Eco-Friendly Roof Options

These days, it seems as if almost everyone is working to go green. From choosing rain barrels to help water the garden over the trusty hose to planting trees on every corner, everyone is working to do their part today. If you’re looking into roof repair or roof replacement, you may wonder what you can do to go green. Fortunately, there are lots of eco-friendly options you can consider.

As you look into replacement or roof repair, in Sugarland, TX, you may want to first ask your contractor what options they happen to have available. Doing a little research beforehand may help as well. A cool roof is one choice you may want to consider. These are also often called white roofs. They are made of reflective materials, and that means that they keep the building or home you live in far cooler. You can get these in a number of forms including asphalt shingles and metal roofs. Cool roofs have to have a Solar Reflectance Index rating of at least 29 for a steep slope and 78 for a roof with a low slope. The benefits of this type of roofing are clear. They use less energy because they have lower cooling requirements. What’s more, though, is that they can be retrofitted and they’re fairly affordable. Keep in mind, though, that they’re not as aesthetically pleasing as many would like. They can also be a bit cold in the winter.

Roof repair professionals may also encourage you to look into metal roofs. Most of them have those advantages that many cools roofs do, but there’s usually more to them than that. They are seriously durable and very little maintenance is usually required for this type of roofing. What’s more, though, is that they’re a step greener than cool roofs because they can be constructed from recycled materials. They come in a number of different shapes and sizes too as well as a variety of different colors. Whether you’re talking about a traditional building or home or something a bit more modern, metal roofs often fit into the design scheme in a way other green roofing options just can’t. The only real drawback with this choice is that they can be a bit costly at the outset, so you may pay more to get it put on than you would with other choices.

One other green choice you may want to consider is a solar roof. People have long complained about the bulky, awkward appearance of solar panels, but now there are solar shingle options that help to seamlessly integrate solar power options into your roof. In most cases, people won’t even notice that you have solar panels on your roof, and with more designs being introduced every day, you’re likely to find one that will meet your needs. As with the metal roofing, the real drawback with this choice is that it’s more expensive than many others so a little shopping around is an absolute must.

Affordable Houston Roofing Solutions
5100 Westheimer # 200-A1
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone: (832) 730-2500

How Tires Become Asphalt

As a product that does not breakdown easily can provide the ideal habitat for harmful bacteria, and being highly flammable, tires have never been overly welcomed at landfills. In fact, they are supposed to be processed prior to being dumped in such places. Unfortunately, many people ignore the laws and illegally dispose of them or large mounds of tires develop. Those stockpiles, as mentioned before, carry several risks. A single state can produce tens of millions of waste tires in one year’s time.

In order to be used in an eco-friendly and responsible way, the tires must go through many steps. At the end of this process, they can be made into rubberized asphalt, which is used to pave the many roads and even driveways throughout this nation.

Collecting the Discarded There are many parties that must recognize their level of responsibility in ensuring that tires reach the facilities capable of recycling them. A major player in this is the automotive industry. Car dealerships all over the country have been charged with the task of collecting waste tires, which can then be shipped to those plants via registered haulers. In some areas, local governments further help with this task by designating a day or two each year for the pickup and removal of tires from private properties. However, everyone must take some responsibility in these efforts by making sure their used tires get into the right hands.

Preparation The process of recycling is not a single step when it comes to tires. There are a few different ways that this rubber source can be handled, but generally – and in the case of turning it into asphalt – the tires must be inspected, cleaned, debeading, shredding, and granulating. Inspection is simply the act of looking for possible contaminants that would not be desired in the final product, such as stones stuck in the tread or other types of debris that have attached to the tire. Much of this can be washed away in the cleaning phase, which must be done to get small particulates off of the rubber. The final step of the preparation is debeading, which is simply the act of removing the metal band from around the rim of the tire.

Breaking it Down Finally, it is time to process the tire. It is fed through a device that first shreds the rubber into small strips. For some purposes this is enough to prepare the tire for its new intended use. However, for the purpose of making asphalt, the rubber needs to be broken down further in a process known as granulating. This produces a substance known as crumb rubber.

