ATC Mechanical is the leading heating and air conditioning expert in Walnut Creek, California. We are dedicated to providing residential and commercial HVAC services that go beyond heating and cooling. With years of experience, we have established ourselves as the go-to HVAC contractor in the area. Our range of services includes installation, repair, preventative maintenance, upgrades, and replacements for HVAC systems. We are committed to transparency, and we provide detailed pricing breakdowns in our quotes. Our systems are designed to offer improved energy efficiency and superior indoor air quality, ensuring your ultimate comfort. Trust ATC Mechanical for all your HVAC needs. Contact us today for a more comfortable tomorrow.

Patio, walkway, and front steps were built by Gappsi in Wyandanch Long Island, NY in Suffolk County. The stone used is over-sized ridge brick and ridge circle pavers in a golden brown blend. The pavers are mixed randomly in square and rectangular sizes. This stone has a textured riven surface and slightly chamfered edges. The sealing process begins with pressure washing the entire patio, removing all dirt and debris from the stone surface and in between the joints. Next, Nexgel Techniseal synthetic sand is applied in between the pavers joints and vibrated with a mechanical plate compactor. The plate compactor has rubber rollers to prevent the stones from cracking or scratching. This vibrating process allows the sand to fall in between the joints to densify. Then, we clean the pavers with brooms and landscape blowers, to clean the excess sand from the pavers surface and to evenly spread the sand in between the pavers joints. The next step is to wash the pavers by misting water to penetrate the synthetic sand into the paver joints all the way down below the pavers. The sand and water activate a chemical reaction of the pollen that's in the sand to cause the sand to harden. Finally, the application of the sealer. A two parts components urethane dealer, specially formulated for Gappsi, is applied to the pavers surface and the sand joints to prevent stones from staining, extend their life cycle and further enhance their texture, color, and surface. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2t3swbuYXo

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER Baby boomers residing in this single-family colonial in Mclean, Virginia, wanted to make big changes indoors and out. First, they were tired of their back yard and old wooden deck. The neighboring lot sloped steeply downward, creating significant run-off that prevented any semblance of a lawn or landscaping from taking hold. Worse, it prevented the couple from letting their grandchildren or dog out to play. To address the issue, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes excavated their entire yard so it was level. Then they designed and built a 5’ x 40’ retaining wall covered with ledger stone to separate the lots, installing an underground drainage system to keep runoff away from a new flagstone patio and surrounding plants and shrubs. Above the stone patio is a large no-maintenance deck reached via a wide stairway with matching railing. A 12’ x 18’ screened in porch sits to one side featuring cedar beaded ceiling panels and French doors that lead into the home’s dining room. Highlighting the interior renovations is a new gourmet kitchen with a custom-made wood cabinets and exotic granite countertops. The room’s focal point is a large island with a two-tier countertop and bar seating. Professional-grade stainless steel appliances include a gas cooktop, double-wall ovens, built-in microwave and dishwasher and large refrigerator. Other features include a porcelain tile floor, tile backsplash and a tray ceiling. A new master bathroom features floor-to-ceiling cabinets, a dark marble countertop and his and hers sinks. Contrasting light-colored marble floor and wall tile leads to a glass-enclosed shower. An adjoining walk-in closet completes the design.

ARTR152M4: adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet - 15A - 125V - Magnesium All adorne outlets include a tamper-resistant design featuring a patented shutter system, keeping children safe by preventing them from pushing small objects into the outlet. The shutters are molded a dark color that they fade into the backgorund while keeping users safe. Patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects. Configuration easily supports two plugs and offers the capacity of a standard outlet. Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing outlet in just minutes. Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.

The Apex Motorized TV Wall Mount is just as sleek as it is functional. It's the first motorized mount that fits completely inside the wall, with an ultra-slim installation profile of approximately 1". "Smart Drive" technology prevents damage to the mount when it's moved manually, and dedicated component-mounting locations and the COBRA Concealed Cable-Management System provide a sleek aesthetic and prevent cable wear and tear. It also features 3 positional presets, a simple installation process and smooth, quiet motion.

