Published on: 16 November 2016
Last Updated on: 11 September 2024
Whether you are looking for a comprehensive roof repair service for an old building or a new roof installation, employing a professional commercial & roofing company can help you achieve your investment goals in a cost-effective manner. That being said, due to prevalent misconceptions about roofing services, may commercial property owners overlook the importance of hiring a professional roofer that not only enhance the life of the roof but also adds value to overall property investment. This blog post covers five common myths about commercial roofing companies and their services that commercial property owners must avoid to realize the real benefits of commercial roofing companies.
Myth 1: “Roofing is a one-time investment”
Regular roof maintenance program helps in keeping your roof in shape. It also preserves the roof warranty, as many manufacturers nullify the warranty if they find out that the particular roof lacked proper attention. Additionally, having a proper roof maintenance plan in place helps investors in filing a roof insurance claim.
Image source: azhandymanroofing.biz
Myth 2: “All commercial roofing companies are the same”
As a commercial property owner, you should not make a mistake of trusting every local roofing contractor. It is likely that the contractor you hire turns out to be a “storm chaser” who set-up a temporary office in a particular region and then moves to another storm hit location. This, in turn, can affect you in the long run, when you require their assistance for warranty or other services, as they won’t be there for the help. Search for reputable commercial roofing companies that will always be there to assist you at every step.
Myth 3: “Cheap roofing materials can get the job done”
The type of roofing material that goes in your roofing system has a great impact on its long term sustenance. It is, therefore, important to choose the right material suiting your needs, prevalent climatic condition, and the budget. That is when a professional roofer can help you select the right roofing material without having to run from pillar to post.
Myth 4: “Roof repair is a DIY Job”
It is usually less expensive to fix things using a DIY approach, but for a job as complex as a roof repair or installation, DIY is not the right thing to do. The complexity of the project requires expertise, the right set of tools, and safety measures to ensure quality repair or installation. A licensed roofer has required expertise and skills to examine and carry out roof repair in a cost-effective manner.
Myth 5: “Gutters play no role in the roofing system”
You are committing a huge mistake if you overlook the maintenance of roof gutter as part of your roof repair services. While roof shields the home from rainwater, gutters keep the rainwater away from the exterior walls and foundation. Over time, unkempt gutters accumulate debris resulting in clogged gutters that can lead to backward flow of water and ultimately roof leaks. Therefore, regular gutter inspection, cleaning, and maintenance is a must to prevent roof leaks.
Wrapping Up
Regular roof maintenance is important for all type of commercial units. Don’t let the myths mentioned in this post prevent yours from hiring professional commercial roofing companies that not only enhance the life of your roofing system but also add value to your investment. For more details about roofing services and its benefits, get in touch with a reputable commercial roofing company that can help you keep the best foot forward.
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The global housing market is reportedly shifting. Now, some of the most luxurious homes around the world are being sold at a fraction of what they cost a few years ago.
While it may be the dawning of a worldwide seller's market, there are plenty of expensive homes exceeding the average buyer's price range.
Even if you can't fork over mega-millions for a mansion of your own, it's fun to imagine what it might be like to live in the world's most luxurious residences.
Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World
Read on for an inside peek at ten of the world's most stunning abodes!
1. Beverly House, Beverly Hills, California:
The Beverly House is within walking distance of the iconic Sunset Boulevard and has been in many major motion pictures. It appeared on-screen in major box-office hits, such as "The Godfather" and "The Bodyguard".
Designed by the famous architect, Gordon Kaufman, the Beverly House is on the market for a cool $135 million dollars. But, if you don't want to commit to a mortgage, you can rent the star-studded digs for a mere $600,000 dollars a month.
If you're looking to move out west, you could always sell your home to Otranto Real Estate. It won't get you $135 million, but it's a start, right?
2. Luxury Italian Villa, Otranto, Italy:
This luxury Italian villa has stood the test of time since its construction, which dates back to 1840. Perched on the coast, overlooking the sandy shores, and full of charming courtyards and gardens, this one-of-a-kind 16-room property is breathtaking, even in pictures.
