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Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?

by  Commercial Fitness Products

Looking to revamp your gym or fitness center? Look no further! We’re your go-to supplier for top-notch commercial fitness equipment in Florida and the Caribbean!
From treadmills to weight benches, we’ve got everything you need to create a world-class fitness space that’ll keep your clients motivated and coming back for more.
Why choose us?
✅ Premium Quality Equipment
✅ Wide Range of Products
✅ Expert Guidance & Support
✅ Competitive Prices
Use the above link to find us on the sfpma directory for condo and HOA’s in Florida.
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Brighten Your Business: How Commercial LED Lighting Boosts Productivity and Sales

Brighten Your Business: How Commercial LED Lighting Boosts Productivity and Sales

  • Posted: May 15, 2024
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Brighten Your Business: How Commercial LED Lighting Boosts Productivity and Sales

The lighting in your business space does more than just brighten up the area; it can have a profound impact on productivity and sales. As businesses strive to create optimal working environments and enticing shopping experiences, commercial LED lighting has emerged as a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore the powerful ways in which LED lighting can elevate your business, enhancing both productivity among your employees and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased sales.

A well-lit workspace is vital for employee productivity and well-being. Studies have consistently shown that commercial LED lighting can positively influence concentration, focus, and overall mood among workers. The bright, uniform illumination provided by LEDs reduces eye strain and fatigue, leading to improved performance and reduced errors. With LEDs, your team will feel more comfortable and motivated, leading to increased efficiency and productivity that directly impacts your business’s bottom line.

  • Focused Lighting Solutions:

One of the key advantages of commercial LED lighting is its versatility. LED technology allows for focused lighting solutions, meaning you can highlight specific areas or products in retail spaces. Whether it’s accentuating merchandise in a store or illuminating important workstations in an office, LEDs provide the flexibility needed to create the perfect ambiance for each section of your business. By directing attention to critical areas, you can guide customers to key products, driving sales and optimizing their overall shopping experience.

  • Vibrant and Inviting Spaces:

First impressions matter, and your business’s lighting sets the tone for customers’ overall experience. Commercial LED lighting offers a range of color temperatures and intensity levels that can be tailored to match your brand’s personality and image. Whether you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a restaurant or a bright and energetic vibe in a retail store, LED lighting can be customized to suit your specific needs. A vibrant and inviting space will leave a lasting impression on customers, encouraging them to return and recommend your business to others.

  • Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

Beyond boosting productivity and sales, commercial LED lighting also presents significant cost-saving opportunities. LEDs are known for their energy efficiency, consuming up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This reduction in energy usage translates to lower electricity bills, freeing up financial resources that can be reinvested in other aspects of your business. Additionally, LEDs have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance costs.

As you strive to create a thriving business environment, don’t overlook the power of commercial LED lighting. The benefits extend far beyond just lighting up your space; they enhance productivity, elevate customer experiences, and contribute to cost savings. Embrace the versatility and efficiency of commercial LED lighting to brighten your business, boost employee morale, and entice customers into a captivating shopping journey. With the right lighting strategy, your business will shine brightly and enjoy the rewards of increased productivity and sales.


L.o.T.’s Solution

Inefficient lighting wastes energy which contributes to the rising global consumption of fossil fuels. Lighting of Tomorrow is on a mission to reduce America’s environmental footprint. By partnering up with industry experts, Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates communities to switch from inefficient lighting fixtures to new state-of-the-art LED lighting technology. Our goal is to achieve significant energy cost reductions through the installation of energy-efficient lighting Our services include: ✓professional lighting consultation ✓lighting installation ✓lighting maintenance

Members of SFPMA. find us on the members directory

 

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Find everything you need to know about Florida Building Inspections SB-4D

Find everything you need to know about Florida Building Inspections SB-4D

Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)

http://FLBuildingInspections.com  (a division of SFPMA)

Find everything you need to know about Florida Building Inspections SB-4D

It’s a confusing time for everyone affected, and we can all use some extra clarity. Our experts dove through the 88 page document and outline what you need to know about SB-4D so you can focus on making your building safer instead of deciphering the wordy documents.

Florida state legislature took swift action to implement inspection reform to mitigate the risk of a similar tragedy in the future. As of May 27th, 2022, Florida passed several laws to keep building safer in the state by requiring specific inspections and funding mechanisms. These new Florida condo laws mean significant changes for building owners across Florida, all within a relatively short time.

 

The State of Florida Property Management Association with Legal & Engineering Members are here to help you understand the new laws and how to take the correct action now to ensure you are in full compliance.

When you need your condo inspection contact us!

 


More about Florida Building Inspections:

Our Building Services Division, With the addition of the new Law, (SB4D) We have had many calls, emails and messages sent to SFPMA. There are so many with questions, many are still asking what can they do? How do we go about doing these inspections! We are Bringing this information to Boards, Owners and Management Professionals throughout Florida.

