Mark Strange of "Beautiful View" from Toronto, Canada gives us another installment with a few more unbiased reviews of products from Window Cleaning Resource in the window cleaners workplace, this week - Wagtail Rubber.
Facebook reaches 200 million users; is it too powerful? Facebook has baffled everyone from the very beginning, no-one quite estimating how big this social network would become. After reaching 200 million users last week, there is cause for celebration in the Facebook office. From presidents to students, to civil servants to window cleaners, Facebook has changed the way we communicate with our friends, partners, siblings, our family and work colleagues. If Facebook were a country, it would be the fifth biggest country in the world, according to a video posted by the Facebook team.
Milwaukie student getting rid of graffiti in Clackamas: Some people see graffiti on a building and just shake their heads; Zack Kelty decided to do something about it. The Milwaukie High School senior is doing his senior project on graffiti, and that includes removing it from the side of a Chevron gas station at King Road and 82nd Avenue. “I did some research and learned that Americans spent an estimated $12 billion dollars on cleaning up tagging,” he noted. Most tagging is gang-related, he said, including that on the gas station. Gang members use graffiti to “mark their territory,” he added. The marks take the shape of a big X, and that is to indicate that the rival gangs “cross each other out – they are saying ‘This is my territory.’”
Consider your rooftop for a moment—which, unfortunately, most people don't bother to do until there's an obvious problem like a leaky ceiling or cracked shingle pieces littered among the landscaping after a bad storm. While it sits perched atop your castle like a proud crown, the roof is often a home's most overlooked major component. Yet, it's perhaps your domicile's most important barrier from the endless onslaught of the elements. While the experts say a well-installed roof with decent shingles can enjoy a 15-year lifespan or more, that doesn't mean that you can forget about it sight unseen for a decade-and-a-half, said Tom Molidor, president of UpKeepers, Inc., a Clarendon Hills-based home maintenance provider."It's important to inspect your roof at least twice a year and keep up with routine maintenance and preventive care that can extend its longevity," Molidor said. "Spring and fall are probably the best times to conduct a visual inspection." Instead of risking life and limb on a ladder, Molidor recommends standing on the other side of the street and facing your home with a good pair of binoculars. Look for red flags such as curled, torn, bald, cracked or missing shingles, which can compromise the plywood underneath and lead to leaks. "Also, pay particular attention to any areas the roof meets a corner, including dormers, chimneys, skylights, angled sections and vents," he said. "Keep in mind that, just as a rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel, a handful of problem shingles may eventually compromise more shingles around them." Additionally, check to see that there are no heavy broken branches, plastered piles of old leaves or other unwanted debris strewn about the roof. "These will eventually need to be removed," said Molidor. "Also, give a gander to your gutters, eaves and flashing—hopefully, nothing is loose or sagging."
Next, it's a good idea to walk around your property and carefully examine your landscaping, lawn, gutters and downspouts for any asphalt shingle artifacts, especially broken pieces and excessive loose asphalt gravel. These are warning signs of weak spots on the roof, according to Molidor. Lastly, head up into your attic or overhead crawlspace just underneath the roof with a flashlight. Look closely for any drips, mold or water damage that are surefire signs of a roof in need of repair. "If you've uncovered any problems after these inspections, don't attempt to play Mr. Fix-It yourself," cautioned Molidor. "Call a roofing repair specialist instead. And even if your sleuthing reveals no major concerns, it may be wise to hire an expert who can get up on the roof and conduct a closer examination—particularly if it's been several years since your shingles were installed." Remember that, while most asphalt shingles can last 10 to 20 years or more, wind, rain, snow, sunlight, tree debris and other factors can limit their longevity. "Remember—it's more than a simple roof over your head. It's your home's most important defense from the wrath of Mother Nature," said Molidor.
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