Concrete Drainage Channel

Business DIY / Home Improvement

Concrete Drainage Channel

Concrete drainage channels last more than 120 years, which makes them great long-term investments for water management. But their lifespan can drop by a lot if installation mistakes happen. Property owners often find out too late that poor channel drain installation can get pricey to fix, damage property, and reduce how well the system works.

These systems can fail even with expensive equipment if you pick the wrong type of drainage channel concrete or miss important load ratings. Heavy duty concrete drainage channels need different installation methods compared to their shallow variants. The concrete drainage channel blocks’ position must be exact to handle water flow properly. This becomes crucial in high-volume areas where flow rates hit 11 gallons per minute through a half-inch slot opening. A well-installed drainage system stops water from pooling, which prevents slip-and-fall accidents and protects your property’s structure.

This piece gets into the five most common concrete channel drainage installation mistakes. You’ll learn budget-friendly ways to make sure your drainage investment works at its best. Understanding these issues before you start can save thousands in repairs, whether you’re working on big commercial properties or home projects.

Concrete Drainage Channel

Mistake 1: Ignoring Site Slope and Water Flow

Bad site grading ranks as the biggest problem behind drainage system failures in homes and businesses. A full picture of slope and water flow patterns should happen before installing any concrete drainage channel. These basic factors will determine how well the system works.

Why slope matters in drainage channel concrete

Water movement follows basic physics – the right slope creates gravity force needed for quick drainage. Engineering standards tell us concrete drainage channels need at least 1/4 inch slope per foot of length (about 2%) to work right. This small grade difference matters a lot.

The right slope guides water away from buildings instead of toward them. This becomes crucial when installing channel drains in driveways or near structures because it stops water from pooling around foundations and causing damage.

Concrete drainage channels with proper slope clean themselves naturally. One manufacturer’s study showed channels with a 2.5% built-in slope can drain up to 100 liters per second in a 20-meter length. The faster water moves, the better it carries away dirt and debris that could block the flow.

Slope also determines how much water your drainage channel concrete can handle. Heavy-duty systems need carefully calculated gradients that balance water speed and prevent erosion. Water sits stagnant with too little slope, while too much slope makes water move fast enough to cause damage.

Shallow concrete drainage channel installations work best with a minimum gradient of 5mm per meter (1:200 ratio). This will give a steady flow without overwhelming the system during heavy rain.

How poor grading leads to pooling and erosion

Bad grading starts a chain of drainage problems that end up damaging both the concrete drainage channel and property around it. “Negative grading” happens when ground slopes toward buildings instead of away, sending water toward foundations rather than drainage systems. This creates:

Pressure against foundations that causes cracks, leaks, and structural problems Soil erosion under concrete drainage channel blocks that weakens their base Standing water that breeds mosquitoes and makes surfaces slippery Faster concrete breakdown from water freezing and thawing

The ground naturally settles after construction and creates low spots where water collects. These spots become bigger problems over time without proper grading toward concrete slab drainage channels.

The damage goes way beyond just being inconvenient. Research shows foundation repairs from bad drainage and grading are among the most expensive home fixes. Wet soil also expands and can push thousands of pounds against concrete structures.

Drainage channels that ignore the surrounding landscape don’t catch water effectively. Concrete drainage channel blocks must line up exactly with natural water paths. Water simply flows around poorly placed systems and heads to the lowest point – usually right at the building’s foundation.

A thorough site check before installing drainage channel concrete costs nowhere near as much as fixing water damage later. Smart planning of slopes and understanding water flow patterns are the foundations of making concrete drainage channels work properly.

Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Type of Channel Drain

Property owners often underestimate how important it is to pick the right concrete drainage channel type. Many realize this only after problems start showing up. Poor channel drain choices can make the system fail early, damage property, and get pricey to replace.

When to use shallow concrete drainage channels

Shallow concrete drainage channels work best where you can’t dig too deep. These drainage systems usually go between 3.1″ and 3.9″ in depth. You’ll find them perfect for places with thin slabs.

These shallow channel drain systems come with several benefits:

  • They work great where regular deeper channels won’t fit because of slab depth limits
  • They excel as perimeter drains by quickly moving water away from buildings and hard surfaces
  • Their fire resistance makes them great for indoor use, since trench drains often collect flammable liquids and heavy vapors that might cause fires

Most shallow drainage channels come with interlocking tongue and groove profiles that help line everything up during setup. This design helps water flow smoothly and stops leaks between sections—which is vital for keeping the system running well over time.

Heavy duty vs. light duty: what’s right for your project?

Your concrete drainage channel’s load capacity will determine how well it performs long-term. You need to know about load classifications to pick the right one:

Load Class Max Weight (Tons) Typical Applications
A15 1.5 Gardens, patios, pedestrian areas
B125 12.5 Driveways, slow-moving traffic areas
C250 25 Commercial areas, retail parks, lightly trafficked roads
D400 40 Main roads, highways, public car parks
E600 60 <citation index=”8″ link=”https://www.jdpipes.co.uk/knowledge/channel-drainage/choosing-right-channel-drain-loading-class.html” similar_text=”To help with this, check out the table below, which shows a brief description of the different loading requirements and their typical applications: Load Class
F900 90 Docks, airports, industrial facilities

Your project’s needs should guide your choice between heavy and light duty concrete drainage channels. Light duty options (A15-B125) work well enough for homes, while business and industrial sites usually need heavier duty solutions (C250-F900).

The material used also plays a big role in how well drainage channels perform. Here are your options:

  • Polymer concrete channels – Light, easy to set up, and good for fire-resistant needs
  • Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) – Extra strong to handle heavy traffic impact
  • Pre-cast concrete systems – Ready to use right away without weather-related curing issues

Common misuses of concrete drainage channel blocks

Drainage systems often fail because people don’t match the right channel types to their needs. Here are the most common mistakes:

The biggest problem is picking a load class that’s too light. Many homeowners pick B125 class drains for their driveways without thinking about occasional heavy vehicles like delivery trucks or garbage trucks. These situations need at least D400 class to avoid breaks.

People also pick the wrong channel types for specific places. Slot channel drains don’t handle as much water as regular grated channels because their openings are smaller. While they look nice for walkways, they can’t handle lots of water.

Wrong materials can make systems fail too. Linear channel drains made of fiberglass, polymer concrete, steel, or plastic need concrete around them to be strong enough for vehicles. Without this support, they break down quickly under weight.

Grating compatibility gets overlooked too. People think all gratings fit all channels. The truth is, gratings must match both the brand and load class of the channel system to stay strong.

Modular trench drains need careful planning. These come in 3.33-foot sections that link together for longer runs. Bad connections between sections let water leak out and weaken the whole system.

Mistake 3: Poor Installation Practices

Perfect planning and material selection won’t guarantee success if installation errors creep into concrete drainage channel systems. These avoidable mistakes can ruin performance and cut short the life of what should last a century.

