Action Life Media

action life media

Cleaning 101: How Often Should a House Be Deep Cleaned?

The words “deep clean” often bring to mind a last-minute panic to tidy up before your parents visit. Making your home comfortable and clean shouldn’t cause stress.

But how do you combat years of learning to hate cleaning?

Start by breaking down each major task into easy, quick chores. Instead of cleaning every window in one day, go room by room.

Little changes to how you approach your cleaning routine make life easier.

Now for the tough question. How often should a house be deep cleaned?

A total deep clean for your home sounds overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be if you use the right scheduling technique.

Keep up With Everyday Cleaning Chores

To keep your family and home healthy, there are certain chores to do every day. Households with asthmatic people, in particular, need to keep up with these tasks. Falling behind could trigger an asthma attack.

Separate your home into three sections. In the morning, take care of the easiest section before you head to work. Tackle chores in the other sections when you get home and right before bedtime.

Cleaning tasks you should do every day:

  • Make the beds
  • Pick up garbage/clutter on bedroom surfaces
  • Wipe down kitchen/bathroom counters
  • Clean dishes
  • Clean the coffeemaker
  • Sweep the kitchen
  • Sanitize sinks and surfaces that food touched

Keeping the general grime and clutter at bay makes deep cleaning easier down the road.

Identify Which Cleaning Jobs Are Too Difficult

If you can’t keep up with cleaning tasks, you might consider hiring professional house cleaners. How often they visit depends on what cleaning jobs you can tackle alone.

Some homeowners have the energy to do weekly tasks like dusting and mopping. Yet when it comes time to clean the floorboards, the job is too much.

You need to be honest with yourself and admit where that line is for your cleaning stamina. There’s no shame in hiring someone to take over the difficult tasks. No one expects a homeowner to do all the plumbing, right?

Common deep cleaning jobs you might need help with:

  • Dusting light fixtures
  • Degreasing the oven and stove hood
  • Cleaning under furniture
  • Removing grease stains from doors
  • Dusting collectible items and displays

When should you clean these areas of your home? Deep cleaning 2 to 3 times a year will keep your home comfortable.

Each professional house cleaning company offers different services. Before you hire a company, make sure to discuss what you need.

How Often Should a House Be Deep Cleaned?

There’s no one size fits all answer. Deciding how often to clean depends on how much the homeowner can handle.

Deep cleaning should leave you and your home feeling refreshed. If the thought of deep cleaning stresses you out, take a step back.

How often should a house be deep cleaned?

Start by writing down a daily cleaning schedule you’re comfortable with. Add in a few deep cleaning tasks once or twice a week.

When you get to the point where all that’s left are tough cleaning chores, bring in some help. A monthly visit from a professional cleaning company banishes the deep cleaning dread.

Are you looking for more ways to improve your home? Our Home and Garden section is full of helpful articles.

5 Things Clients Can Expect from F.H. Cann and Associates Inc.’s Customer Service

Having a call center is crucial for nearly every business in today’s climate. Customers need to be able to reach you around the clock, and at the same time, you want to make sure the people who are answering the phone are experts in their field. There’s also one thing that’s non-negotiable: excellent customer service. The team behind FH Cann and Associates knows this all too well. As a leading provider of call center solutions, solutions for other customer service projects, and revenue recovery efforts, customer service is one of their top priorities across the board. Here are five things clients can expect from FH Cann and Associates Customer Service.

  1. Experts who know the ins and outs of different industries

When providing call center solutions, solutions for other customer service projects, and revenue recovery efforts, its crucial that the business you’re working with understands the nuances of different industries. This is vital in order to provide excellent customer service. FH Cann & Associates serves plenty of different industries, including education. government, financial institutions, commercial loan resolutions, medical organizations, and utility companies. Because they’re experts at dealing in these industries, they can provide top-notch customer service, because they’re familiar with the particulars firsthand.

2. Engaged employees

Employees are highly valued at FH Cann and Associates, and that internal appreciate leads to employees who are highly engaged in their work. We’ve all been on the receiving end of a call center phone call, where the employee is inexperienced, disinterested, and simply not engaged. This is not the case with FH Cann and Associates.

