A peaceful night’s rest sounds impossible for people suffering from insomnia because they’re wide awake and can’t seem to snooze, even if they’re super tired. If you can’t sleep and want to know more about it before your appointment to an insomnia doctor Clarksburg, you should know that there are a few types of insomnia. One of them is secondary insomnia.

Types Of Insomnia

There are primarily two types of insomnia that can directly affect your sleep schedule and overall mood. Those are:

  • Primary insomnia
  • Secondary insomnia

Primary Insomnia

Primary insomnia has no specific cause. It can be developed at any age, because of anything or literally nothing. It is usually hereditary and it can put a toll on your sleep schedule because you just can’t get to the bottom of the problem.

The result will be an irritable mood, sluggish behavior, loss of focus and concentration, and inability to fall asleep, even if you haven’t napped or slept all day.

Secondary Insomnia

Secondary insomnia is something that’s caused by another issue. The issue can be a medical problem, substance abuse, the effect of a new routine medicine, and everything in between.

Secondary insomnia can also be triggered by mental health ailments like depression and anxiety and if you’re taking any medicine to combat the mental aspect of things, then secondary insomnia can also strengthen its roots and take over your normal routine.

Usually, people suffering from disorders like:

  • Lupus
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Chronic disorders like pain, migraines, etc.

will go through the effects of secondary insomnia.

The Categories Of Secondary Insomnia

Secondary insomnia is also divided into two categories, based on the severity and the potential causes and those are:

Acute Secondary Insomnia (also known as short-term insomnia) can be the direct result of things like:

  • Jet lag
  • Excessive traveling in different time zones
  • Short-term stress about a certain thing going on in your life

Chronic Secondary Insomnia (also known as Long-term insomnia), which can be caused due to issues like:

  • Medicine dependencies, like hypertension medication or any other routine-based drug
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Clinical depression
  • Addiction to certain substances like caffeine, tobacco, etc.
  • Circadian rhythm disorders

Triggers Of Secondary Insomnia

A lot of the time, secondary insomnia is the extended problem of an underlying issue that you might already have. So, a silver lining of secondary insomnia is that you know what’s causing you to not fall asleep at night.

There are a lot of medical or psychological conditions that can lead to secondary insomnia and those include:

  • Hormonal imbalance in women like pregnancy, menopause, PCOS, irregular menstruation, etc.
  • Chronic pain in the bones, back, and entire body
  • Dependency on medication, whether it’s for depression, anxiety, pain, or any other disorder that needs regulation
  • Alcohol abuse or addiction
  • Allergies and associated symptoms, like allergic rhinitis, pollen allergy, dust allergy, pet allergy, and sometimes food allergies
  • ENT problems, like ear infections, throat infections, soreness, post nasal drip, pinching pain in the ear, deviated nasal septum, etc.
  • Stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, ulcers, aches and cramps
  • Bone disorders like arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and associated pains
  • Stimulants like caffeine, especially when taken at night
  • Heartburn, especially when you lay down

These are just some of the many things that can cause secondary insomnia and any discomfort associated with the above-mentioned triggers can lead to you feeling restless and unable to sleep for the rest of the night, therefore, your mood will only worsen and you will have a hard time getting things done the next day, because of sheer exhaustion.

Symptoms Of Secondary Insomnia

Here are some symptoms of secondary insomnia. They’re pretty much the same as any type of insomnia, but they can take place, because of triggers or general mismanagement of the trigger in the first place.

  • The most obvious one will be an inability to sleep. As soon as your head hits the pillow, you’ll be unable to enter dreamland and that can be quite frustrating.
  • Your legs and arms might also involuntarily move. It’s called restless leg syndrome (RLS) and it’s a very common symptom of insomnia.
  • If you’ve been feeling stressed lately and haven’t done anything to manage the storm in your head, then it’s highly likely that you won’t fall asleep.
  • You will feel really tired, but won’t be able to sleep.
  • Even if you do manage to fall asleep, you will wake up suddenly in the middle of the night or much earlier than expected and then when you try to snooze, you just won’t be able to sleep again.

Treatment Of Secondary Insomnia

Treatment of secondary insomnia is a bit more work than you think. Because you’re dealing with two things that need your attention, you need to find a treatment mode that manages the symptoms of the trigger as well as the issue of insomnia. Here are a couple of things that you can try:

  • First things first, you need to manage the symptoms of your existing chronic medical condition. If you treat your health issues well, then there’s a high chance that secondary insomnia will go away naturally, especially if it’s acute. So, if you’re dealing with stress and anxiety, then you need to manage these things first.
  • This isn’t to say that secondary insomnia doesn’t need any treatment. You might be managing your symptoms well, but the insomnia still won’t go away. There might be a possibility that the secondary insomnia you’re dealing with is long-term or that you need to employ some lifestyle changes to get a better night’s rest.
  • Sleep medication and herbs that induce sleep, like chamomile, valerian root, and lavender can help with secondary insomnia and will help you to sleep faster.
  • Lastly, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) also helps patients build a good sleeping schedule, a productive routine, and a healthy diet to promote better sleep.

Habits To Prevent Secondary Insomnia

Since secondary insomnia is mostly caused by habitual changes and lifestyle modifications, it can be easily managed with some alternatives as well. Here are some natural ways by which you can try to alleviate the effects of secondary insomnia:

  • Try to limit caffeine intake after 5 pm. It is a stimulant and it wills the brain to stay active and alert, so you won’t be able to sleep peacefully.
  • Try to take all of your medication in the morning hours, so that the effects can kick in and by the time night falls, the substances are out of your system and you can try to sleep.
  • Create a morning routine that allows you to wake up at a certain time each day. This habit is going to train your mind and exhaust your body so that you can sleep.
  • Daily exercise, running, and jogging produce endorphins, which are mood boosters, and moving your body, in general, also tires it down, so as night approaches, you will be able to slip away to dreamland easily.