Skipping substrate preparation

A successful channel drain installation needs proper substrate preparation as its foundation. You must clear all debris, excess soil, and obstructions from the area. The substrate needs proper compaction and grading to create a stable foundation that prevents future movement of concrete drainage channels.

Existing concrete surfaces need special attention:

  • Remove laitance (weak surface layer) ranging from 0.01″ to 0.1″ thick
  • Check pH levels – aim for 7 (acceptable range: 6.5 to 9.9)
  • Clean off curing compounds, oils, or contaminants that prevent bonding

Abrasive shot-blasting works best to prepare concrete surfaces, especially on horizontal areas. Your drainage system will likely fail if you skip this crucial step.

Incorrect concrete mix or curing

Drainage applications typically use concrete grade M15 (15 MPa compressive strength), though load-bearing applications might need M20 or M25. Keep the water-cement ratio at 0.40 or lower to ensure strength.

Temperature plays a big role in curing time. Higher temperatures speed up the process while lower temperatures slow it down. You need to watch moisture levels carefully – too much creates weak concrete, too little leads to cracks.

The concrete needs at least 7 days to cure properly. Keep it damp and shield it from extreme temperatures during this time. Your concrete drainage channels can fail early if you rush or skip proper curing, even if you’ve done everything else right.

Improper sealing and jointing

Good trench drain joint sealing starts with rough, clean surfaces. Think of it like painting – sealant won’t stick to poorly prepared surfaces, just like paint won’t stick to sand.

Linear channel drains need proper mitering at the connection points to keep channel width consistent. Use appropriate sealants like polysulphide or silicone rubber to waterproof these joints.

Neglecting rebar or reinforcement in heavy load areas

Concrete doesn’t handle tension well – it’s only 10-15% as strong in tension as it is under compression. Rebar creates a stronger composite material where concrete handles compression and rebar manages tension.

Your concrete drainage channels need reinforcement:

  • At the slab’s bottom to handle bending forces
  • In side walls to resist lateral pressure
  • With adequate concrete cover to stop corrosion

Heavy duty concrete drainage channels that support trucks or machinery must have rebar reinforcement. Small cracks can grow faster under heavy loads, making reinforcement crucial for industrial applications.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Grate and Load Class Requirements

Poor grate selection and wrong load class ratings are among the mistakes that can get pricey when designing drainage systems. These small details can lead to system failure, safety risks, and expensive replacements.

Understanding load ratings for channel drains

Load ratings for concrete drainage channels follow standard classifications that show how much weight the system can handle safely. The European Standard EN 1433:2002 sets six load classifications from A15 to F900, with values showing test loads in kilonewtons. These classifications work for different uses:

  • Class A15 (1.5 tons): Works best in gardens, patios and areas where only people walk
  • Class B125 (12.5 tons): Best for driveways and areas with slow-moving traffic
  • Class C250 (25 tons): Perfect for commercial spaces and roads with light traffic
  • Class D400 (40 tons): You need this for highways, main roads and public parking lots
  • Class E600 (60 tons): Great for forklift loading bays and cargo yards
  • Class F900 (90 tons): These are the foundations of docks, airports and industrial sites

Moving forces and heavy traffic can affect drainage system requirements by a lot. Experts suggest picking a higher load class if you’re unsure. Over-engineering costs less than a failed system.

Choosing the right grate for safety and performance

You need to think about many things beyond load capacity when picking a grate. Drain grates do important jobs: they let water through while stopping debris, spread heavy loads, and prevent accidents.

Your choice of material affects how long the grate lasts and how well it works. You can pick from reinforced plastics, stainless steel, and cast iron—each one handles heavy use and bad weather differently. Cast iron grates develop a protective iron-oxide coating that starts red-orange and turns deep brown over time, staying strong for decades.

Here’s everything you need to know about pedestrian safety:

  • Heel-proof designs: Keep the smallest openings at 8mm or less
  • Slip resistance: This matters most in areas with lots of foot traffic
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance: Many public places must have this

The grate’s water flow depends mostly on its open area. Bigger openings help water flow better but let more debris in. Smaller openings reduce clogging but might not handle heavy rain as well.

Regular inspections help you spot damage, rust, or wear before the system fails completely.

Mistake 5: Lack of Maintenance Planning

Many property owners overlook maintenance as the last step in concrete drainage channel ownership. They spend a lot on quality installation but don’t follow up with the care strategies needed to protect their investment.

Why regular inspection is critical

Regular inspections are the life-blood of drainage system longevity. Property owners can spot potential problems before they turn into major headaches through periodic checks. These inspections help detect structural damage, cracks, or signs of corrosion that could compromise channel integrity early.

You should adjust inspection frequency based on specific conditions. At minimum, get a full picture twice yearly (spring and fall). Commercial properties or areas exposed to heavy debris need quarterly inspections. This proactive approach prevents emergency repairs from getting pricey while keeping water management working at its best.

How debris and sediment reduce flow rate

Sediment buildup poses the most hidden threat to concrete drainage channels. Research shows that entrained suspended sediment and bedload create severe operational problems in drainage structures. Accumulated sediment can reduce discharge coefficients by up to 10% even in well-designed systems.

Debris flows in first-order channels can increase sediment volume from an original 450m³ to 2400m³ at channel mouths. This is a big deal as it means that sediment can quickly overwhelm drainage systems. On top of that, it creates blockages that stop smooth water flow and lead to:

  • Overflow and potential water damage to surrounding structures
  • Erosion of channel foundations and supporting substrate
  • Reduced hydraulic capacity during critical rain events
  • Increased biological hazards from standing water

Simple maintenance tips for long-term performance

You can protect your concrete drainage channel investment with a systematic maintenance schedule that includes:

Clean gutters, downspouts, and drain covers to remove debris and prevent clogs regularly. Flush channels with water to clear accumulated sediment periodically. Fix any standing water issues right away since poor drainage can damage foundations.

Keep records of all maintenance activities with dates and observations to track system history. This documentation helps make smart decisions about future maintenance needs and protects your drainage investment for decades.

Concrete Drainage Channel

Correct installation of concrete drainage channels is a crucial investment that protects your property for decades. This piece gets into five devastating mistakes property owners make when installing these water management systems. The foundation for drainage to work starts with proper site grading and slope calculations. You also need the right channel type based on load requirements to ensure structural integrity lasts.

Your system’s lifespan will substantially increase with careful installation practices, especially when you have proper substrate preparation and concrete reinforcement. The right grates with correct load classifications prevent system failures and keep pedestrians safe. A good drainage system becomes exceptional with regular maintenance that catches problems early.

Property owners should treat concrete drainage channel installation as a complete process instead of a simple construction task. Cutting corners during installation will demonstrate property damage, reduced functionality, and repairs can get pricey. The original installation may take more time and resources, but this investment ended up giving superior protection against water damage for over a century when done right.

Understanding these common pitfalls before starting installation gives property owners the ability to make informed decisions that protect their structures and finances. Professional consultation before major drainage projects can spot site-specific requirements that general guides might miss. Your concrete drainage channels will reliably manage water through decades of service with proper planning and execution.