3. Highly skilled employees

Dovetailing off of the engagement of the employees, another factor that leads to FH Cann & Associates providing excellent customer service is the training and skill level of their employees. For example, FH Cann and Associates is known for going above industry standards when it comes to compliance and quality control. The company uses state of the art technology to ensure all employees read and sign-off on the latest training materials, which includes certificates on Security Awareness Training and Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. This leads to employees who are experts in their fields, and who can provide the highest quality of customer service.

4. Smooth technological sailing

When you’re looking for call enter solutions, solutions for other customer service projects, and revenue recovery efforts, your provider needs to have excellent technological infrastructure in place. FH Cann and Associates continuously reinvests in its own technologies, to make sure there are as few hiccups as humanly possible. FH Cann and Associates advanced infrastructure makes it so that they can easily tackle some of the most complex cases that come their way, and provide excellent customer support while doing so.

5. Safety and security

When you’re trusting an outside organization to handle your most sensitive affairs, it’s crucial that they handle your information safely and protect it at all costs. FH Cann and Associates is well aware of potential cyber threats, and is vigilant about protecting consumer data. They use the best practices in the industry, in conjunction with state-of-the art security products, in order to insure data is protected. Customers can rest easy knowing their information is safe and secure.

About FH Cann and Associates Inc.

FH Cann and Associates Inc. is a leading provider of call center solutions, solutions for other customer service projects, and revenue recovery efforts for customers in a wide variety of industries. They are comfortable handling even the most complex cases. To learn more about FH Cann and Associates Inc., you can follow them on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook.

 

5 Simple ways to prepare your pipes for winter

Plumbing and drain problems experienced at any time disturbs so much. Plumbing sewer professionals can help to locate the exact location of the fault. They are professionals, and they ensure safety during repairmen process to prevent damage to the property. Professional plumbers also provide that the work is useful, done to avoid disruption. Tinley Park Plumbing are licensed plumbers who respond to plumbing service needs. They are friendly and helpful. Tinley Park Plumbing provides residential plumbing services.

Water usually expands when it freezes, and this poses a great disaster to plumbing. The pipes which are frozen may crack hence spilling the water. Opening the cabinet doors allows the warm air to circulate the pipes. The pipes behind the closed doors are susceptible to plumbing issues. The reason is that the warm air cannot reach them. The freezing of pipes’ prevention is by preparing early before the winter season. Preparation for freezing temperatures is known as the winterizing of plumbing pipes. This process prevents the pipes from bursting, and repair of the pipes to avoid other expenses. Ways to winterize plumbing include:

  • Insulation of the Pipes

Insulation of the pipes is known to prevent the warm air from getting into the pipes when they are are not connected with the heat cables. The pipes that are not heated areas are vulnerable to temperatures that are freezing. Pipe insulations succeeded by using the heat cables used along the pipes, and they are covered. The insulation may not tolerate cold temperatures for a long term period.

  • Shut off Outdoor Faucets

Faucets should be turned off from the shutoff controller. You should open the outdoor faucets so that it may allow surplus water to run out. Allowing the excess water to be drained prevents the pipes from freezing and cracking. The bucket under the bleeder helps to catch the water that is dripping. It water continues to drip, then then the shutoff valve will have to be replaced.

  • Inspect the Furnace or HVAC unit

The furnace may go out when winter is almost over hence affecting the pipes because of the freezing temperatures. The problem may not be solved until the repair is over. Checking the heating system helps to confirm if it works suitably before the winter season reaches. In the case of spontaneous cold, the temperature should be kept stable. During extreme weather, bypassing the thermostat program is avoided, especially during the cold, and the temperature should be in a steady condition.

  • Run Water

Running the water through the faucets prevents the freezing of the pipes. The pipes are protected from the cracking when the water drip slowly since the pressure in it is helpful. Leaving some water to drip is cheaper compared to the cost of repairing the pipes. Running water, especially when you are around, is useful. If you are not around, then you can turn off the water at the main shutoff. If the frozen pipes have cracked, they will not get damaged in a more significant way.

