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DIY Home Energy Audit

You might think that improving your home’s energy efficiency requires a significant investment in new high-tech windows, solar panels for your roof or even overhauling your HVAC system. Although it’s true that making any of those big investments can have a significant impact on your home’s energy consumption, little changes can make just as much of a difference. For example, it’s estimated that the United States spends more than $300 billion a year on energy that is wasted because of drafty doors and windows. A few nickels’ worth of caulk might be all that’s needed to solve the problem for your home. There are countless issues around your home that could be costing you a lot on your energy bill when taken all together, and many of them can be easy to fix.

Checking on all of these potential trouble spots on a regular basis can make a huge difference on your energy bills. You can and should hire a professional to perform a home energy audit every so often. However, you also can perform a do-it-yourself energy audit on a regular basis to catch many of the most common and easily fixed issues before they require professional intervention. Yet with so many potential trouble spots in your home that require attention, it can be easy to overlook some of them. The following checklist details some of the most common areas where energy efficiency can be improved around the home. Following it can help you perform a DIY home energy audit and ultimately result in major savings on your energy bill.

 

DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist

Checklist: DIY Home Energy Audit created by Mendel Plumbing and Heating

Moisture Mishaps: 5 Ways to Prevent Wood Rot in Your Home

Moisture Mishaps: 5 Ways to Prevent Wood Rot in Your Home

Excess moisture in your home may be more of a threat than you realize. It soaks easily into wood, and can be the start of wood rot. Wood rot in your home’s frame can lead to structural weakness and eventual collapse. Moist, rotten wood can also draw termites or form a breeding ground for mold and fungus, which pose health hazards. But wood can last a lifetime if it’s kept dry. Here are some ways to prevent wood rot on your next repair or project.

1. Apply Primer

It’s always a good idea to protect exterior-facing wood against moisture by adding primer. Use oil-based primers made for exterior surfaces, as they tend to penetrate better and last much longer than water or even latex primers. Be sure to paint both sides and edges, including the ends. If you’re trying to cover up existing water damage, apply a couple of coats of alkyd primer instead.

2. Gutter Maintenance

For critical points like eaves and gutter installation, use two coats of primer. Gutters can trap water as debris builds up and pose a greater risk; if the wood that supports them rots away, gutters can pull loose, and you’ll end paying for new gutters on top of replacing the wood. Make sure to keep them clear of things like leaves. Some gutters have guards on them that let water filter through to be redirected while keeping other debris separate and easier to remove.

3. Angled Surfaces

Whether you’re building or repairing eaves, roofing, hand rails, decks, or any external structure, try to slope them slightly away from the central structure so that they tend to shed water. Water can be easily trapped and pooled or redirected by flat surfaces, raised edges, crannies, or rotting leaves. Be sure you consider how to best avoid this.

4. Use Plugs

Every screw or nail you use could be allowing moisture into the interior wood, no matter how tight it seems to be. Whenever you’re doing exterior work, try to use nails or screws with galvanized or stainless seals that form a water-tight seal around the head. Alternatively, you could slightly countersink them and fill the hole with all-weather caulk, sealants, or wood glue before painting or covering. Caulk should also be used on any cracks and holes that have developed around doors, windows, vents, and so forth to avoid seepage of water.

5. Rot-Resistant Woods

Some natural woods are actually very good at shedding water and resisting rot. These include woods like cedar, cypress, and teak that have their own natural oils. However, they can be needlessly expensive for ordinary repairs or interior framework. Generally, you’re safe using cheaper modern alternatives like chemical or pressure-treated wood.

When it comes to preventing rot and water damage, taking the easiest or cheapest way out will likely lead to expensive repairs later. Use these tips and you’ll have rot-resistant wood and sturdy construction for many years to come. Wood rot can cause terrible structural damage later on, so it’s always better to prevent it as much as possible.

Hiring A Window & Door Contractor

There are plenty of repairs and upgrades around the home that you can do yourself with a little practice and the right tools. Installing new windows or doors, however, is something that’s outside most do-it-yourselfers’ comfort zones. Hiring a professional contractor to handle the installation of new windows and doors in your home is essential for ensuring that the job is done properly, and your new windows and doors will fit well enough to prevent drafts and last for a long time. However, hiring the right contractor for the job can be a job in and of itself. Homeowners need to be aware of the signs that the contractors they have chosen are the right ones for their project.

