It’s hardly surprising that so many New Zealanders suffer from allergies. About a third of us will complain about some sort of allergy in our lifetimes, and with all the pollen-laden vegetation that lives on the doorsteps of our cities and towns, plant-based allergens are often to blame. These plants, in particular, are the sneeziest and wheeziest of them all.

• The pollen season lasts for nine months of the year, from autumn (March) until the end of spring in November. The link between gorse pollen and hay fever has yet to be confirmed but given the huge amounts of pollen this plant produces, and because it is so widespread, a connection between the two would not be surprising. Gorse was introduced into New Zealand as an ornamental plant and although it has a bad reputation in modern days, it is a major food source for bees, particularly in winter, and is an important nurse plant for regenerating bush.
• Just like gorse, macrocarpa trees are commonly seen on long drives on country roads. Another thing in common with gorse – a very, very long pollen season. Macrocarpa trees produce pollen for eight months of the year, extending from July right through to February. Macrocarpa pollen is classified as a severe allergen.
• In New Zealand, plantain is not the banana-type fruit known all over the world. Here, it is a low-growing weed that produces pollen for seven months of the year, starting in September until autumn in March. Each plantain plant produces only small amounts of pollen, but it is widespread in parks, lawns and roadside verges which makes it one of New Zealand’s most common allergens.
• This is a well known and prolific pollen producer for half the year starting from July. A mature Pinus radiata tree can produce up to one kilogram of pollen each year; with our vast and numerous pine forests, it’s inevitable that all of those allergens will affect Kiwis up and down the country. While pine pollen is seen as nasty stuff here, it has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.
• Olive trees. This one might surprise you because, until the early 2000s, most New Zealanders weren’t aware they were sensitive to olive tree pollen because there weren’t many trees around. But the number of olive orchards is increasing

                        and they produce pollen from October to March, particularly in dry areas with a

                        Mediterranean climate e.g. Hawkes Bay. The oil is nice but the pollen is potent.

In a country where plant-based allergens are largely responsible for the sneezes, wheezes and coughs that plague us, it is good to know that modern heat pumps, as supplied and installed by companies like this one, are coming to the rescue. Many of the latest devices now feature advanced filtration systems, capable of removing pollen and dust from the air before delivering clean, allergen-free air back into the internal environment. Technology like this is not to be sneezed at in our sneeze-inducing environment.

Click Lock Rubber Tiles (กระเบื้องยางคลิกล็อค, which is the term in Thai) and SPC Rubber Tiles are two of the most popular tiles being used in construction. These tiles are being used across many homes and offices because of their unique qualities. Although they have similarities, there are also major differences that make them suitable for different types of construction needs. However, it must be kept in mind that both of them have their own merits which are compelling by them.

·      Durability

These rubber tiles are not only affordable compared to other options, but they are also known for their durable nature. Their superior grip allows them to carry loads that are heavier than usual. Plus their ability to withstand shock as well as the cushioning makes them a preferred choice.

·      Aesthetics

Their aesthetics are top-notch which also makes them a preferred choice among the end-users. The wide variety of options when it comes to their color schemes certainly works in favor of runner tiles compared to other options. The same goes for their textures.

·      Materials Used

These tiles are made from different types of rubber. This is an advantage because it allows these tiles to be molded in multiple ways. Doing so also allows them to be used for different purposes while construction and versatility are always a good quality.

·      Thickness

The amount of thickness of a tile might not seem like a big differentiating factor but in reality it is. It allows these instruments to be sturdier and last for longer periods which is a big plus.

·      Installation

There is another merit that the installation process for these rubber tiles is much more convenient and much less time-consuming compared to the other options available in the market. Plus the make of this tile also allows you to remove it or replace it whenever you want to. Unlike other options, you will not need to replace the entire floor of tiles in case of a problem with a single one. This is a very big advantage which saves both time and money.

Conclusion

Click Lock Rubber Tiles and SPC Rubber tiles (กระเบื้องยาง SPC, term in Thai) are two options among a variety of products available for you in the market. They are relatively newer and may not be as preferred by both construction companies or by the end-users. However, many people are going for these two rubber tile options because of their benefits and costs. Rubber tiles have a promising future potential.

If you are a nature lover, having a green rooftop terrace can be a lot of fun. It is a great idea if you do not have the space to plant an outdoor garden or you enjoy spending time on your terrace. Rooftop gardens are private and refreshing. They can help maintain cool temperatures in your building.

A green rooftop garden is more than just a collection of pots and plants. Here are a few tips to create an outdoor space that promotes relaxation.

