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Steps to Waterproof Your Basement

Steps to Waterproof Your Basement

Moisture and water in the basement primarily comes from two kinds of sources. The first source is indoor humidity which will condense and form droplets of water, and the second reason is water vapor or water itself which comes from outside. Melting snow, rainwater and groundwater can saturate soil around the foundations of your house, thus allowing water to come in. water can even leak through cracks, penetrate porous masonry and concrete walls in its vapor form. To understand which problem it is, use aluminum foil to tape to the basement wall and look at it a few days afterwards. If there is moisture on the outer surface, then there is quite high humidity indoors, and moisture behind foil means that it is leaking through the walls. Now that we have figured out which of the two it is, let’s look at how to tackle this problem.

  • No Excess Humidity: while doing basement waterproofing there should not be any humid air around. You should seal the dryer vents with tape to cut off the excess air that enters. Just taping will not do, it tends to fall off easily, instead, also add a vent fan to the basement bathroom and use it during showers. Also keep basement windows closed when there’s humid weather. Even better is a dehumidifier.
  • Insulation of Pipes: if there is condensation coming from cold pipes, they add to the basement water issues. All cold water pipes need to be covered with foam pipe insulation in order to halt condensation. This is an essential step in basement waterproofing. You will find that foam insulation is quite cheap and easily cut by scissors.
  • Wall insulation: the exterior walls must be insulated to prevent any condensation. In colder climates, if you insulate your basement walls, it saves energy and reduces electricity costs. The only problem you might face is the occasional mold.
  • Water Separate from Foundation: if you find your basement leaking after a spell of heavy rain or snow, you should ensure that the water is diverted away from the basement. It is quite common for soil along the house to settle down over time and create a moat which will collect the runoff and direct it down the walls of the foundation and inside the basement. This problem can be solved by erecting a six feet wide slope which will drop about 4 inches away from the foundation. Cover the soil that is sloping with a 6 mm poly. Then you need to cover the poly with gravel and grass as well as a layer of soil so that the water does not soak in near the foundation.
  • Adding gutters and extending downspouts: consider adding gutters if your basement starts to leak after a spell of rain. Whether it is an old or a new gutter, the downspouts should have four to six feet of horizontal extensions to remove the water from your house.
  • Plugging holes and cracks: if you use hydraulic cement to seal the basement holes, it works best because it sets even underwater, and it expands as it sets. This gets rid of any small channels as well, just follow the packaging instructions and you should be able to do it, it’s quite easy.
  • Waterproofing walls: remove loose material with the help of a wire brush, clean off any efflorescence with masonry cleaner. You should follow the instructions carefully, especially the section on safety precautions.

Water in the basement is a common problem, and it is a good DIY on a lazy summer afternoon. Just be diligent and pay attention to the work you are doing, and basement waterproofing should not be much of a headache.

 

Bathroom Plumbing Maintenance: The Essentials

bathroom

One of the most frequented rooms in the house is the bathroom, so a plumbing system that functions properly is a basic requirement. We tend to take running water for granted as it’s conveniently there every time we open the faucet or flush the toilet. However, if the system is not well-maintained and a plumbing emergency arises, we become painfully aware of our dependency upon it.

In order to avoid such inconvenience and stress, all you need to do is regularly maintain the plumbing, from the toilet and showerheads to the faucets and drains. The small amount of your time and money that you invest in proper plumbing servicing will by far outweigh the risks and potentially high costs in case anything goes wrong.

Here are several simple tips that can help you maintain your home plumbing system better.

Repair leaks

Frequently, the main source of bathroom leaks is the toilet and it can be easily avoided by regular check-ups of the toilet tank. You need to make sure that the water level is normal and it isn’t overflowing. You can do that by checking the overflow pipe in the middle of the tank. This pipe is connected to a tube and if water is running over it, you need to adjust the fill valve so the water level stays at least one inch below the top of the overflow tube.

The next step is to add a few drops of food colouring into the tank to test the flush valve mechanism. If the water in the toilet bowl has changed colour after 15 minutes, it means that the ball or the flapper are leaking and you’ll need to have them replaced.