  • Inspect the Exterior

The pipe inspection helps to determine the signs that may bring the fault. These signs may include water backed up on the drains, drain blockages, and bubbling noise in drains, toilets, and sinks. You may check the visible cracks and wrap them. The pipes may freeze if in case the cold air oozes through the cracks. You can seal to fill the cracks and protect the pipes from being damaged further. Tinley Park Plumbing offers the best service when it comes to plumbing. Keeping the pipes from the harsh temperatures during the winter is better than repairing the same pipes.

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.

What Is Die Casting? This Is What You Need to Know

Die casting. We’ve all heard of the term being used to describe an item of ours at some point in time. Whether it was a toy, an ornament, or even an everyday tool, we’ve all owned and used die casted materials and will continue to do so as the method becomes more popular every day.

It’s pretty ironic, then, that something as well-used as die casting is still so unfamiliar to most of us, especially considering how long the die casting process has been around. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably wondering yourself what the whole process is even about.

So what is die casting, exactly? This article touches on what you want to know about this incredibly important technique. Keep reading to find out more about it!

What is Die Casting?

Before the die casting process was invented, mechanics and other craftsmen (and women) were living in a dark age. There were no molds to go by, and no dimensions to follow; basically, everything had to be custom made to order. From a consumer’s stance, having custom -made items sounds like a really cool idea, but from the crafter’s standpoint, they have to make every single item from scratch every single time.

This was further made problematic by the fact that many of the items being crafted were the same or very similar items, resulting in the craftsmen spending multiple projects making the same exact parts, often for the same exact customers. Clearly, progress was moving at a grossly slow pace, and something needed to be done about it.

Enter die casting. With the die casting process, craftsmen can create the components they need using the same materials they’ve always used, but they have much more control over the entire process from start to finish. They can also create the needed piece to its exact dimensions every time they make it, and they can create it in a fraction of the time it once took. Clearly, there was no going back.

How Does It Work?

Depending on the application, the casting process can vary in certain ways, but the general process remains the same. The first step would be to acquire a die casting mold. Before the actual casting process can take place, you will need a die cast housing component to place the material into so that you can form it into the shape you want.

Afterward, you would need to pour the desired material into the cast for it to begin molding into its proper shape. There are various metals used in die casting, and many of them tend to be affordable and easy to work with once the proper amount of heat is applied.

Finally, leave the metal to harden inside of the cast for a period of time before you remove the die casting mold from around the metalwork. Congrats, you’ve just created something using the die casting process – and best of all, you get to reuse the cast to create even more!

Do We’ve Got News for You

You read up on the die casting process, and now you’re quite an expert on the details. Our site has plenty more information to offer you on a wide variety of topics, so make sure you take a look around and see what you find. There’s something for everyone here!

Hit And Injured By A Drunk Driver? Here’s What You Should Do

Drunk driving is one of the highest causes of accidents worldwide. For instance in the US alone, drunk drivers have caused damages worth more than 40 billion dollars each year. Victims of drunk driving accidents must be compensated for their losses and suffering. Attorneys usually present such cases to ensure injured victims win in any drunk driving case. This helps injured victims to recover with peace of mind while receiving the financial support they are entitled to.

Here is what to do when you get injured by a drunk driver

  • Call for help before you move. If you have suffered minor injuries, remain at the scene of the crime until 911 arrives. This is the first step to strengthen your case in addition to a filed police report.
  • Capture all relevant pictures. Pictures are the best evidence that shows what happened in the accident. If you have the opportunity, take a photo of every detail of the accident scene to strengthen your case. This includes images of the vehicle, injuries, and the scene of the accident. You will be able to produce helpful information that will tell the factors that led to the accident. The extent of collision will be seen in photos, thus knowing where the impact came from. Videos are also a piece of strong evidence to identify the at-fault party’s negligence.
  • Collect witness details. If you are strong and can speak, take witnesses’ contact details like addresses, phone number, and more. Such information will assist police officers to record witness statements. Gathering every relevant information at the accident scene strengthens the police report regarding what happened. It also strengthens your case if you involve a lawyer.

