Why Is My Hair Poofy After Straightening?

Have you ever had this happen to you? You’re casually straightening your hair, and as soon as you’re done, your hair looks less straight and more like a static poofy mess. Many people who come to Brazilian blowout salons complaint about this and then opt for permanent hair straightening. Here are some reasons why your hair becomes poofy after flat ironing.

You Have Thick Hair

This is probably the most common reason why your hair might be turning poofy after you straighten it. Everyone’s hair has different porosity levels and mostly, hair can get poofy if your hair has high porosity. High porosity means that your hair absorbs moisture very quickly, but it also doesn’t retain it either. If you want to test out the hair porosity theory for yourself, then you can try the water test.

Spritz your hair with water and see how much time it takes for the mane to get fully wet and saturated with water. Now, let the hair dry and observe how much time it takes for the hair to dry. If both time windows are short, then probably your hair has high porosity. But, what does porosity have to do with straightening hair?

When you straighten your hair, the flat iron can strip the moisture from the hair, causing it to dry out very quickly. This is what causes frizz, puffiness, and overall static in your hair.

You’re Using Too Much Heat

Another thing that might be making your hair very poofy is the heat. Using a hair straightening tool is a bit of work and you need to understand the mechanism of heat settings. If you’re bumping up the heat from the get-go, then it’s going to damage your hair to no extent and you’ll feel your hair getting poofy.

This can happen even if you don’t have high-porosity hair. Let’s face it; heat can cause frizz and static like nothing else and if you want to achieve sleek and glossy hair, then you need to start with lower heat.

Your Hair Is Dry

Sometimes, your hair type can also play a role in the way it looks after getting it straightened. If you already have dry hair, then straightening it with a hot flat iron will only make matters worse. Your hair can be stripped off the moisture when you sandwich it in between two very hot plates and that’s not good for your mane at all.

If you have dry hair, then the best advice that you can get is to try to limit the use of heat at all times, otherwise, your hair will turn poofy and it won’t be a pleasant sight.

Your Hair Is Damaged

If you are a fan of coloring your hair, heat styling it almost every day, and exposing your mane to a lot of chemicals regularly, then you can see your hair getting poofy and frizzy after straightening it. Even if you don’t straighten the hair, it will look very dry and brittle and it won’t be able to settle down. These are all signs of damaged hair.

Straightening damaged hair is like inviting more and more permanent damage to the mane and it’s not recommended at all. You should give your hair a breather immediately.

Wrong Hair Straightener

Sometimes, the tools used to straighten the hair can make all of the difference. If you’re new to hair straightening and want to invest in a good straightener, then you’re going to want to search for something with ceramic plates because these plates will glide through the hair and prevent friction and frizz from forming in your strands, hence no puffiness.

However, if you’re using a straightener with plastic plates, then you can kiss your hair goodbye because plastic will rub on your hair a lot and will leave a trail of frizz behind. Not to mention that your hair will look very poofy as well.

You’re Not Using The Right Products

The products you use also have a direct effect on how your hair looks after straightening it. If you have color-treated or special hair that needs more attention and care than normal hair, then you need to invest in moisturizing products that have damage-restoring properties.

You also need to invest in shampoos that don’t have sulfate in them and go for something that has a natural ingredient list, because your hair needs all of the nutrients that it can get from hair care products. So, make it a habit to do some research, when buying new hair products.

How To Fix The Puffiness Of Your Hair

Here are some things that you can do to get rid of the puffiness in your hair.

Use Appropriate Products

Using the right products will make all of the difference when it comes to dry and damaged hair. If you don’t want your hair to look like a bird’s nest after straightening it, then you’re going to need to change things up.

You need to invest in good products that are not only going to hydrate your hair but will also get rid of the frizz building in your mane. Moisture and damage-restoring products will become your holy grail. This is helpful for getting hair extensions in salon Potomac as well.

Hydrate The Hair

If your hair is extremely dry and it’s getting poofy after you’ve straightened it, then it means that your hair needs a bit of hydration.

Invest in hydrating hair masks or make your own by using a banana, olive oil, and an egg. Mix them and if you want a smooth paste, then throw everything in a blender and whiz it up. Apply this whipped mask on your hair. Keep it on for 30 to 60 minutes before washing it off with cold water. You will instantly feel the difference.

Start With Low Heat

This tip can’t be stressed enough. You need to start with low heat, if you don’t want to shock your hair and, worse, burn it. If you’re new to hair straightening, then you need to understand the heat levels and the amount of heat that your hair can endure without getting damaged. This is why starting with the lowest heat setting is recommended.

It’s not only going to get rid of the frizz in your hair, but it will make the result look a lot more professional and sleek and you’ll be rocking straight and frizz-free hair in no time.

Protect Your Hair

Your hair also needs protection from certain things. Just like how your skin needs SPF to protect it from the sun, your hair also needs a protective barrier against nature’s reactive chemicals and substances, like chlorine, sunlight, and heat.

Make it a habit to cover your head, if you’re going to be out in the sun for a long time. This will not only prevent dryness, but it will also prevent your hair from turning prematurely gray. Also, wear a swimming cap, if you’re going to hop into chlorinated or salt water.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly why your hair is poofy after straightening, and even ways by which you can fix the mess. If you want to ditch this flat ironing routine altogether, get keratin treatment by hairstylist Potomac.

Is Your Furnace Blower Motor Faulty?

A furnace is an essential heating appliance that keeps your house comfortable and cozy when the temperature outside is freezing. Although, furnaces are rigid appliances and will perform effortlessly for years if maintained properly but can still experience some problems. A common furnace problem is the blower motor going bad and it must be replaced by certified furnace repair services. We will share a few tips that will help you determine if the blower motor has gone bad and needs replacement.

No Air From The Vents

If your furnace blower motor has gone bad or is about to go about, you will notice no air coming from the vents when you turn on the heat. You will have no other option but to replace the motor when it’s not working at all.

On the other hand, there are some other reasons as well that are causing this problem. For instance, something might be stuck in the vents preventing air from passing. It’s possible that the thermostat settings are not right.

Plus, relay issues can also cause airflow complications. That said, before you blame the blower motor, you will need to check for such factors as the blower motor does not come cheap.

If the furnace happens to be old along with the vents, there could be leaks, cracks, or damage that is causing the air to escape even before it reaches the inside of your house. You will need to perform a thorough inspection of the vents and fix any flaws.

At the same time, check if birds, rats, or other intruders have taken up accommodation. During the winter season, animals are in search of warm conditions and might end up in the furnace. The only way to prevent this is by performing regular inspections.

