What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation And Does Your Home Need It?

Sydney Cobbs

When your house rests over a crawl space, it becomes the home of many pests and insects. Crawl space encapsulation can create a clean, dry area free from pests and mold that affect the air in your house.

What Are The Benefits Of Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation controls the airflow and humidity. When the moisture is high, mold grows. Humidity that is too high can cause damage to the wood under and around your house.

When you seal the area under your house, it will reduce water seepage, which causes mold to grow on surfaces.

It helps to eliminate water condensation. In the summer, warm, moist air blows through traditional crawling spaces and encounters cold drains. Condensation occurs and drips onto the floor, forming a puddle. This moisture dramatically increases the humidity and fuels the growth of mold.

Up to half of the air in the house comes from the crawl space.  Encapsulation will improve the health of the air. 

Due to the low humidity and accessibility, insects, termites, and rodents are less of a problem. A monitor in the crawl space also helps homeowners know precisely how high the humidity is and what they can do in case it is too high. 

Why do you have a Crawl Space?

Crawl spaces were built to buffer the house and the damp, wet earth below. This seemed to make sense, especially since they were also a convenient place to put utility cables and ductwork used to circulate air throughout the house.

Instead of serving as a buffer, crawl spaces actually collect water and create humid air. This humid environment introduces a number of problems, including mold and mildew, musty odors, and moist sills and framing that can lead to structural damage and pest infestations.

In recent years, the ability to track a home’s heating and cooling efficiency and air quality have shed light on the need for crawl space encapsulation. 

Open crawl spaces will need to be inspected by a technician to see if encapsulation will help you.

How Encapsulation Works

First, you must clean the area very well. Cleaning involves sweeping the space out, removing debris and any pests. During cleaning, the technical can use pest deterrent methods to help with any issues.

Next, you must attach the moisture barrier evenly on the floor joists to the foundations using a seal tape. You may need to install a dehumidifier to help remove any moisture that is already there. A remote humidity monitor will help you keep track of conditions in the crawl space. 

Who Should Encapsulate?

Although anyone with a crawl space can encapsulate, people living in humid and wet areas will benefit the most. Due to high humidity and moisture levels, mildew and mold multiply in dark crawl spaces.

Whenever you notice any signs of mold in or around your home, call an expert to remove the mold and have your crawl space encapsulated. If you live with someone susceptible to allergies, protect their health and encapsulate the house. Health is more important than the price you will pay for encapsulating.

How to Find the Right Lawyer for You and Your Business

Sydney Cobbs

Business owners hire an attorney for different reasons, such as licenses or litigation. An excellent attorney works closely with companies, regardless of the situation. Finding the right business lawyer can be challenging, especially for new entrepreneurs. Capable attorneys bring valuable skills and experience needed to help you be successful in your business.

5 Ways to Find a Suitable Business Lawyer

Enterprises have different needs that require the help of an attorney. Some might be trying to merge or acquire new businesses, and others need a lawyer to guide them through business succession and offshore services.

Choosing an attorney requires deliberation and a plan before settling for one. Here are five ways to find a suitable business lawyer.

1.    Experience Matters

Business owners should consider experience when looking for a business attorney. During the initial consultation, it might be helpful to know how long the lawyer has been working. Entrepreneurs can also inquire if the legal expert has handled similar cases before.

Start-ups might want to work with an attorney who can negotiate contracts and choose the proper business structure. An experienced lawyer can speed up legal issues for the business to start operating within a short time.

2.    Mode of Communication

Lawyers have different communication preferences. Some would prefer to meet their clients in person, and other attorneys email or text clients based on their schedules. Businesses should know who within the law firm will be their primary contact.

An excellent legal counsel should discuss a convenient mode of communication with a client. Availability shows an attorney is responsible and reliable, and businesses deserve timely updates about their cases.

3.    Fees Structure

Enterprises should pick lawyers with a pocket-friendly fee structure that aligns with the business’ budget. Business attorneys need to talk about their hourly rates and mode of payment from the start. If it is a fixed amount, a client should have all the details before closing the deal.

The arrangement could also be a contingent fee, retainer agreement, or equity in a business. Charges will depend on the case at hand and the attorney’s experience. A trusted attorney explains to a client all the general expenses at the initial consult to prevent surprises.

