Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Anderson CountyPalestine Maintenance is scheduled to perform edge repair on FM 837. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car managing traffic control.

Anderson County construction projects updates:

US 79 Super 2 Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue work on roadway elements. The speed limit has been reduced to 60 mph throughout the project limits. Motorists should use caution when traveling through the project and expect lane closures and delays. Project consists of widening for a Super 2, including sub-grade work, surface treatment, base and surface hot mix asphalt, widening structures, bridge rail, MBGF, signage and permanent striping.

----------------------------------------

Cherokee CountyJacksonville maintenance crews are scheduled to begin edging on FM 2750 between FM 2064 and SH 110. Expect daytime lane closures with traffic controlled by flaggers. Rusk Maintenance crews will be working on base repair and edges on FM 851. Expect daytime lane closures.

Cherokee County construction projects updates:

FM 22 Safety Widening and Bridge Replacement Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue widening the roadway and begin construction on the bridge at Little Turnpike Creek. Flaggers will be present during construction hours. Expect daily lane closures when work is being done. The bridge will be closed during construction. The project will widen the existing roadway, replace three bridges and incorporate safety upgrades.

US 84 Widening

The contractor is scheduled to continue widening cross structures, driveway upgrades and begin base repairs/widening. Lane closures will be in place. Expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. The project will widen and resurface the roadway, along with adding safety upgrades.

FM 235 Safety Widening

No work is scheduled this week. No lane closures will be in place. The project widens the existing roadway and incorporates safety upgrades.

County Road Bridge Replacement Project

No work is scheduled on CR 3203 and CR 1504. Both roadways are open to traffic. Construction of the new bridges is ongoing on CR 2905 and CR 2614. Both roads are closed to through traffic. The project is replacing the existing bridges at each location with new structures.

SH 204 Super-2 Widening Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue placing mowstrip and final surface striping. Lane closures will be in place during construction. The project adds passing lanes and incorporates safety upgrades.

US 69 Sidewalks in Jacksonville

No work is scheduled. The project is constructing sidewalks along US 69 in Jacksonville.

US 79 Rehabilitation Project

The contractor is awaiting final punch list. Lane closures will be in place, expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. The work zone speed limit is 60 mph. The project will rebuild the roadway pavement and upgrade bridge rails.

SH 21 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to begin road work construction on driveway upgrades and structure extensions. Lane closures will be in place. The project will consist of pavement resurfacing.

----------------------------------------

Gregg CountyMaintenance crews will continue bridge channel maintenance on SH 135, just north of SH 31. There will be possible right-lane closures north or southbound over Rabbit Creek and Rabbit Creek Relief bridges. Flaggers will be present if needed. Crews also plan to continue with mobile operations, patching potholes and removing debris from various roadways. Mobile operations will have contract TMAs present for protection.

Gregg County construction projects updates:

This project is part of the City of Longview Guthrie Creek Trail project. It will consist of building a bridge over Guthrie Creek to allow bicyclist and pedestrians to travel under Spur 63. The traffic will be reduced to two lanes, one northbound lane and one south bound lane to allow the contractor to build half of the bridge. Traffic will be switched later to allow completion of the bridge construction. Expect delays.

FM 2204, etc., Safety Improvement Project

Contractor is scheduled to complete punch list items this week. This project consists of culverts, safety end treatments, drainage upgrades, new MBGF and driveway asphalt. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, flexible base, curb and gutter, sidewalks, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, new bridge, flexible base, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

----------------------------------------

Henderson CountyAthens maintenance is scheduled to perform base work on SH 198 between SH 31W and FM 1214. Expect delays with flaggers controlling traffic.

Henderson County construction projects updates:

SH 198 Bridge Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on the new northbound bridge and roadway elements. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The speed limit has been reduced to 50 mph throughout the project. The project consists of the construction of replacing bridges, approaches, grading, structures, asphalt concrete pavement (ACP) base, ACP surface, retaining walls, curb & gutter, MBGF, and pavement markings.

SH 334 Bridge Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue final cleanup work. Expect lane closures and delays. The project will upgrade the roadway from two to four lanes. The contract consists of the construction of bridges, storm sewer, guardrail, base, pavement surfaces, and pavement markings.

----------------------------------------

Rusk CountyMaintenance crews are scheduled to begin edge repairs on FM 839 near Lake Striker. Flaggers will control traffic with one-way traffic setups in all locations. Expect daytime lane closures.

----------------------------------------

Smith CountyTyler Maintenance will be performing ditch work on FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy) near Loop 323. Expect daily lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. A second crew will be on SH 155 south, just before the first bridge at Lake Palestine. This crew will also be performing ditch work off the road in the right-of-way. Once this job is complete, this crew will move to FM 346 in Flint to extend a culvert under the roadway just before FM 2868. This will be under lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. This area is expected to see heavy congestion. Please seek an alternate route.

Smith County construction projects updates:

US 271 Rehab, Turn Lanes, and Pavement Overlay

Crews will be installing driveway culverts on the northbound and southbound sides. Traffic control will be managed by flaggers as needed. The project consists of paving, structures, MBGF, and pavement markings from I-20 north to the Gregg County line. The portion from I-20 to FM 16 also includes turn lanes and pavement rehabilitation.

FM 2493 Widening Project

The contractor is scheduled for miscellaneous project clean up. Temporary lane closures are anticipated from 9 am to 4 pm. The project will widen FM 2493 from two lanes to a four-lane divided roadway with a flush median.

US 69 Overpass at FM 346

Contractor is scheduled to complete punch list items and project cleanup. Temporary lane closures will be in place for restriping and asphalt repair. The work zone speed limit is 60 mph on US 69. The project consists of building a new US 69 bridge over FM 346.

