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Latest Trends In Kitchen Sink

The pros and cons of a ceramic kitchen sink

If you’ve fallen in love with a ceramic butler’s sink and are determined to have it in your kitchen, what are the pros and cons to look out for?

Once the domain of a farmhouse or back kitchen and used only by servants, ceramic butler’s sinks are now one of the most sought-after items to form a statement piece in contemporary kitchens.

Rather than let your heart rule your head however, there are factors to consider before switching from stainless steel to these stately articles.

Do they last?

If you’re after added durability, choose a butler’s sink made from the very solid fireclay, a reinforced ceramic clay that is stronger and more durable than porcelain or standard ceramic.

Fireclay is very heavy and its construction from ground pre-fired clay mixed with wet clay and water means it is heat-, impact-, dirt- and stain-resistant and designed to be easy care.

Also chemical resistant, due to the heavy duty glazed surface, which also makes them resistant to chips and scratches and renders the surface hypoallergenic. This coating is compromised however if a chip or scratch does occur.

Breakages

Some butler’s sinks are made from porcelain, which is not as hard wearing as fireclay and more prone to damage and stains, however less expensive to buy.

Working in a kitchen with a ceramic sink takes some adjustment – you’re no longer able to simply throw things into the sink and let things pile up, but need to be more careful than with a stainless steel sink to avoid chips, breakages and stains.

Filling

As they’re modelled on the original farmhouse style, filled only once a day from a remote source rather than a tap overhead, butler’s sinks are generally much wider and deeper than standard sinks, so take longer to fill.

How to Choose the Best Material for Your Kitchen Sink

Choosing the right kitchen sink is absolutely vital, after all, it’s not something that you replace every year like you might a towel or the pillows on your bed. If you get the wrong sink, it can be a costly and time-consuming mistake to put right. But with such a wide variety of kitchen sink materials out there, and an even wider range of prices, how do you know which one is right for your kitchen? In this guide we’ll be looking at the different types of kitchen sinks and discussing their pros and cons, as well as recommending a few of our favourites.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel kitchen sinks are still the most popular sinks in the UK, and with a huge variety of sizes, shapes and even finishes available, there is more often than not a stainless steel sink to suit everyone’s needs. Stainless steel sinks are very low maintenance; they are corrosion and rust resistant, and as long as they are cared for properly and wiped down after every use, they should not stain.

One drawback of budget stainless steel sinks is that they are usually made from thinner stainless steel. This not only makes them more prone to dents and scratches, but it also makes them noisier as well. The thicker the stainless steel, the quieter the sink, but also the more expensive. Some of the more expensive sinks also have special sound absorbing pads under the sink to further reduce the noise. As we’ve discussed, stainless steel is generally the cheapest of the materials, but if you’re looking for a top of the range stainless steel sink, you can expect to pay upwards of £400, compared to around £50-100 for a budget one.

Pros:

  • Very durable – corrosion and rust resistant and normally come with lengthy guarantees
  • Usually the cheapest of all the materials
  • Top mount, flush mount and undermount options available
  • Low maintenance

Cons:

  • Noisy – the thinner the steel the noisier the sink
  • Sinks with thin stainless steel are more likely to scratch
  • Can get dented easily if something heavy is dropped in it
  • The best stainless sinks can cost more than other materials           

Granite Composite Sinks

Granite composite kitchen sinks are perhaps the trendiest sinks around. With a huge variety of styles and finishes available, with colours ranging from a classic black to a light cream, and even pink and green, there really is a finish that will suit every kitchen décor. Granite composite sinks, like stainless steel sinks, can be mounted in numerous ways, whether top mount or undermount.

Granite sinks are in general more expensive than stainless steel sinks, but even so they are available from around the £150 mark. Expect to pay slightly more for delivery as well because they are heavier and more fragile in transit. Whilst they are more expensive than stainless steel sinks, the difference in quality between a cheaper and more expensive granite sink isn’t as much as the difference in quality between cheap and expensive stainless steel sinks.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable – most granite sinks are heat, stain and scratch resistant
  • Prices are coming down all the time
  • Anti-bacterial surface which is also easy to clean
  • Lengthy guarantees
  • Huge range of colours, sizes and styles available

Cons:

  • Very hard surface that can damage things that are dropped on it
  • Require careful maintenance
  • Heavier than stainless steel so need a more sturdy worktop

Fireclay Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic kitchen sinks are still the traditionalists choice. Go into almost any traditional-style kitchen and you’ll find a ceramic sink, and thanks to their durability, there’s a chance that it’s been there for as long as the kitchen. A well maintained ceramic sink can last a lifetime, and thanks to them being easy to clean as well as heat resistant, it can look just as good as the day you bought it.

We have a ceramic kitchen sink in the Tap Warehouse office, and even if tea bags are left in it overnight, it simply takes a wipe of a damp cloth the next morning to have it sparkling clean again. Even if they’re left in over the weekend, on Monday morning it can still be wiped clean – although it may require a little more elbow grease. Of course, we don’t actually recommend doing this; we suggest that you wipe your sink clean after every use as things like red wine can cause more lasting stains.

Ceramic kitchen sinks are the most expensive option, but you still don’t have to break the bank to buy one. Like granite kitchen sinks, they are available from around the £150 mark, but again like granite, you will pay slightly more for delivery due to their fragile nature when in transit. Ceramic kitchen sinks aren’t suitable for everyone though; because of their weight, you must first make sure that your worktop can handle one. This is important if you are planning on top mounting your sink, and it is even more necessary if you are planning on buying a ceramic undermount sink or a Belfast sink.

