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Photo Booth For Hire And Your Wedding Day

Reasons Your Company Needs A Digital Photo Booth

Since the first photo booth appeared nearly 100 years ago, photo booth technology has rapidly evolved in the digital era. Technology has shrunk the size and increased the possibilities of a photo booth’s capabilities with GIF’s, digital props, and anytime, anywhere mobility, to name a few. Still not convinced visual imagery is a supremely powerful medium for your business?

Here are a reasons your company needs a digital photo booth:

Liven Up Employee Headshots

Headshots are used for everything from the company website to LinkedIn profile pics. Sadly, the majority of headshots are stale and boring. The process itself can be headache inducing. It’s difficult to have a good time when getting a headshot feels like you’re having your photo taken at the DMV.

Use the photo booth app for iPad to create branded headshots or encourage employees to stretch their imaginations to better reflect their personalities and your company culture. You can also use a digital photo booth to quickly and efficiently take professional-quality headshots, even if you aren’t interested in using filters or props.

Spice Up Holiday Parties

Office parties can be challenging. Too often, office parties can feel like forced fun. But when done right, holiday parties and open houses can be a reward for your hard working employees to bond outside of the day to day, 9 – 5 grind. Why not create an entirely different vibe? Rather than just another event, make each employee feel like the rock star they are with your very own digital photo booth for parties. Employees will love feeling like the life of the party, and sharing that pic on Facebook of Bob from corporate accounting hanging from the chandelier couldn’t be any easier.

Perk Up Employees

If you run a startup or small business, you most likely operate on a lean budget with narrow margins. You know that the people on your team are your most valuable assets, but you don’t always have the funds to reward them. You can use an affordable digital photo booth as an employee perk. Instead of just recognizing a star performer or the employee of the week with another Amazon giftcard, add some fun and drama by giving them access to the company photo booth for the weekend. This is a cost-efficient way of showing your employees that you care and it introduces some fun and spontaneity into the workplace.

Guest Registration: First Impressions Matter

Do you want to wow your clients, customers, and partners by showing them that you do business differently? A digital photo booth for businesses can be used to create a unique guest sign-in experience. Having a photo of your visitors is an important security feature. But, instead of making guests feel like you’re booking them into jail, show some hospitality and treat them like—well, a guest. Having a digital photo booth can even let potential clients and customers create a digital souvenir of their visit to your company. A simple, compelling image will serve as a better reminder of their visit than a business card that gets tossed away.

Reasons to Have a Photo Booth at Your Next Holiday Party

Whether you are throwing a corporate event, winter wedding, graduation party, or bar mitzvah a photo booth is a great way to energize your crowd. So let’s get started, and dive into the top five reasons to have a photo booth at your next holiday event.

Smooth Move

The first reason we recommend a photo booth at your next event is that it is a smooth and easy way to get your party started. You have the option of renting your photo booth for either two, three, or four hours during your event. The booth is delivered, seamlessly set up, designed to get the party started, and later picked up at the end of each rental; Smooth move.

The Social Entree

The second reason to have a photo booth is that it is the ultimate social entree for your holiday soiree. It will satisfy all social media feeds for the evening while allowing your guests to engage directly from the photo booth screen. Your guests will be excited to have keepsakes and updated social feed memories that will simultaneously spread your unique brand and style throughout Instagram, twitter, and facebook

The Freight Train to Entertain

It takes technology to tango, let’s face it if the disco is not online, did it really even happen? -Famous words from the internet somewhere. Get high-tech with your entertainment, and impress the best at your next holiday event. By now the first two reasons should have all thumbs up and ready to hop on the photo booth train to entertain! Your guests will be mesmerized by the high-tech interactive games, touch screen integration, green screen fun, and costume props.

Entertain Guests

When throwing any kind of holiday event, you definitely want your guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves. Organizing for a photo booth at your event is an excellent way of helping get the party started. All of our photo booth rentals come with fun props and backdrops, which will allow your guests to loosen up and thus make your event livelier.

Customizable Photos to Carry your Brand Message

Our photo technology enables fully customizable and instantly sharable photo experiences. Photos can be customized with branded graphic overlays, filters, hashtags, and text to make sure that each photo carries your brand message. By branding the photos with your company or event logo, visitors know just how exciting your company is, while still giving them some great photos.

Encourages Friends to get dressed up

Many of the best photo booth companies supply costumes and props with their booths to keep the party going and keep the photos interesting. Props can include speech bubbles, wigs, hats and even fake moustaches and beards! You can even choose a particular theme for your photo booth in keeping with the theme of the event. Popular choices include retro, Hollywood and superheroes, with plenty more options to choose from.

