When you think of spring two things come to mind, weddings
and home improvement projects, “We’ve been in the tool and equipment rental
business for 30 years and recently we’ve supplemented that with a repair and
maintenance department that can troubleshoot and overhaul your machinery and
equipment,” says Paul Nottingham, President of Action Rental and Sales on
Eastman Road.  “One third of our
customers are do-it-yourselfers, one third are contractors and what most people
don’t know, one third of our customers are planning weddings, parties or other
special events.”  

In 1995, Nottingham added a tent and party rental division to his company and has augmented that with costumes and inflatables.  And that’s where Paul’s wife Debbie
comes in.  

Married for 36 years, the couple now works side by side and
love every minute of it.  “My
daughters don’t know how we do it, but it’s awesome,” says Debbie, “we’re
helping people with some of the most important days of their lives and we enjoy
being a part of it.” 

She advises to do your homework, have a basic idea of what
you want and plan early.  “Sooner
you can reserve the better,” she said. 
“We do company parties, school functions, and large events like the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the week long Fun Fest celebration.  We do events at the Meadowview Marriott, The Virginian Golf Club, the Millennium Centre and at
venues across the Tri-Cities, Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and North
Carolina, so the more advanced notice you give us, the more likely we are to
have everything you need.  If not,
we try very hard to locate it for you,” she added.

Debbie and her staff can ease the pressure and stress of planning
your perfect event by providing step by step preparation and by working as a
team with wedding planners, caterers and florists.  “What are most important to me are the thank-yous we get,”
Debbie said with a smile.  

Both Debbie and Paul agree it’s their people that set them
apart from other rental companies. “Whether we’re delivering party items or
renting backhoes, my employees are knowledgably, helpful and care about our
customers,” Paul noted.  “By common
law there are three things we have to do: warn, instruct and inspect.  We warn customers of the potential
hazards of the item they are renting, we teach them how to use it properly and
we inspect it to ensure it is in proper working order and safe.  “The attributes I want to see in my
staff as well as myself are integrity, honesty and knowing we’ve done our best to help people do their best. 
We pride ourselves on making sure our equipment is reliable, if it isn’t
we remedy the situation immediately,” adding,  “renting is the smart way to get things done, why buy
something you are only going use to few times, you don’t have to worry about
the capital outlay, storing it, repairing or maintaining it.”

Located at 1861 N. Eastman Road Action Rental and Sales is a
one stop shop for all your equipment or party rental needs, providing quality,
value and service to the Tri-Cities since 1982.  Their hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. 
Check out their extensive inventory at: actionrentalkpt.com,
actionpartyrentalkpt.com, tentking.com or call them at 423-246-5181. 

Story courtesy of Cindy Harmon featured in Sunday Stories with Kingsport Times News. 

Pressure washing a house is
one of the most efficient ways to clean the house or prepare the surface for a
fresh coat of paint.  Pressure washing is recommended for aluminum, asphalt, brick, concrete, granite and wood
surfaces. 

Some simple preparation will
make your pressure washing experience more efficient:

·     
Cover all external
electric outlets.

·     
If your home has
shutters, remove them so you can wash beneath them where many insects build
their nests.

·     
Be sure to close the
windows and inspect the sealed areas around the windows for any cracks or gaps;
caulk or seal them as necessary. 

If you are pressure washing
the surface in order to paint, be sure the building’s paint is not
lead-based.  Pressure washing is
not recommended for lead paint surfaces.

The next step in preparation
is for your safety and comfort. Be sure to dress appropriately for highly
pressurized water use – rain gear such as a poncho or similar clothing that
will keep you as dry as possible is recommended. And don’t forget to wear
safety goggles. Also,do not use a ladder while pressure washing as the severity
of the water pressure could knock you off balance.

