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Start the new year off on a great foot? Use these tips to help improve the air you and your family are breathing every day.

Start the new year off on a great foot? Use these tips to help improve the air you and your family are breathing every day.

Start the new year off on a great foot? Use these tips to help improve the air you and your family are breathing every day.

Air Quality Assessors /  844-CALL-AQA

 

Unlike our skin or liver, which developed mechanisms to eliminate unwanted pollutants, the lungs didn’t develop an efficient mechanism to remove fine dust particles or block harmful gases from entering the bloodstream. I heard an explanation once that argued that because air pollution wasn’t abundant in the atmosphere until the past few hundred years, evolution didn’t have to “deal” with it (unlike UV or toxins like Benzo(a)pyrene).

 

  • There are dozens of pollutants and sources of pollution in residential (indoor) spaces, and their concentrations can be tens of times greater than in the ambient (outdoor) air. The composition of pollutants in the home space is varied, from pollutants that are typical of combustion processes such as nitrogen dioxide, pollutants emitted from electronic products such as flame retardants, to radioactive pollutants emitted from the earth (radon). Each of the pollutants has health impacts on humans, anchored in a large scientific base. But the combinations of those pollutants raises the question of whether there are synergistic effects, especially with long term exposure.

 

  • Many people are not aware of the true quality of the materials and products used in new furniture or carpets they are purchasing. The materials used in these common household goods may emit toxic chemicals into the home environment, increasing indoor air pollution dramatically over a short and long period of time. Even an action that seems trivial, such as cooking or printing, exposes us to dozens of toxic organic compounds and respirable particles. Today there is broad scientific agreement on the connection between the exposure to residential air pollutants and to the appearance of respiratory diseases in children and adults. Therefore, there is a real need to raise awareness of indoor air quality and the technologies to improve it.

 

  • There are three major strategies for enhancing air quality in the home space.
    1. The first strategy is to prevent or control the formation of contaminants – for example, by reducing processed wood products and carpets in the home.
    2. The second strategy is to ventilate (actively or passively) the home space. However, there are cases where the outdoor air quality is worse than that indoors, or the weather conditions does not permit.
    3. The use of technological products to improve air quality is needed when the first two strategies are not enough. Air-conditioning and systems have great potential for improving air quality at home if we know how to plan and adapt it to existing air purification technologies. In my view, advanced air purification technologies need to be integrated as standard in residential air-conditioning systems.

 

Indoor air pollution is a concrete problem in both new and old buildings throughout the world. Rachel Carson, in her book, Silent Spring, says, “For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death.” This statement summarizes the situation for residential indoor air quality.

We all take risks in everyday life: driving in cars, travelling by airplane, biking to work, crossing a busy street, playing extreme sports, to name a few. However, perhaps more risky to our health is a risk we aren’t even knowingly taking, an that is our exposure to environmental pollutants, which carry various degrees of risk. Among these, there are some risks that cannot be avoided, some which are hard to avoid because they are so ingrained in our daily routines, and there are those that we could avoid, if we only had the knowledge.

In-home air pollution is exactly the kind of health risk that we can avoid and minimize our exposure to, if we have the knowledge and information available. The combination of the three strategies above appears to be the most effective solution for reducing the exposure to these pollutants and the harmful health effects of their exposure.

 

 

Air Quality Assessors Video Promotion from Air Quality Assessors on Vimeo.

Find out more about Air Quality Assessors and contact Steve Berman / steve@airqualityassessors.com

 

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Security 101: 4 Tips for a Safe New Year’s Eve by Signal88 Security

Security 101: 4 Tips for a Safe New Year’s Eve by Signal88 Security

As the year comes to a close, you may be making plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve. No matter what shape your plans may take, resolve to follow these tips from Signal 88 Security and welcome the new year with peace of mind.

 

  • Leave the fireworks to the pros. Hand-held sparklers can burn at over 2,000° Fahrenheit. Fireworks cause over 9,000 injuries and 20,000 fires each year in the US. Do the math: fireworks can really put a damper on your holiday. If you have a burning desire to use fireworks, be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby, and a safe place for soaking and disposing of used fireworks.