Repairing or replacing doors and windows can be expensive, but not as expensive as it can be to live with the consequences of substandard work from an unqualified contractor. Improperly installed windows and doors can hurt your home’s energy efficiency, lead to costly repairs, and negatively impact the look and resale value of your home. Choosing the right contractor is more than a matter of choosing the lowest bid. Homeowners should consider numerous factors before making the decision to hire a contractor. If you’re considering hiring a professional contractor to install or repair windows or doors in your home, consult the following checklist to make sure you choose wisely and do your due diligence before and after the project. Doing so can ensure that your new windows and doors will last as long as you want them to and that your contractor won’t take advantage of you.

Checklist For Hiring A Window & Door Contractor created by Midwest Window & Door

Water Worries: How to Quickly Fix Leaky Pipes in Your Bathroom or Kitchen

Water Worries: How to Quickly Fix Leaky Pipes in Your Bathroom or Kitchen

If you notice that a faucet is leaking in the kitchen or bathroom, it is imperative that you take care of it as soon as possible. If allowed to linger, it could cause water damage throughout the house in addition to the water making that annoying sound as it falls from the pipe to the floor. What can you do to fix this issues in an affordable and timely manner?

Tighten Them First

It is possible that your pipes just need to be tightened with a wrench. In a matter of seconds, you could have the issue resolved permanently with the tools that you have in your home. If you aren’t sure how to tighten a pipe, you can watch a tutorial or have a friend or family member help you. Remember, you want to go to the right to tighten and to the left to loosen a pipe or any other object.

The Pipe May Need To Be Replaced

There may be a crack or fracture in the pipe that may be allowing water to leak out of it. Some companies, such as Clearwater Plumbing, realize that if that is the case, you need to replace the section where the leak is. Even if the problem is a minor one at the moment, it is important that you take care of it before winter as the cold temperatures could cause small cracks to become complete breaks in the pipe.

You May Be Able to Tape the Leak

The use of sealing tape may help stop a leak for a few hours or days. Ideally, you will then call a plumber to take care of the issue as the tape is no substitute for repairing or replacing a leaking pipe.

Check the Temperature in the Room

In some cases, your pipes may not be leaking at all. They could just be collecting condensation because the room is too hot or humid. To fix the issue, you may just need to find ways to improve air circulation as that will help to get rid of excess moisture in an easy and efficient way.

If the pipes in your bathroom or kitchen are leaking, there is probably a simple fix to resolve the issue. However, don’t hesitate to call a plumber if you aren’t sure what the problem is or if you have tried other remedies that haven’t worked. Regardless of how minor the problem may appear, it could lead to major issues in the future if not addressed quickly.

Plumbing Blunders: What to Do When Your Home Has a Water Leak

Plumbing Blunders What to Do When Your Home Has a Water Leak

Almost every person has dealt with a water leak in their home at some point. A high number of homes and apartments that have suffered from water damage in the past are mostly due to leakage in their plumbing systems. Whenever you discover that you have a water leak at home, you must call a plumber. However, there are a number of things that you can do before the plumbers arrive to prevent any further damage. Here are some important tips on what to do when your home has a water leak.

Shutting Off the Water

As a homeowner it might be best to call a professional such as those from The Clean Plumbers to help with your water pipes. Immediately you discover that a water leak at home, you must act quickly. You should shut off the water going into the appliance or room where you have detected the leak. If there are any electrical appliances connected near the water leak, switch them off and unplug them immediately. You may consider shutting off your circuit breaker depending on the magnitude of the water leak. If the water leak does not subside, you should turn off your chief water valve located in the garage, yard or basement.

Eliminating Water Pressure in Your Pipes

In order to reduce the amount of water leaking in your home, turn on both the hot and cold levers of the lowest spout inside your home either on the first floor or basement. The same should be done on the faucets found in the uppermost floor. This allows air to enter into the pipes and allows them to drain their water via the lever (mostly yellow in color) opened on the house-side water meter. The water will drip for about 10-15 minutes and then slow down if it was leaking from your finished ceiling. If the dripping persists, shut off the water meter using the street-side lever.