Here are some FAQs about the concrete drainage channel:

What is a concrete drainage channel?

A concrete drainage channel is a durable, engineered system designed to collect and redirect surface water runoff. These channels come in various forms including shallow concrete drainage channel options for light-duty applications and heavy duty concrete drainage channel systems for industrial areas. They’re often made from precast concrete drainage channel blocks or formed in place to create continuous concrete slab drainage channel solutions.

How do you install a drainage channel in concrete?

Installing a concrete drainage channel involves excavating a trench to the proper depth and preparing a stable base. For precast concrete drainage channel blocks, you’ll align them carefully before backfilling, while poured-in-place concrete slab drainage channel systems require formwork and reinforcement. The installation must maintain proper slope toward the discharge point, with heavy duty concrete drainage channel installations often needing additional structural support.

How do you drill a channel in concrete?

Drilling a channel in existing concrete requires specialized equipment like concrete saws or core drills to create precise openings. For retrofitting a shallow concrete drainage channel, professionals typically use diamond-tipped blades to cut clean channels without damaging surrounding concrete. This process differs from installing new concrete drainage channel systems which are better formed during initial slab pouring.

What are channels in concrete?

Channels in concrete refer to purposeful grooves or conduits designed for various functions, with drainage being the most common. A concrete drainage channel specifically manages water flow, while other channels might house utilities or provide expansion joints. These range from shallow concrete drainage channel designs to deeper heavy duty concrete drainage channel systems depending on anticipated water volume.

What is the purpose of a drainage channel?

The primary purpose of a concrete drainage channel is to control surface water runoff and prevent pooling or flooding. These systems, from shallow concrete drainage channel installations to heavy duty concrete drainage channel networks, protect structures from water damage and erosion. Properly designed concrete slab drainage channel solutions also help maintain safe, dry walking and driving surfaces in all weather conditions.

What is the best concrete mix for drainage channels?

The ideal concrete mix for drainage channels typically has a minimum 4,000 psi strength with additives for durability and water resistance. Heavy duty concrete drainage channel applications may require fiber-reinforced concrete or special mixes to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. For precast concrete drainage channel blocks, the mix often includes water-reducing admixtures for better flowability during manufacturing.

How deep should a channel drain be?

Channel drain depth varies by application, with shallow concrete drainage channel systems typically 2-4 inches deep for residential use. Heavy duty concrete drainage channel installations in commercial areas may require 6-12 inch depths to handle larger water volumes. The concrete slab drainage channel depth must account for the grate thickness while maintaining adequate water flow capacity.

Do channel drains need a trap?

Most exterior concrete drainage channel systems don’t require traps as they’re designed for free water flow. However, some concrete slab drainage channel installations connecting to sewer systems may need sediment traps to prevent clogging. The need for traps depends on local codes and whether the heavy duty concrete drainage channel discharges to a storm drain or other regulated system.

How deep should drain pipe be under concrete?

Drain pipes beneath concrete slabs typically need 12-24 inches of coverage, depending on climate and load requirements. When connecting to a concrete drainage channel system, pipes should slope at least 1/8″ per foot toward the outlet. For heavy duty concrete drainage channel installations, deeper pipe placement may be necessary to accommodate heavy vehicle loads above.

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Freedom Village at Brandywine

DIY / Home Improvement Money

Freedom Village at Brandywine

Freedom Village at Brandywine is a detailed continuing care retirement community nestled in historic Chester County. Seniors can find four different levels of care all in one place – independent living, personal care home, memory care, and skilled nursing. This setup lets residents stay put as their care needs change. The community shines in its reviews, with an impressive 8.0 rating from 30 reviewers. Even better, 83% of people gave it the highest 5-star rating.

Residents can live worry-free here without dealing with home maintenance tasks. They have time to enjoy activities instead. The costs are straightforward – independent living studios start at $2,410 monthly, while memory care begins at $7,570 per month. A team of 400 staff members ensures each resident gets individual attention and care. The community’s excellence shows in its awards too – they received the LCS Heartfelt Connections Gold Standard Memory Care Award in 2023. People looking for long-term options can choose between rental plans and Life Care programs. These programs guarantee continued care even if someone runs out of money.

Freedom Village at Brandywine

What is Freedom Village at Brandywine?

Freedom Village at Brandywine sits in Chester County’s beautiful countryside in Pennsylvania. This premier Life Plan Community has served seniors for more than 25 years. The community is at 15 Freedom Boulevard in Coatesville, right in the heart of Brandywine Valley. This area holds rich American Revolutionary history as one of William Penn’s original counties from 1682.

Location and background

The beautiful campus of Freedom Village at Brandywine features welcoming outdoor spaces. Residents can enjoy extensive trails and a gazebo. The community sits just minutes from Thorndale train station, which connects to Philadelphia and New York City. Residents also get scheduled transportation to nearby charming villages, restaurants, and attractions. Popular destinations include Valley Forge National Park, Longwood Gardens, and the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail.

The property has 289 independent living condominiums and 28 terrace homes. These go together with one another with 56 personal care residences, 49 skilled nursing suites (including 9 private rehabilitation suites), and 14 memory care suites. This detailed setup lets residents stay in their familiar community whatever their changing healthcare needs.

Who manages the community?

Life Care Services®, An LCS® Company manages Freedom Village at Brandywine. They are leaders in senior living with almost five decades of innovative leadership and strong financial management. Life Care Services stands out with impressive achievements. They became J.D. Power’s most awarded brand in senior living satisfaction survey history in 2024. The company ranked #1 in independent living for six straight years.

Life Care Services ranks as the nation’s second-largest operator of senior living communities. They bring expertise in managing both Life Plan and Rental communities. Their management approach focuses on improving residents’ quality of life in Life Plan Communities like Freedom Village at Brandywine.

The core team at Freedom Village brings vast senior living experience. Many team members have worked in the industry for decades. Some joined Freedom Village after serving in other prestigious communities.

Overview of care levels offered

Freedom Village at Brandywine provides a detailed continuum of care that adapts to residents’ needs. The community offers:

  • Independent Living – Maintenance-free living with complete choice and control over daily activities
  • Personal Care – Individual-specific assistance with daily living tasks
  • Memory Care – Specialized support for those with cognitive impairments, recognized by the LCS Heartfelt Connections Gold Standard Memory Care Award
  • Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation – High-quality care for both short-term recovery and long-term needs

Healthcare services at Freedom Village at Brandywine earned the prestigious 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). They excel in health inspections, staffing ratios, and quality measures. This means residents can move smoothly between care levels when needed. They stay in familiar surroundings with high staff-to-resident ratios that ensure personal attention.

Freedom Village at Brandywine combines resort-style amenities with detailed healthcare options. The scenic, historically rich setting creates an environment where seniors truly enjoy their retirement years peacefully.

