维护你的屋顶

你的屋顶为你做了很多，所以为什么不给它一些爱呢? Aim to inspect and clean your roof at least once a year. You can either maintain your roof on your own, or hire professionals that specialize in roof maintenance and repair.

If you go the DIY route, pay particular attention to leaks, damages, cracks, and broken or loose shingles on your roof. Then, work to treat each of these problems.

Pro Tip: Once repairs are done, don’t forget to do some roof cleaning. Did you know that the stains and blemishes on your roof might be algae, fungi, or moss? These things can rot and weaken wooden shingles, so it’s best to proactively clean your roof.

Assess Entryways for Cracks and Gaps

If your doors and windows are not well maintained, it could lead to a lot of problems. For instance, you could be cranking your heating up just for that expensive heat to slip outside. Or, water might slip inside your home and damage your walls during a thunderstorm.

Make it a habit to check up on windows, frames, interior, and exterior walls to make sure things are all patched up. If you notice door and/or window gaps, you can usually tackle the problem without a professional. Use tools such as:

• Caulk
• Weather tape
• Duct tape (if you have nothing else)

Clean Your Gutters

Not cleaning your gutters regularly can lead to a bunch of unpleasant and often disastrous situations. Poorly maintained gutters can trap water, which chips away at your foundation and attracts unwanted pests and insects.

As Fall approaches and leaves start falling — your gutters are even more susceptible to getting clogged. Take time to de-clog your gutters, and clean out that goop.

Pro tip: Dealing with goop and gunk that just won’t budge? Plug up the downspouts of your gutter, and fill it with a mix of vinegar and warm water. Wait an hour, and things should loosen up.

The post Home Maintenance Tasks That You Should Do More Often appeared first on Engineering Specialists, Inc..

如果你想到了这些问题中的任何一个，那么你来对地方了。这篇博文将向你介绍智能家居，它们的功能，以及你是否应该现在就投资一个。

什么是智能家居?从结构上讲，智能家居与其他家庭没有什么不同。它们的设计方式是一样的，甚至是用同样的材料建造的。让智能家居“智能”的是里面的东西。简单地说，智能家居就是一个配备了照明、供暖和其他电器的家庭，可以通过智能手机或平板电脑的Wi-Fi远程控制。

智能家居的意义何在?

Above everything else, a smart home provides unparalleled convenience. With a smart home, you can improve the security of your home, and monitor your energy usage with ease.

Here are some basic tasks that a smart home is capable of doing. Again, remember that these tasks can be done wherever and whenever you are:

• Adjust temperature
• Turn on/off lights
• Open/close window treatments
• Open/close garage door
• View security footage
• Play music
• Set timers
• Lock doors

There are many creative “smart” gadgets on the market, so the sky really is the limit when it comes to a smart home. For instance, a smart coffee maker can be programmed to make a fresh cup of coffee for you as soon as your earliest alarm goes off.

Should You Invest in a Smart Home?

As you probably guessed, smart home appliances are not cheap. In fact, they’re on the pricier side. Still, it’s something worth looking into.

If you are willing to invest in smart devices for your home, you can reap many benefits. They offer convenience, tackle many of our everyday problems, and can even save you money (e.g. on your electric bill) in the long run!

The post What is a Smart Home? appeared first on Engineering Specialists, Inc..

想升级工具箱?还没有工具箱?不管怎样，我们都支持你。下面，我们将介绍5种每个房主都应该拥有的工具。

一个实际的工具箱

无论是一个油漆桶，纸板箱，还是一个实际的工具箱-你需要一些东西来放你的方便工具。 Ideally, you want to get yourself a toolbox with multiply shelves or a heavy duty dufflebag. Having an actual toolbox saves you from having to scourge your home for the tools you need.

Duct Tape

Ah, duct tape is a fan favorite around here. It’s an universal adhesive that’s fairly affordable and comes with a punch of water resistance and high durability. This means securing packages with ease. In the case that there’s a hole, or you’re dealing with a leaky garden hose or shower, duct tape can patch these problems.