Another important tip is to avoid using your toilet bowl as a waste basket. Make sure all garbage such as cotton balls and swabs, sanitary products, diapers and make-up tissues are thrown in a proper trash bin and not in the bowl, as they can’t be dissolved and will clog the pipes.

If you notice any type of damp spots or discolouration on the floor or walls, it’s a sure sign that there’s a leak somewhere. You must react immediately. You might be able to fix a minor leak with your tool kit, but if there’s a more serious problem, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Reliable experts, as this plumber servicing Canberra, will surely know what to do in cases of blocked drains, burst pipes, leaking taps or toilets and problems with heating and hot water supply.

modern-minimalist-bathroom

Prevent clogging

The best measure of prevention you can perform yourself is making sure that clogging doesn’t happen. Simply use strainers in tubs and showers to catch hair and soap chips, and clean them regularly. Also, run hot water down the drain once a week to keep it flowing freely. Once a month, pour down a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. Let it stay for 10 minutes, and rinse away with hot water. This will help the pipes stay clean and prevent unpleasant odours.

Maintain the faucets and showerheads

The sources of your running water, faucets and showerheads, greatly influence the comfort and success of your bathroom experience. Firstly make sure there are no leaks, as dripping faucets can waste up to 11000 litres of water per year.

The second problem you might have is low flow and it’s usually caused by lime build-up and mineral deposits inside the aerator or showerhead. Both can be easily disassembled and carefully cleaned with a brush. This will remove sediment and allow free water flow.

Dedicating a portion of your time and effort to regular maintenance of your plumbing will help keep the system in pristine condition. It will also contribute to the reduction of water consumption in your home and make it more sustainable and energy efficient. In the long run, you’ll have lower utility bills and minimal impact on the environment.

 

Don’t Stress! 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Plantation Shutters Dust-Free

Don't Stress 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Plantation Shutters Dust-Free

Plantation shutters are a stylish touch for any home. Depending on their finish, they can play upon the elegant or rustic qualities of a room’s décor. Not unlike other slatted window treatments, they do require some attention in order to remain clean. To make this task a little easier for you, here are three ways you can keep your plantation shutters virtually dust-free.

Matter of Consistency

Floating dust particles are in endless supply. They settle and build quickly when given half a chance. Getting into the habit of cleaning your window shutters weekly is one way to avoid dust buildup, making maintenance an almost subconscious routine. Rather than reserving this job for the seasonal cleaning list, do it every time you do more than just a quick tidy up around your home. Prior to vacuuming and dusting the rest of the room, use a soft bristled sweeper brush and give your shutters a gentle dusting to remove any accumulation. Ideally, this job should be done with a brush connected to your vacuum hose to keep dust particles contained.

Stubborn Dust

Using soap and water on stubborn shutter grime can often leave you with a wet, muddy mess dripping everywhere. Instead of wetting the blinds with water, use a dry cleaning method. Take a laundry dryer sheet and run it back and forth across the shutter slat, loosely wrapping the dryer sheet around a toothbrush to access tight corners. The same agents used in dryer sheets to soften your clothing will also help soften the grime that has adhered to your shutters. Additionally, dryer sheets are made of a textured material that will help scrub away dirt and dust without damaging the finish on your shutters. Note that it is always wise to consult your plantation shutters owner’s manual to check for brand specific care recommendations or warnings.

Keep Them Slick

It might sound funny, but when something is slippery, dirt and dust has a more difficult time adhering to it. Keeping your shutters coated with a polish will give them a nonstick surface that is ideal for easy upkeep. You’ll want to choose a dust and shine spray that is not waxy or oily. These could potentially leave behind a residue that will attract and trap dust molecules, achieving the opposite effect you desire. After you’ve thoroughly cleaned your shutters, you should only need to polish them about once a month, with your weekly routine cleanings in between. Remember, dust will still settle on your plantation shutter slats, but, if they are polished slick, the dust will sit on them rather than set on them.

If kept clean and well-maintained, plantation shutters are a valuable and luxurious upgrade that will offer years of beauty and service. Keeping them bright and clean is a cinch when you employ the right tools and techniques.