SH 155 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue the mill and inlay between Frankston and Coffee City. Expect lane closures when work is in progress. When in progress, hours will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights. Expect delays. The project will resurface the roadway, upgrade drainage structures, and repair bridge joints.

Sidewalks at various locations in Smith County

The contractor is scheduled to continue work on SH 110 in Troup. Daily lane closures are expected. The project is adding sidewalks along SH 64W in Tyler, SH 110W, and SH 135N in Troup.

SH 135 Widening Project

No work is scheduled. The work zone speed limit is 45 mph. The project is adding passing lanes, improving drainage structures, and pavement resurfacing.

US 69 (Glenwood Blvd.) Resurfacing Project in Tyler

No work is scheduled. When in progress, work will be conducted from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights. The project consists of pavement resurfacing.

FM 344, etc., Safety Improvements

No work is scheduled. The project consists of improving drainage, culvert work, and guardrail upgrades.

US 69 (Broadway Ave.) Resurfacing Project

No work is scheduled. When in progress, work is slated from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Thursday, and on Sunday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The project consists of bridge rail and pavement resurfacing.

I-20 Resurfacing Project

No work is scheduled. When work is in progress, the schedule is from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. The work zone speed limit is 65 mph. The project consists of ramp improvements and frontage road construction.

SH 64 Bridge Maintenance

The contractor is scheduled to continue working on bridge repairs. When work is in progress, hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lane closures will be in place when working on the metal beam guard fence and retrofit rail. The project consists of bridge maintenance and repair.

Tyler State Park Bridge and Resurfacing Project

No work is scheduled for this project. The project will consist of bridge and pavement resurfacing.

I-20 Upgrades at Barber Road

This project consists of widening on ramps and exit ramps, culverts, drainage upgrades, new MBGF and bridge rails on the Barber Road overpass, and asphalt overlay. No work planned this week.

SH 110 & FM 346 Landscape Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue forming various landscape development. The project consists of landscape development.

Sign Replacement at Various Locations in Smith County

No work is scheduled this week. The project will consist of replacing small roadside signs.

----------------------------------------

Van Zandt CountyCanton Maintenance will be conducting base work on FM 316. Daytime lane closures will be in place with flaggers controlling traffic. Bridge crews will also be working in various locations in the county. No delays are expected.

Van Zandt County construction projects updates:

I-20 MBGF Improvements (Van Zandt, Smith, and Gregg counties)

Crews will be performing bridge rail work (eastbound side), concrete work, cleaning, and grading along the eastbound and westbound shoulders Gregg County (eastbound side), and cleaning and grading in Smith county (eastbound and westbound). Lane closures will be in effect nightly and will be managed by message boards and channelizing devices. This project is to construct safety improvements consisting of upgrading MBGF and mow strip.

SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay

Crews will be performing roadway widening operations on the southbound side and extending drainage structures on the northbound side. Traffic control will consist of a southbound shoulder closure and will be managed by flaggers as needed. The project consists of Super 2 work including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, OCST, PFC surface, structures, signs and pavement markings.

CR 2918, etc. Bridge Replacements

Crews will be installing concrete mowstrip on CR 2318 and CR 2918. Both roads remain closed on each side of the bridges until project completion. The project consists of removing and replacing four bridges.

Safety Improvement Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue driveways and drainage structures work on FM 346 in Smith County. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The project includes grading, structure work, guard rail replacement, and bridge rail upgrades.

----------------------------------------

Wood CountyMaintenance crews will be performing bridge maintenance on US 69 at the Sabine River bridge. Expect one lane closure with flaggers and a pilot car. No delays are expected. Another crew will be on FM 14 between SH 154 and the Hawkins city limit performing base failure repairs. Expect one lane closure and a pilot vehicle and flaggers controlling traffic.

Wood County construction projects updates:

SH 154 Turn Lane Project

The project is substantially complete and in the punch-list phase. Shoulder closures could occur occasionally with minimal delay to motorists. The project includes pavement widening, hot mix asphalt concrete overlay, signs, and pavement markings.

----------------------------------------

I-20 Total Maintenance Contract

Go here to see the original:
TxDOT Project Updates for the Week of Jan. 24, 2022 - Texas Department of Transportation

With ever-growing concerns about the damage that salt is doing to the environment, not to mention to vehicles and footwear, highway departments have been turning to a rather prosaic solution to cut back on its usage: home-brewed saltwater.

You might have noticed that more roadways in the region are bearing those rows of ghostly white streaks, like so many omens of winter icy horrors to come, whenever storms are in the forecast.

Thats the visible evidence of the anti-icing brine movement, which has been gaining popularity around here and the nation. Studies affirm that it has been a major salt saver, if not a popular one.

The really, really big advantage of brine is that you waste less. ... Its going to be so much better for the environment, said Victoria Kelly, a program manager at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in upstate New York.

READ MORE: Winter road salt is making some Philly-area streams as salty as the ocean, enough to kill wildlife

We can definitely spread less salt, said John Krafczyk, maintenance manager for PennDots Philadelphia region, adding that it can reduce usage by as much as 45%. Some research shows it can cut use by as much as 75%, said Stephen Schapiro, spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

The concept has been around for decades, but highway departments didnt get into pre-storm brining until about 2010, said Stephen J. Druschel, a professor of civil engineering at Minnesota State University and an expert on brining, which he acknowledges is a lonely pursuit in the academic community. (The real experts are the truck drivers, he says.) The origins of the practice are somewhat unclear, he said, and statistics on its usage are wanting.