Increasing Energy Bills

Even though a furnace comprises several different parts the blower motor consumes the most electricity as it is responsible for circulating hot air by running constantly. This means if you notice your energy bills are going up every month, it could be the furnace struggling to be efficient.

A decrease in the furnace’s efficiency means it is working harder to heat the house in the same settings as before. Then again, there could be any other factor contributing to this issue. It could be that someone is constantly changing the thermostat settings.

Weird Noises

While running, furnaces produce a slight humming sound. If you observe weird and unusual sounds, it means something is wrong with your HVAC system. These appliances can produce rattling, squeaking, or screeching sounds. When this happens, you should immediately shut down the unit and try to determine the source of the sound.

As mentioned earlier, a furnace comprises several different parts and each could produce different types of sounds. It could be as simple as the blower motor bearing needing replacement or as bad as the blower fan giving up.

Do not attempt to diagnose the issue while the furnace is running. You can end up seriously injuring yourself considering the extremely hot temperature. Meanwhile, a rattling or knocking noise in most cases means something is broken. However, banging sounds are the most important and lethal.

It means you have to replace the whole blower motor. Depending on the make, model, and age of your furnace, the blower motor may or may not be that expensive. But you must consult an expert and have him handle the issue because regular homeowners can’t do blower motor replacements if they don’t have the experience in doing so.

Overheating

Your furnace blower motor can also overheat. Even if maintained properly, keep in mind that blower motors come with a lifespan attached. This means after several years, the components inside the blower motor will weaken and overheat. Plus, if you observe a strange smell coming from the air vents, it most likely means the blower motor is overheating.

In addition to that, if you notice the blower motor shutting off mid-operation, it means it is overheating. Then again, you will need an expert from HVAC companies Tyson’s Corner to handle the issue as an overheating blower motor is a serious problem. If not handled quickly, the overheating can also affect other parts of the furnace and, in worst cases, it can also start a fire.

The Furnace Is Not Powering Up

If your furnace has a bad blower motor, it will simply fail to turn on. Even if it manages to turn on, it will not produce or circulate hot air. Furthermore, if you have to constantly restart the furnace, it means something is seriously wrong.

Plus, it could also be a power issue or someone playing around with the thermostat settings. The thermostat determines the amount of warm air the furnace needs to produce to keep the house warm. If there is a relay or any such related issue, the furnace will fail to turn on. Contact a professional to help sort out the issue.

The Furnace Is Simply Old

If nothing else works out, it simply means your furnace is old and you will need to replace it. With time, the components inside the furnace turn weak and you cannot spend money on frequent repairs. If you notice the value of repairs and replacements crossing the actual value of the unit, it would be wise to opt for a new replacement.

When a furnace turns old, there is no guarantee that repairs and replacements will be able to hold on. At some point, the furnace will constantly experience problems and that will be the best time to opt for a replacement. A new furnace will be more efficient that your old furnace.

How Do I Prevent Furnace Problems?

Furnaces like other household appliances need maintenance to keep running smoothly for years to come. Every manufacturer recommends professional maintenance depending on the usage frequency of the unit. As a general rule of thumb, you should get the furnace maintained by a professional at least once a year.

However, if the usage frequency is mostly throughout the year, you should perform professional maintenance twice. In the meantime, you should also look out for unusual signs and symptoms that might indicate a problem. So, you will be able to fix the issue before it turns serious.

While inspecting the furnace, it is equally important to check the relevant components as well such as the vents. If you have installed an aftermarket thermostat, you might need to replace its batteries or recalibrate it.

Professional maintenance is not only limited to cleaning the unit but also checking for potential problems by spotting unusual signs and symptoms such as cracks, damage, or leakages. Most people think of it as expensive whereas it is like an investment.

By investing in professional maintenance, you get to avoid problems during extreme temperatures and keep things running problem-free for years.

Conclusion

A furnace blower motor going bad can produce several signs & symptoms. You need to be familiar with them to be able to diagnose the issue on the spot. Plus, make sure to schedule professional maintenance avoid further complications in the future and hire furnace services Arlington if you notice any of the above signs or you suspect that the blower motor is bad.

How Does Divorce Affect My Immigration Status In America?

When it’s hitch time, you don’t think about your better half’s nationality or residence status, but at the time of divorce, these things may become important. You will contact a divorce attorney asking what would happen if you get a divorce in the middle of your residency application? Here is what you must know about it.

Divorce & Immigration

This is something that can be complex, depending on the way by which you arrived in the US in the first place. Usually, immigrants can come to the US, through multiple ways.

  • By applying for a student visa for higher studies, like Masters, PhD and diplomas.
  • By investing and starting a business in the US.
  • By sponsorship of a permanent US resident, whether it be your parents, siblings, spouse, or someone else in the family.

These are the primary ways by which an immigrant can be granted entry into any country, and even the US, but there can be changes in circumstances that would allow you to get married there. You might find someone that you want to spend your life with, and even though they’re a US national, you can still get married to them, if they choose to sponsor you.

After getting married for a certain period, you can be allowed to apply for a conditional residency in the US, but it’s necessary to stay married until you’re eligible for the application of a green card.

This is where things can get messy. If your marriage is on the rocks and it’s been hard living together, whether it’s because of differences or any other serious issue, there can be chances that you need to file for a divorce as soon as possible. This can go both ways. Either you can lose your residency rights in the US and will have to go back to your home country or it can’t affect you at all.

There are different scenarios and cases, where things need to be evaluated, so first, you need to establish your status with your spouse at that moment as well as the status of your immigration application. Only then, will you be able to swim through the process of divorce and figure out what to do from there?

Understanding The Difference

Divorce and separation are two completely different things and the outcomes of each of them, as far as immigration is concerned, can be worlds apart as well. First, you need to establish whether you and your spouse are just taking a break or are things not working out anymore.

A divorce is a legal procedure that officially nullify your marriage. It’s done in a court, in front of a judge and it’s essentially the last resort for couples who have tried everything else but can’t seem to overlook the differences between them. Divorces can be due to many reasons. There are causes of infidelity and abuse, and if there’s no major issue like this, then there are differences that make the couple bicker with one another until they feel like they are not compatible anymore and the best way to hold onto their sanity is to go their separate ways. The point is that divorces are the last stop and after that, there is no point or reason to get back together. If you don’t want the marriage to stand anymore then divorce is the only way to put an official end to things.

As far as separation is concerned, it’s also because of rifts in the marriage, but it’s not something as permanent as a divorce. There can be times when couples might need space from each other to figure things out and rather than opting for the marriage to end, they tend to work on their differences and habits separately, and this happens when one partner moves out of the house for a little bit. This is a lot similar to marriage counseling and it’s not the end of a marriage, per se. A lot of the time, couples can find their way back to each other and then live an even better life than before. Other times, if things aren’t working out, then divorce follows up.