Trees are an object of supreme beauty that brings a sense of pride and character to any property. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, they also offer a wealth of additional benefits. They can help reduce the cost of heating and cooling as well as increase the curb appeal of a property. Trees also benefit the environment by reducing pollution and providing refuge to local wildlife. If you happen to have oak trees on your property, it is especially important to make sure your trees undergo general maintenance and tree care. One of the most common problems landowners with oak trees face is oak wilt. Five Star Tree Services is here to let you know how to spot and protect your green friends from this debilitating tree ailment. What Is Oak Wilt? Oak wilt is a very aggressive form of tree fungus that attacks the oak species in particular. It grows on the outer sapwood of the tree and slowly starts to sap away nutrients and water from the tree itself. Left untreated, oak wilt can cause the tree to dieback or even expire completely. Oak wilt targets healthy oak trees, mature oak trees, and stressed oak trees in equal measure. It is easiest to spot the symptoms of oak wilt in the early spring or summer. The most common signs of oak wilt are bronze and wilting foliage. Where Does Oak Wilt Start? Most oak wilt will start along the tips of the branches and the top of the oak tree. One reason it may take so long to spot a problem is that it begins out of the usual line of sight. Most homeowners will notice a sudden decline in the health of a usually healthy tree that starts along its crown. Another sign of oak wilt is when the outer side of the tree bark starts to develop gum. This gum attracts other pests such as birds, insects, and squirrels who then carry the fungus from sick trees to healthy trees. Along with spores, the fungus can also spread through the root system of one oak tree to the other, but it is hard to notice unless you happen to be digging around the trees for another reason. When Are Oak Trees Most Susceptible? Healthy and stressed oak trees are equally prone to catching oak wilt, but is it more likely to occur in the spring. It is always best to avoid pruning oak trees in the spring to reduce the chance of new fungal infections or for infections from other trees being spread to healthy trees. Wounds or environmental damage during the spring should be cared for by professionals to help reduce the chances of oak wilt infection. Is There A Cure For Oak Wilt? There is no cure for oak wilt, so the best method is prevention. Avoid pruning and damage during growing seasons and stick to winter pruning in Richmond Hill to cut down on infection rates. If you do have an oak tree that is showing signs of oak wilt, the best course of action is to have it removed to prevent the fungus from spreading to other trees. If you think your oak trees may be showing signs of oak wilt, give Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355 for an in-person assessment today.

This project is a great example of how the different divisions under Provost Companies can come together to create exceptional results for this construction project in Wellesley, MA. This project consists of the initial site work including, excavating and re-grading the property to improve drainage and access. Our construction division was tasked with replacing some of the exterior siding and installing a new deck on the home. To provide more value to the client we installed waterproof taping on the top of all our joists to help prevent moisture from entering. We leave the bottom and side open so it can breathe. This prevents moisture from falling directly into the inevitable splits (specifically at the top of the joist where it will take direct rain and water infiltration) that occur in PT lumber. This wasn’t our idea, and we aren’t taking credit for it, it’s just a best practice we follow to provide more value to the client. Yes, using steel joists is a superior solution but steel is often outside of the budget. Our landscape construction team was tasked with re-grading the yard, installing a bluestone patio and fieldstone retention wall.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client requested a large (19 foot wide by 15 foot projection) two-span retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection. This would allow our client to sit outside and enjoy their garden throughout the year, extending their outdoor entertainment space. For functionality they requested that water drain from the rear of the system into the front beam and down inside the right end post, exiting at the bottom from a tiny hole and draining into the flower beds thus preventing rain water from simply dropping off the front of the unit. The entire system used one continuous piece of fabric and one motor. The uprights and guides meet together at a smooth L-shaped angle, flush at the top for a perfectly smooth profile. The system has a Beaufort wind load rating Scale 10 (up to 63 mph) with the fabric fully extended and in use. A grey hood was also used to prevent rain water, debris and snow from collecting in the folds of fabric when not in use. A running profile from end to end in the rear of the unit was used to attach the Somfy RTS motor which is installed inside a motor safety box. Circular concrete footers were installed in the grassy area in front of the unit for mounting the 3 posts. To allow for a flat vertical mounting surface, a ledger board using pressure-treated wood was mounted the full 19-foot wall width, as the client’s house was made of uneven, thick stone. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT: The client’s intention was for installation of a retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection for their backyard patio area. What is unique or complex about the project? This project was difficult for two main reasons: 1. Very large installation fasteners needed to be used to install through the above referenced ledger board and deep in to the stone structure of the house. 2. The motor cable needed to be placed through deeply drilled holes as the stone wall house wall is 15” thick. Drilling through en-even stone was definitely a challenge. PROJECT RESULTS The client was delighted with the results. The retractable patio cover system now makes it possible for the client to use a very large area in the rear of their house 24/7, 365 with the exclusion of snow. Since the client was very happy, they will be covering the ends, front and sides with our motorized vertical drop zippered awnings. Gable ends will also be covered with fixed fabric panels. Enclosing the entire area will allow the customer to heat the space in the winter and air condition the space in the summer.