But its popularity is indisputably spreading.

Some brines contain additives New Jersey has used beet juice when its been extremely cold aimed at further combating low temperatures, but basic brine is a mixture of 23.3% salts. Highway departments make it in massive mixers and then spread it with trucks equipped with udder-like dispensers. As for why the 23.3%, thats the maximum salt concentration that water can dissolve.

READ MORE: In Philly winters, expect anything

The liquid adheres to the paving, as opposed to salt pellets that bounce off of hard surfaces and scatter like so many hailstones.

Treating roads before a storm is a lot like cooking pasta, said Druschel. The liquified solution can speed up the melting of ice and snow on streets the way adding salt can speed the heating of a pot of water for pasta, said Druschel. One doesnt have to add salt to boil the water, he said, but it just takes longer.

The mixture gloms on to the paving and works its way into nooks, crannies, and cracks in ways pellets cannot. That prevents or at least delays snow and ice from forming an epoxy-like bond to a road surface.

The last thing I want that to do is have it pack and stick to the road where we cant peel it off, said PennDots Krafczyk.

Experimentation with brines dates to the 1960s, said Daniel Sullivan, a spokesman for the salt giant Cargill.

Druschel said that more than 25 years ago, the Minnesota Department of Transportation came up with the concept of pre-wetting salt before putting it on the road. That now is a common practice among highway departments, including PennDot, and was a precursor to todays pre-storm brining. That was a big step forward, Druschel said.

In some instances water might constitute two-thirds of the weight carried on snow-fighting trucks, said Druschel.

A major obstacle was equipment, said the Cary Institutes Kelly.

The old snow-fighting trucks were manufactured to spread crystals, not brine. That was one of the stumbling blocks. What do we do with all these old trucks, she said. Spraying is different from spreading.

In addition to the trucks, brining requires other machinery to mix the melter cocktail.

But another factor was inertia, she said. It can just take awhile for highway departments to change their ways.

PennDots Krafczyk said it has looked at additives, but, We didnt see any advantages.

READ MORE: To treat icy roads, highway agencies look to grapes, cheese, and vodka as alternatives to salt

Kelly said that the jury is still out. There just isnt anything in the scientific literature just yet. Ideas get formulated and implemented and science tries to catch up with, how effective is this?

They make a tiny bit of difference, said Druschel, adding that Minnesota has used corn water and sugary beet residue. He said the deer are grateful for the resulting roadside detritus to them its, Oh, sticky toffee, he said. Unfortunately, he added, that has led to more deer-car collisions.

The short answer is yes, and brinings impacts on metal have been the subject of multiple media reports.

Kelly, however, argues that salt is salt, diluted or otherwise, and that its going to corrode, period. She said the fact that brine is more evenly spread might enhance the impact, but that no one shes aware of has conducted a controlled experiment to isolate the effects of brine versus dry pellets.

I think the bottom line is were going to see just as much corrosion, she said.

READ MORE: It can make roads messy, but snow still captivates a whole lot of people

Cargills Sullivan concurred. Regarding corrosive effects, he said, It is unclear, as there is little hard data to confirm this. He added that even solid salt treating snow and ice is eventually converted to a brine anyway.

Kelly, who lives in a small town about 90 miles due north of New York City, says that when snow is in the forecast, shell be walking on a half-inch layer of rock salt in front of the local library and post office. She wondered whether perhaps someone could brine the sidewalks with, say, a backpack sprayer.

PennDots Krafczyk said he did try to brine his own driveway. He used a hydrometer to measure the salt level in the water in his sprayer and then fired away. Unfortunately, the nozzle quickly clogged up after he had covered all of one square foot. Eventually, he did get it to function.

It was a lot of work, he said. Was it worth it? No. I found it better to take a handful of salt and throw it on the driveway.

Read more from the original source:
Road brining before winter storms is gaining more traction around Philly and the nation - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Home Motors Talking Tires: Differences Between All-Season, All-Weather, Snow, and All-Terrain Rubber

Which type of tires are right for you and your vehicle? Tires are paramount to the performance and safety of your vehicle, and weve got the answers to your pressing tire questions.

Admittedly, Im a bit of a tire nerd. I love to geek out on all aspects of the ubiquitous rubber donuts. However, for many vehicle owners, tires are just round, black, and confusing circles that are a necessary evil when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

Frankly, its easy to see why tires can be confusing. Just look at the title of this article. You have endless options, and thats after youve decided which size you need.

There are all-season tires, all-weather tires, all-terrain tires, snow tires, summer tires, and all sorts in between. But lets step back for a moment and look at some of the most popular versions and what makes them unique. It might shed some clarity on future tire-buying decisions.

When it comes to tires, ideally wed all own multiple sets and switch them for optimal driving conditions. For starters, youd have summer tires for warm, dry drives and winter tires for cold and snowy ones, and perhaps a set of studded tires for ice, and non-studded for snow.

Oh, and if you have a 4WD, you would probably want a set of dirt tires, and even a set of mud tires for that muck, too. But most people dont want to have several sets of tires; some owners dont even want to switch between summer or winter tires, which is a best practice for cold climates.

Instead, the vast majority of car owners have one tire to fit most conditions. Because of this, tire manufacturers have a variety of tire types for multiple driving scenarios.

Sometimes the jargon can get confusing, though. For example, whats the difference between an all-season, all-weather, all-terrain and, for that matter, a snow tire? Im glad you asked.

All-season tires are designed for most conditions most of the time, but dont excel in any. These tires are the absolute middle ground for tires in terms of performance. Thats not to say theyre a bad choice, but theyre designed to do a bit of everything versus be exceptional at something specific.