Pros:

  • Easiest to maintain and keep clean
  • Extremely durable – heat and stain resistant
  • Effortlessly stylish
  • Withstands most household chemicals

Cons:

  • A more expensive option
  • Can chip (although can be repaired)
  • Very heavy and less choice available

Kitchen sink details that make the difference

Little things that make every day more wonderful:

  • Advanced Waste Systems – superb quality in every detail, from the stainless steel basket strainer to low-profile waste kits that free up extra cupboard space.
  • Deeper stainless steel bowls – giving you extra space without compromising their strength.
  • Heat & sound insulation – not only reducing the sound of water running into the bowl but also keeping water warmer for longer.
  • Push-button pop up waste – a smart, simple way to empty the bowl. No need to put your hands into a sink full of dirty water.
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Types Of Roofs Available For Residential Roofing

Things You Need to Know Before Installing a New Roof

Replacing a roof is a costly and time-consuming project that all homeowners must undertake every few decades. Given the investment in time and money — and the essential role a roof plays in protecting your house — you want to ensure the job is done right, whether by you or professional roofers. By reading our guide below, you’ll learn when your roof needs a replacement and how to prepare for a roof installation.

Several situations call for an immediate roof replacement, and some of the signs are more obvious than others:

Your Roof Is Old: The lifespan of a roof is believed to be 20 to 25 years, so you should replace it once it reaches this age.

Your Shingles Are Buckling and Curling: Inspect the slopes of your roof that receive direct sunlight. If you see that shingles are losing granules and curling, they may need to be replaced.

Your Roof Valleys Are Showing Neglect: If shingles in your roof valleys are missing or breaking apart, it’s time to get a new roof. These valleys are one of the most critical parts of a roof, as rainwater flows through them on its way to the gutters. If this area is damaged, it becomes vulnerable to leaks.

Your Chimney Flashing Needs to Be Replaced: If your flashing is made of tar or cement, it may be a good idea to replace it with a metal flashing system, which is water-tight and lasts longer.

Your Gutters Are Full of Shingle Granules: As roofs near the end of their lives, they start to lose more granules, which often end up in the gutters. Check your gutters to see if they are full of these granules. Another sign of granules wearing away is a darker or inconsistent color on certain areas of the roof.

You See Daylight Through the Boards of the Roof: Go up to your attic to check whether daylight is coming through the roof.

Your Roof Is Sagging: A sagging roof is a serious problem that requires immediate action and usually indicates a structural issue. The issue may be with the attic decking or perhaps even the foundation supports. While you are not necessarily in immediate danger, this issue is much easier to deal with when it is in a small area — not when it has spread all over the roof.

SELECT THE RIGHT MATERIAL

One of the most important decisions is your roofing material. When deciding on a material, consider the appearance, price and lifespan of each available product. For instance, although asphalt roofing shingles are among the most economical options, their lifespan is one of the shortest for residential roofs. Concrete or metal shingles, on the other hand, tend to last longer and are usually a better choice if you’re interested in making a long-term investment.

CHOOSE BETWEEN PEELING OFF OR LAYERING ON

Another critical decision to make is whether you will remove the existing shingles before installing the new ones or just layer it on. To comply with building code, you are not allowed to have more than two shingle layers on your roof.

EXAMINE THE STATE OF YOUR ROOF FRAME

Whether you’ve had problems with leaking in the past or not, it is highly recommended that you inspect the plywood that is supporting your roof. If you notice any areas where the sheathing is soft or broken — or if it appears to be disintegrating — you should replace it right away. It is also recommended to remove your existing layer of roofing and examine it before you begin the installation. If you can spot and fix a leak in the roof frame itself, it may prolong the life of your roof and help you avoid a more severe leak down the road.

RESIDENTIAL ROOFING

The roof selected for your home is a vital decision impacting you for many years to come. Although many homeowners neglect to put much thought into the roof on their home, it shouldn’t be like this. The roof is among the most essential pieces of the home, providing superior comfort and protection from many weather elements. But, the roof on the house serves a purpose more than protecting it, although that is its primary job. The roof also serves as a statement and enhances the look and appeal of your home

ROOFING COMPANY: A TOP NAME

specialize in roofing sales, installation, repairs, maintenance and inspection, and more, and we do so using only highly-trained experts who want to satisfy your needs far by one expectation. You don’t become one of most trusted names by providing lackluster service, and that’s never something that we do. When you believe Alabama Roofing Professionals, we’ll always go the extra mile to cater to your residential roofing needs

WHAT’S THE COST OF A NEW RESIDENTIAL ROOF

There isn’t a cool Name Your Own Price tool for a new residential roof, but you can feel confident that Alabama Roofing Professionals has a roof in your price range. The purchase of a roof is a significant investment, and we take pride in keeping the costs to a minimal. We ‘d love to discuss with you the various roofs available for your residential location to give you a better idea of the anticipated costs of purchase. Once you’ve decided on a roof, we’ll provide a personalized estimate, so you know exactly what it will cost for the addition to your home.

Many factors influence the cost of your new roof, and while it might be money that you ‘d rather not spend, delaying re-roofing is going only to prolong problems and cost you more money when all is said and done. A few of the factors that influence the cost of your new roof include:

Roofing material selected

Size of the roof

Flashing/ Coatings selected

The company chosen for the installation

Warranties/Guarantees.

Style/design.

NEW RESIDENTIAL ROOF INSTALLATION.

Once you’ve selected your new roof, we’ll provide a professional installation of that roof. Our high-quality roofing experts don’t cut corners to get the job done. Instead, they put in the time to do the job right, ensuring a roof that you are happy to own, and that provides you the long-lasting ability that you want and deserve with a purchase like a new roof. We work promptly to get the job done, and we do it right

Roofing Materials

From wood shake to asphalt shingles, roofing material is an important consideration that contributes to the overall look and style of your home

Updating your existing roof allows you to add value to your home and communicate your home’s look and feel. While roof framing, preparation and proper installation are always important, the material you choose for your roof can bring the exterior of your home to the next level.

When choosing roofing materials, consider the following questions.

How heavy is this material and will it require special framing?

Is the material available in a variety of colors and styles that complement your home?

Does the material meet the fire codes in your local area?

Are there special installation and maintenance issues to consider?

Does this material offer good performance in extreme weather conditions that are common in your area?

What is the cost, life span and warranty for this product?

The answers to those questions will help you determine the best choice for your home. There are lots of options for roofing materials available and here is a rundown of some of the most popular ones.

Asphalt Shingles

The most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the shingle.

