fbpx

How Proper Gutter Maintenance Can Protect Your Home & Save You Money

home with gutters

The gutters of the home help to keep rain from settling against the edges of the roof. If the gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, then they won’t drain rain away as they should. This could cause distress to the roof, resulting in money being spent on unnecessary repairs that wouldn’t need to be made if the system were maintained properly.

Frowning On the Foundation 

Although it might not seem like the foundation would be affected by gutters that are clogged or not working as they should, this is an area of the home that can see significant damage if the gutters don’t drain. The water can settle along the foundation or even drain to the foundation and seep through cracks. This can cause the foundation to crack or buckle, which would make areas of the home swag or shift.

Losing the Landscape

After planting flowers in the yard and creating a beautiful landscape, water that doesn’t flow through the gutters properly can ruin your efforts. A roofing company, such as Berwald Roofing Inc, can come to the home to discuss what you can do about the gutters and repair any issues that are seen. You can sometimes redirect the way that the gutters drain so that the water doesn’t pour out over areas of the yard that could result in costly makeovers.

Mildew and Mold

One of the things that you might notice around the edge of the roof and along the sides of the home is that mold and mildew will begin to grow if the gutters don’t drain as they should. This can pose a health hazard if it gets out of hand. The water will begin to pour down the walls of the home instead of running out the end of the gutters if there is debris in the gutters that isn’t cleaned.

Barren Basements

When water has nowhere to go, it could end up in the basement as it runs down the side of the home. If there is a significant amount of water for a long period of time, it can cause quite a bit of damage to the basement as this is the bottom area of the home. This can lead to a basement that sits empty until the gutters and the problems is fixed.

The gutter system is one that is easy to keep clean and maintained. All you have to do is check the connections to the home and remove leaves and other items that are in the system. This will save you money that is spent on repairs to the foundation and other areas that see rain pouring over the sides of the gutters.

Tips To Know Before You Buy Replacement Windows

There are lots of reasons to buy replacement windows for your home. Though whether you’re replacing your windows to fix a draft, save on your energy bills, or simply improve your home’s outward appearance, odds are you’ll need to replace them at some point — if you’re in your home long enough. That means, all homeowners will need to think about replacement windows at one point or another. Even if you’re not planning on staying in your current home for much longer, windows typically are one of the first things people notice about a home. With that in mind, you may want to consider replacing yours to boost the resale value. Replacing windows is recognized as one of the best investments you can make in a home to help its resale value.

Replacing the windows in your home is important, but it also can be a complicated and confusing process, given the sheer number of window products out there. In addition to different styles and materials, windows also can incorporate varying energy-efficiency features. Plus, depending on where you are, you may need something completely different than someone in another part of the country. You might also want to choose options that require little maintenance. You don’t want to find out after your new windows are installed that you’ll need to devote some time to them for regular maintenance.

If you’re in the market for replacement windows, consider the guide below. It provides you with some basics to keep in mind when looking for the right new windows for your home depending on your preferences, needs and location. No matter why you need to replace your windows, you want to be sure that the windows you choose will be the best possible choice for you and your home.

 

Infographic created by Erdmann Exterior Designs

Author bio: Kyle Erdmann is Vice President of Erdmann Exteriors. Being a second-generation Erdmann, he was brought up in a construction household. With over 10 years of experience, Kyle has done everything in the company from being a general laborer to the installation of the product, so he can answer any question you can possibly have. Also, experience has taught Kyle a lot about design; his designs have been considered for awards from James Hardie. With a degree in hospitality management, customer service is always top on Kyle’s list, and many customers have given positive reviews on their experience working with him. Passionate about baseball, he currently volunteers at his old high school’s program. 

DIY or Hire a Professional: Make a correct Choice – Infographic

Doing household work yourself will sometimes reflect the exact results you want. However, some work require professionals to make it up to the mark without compromising in quality like roofing or cleaning of gutters before the rainy season. Sometimes you may also notice that hiring a professional is less costly than doing it yourself only you need to understand is How? & Where?
So whenever you are in dilemma, preferring to hire a professional or doing it yourself, refer to the infographic created by Saxton Blades, “Do it yourself vs hire a Pro”. This infographic will detail you regarding 10 different jobs which seem easy but may be complicated and the cost for doing that task yourself versus hiring a professional.