You may think that it’s only the most outgoing people who will enjoy dressing up and posing in front of the camera, but the use of costumes and masks can encourage even the shyest guest to take part. There is something about being able to dress up as a fun character that can really help to lighten the mood and make socializing with new people more fun. If you are holding a business event, you probably already know that some guests have a hard time breaking out of their professional persona. However, if you want your guests to have fun, photo booth hire can encourage them to let their hair down and join in the fun.

Conversation flows easier when guests can take part in shared experiences. When the mood is light hearted and funny, casual conversations over which filter to choose can end up opening many doors and networking opportunities. Photo booths can therefore be a valuable tool for those attending trade shows or trying to promote their brand.

Keep those precious memories

Taking photos is an important part of any event, and it’s something that many people look forward to seeing documented online. Although you may be thinking that most of your guests will have a high-resolution camera at hand on their smartphones, photo booth hire can offer a lot more than what a standard camera can.

Before hiring a photo booth company, contact them and take a look at the quality of their printed photos. Depending on the event, you could have a particular slogan or even the date of the event added to each photo you print. This is especially ideal for weddings.

If you run a business, you can even consider adding your branding to your photos. This is a great way of spreading the word about your products and services, and those with copies will remember your event every time they look at their photos. It’s even possible to get these in digital format so they can easily be shared online.

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Think You May Need A Family Law Attorney

What Is the Friend of the Court and What Does It Do?

The Friend of the Court (FOC) assists the court with custody, parenting time, and child support issues. Among other things, the FOC:

Investigates and makes recommendations about custody, parenting time, child support, and medical support

Helps parents settle disputes during and after their case

Makes sure parents obey court orders about custody, parenting time, and child support

Gives people court forms for some family law issues (you don’t need a lawyer to use these forms)

Can the Friend of the Court Make Orders in My Case?

No. Although a judge may consider a FOC recommendation, the judge does not have to follow it.

Conciliations, Investigations, Recommendations, and Temporary Orders

Some FOC offices use a process called conciliation near the beginning of a divorce or custody case. During conciliation, an FOC employee meets with the parties. The goal is to help them agree on custody and parenting time arrangements, and/or to calculate child support.

Sometimes the parties don’t reach an agreement during conciliation. Then, the FOC employee may make a recommendation for a temporary custody, parenting time, and child support order. The child support recommendation is based on the parties’ financial information and the number of parenting time overnights. This recommended order usually becomes a court order unless one of the parties objects. To learn more about how child support is calculated

Things an Elder Law Attorney Can Do to Help Family Caregivers

Elder law attorneys work primarily with seniors, taking a holistic approach to legal issues that people commonly face as they age, especially with health, housing, financial well-being and long-term care.

However, an elder law attorney can also help family caregivers explore options for their loved one’s current situation and explain how to plan for what could happen down the road, especially when a debilitating illness may necessitate long-term care.

According to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, elder law encompasses many fields of law, with elder law attorneys specializing in numerous areas, which can include:

Administration and management of estates and trusts

Elder abuse and fraud

Estate planning, probate, trusts, wills and other financial documents

Long-term care placements in life care communities and nursing homes

Medicare and social security appeals and claims

Preservation/transfer of assets to avoid spousal impoverishment when a spouse enters a nursing home

Advise what is best for the client.

Families are frequently split on the type of care they want for their parents

Develop a plan for long-term care.

Because an elder law attorney sees nearly every type of financial and medical situation that seniors and their families may encounter, he or she has a good idea of what may lie ahead

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FAMILY LAW LAWYER

When you are facing a divorce, one of the first rational questions that comes to mind is, “How do I find a good lawyer?” Knowing how to choose a family law lawyer who will provide you with the legal advice you need, at a price you can afford, and be the right fit for your situation, is not easy.

This is the FIRST decision you need to make!

You have to decide whether you want to use mediation, litigation, Collaborative Family Law. Then you can start looking for a family law lawyer who is experienced in resolving issues that arise as result of a divorce using that process.

Decide what kind of legal service that you need.

While everyone who is going through a divorce needs legal advice (at least in my humble opinion!), not everyone needs a $500.00 per hour big city divorce law firm on their case.

If you have a lot of assets, own companies, or have a complicated financial situation, then, yes, you are going to need an experienced lawyer, or law firm, who understands finances and is equipped to handle a complicated marriage breakdown.

Figure out what you can afford.

No one wants to pay thousands of dollars (or more) to a family law lawyer. But, there is such a thing as being penny wise and pound foolish.

Common Questions for Our Family Lawyers

hiring a family law attorney is their first experience dealing with lawyers. You may have many questions at the outset about whatever legal challenge you might be facing. Whether you are pursuing a divorce or trying to assert your custody rights with the mother of your child, there are lots of helpful resources available.

