by : Cities Ads Construction, Services

What is Rising Damp?

Rising damp can be defined as moisture which rises up from the ground and travels upwards in the masonry of the building structure by means of capillary action. This moisture dries out on the wall surfaces and can present in various unsightly forms such as paint failure, discolouration and mould growth.

Capillaries are very narrow passages or tubes which occur in masonry. Capillary action is when moisture rises up in these tiny passages even against the force gravity.

The foundations of a standard dwelling are generally constructed of concrete laid onto compacted soil. Brick work, usually between 5 and 8 courses high is built on top of the concrete foundation. A DPC (Damp Proof Course) usually consisting of a heavy-duty plastic layer is loose laid onto this. The rest of the wall is built on top of this plastic DPC layer. The section of brickwork between the foundation and DPC is designed to be a “wet zone.” The DPC is designed to prevent water from rising up beyond this wet zone. However, when various factors develop and the DPC is comprised, then rising damp can take place.

What Are The Signs Of Rising Damp?

Rising damp can occur to interior and exterior walls and usually presents in the lower portion of the wall typically up to a height of 1m. It is rare for rising damp to be higher than 1,2m. However factors such as tile cladding or a waterproof plaster applied to lower section of walls without installation of a chemical DPC can cause this occurrence.

The use of a moisture meter is sometimes used by professionals to detect rising damp, but usually the signs are very obvious and is not a necessary tool. There is moisture in walls naturally so using a moisture meter is almost always guaranteed to pick up moisture.

The usual signs and symptoms include the following:

  • Paint failure characterised by blistering and bubbling of the paint film.
  • Brown or darker stains or “tide” marks to the wall surfaces which is blemishes due to moisture in the wall.
  • Wall surfaces feel cold and clammy.
  • White powdery deposits on the wall surfaces, technically termed salts or efflorescence.
  • Crumbling and failure of plaster.
  • Rotting or warped skirting boards.
  • Mould smell which could be occurring under skirtings or carpets and is often is triggered by damp in walls.
  • Peeling or discoloration of wallpaper.
  • Rooms feel unusually cold in the winter months.
  • Mould on wall surfaces which is usually black in colour, but can also be brown, red, green and yellow.

What Causes It?

There are many possible causes of rising damp and these include the following:

  • DPC non existent, degraded or failed or is incorrectly positioned.
  • Moisture bypasses DPC via plaster from wet zone area.
  • Wall below DPC has been plastered and painted, which traps moisture inside the wall.
  • Excessive exposure of walls to rain due to design of house with no eaves or roofs with no gutters.
  • Ground level higher on other side of wall which breaches DPC.
  • Wooden floors which been removed and replaced with concrete

What Are The Detrimental Effects Of Rising Damp?

There are numerous adverse effects of rising damp. These would typically include the following:

  • Paint failure occurs very quickly when rising damp is present and negatively impacts on the aesthetics of the building structure.
  • Devaluation of property. Buyers seldom want to purchase buildings which are damp affected.
  • Moisture in walls reduces insulation properties and makes buildings much colder in the winter months.
  • Damp in walls can trigger mould growth which has bad odour and is detrimental to health.
  • Rising damp can cause damage to property, especially to interior walls, including rotting of skirtings and carpets and rusting of metal door frames and electrical plug sockets.

For more information on rising damp and the services we offer, you can contact us by filling in our online enquiry form HERE or give us a call, 078 456 3442.

by : Cities Ads Services

How to Fix a Whirlpool Dryer Making Sounds While Running

When an appliance makes an unexpected sound, it suffices to stop you in your tracks. So when you hear your Whirlpool dryer making noise you have actually never ever heard in the past, you might believe an immediate repair work is in order. In a lot of cases, this is an easy problem to fix yourself though. From clicking to squealing, we’ll analyze a Whirlpool dryer running loud and figure out the best fix.

Whirlpool Dryer Making Noise? Here’s How to Silence It

If you observe your Whirlpool dryer making sounds or your dryer takes several cycles to dry a complicated repair isn’t constantly needed. We’ll assist decode the most common sounds when a Whirlpool dryer makes sounds while toppling so you can implement a quick option.