Next step after an accident

The first thing is to ensure you are out of danger after an accident. All your injuries must be treated and given time to heal. This will ensure you are out of danger. However, get all records of medical procedures and treatment given to you. Also, contact your insurance company, this is a responsibility for all drivers regarding the accident. Your agent must know what transpired to give you coverage of your situation. Also, get in touch with the other driver’s insurance provider to ensure they know the accident’s happenings. This will prevent them from denying coverage when needed.

Drunk driving accident claim

There is nothing you can benefit more from than hiring a drunk driving lawyer. It will ease the stress of chasing things by yourself or being taken advantage of. For instance, at-fault’s driver insurance company may settle you in a rush to avoid court cases that will ensure you get full compensation. They will give you a fraction of what you deserve. This is why you may need to hire an attorney to carry out the whole process to ensure you get what you rightfully deserve.

Benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer

An attorney assures you of winning the case and getting what you rightfully deserve provided your evidence is heavy. You will have peace of mind knowing that a professional is handling your case. The lawyer will ensure your case is correctly filed, include additional details and a more thorough investigation, and so on.

Conclusion

Drunk driving results in many injuries, loss of life, and property every year. Such accidents can be avoided if only drivers are keen and sober on the road. A personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA handles accident cases caused by drunk driving cases and helps victims get their full compensation. The experience the lawyers have in areas like car accidents gives them an upper hand in handling such cases. Most lawyers do not charge a consultation fee if you need more information regarding your case.

5 Cost-Reduction Strategies for Large Companies That Actually Work

cut paper with word cost by scissors

Even with more than 3 million people filing for unemployment recently, companies are still having to make budget cuts.

With fewer people working and the economy slowing down, you may be experiencing a slower season than normal.

If your business is struggling because of cutbacks, but you want to stay open, there are several solutions that you can try.

Continue reading to discover some of the best cost-cutting ideas for large companies that will make a difference!

1. Get Rid of Money Spenders

Do you have business expenses that are small and not necessarily needed?

By reviewing your books you can see what you spend money on for the business. Chances are, you likely have some expenses that you can reduce or get rid of completely. Sit down with your accounting team to figure out what you can get rid of, even if it is just pizza or bagel days throughout the week.

2. Limit Overtime Hours

Overtime hours and holiday pay can quickly add up for employees, which is nice, but can also take a big hit on your business account.

Limiting overtime is an excellent cost-cutting idea that can help save money. Try to talk to your employees and explain to them that they are limited to a certain amount of overtime or if they can no longer work overtime hours.

Standard pay is much easier to manage!

3. Market Wisely

There are many ways to market a business without spending thousands of dollars on a billboard or commercial.

By creating social media accounts for your business, you can advertise for free, or very little money, online. Another cheaper marketing idea is to put your information in a local newspaper, this is great exposure to many people.

Another way that you can get more attention is by attending events that support local businesses.

4. Outsource Employees

One of the best cost-cutting ideas for large companies to try is to outsource some of the jobs.

For example, payroll outsourcing can reduce the number of hours and employees you need to get the job done. Outsourcing jobs can help take the pressure off of your employees too so that everyone can have manageable workloads.

5. Go Green

An increasingly popular trend that the business world is taking part in is going green.

Not only does going green mean that you are doing your part in saving the planet, but it also cuts costs at work! By getting rid of paper products and using the internet you don’t have to spend money on paper, shredders, and other office supplies.

Even if you aren’t able to go fully green, every little bit helps!

Try These Cost-Cutting Ideas for Large Companies

Businesses have enough obstacles to tackle on a normal day, but with COVID and a slowing economy, the obstacles are getting more difficult.

By utilizing these cost-cutting ideas for large companies, you can save some revenue and keep the business afloat. You must take measures before business slows down too much, otherwise, more cutbacks may need to be made.

Although it seems like there is no way out, there are many resources and types of assistance that you can receive.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about running a business successfully and keeping your employees happy!

