What do you do when your beautiful driveway starts sinking? Do you sit back and sink into thoughts or attempt to repair it as a home DIY project? One thing you need to agree on is in order for your driveway or any other place with an uneven slab to be smooth and level; you need to level it using concrete. Concrete leveling is the process of leveling surfaces or foundations by pumping cement slurry into the void to lift off the slab.

Cost of Concrete Leveling 

On average, leveling a patio, pool deck, steps, driveway, or garage with concrete will cost you $950 per 100 square feet. This translates to around $10 per square foot. Also, being a not-so-complex task that requires demolition experts, you can easily find a concrete repairer at a cheaper rate.  

Other than this, the process of leveling concrete surfaces is environmentally friendly and conservative in nature. Experts say that the entire process costs only 25% of the total amount of money spent on demolition and re-pouring of new concrete. Isn’t that a cheaper way of restoring your beloved concrete surface?

How Long Does Concrete Leveling Last?

This is another important question that you will find most clients asking concrete experts. A leveled surface may not last forever. But, it will serve you longer than other concrete repair methods.

Mudjacking or concrete leveling may last for at least five years, depending on how the entire process was done. If you are using new property, mudjacking may last for five years or at most seven years in normal conditions. This might be further influenced by the quality of cement used and the length of the curing process. On old surfaces, however, mudjacking may last for over ten years.

Much about how long mudjacking will last on both old and new surfaces depends on the causes of cracks on the concrete surface. If the problem (s) is not addressed on time, the repaired surface will crack again. Also, when brainstorming for the causes of sinking or cracking slabs, check on leakages (for indoor surfaces) or the condition of soil on which the concrete slab is seated.

When Do You Need Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is almost a universal process that lifts up almost all concrete surfaces. But when you are using it at home or in a facility, some places appreciate its services more than others. Here are some of the places you can use mudjacking to lift off the surface.

Generally, mudjacking serves almost all surfaces with a few exemptions that may require you to look into other solutions. In our case, you will use mudjacking on your;

• Concrete walkways slabs

Walkaways are one of the most dangerous surfaces when unleveled. Kids might slide on the surface and injure themselves. It will not happen anymore when you level the surface using mudjacking.

• Driveways and aprons

Due to the constant weight of cars they are exposed to, driveways and areas around the garage crack very easily. They also have issues with backfills; thus, leveling them with concrete will solve the problem.  

• Porch 

Though it is a surprise to many people, leveling a porch or steps is possible. Talk to concrete experts who will get the job done and in a good way. Furthermore, you might level steps when you want them to raise or give the entire flight a new makeover.

• Patios 

Resting on the patio on a cool summer evening is one of the breathtaking moments in life. But when the patio is cracked, ugly, and cannot hold lawn chairs. Therefore leveling them will glorify and make your patios hospitable again.

The Simple Mudjacking Process

As we mentioned earlier, it is possible to level cracked surfaces using concrete and DIY tips. But the result will not be satisfying, and the slab might crumble again after a few months. To avoid this, we formulate the simple mudjacking process used by experts. Here is the process.

1. Drill a few 1” to 2’’ holes on the sinking slab

Drilling concrete surfaces is a bit tricky, but experts normally employ some help from electric drills. An electric drill with a hardened and a diameter of 1 or 2” inches is a good option. It creates just the right-sized hole where the concrete can be pumped in to lift the block up.

While drilling, focus on affected areas and don’t go overboard because you will create unnecessary holes.

2.      Pump the “mud” into the holes

Mud is a common masonry word used to identify a mixture of sand, water, cement, and other additives. This mud will be injected through the holes drilled in earlier stages. And for this, you need a movable pump.

During the process, the mixture will fill into the void under the slabs created by either downpour, erosion, or anything that is sinking the surface. The mud will exert pressure and start lifting the surface off the ground. Continue pumping until the surface is even.

3.      Lastly, fill the holes 

As much as you might be tempted to fill the holes using concrete, please do not fall into the temptations! Concrete shrinks and will leave the surface ugly and uneven.

