, supported by technical expertise to achieve successful project completion.
Nail Jack Tools unveiled their first two nail pulling pliers – the Nail Jack® and Nail Hunter® at the 2009 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas this week and were informed that the Nail Jack has captured Popular Mechanics’ prestigious Editor’s Choice Award.
The publication does not accept submissions for their award, but instead chooses winners from thousands of products based on originality, ingenuity and design. The award recognized Nail Jack Tools for its innovative design in the Nail Jack nail puller – the first hand tool designed as a pliers like device to dig, grab and pull nails, staples and brads. Popular Mechanics called the Nail Jack nail puller a “fresh new hand tool” in a product category that “rarely sees true innovation.”
“We are honored to be recognized by this esteemed group of editors for the 2009 Editor’s Choice Award from Popular Mechanics,†says Nail Jack CEO Mike Foley. “The show has been a great opportunity to showcase our tools, and winning an award like this really confirms the need for a new line of tools designed specifically from the ground up to pull nails and fasteners without damaging costly wood products.â€
The patented and patent-pending designs of the Nail Jack and Nail Hunter fill a large gap in the retail market and construction industry. Designed like pliers, these unique tools do most of their work with “one handâ€, or can be struck with a hammer to dig out a nail, grab a headless brad or nail with their jaws while utilizing a built in fulcrum. The family of tools is specifically designed to pull nails, staples and fasteners with efficiency – saving time and money.
The Idaho-based company founded in 2006 unveiled the Nail Jack tool line at this year’s National Hardware Show. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.nailjack.com or call the company at 1-877-PULL-NAIL (or at +1-208-928-6426).
Integrity Roofing & Exteriors: In response to recent storm damage throughout Southern Ill. is offering free 35 point roof inspections and insurance deductible assistance.
Record catastrophic hail and wind storms strike southern Illinois in 2009 leaving many with roof damage that they aren’t even aware of. Integrity Roofing and Exteriors helps hundreds, not only rebuild, but sift through the complicated insurance process.
Integrity Roofing and Exteriors, the premier residential restoration firm in the Midwest, announced today that its Southern Illinois office will help home owners throughout the Southern Illinois area this year, not only rebuild, but understand and work through the often complex insurance claims process.
“Most homeowners do not realize they have hail damage. Why? It is impossible to see damage from the ground,†states Brian James. “Homeowners need a trained professional who knows the difference between nail pops, blistering and hail damage. Just because your car didn’t get dinged up doesn’t mean the integrity of your roof hasn’t been compromised. The solution is to have a trained professional examine your roof up close. And since our company offers a no obligation, free, 35 point inspection, homeowners have nothing to lose – with one exception. If homeowners wait and do not file a claim in time, they may have to pay out of pocket.â€
In addition to offering homeowners great workmanship and great customer service, Integrity has a team of insurance claim specialists that assist homeowners in understanding and working through the often complex insurance claims process.
I want to sing the praises of a local roofing company, Integrity Roofing and Exteriors. They completed my new roof earlier this year. They met with my insurance adjuster and myself, and made me feel very comfortable with the entire process. They kept me up-to-date with my project, and always returned my calls. Not only was the work that they provided exceptional, but I also loved the warranty that I received at no additional charge. They workers were very clean and professional, and my service was wonderful. I would recommend this company to anyone who needs roof work done.
About Integrity Roofing and ExteriorsÂ
Integrity Roofing and Exteriors is committed to the community it serves providing employment and resources for long-term cooperative growth. Their commitment to 5 star customer service is unprecedented in the construction industry. Call them anytime at: 888-879-5910.
Selecting the correct kind of conservatory blind raises a number of complex issues which do not normally apply to blinds elsewhere in the house. Conservatory blinds are also more costly especially in large structures so it pays to make the correct choice in order to avoid the buyer´s remorse! In this article we will be focusing on the key issues.
It might be obvious but sometimes conservatory owners overlook the most common questions which are simply, “Why do I need conservatory blinds” Do I even want them at all? And if I install them will they do what I need them to do. Ask yourself, “Do I know what I want them to achieve?” If your answer is, “To keep the sun out” Take a look at the wider picture.
1. Reflect huge amounts of solar heat. South facing conservatories or those on bungalows where there is no top storey to offer shade need them.
2. Dissipate the excesses of solar radiation. Structures that face all directions but north usually need blinds that tackle the issue of heat.
