Category Archives: Liquid Rubber

Tips to Help with Liquid Rubber Spray Applications

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Liquid Rubber provides immediate waterproofing, fast drying, and when cured, can adhere to both horizontal and vertical surfaces. This makes it an ideal solution for an incredibly wide range of uses, from repairing roof leaks to creating moisture barriers in your basement. It can also be applied in several ways, including by spraying.

Rolling and brushing are the two simplest ways to apply this product, but Liquid Rubber spray applications can be useful in many situations. In this post, we want to provide some tips to help ensure that you’re able to apply Liquid Rubber quickly, easily, and correctly with spraying equipment.

Surface Preparation Is Key

Just as with any other type of application, spraying Liquid Rubber successfully requires the right surface preparation. You need to thoroughly clean the surface, making sure to remove dust, dirt, debris, and anything else that might compromise the coating. As a note, you must also remove any oil-based coatings that might have been applied to the surface. Porous surfaces should be allowed ample time to allow all moisture to evaporate before applying Liquid Rubber spray.

Primer or No Primer?

Some EPDM rubber applications require that you use a flexible primer before you can apply the rubber coating. However, this is not true for all of them. Liquid Rubber actually requires no primer coat, and firmly adheres to the underlying substrate immediately, providing a secure hold that will last for decades to come.

Replace Caulking

In the past, caulk was used around fasteners, flashing, HVAC units, vents, and other elements. However, with Liquid Rubber spray, there is no need for caulk. In fact, EPDM rubber provides a longer lasting solution than any brand of caulk on the market, helping to keep your interior safe and dry.

What about Fabric Reinforcement?

With Liquid Rubber spray applications, many seams and other overlaps do not require fabric reinforcement the way they do with other coatings. This is true for standing seams, as well as for any overlaps under 1/16 of an inch. However, if there are overlaps larger than 1/16 of an inch, or any that are corroded, you will need to use fabric reinforcement to ensure that Liquid Rubber can create a seal over the area. To do this, simply follow these steps:

  • Apply a very thin layer of Liquid Rubber to the area.
  • Position the fabric correctly.
  • Make sure there are no wrinkles or folds.
  • Tamp down the fabric.
  • Spray Liquid Rubber over the fabric.
  • Roll over the fabric with a short-nap roller.

Be Aware of Overspray

It is important to understand that Liquid Rubber spray can be carried a very long way by even a light breeze. The area immediately downwind from the work site should be evacuated – no vehicles should be left there, unless covered with protective sheeting. If Liquid Rubber does contact a surface where it is not wanted, mineral spirits can be used to remove it. However, make sure that mineral spirits are safe to use on the surface in question.

Thinning the Material

Directly from the container, Liquid Rubber is a viscous liquid that is not well-suited to spraying. However, adding in a little solvent can help to thin it to a consistency that is sprayable. Make sure to use xylene solvents only, and you should mix the two in a 5:1 ratio (5 gallons of Liquid Rubber to one gallon of xylene solvent).

Conclusion

Liquid Rubber spray allows you to apply a layer of rubberized material to large areas in a very brief amount of time. The tips we’ve covered here will help ensure that you have a positive experience. Also, remember that Liquid Rubber can also be applied with rollers, brushes, and squeegees.

7 Reasons to Consider Using EPDM Rubber Coatings on Your Commercial Roof

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The roof of your commercial building is critically important. Without a sound roof, everything within the building is at risk. Whether you run a manufacturing plant, a warehouse, a pharmaceutical plant, a retail store or something completely different, you can appreciate the importance of protecting your business assets. Repairing roof damage can be time consuming and costly, but using EPDM rubber coatings can change that paradigm. Why consider using this material?

1. Can Be Applied in All Temperatures

One reason that you might consider using EPDM rubber coatings is that this material can be applied at any time of year, no matter what the temperature might be. This allows you to immediately repair damage when it occurs, even if it is in the middle of winter. That ensures that you do not face the potential of further damage, degradation or loss within your commercial property.