How do I know I need to speak to a lawyer?

If you are facing a contentious divorce and your spouse is being combative, has hired an aggressive attorney and/or is being dishonest, then having your own lawyer ensures that your rights and interests are protected. Even if your experiences are more amicable,

For those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, there are several local organizations listed below that offer legal aid. If you qualify for one of these programs you may be able to work with a pro bono attorney who will represent you either for free or for a very minimal cost.

What should I expect from my lawyer?

Your lawyer should have a general plan for how your case will proceed once they obtain the information they need from you. They should speak with your spouse’s attorney right away and they should be responsive to your phone calls or email messages. Your attorney should not make a lot of lofty promises, but they should make sure that you understand the reality of your situation. They may tell you things you don’t want to hear. They should prepare you to appear in court, answer your questions and be a strong advocate for you

While you will not look to your attorney to be your best friend, they should always be honest and forthright with you. If your attorney does not return your phone calls, puts you off, offers vague responses to your questions, or is pressuring you to do something you do not want to do, you are free to let them go and find another attorney.

Tips to Effectively Prepare for Your Child Custody Case

Being a part of your child’s life is irreplaceable. That’s why fighting for custody of your child or children is so important. There are things that you can do before and during the court case to increase your chances of getting the outcome you want.

custody case is to determine what is in the best interest of the children. Your job is to show that you are a loving, responsible, and stable parent and that you can offer a safe and supportive home for your children

Show Responsibility and Engagement

While you cannot change any of your behaviors from the past, you can start right now to begin positioning yourself as a responsible and engaged parent. Ideally, you want to do this long before your child custody case so that you can show a positive pattern of behavior. You may still be struggling with feelings of anger, betrayal, and bewilderment after separating or divorcing your partner. It is important to work through these emotions, (perhaps with the help of a professional therapist), but you must also be able to set aside your own struggles to be a good parent for your children, especially now!

Spend as much time as possible with your children

Utilize all of your custodial time to show that you want to spend time with them. If you skip appointments, you may come off as an uninterested parent. Try to avoid leaving your children with your family or in daycare unless absolutely necessary.

Be dependable

Pick your children up on time for your custody sessions, appointments, school, sports practice, etc. Show that you are a responsible and reliable person.

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Transmission Repair for Your Car

Transmission Repair Services

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmissions shift between gears automatically to optimize driving, and changes gears based on the driver’s throttle pedal, vehicle speed, engine speed, and vehicle load. Typical automatic transmissions have 4-5 forward gear ratios, a Reverse, Park, and Neutral gear. Shifting gears occur automatically once the car is in Drive and there is no need for a clutch pedal or gear shift like there is in a Manual Transmission. Automatic transmission repair is complicated based on all the components that make it up, and you need to have any automatic transmission issues properly assessed by auto mechanics.

Clutches

There are clutches in both automatic and manual transmission cars, and different types of clutches. When shifting gears, the clutch engages and disengages from the flywheel and transfers the torque through the transmission. Clutches should help your vehicle start and shift gears smoothly. The clutch in your car receives a lot of wear and can eventually wear out. If your clutch begins slipping irregularly or is making noises that are raising suspicion, contact J&E Auto Repairs to see if clutch replacement is necessary.

Four-Wheel Drive Transmission

A four-wheel (4×4) drive vehicle has differential gears, both front and rear axles, and a transfer case attached to the transmission. Four-wheel drive vehicles demand maintenance on the transfer case, front differentials, rear differentials, and transmission fluids. Visit us on 600 23rd St for service on your four-wheel drive transmission services.

Front-Wheel Drive Transmission

If your vehicle has Front-wheel drive, the engine drives the front wheels only. The power is routed through the transmission to the final drive where it is split and sent to the two front wheels through the drive axles. The engine, transmission, and additional hardware is all located in the front of the car.

Manual Transmission

Driving a vehicle with a Manual Transmission requires using the clutch pedal and gear shift to manually shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. Manual transmissions have been built with anywhere from two to eight gears. Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are the two main configurations for manual transmissions. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance then automatic transmissions.

My Car is Shifting Funny, is it Time for Transmission Repair?

The transmission’s primary function is to transfer the power created by the engine to the wheels, via the driveshaft. With general maintenance the transmission shouldn’t have any trouble lasting a couple hundred thousands of miles. If left neglected, or if your car just happens to have an odometer that has rolled over enough times, you may begin to experience a few issues. If you start to notice funky shifting you’ll want to get to an auto repair shop right away before bigger issues develop. The following are some of the most common signs of a failing transmission.