The reason for explaining this is that divorce and separation can have different outcomes for an immigrant. If you are getting a divorce or your spouse started a divorce process and family attorneys Fairfax VA are involved, then it might or might not affect your immigration status. However, if you’re just taking some time out, and are separated from your spouse, but the marriage is still official, then it won’t affect your immigration process or status. It’s as simple as that.

The Status Of Your Arrival In The US

Let’s say that you are getting a divorce from a US national, so what does that mean for your immigration status? Well, three scenarios can play out.

Green Card Applicant

If you’ve been married for a long time have been eligible for a green card and are in the process of getting things finalized, then a divorce will not affect your immigration status. Usually, an immigrant is eligible to apply for a green card after 19-20 years of marriage to a US national.

Spouse Dependent Visa

If you’re already facing problems in your marriage and it hasn’t even been 2 years, then it means that you are probably still on a spouse-dependent visa, and that’s the same way by which you entered the country in the first place.

If that’s the case then your divorce can nullify the visa and you will be considered a foreigner and will have to be deported as soon as the proceedings are completed and the divorce is finalized.

Conditional Residency

Usually, after 2 years of marriage, you can be eligible to apply for a conditional or temporary green card and that’s the baseline for the actual green card. This means that you’re using your spouse’s identity and residence status to stay in America.

If you get divorced within this time frame, then you can lose your immigration status and you will need to go back to your home country because you’re not a permanent resident. You’re just getting by on your spouse’s nationality or citizenship, and after divorce, that standing means nothing.

Can You Become A US Citizen After A Divorce?

You can only become a US citizen, if you’re eligible for a green card or have already applied for it, before the divorce. If your application is in the pipeline then it won’t affect your residency, but you need to understand the fact that it might take more time for you to become a US national after divorce because the law is different for an applying immigrant wanting to become a US national.

If you fit the eligibility criteria, then citizenship shouldn’t be an issue and you will secure a green card in the allocated time.

Conclusion

These things can be a bit complicated to deal with, especially if you’re living in the US and figuring things out, as you go, but they’re good to know at the time of your divorce. And you must consult a divorce lawyer Fairfax VA who have relevant experience.

How To Prevent Your Washer From Damaging Your Clothes?

Washing machines are one of the most important household appliances. However, it is often that people complain about their clothes being damaged. While it comes as a surprise to many, many things can cause this. You should not assume that you washer is faulty. However, sometimes, you do need washer repair. Here is how you can prevent your washer from damaging your clothes.

Ignoring The Manual

A common mistakes people make when using washing machines is ignoring the user manual. Although washing machines are designed to wash and dry a variety of clothes, that does not work for every type. While some washing machines can wash regular jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, etc. others cannot handle jeans or leather products.

As a result, when such items are placed in the washing machine, the material gets damaged simply because it was supposed to be manually washed and not by a machine. This is why owners must always go through the user manual to become familiar with their machines especially when it comes to limitations.

Furthermore, washing machines also come with precautions mentioned at multiple locations specifying the type of clothes a particular unit can wash. Depending on the make, model, and variant, your washing machine might not be able to wash wool clothes.

Similarly, you should also read the tag attached to the clothes before you place them inside the washing machine. If it reads hand wash, it means the material will get damaged as soon as the washing machine begins its first cycle. In such a case, you cannot blame the machine for your ignorance.

Choosing The Wrong Wash Selectors

Modern washing machines are not only smart but also intelligent. These machines are loaded with features that point to their versatility in terms of washing different types of clothes. However, having multiple features does not mean you use them at the wrong time.

If the features are use incorrectly, do not be surprised if your clothes come out to be damaged. In most cases, washing machines come with wash selectors such as Gentle, Normal, and Strong. Depending on the variant, the terms may differ but will mean the same. To prevent damaging your clothes, you need to understand what each of the selectors do.

Gentle wash is commonly used for soft fabrics such as wool, silk, and knits. Normal wash is for cotton and linen fabrics. Whereas, strong wash is meant for linen or dirty and soiled cotton fabrics. Therefore, if your clothes have “Gentle Wash” mentioned on the label, you should not go for a strong wash.

Mixing Laundry The Wrong Way

Another common mistake made by people is mixing laundry the wrong way. Mixing cotton with silk and leather clothes is not what you think it will end up like. Lumping the clothes together and then dumping them all into the washing machine will have consequences.

To avoid any damage, it is better to sort laundry first. The light fabric clothes should be separated from the heavy fabrics. This is because the heavy fabrics could damage the finer weaves of the light fabrics during the washing process.

At the same time, you should also sort out the clothes based on their type so that you can use the same wash selector. At the end of the day, it is all about spending a few more minutes sorting out the clothes. However, it goes a long way in terms of preserving your precious clothes.

Long And Excessive Washing

One major factor you need to keep in mind while using the washing machine is that clothes based on their type should not be washed beyond their recommended duration. It is often that homeowners tend to dump all their clothes into the washing machine and let it run for minutes.

It is often believed that the longer the washing machine runs, the better the washing results. But that is not the case. Washers are not freezers and refrigerators. You will simply be wasting electricity and burdening your washing machine along with risking damaging the clothes as well.

Not Using The Right Detergent

Using the right detergent also determines how safely you are going to wash your clothes. Then again, depending on the type of washing machine, different types of detergents are recommended. For instance, the detergents used in Top Loading machines are different from the ones used in Front Loading washing machines.

Detergents used in front-loading machines clean well but do not produce much foam. Furthermore, there are also liquid and powdered detergents. Liquid detergents are the best choice for cold and quick washes as they dissolve easily. On the other hand, powdered detergents are a more budget-friendly option but not the best choice for washing delicate fibers under 30 degrees.

Using Too Much Detergent

It is a common misconception that using too much detergent will result in cleaner clothes. The fact is that excessively using a detergent or using too much will damage the fabric by fading and attracting even more dirt. In addition to that, the excessive soap can get trapped and will not dissolve. This is why you might also observe a strong detergent odor coming from the clothes after the washing cycle.

The excessive use of powdered detergents can make the clothes stiff while liquid detergents can cause fading. The best way to avoid such a situation is by consulting the user manual to determine the exact ratio depending on the fabric.

Overloading The Machine

Overloading the washing machine is a common practice by people to save some time. While it may be tempting to dump all the clothes at once, you should know that it will end up both damaging the machine itself and the clothes. Every washing machine comes with a maximum weight limit.

If you were to load the machine beyond its maximum weight, you would simply end up damaging it along with the clothes. This is a silly mistake to make, but homeowners often find it effective for quickly getting done with a bunch of clothes at the same time.

