At Lon Smith Roofing we have been roofing Dallas TX homes since 1974. In that time we have come across every question in the book it seems like. We don't mind though, we are experts in our field and we are always happy to share the knowledge we have with our clients. Understanding what we do is helpful for all of us and good communication is important. If you ever have a question please don't be afraid to ask. Without further ado, the answer to our latest question: Are gutters necessary?

Purpose of Gutters - Are Gutters Actually Necessary?  Those new to homeownership and home maintenance may question whether gutters are an absolutely vital component of their homes’ exteriors, or just some sort of decorative element. While it’s true that professionally installed gutters create a crisp, clean edge around your home’s roofline, their main purpose is far from mere adornment. Contractors install a gutter system on every new house they build because its job—guiding rain and storm water off the roof and away from the foundation of the house—is essential to the home’s structural well-being. That is, when the gutter is kept clean and free from debris.

A Little Water Never Hurt Anyone, Did It? No matter how gently rain falls onto your roof, the water builds up as it runs off and creates a powerful surge that, if not diverted, can hammer the ground next to your foundation—and water and foundations do not mix. Pounding water along the foundation line erodes the soil and can seep down along the foundation, increasing the risk of basement leaks and structural instability.

Gutters that safely manage storm water do more than simply protect your house. They also preserve your yard and your neighborhood. Without fully functioning gutters and downspouts to control runoff in a safe manner, rainwater could cut pathways through your yard as well as your neighbor’s, creating ditches, pooling in low-lying areas, and even killing lawns, flowers, and other vegetation.

Maintaining Your Home’s Main Defense When you fail to clean your gutter system you’re inviting problems, because clogged gutters can be nearly as bad as having no gutters at all. Rainwater trapped in a clogged gutter or downspout has nowhere to go but over the edge of the trough, rendering your gutter system virtually useless. And if the leaves, twigs, and other debris remain during winter, snowmelt can pool and refreeze in the gutters, potentially weighing them down so much that they can pull free from the house. Clogged gutters also increase the risk of ice dams forming at the edge of the roof.

If you have traditional gutters on your home, you should clean them at least twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall, before winter arrives. With traditional gutters, you have two maintenance options: You can haul a ladder over to the side of your house and clean out the debris by hand, which saves you money but can be dangerous. Or, you can pay to have a professional gutter-cleaning crew clear the gutters and downspouts.

Article Source over here: What is the purpose of the gutters on my home?

At Lon Smith, we take pride in roofing Dallas, TX. We know that you take pride in your homes and we extend that to the work that we do on your roof. Having a beautiful house is about having the whole package and we understand that. The perfect house is well taken care of from the rooftops down to the grass that is around it. We will take care of the roofs and leave the lawn up to you. Do you know what type of grass to use in your lawn?

Types of Grass - Finding the Best Variety for Your Lawn - Bob Vila Everyone wants a lush, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood, but no one wants to work too hard at it! The secret lies in choosing the grass that suits your locale and climate. Sow the correct seed and, while you’ll have to put in some regular lawn care, you’ll stress less and enjoy your yard more. It comes down to understanding different grasses’ unique growing requirements, maintenance needs, and resistance to wear and tear, disease, and pests. This guide will help you distinguish between the dominant types of grass and the species within each category so you can pick the ones sure to thrive and give you the curb appeal you crave.

WARM-SEASON VERSUS COLD-SEASON GRASSES
Types of grasses found in the United States are broadly classified as either warm season or cool season. These labels indicate the geographic region with the ideal climate for the grass. Each region is further classified into humid or arid zones, with some zones being more hospitable to certain grasses than others.

Warm-season grasses are ideally grown in midsummer at temperatures ranging between 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once temperatures fall below 55 degrees, these species go dormant and turn tan or brown until spring returns. Because these types of grass originally hail from the tropics, in the U.S. they’re inherently better suited to warm climates of the Deep South and the lower southwest and southeast.