Freedom Village

Living Options at Freedom Village

Freedom Village at Brandywine gives residents multiple care options that match their unique needs. Residents can move smoothly between care levels as their health needs change. This Life Plan Community has complete living arrangements to support seniors through every stage of their retirement.

Independent living

Independent living at Freedom Village at Brandywine lets residents enjoy elegant homes without worrying about home maintenance. The community has 317 independent living units with spacious condominium homes where you retain control over your daily activities. Seniors can focus on what they love instead of property upkeep while enjoying resort-style services and amenities. When residents join independent living, they become contracted members with access to two contract plans—the Traditional Plan and the Freedom Plan.

Assisted living

The personal care (assisted living) area has 56 units that provide customized help with daily activities. Staff help residents with medication, bathing, dressing, and grooming while letting them stay as independent as possible. The trained staff work around the clock to provide nursing services, and emergency call systems add extra security. These residents still get to enjoy community amenities, social activities, and chef-prepared meals that match their dietary needs.

Memory care

The memory care neighborhood has 14 specialized units built for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. This secure and comfortable environment uses the nationally recognized Heartfelt CONNECTIONS Memory Care Program®. The program focuses on keeping existing abilities rather than dwelling on what’s lost. Memory care services include:

  • Custom memory care with specialized Alzheimer’s support
  • Help with daily activities and medication management
  • Dementia-specific programs including arts and crafts therapy
  • Fun small-group activities
  • Regular community outings for enrichment

This approach helps maintain dignity, reduces anxiety, and encourages better eating habits with special diets that benefit residents and their families.

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation

Medicare has given our skilled nursing and rehabilitation services their prestigious 5-Star rating. The department has 50 skilled nursing units with 24-hour licensed nursing care from a team of registered nurses, licensed therapists, and certified nursing assistants. They create personal treatment plans for post-hospital care, medication management, wound care, diabetes care, and various rehabilitation therapies. Residents recover comfortably with proper medical supervision.

Short-term stays and respite care

Freedom Village understands that both seniors and their caregivers need breaks through short-term stay options. These temporary stays let seniors receive personal care while their main caregivers take care of other needs or rest. You can use respite care if you need personal care, recovery after surgery, or want to try out the retirement community. Freedom Village’s five-day minimum stay is one of the shortest in the region. During their stay, seniors can enjoy the community’s active lifestyle, activities, and chances to socialize.

Amenities and Services That Stand Out

Freedom Village at Brandywine stands out because of its resort-style amenities and complete services that boost daily life for residents. The community offers more than simple amenities. Residents enjoy a lifestyle filled with convenience, wellness, and enjoyment.

Dining options and culinary experience

Great food is the life-blood of life at Freedom Village. Six different dining venues cater to various tastes and occasions. An Executive Chef with 30 years of expertise leads the kitchen and creates unique menus for each venue. The formal dining rooms—Chester County Room, Victorian Tea Room, Country French Room, Chesapeake Room, and Vineyards Room—provide elegant settings. Residents often dress up for these venues. The Village Bistro serves brick-oven pizzas and casual fare for relaxed dining.

Residents enjoy flexible, quality dining with weekly menu changes that feature up to 14 entrées per meal. The chefs use fresh, seasonal ingredients and organic herbs from the community’s garden. The kitchen staff carefully prepares vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium, and sugar-free options for special dietary needs.

Fitness center, pool, and wellness programs

The community’s state-of-the-art fitness center has full-time trainers who focus on residents’ physical wellbeing. Regular aqua classes take place in the heated indoor pool. The wellness program covers multiple aspects beyond physical health. Seniors can join balance, stretch, Tai Chi, and various low-impact classes designed just for them[164].

Nurses staff the on-site wellness clinic. They provide free services like blood pressure checks, simple wound care, assessments, and emergency call system response. Independent living residents can get medication management for a small fee.

Housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation

Weekly housekeeping and flat linen service free residents from daily chores[151]. The maintenance team works seven days a week to fix issues quickly. Professional staff keep the lawns and gardens beautifully manicured.

Scheduled rides within a ten-mile radius help with personal errands, shopping, and medical appointments[191]. This service helps residents who no longer drive or prefer not to.

Outdoor spaces and recreational activities

Freedom Village’s outdoor spaces make residents’ lives better. A semi-enclosed courtyard links the residential wings and creates shared outdoor space for everyone. Residents helped plan the courtyard’s renovation. It now has shade trees, flowering plants, and features like a gazebo, shuffleboard court, bocce lawn, and horseshoe pits. A looped walking path connects buildings and encourages exercise and socializing.

Inside, residents enjoy billiards, arts and crafts, woodworking, and various card games. The community hosts weekly live shows, monthly concerts, art exhibitions, and many social events.

Technology and safety features

Safety comes first with 24-hour front desk staff, security service, gated parking, and emergency response systems in each home[191]. Nursing staff and EMTs work around the clock[182]. Residents also get free Wi-Fi in common areas and expanded basic cable in their homes[142].

These complete amenities and services let residents truly enjoy retirement without home ownership worries. The staff predicts and meets their needs professionally and carefully.

Freedom Village Cost and Contract Plans

Freedom Village at Brandywine’s financial structure follows a unique Life Plan Community model. The community’s financial commitments and benefits differ substantially from regular senior living arrangements and provide long-term security with potential tax advantages.

How much does Freedom Village cost?

Freedom Village at Brandywine requires two main payments: a one-time entrance fee and monthly fees. The entrance fee starts at $218,400 and varies based on residence size and contract type. Monthly fees for independent living begin at $2,530. Assisted living studios start at $6,410, while memory care studios cost $7,570. The community’s overall monthly costs range from $2,410 to $9,240 based on care level and accommodation type.

Traditional vs. Freedom Plan

Residents who join the independent living community become contracted members with two distinct options. The Traditional Plan ensures lifetime care security without asset depletion concerns. The Freedom Plan guarantees a 90% refund of the entry fee if residents leave for any reason. This plan works best for people who value financial flexibility over predictable healthcare costs. Both plans help manage long-term care expenses effectively.

Refundable entry fees and monthly costs

The contract options at Freedom Village protect assets and preserve legacies by refunding a portion of the entrance fee to residents or their heirs. Residents can choose from various refund percentages based on their selected contract. Options range from amortized plans that decrease to zero over time to plans that guarantee 50% or 75% refunds. This structure lets residents align their financial strategy with their estate planning goals.

What’s included in the pricing?

Monthly fees cover complete services including:

  • Home maintenance (interior and exterior)
  • Property taxes and utilities
  • Dining plan and fitness membership
  • Campus maintenance and dozens of amenities

The entrance fee guarantees access to future care at below-market rates. This benefit saves residents thousands on long-term healthcare costs.