Condos need to take action for Registration before January 2023. Next is Inspections by an Engineer or Architect along with Mandatory Reserve Funding.

SFPMA and our Members will provide information to make these new legal requirements easier to understand and learning through the articles re: Legal, Maintenance, Engineering, Services to name a few.

 

Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)

Milestone Inspections

Structural Integrity Reserve Studies

Mandatory Reserves

 

 


On our website and social media we have pages where we post daily with updates, Laws and the Top Companies/Members who are ready to inspect your buildings.

Please like and follow our New Division and Pages,  In time these pages will have the information, New Articles and Contact forms where Boards and Managers can fill out and sfpma will forward these to the Engineers  Members for Inspections.  remember to send articles and other for the new areas,  membership@sfpma.com

as we move into the new year, there will bring many condo changes that buildings, boards and managers will need to comply, SFPMA and our Members are here to guide you and bring you the steps, legal and inspections brought to you by the engineering members.


Our Website:

Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)

http://FLBuildingInspections.com  a division of SFPMA

The State of Florida Property Management Association with Legal & Engineering Members are here to help you understand the new laws and how to take the correct action now to ensure you are in full compliance.


LinkedIn:

Florida Condo Building Inspections

Legal and Service Information for Florida Building Inspections Find the Facts! The information will be posted here from the members of SFPMA and our Management, we want this to be the go to place for all the information for condo Boards ad Owners along with the Management Professionals who need to also know what their buildings need.


Facebook:

@CondoBuildingInspections

 

 

 

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Drones play a major role in structural evaluation and documentation. by SRI Consultants inc.

Drones play a major role in structural evaluation and documentation. by SRI Consultants inc.

  • Posted: Apr 17, 2024
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INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO DRONE IMAGE MGMT FOR STRUCTURAL EVALUATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION

BY: SHIRISH RAJPATHAK, M.S., P.E., S. I. | PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

 

Drones play a major role in structural evaluation and documentation. A drone survey of a typical building can generate over 100 GB of data, including thousands of images and videos.

Systematically viewing, sharing, and storing drone data is a major challenge. This post explores the best practices for managing a vast amount of collected imagery, including accessing and sharing images on demand across different platforms (computers, tablets, phones).

Who Needs to Document Structural Conditions and Why?

In view of the building collapse in Surfside, FL, and subsequent action by the State legislature (Florida Senate Bill 4D), many stakeholders, namely high-rise building owners, property management companies, building officials, engineers, and insurers, will need to document the existing conditions of structures.

Drones have already proved to be valuable in search and rescue operations, and after hurricanes, earthquakes, and similar natural disasters. They also play a major role in structural evaluation.For consultants, drone surveys help in a detailed and thorough evaluation of structures. They aid in reducing report preparation time, categorizing the type of damage, determining the quantity and location of damage, providing evidence for expert witness testimonials, as well as optimizing project portfolio, marketing, and advertising. For property owners, they can be important in justifying maintenance and repair expenses and supporting insurance claims. Even contractors can benefit, from documenting pre-construction conditions and construction progress to providing as-built documentation (rebar, PT cables, utility piping layout in slab before concrete pour) and defending legal actions.A drone survey of a typical building can generate over 100 GB (Gigabyte) of data including thousands of images and videos. Systematically viewing, sharing, and storing this data is a major challenge.

This paper will discuss the pros and cons of video versus high-definition still images, how to manage a vast amount of collected imagery, and how to view and share images on demand using different platforms (computers, tablets, or phones).

Video Vs. High-Resolution Still Images

Capturing images using drones is an art! Besides flying skills and knowledge of drones, a drone operator should have good knowledge of photography and videography. The quality of video recording is subject to the type of camera shutter (electronic vs mechanical), frame rate, camera steadiness, and smoothness of panning. Video images tend to be of lower resolution than still images, and they have more compression noise. Also, electronic shutters often produce distortion called rolling shutter. This is also known as “The Jello Effect”

Therefore, video recording may be convenient but not very practical for capturing details. During video recording, the drone is moving continuously. In any given video, one must watch the entire footage to pinpoint a location of interest; and there are often several videos of each structure to watch. This requires tedious time-tagging by someone who is both familiar with the structure and good at problem identification. In reality, videos are best suited for real estate professionals to highlight structures in relation to their surroundings for prospective buyers.

It is important to stress that the flight time of all drones is limited by battery life. Thus, it is critical that each flight is well planned and executed to acquire the maximum information possible.

Many drones today have the built-in capability of producing panoramas from a collection of high-resolution still images, captured while rotating a drone 360 degrees. Each image also contains data such as ISO, exposure, GPS coordinates, and altitude

This information is useful in building a database with powerful indexing functions that link to a visual map and allow users to access any image quickly. Also, still images tend to be of much higher resolution (most drones allow the storing of raw images which are typically 2-3 times larger in file size compared to typical JPEG format). Most importantly, images can be stored on the cloud and accessed via a simple interface.

