Hiring the Right Commercial and Industrial Roofing Contractor For Your Needs
Purchasing a new roofing system for your existing metal roofs is no small investment. It is an important investment that should take thought and consideration before choosing the right industrial and commercial roofing contractor for your needs. Before you spend your money, spend your time learning how to evaluate the roof contractors you may be working with. Not all roofing companies are alike and there is no foolproof method for selecting a professional roofing service. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) gives consumer a few tips to consider before settling on one roof company.
The first thing to do when looking at a roofing contractor is verify a permanent place of business. Things to look for include a telephone number, a tax I.D. number, and a business license. Any professional roof service should have these readily available. Once you have verified they are legit, ask for proof of insurance. It would be wise to check both their liability coverage and their workers’ compensation certificates. When looking at their insurance coverage, be sure to check their coverage dates. You want to make sure their coverage runs through the duration of your roof restoration project they would be doing for you. If you fail to check their dates and something happens while they were not insured, building owners may be held responsible for accidents that occur on the property or dragged into litigations.
From there you want to make sure the roofing consultants of your interest are properly licensed or bonded. Your state’s Department of Professional Regulation or Licensing Board will have this information. It may also be beneficial to you to call your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation and ask about any complaints filed against the contractor.
A good commercial roofing company is one that can provide its potential customers with a readily available list of client references and a list of completed roof coating projects. Calling some of the clients on their reference lists can give you a good idea of the quality of work performed as well as the professionalism of the company. Be sure to look for a company with a proven track record that is financially stable as well. They should be able to provide you with their current financial information.
Once you have narrowed your search down and are asking for quotes from various roofing services, be sure to insist on a written proposal that you can examine for complete descriptions of the work, the roof coatings and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures. You may also be interested in knowing about the companies roofing specialists who will be performing the work. It is important to know their safety record and the safety training they receive. Be sure to choose a company that is committed to the safety and education of its workers. The company should also be able to explain their roof systems, quality control procedures, the name of the person who will be in charge, and how many works and the amount of time it will take to complete the work.
As a final note, be sure to carefully inspect the roof warranty that is offered. Watch for any provisions that would void it and ask any questions you may have regarding their warranty and future commercial roof leaks or commercial roofing repairs. A positive to look for in a roofing company is one that offers its customers some form of a yearly roofing maintenance agreement on top of their warranty. With a roof maintenance agreement, it should address any roof leak concerns and the roof repairs that would be covered before you have a leaking roof.
Keep in mind the saying, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” when choosing the lowest bid. Many commercial roof contractors can come off as attractive professionals with their below-cost bids, but many of them are often uninsured and perform substandard work. Price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship should also weigh heavily on your decision in hiring the right commercial or industrial roofing specialist.
Thermal-Tec Roofing is a leading Midwest Commercial Roofing Contractor, Asphalt Roofing and Industrial Roofing Company that provides our MR Multi-Ply® Roof System to commercial roofs and industrial roofs throughout the Midwest including; Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, Alabama and all other Midwest states and cities. Our award winning Roofing Company has been successfully maintaining roofs, repairing roofs and installing commercial and industrial roofs since 1983 and has grown to having offices in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Visit our Commercial Roofing Website here.
Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More
AQUARIUM WATER CONDITIONERS; their ingredients (where available), what chemical functions they perform and uses based on my opinions of each based on using these products in a professional capacity (27 years of aquarium maintenance and research)
STRESS COAT;
Stress Coat contains a special non-toxic polymer that is attracted to the skin of the fish forming a synthetic slime coat envelope. Stress Coat also contains sodium thiosulfate electrolytes such as sodium and sulfides which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. The Aloe Vera in STRESS COAT reduces inflammation of damaged fish tissue.
The effectiveness of Stress Coat with Aloe Vera has been proven by independent studies conducted at the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers found that Stress Coat helped heal wounds and speed tissue re-growth. Dr John Gratzek summarizes the results: “Personally, I am satisfied with the results since my initial thoughts were skeptical to say the least. These definite statements can be made without equivocation: Stress Coat in no way harms aquarium fish, alters pH, or affects the biological filter. No ammonia or nitrite was detected in the test aquariums. The results indicated that the Stress Coat formula reduced the wound size compared to untreated fish tissue.” Aloe Vera is high in mucopolysaccharides, an essential component of many tissues and believed to help in the healing process.
USE; An effective water conditioner for the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines) and adding an aloe slime coat.
This is my favorite slime coat treatment for direct application to a fish that is wounded from transport or other reasons. I however have found it less effective for overall slime coat generation after a water change.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
AMMO-LOCK;
Ammo-lock contains sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate. Ammo-lock works in both fresh and saltwater, to detoxify ammonia and remove chlorine and chloramines. Locks up ammonia in a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank’s natural biological filter and/or used by plants.