What Happens When an Independent Contractor Gets Hurt on the Job?

Has an independent contractor been injured while on the job at your business? More than 15.5 million workers in the United States are independent contractors.

An independent contractor can have many different benefits to your company. There is a risk if they suffer an injury while in their work capacity for your business.

Read on to learn the answer to the question, ‘Are independent contractors covered by workers’ compensation?’

Independent Contractors vs. Employees

An independent contractor is different from an employee under the laws of your state. They are also treated differently under the federal tax code in the United States.

Business owners don’t pay social security or employment taxes for independent contractors. Instead, you compensate them with an hourly rate of pay. At the end of the year, an independent contractor must use Form 1099 to file their taxes.

Employees of a company often have health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. Independent contractors don’t have that same luxury. They are on their own for insurance and are responsible for their own taxes.

This limitation on benefits for independent contractors includes a lack of insurance coverage.

Workers’ Compensation and Independent Contractors

Business owners in any industry must be familiar with workers’ compensation. That’s because you need to be sure you have the insurance coverage to protect your investment.

Companies have workers’ compensation insurance to cover them from unexpected injuries to employees. This insurance can cover employees’ medical expenses. It may also pay for lost work time as a result of the injury on the job.

For example, let’s say you own a roofing company with employees. One day on the job one of your employees falls off a ladder and injures their back. As a result of this injury, they have medical treatment from a doctor and miss three months of work.

You may need to make a claim under your workers’ compensation insurance to pay for these costs. Since independent contractors are not employees though, they aren’t covered under these plans.

Insurance Coverage for Independent Contractor Injuries

Although an independent contractor is not covered under workers’ compensation, they can still sue you after an injury.

In the example above, you may be at risk of a lawsuit from that independent contractor. For example, the independent contractor may allege you were negligent in operating your company. He may also claim that his injuries are a result of your negligence.

You should have commercial liability insurance coverage for contractors. That way you have the coverage you need if an incident arises in your business.

Wrapping Up: Are Independent Contractors Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

When asking, ‘Are independent contractors covered by workers’ compensation?’ the short answer is that they aren’t.

Despite this lack of coverage under that form of insurance, it shouldn’t discourage you from utilizing the services of independent contractors at your business. Just be sure that you speak with an insurance agent or other professional about how to best protect your company.

Check out our blog post section for other great tips and tricks to help you operate a safer and more efficient business!

What is Social Proofing? A Beginner’s Guide

Your business marketing strategy is not drawing in as many customers as you would like, but you’re not sure what to do.

What if you knew that taking advantage of a phenomenon called social proofing could elevate your business?

But, what even is social proof?

In short, it is the psychological principle that validates products, services, and businesses through widespread or authoritative social approval. This social proof definition is not a new concept, but it has reached a new level of relevancy in a world surrounded by social media.

It’s time to get your business on board. Read on to learn all the basics to take advantage of social proofing and market your business on a new level.

Social Proof Examples for Beginners

You’d be surprised how often you pass by examples of social proof in your everyday life.

Social proofing promotes a group mentality, so if the people you follow or surround yourself with like it, you are more apt to like it too.

You can see it in trends like TikTok dances, matcha lattes, and high-waisted jeans. You learn to like these things because you have seen other people liking them, and it persuades you to try it out as well.

Where Do You See Social Proofing

Social proofing is reaching new heights in marketing, thanks primarily to social media. When wondering how to promote your own business through social media, consider these options.

Reviews

Reviews are the old-fashioned and simple way to build social proof. Encouraging past clients and customers to write positive reviews will increase your average ratings on review sites.

Reviews are what people will refer to when deciding what plumbing service to use, which restaurant to go to, or what kind of skateboard to buy. It is the easiest way to bring traffic to your site through former customers.

Social Media Influencers

This is where social proofing on social media has really taken off. People who run accounts with large followings can make a living off connecting with a mass of followers from around the world.

Through these connections, social media influencers have developed a bond of trust with their followers. And their followers look up to them for advice, support, and entertainment.

So when influencers create sponsored posts for a business or product, they are acting as an authoritative reference on that product or service.

