You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the crawl space under your house. Items may sometimes go there for storage, and after that the space is forgotten for months or even years at a time. Unfortunately, however, there are three potential crawl space problems you should be aware of. Ignoring them could damage any items you are storing there or cause structural damage to your home. Here is what you need to watch out for.
Water
Water can seep into a crawl space from just about anywhere. If your space has a dirt floor, it can even come up through the ground. Without proper ventilation, this water stays sitting in the crawl space, keeping it damp. Dampness leads to mold, mildew and rotting wood. The best solution is often to install a drainage system followed by a concrete crawl space liner, like those offered by Perma-Dry Waterproofing & Drainage, Inc. This allows for improved exterior drainage and a concrete shell that keeps water out.
Critters
Insects and rodents find crawl spaces very comfortable and homey. To keep them out, you’ll need to look for any cracks or crevices and seal them with caulk. A vapor barrier will also help slow the invasion of unwanted critters, as will the concrete liner mentioned previously. This works because moisture is attractive to insects and other pests who need a water source close to their nest to survive. A lack of water makes your space less attractive. Of course, it’s not always possible to exclude all unwanted guests all the time, so be sure to have an exterminator check your space periodically and address any issues that he finds.
Mechanical Issues
Your furnace and other large mechanical systems aren’t located in your crawl space, but there could still be some mechanical things there. HVAC ducts often run through crawl spaces where they can pick up mold or mildew and spread the spores throughout the house. Exposed electrical wires may also be present in your crawl space, along with plumbing pipes. Make sure any duct work in your crawl space is properly sealed. Have an electrical contractor reroute exposed wiring and make sure any insulation or plumbing pipes are in good condition.
A poorly maintained crawl space can cause many problems, including a crumbling foundation, damaged subfloor, higher energy bills and poor air quality throughout the home. Exposed electrical wires can also present a fire hazard. To avoid problems, check your crawlspace often and have a professional inspect it frequently.
The growing popularity of home improvement and repair shows can make us believe that we are capable of doing just about anything when it comes to improving or repairing our homes. However, that is just an idea that is far from reality. In case of an emergency, you might want to grab a tool and handle the problem yourself, but DIY repairs are rarely as simple as they may seem on TV, and they can end up in a disaster that could cost you more money than hiring a professional. The common rule of thumb is that you can fix some cosmetic flaws yourself, but just in case you are wondering, here are the situations when you really should seek the help of an experienced professional.
Fixing electrical wires
Here’s another rule for you: if it can put you in a hospital, don’t do it. Really, fixing faulty/burnt electrical wires might remind you of the familiar movie scene where you should cut the red wire or match some colors, but it is far from being so. Unless you have some practical knowledge about working with electricity, it is better to leave this job to the pros.
Adjusting electrical lines
This is an even more complicated chore. Again, if you are not well-versed in this skill and you’re not familiar with the local code requirements, you could put yourself in an extremely dangerous situation. Poorly performed electrical works are a common cause of fire, so even if you don’t see any consequences right away, there could still be a pending doom. Also, if one day you decide to sell the house, this problem could be discovered by inspection and you could end up spending much more money than you’ve saved by taking matters into your own hands.
Window repairs and replacement
Unless you’re doing it on the first floor, window repairs and replacements can be quite tricky. In fact, anything that requires a ladder or scaffold can lead to a nasty fall. Don’t you think that the risks are too big to justify saving a few bucks?
Unclogging blocked drains
In some cases, this can be solved by an amateur, but unclogging drains isn’t always a simple task. Sometimes, clearing a blocked drain pipe requires professionals working with high-tech tools that can detect and remove blockages from your pipes quickly and efficiently. You will notice such persistent blockages when the usual boiling water and plunger methods fail.
Frozen pipes repair
Frozen pipes are quite common in some climates, but that doesn’t mean that you should tackle this problem all by yourself. They can lead to accidents that can cause some serious damage to your home. If the cold hasn’t already caused them to burst, professional plumbers can solve the problem before your whole house is flooded. Altering plumbing lines is also out of the question.
Leaky roof
There is nothing more annoying than hearing tiny raindrops dripping from your ceiling to the floor or furniture piece. Besides being annoying, this problem may damage the ceiling structure and cause health hazards like mold and mildew. This is not the time for showing your housework skills. Remember what we mentioned a couple of paragraphs above? Improper use of ladders and scaffolding can result in falls, and you don’t want that.