3. Reduce uncomfortable areas of direct sunlight. A conservatory that has direct sun light is likely to have uncomfortable levels of heat even in winter on sunny days.
4. Protects furniture and plants
5. Provides privacy and protection
6. Gives the conservatory thermal insulation. In winter even a double glazed conservatory looses lots of heat as it radiates through the glass on those dark evenings. Blinds reduce radiated heat loss.
7. Resistance to dust, moisture and insects especially in rural areas.
8. Reflects light back to the conservatory on dark cold evenings. Conservatory lighting often struggles to illuminate a conservatory without blinds as the light radiates outwards into the night instead of returning into the conservatory.
Both these kinds of conservatory blinds have been around for a while so both can be said to look traditional yet both can be contemporary, this is to do with your choice of fabric. For roof blinds the main drawback with roller blinds is that when the blind is retracted the collection of dust that inevitably builds up gets transferred onto the front side of the fabric as the roller rolls the clean face on the dirt. With pleated blinds all dirt is kept on the protected side of the conservatory blind. Conservatories attract a lot of insects in the summer when doors and windows are open this should to be taken seriously rather than treated as a ´small issue´
Most pleated conservatory blinds can be operated by an extension pole and in most cases it is unnecessary to have lots of control cords. This is not the case with roller blinds.
Roller conservatory blinds offer no particular advantage over pleated blinds and are usually picked for their appearance.
Oakhust Conservatory Blinds are offering a 20% discount on all purchases before the end of May
On May16th, from 7pm to 9:30pm Harmony in the Garden, will be held at the St. Augustine Water and Stone Gallery. The event is hosted by businesses that offer top of the line products and services for homes and gardens. This evening offers discerning homeowners the chance to view ideas for their homes while in a luxurious setting with live music, wine, and cocktails, tastes of “Galanga†Fine Cuisine as well as door prizes from the Jacksonville area business hosts. Homeowners will also be able to enjoy renowned artists’ works displayed in a beautiful Zen garden. Collette Vale is reservations by phone at 904-808-8784. More information about the Water and Stone Gallery and their distinguished artists can be found at www.waterandstonegallery.com.
NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Jacksonville provides the latest in energy efficient LED lighting technology, custom lighting design, professional installation, and outdoor lighting repair. NiteLites outdoor lighting fixtures are weather resistant as they are made of copper and brass and are acid-etched for a durable design.
NiteLites is national outdoor lighting franchise and offers additional information about landscape and architectural lighting online at http://www.NiteLites.com. Throughout the U.S. there NiteLites outdoor lighting locations in over 40 cities including: NiteLites Outdoor Lights of Asheville, Greenville, SC 29601, 29602, 29603, 29605, 29607, 29609, 29611, 29615, 29616, and 29617. NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Atlanta 30305, 30319, 30327, Alpharetta 30004, 30005, 30022, 30305, 30319, Duluth, GA 30097, Marietta 30062, Roswell 30075, and Aiken 29801. NiteLites Architectural Lighting of Augusta, SC, Blythewood, SC 29016, Chapin 29036, Columbia 29290, Elgin 29045, Irmo 29063, Leesville 29070, Lexington 29072, and West Columbia 29169. NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Charleston 29401, 29403, 29407, 29412, 29414, 29419, 29492, Daniel Island 29445, Goose Creek 29445, Hanahan 29410, Isle of Palms 29451, Johns Island 29455, Kiawah Island 29455, Moncks Corner 29461, Mt. Pleasant 29464, North Charleston 29405, Sullivans Island 29482, Summerville 29483, 29485, Wadmalaw Island 29487, and Wando 29492. Arlington 60004, Bradenton 34209, Bernardsville 07924, Brentwood 37027, Bridgewater 08807, Branchburg 08876, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Boca Raton 33433, Bonita Springs 34135, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Central New Jersey 08857, Cape Coral 33914, Centerville 45458, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Charleston 29412, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Charlotte 28269, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Chicago 60604, Chicagoland 60004, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Cincinnati 45243, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Clearwater 33755, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Columbia 29212, NiteLites Landscape Lighting of Columbus 43230, Covington 41011, East Brunswick 08816, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Dayton 45423, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Delaware 19898, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Fort Myers 33908, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Fort Lauderdale 33326, Franklin 37064, Greenville 29601, Hilliard 43026 , NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Houston 77095, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Indianapolis 46032, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach 32240, Jupiter 33458, Katy 77450, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Lima 45805, Livingston 27391, Lynchburg 24083, Madison 53707, Maryland 20854, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Middle Tennessee 37075, Millburn 07041, Morristown 07962, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Mt. Pleasant 29464, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Myrtle Beach 29597, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Naples 34109, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Nashville 37221, Newport 41076, New Providence 07974, North Augusta 29841, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Northern Kentucky 41012, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Northern Virginia 22124, Novi 48377, Oxford 45056, Philadelphia 19118, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Roanoke 24018, Sanibel 33957, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Sarasota 34243, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Southeast Michigan 48380, Spartanburg 29304, Springboro 45066, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of St. Louis 63005, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of St. Petersburg 33715, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Toledo 43699, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Tampa 33647, Valrico 33594, Venice 34293, Wilmington 19808, Washington, DC 20510, Watchung 08089, West Caldwell 07006, West Orange 07052, Westerville 43081, and NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of West Palm Beach 33414.