It's currently for sale, but the price isn't open to the public. The price tag on this stunning display of Italian architecture is available by application only.
3. Buckingham Palace, London - One Of The Most Famous Homes Around The World:
It's easy to see why this royal beauty is fit for a queen.
As the home of Queen Elizabeth, there's no chance of buying this castle for yourself. But, you can visit and tour the castle's grounds. Buckingham Palace is open to the public during specific times throughout the year.
It's unlikely that you will get around to viewing all 775 rooms. But, many of the staterooms are available for viewing and they are every bit as glorious as you might imagine. In fact, every inch of Her Majesty's royal homestead is worth the price you will pay for admission to the royal grounds.
While you're there, make sure that you swing by Windsor Castle, which marks 900 years of royal architecture. If you want to see the actual home of the Queen, you will want to head to Edinburgh where you can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Both are open to visitors all year.
4. Antilla, Mumbai, India:
The Antilla is a 27-story skyscraper that's owned by the fifth richest man in the world.
Mukesh Ambani, the world-famous billionaire, had the luxurious tower built for his own private use. His wife visited New York and fell in love with Asian interior design, causing him to design the tower for her.
Antilla is the world's largest and most extravagant residential property. The home cost the businessman around $2 billion dollars.
5. The Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California:
It's not the original Playboy Mansion, which was in Chicago, but Hugh Hefner's final party house is bigger and better than the first.
Hefner, known for his partying lifestyle and hosting exclusive soirees, placed his mansion on the market for $200 million. However, the deal included a caveat that he would be able to use the address to party until he passed.
Eventually, the Playboy Mansion sold for half of the original asking price. The Greek millionaire who owns Hostess, the brand that makes Twinkies dessert cakes, bought the home.
6. Fleur de Lys Mansion, Los Angeles, California:
The former home of Mariah Carey recently sold for $102 million dollars, paid in cash by an anonymous buyer. Its spread includes 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. There's also a 3,000 square foot wine cellar, tasting room, two-story library, expansive ballroom, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a spa.
The Fleur de Lys Mansion, built in 2002, modeled the French castle known as the Palace of Versaille, which had been the most decadent home of its time. The Palace of Versaille was the home of Marie Antoinette, who became famous for her narrow-minded extravagance.
Supposedly, a crowd of peasants once stood in arms outside of her palace complaining that they hadn't even a crumb of bread to eat. The wealthy Mademoiselle supposedly responded "Let them eat cake", even though we now know that isn't accurate.
The socialite's supposed response, absurd to those hearing it, has defined Antoinette as one of the most out of touch characters to ever grace the pages of history books.
The quote is still cited when referring to the overwhelming differences in thought between social classes.
7. Xanadu 2.0, Medina, Washington:
Owners Bill and Melinda Gates built their sprawling Washington home with many cutting-edge features. As the mastermind behind one of the century's most notable companies, Gates created the tucked away abode to match his tech-savvy image.
A few of the unique amenities of Xanadu 2.0 include an underwater music system, a separately-housed swimming pool, and a trampoline park with 20-foot ceilings.
The 66,000 square foot home has 24 bathrooms in all, 10 of which are full baths.
In addition, it also has 6 kitchens, male and female locker rooms, a sauna, and a 2,300 square foot reception hall. The reception hall has a wall-to-wall limestone fireplace and a massive video screen for entertaining. It can seat up to 150 people or accommodate up to 200 guests if standing.
Also interesting is the home's heating and light system. They are controllable using a pin-passcode that guests can set according to their personal preferences. The house's sheltered design aids in reducing energy usage and regulating temperatures.
Gates also houses his ancient Da Vinci manuscripts here, which he acquired in 1994 for over $30 million dollars at an auction. He can display additional artwork, stored on $150,000 worth of storage devices, via the $80,000 computer screens adorning the walls.
8. Acqua Liana, Florida:
This property's claim to fame is that it holds the title for the world's most luxurious eco-mansion.
The 15,000 square foot home boasts 7 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a waterfall spa that's lit with fire, floating sun terraces, and an arched aquarium wet bar. It's almost hard to believe that such extravagant details could also be eco-friendly.