Multi Tool Screwdriver

A multi tool screwdriver is your friend because it’s convenient and is just a one-time purchase. These screwdrivers come with two double-sided bits, including two flat heads and two X-shaped Phillips heads. With these different screwdriver heads, you can do a tremendous amount with such a small tool.

Hammer

Hammers are the powerhouse of the tool industry, working day and night to pull out nails, assemble furniture, and for general carpentary. There are a variety of hammers to choose from, but the most practical option is usually a 16-ounce claw hammer. This hammer has a head that is split and curved on one side, and works well for most hammer-related tasks.

Tape Measure

Trust us, you’ll need a tape measure sooner or later. Instead of relying on a guestimation – why not rely on the numbers? Look to purchase a tape measure that’s at least 25 feet long so that you can measure pretty much anything. It’s also helpful to find a tape measure with tick marks that go down to the inch – preferably down to 1/16 inch – for accuracy and preciseness.

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正如你所预料的，没有。有专门与围栏建造有关的法律。每个州的法律都不一样，甚至城镇之间也不一样。这篇文章从一般的角度来看问题。下面，我们将介绍有关房主和围栏建筑的法律基础知识。

围栏需要什么尺寸?

大多数击剑法规限制后院的击剑高度为6英尺，前院为4英尺。 In the case that you decide to build a privacy fence, this fence has a maximum height limit of eight feet.

Note that privacy fences need to adhere to certain characteristics like having 30% or less of their surface area open to light and air. A valid reason must be present to build a privacy fence such as blocking a neighbor’s view or securing energetic pets on your property.

Can I Build Fencing at the Property Line?

In most cases, you can build fencing directly on the property line between you and your neighbors. The only caveat is that this fencing must be agreed upon between you and your neighbor beforehand. In the case that your property borders a public entity (e.g. parks, schools, train station, etc.), the fence may need to be a few steps away from the property line.

Do I Need to Notify My Neighbor Before Building a Fence?

In most cases, you are required to inform your neighbors about a new fencing project. One example of this is California’s Good Neighbor Fence Law. This law requires 30 days’ written notice of the fencing project along with details related to design, timeline, and maintenance cost.

In the event that your state doesn’t require you to notify your neighbor, it’s still encouraged. Not only is this good etiquette, it gives your neighbor a chance to speak up before you start investing time and energy into the project.

Who’s Responsible to Pay for Fencing?

Legally, fencing is seen as something that benefits both property owners. As such, both parties are responsible to split the fence cost. The same holds true in the case of fence damage, or just general upkeep of the fence. This is part of the reason why proper communication is important between both parties. Should a disagreement arise after the fence has been built, court may be the only option,

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你的房子里有霉菌吗?如果是这样的话，这篇博文应该能帮到你。下面，我们将回答一些关于霉菌的常见问题，以及真正摆脱霉菌的步骤。

霉菌长什么样?

首先，它真的是霉菌吗?霉菌有不同类型，但它们通常看起来都像毛茸茸的生长物或小斑点。大多数模具将是黑色、绿色、棕色、白色或橙色。 If you really aren’t sure, test to see if the patch is mold with this nifty trick.

As Family Handyman suggests, dip a swab or q-tip into a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. Wait a few seconds. If the spot lightens or continues toc ome back after cleaning, you can assume that it is mold.

Do I Need to Test for Type of Mold?

Different types of molds can result in different health problems. There is no “good” mold, and they should all be removed. According to the CDC, you do not need to test or send a sample to a professional to determine what type of mold is present. All molds should be treated the same.

Do I Need a Professional to Clean Mold From My Home?

For the most part, you do not need to hire a professional – provided that your mold problem is recent and not too large. The smaller the mold problem, the more likely you can tackle the problem on your own. Just make sure you wear at least a PPE grade mask to protect yourself from inhaling mold spores, as well as have gloves on.

How to Remove Mold From My Home?