Conclusion

There are various of types of insomnia and that their effects on your sleeping schedule can vary. Now you know what secondary insomnia is and why it worsens over time. Consult a sleep specialist Germantown if you’re experiencing the symptoms.

Do you know what’s worse than cracked countertops? Permanent stains! They’re ugly, they’re a nightmare to get rid of and they don’t always go away. So, if your granite countertops are stained and you want to freshen them up, then try out these tips.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is the answer to all of the problems related to stains. It is a miracle ingredient that can be found in your kitchen. If you see a light food or oil stain that isn’t being removed by your normal cleaner, then don’t worry, because baking soda is here to save the day.

All you need to remove the stain is a teaspoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of vinegar, and a toothbrush. Pour the vinegar on top of the baking soda sitting on the surface of the countertop and you will see a fizzing reaction occur immediately on contact. This fizz is basically what’s going to get rid of the stain.

Once the fizzing starts, grab your damp toothbrush and rub it over the stain. You will see that the stain will disappear almost immediately and your kitchen countertops will be spotless. This hack works great for granite countertops especially, because there’s no chance of damage, so that’s a huge plus, and not to mention, it’s inexpensive.

Lemon Juice Is Your Best Friend

If you don’t have vinegar or baking soda on hand, but have lemons, then that’s also going to help get rid of those pesky food stains. You only need a lemon for this. Cut the lemon in half. If you have it on hand, then baking soda will help a lot. Dip the lemon in baking soda and then rub it on the granite countertop stain. You will see a slight fizzing reaction, but it won’t be as vigorous as vinegar.

Lemon is a natural cleaning and bleaching agent that’s used to clean stains and it will work wonders on your countertops too. You can also mix in some lemon juice with your regular countertop cleaner and that’s going to be a great combination to clean your countertops and prevent stains it will lead to a freshly smelling countertop too.

So, it’s great if you are worried about smelly countertops. Lemon is also quite gentle as compared to other harsh chemicals and it won’t damage your precious granite countertops. Try this hack out on your countertops if you have a stain that’s bothering you, and you’ll see the results for yourself.

What To Do For Dried Food Stains?

Sometimes, water and food stains aren’t the problem, rather the dried food crusts are. They can be pretty ugly to look at and if you’re not quick enough then it can lead to permanent stains. So, if you have some dried-up food that’s crusting up, then you’ll need two things.

A plastic or metal scraper and a toothbrush. If you’re using a metal scraper, then be extremely careful, because you don’t want to accidentally scratch your countertops. So, a plastic scraper is a better option. Use the scraper around the dried-up food crumbs and get it loose. One to two scrapes should be enough to get rid of the food crumbs.

Now that that’s gone, you’re going to have to do something about the stain left behind. Well, that’s easy too. All you need is a bit of detergent, and with a wet toothbrush, scrub the surface where the stain is. The toothbrush is a much gentler tool to use than a scrubber because you don’t want to damage your granite countertops. Use a back-and-forth motion with your toothbrush and use a wet washcloth to wipe away the stain. Your countertops will be as good as new.

Amazing Cleaner For Oil Stains

Oil stains can also be a huge pain in the neck because they aren’t cleaned as easily. Well, there is an easy fix for them and you will be blown away by the results. Oil is slippery and emollient, so you’re going to need something that’s going to dissolve the oil and get rid of that slick feeling. You can use dish soap for this because that’s literally what makes the dishes clean and free from that yucky oily feeling and it can do the same for your granite, marble, and quartz countertops Rockville.

All you need is a bit of detergent and drop it right on top of the stain. Now, if you want to guarantee that the stain is gone for good in the first go, then you will need some baking soda, lemon, or vinegar. These are oil repellents and they’re going to get rid of the stain in no time. Take a toothbrush run it under cold water and start scrubbing. You will see that the stain is gone almost at once and so is the slippery and oily film.

Water And Detergent

This is something that can be used every day for cleaning, but it’s also a preventative measure to avoid stains in the future. Use water and detergent as your countertop cleaner and that’s going to keep the surfaces neat and clean and you won’t have to spend a lot on specialty cleaners for your countertops.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

If the stains are old and are not going away with the above-mentioned hacks, then it’s time to pull out the big guns. Hydrogen peroxide is a pretty harsh chemical, but it can get rid of stains in the blink of an eye. The trick here is to use it sparingly so that it doesn’t damage or discolor your countertops because hydrogen peroxide tends to do this. Mix a couple of teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide in your daily countertop cleaner and stains will be history.

Sand The Surface

Sometimes, the stains can penetrate a bit deeper into the surface of the countertops, and removing them can be hard. This is where sanding the surface will help. You can use a slightly rough sandpaper to sand the surface of the stain and it will be removed almost immediately.

A huge advantage of using sandpaper is that you will also be getting rid of scratches at the same time, so it’s a win-win situation.

Call In The Professionals

If there are a lot of stains on your countertops and they’re getting quite old too, then you will need professional help to get rid of the stains completely. You can only spot so many stains. So, try to call in a professional contractor and have them look at your countertops.

Chances are that they will need to remove it and take it to a workshop where they can do extensive sanding and treatment to get rid of the stains. This is the only way to salvage the granite countertops if there are a lot of stains on them.