Falling out of gear

One of the most dangerous signs of transmission trouble is if your vehicle suddenly falls out of gear or pops into neutral. This issue prevents you from being able to properly control your car, as you no longer can dictate power going to the wheels. Be sure to get to a repair shop the first time this happens to lessen the chances of bigger problems, including an accident.

Delayed shifting

If your vehicle’s engine revs high while shifting there is a good chance that the transmission is low on transmission fluid or the transmission fluid is contaminated.

Grinding noises

Perhaps the most common sign of transmission trouble is a strange noise that occurs while shifting. There are various sounds that may be heard and are often described as a grinding, squealing, or whining sound. However you want to describe it, it isn’t good!

Erratic shifting

If your automatic transmission seems to shift for no reason or at times when shifting is not necessary you will want to get to the shop. This can be caused by computer related issues or simply because of a lack of transmission fluid.

Transmission Services

Your vehicle’s transmission is not something to mess around with. If it’s experiencing problems, finding a professional who can effectively deal with them is paramount

when they need external transmission repair in Butler, PA because they know we’ll put the work in to make things right. We don’t ship your transmission off to someone else or put a bandage on the problem. Instead, we apply our in-house expertise and resources to repair, rebuild and reseal your transmission.

Repair

If your transmission is grinding or your gears are slipping, we’re here to offer you external transmission repair in Butler, PA. Our experts will diagnose your transmission and recommend the best solution for you.

Replacements

If a transmission replacement in Butler, PA is your only option, allow us to make the switch for you. We can help you track down a transmission and facilitate the new installation.

Resealing

If there are red stains on your garage floor, it’s time to have your case resealed. We’ll restore your transmission case to the hermetically safe state it’s supposed to have, flush out debris and fluid and replace everything. The result is a case that’s protected and free of friction-causing contaminants.

Transmission Noises and Vibrations

When your car starts making strange noises or vibrations, it’s never a good thing – especially if it’s coming from the transmission. Noise – whether it’s banging, grinding or scraping – means that two parts are coming into contact that aren’t supposed to. Those sounds are your warning that trouble’s coming, and you need to take action right away. Each day that goes by raises the likelihood of a costly transmission repair on the horizon.

You know your car better than anybody, and if you want to help us identify the potential source of your transmission noise faster there are things you can do. Take a few minutes to review the list below, then listen carefully to see which of these describes what you’re hearing or feeling. By doing so, you can eliminate some needless steps and help us pinpoint the source of the problem.

Automatic Transmissions

Most cars sold today have automatic transmissions. They make driving much easier, but their technology is much more complicated than that of manual transmissions, and that means that there are more things that can break down and cause transmission noise. Here are just a few of the typical automatic transmission noises, and what they often mean

Manual Transmissions

Generally speaking, manual transmissions make more sound than automatic transmissions, and this is especially true in older model vehicles. Though some sounds are normal and can’t be eliminated, new sounds are definitely cause for concern. You need to know whether what you’re hearing is a sign that you need a manual transmission repair

Because they have fewer parts, it’s generally easier to identify manual transmissions problems. Here are the most common sounds to listen for, and what they often mean.

Noise heard no matter what gear the vehicle is in. This problem is usually caused by improper or low transmission fuel levels.

Noise hear in one particular gear. Usually means that there’s damage to that gear.

Noise heard in forward gears, but not reverse or neutral. Usually means a problem with the counter shaft.

Noises heard whenever the clutch is engaged or disengaged. This is usually not caused by the transmission; it’s most often a problem with the clutch bearing.

Noise appears when the transmission is in neutral but the clutch is engaged. This is usually a problem with the bearings or input shaft.

TRANSMISSION REPAIR SERVICES

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmissions shift between gears automatically to optimize driving, and changes gears based on the driver’s throttle pedal, vehicle speed, engine speed, and vehicle load. Typical automatic transmissions have 4-5 forward gear ratios, a Reverse, Park, and Neutral gear. Shifting gears occur automatically once the car is in Drive and there is no need for a clutch pedal or gear shift like there is in a Manual Transmission. Automatic transmission repair is complicated based on all the components that make it up, and you need to have any automatic transmission issues properly assessed by auto mechanics.

Clutches

There are clutches in both automatic and manual transmission cars, and different types of clutches. When shifting gears, the clutch engages and disengages from the flywheel and transfers the torque through the transmission. Clutches should help your vehicle start and shift gears smoothly. The clutch in your car receives a lot of wear and can eventually wear out

Four-Wheel Drive Transmission

A four-wheel (4×4) drive vehicle has differential gears, both front and rear axles, and a transfer case attached to the transmission. Four-wheel drive vehicles demand maintenance on the transfer case, front differentials, rear differentials, and transmission fluids

Front-Wheel Drive Transmission

If your vehicle has Front-wheel drive, the engine drives the front wheels only. The power is routed through the transmission to the final drive where it is split and sent to the two front wheels through the drive axles. The engine, transmission, and additional hardware is all located in the front of the car.