 

  • Bubble trouble. Did you know champagne corks can leave the bottle at over 50 mph? Unfortunately, champagne-related eye injuries are common around New Year’s Eve, and even indirect hits can cause blindness. The safety wire is designed to prevent unexpected pops, so don’t loosen it until the bottle is pointed away from yourself and others. If possible, wrap a towel over the bottle to prevent a stray cork.

 

  • What goes up must come down. New Year’s Eve ranks as one of the most common nights for celebratory gunfire. Not only is this practice illegal – even on private property – but falling bullets can cause property damage, catastrophic injury and even death. Be safe: leave the firearms in the safe.

 

  • Get home safely. The presence of alcohol combined with late-night revelry makes New Year’s Eve a risky night on the roads. Arrange a ride with a designated driver, or make sure you’re signed up with a ride-sharing app before going out. Free public transportation or cab rides can be found in many localities on New Year’s Eve, so research the options in your area in advance.

 

Don’t let an injury or accident keep you from pursuing your resolutions this year. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to ring in a safe and successful new year!

 

Signal 88 Security of Lakeland

The vision of Signal 88 Security is to provide a full suite of world-class and industry-leading security services for residential, commercial, retail and institutional customers because, quite simply, we believe safety is a basic human right and need. We have developed a service philosophy and process to ensure you receive the right solution for your needs.

Jorge Rios  /  (813) 812-0276

Lakeland@signal88.com

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The Florida Building Code, 7th Edition, takes effect on January 1, 2021. Among the updates are noticeable changes to roofing requirements, wind loads and energy conservation. We’re on it!

The Florida Building Code, 7th Edition, takes effect on January 1, 2021. Among the updates are noticeable changes to roofing requirements, wind loads and energy conservation. We’re on it!

  • Posted: Dec 14, 2020
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The Florida Building Code, 7th Edition, takes effect on January 1, 2021.

Among the updates are noticeable changes to roofing requirements, wind loads and energy conservation. We’re on it!

find the new laws:  https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-building-code-2020

 

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With many of us at home due to the Pandemic Air Quality is a concern for all. by Air Quality Assessors

With many of us at home due to the Pandemic Air Quality is a concern for all. by Air Quality Assessors

  • Posted: Dec 02, 2020
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With many of us at home due to the Pandemic Air Quality is a concern for all.

“When it comes to small amounts of mold found in the home, it is possible for homeowners to fix the problem themselves. Check out this article that gives advice on the best products to use! 

Promoted by Air Quality Assessors

 

Mold and mildew love humid, dark and warm places to grow. Unfortunately, the perfect environment is normally in the last place you want it to be – your home. Bathroom’s, kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and even bedrooms can create conditions mould and mildew thrive in. Humidity levels in the home increase whenever we cook, wash, clean and breathe, making good ventilation a must.

But what can you do when you discover mould or mildew taking up residence in your home? Is it really possible to clean mould properly with household cleaning products? Do DIY mold treatments actually work? And what can be done to prevent it from occurring in the first place? Fear not as we’re here to answer all of these questions and more.

 

Best Ways to Clean Mold in Your Home

When it comes to the best cleaning solutions to remove mold and mildew, the internet is filled with DIY remedies and methods – which aren’t always as safe as what they seem. For small areas of isolated growth, they may provide temporary relief. But in the long-term, professional treatment is the fail-safe way to get rid of it.

Think of DIY treatments as a band-aid placed over a leaking water pipe. They will hold back the flow for a short while, but sooner or later it’s going to drop off, and the problem is going to rear its ugly head yet again.

Some of the more popular household cleaners used to clean mold and mildew include:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Bleach
  • Dettol
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Microfibre cloths

Once the physical mould growth has been removed, things get a little bit easier to control. While mold itself is actually quite fragile, easily killed by most abrasive and acidic chemicals, these often don’t get to the root of the problem – and it only takes a small area left untreated,  to kickstart another infestation.

