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Spring Home Maintenance

The days are getting longer, and the weather is finally starting to warm up a bit! Now is a great time to start tackling some home projects. Here are some tasks around the house that are great to do in the spring:

Clean and repair gutters and downspouts.

Spring is the perfect time to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired.

Inspect your roof.

Winter is hard on roofs and shingles. Spring is the perfect time to do a quick visual inspection to make sure your roof is good to go.

Check your sprinkler and irrigation systems.

Not only can doing a quick check make sure your plants are good for spring, but it can also save you money if there are leaks.

Schedule a HVAC (air-conditioning) service.

Winter is hard on your HVAC system and before summer is the perfect time to make sure everything is functioning efficiently.

Reseal exterior woodwork.

Spring is a great time to reseal and make any needed repairs to wood decks, fences, railing, pergolas, or other wooden outdoor structures.

Inspect driveways and paths.

The freeze-thaw cycle can damage asphalt, concrete, and other hardscaping materials. While asphalt can most of the times be patched, damaged concrete may need to be replaced entirely.

Be on the lookout for termites.

Protect your investment in your house and if see winged insects flying out of a hole in the woodwork, call a pest control company to come and address immediately.

Review your screen windows and doors.

Even though screens are designed to let air flow in while keeping bugs out, they only work if they don’t have holes and tears. Take time to review your screens and make sure they are free from holes and tears.

We have the tools and equipment you need to get your home ready for spring and summer. Stop by our store at 1861 North Eastman Road, check us out online, or give us a call at 423-226-0962 to learn more.

DIY Tips for the Weekend Warrior

While there are many reasons that homeowners prefer to fix up their own home, for the weekend warriors out there, the satisfaction of a job well done is immensely rewarding. There is also an added benefit of possibly saving some money (and who doesn’t want to save a few dollars?).

Regardless of your motivation, there are, however, some DIY projects that might be a bit too advanced for many weekend warriors. With that in mind, here are some tips and “tricks of the trade” that can help you on your next weekend DIY project!

Installing a Smart Strip Surge Protector

Did you know that nearly 75% of the energy used by electronics are burned when devices are turned off? Instead of unplugging these devices, plug them into a smart surge protector that turns off the devices when they are not in use. This is a simple project that almost anyone can easily complete during a weekend.

Drafty Windows

Most homeowners appreciate the natural sunlight that windows in homes provide. However, windows can create a few issues. If your windows are drafty, they can adversely affect your energy bills during the hotter and colder months. An easy fix? Check the caulk around the windows. Remove any dry, cracked, or damaged caulk and run a new bead of caulk along the seam.

Loud Doors

If your doors are “slamming” shut, here is an easy fix. Add a few pieces of peel-and-stick foam weather stripping around the doorstop.

Refrigerator Door Sealant

One of the most used doors in the house, your refrigerator door, can also need some TLC at times. Excessive use can weaken the door seals. Here is how to test your door seals. First, close the door on a dollar bill and attempt to pull it out while the door is closed. If you cannot easily pull the bill out, your seals are in good shape. If you can pull it out without much resistance, it is time to replace the seals.

Plumbing Tips

How many of us have started on what seems to be a simple and common plumbing problem only to get frustrated and spend most of the weekend working on it? Here are some helpful tips for your next DIY plumbing project.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can cause major issues in a house. Thus a prudent course of action is to prevent them before they can cause issues. Here are some ways to avoid clogged drains:

– Do not put skins (chicken, turkey), starchy (potato peels, rice), stringy (celery) or fibrous waste (coffee grinds, corn husks) down the drain (these items cannot be broken down in the disposal).

– Do not pour cooking oil (or fat) down the drain (it solidifies in the pipes).

– Turn the disposal on (with water running) before putting anything down the drain.

– Allow the disposal time to “catch up” after each cup of waste is poured down the drain.

Another helpful item is a hair strainer in your shower drain. These only take a few moments to install, and when checked after each shower, you would be amazed at the number of plumbing issues they prevent.