Conclusion

Granite is a very easy target for stains since it’s extremely porous and if you don’t seal it up, then they can be a problem. These tips will help you out. But if the stains are stubborn, have professionals to remove them or consult granite installers Potomac and replace the countertop.

Commercial dishwashers are key kitchen appliances in the hospitality industry. They are designed to clean and dry several batches of dishes at the same time throughout the business day. Normally, commercial dishwashers make a humming noise while functioning. However, if it is loud, it means there is something wrong. Plus, your commercial dishwasher can also make some other noises that you should be aware of. Any noise that is louder or stranger, you should investigate it yourself or hire a commercial appliances repair technician to inspect the dishwasher.

Check The Ventilation Fan And Wash The Pump Motor

If your commercial dishwasher is making a humming noise, there could be two reasons i.e. the ventilation fan or a malfunctioning wash pump motor. Keep in mind that a commercial dishwasher does produce a slight humming sound when it is operating normally.

You should not confuse that with a problem. If the humming sound gradually becomes louder, then you should check these parts for problems. If you observe that your commercial dishwasher is making a loud humming noise during the drying cycle, it most likely means there is a problem with the ventilation fan.

The fan runs on a motor that consists of bearings. The bearings could be worn or the motor itself needs replacement. You can either try replacing the bearings or the motor to see if the problem gets fixed. During checking the bearings and the motor, check the fan blades as well. If the commercial dishwasher happens to be old, there are chances the fan blades are damaged, cracked, etc.

Furthermore, if your commercial dishwasher is making a high-pitched humming sound, it means the motor is faulty. The good news is that you might be able to replace it on your own if you have the right tools and skills. If not, you will be needing an expert.

Dishwasher Making Grinding Noise

Some commercial dishwashers make a grinding noise too when functioning, which is normal. This is usually the case in dishwashers with a motor-driven electronic control panel but the grinding should not be too loud. If the dishwasher has suddenly started making a loud grinding noise, you should check for a foreign object stuck inside.

Normally, a dishwasher makes a grinding noise when a foreign object is stuck between the blades of the dishwasher. This can happen during cleaning if a hardened food or a broken part of a dish fall to the bottom of the dishwasher. The object can stop the blades from rotating.

Therefore, if you hear your dishwasher producing a grinding or vibrating sound anywhere during the washing and drying cycle, turn it off and let the steam dissipate. Then, simply gain access to the bottom rack and remove it to inspect for any food items, glass, or dish parts.

Moreover, you will also need to inspect the dishwasher screen. It is present under the lower spray arm. Check for debris and remove it using water and soap. Next, move on to the pump housing cap and again check for debris. You will need to check every component visible and accessible for anything stuck.

Food items getting stuck is common in commercial garbage disposals too. Use the services of a commercial garbage disposal repair Alexandria technician for inspections.

Insufficient Water Spraying Into The Dishwasher

A commercial dishwasher requires a specific level of water to wash the dishes. If the water being sprayed in the dishwasher is insufficient, the machine might produce a weird grinding noise. For this, you will need to check the inlet valve for any clogs or issues that might be preventing the water from accessing the machine.

Circulation Pump Issue

The circulation pump as the term suggests helps circulate the water inside the machine. This pump also consists of bearings that might produce a grinding noise if they are worn. However, if the dishwasher is years old, it might be time to replace the motor. Make sure that you opt for the exact replacement or replace the dishwasher if it is frequently running into problems.

Dishwasher Making Banging Or Knocking Noise

If your dishwasher is making thumping noises, it most likely means that you have installed it too close to the walls or the cabinet, which is causing the drain line to vibrate against the walls. Adjusting the position of the dishwasher might solve the issue.

In addition to that, it could also be that the spray arm is hitting something inside the machine as it rotates. To fix the issue, you will need to access the dishwasher and check the spray arm for its mobility. If it’s having difficulty, it means either something is stuck or the spray arm itself needs replacing.

Dishwasher Making Noise When Draining

You might face a situation where your commercial dishwasher is making noise when draining. It might produce a loud rubbing, grinding, or humming sound. The likely cause could be the following.

Seized Drain Pump Issue

The drain pump is designed to drain the water out of the machine once the washing and drying cycle is complete. It is common for foreign objects to become stuck in the drain pump which will produce weird sounds as a result, especially during the drain cycle.

That said, you will need to check around and inside the drain pump to make sure nothing is hindering its performance. Clean the dishwasher first because it may stop the noises. If the noise stays after cleaning the unit, check and replace the drain pump.

Rattling Noises

When a dishwasher is running, you might hear rattling sounds due to loose forks or dishes contacting each other but that should neither be too loud nor continuous. Plus, rattling or squealing noise is also common in brand-new dishwashers if they haven’t been used in a long time.

Try running the machine using water for a while to check if the rattling noises goes away. If it doesn’t, it means there is a fault with the wash motor. To inspect the motor, you will need to run an empty cycle. It could also be due to a blocked filter, clogged drain, etc.

Do Commercial Dishwashers Require Maintenance?

Because commercial dishwashers work throughout the business week without any breaks, it is important to look after them and schedule expert maintenance to ensure everything works fine. At the same time, part of the responsibility also lies on the owner to train their employees to regularly inspect and clean the machine after a tough working day.

Commercial dishwashers require maintenance as other household appliances do. In fact, manufacturers also recommend scheduling expert maintenance to prevent costly repairs. The services can be expensive but will keep your machine running effortlessly for years to come.

In addition to that, it would be smart to maintain a maintenance log. That way, you will be able to keep track of the repairs and replacements without having to rely on your employees every time.