ServiceSpider makes the online auction process that has long been used by companies like eBay, available for homeowners and contractors to buy and sell services on the Internet.
After beta testing for a year ServiceSpider releases a new version of their auction website with many new features such as forums. On ServiceSpider.com homeowners can save time and money by letting contractors compete for their home improvement needs.
Homeowner Haye Kesteloo came up with the idea for ServiceSpider while working on a bathroom remodel project in 2006. “As I started to contact different contractors to get quotes for my project, I found it difficult to establish what a fair price should be for a job well done.†Prices, time estimates, and other factors varied from one contractor to another, and Kesteloo found himself wondering if there wasn’t a better way to navigate the Home Improvement market using the Internet. Kesteloo decided to stop wondering and to make the idea a reality, helping homeowners and contractors in the process. With that plan in motion, ServiceSpider was born.
Most homeowners know how difficult and time consuming it can be to find the right contractor for a home improvement job. Scheduling appointments, checking references and licenses and other related issues can make a job seem much more difficult than it needs to be. This is where ServiceSpider comes in. As a homeowner, one needs only to go to http://www.servicespider.com, and create a posting about the job that needs to be done. Need a leaky shower fixed? Maybe it’s time to upgrade the electrical panel? Or perhaps it’s time to replace those old windows? Whatever the home improvement needs are, once the job is posted at ServiceSpider, the service request will show up on the site’s home page, and will be automatically send to matching service providers in the area. Free of charge to the homeowner, ServiceSpider will have pre-screened contractors offering competing bids for the job. One can even read the reviews from other homeowners on different contractors and see how they are rated.
Currently, in the greater New York area alone, there are over 700 service providers, so a match can be made quickly and efficiently. The homeowner chooses how, when and where they will be contacted, be it phone, fax, or email. The homeowner is in charge!
For Haye Kesteloo, making ServiceSpider a success is a full time job. He knows that finding the right contractor for the right job and for the right price can be a challenge, especially in the current economic climate. Kesteloo offers the following advice: “Take your time when choosing the right contractor. Don’t let yourself be hurried into making a decision. Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed and insured and that you receive a written contract.â€
For additional information regarding ServiceSpider, please contact Haye Kesteloo directly or go to www.servicespider.com.
South Fork Technologies, Inc. (SFT) releases the new ShapeBook 2009 with 2D3DSteel 2009 software for steel construction professionals. ShapeBook is a tool for estimating cost per weight and surface area, a quick reference to dimensions and design properties, and parametric AutoCAD 2D and 3D drafting for structural steel design and detailing. ShapeBook is based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition. In addition we have added large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar. To download a free 30 day trial, please visit our website at http://www.southforktech.com.
ShapeBook is now a powerful tool for estimating the cost of steel, and coatings. The “Calculator Material List” calculates the weight, surface area, and costs for all material. Material lists can be easily edited. List items can be re-priced, inserted, deleted, sorted, or dragged to a new location. Lists can be saved and loaded into ShapeBook as needed or imported into spreadsheet or database software. Lists are printed with a user title, date, page numbers, line numbers, and column & row outlines.
Dimensions and design properties are displayed in ShapeBooks’ corresponding display tabs. ShapeBook displays the detailing dimensions in fractional inches. Design properties are shown in decimal format according to the tool tip definition available by hovering over any of the values. A dynamic user interface provides fast shape selections. Shape selection lists can be saved to a file, and the current selection list can be automatically saved when you exit and automatically restored next time you run ShapeBook.