Cool-season grasses flourish in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making early spring and early fall peak growing season. These types of grass are best suited for regions that experience cold winters and hot summers (Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, the upper Great Plains, the upper Midwest, and New England), and they’re hardy—likely to remain green throughout winter, except for periods of freezing temperatures.

If you live in between the north and south, in a region known among turf breeders as the Transition Zone, you can grow either cool-season or warm-season grasses. Among warm-season grasses, Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermuda are winter-hardy enough to flourish in the Transition Zone. Similarly, Tall Fescue, a cool-season species, is suitable for the Transition Zone because of its drought tolerance and adaptability to a variety of soil types.

WARM-SEASON GRASSES (HUMID): St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia, Bahia
The sandy soil, brackish air, and high humidity of the Gulf states make for the ideal breeding ground for St. Augustine, a coarse, light to dark green textured grass, and Bahia, resembling a dense sod of tapered, dark green blades. But Southern Californians can also find success growing St. Augustine grass. Along with Bahia, a light green, creeping grass known as Centipede is commonly grown in the southeast, where rainfall is abundant, while Zoysia, a highly drought-resistant grass with thick, soft, light to medium green blades, is more frequently grown in the South.

Warm-season grass species are prized for their ease of maintenance, with requirements typically limited to irrigation every three to seven days, fertilization on a semiannual basis, and regular mowing to variable heights.

Growing conditions can vary among warm-season species. Zoysia, for example, can be grown in partial shade, while Centipede and most varieties of St. Augustine grass require full sun exposure to thrive. Moreover, each grass type can withstand wear, disease, and insects to varying degrees. Zoysia is one of the quickest to mend itself, and is also resistant to weed infiltration. Centipede grass, though rarely plagued by disease or pests, is slow to mend after damage, making it less suited to high-traffic lawns.

WARM-SEASON GRASSES (ARID): Bermuda, Buffalo
If you live in the Deep South, chances are you get enough sun to successfully grow either Bermuda or Buffalo grass. Both varieties of grasses are desirable on residential lawns for their low maintenance and relatively strong resistance to drought, disease, and pests. But because both require full sun exposure for optimal growth, avoid sowing them in shady areas.

Bermuda is one of the rare warm-season grasses that can grow in both arid and humid warm climates. Its dense, dark green blades make it the turfgrass of choice for play areas. Moreover, the deep root system of Bermuda grass allows it to withstand and recover from heavy wear, making it an apt choice for areas where pets and children play. While the thin, softly-colored blue-green turf of Buffalo grass makes it a uniform-looking and attractive lawn option, the species is not well-suited for high-traffic lawns. Read more...

Article Source here: What type of grass is your lawn?

We made it through another work week and the weekend is finally upon us. At Lon Smith, we will still be out there roofing Dallas homes but we hope that you can get out and enjoy some of the celebrations because there is a lot going on in Dallas this weekend for Cinco de Mayo. Check out some of the ideas below.

5 Things To Do For Cinco de Mayo in Dallas - D Magazine Fiestas, parades, live music, and art to celebrate the holiday.

1. Eat and drink: Plenty of restaurants and bars around town are hoisting up food and drink specials and bringing in mariachi bands for the occasion. So many, in fact, that a guide to eating and drinking on Cinco de Mayo requires its own post.

2. Spend a day at the museum(s): The Dallas Museum of Art’s blockbuster Mexico 1900-1950 exhibit is a stunning testament to modern Mexican art. With work by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera as well as a number of lesser-known but no less great artists, the show is a powerful document of Mexican culture. (DMA Director Agustin Arteaga will talk about the exhibition Thursday night.)

Another bilingual exhibition exploring the much more distant past is at the Perot Museum, where Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed showcases ancient artifacts and gives guests an interactive look at the culture and history of the Mesoamerican civilization.

3. Celebrate with a parade and fiesta: The best Cinco de Mayo party in Dallas is on Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff, where on May 6. The parade kicks off at 10 am, while the afternoon is filled with live performances, food trucks, and vendors hawking their wares.