Still, for any doubters, there are plenty of "green" qualities throughout the luxurious homestead. Acqua Linea has superior air quality, $120,000 worth of solar panels, ultra-efficient appliances, and extra LEED features. This helps the eco-mansion to maintain an energy-neutral setting most days.
Its' designer created the home, not only to be sustainable living quarters but also as a work of art. His visits to exotic tropical locations such as Bali and the South American rainforests inspired him.
9. Palazzo Di Amore, Beverly Hills, California:
Jeff Greene, an LA real-estate mogul, owns the Palazzo Di Amore, which is Italian for "Castle of Love". He listed the home for $195 million dollars but has since lowered the asking price by at least $66 million.
The sprawling compound is an entertainment mecca. It features a rotating dance floor, laser light system, and a high-tech DJ booth. There's also a bowling alley, game room, theater, and parking space that can accommodate up to 150 cars at a time. The hard part is getting your friends to come over, it's getting them to leave!
10. Kensington Palace, London:
Valued at $222 million dollars, Kensington Palace sits on one of Britain's most exclusive streets, which also known as London's "Billionaire Row".
When the homeowner, Laski Mittal of India, purchased the 55,000 square foot palace for $128 million dollars, it was the most expensive address on the market. In addition to owning the famous mansion, Mittal also owns the world's largest steel manufacturing company.
Kensington Palace was once home to the de Rothschild family. It's located near the current home of Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton.
Looking Into Buying a Mansion of Your Own?
If you're interested in purchasing one of the mansions above, you'll be happy to know that several of these properties are currently up for sale. But, there are also plenty of other homes around the world priced for much less in the event you aren't prepared to spend millions (or billions) of dollars.
But, before you invest in any type of real estate, there is some crucial information that you need to know.
Ready to start searching for your own dream home?
Check out this post for a list of essential things to know before buying a new house!
Read Also:
Top 5 Most Expensive Beachfront Homes
Different Types Of Conversions To Make The Most Of Spare Space In Your Homes
If you are a gardener like me, you must have thought about harvesting greens that you eat at restaurants at your house. One of these days, I was with my friends from my university, and we were discussing the importance of eating veggies for staying healthy. And they could not figure out the best ways to effectively do so. Reading my previous blog about cilantro, Laila asked me, “how to grow and harvest asparagus?”
Well, surely asparagus is one of the most delicious and nutritious vegetables you can grow in your garden. But what a lot of people do not know is that it's also one of the easiest once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about harvesting asparagus, from when to start, how to cut, and how often to do it. Additionally, I will also share some tips on how to store and freeze asparagus, as well as the benefits of eating this green wonder.
So, keep on reading till the end to learn more...
How Does Asparagus Grow?
Before I dive into the seemingly difficult process of how to harvest asparagus, let me help you grow it.
Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows from a crown of roots that can live for up to 20 years. The crown produces spears, which are the edible part of the plant, every spring.
The spears grow rapidly, sometimes up to an inch per day, and can reach a height of 6 to 10 inches. The spears are harvested before they open into fern-like leaves, which are edible and tough.
Asparagus grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sun and moderate temperatures and needs regular watering and fertilizing.
Asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns, but crowns are easier and faster to establish. Crowns are planted in trenches about 12 to 18 inches apart and covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the spears emerge, more soil is added until the trench is filled
Benefits of Asparagus
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Asparagus is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like spinach. It can help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and prevent urinary tract infections.
Asparagus also contains a compound called asparagine, which is a natural diuretic that helps flush out excess fluids and salts from the body. Asparagus is also a good source of folate, which is essential for pregnant women and fetal development
When to Harvest Asparagus?
The first year after planting, you should not harvest any asparagus spears, as they need to grow and strengthen the root system.
The second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks.
The third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
The best time to harvest asparagus is in the early morning when the spears are crisp and tender. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall, and before the tips start to open up. If you wait too long, the spears will become woody and bitter.
How to Plant and Care for Asparagus?