Their followers see the sponsored post and will support that company or service, simply because they trust that the person they’re following is an inherently good source.

Follower Count

For your business’ social media accounts, something as simple as advertising how many customers you’ve served will help build trust with future customers.

This is also called magnetic marketing. By showing how many people rely on and trust your services, your business becomes more attractive to new customers.

Even simple interactions, like responding to customer comments on social media can improve the perception of your reliability as a business.

How to Include Social Proofing in Marketing

The powers of social proofing can be subtle, but they are crucial to your business marketing strategy. By taking advantage of the flexibility and expansiveness of social media, your business can find the spotlight.

Discover the best way for your business to use social proofing, and enjoy the influx of new clients eager to give your business a try.

11 Things to Do in Upstate New York on Your Next Trip

Did you know that more than 60% of people say they work while on vacation? About 20 years ago the average vacation time was three weeks and now it has been cut down a week.

Vacationing has many great benefits, especially for your mental well being. Surveys of recent travelers indicated that an overwhelming majority, 94%, had more energy after their vacation.

Time away from home can reduce stress, increase happiness, and increase productivity. So think about taking a vacation to a place like upstate New York to give yourself a break. Keep reading for a list of things to do in upstate New York to make sure you have fun and enjoy the time away from work.

1. Check Out a Cool Museum

This museum is definitely for the knowledge nerds. If you love learning and visiting museums while on vacation then you have to check out one of the many unique and historic museums in upstate New York. There are all kinds of places for every interest you can think of.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a must-have for sports fans. This museum is full of information about the history of baseball and the most famous ballparks in the country. It also features hundreds of plaques for some of the sport’s most talented players.

The Strong National Museum of Play is another great place to visit. This museum explores all things play and why it’s been such an integral part of all of our lives. You’ll find some unique exhibits on everything from video games to dolls.

2. Tour a Winery

If you’re feeling a bit fancy, or if you’re just a wine lover, touring a winery is a great option while visiting upstate New York. The best suggestion we can give is to check out Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville.

This isn’t just one of the most beautiful wineries in the state but it’s also the oldest winery in the country. There are many activities to partake in while on your visit there, like dining and shopping.

An activity you must partake in, however, is checking out the largest underground wine cellar in the country, it’s one of the best parts of the tour. You’ll learn a bit of history while also enjoying some incredible wine.

3. Do Some Winter Sports

This activity is, of course, only available if you’re taking your vacation to New York during the winter holiday season. There are lots of great ski resorts in upstate New York, you can make it a day trip or spend an entire weekend there.

This popular sport is available all around upstate New York. One great option is Windham Mountain. This is a great choice because it’ll be fun for the whole family.

Windham offers classes for beginners and is determined to provide you with the most fun experience no matter how much or how little skiing you’ve done before. This is a fun activity to do while on vacation, you’ll also get to see some beautiful views of the mountains.

4. Have Fun at an Amusement Park

What better way to let out your inner kid when visiting New York than by going to an amusement park? This is also a great family outing. With a water park and tons of rides, everyone can find something they’ll enjoy.

You can’t forget about indulging in some of your favorite carnival food, you’re on vacation! Funnel cakes, corn dogs, you name it.

Which park do we suggest? Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester, New York. You’re guaranteed to have a great day.

Another plus is the beautiful view of Lake Ontario. You just can’t beat the fun you’ll have here.

5. Revisit a Part of History

Can you imagine going back in time to the Roaring Twenties? A time of dancing, drinking, and having a good time.

You can imagine what it was like if you visit Speakeasy 518 in Albany, New York. Speakeasies were hidden clubs where people could go to drink and have a good time when consuming alcohol was against the law.

This speakeasy is underground and it’s a neat place to go get some great food, have a couple of drinks, and do some dancing. If you want to know what another time period in history was like, we recommend Speakeasy 518.

6. Try Hiking Some Beautiful Trails

If you don’t want to spend your vacation being lazy and want to see some spectacular views, head out on some of the best hiking trails in the state.