2. Can Be Sprayed On for Faster Completion

Another benefit with EPDM rubber coatings is that the material can be sprayed on in many instances. This allows an even, thorough coat to be applied in a fraction of the time it would take to repair your roof in other ways. In many instances, conventional repairs can take days, even weeks. With EPDM, it takes just hours. If your roof is not suited for spraying, EPDM coatings can be rolled on just as easily using a paint roller.

3. Completely Impermeable

In many instances, commercial property owners and managers must worry about the permeability of their roofing repairs. Temporary repairs, such as covering the damage with a tarp, or using sheet metal or plywood to cover the damage, can still easily allow moisture and other contaminants in. With EPDM coatings, you get complete impermeability – this material can withstand water even when it ponds up and remains in place for a long period of time, and it can withstand chemicals and even oil.

4. Helps Reduce Energy Consumption

Looking for a way to reduce your demand on the power grid, go a bit greener, and save some money at the same time? EPDM coatings might be the best way to do just that. A single coat can provide you with significant cooling across your entire facility. EPDM can reflect heat and light back into the environment, keeping the roof and the space under the roof cooler. That reduces the load on your business’ HVAC system, and the demand from the local power grid, too. You’re able to stay more comfortable, save cash, and benefit the environment.

5. Can Be Applied to Any Roofing Type

Think that you cannot use EPDM coatings because you have a roofing system that’s not rubber? There’s good news. These coatings can be applied to virtually any existing roofing system, including metal, bitumen, tar and gravel, shingle, and more. With that being said, some preparation work may be necessary prior to applying an EPDM coating. In most cases, this amounts to little more than a thorough cleaning, and applying a coating of primer to ensure optimum adhesion.

6. Immediately Waterproof

Yet another benefit of EPDM rubber coatings is that they are completely waterproof from the very beginning. This makes them ideal for spot repairs even if it is still raining. However, understand that application during precipitation may result in a dimpled appearance once the rubber cures.

7. Lasts a Lifetime

Finally, you’ll find that EPDM can last the lifetime of your commercial space – when professionally applied and correctly cared for, it can last 50 years or more.

EPDM coatings offer significant advantages to commercial spaces of all types and sizes.

Most Beneficial Characteristics of Liquid Rubber

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If you have been considering EPDM rubber for the roof or your home or business, or for other sealing needs, it is important that you understand the main characteristics of the product and what it is. This will help you to determine whether it is the right choice for your needs. The following are some of the most beneficial characteristics that liquid EPDM rubber for roofs can provide.

A Versatile Material

While it is typically applied to roofs to provide them with some added protection, you will find that the characteristics of the rubber make it work well for other areas, as well. It has been used on both concrete and wooden water tanks, for example. It works well with metal, steel, aluminum, wooden decks, and more.

Liquid Rubber Roofing

Liquid Rubber Roofing

Easy Application

It only needs a single coat, or two at most, and you do not need to have a primer. Although, if a material is already primed, the Liquid Rubber can still be used just as easily. In many cases, you do not even need to remove the current surface of the roof. You can go right over it with the liquid. This will help you to save time, as well as money.

The Liquid Rubber goes on like paint, and you can even apply it with a roller or a brush. It has a thin consistency, but when it dries, it will be a single rubber membrane without seams.

It is important to mention that when you are applying the coating to your roof, you will first need to clean the roof properly. This means that you need to clean it to remove debris, grime, dirt, and anything that could impede the barrier. You do not want to have any dirt between the layers, as it could cause problems later.

No Seams for Better Protection

As mentioned, there are no seams when you use Liquid Rubber. Seams are one of the areas where there tends to be problems with many types of roofing. There is always a chance that the seams are not tight enough, and eventually, this could lead to leaks. Over time, thanks to different weather conditions and other factors, the seams could grow further apart. With liquid roof coatings, you will not have to worry about this problem at all.

It Provides Instant Waterproofing

One of the other elements you will not have to worry about is curing. While it may take the Liquid Rubber a couple of days to cure completely, the waterproofing protection it offers goes to work the second it is on the roof. This means that even if it were to rain right after you have installed the coating, it should provide you with a quality waterproof sealant.