Commercial Roofing vs. Residential Roofing

One of the useful things a property owner must know in order to keep track of the budgeting requirements for the maintenance and repair of his property is to identify the difference between commercial and residential roofs. Although both types of roofing basically serve the same purpose which is to provide shelter to the building, there are key differences to note.

Materials

The type of materials used for commercial and residential roofing can be varied. This is mainly because of the difference in the structure between the two. Commercial buildings are usually taller than residential buildings.  Due to this, commercial buildings require more protection against weather thus, tougher types of materials.

Design

Residential roofs are more visible than commercial roofs thus, the style and design of residential buildings are highly important. Commercial roofs are usually flat, low-sloped, and larger compared to residential roofs.

Cost

In general, it is more expensive to roof a commercial building than a residential building. One factor is that the commercial roofs are way larger than that of a residential roof. Also, the tools and materials used in roofing a commercial building can be costly.

Installation

Residential roofing is easier to install. Unlike residential roofing, commercial roofs require skilled roofing services because commercial buildings have smoke stacks, ventilation systems and pipes making it complicated to install

Best Roofing Materials for Hot Climates

Modernize is an online service that connects homeowners with trusted pros specializing in exterior home improvement projects including solar, roofing, windows and HVAC solutions.

But roofs do a lot more than keep the sun off your back. A poorly made roof degrades in the heat, cracking and breaking down over time. It also transfers heat from the sun directly through the surface and into the home. That process, in turn, drives up energy costs from home cooling, making certain materials a lot less energy-efficient than others.

On the flip side, certain roof types not only stand up to the brutal heat with aplomb, but also provide much-needed ventilation and airflow between the roofing material and the decking, meaning that homes stay cooler than they would with asphalt shingles. Some materials make thermal transfer much more difficult or reflect sunlight off the roof, keeping homes cool as a cucumber. Different hot-weather materials all have their pros and their cons, of course. To help you weigh the different aspects, we present to you a guide of the most popular hot-climate roofing materials.

Terra-Cotta Tiles and Ceramic Roofs

The curved shape of the tiles makes a difference, as well, allowing air to circulate below the surface, which keeps roofs and interiors cooler. The only drawbacks for this stylish energy-efficient choice are the weight of the tiles and the material costs. Clay tiles weigh somewhere between two to four times as much as conventional asphalt roofs, so many homeowners find they need their roofs reinforced before they can install terra-cotta on their homes. Furthermore, they’re also one of the most expensive materials because they run around $700 to $1,000 per square (that’s 100 square feet if you’re not up on your roofing lingo). Still, considering their long lifespan, they may just make back your initial investment.

Concrete Tiles and Slab Roofs

Concrete makes a great option for those who like the thermal properties of terra-cotta but not the price. The thickness of this material means it takes longer to heat in the sun — and hence longer to absorb that heat back into your home. Slab concrete is a cheap — although heavy — solution for hot-weather roofs.

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How To Find Immigration Lawyer To Help You Immigrate

Where to Find Legal Help

What is a qualified nonprofit agency?

Qualified agencies have lawyers and/or specialized staff (called BIA reps) who can help with immigration cases

Do I have to pay the nonprofit to help me with my immigration case?

Help from a qualified nonprofit is free or low-cost for low-income people. If you use a private lawyer, you will have to pay the lawyer’s fee.

Will it cost money to talk to a lawyer?

You may have to pay for your first meeting or “consultation” with a lawyer. You should ask about consultation fees before making an appointment. Talking to a lawyer does not mean that they will accept your case.

How do I find a private lawyer if a nonprofit can’t help me?

You can search for a lawyer who knows about immigration law at the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s website.

How much will a private lawyer charge me?

First Appointment: Most lawyers charge for the first appointment (consultation) separately. It’s your chance to get to know the lawyer and see if they can take your case. Before you meet with a private lawyer, ask how they charge for the first appointment.

Restoring the Rule of Law Through a Fair, Humane, and Workable Immigration System

The immigration debate in America today is nearly as broken as the country’s immigration system itself. For too many years, the conversation has been predicated on a false dichotomy that says America can either honor its history and traditions as a nation of immigrants or live up to its ideals as a nation of laws by enforcing the current immigration system. Presented with this choice, supporters of immigration—people who recognize the value that immigrants bring to American society, its culture, and its economy, as well as the important role that immigrants play in the nation’s continued prosperity—have traditionally seized the mantle of defending America as a nation of immigrants. By doing this, however, rather than challenging the dichotomy itself, supporters have ceded powerful rhetorical ground to immigration restrictionists, who are happy to masquerade as the sole defenders of America as a nation of laws. The fundamental problem with this debate is that America is, and has always been, both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. Debates over a liberal immigration policy actually predate the start of the nation itself; they infused the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, America’s founding document

Indeed, it is precisely because these two visions of the country are intertwined that America cannot be a nation of laws if those laws are antithetical to its history and ideals as a nation of immigrants. Put another way, the U.S. immigration system can, and must, recognize both the need for movement and the need for defined borders; it must have clear guidelines but also clear guardrails; and it must live up to the best of the nation’s past while working for its present and future.

This report sets out a framework for immigration policymaking that brings together the two visions of America, with the goal of building a fair, humane, and well-functioning immigration system in which the rule of law is restored. Additionally, it makes the case for why immigration proponents can and should reclaim the rule of law narrative frame from immigration restrictionists who frequently misappropriate the term to drive law and order policies that demonize immigrant communities and communities of color and only worsen the dysfunctionality and cruelty of the current system.