USE: For the removal of chorine and chloramines. This product is useful for the detoxification of ammonia, especially in new aquariums. I usually only use this product when the aquarium is new, ammonia (NH3) is high (please note, most ammonia test kits will still show ammonia present in the form of NH4 after using this product) or in areas where chloramines are used.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
START RIGHT;
Start Right contains allantoin (5-Ureidohydantion; Glyoxldiureide 2, 5 – Dioxo – 4 imidzolidinyle – urea) which is used in humans for the treatment of : skin ulcers, wound, scalds, burns and sunburns, carbuncles, acne and skin eruptions, fissures and abrasions, impetigo, eczema, psoriasis. This is a naturally occurring chemical even found in earthworms.
Start Right is a multi-beneficial water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine, neutralizes heavy metals, aids in cell regeneration and in the additional production of the fish’s natural slime coat, adds beneficial. It also contains chlorides of sodium and potassium, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. It is a complete water conditioner that stimulates the natural secretion of slime to protect fish from the harmful effects of handling, shipping, fish fighting and other forms of stress. Removes chlorine and chloramine instantly, neutralizes heavy metals, adds beneficial electrolytes and guards against secondary infection.
USE:
For the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines), adding of electrolytes for stress, and the natural generation a slime coat.
This is probably my favorite basic overall water conditioner for established aquariums (I use this the most), Start Right will not remove ammonia or interfere with plant growth by removing nitrogenous compounds needed by plants. This product is also very economical.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
SEACHEM PRIME;
Prime contains complexed hydrosulfite salts which removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime also converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form (ammonium) that is readily removed by the tank’s nitrifying bacteria. Prime may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels. The ingredients of Prime also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat and are non-acidic and will not impact pH.
USE:
For removal of chlorine, chloramines, and the de-toxifying of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. This product adds electrolytes that aid in natural slime coat generation and proper osmotic function. This is my favorite conditioner to use in newer aquariums, aquariums with high ammonia or for use in areas where chloramines are in tap water. One reason I like this product is that is does what it claims!
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
NOVAQUA;
The formula of NovAqua is proprietary, so not all ingredients are available. It is assumed that Novaqua contains sodium thiosulfate (a common Redox Reducer) and Edetates. Novaqua also contains phosphates for buffering to stabilize water after water changes (often when water is added from the tap it immediately picks up O2 and CO2 and is unstable in pH, this aspect of Novaqua helps here). The phosphate buffer system of Novaqua produces a 5 mg/L of phosphates in the aquarium as compared to the 30 mg/L shown in labs tests to grow algae. NovAqua also contains electrolytes; cations (Positively charged atoms or molecules) and anions (negatively charged atoms or molecules) that are required by freshwater fishes. Freshwater fishes remove these ions from water via the gills. The need by fish for these ions is increased during times of stress.
USE:
The original conditioner that adds a slime coat, adds electrolytes buffers water, and removes chlorines. NovAqua is useful for use water changes where buffering is needed do to pH drops after water changes. The level of phosphates used for buffering are not usually a problem for most aquariums, however if you already have high phosphates or algae problems I would avoid this product. Otherwise this is an excellent product when one desires a conditioner that adds a slime coat and buffers a well.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
AMQUEL;
The active ingredient in Amquel is hydroxymethanesulfonic acid, sodium and salt. Amquel converts ammonia to a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank’s natural biological filter and/or used by plants. Amquel works by virtue of the hydroxymethane- end of the molecule reacts with ammonia to form a non-toxic, stable water-soluble substance which is acted upon by the bacteria in biological filtration.
This reaction effectively removes the toxic ammonia from solution. Even in water of low pH (under 7.0) the above reaction proceeds to completion. This is because even at pHs below 7.0 there is always some “free” ammonia (NH3) and the AmQuel will scavenge it from the water. This is why AmQuel works faster at higher pH’s and in saline waters.
USE: One of the first products for chloramine and ammonia removal. It is very effective in binding the ammonia (NH3) where that it stays non toxic even when nitrifying bacteria are not fully active. Although safe for saltwater, I have seen this product lower pH (although use with Novaqua counters this), for this reason it is not my first choice in this type of conditioner (Prime is my favorite as stated earlier).
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater (when not over used).
AMQUEL +;
Since this is a new product, the ingredients are proprietary and not yet disclosed.
