With the exception of serious structural wall issues, call upon patio contractors to fix it on immediate notice. No need to worry much as open, wide and from end to end cracks can easily be filled if addressed on time.
Things to know about patio masonry work
Gather Necessary Tools
Before beginning the repair of your mortar cracks in stone wall, you need to make some necessary preparations. Starting with gathering tools, you need to make a proper list which you think you will need to make a full repair. For instance, it is advised to keep chisel, brushes, hammers, Angle Grinder, trowel, small hand broom, whisk broom, safety gloves, dust mask, and all other such necessary tools.
This step may be skipped if you are getting these services done from a masonry contractor as they already carry all these tools with them.
Evaluate the Damage
You know mortar itself has the ability to magically heal itself and fix tiny cracks in some cases. But you need to first assess the situation to get the idea of depth of damage like either the stone is badly broken with big chunks or there is an inch of mortar cracks on sides. You can easily plan for the restoration then according to the level of damage that has caused. The evaluation is done much properly if done by a professional patio contractor as they understand all these technicalities very quickly and easily of course.
Cleaning
Spruce out the crack to remove visible particles using chisel or hammer whatever needed or available with you. This will allow you to make space for new mortar which would be easily accepted by stones in the wall as well. You can also use a small hand broom or a compressor blower to dust off tiny, loose particles or debris between the cracks.
Preparation
Transfer a sack of mortar into a bowl or metal wheelbarrow and start adding water in it while continuously stirring the solution with trowel. Prepare the masonry mortar with accurate consistency, better to take advice from your patio contractors for the consistent thickness. You can assure the consistency by forming balls of the mixture and see if they hold their shape. It the shape is retained then you just need the solution to sit for an hour or two and then add the remaining water. When the mortar solution is pliable enough but still stiff then you are ready with the mixture to use.
Filling Back
Do wetting of damaged joint prior applying the new mortar solution by using brush dipped in water. Make sure to tightly pack the joint while do not put a very thick layer or new mortar over old one. May be, taking advise from your masonry contractors is a good solution to assure the mortar solution is applied properly so as to not to face damage again in near future. Or try to keep a one forth thick layer of new mortar solution over the edges of existing mortar with the help of a tuck pointer tool. Then push the solution inside to avoid any possible air bubbles and then add the one forth layer thick layer of new mortar solution again to assure the cracks are all tightly packed.
Drying and Finishing
Firstly, you need to allow the patch to dry for an hour or two after filling and then you need to sand the filled surface using medium grit sandpaper so as to assure uniform blending of patches between the stones. Then brush away the excessive mortar using a masonry join so that the surface looks as good as the new looks like.
Post Care Needed
Once you are done, make sure to be careful with your walls to prevent such damage in future again. Check out your walls from time to time so you may get to know about any damage as early as possible.
Bonus – Cause We Care
Always wear old or protective clothes, shoes and hand gloves to save yourself from any damage while working with motor.
And don’t forget to stock up with these frequently used tools to keep yourself ready to FIX-IT-YOURSELF whenever needed.
Trust and listen to the advises of your masonry contractors as they are professionals and know these technicalities better than us. lagrass
Let’s start your guide on how to choose laminate countertops by granite countertop contractors.
Choosing best Laminate Countertops
Design and Installation
It is always good to take advice from quartz countertop contractors whenever you are deciding the design for your laminate countertops. As their expertise always help you to choose the best option which goes well with your theme and home décor. Also, different kinds of designs require different types of installation where professional expertise is mandatory so it is always recommended to take professional help from the very beginning of process.
Thickness
Generally, it ranges from an inch and a quarter to an inch and half but it may vary as per your choice. You can easily ask a granite installer as well about the optimum thickness you will need at your home considering your lifestyle, priorities and the home décor. Many people like even thicker countertops but you should be aware of its installation process then which requires more support than usual. Also, the chances of sooner breakage may also be there so it is good to take a professional help in this regard instead of choosing it yourself.
Variety of Options for Edges
You will not be surprised to see the variety of options available for edges of countertops which is one of the great plus for laminated materials. Most of the quartz countertop contractors would let you choose any as per your choice due to the flexibility of choosing this option. For instance, you can go for straight option if you like simple designs or you may go for beveled, bullnose or any customized design that you would imagine for a perfect look at your home.
Thematic
Of course when you are planning for laminated countertops for your home, you would like something that goes well with your theme of décor covering all your house. You can also get it done from granite installers who are proficient enough to guide you towards the best thematic that would look great with your overall house décor.
Remember that it also depends on what kind of family you have, for instance if your kids are young like in their early teens then you can select some bright colors. And if you have adult kids or you have older people at home then you can select some decent and firm colors. Same goes for the type of furniture used in your house and so on. So for all these things, it is always recommended to seek a professional help to give a best result in the end.