An identical mistake is common in dishwashers and refrigerators. People overload the dishwasher or don’t place the dishes in their racks. This can damage the appliance and the dishes. Similarly, overstuffing the refrigerator can cause problems and break down the appliance or spoil the food leading you to consider refrigerator repair Northern VA.

Leaving Zips And Buttons Undone

When washing jeans, sweaters, or other items with zips and buttons, you need to make sure they are not undone to prevent them from tangling up with fabric. There have been many incidents where people simply ignored this basic tip and ended up damaging their clothes to the point of no return.

Therefore, you need to make sure and go through each clothing item to remove or check any sharp objects or items that might get stuck and wreak havoc.

Conclusion

If your washer is damaging your clothes, you need to keep the above-mentioned factors in mind to ensure it does not happen in the future. Sometimes, the problem is not the machine itself but the technique and the products used. Even though it is hard to observe, this guide will surely help you get to the root cause of the problem in no time. If you are worried the washer is faulty, consult an appliance repair Springfield service.

What Is The Difference Between Water Purifiers And Water Filters?

If you’ve got unfiltered and dirty water coming through your taps and faucets, then that’s a major problem. Well, there are several ways by which you can make water safe for drinking. Two of those ways are using a water filtration system or a water purification system. Here is everything you need to know about each of these methods.

Water Purifiers

A water purifier is just what it sounds like. It goes the extra mile of purifying your water and getting rid of all kinds of harmful toxins, metals, bacteria, and viruses in the water. It is a machine or a set of equipment, depending on what type of water purification method you want to use, and it’s installed near the main pipelines of your house, from where the supply water is coming.

If you’re confused because you don’t know whether you should use a water purifier or a water filter then the best way to navigate through this problem is to figure out what’s in your water, in the first place. You need to figure out what impurities and contaminants the water contains because that’s going to let you know what kind of method will be the best and most efficient to give you pure and safe water.

Types Of Water Purifiers

Water purifiers are of many types, some of which are:

Reverse Osmosis Plant

it’s a type of water purifier that gets rid of almost 99.9% of impurities from the water. It works on the mechanism of a semipermeable membrane that allows molecules of water to pass through and leaves everything behind, be it metals, sand, bacteria, microorganisms, etc.

It’s a great thing to install if you have extremely dirty water coming through your pipes and you want a foolproof way of purifying it.

Deionization

Deionization is a process that removes all of the charged particles from the water. This leaves the water neutral, inert, and, most of all, clean. Water deionization is a relatively newer purification process, but it is quite promising and it gets the job done quickly.

If you have insanely salty water coming through your supply pipes, or if the water is hard and has an excess concentration of calcium and magnesium, then a deionizer is going to be your best friend and it will get rid of all of the unwanted ions in the water and you’ll be left with potable water that can be used for literally anything and everything.

Distillation

Distillation is also a very common purification process but it’s not used as commonly in houses, as it is in industries and laboratories. Distillation is the boiling of water and the condensation of the vapors produced by boiling.

This leads to water that’s almost 100% pure, but the main problem with this process is that it also gets rid of all of the minerals that are necessary in the water, like calcium, sodium, and other electrolytes. The water is relatively pure and tastes amazing, but without minerals and electrolytes, it’s not as good for your body.

Why Water Purification Methods Are Used?

Water purification is a great method to employ if you want to guarantee that the water you’re drinking is safe from all kinds of impurities. It is, however, a very expensive investment and it’s nowhere near as reasonable and cheap as water filters.

So, you need to do your research and find the best purification method for yourself because as you can see, every purification method works differently and removes different impurities, and leads to completely different results, so this is something to consider carefully.

If you want a short-term solution, you can skip installing a water purifier and have a drinking water delivery service Warren deliver water to your home or office.

Water Filters

A water filter is a mechanical contraption that uses meshes and screens to remove the impurities from the water. Water filters are great to use if you have dirty water coming in through your taps and faucets and you want a quick fix.

The meshes or screens allow the impurities to stay behind, whereas the water, that is not clean, can flush forward and you will be good to go. Water filters are a go-to in most houses, if not all because they’re convenient and super cheap. You can change them easily and there’s no fuss involved in the process.

Water filters work best for the removal of impurities if your water has the following things:

  • Sand
  • Silt particles
  • Suspended particles of dirt
  • Metal particles like iron, cadmium, nickel, etc.
  • Bacteria and living organisms that are large-sized, and the list goes on.

Water Filters Are Affordable

Water filters are a cheap and reasonable option to go for if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to purify your water without having to invest in special equipment and machines.

Low Maintenance

It also requires little to no maintenance and the only thing you need to do is change the filter or mesh screens regularly and you’ll be good to go for a long time. The number of times you have to change your filter depends on the fact of how dirty or clean the water is.

If the supply water is very murky and there’s a lot of dirt suspended in it, then you’ll need to regularly change your filters. Otherwise, you can go on for months without changing the filters and there won’t be an issue. Just make sure to keep an eye out for the water. Once the filter starts to misbehave, as in not filtering the water properly, then it’s time to change it up and get a new one.

They Can’t Make Water Soft

Water filters can remove many things, but one thing that they can’t remove is the hardness of water. Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium ions and it can affect the use of water around the house. It doesn’t lather up. It wastes a lot of detergent and it also stains the clothes and dishes like a nightmare.

If you pass hard water through a water filter, then nothing will happen because the ions are dissolved in the water rather than being suspended and that is a huge issue, which is why water filters cannot be used for turning hard water into soft water.

You’re going to have to treat hard water first through the ion exchange process and then, if it’s still murky, you can pass it through a water filter, and only then you will have clean and safe water for drinking.

So, a water filter isn’t the best when it comes to water being chemically altered and you’ll need some sort of purifying or softening system to get rid of the excess ions in the water to make it potable.

Water Filters Can’t Remove Smaller Bacteria And Viruses

Water filters are great and all, but they’re not an all-around thing that you can use to get safe and potable water because they can’t purify dirty water and completely get rid of bacteria and viruses so that shaves off some points.

But if you’re looking for something to give you clean and clear water, quickly, and that’s the only thing that concerns you, then a water filter is more than sufficient.

Conclusion

Water purification and water filtration are two completely different things and they serve different purposes. Now that you know exactly what they are, you can decide as to which one is better. Research different types of whole house water filtration Meadville systems to decide on the right one.

How To Cut Costs Of Swimming Pool Construction?