Structural steel shapes are available in US Imperial and Metric units. Your shape selection list and the currently selected shape are converted to metric, or US Imperial format, whenever units’ mode is changed. You can search and select shapes using up to three different search keys, each with a separate property with minimum and maximum values. ShapeBook provides hard copy output to your printer, all on one sheet including a diagram.
2D3DSteel 2009 is an AutoCAD VLX application that draws 2D and 3D steel shapes in AutoCAD 2000 through 2010. 2D3DSteel now includes many new specialized tools for drawing and dimensioning steel. 2D3DSteel will run in any version of Full AutoCAD f r o m 2000 through 2010. All shapes available in ShapeBook can be quickly and accurately added to your drawings. Using 2D3DSteel 2009 with AutoCAD, you will have powerful tools to draw steel details, connections, and model structural steel framing.Â
2D3DSteel 2009 has pull-down menus and 6 tool bars. The list below gives a short description of the commands on each 2D3DSteel 2009 tool bar.
– 2D3DSteel Main tool bar has six fly out tool bar buttons on it providing access to all of 2D3DSteels’ commands on one tool bar to save screen space if needed.
– 2D3DSteel Settings tool bar controls 2D3DSteel layer and linetypes, centerline modes, node point modes, and dimension text lock colors. This toolbar has two commands for saving and restoring your object snap settings. It also includes commands for fast centerline and node point mode changes.
– 2D3DSteel Shape tool bar commands draw the shape selected in the ShapeBook dialog as 3DSolids, 2D Cross sections, and 2D Web and Flange Views. New cope commands draw a cope pline that can be used as the end of a 2D member or to cope a 3DSolid.
– 2D3DSteel Lines tool bar is a powerful set of tools for line work in your drawings. Line commands for the 2D3DSteel object lines, hidden lines, centerlines, and dimension lines. Line commands can also be used to quickly change to a 2D3DSteel layer/linetype setting. All of the commands in 2D3DSteel except for these line commands save and restore your current layer and linetype settings. Commands on this toolbar include drawing offset rows of centerlines, centered rows of centerlines, centerlines at equal spacing, centerlines at maximum spacing, and an intelligent handrail picket tool.
– 2D3DSteel Holes tool bar has four types of 2D holes, round holes, edge holes, slotted holes, and elliptical holes. Each of these four types can be drawn filled, open, or hidden. 3D Hole command is used to add holes in 3DSolids and the Polyline cut command can change any shape created with a closed polyline into a cut out in a 3DSolid with a specified depth. Two bolt group commands draw a single row of holes and a double row of holes.
– 2D3DSteel Dimension toolbar includes a transparent command for fast 10 key XX.YYZZ feet, inches, and sixteenths input at any AutoCAD distance prompt, a transparent command for metric input in millimeters at any AutoCAD distance prompt. Special dimensioning commands are included for horizontal or vertical dimensions with automatic .Y & .X point filters to quickly line up dimensions, rotated dimension commands that remember your rotation angle, and commands to lock and unlock associative dimension text with text color id for easy member shortening and un-shortening.
– 2D3DSteel Plate tool bar has five commands for drawing 2D plates that are used in addition to the commands on the 2D3DSteel Shape tool bar.
ShapeBook with 2D3DSteel is a time locked 30 day free trial. To continue using the program you can purchase a permanent registration key for ShapeBook 2009 with 2D3DSteel 2009 or just for ShapeBook 2009.
Here are some key features of ShapeBook with 2D3DSteel:
– A quick reference to dimensions and design properties of steel.
– Based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition.
– Includes large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar.
– Dynamic hierarchical shape selection and selection list save and load features.
– Calculator Material List for estimating the cost of steel, and coatings.
– Search and select shapes using up to three different search keys.
– 2D3DSteel AutoCAD VLX application that draws 2D and 3D steel shapes
– New specialized 2D3DSteel tools for drawing and dimensioning steel.
What’s New in This Release?
– New AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition data.
– New large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar.
– New Calculator Material List for estimating steel and coatings.
– New centerline and node point options in 2D3DSteel.
– Many new features and improvements in 2D3DSteel for modeling and drawing steel details.
– New automated setup for the 2D3DSteel application in AutoCAD.