You Could Do the Installation on Your Own

If you would like, you could take care of the Liquid Rubber installation on the roof yourself. It is easy enough to do with some simple tools and time. However, for those who have large areas they need to cover with rubber, it might be best to get in touch with the professionals. They can take care of the installation process for you quickly, so you can get the protection you need.

These are just some of the main characteristics of Liquid Rubber, and these are reasons that this material has become so popular as roofing. When you have one of these roofs, it will provide you with the protection the roof needs from the elements for decades. It is the safety net that your property needs.

What Are Elastomeric Roof Coatings?

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If you have a roof, you need to make sure that it has proper protection or you’ll soon be paying for repairs of some sort. With elastomeric roof coatings, you’ll get amazing protection and much more.

The Basics

To begin with, let’s cover the basic definition to help you better understand elastomeric roof coatings.

This material offers an effective and affordable way to fix leaks in your roof. Elastomeric roof coatings can be leveraged to repair any type of leak, too. Whether you have a tiny one letting in water drop by drop or there’s been serious structural damage that is a major threat to your building, this material is a fantastic option.

It’s also great for coating your roof to protect it against damage before it ever happens.

Usually, this material is made with polymeric products. This explains why elastomeric roof coatings have so much stretch to them.

How Elastomeric Roof Coatings Are Used

As we’ve already touched on now, this material is very popular for repairing roofs and/or coating them so they aren’t damaged in the first place. They typically work best with the following types of roofs:

  • Built-up roofing
  • Concrete
  • Metal roofs
  • Modified bitumen
  • Polyurethane foam
  • Single-ply roofing
  • Wood

This isn’t a comprehensive list, though. If you don’t see the type of roof you have on this list, it might still be an option. Just check beforehand to make sure.

A Long-Lasting Roofing Solution

Your roof takes a lot of abuse over the years. That’s why you need such a dependable coating for it. Elastomeric coatings are fantastic for this as they are resistant to mildew and fungi, two issues that can quickly ruin your roof.

An Aesthetically Pleasing Coating

Another big advantage of using elastomeric materials for your roof is that the final result will be perfectly seamless. While it’s important you know how to install it properly, the uniform look you’ll get is going to look incredible.

Obviously, this also helps to ensure that there is no way debris, water or other elements could get through this coating and damage your roof below it.

Protection from the Sun

The sun can do serious damage to your roof. Aside from the fact that it will discolor it and peel its paint over enough time, there’s also the fact that the sun can actually heat the building beneath it.

When that happens, your building will actually become warmer. In turn, you’ll need to pay considerable amounts for air conditioning to keep everyone inside comfortable.

UV light bounces right off this coating, though, meaning your building’s aesthetics remain the same and your utility bill doesn’t take a beating.

VOC Compliant and Nontoxic

Finally, the chemicals used to provide this amazing coating to your roof don’t have to worry you because of fears they might be dangerous. This coating is completely VOC compliant and nontoxic, so there’s no need for concern.

Given its price and the amazing benefits it has, elastomeric coatings for your roof are an easy choice to make for protecting your building.

Pros and Cons of a Liquid Rubber Roof

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If you’ve never heard of liquid rubber roof coating, you aren’t alone. Primarily used for commercial buildings, it’s only been recently that homeowners and small business owners have realized how beneficial this product can be for their properties as well. If you are considering a protective coating for your roof, here are some things to consider about this option:

Pros of a Liquid Rubber Roof

There are many reasons that a liquid rubber coating can be a huge benefit for buildings of all shapes and sizes.

  • Liquid rubber is flexible, waterproof, and UV-resistant, so it resists damage from the three most common elements that damage roof materials. Temperature fluctuations, which usually cause roof materials to crack, are not a problem thanks to rubber’s ability to expand and contract without breaking.
  • Rubber is very long lasting. Because this type of covering is usually laid out in one piece, it has very few seams that can be damaged. These roof materials are designed to last for decades.
  • Repairing a liquid rubber roof is inexpensive and easy. Maintenance is almost nonexistent over the years; at most, you may have to touch up any aesthetic paint that was applied once every decade or so.
  • There are many options to choose from that can help you determine what kind of rubber roof covering you need. From a thin coating of 45mm liquid rubber, to a coating of up to 90mm, the range is extensive, so that you can get the right coverage based on your building’s structure and your needs.
  • Your interior utility bills will be lowered thanks to this material’s natural UV resistance. Sun is reflected away from the roof, which makes the interior of the building cooler.
  • Rubber is a very green choice because it takes less energy to produce a rubber material than it does to produce other common roofing materials. Rubber is also 100% recyclable, so decades into the future when your roof needs a replacement coating, the old coating won’t be tossed into a landfill.
  • Liquid rubber roof coatings are fire resistant, which not only keeps you safer, but can also lead to a reduction in homeowner’s insurance in many cases.