Having a swimming pool in your backyard can be expensive. As a result, people who dream of building a swimming pool usually look the other way. However, if you are wise and smart with your decisions, you can cut costs to the point where you can afford a pool. And we are talking about getting it built by in ground pool builders. No DIY stuff. Here is a list of some important tips that will help you turn your dream into reality without breaking the bank.

Get Multiple Bids

The first thing you need to do when it comes to cutting costs of swimming pool construction is to get multiple bids. While looking for the best swimming pool building companies out there, you will come across many that will quote their prices based on several factors. Talking to only one company will not help you that much.

You need to have at least three bids in your cap. That way, you will be able to compare and decide which package is going to suit you the best. Plus, ask for referrals from your social circle. If you have someone close to a pool in their house, you should ask them to share the contact information of the constructors.

Make sure to reach out to the referrals as building a swimming pool is not an easy task. You might have to temporarily shift accommodation, which means that you need someone trustworthy. On top of that, referrals will not only help you spend money the right way but also cut it wherever possible.

Think About The Big Picture

Sometimes, larger upfront costs can lead to huge savings down the line. Most homeowners are of the view that building a swimming pool from start to finish is going to leave their bank accounts empty. As a result, they opt for cheap quality materials not realizing the fact that they will be shelling out money for maintenance and repairs after a few years.

This means that there most probably will come a point after a decade or so where they would have spent more money on maintenance than the actual cost of the entire pool. Therefore, choosing the best quality materials and spending money upfront will save you from such troubles in the future.

There was a time when concrete pools were almost always out of reach of common households. Today, due to competition, they have become affordable to the point where they cost even less than fiberglass swimming pools. All this means is that you need to look at the bigger picture when building a pool.

You might be able to save money in the start but will end up spending a lot more as the years go by.

Go With A Simple Design

The cost of a swimming pool depends on design and several other important factors. Not every design can be implemented based on the available size and dimensions of the house. Every homeowner wants to have a unique swimming pool in their house but that costs money.

So, the best way to save money in that department is by opting for a simple design. The more curves, edges, and shelves, the more the price. Therefore, opt for a swimming pool that looks simple yet elegant. This will not only help keep the price down but also make maintenance easy.

Focus On Practicality

Focusing on practicality is yet another important point that will help you keep the costs down. The thing is that most homeowners want their pools to look aesthetically unique. Since they want the ‘wow’ factor, they focus on adding features and luxuries that offer no value.

As a result, they find themselves in a tough spot when the total costs add up. The best way to prevent such situations especially if you are working with a limited budget is to focus on practicality. Having a pool that makes it easier and convenient for people to spend good quality time is a lot better than having a pool that offers luxuries that are of no use.

Plus, focusing on practicality will also help increase the resale value of your property at a minimum cost. Adding a deck or patio with a pool increases the value of a pool, so if you want, you should hire patio builders Long Island who can work with the contractor who’s building the pool. Many companies also offer both services.

Do The Maintenance

Once the swimming pool has been built, you should learn to perform pool maintenance on your own. Although, there is no match for professional maintenance that will cost you money. That is fine as long as you have a bigger pool. However, if you have a relatively smaller pool, you can easily learn the tips and tricks to keep it looking brand new.

All you need to do is invest in some cleaning tools and supplies and make a maintenance schedule. If possible and depending on the usage frequency, you will need to clean the pool at least once or twice a month. In addition to that, you will also need to consider the external factors.

Lay down a cover on the pool or simply drain it before a thunderstorm kicks in. This will help prevent water from entering the house or damaging other valuables in the surroundings.

Use Supplemental Sanitation

To keep the pool water clean, homeowners mostly use chlorine and other expensive chemicals. This can significantly increase the costs considering you have to add them regularly to the pool. Instead, you should opt for supplemental sanitation such as the Advanced Oxidation system that will help eliminate unwanted pollutants and contaminants in the pool.

Not only that, you will also be able to reduce your chlorine consumption, offering you a much better swimming experience. Keep in mind that chlorine manufacturing causes a significant amount of pollution and negatively impacts the environment.

Switch To A Variable-Speed Pump

Variable-speed pumps can cost you a lot of money when compared to traditional single-speed and dual-speed pumps. Variable-speed pumps allow you to adjust the speed depending on the pool’s needs. This means that you can run the pump for much longer, have better circulation, and keep the energy bills low.

Today, variable-speed pumps have become popular to the point where some states have regulations requiring people to use only variable-speed pumps.

Keep Your Footprint Small

Another common mistake homeowners tend to make is using the entire space available for building a pool. This should not be a problem unless you are working with a limited budget. It is common for homeowners to feel tempted to utilize all the space for a pool without realizing the fact that it will only increase the cost.

Therefore, one needs to be smart here. To cut costs, you should opt for a small and practical pool over a large, lavish one. A smaller pool with a simple design means lower labor costs and fewer materials. Additionally, it will also help you save money on maintenance.

However, keep in mind that going too small won’t help you reduce the costs. Plus, choose the right location for the pool as well. If the location you have decided needs foundational work to be done, it will add to the overall costs.

That said, choosing a location that requires minimum work and labor will help reduce costs.

Conclusion

Always plan ahead and focus on practicality. Take your time in choosing the location and have a pool contractor Long Island on your side throughout the process. It will surely cost you but help spend money the right way.

How To Treat Blisters On Feet?

If you’ve just gotten a new pair of shoes, then your feet are in for a painful ride. Blisters are a painful commonality and they can really affect your movement. Here are some things you can do to treat blisters. However, it’s better to avoid doing anything without the consultation from a podiatrist. If they appeared after a fracture or a bone-related injury, check with your orthopedic surgeon as well.

Don’t Pop It

This might be tempting for a lot of people, but you shouldn’t give in to the urge of popping a blister. A blister tends to go away after a couple of days, but if you pop it, then there might be discharge or blood coming out from the protruded area.

It’s better to leave it be for some time and limit your movement until it goes away completely, otherwise, you’ll put yourself at risk of developing hideous infections, especially if you don’t take care of it after popping.

Wash The Area

If a blister has popped itself and a discharge or fluid is coming out of the area, then you don’t want to resort to using hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the wound, because it’s going to sting like crazy.

You want to use lukewarm water and a gentle soap and rub the wound with it. This is going to clean the wound effectively without inflicting a lot of pain and then you can cover the area up with gauze or a breathable bandage so that no infections can develop.

Cover It Loosely

Another important thing you want to do when treating blisters is to cover it up loosely. The main gist is to avoid putting a lot of pressure on the nodule because that can elevate the pain and you won’t be able to walk or move your foot either.

You should use a bandage that’s made out of cloth and is breathable and you want to wrap it loosely around your blister. This is just for protection purposes and to avoid your foot getting in contact with dirt, debris, or any other contaminant, because that can lead to infections as well, especially if the blister gets popped and is exposed.