The Many Potential Uses Aside from use by New Braunfels asphalt paving companies, there is also the potential to use the processed rubber for energy recovery. This involves the process of burning used tires for the production of electricity. This is not allowed everywhere, but has been put into practice in some facilities, which have proven to be responsible with the burning. A new proposed use of crumb rubber is for the production of molded rubber products, which can be used in a wide variety of industries including medical, marine, transportation, and lawn and garden. In fact, this recycled rubber is commonly seen in the production of garden mulch today.

Asphalt in the Works Referred to as rubberized asphalt concrete, or RAC, the recycled rubber is mixed with asphalt cement to create a substance that can make an ideal surface area for roads and driveways. It is considered to be a very cost effective material, has proven to be very durable, which is why it has been embraced in areas like San Marcos. Asphalt paving is now the an eco-friendly option.

 

What You Should Know About Acanthosis Nigricans

What is it? The first question that most people ask, whether reading the term for the first time or seeing the signs of the condition on their own bodies is ‘what is it?’ Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition that is relatively common, but highly unsightly and not something that most individuals would want to contend with. It results in areas of thick, darkly colored skin patches, which are typically seen around the neck, armpits, knees, elbows, or on the inner thighs, though it can occur elsewhere. Due to the skin increasing in thickness, the area can appear cracked or injured.

Why Did I Get it? This skin condition is often seen at spas where people come to speak to an HcG doctor. Austin has seen increased obesity rates in recent decades, which has led to far more cases of this skin condition. People who carry excess weight on their frames are naturally at an increased risk of Acanthosis Nigricans and that risk gets even more dramatic when an overweight person is diagnosed with diabetes. However, there are other conditions that put a person at risk, including Addison’s disease, pituitary gland disorder, and hypothyroidism. Also, use of oral contraceptives or growth hormone therapy can lead to the skin condition. In all actuality, any condition or behavior that encourages fluctuations in hormone or insulin levels within the body can lead to Acanthosis Nigricans. More research is needed to determine exactly why the hormonal changes cause the change in the skin.

How Can I Get Rid of It? The first recommendation that will be made to a patient diagnosed with this skin disorder, after others tests are run to determine the cause, is to make changes to diet. Because certain foods can cause insulin spikes and poor eating habits can lead to increased body weight, dieting is the very first step to getting rid of Acanthosis Nigricans. There are also over-the-counter cosmetic products that can help erase the dark spots, including alpha hydroxyacids and salicyclic acid. A laser spa can treat the area with microdermabrasion or a laser facial. Austin doctors routinely use these methods to improve the look and feel of skin. Microdermabrasion is a process that involves stripping the first layer of skin to reveal smoother, more evenly toned skin beneath, whereas a laser facial relies on intense, direct light to improve skin texture and tone.

Can I Prevent it? Knowing the risk factors is the very best way to prevent this skin condition. If you are diabetic, obese, or have been diagnosed will an illness that impacts your hormone levels, it is essential that steps be taken to correct the problem before Acanthosis Nigricans develops. Weight loss should be a primary goal of any person who is considered to be obese, even if this skin condition is not a concern. If you are having difficulties shedding unwanted pounds or gaining control of your blood sugar levels, then you should speak to your physician about your options. There is help for those who need to lose weight quickly, and with the right guidance they can be both safe and effective.

Laser Studio
4613 Bee Caves Rd #105-B
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 337-2466


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A Dental Office Closer to Home

A Dental Office Closer to Home

Sometimes you can get frustrated when you have to take off of work just to drive an hour to your dentist in the city. Doing so means you have lost an hour’s worth of wages, and sometimes that can make a difference in your overall budget. This is especially true during the current economic times when every penny counts. That means that changing dentists can be a great idea. Not only will you save some of your wages, but you will also save on other things as well!

Choosing a dentist office doesn’t have to be a big hassle. Ask around to see what people have to say. Look to offices that are closer to where you work or closer to where you live. Where are you more likely to head to the dentist from? Consider these factors so you have a clearer idea on how long you may need to get from where you are to the new dentist office. You may be surprised at how much time you will save and how close the new office may be.