Cons of a Liquid Rubber Roof

The biggest drawback to this type of roof covering is that it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing choice. However, it can be painted with acrylic paint, which not only covers up the black or white liquid rubber with a more attractive color, but also makes the coating last longer. Additionally, some manufacturers have even started to make this coating in strips that resemble shingles more closely, for homeowners with stricter HOA rules, for example.

The best way to ensure that you get a great covering for your roof if you choose liquid rubber is to choose the right roofer. Be sure that you choose a company with experience installing liquid rubber. As the aesthetics of this material improve every year, it won’t be long before there are virtually no drawbacks at all to this type of roof.

Is Liquid Rubber Roof the Right Choice for Your Business?

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Do you own a business with a flat roof? If so, you know that ponding water is a serious challenge. Over time, it can cause major damage, as well as water leaks into your business. Finding a solution can seem difficult to do – few roofing materials can hold up to the damage incurred by ponding water. There is good news, though. Liquid Rubber roof can help protect your business and breathe new life into your existing roof. Is it right for you?

The Roof Type

While many types of roofing materials can be installed on a range of roof pitches, Liquid Rubber is best suited to flat roofs, and those with very low pitches. However, it can be applied to virtually any substrate, from wood to concrete to metal, and everything in between.

Creates a Smooth, Seamless Surface

Most roofing materials create seams. This is true for everything from metal to asphalt shingles. Even concrete has seams. The challenge here is that all seems have the potential to leak over time. However, because Liquid Rubber is made from synthetic rubber, it ultimately creates a smooth, seamless surface. It bonds with itself perfectly, leaving no seam behind for water to exploit in entering the building. You can say goodbye to seam repair with this roofing solution.

Ideal for a Range of Temperatures

Liquid Rubber roof material is made from the same synthetic rubber as your car’s radiator hoses. That shows that it can hold up very well to immensely high temperatures. However, it can also handle dramatic temperature changes with equanimity. Just think of how a radiator hose might go from below freezing to well over the boiling temperature of water in just a few minutes – Liquid Rubber does the same thing for your roof.

This is important for a number of different reasons. Because it holds up so well to temperature fluctuations, it is stable in winter, spring, summer and fall. It can handle long-term exposure to harsh sunlight, and it will not become brittle or start to crack due to temperature fluctuations.

Ease of Application

One of the best things about Liquid Rubber roof material is that it can be applied simply and easily. In fact, most business owners can handle installation on their own. That means you benefit from reduced costs, and you’re able to save time and hassle. All you need to install it is a paint roller and a paint brush. However, you can also add it to a sprayer if you’d prefer a spray-on application. An airless sprayer is usually considered necessary for roofs spanning more than 5,000 square feet.

So, is Liquid Rubber roof right for your business? In almost all instances, the answer is yes. It offers significant durability and weather resistance, can be installed by you, quickly and easily, and it bonds to virtually any type of substrate you might have. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Understanding the Advantages of Liquid Rubber Roofing

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When it comes to your home, you need to protect it against wear and tear, and you need to make repairs as soon as possible. The single largest area of exposure on your home is the roof. Not only must it contend with constant exposure to temperature fluctuations, but you expect it to deal with intense sunlight, rain, sleet, snow, hail and other threats.

Over time, those can create damage that reduces your roof’s ability to protect you and your family. The good news is that Liquid Rubber roofing can be an ideal solution to your needs. What advantages does this roofing material offer over other options?