Regardless of who needs information and for what purpose, information is only good if it is made available when needed. That said, not all consultants conducting structural evaluations need to be certified drone operators. A qualified drone operator can perform a survey with detailed instructions from an engineer, saving time and expense.

Innovative Image Management System

As explained before, still images have the unique advantage of being easy to index. Innovative image management systems automatically catalog drone data as illustrated in the example below. Figure 3 shows a sample site located on the intercoastal waters in South Florida.

The site was imaged with a drone on two consecutive days. Figures 4 and 5 show the locations of the drone flights.

At each of the locations, a drone was flown to various heights, and at each height, a panorama was captured. A drone is always oriented towards the structure to lock in the exposure of the camera. This avoids wash-out or darkening of the subject. To access a panorama at a specific height, one clicks on any blue tag and selects the height from the pop-up table (Figure below).

Two side-by-side photos of client site by drone with blue markers indicating locations where images were acquired

This opens a panorama at the chosen height in an adjacent window (Figure 5 b). After clicking to load the panorama, the user is free to move around, 360 degrees. This allows the user to examine a point of interest in the structure or in the surrounding area. A user can also zoom in or view the structure in full screen. At this point, the user has the choice of capturing the screen or checking the hot spot checkbox at the bottom of the window, which displays hot spots as red circles. These red circles are pointers to the actual drone images stored in the cloud.

Clicking on any of the hot spots activates a pop-up window asking the user to either view the actual image in a new window or download a high-resolution image to their device

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Get answers to these questions and more on our new “AI for Building Safety” website… where we’re using AI to help answer questions about Florida’s condo safety law.

Get answers to these questions and more on our new “AI for Building Safety” website… where we’re using AI to help answer questions about Florida’s condo safety law.

  • Posted: Apr 17, 2024
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Get answers to these questions and more on our new “AI for Building Safety” website… where we’re using AI to help answer questions about Florida’s condo safety law.

SRI Consultants…..can help with the questions you may have with the Florida Law SB-4D ( Condo Building Inspections ) 

SRI logo

OUR NEW AI TOOL ANSWERS ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT FLORIDA’S BUILDING SAFETY LAW SB-4D

SRI’s new, experimental website uses AI to help answer questions about Florida’s new building safety law. Do you have questions about milestone inspections? Structural assessment deadlines? Reserves? We’ve got the answers!

 

Ask our AI about 4D

Do you have questions about Florida’s building safety legislation, Senate Bill 4D? Just enter your query in the textbox below and click “Send Query”. For example, try asking, “What is the Florida Senate Bill 4D?”. This AI tool is experimental and provides no warranties regarding the accuracy of its results. Use at your own risk.

Visit SRI’s NEW AI Page 

 


Who is: SRI Consultants.

Here at SRI Consultants, Inc., we take pride in what we do. The extra effort and attention to detail put forth by our team ensure you receive the highest quality services available to the industry, all while saving you time and money. Coastal areas like South Florida have a unique need for concrete rehabilitation and protection services predominantly related to assessing structural damage. Our team has specialists in structural engineering, civil engineering, and corrosion engineering at your disposal.

Round transparent logo with black perimeter and clipboard in center representing Milestone Inspections services

MILESONE INSPECTIONS

Compliance + Safety. Our milestone inspections mitigate the risks of building failure from structural or electrical deficiencies. Focused on occupant safety, inspections are conducted with strict adherence to county and local requirements.

Round transparent logo with black perimeter and suspension bridge in center representing Engineering services

ENGINEERING

Technical Expertise. We are experts in our field with certifications from NACE and FL Board of Professional Engineers. Our team offers civil, structural and corrosion engineering services for single & multi-story structures, condos, hotel and motels, cooling towers and seawalls.

Above are just a few of the services we provide. visit our website to learn more…

Members of SFPMA – Engineers 

 

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BKB Cleaning Company is a pressure washing services company. We provide Roof Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Driveway Pressure Cleaning and Window Cleaning

BKB Cleaning Company is a pressure washing services company. We provide Roof Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Driveway Pressure Cleaning and Window Cleaning

  • Posted: Apr 16, 2024
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BKB Cleaning Company

954-692-3107

BKB Cleaning Company is a pressure washing services company. We provide Roof Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Driveway Pressure Cleaning and Window Cleaning. We service both residential and commercial customers. Call for a free quote.

BKB Cleaning Company serving communities in Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate and Boca Raton. If you are looking for the best pressure washer  for residential and commercial properties.

 

We believe in arriving on time at the customers home, providing extra ordinary service and leaving you happier than when we arrived. We care about our customers property and treat it with great care. Our cleaning process includes no pressure roof cleaning, driveway power washing and power wash fence.

We have the ability to wash with either hot water or cold water. When you wash with hot water you are able to get more dirt off than cold. We give the option to our customer as to which one they want.