Conclusion

Summing it up, commercial dishwashers are tough and rigid machines but require care and maintenance. These machines might unexpectedly produce certain noises and you need to be prepared for that. So, keep the tips mentioned above in mind to quickly overcome the issue if you encounter a similar issue in the future. Take help from a professional for proper commercial dishwasher repairs Northern VA.

Is your bathroom in need of some serious remodeling? Well, this is also a great time for all of the small bathroom owners out there, to add some nifty storage to their existing space. Here are some space-saving ideas you can implement during a bathroom remodel that are going to knock your socks off.

Small Statement Sinks

With small bathrooms and trying to save space, you need to think creatively and smartly. You don’t want to go for a sink that’s too bulky and will take up a lot of space because your bathroom will end up looking cramped.

You want to go for lone sinks, that are bowls mounted on a countertop. These sinks will not only save floor space, but they will look like a style statement and add character to your entire bathroom.

Recessed Cabinets & Cupboards

When remodeling your bathroom to save space, without compromising on the storage, it’s best to go for cabinet options that won’t protrude out a lot. This is where the recessed feature comes in handy. Recessed fixtures have been around for a long time now, and they’re great for saving space.

Recessed cabinets and cupboards are going to disappear into the walls and you will have a designated space for everything without hogging up all of the floor space. You can also opt for pull-out cupboards and that’s going to look even better. Something about recessed cabinetry looks very edgy and futuristic.

Shower & Bathtub Combo

Who says you can’t get a bathtub in a small bathroom? Just because the space is limited, doesn’t mean that you can’t make things work. A bathtub and shower combo is a great way to get the best of both worlds, without having to give up on floor space.

Bathtubs are also great if you have small toddlers that love to soak and play in the tub, during bath time, and let’s be real; baths are way more relaxing and luxurious than showers. However, if someone in your house prefers showers over baths, then you have that area covered too.

Custom Cabinets

For small spaces, you need to get creative with things. Pre-made cabinets are not going to cut it for you, so to make your bathroom look spacious and complete, you’ll need to go for custom-made cabinets according to the available bathroom space and your preferences. This might be a bit expensive, but it’s better than getting stock cabinets that don’t meet your space requirements.

A fabricator can easily make a custom vanity for you and you can even request for the recessed feature so that you’re on top of the space-saving game in your bathroom.

Use Hooks

If you don’t want to spend the extra money on a hanging rack, but want your clothes and towels to be organized, then hooks are here to save the day. Hooks take no space at all and you can easily install them on the back of your door, on the walls, in the cupboard, and even in the shower.

You can, then, hang your wet towels, bath robes, clothes, and other miscellaneous items on these hooks and everything will stay put. The best part about hooks is that they are available in magnetic and sticking varieties, so you don’t need to drill a hole in your walls either.

Utilize Every Square Inch

If you have space under the sink, on top of the cupboards, and on your vanity, then you want to use all of these spaces to your advantage. You can use these spaces to put extra towels, fixture backups, skincare and beauty products, hair tools and equipment you use daily, and other things.

This idea is great because it leads to less clutter and you’ll know exactly where you need to look to find a specific item. Organization is all about having a home for every single thing. Work with a bathroom remodeler who can make the most of the small space.

Tall Shelves

Since you don’t have a lot of horizontal space to work with, in a small kitchen, you can opt for taller shelves and cupboards that have vertical length, because these things will take up way less floor space and they will get the job done.

Tall shelves, cupboards, and storage spaces will have more space and you can use them to their maximum capacity without having to compromise on floor space. If you have a lot of things that need to be organized in various storage bins, then try to set them up vertically and that’s going to be a game changer.

Take Advantage Of The Walls

Since you want to use the floor space to a minimum, it’s time to use other things, like the bathroom walls. Walls are perfect areas for you to mount things on. You can go for shelves that can be easily mounted on walls and that’s going to give the look of invisible/floating shelves that look extremely modern and chic.

You can also get storage bins and shelves that are very lightweight and can be screwed on the walls of your bathroom. This idea is not only going to make things look more clean and organized, but it can also dress up bare and sad-looking walls.

Reasonably Sized Toilet

For the toilet, a lot of people forget to keep the size and dimensions in mind. Since your bathroom is already lacking in the space department, it’s best that you don’t overcrowd it with a huge toilet seat. As soon as everything like the sink, vanity, shower, and cupboards are installed, you want to take note of the space available for the toilet seat.

You want to get something that matches the available dimensions, because not only is it going to fit better, but it will also look proportionate.

Medicine Cabinets For The Win

You might think that cabinets are a thing of the past. Well, not really. Medicine cabinets have also come a very long way and there are a lot of cool and modern ideas that you can incorporate in your bathroom.

The main gist of a medicine cabinet is that it can be concealed with a mirror, but it’s actually a cabinet that can be opened and you can put things like important medicines, eye contacts, toothpaste, and even some skincare products. It is truly a wonderful storage idea and you don’t need to worry about losing important prescription medication as well.

Storage Bins

Lastly, to get everything organized, storage bins are a must. You want to have a number of these and you can use them in drawers or on their own to put things in and get things organized.

These bins are a lifesaver in the bathroom and there are also varieties available that you can mount on the wall, so that’s a win-win.

Conclusion

Storage is something everyone needs, and in bathrooms, it’s even more important and you will regret it if you don’t have that bit of extra space. These ideas will definitely help you out. So, the next time you’re remodeling your bathroom, keep these options in mind too. Ask for more space-saving ideas from your bathroom remodeling contractor and you will be amazed with the creative ideas. abbruzz

Retaining walls are structures built to hold back soil and debris. You can get this built by patio builders. These walls have several advantages and disadvantages to offer. However, the popularity graph of these walls shows an ever-increasing trend. So, if you are planning to have one built for yourself, here are some things you need to consider.