For best results, finish off by filling the holes with non-shrinking grout. Grout is a special type of mortar or pastes used to fill crevices and leaves them new and leveled. This is a perfect filler that will leave the 1 and 2” holes on the slab filled.

Take Away 

Filling sinking surfaces does not require the tiring process of demolition; get an expert who will do concrete leveling. The process is like precision surgery that targets only the affected areas leaving the surrounding blocks undisturbed. To level up the slab, drill several holes on the surfaces, pump the mud into the holes to lift off the slabs, and fill the holes with grout. That is it; your lifted surfaces will be new and ready to serve you for another decade.

Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean that you are limited to the tiny space meaning you can’t cook anything. Contrary to that, a small kitchen allows a person to know what significance each inch of space is serving you. Never regret the small amount of reach of your kitchen, although there are only some good reasons you should prefer a small kitchen layout. It will improve the look of your home and help you prepare everything you need right in the kitchen.

There are several good reasons why a small kitchen is much more suitable for you. Howbeit, you shouldn’t rush into having one, considering it will solely lead to malfunctions and complications in the future.

The first and the most significant thing to perceive before having a small kitchen is that you don’t need to overcrowd your space with many things, especially with already owning a limited space.

Storage is a highly vital factor to consider before deciding to go tiny. Having a cluttered kitchen is not a good sight, notably if you want to achieve an elegant, fine-looking, and classy kitchen interior. And if you feel the lack of storage options in your place, then it is about time to get a new one to store those unwanted items properly.

The advantage of having a small kitchen is that you can make every inch count. A tiny kitchen is very convenient, and you can take maximum benefit of every bit of it. You won’t have to suffer from cramped spaces, which hinders you from performing all your cooking tasks, and you can have more storage areas without sacrificing the actual space you have available in your home.

These are solely some of the advantages you stand to gain if you opt for having a small kitchen design, but of course, it depends on you if you think having a small kitchen is worth all these.

Suppose you are trying to come up with designing a small kitchen, read the infographic below brought to you by the most known kitchen cabinet refacing Yorba Linda and cabinet refacing Fullerton company, Kitchen Cabinet Refacing or contact us for more information.

As per FEMA, a water mitigation services is a procedure of reducing the loss of buildings because of the influence of catastrophe. Water reduction refers to the procedure of appropriately cleaning, drying out, repairing, sanitizing, as well as recovering a residential property to its pre-water damage condition. The process of water damage clean-up is not uniform. Every property, as well as water damage circumstance, is unique, requiring a customized plan of action to finish the mitigation procedure.

• Examine the Circumstance

The first step in reduction is analysis. The root cause of the water damage must be determined, as well as if required, repair services must be made to avoid the potential for more damage. Water damages can be instant, as well as drastic, as when it comes to natural catastrophes or a ruptured pipe, or it can occur gradually over an extended period. Roof coverings, dripping plumbing, or other water entry factors can develop settings ripe for mold and mildew formation as well as other damage.

• Develop a Course of Action

When the circumstance has been evaluated, the next action is to determine a strategy to get rid of water as well as wetness from the home. Any kind of standing water should be got rid of first. Industrial extractors, sub-floor drying out systems, wood flooring drying out systems, as well as air movers are utilized in the water reduction procedure to expertly get rid of any kind of as well as all standing water.

• Obtain Dried Out

After the standing water has been eliminated, the staying wetness has to be eliminated from both the air and the structure itself. The professionals utilize freeze-drying, desiccant dehumidification, as well as commercial strength blowers and dryers to eliminate all staying wetness as well as eliminate mold-friendly settings.

These strategies can also be related to drying out sensitive products, like books, archives, carpets, documentation, as well as rugs.

• Bring Your Building Back to Life

The last step in the reduction procedure is the hygiene as well as reconstruction of the framework. In some cases, water is the smallest concern when dealing with flood damages. Sometimes, the framework of a property is affected the most. Structural damages from polluted water need to be effectively sterilized as well as brought back to make certain the building goes back to a risk-free as well as a health problem.