Financial flexibility and long-term value

The “Flex Your Future” program helps residents who want more affordable entry options. This program lets them select a residence with lower original out-of-pocket costs and pay the remainder on a flexible timeline. On top of that, the IRS allows portions of both entrance and monthly fees to be tax-deductible as prepaid medical expenses. The largest longitudinal study shows that 70% of adults need long-term care for about 3 years. This Life Care approach offers substantial savings compared to market-rate senior care costs.

Resident Experience and Community Culture

Freedom Village at Brandywine stands out with its resident-first philosophy that gives seniors the power to shape their community while receiving exceptional care. This approach is the foundation of daily life at this premier Chester County retirement destination.

Freedom Village at Brandywine reviews

The residents at Freedom Village consistently share positive experiences across multiple platforms. U.S. News analyzed nearly 450,000 survey responses in 2025, and Freedom Village residents emphasized their strong community bonds and rich activity choices. One independent living resident shared, “One of our best decisions—checked many other communities and Freedom Village at Brandywine exceeded by far”. Another resident perfectly summed up the atmosphere: “Everyone here is happy. You seldom hear complaints”.

Staff friendliness and professionalism

The core team at Freedom Village brings decades of senior living expertise. Executive Director Danielle Geyer has spent 25 years in senior living, while Mary Main contributes over 25 years of experience in care facilities of all types. Lorna Malawi, Health Care Administrator, points out that “the staff is great here. They understand what is most important”. This blend of professionalism and compassion creates an environment where, as one reviewer noted, “the staff was very warm”.

Resident engagement and social life

Life here buzzes with weekly live entertainment, monthly music concerts, art shows, and social gatherings. The community calendar has fitness classes, hobby groups, and regular outings. The Resident Council meets monthly to provide feedback on services and participates in community decisions. Angela, the activities coordinator, shares: “Our department’s goal is to encourage a community where residents can thrive”.

Awards and recognitions

The community has earned prestigious recognition, including a spot among America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2025 by Newsweek. U.S. News and World Report also named Freedom Village among the best long-term nursing home care facilities for 2023. Life Care Services, the community’s management company, has earned the highest customer satisfaction rating among senior independent living providers for six consecutive years in J.D. Power’s U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study.

The role of family in care planning

Families play a vital role in the care philosophy at Freedom Village. The staff holds quarterly formal meetings with family members, residents, and team members to review care plans. “Physicians, nurses, and staff all call families directly with healthcare situations,” which creates a shared approach to resident wellbeing. This open communication keeps families connected to their loved ones’ care experience.

Freedom Village at Brandywine stands without doubt as a premier Life Plan Community. Seniors can welcome retirement confidently here with complete peace of mind. This Chester County gem brings together complete care options, exceptional amenities, and a vibrant social environment in a beautiful historic setting.

The community shines through its adaptable living arrangements that evolve with changing health needs. Residents receive appropriate support while they retain control over their lives – from independent living condominiums to specialized memory care suites. Life Care Services’ professional management brings award-winning expertise, reflected in many more accolades and consistently positive resident feedback.

Freedom Village maintains transparent and flexible financial arrangements. Long-term value comes from the combination of entrance fees and monthly costs, especially compared to market-rate senior care expenses. Retirees planning their financial future will find the potential tax benefits particularly attractive.

The community culture sets this place apart. Seniors actively shape their environment rather than just live in it, thanks to resident councils, family participation in care planning, and dedicated staff members. This shared approach explains a resident’s observation: “Everyone here is happy.”

Choosing a retirement community represents a major life decision. Freedom Village at Brandywine presents a complete approach to senior living that deserves attention. The community balances independence with support, combines financial clarity with exceptional care standards, and emerges as an outstanding choice for seniors ready to embrace their retirement years fully.

Here are some FAQs about Freedom Village at Brandywine:

How much does Freedom Village Holland cost?

While Freedom Village Holland is a separate community, Freedom Village at Brandywine PA offers comparable upscale senior living options. The costs at Freedom Village at Brandywine vary depending on apartment size and care level, with many reviews noting the value for premium amenities. Prospective residents can view Freedom Village at Brandywine photos to appreciate the quality before inquiring about specific pricing.

How much does assisted living cost in Orange County CA?

Assisted living costs in Orange County are significantly higher than at Freedom Village at Brandywine PA, averaging 4,500−6,000 monthly. Freedom Village at Brandywine reviews often highlight its competitive pricing compared to California markets while offering similar luxury accommodations. The freedom-village-at-brandywine community provides detailed cost breakdowns during personalized tours.

How much is Carnegie Village?

Carnegie Village pricing differs from Freedom Village at Brandywine PA’s fee structure, as they’re distinct senior living communities. Those comparing options can find Freedom Village at Brandywine photos and floor plans online to evaluate the differences. Many Freedom Village at Brandywine reviews praise its all-inclusive approach versus à la carte pricing models elsewhere.

Who pays for assisted living in California?

While California’s payment options differ from Pennsylvania, Freedom Village at Brandywine assists residents with various payment solutions. The freedom-village-at-brandywine financial team helps families explore private pay, long-term care insurance, and other options. Their approach contrasts with California’s more Medicaid-dependent system for assisted living funding.

In what state is assisted living the cheapest?

Though not the cheapest, Freedom Village at Brandywine PA offers exceptional value among premium senior communities. When comparing costs nationally, freedom-village-at-brandywine reviews often note its reasonable pricing for the upscale amenities provided. The community balances affordability with the high-end services shown in Freedom Village at Brandywine photos.

How much is membership of the Carnegie Club?

While the Carnegie Club is a private membership organization, Freedom Village at Brandywine operates as a full-service retirement community. Prospective residents can view Freedom Village at Brandywine photos to appreciate the included amenities without separate membership fees. The freedom-village-at-brandywine model provides comprehensive living without additional club costs.

How much is Carnegie Mellon for 4 years?

Carnegie Mellon University’s tuition differs significantly from Freedom Village at Brandywine PA’s senior living costs. Those researching retirement options can find Freedom Village at Brandywine reviews detailing the community’s value proposition. The freedom-village-at-brandywine pricing structure focuses on predictable monthly fees rather than educational expenses.

How much is Carnegie Mellon before aid?

Unlike university tuition structures, Freedom Village at Brandywine offers transparent pricing for senior living without financial aid requirements. The Freedom Village at Brandywine photos showcase amenities included in their straightforward fee schedule. Prospective residents can request detailed cost information directly from the freedom-village-at-brandywine admissions team.

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Five Home Renovations That Could Give You a Return on Investment

DIY / Home Improvement

Renovating an entire home can cost hundreds of thousands. Instead of doing so, many households are turning to only renovating certain parts of their home.

Whether they might be renovating to sell, or looking to grow their property’s long-term value, there are certain areas of the home where attention should be drawn to. This is because renovating these areas could help to provide a much greater return on investment.

Firstly, it is important to address any underlying issues that the property may already have, such as mould. These issues should be prioritised before any cosmetic changes are to be made. This is because sorting these out can help to prevent the property from losing any value.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Renovating both kitchens and bathrooms could help to make a noticeable impact upon potential buyers and valuers.