Advantages Of Building A Retaining Wall

Increase In Property Value

One of the biggest advantages of building a retaining wall is the increase in property value. In addition to improving the curb appeal of your home, retaining walls help protect against property damage caused by flooding and erosion, which decrease the value of your home.

Although the increase in the property’s value will depend on the location and the type of retaining wall, properties with such features are sure to bring good returns.

Improved Drainage

Another major advantage of building a retaining wall is improved drainage. Having a retaining wall built means excess water is directed away from structures and towards lower-lying areas. As a result, your property is protected against severe damage from erosion and flooding.

If you happen to live in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions, having a retaining wall is a must. On top of that, if you are someone who loves nature and likes to have plants, shrubs, and trees surrounding your property, you will be able to keep them protected in case the rain comes down hard.

Reduced Maintenance

Some people opt for fences or other landscaping features to add to the visual appeal and security of their properties that require maintenance. However, in the case of retaining walls, you do not need to put in time and effort on a weekly or monthly basis.

The only factor you need to keep in mind is proper construction and installation. Building a retaining wall is not easy as it seems and may take a few weeks. If the job has been done perfectly by retaining wall builders Long Island, you need not worry about the wall for years.

Disadvantages of Building a Retaining Wall

Retaining Walls Can Be Expensive

Retaining walls can be expensive to build depending on the size and type you go for. Even though there are cheaper options available in the market but won’t last long. For a well-built retaining wall, you should expect around $20-$50 per square foot.

This means it could be difficult for you to build one especially if you are tight on the budget. However, then again, it should be kept in mind that a retaining wall helps increase your property’s value.

Retaining Walls Require Annual Inspection

As mentioned earlier, retaining walls do not require weekly or monthly inspections only annual inspections. The sole purpose of the inspections is to ensure the wall is in good condition. Considering external factors such as extreme weather conditions, retaining walls can crack over time.

So, the inspection will allow you to repair the cracks and reseal them. Of course, you will be spending some money but instead of considering it an expense, you should think of it as an investment for the advantages it has to offer.

Additionally, it is not necessary that retaining walls need repairs on every inspection. It might be that your wall does not require any repairs at all for a few years if external factors do not take a toll on it.

Retaining Walls Can Be Dangerous

You might be surprised to hear this but there is no need to panic. The only reason retaining walls can be dangerous is if they are built by amateurs. An improper or poorly constructed wall can be threatening especially if it is built near a walkway or driveway.

The best way to prevent serious situations is to choose a professional. A professional might charge you slightly more than the market average but will ensure the job is done perfectly. Moreover, retaining walls should only be built in stable areas, and that too after performing risk analysis.

Retaining Walls Can Take Too Much Space

Sometimes, retaining walls can take up too much space. This is a common complaint amongst homeowners who have decided to build retaining walls in their properties. However, it is too late for them to realize once it has been built. That said, building a retaining wall might not seem to be a big job but requires thorough assessment and planning.

The last thing you would want is the retaining wall blocking the views and making it difficult to walk in areas that are meant for high foot traffic. Moreover, you will also need to consider other factors such as patios, porches, etc. if you already have them in your house.

How To Build A Retaining Wall?

Once you have decided on building a retaining wall for your home, you need to follow a few steps. First, you need to decide the type of material for the retaining wall. You can choose between stone, concrete, vinyl, and wood. Your decision should be based on your budget, location, and size of the property as well as the retaining wall.

However, keep in mind that concrete retaining walls tend to be the most affordable while stone walls offer a more natural look. Meanwhile, vinyl and wood retaining walls are more expensive options if you are looking to improve your backyard or front yard.

Now that you have decided on the type, it is time to begin construction. Always choose a professional for this job and inspect the stability and quality for any potential problems once it is complete.

And finally, seal the wall and schedule annual maintenance to prolong its lifespan.

Types Of Retaining Walls

Gravity Retaining Walls

Gravity retaining walls prevent toppling and sliding by using the gravitational force of their weight. This helps them resist the lateral pressure from the soil behind them. These are the simplest type of retaining walls and are usually built using bricks, concrete, masonry, etc.

Cantilever Retaining Walls

Cantilever retaining walls are built using reinforced concrete in an inverted T-shape or L-shaped foundation. A cantilever retaining wall consists of a base slab and a stem located under the backfill. As a result, the vertical pressure produced by the soil behind the wall is directed to the base, which helps the wall withstand pressure.

Gabion Retaining Wall

A gabion retaining wall is a wall packing rectangular wire mesh containers filled with rocks or other suitable materials. These walls are used to stabilize steep slopes and develop erosion management structures.

Anchored Retaining Wall

An anchored retaining wall is used or built if the house is constrained. These are relatively thin walls suitable for loose soil on rocks. As the term suggests, these walls consist of anchors installed deep into the earth to eliminate slipping and pressure.

Conclusion

A retaining wall can surely protect your property from flooding, erosion, and other threatening situations. However, it could be expensive and simply might not suit your property. Therefore, increasing the property’s value is one thing, wasting your money on something that does not offer any value won’t be worth it. Therefore, always consult an expert like patio contractors Long Island who can lay a patio and build a retaining wall as well. And keep the tips mentioned above in mind to make the right moves.

Kitchen remodeling is costly. Therefore, you should be hiring the best contractor for your kitchen remodeling. To ensure this, you should ask the right questions to the contractors for evaluating them. Use these questions.

Are you licensed?

