Category Archives: Lifestyle

Lifestyle, Tips

Essential Roof Care Tips

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A set of responsibilities always accompanies homeowners. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, changing an air filter, or fixing the attic, a home needs constant care. One part of my home that demands constant attention is the roof. Nothing sends shivers down my spine more than a damaged, leaky, or out of shape roof! If yours is in dire need of repair, however, getting an expert like an Excelsior Roofing Company to handle it is important. You want the repairs to last, after all. In the meantime, below are the roof care tips I religiously follow.

Proper Inspection

Roofs tend to deteriorate due to exposure to harsh conditions. I have made it a habit to check out mine periodically. My visual inspections are done twice a year when the roof is free from snow. However, I tend to also take a good look after hurricanes, gales, and any windy conditions.

The inspection routine is done in two steps. First, I use binoculars to check for any wear and tear. At this point, I also compare my roof’s condition with that of my nearby neighbours. The second inspection involves grabbing a ladder and heading up to check missing tiles, signs of rust, chimney flashings, and any missing sections.

Cleaning Off Debris

Whenever we clean our homes, the roof is probably never on our list. However, it’s vital to ensure no dirt, foreign objects, or vegetation are present. Since my roof contains asphalt shingles, it’s prone to algae, moss, and mold. Mold growth can be spotted as black or green stains.

I spray-wash my shingles with a mixture of water and bleach to eliminate the algae. I generally avoid pressure washers. I tried them once and ended up damaging my shingles. Once everything is done, I rinse the entire roof with clean water.

Trim Nearby Trees

Low-hanging tree branches can wreak havoc on any roof. These branches might scrape shingles and generate gaping holes and leaks to the roof. Alternatively, large branches risk falling on and damaging the roof during heavy storms.

Trees also shed leaves and small twigs that might accumulate on gutters and block them. As a precaution, I have few trees near my house and regularly trim any branches that appear to overgrow.

Check and Clean Gutters

Gutters are the best indicators of issues with shingles. A large collection of shingle granules pinpoints to degraded shingles. Gutters also play a critical role in directing water and debris away from the foundation and roof. Stalled water tends to damage the roof, soffit, foundation, fascia and accelerate the growth of mold. Installing Seamless Gutters is a great way to protect your home against heavy storms by moving water away from your home without interruption.

I clean my gutters each season. When cleaning, I keep an eye on clogged leaves, debris and check on any leaks present. A clean gutter ensures that water flows properly off the roof! If cleaning seems daunting, you can bring in experts like Smart Florida Gutters to take care of all of your gutter needs including cleaning, installing, and repairing.

Keep Ice and Snow Off

I reside in a bitterly cold location, where snow and ice are a daily theme. Built up snow and ice weighs heavily. When this weight is exerted on the roof, it creates stresses and interferes with its structural integrity. Besides this issue, ice also melts and might start leaking water into the house.

I have solved the snow and ice problem by redesigning my roof. However, my roof still experiences minor ice accumulations during the winter. Luckily, some professional contractors live nearby and help remove the accumulated ice. They even go a little more in depth at times with their cleaning services, which is great. Removing ice from roofs is extremely hazardous and requires professionals to do the job.

Swift Action

Roof care demands quick action. A small issue like a leaking roof can spiral in magnitude if it isn’t fixed quickly. I am constantly on the lookout for warning signs such as daylight penetration, debris from broken slates, and mortar droppings in the gullies. Smoke leaks through the brickwork help me identify chimney hitches. The presence of these signs indicates that my roof needs maintenance, and I do precisely that.

Bring in the Expert

DIY fixes on the roof can sometimes be extremely dangerous and costly. A policy that I follow to the latter is that it’s better to enlist an expert whenever I doubt something. And not any other handyman, but an accredited roofing expert. From experience, such professionals are genuine, well-versed with roofing, and have the technical know-how to solve issues. There’s much to be learned, money to be saved, and advice to be taken from roofers.

Going Healthy, Lifestyle

5 Causes Of Bad Breath

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bad breath, coffee, health, hygiene, mouth
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Got bad breath? There are lots of things that can cause our breath to stink. Here are five of the most common causes.

Lack or oral hygiene

Want to avoid bad breath? Don’t neglect your oral health. If you’re not brushing your teeth thoroughly, you can expect bacteria to build up in your mouth. This bacteria will cause your breath to smell. Eventually, poor dental hygiene could lead to tooth decay, which could result in even worse breath. This could lead to a whole host of other problems too.

A good dental health routine will keep your mouth clean. This involves brushing twice per day at morning and at night for two minutes at a time. Brush each tooth individually using small circular motions (or use an electric toothbrush). Flossing can also help to remove plaque between teeth.  