Fortunately, you can make some pretty effective mold remover with common household items. Try these options first when looking to remove mold from your home:

• Undiluted white or apple cider vinegar: Spray your solution on the mold, and let it stick for an hour. Then, wipe it off. There’s no reason to wash the surface afterwards, as that moisture will only promote more mold growth. The vinegar smell will disappear in only a few hours.
• Ammonia and water: Spray a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water, and wait two to three hours. Then, rinse the surface.
  Diluted bleach: Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Apply this solution onto the surface, and don’t rinse.
• Important note: Do NOT mix ammonia with bleach or any other all purpose cleaner. This can create toxic fumes that can pose a serious threat to you and your family.

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TLDR耙叶通常不需要。除非你的草坪完全被枯叶堆积或窒息，否则留下一些树叶实际上会带来有趣的好处。以下是它们的内容。

你的草坪可以变得更健康

大自然从不浪费任何东西。落叶会分解，将必需的营养物质归还给草坪和其他植物。把它想象成肥料——但是100%免费。有了合适的营养，落叶可以帮助你的草坪对抗杂草，保持土壤水分，并覆盖根系。

Leaves End Up in Landfills

Leaves decompose, but it becomes a different story when leaves are tossed into plastic bags. Not only are you wasting valuable plant nutrients, but you’re contributing to climate change issues. Millions of tons of leaves get dumped into landfills each year – be cool and don’t contribute to this problem!

The Enviroment Depends on Fallen Leaves

Not racking your leaves can actually conserve nature. Here’s how. Everybody loves butterflies. But, what you may not know is that their caterpillar predecessors often depend on leave litter. During the cold Winter months, caterpillars hide in the leaf litter to stay warm. By racking up the leaves, you’re unknowingly reducing the number of butterflies that fly around your yard by Spring time.

If you rack your leaves, you are likely driving away birds that would have otherwise come scouting for food. In fact, the United States has lost over 3 billion birds since 1970 according to a study conducted back in 2019.

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解决方案:更换易碎、卷曲或破损的瓦和闪光。花点时间重新填塞通风管道穿透屋顶的区域。

Faulty or Outdated Electrical System

Problems like reverse polarity, missing junction boxes, and frayed wiring will likely all appear on a home inspector’s report. Outdated electrical systems are classified as electrical systems that were built between 1965 and 1973. Electrical systems built during this time frame tend to have inferior aluminum wiring, which is something that will also appear on an inspection report.

Solution: Work with a licensed electrician to inspect your current electrical system. Have them fix and upgrade outlets and junction boxes, and test to see if the breaker box is working as intended.

Foundation Problems

Unfortunately, foundation problems are one of the most costly to fix and may exceed $10,000 in some cases. Still, it’s usually better to fix foundation problems and get a higher return once you sell the house in question. Home inspectors will note signs of foundational problems such as doors and windows that stick, slopping floors, and/or cracks in walls above doorways.

Solution: For minor foundational problems, you can either hire a professional or tackle the problem yourself. Use epoxy or silicone caulk to fill any visible cracks, and seal the exterior foundation with a waterproof coating. You can also adjust doors and windows so that they open and close without sticking. If you suspect more serious foundation problems, calling a professional is usually your best option.

The post 3 Things That Fail a Home Inspection and How to Avoid Them As a Seller appeared first on Engineering Specialists, Inc..

什么是房屋检查?家检是第三方对房屋物理结构和机械系统的评估。房屋检查是由专业人士完成的，通常是买家在购买前发现房子问题的最后机会。

房屋检验员将密切关注的领域包括:

• 基础
• 屋顶
• 管道
• 暖通系统
• 电气系统

房屋检验员将花费多少钱?雇用一名房屋检验员是购房者的唯一责任。房屋检查因地区而异，平均价格为339美元。 However, you should prepare to spend anywhere between $279 to $450 for a home inspection.

What Happens During a Home Inspection?

A home inspection will take approximately two or two and a half hours. The buyer is not required to be present during the home inspection, but you should still go. Being there gives you the opportunity to learn more about the home, and to ask questions about the home.