That being said, all-season tires typically have a rubber compound thats designed for having a comfortable ride and getting the most miles while doing so, such as the BFGoodrich Advantage Control tires I installed on my Toyota Yaris.

But there are a variety of all-season tires, such as high-performance versions geared toward sports cars, and touring tires often found on CUVs or minivans. But as a whole, all-season tires are the most middle-of-the-road tires you can get theyre also usually shod on most new vehicles. Versatile, long-lasting, comfortable, and quiet these are the traits all-season tires are known for.

Honestly, their biggest downfall is the fact they arent masterful at much of anything. No matter the season, theyre never going to provide the best traction or the best grip. For that, youd need to opt for a dedicated summer tire, a dedicated winter tire, or a dedicated dirt tire.

If theres one driving condition in which all-season tires suffer most, however, its winter and snow performance. This is due to their harder rubber compounds that dont grip the pavement at colder temperatures (typically 45 degrees F and under), and tire block designs that arent conducive to handling snow and slush.

Many all-season tires carry the M+S (mud and snow) rating, a designation from the U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association. This means they have deeper grooves for muddy and snowy conditions.

There isnt an actual performance standard these tires must meet to be considered M+S. Instead, its based on the tires tread design.

So, while an all-season tire might have the M+S rating, theyre actually neither mud nor snow tires. But, in exchange for versatile yet nonmasterful performance, buyers get a longer service life.

If youre regularly driving in muddy or snowy conditions, you might want to step up to another newer tire style: the all-weather tire.

All-weather tires are a European transplant that has been getting traction on the U.S. market in the last several years. These tires came about because many European drivers were required to have two sets of tires: one for summer, and one for winter (depending on locale), and they would rotate between the two.

At some point, someone developed a tire for use during all four seasons. This eliminated the need to have two sets of rubber.

All-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) logo, designating severe snow service requirements. For many years, only snow tires earned this designation. But now some all-season tires carry it, and often carry the title of all-weather tires.

All-weather tires perform better in the snow than all-season tires carrying just the M+S rating. This is due to compounds that can perform more admirably in cooler temperatures. They also have more siping and unique tread patterns to usher away snow and slush.

According to tire retailer Tire Rack, In 1999, The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) agreed on a performance-based standard to identify passenger and light truck tires that attain a traction index equal to, or greater than 110 (compared to a reference tire which is rated 100) during the specified American Society for Testing and Materials traction tests on packed snow. The standard helps ensure drivers can easily identify tires that provide a higher level of snow traction, and tires meeting that standard are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

For years, Ive jokingly said all-weather tires are basically all-season tires for people living in Finland. Theyre more versatile in temps both above and below 45 degrees F than all-season tires, yet still have high mileage warranties. They are, however, often not as quiet as an all-season tire due to a blockier tread design.

I recently equipped my 1998 Honda CR-V with a set of Toyo Celsius all-weather tires and embarked on a 4,500-mile winter road trip from Oregon to Wisconsin and back over the holidays. The tires performance in rainy, snowy, and slushy conditions impressed me. We even saw temps near -10 degrees F, and the tires performed well. Add to it, they have a 60,000-mile tread life warranty.

All-weather tires can be a great alternative to standard all-season tires for people who dont want to switch out to a dedicated winter tire. And theyre a good choice for people living in colder climates.

It should be noted, however, that despite the 3PMSF ratings, theyre still not as competent in snow, slush, and ice as a dedicated winter tire.

If all-season tires are just OK in the snow, and all-weather tires are better, dedicated winter tires are the best you can get for cold, snowy, and icy conditions. But youll only want to use them in the winter.

When used above 45 degrees F and run on bare pavement, snow tires will wear quickly. However, their snow, slush, and ice performance is above and beyond other tires. Similarly, a dedicated summer tire would be better for warm, dry conditions.

Winter tires are often noisier than all-season/all-weather tires due to their aggressive blocky tread design for snow. But they are great for harsh winter conditions where you might encounter deep snow and fair bits of ice.

Their chunky tread patterns with aggressive siping and softer rubber compounds are excellent at channeling out the wintertime muck and providing maximum traction in cold temps.

But that performance is at the expense of dry-pavement grip, wear, and noise especially if you have a set of studded winter tires. Studded tires are not legal in all states, as they chew up the roads pavement. Some states allow them (such as my state of Oregon), and their performance specifically on ice can be advantageous.

Studs or not, snow tires are also noisier than all-season or all-weather tires. And because youre not going to want to run these in the warmer months, youll likely want to mount winter tires on a separate set of wheels to avoid having tires mounted and dismounted off your only set of wheels. This means youll have summer and winter tires, which means youll always have to store one set somewhere.

Oh, by the way, if your car uses a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), prepare for the extra expense of installing a second set of sensors in your winter rolling stock.

Make no mistake: Winter tires are amazing in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. But these specialized tires come with distinct compromises.

We wouldnt be covering all the all tires without briefly mentioning all-terrains. You can find these tires on trucks, SUVs, and sometimes crossovers, but rarely on cars. Their design focuses on performance in a mix of dirt and pavement.

However, some all-terrain tires also have the 3PMSF rating, making them truly good in nearly all terrains. The one exception is mud. And there are dedicated mud-terrain tires, but they generally dont carry the 3PMSF rating and make a lot of noise on pavement.

All-terrains often utilize blocky tread compounds. These help them run circles around all-season highway tires when you leave the pavement.