Now you are ready to
pressure wash! Load detergent into the machine (never use bleach because it can
harm the machine parts). Next, connect the washer’s hose to an outside faucet
then start the engine. Practice a few spraying strokes on a sidewalk or
driveway to get used to the feel of the spray wand’s pressure recoil. When
washing, start at the bottom and work your way up (do the opposite when rinsing
– rinse from the top and work your way down). Work in small areas spraying at a
slightly downward angle approximately 4 feet from the surface area. Spray
horizontally at a steady pace.  Be
sure to use caution when working around light fixtures and glass as the
pressure is sufficient to break them.

So whether you’re preparing
for another project or simply sprucing up your home’s exterior, you’re sure to
save lots of time and energy by using a pressure washer. Through a little
preparation and some basic safety precautions, you’re sure to have an excellent
outcome.

 Come check out the pressure washers and other equipment we have available at Action Rentals and Sales.  

1861 North Eastman Road • Kingsport, TN 37664 • 423-246-5181

The days are getting longer, the trees are in bloom, and
your lawn has started to grow again. That means it’s time to pull out the lawn
mower. Is your mower up to the task?

Performing regular maintenance on your yard care tools will
help extend their useful life, and a well-maintained mower can even make your
yard look better. Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to handle
it, spending a little now on maintenance will save you money down the road.

Here’s a quick rundown of some basic maintenance you should
perform each year:

·     
Clean the air filter. Remove the air filter and check
it for signs of grime and dirt. Replace the filter if necessary. If your lawn mower uses a foam filter, you can wash it with soap and water, then squeeze the
filter dry. Add two teaspoons of oil before replacing the air filter in its
spot.

·     
Change the oil. Drain the old oil and replace it with
fresh oil that meets the manufacturer specifications for your mower. Before
starting the mower, distribute the new oil you just put in your mower by slowly
pulling the starter rope several times.

·     
Sharpen the blades. This is certainly a good idea at
the beginning of the mowing season, but you may need to do it again during the
season as well. Keeping the blade sharpened makes your mower more efficient,
and a sharpened blade also makes a cleaner, more attractive cut.

These tips cover the most basic push mowers. For riding
mowers or self-propelled models, additional maintenance may be required. You
can refer to your owner’s manual for more details.

If you aren’t sure how to perform this maintenance or if you
need a more complex repair on your mower, the skilled technicians at Action Rental and Sales can help. They work on all brands of equipment and can get you
back up and running quickly. 

Despite what Punxsutawney Phil may have indicated, Spring is
just around the corner. And with Spring comes the potential for more severe
weather. With this in mind, those trees around your house – you know, the ones
with limbs that beat against the house during storms – are going to be poised
to do more damage. That is, unless you prune them.

Pruning trees helps to keep their shape visually attractive,
and when done correctly, it’s good for the tree. A large, mature tree can add
tons of curb appeal to a home. But for all we love about trees, trimming higher branches can be a real challenge. Sure you can climb up the tree, brace
yourself on a limb, hold a chain saw with one hand and hope for the best. But
that’s neither the safest nor the most efficient way to trim higher limbs.

Trimming limbs that are out of reach is much easier with a
pole saw. At Action Rentals, we have gas-powered pole saws with telescoping
shafts ranging from 7-1/2 feet to 11-1/2 feet as well as extension poles to be
used with manual hand-type pruners. These tools allow you to cut through your
tree limbs while maintaining a greater level of safety.

Even though using a pole saw is safer than climbing a tree
to prune it with a hand saw or chain saw, it is still a dangerous activity.

·     
Make sure you use proper protective gear, such as
gloves, safety glasses and a hard hat.

·     
Stretch your neck, shoulders and upper body to loosen
up before getting started.

·     
Plan to rest periodically. Holding a saw above your
body for an extended period of time is very tiring.

·     
For powered saws, follow all manufacturer guidelines.

·     
Never cut near power lines!

·     
Avoid using a pole saw in damp or wet conditions.

·     
When cutting thicker tree limbs, make a wedge cut so
your blade doesn’t get jammed in the limb.

·     
Make sure you have a clear work area and a planned
retreat before you start cutting.