1. Consider the Slab’s Weight-Bearing Capacity

The first step is to find out the strength of your roof slab and how much weight it can bear. Do not start bringing in seating, soil, pots, and plants before finding out if your slab is strong enough. You need a professional for this step. They will take a look at your structure and determine the best position for your garden.

2. Get the Right Soil Mixture

The type of soil mixture you need for a terrace garden is different from what you would have in an outdoors garden. It is supposed to be lightweight and good for drainage. Your garden terrace soil should be a mixture of garden soil, conditioners, and fertilizers. Soil conditioners improve the ability of your soil to retain water and nutrients.

3. Create a Wilderness

Use native plants in your garden. Consider adding a feeder and water source to attract native butterflies, bees, and birds. The best plants are those that can provide food and material for building nests. The feel of a wilderness will be an amazing contrast to the city landscape. Your best plant options include purple cornflower and black-eyed Susan. They are perfect for pollinators.

4. Grow a Green Screen

If you want to create the impression of being in a beautiful, secluded retreat, consider using planters, fences, and screens. Invest in shrubs and vines to block out the adjacent buildings. Use the walls bordering your terrace to create a beautiful backdrop for your garden. They can offer your vines some support as well.

A wooden lattice fence can give your leafy screen the support they need. Consider covering a part of the garden with a shade sail or pergola. You’ll get extra privacy and some shade.

5. Explore Different Styling Ideas

There are plenty of ways to style your garden. With outdoor seating, you need furniture made with all-weather material. Movable options are flexible and perfect for home gardens. There are lots of commercially-treated furniture options to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Pick decorative elements to match your seating and the general aesthetic of your garden. The most common ones include bird feeders, bird baths, and stone urns. If you want to create a pleasant ambiance, consider using a water fountain or water pond.

Even though there are lots of lighting options, solar panels are some of your best options. They are movable and do not need wiring.

If you need help designing a good rooftop garden, consider seeking the help of Garden Club London. A team of experts will work with you from the start to the end of your project.

When senior citizens enter retirement, many use the time to relocate and find a new place to call home. According to SmartAsset, 930,000 senior citizens moved across state lines in 2018. There are many reasons why seniors want to move, whether it’s to be closer to family or to downsize in a new location. Regardless of your reasoning, there are five things to consider when moving as a senior before packing up your items. First, let’s discuss moving with your health insurance.

1. Will your health insurance follow?

When you move to a different city or state, you will want to check your Medicare plan to ensure it will move with you. Medicare is the health insurance program for seniors aged 65 and older and others who meet special criteria. If you only have original Medicare, you don’t have to worry about changing anything as original Medicare does not have service area restrictions. Therefore, your Medicare will move with you.

The same rules apply with a Medigap plan. Medigap plans work alongside original Medicare, so you can visit any doctor in the United States that accepts Medicare with your Medigap plan. Therefore, a Medigap plan will also move with you.

Unlike Medicare and Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans have networks that work in select counties around you. So, if you plan on moving outside your network, you will need to contact your Medicare Advantage carrier.

When you move to a new location outside your network, you can apply for a new Medicare Advantage plan in your new zip code or switch to original Medicare and purchase a Medigap plan. When moving to a new service area, you are granted a guaranteed issue right. What this means is that you have opened a chance to purchase a Medigap plan without underwriting.

2. Consider downsizing

There are many memories created inside a home, which makes the process of moving out difficult and emotional. However, when you are alone in a large house, it may seem like more of a job to maintain the upkeep as a senior citizen. Which is why many seniors downsize houses to help make their senior years more enjoyable.

There are a few signs that indicate it’s time to downsize homes. For example, if you have multiple vacant rooms in your home that have no use, then you do not need them—having a larger home with no one occupying it costs money to heat and maintain.

Another example would be if you find yourself stretching your retirement savings. If you begin to see yourself struggling to buy food, pay bills, or pay the lawn guy, it may be time to downsize to save your retirement savings.

3. Declutter your belongings

If you decide to downsize homes, you will next want to consider decluttering your belongings. When you are moving into a smaller house, there will not be enough room for the stuff you had in your more prominent home. When going through your things, consider the things that are essential to you and things you haven’t touched in years.

You can begin to declutter your things by putting them into categories, such as the things you want to keep, sell, give, or throw away. If you are having trouble figuring out what to throw out, ask yourself a few questions:

•       When was the last time I used this?
•       Is this out of date?
•       When was the last time I took this out of the box?
•       Does it fit me or my style?

If all of these answers are leaning towards tossing the item, then toss it out!