AmQuel+ (also known as AmQuel Plus) is a recent chemical invention that has the ability to make the “Nitrogen Cycle” (involving ammonium/ammonia/nitrites/nitrates) totally nontoxic in aquarium and pond keeping, without interfering with its process in any way, and without interfering with the beneficial bacteria that are involved with the cycle. Further, AmQuel+ detoxifies/removes all of the toxic nitrogen compounds that can appear in aquarium and pond water over time.
USE: A new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). The claims by Kordon sound very promising, and this may turn out to be an excellent product for new aquariums in particular, although use in established aquariums seems unnecessary.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
NOVAQUA +;
Novaqua + is a new product and again has proprietary ingredients that the company will not totally divulge. NovAqua+ claims to provide, in a single product, everything necessary to handle all of the needs when treating tap water for aquatic life (except for handling nitrogen compound removal such as ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). For the removal of toxic nitrogen compounds, Kordon recommends the use of AmQuel+
USE: Again a new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). If this product lives up to claims such as aiding in osmotic function as well as chlorine removal and heavy metal removal, this may be a very useful product as well. Due to claims of iodine removal, I would not recommend use in marine reef tanks (as many soft corals need iodine)
Ingredients are safe for freshwater.
CONCLUSION;
This is an incomplete list that I will add to in the full article (listed below)as time goes on and I will also update as new products and information becomes available (especially in relation to Kordons new Amquel + and NovAqua +)
Also it should be noted that most water conditioners of all types (basic, artificial slime coat replacer, and chloramine/ ammonia remover) have similar properties and ingredients and some of the outrageous claims I have read on the internet such as “Start Right is not safe for marine aquariums while Novaqua is” are without any scientific merit (if anything the phosphates in Novaqua can cause more problems than any ingredient in Start Right!
It is also important to note that without adequate filtration and circulation, water conditioners cannot work as well or solve these problems such as lack of oxygen. A good air pump such as the Million Air line of aquarium pumps or a good basic filter such as the Via Aqua VitaLife Power Filter are important as well.
For the full articles (with pictures and that is expanding), please follow this link:
This is the 60 second TV spot that as it was aired in National TV upon launching this new product. – TV PROMOTION NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Buy online at www.SmallWonder.info 9 – or order toll free (866) 532-3083 9 – Free Shipping – 100% Money Back Guarantee Video Rating: 4 / 5
Car enthusiasts might look into alloy wheels, which are made of an alloy of magnesium and aluminum rather than steel. If you are looking to improve the performance of your vehicle, you might have decided to see about alloy wheels because they are lighter than steel. Because of this, they can improve your control and steering in your car, truck or van. They also provide a slick, sporty look, which causes many drivers to turn to alloy wheels to improve the overall appearance of a car. Alloy wheels can be high in price, which makes them out of reach for many drivers. Although there are benefits, there are also drawbacks.
Many drivers choose alloy wheels because they are generally lighter and make your car, truck or van more responsive. They allow you to take corners and brake with more sensitivity, which is attractive to someone who is looking to improve the performance of your car. However, sometimes alloy wheels are even heavier than a steel wheel of the same size. Because of this, you should make sure you know what you are getting when you purchase your alloy wheels.
Another attractive feature of alloy wheels is that they conduct heat better than their steel counterparts. Because of this, they tend to improve the heat dissipation from the brakes. That means that your brakes are less likely to fail when you are in tough driving conditions. Of course, this is an excellent safety feature for someone who enjoys driving recreationally. Alloy wheels can make your car, truck or van a little safer when you are dealing with difficult braking situations. But they also require extra care and are extremely expensive to replace.
Alloy wheels have a tendency towards Galvanic corrosion if you do not take the proper measures to prevent it. This corrosion can lead to air leakage from tires, which is certainly an undesirable effect and can be very dangerous for the driver. Also, when alloy wheels are damaged, they are not as easy to fix as steel wheels. Of course, when you have spent a large amount of money on your alloy wheels, it is generally cheaper to repair them than to replace them. This, of course, varies by situation and driver. But if your alloy wheels are damaged, you will generally find that they are highly expensive to replace.
Alloy wheels are standard equipment on many high end sports and luxury vehicles, but generally not on the lower priced cars and trucks. Many drivers choose to add alloy wheels as they customize their vehicles themselves. However, because they are so expensive, alloy wheels can catch the eye of thieves very easily. Because of this, you as the driver and owner have to be even more careful when taking care of your vehicle and alloy wheels. You will have to be careful about parking in rougher areas, as these are often stolen. If you routinely park in difficult neighborhoods, you may not want to risk having your alloy wheels stolen. Or, you may want to look into insurance to protect them from theft.
I am 23 year old student on my last year of study at the University of Sydney (Sydney), majoring in Information technology.