Manual Transmission

Driving a vehicle with a Manual Transmission requires using the clutch pedal and gear shift to manually shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. Manual transmissions have been built with anywhere from two to eight gears. Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are the two main configurations for manual transmissions. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance then automatic transmissions

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A House Cleaning Checklist To Save You Time

House Cleaning Tips And Household Hints

House cleaning tips and household hints are some of my favorite things to talk about here at Household Management

That is because cleaning is a natural part of life, but there is no reason it has to take over our lives. I like to use cleaning tips like the ones you see below

Higher resale value when you sell your home, because everything has been kept in good shape, with minimal wear and tear.

A cleaner home saves money. You don’t have to replace furnishing, carpeting, etc. as often because you take good care of it.

This reason for cleaning your house actually has several parts to it. It improves your family’s health and safety in the following ways:

Fewer accidents, because there is less tripping over clutter or slipping on spills;

Breathe fresher air, without as much dust (and if you use homemade cleaners less chemical fumes too);

Disinfecting surfaces and removing germs and pathogens lessens illnesses for your family;

Being able to cook at home because your kitchen is clean allows you to cook healthier food than eating out (and saves you money too!).

How to Professionally Clean a Home

You have decided you want to start a house cleaning business and clean homes professionally. Cleaning your own home and cleaning someone else’s home professionally is a whole different ballgame.

You have to be very thorough when cleaning professionally. Clients are paying you for a luxury service and they expect and deserve top notch cleaning. It takes quite awhile to learn how to clean a home professionally.

The best thing to do when starting out is ask some friends and family members if you can clean their homes for free or at a discounted rate. I know the thought of cleaning for free is not appealing but you will not only gain much needed experience but you will get some good testimonials and references (which you will need when you obtain those first clients).

When first starting out don’t worry about how long it takes to clean a home. Always do an initial thorough cleaning on the first cleaning. After you have been cleaning for awhile you will become more efficient and will be able to do a through cleaning in a lot less time.

Start at the top of the home and work your way down. This cleaning routine is for a one person cleaner just starting out. Of course the routine changes with more cleaners. When you have more cleaners in the home each person is responsible for different tasks

You Can Spring-Clean Your Entire House In a Day—Here’s How

For those seeking a useful way to spend their time during social distancing—or anyone simply interested in forging a deeper connection with their homes—HB has launched Home Love, a series of daily tips and ideas to make every minute indoors more productive (and gratifying!). We’ll be sharing a new one every day until April 1st.

When the weather starts to warm up, it’s a sign to bust open your windows—and, perhaps less exciting, your cleaning supplies cabinet. And as much as we appreciate the concept of spring cleaning, you’d be well advised to regularly tidy up year-round to prevent the deepest of deep cleans come March. Not sure where to start your spring cleaning project? Use this to-do list, which includes all the spots you’ve most likely been neglecting and instructions on how to tackle them like a pro. Here’s to spring cleaning (or just deep cleaning in summer, fall, or winter) the entire house in one day

Your Cabinets

Over time, build-up can collect on your kitchen cabinets — especially if you don’t run the exhaust hood over your range while you cook to keep grease from settling. To remove, use Parker & Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cream to cut through the dirt and leave wood moisturized.

Your Windows

Instead of just wiping down the inside, make sure you take to the outdoors with Hope’s Perfect Glass Cleaner during spring cleaning season to remove spots and smudges you don’t usually have time to tackle. Pro tip? Wash them on a cloudy day to ensure that the sun won’t dry the cleanser before you’re done wiping

Your Countertops

The first step to preventing granite stains: Seal your countertops as soon as they’re installed, says kitchen designer Florence Perchuk. You’ll know they’re sealed properly when water beads and forms droplets on the surface. To maintain, have them sealed again a year later and make sure you wipe up accidental spills as soon as they happen.

House Cleaning

Set Up a Cleaning Plan

Choose a weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning plan. We schedule your recurring bookings to make things easy – but don’t worry, you can always reschedule if things change.

Manage Everything Online

Rescheduling, contacting your professional, and tipping are just a tap away.

Sit Back and Relax

An experienced, fully-equipped housekeeping professional will be there on time.

Reliable

When you schedule a cleaner or maid service through to come to your home, you can rest assured knowing that someone will be at your home ready to go at the time you specified. They’ll help return your bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living room, and more to the like-new condition that you remember from when you first moved in!