Dryer Making Clicking Sound

What can trigger it: Understanding the pros and cons of gas and electric clothes dryers includes understanding that a gas dryer element can cause clicking sounds. This noise frequently takes place when the gas valve opens, enabling gas to flow to the dryer’s burner and heat the air. This takes place periodically throughout a drying cycle and is considered part of regular functioning.

Dryer Makes Scraping Noise

What can trigger it: Scraping noises while your dryer is running typically take place when small objects end up being caught in the dryer drum seam. Coins, screws or nails can fall out of pockets and end up being trapped in these seams at the front or back of the dryer.

How to fix it: Turn the dryer off and check the joints for loose items, removing any that are found. Examine the pockets of clothing prior to cleaning or drying to prevent little items from being captured.

Dryer Rattling or Knocking

What can trigger it:

When you hear a Whirlpool dryer rattling sound there could be several possible causes:

  • Toppling buttons or zippers in the dryer drum
  • Items resting on the dryer may rattle with its vibrations
  • If the washer is touching the dryer its motion may cause rattling throughout a wash cycle
  • A dryer positioned on a pedestal can trigger products in the pedestal drawer to rattle during operation

How to fix it:

  • Inspect your pockets before cleaning or drying clothing, eliminating loose items
  • Don’t rest things on top of the dryer while it’s running
  • Leave area in between the washer and dryer
  • Eliminate items from the pedestal drawer during a drying cycle
  • Dryer Makes Thump Sound

What can cause it:

A Whirlpool dryer making noise that sounds like thumping can also have a number of possibilities:

  • Products have clumped together during a drying cycle, specifically big products like towels and bed linen
  • Athletic shoe are being toppled in the dryer
  • The dryer hasn’t been just recently utilized and the drum rollers have actually flattened

How to repair it:

  • Stop the drying cycle and untangle twisted products. Include large items loosely and minimize the variety of large items per drying cycle
  • Prevent drying tennis shoes in the dryer, opting for air-drying instead
  • Let the dryer run for a number of minutes to make it possible for drum rollers to regain their shape and stop the noise

Loud Dryer Pounding Sound

What can cause it:

When drum rollers end up being worn they’re not able to help the dryer tumble efficiently and a loud pounding or rumbling sound may result.

How to fix it:

To gain access to and examine the drum rollers remove the front and leading panels of the dryer, as well as the dryer drum. If the rollers appear worn, they require to be replaced. Even if just one roller is used we suggest changing all of them at the same time.

Whirlpool Dryer is Squealing

What can cause it:

A squealing sound ought to not be disregarded, as it can indicate one of the following malfunctions:

  • Wear and tear to the idler pulley-block
  • A broken drive belt
  • Used drum glides

How to repair it:

These parts can not be fixed and are best replaced through a professional service.

We know a Whirlpool dryer making noise can halt your laundry regimen. To find top-rated appliance repairs in polokwane, please follow the link.

by : Cities Ads Business, Finance, Services

The Pros And Cons Of Payday Loans

Not many people know everything they should about payday loans. Although they might have high interest rates, payday loans could be of help to you if you need to pay for something right away. The following article will teach you to use payday loans responsibly.

Lots of companies provide payday loans. Look at any company you are considering. Be sure others have been satisfied with them. Reading reviews online is a great way of finding out about their business.

If you have to use a payday loan because of an emergency, or unexpected event, understand that many people are put in an unfavorable position by doing this. If you do not use them responsibly, you could wind up in a cycle that you cannot get out of. You could be in debt to the payday loan company for a very long time.

One key tip for anyone looking to take out a payday loan is not to accept the first offer you get. Payday loans are not all the same and while they generally have horrible interest rates, there are some that are better than others. See what types of offers you can get and then choose the best one.

Consider shopping online for a payday loan, if you must take one out. There are numerous websites that offer them. If you need one, you are already tight on money, so why waste gas driving around trying to find one that is open? You do have the option of doing it all from your desk.