If you’re an avid hiker and a pro, you’ll be excited to hear that there are tons of mountains in upstate New York that’ll present a great challenge. If you don’t have as much experience with hiking, there are less intimating options for you to choose from.

Prospect Mountain is a beautiful and serene trail where you’ll witness some breathtaking views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. If you’re visiting New York during the fall, going to see the trees is a must.

7. Visit a Waterfall

If you’ve never seen a waterfall in person before, we suggest adding it to your list of places to see. The best place to see a waterfall in New York? There’s nothing quite like  Niagara Falls.

You’ll not only get to see one of the most beautiful marvels of nature but Niagara Falls State Park offers many different experiences you’ll want to take a part of. Check out the Cave of the Winds to witness the Falls from up close and personal. There are also many hiking trails to try out.

There’s also an aquarium for those lovers of ocean life. The Maid of the Mist takes you through the powerful waterfall, an experience you don’t want to miss out on.

8. Do Some Apple Picking in the Fall

This is an activity the kids will love! Apple picking is one of the most popular things to do in upstate New York. Getting the opportunity to visit some beautiful apple orchards if you’re visiting in the fall is something you’ll enjoy.

The changing fall colors are a beautiful site to see while your family is out apple picking. Picking some apples that you can then use to bake a delicious apple pie, together as a family, is a great activity to do while in New York.

9. See the Beautiful Lake Placid

Lake Placid in upstate New York is the perfect place to take your next trip. This beautiful town has all kinds of natural landscapes for all to enjoy. Here you’ll witness beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountains.

There are also so many great activities no matter the season. If you’ll be visiting in the summer you can kayak, hike, fish, rock climb, among other things. Some winter activities include dog sled rides, ice skating, and snowboarding.

Check out this cabin and vacation rentals guide to learn everything you need in order to plan your next trip to the beautiful Lake Placid.

10. Take Your Kids to the North Pole

Did you know that you can go to the North Pole while in upstate New York? If you’re looking for some fun things to do while in New York, this is a great choice for the entire family.

You can’t end your holiday vacation without taking a visit to the home of Santa and Mrs. Claus. This theme park has everything a kid would want to see from Santa’s House to the Reindeer Barn and the Toy Shop.

There are also lots of great Christmas themed rides and shows to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

11. Spend Some Time in Nature

While many of the activities on this list include things you can do outdoors, fully immersing yourself in nature can be a great way to spend your next vacation. Spending your time in nature can help reduce the stress you’ve been feeling from your hectic schedule, that’s why you might’ve taken a trip in the first place.

Spending time in nature can also make you happier in general. So on your next vacation, take a camping trip. This is a common activity in upstate New York.

There are lots of great places to camp upstate, one of the best is Moreau State Park. You can spend your day doing lots of fun outdoor activities like swimming or hiking.

Things to Do in Upstate New York You Should Try

If you’re planning on taking a vacation, upstate New York is a great option. The list above includes things to do in upstate New York that’ll be fun for everyone in the family.

Make sure you check out some of our other blogs to learn more about other great locations.

9 Tips for Proper Roof Maintenance: A Guide for Homeowners

Are you a little rusty on what’s included in roof maintenance? Most people take their roofs for granted until something goes wrong. Being proactive with roof care can stop leaks and damage before they happen.

While roof repairs and roof installation are often best left to the professionals, homeowners can tackle some basic roof maintenance to prevent problems. Taking care of your roof can help you squeeze more life out of your shingles.

Keep reading to learn roofing tips for maintaining your shingles.

1. Inspect Your Roof

Check on your roof regularly from above and underneath to make sure everything looks good. Weather elements can damage roofing even if you haven’t experienced a severe storm recently. Heat and humidity in the summer and ice dams in the winter can cause problems.

Taking pictures of your roof each time you inspect it can help you notice small differences. It serves as a record of your roof’s aging process and makes it easier to spot the changes.

Signs of damage on shingles include:

  • Curling
  • Cracking
  • Missing shingles
  • Discoloration
  • Missing granules or lots of granules in gutters
  • Sagging
  • Moss growth

If you notice any signs of an issue, dig a little deeper to see how extensive the problem is. You might need to address the root issue rather than just replacing the missing shingles.

