What Causes Water Damage to Your Home?

April 7th, 2008

Everyone knows that water damage to any property, whether it’s commercial or residential, is bad, but not everyone is aware of all of the different factors that can allow it to occur. There are obvious causes of water damage that most people know about like plumbing leaks and leaking roofs, but what about some of the other less common causes?

Basement walls insulated with fiberglass tend to be a problem because moisture becomes trapped behind them and the air leaks that can happen in between one floor of the home and the next or even the attic. Fiberglass absorbs water and so installing fiberglass insulation in basements is not a good idea. Installing plastic sheeting inside the wall isn’t the answer, either, because this also traps moisture.

Using blue board insulation is a bit better if you’re going to insulate your basement because this insulation allows moisture to move freely through the wall and allows it to dry out.

If the land around the home is sloped toward the home’s foundation, this can cause problems, too. Water doesn’t flow away from the home as it should and can seep into the basement or weaken the foundation and cause the house to sink slowly into the ground.

If you live in a colder climate, you should be careful to have your ceilings insulated properly because if it isn’t, it can cause what are called “ice dams” and water will leak into the house. Moisture that leaks up into the attic in the form of steam or humidity can attach itself to the inside of the roofing and cause it to not only rot, but mold to grow upon it, as well.

In warmer climates, water damage can occur due to flaws in the air conditioner or the air ducts.

Attic hatches that are not properly sealed when shut are a cause of water damage inside attics and on ceilings. Light fixtures in the home should be airtight when they are installed, especially if they are the recessed kind and exhaust fans that aren’t directed outside the house, but only into the attic can be a problem, too, whether they are from the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. Any exhaust fan should have a vent to the outside of the home so moisture doesn’t collect, condense, and cause the water damage you are trying to avoid.

Article By Water Damage Restoration - Water Removal in Miami

Pictures of Gulf Shores

February 6th, 2008

Mistakes Vacationers Make About Pictures of Gulf Shores That Cost Them Their Vacation
We will need a link to some pictures linked to your website for this one

The abundance of pictures on the internet is incredible.  You can find some great vacation spots just by searching the internet.  Smart vacationers check out the local long before they make reservations to be sure that the area is nice and that the atmosphere is friendly and environmentally clean and beautiful and safe for the whole family.  In the wake of 2005’s tropical storms, this sensible practice of looking at the pictures is costing many vacationers their first choice in location.

There are so many pictures of gulf shores out there showing the devastation from the hurricanes that people don’t realize all the rebuilding that have gone on.  In fact, now is one of the best times to plan a vacation in this area because all accommodations are brand new.  The attractions are better than ever and the beach redesign is stunning.

According to a local real-estate agent who has followed the beach restoration and construction closely, most people do not realize that a dramatic beach restoration was in the works long before the gulf shores were hit with the tropical storm in 2005.  You can Google pictures of gulf shores and by what you see, think the storm just hit yesterday instead of more than 2 years ago.  Now you would think twice about planning your family vacation in this area.

The true reality is, pictures taken today of the gulf shores show sugar white sand beaches, stunning sunsets and beautiful dolphin spotted vistas.  However, they are hard to find amid the tens of thousands of pictures of gulf shores depicting the devastation of 2005.

The best way to avoid making the serious mistake in your vacation planning is for people to be sure to check the dates on images before they change their plans.  Owners of vacation rentals and entertainment in the area are offering truly amazing discount packages as they attempt to get the word out about the “New” gulf shores.

The public can help by posting their own vacation pictures online when they have returned.  The more we can expose the new and improved gulf shores to the online community, the sooner people will realize that is truly is a one of a kind experience for vacationers.  Whether you are there to enjoy the pristine beaches, the incredible golfing or the many restaurants and shopping opportunities, it is there for all to enjoy.

These are the pictures of gulf shores that we can all enjoy today.