4. March in a parade: Want to actually be a part of a parade? Join the second line behind a mariachi band touring through Bishop Arts. Check in at Better Block at 7 p.m. on May 5.

5. Listen to some classical music: Ensembles from Sunset High School and members of the Dallas Chamber Symphony play a free concert at Lake Cliff Park on May 5 at 6 p.m. Expect some light-hearted and brass-heavy programming at a very scenic venue. Via dmagazine.com

Originally Posted on: Do you have plans for the weekend yet?

At Lon Smith, we take pride in roofing Dallas, TX. We know that you take pride in your homes and we extend that to the work that we do on your roof. Having a beautiful house is about having the whole package and we understand that. The perfect house is well taken care of from the rooftops down to the grass that is around it. We will take care of the roofs and leave the lawn up to you. Do you know what type of grass to use in your lawn?

Types of Grass - Finding the Best Variety for Your Lawn - Bob Vila Everyone wants a lush, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood, but no one wants to work too hard at it! The secret lies in choosing the grass that suits your locale and climate. Sow the correct seed and, while you’ll have to put in some regular lawn care, you’ll stress less and enjoy your yard more. It comes down to understanding different grasses’ unique growing requirements, maintenance needs, and resistance to wear and tear, disease, and pests. This guide will help you distinguish between the dominant types of grass and the species within each category so you can pick the ones sure to thrive and give you the curb appeal you crave.

WARM-SEASON VERSUS COLD-SEASON GRASSES
Types of grasses found in the United States are broadly classified as either warm season or cool season. These labels indicate the geographic region with the ideal climate for the grass. Each region is further classified into humid or arid zones, with some zones being more hospitable to certain grasses than others.

Warm-season grasses are ideally grown in midsummer at temperatures ranging between 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once temperatures fall below 55 degrees, these species go dormant and turn tan or brown until spring returns. Because these types of grass originally hail from the tropics, in the U.S. they’re inherently better suited to warm climates of the Deep South and the lower southwest and southeast.

Cool-season grasses flourish in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making early spring and early fall peak growing season. These types of grass are best suited for regions that experience cold winters and hot summers (Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, the upper Great Plains, the upper Midwest, and New England), and they’re hardy—likely to remain green throughout winter, except for periods of freezing temperatures.

If you live in between the north and south, in a region known among turf breeders as the Transition Zone, you can grow either cool-season or warm-season grasses. Among warm-season grasses, Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermuda are winter-hardy enough to flourish in the Transition Zone. Similarly, Tall Fescue, a cool-season species, is suitable for the Transition Zone because of its drought tolerance and adaptability to a variety of soil types.

WARM-SEASON GRASSES (HUMID): St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia, Bahia
The sandy soil, brackish air, and high humidity of the Gulf states make for the ideal breeding ground for St. Augustine, a coarse, light to dark green textured grass, and Bahia, resembling a dense sod of tapered, dark green blades. But Southern Californians can also find success growing St. Augustine grass. Along with Bahia, a light green, creeping grass known as Centipede is commonly grown in the southeast, where rainfall is abundant, while Zoysia, a highly drought-resistant grass with thick, soft, light to medium green blades, is more frequently grown in the South.

Warm-season grass species are prized for their ease of maintenance, with requirements typically limited to irrigation every three to seven days, fertilization on a semiannual basis, and regular mowing to variable heights.

Growing conditions can vary among warm-season species. Zoysia, for example, can be grown in partial shade, while Centipede and most varieties of St. Augustine grass require full sun exposure to thrive. Moreover, each grass type can withstand wear, disease, and insects to varying degrees. Zoysia is one of the quickest to mend itself, and is also resistant to weed infiltration. Centipede grass, though rarely plagued by disease or pests, is slow to mend after damage, making it less suited to high-traffic lawns.