·     
Keep both hands on the saw and maintain steady footing.

·     
Stand at a 45-degree angle to where you are cutting
when possible. This gives you more room to get out of the way as limbs fall to
the ground.

·     
Know your limits. For longer limbs, start near the end
and cut them in segments.

So as you’re planning your Spring spruce-up, don’t risk climbing
precariously in a tree. Stop by Action Rentals and let our professionals show
you how to properly use a manual or gas-powered pole saw. It’s a safer and
faster way to trim your trees and beautify your property while protecting your
most valuable investment.

Call or come by Action Rental today for all your rental needs.

We all need water for everyday living, and while the recent wet weather in
our area is great for our water table, all this moisture cans cause issues in
and around our homes. With Spring just around the corner, we can expect even
more rain, so now is the time to address potential water issues.

One of the most common problems we see are areas of our yard that don’t
drain well. Maybe it’s a valley in your property, and water collects there. Or
maybe the soil is a type that doesn’t absorb water as readily. Whatever the
cause, the solution is a time-tested one – the French drain.

French drains involve digging a trench in the area where water stands and
filling the trench with material that will improve the drainage capacity of the
area. Historically, French drains have included gravel to help with drainage
but no actual drain pipe. Most modern French drains actually include a pipe
because it aids in the draining process and makes them last longer.

Before digging for a French drain, call 811 in Tennessee or Virginia to
have service providers mark the location for water lines and any other
underground utilities. Once you know you aren’t harming any existing utilities,
you can begin digging.

Digging a French drain is the hardest part of the process. Fortunately,
modern tools make a big difference. You can dig it by hand, but the process
goes much more quickly with a trencher. Action Rental stocks trenchers that
will help you cut the digging time dramatically.

After digging your trench and getting the slope set properly, you can place
your gravel and drainage tube in the trench. For long-last results, it is
recommended that you place permeable landscape fabric around the edge of the
trench. This lets water pass through but helps keep sediment from seeping into
your French drain. Then you want a layer of gravel along the bottom of the
trench. For best results, use clean or washed gravel. Crushed limestone is not
recommended because it hardens like cement.

Your drain pipe should be a perforated rigid plastic style. You can add
proper drain pipe fittings if desired. This will assist you in cleanout if the
pipe should ever become clogged.

 A properly installed French drain will improve the drainage on your
property and reduce or eliminate standing water issues. This can be a
do-it-yourself job. To make the process as quick and easy as possible, see the
pros at Action Rental for the right tools.

Wedding
planning is exciting. You’re pulling all the pieces together to celebrate one
of the biggest milestones in your life. But let’s face it. Wedding planning is
also hard work. At Action Rentals, we’re here to help. Our experienced event
personnel have years of success in helping brides-to-be choose just the right
items for their wedding ceremonies and receptions.

One
of the key decisions for a reception is the choice of linens. Like much of the
wedding planning process, linen selection is very subjective, and it’s focused
on aesthetic appeal. At Action Rental, we carry a broad selection of colors and
styles. Whether you want a solid or a pattern, traditional white or a color to
complement your other decorations, we can help.

If
your event has a color scheme you would like to match or complement, please
bring some examples of pieces featuring your chosen color for your linen
selection appointment. If you are earlier in the selection process, or if there
isn’t a set theme, please bring along items with colors, textures, patterns,
etc. that appeal to you. These could be magazine pages, postcards, photographs…
anything that really speaks to your sense of color.

With
a little insight into your preferences, our team can show you options that
coordinate or complement your selections. The important part is that the
decision is always yours. We can provide as much or as little input as desired.

So
as you prepare for your big day, please keep in mind that the professionals at
Action Rental are ready to make your event unforgettable! To schedule an
appointment, please visit http://www.actionpartyrentalkpt.com/feedback.asp
or call  1-800-8RENTAL.