While entirely updating either can be costly, there are ways to update them without spending too much. For instance, updating the cabinets with a new paint or finish, and handles and knobs can freshen up the kitchen without the need to remove and replace existing tiles for instance.

If the budget can extend, it may be worth considering knocking down any walls surrounding the kitchen to allow for a more open plan layout.

When it comes to bathrooms, little changes can be made which can make a big difference. This could include replacing only chipped or damaged tiles and changing the taps and showerhead. These can help to create a new feel, without making any drastic changes such as plumbing.

Many people consider their bathroom as a kind of personal “retreat” from the world, so little changes you can make to encourage this could make a big difference. Replacing chipped tiles, replacing outdated vanities, and changing the taps and showerhead can all contribute to creating a new look and feel, without needing to make big changes to plumbing and the like.

The Garden

The front garden, or porch, is the first thing that prospective buyers will see when viewing your property. As such, it is important to utilise this area to make a good impression. Updates could include clearing up the path, replacing the driveway paving or the front door. Further and less costly updates could include hanging flower baskets outside the front door and planting colourful flowers, as well as freshening up the exterior paint.

Often, low maintenance gardens are appealing to prospective homeowners who may have limited gardening knowledge or experience so this is also something to consider.

Increasing Natural Light in the Home

Lighting is key in changing how someone might view a property.

Depending on factors such as structure and layout, adding or expanding windows or skylights to introduce more natural light could contribute towards increasing the value of a property.

A cheaper option could also be to strategically place mirrors to make the space feel bigger and brighter.

Increasing Storage Space

Providing prospective homeowners or new tenants with additional space to store their belongings can really help to increase the appeal, and thus value, of a property.

Ways of doing so could include adding in built-in wardrobes, or a walk-in storage room. Additionally, improving a garage’s capacity for storage space can also make a big difference too.

New Paint

A fresh coat of paint can freshen up any space and increase its appeal. This is also a relatively low-cost renovation option and can even be done without seeking a professional painter.

It is thus certainly worth researching which paint colours are the most popular at the moment, as this will help to make the property appear more modern.

How Can a New Renovation be Financed?

Often, many may dip into their savings to fund any renovations to their property. Alternatively, there are a number of finance routes that can be pursued. These include the following:

  • Refinancing a mortgage
  • Applying for a construction loan
  • Withdrawing money from a mortgage offset account
  • Taking out a personal loan
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How to maximise your chances of getting a mortgage

DIY / Home Improvement

Getting a mortgage is no easy endeavour. House prices are consistently increasing with the average UK house price now sitting at more than £270,000. Rises in house prices markedly outpace wage increases. This makes it much harder for mortgage applicants to gain acceptance among lenders. Despite these roadblocks there are actions you can take to maximise your chances of getting a mortgage.

Save For a Larger Deposit

The easiest way to enhance your probability of being accepted for a mortgage is to save for a larger deposit. The larger you deposit, the more ownership you will have of the house relative to the loan amount. If the property price is £280,000 and you put down £70,000 as your deposit, you will require a mortgage of £210,000. In this example the loan to value of the property would be the mortgage amount divided by the purchase price. That would result in an LTV of 75%.

With a lower loan to value more mortgages at better rates will be available to you. The reason for this is because as a borrower you present less risk to the lender. The more money you have in the house, the more there is for the lender to recover should repayments not be made.

Pay Off Debts & Don’t Apply for Any New Credit 

Pay off any debts you have in full as quickly as possible. Set up a realistic plan to pay back any debts you have before making an application. Mortgage providers are ultimately most concerned with a borrower’s ability to service their mortgage payments. If you have existing debt you will need to make monthly payments, reducing the amount of disposable income available to pay your mortgage. Anything you do to decrease outgoing and increase disposable income helps your mortgage application.

Taking out any new additional loans before applying for a mortgage will hinder your chances of a successful application. The new debt you’ve acquired will be recorded on your credit line. This is a big red flag to prospective lenders who will check any outstanding credit you have via credit rating agencies. Thinking of getting new furniture on credit? Considering a new finance hire agreement for a new car? Think again. These likely unnecessary purchases will adversely impact your ability to get accepted for a mortgage.

Check Your Credit Rating & Make Sure You’re on the Electoral Register?

Every Lender will check your credit rating via a credit rating agency such as Experian or Equifax. Before applying for a mortgage it’s imperative you check your score. Being aware of your score and knowing how to improve it will help maximise your chance of mortgage acceptance.

Credit agencies are aware of your entire credit history as well as current loan amounts outstanding.  Late payments and defaults adversely affect the score. Your payment history impacts 35% of your entire credit score. Even one late payment can lower your score. We’d advise setting up direct debits to ensure all debts are serviced in a timely manner to avoid this.

Credit usage has the next largest impact on your credit score at 30%. This is how much you spend on revolving credit e.g. credit cards relative to your total credit limit. It shows how reliant you are on available credit for regular spending. Lenders will want to see you aren’t overly reliant on available credit and your score will be penalised for excessive usage. To be safe ensure you spend less than 25% of your available credit usage.

Credit history length makes up 15% of your credit score. Generally the longer your credit history the higher your credit score provided you’ve paid debts on time and not defaulted. We advise building up a credit history for multiple years ahead of applying for a mortgage. Credit mix makes up the final component of your credit score at 10%. Generally a more diverse credit mix is favoured by lenders.

When applying for a mortgage you will need proof of residency. One easy way to do this is to ensure you are registered on the electoral register. This validates you have a permanent residence and often increases your credit score.

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6 Useful Gadgets For The Home Of The Future – Available Today

DIY / Home Improvement

Six Household Gadgets That Will Make Your Home Feel Sci-Fi 

1. An Electric Lighter

What’s the big deal? You may wonder. Electric lighters have existed for decades!

True, but those lighters still ran on gas, and it was only the spark that was electric. The new SUPRUS USB-powered electric lighter, however, doesn’t rely on gas, or even a flame. Instead, it creates a super-heated plasma charge at its tip using electricity. This may sound dangerous, but the SUPRUS lighter has a treble-lock safety mechanism, designed to keep the user safe from accidental use, and has passed CE, RoHS, and UL safety tests and certification.

This handy electric lighter is further windproof and can be easily recharged via USB, making it perfect for everyday household tasks like lighting candles, stoves, barbeques, and log fires, etc.

2. A Digital Herb Grower

The AeroGarden Harvest is a small and portable countertop digital herb-growing device, that uses a full spectrum 20-watt LED light system to amazingly grow herbs up to 5 times faster, and without the need for soil. Looking much like an ordinary pot of herbs at first glance, the AeroGarden Harvest is a self-regulating mini-grow room, and a brilliant addition to anyone’s kitchen.

Not only does it provide continuous herbs for the kitchen in a simple and hygienic manner, but it also looks great as decoration.

3. An Air Fryer

Once steam was the big thing in healthy cooking, but these days kitchens can get an upgrade. Introducing the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer, which does exactly what its name implies, it literally fries food with heated air, and with brilliant results.