We also have the ability to provide soft wash services to ensures that your home walls and roof are safe for years to come. It is safer way of cleaning because no pressure washer is used to apply chemicals or to clean the roof or home. This helps your home and or roof stay clean and safe from damage from a pressure washer. As technology evolves, so must we. That is why we are relentless in researching and testing new ways to get house washing done better and faster. We know the last thing you want is to have someone at your home all day.

 

Brian Bustamante
brian@bkbcleaning.com
954-692-3107

BKB Cleaning Company
6665 NW 75th Pl, Parkland, FL 33067
http://www.bkbcleaning.com
info@bkbcleaning.com

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“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”

Sometimes, aquatic management is viewed as a frivolous or unnecessary expense for a community. “My lake looks fine, why should I pay to have someone take care of it?” 
Most people that live on lakes also see them differently than someone who maintains them. The difference is homeowners tend to look “at” the water, where as waterway managers look “in” the water. Too often people put off lake maintenance until they see a problem and weed populations have already become established. 
As a property owner or property manager, it’s valuable to have a company that will respond to these unexpected outbreaks. Every lake matures differently, and it takes a combination of experience and expertise to maintain a healthy balance as changes occur. 
Allstate Resource Management’s staff is always there to answer your questions and works to ensure excellent results in any lake management situation. 
Contact us today on how we can help your community lake!
Direct: 954-382-9766
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A Green Guide for Your Building Community

A Green Guide for Your Building Community

The sudden emergence of Kermit the Frog as a box office draw is not an accident—it seems that everywhere, everybody is ‘going green.’ The term is shorthand for a movement of environmental awareness, and it involves everything from the way architects design new construction to the way HOAs recycle their waste.

Search the Directory of top companies being used today by condos and hoa’s all over Florida. sfpma.com

The movement began as an arguably quixotic attempt by activists to arrest global warming and help preserve the environment. But it’s now driven by a different kind of green—money. Going green doesn’t just appease the environmentally conscious; it impacts an HOA’s bottom line. Solar panels drastically reduce the cost of electricity. Better windows further reduce the amount of electricity needed. And then there’s the real estate values.

“There are all kinds of studies that show that, if you’re trying to sell the units, that they will sell quicker and for a higher market value when you can market it as a green, efficient building,” says Suzanne Cook, executive director of the Florida Green Building Coalition. “If you’re trying to rent the units, you will get higher leasing payments and higher occupancy.”

Let’s take a look at how South Florida residential buildings are going green.

Going Green…

Rare is the new residential building development that does not factor environmental concerns into its design. This includes everything from building materials and solar power to the direction the front door faces. The primary piece that has changed is that there’s a greater awareness of how we design the orientation of the building: where sun and shadow is, and where we can use mechanisms that are not necessarily green products, but green design techniques such as solar shades, where we extend the concrete slab out.”

At first blush, this may sound arbitrary, or else influenced a bit too heavily by feng shui. But there are very practical reasons for making the right choices with building orientation. “For example, on south-facing windows, in morning and afternoon sun, when the sun is low and perpendicular to the glass, that’s going to be a higher heat gain,”  So you want to manage where you have that type of exposure.

Architect’s agree, “Anything that shades the window will help, like roof overhangs or canopies, so that the sun’s not shining directly in. Even shading the wall in general,” he says. “If you can keep the sun off the wall or the exterior enclosure, that will help the insulation not have to work as hard.”

These considerations are particularly important in the Sunshine State, where A/C, rather than heat, is the primary energy expenditure. “In Florida, the challenge is that we’re highly dependent on air conditioning, which uses a lot of energy.”  So how do we solve the energy production issue? Do we begin to use fuel cells, or alternate methods like solar power that will help mitigate the consumption of power from our local utility? Questions of this sort keep an architect busy these days.

 

…and Everything Old is New

While Florida has always been, and remains, an epicenter of new construction, the lion’s share of residential buildings were built before the recent surge in green construction. This means that if an HOA wants to go green, it will have to retrofit a building rather than build one from scratch. This speaks to the core of the green movement.

“By the nature of adaptive reuse, or using an existing building, you not only have to look at how much energy is consumed during its operation, but also the energy that’s consumed by construction. So by starting with an existing building, you’re already at your first steps of doing something that’s environmentally friendly, because you’re reusing, instead of taking down and reconstructing.

How Does an Existing Building Go Green?

“When you’re trying to retrofit a residential property, the three primary focuses are to tighten the building envelope and make sure you don’t have leaks, to enhance the insulation, and to make sure the windows are energy efficient,” says Cook. “Those are the big ticket items. But those three things impact the systems of the building, so when you make it tighter and you enhance the efficiency of the insulation and the windows, you impact the size of the air conditioner [required to cool the property]. You actually need less tonnage.”

The bigger-is-better mentality is a trap that many HOAs fall into. We assume that a bigger HVAC unit is more powerful and perhaps more efficient, but that is not necessarily the case. “People tend to do all these retrofit things but they often don’t test their HVAC to see whether it’s the size they actually need,” says Cook. “When you have an oversized air-conditioner, you get all kinds of problems. The air exchanger won’t stay on long enough to get the moisture out of the home, so it feels clammy to the occupant. And while it doesn’t create mold, it gives mold a friendly atmosphere. So realizing that all of the systems with a structure affect each other, you have to really make sure that you understand that building science.”