The Right Roof

First, understand that Liquid Rubber roofing is not ideal for all residential roofs. Generally, you need a roof with a low pitch (angle), or even a flat roof. Roofs with steeper pitch should make use of sheet metal, slate tiles, or conventional asphalt shingles. With that being said, if your roof has the right pitch, then Liquid Rubber roofing can be quite advantageous.

The Advantages Offered

So, how does liquid rubber roof material stack up against other options on the market? Actually, it holds its own quite well. There are several reasons for this. First, when you apply Liquid Rubber roofing, you create a seamless application. That’s in direct contrast to asphalt shingles, metal roofing and other options. All of these materials are put down in strips or pieces, and then those pieces must be joined. Every joint or seam has the potential to cause leaks down the road.

Another advantage of Liquid Rubber roofing is the quick curing time. With other synthetic rubber roofing options, you might have to wait weeks, even months before the material was fully cured. With Liquid Rubber, that’s not the case. It is fully cured in just days. Moreover, it cures completely at a much lower temperature than other synthetic rubber roofing systems, meaning that it can be installed during the spring, summer or fall. It can even be installed during the winter in areas where wintertime temps are mild.

You’ll find that Liquid Rubber roofing can also be applied to virtually any substrate without having to use a primer. Whether you have a wooden sub-roof, or you’re dealing with concrete or another material entirely, this allows a much faster installation process, and saves you money since you don’t have to purchase primer.

Finally, you’ll find that Liquid Rubber is the only synthetic rubber roofing material on the market that waterproofs immediately. Other products need time to cure and become tacky. The challenge here is that the material is vulnerable until it cures enough to be waterproof. Rain during this time could completely compromise any material installed, washing it away and leading to the need to reapply. With Liquid Rubber, you benefit from immediate waterproofing as soon as the material is applied to the substrate.

As you can see, Liquid Rubber offers quite a few advantages over other roofing materials, and may be the ideal choice for your needs.

Reasons to Repair Leaks with Liquid Rubber

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Are you dealing with a roof that has taken some damage recently? Can you tell there’s been damage lately because the roof is now leaking? This is common for homeowners, in all honesty. You may not always think about inspecting your roof to see how things are holding up. Instead, you end up being made aware of it when you see leaks sprouting up or other damage becomes apparent.

It’s never fun to find out that you have a leak, but it may not be as dire as you think. Liquid rubber is a great way to solve this problem and you can do it without breaking the bank.

Liquid Rubber is Affordable

As soon as you realize you have a leak, your mind might go to figures, wondering how much it’s going to cost to take care of the issue. The good news for you is that using liquid rubber to repair that roof can be more affordable than you first expect. In fact, it’s probably the most affordable option you have when it comes to a leaky roof.

On top of that, this material is made from recycled materials so it’s pretty environmentally friendly, as well. Between those two things, you may not find an option that fits better than liquid rubber. However, there are other reasons to use this substance.

Do It Yourself

Many types of roofing sealants are a real pain to apply. In fact, most of them require a skilled professional to ensure things are done just right. That is not the case with liquid rubber. It can actually be applied by nearly anyone, saving you from all those pesky labor costs that the other materials bring with them.

In addition to being able to apply the material yourself, it’s also easy to do. It won’t take you endless hours or days to get everything together and done. Nope. In fact, all it really takes is a good cleaning, an application, and you’re pretty much done.

Perfect for any Climate

So, you may be aware that some roofing materials work great in the heat but don’t do so well in the cold or vice versa. There are also materials that don’t do well with lots of rain or snow, which means that while they work for a while, they often sputter out pretty quickly too, leaving you to buy a new material.

You don’t have to worry about this with liquid rubber. It is just as happy in scorching temperature as it is in frigid ones. It has been tested in the most extreme climates and it has no problem adapting. However, curing it works better if the temperature is at 55 or higher. That said, even if it isn’t, it just takes more time.

There are four excellent reasons for applying liquid rubber the next time your roof springs a leak. It’s a great material that provides a whole lot of benefits that other roofing sealants simply do not. Don’t be afraid to give it a try!