But they usually come in sizes compatible with trucks and SUVs; some crossover-style sizes are becoming available. They do, however, come in LT (light truck) versions that have heavier-duty sidewalls for the demands of heavier-duty vehicles.

An all-terrain tire is really what you want if youve got a 4WD vehicle thats trading pavement performance for dirt driving. So if youve got something like a Jeepor a pickup truck, these can be a fantastic choice. However, this tires on-road handling and quietness arent as good as an all-season or all-weather tire.

But tires are, effectively, a safety device and you should educate yourself on which tire type is right for you, your driving conditions, and your vehicle.

But, lets put it this way: If you dont live somewhere that gets under 45 degrees F, an all-season tire can still be a good choice due to its versatility. If youre looking for the upper echelon of cornering, go with a summer tire.

If you live somewhere cold and snowy, the best option is having a dedicated set of summer and winter tires. But if you dont want to swap out tires in the cold, take a look at the burgeoning all-weather segment with better snow performance.

And if you have a truck, SUV, or a CUV, an all-terrain tire is a fantastic choice if you venture off the pavement from time to time. And check out all-terrains with the 3PMSF rating if you venture into cold, snowy situations.

There really is a tire for every vehicle out there. Arming yourself with a bit of knowledge will ensure that you get the right rubber for your ride.

Originally posted here:
Talking Tires: Differences Between All-Season, All-Weather, Snow, and All-Terrain Rubber - GearJunkie

Recent footage taken of Gigafactory Texas has revealed that Tesla has brought over its all-electric pickup truck to its new headquarters. The arrival of the Cybertruck at the Giga Texas site comes just as new images of the vehicles alpha prototype were shared online.

The Cybertrucks delivery could be seen in a video of the Giga Texas site that was taken on Sunday, January 23, 2022, by drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer, who has been following the progress of the massive project since its earliest days. As could be seen in the footage, a vehicle that appears to be the Tesla Cybertrucks updated alpha prototype could be seen being offloaded from a truck.

Considering that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is expected to announce several product updates this coming fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 earnings call, the arrival of the Cybertruck at the Giga Texas site seems to be well-timed. It would be quite interesting to see exactly just what Musks product update would be like, however, considering that Teslas earnings calls are typically conducted as an audio conference.

Interestingly enough, a couple of photos showing the clearest look yet at the Tesla Cybertrucks updated alpha prototype also emerged recently. The images showcased several of the changes that have been implemented to the Cybertrucks physical design, from its now-removed door handles to its massive, single wiper blade. The vehicles front end also seemed to be shortened slightly, paving the way for an extremely massive windshield.

Teslas earnings call will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, after markets close.

Watch a recent drone flyover of the Giga Texas site in the video below.

Dont hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to[emailprotected]to give us a heads up.

Follow this link:
Tesla Cybertruck spotted being offloaded in Gigafactory Texas - Teslarati

The Global Asphalt Surfactant Additives Market from 2021 to 2027 global study report, which was recently published by MarketQuest.biz, was constructed with a great blend of industry knowledge, innovative ideas, practical solutions, and cutting-edge technology to deliver a better user experience. In terms of drivers, restraints, opportunities, trends, and the competitive environment, the research provides a firm foundation for users who want to enter the global market.

The global Asphalt Surfactant Additives market research report includes a detailed analysis of regional level breakdowns, status, leading growth rates, highest market share for nations, and new technologies. The report is a fantastic resource for learning about the global Asphalt Surfactant Additives market, emerging trends, product usage, consumer and competitor motivators, brand positioning, and customer behaviour.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.marketquest.biz/sample-request/78739

This research examines the market in detail, including market shares and growth potential, by product type, application, main manufacturers, important regions and countries, and forecasts for the years 2021 to 2027. The global Asphalt Surfactant Additives market study also looks into major current actions including new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and alliances.

Market segmentation based on application:

Road Construction & Paving, Roofing, Others

The study gives a comprehensive overview of the present market environment, as well as a wealth of information on the overall important trends, risks, and challenges that appear to have a significant impact on revenue generation in the industry.

Types of market segmentation:

Cationic Additive, Anion Additive

The following regions and countries are included in the worldwide Asphalt Surfactant Additives market report:

North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Rest of South America), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa)

Major Key vendors/industry makers are

Dow, ArrMaz, Colasphalt, Evonik, Arkema Group, Engineered Additives, Kraton Performance Polymers, Kao Chemicals, Akzo Nobel, Huntsman

While complying to the structure of the worldwide Asphalt Surfactant Additives market competence study, the research examines the important components and nuances of geographical areas. The geographical groupings are defined by statistics on production and consumption. A market analysis for each region, a growth rate for each region, detecting patterns based on historical data for the segment, and a full PESTEL study of the industry are all included in the regional research.

ACCESS FULL REPORT: https://www.marketquest.biz/report/78739/global-asphalt-surfactant-additives-market-2021-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2026

Key Features of Global Asphalt Surfactant Additives Market Report:

Customization of the Report:

This report can be customized to meet the clients requirements. Please connect with our sales team (sales@marketquest.biz), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +1-201-465-4211 to share your research requirements.

Contact UsMark StoneHead of Business DevelopmentPhone: +1-201-465-4211Email: sales@marketquest.bizWeb: http://www.marketquest.biz

Go here to read the rest:
Global Asphalt Surfactant Additives Market Precise Scenario Covering Trends, Opportunities and Growth Forecast during 2021 to 2027 Discovery Sports...

Controlled Climates is a leading heating, cooling, & plumbing company. In a recent website post, the agency shared the core values that make them unique.

Clovis, CA January 25, 2022 In a website post, controlled Climates Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing has shared the core values that make it the bestHVAC Cloviscontractor.