If you can stomach the smell of vinegar, it’s probably the safest route to take on your own. Combined with a good quality microfiber cloth, you can agitate the bulk of the problem away. If you don’t have vinegar, a product stocked at your local supermarket  is a good second choice as a mould remover. Avoid dry agitation. Vigorous rubbing can send spores airborne and make it easier for mould to migrate around the home.

 

Cleaning Mould on Walls

To clean mold on walls, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in a spray bottle will provide a quick fix. While available in higher concentrations, 3% is usually enough to take care of most types of mold. However, you must be careful when using hydrogen peroxide as the fumes released have no odour, and can be hard to tell if you are breathing in a considerable amount of fumes. Hydrogen can be toxic if ingested, inhaled or contacted with the skin, therefore using this as an option should be carefully considered and completed in a well ventilated space.

If you have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, begin by vacuuming down the walls to remove any loose spores. Then take a spray bottle with the hydrogen peroxide solution and completely saturate the moldy area. Leave it to work for a good 15 minutes and then scrub at it with a Scotch-Brite sponge.

Next, take a damp cloth and wipe down the surface to remove any excess liquid. Finish off with drying the surface with a microfiber cloth. If you have a dehumidifier at home, put it in the room you just cleaned and close the door. This will help to remove any additional moisture.

Cleaning Mould on Soft Furnishings

The treatment you will use for cleaning mold on soft furnishings all depends on where you find it. If you find mold on a floor rug or carpet, baking soda can help. You can sprinkle it over the affected area, work it in with a hard-bristled brush and then vacuum it up after 2 or 3 hours.

For curtains, sofas and cushions, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with 500ml of water in a spray bottle and give the affected furnishings a generous spraying down. When dry, vacuum down and repeat two more times. If the sofa and cushion covers are removable, put them through the laundry at a high temperature and hang out to air dry.

Mold and mildew can both leave stains behind. Especially on light coloured fabrics. If this is the case, soak them in a one-part household bleach 10 parts cool water bath for 50 minutes. Then run them through the laundry machine on a cool wash and allow to air-dry outdoors. White vinegar can be effective at combating mold and mildew, but its strong odour makes it less than ideal on soft furnishings.

Cleaning Mould on Wooden Surfaces

Wood can be a tricky surface to take care of – especially if it is porous or untreated. Sometimes, if the item is heavily water damaged, the only real solution is to throw the moldy or mildew ridden wood away. However, this is one area that white vinegar can actually help with. The acidic nature of vinegar makes it effective at combating up to mould growth; but this acid could damage varnished surfaces – so be cautious.

Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and liberally spray down the moldy or mildew covered surface. Leave it to sit for a good hour or two so that it can soak in a little and kill any spores in the lower layers. For varnished or treated wood, dilute the vinegar to a 1:3 ratio.

Vigorously brush down the surface with a soft hand brush and then apply one more coating. Open the windows and allow it to dry. You’ll have to put up with the smell of vinegar for a couple of days, after which it will start to fade. If vinegar is too overpowering for you; a cap of bleach or Dettol mixed with a litre of water in a spray bottle will help reduce spores and growth. Avoid mixing chemicals as the reactions can sometimes be worse than the problem itself.

When treating moldy or mildewy areas yourself, select a product that is proven to treat mold effectively. There are plenty of chemical solutions available in supermarkets and stores; but remember, these are quick fixes and not a genuine solution to the problem.

 

When to Call in the Experts?

If mould or mildew keeps reappearing weeks after cleaning it away, it’s time to discover the root of the problem and have it taken care of properly. Finding the moisture source should be the first priority, and then followed on with a treatment using specialist equipment and solutions.

 

Florida Air Quality Evaluation Services

With offices in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Naples, and Ft. Lauderdale, and Panama City Beach! We guarantee mold testing results within 3 business days on standard pricing testing services.

Air Quality Assessors of Florida (AQA), is a statewide indoor air quality testing and consultation service provider. Founded in 2010, with over 18 years’ experience in the field of mold and moisture assessing as well as pest control, lawn care, termite, and WDO (wood destroying organism) inspections through working in a successful family business. AQA continuously grows with a developing industry and strives to influence other professionals to follow industry guidelines and regulations.