It’s also a good idea to go into your attic and look at the under side of the roof. Look for water stains, rotting, holes, and other signs of damage.

2. Clean Your Gutters

Part of regular maintenance is cleaning out your gutters at least twice per year or more often if you have lots of trees. Regular gutter cleaning keeps the water flowing, which protects your home in many ways.

One way is to protect your roof from water damage. If the gutters aren’t working properly, the water running off your roof doesn’t have anywhere to go. It can cause water to pool or back up on the roof.

When leaves and twigs clog your gutters, the water overflows. The water can flow up onto the roof and under your shingles, where it can cause leaks, rotting, and mold.

3. Clean Your Roof

Your roof also needs regular cleaning. Since it’s the highest point on your home, your roof is often the place where debris collects. Leaves and twigs are common on rooftops.

Remove those items from the roof to prevent rotting and damage. Having a clean roof also lets water flow quickly off of the roof instead of pooling around the debris. Hosing off small debris and dirt can also leave your roof clean and in better condition.

4. Remove Branches

Large trees add curb appeal and provide shade, but they can also cause damage to your roof. Branches that overhang your roof can ruin your shingles.

If the branches are close enough to touch the shingles, they can scratch them and rub off the granules. Even if the branches don’t touch the roof normally, they can cause damage in high winds when they blow around. In major storms, branches can break off the trees and smash into the roof, damaging the material and potentially breaking through the roof.

Keep the branches trimmed around your roof. Consider which branches might fall onto the roof or come into contact with the roof in a strong wind. For large trees, hiring a tree trimming company can make the job safer.

5. Repair Issues

Letting even small roofing issues go unfixed can lead to much bigger problems. A minor leak can quickly turn into a major leak that rots your roof and drips into your ceiling and walls, causing extensive damage that goes beyond your roof. As soon as you notice something is wrong with your roof, take care of it immediately.

Some homeowners feel comfortable tackling small roofing repairs on their own. Hiring a professional roofing company ensures the job gets done correctly. Professional roofers have the safety equipment and tools to do the job correctly and safely.

6. Have a Professional Roof Inspection

You can spot obvious signs of roof damage yourself, but you might miss some minor issues. Finding those problems early is key to avoiding the need to replace your roof prematurely.

A professional conducting a correct inspection can spot problems early before they lead to severe leaks and damage. Professional roofing companies know what is normal and what is a red flag. They can provide recommendations for addressing the issues now before they get worse.

7. Seal Around Vents and Pipes

Even if your shingles are in perfect condition, your roof could still let in moisture around vents, pipes, and other structures that require openings in the roof. Check those areas regularly to make sure they’re still well-sealed. If you notice gaps around those structures, seal or caulk around them to keep moisture and pests out of your attic.

Your chimney is another area that can cause roof problems. Look for cracks, missing bricks, and other damage that can cause issues. If the chimney isn’t structurally sound, it could collapse and cause severe damage to the roof.

8. Insulate Your Attic

Insulation can help regulate the temperature in your attic, which can protect your roof from damage. It helps keep your home’s heat in your home so it doesn’t heat up the roof and cause issues.

Ice dams often happen in poorly insulated homes in cold climates. The heat from your house melts snow and ice against the shingles, which can refreeze, forming the ice dam. It can damage shingles and cause leaks into your home.

9. Improve Ventilation

Proper ventilation in your attic and throughout your home helps the house and roof breathe. Ventilation airs out the house and reduces the risk of roof damage. It also helps control the temperature below the roof.

If your home isn’t ventilated, heat and moisture can build up underneath your roof. That can result in rotting and buckling that can destroy your roof and result in expensive repairs.

Start Roof Maintenance Now

With regular roof maintenance, you can extend the life of your shingles and save money. Maintenance helps prevent damaging leaks and other issues with your roof to protect the inside of your home.

For more help, head over to our home archives for more useful articles.

Newsletter

Facebook

Action Life Blog