Before getting into any details, the first question should be about the license. Ask the kitchen remodeling contractor if they are licensed. If they are, it would mean that they have passed the required tests and exams to be considered a qualified professional for remodeling and similar work.

Moreover, if their reply is a yes, you should ask for their license number so you can confirm it. For this, look up on Google “check a contactor license [enter your state]”.

Are you Better Business Bureau accredited?

Most businesses have a Better Business Bureau profile that tells more about them. You can check their rating to know whether you can trust them. Therefore, ask the contractor about their BBB profile and their score.

Have you done a project like this one before?

There are many different aspects of a kitchen remodel and it requires different kinds of skills to complete a full kitchen remodel. Moreover, not all remodels are full remodels. So, you should check with the kitchen remodeler Bowie whether they have done something you have in mind.

For example; a contractor can be excellent in installing cabinets and flooring, but they not be skillful in coating countertops. So, show your requirements to the contractor and make sure they are good at what you want to be done.

What type of contract would you propose?

If you select a contractor and give them the details of the project, they will give a rough estimate of the project which is called a quote. They may explain what will happen on the job and relevant things you should know.

After this, you will be provided with a contract that is considered the set rules that will seal the deal once you sign it.

There are different types of contracts and you should select the contract that suits your project, your budget, and your preferences. Therefore, asking about the contract is important. For instance, if you don’t want to overspend, you should not sign a cost plus contract. This is a contract where the scope of the job is not clearly defined along with the cost.

There are other types of contractors like a stipulated sum contract also called a fixed price contract. When the scope of the project is clearly defined, the price is set clearly as well and a fixed price contract is used for it.

Another kind of contract is a design-build contract. In this one, you can make one entity responsible for both the design and construction. This can make things easy for you because you only need to keep a check on one company or entity for the whole project. After the contract, the design-build contract hires architects, engineers, and subcontractors under him/her and completes the project.

Do you use subcontractors?

The contractors or companies you hire are responsible for completing your project as the contract says. However, they have the option to involve in-house employees or hire subcontractors for some parts of the kitchen renovation project.

Getting all the work done by the in-house employees for the contractor is better because they may save more money. However, if something required in the project can’t be done by any of their people, they can hire subcontractors of the right skill set to do that job. This makes a project better because everyone does what they are skilled at.

Subcontracting is a common practice. However, you should ask your contractor about it and how they vet the subcontractors they hire.

Can I look at your previous work?

Inquiring about the things a contractor is skilled at is one thing and asking for previous work is another. So, it can be useful in making your decision if you can look at the work of the contractor you’re evaluating.

Some contractors may have physical showrooms they can show you. However, many contractors don’t have them, but most of them do maintain an online catalog that you can look at. Contractors without physical showrooms don’t make them bad so judge them with their work.

How long will the kitchen remodeling project take?

Remodeling involves various tasks, but if you ask about how much a project will take, they will be able to answer it confidently. Many contractors will give you a detailed project breakdown about which thing will be done first and how much time every task will take.

The project length forecasted by your contractor will give an idea of how long your kitchen will be unavailable.

When asking about approximate project length, if a contractor can’t give you definite time frames or a contractor promises too quick completion of the project, it’s best not to trust them.

Would there be a wait time involved?

The contractor you want to hire may have a long waitlist. Summer is usually the season when remodels and renovations are likely done so the wait list of contractors may be longer in summer. So, which time of year you’re hiring a contractor, asking about the wait time will let you know how long will it take your project to start.

Moreover, a waitlist can also tell you about the popularity of a contractor, but beware that some contractors may give you a long wait time to show that they are popular.

What is your work schedule?

Remodeling requires various heavy tools, the contractor’s team may take up some space for work, and also cordon off many areas of the house for ventilation units. Moreover, chemicals are used for various purposes which should be avoided by anyone who is not a part of the remodeling team.

Therefore, you should ask when your contractor usually starts the work and how long they stay in the area for the project in a day. This will help you in organizing your day much better during the remolding days if you will be living in your house.

Will there be post-remodel downtime?

Even when remodeling is done, some parts require time to dry out like kitchen flooring, walls, and other things. If you begin using your kitchen or those parts that are not completely dry yet, it can damage them and you may need to repair or replace those parts again. This means you will be spending time and money again to do a small renovation again.

Therefore, to avoid problems and damage to the new materials, ask your contractor if there will be any parts that will be unavailable for some time after the remodel.

Where should I contact you during the remodel?

You may need to talk to the contractor if something happens during the remodel like an accident, scheduling conflict, etc. So, you should have a number you can call because it’s not likely that the lead contractor or the project manager of your kitchen remodel will be present on your premises all the time.

Conclusion

Your kitchen remodel will go smoothly if you select the right kitchen remodeling contractor Rockville. For this, asking the right questions is the key. Ask the above questions to know to understand how the contractor usually works and what you should expect.

CBD has been around for quite some time now and people are curious about its hidden benefits for treating many diseases and disorders. Here is everything you need to know about the effects of CBD for ADHD.

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, shortly known as ADHD, is a common neurological development disorder, which can occur in children as well as adults. In this disorder, the attention span is highly compromised and people, mostly children, have a hard time focusing on things for too long. They also face trouble in controlling impulses and doing exactly what they’re feeling. This can include rocking the leg, clicking the teeth, shaking too much, moving limbs and other body parts impulsively, etc.

Normal people can control their impulsive urges and not act on them, but people suffering from ADHD will have a hard time doing so. They also have a tendency of being very active and they always need to do something, otherwise, they may become difficult to deal with.

