Some examples of my professional writing skills.
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Keyword Phrase: Popcorn Ceiling
Is a Popcorn Ceiling Dangerous
What is a popcorn ceiling? A popcorn ceiling is that bumpy ceiling that was popular in homes from the 1930’s into the 1990’s. A popcorn ceiling, also called a cottage cheese ceiling or textured ceiling or an acoustic ceiling, is bumpy and usually rough to the touch. It provides some acoustic dampening, and was once a desirable feature in your home.
Why is a popcorn ceiling dangerous?
Why is a popcorn ceiling dangerous? Overall, it’s not. But if it was constructed prior to 1978, it could contain asbestos. Exposure to asbestos of course is extremely harmful, as it is quite toxic and has been linked to cancer and some nasty lung diseases. However, if the ceiling isn’t crumbling and has been sealed by paint there is no danger from any asbestos present.
There is a secondary concern, which would be if the ceiling was painted prior to the lead paint ban in 1978. Again, this is only a concern if the ceiling is flaking or crumbling, since then you could ingest the toxins.
When is a popcorn ceiling dangerous?
When is a popcorn ceiling dangerous? Only when it is crumbling or flaking and coming down, and then only if it contains asbestos, which it might not.
You can always carefully remove a portion of your popcorn ceiling and use our asbestos test kit for piece of mind. To be on the safe side, make sure you follow all instructions and wear protective gloves and mask.
If you are worried that a popcorn ceiling is dangerous, you can always remove it. Just be aware that the popcorn ceiling may have been sprayed to cover imperfections in the drywall or plaster beneath it. While you may not be dealing with toxins like asbestos or lead, it is still not the healthiest idea to breathe in dust and building materials as you remodel.
If you do not have a professional involved in the removal of your popcorn ceiling, it’s a good idea to take the following precautions:
- Wear protective gear. If you are removing a ceiling, you are going to be dropping materials on yourself. Cover your skin as much as you can, wear a HEPA filter and goggles. Again, even if you are not working with hazardous material, the debris from removing a ceiling is best avoided as much as it can be.
- Keep any pets out. It is best if you are doing any demolition work in your home you keep your pets out. Overall it is best to seal off a room you are doing such work in as best you can.
- Cover the floor. Even if you don’t find a popcorn ceiling dangerous, it is best to cover the floor. You will have debris, and an easily removed and disposed of covering saves time and clean-up.
- Dampen the popcorn ceiling. By making the ceiling damp you can lessen how much it turns to dust as you remove it.
- Use a pole or other option for reach. You are going to be producing falling debris, this will help keep you from being directly beneath it.
Unlike removing a tile ceiling, removing a popcorn ceiling is likely to be a challenge. As with any home improvement project you might undertake, consider all your options before getting underway.
Is a popcorn ceiling dangerous? Not as such. But if you want to be sure you can acquire one of our asbestos testing kits to check the material itself for asbestos, or one of our lead testing kits to make sure it was not sealed with a lead-based paint.
Keyword Phrase: Buying a Home with Mold
Buying a Home With Mold
Why Buying a Home With Mold May Not Be a Dilemma
It has become a common problem nowadays for people to talk about mold in their home. They complain about the problems it causes, which can be as simple as itchy, watery eyes to more complex matters such as triggering asthma attacks or severe allergies.
In most states, laws have been or are being made so that the seller must disclose if there is a known mold problem. The question that people find themselves asking is, “should I be buying a home with mold?”
Let’s start by looking at what mold is. Mold is a naturally occurring plant, specifically a fungus. Mold feeds on dust, dirt and moisture. While completely eliminating these elements from a home is pretty much impossible, you can clean away dust and dirt, and regulate moisture to prevent future mold growth.
What is it about mold that causes so many complications? Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air. It is these spores that cause problems people might experience with mold exposure. Because of the enclosed nature of homes space becomes limited for the spores to travel. This can cause them to become more tightly concentrated, which is why they can cause people so much discomfort.
Buying a home with mold is not uncommon
Mold is everywhere, so buying a home with mold may not be all that uncommon. With a little knowledge, buying a home with mold might just be unexpectedly advantageous.
Most molds, while they are allergenic, are not toxic. Further, it is the concentration of mold in a space that is problematic. A small, damp, poorly ventilated space potentially could house a higher amount of mold spores than a dry and open space.
When buying a home with mold, you can protect yourself by knowing the extent of the mold growth, and cleaning and removing it to prevent the release of the potentially allergy-inducing spores. It is seldom that mold becomes a matter of a costly remediation. Frequently you can take care of mold problems by thoroughly cleaning it off solid surfaces with water and detergent then drying it thoroughly; replacing porous materials like carpets and ceiling tiles; removing and replacing caulk and grout.