One of their core values is the never-ending commitment to quality. They offer safe and superior products, advanced design, skilled installation without compromise. This is the commitment to all those who trust thisClovis HVACagency with their homes and businesses.

As team players, they have built on character and integrity to support and trust one another to make decisions for the collective good. Team development is a priority focusing on hiring the best people, growing talent, maintaining a solid work ethic, and being resourceful.

With their outstanding customer care inair conditioning service Clovis, they pride itself on treating every customer like family. They take pride in being personally dedicated to an extraordinary customer experience by claiming ownership and accountability to perform. Not only that, but they also believe strongly that good character is the embodiment of a great business and life. That is why they always do the right thing the right way at the right time.

Due to constant innovation, the agency has a personal commitment to excellence in productivity and performance through education, embracing technological advancements and creativity in problem-solving.

About Controlled Climates Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing

Controlled Climates Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing is premier heating, air conditioning, and plumbing contractor in the Fresno and Clovis, CA community. They are locally owned and operated, and the HVAC company has helped hundreds in Fresno County stay comfortable in the hot, sunny weather thats given California its fame. The HVAC technicians arrive on time and get right to work, so clients feel great all year long.

Media ContactCompany Name: Controlled Climates Heating, Cooling, & PlumbingContact Person: Katelyn MontezEmail: Send EmailPhone: (559) 400-8180Address:575 W Alluvial Ave City: ClovisState: CA 93611Country: United StatesWebsite: controlled-climates.com

See the rest here:
Controlled Climates Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing Shares the Core Values That Set Them Apart - Digital Journal

PORTSMOUTH A Chillicothe company held an annual holiday giveaway donation in the Pike county area looking for someone in immediate need.

At Christmas, we celebrate God giving His greatest gift of Jesus to the world, Accurate Heating & Cooling and Bryant want to share in this spirit of giving as well. We will provide and install one heating system to a local family in immediate need. Please complete the form below and include an explanation of the heating need and how the system would make a difference.

To ensure that the information about this generous opportunity was shared with as many people in need as possible, Adam Days delivered the application to the CACs Social Services staff. Karen Minney in Social Services assisted with sharing the information with the Weatherization Program, Housing Program, and others.

The application found its way to the desk of CACs Social Worker, Annya Thompson, who knew of a co-worker, Mary Hablitzel, that was in dire need of a new furnace. Marys furnace had abruptly stopped working a few months prior leaving her family to rely on space heaters and the gas cook stove to heat her house. Out of fear for the familys safety and well-being, Annya completed the application on Marys behalf in hopes of finding assistance for Mary and her family.

Days later, Mary received a call from a representative at Accurate Heating & Cooling to congratulate her on being chosen to receive a new heating system unit and to schedule a time for a technician to visit her home to inspect the current furnace and heating structure. During the inspection, the technician explained to Mary that not only was the furnace unrepairable, but also explained how fortunate she was that the furnace had an automatic shutoff valve. He further explained that the gas was entering the wrong chamber which could have easily resulted in a severely life-threatening situation (fire or carbon monoxide poisoning).

The technician left her home that day and returned two days later with the new furnace and installed it that day. The Hablitzel family is very grateful to Accurate Heating & Cooling and fellow CAC team members who were able to make this holiday season one of the warmest and kindest that the family has known proving that generosity of others is the greatest gift of all.

The CAC staff would like to thank Accurate Heating & Cooling for their generosity to the Pike County community throughout the year and appreciation for theirpartnership with making this opportunity available for those in our area that are in need.

See the article here:
Chillicothe Heating and Cooling Business Gives Away Furnace to Person in Need - Scioto Post

January 23, 2022

By Lily Carey

Regulating the temperature and climate of your home is no easy task especially for a historic building like the Jacob Odell house, home of The Historical Society serving Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

We have lots of really delicate objects, said Sara Mascia, Executive Director of the Historical Society. A lot of these materials need really appropriate environments for them to be preserved in.

The Historical Society preserves centuries-old artifacts in the Jacob Odell house, from its first floor historical exhibits to its library full of local records and documents. All of the Societys artifacts were made, used, and even worn locally.

Yet preserving these artifacts in an ideal climate is a major concern, says Mascia. Built between 1848 and 1850, the Jacob Odell house originally used an old and inefficient boiler, and had no air conditioning. Without proper heating and cooling, the Historical Societys artifacts risked being damaged.

This all changed several years ago, when the Historical Society heard about the option of heating and cooling with clean, efficient heat pumps. As a not-for-profit organization, the Historical Society received a grant to make energy efficiency upgrades from the New York State Thruway Authority during the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

We were able to put solar panels up on our roof, and also heat pumps, said Mascia. The heat pumps provide both heat and air conditioning, which is great for an old house like this.

Doug Fox, energy advisor, in front of the outdoor unit for the heat pump at the Historical Society

During the process, the Historical Society consulted with the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC), a group of volunteers that works with the town on environmental goals. The TEAC helped the Society in deciding what types of renewable energy to look at for their project, and has helped many other homeowners with related home energy efficiency projects.

Mascia emphasized that preserving the original fabric of the house was especially important for the Historical Society.

Fortunately, the contractors were able to install the Historical Societys heat pumps behind the walls of the building, regulating temperature without disturbing the houses character. The air-source heat pumps used in the Jacob Odell house are typically installed onto the side of the building, and use a compressor to heat air from the outdoors and move it indoors.

We were able to create an environment here that not only protects the historic fabric of the building, but makes us a little bit greener, said Mascia.