Antibiotic Creams Are Godsend

If you want to disinfect the blister and treat it from the inside, then antibiotics are a lifesaver. You can use oral or cream-based antibiotics and they’re going to help in killing any germs and bacteria in the blister or wound and you won’t contract any other diseases or skin issues.

Antibiotic creams can be used a couple of times a day and some creams also have numbing agents in them, so you won’t feel a lot of pain after application and you can even walk freely for a bit, without putting too much pressure on the blister.

If there are many blisters and they are painful, get advice from a pain management doctor Woodbridge for pain relief.

Drain The Blister

A lot of the time, blisters can get extremely swollen and the only way to reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain, is to get it drained. You can do it by yourself at home as well and it’s not that hard.

First, you need to clean the area around the blister and the nodule itself with an alcohol pad. Next, you’ll need a small syringe and to be extra safe, you can also clean the needle. Inject the syringe into the highest area of the blister and drain out any liquid, blood, or discharge that might be inside.

You will instantly see that the blister will reduce in size and the swelling will disappear. You can release the syringe, pull it out and cover the skin with a gauze or bandage.

Don’t Put Pressure

Another thing that you don’t want to do is put pressure on the blister. This can actually cause compression inside and the blister might pop internally. This can lead to the discharge or fluid getting released in the body and that can be infectious and dangerous for you. Leave the blister be and let it drain or pop naturally.

Invest In Insoles

Blisters can happen if your shoes are not padded from the inside. This can be the case with older shoes, in which the insoles have worn out, or new ones that can poke you. It’s always a good idea to have a couple of padded insoles with you at all times, especially if you’re walking long distances regularly.

Insoles protect the pads of your feet and they also provide a barrier between the hard base of the shoe and the soles of your feet, so that you don’t get blisters and rashes every so often.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

This is more of a preventative tip than anything, but you want to shop for comfortable shoes. Blisters are the norm when getting new shoes, but sometimes, shoes are made from materials that are extremely hard and can damage your feet. You always want to choose shoes that are soft from the inside out and padded because the last thing you want is to spend money on an expensive pair of shoes and get your feet ruined.

Shoe shopping might seem like a piece of cake, but finding the perfect pair for your feet is nothing less than a challenge.

Use Petroleum Jelly

This is also a great hack for preventing blisters. For treating blisters, you can apply a dollop of petroleum jelly on the blister and the area surrounding it. This is going to reduce friction and you can easily wear shoes and walk for some time.

As far as prevention is concerned, if you’re worried about your new shoes causing blisters on your feet, then you can rub petroleum jelly on your heels, the back of your foot, and on your toes before wearing the uncomfortable shoes. You can also slather some petroleum jelly on the inside of the shoes so that it doesn’t bite your skin.

Avoid Allergens

New shoes and walking a lot aren’t the only two reasons that can cause blisters. There are certain shoe materials, and different products like lotions and creams that could trigger the formation of blisters. You need to figure out what types of things and chemicals are causing blisters on your feet and you need to stop using them altogether.

Sometimes, these things can also aggravate blisters, so you need to keep a close eye on the products that you’re using. If you’re allergic to fragranced lotions and creams, then you need to stop using them completely.

Use Topical Creams

You can use topical creams on your feet, because blisters can cause your skin to become dry. If you don’t rehydrate your skin, then it can tear up even more and it can cause wounds and infections. So, it’s best to consult a doctor in this case and have them prescribe you a neutral topical cream that can keep the moisture locked in your skin.

Using medicated creams and lotions, 3 to 4 times a day, will make a world of a difference in your feet and the blisters will disappear in no time too.

Conclusion

These treatments are not only going to help get rid of blisters for good, but you can prevent them further in the future as well. If you want to be careful, only perform the treatments that are suggested by a podiatrist Woodbridge.

10 Condo Remodeling Ideas To Upgrade Your Space

If your condo is in need of a serious makeover, then the best option to go for is remodeling. Here are some amazing remodeling ideas from home addition companies that are perfect for your condo, no matter how big or small.

Consider A Breakfast Bar

Since a condo is a pretty small space and the kitchen is basically an extension of a hallway then why not get creative with the available small space?

A dining table and chairs might be a far stretch and those things might never fit in your condo, so you can go for a kitchen island with a breakfast bar. This doesn’t only look chic and modern, but it will also utilize less space and you will have a decent place to eat your food in the kitchen.

Spice Up The Walls

A very cool way of instantly adding personality to your plain condo is by painting the walls. Walls are like a space-saving décor, for your condo, so why not dress them up a bit? There are so many colors you can choose from, but if you want to go for a classic style, then opt for neutral and warm colors as these colors will make the condo look more spacious and will give the illusion of a longer vertical space, which is a huge plus.

Also, if you don’t want your condo to look divided, then go for the same color for all of the walls. This is going to blend in all of the walls together and it will be a seamless walkway of walls.

Go For Trendy Lights

If you want to decorate your condo, but don’t want the space to be cluttered with unnecessary things, then you can double up your lights as décor. There are so many beautiful lights and fixtures available nowadays, that can make your room look well-lit and beautiful at the same time.

You can even opt for standing lights or hanging lights in certain parts of your condo to elevate the look and make it look chic, edgy, and modern. You will be saving space as well as making your condo an eye candy for your guests.

Open Floor Plan

Condos are already quite small and there are a lot of things meshed together, so if you want the space to look more open and have viewing access to everywhere, then you can go for an open floor plan.

An open floor plan will not only add necessary space to your entire condo, but the entire vicinity will look symmetrical and you can walk around and see everything in sight, even if it’s very far away. An open floor plan is a must for a condo because the space won’t look as cramped and everything will look more organized.

Change Up The Floors

If you’re going ahead with condo remodel DC, then redoing the floors can be a great idea to add that extra bit of newness to your space. Since the condo is small, you don’t need to spend a fortune on getting new floors, because it’s going to be extremely reasonable.

You can even go for different materials and transform your space, simply by changing up the flooring. There is a huge variety of materials that you can choose from. You can go for tile flooring, which is extremely pleasing to the eyes, but it can be quite fragile. You can go for darker-colored flooring, which looks very majestic, but it might darken the space a bit and make it look cramped and small.

The best choice of flooring is something that is durable as well as suitable in color so that it gives a clean look to your entire condo and it brightens up the space. Ceramic, light-colored granite, or textured floorings are some of the options you can consider, that are not only durable, but these materials won’t put a dent in your wallet either.

Coffee Tables Are A Statement

The living room might also need some attention and one way by which you can transform the living space is by adding a very minimal and clean-looking coffee table. It doesn’t need to be anything too drastic.