WARM-SEASON GRASSES (ARID): Bermuda, Buffalo
If you live in the Deep South, chances are you get enough sun to successfully grow either Bermuda or Buffalo grass. Both varieties of grasses are desirable on residential lawns for their low maintenance and relatively strong resistance to drought, disease, and pests. But because both require full sun exposure for optimal growth, avoid sowing them in shady areas.

Bermuda is one of the rare warm-season grasses that can grow in both arid and humid warm climates. Its dense, dark green blades make it the turfgrass of choice for play areas. Moreover, the deep root system of Bermuda grass allows it to withstand and recover from heavy wear, making it an apt choice for areas where pets and children play. While the thin, softly-colored blue-green turf of Buffalo grass makes it a uniform-looking and attractive lawn option, the species is not well-suited for high-traffic lawns. Read more...

Originally Posted on: What kind of grass is your lawn?

At Lon Smith Roofing we like the saying, "Work Hard Play Hard". We think working hard is important because hard work is what drives good results. That's why we only hire the best, hardest working Dallas roofers to work on your home. After a long day though it is important to get in a little of that play hard. This weekend is the perfect time to do just that.

Things To Do In Dallas This Weekend: April 27-30 - D Magazine Take your dog to the Cotton Bowl, talk that literary city talk at the Dallas Book Festival, or go see PJ Harvey at the Bomb Factory.

The next time someone, perhaps a co-worker or an acquaintance making idle chat, asks you what you’re doing this weekend, make sure you’re ready. Answer them with gusto. Bury them in an onslaught of things that you are doing, a barrage so furious and full of information on happenings in and around Dallas, that they will never dare to ask you what you’re doing this weekend again. Tell them you’re going to see the Pixies, and you’re going to the Dallas Book Festival, and you’re going to see a movie, and take your dog to the Cotton Bowl, and if you have time, you’ll go grocery shopping and work on your screenplay.

Do as the Boy Scouts do, and be prepared.

PJ Harvey is about as brilliant as any English songwriter to ever carry a tune, and she doesn’t perform in these parts often: it’s been maybe 10 years since her last Dallas show. Whether you’re a fan of grungy, violently electrified early ’90s Harvey, or the more wistful, peacocked Harvey of the 2010s, she’s the complete package. I very strongly endorse going to this show at the Bomb Factory.

The Video Association of Dallas’ great but poorly named Dallas Medianale stands out in a overpopulated and underfished sea of hometown film festivals by virtue of being very, very unusual. Weekend screenings at the Dallas Contemporary, the Nasher, and the Green Zone are devoted to film’s most experimental fringes. It all kicks off tonight at the Texas Theatre with a three-part tribute to the avant-garde filmmaker Tony Conrad. First up, a documentary about the pioneering artist. Then, Conrad’s The Flicker, a short 1966 film that is not recommended for epileptics. Closing it out, live behind-the-screen performances inspired by the man’s music.

The Meyerson gets exceptionally lit this weekend as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra absolutely kicks out the jams: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Beethoven’s Sixth. The pastoral program repeats Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The USA Film Festival is happening now at the Angelika. Confused and alarmed about what this entails, or about what to see? Let this put your mind at ease.

Superstar essayist David Sedaris, whose thoughts on smoking and non-smoking I happened to read and enjoy this morning, packs out the Winspear.

Article Source on: Get Out and Have Some Fun in Dallas This Weekend

We at Lon Smith Roofing, work hard to take care of all of your Dallas roofing repairs and address any concerns you might have. While we are in the roofing business we know that this business is just as much about taking care of our customers as it is about repairing roofs. We always work with our clients to make sure their experience with us is positive. You don't have to take our word for it though we have an A+ rating with the BBB and 297 positive reviews! See what some of our clients are saying below.

BBB Business Profile | Lon Smith Roofing Lon Smith Roofing 4/6/2017
Michelle T.
My experience with Lon Smith Roofing has been fantastic. The inspector guided me through every step so that I would know what to expect and the best way to work with the insurance company on a claim. The project manager on the job, took the time to explain all the details and nuances of the roof, materials and installation. I have a smaller house, but Lon Smith Roofing treated me like I was worth a million dollars. Great job and very pleased!!!