4.    Resources are Crucial

A lawyer who can bring additional resources to the table is beneficial. Businesses with special needs can take advantage of a legal firm’s strategic partners and trade associations. Aspiring entrepreneurs can meet potential customers if the law firm hosts webinars.

Some lawyers might be willing to introduce current clients to their past clients. As a result, businesses in different niches can network and help each other grow.

5.    Recommendations

Business owners can seek the right lawyer among friends, family, or other entrepreneurs. Legal counsel in other fields might be able to help in the search. Trustworthy lawyers come from personal references. 

After finding three or four attorneys, it might be beneficial to research them. Reviews, practice areas, and testimonials can provide helpful information.

Companies can also choose a lawyer based on their locations for convenience. Small enterprises, start-ups, and multinational corporations in White Plains, NY, and throughout Westchester county that need a business lawyer can rely on Khader Law for legal help.

Ready To Start Your Website? Be Sure To Include These Must-Have Pages

travis

Business websites begin with a few basic pages and keep growing as the development and marketing teams add more information. An HVAC web design should feature various must-have pages, namely, landing pages, contact, about us and services.

Without these sections, your website will not provide enough information to potential targets visiting your site.

5 Must-Have Pages for HVAC Web Design

Each HVAC business is unique, and pages will vary depending on what your company offers. Web developers should customize the interface to fit the HVAC business, services, brand vision and objectives. Here are five pages to include for an HVAC business website.

1.    Home Page

The homepage is usually the first stop for website visitors and should be informative enough to keep them browsing. An HVAC site should feature a simple, user-friendly page that helps visitors know what HVAC services are offered. It should have the following information:

•    High-quality logo to represent the brand•    High-quality and relevant pictures related to HVAC services•    Contact information of the company•    Working features, forms, widgets and CTAs

An HVAC website homepage controls the first impression and should feature as much information as possible about the products and services offered. This page characterizes a sleek navigation menu and inbound links. 

2.    About Page

The About or About Us page is inseparable from small business websites as it provides a space to connect emotionally with the customers. Businesses use this section to tell a story and describe the journey, services, and value. A typical About US page includes the following: 

•    HVAC business background•    Business ownership information (family-owned, franchise)•    Employee information, including experience and skills•    Call to Action leading to another page on the website

An About us page is a special section where the company can describe its vision, mission, experience, and assurances. Website visitors wishing to know more about the business and its owners will land here to learn about the company. 

3.    Service Page

The service page describes all HVAC services the business offers. Heating and cooling companies should break down the services into specific categories.The site can feature pages describing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, installations, repairs, replacements, and maintenance. 

Having more service and product pages is more effective than listing everything on one page.

4.    Blog Page

Blog posts are informational and vital parts of modern business websites. Post consistently with educational material while incorporating CTAs to capture leads. 

Such pages furnish potential clients with varied info about products and services to help them make informed purchases of HVAC services. 

An HVAC website can blog about AC and furnace installations, repairs, warning signs, purchasing considerations, product comparisons, popular issues, and more. The blog page may also feature business news and updates.

5.    Contact Page

HVAC customers might want to contact the support team for specific issues or general inquiries. A contact page features all communication channels available for use by the firm. Popular contact information for HVAC sites include:

•    Business telephone number•    Valid email address•    On-site contact form•    Live Chat service•    Business FAQs•    Social media links 

Dependable Business Web Design and Marketing 

HVAC contractors should outsource web development to reputable designers like Patriots FBS and online marketers who know what’s required to provide a high-performing website. Each page needs to be designed for users and search engines to drive visitors to your site and convert them into customers.

6 Ways to Update your Onsite Content in 2021

Mary Peterson

The challenges faced during 2020 taught consumers and businesses alike the value of e-commerce. One of the most effective ways to help your business flourish in the post-pandemic economy of 2021 and beyond is to focus on digital advertising. If it’s been a while since you seriously assessed your content, now is the time.

Top Strategies to Improve your Digital Advertising

Does your brand need a refresh in 2021? While an extreme change in branding can be confusing to existing customers, your website may benefit from some updating. Clever logos and trendy color palettes are only a small part of what makes a brand stand out above the rest. Your time and advertising budget is better spent on improving the customer user experience.