Understanding that science can lead to big savings. “I recommend higher efficiency in the air conditioning systems, so you can get a higher SEER rating,” says Barry. “The semi-conditioned attic is a big point, because that brings the air conditioning ducts into a semi-conditioned space as opposed to a hot attic. This makes your air conditioning system not have to work as hard, so it’s more efficient that way. The ducts are not bleeding conditioned air into the exterior and sucking in hot humid air and putting it inside.”

New technologies are being placed in existing condo communities on a regular basis in order to cut energy use and reduce their carbon footprint. According to experts, advances are being made in mechanical, electrical and plumbing technologies that affect the types of heating and air conditioning systems that are being used on a daily basis. Boiler controls, cogeneration, solar, low flow fixtures and Energy Star appliances are all examples of improved technology.

Sometimes retrofitting means replacing. “In a lot of existing buildings, we find that removing and replacing the mechanical systems is a better strategy than trying to retrofit them. At the end of the day, there may be a slightly greater upfront cost, but the maintenance and long term operating costs will be much less. So we’re looking at how we update the building and its systems, not just to modify or modernize.

The prevailing wisdom is that “going green” means huge upfront expenses and massive overhauls. It’s not always the case. There are smaller changes buildings can make that also have an impact. Another place boards can look to save money on energy costs is lighting. The traditional “Edison” incandescent light bulb was of course a quantum leap forward from the use of candles, yet only 30 percent of the energy used by incandescent went toward the production of light; 70 percent was wasted as heat energy.

The newest generation of solid-state lighting lasts up to 25 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb and saves up to 80 percent more energy in comparison. Replacing common area lighting with LED [light-emitting diode] bulbs can prove to be cost effective over the long run by reducing both operating and maintenance costs.

“I always suggest upgrading the light bulbs to compact fluorescent, or if the budget permits, LEDs  Mike Smith from BriteLED Lighting in Miami, a Member of SFPMA. “LEDs are great, because they’re energy efficient and they last for a long time. They cost quite a bit more, but because they don’t use as much electricity, your utility bills will go down. They also don’t put out as much heat, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, which reduces the utility bill as well.”

In a similar vein, upgrading appliances can also save money. “Another smart idea is using energy-efficient appliances,” Mike says. “Washer-dryers, those types of things, they use a lot of electricity and they’re used regularly, so it’s better to go with something that has an Energy Star rating.”

Next Steps

Three and a half decades after President Carter famously installed solar panels at the White House, the noble idea of going green has started to make good financial sense. “I would say that we’re at a tipping point right now where there’s a common interest between the architect and the developer,  We are seeing that the financial institutions, especially the institutional lenders, are wanting green elements in the project. We’re seeing that on the financing side, this is becoming more and more desired. Those institutions want the building projects that are responsible, as part of their mission.

In short, green is this year’s color—and will be the color for the foreseeable future. As more money is invested in green technologies, and more HOAs realize the money saved by it, the Sunshine State will soon be even greener than it already is.

“For me, the solution in Florida is finding alternative energy sources that are more environmentally friendly and have lower costs, such as fuel cells, solar and wind.  We’re at the beginning of that now but with our air conditioning consumption, that’s where I think the future needs to be: looking at our energy options, versus just using infrastructure and building new infrastructure to accommodate it.

Greg Olear is a freelance writer we have used this article as a base and wish to thank Greg.

 

 

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Our national team recently completed this striping and sealcoating job in Weston, FL!

Our national team recently completed this striping and sealcoating job in Weston, FL!

Do you have properties across the nation? Contact ASP, we will assign an account manager for all of your properties and handle it from there.


Join us Wednesday at the Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo!

Make sure to stop by booth 332 and meet a few of our local account managers 😉


PARKING LOT &
PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

OUR WORK

  • HOA
  • MULTIFAMILY
  • UNIVERSITIES/SCHOOLS
  • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
  • MUNICIPALITIES
  • INDUSTRIALDo you have questions about asphalt sealing in West Palm Beach? The best way to protect asphalt surfaces is to sealcoat asphalt parking lots. If you are looking for the most trustworthy Asphalt Sealcoating Palm Beach Gardens company look no further than Atlantic Southern Paving!Asphalt is durable and flexible, but it can also deteriorate. It is possible to double the lifespan of asphalt by applying asphalt sealcoating. This protects the asphalt from future damage.

    Continue reading to learn about the environmental factors that can cause asphalt surfaces to deteriorate. To schedule a free assessment and request a quote from one of the best paving companies West Palm Beach, please call Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating.

    Asphalt Oxidation and The Sun

    Sealcoating asphalt in West Palm Beach homes is a great way to protect your property from oxidation and ultraviolet rays. Asphalt starts to deteriorate at a microscopic level as soon as it is installed.