The report begins by laying out what the rule of law is, how it has been distorted by opponents of immigration, and the degree to which the current immigration system makes a mockery of American history and ideals—of an America that is both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. The report then outlines the emergence over a period of years of the extralegal immigration system that exists today. Next, it illustrates that under this broken system, immigration policy has fluctuated between two poles: on the one hand, relying increasingly upon administrative discretion alone to save the system from itself, and on the other, relying on maximum enforcement of “the laws on the books without apology,” as former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Thomas Homan said

The inadequacies of the former, and the abject cruelty of the latter, have contributed to a growing sense among some policymakers, as well as many in the pro-immigrant advocacy community, that the entire enforcement apparatus must be unwound. Certainly, enforcement reforms are necessary, as the following sections of this report explain. But the move to reject enforcement entirely—even in theory—only fuels louder calls for maximum enforcement, which then strengthen calls for abolition, ad infinitum. It is time to break this cycle of extremes and build an immigration system that is workable and humane and that the public broadly believes can—and should—be enforced through rules that are fair and just

Immigration

Wherever in the world you wish to live, work or employ people, our highly effective team of immigration lawyers can help.

Withers is a worldwide law firm with immigration attorneys located across 17 offices,

Whether you are a business or an individual, our immigration solicitors will carefully listen to your needs and concerns, and advise on the most effective means of achieving those objectives. We understand that immigration law is a complicated topic, which is why we’ve attempted to simplify the subject here by answering some of the queries you may have.

Of course, if you want more information on immigration rules and legislation and how our team of expert lawyers can assist you, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we’ll do everything in our power to help

When do you need an immigration lawyer?

You may wish to enlist the services of an immigration solicitor to guide you through any number of scenarios. For example, you may represent a company seeking to hire foreign employees, you’re someone hoping to attain citizenship overseas or you are part of a family that has been separated and wishes to be reunited.

How do I find a good immigration lawyer?

You can benefit from the skills and expertise of a Withers immigration attorney by getting in touch with one of our many offices around the world

Find Legal Services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides free resources to help guide you through the application, petition or request process

Anyone is allowed to give you this type of limited help, and may charge for it. This person should only charge you a small fee and should not claim to have special knowledge of immigration law and procedure.

If you are not sure what immigration benefit to apply for, or which USCIS forms to submit, then you may need immigration legal advice from an authorized service provider. Only authorized immigration service providers can help you beyond basic preparation or translation of forms.

Authorized immigration service providers are:

Representatives accredited by the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) and working for DOJ-recognized organizations; and

Attorneys in good standing who are not subject to any order restricting their ability to practice law.

Authorized immigration service providers are allowed to:

Give you advice about which documents to submit;

Explain immigration options you may have; and

Communicate with USCIS about your case

Immigration Lawyer and Judge

I found immigration law quite by accident in 1976, the summer between my second and third years of law school. I responded to an ad for a part-time law clerk. The small law office was near school, paid well, and had nice support staff, so I took the job, barely knowing what the daily work would be. The field of immigration law was so small at that time that my law school only offered one, semester-long immigration law course every other year. It was not offered in the one year I had left before graduation.  I have never taken an academic immigration law class, but rather learned my trade from generous practitioners who gave up their Saturdays once a month to teach free seminars to new practitioners. It was from that perspective that I developed a profound respect for immigration lawyers, so many of whom freely shared their knowledge in the hope of ensuring that quality legal services were offered to the immigrant community.

For me, the daily practice of immigration law was akin to love at first sight. It was the perfect mix of frequent client contact with fascinating people from all walks of life and all socioeconomic backgrounds that made me feel as if I was travelling the world; and a combination of social work and complex legal puzzles that intellectually intrigued me. As I became immersed in the field, I became totally hooked by the compelling stories behind my cases, as well as the complicated legal strategies that many cases required. At the time I began my career, I did not understand why immigration lawyers were generally ranked only slightly above ambulance chasers. My experience allowed me to interact with brilliant lawyers dedicated to helping their clients, often with little acknowledgement and meager remuneration.

When I began to practice and tried to explain the basics of immigration law to interested legal friends, it became clear to me that the statutory structure of this field of law was quite unique, but fairly sensibly built on general parameters of who would be a benefit to our country and thus should be allowed to find a way to legalize their status; and who were the bad actors who should not be allowed into the country or allowed to stay even if their initial entry had been legal. It struck a balance between family reunification and business and labor needs. There was even a category for industrious, pioneering individuals to come without sponsorship so long as they were able to support themselves financially. In short, it seemed to me to be a logical balance, with fair criteria to limit legal status to deserving, law-abiding people. Some of the hurdles that had to be overcome — for example, to test the labor market to protect US workers where one wanted to immigrate as an employee, or lengthy quotas that resulted in separation of families of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) — were clunky and cumbersome, but on the whole the system seemed to work fairly rationally.

While some aspects were frustrating and individual immigration officers sometimes seemed inflexible or even a bit irrational, I do not remember the legal community who helped immigrants being tormented by draconian twists and turns in the law on a daily basis, which is how it has seemed lately. When someone was in deportation proceedings, there was the possibility of showing that, after having lived in the United States for more than seven years as a person of good moral character, if one’s deportation would cause oneself or a qualifying US citizen (or LPR) spouse, parent, or child extreme hardship, one could qualify for suspension of removal and eventual permanent resident status. There was also the possibility of qualifying for withholding of deportation if one was more likely than not to suffer persecution if returned to one’s homeland if one had fled a communist country or certain specified geographic areas. Yes, the preference quotas could be problematic, but all in all, it seemed to me at that time that most people who wanted to regularize their status could carve out a reasonably achievable path towards their goal, while the bad actors who were sent home deserved that fate. Every so often there were sad cases of nice people who could not find a category that allowed them to stay, but somehow it just did not seem as harsh a result for so many people as it does lately.

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Buzzing Questions About Wasps

HOW TO KEEP WASPS AWAY FROM YOUR HOUSE

environment — wasps tend to have a more negative reception. They can cause a host problems and scare the heck out of your kids when they get in the house! So you may be wondering how to keep wasps away from your house, which is exactly what we’ll cover in this article.

Wasps belong to a different family than bees called Vespidae. They are infamously known for their aggressive nature and painful sting when provoked. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times without hurting themselves as their stingers remain intact similar to bumble bees.

Unfortunately, they also have the tendency to build nests in or around homes and other structures. This makes them a common pest that can be frustrating, and a little scary to deal with.