About South Fork Technologies, Inc.:
South Fork Technologies, Inc. is a steel detailing and software company, based in Toutle, Washington. We provide quality detailing and consulting services to steel fabricators. South Fork Technologies is also a developer of computer software for the steel construction industry. We are celebrating our tenth year in business serving the steel construction industry.
David Bingham, Managing Director at Conservatory Land stated that “Besides fitting a conservatory, they are one of the best ways of adding value to the home, as well as making the garden a much more accessible and enjoyable area for the whole family,” and went on to say “In the last 12 months, bi-fold doors have become a must-have on many homes and we always recommend them to our customers who are fitting a conservatory.”
Sliding bi-fold doors have the advantage of providing full access to the garden or patio area, which means that on a warm summer’s day homeowners can literally open up their home to the sunshine, dramatically connecting the indoor and outdoor space. Bi-fold doors can replace an existing patio door in a house or form part of a new conservatory.
The bi-folds’ amazing flexibility is seen in the various fold options, which make it easy to adjust the doors, depending on how much fresh air you require. Opening up to the largest 6.5 metres wide, bi-fold doors are certain to create a beautifully practical living space and ensuring circulation of healthy fresh air throughout your home.
Conservatory Land uses the market leading Eurocell profile system to make the sliding bi-fold doors because it has the reputation as one of the best quality systems on the market. Conservatory Land also sources from Eurocell because it is a local company, based in Derbyshire that offers a full range of windows, conservatories and doors. Offering a full range means being able to provide customers a perfect colour between the windows, conservatory and bi-fold, which is a great way to create a real “wow factor”.
Homeowners that choose bi-fold doors from Conservatory Land have been immediately impressed by the practicality and stunning aesthetics of the product. Because every home is unique, bi-fold doors are available in a choice of sizes, colours and woodgrain finishes. This extensive range of styles means that bi-fold doors can be individually selected to complement both traditional and contemporary homes.
Exceeding the minimum requirement for construction, security, safety, weather-tightness and strength, bi-fold doors are a great way for families to enjoy their garden and patio areas – the wide open space they create makes it easy to both hear and see children in the garden. When fitted into a new conservatory, it provides a truly stunning addition to any home.
Conservatory Land offers a wide range of high performance glass to ensure that your new bi-fold door, conservatory or windows provide you with an efficient and easy to heat home.
Customers wishing to view its bi-fold door range, along with a wide selection of conservatories, will find a welcoming atmosphere in its new showroom on Old Mill Lane Industrial Estate, in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Acoustical Solutions, Inc. works with the DIY Network Television Series Man Caves, to create a dream theater and quite-rooms for the United Service Organization center at Camp Virginia. Episode will air multiple times On DIY Network between March 7 and May 23, 2009.
The DIY Network’s Man Caves television series transforms the United Service Organization center at Camp Virginia, to include a state-of-the-art movie theater and video-gaming station, as well as several quiet-rooms that troops can use to record audio and video messages to send to friends and family.
In order to create an environment for the military personnel to enjoy, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. recommended and supplied EcoSorptâ„¢ acoustical panels, which are made of at least 85% post-industrial recycled content. The EcoSorptâ„¢ acoustical panels were used to control noise levels in the military dream theater and quite-rooms. National Sales Manager for Acoustical Solutions, Inc., David Ingersoll said, “The eco-friendly sound panels absorb approximately 85% of harsh noises that bounce between the walls, ceiling and floor. Reducing the amount of excess noise from the theater increases the sound clarity, and allows the troops to really enjoy their movie.”
Acoustical Solutions, Inc. also provided Green Glue® sound damping compound, which is used to block outdoor noise from passing through the interior walls, effectively soundproofing the different spaces. Green Glue® sound damping compound is an inexpensive, yet highly effective solution for soundproofing new and existing walls, floors and ceilings.
For more information about EcoSorpt™ acoustical panels or Green Glue® sound damping compound, please contact Acoustical Solutions, Inc. by calling 1-800-782-5742 or by visiting www.AcousticalSolutions.com For more information on the DIY Network, Man Caves and show times please visit: www.diynetwork.com/mancaves
About Acoustical Solutions, Inc:
Acoustical Solutions, Inc. works with a wide variety of customers from worship facilities and office buildings to home theaters and construction companies looking for noise management. For 20 years, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. has provided the detailed expertise needed to serve the sound management community. Acoustical Solutions offers a full line of indoor and outdoor industrial, commercial, environmental and architectural noise control products.