Information Source: https://danmer.com

Everything That You Should Know About Laminate Flooring

Hey! Are you looking for all the reasons for being satisfied with the decision of getting laminate flooring at your home? Nowadays people opt for flooring solutions that look good and are easy to maintain. Laminated wooden or laminated floors are the best way to make the aesthetic value of any property higher and they also last long to give a better flooring finish.  To give you a better understanding about the laminate flooring, we have given all the details about the advantages as well as disadvantages.  Take a look.

Have a Look at The Advantages!

Everything That You Should Know About Laminate Flooring

  • If money is one of the things which is making you think twice about getting laminate flooring at your home, then let us inform you that the laminate flooring is one of the best and the most affordable flooring options available in the market. The money you would spend on the laminate flooring is even less than the cost of hardwood. The flooring is even less expensive than the carpet. Therefore, if you want something suitable and reliable flooring for your house which would last long, then laminate flooring is the best choice.
  • Laminate flooring is one of the most durable floorings available in the market. It can last for really long. Also, unlike other flooring options available in the market such as marble, hardwood, and carpet, this type of flooring doesn’t lose its shine and freshness in the sunlight. Laminate flooring is also scratches and stain resistant. The reason behind this is the presence of melamine plastic layer which gets used by most of the laminate flooring manufacturers.

Laminated flooring is easy to install and maintain on daily basis:

  • Apart from the properties and the advantages, the one thing which sometimes becomes a tough task for most of the people is the installation process of the flooring. Well, the good news is that in laminate flooring, the installation procedure is nothing less than a bed of roses. It is quite easy and quickest things you can do. Also, the quality of sub floor is also not given that much attention to because this type of flooring doesn’t need to be glued on the surface.
  • After the cleaning process, there comes the cleaning part. When you invest money on such flooring, you would definitely want them to last for a longer time which is why the maintenance and cleaning of this flooring is much needed. Some flooring requires a lot of cleaning but in the case of laminate flooring, you don’t need to go through any headache because cleaning of laminate flooring is also not less than a piece of a cake.
  • Laminate flooring also doesn’t absorb the dust and debris just like other flooring such as carpet does. So, for all the people who are allergic to dust, the laminate flooring is one of the best options available in the market.

Laminate flooring must be installed and maintained with much caution:

Laminate flooring must be installed and maintained with much caution

  • One of the disadvantages is that this kind of flooring can be very noisy especially for your neighbors. The vibrations through the floors can create a lot of noise.

In most of the flooring, if they get damaged, they can get repaired but with laminate flooring, you don’t get the option of repair. If they break or get damaged, you would have to get the new one. However, when it comes to repairing and reinstalling the floors, you can get a whole lot of floor specialists and room renovation experts from the market, who can take care of the floors and also allow you to chalk out some customized designs and plans for making the floors sturdy and to make your property look good.

 

Window Wonder: 4 Reasons to Replace Your Windows This Year

Window Wonder, 4 Reasons to Replace Your Windows This Year

Windows need to be replaced just like any other equipment in the house. You know that repairs are necessary, but it is not always clear when you should tend to your battered windows. You should not wait until there are cracks or seams present to take action. It is, instead, essential to be proactive in all home repairs including window maintenance. Here are four good reasons to replace your windows this year.

You Get Better Energy Efficiency

Heating and cooling costs are not coming down in the near future. You stand to lose hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars every year by not tending to old windows and broken seals. Energy efficient windows provide insulating features such as low-E coatings that deflect instead of absorbing heat on sunny days. You position yourself to save as much as 25 percent off your electric bill by just replacing your home’s windows.

Noise Is Reduced with New Windows

The eyes of your home do not do well to keep out the noise from school children and airplanes flying when they are old. New windows with fresh panes can block out some of the sounds outside so that you can be alone with your thoughts more often.

New Windows Keep the Weather out

You love rain and snow, but you are not a fan of mold and mildew. Many homeowners do not realize that windows are the first defense to guard against the harmful substance forming in the home. Replacing these vital components closes open areas where moisture could come in and creates a healthier environment for you and the family.

Safety Increases When You Replace

There is no absolute way to keep yourself from tragedies. You and the family may gather around the fireplace for a night of fun and find yourselves in the middle of a blazing fire. It is during such time of crisis that you need to know that all exits work. How horrendous would it be to run to the window, which may be the only exit, only to find that it is not functioning correctly? This is why you should not put off replacing your windows.