 

The-cost-of-DIY-vs-Hiring-a-Pro-INFOGRAPHIC

Easy Springtime Fixups Homeowners Should Put on Their Checklist

Easy Springtime Fixups Homeowners Should Put on Their Checklist

With spring come warmer temperatures and more items on one’s to-do list. While homeowners may want to bask in the glow of a sunny spring day, there are a few easy projects that they should look into first. These should be quick and easy now and will ensure that homeowners are not hit with costly repairs later.

Garage Door Reinforcement

The spring is the perfect time to look into a home’s garage door mechanisms. For one, garage door springs can be weakened from winter’s cold temperatures. Replacing one or two springs now will keep undue pressure off the rest of the garage door system. In addition, homeowners may want to look into reinforcing their garage doors to protect from wind damage during spring and summer storms.

Roof Repair

Early in the spring before torrential summer downpours arrive, homeowners should scan their roofs themselves to see if the shingles and other materials are wearing down. Most roofs are designed to last approximately 15 to 20 years although steel roofs last longer. Even if it is not time for a full re-roofing, homeowners may still benefit from minor repairs and replacements of some shingles, which should only set them back $200 or less.

Gutter and Soffit Cleaning

If the gutters were not cleaned out in the fall, the spring is prime time for doing this to ensure that rain does not cause leaky gutters that pull away from the house. Some companies, like D.S. Bahr Construction Inc., realize how important it is to keep your soffit in good repair, especially when it comes to leaks in the roof. Cleaning out the soffits and vents will also provide circulation to the attic to cut down on cooling expenses in the summer.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Homeowners should have a technician check out their air conditioning units before the start of the hot season. It is better to take care of problems now than to have the unit break down on the hottest day of summer. Homeowners can also clean off their units with a hose while it is off. This will take care of leaves, pollen and other items that have gotten stuck in the housing.

Once homeowners have taken care of these tasks, they can be sure that their homes will be cool and comfortable all summer long. Most of the time, these easy repairs can preclude major, costly repairs later in the year and can ensure that one’s home stays in prime condition should a family ever want to sell. Plus, a well-maintained home is the perfect place for summer relaxation and parties with friends and family.

Dingy Windows? 3 Ways To Spruce Up The Place

Dingy Windows 3 Ways To Spruce Up The Place

Have you looked at your home’s windows lately? If you notice a dusty or dingy appearance, it’s window washing time. However, getting windows completely clean can be challenging, depending on the type of windows you have and their age. You also may face challenges in washing both sides of the window glass and leaving no streaks. Some say that windows are the eyes of a home, so it is important to keep them clear and dirt-free. If you don’t want to try washing them yourself, which may require the purchase of special equipment and window cleaning products, consider the following options.

Hire Professional Window Washers

Experts like Central Glass Company can clean your windows professionally without streaks or soap residue. Inside and out, your window glass will be shiny and clear to restore the view from within. Eco-safe products and skilled workmanship ensure a smooth, efficient process that will have your home looking better than ever.

Replace Old Windows

If your windows are aging, perhaps they are also leaking to allow condensation to form inside the panes of glass, which is impossible to remove. If your windows have become loose in their frames or are leaking outdoor moisture inside, it may be time to get new windows that not only will brighten and improve the interior and exterior appearance of your home, but will also help to reduce heating costs due to poor insulation from the older windows.

Remodel With New Window Designs

If you plan to convert a mudroom into a sun room, you can expand the area and eliminate the current window in exchange for a new set of larger windows in the extended wall. Nooks and crannies in your home can be opened up as workspace or a children’s play area by adding new windows. Enhance your home security by replacing traditional basement or patio windows with glass block windows to discourage break-ins.

Glass windows play a vital role in every home or office space. Without them, a room can seem dull and lifeless. When windows become dirty, leaky, or cracked, they are functionally useless and may actually put your property at risk for serious, expensive damage. From cleaning a shower door with caked-on grunge to replacing aluminum frame windows and other outdated panes, contact a professional window company for a free estimate on how to upgrade the windows in your home. You will be amazed at the difference a new window view can make.