4. The community

Before you begin to move, you should consider the community you will be moving to. Do you have any family or friends who live close by? Are you moving to a community where you will be surrounded by college students or families? There is a lot to consider when moving to a new community.

Before you decide to make your move, check out your new city and see if it has anything to offer you. Many cities and towns offer senior activities, such as fitness classes, crafting, or volunteer work. Consider the city you are moving to and ensure this is the place you want to call home.

5. How to keep moving day safe

After you are all packed up, you will want to consider how you can keep moving day safe as a senior. The number one thing to consider is asking for help. As a senior, you should not risk moving alone as seniors are at a high risk of falling. Ask a family member or a friend for help moving the heavy boxes to ensure you do not cause any severe injury.

Another way to keep moving day safe is by eating a nutritional meal and drinking lots of water. The last thing you want to happen is not having enough energy for the day or getting overheated and fainting. 

Conclusion

There are many aspects to consider when moving as a senior, which can make the whole process stressful – but it doesn’t have to be. When you consider these five things before moving, you may find the result rewarding with extra money in your pockets at the end.

The optimum pH for grass growth is 6-7, that is, slightly acidic soils. Bare soils impair grass growth due to the low availability of elements.

If the soils are fundamental, soil corrections will be established with the addition of sulfur or gypsum, not exceeding 250 kg/ha, and making the applications in spring or autumn.

The Curled

It seems that this operation contradicts the aerated in terms of its mechanical action since, after all, the rolling is for compacting. It is evident that depending on the lawn’s state, one operation or another will suit you.

If the soil is very clayey and tends to compact, the rolling should be ignored or done when the soil is dry.

After sowing or reseeding, it is convenient to pass the roller, for example. If the surface is very uneven from wear and tear, it is also advised to level.

On other occasions, it is done to prevent roots that have been raised for various reasons such as very severe raking or low cutting height from drying out.

Weeding And Weed Removal

For a lawn like that of a football or golf field, we will have no choice but to resort to the herbicide.

If you do not mind having the lawn somewhat more rustic with some other adventitious grass, you will avoid worrying excessively about the state of the lawn and weeds. It is another more relaxed way of seeing the garden.

Bald Spots, Yellowing Touch Reseeding!

It’s what you never do. Naturally, we tend to put more and more seed, thinking that something has to grow and finally cover our garden in the way we think from everything we put in. This can often be a mistake, and it is necessary to try to see what is wrong to find the most suitable solution. It is not easy, but you have to try.

The first time you sowed your lawn, you thought you covered evenly with the seed. I’m sorry to disappoint you. It happens to all of us, and replanting is the next step. Before putting seeds back into the bald patches, you should aerate and decompress the soil a little in the barest areas. Overseed, cover with a suitable substrate and water. The rest will continue its course as long as it has the necessary water supply.

The Yellowing Of The Lawn Lack Of Water? It Can Be, Or Excess Too

It is usually the most common cause. The yellowing of our vegetable layer in the garden is one of the possible problems that we can almost certainly face. It can be produced by:

Lack Of Water

If the yellowing occurs only in August and the lawn shows a straw-colored appearance, it is almost sure that it will lack water. Monitor the automatic irrigation system, frequencies, clogged, broken sprinklers

EXCESS OF WATER:

This can also be a cause of yellowing. The root suffocation. This chokes the roots, rots them, and therefore, the grass cannot absorb water and nutrients. The next question is: why does root asphyxia occur? According to earthdevelopmentinc.com, poor drainage most of the time, which leads us to the next question, what had happened so that my soil suffocates the grass if when I planted it, it was soft and full of nutrients with the best substrate that they sold me in the nursery.

So, you want to relocate to California! Perhaps, a lucrative business opportunity awaits you in the region. Maybe, you’d like to stay with your loved ones in a high-profile area of California. No matter the reason, you need to be aware of possible hazards that may hit you from time to time. Pesky invaders should be the first thing to consider when moving to a lovely locality in the state. Ideally, you should get familiar with the types of pest control you have to deal with in California. Without information on this pressing topic, you can’t expect a happy life in your home/office.

Types of pest control to battle in California

People shifting to this lovely state hardly pay attention to pest control alton il. Later they realize that they should have paid heed to this pressing issue. Now, they’ve to take on the extermination task first before settling in the region. As a smart person, it’s advisable to get familiar with the types of issues you may face due to tiny creatures. Here are common problems that you may encounter and ways to battle them.