Removing large amounts of paint
What could possibly be dangerous about this? Nothing, unless you are removing large amounts of paint that may contain traces (or even larger amounts) of lead. Health concerns and legal requirements make this job an endeavor that should be left to professionals who possess protective equipment that can shield them from hazards associated with lead (e.g. kidney damage and anemia).
Wishing to take things into your own hands when it comes to maintaining your household is perfectly understandable. However, in some cases, it is better to call the professionals instead of biting off more than you can chew.
Guest Post By:
Chloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.
Even if you have a relatively new home, there might be more dangers lurking on your property than you realize. Everything from contaminants in the air to damaged appliances can pose a major risk to you and your family, and that is why it is so important to be vigilant around the home. Here is a closer look at four common dangers and what you can do to take care of them.
Damaged Pipes
Not only will a small leak cause an incredible amount of damage in a short period of time, but it can also be a major health risk to all residents. Within just a few days, standing water creates problems such as mold, mildew, and pest infestations. Anyone who believes that they may have broken pipes in their home should keep a close eye on their water bill to see if there are any fluctuations. They should also have a professional, like those at HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric, come check the situation out. Many plumbers offer affordable inspections to test pipes for leaks or other forms of damage.
Dirty Ducts
Dirty air ducts can cause a wide variety of serious health complications including chronic congestion, severe allergies, and respiratory infections. That is why most specialists suggest that families should have their ducts professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year to dislodge any lingering debris. It is also important to change one’s air filters at least a few times a year to improve the efficiency of the system and prevent dust from getting into one’s home.
Old Water Heaters
Modern water heaters have many different safety features, but they can still become dangerous when they are not properly cared for. Issues such as sediment collecting in the bottom of the reservoir or the pilot light going out can put a family in danger. Much like your HVAC system, you should consider having your water heater serviced by an experienced plumber once a year. Servicing the water heater will also improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that can eventually cause lung cancer if an individual is exposed to it for a long period of time. Radon is completely invisible and odorless, and that is why all homeowners should install radon detectors throughout their property. The easiest way to clear radon out of a home is to make sure that all rooms have good ventilation.
Those who are considering carrying out major home renovations to mitigate these risks should speak with experienced contractors to explore their options. Trying to complete these projects on your own could impact your home insurance policy and potentially violate local safety regulations.
Maintaining your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system helps to lower your monthly energy bills. Preventive maintenance also extends the system’s lifespan and protects breakdowns that make an impact on your comfort. There are four key steps to HVAC preventive maintenance that should be performed at least twice per year.
Changing the Air Filter
Changing the air filter is essential to an HVAC system’s performance, efficiency and longevity. The air filter is usually housed in its own chamber or within the air blower portion of the system. It may be framed with cardboard and disposable, or it may be reusable. A reusable filter will be cleaned and put back into the unit. A disposable air filter will be replaced. The filter should be changed every 90 days.
Cleaning the Condensate Line
In air conditioners and heat pumps, the condensate line is responsible for draining the water that is condensed during a cooling cycle. The condensate line can grow mold and algae. If the growth gets too thick, the condensate line can become obstructed. If it gets obstructed, water can back up into the equipment and cause a malfunction. Cleaning the condensate line consists of bleaching the interior of the pipe, removing algae and mold and rinsing it with plain water.
Checking the Refrigerant
Air conditioners and heat pumps use a chemical refrigerant such as R-410-A. Some companies, such as Classic Air and Heating, know that if the refrigerant tubing or chamber develops a leak, the system will not operate efficiently. The system could freeze up or simply blow room-temperature air. HVAC technicians use special equipment to check the level of the refrigerant. If it is low, the refrigerant can be charged after the leak is found and repaired.
Cleaning and Lubricating Motors and Fans
Furnaces, air conditioners, ventilation units and dehumidifiers all have motors and fans. The motors and fans can collect dust and debris that inhibits their motion. These parts are cleaned and lubricated during a maintenance visit. Proper lubrication of the motors and fans reduce the risk of overheating and minimize the amount of noise made by the unit while it operates.