Now you can make restaurant-quality fried foods at home, and in the healthiest way possible. Whether meat or vegetables, the Instant Vortex Plus can also roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate food.

4. A Smart Power Strip

Always wanted to control your lights with your phone? The Smart Power Strip by Teckin makes it super simple and easy by connecting your device and lights via a simple Wi-Fi application. It’s as easy as playing at Black Lotus no deposit casino. At a very affordable price, the Smart Power Strip further provides surge protection, and can even act as a sort of alarm system by notifying the homeowner if someone turns on the lights when they’re not at home.

5. A Robot Mop

You’ve seen them in sci-fi movies since the eighties, and there have been a few attempts over since then at commercialising them, but now you can have your very own, highly affordable, iRobot Braava Jet 240 Robot Mop. This little gizmo will happily mop up the dirt and stains, get to those hard-to-reach places under cupboards, keep your home smelling fresh and clean, and all by itself while you get busy with other important things.

6. A Sensor Mirror

The simplehuman 8” Round Sensor Makeup Mirror has a sensor that illuminates the mirror and viewer in a pleasant natural light as you approach. It also has a distortion-free 5x magnification reflective surface, touch control for brightness level, and an led bulb that is guaranteed to last virtually forever. Furthermore, it’s cordless, making it a very handy, clutter-free household item.

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When You Should Consider Hiring a Lawn Care Service

DIY / Home Improvement

Whether you are new to homeownership or you have owned your home for decades, you may be considering doing some work on your outdoor space. However, lawn care requires more than mowing and watering, and you may feel overwhelmed with all the work involved. These are examples of times you should consider hiring a lawn care service.

You Need a Landscape

Whether you have no landscaping or you just need to refresh your landscape, you may consider a professional lawn installation North Shore. A professional understands what will make your home look the best and can balance that with what your family needs. They also dig all the holes, add topsoil and do the planting, all the work that isn’t so fun. These individuals understand the plants that will grow best in your area.

You Need Lawn Maintenance

After you receive your lawn installation services, it needs to be maintained. Depending on your landscaping, your maintenance could be time-consuming and the equipment necessary may be expensive. Therefore, you should determine whether you have the time, equipment and knowledge necessary to maintain your lawn and landscape. In addition, consider what you want to do with your time, e.g., spend more quality time with your family, travel or enjoy local events.

Consider calculating your hourly wage and multiplying it by the time you will spend in your yard. Don’t forget the time you need to spend picking up supplies and the equipment maintenance, such as yearly tune-ups or blade sharpening, and fuel. Also, calculate the cost of equipment, fertilisers and herbicides. Then, compare this amount to the weekly or monthly cost of working with a lawn care service.

You Have Problem With Your Lawn

At some point after your lawn installation Northern Beaches, your landscape may experience an invasion of pests or other diseases on your plants. When you have a regular lawn care service, these professionals can diagnose a problem early, before it kills your plants. They also know the exact method for taking care of these problems. For example, if your landscape is overcome with weeds, a lawn service can identify the weed type and find the herbicide that will work best to get rid of it.

If you can find and treat a problem lawn early, your lawn will receive less damage and can recover more quickly. Services can also help you with your issues, such as mosquitos, fleas and ticks. Some plants naturally repel these insects, and your lawn care provider can regularly spray for pests.

You Need Tree Care

Trees and shrubs need special care. Trees need yearly pruning to improve their growth and prevent falling branches. Shrubs need pruning to remove uneven branches and improve their shape and appearance while opening up their middles so they can breathe. Fruit trees need additional care to improve their production. Many trees and shrubs are also susceptible to diseases and insect infestations, so regular care can catch these problems early. These plants also need regular fertilisation. These plants are costly, making them a long-term commitment, and you don’t want to lose them due to improper care.

You Need Irrigation

In addition to your lawn installation services, you may consider irrigation installation. If you aren’t a plumber, you may have difficulty installing irrigation. Regular watering improves the health of your landscape, and proper irrigation goes a long way to keeping your plants healthy. These professionals understand the best locations for each sprinkler, what type of irrigation is best for each plant and how to set your system up so that all your plants get the water they need.

These individuals understand state and local laws and your homeowner’s association rules. They also understand and can perform regular checks and maintenance to quickly identify leaks and keep your sprinkler system working properly.

You Are Concerned About Safety

Landscaping care can be dangerous. Lawnmowers and weed whackers can pick up and throw debris, which can damage your home and hurt your family. Also, you and your family should avoid some landscaping chemicals, and a professional will know which ones to spray that won’t harm you or can warn you if a toxic chemical is used.

If your home, vehicle or lawn is damaged, professional lawn installation services have liability insurance to protect you financially. Also, if they are hurt while completing your lawn services, they are covered.

You can have an outdoor space that is just as enjoyable and useful as your indoor space, and when your landscape looks great, your home looks great.

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Popular Remodel Upgrades for the Home

DIY / Home Improvement

There are several reasons why house owners choose to upgrade their homes. It could be to resell the property or to change things up a little. When the same designs or appliances have been used for a long time, it is normal to want to try new things or replace the old and faulty ones.

Generally, some remodeling options are more popular among homeowners than others. Furthermore, some remodeling upgrades are popular in some regions than others. Some popular remodeling upgrades for the home include:

Room Dividers and Partitions

Room dividers are especially useful for homes that have an open floor plan. Several types of dividers can be used, however, the most common method is to use partition walls for dividing rooms. 

Indoor plants that have been carefully trimmed to be opaque and block the view from across the room can also be used as room dividers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could erect a partition wall with built-in planters. Other types of dividers and partitions include extra high curtains, drapes, floating arts, and sliding doors. 

In homes that use an open floor plan, not having room dividers and partitions can be very distracting. However, having too many dividers will only make the rooms feel small and cramped. 

Wallpapers

A little old-fashioned, but wallpapers have evolved with the times so homeowners have a myriad of genres and options to choose from. The right wallpaper can give your home a significant upgrade. 

However, in the spirit of remodeling, you probably want to get wallpapers that are easy to remove for the next time you choose to remodel your apartment. Also, easy-to-remove wallpapers will not damage your walls, so there’s that. 

Fashion an Open Space

Sometimes, it’s important to create partitions to divide and make rooms smaller. However, open spaces are very important to have in your home. Therefore, if you’re looking to upgrade your home and it doesn’t already have an open space, now is a good time to create one.

You don’t have to tear down your walls to achieve this, creating open space in your home can be achieved by getting rid of large furniture. Furthermore, If you have appliances or areas you no longer use, like an old dining room, get rid of them. You could also create an illusion of a bigger, airier room by positioning mirrors opposite your windows to reflect light into the room, this will make it look more spacious. 

Upgrade Your Kitchen and Bathroom

It’s easy to overlook your kitchen and bathroom when upgrading your home. However, paying attention to these rooms can have a more significant effect on the ambiance and overall awesomeness of your home. 