Wrapping the Leaking Pipe

As the water pressure in the pipes will have been eliminated, you can use a tape product to wrap around the leaking pipe to act as a temporary fix as you wait for professional services. If the tape is wrapped correctly, it can stop the leakage for a while before the plumbing repairs are done. A rag can be used to wrap the pipes to stop water from being sprayed all over and instead direct it to a bucket or drain.

No homeowner wishes to contend with a water leak in their home. However, in the event that it happens, all the above steps will be useful in controlling a water leak before professional plumbers arrive. They are preventive measures against water damage in your home.

 

Problems Caused To Homeowners By Storm Water Drain

Your backyard is flooded and the reason for this is that the stormwater drain is blocked and not letting the water through.
Storm Water Drain

How messy does that sound? Especially, when it’s the rainy season and the stormwater drain is still blocked, you can imagine the situation you will be in. So, before the monsoons come by, and the nightmare comes true, it’s time to take action and get the drains fixed. You can try fixing it DIY style. However, if all self-methods fail then, you must call in the help of a professional plumber to help you get things done smoothly and fast.

Here, are some tips for you to try to unblock your stormwater drain. Try them and get rid of the hassle as soon as you can.

Tips to unblock the stormwater drain

Storm Water-Drain

  • Storm water drains are pipes that connect pipes from the roof to sumps in the garden, which then discharge water into the water table or curb in the street. They most commonly block due to tree roots, dirt, and silt lying in the pipes. It’s pretty hard to clear the pipes by your own. So, there is a need to call in a professional to do the work.
  • Get a full inspection of the stormwater drain to understand the real cause of the blockage. The gravity of the blockage will determine the repair it requires. Stormwater drains usually, block due to fallen leaves, debris, or grime build-up or because of a collapsed pipe. If the stormwater pipe is cracked, you can restructure it by application of plaster.
  • When you call in the plumbers, ensure that you instruct them to bring along a high water pressure drainage machine, as they are the best drain cleaners and absolutely perfect for this kind of situation. High water pressure drainage machines utilize high-pressure water to remove any dirt, leaves, and silt caused in the storm water pipes. Any other conventional methods aren’t as suitable.
  • You can also use hand rods to remove any obstacle that is causing the stormwater drain from being blocked. Hand rods can help to drive any dirt particles hooked to the lining of the pipe. A high-stress water jitter is especially used for pressurized cleaning of any debris that would not budge otherwise.
  • Another way to clean the pipe is by using the electric auger, which chews through any kind of dirt present inside a pipe blocking its way. The strong blades of the electric auger propel into the blocked pipe taking away any obstruction present.
  • Get your stormwater drain regularly check and maintain it. A little precaution does not hurt anyone. Keeping a regular eye out for problems can keep you worry-free of the problems coming to you unannounced. Keep in touch with your local plumber and call in every six months to check the functions of your drain. A little bit of cleaning and repairing every now and then will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Conclusion

Clear any type of blockage in your stormwater pipe at the earliest possible way to prevent damage to your property. Unlike clearing a block in your regular drain, unblocking stormwater pipes is not easy. You must understand this gravity of the situation before you move forward to make any effort to clear the block yourself. Your drain cleaners are not going to work here and you will need proper tools and some amount of technical know-how for clearing the block or blocks in the stormwater pipes. If you are unsure, please call a plumber and save yourself from further damages.

 

Upgrade the Look of Your Garage with Modern Garage Doors

Garage doors tend to be a tricky part of the home when it comes to aesthetics. Since they make up a significant portion of the house’s façade, it is not easy to downplay their importance in the home design. However, these days, it is possible to get modern garage doors that are attractive and uplift the overall look of the home.

Modern Garage Doors

Modern Garage Doors

Here are few types of garage door designs you can consider:

Contemporary Designs

These garage doors are perfect for homes that sport a modern aesthetic. These doors have vibrant colors with metallic finishes which can truly add a modern touch to your home. An interesting design aesthetic that you can try is an aluminum door with opaque glass that makes the garage door look quite elegant and gorgeous in all modern homes. This style can be used for the French door aesthetic. This would be perfect for homes which are styled like Mediterranean homes.