    The asphalt’s binders begin to harden when it is exposed to oxygen. The asphalt surface can crack and become brittle from the continued hardening. Rainwater, moisture, and oxygen can penetrate pavement surfaces even if they have the smallest cracks.

    The asphalt subbase can be affected by water and moisture. This can cause it to weaken and lose its strength. Sealcoating is very helpful as it protects the surface against oxidation and fills surface voids.

    How water damages asphalt

    The asphalt sealcoating of parking lots and driving surfaces allows them to resist water and prevent it from contacting the asphalt surface. Water can seep through asphalt, particularly when it is heavy rain.

    Water can cause sub-base to become softened if it collects. Soft subbases can cause potholes or expensive repairs. Sealcoating asphalt surfaces create a protective layer that repels water. Sealcoating asphalt surfaces can help you save significant money on future repairs.

    Oil and Gas Spills

    Parking lots and asphalt surfaces must withstand harmful car chemicals like oil and gas. Particularly vulnerable to chemicals from automobiles are parking spaces.

    The asphalt can soften if it is contaminated with gasoline or automobile oil. Oil or gasoline can penetrate asphalt pavement and cause sub base to degrade.

    Asphalt sealcoating is made up of additives that protect asphalt from chemicals used in automobiles. You can also fill surface voids to reduce the depth of oil and gas that can penetrate asphalt.

    Professional Asphalt Sealcoating In West Palm Beach

    It is important to find a reliable and experienced contractor to sealcoat your West Palm Beach property. Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating provides asphalt maintenance and construction services for more than two decades.

    Every job we do is completed with customer satisfaction in mind. Atlantic Southern Paving can be reached at 954-518 4315 to speak with an expert about sealing asphalt surfaces. Ask for a free estimate on sealing your property.

    Asphalt Sealcoating Palm Beach Gardens

 

 

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You want to know why some tile sealers for ceramic and porcelain are better than others?

You want to know why some tile sealers for ceramic and porcelain are better than others?

Let me share what I believe you want to know to make a smart decision.

 

What Should You Look For & Look Out For When Choosing A Tile Sealer?

LOOK FOR:

1) The supplier or the manufacturer is very clear that their sealer will bond to ceramic and porcelain because this type of surface is very dense. It is very impermeable. You CAN NOT just use a standard concrete surface sealer on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Check for that, first of all.

2) The tile sealer product will form a film on the surface and is not just a penetrating or impregnator type sealer.

NOTE:
Impregnator types of products can’t bond or soak into the tile surface. They do very little to change the look of the tile and typically, this type of sealer will rub off very quickly, forcing you to seal the porcelain or ceramic tiles repeatedly.

LOOK OUT FOR or BEWARE OF…

Materials That Are Lacking In Store-Bought Tile Sealer Products… Making Them Ineffective.

First of all, any sealer you choose for ceramic and porcelain tile must have adhesion promoters that will allow the product to bond to that surface.

The components found in standard surface treatments or surface sealers simply won’t work.

Secondly, make sure if you want to change the look of the tile or the sheen of the tile, the product is a film-forming product, not just a penetrating or impregnator sealer.

These do very little to change the look of the tile and will not last for long on a very dense, impermeable ceramic or porcelain surface.

What Kind Of Results Do Ineffective Floor Sealers Produce?

If you use a product that’s not developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tile, what’s going to happen is:

  • It may put a film over the surface, but because there’s no way for it to absorb into the surface. It’s going to lift and peel very quickly.
  • It may last a few weeks, but after any standard use or cleaning of any kind, lifting and peeling will very quickly show up.
  • If you use penetrating types of sealers, you won’t see any change in appearance, or very little at all because there’s nowhere for those components to penetrate the tile.

What Should You Be Aware Of Before You Buy A Tile Sealer?

3 Specific Things To Look For In A Tile Sealer That Will Provide Superior Results:

  1. You need to have adhesion promotion technology that allows for covalent bonding to a very dense ceramic or porcelain tile surface.
  2. You need to use urethane technology, which is very durable, UV resistant. Your product needs to have two parts to create a very tough cross-link that produces an industry-leading seal over the tile and grout.
  3. Your sealer needs a high amount of polymer in the product for durability and protection, around 50% solids, which is much higher than standard floor finishes.

The Advantages Of Sealing Ceramic And Porcelain Tile.

  • Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
  • Protective Shield Across Tile & Grout
  • Eliminate Grout Odor
  • Maintains Wet Look
  • UV stable, Non-Yellowing
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Excellent Abrasion resistant
  • Increased slip resistance options

Where Should You Use Ceramic And Porcelain Tile Sealer Products?

Typical Uses:

On the commercial side, you’re going to have restrooms, shower facilities, kitchens, showrooms, entrance-ways, hallways, lobby areas and stairways, both interior and exterior.