It is important to always keep your bathroom clean. No brainer, right? Also, you should change the old and rusted designs or appliances e.g your old doorknob or faucets. Furthermore, you can repaint the space and add a few things to beautify your bathroom e.g indoor plants.

In the kitchen area, cabinets are popularly overlooked. So, make sure to change the design and replace the old and/or broken kitchen appliances. You can also repaint the cabinets and the room to make them look new and pretty. 

Painting

Generally, cleaning and painting your home never gets old. It is perhaps, the most popular of them all. You can repaint using the previous color or you could go with an entirely new one. You could go light or dark, simple or crazy. Basically, the ball is in your court. 

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How to Store Wine Correctly – A Guide from Underground Cellar

DIY / Home Improvement

Is there anything more pleasurable than enjoying a glass of your favorite wine at home, peacefully relaxing, and just living in that moment? Wine is one of those things that many people look forward to, not just for those peaceful evenings at home, but to enjoy with food, share with friends and family, and even as a “treat” after a busy day. What this means is that you probably have at least a few bottles on hand at all times. But here’s the thing, if you’re not storing your wine properly, you’re not going to get the true flavor and enjoyment out of it.

This guide from Underground Cellar discusses exactly how you can store wine correctly so that its integrity is never at risk.

You Want to Keep the Temperature Just Right

The first rule of thumb is that wine does best when stored in a cool area. That doesn’t mean it should be cold, but it should be cool. In most cases, anything over 70° F will cause issues and can make the wine age much faster. So, what’s the ideal temperature? You want to aim for a storage area that is as close to 55° F as possible. That is often considered the “perfect temperature”. Should the temperature be 10 degrees higher or lower, it won’t matter too much.

Humidity Is the Enemy

Not only does the storage location need to be cool, but you also want to be sure it’s free from humidity. If it gets too humid mold can actually start growing, which will ruin your wine. On the flip side if it’s too dry the cork in the bottle will dry out, which then spoils your wine. Just like with the temperature it’s about finding that exact right level of humidity. Generally speaking, you want to hover around the 70% humidity level, but really anything between 50%-80% is usually okay.

Choose Solid and Stable Racks or Shelving

Because you want the bottles to be stable in how they sit, you want to be sure you’re choosing a racking or shelving system that is solid and will keep the bottles secure. Rather than standing them right side up, wine should always be stored on its side. Storing the wine on the side means it keeps the cork wet and you don’t risk it drying. Many find that storing the bottles on their side also tends to be a space-saver, which is perfect when you don’t have a lot of space to work with.

Keep the Sun Away

The final tip is to make sure the bottles aren’t stored in an area where the sun is shining on them. The best light conditions are no light at all, and to have it be dark. The UV rays in the sun will damage the quality and integrity of the wine rather quickly.

Enjoy a Perfect Bottle of Wine Each Time

These tips will ensure that you’re able to store your wine properly so that you can enjoy a perfect bottle, and a perfect glass every time.

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Ali Ata – Common Mistakes People Make When Buying a New Home

DIY / Home Improvement

Buying a new home is something incredibly exciting yet there are many who do make mistakes when they begin their search. Many in the real estate community at the moment are predicting a big rise in the number of people moving home this year and next, following the great shift which the pandemic has brought about. It is for this reason that real estate experts like Ali Ata are warning people of the importance of avoiding some of these common mistakes, so that everyone can get the right house for them, at the right prices.

Here are just some of the common mistakes which people make.

Not Getting Pre-Approved

There are few things worse than finding a property which fits your needs and your requirements, only to get refused a mortgage at the crucial time. It is for this reason that it makes much more sense for you to ensure that you have been approved a certain amount which you are able to borrow, before you start your search. Knowing how much you are actually able to borrow will make a huge difference in the way that you search for your new property.

Failure To Look At Big Picture

There is much more that you should be looking at than just the property. Whilst this is of course the most important aspect to think about, once you have found the property that you are dreaming of, there are some additional checks to make. You have to think about the big picture here, with regards to life in general away from the property. Considering crime rates for example, the quality of schools, the proximity to hospitals and other services, all of this is highly important.

Looking Beyond Appearances

It can of course be very easy to get swept away in the idea of a property and how it looks, but there should be much more behind finding the right property than just this. The appearances will be the first aspect that captures the imagination but to make the right move you have to think about the nuts and bolts of the property. The intricacies around plumbing, electrics and structural integrity are all important, far more important in fact than just looking at how the property appears.

Not Thinking About The Future

Unless you are intentionally thinking short term, it is important that you have a clear idea of what this property means to you, both now and in the future. This means that you should take into consideration the family plans which you may have in the coming years. The property looks great now, but what will it mean to you in the next 5 years, or 10? Considering what will happen to your family will make a big difference in terms of the property that you eventual decide upon.

These are just some of the common mistakes which are made when people go out looking for a new home.

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Fireplace Screen Ideas For Your Home

DIY / Home Improvement

Having an open fireplace at home is a wonderful addition which can make a room feel cozy, warm and comfortable. If you do have an open fire then there are some accessories which you simply cannot do without. Fireplace tools for example are absolutely critical to making sure that you can tend to the fire and give it the TLC it needs to keep on roaring. Another key component here is having a fireplace screen which looks the business, and there is a wide range of screens which you can find that will really add some style to your fireplace. 

Benefits of a Screen 

Have a great fireplace screen is both functional and stylish. Ultimately without a screen you run the risk of hot ash and embers shooting from the fire, back into the room. This of course presents quite the health hazard. Beyond this however fireplace screens are also a great style option and there are many cool choices which you can take a look at.

Fireplace Screen With Glass Doors

Buying a fireplace screen with glass doors can be a welcome addition to your living room and offer a stylish and highly functional option. These fireplace screens make the fire glow through the glass and when it comes to tending to the fire you can do that with ease. The doors will not block the heat, so you will still have a nice warm fire by which you can relax. 

Artistic Screens 

Previously fireplace screens would be very simple offerings which did the job, but thanks to some very smart and creative people within the metal working world, there are some truly beautiful screens which you can now find. These cast iron screens come in all manner of designs and they often like to play with the gaps in the screens in a way which really delivers. Make sure that you don’t get too swept away by the designs of the screens, as they can often block the view of the fire from different angles. Style is nice, but function should always come first. 

Mesh Screens 

Some people simply don’t want to block up the fireplace with thick, iron screens, and so they prefer a much easier and more flexible option which is a mesh screen. These screens in particular are very low cost, they do a great job in making sure that the ash and the soot doesn’t come into the room, and they are light and easy to move around. The only downside with these screens is that they do take quite a bit of cleaning if you let the ash and soot build up. 

These are just some of the options which you have in front of you when you decide to invest in new fireplace screens. Always remember that function comes first, it doesn’t matter how fancy or fitting your fireplace screen looks if it doesn’t protect your home from the debris which comes out of your open fireplace.

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