Asparagus is a long-term investment that can reward you with years of delicious harvests. However, it requires some planning and preparation before planting.
Here are some steps to follow to plant and care for asparagus:
Choose the Day
Choose a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden, preferably with sandy or loamy soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool or where weeds are hard to control. Asparagus also needs plenty of space, so make sure you have at least 4 to 5 feet between rows and 12 to 18 inches between plants.
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, and adjusting the pH to 6.5 to 7.5. You can use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. You may also need to add some fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 10-20-10, to boost the phosphorus and potassium content.
Dig it Deep
Dig a trench about 8 to 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. You can make the trench longer or shorter depending on how many asparagus crowns you have. Asparagus crowns are the dormant roots of the plant that you can buy from nurseries or online. They usually have one-year-old or two-year-old crowns, which are more reliable and productive than seeds.
Fertilize
Spread some fertilizer along the bottom of the trench, about 2 pounds per 100 square feet. Then, cover the fertilizer with 2 to 3 inches of soil, forming a ridge in the center of the trench.
Placing the Plant
Place the asparagus crowns on top of the ridge, about 12 to 18 inches apart, with the buds facing up. The crowns should be slightly below the soil surface, about 1 to 2 inches deep. Do not bury them too deep, as this will delay the emergence of the spears.
Focus on the Crown
Cover the crowns with another 2 to 3 inches of soil, and water well. As the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench with more soil, until it is level with the ground. This will help protect the crowns from frost and weeds.
Add Mulch
Mulch the bed with straw, leaves, or wood chips, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can also add some organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, every few weeks during the growing season, to encourage healthy growth.
Keep in Mind
Do not harvest any asparagus spears in the first year, as they need to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. In the third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
How to Harvest Asparagus?
Now, coming to the most important part that you wanted to know about. Let us talk about the ways to harvest asparagus!
To harvest asparagus, you need a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. You should cut the spears at the base, about an inch below the soil surface.
Be careful not to damage the crown or the emerging spears. You should also avoid cutting too many spears from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one-third of the spears on each plant.
You should harvest asparagus every day or every other day, depending on how fast the spears grow. You should stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thinner than a pencil, as this indicates that the plant is running out of energy.
You should then let the spears grow into ferns, which will replenish the crown and prepare it for the next season.
How to Store and Freeze Asparagus?
Unlike lettuce, which you can store for more than a week, asparagus is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. If you can't eat it right away, you should store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To keep it fresh, you should trim the ends of the spears and stand them upright in a glass of water or wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag.
If you want to preserve asparagus for longer, you can freeze it. To freeze asparagus, you should first wash and trim the spears, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the thickness.
Blanching is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil.
After blanching, you should drain and cool the spears, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze asparagus for up to a year, and use it in soups, casseroles, or stir-fries.
How to Prevent and Treat Asparagus Pests and Diseases?
Asparagus is generally a hardy and resilient plant, but it can still suffer from some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and quality.
Here are some of the most common problems that affect asparagus plants, and how to prevent or treat them:
Asparagus beetles
These are small, black or red beetles that feed on the spears and the ferns, causing them to wilt and turn brown. They can also lay eggs on the spears, which hatch into larvae that chew on the stems and leaves.
To prevent asparagus beetles, you should keep the area around the plants clean and weed-free, and remove any old or damaged spears. To treat asparagus beetles, you can hand-pick them and their eggs, or spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fusarium wilt
This is a fungal disease that infects the roots and the crowns of the plants, causing them to rot and die. It can also cause the spears to become yellow, twisted, and stunted. Fusarium wilt is more likely to occur in poorly drained, acidic, or infested soil.
To prevent fusarium wilt, you should plant disease-resistant varieties, rotate crops, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat fusarium wilt, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and apply fungicides to the soil.
Rust
This is another fungal disease that affects the ferns, causing them to develop orange or brown spots and pustules. Rust can reduce the vigor and yield of the plants, and make them more susceptible to other diseases. Rust is more likely to occur in humid, wet, or shady conditions.