Relocating can also help to save you gas and time. If you have children, the location of the new Austin dentist can make life a lot easier. Consider this; the appointment is at 3 o’clock. You have to leave work and go to your child’s school to get him or her to an Austin invisalign appointment. Some parents may even have kids in grade school and others in high school. If you schedule their appointments one right after the other, it means two trips to two schools. Then you have to go all the way to the dentist’s office. That can be a lot of driving! But when you find a dentist office close to the areas you need to be, then you may find your driving time cut down – maybe cut in half or more!

An Austin dentist in a closer area may be better for you and your family in other ways as well. One that is closer to the schools or your home may be smaller, but that also gives them a quainter, more family-oriented feel. Whether you go in for a bit of tooth restoration or some high quality Austin teeth whitening, your new dentist will be ready to assist you with a pleasant smile and with warm assistants that are not just about the job, but about you. You may find the practice to be exactly what you want in terms of friendliness and price.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, don’t wait – especially if you aren’t comfortable with your current dentist. Instead, start to look for change, for places you and your family can go to with a sense of anticipation knowing that you are in good hands the entire time. A good dentist will assist you in all sorts of ways, from gingival sculpting to tooth bonding to even giving you a porcelain veneers Austin appointment. Soon you may find yourself smiling brightly with a positive change in dentists and clean, happy teeth. Your family (and your bank account!) will thank you for all the time and money saved as well.

About the Author: Bobby Milton has worked in the dental industry for over 20 years and writes and lectures on many different dental topics

Hair Salons: Get Expert Advice from Professionals

The best hair salon can help you change your look and make you feel good about yourself. There are many reasons for which looks are important but the primary reason is the confidence you get. A simple change in a hair cut or hair highlighting can make you look great and different. It will enhance your whole look and make you feel attractive to people. There are many nail bars and beauty salons to make you look perfect but a hair salon can do the trick easily without making any drastic changes in you. They can also help you with a facial and any questions you may have about a tanning salon in Austin TX or the best salon waxing procedures.

There are many dedicated salons that are only specialized in hair treatments. Here you can find services such as hair cuts according to quality and length of your hair, hair coloring, perms for your hair, rebonding and hair straitening, fixing extensions, setting wigs and many more services. There are also specialized hair spa services that are also available for people. Usually, there are hair experts who recommend what cutting, styling or coloring will suit your personality and look.

Many people find it very difficult to go through the sessions that are recommended by the experts. A little bit of highlighting and streaking can make you look gorgeous. Hair salons are experts in this field. These days, there are different coloring products that are available in the market which will protect your hair, and at the same time, are less harmful and will provide full coverage in case you have gray hair.

Most of the salons these days are well equipped with advanced technologies and equipment. Computer graphics and images are used to explain the process to clients prior to their haircuts. These help the clients to understand how they will look with that particular haircut. Moreover, the total facial structures with your jaw line, chin, and width of forehead are taken into consideration to give you that perfect look.

Before choosing a hair salon, make sure they have a team of well-trained and professional experts who are capable of handling any style and quality of hair as well as dermalogical products in Austin. A wrong haircut can ruin your look easily. You should choose a salon that is equipped with modern amenities and can cater to all the needs of their clients. Their experts should be able to guide you to easily achieve that perfect look that will make you look glamorous with a few soft curls or perms. Ask them about makeup lessons Austin.

A hair salon can also make you aware of the latest hair trends and whether they will suit you or not. While choosing a salon you need to be careful about your budget. There are various hair conditioning treatments available in the market but some may cost too much. Jose Luis Salon is the best place to get a makeover with just a simple yet trendy hair cut. If you have questions about a lumlight facial or bridal services in Austin TX they can help.

About the Author: Kenneth Brown has written extensively about the beauty & fashion industry and enjoys informing consumers about the many options in this field

Austin Gay & Lesbian

For decades now, Austin has been a mecca for gays and lesbians in the state of Texas. Part of this reason is because of the university but it is also due to people here simply being more accepting of others than you find in some areas. Here are just a few events for the queer community in Austin.