Symptoms Of ADHD

  • Too much talking
  • Zoning out or daydreaming
  • Moving too much, aka, hyperactivity
  • Being socially awkward/or having a hard time making friends or acquaintances
  • Acting on impulses a lot
  • Doing reckless things or making mistakes a lot

Treatment Of ADHD

ADHD is treatable, as long as you are consistent with the process and don’t stray off the path. The common treatment method is medication and therapy. Medication helps a lot with calming the nerves down and letting the person relax and it also suppresses the need to act on impulses.

Therapy is for the general well-being of the person, in order to make them less anxious and shy and it helps to put the person out there, so that they can’t be held back, because of this disorder.

CBD For ADHD

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant. It is a natural substance that helps with anxiety and relaxes the user. It might be quite fitting for CBD to be useful for ADHD, but that’s not entirely the case. When CBD first came out, there was tons of research done on it, to scope out its hidden benefits for treating anxiety disorders, and it was tested on people with ADHD as well

It can be said that more in-depth research is required to fully and safely state that CBD is effective in patients suffering from ADHD.

There have been some unofficial stories of people online, stating their positive experiences with CBD for ADHD, but these experiences need to be taken with a grain of salt, because the reviews of some people, and that too online, cannot build the foundation of treatment for approximately 7.5 million people dealing with ADHD.

There is a need for calculated and monitored research in which all of the boxes are ticked, otherwise, it can be considered as a bluff, especially when there’s no actual proof of it.

Can CBD Be Used As A Treatment For ADHD?

CBD is known for its relaxing benefits and while it has been approved by the FDA and other drug administrations in the world to be added to different medicines, it still doesn’t mean that there is recorded proof of it being useful in the treatment of other anxiety disorders.

Yes, CBD is useful and tremendously effective for treating sleep problems and even dealing with anxiety, but in the case of ADHD, there are a plethora of symptoms that need to be covered and unfortunately, CBD doesn’t seem to be effective in dealing with all of them.

There is still a lot to discover in the research of CBD to be fully effective in treating or to be used as an additional treatment for ADHD, this is why saying anything, for sure, can be hasty. It’s best to wait for more studies to be done on CBD before making any false claims and putting someone’s life at risk, for the sake of treatment.

Conclusion

There you have it! CBD might be setting its foot down in the pharmaceutical industry, but it still has a long way to go for treatments of disorders like ADHD. Discuss this with your physician before using any CBD products from a CBD store.

Hair extensions are a great way to add instant volume to your hair. There are many variants of hair extensions available with salons that do hair extensions, but the most common and easiest one is the clip-in version. Here is everything you need to know about putting these extensions in your hair.

Before Putting In The Extensions

Here are some things you need to think about before putting the extensions in your hair.

The Color Should Match

First of all, your extensions need to match your actual hair color. There is nothing more unpleasant than having hair extensions that don’t match your hair. It also looks extremely fake and it gives away the illusion of a perfect hairstyle. Try to take some time when choosing the color of your hair extensions, because it is impossible.

Style The Hair Extensions

If you normally wear your hair in a certain style, like textured or curled, then it’s better to style your hair extensions before putting them on your head. Styling the hair extensions, before clipping them on, is not only easy but it also takes less time for you to finish your hair.

You will have beautifully styled hair within no time and there won’t be any weird kinks or missing spots in the hair, once the extensions are on. This hack will also save you a lot of time in the morning if you are a fan of styling your hair.

Step-By-Step Guide To Apply Clip-In Hair Extensions

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clip-on hair extensions with ease.

Brush The Hair Out

First, you need to make sure that your hair is free from tangles and knots. When applying any sort of hair extensions, there’s usually a lot of tugging and manipulation of the hair, so you need to make sure that your hair is free from kinks and knots.

This is going to make your life easy and pitting on hair extensions will be a piece of cake, even if you’re a beginner and don’t have any experience.

Sectioning Is Everything

The next most important step of clipping on hair extensions is the sections and where to place the extension wefts. Try to make as many sections as you can and make sure that the hair you section off isn’t too thin or too thick.

Usually, a section that is one inch wide will be perfect for the clip-on weft. The best sections are at the base of the crown and right above the nape of the neck. These places also allow the hair extensions to remain hidden, which is perfect because half the battle is getting the clips to stay hidden.

Placing The Extensions

Now comes the part where you will clip the extensions on the sections you just created. The trick here is to make sure that the wefts don’t stick up when you put the section down. You want to apply the extension parallel to the section and in the direction of the scalp.

This is going to make sure that the section does a good job of making the weft stay put. This is also going to make the end result look smooth and professional. Take your time when putting on the extensions. When you slip the extensions, they should stay down and not pop back up.

Hiding The Wefts

Last but not least, you want to make sure that the wefts are hidden in your hair. The trick lies in the sectioning. The right section will give you enough hiding room for the extensions to not peek through.

Also, make sure that you don’t use brushes or clips near the scalp, where the extension is secured because this is going to loosen the section and the hair extension might slip off. Even if your hair is thin, the right sectioning technique is going to ensure that your hair extensions stay hidden.

Conclusion

There you have it! Clip-in hair extensions are super easy to put on and remove and they take almost half the time to get placed in your hair than other types of hair extensions. It’s time to get those luscious and thick locks from a reputed hair extensions salon Potomac.

High school is one of the most interesting times of a person’s life. If you want to plan a reunion for your high school friends, then getting in touch with party tent rentals and venue managers is suggested. Here is everything you need to know about planning a perfect one.

Plan Ahead

This is different from a regular party or get-together. You need to plan way ahead in advance, so that everything falls into place, once you are near the date of the reunion. The best way to plan and get things done is to start early, like a year in advance.