BBB Business Profile | Lon Smith Roofing Lon Smith Roofing 3/31/2017
Nancy
Lon Smith Roofing did a great job on our roof. They were very patient with us while we decided which type and color of roof to go with. The new low profile vents are much nicer than the old ones. We have a big roof and it took 3 days to finish. They made sure all the debris and nails were picked up as best as possible. The salesman, to the inspector to the workers, were all courteous and professional. They were vested in getting "the job done" as quickly and efficiently as possible. N Smith

BBB Business Profile | Lon Smith Roofing 3/27/2017
TR
GREAT! This experience was so easy and helpful from beginning to end. They helped select the right product at the right cost and began removal and installation within a week. It was done in 2 days! The crews was kind and courteous, cleaned and protected the yard. They even color matched every pipe, vent, and turbine on the roof so they blend perfectly with the colors in the shingles. They also sub-contracted gutter replacement, which was done within two days following the completion of the roof. Perfect in every way.

First Seen on: Your Experience is Important to Us at Lon Smith

This Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day and we, at Lon Smith Roofing of Dallas, want you to celebrate it! If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate you might want to consider getting your garden put together this weekend.

10 Ways to Buy Your Garden on the Internet - Bob Vila It's one of the joys of spring and summer: stopping by the local nursery to pick out plants for your landscaping or backyard vegetable garden. Wonderful as it is to pick out your supplies in person, it can be a drag to haul your purchase home. That's why you might consider doing a portion of this year's garden shopping from home. Click through to see some of the surprising things you can buy for your garden—online!

Boost your flower bed's soil quality and reduce its number of weeds in one go by stocking a few rolls of Vigoro's Weed-Block Diamond Landscape Fabric. The patented weave of the UV-treated polyethylene material funnels air, water, and nutrients toward the roots, keeping the soil cool and moist—and simultaneously deters undesirable greens from creeping into your garden without the use of chemicals. Just a couple of 3-by-50-foot rolls could spare you some back-breaking chores for seasons to come! Available from Home Depot; $9.97 per roll.

Whether setting up a starter garden or flower bed, your budding landscape project could benefit from a border. Just as a frame enhances a painting of florals, the brick-like pattern on the Multy Home EZ Border Stones adds definition to a garden patch. Curve the 4-foot lengths of scratch- and UV-resistant edging along a naturally rounded landscape feature or keep them straight around your rectangular plot, then simply push them into the soil—no extra digging required! As the name suggests, it's a cinch to install. Available from  Home Depot; $53.97 for six pieces.

There’s more than one way to grow tomatoes. One option: Shop your local nursery for baby tomato plants, or starts. That way, you sidestep all the hassle of the earliest stages and skip several weeks in the timeline to harvest. The cons? You’re limited to the varieties in stock, and you'll pay at least a few bucks per plant. Grow from seed, however, and you get the chance to try your hand at almost any type of tomato, including specialties like the Heirloom Taste Collection. Purchasing and planting seeds also offers an unbeatable bargain: With the seeds in one cheap packet, it's possible to grow hundreds of pounds of plump, juicy tomatoes. Available at Burpee; $16.95 per four packets.

"Timing is everything"—the old aphorism applies in the garden as much as anywhere else. That's because in most parts of the country, the growing season only lasts for the handful of months between the last spring frost and the first hard frost in fall. To give themselves a wider window of opportunity, many gardeners rely on cold frames like this one. By warming and sheltering the plants under its cover, a cold frame typically extends the growing season by a couple months (or even longer if you live in a warm region). You can design and build your own cold frame, of course, but there's also always the option of buying a ready-to-assemble kit online. Available at Amazon; $55.99.