Enjoy a monthly gay skate at Skate World, located at 9514 Anderson Mill Rd. This fun and inclusive event is open to both young and old and is a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. This event is also open to those folks who will be using rollerblades. For first timers and experienced skaters, this is the event for you.

The Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse plays host to a monthly queer performance night. Located at 1501 South First, the coffeehouse serves up fresh, dark roast and laughs by the dozen. A great, all ages night out for the whole family.

Head to Charlie’s for a night you won’t soon forget! Have a wonderful meal for a low price and then stick around for a night of adults-only entertainment. Have a tasty steak or chicken meal followed by a night of stripping from locals. Dance until the wee hours of the morning and have a great time at Charlie’s.

A night at Oilcan Harry’s is a night you will remember for a long time. Enjoy crazy drink specials and amateur strip nights that will get your blood pumping. Located on 211 W. Fourth, this bar is close to everything and it a popular destination for both queer customers and straights. Enjoy a truly upscale environment that you will love to visit over and over.

Austin Pride is held every year during the first week in June. The event grows every year to include more days, more music, more dancing, more rainbows and more fun. The biggest event of the week is the pride parade, which is a sight to behold. If you are a pride veteran or a first time viewer, you won’t want to miss this yearly event in beautiful Austin, Texas. Don’t miss it!

Browser wars

Not so long ago, there wasn’t much in the way of choices when it came to surfing the web. You could use Microsoft Internet Explorer or you could use Netscape. Today, Netscape has been reborn as Mozilla Firefox, but there are also browsers from Google and a popular browser called Opera. Which browser is right for you? It depends on what you are looking for in a browser, how often you use the net and what you like to do.

If all you are looking for is speed, than the browser for you is Google Chrome. Sites tend to load a full second faster in Chrome than in any other browser. Chrome is also winning over a lot of fans due to the fact that Google is planning on coming out with their own operating system soon and Chrome is going to be a big part of that. However, at press time, Chrome doesn’t allow add-ons, which is one of the biggest parts of browsing the Internet.

If add-ons are your thing and you like a browser that is safe and easy to use, check out Mozilla Firefox. You can add on all of the applications you like, such as pop up blockers, time wasters like Stumble or anything else you like. Pages don’t load quite as quick as they do in Chrome, but Firefox is very customizable and that is a big thing for a lot of people. If you want the Internet with all of the bells and whistles out there, than Firefox is the browser for you.

If you are new to the Internet or all you want to do is check your email and a sports score now and then, there is no need to download any of these other browsers. Simply use Internet Explorer and you’ll be fine. For hardcore web users, Explorer is clunky, slow and awkward to use, but if you don’t know a megabyte from a mouse, you won’t have any issues with Microsoft’s home browser. It gets the job done without having to download and learn any new software.

Stay tuned, there are other new browsers set to hit the market over the next year, and they may completely change the way you use the Internet.

Support Black GST

Our specific demands:

  • Detente (end of war)
  • Recognition of Sovereignty Act (to be passed by Parliament and added to the Constitution)
  • Treaty process entered (this is a long process, but authentic steps and resources could be committed to demonstrate good faith)

We are maintaining an ongoing campaign for these issues to be recognised and acted upon by the Australian Government. This is a national campaign of primary importance for all people living in this country, indigenous and non-indigenous.
Convergence:

Our initial call and first campaign was for the Stolenwealth Games in Melbourne, 15-26 March 2006, and the visit to Australia by the Queen. Our news and events pages covers much of what took place, principally around the Convergence of indigenous and non-indigenous supporters that coalesced into Camp Sovereignty in the Kings Domain, Melbourne.
Custodianship of the Sacred Flame lit there has been passed to the Camp Sovereignty Crew, and the Black GST is planning the next phase of our long term struggle against the injustices that lie at the foundation of this nation, and our concern that they are ongoing and being swept under the rug.