Hannah Montana

February 5th, 2008

Want to see Hannah Montana come to life on stage? Hannah Montana and her alter ego, Miley Stewart (played by Miley Cyrus), is kicking off her Best of Both Worlds tour from October till January! Hannah Montana tickets sold out in minutes, due to it being undeniably one of the hottest TV shows on the Disney Channel, quickly becoming an international hit since its initial airing in March 2006. Its popularity is due in large part to Miley Cyrus’s infectious charm and musical talent. Although the Hannah Montana tour is sold out on her site, Barry’s Tickets has Hannah Montana tickets available, so purchase your today!

If Your Child Is Arrested Its Not Kid Stuff

December 1st, 2007

Should kids who commit crimes be punished or rehabilitated?  The American justice system swings back and forth, at times believing we can stop juvenile crime by educating children and addressing their social conditions and other times believing that children are no different then adults and must be punished and scared into following the law.  Today the Juvenile Courts attempt to do both.

The Juvenile Justice System
The Juvenile Justice system handles all young persons under the age of 18 who commit an offense, whether it’s throwing eggs at a house or robbing someone at gunpoint. There are many different avenues a case can take depending on the age of the juvenile, seriousness of the alleged offense, and prior record of the juvenile.

The First Level - JCC
If the offense is minor and the juvenile is young and has few prior offenses the case will be heard by the Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC) at an informal hearing.  Guilt or innocence is not the focus, as the Conference’s goal is early intervention with the intent to educate the child and their family. Often the child will be ordered to perform Community Service, tour a juvenile jail and / or write an essay explaining what they did wrong and why it was wrong.  If they complete everything that is required the charge will be dismissed.

The Second Level - Juvenile Court
If the crime is more serious, such as possession of drugs or assault, the juvenile goes before the juvenile court.   Juvenile Court is separate from Criminal Court and is instead part of the Family Division.  Unlike criminal court, juvenile proceedings are closed to the public and there are no juries to return indictments or decide trials.  Everything is decided by the Judge. Despite these informalities, the potential consequences for a juvenile offender are serious. A juvenile faces up to three years probation and four years in a juvenile jail.  Therefore, all juveniles must be represented by an attorney.

The judge has a tremendous amount of discretion and alternatives when sentencing a juvenile which is why representation by an experienced juvenile attorney is so important.  In addition to probation or jail a judge with the input of the juvenile’s family through counsel will determine what restrictions and programs will help modify the child’s behavior.    A judge may impose a  curfew, require family rules to be followed, order random drug testing, and require attendance at school.  In more serious cases, the judge with the help of the Juvenile Justice Committee (JJC) and DYFS can order drug and psychiatric counseling, attendance at alternative schools, day and residential programs. For parents who feel they have lost control of their children, the system can be a wonderful tool if used properly. Perhaps most importantly, the court has discretion to offer a child the chance to have the charges dismissed if they successfully complete all of the court’s requirements.

The Third Level  - Waiver Into Adult Court
Occasionally, the county prosecutor determines that the crime the juvenile is accused of committing is too serious to be dealt with by the juvenile court. The prosecutor can request the juvenile judge to place the child under the jurisdiction of the criminal court and be tried as an adult. The juvenile judge will hold a two part hearing and at its conclusion decide whether or not to grant the prosecutor’s motion to treat the child as an adult in addressing the charges.

The outcome of any of these avenues in the juvenile justice system will clearly have an everlasting impact on a child’s life.  For most juveniles simply going before a judge and understanding the real consequences of their action is enough to curb their bad behavior.  For others, counseling and programs can aid a parent who needs to re-establish authority over their defiant child.  Undeniably, the most important thing we can do as parents, attorneys and judges is to catch our community’s children quickly before the system decides punishment is the only answer.

This article is intended to provide general advice only.  It is not intendd to take the place of a consultation.

Nicole Sonnenblick is an attorney at the negligence attorney, criminal lawyers law firm of Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, with offices in Freehold, Manalapan, and Eatontown, New Jersey.  Ms. Sonnenblick is a former assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor who concentrates her practice on representing individuals accused of crimes, including juveniles.  You may contact her with your questions at 732-617-8050