(407) 233-0493
Steve Berman

 

 

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Last Chance: Fountain & Aeration Deal of the Year! by SOLitude Lake Management

Last Chance: Fountain & Aeration Deal of the Year! by SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Dec 02, 2020
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Last Chance: Fountain & Aeration Deal of the Year!

by SOLitude Lake Management

The holiday season is here. Treat your lake or pond to a new fountain or aeration system! After this difficult year, both you and your waterbody deserve a fresh start. Purchase a new fountain or aeration system and receive FREE installation before 12/31*. This is your last opportunity to save up to $700! 

*Free basic installation, or $700 off installation, with purchase of new fountain or aeration system. Installation date must be prior to 12/31/20.

Secure my Savings Today

 

SOLitude Lake Management has a new Business Development Consultant in Florida! 

SOLitude Lake Management is committed to providing full-service lake and pond management solutions that improve water quality, preserve natural resources, and reduce our environmental footprint.

Our services include lake, pond, wetland and fisheries management programs, algae and aquatic weed control, mechanical harvesting, hydro-raking, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, water quality testing and restoration, bathymetry, lake vegetation studies, biological assessments, habitat assessments, invasive species management and nuisance wildlife management.

 

Josh McGarry
Business Development Consultant
SOLitude Lake Management
Info@solitudelake.com
(888)480-5253

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All in One System for Entry Gates, Garages and Pools…..

All in One System for Entry Gates, Garages and Pools…..

  • Posted: Nov 26, 2020
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Smart Entry Systems

(626) 213-7557

 

  • Create temporary guest codes for pre-authorized visitors using the phone app.
  • Conveniently manage your property with a browser from anywhere with Internet access.
  • Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. Mix and match from 9, 6, or 4 door models to suit your community.
  • Eliminate coins from communal washers, dryers, electric car charging stations, short term rentals of conference and party rooms.

 

How it works?

Watch this one minute video of the different access methods.

 

 

 

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Is the water draining slowly in your kitchen sink? You probably have a blockage or clog somewhere in your drains. by PRS Ron Giles

Is the water draining slowly in your kitchen sink? You probably have a blockage or clog somewhere in your drains. by PRS Ron Giles

  • Posted: Nov 23, 2020
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Is the water draining slowly in your kitchen sink? You probably have a blockage or clog somewhere in your drains.

by PRS,  contact  Ron Giles  for an appointment

Thankfully, we can quickly find and remove the problem and get your drains clear.

If you have a single-family rental property, we recommend having the drains serviced when a tenant moves out, especially if he or she has been there awhile. Cleaning drains early, before there is a problem, prevents disasters later.

Pipes are made to withstand tree roots and keep them out of your drains, but that doesn’t mean they can’t fade over time. Especially if they’re older. Older pipes often have joints that move to create a tiny gap that a tree root can grow into over time.

WATER SUPPLY-PIPING ISSUES?
We can clean and directly apply a semi-structural epoxy barrier coating to restore existing supply risers, chiller/HVAC lines and in some cases/places even fire-suppression systems. Unlike the past methods/processes that relied on pressurized air to force epoxy in and throughout a buildings piping (which rarely ever provided good results), Our process directly applies barrier coatings to each specific section of pipe and through micro-cameras, we continually monitor each applications thickness, consistency and cure. Hoses from the epoxy pump/milling machine are attached to the drive cable and brush head which allows epoxy to seep out of hallow bristles as it spins. The system is guided through the pipe while epoxy is being heated and applied thus providing a smooth seamless coating that cures within 2 hours. The picture below highlights one of our more recent projects in South Florida where we rehabilitated 100’s of feet of Vertical Water –supply piping in a high-rise Condominium.

  

Our process makes your OLD pipes NEW again! Call PRS today, 800-652-7604

 

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Nothing better than a sunny day and a newly sealed and striped parking lot! by Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

Nothing better than a sunny day and a newly sealed and striped parking lot! by Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

  • Posted: Nov 23, 2020
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Nothing better than a sunny day and a newly sealed and striped parking lot!

by Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

Our #ASPCrew sealcoated, striped and completed asphalt repairs on this corporate office parking lot in Boca Raton, Florida!