History Of Beni Ourain Rugs

Morocco is known for many things, and recently, the interior design industry has recognized the tribal people of Morocco for their beautiful Berber rugs.

The Berber people are an ethnic group found in North Africa, including Morocco. There are many different tribes of Berber people, and they are well known for their craftsmanship. Each tribe has contributed their design, color and story to each carpet they create. As a result, each Moroccan Berber rug is unique and one of a kind.

Berber rugs are traditionally hand-woven from sheep wool. The thickness of the carpet varies depending on the region where they are made. Tribes that live in the colder regions of the Atlas Mountains will make carpets with a thicker pile; Berber people of the Sahara Desert will keep their weaves flat and light to combat the hot climate. Today, mass-produced and machine-made rugs are available.

Traditionally, the indigenous Berber tribes would use the rugs for practical purposes, such as floor coverings and as blankets for bedding. Today, Berber carpets have gained popularity in the interior design industry, and Moroccan Berber rugs sell for decorative purposes as well.

Among the many Berber tribes, the Beni Ourain tribes produce some of the most popular Moroccan rugs. The Beni Ourain is a group of seventeen Berber tribes that are semi-nomadic. A Beni Ourain rug will be made from the wool of a sheep from the Beni Ourain region of the Atlas Mountains.

Beni Ourain rugs have many different patterns that may include straight, zig-zag, or diamond-shaped geometric patterns. Designs are usually asymmetrical. The weaver will create the pattern as the rug progresses, so no two rugs are ever alike.

Traditionally, the Beni Ourain rug patterns will be black or brown, and the base of the carpet will be a neutral color, such as cream or white. A wider variety of bold colors, including reds, oranges, yellows, blues, greens and purples, may be available today. Natural dyes made from plants and berries are abundant in the Atlas Mountains, which the Moroccan people use to color the wool for their carpets.

Like any other Moroccan Berber rug, a Beni Ourain rug will also have a symbol. These symbols include a talisman, a character from the Berber alphabet, or an abstract geometric design. The women who craft the rugs use these symbols to tell the story of their life or tribal ancestors.

Contemporary uses for Moroccan Berber rugs include adding color to living spaces as floor coverings or tapestries. They can be placed in larger rooms to make the area feel cozier, and they can also be layered to add great texture and warmth in colder climates. Berber carpets are extremely versatile and can add depth and color to any home. Visit https://www.citycows.co.uk/ for more details.

Cleaning the kitchen sink may be one of the most annoying home chores, but for a company offering professional cleaning services, it’s just another day at work, both literally and figuratively. Below, you will see how such a company deals with cleaning the kitchen sink in detail, in three big steps, as well as the materials they use. As an example, we will use Home & Business Services – a family-owned local company offering their services within a 50-mile radius from the city of Fredericksburg VA. Apart from maid service, they also offer handyman services, turnkey services, and home maintenance.

What tools does a contractor offering professional cleaning services use for cleaning the kitchen sink?

Tools: rubber gloves, non-abrasive scrubber, dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon, salt;

What steps does a contractor offering professional cleaning services follow when cleaning the kitchen sink?

First step – Cleaning the basin. The first step is to dispose the kitchen sink of all the items inside it, for example dish racks, coffee mugs, food items. Then, the highly-trained experts will give the kitchen sink a quick rinse, followed by different procedures, depending on the material it’s made of. If the sink is made of stainless steel, baking soda should be used to clean it, instead of bleach-based sprays, which could affect its aspect. On the other hand, if the sink is white, it should be treated with the utmost care: the HBSOnTime.com cleaners will use hydrogen peroxide in addition to baking soda. Last but not least, if the material is porcelain, the rust should be removed by simply sparkling salt on a lemon half and scrubbing it directly, then wash it with warm, soapy water, and use a microfiber cloth to dry.

Second step – Cleaning the faucets and handles. Regardless of the material they’re made of, all faucets and handles can be cleaned with soapy water. The company providing professional cleaning services will use a sponge or brush to wipe them down, and will treat the lime buildup white spots with extra care, before moving on to the last step.