After high school, a lot of people can disperse and move away, either for college, jobs, and other responsibilities. It’s important that you try your best to scout out as many people for the reunion as possible. That’s why planning early is key and you will be on top of things.

Ways To Reach Out

If most people from your high school have moved to different areas, then it might be hard for you to bring them together for a reunion. So, the best way to do that is to get the best use out of technology and social media. You might have these people added on Facebook or other social media platforms.

So, you can make a group for the reunion and invite them. You can also reach out to the alumni board and ask them about the whereabouts of the students. They will help you out a lot too.

Meet Before The Reunion

Once you have enough people gathered from your high school, now is the time to have a small meeting. This is not a reunion, of sorts, but it is a baseline meeting for the actual reunion and the setting of a date, on which everyone is available.

You can meet at a restaurant, at someone’s house, or anywhere, as long as you guys can get some work done and settle on a party date on which everyone is available for the reunion. You are slowly but surely getting nearer to the reunion, but there’s still more planning to go.

The Usual Planning

You have no time to lose. After a date is set, you will want to act quickly. Get all of the arrangements done. You need to get the venue, food, décor, and other necessary things finalized and make sure that you stress on the completion of these things on time because you might not have the luxury of time since the date is slowly approaching the end.

Try to get things done at a faster pace, but keep quality and at the forefront as well. You don’t want the reunion to look sloppy.

Guest List

Now that you have a date, it’s time to formally invite everyone to your reunion. This can be done by the good old invitations. You can go old-school and write out the invitations or you can go digital and send invitations through email, text, or social media.

Just make sure that you have the information. You can also narrow down the list or you can add more people if you keep finding them. It’s best that you keep a budget and then decide on the guest list.

Set A Budget

Every high school reunion party needs a budget because this gives you a baseline on how much money to spend and what you’re expecting. For the budget, you can divide the entire amount of money between the people who are attending. Everyone can contribute some money to the entire reunion so that it isn’t too expensive for one person to handle. The budget will also determine how much you can spend on food, décor, and the venue.

Try not to go overboard with the budget. It should be reasonable and plenty for a good and decent high school reunion. You can go for a higher budget, but not everyone will be able to contribute this much money to an event.

Conclusion

There you have it! High school reunions are a great way to catch up with old friends and meet new people. Start early and interview multiple party rentals Rockland NY to select one. With these planning tips, you will throw a successful reunion party.

When it comes to deciding the perfect crane for your needs, considering and comparing different types could be a complicated process. However, if you want to rent knuckle boom cranes from crane services you should know some things about these types of cranes. We are going to discuss knuckle boom cranes in detail and their uses. Let’s begin!

What Is The Purpose Of Knuckle Boom Cranes?

It is often that people tend to confuse knuckle boom cranes with traditional boom cranes. Even though they have similar things, but you will encounter difference as well. To begin with, a knuckle boom crane mimics the human finger in the sense that it consists of the main and outer jab that articulate at the knuckle. Also referred to as the picker, loader, or articulating crane, this feature allows the operator to perform a more precise and wide range of movement.

The best thing about knuckle boom cranes is that these cranes are neither too small nor too big, making them compact enough to perform at almost any construction or transportation site. Plus, they are not only powerful but also packed with plenty of features that make them versatile when it comes to performing different types of tasks.

Therefore, knuckle boom cranes are a popular choice when dealing with heavy-duty operations and are mostly found being used for tree care, electric utility, industrial, and construction.

What Are The Different Types Of Knuckle Boom Cranes?

There are different types of knuckle boom cranes with the straight arm or mast being the most popular. This type of crane is used in a variety of industries and is most commonly known for being versatile. Plus, this type is mostly found at construction sites since the straight arm allows for maximum and visible load capacity. Therefore, tasks that require precision can make use of straight-arm cranes.

Another popular type of knuckle boom crane is the telescoping boom crane. The telescopic boom crane is identified by its jib that can be raised over the load to minimize the strain on the system. This makes the knuckle boom cranes the perfect choice for working in limited spaces.

What Factors To Consider When Renting A Knuckle Boom Crane?

When it comes to renting a crane, regardless of the type, there are some essential factors you need to consider. Because there is a huge variety of cranes out there made for different tasks. While some cranes are specifically made for the construction industry, others are made for transportation and some can perform all types of tasks. However, you need to define your needs and preferences.

This will help you narrow down options since different types of cranes come with varying rents. The last thing you would want is renting a crane that hardly comes with any features you want to perform the task and ends up paying a lot more than needed.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Knuckle Boom Crane?

Another reason why knuckle boom cranes are fairly popular is due to the benefits they have to offer. To begin with, knuckle boom cranes can be easily upgraded and are flexible. Moreover, they have a greater payload capacity. This means that these cranes can use several different types of attachments such as log grabs, buckets, and pallet forks, allowing the operator to handle both lightweight and heavyweight loads with ease.

From the outside, knuckle boom cranes surely look small and not too powerful but you shouldn’t underestimate their capability. Perhaps the biggest advantage of using knuckle cranes is that they can easily be transported and can perform in tight spaces. Marine, forestry, mining, construction, and petroleum industries make full use of these cranes due to limited, narrow, and constricted spaces. These cranes not only perform effortlessly but also help get the task done most efficiently and effectively due to the precise movements.

Final Word

Knuckle boom cranes offer several benefits and are popular for all the right reasons. That said, if you plan on renting one, make sure you have your needs and preferences in order before connecting with crane rentals VA. This will help you make the most of your choice without spending days’ worth of time and money.