Spring is for Curb Appeal: 4 Ways to Make Your Home Pop

Spring is for Curb Appeal 4 Ways to Make Your Home Pop

When the spring season arrives, it seems like everyone wants to get outside and do something to improve the look of the outside of the home. Instead of just getting outdoors and doing several random jobs, it’s best to have a plan of action for what you want to put as a priority so that the exterior of the home pops after a dull winter season. If necessary, seek the help of a professional landscaper or another company to help with the ideas that you have in your mind.

Flowers

Add a little color to the outside of the home with flowers. Don’t plant a lot of different colors as this can make it hard to focus on the beautiful types of flowers. Instead, try to use one or two colors in various shades so that the garden that you make has a uniform appearance.

Place mulch around the flowers that you plant in front of the home and along the pathways to bring out the colors even more. Landscapers can help with planting flowers and making sure that the proper details are given to the way that they look.

Doorways

Touch up the exterior of the entry doors with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Change the color of the door to match the rest of the home if needed. You can look at J&D Door Sales Inc. and similar companies that sell garage doors to get a modern design for the garage instead of one that is plain and ordinary. When it comes to the garage door, you want it to be in a color that is neutral so that it blends with the other components of the house.

The Small Details

From changing the mailbox to changing the design of the numbers on the outside of the home, it’s the small details that people will notice. These are inexpensive transformations that you can make in a short time. Change the numbers so that the finish matches that of the rest of the home, such as the light fixtures.

New Furniture

If you have a large front porch, then it’s worth an investment to add a swing or even a few rocking chairs. You want to make the home look as charming and comfortable as possible. When you have furniture outside, it gives the look that it’s a home where people enjoy time outdoors.

The exterior of the home is a fun place to work on in the spring. You can add bright colors to everything from the railings to the garage. When you take the time to focus on one area at a time, you can tie everything together in an easier fashion for a delightful outdoor look.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

7 Quick and Easy Kitchen Cleaning Ideas that Really Work

The kitchen is an important part of the house. This is where the foods we eat are being prepared and cooked. It is also where the ingredients being used in cooking are kept. Moreover, the kitchen serves as the storage area for most of the cooking equipment and dining utensils. It is therefore very necessary to keep and maintain a clean kitchen at all times.

Cleaning the kitchen may be tedious for some. But with the proper methods and helpful tips, keeping the kitchen clean may be easily obtained. Listed below are some of the quickest and easiest cleaning ideas that really work well in the kitchen.

Use lemon to keep the sink bright and white

Use lemon to keep the sink bright and white

The sink is an important part of the kitchen. It should be kept bright and white in color to be able to maintain its classic and fresh appeal. One can use leftover lemons to remove the accumulated stains in the sink. The affected area should be sprinkled with the right amount of baking soda. Use the leftover lemon wedge in scrubbing the sink for a shiny and germ-free sink.

vinegar to remove hard water deposits

Use vinegar to remove hard water deposits

The sink is commonly associated with stains. This is primarily due to the calcium deposits obtained in hard water. Removing these ugly markings require only the use of vinegar. The vinegar helps in loosening and dissolving the calcium deposits in the sink making it completely easy to remove.

kitchen floor cleaners

Use kitchen floor cleaners

Kitchen floors should be cleaned with the most appropriate tools and cleaners. The kitchen floor cleaners come in different kinds based on the active ingredients that it contains. It is important the best cleaner that fits the needs of the users. Carefully read and follow the instructions written on the back label of the container to ensure the most efficient results. Use the correct dilution, contact time, and directions to guarantee a clean and safe kitchen area. Also, one can use steam cleaners for better outcomes. Steam cleaner reviews are available to learn the basics as well as the benefits of using them in kitchen cleaning.

Use ammonia to clean gas burners

Use ammonia to clean gas burners

The gas burners become dirty due to the splattering of the grease and food particles. This becomes more difficult to remove when it is starting to harden or solidify. It is, therefore, necessary to immediately clean the area after every use. However, there are times when the gruesome burners are left for a longer period of time allowing the hardening of the particles. These hardened particles can be removed by using cheap ammonia bought in a local store. The affected area should be soaked overnight in ammonia and wiped with a sponge to clean and revive the clean and shiny look.