Heading for the exit is now more energy efficient and eco-friendly with the new Glo Brite® Eco Exit™ signs available to owners of commercial buildings, stores, living centers, manufacturing sites and healthcare facilities.
Unlike the old lighted exit signs, the Eco Exit signs need no electricity, wiring, bulbs or battery backup to point the way out of a building during a blackout, smoky conditions or at night. The Eco Exit signs utilize the latest photo luminescent technology to absorb and store ambient light, becoming immediately visible in dark conditions from up to 50 feet away.
Eco Exit signs consume zero energy, have zero operating costs and zero maintenance and disposal costs, while reducing the carbon footprint of the facility. They also are a safer alternative to signs using radioactive tritium technology.
A building with 100 Glo Brite Eco Exit signs can save as much as $3,500 a year in energy cost and reduce air pollution by almost a half million pounds of carbon dioxide compared with electrical signs over the 25 year life expectancy of the product.
These innovative emergency signs are available in steel or plastic models and are easy to install. They use standard brackets and may be surface, flag or ceiling mounted in new or retrofit construction.
“These Eco Exit signs are a huge improvement over traditional exit signs,†stated Dan Ruminski, president of Martinson-Nicholls, Inc, Willoughby, OH, a master distributor of the product. “They are environmentally friendly, with cost and energy savings all in one maintenance-free product that provides immediate return on investment.â€
Eco Exit signs are UL 924 listed and meet all current building codes and NFPA Life Safety Code 101 and OSHA requirements.
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HHW, an electrical copper building wire, is proving to be a favorite over the more standard THHN building wire by many electrical contractors and installers.
XHHW stands for Cross-Linked High Heat Water Resistant Insulated Wire. Today’s XHHW is manufactured to XHHW-2 standard meaning it is rated in wet and dry environments up to 90C. XHHW is found both in stranded and solid constructions and various jacket colors.
THHN stands for Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated. THHN is also found in both stranded and solid copper conductors but uses a nylon coating for mechanical and protection for gas and oil.
The key difference between the two building wires is XHHW utilizes cross-linked polyethylene (XPLE) and THHN uses a poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) as the insulation over the conductor. XHHW performs better in the low temperature environments and has a higher K Value, or better electrical properties.
“We continue to see more and more customers request XHHW over THHN now that copper prices have dropped again. XHHW has better current carrying capacity giving it the ability to withstand meltdown better, and even with its marginal price increase, many customers make it their choice over THNN,†remarked Bryce Huett, President of Distributor Wire & Cable in Denver, Colorado.
XHHW typically cost 10-20% more than THHN but that gap is closing as cross-linked polyethylene becomes more and more available. It is worth noting that the nylon coating on THHN wire makes it stiffer than its building wire counter part. Installers always prefer a more pliable product when trying to pull their runs throughout a structure.
Distributor Wire & Cable is a nationwide electrical wholesaler for all types of wire and cable including XHHW and THHN building wire. For more information on their products and services, call 888-439-2947 or visit www.distributorwire.com.
Reasor Products, Inc., of Duluth, Minnesota, introduces a new product to the construction industry from its line of warming bags, a Caulk Warming Bag. This unique patented bag will solve an age old problem in the building trades of keeping items warm in cold weather with a light weight economical heat source.
The Caulk Warmer has been awarded a Bronze Medal in recognition of the invention of the Caulk Warmer, at the Minnesota Inventors Congress 51st Annual Invention Show in Redwood Falls, MN. The Caulk Warmer is a heavy duty canvas bag with an enclosed heating element that keeps caulk and other items warm in colder temperatures. This allows caulk to flow more freely in cold weather; speeding up application time, relieving strain on users arms and hands and providing better sealing and appearance. The bag has a backstrap with a “quick disconnect†for looping over railings, plugs into 120V AC, and has a convenient cord storage pouch on the front. There is a convenient on/off switch and the internal temperature is thermostatically controlled and requires only 50 watts of power, due to its patented flexible heat reflecting shield that retains heat. A 12V DC lighter adapter is also available. Suggested retail is $79.95 and is available in stores and on line at www.caulkwarmer.com.
The Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC) is a private, non profit organization established to further the inventor’s products that originate in Minnesota. MIC is also one of the originators of the Minnesota Inventors Convention held in Redwood Falls, MN every June.
