Storm shelters were engineered to protect everything inside of it in case of severe storms. They are life-saving assets to have. Sometimes called safe rooms, they protect you from falling and flying debris during a hurricane or tornadoes. They can also prove useful during burglaries and other types of natural disasters. If you live in an area with frequent storms, investing in a storm shelter would be in your best interest.
Above ground storm shelters can be constructed out of various materials, such as concrete or steel. And be custom built to any size to meet your standards. Consult with your local professional about which option is best for you. Use manufactures with tested and trusted storm shelter units. All above ground shelters can be made to be handicap accessible.
Types of Above Ground Storm Shelters
Concrete Shelters
Shelters made of concrete should be built to ICC 500 standards. ICC 500 is the building code for structures designed for use in the event of tornadoes or hurricanes. The concrete used should have a high PSI rating, steel bars, vents, fiber mesh to add reinforcement and a FEMA rated steel door. Structures can be installed anywhere on your property and have as many amenities as you like. Here are a few more types of concrete storm shelters.
Steel Shelters
Steel shelters have the same capability to keep you safe as concrete ones. Made entirely of steel, these structures are bolted and anchored into the ground. They can be built for any number of people to reside safely. Good structures are rated to withstand up to 250 miles of strong winds. Just like the concrete shelter it should be FEMA rated and tested.
Here are some benefits of adding an above ground storm shelter to your property:
• FEMA Rated
The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA states that an approved shelter is “a structure that will give near to absolute protection from severe storms”. Every shelter must be built to withstand 250 mph of winds and 3,000 lbs of force anchored into solid concrete foundation.
• Increases the Value of your Home
Adding an above ground shelter to your home not only protects you from dangers, but also increases your homes worth. Some people incorporate shelter installations in with other home renovations. If you own a home in a state with high frequency of storms, having a storm shelter will increase the value by a few thousand dollars.
• Handicap Accessible
Everyone can be safe during a storm or natural disaster. Shelters can be equipped to be handicap and wheelchair accessible.
Do ample research on above ground safe rooms. If you are considering installing one on your property. Shelters can be made of either concrete or steel in many shapes and sizes, according to your taste and practicality. Consider the cost and advantages. Look into manufactures with great reviews about their service. Ensure that the storm shelter follows FEMA and NSSA safety standards for structures. Investing in a quality storm shelter will keep you safe and save your life.
…
Factors to Consider when Designing a Retaining Wall in Arlington Heights
Are you planning to introduce a design that would enhance the look of your outdoor living area? The best approach to consider is improving your retaining walls. The walls can be used to replace the deck in your garden, to add layer around your trees or plant, and to enhance the look of your backyard. Retaining walls, just like seating walls, are the best way to introduce new function and life to an ordinarily plane landscape. They are also durable and will enhance your garden borders, patios, outdoor kitchens, walkways, and many more areas in your home. Here is a list of the key things you need to consider when planning on adding an Arlington retaining wall design.
The material you use to construct and design a retailing wall should be in line with the purpose of the retaining wall as well as the style and budget. Some of the material options you may consider include:
Bricks—Although special drainage accommodations are fundamental consideration elements, bricks are durable and solid choice for traditional homes and landscaping.
Stones—There are wide variety of stones existing in different shapes and colors. stone walls can be combined with any yard style and are key options when considering changes in elevation.
Timber—Walls made of timber can greatly blend into all landscapes and are the best for conventional style homes.
Concrete—walls that are made of concrete have variety of shapes, styles, and color. Meant to enhance strength, concrete blend well with many gardens, home exteriors, and yards.
Because of obvious reasons, the taller the retaining wall, the costlier it will be. However, the increased charges are always worth the space increase. If you need a higher retaining wall, you may be forced to increase more area depending on the ground slope. The retaining wall may also be limited by material available; taller walls need stronger materials to hold dirt weight behind it.
Apart from holding back soil, you may consider retaining wall for transforming your outdoor space. Shorter walls enhance the texture of a flat landscape and enhance the look of flower beds. You may add a seating wall around patio or build a bench seating into the retaining wall. These creative styles would add a little excitement to your landscape.
Whether or not your retaining wall needs the expertise of an engineer depends on the regulations as well as the size. often, if the wall is to exceed certain height, you may be forced to consult an engineer and a landscaping expert to ensure your retaining wall is built safely and properly.
A retaining wall is able to level your yard and offer protection against water flooding your home. As you plan to build a retaining wall, think of the drainage system and where water will flow after adding the retaining wall.