Write down your payment due dates. After you get the payday loan, you will have to pay it back, or at least make a payment. Even if you forget when a payment date is, the company will attempt to withdrawal the amount from your bank account. Writing down the dates will help you remember, so that you have no problems with your bank.

A better alternative to a payday loan is to start your own emergency savings account. Put in a little money from each paycheck until you have a good amount, such as $500.00 or so. Instead of building up the high-interest fees that a payday loan can incur, you can have your own payday loan right at your bank. If you need to use the money, begin saving again right away in case you need emergency funds in the future.

Make sure you check out all of your available options. By comparing payday against online flexible loans, it might be that certain lenders offer more advantageous rates on payday loans. The key will be your credit history as well as the loan amount you desire. Doing your homework can save you a lot in the long run.

For anyone looking to take out a payday loan, they should strongly consider looking for personal loans first. If you have good credit and a solid history with your bank, you may be able to get a personal loan at a much lower interest rate, with a great deal more time to pay it back.

If you need money immediately, you may want to consider borrowing from a short-term lender such as Western Union. As long as you do not use it them all the time, payday loans might work out for you.

by : Cities Ads Photography, Services

It’s Photo Time All The Time With These Photography Tips

There are a lot of things you can learn about photography and there’s plenty of information that conflicts on how to take the best photos. The tips you will learn in this article can help you create quality photographs and show off your artistic ability.

When you are shooting a photo of someone, make sure that you are close to them to maximize the quality of the details on their face. This is very important, as you will want to capture every aspect of their expression to help to personalize the photos that you take.

Keep it simple to get the best photographs. You can take a stunning picture even if you do not adjust the color or motion settings says the pros at Selfie Cube. Selfie Cube offers affordable photo booth rentals in the Gauteng area. See photo booth rental prices here.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! With digital cameras, you can now store an incredible amount of photos. Try it out! Don’t be afraid to set up your camera at a stream one day and play around with the effects to see what kind of photos you get. It can be a great way to learn what works, and what doesn’t.

One of the best ways for you to learn about photography is to study examples of how to hold your camera and work your subject during photo shoots. In addition, you can talk to someone who has been in photography for a long time to gain valuable insight on your craft.

When composing shots, set your white balance manually, instead of relying on the automatic settings. Setting your white balance manually gives you more control over the contrast and mood of your photo. You can make photos look more stark or more natural, and it’s all up to you. Don’t let the computer program decide how your photos will look.

When working around subjects that are moving a lot or are totally in action, you need to focus on capturing the moments by keeping your trigger down. These kinds of moments can not be recreated and there are no do-overs. Keep your eye on the areas at all times and keep shooting.

A great photography tip is to get to know someone before you get a shot of them. This may sound silly but simply talking to a person will give you a lot more insight on how to capture them. It can make the difference between having a genuine or generic photograph.

Many digital cameras nowadays actually have a setting for red eye reduction. One of the worst things that can happen to a good picture is the subject will have red eye, ruining an otherwise perfect picture. If you have a setting, turn that setting on first, then snap your shot, and presto, no red eye!

Make sure your subject is in focus and at the center of your picture. When a photo is properly focused, the result will be perfectly composed shots. Until you gain some expertise, stick with centering your subject in full view. Do not worry about the background at first. This is something you will learn more about as you progress.

If you have to use your flash, then keep your subject away from walls, especially those that are light colored. Having a busy background or one that is dark will minimize the dark or harsh shadow that comes with using a flash. The best option though is to have enough light that you don’t need a flash.

You need to decide if you want to use highlights or shadows in photos. You can take 2 pictures of the same subject and expose one of each. Then you would need to use a software program such as Photoshop to blend them together.

The tips that you read here contained some important things you need to consider when taking a picture. Now being better educated you can go take better pictures.

by : Cities Ads Services

How To Use A Carpet Cleaning Machine

When a carpet is too dirty for standard cleaning, a carpet cleaning company needs to be used. All carpet cleaning services are not created equal, as some will do outstanding jobs on your carpet, while others will do a shoddy job. Here is some advice that will help you hire a good carpet cleaning company.