It’s difficult to be objective, but try to look at your website from the perspective of a first-time visitor and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is my technology up-to-date?

Every layer of your technology should be updated and monitored to ensure your website runs optimally and remains secure for you and your customers. The cost of cyberattacks could ruin your business. Keep security software updated and perform regular checks.

2. Does my content apply SEO best practices?

Too many websites fail to rank in searches because they don’t take advantage of basic SEO. Simple things like using commonly searched keywords, adding alt tags, meta tags, and title tags can make a huge difference. And while you’re at it, make sure your content is free of errors and scores high in readability—shoot for an 8th-grade reading level.

3. Is my website ADA accessible?

You may think the answer is automatically yes, but are you sure? Some people with disabilities use the web differently than others. Limiting your site’s accessibility can not only cost you sales but could make you vulnerable to a lawsuit. You can learn more about web accessibility here.

4. Is my website mobile-friendly?

It’s no surprise that “doom scrolling” became a thing in 2020. Americans have grown to love our mobile lifestyles more than ever. If your business doesn’t already have an app, check into a progressive web application or PWA. A PWA is a website that looks and responds like an app but costs less to build.

5. Am I making the most of social media?

Americans spend hours every day interacting with social media. Decisions to visit a website or buy a product are heavily influenced by social media. Being active on all social media is probably the easiest and least expensive way to improve your digital advertising. Start by adding a “share” button to your content.

6. Are the images on my site interesting and up-to-date?

Images are a great way to get attention and encourage visitors to share the content on your site. When possible, use stock images or hire a professional photographer for product photos. Low-quality photos make a site look untrustworthy. Check the images on older blogs and other older content. Images that may have been fine when first used can become tired or even offensive over time.

Just as regular cleaning and rearranging are needed in a brick and mortar store, the content in your e-commerce store needs regular refreshing too. Get ready for record-breaking sales in 2021 by upgrading your digital advertising with these suggestions.

What You Will Need To Tell The Supplier When Ordering Film Cores

Sydney Cobbs

Are you a B2B business looking to order film cores from paper core manufacturers? Film cores help you manage the pressures of winding, unwinding, handling, and storing different film types. As you contact your supplier, think about your needs and how certain film cores can help you meet them.

As they say at Crescent Paper Tube, “Go with film cores that are durable and meet your exact specifications. This helps enhance your packaging process and makes your business more productive overall.” 

Today, we’ll discuss a few things you need to tell the supplier when ordering film cores. This ensures you’re getting exactly what you want when it comes to film core material.

Choose The Right Type Of Film Core

Film cores come in many shapes and materials. They can be made of cardboard, plastic, glazed cardboard, or customized. As for film core shapes, they can be circular like you would find when storing movie reels. Other film core types are tube-shaped, as seen with artworks that go through the mail. 

When choosing film cores, make sure that they’re the best fit for your industry. Whether you work in a medical lab or the ag sector, you’ll want to have cores that contain the right material. This will help you best meet the exact needs of your industry work. Also, keep the desires of your customers in mind. This gives you a better idea of which film cores you should use for your products.

Whatever your choice, tell your supplier what you want in terms of film core shape and material.

Make Sure The Film Core Diameter Is the Right Size

There are two things to keep in mind as you choose the right diameter for your film core.

  • The product roll
  • The size of the packaging you’ve chosen

The diameter of a film core can range from less than an inch to several feet across. The appropriate length of diameter depends on what you’re rolling and the type of product you’re producing.

You’ll want to choose a film core diameter that’s wide enough for your product’s roll. If your cores are to be rolled and packaged into boxes, they must fit into that packaging too. Always keep these details in mind when consulting with paper core manufacturers.

Make Sure The Film Core Has The Right Length

When it comes to film core lengths, you need to be as exact as you can. Film cores can be as short as three inches or as long as ten feet. As mentioned earlier, it all depends on the type of product you’re placing on the core. 

One important thing you should know is that you never want to order the wrong core length. This can result in two things that could negatively impact you.

  • Your product could end up being unsupported by the core.
  • Too much core could stick out at both ends of the rolled product.

That’s why you must follow this two-step process so that you’re able to meet your needs.

  1. Research the functional length of the product your company wants to package and sell.
  2. Select and order the right-sized length of film cores based on that research.