HVAC maintenance should be performed by a licensed, bonded and insured provider. It is a good idea to schedule maintenance for the air conditioner in the spring and a checkup for the furnace in the autumn. Heat pumps and other equipment that is used all year long should be serviced twice per year, also in the autumn and spring to identify and repair any defects.
After spring cleaning comes the joy of home maintenance in the summer. Keeping your home in tip-top shape gets expensive, as the typical American home costs $1,126 to maintain every month. Ideally, the homeowner should spend at most between one to four percent of their annual income on home repair, but there are ways to curb the costs.
Don’t sweat expensive repairs when it comes to home updates or renovations. Try these seven ways to cut down the costs, before you empty your bank account:
Use Energy Efficient Lighting
For $5 to $15 invest in a few CFL lights that are dimmable or mix it up. Purchase dimmable switches for incandescent lights and CFL lights, which last longer and save energy, at your local depot store. Though LEDs will save about $170 more every year than incandescent lights, they’re expensive and incandescent lighting is phasing out.
CFLs take several minutes to reach full brightness, but only start at $1.25 per bulb and save more money than incandescent lighting. Instead of hoarding old bulbs, invest in a brighter, equally eco-friendly and budget friendly bulbs.
Replace AC Filters
Don’t overwork your central air conditioning or raise your utility bills by avoiding the simple chore of replacing the air filters. This simple task will keep the air free-flowing through all ducts and stop the blower motor from being too strained. Your new filters extend the life of the overall unit by keeping mold and dust off the condenser coils.
For the price of a greasy spoon dinner, grab a few filters and save more on your utility bill. Your HVAC is responsible for about half of your energy costs monthly, and by replacing your filters every three months you save 7.5 percent a month and decrease energy consumption overall by 15 percent.
Cool roofs are designed to reflect more light from the sun and don’t absorb as much heat as typical roofs. The material itself is highly reflective and are used on shingles, tiles and other types of roofing. Changing the roof color will also lengthen the life of the roof, while protecting it from UV rays.
Plant a Tree
More specifically, choose a deciduous tree to plant on the east, west or south side of your home. This provides additional shelter over your roof to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent over the next hundred years. A few of the fastest-growing trees to plant include nuttall oak, hybrid poplar, northern cattalpa, weeping willow and red maple. Conduct a land survey to avoid planting to close to underground lines.
This will prevent you from overworking your HVAC system and save money, while giving back to nature and adding a beautiful addition to your yard.
Put it all on a Timer
Extend the life of your electronics and household systems by placing them on a timer. Do this for the hot water and on your lighting systems, and note that you can save gallons of water by using an irrigation controller.
Program computers and other electronics to cut on and off at specific times. By unplugging your computer or timing your usage, you could shave a few bucks off your utility bill every year. Remember to use your battery powered devices to their full extend before recharging.
Save Your Septic Tank
It’s important to treat your septic tank right, and when it starts to fail, know when you need a new one. In urban areas, sewer lines are more common than septic tanks, which are usually found in rural areas.
There are many pros and cons investing in a septic tank, especially when it comes to being eco-friendly and saving money. For example, fiberglass septic tanks won’t rust or crack like steel or concrete ones, yet they may change position with damp soil or be vulnerable to weight above ground. Septic tanks don’t have monthly costs associated with them, since they are independent of city services.
Septic tanks are durable and eco-friendly. They usually last for several years, and utilize drain fields as natural filters, while benefiting local plant life as water for the soil and food for small creatures. To extend the lifespan of your septic tank, only run full loads of laundry and a full dishwasher.
Keep a Maintenance Routine
One major source of expensive maintenance costs is letting the work pile up, eventually leading to risk for a disaster. Don’t wait, and don’t cut corners with repairs.
Save more money in the long run by developing a home maintenance routine now. This way you can make a game plan for saving for more expensive costs you know are coming, like a new water heater that needs to replaced after ten years.
Don’t let home maintenance costs creep up on you and rob you blind in the middle of a beautiful summer’s day. Save more time for grilling, gardening and fun with the family.
Get in front of home maintenance with a solid routine, and take a few preventive measures now, such as replacing your AC filters and switching to more energy efficient lighting. These ideas will help you cut down on home maintenance costs this summer and save you more money in the long run.
Author Bio:
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