The beauty of a condo is that it looks great with minimal things and you want to do the same for the coffee table as well. You can stack a number of books on top of it, make it your working space or you can even put small area rugs underneath it to complete the entire look.

Prop Things Up On Walls

Since you’re living in an apartment, there’s going to be a compromise on the space, but that’s not to say that you can’t get creative with what you have. You can totally have everything you need in a living space, without cramping it up. You can mount the TV on the wall, and that’s not only going to save space but something about a wall-mounted TV looks so modern and chic.

There are many shelves and racks that can be secured on the wall and you can put things like books, DVDs and other things on these too.

Go For A Clean Appearance

Nothing screams perfection more than a condo that has a minimal appearance. No one likes a cluttered condo, so try to make this a priority. You want to go for a minimal appearance as it’s going to look a lot more clean and modern.

As a plus, you also need to clean it less and you don’t need to take care of the unwanted and useless things either. The condo will look just that much better if you have a small number of things to work with.

Throw In Hidden Storage

A way by which you can make your apartment look minimal is by having hidden storage spaces in different areas. This is going to ensure that everything has a designated place and that nothing will get misplaced or lost. You can look for furniture or couches that have storage bins underneath, in which you can put miscellaneous things like clothes for different seasons and more.

Your pantry can be wedged inside a wall and you can pull it out, and that’s not only going to save space but it looks pretty cool too. There are a lot of ways by which you can fit everything in a small condo, given that you’re creative.

Opt For A Vertical Layout

The most suited layout for a condo is long and vertical. There is just something about the elongated layout that makes a condo look very minimal yet modern.

Most condos stretch out vertically, but you can enhance vertical layouts even more by situating things on the sides and leaving the middle blank for ample walking space. This layout is going to go well with your interior and it’s going to give a futuristic and edgy appeal to your space as well. You’ll love the look of your condo.

Conclusion

A boring and very plain condo can be transformed into something out of an interior design magazine. Contact home addition contractors McLean who can help you style and renovate your condo according to your liking.

How To Keep Rain From Coming Down The Chimney?

Having a fireplace in your house means a chimney is a must. While chimneys help toxic gasses escape, it is often rainwater that finds its way in. Although, it is a rare occurrence but not impossible. So, if you are experiencing a similar situation, here are a few tips along with some chimney inspection tips and fixes to prevent such a situation in the future.

Determine The Root Cause Of The Problem

The first thing you need to do when it comes to rain coming down from the chimney is determine the root cause of the problem. The reason is as mentioned earlier, it is a rare situation. It might be that you underwent a serious rainstorm and the water was supposed to find its way down the chimney.

In this case, it does not necessarily mean there is a defect. If the amount of water coming down on your house is significant, do not be surprised if your chimney is not able to hold it back. However, if you find water in your fireplace on a regular basis, it means there is a problem with the chimney that needs to be fixed.

The good news is that fixing a leaking chimney is easy and straightforward. If you cannot do it yourself, you will need to hire an expert. Fixing the chimney should not take more than a few hours depending on the repairs and replacement.

Observe The Signs & Symptoms

While you may be lucky enough to find a huge puddle of water pointing to a leakage, in some cases the signs are so subtle that it becomes hard to spot. For instance, you might observe stained walls, condensation, and musty odors.

Even though these are minor signs but tell a lot about a chimney needing repairs. For instance, if you find large puddles of water in the base of your chimney, it means your chimney’s structure is damaged. You will need to schedule a chimney inspection as soon as possible.

Moving on, if you hear the sound of dripping water, it means the chimney is letting the rainwater come in. This issue is more likely to occur during a short burst of rain, so keep an eye out when the storm has passed.

If the water dripping does not stop having hours passed by, it means the chimney has a cracked flue or stack.

Finally, condensation, musty odors, and stained walls are all tell-tale signs that there is something wrong with your chimney. To check condensation, you will need to use a damp moisture meter. This will help you identify the weak parts of the chimney.

Furthermore, musty odors mean the water has been coming into your chimney for a while and is not evaporating. It could be that the chimney flue liner is damaged. At the same time, you might observe stained walls as well. A combination of musty odors and stained walls surely means your chimney needs to be checked.

How To Stop Rain From Coming Down Your Chimney?

Now that we have discussed the signs & symptoms of a leaking chimney, let’s talk about how you can stop the rain from coming down.

First, you can try installing a chimney cowl. This is the easiest, quickest, and most cost-effective way to prevent rain from penetrating your chimney. Also known as the rain caps, these items offer an additional mini-roof to keep the rainwater at bay by preventing the rainwater from coming down directly into the chimney cavity.

Next, you should check the chimney pot. If it’s damaged, you should replace it with a new one. A chimney pot not only improves the functioning of the chimney but also narrows the opening of the chimney preventing rainwater from entering.

How To Fix Chimney Leaks?

Chimneys are made to last several years if the job is done by a professional. However, due to external factors such as extreme weather conditions, your chimney may experience some damage leaking to leaks. Even if that is not the case, chimney components are supposed to weaken over time, compromising the structure.

To begin with, you can try inspecting the chimney stack. If you find it to be the source of the leakage, you will need to call chimney contractors Columbia MD as soon as possible. Your chimney will need some extensive repairs and might be irreparable if you prolong the issue, leading to building a new chimney from scratch.

Next, check the chimney flue liner. Then again, you will need to call in the professionals, especially if you have an older-class chimney. If the chimney flue liner is faulty, replace it with a flexible steel chimney flue liner.

How To Prevent Chimney Leaks From Recurring?

Once you have managed to stop rainwater from coming down your chimney, you are going to prevent the same situation from happening in the future. For that, you will need to ensure your chimney receives professional maintenance and inspections.

In the meantime, you should inspect your chimney on a weekly or monthly basis, especially after a huge rain or thunderstorm. This will help you spot any damages and fix them before they impact other components, particularly the structure.

Do Chimneys Require Maintenance?

Chimneys like many other household appliances require maintenance. If you live in a region where chimney usage is little to zero in the winter, you will need to cover it up. In most cases, the chimneys are left open and birds, insects, and other intruders tend to take up the accommodation.

In addition to that, fireplaces produce soot as a byproduct of burning wood. This soot buildup needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent accumulation. If the accumulation is ignored, the soot turns extremely hard and is not easy to remove. In this case, you will need to call in a professional.

Can I Clean The Chimney Myself?

To avoid labor costs, most homeowners prefer cleaning and maintaining the chimneys themselves. However, you will be needing special tools, chemicals, equipment, and skills to do the job. On top of that, cleaning the chimney also carries risks.