When a clog does occur, it can be very tempting to turn to a drain clearing liquid, gel, or foam. While these products can help clear the drain, they can also cause significant damage that can require expensive repairs. Instead, if a pipe is clogged, use a small drain snake to clear the drain.

Leaky Faucets and Toilets

Often, the primary cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. Because the washers inside of the faucet handles are rubber, they can wear out quickly. The fix? Easy! First, turn off the main water supply. Next, unscrew the handle and remove the old washer. Last, insert the new washer.

Think you might have a toilet that is leaking? A leaking toilet can cause your water bill to increase over time. To find out, add some food coloring to the tank. Wait an hour and check back. If the water in the bowl is colored, you have a leak.

An easy way to make sure your house is in top condition is to make it a habit of conducting routine and regular reviews of your home and keeping a running repair list of what needs to be done. This list will help you prioritize your time and energy.

Once you’ve prioritized your action list, stop by Action Rentals and Sales and check out our selection of equipment for rent. We have you covered, from plumbing to carpentry to floor sanding to pressure washing and more. Stop by our store at 1861 North Eastman Road, check us out online, or give us a call at 423-226-0962, and get your house in tip-top shape.

Pressure Washers 101:

When to use them, and why they are such a big deal.
 
When you look out at your concrete driveway, the last thing you want to see is a bunch of dark stains and spots. Sadly, things that are outside will, inevitably, get dirty, and the kind of grime you get on the outside of your home is much tougher than what you’ll face on the inside. Thankfully, we have a secret weapon that can literally blast away that grime in seconds: pressure washers.
Pressure washers are gas or electric powered pumps that connect to your garden hose and shoot water out at unbelievably high speeds. Most pressure washers spray water somewhere between 1,400 and 4,000 PSI, allowing them to blast away stains and grime most cleaning tools can’t even touch. This makes them excellent for cleaning hard-to-get stains away from things like a concrete driveway or the vinyl siding on a house. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to watch years of built up grime disappear before your eyes as your blast it away with a pressure washer. Some stains can become so deep that they can resist even the might of a pressure washer, so make sure you regularly pressure wash surfaces that need it to keep those stains from getting too comfortable. Pressure washing can do wonders for all kinds of surfaces and applications, including:
  • Gutters
  • Concrete or Tile Patios
  • Concrete Driveways
  • Garage Floors
  • Wood, Metal, or Plastic Fences
  • Vinyl Siding
  • Yard or Patio Furniture
  • Wooden Decks
You can even use a pressure washer to clean things like your car or boat! The possibilities are limitless, but there are some things to keep in mind before you start pressure washing everything in sight.
Higher powered pressure washers can remove more than just dirt, they can remove whatever it’s stuck on too. If you’re looking to get dirt off of a painted surface, like a wooden deck, choose a less powerful pressure washer to prevent damage to your paint. Higher powered washers can also damage some surfaces, chipping away mortar between bricks and denting aluminum if you unleash a concentrated stream on those kinds of materials for too long. If you’re working with a surface that you think could be damaged by high pressure water, avoid letting the stream rest on one area for too long, or consider using a less powerful pressure washer.
Pressure washing does wonders for all kinds of things around your home, and is useful almost any time of the year for nearly every imaginable use. If you’re ready to make things around your home look brand new again, stop by Action Rentals and Sales and check out our selection of pressure washers available for rent. We have you covered, from low powered machines perfect for most regular jobs to 4,000 PSI monsters that will remove stains so it’s like they never existed at all. Stop by our store at 1861 North Eastman Road, check us out online, or give us a call at 423-226-0962, and get your hands on the ultimate cleaning tool.