Color and Finishes
Though you may choose colors as per your family type as mentioned above but you have to consider several other factors as well. It is because if your kids are too young or people are bit careless then it is always good to go for light colors where any dust or mess is not that visible which could be in case of dark colors. Also, you need to select a finish which does not make scratches prominent or absorb them at its best. For this thing, quartz countertop contractors can help you choose the best finish which is scratchproof and prevent scorching.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Well this part is bit crucial because you should know that only installation is not going to make your home look great while it is the cleaning and its maintenance actually. It is not that difficult since it is very simple in case of laminated materials where you only need a mildly warm water and a cloth piece to clean the surface.
You can also add mild household cleaners to add in the warm water to get the better results. But make sure not to apply any acid or harsh material on the surface which can result in deterioration and affect durability. In fact, many granite installers rockville md recommend to just add some baking soda into mild household cleaners to remove the stubborn stains like coffee, tea or turmeric stains which are easily washable with this solution.
You can also use a stiff nylon bristle brush for scrubbing the stains but make sure not to rub that too harshly. Also, if you keep it well maintained then it adds a plus point in the resale value of your home whenever you wish for that.
If you are a person who loves cooking then you would regularly need to do chimney cleaning. When you cook all the odors of food, vinegar, smoke, oils, and other vapors, grease and moisture get attached to your kitchen cabinets, walls, and ceiling and can be dangerous for your health.
Installing a chimney comes as a blessing as it eliminates food odors, smoke, and moisture and absorbs it all inside them. But in the process, they get full of dust, grease, and smoke which requires cleaning by chimney repair companies. There are many ways to do chimney cleaning yourself at home.
Why Cleaning Chimney Is Important?
Most kitchen chimneys contain a mesh filter or a baffle filter. Grease, oil, and moisture get stuck and form a film on the mesh filter. This dirt layer does not protect against further smoke, oil, and grease and hence does not protect the health. So it is important to regularly perform chimney cleaning at home. It is also recommended to call chimney repair companies or professional cleaning annually to maintain the efficient working of the kitchen chimney.
How To Clean Chimney?
Detergent
You can take out the mesh and baffle filter and keep it in a bucket full of warm water and pour lots of kitchen detergent. Let the filter soak for at least 1 to 2 hours. The detergent will effectively remove all the grease and oil stains and will clean it up. You can also put the filter in boiling water so that the grease and dirt loosen up and get removed easily. After that, take out the filter and scrub thoroughly with a small brush to remove all the grime and grease.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For thorough and effective cleaning and removal of grease and stains, the baking soda and vinegar solution works best. Baking soda is highly abrasive in nature and also considered an all-purpose kitchen cleaner, hence it can remove stubborn stains and grime efficiently. Vinegar, baking soda and salt are all disinfectants in nature, hence they will help to keep your kitchen bacteria and germ-free and clean.
Pour a bucket full of water and let it come to a boiling point, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 cups of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of salt in the boiling water. Immerse the filter in the water completely and let it soak for at least 2 hours and then you can scrub with a scrubber to make it completely new. You can also boil the filter for 30 minutes to make completely grime and grease free.
Paint Thinners
Paint thinners are also an effective way to clean the chimney filters easily. If you do not have a paint thinner, you can also use nail polish remover as it serves the same purpose and will also clean the filter efficiently. This is a very easy and effective way of cleaning the kitchen chimney. Soak a soft cloth in paint thinner and then use it to clean and scrub the filters, the mesh and the other parts of the whole chimney thoroughly. After the scrubbing, wash all the parts with water and keep it under the sun to dry it naturally.
Caustic Soda
If your kitchen chimney is extremely dirty and full of grease then you can try the caustic soda method. You have to be very careful while using caustic soda as it is very acidic in nature and highly abrasive. Wear gloves before cleaning and do not touch the caustic soda with your bare hands and it can burn your hands. Also, it is important to wear a mask as the cleaning process will cause fumes which are dangerous if you inhale them. Put the furnace or filter on a tray and sprinkle a handful of caustic soda on the mesh filters and then pour boiling water on it. The pouring of the water will release dangerous fumes. Leave it as it for 2 to 3 hours, scrub thoroughly to clean, wash it under running water and leave it to dry.
Whether you have installed quartz kitchen countertops, laminate, granite, marble, wood, soapstone or stainless steel or any other countertops for your kitchen and bathroom, you will have to clean and maintain the countertops. There is no one cleaning method but different cleaning ways for different types of countertops.
Kitchen countertop cleaning tips
Your countertop is the focal point of your kitchen where all the major work takes place and your countertop goes through a lot of abuse. Even when you are not cooking, your countertop is in use for keeping the utensils, for putting the groceries and food stuff, for pouring juice, for mixing and when you are cooking, then you know what happens to it.
Cleaning different countertop materials
Granite
Granite is the most popular choice of homeowners these days for countertops. It comes in a wide array of colors and designs to choose form and is very low maintenance. Clean granite with a mild cleaner and washcloth only.
Granite is resistant to acidic substances and cleaners so never use vinegar solution to clean or very harsh cleaners as it will damage it. If you have installed granite, the granite countertop companies also provide a special cleaner with it.
You may ask the granite countertop companies for more tips to keep your granite clean.