Many home repairs do not require your immediate attention. New windows, however, is not one of these fixes. Work with a contractor like Pella Windows and Doors of Wisconsin or someone similar to get your window replacements taken care of as soon as you can. You need to maintain excellent glass and panels to ensure the safety and energy efficiency of your home. You do not want to wait until it is too late to focus on overdue repairs.

Rainy Season Renovations: What to Do before the Weather Turns Wet

Rainy Season Renovations, What to Do Before the Weather Turns Wet

If you have recently purchased a home in an area that gets quite a bit of rain, then you need to start thinking about ways to prevent water damage. Many new homeowners don’t realize that their insurance might not cover damage from storms, and that could end up costing them thousands during the next rainy season. Here is a quick look at a few simple renovations that will protect your property and family during the wettest months of the year.

Repair or Replace the Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and you might need to replace it as often as once every 20 years depending on what type of shingles are used. At the very least, you should inspect your roof twice a year to make sure that there are no visible signs of damage. If you notice any pinholes, cracks, or sagging tiles, then you need to call a professional roofing contractor to fix the damage immediately.

Add Downspout Extensions

Adding downspout extensions to your drainage system is one of the easiest ways to protect your home from water damage. These simple devices direct water away from the foundation of your home, and they can typically be fitted in just a few hours. In addition to installing extensions, you also need to clean your downspouts and rain gutters before the first heavy rainfall. These pipes can easily become clogged, and that will result in pools of water collecting on your roof.

Waterproof the Basement

A wet basement can have a major impact on the structural integrity of your home and your family’s health. Standing water could eventually result in dangerous mold permeating your home and increasing your risk of serious respiratory issues. An experienced contractor like Rite-Way Waterproofing or someone similar can help you come up with a comprehensive plan for waterproofing your basement and keeping moisture levels to an absolute minimum.

Properly Grade Your Yard

All of your yards should be at a slight angle so that water flows away from the foundation of your home. You might also need to install one or more drains in your yards if you notice any lingering puddles following a heavy storm. Many landscapers even offering grading services so that you don’t have to calculate the proper slope on your own.

The last thing that any homeowner wants to deal with after a rainstorm is a flooded basement or moldy attic. These few tips are going to help you get your home ready for the rainy season, but you still need to keep an eye out for any signs of water damage after every storm.

Complete Buyers Guide For Choosing The Correct Garage Door Threshold

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think of your garage the same way you do the rest of your house. After all, when was the last time you vacuumed your garage floor, or dusted anything in it? Muddy shoes, wet dogs and leaky paint cans would all be tossed out of your living room within seconds. In the garage, however, it’s almost as if anything goes. Most of the time, the garage is the place where we change our car’s oil or hose off a pair of muddy boots — but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t pay attention to how well protected our garages are from the elements. Although garages can be a wet and dirty place, it’s still important to make sure that they’re kept as clean and dry as possible.

That’s because even though garages can get grungier than your dining room, they’re still vulnerable to damage from water, cold and other insidious elements from the outside. Water from rain or melting snow can seep into the garage underneath your garage door and cause damage and mold growth. It can get into tiny cracks in your garage floor and expand when it freezes in the winter, creating bigger cracks and serious damage to your foundation. The average cost of cleaning and fixing water damage for homeowners can be as much as $3,000. That means, a little water getting into your garage can become a big problem. Gaps in your garage door also can allow pests and vermin such as mice and insects to sneak in and take residence among your belongings, bringing with them filth and disease. A garage door that does not close completely also allows air heated or cooled by your HVAC system to escape, causing your air conditioner or furnace to work overtime. Ultimately, costing you money in the form of wasted energy.

For these reasons and many more, it’s important that homeowners understand how much a garage door threshold can help them prevent these issues. A properly selected and fitted garage door threshold seal can prevent flooding, infestations and wasted energy. Read the following guide for some tips on choosing the garage door threshold seal that’s right for your garage. The rules may be a little different when it comes to your garage, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be as concerned about protecting it as you are for the rest of your home.

Author Bio:  Ashley W. Smith is Managing Director for Garadry. Smith formed the company in 2009 and launched the Garadry website in 2015 to meet the needs of the growing consumer base in the U.S. Garadry designs its own range of innovative weather seal products for anybody with a garage/commercial door.