To grow thriving outdoor plants, a gardener needs a solid foundation. Miracle-Gro All-Purpose Garden Soil provides your annuals, perennials, and vegetables with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. The versatile mixture feeds your greenery for about three months, thanks to a constant stream of plant food released into the ground. It also boosts the quality of your existing soil to promote big and beautiful plants. Available at Lowe’s; $4.48.

For healthy and fast-growing plants, a gardener must pay attention to their soil’s pH, as well as the levels of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potash (K) in the mixture. The Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit makes soil testing easy. After dissolving a capsule into watered-down soil, users determine the results with a “color comparator” chart. An included guide instructs readers on adjusting their soil to achieve ideal growing conditions for more than 400 different plants. Available on Amazon; $12.59 for 40 kits (10 each for pH, N, P, and K).

Nothing ruins a manicured lawn like a gaping bare spot or an unsightly pipe popping out of the ground, but there's a quick solution for hiding those flaws: Mock Rocks. The faux stones have hollow insides, allowing you to slip them over the offending eyesores, and making them easy to move around the yard. The rocks are durable and weatherproof, and come with stakes so you don't have to worry about them blowing away on a windy day. Available at Plow & Hearth; $119.95.

If gardening is your favorite hobby, then chances are you've longed for your own greenhouse. This dream might be more attainable than you've realized with the Palram Snap & Grow Greenhouse. The snap-together greenhouse provides 53 square feet and 6’8” of weatherproof growing space right in your backyard. The polycarbonate panels of the greenhouse protects your plants from UV rays, while still letting in over 90% light transmission. The roof is equipped with gutters, so you can create a sustainable irrigation system to water your garden. And oxygen stays flowing throughout with help from a roof vent and split door design. Available at Amazon; $567.78.

Why lure bees to your garden? Quite simply, those tiny winged creatures help your plants thrive and boost vegetable yields by pollinating blooms as they settle in for a snack. Bring bees—and butterflies and hummingbirds—to your yard by planting a pollinator garden. These small flyers have been known to travel miles for a taste of wildflowers, such as the coneflower. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, these plants can be buried as roots in the spring to bear flowers in the summer. Available at Home Depot; $11.42.

Soil erosion, weeds, and even pests can't compete with a thick layer of cedar mulch. Just like the moth-repelling cedar blocks you keep in your closet and dresser, cedar mulch has the ability to naturally scare off certain types of pests. When applied to garden beds, it can help retain moisture but without causing your garden to overheat, as can happen with synthetic mulch. And because this heavy bag of mulch is delivered right to your door, you'll need to do very little heavy lifting to add it to your landscaping. Available on Amazon; $9.00.

First Seen over here: Celebrate Earth Day By Starting Your Garden

It's springtime and that means that we are getting warmer weather, more precipitation, and that, unfortunately, brings more weeds. We at Lon Smith are proud to have been your favorite Dallas roofing contractors for a long time and we have seen a lot of people spending their free time working in the yards.

We get it, it's your home and you want it to look good, but that doesn't mean you have to make it difficult. We want your homes to look the best the possibly can and we always do it with the right tool for the job. So this one is for the guys who were hand pulling the weeds out of their yards.

Best Weed Whacker - Buyer's Guide - Bob Vila If your lawn features a lot of “interruptions”—trees, shrubbery, pavers, and pathways—odds are that you struggle with a bulky lawnmower to maneuver some of the landscaping highlights. A perfect landscaping complement to a lawn mower, the weed whacker tackles overgrown grass in hard-to-mow areas. This lawn tool, also called a “weed eater” or “string trimmer,” uses a monofilament line (a strong, flexible line made of a single fiber of plastic) rather than a blade to do just what its name implies: whack weeds. Since many variations of weed whackers exist on the market, finding one that reliably slices through the growth can be a daunting task. Keep reading to find out what to look for when shopping for one, and discover three of the best weed whacker models available today.

To make sure that you’re selecting the best weed whacker for your yard, start by getting a grasp on the model variations available.