…
When you get a new driveway, there are often small neglected defects that may cause you to have to replace the asphalt prematurely. On the other hand, you should also be aware that over time your pavement will gradually degrade. Therefore, you may need to get your asphalt repaired eventually.
When you look at different asphalt repair companies, you should try to find the right business to satisfy all your needs. Therefore, you should consider looking at a few firms before you choose to do business with a specific outfit for your asphalt repair work. Also, you should try to find a company that has the right equipment.
Therefore, using my experience in dealing with asphalt repair businesses, I would like to offer you some tips to help you choose the right company to carry out your projects. First of all, you should be aware that a business will often require unique equipment to be able to repair your asphalt correctly. A good company should also have an excellent reputation.
A company’s reputation is, therefore, a reliable criterion. Moreover, if your driveway dates back several decades, it is sometimes more economical to build an entirely new asphalt driveway. Remember, a repair company should also be able to help you with your automatic driveway gates. Also, view this link for more data.
Furthermore, you should check the accreditation of any company you hire. Certification ensures the seriousness and expertise of the company with which you will do business. Also, view this link for more data.
By taking these precautions, your asphalt will retain its original appearance, and you will be able to increase its lifespan. Your repair company should also carry out all the drainage work, such as installation or repair to reduce the risks of water infiltration. These steps will help you protect your driveway and avoid cracks that may otherwise appear in your pavement.
Moreover, it is essential to trust the repair workers who will hold the future of your property in their hands. Remember, you will only be able to get the repairs done if you work with professionals. Another good trick is to water your asphalt for a few seconds, and if you see a rainbow, it means you have to wait a little longer before applying a coating.
As is the case for a significant number of things, looking after your asphalt driveway could help you save a great deal of money. On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of asphalt or gravel driveways. Remember, if the driveway is not installed correctly you will have serious complications.
You will also gain peace of mind by comparing the tool rental and purchase prices for materials to the total amount that is charged by a professional organization. Also, ask your friends which paving companies have helped them and which ones they think should be avoided. Furthermore, you should make sure you use the right materials. It is also important to lay the asphalt when the ambient temperature is mild.
…
Concrete floors have some amazing benefits which convince many people and businesses to have them installed. They are highly durable and can withstand tool drops and can handle having cars parked on them. They are also ideal for large industrial businesses that utilize equipment such as forklifts. Concrete floors are also really easy to maintain. One of the few downfalls that concrete floors do possess is the fact that they are susceptible to spills such as oil and chemicals that can leave them with unattractive stains. Though these kinds of stains can be an annoyance, the truth is that they can be dealt with fairly easily with a good enzyme concrete cleaner. There are several major benefits to using an enzyme cleaner for your concrete floors, whether they are for industrial use or for your home workshop, it is a great way to make your floor look good as new. There is also more great information on this topic at these great articles here.
These Reasons Help Make The Case For Using An Enzyme Cleaner For Your Concrete Floor:
1. Enzyme Cleaners Have The Ability To Eat Stains Away:
One of the major reasons that enzyme-based concrete cleaners are so effective at cleaning concrete surfaces is the fact that they literally eat away the staining on the affected area of the floor.
2. Enzyme Cleaners Are More Environmentally Conscious Than Many Other Cleaners On The Market:
Due to the organic chemistry of enzyme cleaners, they have a smaller environmental footprint than many other concrete cleaners on the market. Part of the reason that they are also better for the environment is the fact that an enzyme cleaner’s good bacteria can get rid of disease-causing bacteria that was present before treating the area of flooring. This is a huge advantage in terms of its impact on human health.
3. Enzyme Cleaners Can Get Into Places That Are Hard To Clean:
Enzyme cleaners can get into very small spaces and crevices. Once in these small spaces, they can eliminate any contaminants that are present.
4. Enzyme Cleaners Do Not Need Additional Water:
Another major benefit of enzyme cleaners for concrete floors is the fact that they don’t need to have additional water added to them in order to work. They simply need to be applied and will then systematically eat away at the stain that you are removing from your concrete floor. This adds another level of simplicity to using these type of cleaning products.
As you can see, enzyme cleaners are ideal for taking care of unsightly stains that have developed on your concrete floor. the many benefits that enzyme cleaners possess are directly behind the reason that they are becoming increasingly more popular for the cleaning of concrete floors. Using this sort of product will have your floor looking as good as new. You really won’t believe the difference that a quality enzyme cleaner can make on your concrete floor.
…