Carriage House Doors

One of the most popular styles for modern garage doors is the carriage house style. Originally, these doors were crafted from wood. These days, you have a wide range of wood types to choose from. However, you can also choose other materials such as wood composites or even steel. Steel is a particularly good choice as it is durable and requires little maintenance but is still stylish.

An interesting feature of these doors is that they create the illusion of swing-out doors. Of course, they open up like traditional garage doors. As for aesthetics, you do have several choices available. You can get steel versions of these doors but with a wooden print. This way, you get the beauty of wood and the durability of steel in the same package.

Insulated Garage Doors

These modern garage doors are getting popular these days. As the name suggests, these doors allow you to keep the garage cool during the summer season and warm during the winters. They can be quite beneficial these days as they help you in saving money on your home energy consumption. Moreover, they can improve the value of home.

Modern Garage Doors

Modern Garage Doors

Design Tips for Garage Doors

Even if you are unable to invest to replace your garage doors, there are a few things you can do to improve their looks. Check out the following list of ideas.

  • If your garage doors are visible from the street, you may consider painting them in the exact colors that grace the rest of your home’s façade. This decreases the visual impact and improves the overall looks of your home.
  • For homes that feature ornate details, the addition of windows with slight arches and vertical panels to the garage door can work wonders. It will add to the existing architectural flair of the home.
  • You can consider adding molding to the garage door if it is a particularly beautiful one. White molding can be a good choice if it matches the rest of the exterior of the house.
  • You can use the color used for the house’s shutters for painting the garage doors. This will be the perfect idea if your home’s exterior is simple and features the use of only two colors.

There are many more ideas that you can implement in your garage easily. If you are still stuck, you might want to consider working with a designer to help you get the most suitable designs for your modern garage doors. Of course, you should be working with a good agency for the installation of the doors. Finally, you must pay attention to the security mechanisms of the door.

The Best Professional Drain Relining Services and Measures

In every household or even in the commercial sector, the drainage system plays a very major and important role, as this does not only involve a normal day to day convenience but also is a system which seeks quality and performance at all times to remain comfortable.

  • When one uses a professional drain relining service, there are many aspects to be taken care of to have the best and guaranteed services at place. One should seek a trenchless or a no dig option for the best drainage solution.
  • The advantage of monitoring the same is that, in case of relining, there won’t be any requirement of digging up the pathways, gardens, driveways, etc. to reach out to the pipe which needs fixing.
  • It is important to maintain the hygiene and you need to clean the drainage system on a regular basis. For this you can apply some DIY techniques, and it is better to clean the drain at least once a week by hiring some professional clogged drain services.

Professional Drain Relining Services

To Know More in Details about the Relining Process and to start with the same is as Explained Below:

  1.  The initial step involves preparing of relining process by first analyzing if the pipe is ready to be relined and this is done by inserting a flexible camera to check if there are any blockages which needs to be removed, as a clean pipe would have a good professional drain relining service. They can easily identify the exact clogged portions and they will also remove the same, and install the new pipeline if required.
  2. Next is the measurement of the length to insert the right size of the relined pipe with the help of a hard agent mixed with epoxy resin and then the same is put into the liner, this would distribute the material evenly in the entire pipe which is being relined.
  3. Then after the second step is completed the professionals would blow into the pipe the liner which has been made for the purpose. Lastly the whole job which has been done needs to be dried up to form a hard coating which would allow the relining to cure.
  4. This complete process is done with high end professionalism and by the people who has complete grip over the method. Hence without any external damage of the surrounding of the pipe, the relining process can be carried forward with finesse and prepare the same ready to be used.

Drain Relining Services

Why would you hire the Professional Drain Relining Services?

Professional drain relining service is a very affordable and a rapid method in compared to the traditional digging process which used to be followed since a long time. With the growing development and updated technicalities now it is no more a very big problem which requires a solution.

Drain Relining

There are Specific Types of Drains which can be Relined and the same are as Mentioned Below:

  • Bends, traps and junctions can be relined
  • Sewer and storm water drainage could take the advantage of the relining process.
  • The long as well as the short patches of sections can be relined
  • PVC, Cast iron, earth ware pipes can be relined appropriately
  • The pipe size which measures from 50mm to 400mm can also be relined.