How Liquid Rubber Has Changed Roofing

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What do you think of when you hear the word rubber? You may think of rubber bands, tires on your car, or even your sneakers. However, rubber is good for a whole lot of other things. One of those is as protection for the roof of your home or building. But why is this so important to the roofing industry? We go into the most important reasons below, while providing you a bit more information about this particular material and what it is capable of.

Liquid Rubber

First of all, you should know that the rubber we are talking about is called EPDM rubber, which is short for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. This material is used for many different processes, but it has moved to the roofing world because it can offer so much durability and at a great price. It also helps that the application process ensures that every inch of the roof gets covered, as is needed.

Expansion

You may not be aware of this, but your roof moves. When the temperature changes, it can cause the roof to expand or contract to a small amount. This is part of why EPDM rubber is so innovative. The material will expand or contract with the roof, ensuring coverage continues, no matter how the roof shifts based on temperature. This is not the case with most other coatings that you can invest in.

Only liquid coatings can provide this kind of coverage, as solid rubber and other materials cannot expand. In those cases, the material can crack or become damaged, leaving you with a need to repair or replace it. This leads to a need to spend even more money, which nobody wants to deal with.

Temperature Resistant

Changing temperatures can cause damage to your roof, which is one reason that a protection method is so important. While it may cost some amount to apply a rubber coating, it pales in comparison to the cost of repairing or even replacing part of your roof. That’s why rubber roofing is such an excellent choice for many homeowners.

The good news about liquid rubber is that it is more affordable than traditional methods for protecting your roof from the elements. This is one of the primary reasons that the roofing industry has taken to liquid roofing sealant so quickly and easily. You no longer have to spend copious amounts of money to protect your roof. You can protect it without breaking the bank doing so.

For those who prefer to have a professional install the rubber coating, there’s more good news. A professional can apply this type of material at a cheaper cost than other types of coatings. Part of the reason for this is because there are no long hours or heavy machinery required to install the coating. It is a simple and virtually silent process.

If you’ve been wondering what the fuss is about rubber roofing, this article should explain the basics. For those of you who haven’t added a coating to your home or business roof, you now have the facts to go into it, knowing what you have to gain.

Choosing Liquid Rubber for Roof Repair

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Do you have a roof in need of repair? Maybe you have already found a leak and you want to nip it in the bud. Perhaps you are worried that there could be leaks in the future, and you want to find a way to head off that possibility before it becomes a problem. You might want to consider getting a coating for the roof. Using Liquid Rubber for roof repair is a fantastic solution.

Of course, you should learn a bit more about the produce and why you should be considering it for your roof. Let’s learn a bit more about Liquid Rubber for roof repair, so you can see why it might be right for you.

What Is the Liquid Rubber?

This is a type of EPDM coating that can be applied to your flat roof. It comes in buckets, and it is like paint once you have mixed it up and it is ready to go. You even apply it to the roof just like paint. You can use rollers and brushes to apply it. However, when this dries and cures, it becomes a rubber barrier that will prevent water from getting through and leaking into your home, workspace, or facility.

How Many Coats Do You Need?

You might be thinking that you would need to add several coats for this to work well and to ensure protection. However, that’s not the case. One of the reasons so many people love to use Liquid Rubber for roof repair and preventative measures is that it will only take a single coat in most cases. This means you will be spending less time working on the roof and more time doing the things you want.

Even with a single coat, you will find that it is very durable. When applied correctly, it can last a long time – decades. The coating can withstand extreme temperatures, as well. In fact, it can hold up to -40F to 300F with no trouble at all. No matter the temperature in your area, you can be sure that this coating is going to last and keep out the leaks.

Once you have applied the coat, it will dry in a couple of hours in most cases. It will cure within about two or three days. Once the Liquid Rubber is on your roof, it is going to keep your building safe from the rain, so you do not have to worry about leaks.

Is It Right for You?

Do you have a commercial property? Do you have a residential property? Regardless, you will find that the Liquid Rubber for roof repair is a good solution for both. The only caveat is that the roof needs to be flat, or nearly flat. Otherwise, the coating will run, not adhere properly, and will not provide adequate protection.

If you are worried about leaks, it is time to consider using Liquid Rubber for roof repair. It is a simple DIY solution that could be right for you.