Convenient

Late nights at work preventing you from keeping your apartment tidy? Too busy taking the kids to school, practices, and playdates to vacuum the floors? We know life can be crazy and unpredictable, and when you’re tired and overworked, the last thing anybody wants to do is clean their home. Whatever the reason you’re looking for home cleaning help, Handy has you covered.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE CLEAN WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TIME

There are never enough hours in a day, or even minutes within the hour, to accomplish everything a busy person needs to get done. Sometimes, we find ourselves needing to look like we have it all pulled together and that we are managing it all well, despite the stress.

Let’s talk housekeeping; this is one area where when we get busy, the house is usually the first thing to go. By going, I mean it can turn into a hot mess in a matter of hours. Multiply that by a few days of non-stop going and you have a recipe for disaster.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE CLEAN

There is a better way, though. A few simple tricks really, that can save you the headache of having your domestic palace fall apart at the seams while you are busy doing life. Follow along and see just how to keep your house clean, even when you don’t have time to clean. 

CATEGORIZE

Feeling overwhelmed at the mountain of clutter your house can become in a short time can increase anyone’s anxiety. Therefore, categorize.

Pick an area of your house that you can do a quick 20-minute intense cleaning on daily. Start with the kitchen, maybe the next day the bathroom, and then the living room, you get the picture.

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An Introduction To Test Electronic Leak Detection

How to Make Leak-Detection Soap

A leak in any gas piping system in your home, whether the pipes transport natural gas, propane or refrigerant, presents a serious problem. Gas leaks can result in explosions and fires, and refrigerant leaks can be environmental mini-disasters, depending on the age of your cooling system or refrigerator. It’s easy to detect leaks with a soap solution, provided the solution has the proper viscosity for bubbles to form.

It’s About Surface Tension

Any child who has tried to blow bubbles knows about surface tension — the cohesive force between molecules at the surface of a liquid. The surface tension of water — while strong enough to provide secure footing for certain water bugs — is too weak to make lasting bubbles, while that of liquid soap is too strong. The best bubble-blowing solution combines soap and water.

To detect gas leaks, you have to combine them in approximately the same ratio that a child would use to blow bubbles, but with maybe a little less soap, because the pressure a gas leak produces is usually less than that produced by a child blowing bubbles.

Bubble Recipe for Leak Detection

The Exploratorium website offers two recipes for bubble-blowing formulas, using two different dishwashing detergents. The recipes are similar and can be combined into one that will work using a generic dishwashing detergent:

  • Fill a quart jar with clean water.
  • Measure and add 3 tablespoons of dish detergent.
  • Add 2 teaspoons of liquid glycerin to make the bubbles last longer, which makes them easier to detect.

Leak detection and location survey

This case study describes leak detection and location activities carried out by one water company, following analysis of nightline data. It highlights how a leak detection survey is complemented by daytime location, and discusses the relative advantages and disadvantages of daytime and night sounding.

Sounding at night

This technique is practised mainly in urban areas. The company uses six-man teams of “night surveyors” who carry out a sounding survey. Each team surveys sluice valves, fire hydrants and stop taps equivalent to about 2500 properties per week (including time for gaining access to chambers). All leak sounds discovered during the night survey are passed to a core of skilled daytime inspectors who carry out full leak location. The use of night teams for surveying only has the following advantages:

  • less ambient noise at night (easier to identify leak sounds);
  • less customer use (fewer draw-off sounds);
  • leak sounds are checked twice, once at night and once during the day (confirming leaks rather than use);
  • night teams are dedicated to sounding survey and not leak location (survey rate maintained at 2500 properties per week);
  • the day team is fully utilized in leak location rather than detection surveys (better use of skills and equipment);

areas with high volumes of road traffic can be surveyed at night, followed by the location team in the early hours of the same morning (eliminates the need for work on accumulated leaks, usually carried out in the early hours of Sunday morning).

Daytime leak location

It is not always practicable to use night survey teams, e.g. when there are few access points in the network, as in some rural areas. Other methods of leak detection and location are used in these circumstances, such as:

  • correlation surveys on lengths of main;
    sounding of distribution fittings by day inspectors;
    use of acoustic data loggers which can be deployed as required.

ACOUSTIC WATER LEAK DETECTION EQUIPMENT

The most effective way to find leaks in underground water pipes is with acoustic water leak detection equipment. This technology is based on the principal that as water escapes through the leak a mechanical vibration is generated and this vibration is audible with acoustic water leak detection equipment. When there is no pressure in the pipe because it is partially full or there is a complete rupture, a mechanical vibration is not generated and the leak cannot be detected acoustically. Different acoustic water leak detection equipment is used in the three stages of active leakage control designed for water distribution networks by the International waterloss taskforce, localisation, location and pinpointing.