Third step – Cleaning the drain. Last but not least, they will focus their attention on cleaning, or rather clearing or unclogging the drains. They will either use baking soda and white vinegar, or a solution of lemon, salt, and ice. In the first case, they will make a solution of one part baking soda to two parts white vinegar, placing the baking soda down the drain and then slowly pouring the white vinegar over it, followed by hot water 15 minutes later.

“Home & Business Services goes beyond housekeeping and maid services, by offering a complete cleaning solution, including carpet cleaning, tile cleaning, and grout restoration, window cleaning, power washing, and air duct cleaning. We clean top to bottom, both literally and figuratively, and use only professional-grade cleaning equipment, and cleaning supplies”, this professional cleaning services contractor writes on its website.

“What is the ideal wood for external cladding?” When it comes to cladding, this has been one of the most frequently asked questions. This is somewhat unsurprising, given that timber cladding is becoming increasingly popular for outdoor cladding applications due to its stunning natural aesthetics and long-lasting properties that make it simple to maintain.

Cladding: Hardwood Vs. Softwood

When selecting external wooden cladding for your project, the first thing to consider is whether hardwood or softwood is more suited to your needs.

Softwood cladding is generally thought to offer more advantages than hardwood cladding. Moreover, softwood is frequently less expensive while giving more strength and resistance to the elements, bacteria, fungi, termites, and dampness.

Additionally, softwoods are easier to work with and polish and are typically lighter in color, though this can turn to a silver/grey color with time if the surface is not well handled.

On the other hand, hardwood cladding provides a significantly darker color, with oak being the most popular choice. However, if not properly maintained, hardwood cladding materials will weather into a silver/grey color, similar to softwood cladding.

After selecting whether you want to use a hardwood or a softwood, the next step is to select the specific type of wood. Below is a list of some of the most popular options:

Softwood: Western Red Cedar Cladding

Time frame: 40-60 years

Western Red Cedar is often regarded as the best wood for exterior cladding projects, and its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Again, whether utilized for larger-scale projects or to create a fashionable garden environment, this is mostly due to its inexpensive cost, easy-to-work features, and spectacular aesthetics. Furthermore, this type of wood is lightweight, inherently warm, and is resistant to decay and weathering. Because of this, it has a natural longevity, making it one of the best woods for external cladding.

Hardwood: Oak Cladding

Time frame: 40-60 years

If you choose to go with hardwood, outside oak cladding is the best option. European Oak’s grain is often golden-brown, making it a popular choice for people seeking a more classic aesthetic. Despite this, oak is popular because of its adaptability; it comes in a variety of colors and staining possibilities, allowing you to create a unique cladding design that exudes personality.

Moreover, oak is naturally sturdy, but it will turn silver with time, as you’ve obviously noticed, and this will happen faster if the wood is left untreated. It works well, but it is more difficult to deal with than softwoods, making nailing and screwing more difficult. However, because oak reacts with iron, steel screws should be used.

Softwood: Siberian Larch Cladding

Time frame: 30-50 years

Despite its hardwood designation, Siberian Larch is actually denser than many hardwoods, providing plenty of strength and durability. If you want a historic look, it’s one of the best timbers for external cladding because it has a “knottier” aspect that many people like. Moreover, the color of this wood may range from light yellow to a dark shade of brown.

Furthermore, Siberian Larch wood is easy to stain and paint, so it could be the perfect option if you want an exterior cladding material that you can customize to your own taste and style. Moreover, Siberian Larch is another wood that can be simply fastened and screwed, making it an excellent choice for any home repair. The wood will once again weather to a silver/grey color over time, but this will not take away from its rustic beauty or character.

Softwood: Thermowood Cladding

Duration: 30 years or more

Thermowood is another adaptable option with a strong resistance to moisture and decay, making it good for outdoor applications such as exterior cladding. Moreover, Thermowood is a straight-grained softwood with a density that lies between Cedar and Siberian Larch. It is likely the best choice of wood for individuals searching for darker-colored softwood.