On the consumer or residential side, in the living areas, kitchens and the bathrooms.

These areas below are where you should look for a tile sealer that will make the floor much easier to clean, give it wet look if desired and also be resistant to chemicals, pet and food stains.

  • Bathrooms/ Restrooms
  • Kitchens and Dining Areas
  • Lobby and Hallways
  • Stairs and Entrances
  • Tile and Grout Surface
  • Floors and walls
  • Ceramic and Porcelain
  • Stone and Concrete
  • Interior and Exterior
  • Etc.

Surface Preparation

Proper preparation is critical to ensure an adequate bond.

The ceramic and grout must be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner. For cleaning and restoring old ceramic, porcelain tile and grout to like-new condition, we recommend using an alkaline cleaner formulated for ceramic and porcelain tile.

This will cut through tough grease, soap scum and soil stains. For shower stalls and outside applications, we recommend you use an acid-based cleaner to lightly etch the surface and ensure greater adhesion in wet conditions. This can also remove tough, hard water deposits, grout haze and efflorescence.

What Do You Need To Know About A Gloss, Matte Or Satin Finish?

Substances that may soil the tile and grout are urine or other organic matter or even aggressive cleaning chemicals.  This is where a two-part product, like GlazeGuard® Ceramic and Porcelain tile sealer really produces results.

It’s a very tough, hard-wearing sealer. It puts a barrier across the tile and the grout, eliminates odor and makes the entire floor much easier to clean and maintain. For addition slip resistance ( anti- slip properties) GlazeGuard® Plus should be used.

high gloss sealer for porcelain tiles

GlazeGuard Gloss sealer is developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tiles. It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout, giving it a high gloss wet look appearance, as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean.

GlazeGuard Satin finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile. It also gives the floor a wet look appearance and puts a nice medium sheen across the tile and the grout. The satin finish provides a protective barrier that will resist water, chemicals and make the floor much easier to keep clean.

GlazeGuard Matte finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile, and it will deliver a natural low sheen look to the tile and provide a barrier across the floor, both the tiles and the grout. It’s very chemical resistant, very water-resistant and makes the tile much easier to keep clean.

Glazeguard PLUS Anti Slip Coating For Tile, Vinyl, Wood, Concrete Floors And Metal

GlazeGuard® Plus is a solvent-free, virtually odorless, urethane coating with exceptional adhesion and performance properties. The addition of CoverGrip achieves high slip resistance, significantly reducing the potential for a slip in accordance with the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) standards.

The Best Tools And Equipment To Use.

In order to apply a ceramic and porcelain tiles sealer, you need to approach it as if you were painting the floor.

You will need:

  1. A good quality roller
  2. A roller tray
  3. A little hotdog roller or brush for sealing around the edges.

We recommend a roller that is a good quality 3/8th nap microfiber. Change out rollers after 60 minutes of use with a fresh one. We also recommend that you only mix the amount of product that you can use in about 60 minutes.

Make sure the room is well lit and that you take your time and apply the product. The product needs to be fully mixed before you use it. Use a mixing stick to slowly mix the material, then pour it into a roller tray. Then roll it out just like you were painting a floor.

Cleaning And Preparing Tiles Before Applying A Sealer.

We always tell people to be fussy about cleaning porcelain tile before sealing it.

Remember, you’re going to seal it with something that’s going to last several years. Make sure there’s no dust or dirt on the floor. Any footprints or stains will be locked down by the sealer.

So be fussy about cleaning it. You should use a High pH tile and grout cleaner that will remove dirt grease stains.

If applying GlazeGuard to areas that are frequently exposed to water or cleaning chemicals, like showers or restrooms, we recommend you micro-etch the surface with something like our PreTreat Mild Acidic Ceramic Tile Cleaner. It will prepare the surface and give you better adhesion for the GlazeGuard® sealer.

After Applying The Product, What Ongoing Floor Care Is Recommended?

One of the key advantages of using our GlazeGuard tile sealers is that it makes cleaning and maintaining the floor much easier.

You don’t need to use harsh or aggressive chemicals. You just need to use mild detergents or mild soap to clean the surface. The dirt won’t stick to the surface as it does with untreated tiles.

You don’t have to use a concentrated level of cleaning supplies, which should reduce your costs noticeably.

It’s also important to keep dust and dirt and sand off the floor. It’s a good practice to use mats at entrance ways to trap dirt, dust and grease before they get onto the floor.

What Are Customers Saying About Glazeguard®?

Contractors-and-Consumers-use-GlazeGuard-2

 

Our Clients Love The Entire Glazeguard® Product Line For A Few Key Reasons:

  • They are very water-resistant and prevent stains and discoloration from excessive exposure to moisture or continuous immersion.
  • They are very chemical resistant and prevent harmful and staining substances from getting through to the floor below.
  • They improve the appearance of ceramic and porcelain floors and walls, for much longer than store-bought sealers.
  • They don’t strip off easily and require gentle cleaning with everyday soaps or detergents.
  • They reduce the costs of cleaning, maintenance and labor because once sealed, dirt, stains and discolorations are a thing of the past.
  • And if something goes wrong, the customer can simply strip that local area and re-apply the GlazeGuard® product.
  • They protect both the tile floor and the grout, to keep surfaces clean and odor-free.