Following these steps will help ensure you’re getting the exact amount of film cores needed to meet your business goals.

Order The Right Number Of Film Cores

Are you someone who needs several hundred cores for your main products? Perhaps you have a limited edition product that will require only a dozen cores. Regardless, ask yourself these two questions to gain a better picture of your company’s needs.

  • How much product does your company produce daily?
  • Do you have enough room to store all the extra cores you need in a month?

Whatever your situation is, this will help determine the right amount of film cores you should order for your business.

Keep The Workflow Organized To Ensure A Proper Industrial Shipment Process

When reaching out to your paper core manufacturers, make sure that your workflow organization is a top priority. Make sure you’re taking the right steps in managing your logistics process. This will help you keep better track of your film cores.

A great way to achieve this is to put together a barcode and tracking system. This gives you the ability to know exactly where your cores are being stored and transported at all times. You’ll also be able to manage your storage space better and be on top of your shipments.

That’s why you’ll need to ensure you and your supplier are on the same page in terms of the workflow process.   

Choose Paper Core Manufacturers That Will Best Enhance Your Business Processes 

When ordering film cores, you always want to communicate with your supplier what your exact needs are. Make sure that your paper cores are of the right size, quantity, and quality. You also need to take steps to ensure your shipping process is efficient throughout. These tips will go a long way in helping you meet your most urgent business needs.

As you consider paper core manufacturers like Crescent Paper Tube, make sure they offer your business customized film core options. This will help make your workflow process more efficient and make your business more productive overall.

How often should you update your website for best results?

Mary Peterson

You’ve just invested significant time, funds, and effort into creating your company’s dream website. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the clients to come rolling in. But before you get too comfortable, you should consider the question: Just how often should you be updating your site? The answer depends on various factors, such as the type of update and current digital trends in website design. 

Why Updating is Important

In the past, analytics options were limited. Because of this, meaningful data wasn’t available, so updates usually only occurred every 2-3 years. In today’s digitally dominated world, however, new technology allows you to keep up with your website performance in real-time. This means you have actionable data that can be used to update your site whenever you choose. Some of the most common reasons for updating include:

  • Making your website more user-friendly.
  • Adding new products.
  • Experimenting with new mediums.
  • To address the shifting needs of your client base.
  • When your traffic levels are not where you want them.
  • When you have room in your budget.
  • As an upgrade to set you apart from competitors.
  • To boost your SEO performance.

As you can tell, your reasons for updating and the frequency of these updates will depend on a variety of factors. But here are some general guidelines you can follow when it comes to updating your website.

Website Content & SEO Performance

A steady flow of high-quality, original content is key to growing your brand and increasing your search ranking. That’s why it’s generally recommended to update your site with new written content at least monthly. By constantly monitoring the performance of your website content through ROI, bounce rates, and other data, you can gain a better understanding of what improvements need to be made to your site.

Google loves data and fresh data.  By updating older blogs with fresh data and adding new content as frequently as possible, Google will see your site as an expert in your category.  This is part of Google’s E.A.T. (expertise, authority, and trust)methodology for ranking sites they see as valuable.

Making Use of Growth-Driven Website Design

One big reason businesses update their websites is to increase their financial returns. When you opt for growth-driven site design, you stay more involved with your site, revisiting its design every few months. By regularly assessing your site design’s impact on marketing and sales metrics, you can determine when updates are needed. In the long term, this saves you money on complete site redesigns, which are much more costly than routine website updates. It also permits you to target specific problems that may be holding back your brand, like ineffective link placement.

4 Ways Your Website Design Affects SEO

travis

When it comes to SEO, there are so many factors to consider that it can become overwhelming. Focusing on copy and content is important, but there’s something else that’s just as crucial – your website design. Design helps us humans navigate our physical and digital worlds. Without it, we’d be lost, so take a peek at our list of the four top ways website design affects SEO:

1. Image & Graphics Quality

One instant turn-away for the human eye is a visual design that isn’t balanced or aesthetically pleasing. Crystal-clear images are great for catching the eye, but if they take more than a few seconds to load, you’ve lost your advantage. High-quality graphics and images should be scaled down so that they load immediately when the user enters the website. This will increase your conversion rates, the time users spend on the site, and more.