That said, you should make sure to protect yourself by wearing gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent your body parts from being exposed. At the same time, you will need to thoroughly inspect the chimney and clean it accordingly. It might be that hard soot buildup lands on your head and causes injury. If possible, ask a family member or a friend for a helping hand. But the best way to clean the chimney is by letting experts do it with the right equipment and techniques.

Moreover, during chimney cleaning, they may detect some problems and suggest you further inspection or fixes. In short, they will spot a problem that could become bigger and cost you money.

Conclusion

In the end, rain coming down your chimney can be fixed following a few steps. However, there is no need to panic. Countries that experience heavy rainfalls throughout the year find it normal to have minor chimney leakages. But keep in mind that you should consult chimney cleaning services Ellicott City and fix the issue as soon as you spot unusual signs & symptoms.

Gantry Cranes vs Overhead Cranes

Gantry and overhead cranes are one of the most popular lifting solutions for various industries across the world and provided by almost all crane rentals. Even though they might look the same, there is a significant difference between the two. We are going to discuss both types in detail to help you pick the best option for your needs.

Overhead Cranes

An overhead crane is exactly what the term suggests. It is a type of crane that consists of runways that run parallel to the bridge connecting the gap. Also, called the bridge crane, the bridge travels with the help of the runways on the sides that move it backward and forward. Plus, it also comes with a hoist that travels along the bridge and moves in three dimensions.

Types Of Overhead Cranes

Types of overhead cranes are: top-running, underhung, and single girder cranes. Each type is different from another in terms of design and purpose. For instance, top-running cranes are meant for lifting heavier weights and can handle greater load capacity.

Meanwhile, underhung cranes come with a bridge that gets support from the bottom flange of the runway beams. These cranes are used at locations with either limited space or low headroom.

And finally, single-girder cranes come with a single bridge girder that controls the hoist. The purpose of this machine is to provide cost-effective lifting solutions.

Advantages Of Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes are usually installed in industries that deal with the lifting and shifting of extremely heavy loads. In other words, these are mostly permanent installations. The biggest advantage of overhead cranes is that they can lift and shift extremely heavy loads which is not possible with other types.

Furthermore, since overhead cranes are installed or mounted on existing structures, you do not have to compromise your available floor space. And plus, they are installed high up in the air, which means there is little to no interference with the operations being carried out on the floor.

Finally, overhead cranes can be custom-built to meet the needs and preferences of different industries. In most cases, the transportation industry utilizes the heaviest cranes to deal with extremely heavy cargo on a daily basis.

Disadvantages Of Overhead Cranes

While there are some advantages, overhead cranes tend to possess some disadvantages as well. Overhead cranes can be installed on the existing structures but require modifications. These modifications are costly along with the installation itself.

Additionally, overhead cranes can only perform in a limited amount of space. Since these machines do not come with wheels and cannot outrun parallel runways, it could be difficult for them to adapt to the changing needs. So, before choosing overhead cranes, you should also check out gantry cranes.

Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes are mostly installed in the open and consist of two or more supporting legs that help the gantry lift heavy loads. The supporting legs are fixed on either wheels or rails depending on the type of industry and the loads being lifted. It also comes with a hoist that moves with the gantry for lifting.

Types Of Gantry Cranes

Similar to overhead cranes, gantry cranes come in different forms too. Some of the most common types tend to be full gantry, semi-gantry, portable gantry, and adjustable gantry cranes. Full-gantry cranes are identified by two legs and a rail that offer a stable lifting solution.

On the other hand, semi-gantry cranes have one left running on rails, while the other is supported by an existing structure. Not only does this provide a cost-effective solution but also helps with limited space.

Portable gantry cranes are both mobile and lightweight and are meant for temporary lifting tasks. And finally, adjustable gantry cranes can be customized and equipped with a variety of features and specs to meet the lifting needs of the client.

Advantages Of Gantry Cranes

When compared to overhead cranes, gantry cranes tend to offer better mobility. The reason is that gantry cranes can easily be disassembled and reassembled if required. However, overhead cranes due to having parallel runaways being mounted on existing structures makes it relatively difficult to move around.

In addition to that, gantry cranes can be easily modified to lift heavier loads or cater to different lifting requirements. And most importantly, the installation costs with gantry cranes are comparatively lower than overhead cranes since extensive modifications to the existing structures are not required. So, many people prefer gantry cranes when they visit a crane for rent DC company.

Disadvantages Of Gantry Cranes

The only disadvantage associated with gantry cranes is that they take up quite a bit of floor space due to the supporting legs. This could become a problem for locations that are limited in space.

Comparison: Overhead Cranes vs Gantry Cranes

Industrial Applications

Overhead cranes are mostly suited to industries dealing with the manufacturing of steel, automobiles, etc. These are heavy-duty machines made for heavy-duty applications. Gantry cranes on the other hand are relatively more versatile and can be used in industries dealing with shipping, construction, and warehousing.

Cost

As mentioned earlier, when it comes to costs such as installations, gantry cranes are comparatively cheaper than overhead cranes. However, overhead cranes tend to offer a better return on investment.

Therefore, when it comes to choosing the best option, you need to keep certain factors such as the amount of space available and associated costs in mind.

Mobility And Installation

Overhead cranes are installed on existing structures, which makes them difficult to transfer from one place to another. Meanwhile, gantry cranes are both mobile and easy to disassemble, making them available for different types of lifting tasks.

Safety & Maintenance

Both gantry and overhead cranes require regular maintenance. Heavy machines meant for lifting extremely heavy loads need regular attention to prevent accidents and mishaps. Due to lifting and shifting heavy loads, the hydraulics and other components wear out with time.

Therefore, it is the job of the operator and the management to look after the machine both pre and post-lifting.

Do Gantry and Overhead Cranes Require a Professional to Operate?

Both gantry and overhead cranes are and should only be operated by licensed professionals. In fact, some states have strict laws that overlook such operations. Moreover, the maintenance of the cranes is also crucial. It is not only the company’s duty but also the operators’ duty as well to perform an inspection both pre and post-lifting.

The rules state that the company should record all the maintenance details along with other relevant data and submit it to the regulatory authority.

On top of that, crane operators undergo extensive training and certifications to be able to operate heavy machinery. If not followed, the company can be heavily fined or temporarily shut down as part of the legal proceedings. To avoid fines and shut downs, make sure to hire certified operators for your gantry and overhead cranes.

Conclusion

Both gantry and overhead cranes offer effective and efficient lifting solutions. However, considering the different types along with capability and other features, you need to make sure your needs and preferences are set and defined. This will help you avoid confusion and pick the best option for your lifting needs. Get more details from cranes services VA before renting any crane.