During a home inspection, the inspector will take notes, take pictures, and make comments – if you are present – about what they see. However, note that a home inspector can only evaluate what is seen. They can’t make comments about hidden problems like hidden pests and mold, or areas that aren’t readily accessible like the septic tank.

To evaluate for hidden or inaccessible problems, specialized evaluations are required.

What If My Seller Already Has a Home Inspection Report?

In the case that your seller already has a home inspection report or claim on hand, it’s important to still arrange your own inspection.

This might seem like a waste of time and money, but here’s the thing: home inspectors aren’t federally regulated. In fact, home inspectors aren’t even licensed in some states. You should vet the hiring inspector yourself to make sure they are qualified.

Pro tip: To find a qualified home inspector near you, take a look at professional databases offered by organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

The post What to Expect From the Home Inspection Process As a Buyer appeared first on Engineering Specialists, Inc..

或者只是对建筑感兴趣的人?不管怎样，我们希望你觉得这篇博客很有趣!

抗矩框架

可以说，抗震建筑最独特的元素之一是抗矩框架。抗力矩框架是由刚性连接到柱上的柔性梁组合而成。正因为如此，这种独特的框架使梁和柱在地震时弯曲。 This is a good thing because it offers more flexibility and allows for larger movements compared to other options. When working with moment-resisting frames, it’s important to strategically place the beams to absorb the most shock.

Shear Walls

Shear walls are designed to resist racking from wind and earthquakes, and are made using masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel, or wood framing. These supported walls minimize the swaying motion that occurs during an earthquake by stiffening the entire building. As such, the building and its contents are less susceptible to damage during an earthquake.

Diaphragms

Diaphragms work by transferring lateral loads to the vertical resisting elements (e.g. shear walls) of the structure. Examples of diaphragms would be floors and roofs, which of course, are part of almost every building.

Diaphragms are unique in earthquake-resistant buildings because they are placed on their own deck, and strengthened horizontally. This allows them to better share force loads with the vertical elements of the building.

Cross Bracing

Cross bracing is any system that features diagonal supports that intersect. This element can be accomplished with a variety of braces, columns, and beams. With a diagonally intersecting system, it becomes easier to transfer seismic loads back to the ground. With cross bracing, a building will sustain less damage during an earthquake.

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诉讼支持服务的定义

如前所述，诉讼支持服务可以帮助处理复杂案件的律师。律师和他们的诉讼支持服务将共同努力为客户创造最有力的案件。可以移交给诉讼支持服务部门的职责范围包括法务会计、客观测试、法律摄影以及律师打赢本案所需的任何其他工作。

诉讼支持服务提供哪些服务?诉讼支持服务由一个多学科的团队组成，具有许多与帮助律师相关的专业知识。

eDiscovery

诉讼支持服务可以在案件的发现过程中帮助律师使用eDiscovery。 For those unfamiliar, eDiscovery is the process of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) in response to a case or investigation’s request for production.

Access to specific resources

Litigation support services usually have access to specialized programs designed for forensic accounting, data processing, management, and research needs. Lawyers can rely on these resources to present a more compelling and data-backed case.

Consulting

Consulting with a litigation support service can be either general or specific. General consulting helps with various facets of a case, such as the discovery or presentation phase. Specific consulting refers to the actual case itself. Since litigation support services have knowledge in many industries, this knowledge may prove valuable to winning a case.

Subpoena and citation services

Litigation support services can complete the paperwork for subpoenas and citations on behalf of a lawyer. They may also assist to locate relevant witnesses or parties that are difficult to find.

Record retrieval

Usually, record retrieval is a time-consuming process that lawyers reluctantly have to do themselves. For complex cases where time is limited, a litigation support service can handle record retrieval and similar tasks.

Trial presentation assistance

Once data and testimonies are gathered, another important step is to put everything together into a presentation. Litigation support services can work with lawyers to produce videography, photography, and trial boards to improve the case’s courtroom presentation.

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