You may think that a carpet cleaning company only cleans your carpets; however, they usually provide other services also. They may also clean upholstery, so ask if need be. You may even be able to find a great deal offering both services at a discount.

Salt is an efficient and affordable product you can use to clean your carpet. Salt will absorb liquids such as wine or grease. You should pour enough salt to cover the stain and wait a few minutes. Most of the stain will be absorbed by the salt if you react quickly enough.

You should not leave your carpet damp after cleaning it to prevent bad odors from coming back. You could use a blow dryer or a fan to quickly dry the area you just cleaned, or open the windows if the weather is warm enough. Make sure the carpet is completely dry before closing the windows or turning the fans off.

A carpet cleaning company is a great option if you really want to make sure all dirty water is extracted from your carpet. Home cleaning machines often require a large amount of water, and they do not have the suction to get that water back out. A professional company can offer better extraction methods, leaving your carpets feeling clean and dry faster.

Get quotes on having your carpet treatment with a stain repelling solution. The most common product used is referred to as Scotch Guard, but there are others out there that work great as well. This type of product can put a protective layer on your carpet, preventing stains from penetrating as long as you soak it up right away.

Ask a potential carpet cleaning company which products they use to clean carpets. Believe it or not, this is a big deal, as some of the chemicals used by these companies may harm children, the elderly, or pets. If the company refuses to answer your question and provides you with the answer you did not want to hear, go with another company.

Remember that certain chemicals can be harmful, so ask about these. Consider environmentally friendly solutions for cleaning your carpet, including rinses containing baking soda or vinegar to rid the carpet of chemical residue.

Wait until your carpet is completely dry before you move your furniture back into the room. Doing it too soon can cause additional damage to your carpet. The bottom of the furniture may leave rust marks or other stains that your carpet cleaner may never be able to completely remove.

Choose your carpet very carefully. The color and texture of the carpet should play an important part in your decision but you should also find out more about the cleaning process. If possible, choose a quality stain resistant carpet to get rid of stains easily instead of choosing a high-maintenance carpet.

Check the Internet for coupons offered by a carpet cleaning company. Carpet cleaning can get very pricy, so you can use all of the savings you can get. Many companies offer first-time customers coupon online and sometimes, even in local newspapers. Tell the company you have a coupon before giving payments.

The company you hire to clean your carpets can mean the difference between a good job that will restore your carpets, and a bad job that will make them look worse than before. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. Make the right one by using the carpet cleaning advice from this article.

by : Cities Ads Online Marketing, Services

Knowledge Is Power, And These Lead Generation Tips Are Priceless

If you run a business, you realize that customers are essential to it. Without a steady stream of new customers, your sales will suffer and your long-term future will be bleak. You must learn how you can find new leads in order to turn them into new customers. Read this article for helpful advice.

Try direct mail as a lead generation tactic. Many people think that direct mail has gone the way of the dinosaur, but it’s not true. In fact, it may be very powerful for your market as a lot of competitors shy away from it as a strategy. You may find a lot of business opportunities here.

See: http://www.npconline.co.za/services/tips-working-web-design-company-south-africa/

Test a small market sample if you are trying to generate leads in a new way or area of consumer spending. While online marketing can be very economical, you don’t want to waste a lot of resources on something that’s going to go bust. Test a sample and if it generates a few leads, go for it! Otherwise, simply live and learn and move on.

Be more active on niche-relevant forums and discussion boards to generate easy leads. If you hang out where consumers ask questions, you can gather trust, brand yourself and be a go-to source for them. Not only will they appreciate your assistance, they will also most likely visit your site for more info or to make purchases!

Look into opportunities where you may be able to pay for leads. Paying for leads is not a bad thing at all. In fact there are many companies out there that can deliver you leads at a surprisingly low cost. Just do your homework before signing up with anyone. There are scams out there.