2. Adaptable & Accessible Design

In today’s world, people can visit your site from any device imaginable. You want to encourage this by making the user experience simple across devices. This is known as responsive design and is essential in encouraging a variety of users from different walks of life. Websites optimized for mobile devices excel, as over half of all website traffic today is mobile.

In addition to responsive design, you’ll want to consider things like font size and style, along with colors. You don’t want to create a jarring visual experience for the reader.

3. Less is More

While it may be tempting to experiment with unique design elements or fun colors, it’s best to scale back. Clean, sleek, and simple is the way to go. Why? Think about the message you’re trying to convey with your website. You want to exude an air of professionalism and competence. If your website looks like it was designed by a disorganized, cluttered person, that’s the impression people will have of your company. To avoid such negative impressions, use a minimalistic design. This will allow users to find the information they are looking for quickly and efficiently, thereby increasing your conversion rates.

4. First Impressions Count

Website design is an aesthetics game, and first impressions do make a difference. Humans today are constantly being distracted by various stimuli. When we cannot find our way around easily or feel overwhelmed or bored, you can lose our attention in an instant. To improve your SEO rankings, you want users to spend as much time on your site as possible. That’s why a good website layout also encourages users to continue browsing. You can accomplish this through solid user interface design, a good use of the elements of design, and a speedy server to keep users engaged.

Website Design Solutions for Your SEO Needs

If you’re looking to boost your online presence, look no further than Circle Websites. A Bournemouth-based digital marketing agency, we are highly skilled in developing your brand, increasing your sales, and overall growing your business. Contact us today to learn how our digital solutions can revolutionize your website.

Why You Need a Commercial Backup Generator For Your Business

Sydney Cobbs

No matter what line of work you’re in, power outages can put a damper on your operations. Whether you’re concerned about a possible emergency situation or just want peace of mind, a backup generator can allow you to rest easy. Be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way by hiring a commercial generator installation service.

Power Through Power Outages

Perhaps most importantly, backup generators allow you to get back to work without missing a beat. You’ll be able to stay in contact with customers over the phone, email, or through other virtual means of communication. Some businesses, like hospitals, restaurants, and banks, rely heavily on generators to assist them in the event of a power outage. Backup generators allow essential businesses and those that operate around the clock to serve the clients who need them.

Avoid Lapses in Security

When your power goes out, your company becomes more vulnerable to thieves. This is especially true during a natural disaster when employees may be at home. With security cameras down and lights out, storms and other power outages present the perfect environment for criminal activity. However, a backup generator keeps the hallways bright, security tapes running, and fire alarm in good working order. 

A Note on Electronic Data

In addition to physical security concerns, these days electronic data is just as important. You don’t want to risk hard drives getting wiped or losing important information from your business’s servers. By installing a commercial generator, you ensure no power interruption is going to erase hours of hard work, according to the experts at Virginia Power Solutions.

Peace of Mind

Along with the obvious benefits during emergency circumstances, a commercial backup generator can also provide you with peace of mind in your daily life. Backup generators are clean, safe appliances. You have the ability to customize your generator to fit your needs and power specifications. The backup generator will also automatically switch on and off according to changes in the power grid, meaning you can rest easy – your machine will do all the work!

Say Goodbye to Power Interruptions

Because your backup generator can transition between power sources seamlessly, your systems won’t experience any interruption in operation. All electronic systems and air conditioning will be kept running at all times. Plus, if you have a sump pump or sewage pump, it will remain fully operational. This feature is important during natural disasters like hurricanes when you’re trying to avoid water damage to your business.

A Semi-Long-Term Solution

If you do find yourself needing to run your generator for days on end, never fear. While backup generators are not designed to be operational all year round (they are, after all, backup), they have no difficulty handling extended power outages. As long as you have enough liquid propane or natural gas to keep the device powered, it can last until power is eventually restored.

Interested in Commercial Generator Installation Service?

Power outages cost the American economy millions of dollars each year. Don’t let your business fall victim to the power grid! Contact a commercial generator installation service to ensure your business is fully prepared to weather the next storm.

6 Questions to Ask a Court Reporter

Sydney Cobbs

Finding a deposition reporter with experience in their field can be a challenge. And that’s especially true if you’ve never had to hire a court reporter before. Different court reporting firms provide various types of services at varying fee rates. They’re not all the same. To ensure you’re getting the services you need, consider asking the following six questions before signing a service contract. 