HOW TO IDENTIFY WASPS

Being able to identify wasps from other insects is important when it comes to successfully deterring them from your home. The Vespidae family includes thousands of species found globally, but the most commonly encountered types of wasps are paper wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets.

Yellow Jackets are probably what come to mind when imagining a wasp. They possess  very thin waists ( like all wasps ) and hairless bodies — much different than the fuzzy, thick bodies of honey bees and bumblebees. Because of this, yellow jackets appear shinier and more colorful than bees. Their abdomens are also longer and pointed at the end

Living with bees and wasps

A guide to bees and wasps and solving the problems they may cause

Bees and wasps are probably our most familiar insects, visiting our gardens from spring until autumn. Bees perform a vital role because they pollinate flowers so that we can enjoy apples, tomatoes and flowers each year. Wasps are also useful to gardeners and farmers because they eat many types of insect pests. Bees and wasps are disliked by many people because of their ability to sting or form large swarms.

About bees

Bumble bees are the best known. They look too big to fly and their striped, hairy bodies and familiar ‘buzz’ are an essential part of any garden in summer. There are 25 species in Britain and they are not all striped! They form small colonies of no more than a few hundred individuals. Each colony is headed by the ‘queen bee’ who lays eggs while worker bees collect pollen and nectar to keep the colony supplied. They are very important as pollinators for farmers and gardeners. Honey bees are smaller and less hairy than bumble bees. More than 2,000 beekeepers keep colonies of honey bees. Honeybees form huge colonies of as many as 20,000 individuals, all a single ‘queen’s offspring. As well as honey, beeswax can be obtained from their hives.

About wasps

There are seven species of wasp which form colonies in the UK, including the ‘hornet’. They are all easily identified by their distinctive yellow and black stripes which act as a warning that they sting! Queen wasps hibernate during the winter and start looking for a nest site in spring. They make a nest of paper from chewed up wood fibres and start laying eggs. The wasp larvae are fed on caterpillars, spiders and aphids which the workers catch for them. Worker wasps love to eat nectar or anything sugary, such as rotting fruit. A queen wasp can lay as many as 2,000 eggs each day. No wonder wasp colonies can grow to over 20,000 individuals in just a few weeks!

Solitary bees and wasps

Not all bees and wasps live in colonies. There are more than 200 species of solitary bees and wasps in the UK. Solitary bees lay their eggs in cells hidden away in soft sand, soil or mortar, providing each egg with its own food supply. Perhaps the best known solitary bee is the ‘leaf-cutter’ which is responsible for cutting neat little semi-circles from the leaves and flowers of roses. Solitary wasps lead very similar lives to solitary bees, except that many of them are parasitic, laying their eggs inside the bodies of other insects. The larva then grows inside the living host until it is ready to turn into a wasp. Some solitary wasps are important for controlling many pest species

Bee and wasp problems

Many bees and wasps build large nests which can be home to more than 20,000 insects. They build nests in secluded places such as trees, lofts, sheds, nest boxes and compost heaps. While bees and wasps will defend their nests, they are unlikely to attack you unless you get too close. If possible, it is best to leave their nests well alone. Remember that bumble bees will never attack you if left alone. If you want a bumble bee nest removed, you should only use experts. We do not provide this service so you should contact your local beekeepers association for advice. Pest controllers usually destroy wasp nests as they are difficult to relocate. We provide this service for a fee

Overwintered Wasps

General Information About Overwintering Paper Wasps

Wasps such as yellow jackets and paper wasps seen at this time of the year are over-wintering queens produced by colonies last fall. In the autumn they find refuge in protected sites in and around the home and landscape. The wasps that survive the winter are the fertilized “foundress” queens that will start “from scratch” to build a new nest and colony.

Old queen and worker wasps died last year with the onset of cold weather. The old colony does not persist through the winter and the old paper nest is not reused by the new queens, though they may make the new nest nearby. This time of year there is no need to call pest control because there is no active nest.

Finding wasps indoors in the spring does not automatically mean there was a nest in the home last year nor does it mean they will nest in the home this year. The only necessary control at this time is to remove and discard the wasps as they are encountered. That should be easy as the queens are generally sluggish and easy to capture or  swat.

New wasp nests are best controlled in June. At that time nests are small and easily controlled with the “wasp hornet” aerosol sprays for aerial colonies of paper wasps and hornets or insecticide dust for ground or wall nesting species such as yellowjackets.

During the fall months as the days and evenings begin to get cooler, a wide variety of insects seek warmth and shelter to survive the upcoming cold winter months. This behavior is referred to as “Over-Wintering”. Paper wasps will commonly exhibit this behavior, surviving the cold winter months within the walls of a structure. While over-wintering the paper wasps no longer have a nest or nest mate, but are simply occupying the structure in an effort to survive until next Spring. On warm or sunny days, as the walls become warm the over-wintering wasps may become active an occasionally they will accidentally find their way into the structure. When this happens the wasps will be very sluggish and although the threat of a sting does exist, they will usually end up dying within a few hours. Wasps that remain in the walls and survive the winter months will exit in the spring and build a new nest.

What to do if you’re attacked by a swarm of wasps

“Initially I thought I had brushed my arm against a stinging nettle but suddenly wasps were all around my upper torso and face. “I dropped the machine and was desperately flailing my arms around trying to get them off my face.

“The problem is a wasp in distress emits a pheromone that sends nearby colony members into a defensive, stinging frenzy,” said Ms Bungay. “That’s right – scare a wasp and it might call for backup.”

Although it may be easier said than done, NHS advice is not to wave your arms around or swat at wasps but remain calm and move away slowly. And in case you had any other creative ideas to give them the slip, wasps will not be fooled by anyone who tries to “play dead” said Debugged,

“Do not seek shelter in a body of water, as the wasps will simply wait for you to re-emerge,” it also advised.

Wasp nests calls increase fivefold

Why are there wasps in my bathroom?

What’s really the point of wasps?

Unlike bees, wasps do not die after one sting. They can, and will, sting you quite a few times, said Ms Bungay. “While being stung by one wasp isn’t normally dangerous, 30 or 40 stings could kill you.”