Termites and ants

Whether you live in Southern or Northern California, termites and ants easily find their place in your home. This point holds for office owners too. The worst part is termites stay undetected unless you spot them minutely. However, when you identify the issue, it’s too late. By that time, tiny creatures occupy your place. Not to mention, these invaders come in thousands and multiply within days.

If the problem stays unattended for a couple of weeks, you can sense the gravity of the situation. Some folks turn to the closest pest control agency in their locality. Of course, you need an exterminator to battle ants and termites. However, taking a belated step can cost you dearly. By the time the exterminator arrives, you might have lost enough of your furniture.

Battling termites and ants beforehand

So, is there a way to tackle these creatures properly? Yes, you may do so by exercising due diligence. First of all, be warned that termites and ants will make their homes at your place no matter what. If you think that you relocated to a lovely place without an issue, you’re wrong. Be pragmatic and accept that pesky creatures will hit your home.

Accordingly, take suitable steps in the right direction. First of all, don’t have dry-wood furniture. Termites and ants thrive and flourish on dry wood. So, see to it that you buy alternative furniture pieces to avoid pest growth. If you still wish to have dry-wood items, have them treated for termites. That way you can check pesky creatures from destroying your lovely items.

Additionally, review popular pest removal agencies, like propacificpestcontrol.com, beforehand. A handy list should let you make an educated and well-informed choice even at the last minute. Without wasting too much time, you could pick a proficient agency on a budget.

Bottom line

Battling ants and termites can be a chore when relocating to a location. However, you can get rid of the issue by acting wisely and getting the correct  termite control NY treatment. Just get familiar with the types of pests in the state and take appropriate steps to check pest infestation.

Different people come up with different reasons to avoid the plumbing maintenance. The reasons may be the money or the time spent. However, you need to understand that plumbing maintenance is necessary. Plumbing system is the veins of your home, which carries water from one place to another. If you are residing happily in your home, it is only because you are getting sufficient water to use and drink. Even if a single faucet is not working properly, it can damage many things in your life. Thus, it is important to check for the regular plumbing maintenance and ensure that you do it without fail Drain Tile Repair Langley .

The following are the advantages of regular plumbing maintenance:

1. Reduced costs

Most of the people think that they can reduce their overhead costs by skipping regular maintenance. According to us, skipping plumbing maintenance will make you spend more money in the end. Your plumbing will not show you the problems persisting in it since a long time. You will keep waiting until they take a grave turn and damage more things in your life. If your water leak is an old one, you are going to spend a lot of money in it.

2. Improve your air quality

If you end up neglecting your plumbing repairs for a very long time, a farfetched impact will come on the quality of the air. If you have leaks in your pipes, it is likely that it is caused by mold in your home. This can be incredibly toxic for you.

3. Avoid potential disasters

A timely plumbing repair will avoid the potential disasters that can occur in the future. You never know but your pipes can burst, which will lead to disasters in your home. Some other problems that go with lack of plumbing maintenance are water shortage, overflowing toilets, contaminated water, backed up sewage and so on.

4. Keep the pipes and other appliances a little longer

A timely plumbing maintenance will ensure that the appliances last a little longer. Of course, the more you look after your appliances, the more they are going to stay with you. Keep your pipes and other appliances for a lifetime with you. Even if they are not meant to last forever, their lifespan is surely going to increase.

If you are interested in a quick drain tile repair in Langley or any other plumbing repair, you can reach out to us. We will send our best person and everything will be sorted quickly. Book your plumbing consultation and get it sorted as soon as possible. It is time that you look after your plumbing system now and take a call before it is too late.

Yes, you’re right. It has been warm lately. A ducted heat pump/air con unit in New Zealand homes has been put into cooling mode more often than ever before, thanks to an unprecedented stretch of warmer months. 47 months to be exact.

According to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), the last colder-than-average month in New Zealand was way back in January 2017. (That was the month that Donald Trump was inaugurated as US president, and the All Blacks were still Rugby World Cup champions) In the almost four years since then, temperature stations around New Zealand have registered 24 months of above-average temperatures and 23 months of average temperatures – but there has not been one “cold month” which NIWA defines as being at least 0.5 degrees Celsius below the 1981 to 2010 average.

All the hot months in that 47-month stretch were at least 0.5C above average, with NIWA saying that 2020 was the seventh-warmest year on record in New Zealand. Somewhat alarmingly though, five of the seven hottest years recorded have occurred since 2013. 2020 was also a dry month in most Kiwi locations with Auckland and Hamilton each recording their driest years since records began. The nationwide droughts and water shortages only highlight how warm and dry things have been lately.