Remove unwanted smell using vinegar from sink

Remove unwanted smell using vinegar from sink

The unwanted smell in the sink may come from the accumulated dirt from the sink traps and drainage. This can be solved using the aid of vinegar. This liquid can be poured over the sink to help dissolve the unwanted deposits causing an odor that accumulates through time. Allow some time for the vinegar to stay in the sink traps and drainage. Afterward, flush the sink with hot water to ensure that the loosened particles are washed away.

Remove tarnish

Remove tarnish

Tarnishing of the sink may be due to the accumulation of dirt and mineral deposits. This can be removed and solved using materials that are readily available in one’s home. The combination of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon is the answer to this kitchen sink problem. The baking soda should be sprinkled prior to the scrubbing of the sink for better cleaning. Vinegar will then be used as a rinsing agent to naturally disinfect and remove the hard water residues in the sink. The lemon will then be used in rubbing the area for a deodorizing effect giving a shiny and bright sink.

Big trash contaner

Make sure your trash and recycling containers are big enough

Always ensure that the trash is contained and kept in big plastics or containers. It should be properly segregated in different containers to determine and identify which are recyclable and those that are not.

Keeping the kitchen always clean and dirt free may be a difficult task. It requires proper knowledge on the correct methods involves in cleaning. However, simple tips and techniques can also be done to make the kitchen chores a lot easier. These quick and easy guidelines will guarantee the best results using the cheapest and the most affordable materials available.

Freaky Fungus: How To Protect Your Home From Damage

Freaky Fungus: How To Protect Your Home From Damage

Mold and mildew are funguses that thrive in moist, warm conditions. These organisms reproduce by releasing spores that cling to organic materials in the home such as drywall, upholstery, cardboard, paper and carpeting. The spores are carried into the home by water and air, and they will continue to spread until the home is cleaned and dried out thoroughly. Fungus growth can cause significant damage to home materials and can also create health problems in sensitive individuals if they inhale or come into contact with the spores.

Fix Plumbing Problems Quickly

Any source of water can cause fungus growth in your home, so if one of the plumbing lines in the house develops a leak, it can lead to the development of smelly, unhealthy mold growth. Check the pipes under the sinks or connected to appliances to ensure the connections are secure. Some leaks can occur deep within the walls of your home. A professional plumbing contractor can use special equipment to locate the leak with the least amount of damage to walls and floors. If you notice moisture or if the rooms develop a moist, humid feel, call in a plumber to repair the leak before it leads to damage to your home’s construction materials and cause the growth of fungus. Professional companies, such E & R Exterminating Company, Inc. can apply wood borate compounds to eliminate fungus growth on wood components under your home.

Prevent Flooding Incidents In Your Home

Some areas of the country are subject to heavy seasonal rains that cause basement flooding or flooding of lower floors of homes. To prevent water damage and fungus growth from basement flooding, install a sump pump system that will automatically remove rainwater from the basement when water table levels rise. If you are in a low area, be ready to pile sandbags around the foundation when heavy rains occur that might flood your home.

Waterproof Your Basement

Even if you don’t experience flooding in your home, ordinary seepage into the basement from heavy rains or snowmelt can cause a constant state of dampness that can promote fungus growth on drywall, storage boxes, paper and other materials. Applying a waterproof seal to your foundation walls can help to minimize seepage and will help to avoid fungus growth in the basement interior. Contact a basement-waterproofing contractor in your area for more information on protecting your home from water damage.

Fungus growth can deteriorate the construction materials in your home. It can also result in health problems for sensitive or allergic members of your family. Use these tips prevent fungus growth in your home, and call in a professional contractor to minimize the damage when it occurs.

Is Your AC Ready to Handle This Summer’s Heat?

Is Your AC Ready to Handle This Summers Heat

It is tough to imagine when the weather is mild, or even cold, that there are sweltering days of summer on their way. You know, those days when the sun is beating down and the humidity is so high your lungs feel like you are breathing through a wet sponge. This is when you need your central air conditioning to be operating at peak efficiency, but is your AC ready to handle the coming summer heat?

Central AC Cleaning

It is the air blowing over those aluminum fins that cover the coils of the condenser and evaporator that slowly build up grime that can drastically reduce AC efficiency. The part outside with the big fan and large surface area of aluminum fins is the condenser. It is the hot side of the AC system that dissipates the accumulated heat from inside your home to the outside. Oxidation, debris, insect nests and airborne particulates can block airflow. The evaporator is the cold side and is usually housed inside the main air duct of your furnace. These coils get wet with condensation that is drained away, and dust is the main offender that leads to blocked drains and coils that freeze up to block airflow. Your central AC system may be in desperate need of cleaning.