Trendy hallway photo in New York

Schroeder Design/Build created seven different layout options and our clients selected an “L” shaped design that required removing a bearing wall. This allowed us to open up the kitchen area and create a laundry area that was formerly an under stair closet. The new kitchen features loads of counter space for working and cabinets and drawers for storage. Appliances were placed to maximize flow and prevent traffic jams. A well-planned layered light plan offers overhead, task and accent lighting throughout. The peninsula seating area allows the kids to sit and do homework or socialize while mom’s preparing meals. This kitchen remodel includes many special touches that make it perfectly suited for this family. The knee wall under the peninsula is tiled to prevent damage to the cabinets from accidental kicking while the kids sit on stools. There’s a niche behind the sink to add extra counter depth for plants.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Nicolock oyster ridge stone pavers being sealed in Patchogue NY 11772. The sealing process begins with pressure washing the entire patio, removing all dirt/debris from the stone surface and in between the joints. Next, Nexgel Techniseal synthetic sand is applied in between the pavers joints and vibrated with a mechanical plate compactor. The plate compactor has rubber rollers to prevent the stones from cracking or scratching. This vibrating process allows the sand to fall in between the joints and density. Then, we clean the pavers with brooms and landscape blowers, to clean the excess sand from the pavers surface and to evenly spread the sand in between the pavers joints. The next step is to wash the pavers by misting water to penetrate the synthetic sand into the pavers joints all the way down below the pavers. The sand and water activate a chemical reaction of the pollen that’s in the sand to cause the sand to harden. Finally, the application of the sealer, two parts components urethane dealer, specially formulated for Gappsi, is applied to the pavers surface and the sand joints to prevent stones from staining, extend their life cycle and further enhance their texture, color, and surface. Call Gappsi at 631-543-1177 for any cleaning, sealing, paver driveways/patio restoration and repairs in Patchogue 11772 NY.

Lawn care maintenance by the seasons is a year long, continuous affair. To keep your lawn healthy and looking its best all through the year requires a considerable effort. Lawn care maintenance differs from season to season so here are some tips to get you started:

Lawn Care Maintenance in Summer
1 Proper watering is important in this season so that the soil does not dry out.

2 In summer the grass grows faster, so you'll need to mow it more often. However ensure that you don't cut off more than 1/3rd portion of the grass blades.

3 Just like the grass, weeds also thrive in warmer climates. Make sure to do some timely weeding in this season so that weed growth does not go out of hand.

4 During summer insects and pests are very active. Check the lawn soil for grubs, larvae of beetles and other insects that cause bare or dry patches. Go for pest control if you find an infestation. Re-seed the bare patches if needed.

Lawn Care Maintenance in the Fall
1 Falling leaves must be cleared more often during fall. This allows the grass to breathe and utilise the sunlight in preparation for the coming winter.

2 Clear any dead grass and other debris from the lawn in this season.

3 It is important to fertilise your lawn during the fall so that it gets the nourishment required for the dormant wintertime.

Lawn Care Maintenance in Winter
1 Leave the grass level as short as possible in preparation for the winter. This will prevent the blades from bending under the weight of the snow.

2 Just before the onset of winter is a good time to prune the shrubs and trees to encourage new growth and flowering as spring approaches.

3 It is a good idea to clear the lawn and yard of all outdoor furniture, pots, planters, logs, etc. This prevents the formation of dead patches as the snow vanishes.

4 Try to keep the side-walks and other spaces free of snow as much as possible.

Lawn Care Maintenance in Spring
1 Clean up the lawn of debris like leaves, twigs and other dead material that has collected over the winter.

2 Early spring is the time to fertilise the lawn which helps in its growth.

3 To get ready for mowing, begin by tuning up your lawn mower. Now is the time for a routine maintenance check.

4 Check for weed growth and de-weed your lawn so that it not only looks neat, but also ensures healthy growth.

You can follow these lawn care maintenance tips and do it all yourself or you could hire a professional lawn maintenance service like Fox Mowing to keep up the schedules. Fox Mowing( http://foxmowing.com.au/) takes up lawn and Garden Maintenance Professionals contracts along with other jobs like weeding and pest control, fertilising, mulching, debris removal, pruning, hedge maintenance, etc.

Vanity was updated for better leg room, aesthetics, and wheelchair accessibility. Easier access to cabinets and prevented possible knee bumps.
Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Austin

Ann Betten
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Baltimore.