Smoking

Smoke regularly and your breath will stink of tobacco. You could also increase the risk of developing gum disease by smoking, which in turn can further contribute to bad breath.

Some people combat smoker’s breath by chewing gum or eating mints. However, this still won’t stop a smoking habit from damaging your gums and mouth. The best solution is to give up smoking. A replacement habit such as vaping could be a good start. 

Alcohol

A night after drinking, your breath could end up smelling of booze. Alcohol however can cause bad breath in other ways too – it reduces the production of saliva, causing the mouth to become dry. A lack of saliva can cause bacteria to build up, which in turn can lead to bad breath.

If you regularly drink heavily, you’re more likely to have bad breath. Drinking a lot of water is one way to combat the dehydrating properties of alcohol, possibly helping you to produce more saliva and preventing your breath from smelling. However, the most effective solution is cut down on your drinking.

Coffee

Drink a lot of coffee and you could experience ‘coffee breath’. The effect on our breath isn’t just a result of coffee’s strong smell – drinking a lot of coffee reduces saliva production. Like alcohol, this causes bacteria to breed in the mouth, leading to stinky breath.

If you’re a coffeeholic, consider cutting down your cups of coffee per day. Drinking more water throughout the day could also help to boost saliva production and combat coffee breath. 

A medical condition? 

Bad breath can sometimes be the result of a medical condition. Tooth decay and oral diseases are some of the biggest culprits, however other conditions affecting other parts of the body can also have a knock-on effect on our breath odor. Digestive issues, kidney issues, tonsillitis and diabetes can all result in unusual smelling breath. 

Most medical conditions will have other symptoms beyond bad breath – you may experience abdominal pain, fatigue or a sore throat. If this is the case, you should definitely see a doctor. A professional diagnosis will allow you to look into treatment options, which could help to rid you of your bad breath.

Life, Lifestyle, Tips

The Stats Tell the Story: Is It Realistic to Pass the CPA Exam in the First Attempt?

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After registering for the CPA exam, it can be intimidating to prepare for such a crucial investment in your future. Between hearing horror stories that only a select few pass on the first try, figuring out the most efficient preparation method, and having the free time required for studying, preparing for the CPA exam can be incredibly overwhelming. The best course of action is dedicating a lot of time and effort to studying and registering for a prep course that fits your particular learning style.

Take an Exam Prep Course

Registering for a CPA Exam Prep Course can be an excellent resource for hopeful accountants. They offer a unique perspective and provide a wealth of exam knowledge. The prep course teacher will have a syllabus with all the relevant information you need to pass the test and tips on how to prepare properly. As long as you’re willing to dedicate the time and energy, you will benefit significantly from taking a prep course.

Stats on passing the first time

You’ve probably heard horror stories that not many people pass the CPA exam on their first try. Well, the answer is yes and no. No, not many people pass all four sections on their first try, but most pass at least one section. The national average pass rate is right around 50%, give or take, meaning that most people do not pass on their first try. However, don’t be discouraged. With a commitment of time and effort, you can considerably increase your chances of passing the CPA exam. Yes, it takes hard work and sacrifice, but the end result is worth it by far.

How to Increase Your Chances of Passing

You may be wondering how to increase your chances of passing the CPA exam on the first try. For starters, find the right CPA prep and review course that best fits with your learning style. The exam covers a wide range of material and information, so it’s ideal to find the study tools to help you learn efficiently and effectively.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

Another way to increase your chances of passing is to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge ahead. Studying for and taking the exam is not going to be easy. It requires mental sacrifice, social sacrifice, and a considerable time commitment. However, with the right time management skills, motivation, and focus, you have an excellent chance of passing the first time around. Work smarter, not harder, and you will succeed.

Effective Time Management

When preparing for the CPA exam, avoid isolating yourself by utilizing practical time management skills. Don’t spend hours locked up studying alone, which will overwhelm you and isn’t an effective way to retain pertinent information. There’s a fine balance between having a social life and still having time set aside for studying. Going too far one way or the other can cause stress and conflict throughout your life, negatively affecting your mental focus and outlook.

Find a Mentor

Another way to increase your chances of passing the CPA exam is by finding a mentor to help you navigate the entire process. Find someone experienced and knowledgeable who is willing to work with you. Your mentor needs to provide feedback and constructive criticism, which will help you learn, grow, and prepare for the exam in the most efficient way possible.

Spend Time and Effort Preparing for Your CPA Exam

Though the entire process of preparing for and taking the CPA exam can be overwhelming, with the right tools you can succeed at becoming an accountant. Though it will be a pretty big undertaking, by registering for a prep course, devoting lots of time to study, and asking a mentor for guidance, you can increase your chances of passing the exam on the first try. It might be a lot of work, but when you finally become a CPA, all that hard work will have been more than worth it.