Along with the arrival of a new year, Old Man Winter has
settled into our area. Many people enjoy the chill in the air, but Action Rentals reminds everyone that too much
chill can damage your home if precautions are not in place.

 During cold weather, pipes in your walls, attic, under your
floor or in unheated areas of your home can freeze.  As water freezes it expands. This added pressure can cause
pipes to crack or even burst, leading to costly repairs.   

Fortunately, preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk
of frozen pipes, keeping your plumbing lines thawed and in good working
condition. Below are tips to help avoid frozen pipes.

Tips to Keep Pipes From Freezing

1.     To
help protect the pipes in your exterior walls, you can simply open the cabinet
doors at the sinks that are served by the exterior wall pipes.  This will allow the heated interior air
to warm and help protect the pipes. 
You can also place a portable heater a safe distance from the wall and any other combustible material to
aid in this process. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for heater
placement.

2.     Running
water can also help keep your pipes from freezing. It’s easier for standing
water to freeze, so by keeping a small trickle of water running you’re your
faucet, you help prevent your pipes from freezing. When you run your water, run
both the hot and cold water. This warmer water also keeps your pipes warmer and
helps to keep them thawed. Also try and run the water from the far end of the
house.  This helps to protect the
main water lines.

3.     For
longer lasting solutions, consider using expanding insulating foam to fill any
voids in the interior walls. 
Carefully follow the instructions provided when you purchase this foam.
Make sure you calculate the approximate volume of space between the studs to
keep from using too little or too much foam.  If overused, expanding foam can bow or crack drywall.

4.     Utilize
insulating material, such as the molded foam pipe wraps, to place around any
exposed pipes in your attic, basement, crawl space or other unheated areas.

As always, before you start any home improvement or preventive
maintenance project, carefully review all safety information provided with your
purchases.  Take careful steps to
properly shut down any equipment that may be damaged due to shutting off water
supplies. If you need any equipment for this or other home maintenance jobs
remember to contact Action Rentals.  
Renting – the smart way to get
things done!

As colder weather begins to settle please take a moment to
review our Do’s and Don’ts of Space Heater Safety.  All of us at Action Rentals want you and your family to stay
safe and warm this winter. 

Do’s:

–       Use
a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and has been
certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.  Your heater should have the most
up-to-date safety features.  Older
space heaters may not meet newer safety standards and that is when accidents
happen. 

–       Always
review the manual prior to use and follow the manufacturer’s directions for
proper use.

–       Place
the heater on a level, hard, nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile
floor.

–       Keep
the space heater accessible – do not store anything within three feet of the
unit.  Keep away from bedding,
drapes, and furniture and out of foot traffic path.

–       Keep
children and pets away from space heaters.

–       Your
space heater must be plugged directly into an outlet.  Do not use an extension cord or a multi-outlet strip/surge
protector.  This can start a fire
with a high voltage appliance.  The
unit must ground with a three-pronged plug.

–       Turn
the heater off when you leave the area or home.

–       Be
sure to place smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside of sleeping
areas and inside each bedroom. Guard against carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings as
well by installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Make sure that your
batteries in all alarms are fresh and working.

Don’ts:

–       Never
leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.

–       Do
not place a space heater close to any sleeping person.

–       Do
not place your electric space heater near a bathroom or kitchen sink area due
to the risk of electric shock

–       Never
use gasoline in a kerosene space heater, as even a small amount of gasoline
mixed with kerosene can start a fire.

–       Don’t
use portable propane space heaters indoors or in a confined space unless they
are specifically designed for indoor use.

–       Do
not use a combustion-fuel heater (gas, propane, etc.) that vents exhaust into
the room. They are referred to as unvented space heaters and can cause carbon
monoxide to be released. Although an oxygen depletion alarm is standard with
most of these heaters, these are not the same as carbon monoxide alarms.
“Room-vented” space heaters that are wall-mounted and connected to gas lines
are also “unvented” space heaters.

Remember these tips and stay safe.  If ever in doubt about equipment call a professionalprofessional!