Find some way to rate your potential leads. Not all leads are created equal, so before you start generating them know how you’ll grade them. Otherwise you can find yourself overloaded with potential leads with no way to decipher which ones are worth your time. It’s a critical step to help you be efficient.

Consider teaching a class on the skills you have. For example, if you are an excellent marketer, teach a basic marketing class. You can let students know about whatever it is you’re doing and you can look for those students you think would make the best leads and then target them directly.

Search engine optimization can take awhile to get going, as can other lead generation techniques. While they are the best, and while some experts saying purchasing leads is a bad idea, it’s not always the case. Buying leads from a trusted source within your niche can actually be extremely beneficial.

Obviously, when generating leads, you are working according to a budget and cannot pursue every venture. That is why it’s important that you do have a set budget and that you are always paying attention to discount opportunities when it comes to promotion. This being said, make sure the money is being spent wisely.

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. A lot of people get scared of making a call to generate a lead. They think it’s akin to annoying telemarketing. But if you’ve got a solution to a problem a company is having, you’ll definitely get phone time with someone. Even if it’s not a long call, pitch it and get a meeting to continue the conversation.

Make sure to keep your lead pipeline in motion at all times. This means you need to do lead generation tactics on a daily basis. It can take a lot of leads to get just one to convert into a customer, so you need a good source of them at all times.

Lead generation is extremely important in business. When you aren’t doing it right, you’ll struggle with your business. Use the tips from this article to help you build your potential customer base.

by : Cities Ads Construction, Services

Plumbing 101: Tips And Tricks For Your Pipes

You need to have some knowledge of what to look for and expect from doing your own plumbing. You need to know what resources are available to you and who can provide you answers as to what you need for your future plumbing jobs. The tips below can help you with how to start.

If you are paying someone else to do the plumbing in your home be sure that they are licensed in your state to do that work. Some people who have little or no knowledge of plumbing will try to pass themselves off as a pro. So you can see the importance of checking to see if your plumber is licensed. You should also see if you can find positive testimonials about the plumbers work.

Routinely check your appliance connections and faucets around the house for any kind of obvious leaks or nearby signs of moisture. Not only do even the smallest leaks lead to a large waste of water and money, they also can lead to damage to your home or even the development of harmful molds.

If your sink is letting rusty water out and it will not drain, it is mostly likely because of the biological scum and grease that is built up in the pipes. You need to have your drains professionally cleaned, allowing maximum flow through your drains. Your drains must be open completely.

Never pour grease or anything fatty or oily into your drain. When they cool, they’ll harden and clog your drain. They’ll also muck up your garbage disposal and cause it to be less efficient. To keep your drain running efficiently, dispose of fats and oils in other ways besides pouring them down the drain.

It is not always necessary to call in a plumber when you have a damaged section of pipe in your plumbing. There are repair kits you can buy in your local hardware store which are excellent in repairing leaks. If you have a small leak, you can rub a compound stick over the hole or crack in the pipe to seal it shut. Epoxy paste is also an excellent remedy for a leaking pipes. Make sure you turn off the water and completely dry the pipe before applying the epoxy.

Do not overload your garbage disposal. If you need to dispose of large items, cut them up into smaller pieces. Also, do not put too much in at a time, put one or two items in and wait a few seconds to dispose of the rest. Overloading your disposal can cause the engine to overheat.

While it may seem like a seemingly harmless thing to do, never run potato peels through your garbage disposal. The chemical make up of this seemingly harmless food allows the potato to turn into a thick, viscous substance that can wreak havoc on the disposal itself, with the potential to render it completely useless.

Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly.

Is your toilet leaking? Find out by putting some food color in the tank and then check the bowl later. If there is colored water in the bowl, the toilet has an internal leak. To fix an internal leak you can simply replace the tank’s ball or flapper.

As you have seen in the above tips, there is a lot of knowledge you can acquire before starting to do your own plumbing and it’s this knowledge that can help you with your future plumbing jobs. Do everything you must to find out what you need to get started.