Every product in the GlazeGuard® line makes ceramic and porcelain floors look pristine and easy to maintain. And applying them is easy enough for the average do-it-yourself consumer.

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3 Reasons Your Lake Management Plan Isn’t Working by SOLitude

3 Reasons Your Lake Management Plan Isn’t Working by SOLitude

Lakes are dynamic ecosystems that are sensitive to their surroundings. As environmental conditions evolve, so does your waterbody, which means your current management plan may become ineffective.

Learn the 3 reasons your management plan may stop working and how to prevent it.

 


3 Reasons Why Your Lake Management Plan Isn’t Working

If you own or manage a lake or pond, you’ve probably observed gradual, sometimes undesirable changes. Despite responsible management, unforeseen issues can unexpectedly arise, causing complaints and significant challenges for those overseeing them. The fact is, lakes and ponds are dynamic ecosystems that are very sensitive to their surroundings. Even with a well-tailored management program in place, things change. If you find that your current plan isn’t yielding the desired results, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying issues.

Here are three common reasons why your lake management plan may not be working as intended:

1. Your Lake Management Plan Is Outdated

One of the primary reasons that your lake or pond is responding differently to your management plan is that it’s outdated. Though your management program was initially tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of your waterbody, over time, your goals may change, budget constraints may shift, or alterations to your property could impact the aquatic ecosystem. For example, if you initially designed the lake for aesthetic purposes, but now wish to utilize it for fishing, the management approach needs to evolve accordingly.

Even seemingly minor changes may have big impacts. For example, removing a nearby tree can increase sun exposure, raising the risk of depleted dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Perhaps an invasive species was introduced to your waterbody, leading to shoreline erosion or obstructed stormwater equipment. Or, modifications in landscaping practices, such as switching maintenance companies or starting a garden, could cause new pesticides or fertilizers to enter the ecosystem. These products can significantly alter the natural chemistry of the water, as well as the dynamics within the food chain.

Addressing An Outdated Plan

To address changes of any degree, it’s crucial to regularly reassess and update your management plan to align with your current needs and environmental conditions. This process often begins with water quality testing to take a closer look at characteristics like dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and the presence of algal toxins or pollutants. From there, many different solutions can be deployed to help restore balance. These may include nutrient remediation products, beneficial bacteria, pond fountains, or lake aerators.

Through an ongoing management plan, professionals conduct testing and visual surveys on a routine basis, allowing them to identify potential issues early. This proactive approach allows for adjustments in management strategies before problems escalate.

2. Climate Change

The impact of climate change on lakes and ponds cannot be underestimated. Increasing summer temperatures lead to increased water evaporation, potentially causing waterbodies to shrink and lose depth. If not addressed, a waterbody can shrink until it’s no more than a puddle. Costly dredging will be required to reset the waterbody to its original depth and volume.

Water evaporation also exposes shorelines to harsh environmental elements, leading to increased erosion or collapse. Harsher winters and tropical storms may exacerbate the damage, posing additional challenges for shoreline stability.  Erosion contributes to many water quality issues, such as muck development, cloudiness, foul odors, and heightened risks of flooding. Additionally, eroded shorelines can pose hazards and liabilities. In severe cases, a complete shoreline restoration may be required using bioengineering techniques and materials.

These changes may further threaten the delicate balance of an ecosystem. Diminished water depth affects aquatic habitats and organisms by depleting dissolved oxygen levels and increasing temperatures throughout the water column. Fish, in particular, are sensitive to these fluctuations and fish kills may become more likely as a result.

Seasonal weather conditions are escalating nationwide, but Northern states have experienced some of the most pronounced changes. The growing season is starting earlier and lasting longer, extending the window for nuisance weeds, algae, and toxic cyanobacteria to proliferate.

To counteract the effects of climate change, lake management plans must incorporate adaptive strategies that consider the evolving environmental conditions and their impact on the water.

toxic-algae-bloom-florida-canal (2)

3. Urban Development and Nutrient Pollution

The encroachment of urban development poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Stormwater runoff introduces a cocktail of contaminants into the water, transporting pollutants from impermeable surfaces like parking lots and sidewalks. Trash, fertilizers, animal waste, and chemical products may cause nutrient levels to become more concentrated. These conditions foster the growth of nuisance pond weeds and toxin-producing algae that are harmful to humans and deadly to fish, dogs, livestock, and other animals.

In response to nuisance growth, stakeholders often resort to short-lived solutions such as EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides. However, these treatments only address the symptoms and not the root cause. To tackle this issue effectively, lake and pond management plans should incorporate comprehensive stormwater management strategies.

 

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