By combining the air-source heat pump system with the solar panels installed on the roof, the Historical Society was even able to lower their energy costs. Mascia has especially noticed how the project combined the Historical Societys goals of preservation, sustainability, and lowering energy costs.

The Jacob Odell house is just one of hundreds of buildings across Westchester to have upgraded its energy systems through state grant programs. Information and assistance for homeowners to make similar energy upgrades are available through EnergySmart Rivertowns, a partnership between Sustainable Westchester, NYSERDA, and the governments of Tarrytown, Irvington, and Sleepy Hollow.

Eligible homeowners can receive incentives, rebates and financing assistance and connect with contractors to install heat pumps, insulation, water heaters and more in their own homes through EnergySmart programs. TEAC has also partnered with EnergySmart Rivertowns to spread the word about these programs and help homeowners in the Tarrytown area complete their own projects.

Overall, these programs proved to be incredibly helpful to the Historical Society and the Jacob Odell house, said Mascia.

This whole system has helped us to preserve a lot of our artifacts and objects, she said. I cant recommend it enough.

If youre interested in making similar energy upgrades to your own home or if you want to volunteer to spread the word about these programs contact Sustainable Westchesters EnergySmart Rivertowns at EnergySmartHomes@SustainableWestchester.org or contact TEAC for more information.

Advertisement

January 23, 2022

By Barrett Seaman-- The Unite Sleepy Hollow (USH) party that has dominated village politics for the past decade under seven-term...

January 23, 2022

-- By Lily Carey Regulating the temperature and climate of your home is no easy task especially for a...

January 21, 2022

Less than three weeks after learning that she was one of 300 high school students nationwide to be named in...

January 21, 2022

By Rick Pezzullo--- A new four-story, multi-family rental development proposed at 29 South Depot Plaza in Tarrytown was recently met...

January 20, 2022

By Tom Pedulla--- Tradition matters. There is no stronger testament to that than the success Irvington is enjoying following its...

January 19, 2022

By Rick Pezzullo--- Dobbs Ferry is one of six area school districts that have been awarded funding from the New...

January 18, 2022

By Barrett Seaman It was painful to watch, even if one wasnt an actual victim of the Omicron surge that...

January 18, 2022

By Rick Pezzullo--- State Senator Pete Harckham has secured $200,000 in state grant funding for the Village of Sleepy Hollow...

January 16, 2022

By Barrett Seaman Encomiums and eulogies poured in from Westchester politicians of both parties over the weekend after word spread...

January 14, 2022

By Barrett Seaman-- A former Hastings Democratic Party chair and county aide, Ellen Hendrickx was sworn in as a member...

The rest is here:
Energy Upgrades Help the Tarrytown Historical Society Preserve Its History - The Hudson Indy Westchester's Rivertowns News - - The Hudson Independent

For four days in Perth's heatwave over Christmas and New Year's, the temperature in Rosa Hicks's bedroom did not sink below 30 degrees.

Forced to isolate for a day in her smallSouth Fremantle share house, she had only a pedestal fan to use in an attempt to cool herself.

She saidher rented house had not been "liveable or healthy" this summer season.

"When I was isolating in my room for 12 hours waiting for a COVID test result, I felt even more trapped knowing I couldn't escape to the sea or even catch the breeze in my garden," she told Geoff Hutchison on ABC Perth's Drive program.

Ms Hicks has been tracking the temperature in her bedroom with a thermometer provided by tenancy advocacy group Better Renting for a project called Renter Researchers.

"I was struggling to sleep," she said.

"I don't think I realised just how hot it was getting until I had this sort of quantitative data in front of me."

Loading

The situation will come into sharp focus for many tenants as Perthsweltersthrough anotherheatwave which could break a record for the most consecutive days over 40 degrees, prompting health warnings and record power consumption.

Better Rentingexecutive director Joel Digham said the experience of tenants like Ms Hicks had prompted a renewed push for landlords to provide minimum standards of comfortin their properties.

"Renter Researchers aims to bring out into the open what people who rent their homes are experiencing, combining data and people's stories to highlight the challenges of enduring an Australian summer in a poor-quality home," he said.

"Minimum rental standards would make it easier for people who rent to be able to afford to keep their home at a decent temperature in summer."

Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) president Damian Collins said landlords were not obliged to provide air conditioning for tenants.

"The more things you make mandatory, the higher the cost of rent will be," he said.

"And ultimately, tenants have to make their own choice.

"Some people feel they need it but some people and some properties, perhaps orientated correctly, can cope perfectly fine without it.

"We'd certainly be against any mandating of air conditioning."

While landlordsdo not have to provide a property with suitable heating and cooling units, if a unit is already in a property they are required to maintain it.

Loading

Circle Green Community Legalmanaging solicitor of tenancy Alice Pennycott said minimum standards for heating and cooling rentals were part of the organisation's submission to a review of the WA Residential Tenancies Act.

But she said that even if it cooled or heated the house effectively, inefficient or expensive-to-run air conditioning could also be an issue for tenants.

"Energy efficiency is a big one," Ms Pennycott said.

"There's a significant impact on health and wellbeing if there's issues with mould and damp during the cooler months, but also in having to choose between putting aircon on and being able to afford groceries, particularly for low-income families.

"We put forward in ourquite detailedsubmissions around getting the minimum standards for energy efficiency and health.

"I'm still waiting to hear from the [state] government as to whether that's something that they are putting in.

"I would hope that it's something that they would consider."

A spokesperson from Consumer Protection said several submissions to the review of WA's residential tenancy laws raised the issue of cooling in rental properties.

