Author: Albert Maynard

Therapy

Mental Health Podcasts

Albert Maynard

With more than 1.7 million podcasts available, the selection can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, a wide range of Mental Health Podcasts help you overcome life’s challenges.Mental Health Podcasts

Comedy duo 2 Dope Queens recount their own experiences with depression with wit and wisdom. John Moe uses humor to discuss his clinical depression without stigmatizing those who suffer from it.

While a therapist may be the best option for those dealing with mental health issues, many people find that mental wellness podcasts can help them learn helpful tips and tools. These podcasts often feature stories from real people who are going through mental health challenges, and can provide listeners with a sense of community. Additionally, there are many different mental health podcasts aimed at people with specific mental health challenges, such as depression or grief.

In his New York Times Bestselling book 10% Happier, ABC news anchor Dan Harris discusses how an on-air panic attack prompted him to look for a way to defang the voice in his head and become less yanked around by emotions. He discovered meditation, which helped him overcome his anxiety and find more peace in his life. The Ten Percent Happier app is a tool designed to help people start or build their meditation practice.

The free version of the Ten Percent Happier app offers a starter meditation course and several short, guided meditation sessions. In addition, the premium version of the app offers a variety of meditation courses and meditation singles (stand-alone sessions). Additionally, the Ten Percent Happier app has a unique feature that allows users to track their progress through a profile hub. This shows a user’s daily progress, meditation history, and their favorite/saved meditations. It also allows them to set goals for themselves and provides nudges when they haven’t meditated in a while. This personalization helps the Ten Percent Happier app earn 4 out of 5 stars for its “personalization” category in our scoring criteria.

Other popular meditation apps include Headspace and Insight Time. Both have similar features to Ten Percent Happier, but Headspace scores slightly higher in our rating score. Both apps offer great mindfulness and meditation courses for beginners, and are designed to help individuals develop a regular meditation habit. Both of these apps have a large selection of short, guided meditations, as well as longer mindfulness and sleep meditations.

There are also a number of other mental wellness podcasts that address specific topics and themes, such as grief, parenting, or anxiety. Some of these podcasts are specifically geared towards women, LGBTQIA+ communities, or young adults. For example, the podcast Attitudes with Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi explores the social stigmas surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues, while Feeling Good with Matthew Hepburn is a podcast that explores helpful techniques to reduce anxiety and boost happiness.

Another popular mental health podcast is Here’s Something Good, which shares positive news and stories. This is a welcome relief from the constant flow of negative news and can help listeners to maintain their resilience.

If you are interested in trying a mental health podcast, but still need some help navigating the world of self-care, consider seeking support through online therapy. You can find licensed therapists who specialize in your particular needs through a service like Talkspace. These services allow you to connect with a therapist via videoconferencing, phone, or chat and can help you get back on the road to a healthy mind.

Mental

With millions of podcasts available to listeners, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re searching for stress-busting techniques, mindfulness practices, or coping strategies, mental health podcasts offer an accessible way to get this information while on the go. These podcasts can also foster community and open conversations, help reduce stigma around mental illness, and encourage people to seek professional help if they need it.

Many of these podcasts tackle mental health topics from a variety of perspectives, highlighting the diversity of experiences and the range of symptoms. Some, like “The Courageous Life” hosted by Joshua Johnson, use real-life stories and scientific research to reframe mental health as an opportunity for resilience and strength. Others, such as “The Mental Illness Happy Hour” hosted by empathetic comedian Paul Gilmartin, bring a candid and compassionate approach to difficult topics by inviting guests who have faced depression or other mental health challenges.

Podcasts like “Therapy for Black Girls” hosted by Joy Harden Bradford are especially helpful to the minority community by providing resources specific to women of color seeking therapy. The podcast is recommended by licensed psychotherapist Jacquelin Darby, who appreciates how the episodes discuss mental wellness from a cultural perspective and how it relates to the socio-political environment.

For those who are unsure of where to start, the iTunes charts are full of mental health podcasts with positive reviews. Choosing a podcast that is curated by other listeners can provide you with the confidence that you are listening to content that has been reviewed and tested.

When considering a podcast, listeners should also consider how frequently it is updated. Some podcasts are updated on a daily, weekly, monthly, or ad-hoc basis, which may be important if they cover sensitive subjects such as eating disorders, PTSD, self-harm, or suicide. Additionally, listeners should pay attention to the format and tone of a show, as some podcasts are more conversational than others.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness to help you find the right therapist for you. Our therapist directory lets you search by specialty, experience, insurance or price to find a therapist near you who is the best fit for your needs. Start your search today! Choosing Therapy is compensated by the companies included on this list. We only recommend products and services we believe in. You can read our privacy policy here.