Planning Your Dream Wedding

When planning your dream wedding, you want to control every little detail, from how long the ceremony lasts all the way down to what color the napkins are. Sadly, there is one thing you can’t control: the weather. Bad rain or heavy winds can throw off even the best laid wedding plans, so it pays to be prepared for unexpected weather. The best way to keep mother nature from messing up your day is with a tent, but with so many options out there it can be difficult to know what kind of tent best fits your wedding. To help you find the perfect shelter, here is our guide to the different tents you can rent from Action Rentals and Sales.

What kind of tent?

There are two basic types of tents: pole tents and frame tents. Pole tents are mounted using poles at the center points of the tent, with anchors along the edges to keep it tied down. Pole tents have the classic swooping roof many people think of when they picture a wedding tent, and they tend to have a very elegant air to them. Pole tents do, however, have to be supported by the poles in the middle of the tent, which can be somewhat obstructive. Additionally, pole tents require around 5-8 feet of clearance for the stakes around the tent, so they may not be able to squeeze into tighter spaces.

Frame tents, on the other hand, have the material stretched out over a metal frame to keep it in place. This gives them a somewhat boxier look than pole tents, but this allows much more control over the layout of your tent space. You can even attach multiple frame tents to give yourself more room or a layout that best fits your taste. Frame tents also fit into tighter spaces than pole tents, so some venues may warrant the use of a frame tent that can squeeze between trees or hedges. You can, however, see the actual frame of a frame tent from inside, so many wedding planners opt to use a tent liner to hide that metal frame from view.

Make it Yours

Once you know the basic type of tent you need, you can start to customize that tent to suit your venue and the look you want. One very unique tent we offer at Action Rental and Sales is our clear top tent. With a see-through roof, the clear top tent section works with most frame tent frames and gives your guests a chance to enjoy the scenery around them and some natural light within the tent. If you need to close up the sides of your tent, sidewalls will be your best choice. Sidewalls can work with both pole and frame tents, and even feature see through “windows” to let light in as well.

Whether you want your tent to be the centerpiece of your wedding, or if you just need it around in case the weather turns sour, Action Rentals and Sales can help you find exactly what you need. To see examples of some of our tents in action and see the options we have available for rent, check out our website, or swing by our showroom at 1861 North Eastman Road. If you have more questions about tents, or are looking to rent one of ours, give the experts at Action Rentals and Sales a call at (423) 246-2552.

Update Your Landscaping

Updating your landscape can add curb appeal and value to your home. Adding a walkway, replacing a driveway, adding a pond or water feature, and adding trees and greenery can really make a huge difference in how yourself and others view your home.

When adding a walkway or replacing a driveway the process can be very tedious, but using a backhoe or excavator can help immensely. Backhoes and excavators quickly break-up and remove dirt, broken rocks, or cement pieces, so they can really make a landscaping project move quickly and go more efficiently. Once all the old materials are removed, excavators can be used to move soil and level out the area that the new walkway or driveway will be built on.

When adding a pond or water feature digging a whole large enough can be the most time-consuming part of the whole process, but with an excavator or backhoe the preparations can be done in no time at all. When digging the hole, however, be sure not to make it too shallow or too deep, and keep the pile of removed dirt close by but also out of the way of sliding back in. The soil you remove will likely need to be used for filling in any gaps between the hole and the pond mold, or for adjusting the look of your custom-shaped pond!

For adding greenery to your lawn, backhoes and excavators can not only prepare the soil in the area you want to plant in, but also make setting new trees and greenery in their holes more simple! The long reach of an excavator will allow you to position trees in hard-to-reach places or on difficult terrain, such as hillsides.

When updating your landscaping, excavators and bobcats are one way to make the project go more smoothly. Be sure that you use the proper safety habits when using any large equipment, such as excavators/bobcats. When you finally decide to get started on your new landscaping, be sure to stop by Action Rentals for all your equipment needs! Action carries a wide selection of tools to make any home-improvement project more enjoyable, and less of a hassle!

Spring Party Planning!

Spring means it’s FINALLY time for those fun parties and events!
Springtime is the perfect time to incorporate fun elements and interesting pieces into your events. Luncheons, cocktail parties, and even a simple barbecue can be made more interesting with some creative serveware and beverage dispensers.