Hence this is the best diagnosis for an effective sewer and drain repairs. It has been noticed that due to this advanced operation it is no more a matter of great concern to get your drainage problem solved, as with time and available options towards the same has made the whole relining service convenient and easy to be achieved.

 

Roof Rot: How to Fix Your Moldy Home’s Fungi Problem

Roof Rot

Molds feed off of decaying organic material. Places on the exterior of your house, such as the roof and siding, offer a constant source of food and a surface to grow on. Moldy growth on your home could lead to considerable damage, but you can use these four tips to get rid of the problem.

Sanitizing the Roof and Siding

To remove moss, algae and fungi growing on the roof and siding, it is necessary to kill the growths so they cannot produce new spores. There are commercial products ready-made for this purpose. The concentrated liquids attach to the garden hose. You spray the affected areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This allows you to stand on the ground and treat the fungi. The growths should die within a few days of applying the product. For thick areas of growth, a second application might be needed.

Affixing Copper Strips

Copper strips can be attached to the peak of your home’s roof by your roofer. The strips leach a few copper atoms each time it rains. The elemental copper poisons algae and fungi but is not harmful to your lawn. The runoff is collected into your gutters as usual. The strips are not noticeable from the curb.

Replacing Moldy Siding

When mold has penetrated into the siding, it could damage the wood framing of your home. The presence of mold can also trigger an allergic response in everyone who lives in your home. Some companies, like Lifetime Exteriors, know that replacing moldy siding is a good idea for both health and safety reasons. Updating your siding also adds value and aesthetic appeal to your home.

Trimming Nearby Trees

When trees and other shrubs are growing right above or next to your roof and siding, they prevent the shingles and siding from completely drying out after rainy weather. The lingering moisture and relative shade are what allow fungi, moss and algae to thrive. Cutting back the shrubs and tree branches allows for better air circulation and access to sunlight. This could prevent a new infestation of fungi on your roof and siding.

Getting the mold off the roof and siding takes some time, but your efforts will help to safeguard your house and your health. You can also turn to professionals such as your roofer and siding replacement technicians to help you with these important home maintenance actions. Once the mold is gone, you can keep it away with regular tree trimming and the use of copper roof strips.

Leaking Roof: What Causes It & How to Fix It

roof repair

If you notice water or water stains on the roof, it could be the telltale signs of a leak. Roofs leak for a variety of reasons, so it is important to have it inspected quickly to diagnose the issue. From there, it is critical that you have the leak fixed to limit any further damage to the roof or to the rest of the home. Before you try fixing it, here is what you need to know:

The Causes of a Leaky Roof

Roofs can leak after a long winter in which rain or snow penetrated through the shingles or roof deck. In many cases, water will back into the shingles because gutters were clogged by debris or covered with ice during the winter months. Roofs may also leak because there is a lack of air circulation, which allows humid air to be present near the roof and in the attic.

How to Spot a Leaking Roof

If you see water actually dripping from the roof or from your ceiling, it is likely that there is a leak that needs to be fixed. However, the source of the water and the source of the leak are not necessarily the same thing. Therefore, you may need to take some time tracing the water back to where the roof is actually failing.

Call a Professional for Repairs Immediately

As soon as you see signs of a roof leak, it is a good idea to call a roofing professional to formally diagnose the problem. From there, he or she may be able to make suggestions as to how you can remedy the situation. Even if you think that you have the experience to make the repairs on your own, it may be best to let a professional, such as one from Stevens Roofing Corporation, do any necessary roof work instead.

Repairing

If water or other damage is prevalent on the roof, it may be a good idea to replace it instead of repairing the damage. A new roof may last for up to 50 years, which could make maintaining your home much easier. You may also be able to get a warranty on both materials and labor, which means that you won’t have to pay for repairs in the future.

A leaky roof is something that you need to take care of immediately. Otherwise, you risk damage to ceilings, walls and even the foundation of the home. While roof work may be costly, it is almost always less expensive than repairing water damage throughout the entire home.

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