This striking arrangement of natural boulders and drought-tolerant plants that not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in controlling erosion. Complementing the boulders, a selection of drought-tolerant plants is thoughtfully integrated into the design. These plants, with their diverse textures and colors, create a vibrant landscape that thrives in Santa Fe’s arid climate. Ornamental grasses rise alongside the boulders, adding height and movement, while flowering plants provide splashes of color that attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Groundcover is used to fill in gaps, preventing soil erosion while also softening the edges of the boulders. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of hardscape and softscape that draws the eye along the driveway, making the journey more visually engaging while ensuring that the landscape remains sustainable and functional. This design approach not only beautifies the property but also promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing water usage and preventing soil loss.

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER Baby boomers residing in this single-family colonial in Mclean, Virginia, wanted to make big changes indoors and out. First, they were tired of their back yard and old wooden deck. The neighboring lot sloped steeply downward, creating significant run-off that prevented any semblance of a lawn or landscaping from taking hold. Worse, it prevented the couple from letting their grandchildren or dog out to play. To address the issue, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes excavated their entire yard so it was level. Then they designed and built a 5’ x 40’ retaining wall covered with ledger stone to separate the lots, installing an underground drainage system to keep runoff away from a new flagstone patio and surrounding plants and shrubs. Above the stone patio is a large no-maintenance deck reached via a wide stairway with matching railing. A 12’ x 18’ screened in porch sits to one side featuring cedar beaded ceiling panels and French doors that lead into the home’s dining room. Highlighting the interior renovations is a new gourmet kitchen with a custom-made wood cabinets and exotic granite countertops. The room’s focal point is a large island with a two-tier countertop and bar seating. Professional-grade stainless steel appliances include a gas cooktop, double-wall ovens, built-in microwave and dishwasher and large refrigerator. Other features include a porcelain tile floor, tile backsplash and a tray ceiling. A new master bathroom features floor-to-ceiling cabinets, a dark marble countertop and his and hers sinks. Contrasting light-colored marble floor and wall tile leads to a glass-enclosed shower. An adjoining walk-in closet completes the design.

The tiles shown in the photographs below are classic distressed Black and White Italian Marble installed in the kitchen of a property in Bamber Bridge which is South of Preston. Some of the tiles had an issue with loose grout which I suspect was due to the suspended wooden floor and a small amount of movement had resulted in the grout cracking. Ideally more support would be needed under the floor to prevent this, in the meantime however I recommended removing the grout and replacing with a flexible grout product that could cope with the movement. The tiles also needed a clean, polish and reseal so it made sense to address the issue with the grout as part of the work. Working as a two-man team we started by cleaning the floor with a set of diamond burnishing pads starting with a coarse 400-grit, followed by 800 and 1500 grit. Water was used to lubricate the process and the floor was rinsed with water between pads with the fine slurry generated by the process extracted using a wet vacuum. These pads remove ingrained dirt and then slowly refine the appearance of the Marble building up its polished appearance in the process. The next step was to rake out all the grout which as discussed was compromised and needed replacing. We had to be very careful when removing the grout due to the electric heating mat under the floor, any damage to that would require ripping the floor up. With the old grout removed and the floor cleaned the floor was then grouted using Mapei Ultra-colour which is a flexible and fully waterproof grout more than suitable for this situation. Between us we managed to pack a lot into day one which was tough, however with the hardest tasks out of the way day two should be a lot easier. Day two started with an initial clean making sure to remove any excess grout smeared on the surface that can affect the look of the tile if not removed. This was followed by the application of the last of the set of burnishing pads which is a 3,000-grit pad that really brings up the polish on the marble. You only need a small amount of water sprayed onto the floor when applying this last pad so by late morning the floor was dry and ready for sealing. The customer wanted a better sheen appearance than they previously had, fortunately we find the Diamond burnishing pads do this well, they also tighten up the pores of the stone as well which means less sealer is needed. The floor was then sealed with Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that improves colour and soaks into the stone occupying the pores and thereby preventing dirt from becoming ingrained. Once complete the floor looked great and the client was very happy. Sealers and Polish do wear down with use over time so before leaving I discussed our annual maintenance plan option which will ensure the appearance of the Marble floor always looks good. The plan involves returning once a year to further polish the floor with a high-grade burnishing pad and to add more sealer if required. We also discussed the use of Tile Doctor Stone Soap for regular cleaning, it is a pH neutral cleaner which is ideal for stone floors like Marble which are acid sensitive. Russell Taylor Lancashire Tile Doctor