Pick your power. The fuel source you need often depends on the size of the yard and how long the weed whacker would need to run to get the job done. That said, you’ll also need to think about what a battery or a tank of fuel adds to the overall weight of the machine.

• Gas-powered weed whackers are powerful and untethered, giving users the freedom to move about the yard without extension cords. As exhaust emissions become a greater concern than ever before, some manufacturers have introduced gas-powered models that create less pollution without sacrificing performance. If you’re interested in buying a more environmentally friendly gas-powered weed whacker, look for the words “low emission” on the packaging. While these weed whackers can handle long weeds better than their electric-powered counterparts, but they’re also more expensive. They’re heavier as well, with many models weighing in at just under 13 pounds.

• Electric-powered weed whackers tend to be even more lightweight and functional, whether a consumer chooses one with a rechargeable battery or a good old-fashioned cord. Corded versions occasionally pose problems maneuvering around a property, since the cord can get tangled or run out of length, but they’re also the most budget-friendly option. Cordless versions, on the other hand, are extremely portable and easy to maneuver, but their battery (or batteries) must be recharged between each use and they don’t perform as well as corded models in tall grasses. That said, recent technological improvements have aided corded and cordless electric weed whackers in catching up with their gas-powered counterparts in terms of performance.

Mind maneuverability. Whether or not you need a tool with wheels depends largely on the type of terrain you’ll encounter on your property. A wheeled weed whacker, sometimes called a “walk-behind,” ideal for handling large patches of rough terrain, thanks to the maneuverability provided by the wheels and typically wider cutting paths. A majority of these machines operate on a gas-powered engine similar to a lawnmower’s and run on two or four wheels. A weed whacker without wheels, though, is far more common and generally effective on even the messiest tangles of grass. Unless you live on a property with extensive weeds and rough terrain, you can likely make do with a model without wheels.

Select a shape. The bodies of weed whackers come in two shapes: curved shaft and straight shaft. Curved shaft weed whackers feature a bend at the end of the shaft, near the blades, that makes them shorter in length and—combined with a light weight—more comfortable to use. These weed whackers work best for homeowners who need to manage grass and plant growth around (but not underneath) trees and other objects, since their design won’t quite fit into hard-to-reach places. Narrow straight shaft weed whackers boast a greater reach for tall users and those who need to trim far beneath shrubbery or unique landscape features, but they tend to be tougher to use due to their heavy weight and high level of vibration.

Find the right feel. Most popular weed whackers range in weight from five to 15 pounds. Corded, curved-shaft models are typically the lightest, while gas-powered walk-behinds are the heaviest. Additionally, most weed whackers have cutting path diameters somewhere between 12 and 17 inches.

After thoroughly comparing reviews from consumers and publishers alike, we’ve rounded up three of the most highly rated weed whackers available today to help you find one that fits your home’s needs and your household budget. Check out the best weed whackers below to cut your weed problem—and the shopping trip for solutions—short. Read more...

Article Source right here: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job WILL Save YOU TIME and Make Life EASIER!

Congressman Marc Veasey Joins Lon Smith Roofing in Honoring Vietnam Vet with a Free, New Roof

Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) today joined the Lon Smith “Roof for Vets” program to honor Vietnam Veteran Harold Sanders.

“I am so thankful for this new roof,” Mr. Sanders said as the workers began the installation process.  “I can’t thank Lon Smith Roofing enough.”

Mr. Sanders was chosen as the first 2017 recipient of the “Roof for Vets” program that selects a veteran who could not afford a new roof on his own.  Mr. Sanders recently spent most of his life savings to help pay medical bills as his wife died from cancer.

“What a privilege to be able to help serve Mr. Sanders with a new roof,” said Scott Hamilton, Vice President of Lon Smith Roofing.  “He served our country in uniform in Vietnam.  He has been a productive citizen in his community and in his job.  And unfortunately, circumstances with his wife impacted him financially.  His roof has severe leaks in it.  So we are all too happy to install this new roof for him free of charge.  And what an honor to do so with our friend, Congressman Veasey.  He has long been a friend to veterans.  And we are pleased he joined us today.”