Leak localisation

If the water network is managed in districts and minimum night flow data is monitored to identify rises in leakage the leak positions can be localised with step testing, listening to each service connection with a listening stick or using leak noise loggers. Because step testing and listening stick surveys are labour intensive and often require night work, leak noise loggers are usually the favoured option. It is not necessary to have the network sectioned into manageable districts to commence an active leak detection program however this minimum night flow data helps with the prioritisation of resources, understand the rate of rise (leakage) and performance of the network.

Leak location

When the leak position has been localised to section of pipe about 100 meters long (or less), leak noise correlators are used to locate the leak position. Transmitting acoustic sensors are deployed on valves, hydrants or exposed sections of the pipe either side of the leak position, pipe information between these two points is entered into the correlator and a peak is created on the correlation screen showing the point with the loudest noise. If the leak is not the loudest noise, filters may enable the operator to reveal the leak position. The leak location provided by a correlator is often accurate to within 1 metre (or less) but if incorrect pipe information has been entered this error will be greater. The operator is often unaware about changes in materials or mixed materials for pipe repairs, so it is important to the pinpoint the leak with an acoustic microphone.

Pinpointing the leak

The path of the pipe should be marked on the ground and acoustic microphones are used to pinpoint the leak by identifying the point with the highest acoustic signal. On bitumen surfaces the operator can use a ground microphone or pocket microphone by placing them on the ground or they can drill or punch holes in the ground and insert a listening stick. On concrete slab the tripod foot or listening stick usually provide the best response, as a ground microphone is too sensitive. On grass or dirt the operator will get best results with the listening stick and punching holes with a T probe or plunger bar. If the ground is soft and water logged around the leak, the noise may actually be louder either side of the leak because the noise travels better through the compacted dry ground.

Residential and Commercial Leaks

The same principles of leak localisation, locate and pinpoint apply with leak detection in houses and the same acoustic water leak detection equipment is used. However the process is a little different. The Aquascope 3 acoustic water leak detection equipment and a pipe locator is generally all that is required unless there are very long sections of pipe when an Aquascan 610 leak correlator will speed up the leak location process. Use the electronic listening stick in the Aquascope 3 acoustic water leak detection kit to localise the leak position. Use a pipe locator to locate the path of the pipe and then use the Aquascope 3 to pinpoint the leak. There are three different acoustic microphones in the Aquascope 3 acoustic water leak detection equipment kit. For underground leaks in soft ground insert several probes and listen with the listening stick to pinpoint the position. Under concrete slab use the pocket mic or tripod foot to pinpoint the leak. Under a sealed surface use the ground microphone.

Tracer Gases

Working Principle

For those of you who might be wondering, a tracer gas is simply a gas that is not poisonous, colorless, odorless and unreactive.  This gas can either be carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, helium, sulphur hexafluoride or any other gas whose presence is detectable by use of a specialized gas detector.

Application

To detect a leak in your home, the system in question is first emptied of its contents. An ADI certified technician then introduces a mixture of two gases, hydrogen and nitrogen into the piping infrastructure at a safe pressure of 2 atmospheres.  At the point where there is a leak in the piping, the tracer gas leaks out and is thus easily detected using a handheld gas detector. It is worth mentioning that this method is not as efficient in leak detection as the previous two methods. This method is over 99.5% accurate in leak detection.

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Step Guide To Replacing Damaged Shingles Roof

Taking Care Of Your Asphalt Shingle Roof

You should expect to get about 15-25 years out of a shingle roof upon replacement. That’s if, and only if, you’re taking proper care of your roof throughout the years. Other roof types may vary in life expectancy.

The weather and environmental stress can be tough on a roof. Not only the roof itself, but also your gutters, chimney, trees, and sealant. When you cause damage to those, that can also lead to further roof damage.

Algae and Moss

There are a couple solutions to cleaning algae and moss from your asphalt shingle roof. You could use a mild solution of chlorine bleach mixed with water or a mild detergent. However, this isn’t dried grease on a pan. Don’t scrub the shingles. Gently apply the solution with a sponge or light sprayer (CAUTION: Do NOT use power washers for this). The last step? Rinse thoroughly.

Gutters

Keep an eye on your gutters. Especially when it feels like the weather has been nothing but a torrential downpour. Or if it’s been raining very consistently. Why? Because the rain can accumulate and easily make its way underneath your roofing structure. Asphalt roofs are meant to last about 20 years. That’s with good upkeep

Chimney Maintenance

Replace any cracked/missing mortar on your chimney. The reason why this is so important to the upkeep of your roof is because you don’t want any bricks from the chimney falling out and onto your roof. To prevent your chimney bricks from falling out and damaging your roof, replace the damaged mortar as soon as possible.