Roofing

What You Need to Know About Roof Repair

Albert Maynard

The roof protects everything inside your house, so any holes need to be fixed promptly. Water leaks can cause damage to shingles and other elements of your home, including mold and rot.

Roof Repair

It’s possible to clean gutters and apply a seal to a skylight yourself, but other repair jobs should be left to professional roofers.

Shingles are a layer of building material that covers the underlayment, sheathing, and roof trusses to protect the house from the outdoor elements. They come in a variety of materials, with each type having its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more durable than others, and some require more maintenance than others. It’s important to keep up with the maintenance of your shingles, as the condition of your roof determines how well your home is protected from moisture and other weather conditions.

If you notice that one or more of your shingles are damaged, it’s time to perform a roof repair. These are relatively simple repairs, but they’re essential to extending the life of your roof. If left unchecked, cracked or missing shingles can cause the structure of your roof to degrade and may lead to costly water leaks.

Before you start replacing shingles, make sure that you have access to a ladder that’s secure and tall enough for you to safely get up there. You’ll also want to have a hammer, a flat pry bar, and a utility knife to help you remove old shingles and install new ones. First, locate the damaged shingle and inspect it for damage. You should also look at the surrounding shingles to see what kind of shape they’re in. If they’re curling up, you can arrest the curling by applying a shingle sealant to the corner of the damaged shingle.

Next, use a pry bar or utility knife to separate the shingle from the nail holding it down. Once you’ve separated the shingle, you can use a hammer to remove the nail. Once you have the nails removed, replace the shingle with a new one cut to size.

Once you’re done repairing the shingles, it’s time to start working on the fascia and rake boards. Depending on the condition of these boards, they might just need a fresh coat of paint, or you might need to replace them altogether. You’ll need to take care of these projects before the rain comes, as any lingering debris could wash away and create a bigger problem later on.

Flashing

Often, roof leaks are caused by flashing issues. It’s not an area of the roof that most homeowners consider, especially since it is often hidden by shingles and other roofing materials. Yet, flashing is an important part of your roof and helps keep water out of areas where it shouldn’t be. It’s a thin piece of impervious material that is installed at strategic junctures like the joints and valleys of the roof as well as around chimneys, skylights, and drainpipes.

Flashing is usually made of metal (like aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper), but it can also be made of plastic or even lead. It is a narrow strip of material that is cut to fit the area where it will be installed and then wrapped around the penetration or joint in the roof. A sealant is then applied to ensure a waterproof seal. Flashing is also used where a brick wall meets the roof, at chimney parapets, and on masonry steps and gravel stops. The reason these junctures require special attention is that they are prone to expansion and contraction. This movement can cause cracks to form in the roof and walls, which allow water to enter places it shouldn’t. Flashing is designed to prevent this movement by creating a seal between the different materials.

Because of the frequent movement, flashing can wear out faster than other parts of the roof. This is why it’s important to have your flashing inspected and replaced when needed, especially in older homes.

Typically, you’ll notice signs of wear and tear in the presence of water spots or rust on your roof flashing. When this occurs, you will need to have the flashing removed and replaced. This is a process that typically requires the help of a professional roofing company, but it’s one worth taking on because it will protect your home from water damage and save you money in the long run.

Gutters

Gutters are an integral part of the roof, and they help prevent water damage to the siding, foundation, and other parts of the house. Gutter systems direct rainwater away from the house and its foundation, reducing soil erosion, flooding in basements, muddy landscaping areas, and mold or mildew growth. They also keep the ground around the foundation from settling, which can weaken the structure of the home.

A gutter system consists of a series of pipes that carry rainwater from the roof to the downspout and drainpipe, or to the ground. They can be made of steel, aluminum, or vinyl and are available in many different styles and colors. There are even seamless gutters that make it impossible for water to seep through the seams.

Whether your gutters are wood, metal, or vinyl, you need to clean them regularly to remove debris. This includes leaves, twigs, pine needles, seedlings, and other plant matter, as well as any other dirt that collects in the troughs of the gutter. It’s best to wear protective clothing, including eyewear and a dust mask, when working on the roof and cleaning the gutters. It’s also a good idea to work with an assistant, particularly when you’re working off a ladder.

When the gutters are clogged, it’s important to clear them out as soon as possible. If the troughs are filled with debris, rainwater won’t drain and will begin to pool in places where it can cause moisture damage. Clogged gutters can also become weighed down, causing them to pull free from the house or fall off completely. In addition, clogged gutters increase the risk of ice damming, which can cause the snow and ice to melt, refreeze, and create a blockage at the edge of the roof.

If you need to replace a gutter, it’s often easiest to do it at the same time as replacing the roof. Otherwise, it can be difficult to reach the downspout without climbing on the roof. If you’re doing the work yourself, it helps to have a few tools, including safety goggles, a ladder, a garden trowel, and a bucket. Before you start, it’s a good idea to spread a drop cloth or tarp under the gutters to catch any debris that falls off as you work.