“The fact that Lon Smith Roofing goes out of its way to honor our veterans says a great deal about the character of this company,” Congressman Veasey said. “And it says a great deal about the people of Congressional District 33.”

Scott Hamilton added that the Roof for Vets program selects four recipients a year and that people should feel free to contact the Lon Smith office to nominate a worthy veteran.  He also said that Lon Smith recently began a partnership with the Bush Presidential Center Military Service Initiative to do even more to help local vets.

“The Roof for Vets program is just one way we are trying to honor our veterans,” he said.  “We believe it’s the least we can do to serve those who have served us.”

First Posted right here: Congressman Marc Veasey Joins Lon Smith Roofing in Honoring Vietnam Vet with a Free, New Roof

At Lon Smith, when we show up to do your roofing in Dallas, TX, we show up prepared. We need to have our tools, equipment, and materials to get the job done right. Being prepared is essential in our line of work. No matter what obstacles a job may have for us we need to be ready to solve it.

Preparedness goes a long way when you are roofing a home but it also important for your home to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Taking a few steps now could be the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency. Take a look at some of the supplies you need that could make all the difference.

Emergency Supplies You'll Need in a Disaster - Bob Vila Whether the power is out at home or you're stranded alongside the road changing a tire after dark, this extraordinary flashlight has you covered. But really, it's hard to label this gadget just a flashlight. Sure, the OxyLED flashlight can toggle between seven lighting modes (full bright/semi-bright/strobe, including a side white and red lights). But built from aluminum alloy and stainless steel, the gadget features a cutting knife, an attack hammer, a compass, and magnet that allows you to position it on any metal surface to works hands-free. Recharge its batteries at any old outlet via USB, or stick it out in the sun. With this tool by your side, no emergency situation will feel quite like an SOS. Available on Amazon; $19.99.

Keep phones for the whole family at full-charge the next time a power line goes down when you connect to the small but mighty Anker PowerCore 20100. Its impressive output of 4.8 amps can power two mobile devices simultaneously without lag, again and again. No, really. The pocket-sized battery packs more than meets the eye—enough to charge the iPhone 7 almost seven times, the Galaxy S6 five times, or the iPad mini twice when fully charged. Available on Amazon; $39.99.

In the event of an emergency, because your home may not maintain its usual easy access to potable water, FEMA and other government agencies recommend keeping a three-day supply on hand, just in case. Many homeowners decide to stockpile much more. However, no matter how much water you store in the basement or garage, there’s always the possibility of running out before the municipal supply returns to normal. To plan ahead for a situation in which you must source water in creative ways, consider investing in a household water purifier like the Big Berkey, a longtime favorite of both doomsday preppers and international aid organizations like UNICEF. Available at Amazon; $288.50.

You need at least one emergency radio capable of tuning into the "weather bands" used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Midland Digital Weather Radio stands out, because it runs on a range of power sources. Normally, its lithium ion battery charges via USB, but if the power goes out, you can hand-crank it, add in AA batteries, or rely on the small, built-in solar panel. Additional features include an ultrasonic dog whistle to signal search-and-rescue teams and an extra-bright, 130-lumen LED flashlight you can set to an SOS pulse. Best of all, if the NOAA puts out an alert, the units beeps and flashes, so you know to listen up. Available at Amazon; $69.99.

In the midst of disaster, you won’t have time to rummage through your home for emergency tools. But keep this SurvivalKitsOnline 4-in-1 tool in an accessible spot, and you’ll always be prepared for floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and whatever other calamity comes your way. The tool, which is made with heat-treated alloy, easily shuts off water meters and gas valves. You can also use it to sift through debris, as well as pry open doors or cabinets. Available on Amazon; $17.70. read more at bobvila.com

First Posted right here: Are You Prepared if Disaster Strikes Your Home?