Once you have removed any mold, you can take several precautionary steps to prevent its return.
Here are four suggestions for preventing mold growth:
1). Check and clean or replace your air filters seasonally.
2). Keep gutters and downspouts clear, to move water away from the walls of your home.
3). Run a dehumidifier in your basement to help control moisture levels.
4). Make sure the grading around your home runs water away from your foundation.
Tales of toxic molds and mold remediations can cause you to think twice about buying a home with mold. With a little knowledge and research, you will soon discover that finding mold in a home is not a death sentence, and could get you a diamond in the rough you may not otherwise have afforded.
Buying a home with mold? There are several options to assure that you and your loved ones will be comfortable. To know if your home has a mold issue, you can do your own investigation by purchasing one of our mold testing kits.
Keyword Phrase: Low Calorie Diet
Starting a Low Calorie Diet
This is a phrase that inspires fear in many people. The sacrifice, the constant hunger, the discipline required in maintaining a low calorie diet. It’s a lot of work, a lot of effort, and not tremendously appealing, despite the potential rewards.
A low calorie diet doesn’t mean you have to suffer! There are any number of options available that will leave you both happy and fulfilled.
Low Calorie Diet Options
There are numerous options available to you for your low calorie diet. Gone are the days of tasteless rice crackers and undesirable vegetables! You can still find plenty of foods that will make you feel full and will keep your calorie count low.
Let’s start by looking at foods under 40 calories. This includes a ton of vegetables, such as arugula, broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, turnips, carrots, peppers, onions and more. Numerous fruits are under 40 calories, such as grapefruit, berries, pumpkins, lemons and limes. Additionally, clear broths such as chicken, Miso, beef, seafood and vegetable are under 40 calories. This, however, provides you with an excellent base for a low-calorie soup.
I know that nobody can live on fruits, vegetables and broth alone. A great deal of what needs to be taken into consideration is portions, as well as the actual foods you are consuming. Most of these suggestions are easier to implement when you are home and cooking your own meal, but some are easy to apply when you go out to eat as well.
Be wary of the size of your portions; in particular things like meat and other fatty foods. This is actually somewhat easier than most people realize. It doesn’t take a scale to recognize the difference between a healthy portion and an oversize one. For example, three ounces of a cooked meat are about the size of a credit-card case. That may not seem like much, but that is a low-calorie portion.
There are ways to trick the mind into feeling more satisfaction from a low calorie diet. Serve your meal on a plate that fits the portions, rather than using a large plate which is tempting to fill up. If it’s a family setting, don’t leave out the serving trays, dishes and bowls. Why put that temptation right there if you don’t need to?
One tasty option for working with a low calorie diet is to substitute heavier, higher-calorie items with lower-calorie options. For example, substitute butter or vegetable oil with two tablespoon of olive oil; Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Much of this is far easier to control when you are the one preparing your meal. How do you keep a low calorie diet when you dine out? Be smart when you are ordering. Look for simple dishes with grilled or broiled meats rather than breaded and fried. Be wary that heavily sauced dishes can be hiding calories. And while salad can be healthy, a salad loaded with pasta, meat and cheese and a cream-based dressing is not low calorie.
Before you start any diet program, it’s in your best interest to speak to a healthcare consultant. Contact me for an appointment, so that you know your choices are healthy ones.
Keyword Phrase: Landscape Lighting Design (Press Release)
Start Your Landscaping Lighting Design Project Now to be Ready for Spring 2016
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2016 – #### — Pompano Beach, FL. – Though it may not be obvious, now is the perfect season to consider you landscape lighting design needs. Landscape lighting design will enhance your enjoyment of the care you put into your home, not to mention help to maintain and even increase the value of your property.
“Modern landscape lighting design has come a long way. Old, outdated systems can be a major drain on power, and thus on your wallet. They might not provide the ambiance you most desire to show-off your home,” says #### “Why not retrofit your existing lights with new, eco-friendly choices?”
Spotlights, path illumination and subtle focus on features can really show your neighbors and your guests the beauty of your property that you have worked so hard to enhance. Further, landscape lighting design provides added home security. Criminals will think twice before approaching a well-lit home. Landscape lighting also alleviates easy-to-hide in spots on your property.
Landscape Lighting Design: Start Planning Now for Best Results
“Though winter in Florida is generally pleasant weather, it is still the off-season,” continues ####. “This is the perfect time to explore your options, and have those home-improvement projects you’ve been putting off worked on.”
To help you to choose the best options, contact #### to get the job done, and done right. To help you perfect your landscape lighting design, visit us at #### or call us at #### and make an appointment to take advantage of the season.
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