Category Archives: Yard & Outdoors

Replacement Windshields-More Than A Dollars-And-Cents Decision

December 29, 2022   Matt

Replacement Windshields-More Than A Dollars-And-Cents Decision

Chances are it’s happened to you-an errant stone cracks your windshield. Now what?

Replacing a damaged windshield is more than just a dollars-and-cents decision. According to a leading windshield manufacturer, your windshield not only helps protect you and your car’s occupants from the elements, it also plays a major role in your safety.

Here are some important points to remember:

• The windshield is a key structural element of your car.

• Proper adhesive selection is critical to installation and structural integrity.

• Original equipment windshields meet federal safety standards.

• The visual quality of original equipment windshields is first rate-not necessarily true for knock-off versions.

• Knock-off windshields may not provide the same level of UV light protection, which could lead to accelerated fading of your vehicle’s upholstery and interior surfaces.

The windshield engineers at Carlite® have some tips to keep in mind at windshield replacement time.

Ask for an original equipment windshield and factory-quality adhesives/sealants, installed by AGRSS-certified professionals. Laws in some states require that your installer inform you when replacing your glass with a non-original part. Original equipment windshields fit best and maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle, which is critical in case of an accident.

Original equipment windshields typically have better optical quality. Distortion affects the way the driver sees the road-and other cars. Windshield wipers are designed to work best with factory windshields which have designed-in curvatures. Knock-off windshields tend to have less curvature, which can result in flat spots where the wipers may skip or not clear the glass as effectively.

Knock-off windshields sometimes are made with thinner glass that can allow more noise in, which is particularly irritating to owners of upscale automobiles who paid for, and expect, a quiet ride.

Also, an improperly installed windshield could pop loose when the passenger air bag deploys, potentially reducing its ability to protect the passenger.

So when that stone chip or crack shows up on your windshield, be sure to protect yourself, and all those who ride with you, by insisting on a brand-for-brand replacement windshield like Carlite branded windshields. It’s up to you to decide which kind of replacement windshield you want.

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Landscaping D-I-Y

December 24, 2022   Matt

Landscaping D-I-Y

Landscaping is a very beneficial means by which anyone can conserve energy within and/or around the home… Landscaping, ‘do-it-yourself’ style, can be done the right way the first time with proper guidance and prioritization.

Plan Ahead

Many people new to ‘do-it-yourself’ make the mistake of going with their gut feeling, or randomly starting what they think needs to be done in the garden without knowing what they want to see in the end. Planning ahead makes sure that no effort is spent on unnecessary steps, money is spent only on essential items, and time is maximized in order to provide the best results.

Included in planning ahead is measuring the garden or patio dimensions, taking note of where the sun rises and sets, as well as the direction of the wind when it blows through the house. This way, plants and trees may be planted in places that would serve best the intention of conserving energy in the home.

Another is planning around existing trees and foliage. The shade provided by the existing vegetation can be used as a guide in the placement of the rest of the shrubbery in the area.

You have the option of also taking into consideration your lifestyle in designing the landscape. Families who frequently hold barbeques or simply entertain in the garden can put the barbeque and sitting areas together, or shape the garden’s design around these particular functionalities.

Plant a Plant

One of the perks of landscaping, ‘do-it-yourself’ style, is the fact that one can grow the plants and trees he/she prefers rather than others that serve that the same function. To make the garden fully functional when it comes to conserving energy, it is best to plant fast-growing dense trees that offer a huge umbrella of shade and a windbreak for the home.

Evergreens are popular options for garden foliage, and are also very useful when it comes to keeping the heat or cool inside that would normally escape through the windows or the roof. To most effectively utilize evergreens, it is important to try to mix-and-match various textures, colors, shades, shapes and sizes. Visual appeal is created by this interesting mixture of plants.

At the end of the day, landscaping is a fulfilling experience that allows anyone to design their gardens or yard to best suit their lifestyles. Good planning, creativity, and effective execution will yield optimum results.

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