For a cocktail party, the main event will obviously be the hors d’oeuvres and the drinks. Serving some of the signature drinks in glass dispensers or dispensers that are ornate and decorative will add some subtle class and sophistication to the event. For multiple drinks, consider using dispensers in varying heights and sizes in order to create a more interesting drink station, while still choosing dispensers with the same overall look and feel to keep . For the food, use cake trays or serving trays that have multiple tiers to keep from placing the food on one flat, level surface. Using multi-height stands and trays will give the food station more dimension and make your food look more inviting.

For bright and spirited spring luncheons, use more fun and eclectic food and beverage trays and dispensers, but be sure and once more utilize varying heights to add interest and dimension. Mixing and matching different, complementing styles of serveware can help add even more fun to an already exciting spring event. If you cant find various heights of dispensers, consider placing some on cake stands to add extra variations and interest to your drink table! Drink fountains are also an interesting conversation piece that could be included during a luncheon or event in order to make a statement. Drink fountains are perfect for punch, lemonade, or other non-alcoholic beverages that you may want to include in your spring event!

Finally, for barbecues, consider more rustic and out-of-the-box beverage holder options. Large drink holders that are shaped like mason jars are sure to be a big hit, but there are so many other options as well! Consider serving canned or bottled beverages in a wheelbarrow, a metal or wooden rustic beverage tub, or a (lined) wagon! For your custom beverages, look at rustic beverage stations, bars made of palettes, tables with rustic barrels for the bases, or even vintage teacarts! These special touches can help you add so much interest to your next event!
Whether you are looking for simple drink dispensers, rustic teacarts and beverage stations, or an exciting beverage fountain, Action Rentals has all the beverage and food station equipment you’ll need for your spring party!

Clean Your Home’s Exterior! Prepare for Spring!

Spring is just around the corner, but is your home prepared? Winter can be harsh on a home’s exterior, so when springtime comes around your home may be in need of a little facelift.

For starters, gutters can become clogged with fallen leaves and debris pretty quickly during fall and winter. Clogged gutters, if left untreated, can cause a lot of issues in the spring, such as damage to your roof, foundation, walls, and doors. Blocked gutters can even result in avoidable injuries if water starts overflowing onto walkways or driveways. So, when preparing for spring, gutters should definitely be on the list! All it takes is some work gloves and a ladder to prevent any unnecessary damages from happening in the future. Don’t have a ladder? Rent one. Ladders are easy and inexpensive to rent, especially from Action Rentals!

Another important aspect of home preparation in the springtime is pressure washing. Winter can make any exterior look faded or grimy, but a good power wash can really renew the look of your home. Pressure washing helps prevent dirt and mildew from diminishing the look of your paint and siding, ultimately saving you money and maintaining or improving the value of your home. Pressure washing is an easy and beneficial home maintenance routine that should be completed at least yearly. When deciding which tools you would need for pressure washing your home, Action Rentals is here to help. The professionals at Action Rentals can tell you what you’ll need for this project and many more!

Renting a power washer, ladder, or any equipment from Action is easy. Let Action’s knowledgeable professionals help you get the right tools for your spring projects and help your home look better than ever before!

Winter Wedding Tips for New Year!


Planning a winter wedding for next year? Don’t settle for pinecones and snowflakes for your decor; get creative! Here are some new ways to incorporate winter into your winter reception motif, without being too cliché.

Centerpieces and table decorations can have a huge impact on the vibe at your reception. Instead of going with pinecones and lanterns for a typical winter centerpiece, try something more dramatic. Use tall and decorative vases for your reception tables and add tall winter branches and hanging crystals to your floral arrangements. The combination of these two design elements will add romance and elegance to your dinning area. For added romance and a touch of warmth, add small votive candles around the centerpieces and use frosted glass or silver china for dinner service!