Low Refrigerant

Your central air conditioning system relies on a specific amount of refrigerant to operate at peak efficiency. The compressor has a low refrigerant sensor that will shut it off once the compressed gas drops to a set point. However, the system can operate for years with slightly low refrigerant levels that keep it working but at a considerably reduced level of efficiency. Also, low refrigerant can lead to evaporator coil freezing. If you notice your AC system is not pumping out air as cold as it did a few years ago, it is time to call professional AC technicians to have it tested. Getting your AC system back to operating at peak efficiency saves you money in energy costs.

Home Additions

Many homeowners have had a contractor add an addition onto their home. In some cases the ability of both the furnace and central air system to handle the extra square footage has not been taken into consideration. Each furnace and AC unit is designed to heat and cool a specific area usually determined by its volume in square feet. If you have noticed that your furnace or AC system is not heating or cooling your home like they did before the addition, then contacting an HVAC professional who can look up the specifications of your system and calculate the total square footage of your home can be useful. Also, there just may be a problem in how the air is distributed or a problem with returning air back to the system that just requires adjustments and not equipment replacement.

Tree Cutting and Insulation

Things can change around and in your home that affect the ability of your air conditioning system to be able to cool your home properly. Cutting down a large shade tree on the southern side of your home exposes it to more heat from the sun. This can make rooms on that side of the house hotter than they were before a tree was cut down. This can often be corrected with some fine tuning of the air distribution system. Insulation is usually only considered when it comes to keeping the heat in during the winter months, but good insulation is needed to keep the heat out in the summer as well. This may involve something as simple as installing solar films on windows on the sunny side of your home to block out some more of the sun’s heat in the summer.

If your AC system is not performing up to your standards of comfort on the hottest days of summer, it may just need cleaned and adjusted to get back to keeping your house cool and comfortable on those miserable days. The best time to ready your home for the heat of summer is to get your AC system inspected and serviced before that first hot day when you really need it.

Flawless Facade: 4 Hacks to Make Your Home’s Exterior Pristine

Flawless Facade

Keeping your home sparkling clean is an ongoing process. You will need some basic equipment, such as a bucket, biodegradable detergent and a pressure washer. The time that you invest in keeping up your home’s exterior will add value to the home and provide you with a sense of personal pride.

Clean the Windows

Cleaning your home’s windows improves its appearance inside and out. You will need to clean both sides of the glass in order to achieve optimal results. Basic supplies needed for this project include glass cleaner, a squeegee, a bucket and newspapers. Work from the highest windows down and from the top of the window to the bottom. Do the same for the inside pane of glass.

Use a Pressure Washer

Using a pressure washer is a fast and efficient way to clean your home’s siding. Dirt, dust, and salt residue can mar your siding. Some companies, like Ben’s Cleaner Sales, know that things like bird droppings and pollen can also have damaging effects on the exterior of your home. Use a biodegradable detergent and your pressure washer to get rid of all of the grime. Spring and autumn are good times of the year to pressure wash your home’s exterior.

Paint the Trim

The trim around your home’s doors and windows is prone to chipping. Repainting it will boost the aesthetic appeal of your house. Unlike painting the whole exterior, touching up the trim does not take too long. Use a wire brush to remove any peeling paint. Apply a layer of primer. Allow the primer to fully dry. Use the correct type of oil-based exterior paint for the material you are painting. If you need a second coat of paint, wait at least eight hours between coats.

Get Rid of Roof Stains

Roof stains are unsightly, but they are rarely a sign of damage. Most roof stains are the result of a type of algae that thrives on damp asphalt shingles. A special detergent can be used to wash your roof and get rid of the stains. You can have a roofer install copper or zinc strips along your roof line. This will prevent new stains from forming. Trimming back tree branches helps to ensure that the shingles dry out after rain.

These four simple actions will dramatically improve your home’s exterior. You can do these activities on a clear, mild day. If you are getting your home ready for a special event, your guests will be thrilled at the flawless facade of your house.

 

Copyright © 2024 | Bruzzese Home Improvements | All Right Reserved | Web Design & Development by QualityMust