Furthermore, Thermowood is a type of wood that has been thermally treated to promote stability and resistance to shrinkage, swelling, and distortion. The wood is simple to deal with since it readily accepts nails and screws.

Softwood: Yellow Cedar Cladding

Time frame: 40-60 years

Yellow Cedar cladding is a great alternative for individuals who love everything about Red Western Cedar except the color. It comes from the northwest coast of North America. Moreover, Yellow Cedar cladding is exceptionally long-lasting and resistant to decay and most insect attacks, making it an excellent choice for cladding.

Furthermore, Yellow cedar is denser and heavier than Western Red Cedar, and it will weather to a pale silver/grey color. However, due to its durability and wear, it should be able to keep its vibrant yellow color for a long time. Also, Yellow cedar has a fine texture and a straight grain, and it has a lot of stability and shrinkage resistance.

Hardwood: Vacoa Cladding

Duration: up to 40 years

Vacoa Cladding is known for its ability to keep its shape. It may be used both indoors and outdoors and in any weather. Also, wood that comes from Nordic forests has been recognized as sustainable. This means you can rest easy knowing that sustainability was a priority when acquiring this wood, as well as knowing that it is built to last.

Furthermore, the heat treatment has eliminated all resins from the Vacoa Cladding. Thus, there is no tannin leaching. In addition, Vacoa is an excellent choice for any indoor or outdoor cladding design because it is easy to cut and work with.

Vacoa can be used in a variety of situations. Timber cladding, ceiling lining, and timber screening are the most common.

When it comes to choosing the best metal in the market, it can be a hustle. The reason being there are many types of metals available. Stainless steel’s attractive features are its sleekness, strength, beauty, affordability, and versatility. Additionally, the metal is easy to form hence an excellent material for projects like stainless steel table legs.

If you are in the market for stainless steel, find listed below the top six benefits:

1.           Strength

One of the reasons people go for stainless steel is its strength. Which means it can retain extreme low and high temperatures.

2.           Cleanliness

Another added advantage of choosing stainless steel is that it is a hygienic material. It means that it does not attract the growth of bacteria or any pathogens. On top of that, it is easier to maintain and clean. All you need is simple cleaning using synthetic material and some polish or all-purpose cleaner.

This metal is low maintenance hence the perfect materials for places like kitchens and hospitals where cleanliness is paramount.

3.           Aesthetics

Among the reasons, homeowners seek stainless steel in their homes is because of its appearance. You can use it to achieve a modern and classic finish. This type of metal is both beautiful and affordable. Its attractiveness makes it a beauty spot and the reason why stainless steel is in high demand.

4.           Corrosion Resistance

Most people do not know that stainless steel is resistant to corrosion. It means that the metal has the power to withstand rust and water stains. That is why it is a great choice when you are in areas with extreme pressure and temperature.

Stainless steel can undergo fabrication, and you can add chrome and oxygen t have a film over the stainless steel. The good news is that the film undergoes repair quite fast when damage occurs, hence resisting any rust and corrosion.

There are additional elements that are added to help eliminate any corrosion, such as titanium or nickel.

5.           Recyclability

With stainless steel, you are assured of the ability to recycle. When it has surpassed its original purpose, it is possible to recycle it.

6.           Durability

This metal is tough and lightweight at the same time. That is one reason it is one of the durable metals in the market. That is the reason it can endure hot ad cold temperatures and also weather extremes.

There are numerous benefits of investing in stainless steel. You will enjoy it for many years, recycle it when needed, and still have a beautiful appeal. This type of metal is unique with the ability to resist corrosion and stains. There are still more uses of this metal, and when you replace it with another, it can be useless.

It is possible to access stainless steel in various industries such as medical, automotive, food processing, and aviation. That is part of what offers the edge against the other metals alternatives available in the market. So, the next time you are looking for products in your home or business, ensure the material is made up of stainless steel to enjoy the value of your money.