Roofing Shingles

Tips for Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

After a damaging storm, you want to quickly get your roof restored, but that doesn’t mean you should choose the first contractor who knocks on your door. To find a trustworthy, qualified roofing professional

Warranty options

Sometimes a manufacturer-certified contractor can offer greater warranty coverage.

Manufacturer certifications

Contractors must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory certified.

BBB ratings

Ensure that they have a satisfactory rating with Better Business Bureau.

Licensing and insurance

Ask to see a copy of their license and insurance certificate.

References

Ask for a list of references you can call and check online reviews.

Local office

So, if needed, someone can help with emergency fixes.

Mastering Roof Inspections: Asphalt Composition Shingles

This and some of the following articles in the “Mastering Roof Inspections” series will help you recognize and identify defects and damage in asphalt composition shingles, as well as determine the sources of those problems as often as possible, and make good recommendations

Covered here are the standards and best practices related to shingle manufacture and installation, including the different types of shingles and their performance characteristics, and their related components, such as underlayment, flashing and fasteners.

Also covered are the general, industry-accepted methods for installation, where to look for defects, how to recognize them, how to determine how serious they are, and how to tell when shingles are at or near the end of their useful lives.  Using a forensic approach to inspecting asphalt shingles, you’ll learn to compare what you see to what you know. Once you’ve learned the fundamentals, you’ll be able to identify all sorts of problems.

Although we use common terminology, different names for the same things are sometimes used in different parts of North America.  Which terms you choose are not as important as making sure that you explain conditions clearly and in a way that will be understood.

ASPHALT SHINGLE COMPONENTS

The terms “asphalt” shingle and “composition” shingle are general terms for the same thing. The term “composition” is used because the shingles are a composite product made from either a fiberglass or a cellulose mat, and asphalt and minerals, as opposed to a single material, such as wood shingles or clay tiles.

Three Lies You’ve Been Told About Your Roof Shingles

In the roofing industry, homeowners are told a lot of things about shingles that just aren’t true. The three major lies you hear about shingles are:

They have a 30-year guarantee

There’s a new line that’s fungus and algae-resistant

The best way to clean your shingles is to use bleach or a high-pressure hose

Shingles Do Not Have a Guarantee

Shingles come in various classes of lifetime guarantee. For example, you have the 30-year shingle, the 25-year, the 40-year, and lifetime – the manufacturers manufacture them in those segments.  The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years.  The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years.

There’s No Such Things as an Algae-Resistant Shingle

There’s more algae on roofs today because manufacturers use crushed limestone within the shingle as a filler so they don’t have to use as much asphalt. Since asphalt is an expensive, petroleum based product, they try to minimize it by using more crushed limestone.

The Best Way to Clean Your Shingles

This fungus is called gloeocapsa magma.  It’s a simple fungus that grows on the back side of a tree. It also grows on your roof and attaches to the shingle.  It lives on what little oil is in the asphalt and it also really thrives on the crushed limestone, which creates all of the dark streaking on your roof.

Save Money Through Proper Roof Maintenance

You’re going to replace your roof sooner than later.  But you’re going to get roughly half the service life out of your roofing system if you don’t maintenance it.  You have to maintenance a roof just like your maintenance your car with changing your oil.

Learn How to Paint Roof Shingles

Painting roof shingles can be a somewhat tricky job. There are many things that you must take into consideration before you learn how to paint roof shingles. First, you will need to use the right exterior paint, as well as proper quality tools and colors. The next thing you should consider about painting the roof shingles should be to understand what goes into each step of this process. When it comes to painting roof shingles.

Choose the right paint to ensure that the color on your roof will last as long as possible. It will also help you to get stunning results after painting the roof shingles.

Can You Paint Roof Shingles?

Maybe you have never heard of someone painting their roof, and you are wondering, “Can you paint roof shingles?” The answer is yes, and there are several reasons that someone might want to paint their roof. One reason may be that the roof is merely dull or has an uninspiring looking. A roof might also be painted to change the whole look of the house. If the style of the home is being changed, then the roof’s style may also need to be changed up. So, the answer to “Can you paint roof shingles?” is yes.

There are several benefits of changing the shingle roof color.

Extending the life of the roof: One of the main reasons for painting the roof may be to extend its life. You can get specialized paints that will adhere to different shingle surfaces. These paints can easily survive harsh conditions, in particular, the sun, the most significant element in a roofing’s life.

New look: The roof is always exposed to the sun. The shingle roof color can quickly fade, and painting the roof can make the home look better.

Pros:

Repainting is more affordable than replacing the roof. If the color or style of the roof is your main issue, then painting it will cost you less money than replacing the roof. Another benefit is that the colors can help to improve energy efficiency. The best exterior paint might be capable of reflecting the heat away from the roof. This can help you have lower energy bills during the summer months.