Paper Wasps

What is a Paper Wasp

Paper wasps get their common name from the paper-like material out of which they make their nests. Paper wasps are sometimes called umbrella wasps, after the shape of their distinctive nests.

Paper wasps are a group of several species of vespid wasp. These stinging insects are semi-social creatures, as they typically live in small colonies but do not have a worker caste. There are about 22 known paper wasp species in North America, and hundreds in the world. Some additional species of this type of insect include the annularis paper wasp, apache paper wasp, dominulus paper wasp, dorsalis paper wasp and golden paper wasp. Similar groups to paper wasps include yellowjackets and hornets, potter and mason wasps, spider wasps and long waisted paper wasps. Keep reading to learn more, including information on paper wasp stings and paper wasp removal.

What Do Paper Wasps Look Like

Paper wasps generally have a similar body shape to yellowjackets, but somewhat slimmer with a thin “waist,” with six long legs and an almost triangular side view, as well as two wings and antennae. They are mostly brown with some yellow coloration. Each of the known paper wasp species share similar traits of brown and yellow coloring, but they also have different bands of colors and markings that separate them from one another. Some species of paper wasp may even have hints of bolder colors like red, or even brighter colored lines compared to others.

Signs of an Infestation

Paper wasps often build nests in residential yards, so one of the main signs of an infestation is the physical sighting of the nest itself and nearby wasps moving around the nest.

The best way to prevent a paper wasp infestation and the potential of getting stung is to make the home less attractive to the stinging insect. Before trimming shrubs or hedges, or picking fruit, check the plant for paper wasp nests to avoid contact with these stinging insects. Seal cracks and crevices in the home with a silicone-based caulk, repair any tears in screens, and try to keep doors closed to prevent paper wasps from entering the home.

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Tips On Choosing An Event Videographer

Top Tools Every Videographer Needs to Shoot Great Video

Whether you’re putting together a porch swing or building a bookshelf, one of the first things you’ll find printed on the assembly instructions is a list of the tools needed for the job. If your toolbox contains the right tools you’re good to go; without them you won’t get far. The same is true for your camera bag. With a small collection of essential production tools you’ll be equipped to tackle every obstacle on any shoot. Here is a list to the top tools a serious shooter shouldn’t leave home without.

1) Tripod. Shooting steady shots and making smooth camera moves are absolutely essential for professional production, and the best way is to work from a tripod. Remember, all tripods are not created equal. Make sure yours is designed for shooting video, not still photos. This typically means the tripod has a true fluid pan/tilt head, pan handles and adjustable drags.

2) External Microphone(s). While your camcorder’s built-in microphone typically has a decent quality omni-directional pickup element, its fixed position on the front of your camera keeps you from getting great sound unless you press your lens right up against your subject. The best way to record clean, clear audio is to get your mic close to the subject. This means getting it off your camera. Microphones come in many shapes and sizes to do a variety of jobs. The most commonly used and versatile are handheld “stick” mics and clip-on lavalieres. If you are shooting with a DSLR, you should carry an external audio recorder like the Tascam DR-07mkII, or the Zoom H4N.

3) Headphones. Invest in a pair of good quality over-the-ear headphones that block outside noise and let you clearly hear what your mic is recording. What’s the biggest trick to getting great results from headphones? You have to plug them in and put them on. They may look cool hanging around your neck, but they aren’t effective unless they are actually on your ears. Because you will be wearing them for the duration of your shoot, choose a pair that not only sounds good, but fits comfortably.

4) Reflector/Bounce Card. Reflectors and bounce cards will help you light right while you run and gun. A properly positioned reflector lets you create a polished lighting look from a single source, whether it’s the sun, an incandescent bulb, or a Fresnel. Professional photo/video reflectors are often flexible, circular and shiny, with silver or gold surfaces. They tend to bounce hard, intense light, and are susceptible to “wiggle” when used in the wind. White foam core cards are a popular alternative that many pros prefer. In addition to being inexpensive and easily accessible, they are rigid, and cast a soft, diffused light that is appealing on talent. You can also use them for setting white balance and for blocking your mics from buffering breezes.

5) Gaffer’s Tape. A big ol’ roll of good gaff tape is one of the most useful tools for the resourceful shooter. Gaffer’s tape is not the same as duct tape, electrical tape or masking tape. It is a specially formulated cloth tape with glue that holds firm without making a mess. Although gaffer’s tape can be a little pricey, this is not the place to cut corners on cost. Use it for taping down power cords, taping on microphones or taping up a loose tripod leg. If MacGyver made video, gaff tape would be his favorite tool.

6) Backup Batteries. As advanced as our cameras have become, they still rely on battery power. If those pint-sized power packs decide to die and you are unprepared, you’re done. So, always bring a backup battery, and your charger. While one battery is powering your camera, keep another on the charger and plugged in. It’s also a good idea to carry a collection of 9-volts and AAs to use with your mics so you are never without.

7) Your Camera. Don’t forget to pack your camera itself! Batteries, microphones, tape and reflectors aren’t much good on their own. When you pack your camera, be sure to put on your lens cap, and make sure the camera is held snugly in place so it doesn’t jostle around. Even hefty-feeling cameras are vulnerable to damage if they bounce around loosely in the bag.

The 7 Best DSLRs/Mirrorless Cameras for Video

A good DSLR can take high-quality video, operate well in low light situations, accept external microphones, and, of course, also take high-quality still photographs. While most modern DSLRs have video capabilities, some rise above the rest when it comes to specific features that videographers want.

It wasn’t long ago that people used only little camcorders for making videos but now we have a lot of options. Many are turning to DSLRs to get the job done. A good DSLR can take high-quality video, operate well in low light situations, accept external microphones, and, of course, also take high-quality still photographs.

While most modern DSLRs have video capabilities, some rise above the rest when it comes to specific features that videographers want. Here we’ll talk about some of the things to look for when choosing a DSLR or mirrorless camera for video and give recommendations for some of our favorites and picks for the best mirrorless camera for video.