Contact us today for any of your parking lot needs by calling us at 1-833-PAVE-ASP or head to www.PaveWithASP.com!

 

ATLANTIC SOUTHERN PAVING & SEALCOATING

Southeast FL  954-518-4315

Southwest FL  239-234-2155

Central FL  321-408-5010

Provides pavement maintenance & construction services. From idea or blueprint to finished surface we offer all facets of new paving installation.

Atlantic Southern Paving & Sealcoating From idea or blueprint to finished surface, we offer all facets of new paving installation. Our crews have the technical expertise to perform these tasks to the standards set by local, state and federal requirements. This expertise allows us to pass inspections the first time so that your project can stay on schedule.

Atlantic Southern Paving & Sealcoating provides pavement maintenance & construction services to Florida for over 30 years. The solid foundation that Michael “Mickey” Curry started in 1992 employing the best people, using the best products and providing what the customer needs with a competitive pricing has enable Atlantic Southern to continue to thrive.

 

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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Nov 19, 2020
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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement

By SOLitude Lake Management, Nov 19, 2020

AS SEEN IN National Community Association Institute’s (CAI) publication, Common Ground

The very first fish I remember catching was a bullhead catfish. It was in a small pond in my grandparents’ HOA community that is still there today. Well, sort of. Though the pond had once been deep enough for fishing and stormwater collection, its depth is now best measured in inches rather than feet. The cattails that were once clustered near the outflow are now abundant throughout the pond. Today, the waterbody resembles the nearby wetland more than it does a pond. In the 55 years of its existence, no measures have ever been taken to mitigate against the natural process of succession.

Lake and pond succession is the natural lifecycle of any waterbody. The very tributaries that supply a waterbody with its water also carry sediment, which over time accumulates and decreases the water depth. Aquatic weeds and nuisance vegetation decompose and create additional organic sediment. And the shallower the pond becomes, the more vegetation it produces—accelerating the aging process.

Read more »

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Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. by IdentyTech Solutions

Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. by IdentyTech Solutions

  • Posted: Nov 17, 2020
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Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities.

This Webinar is on November 24th at Noon.

You can use this link to register today!

Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. (12:00) Watch and Learn, Ask Questions #SfpmaMembers


iDENTYTECH Solutions America, Inc.

iDentyTech is a leading provider of intuitive Identity management products and solutions. Founded in 2010 IdentyTech™ provides its worldwide customers with best-in- class complete identity management solutions. We further offer custom engineered solutions for those customers requiring proprietary solutions. IdentyTech has field proven solutions for Corporate Enterprise, government and Financial services, healthcare, schools, Transportation, Small Medium businesses and many others.

View our SFPMA Listing on the Members Directory.

 

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Our team of licensed and insured contractors and engineers can assist you with making sure your building is ready for 40 Year inspections!

Our team of licensed and insured contractors and engineers can assist you with making sure your building is ready for 40 Year inspections!

  • Posted: Nov 17, 2020
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You may be asking yourself, why did I receive that letter?
When a building is over 40 years old, you are required to have a structural and electrical safety inspection every ten years after; for the possibilities of future building failures being minimal and to be prepared for hurricane-force winds.
Our team of licensed and insured contractors and engineers can assist you with making sure your building is ready for inspections by making sure your structure is safe.

Aruba Permit Services resolves code enforcement issues and permits, promptly and at reasonable price in both residential and commercial properties. Our company focuses on solving issues within the permitting process such as illegal work or reactivating expired permits. We are the leading professionals in the South Florida area including Broward County, Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County.

Aruba Construction is the parent company of Aruba Permit Services, which is a licensed general contractor. We can perform all corrective work required to bring construction up to current Florida Building Codes. Our team takes pride in following through until the code violation case is closed and the building permits are up to date. With Aruba Permit Services you will have no doubt that we will make sure your property will be in compliance.

Aruba Services
Contact info: (954)-786-7292
Location: 1413 S. Powerline Road Pompano Beach, FL 33069
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