For cocktail hour, hot chocolate and apple cider are typical inclusions you may want to consider, but why not do something a little different as well? Offer up white or peppermint hot chocolate and eggnog in small espresso cups or punch glasses as they arrive to the reception/cocktail hour. At the bar, offer chocolate martinis or mixed drinks with peppermint liqueur in them to expand the winter feel even farther! Both cocktail options should be served with a peppermint or sugar rim, in a decorative martini or cocktail glass for that added touch.

When planning a winter wedding, be sure and incorporate some new, fresh ideas to really make it stand out and feel more elegant. When searching for the centerpieces, vases, and glassware for your unique reception, be sure and check out Action Rentals! Action carries a variety of vases, centerpieces, and cocktail hour glasses, so you’re sure to set your big day apart from the rest!

Keep Warm This Winter/How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

Winter brings with it a world of worries for a homeowner, including higher electric bills, busting pipes, and water damage. There are things you can do, however, to prevent or minimize many of the risks associated with winter.

When it comes to frozen pipes and water damage, some pipes are more likely to freeze and burst than others. Pipes that are most at risk for freezing include pipes located in exterior walls, any plumbing on the home’s exterior, and exposed piping in unheated or poorly insulated areas of the home.

Now that you know which pipes are more at risk, there are some preventative measures that can be taken to prevent bursting and water damage. For exterior plumbing, be sure and completely turn off the interior shut-off valve leading to those pipes or faucets, then completely drain spigots and water hoses before the first major freeze of the season. For under-insulated walls, consider re-insulating before winter to not only help protect your pipes, but save on heating and electric costs as well. If a pipe has frozen in the past, or shows signs it has(such as water damage, mold, and moister build-up in the area), chances are that pipe isn’t insulated well enough to prevent damage come wintertime.

Another common way to prevent any pipes from freezing or bursting is to, of course, let your faucets drip during freezing temperatures. But what if your pipes do freeze? If your pipes become frozen, use a portable space heater, pipe thawer, or an electric heating pad to thaw the frozen pipe.

If you do decide to reinsulate part of your home to prevent frozen pipes from becoming an issue, Action Rentals has all the insulation blowing equipment you may need. If you end up with frozen pipes, or even have one burst, Action Rentals has pipe thawers, space heaters, and water draining equipment for you too!

How to Choose the Right Venue

Wedding planning is stressful, but one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts can be picking a venue. But what factors should you consider when picking out your perfect location?

  • Capacity- If your perfect venue only seats 100 guests, but your guest list is topping out at 200, then something has to give. Be sure and find a venue that can comfortably accommodate all your guests, with enough room for everyone to dine, dance, and relax.
  • Type- Hotel? Outdoor venue? Historical location? You need to consider all the factors before you decide on the type of venue you want. If you are having a winter wedding, for example, consider having it indoors or in a well heated building, barn, or tent. No one wants to freeze the entire night!
  • Cost- Everyone has a budget, and you need to keep that budget in mind from the very beginning. Don’t break the bank on the venue alone!
  • Rules/Restrictions- Some venues have a definite time you have to leave by or have restrictions on beverages you can serve. So if you’re looking to stay late or have a full bar, be sure and take a second glance at a location’s guidelines.
  • Catering- Be sure and discuss with them the catering options you have. Some venues only allow in-house catering or catering from a list of preferred catering partners, but if your looking to have particular caterer, be sure the venue allows it.
  • Parking/Transportation- If you plan on having a large wedding, be sure the venue’s parking lot can handle the number of guests you have invited. Does the venue have access to public transportation? For some, this is a deciding factor in picking out a venue.
  • Facility Extras/Amenities- When working on picking out a location for your reception, places that supply extras such as tables and chairs, kitchen access, A/V equipment, or linens can provide an added bonus!

When planning your wedding, be sure and consider all of these factors when picking out a venue. After the venue has been decided, be sure and stop by Action Rentals to see all the decorations, linens, and extras that will make your day uniquely you!