The Best DSLR for Video

  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Sony Alpha a7SII
  • Nikon D810
  • Panasonic Lumix GH4
  • Canon 80D
  • Canon T6i
  • Nikon D3300

Operators and editors.

In the pro broadcast world, there two types of editors: Operators and editors.

An operator is someone who should be an expert at the software, understands codecs, as well as the export parameters needed for broadcast. Very often, these people are not particularly creative, because creativity is not their main focus. Often, it’s the technical side of video that excites them the most.

Before you do this course, I have a question:

  1. Do you mainly want to be taught all the technical stuff regarding video production? (called an operator-editor) Or. .
  2. Do you want to become a creatively intuitive, clever video editor, that can create amazing content from your, or other people’s footage? (called an editor) If yes, then this course is for you.

If you answered 1, then this is not a course for you. I don’t teach the tech stuff at all. Because, honestly, I am no expert myself. I have worked in broadcast TV as an editor for 37 years, won awards in New York and Cannes, and yet I still only have a basic understanding of the tech stuff. Because, believe it or not, I don’t need it. And neither do you!

I am an editor. I am not an operator.

Editing video (understanding the software) is a straightforward, if complex subject. It is taught all over the Internet. But find me a truly creative video editing course. I can’t find a good one anywhere. So I created this one.

Editing video is easy to do, but difficult to do well.

The trouble is, most video courses on the net are presented by filmmakers making wedding videos and low budget music videos. Very few are broadcast professionals. The proof is that most video editing courses focus primarily on software, which requires limited creative insight.

WHAT DOES A FILM EDITOR DO?

At the most basic level, a film editor’s job is telling a story. Combining various clips and audio together to create a cohesive vision is the goal. Much like engineers, film and video editors  wear take up multiple roles. They often look over a wide-range of projects to make sure there are no errors or inconsistencies.

A film editor’s job can include everything from working with the director to helping rewrite scripts and editing storyboards. An important part to a film editor’s job is communication. There is a lot of back and forth when it comes to their work and their clients.  Even though it gets tedious to approve new changes, alter existing video and rewrite certain parts, it’s all part of the process, and these experiences help you land more film editor jobs in the future.

The WORST questions to ask your wedding videographer

1. How many other weddings is the videographer shooting on your wedding day or weekend?

Unless your videographer has a time machine, it’s impossible to film more than one wedding in a single day.

2. Do you offer Non-Linear Digital Editing. Request an explanation of the technological process.

Unless you work in the film industry, don’t waste time learning about the benefits of Apple ProRes 422 HQ codecs and other unnecessary details. Focus on important things like their style and quality.

3. What types of cameras, tapes and microphones do they use?

It’s important to know that the gear is both modern and professional quality, but unless you know a lot about cameras and microphones you probably don’t wouldn’t care if they are using a Sennheiser MKE-400 Shotgun vs a Rode VideoMicPro Shotgun  microphone on their camera.

4. Do you shoot in color and black & white?

If you see this question in a bridal magazine it’s written by someone that was around when black and white film was common.  Either the article and magazine is covered in dust or they don’t understand modern technology.

5. Do you deliver on VHS?

VHS tapes are ancient history, if you visit a videographers website that mentions VHS you should leave now!

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Starting A Stucco Repairs Business

What’s The Difference Between Stucco Repair and Stucco Remediation?

If your home has stucco, then congratulations, you have one of the most rich-in-personality and presently trendy types of exterior finish out there. Stucco has found itself in places where nobody would expect to see it these days – temperate and even outright cold climates.

This concrete phase (one of four) used to be mostly associated with tropical and desert climates, due to its UV resistance and good insulation against heat. Insulating against cold isn’t, indeed, one of its strong suits, but other insulation materials have made it practical enough to use outside its comfort zone.

But, as a homeowner with stucco, you know how fragile the stuff can be. It’s the softest, most easily-damaged phase of concrete, and strong winds and major temperature fluctuations can cause it to chop away, fracture, or crumble over time. While repairing it may not be your number one priority if you have major home repairs on your dossier, leaving it to its own devices is a bad idea. Moisture can creep in, and the structure of your house can be further compromised as this protective layer is weakened.

Stucco Repair

Stucco repair is exactly how it sounds – finding a damaged part of the stucco, and simply repairing or reapplying the concrete layer. It’s basically patching the damage. In mild enough cases, this is actually effective, and obviously the more cost-effective choice. However, if stucco damage is deep or widespread enough, this would be something of a band-aid on the problem, so to speak.

If moisture has gotten in, the layers underneath have been damaged, or the overall structure of the stucco concrete layer has been weakened sufficiently, the damage will just persist, no matter how much patching you do. If you go this route with severe damage, it’s very much like the old cartoon trope of the character repeatedly plugging leaks on a boat or a dam, and running out of fingers comedically. Only, in this case, it’s not very funny, is it?

Render Crack Repair: How To Repair Cracks In Rendered (or Stucco) Walls Permanently

Render Crack Repair Kit

If you need to affect a render crack repair, we have assembled a kit for you at a discounted price, just click this link: render crack repair kit. Please read on to find out why it works so well.

Why Does Render (Stucco) Crack When Used On Walls

Cracks appear in rendered walls of buildings because the ground actually moves, and the building actually moves, and with time and the wet/dry/wet/dry annual seasonal patterns, the ground swells-and-shrinks and the building settles somewhat unpredictably over the decades.  The rendered walls don’t stretch, not worth-a-hoot.  When the building moves, then one part of the foundation goes a bit up, down or sideways relative to another part, and then the render cracks. Render crack repair is then required to keep the building watertight, this article shows you how.

Why Do Repairs To Rendered / Stucco Walls Fail?

Render crack repair is often done with various caulks or cement, and usually the crack opens up again.  There are two reasons:  The cement patch can’t stretch, and or the caulk did not stick.  These have underlying them one common denominator:  the building is still moving.  Patching the crack did nothing to stabilize the foundation, or change the seasonal swelling-and-shrinkage of the ground.  The crack is going to continue to open-and-close, and usually widens, on-the-average, as time goes by.