To prevent rust, you should plant resistant varieties, space the plants well, and prune any excess or infected ferns. To treat rust, you should apply fungicides to the ferns, and avoid watering them from above.
Crown rot
This is a bacterial disease that causes the crowns and the bases of the spears to become soft, mushy, and foul-smelling. Crown rot can spread quickly and kill the plants. Crown rot is more likely to occur in wet, compacted, or poorly drained soil.
To prevent crown rot, you should plant healthy crowns, improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat crown rot, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and disinfect the tools and the soil.
Bonus: How to Cook and Enjoy Asparagus?
There are many ways to cook and enjoy asparagus, from steaming, boiling, roasting, grilling, to sautéing. The key is not to overcook it, as it will become mushy and lose its flavor.
You should cook asparagus until it is bright green and crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method and the thickness of the spears.
You can season asparagus with salt, pepper, butter, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, cheese, or any other condiments you like. You can also pair asparagus with eggs, bacon, ham, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, or salad. Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can complement any meal.
Wrapping It Up!
Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable that you can grow and harvest in your own garden. It's easy to care for, once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall and before the tips start to open up. You should cut the spears at the base and leave some on the plant to grow into ferns. It would be best to store asparagus in the refrigerator for later use.
And yes, you should also enjoy the many benefits and flavors of asparagus, by cooking it in various ways and pairing it with different dishes. Asparagus is a springtime delight that you don't want to miss.
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For a long time the people have been fascinated about getting magnificent stonework done in their residential premises. As people in ancient times have been using natural stones in the construction and designing of their palaces, mansions and other significant structures, stone artistry is something that is not new to the world. Natural stones are eco friendly. The reason for this is that they carry a naturally inbuilt strength, resistance, and shine. These stones will in no way lose their natural shine and grace for a long time. They will be able to easily stand out in extreme weather conditions thereby preserving the natural form of the structure. It is for this reason that there is much stone artistry in the market. It is the stonemason firms that will offer you with professional and expert services in building innovative and unique stone based structures.
Who is a stone mason?
A stonemason is a professional artistic who has ability to carve stone with art and knowledge in using different categories of stones for different purposes and structures as not every stone can be used for any structure. For example, a stone material that is not fireproof can get damaged when it comes into contact with heat. This is the reason why it should not be used in kitchen or around fireplaces.
Where all can you use stonework?
Amongst the most popular areas of a house where stonework is frequently used is the garden. Stone and garden are best of friends. This is because the stones provide the absolute natural look that complements the natural beauty and atmosphere of a garden. You can use stonework in the garden used for creating stone fences, flowerbeds, fountains, landscapes and much more. On being created together with stones, they will be able to provide your garden the look of an authentic stone garden. It will also be possible to differentiate the different segments of a garden by the careful use of dry and wet stones. In order to make a suitable choice, a professional stonemason can definitely be consulted.
It is on a number of structures and areas in exteriors and interiors of your residential premises that the stone artistry can be implemented. In this way you can blend it with the surroundings to bring down a natural and environmental effect to the place. One such extremely popular option in stonework is the Stonewalls. This is an excellent g option for fencing down your garden or for making boundaries around your home. It is by the kind of rocks used in building it that the look of any stonewall is determined. If you are looking for old and weathered look then you should use rocks that look ancient and stale otherwise you can obtain new and polished stones, for not a weathered but only a raw stone look. When you employ a stall in your yard or garden eliminates the need of using concrete, cement or other fabricated material for the purpose.
One more area where stone artistry is employed on a large basis is the fireplaces. The area near the stone fireplace can provide unique and magnificent look to the area. The stone fireplace can generally be found in the living rooms; fireplace may be just a corner but forms a major part in the ultimate look of the room. Since the fireplace is a heated place, it should be constructed with a material that can resist extreme heat and yet maintain its actual temperature. In the market, you can come across a wide range and types and textures of stones hat can be used at various places like floors, fountains, walls, terrace, roofs as well as in many more in exiting patterns and color combinations of your choice.
We also have collections of information on Stonemason work. Let us know if you ever have any questions or concerns about Stone Masonry.