1. Are Your Court Reporters Certified?

Certification is regulated by each state. Therefore, it’s important to understand your state’s requirements and make certain your potential hire complies with whatever licensing and certification is appropriate for your area. If no state certification is required, certification from the National Court Reporters Association is an alternative that shows you can trust the court reporter is a trained professional.

2. How Much Will it Cost?

Of course, you should ask how much the court reporting services will cost! It’s understandable that costs depend on the exact services provided, so be sure you represent your needs clearly. A reputable reporting firm should be able to provide you with rates for transcript, travel, and appearance fees. It’s fair to expect a transparent estimate before signing a service contract. If a company seems hesitant to provide that information, consider it a red flag and take your business somewhere else.

3. How Much Advance Time do you Need?

Some circumstances require you to hire a court reporter without much notice. While it may not always be possible to fulfill last-minute requests, a busy reporting firm that works with several reporters will usually be able to accommodate you. But for everyone’s benefit, it’s best to be upfront with your timeline.

4. Do You Provide Realtime Services?

Not every deposition reporter is equipped with the technology or the training to provide Real-time reporting. With this advanced service, the reporter converts their stenographic notes into text, providing involved parties with immediate “in real-time” access to the testimonies being given. Even if you don’t need real-time services for this hearing, it’s helpful to know where you can find them in the future. 

5. When Will I Receive the Transcript?

Transcripts are typically available within a few days after a deposition. If a firm seems hesitant to provide a clear timeline, consider it a red flag. A reputable court reporting firm will clarify when transcripts will be finished and may also be able to provide expedited or same-day transcripts. 

How To Combat Hard Water On Your Glass Shower Enclosure

Sydney Cobbs

Glass shower enclosures are more resistant to mold than curtains are, making them an excellent choice for your shower. However, if hard water comes out of your showerhead, it can make the surface of your glass shower enclosure appear unsightly. Luckily, with the help of a glass glazing company, there are some ways to combat the effects of hard water on your shower enclosure.

Clean the Glass Doors

Because hard water contains a higher mineral count than soft water, you may notice a buildup on the doors. This buildup of soap scum and water spots is a direct result of mineral residue. When soap mixes with the minerals in the water, it forms an insoluble substance that leaves streaks on the glass. Over time, this scum can accumulate in the crevices of your shower tiles. It also has the potential to negatively affect the framework of the doors. The impacts of soap scum are one reason to consider custom frameless shower enclosures.

Otherwise, you’ll want to stay on top of cleaning. Using an environmentally friendly glass cleaner after each shower can make a world of difference toward eliminating water spots and soap scum. Of course, you’ll still want to perform deeper cleanings on a routine basis as well. Vinegar-water solutions can help clear soap scum from your shower doors. Simply combine the mixture with a bit of dish soap, spray it on the door, then use rags to thoroughly scrub off the scum. There are several other DIY cleaning solutions you can find online as well.

Install Frosted Glass

It may not be realistic for every homeowner to clean the shower doors after each use. If you find yourself in this position, don’t fret; there are other solutions out there. By installing frosted glass panes, for example, you can hide the signs of hard water in between cleanings. Frosted glass panes allow for decent lighting in the shower area, but the textured panes make it more difficult to notice water spots and soap scum. You can work with a professional to customize your glass to mask hard water spots. If you feel so inclined, you can even have your doors designed with intricate patterns, including flowers, motifs, or other designs.

Consider Custom Frameless Shower Enclosures by a Glass Glazing Company

Another option to help combat the effects of hard water is to install a custom frameless shower enclosure. Cleaning is simplified with frameless shower enclosures. The doors are easy to wipe down, and it’s usually faster to get in and out to clean the rest of the shower. Because the doors are designed without seals, there is no place for water, soap and minerals to build up.

This translates to a reduced risk of mold and a more hygienic shower enclosure overall. Plus, with a custom design, your enclosure will be tailor-fit to your bathroom and personal style. A professional glass glazing company can help answer your questions and, when it’s time, begin the installation process. Remember, despite the effects of hard water, it’s still possible to maintain a beautiful shower enclosure!