Soffit

The soffit, along with the fascia, provide critical support for your roof. In addition to providing a finished look to the roofline, they help ventilate your attic, preventing moisture buildup and mold. They also help protect your home from rodents and pests.

While many homeowners don’t think of their soffit, this important part of the roof system is essential for attic ventilation and protection. If the soffit is damaged or not present, animals like squirrels and rodents can invade the attic of your home and cause extensive damage.

Soffits are installed underneath the eaves (the area of the house where the walls meet the roof). They can either be vented or non-ventilated. Vented soffits help ensure proper attic airflow and prevent the space from becoming overheated during the summer, which can lead to higher energy bills. They also allow cold air to flow into the attic during the winter, helping prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.

Non-vented soffits are often more popular, as they offer the same ventilation benefits as vented soffits without the cost of installing additional vents. Regardless of which style of soffit you choose, it’s important to maintain it and replace it as needed to avoid costly problems.

If you’re unsure which type of soffit is best for your home, our roofing experts can assist you in choosing the right materials. Wood soffits are less expensive but tend to rot over time, while vinyl and aluminum soffits are long-lasting options. If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, we also offer Hardie fiber cement fascia and soffits.

Soffits and fascia aren’t easily visible from the ground, which makes them easy to ignore. However, they play an important role in your home’s overall comfort and appearance. Make sure you’re keeping up with your soffit maintenance and consider calling our roof contractors to install or repair a new one.

Roofing

Types of Gutter Repair

Albert Maynard

Gutter repair is one of the most important home maintenance tasks a homeowner can undertake. This is because damaged gutters can cause water to leak into the foundation of your home, which could result in serious damage. If this happens, you will need to contact a professional to finish the work quickly and efficiently. Roofing companies have all the necessary tools and materials to ensure the job is done correctly.

Roof ServicesZinc gutters are becoming increasingly popular as a choice for gutter repair. They are durable and cost-effective. Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an old one, these gutters will help to protect your investment.

One of the best features of zinc gutters is their ability to resist corrosion. When zinc is exposed to moisture, it forms a zinc carbonate layer. This layer protects the surface from corroding and keeps the surface healthy for years.

If your zinc gutters are rusted or stained, they may need replacement. Fortunately, zinc gutter repair is easy. Typically, gutters come in two types, seamless and seamed. Seamless is a single piece of material, whereas seaming is made up of several sections. The seams are welded together to hold the zinc together. Seamed zinc gutters are less expensive than seamless ones. Nevertheless, the labor involved in seaming can add to the project’s price.

Aluminum gutters are one of the most popular options for residential home gutters. They are durable and reliable and can last up to 30 years. However, they do require some maintenance and repairs. If your aluminum gutters need a little work, it’s easy to do. There are many steps you can take to keep your gutters looking good and functional.

One of the first things to do is to make sure your gutters are not rusting. Rust can damage your gutters and downspouts. The best way to prevent this is to clean them regularly. You can also use a sanding brush to remove any surface rust. Another thing to keep an eye out for are signs of moisture damage. This can include puddles near the downspouts, water stains in the house and even rotting fascia boards. If your gutters are leaking, then it’s time to repair them. A temporary fix is to caulk the rust holes. But if this doesn’t solve the problem, you will have to replace your gutters.

Wooden gutters add a touch of elegance to your home. They are also effective at diverting rainwater from your roof. However, they are heavy and require a lot of maintenance. There are many types of woods used in the construction of these types of gutters.

Some of the most common types of woods used in the manufacturing of wooden gutters are redwood, cedar and fir. Each type is unique and has its own benefits. For example, redwood is very durable and resistant to rot. Cedar is a good choice for the gutter because it is resistant to insects. The oils in redwood protect the wood from getting damaged.

While some homeowners may opt for a traditional aesthetic, others look for a more modern option. Many choose metal gutters to keep water away from their homes. Metal gutters are available in a variety of shapes and styles. The most common types are V-shaped and half-round.

Screened gutter guards are a great way to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters. They can be a good way to preserve the structural integrity of your home, and can save you money on maintenance costs by eliminating the need for professional cleaning.

Screened gutter guards can be made of metal or plastic. They are often attached to the outer lip of the gutter, but some models can also be slid up under shingles. In addition to keeping smaller debris from entering the gutter, screens allow air to circulate.

The size and shape of your gutters will determine the type of gutter guard you need. For example, if your shingle is brittle or if your house sits on a slope, you may want to purchase a screen gutter guard that can be easily installed. One of the most popular options is the solid gutter screen. It is generally made of metal or plastic, and allows small debris to enter the gutter, but keeps larger items from clogging it.