Wood
Also known as butcher’s block, wood can get stained very easily. Make sure to wipe it immediately if anything is spilled on it. Use a vinegar and water solution to clean it daily and one a week rub it with lemon to remove the smells from wood. Oiling is necessary once a month to retain its shine or else it will look dull. For more severe stains make a solution of vinegar and baking powder and clean with it.
Quartz
The best and the most low-maintenance mineral for countertop. Quartz kitchen countertops are now taking over granite because of their hard structure.
Quartz kitchen countertops are stain-resistant, scratch resistant, also has anti-bacterial properties and are non-porous so you do not need to worry about spills and can use it as you want it to. To clean you just need soapy water and a wash cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners and quartz does not even require sealing.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is immensely gaining recognition in commercial kitchens because of its modern look and feel. Stainless steel is extremely low maintenance and does not need any special products for cleaning. Stainless steel does not require any sealing. The only problem is of fingerprint stains. Clean and wipe with a microfiber cloth specially designed to clean stainless steel with just soapy water or mild cleaner and it will be as good as new.
Lamination
Laminate is a very durable man-made material. It can be replicated to look like expensive granite, marble and quartz. It is super easy to clean as you need a micro fiber wash cloth and cleaner. Vinegar and baking soda solution will also do wonders for you laminates but make sure to not scrub on plain laminates as it may damage it. If you have textured laminates then you will need to scrub it lightly to clean the nooks and corners.
Soapstone
It is a non-porous material which makes it stain resistant and also scratch resistant. You will need nothing more than any household cleaner and cloth. Make sure the cleaner is not abrasive but mild. Vinegar and water solution will also clean it thoroughly.
Tile
The only cleaning problem with tiles is the grout, where food, spills and dirt get accumulated. Bleach, cleaning agent and a scrubbing brush can make the grout sparkling and shiny.
Whatever you decide, look 10 years in the future and look for sustainability and sustainability such as granite or quartz which even the granite countertop companies durham nc will tell you about.
Rotor cuff tear surgeries often involve re-attaching of the tendons to its original position which is the head of humerus. If it is a partial tear, only smoothening or trimming procedure will be carried out by shoulder surgeons. When the tearing is complete, it has to be repaired by stitching it to the original position on the humerus.
Circumstances where rotor cuff surgery is unavoidable
If non surgical methods are not able to provide any improvement to the shoulder pain experienced by the patient, his doctor may advice for surgical procedure as his last attempt to solve the problem. Continued pain is the single reason that necessitates surgical intervention. Other situations that contribute to the surgical procedure are discussed below.
If your symptoms have continued for more than 6-12 months without any change even after attempting conventional treatment options.
If the tear is more than 3 cms in length and the tissues surrounding the tear are damaged
If you experience weakness and function loss in your shoulder
The tear was caused by a recent injury which is acute in nature.
Surgical repair options
There are a few common procedures followed for solving rotor cuff issues. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. All the surgeries are aimed at healing the tendon and restoring the lost motion. The surgeon’s experience, your anatomy, size of the tear, quality of the bone and tendon tissue etc are some of the factors that affect the selection of the suitable procedure in one case. Some of these procedures can be done as an outpatient procedure.
The surgeon will discuss the matter with the patient while finalizing the suitable surgical procedure for a particular patient. The other problems like bicep tendon tears, bone spurs, osteoarthritis etc will also be taken care of by your surgeon while carrying out the surgical procedure for eliminating rotor cuff problems.
Open repair
In the conventional open surgery method a long incision will be needed if the tear is large.
The incision will be made over the shoulder and the deltoid muscle will be detached to gain access to the damaged tendon. During this procedure the surgeon removes born spurs through a procedure known as acromioplasty. Over the years an improved procedure known as less invasive procedure has evolved.
Arthroscopic repair
In this procedure the surgeon inserts a device known as arthroscope which contains a small camera and a light into the area where surgery is to be performed through a small incision made near the shoulder. With the help of the light and camera the surgeon examines the affected area and if necessary special tools are inserted through the arthroscope or through other small incisions made near to the original incision and the repairing work is completed. This procedure is usually carried out on out-patient basis. As this is less invasive the pain and blood loss and recovery time will be much lesser than the conventional one.
Mini open repair
This is a new technology in which newer instruments and technology are made use of. The incision +-for this procedure will be3-5 cms long. Arthroscopic technology is used to access the problematic area and find out the condition inside the shoulder joint. Born spurs are removed arthroscopically. This eliminates the necessity to detach deltoid muscle. After completing the arthroscopic procedure the surgeon carries out the repairing of the rotor cuff through a new procedure known as mini-open surgery. Instead of viewing through a monitor the surgeon views the structure of the shoulder directly.
Recovery
You will feel pain after the procedure. The doctor will provide medications to reduce the pain. The doctor may make use of some combinations of pain relieving medications like opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics etc.
The patient has to understand that opioids can be addictive even though they are helpful in reducing the pain. Overuse of opioids has often become a critical health issue. it is important that opioids have to be purchased and used only as per the suggestions of the best shoulder doctor in Mclean. One should discontinue taking opioids as soon as the pain starts reducing. Discuss the issue with the doctor if the pain is persisting even after weeks after the surgery.