Let’s say that we have a reasonably stable building, and the settling factor happened over many years.  However, the ground swelling-and-shrinkage happens seasonally.  So, eventually a crack starts, and over many years it slowly widens.  But, from winter-to-summer-to-winter-to-summer, it is also opening-and-closing-and-opening-and-closing, due to the seasonal ground movement.  So, the crack might be 1/16” one year, and 1/8” five years later.  But, from winter-to-summer-to-winter-to-summer, it might open-and-close by 1/16” more-or-less.  Early in the cycle we have a crack that goes from zero to 1/8”.  Later in the cycle it might go from 1/16” to 3/16”, and then 1/8”-to-1/4”, and so-on.  There just is not anything that will stretch that much and still stay stuck to the render, which has not got great tensile strength anyway. If you even used an epoxy glue in the crack, it would just pull off some render when the building asked the crack to open-up more.

STUCCO & REPAIR

Stucco, another commonly used material in the residential and commercial construction industry, is an exterior wall mortar/coating made of cement, lime, and sand. Stucco provides an economical, durable, decorative and low-maintenance finish for homes and commercial structures alike.

Stucco can be troweled, floated, or spray applied and can be finished in your choice of texture types.

Dash finish

Lace finish

Sand or float finish

Smooth finish, depending on cement and aggregate size in the mix

stucco mix for scratch, brown, and finish coat applications. also offers base coat stucco and fibered stucco.

Base Coat: Scratch & Brown Stucco – A gray, blended, water resistant, portland/lime cement-based material used for scratch and brown coat stucco work.

Finish Coat Stucco – A blended, decorative, water resistant, portland /lime cement based, finish-coat stucco for use as a decorative finish coat for vertical and overhead application.

One Coat Fibered Stucco – Factory blended mixture of portland cement, sand and fiber reinforced polymers and packaged in moisture resistant bags.

Surface Bonding Cement – A fibered, structural coating used to strengthen existing masonry walls or to create mortarless block walls. Can also be used as a masonry parge or finish coat or as a scratch and brown coat stucco.

Mortar Mix Type S – A high-strength mortar mix that can be used as a masonry parge or finish coating or as a scratch and brown coat stucco.

Water Resistant Stucco – Water Resistant Stucco is a portland/lime cement-based stucco with crystalline water-repellent technology. Designed for use as a decorative finish coat that reduces water penetration while maintaining a breathable finish.

When Looking For Stucco Springs

Pikes Peak region is known for gorgeous views, great weather, and beautiful homes. Much of the architecture in our area showcases the aesthetic of our south-central Colorado plateau, both in finish and colors. Leading this aesthetic is stucco, a durable, fire resistant, eco-friendly option that lends ambiance and class to your home or business. Stucco makes a statement, and a good one, on any building.

Stucco Contractors Springs is a locally owned and operated company that knows stucco and interior plaster. It is all we do, and we do it well and have for many years. Our experienced staff knows how to create color, texture, and finishes to complement your home or interior, taking advantage of natural shading and finish to increase the value of your property and the curb appeal.

When you think of a beautiful building in Colorado Springs that has presence, ambiance, and a timeless quality to it, it is likely the exterior is clad in stucco. Long considered an upscale finish, stucco is surprisingly more affordable than many realize, especially when the long-term return in durability and staying power is figured in. Stucco and plaster are both versatile, come in a wide range of colors and textures, and can be adapted to mimic other materials at a much lower cost. One such example is Venetian plaster, often used in place of expensive carved marble. Ask us for a free quote to add timeless beauty and increased value to your property

Stucco is tough stuff. A mix of Portland cement, lime, sand, and water, stucco requires minimal maintenance, is fire resistant, provides insulation value, and is protective. It also breathes, the permeability allowing proper airflow in and out of your home. Stucco continues to cure over time, creating a more durable finish that can last 50 years or more. Many buildings from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt were finished in stucco, and thousands of years later, that same stucco is still intact

Stucco comes in a variety of colors and textures, and an experienced craftsman can give you a myriad of decorating possibilities for patterns, finishes, and colors. When we provide a free quote, we also provide suggestions for the best kind of stucco or plaster for your project, whether it is traditional, acrylic, elastomeric, or a synthetic system.

WHY PATCHING OR PAINTING YOUR STUCCO CAN BE DANGEROUS

Stucco houses are unique and beautiful to see in any neighborhood. They are the type of home that makes any owner proud. Unfortunately, many contractors do not know how to properly build or repair stucco homes and those proud homeowners may soon find themselves facing major structural damage and thousands of dollars in repairs.

Much of this damage comes from improperly patched or painted stucco. Unlike in some other home building materials, cracks in stucco should not be quickly filled in or painted over. Rather than covering a small cosmetic flaw, you or a misguided contractor might be covering dangerous water damage that can threaten the structure of your home. This is why it’s best to hire an experienced stucco contractor to perform inspections and repairs of your beautiful stucco.

WHY CRACKS FORM

Like all homes, stucco houses will see wear and tear from the elements over time. This is especially true in more temperamental climates. Stucco was originally intended for hot, dry climates, but their popularity has stucco homes in wetter, colder climates now, too. Both moisture and cold can wreak havoc on stucco if the wrong kind was used on a home. Cycles of warm and cold weather cause the stucco to expand and contract, which creates cracks over time. Then these cracks are further exacerbated when water and ice get in.

Once your stucco has cracks and fissures, moisture has an easy path straight into the walls of your home; with it comes mold and rotting. This is why it is so important to not simply patch or paint over stucco. Cracks can be an important indication of underlying water damage that needs to be looked at before repairs can be made, not just covered up.

WHY PATCHING AND PAINTING ARE COUNTERINTUITIVE

Many contractors or homeowners reach for the caulk or paint when they see cracks in stucco walls, but doing so is ignoring the original problem and creating a larger one. Homeowners may not realize there are different kinds of stucco and the type on their house may not be ideal for the local weather. If this is the case, no amount of patching or painting will prevent future cracks, and it may be best to replace problem areas with a more appropriate kind of stucco installed by the experts.