"Stakeholders suggested that adequate cooling and ceiling fans should be a minimum requirement for homes in warmer parts of WA," the spokesperson said.

"Related issues around adequate home insulation, energy efficient homes and climate change were also raised during consultation."

Visit link:
Should landlords be responsible for keeping tenants cool as Perth swelters through record heat? - ABC News

Renovations and improvements can drastically improve your home, but they come in many different forms. Certain home upgrades are worth the investment and others won't add value when it's time to sell.

"When renovating, always keep in mind what is going to appeal to a future buyer when the time comes to eventually sell," explains Buyer's Advocate and avid house flipper with 25 years real estate experience, Wendy Chamberlain.

Before you jump into all the things you'd like to fix or renovate in your home, you need to do your due diligence. For anyone upgrading or renovating with an eye on recouping their investment come sale time, don't overdo it.

Avoid improving your home too much? It may sound a little strange, but it could actually price your home outside of your suburb or area. It's always good to do your research before embarking on any updates.

"Firstly, research your local area and the calibre of homes. Look at comparable listings and notice the inclusions of your competition," advises Chamberlain.

"If you're renovating a property with the primary aim to sell it, consider which updates or areas will result in the best return for every dollar spent."

These are the home improvements that are a waste of money, if you're planning to list your property.

Kitchens are tricky they also make our 'home upgrades worth the money' list. Updated kitchens do bring value, but planning a full-scale renovation and 'over renovating' may be dropping cash down the drain.

Kitchens are often the most used area of a home and if a buyer needs to update parts of a kitchen, they're more likely to change the entire area to suit their personal taste and needs. Spending money on a major renovation or adding in things like top-of-the-line appliances could lose buyers who aren't aligned with your designs or simply don't care.

"Some key areas may make the home look more modern, but ultimately, buyers may not care that much. Kitchens come to mind," says Chamberlain. "If the existing kitchen, while dated, is functional, you may get away with leaving it as is and focusing your cash and efforts elsewhere."

She references a project where a client was selling a 25-year-old home that had the original mint walls and green laminate benches in the kitchen.

"The client chose to paint the internal walls a crisp white, but the kitchen was not touched. It was functional, just out of date. As it turned out, the buyer was an investor that planned to rip the kitchen out anyway."

In addition, Chamberlain explains that trying to fix up one or two items in a kitchen can actually work against you by highlighting the problem areas: "when you change one thing, the next looks dated."

Bathrooms follow the same philosophy as kitchens. An updated space adds value, but going OTT with renovating to include marble tiles and other luxury fixtures and fittings might seem like 'wow' factor to you, but often doesn't return the value you'd expect.

"Heating and cooling are areas unlikely to provide an immediate renovation return," says Chamberlain.

A simple split system air conditioning unit will appease buyers and is affordable, but installing full ducting is a waste of money (up to $20,000 depending on the size of your home).

"Ducted heating and refrigerated cooling are expensive to install. For your reno, a cheaper yet effective split system heating/cooling unit may be just as adequate for the job."

Taking away rooms is a big no, no for re-sale value and Chamberlain also warns against trying to move or remove load-bearing walls.

"You may think opening up the space or moving walls is a great idea, but touching load bearing walls and reconfiguring a floor plan can become expensive very quickly," she explains.

"Not to mention the quickly escalating costs as soon as you need to move plumbing. If you can, stick to the existing layout and renovate the rooms and floor plan you already have."

If you're planning on living in your home for years, there are updates and maintenance that need doing in order for you to live comfortably and safely within your home. However, many of these are things you don't see such as plumbing or rewiring.

"Other big ticket items, while important, are often unseen and therefore not necessarily appreciated by buyers. These include rewiring, re-plumbing, re-stumping and needing a new roof," says Chamberlain.

"Consider each area carefully before deciding to tackle it as part of your renovation, as you may not see a return on that investment."

Adding in fancy gold tapware and marble tiles to a bathroom you're updating sounds great, but if you leave that bathroom and the rest of the home has chrome fixtures and laminate flooring, for example, the design is inconsistent and won't add the value you hope.

As Chamberlain explained earlier, changing one element can highlight the spaces that aren't updated. Keep your design consistent to create cohesion throughout a space.

When you have decided on the design elements you'd like to include throughout your home in a consistent way, remember the mantra: don't overdo it.

Installing things like top-of-the-line flooring, the latest tech, important tiles from Spain, fancy light fittings might wow some buyers at first glance, but other may not notice all the details you poured your heart and wallet into. This upper level of detail and quality is often not a return on your investment.

Similarly to bright colours, bespoke or custom high-end inclusions like an infrared sauna are often seen as personal. Buyers want to envision themselves in the space as their own. Adding these in before sale won't increase the value of your property enough to justify the outlay.

An updated outdoor area is one of the seven areas worth investing your money in (when not overdone), but swimming pools are a different and case-by-case story.

Firstly, you should be located in a climate suited to having a pool and there needs to be enough space for one. If you're not ticking these two boxes, it would be a waste of money.

In some postcodes or for properties at the higher end of the market, pools may be an expected inclusion for a home in which case, adding one will support the sale of your property. Other areas might be surrounded by schools and popular with young families, where again, a pool could work in your favour.

However, for many homeowners, pools are a headache because they mean two things: running costs and constant cleaning and maintenance.

If you're in an area with older families or retirees, a pool may act as a deterrent. It's important to go back to your research and work out what's expected and desired in your area. Installing a pool is a major cost and if it can be avoided, will save you loads of cash.

READ MORE: 7 home upgrades that are worth the investment

Originally posted here:
8 home improvements that won't add value to your property - nine.com.au - Nine