The highest temperature in 2020 was 38.2C in Gisborne on January 31. The month of February saw Whangarei, Whitianga and Whakatane experience their hottest days since records began in those areas in the 1960s and 1970s. Auckland had its longest-ever drought, coming in at 47 days, while Blenheim went through an even longer dry spell of 64 days. Meanwhile, New Zealand also recorded its warmest winter which led to extremely low snow levels on Mt Cook.

New Zealand’s average temperature in 2020 was 0.63C above the 1981–2010 average. That’s in comparison to 2016, officially recognised as the country’s hottest year when the nationwide average temperature was 0.84C above the 1981–2010 average. Climate scientist James Renwick says it’s all part of a trend happening around the world:

“Over the past 23 years, only four have been cooler than the 1981-2010 normal. In the first 23 years of the record, since 1909, only four years were warmer than the 1981-2010 normal,” he said.

2020 was certainly a hot one all over the world. It ranks with 2016 as the world’s hottest year, according to records kept by the Copernicus Climate Change Service. They state temperatures have risen 1.25 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times which highlights the fact that all this warmth is something to be concerned about.

Because of global warming, more environmentally-friendly heating and cooling methods are in vogue. This Auckland heat pump installer says more consumers are making their purchasing decisions based on eco-factors and not just cost ones. As heat pumps/air con units are known for their efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions, that consumer trend is a positive sign in an increasingly warm and worrying climate.

It is a widespread fact that we generally focus on only the interior painting and designs of the house and completely forget about the exterior painting. This will eventually create a dis-balance in your home’s methods and make it look uneven. Therefore, we have mentioned the best tips on choosing the best color combinations for your exterior designs in this post. As the exterior of the house or any building is the one that creates the first impression in anyone’s head.

While choosing the color combinations for exterior paints, you also need to focus on climate situations according to your location. That might affect the intensity and texture of your paint in the long run.

Best Tips To Choose The Best Exterior Paint Colors

·       Combinations:

When picking the best color combination for your exterior painting, make sure you do not choose more than two colors as picking more different colors will clutter your house pattern. If you do not want a monotonous approach, you can use different shades of the same color.

Choice of color one of the best exterior paint color tips is to avoid all the dark and deeper shades. As these colors will absorb more dust particles and sunlight, the interior of the house is super hot and challenging to survive in. Hence, it is always better to choose a pale shade of the dark color and mix them with another light color.

·       Durability

Ensure that the type of exterior paint you chose should be durable enough as you will use this type of paint to paint the exterior of your house. This should be rough and tough and should manage all the weather conditions and different temperatures. Also, high gloss paints are not the right type of choice for exterior paint.

Conclusion:

So, these are the three most important and useful tips that can be used while selecting the right color combinations for your exterior painting. The best choice for the exterior paint should be the color shades of the satin, eggshell, and matte finish as these are long-lasting and can be managed with all types of weather conditions easily. These types of finishes also tend to enhance the exterior appearance of your house. Try to consider all the interesting tips to get the best exterior finish of your house with these tips.

If you’re a first-time buyer or you’re living in that area for a long and face issues with the water or sewage system out there, it is high time that you seek professional help and get done with the drain survey once. It gets generally resolved via the CCTV method, but there are other ways to do it. Moving to a new apartment comes up with a lot of work and time required to check for any damages and renovation needed. Hence they find it is essential to have a CCTV drain survey to know if any repair is required for the drainage system.

Defining Drain Survey:

A professional plumber or drainage system investigator uses tools to assess the drainage system for any repairs or problems that can occur later. You can call over the professional anytime, like if you’re moving to a new apartment. And the drainage comes under your property. So you will be responsible for any damage in the future. And to make sure that there are no issues to look after now. The drain survey will confirm the conditions down there and also help the investigator determine the exact location at which the damage is.

CCTV Drainage Survey Definition And Usage:

It exactly means what its name suggests that it surveys the drainage with the help of a CCTV attached to it. The licensed professionals and plumbers can only do these surveys as they have the appropriate tools required for the reviews and repairs for the damages and leakage issues. The camera allows them to analyze the pipes intensely and carefully, and this device is far more effective than any other tool. And the main advantage of it is that it will not require any digging or anything, and you will get the complete report.

If at any point you experience any drainage issue, then rather than trying home-made DIY. You should call up the professional because you may pose a bigger problem. Tell every detail to the engineer well in advance he can have an idea of specific things that he can look at. The camera is attached to a rod allowing the camera to move inside the drains and get the live recording. The screen displays everything that an engineer will look for to see what’s going on inside.

Once the survey is complete, the engineer will report the complete condition of the drains. And will let you know if any repairs are required.