Choosing The Correct Garage Door Threshold created by Garadry

Tips For Maintaining Your Wooden Flooring

There aren’t many homes where wooden flooring would look out of place; they’re versatile, beautiful and can make even the smallest of rooms look larger. Keeping them in great condition, however, can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s where these tips come in, and if you follow them closely your wooden floors could double in life expectancy.

Pounce on spills as soon as they happen

wooden flooring

It’s impossible to just stop spillages from happening, so instead make sure you’re prepared for them and attack the spills as soon as they occur. Every second they go untreated, the wooden floor will absorb more and more of it and the finish will be dulled even further; if that spill dries up, then that will result in some long-term damage. A cloth or cotton mop is perfect for avoiding this.

Vacuum with care

Vacuuming is great to suck up deep resting dirt that brushes or cloths wouldn’t normally get, but if used incorrectly, they can do more bad than good. The beater bar (also known as a bristle bar) is the rotating brush section at the bottom of some vacuums that can rotate thousands of times per minute. This is ideal for a carpet, as it can be very effective at dragging up dirt.

However, for a wooden floor, it can rapidly dull the woods finish and take months off its life span. Instead, either use a vacuum without a beater bar or switch the mode to Hard Floor, if that is an option available to you.

Use mats at entrances

floor mat

Think about everything that could be on the pavement outside your home; glass, faeces, hard stones, so on. These can all get captured in the grooves of your shoes, and dragged into your home. Grass and mud might be a nuisance to clean up, but stones and glass could cause some serious damage to your wooden floor. To cut this down, tough mats at the entrances to your home and rooms are perfect for collecting this dirt and debris.

Better yet, you could take a page out of Asian culture and remove your shoes as you enter. While mats are effective, it doesn’t get more effective than taking your shoes off completely.

Follow the grain

To keep your wooden floors looking as good as possible for as long as possible, we also recommend following the grain of the wood when you clean. Sweeps and strokes going in the same direction of the wood means you won’t disrupt the grain too much, and the protective layer will be kept intact for longer.

Keep that mop (relatively) dry

A very common mistake when it comes to cleaning wood floors is using too much water. It might sound counter-intuitive, but your mop should be almost dry when you use it and only slightly damp at the touch. Similar to the first tip that mentioned how bad spills were for your wood, too much water means the wood will absorb some of it; which can lead to the warping of the wood or a ruined finish.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any other tips for looking after wooden floors!

Author bio: Criterion Flooring are wood flooring experts who specialize in the restoration and installation of wood floors. They also supply and install Oak, Bordeaux, Laminate and Alternative Floors.

Pre-Autumn Updates: 5 Things to Check on Your House Before Summer Ends

Pre-Autumn Updates: 5 Things to Check on Your House Before Summer Ends

The steps that you take in the coming weeks could have a major impact on your family’s comfort once the weather cools off. Seasonal maintenance will also help you cut back on your energy bills and save a little extra money every month when you start using your furnace or boiler again. Here is a look at five areas of your home you should take a look at well before the summer ends.

Check on Your Furnace or Boiler 

Most newer furnaces and boilers are designed to last for well over a decade, but they still require constant maintenance. When your HVAC system is being used regularly, you might need to change the filters as often as once every month. Homeowners should also have their heating and cooling systems inspected by an HVAC contractor twice a year.

Seal Cracks and Openings

Keeping your home at a consistent temperature is going to be nearly impossible if you have openings around doors, windows, vents, and pipes. Even with high-quality insulation and a new HVAC system, small openings will allow quite a bit of warm air to escape from your home during the winter months. Most smaller openings can easily be sealed with a caulking gun and all-purpose caulking.

Inspect the Roof for Damage

Your roof, rain gutters, and downspouts should never have any cracks or clogs. A minor pinhole or clog could cause thousands of dollars in damage during a rainstorm, and your home insurance might not cover the repairs. If you are unsure of how to inspect your roof for damage, then you should schedule a service call with a local roofing contractor like Gutter Magician NKY or someone else who has gutter service options.

Protect the Pipes

Any water pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures could burst when the weather begins to change. All of the pipes inside your home should be checked for leaks and wrapped in foam pipe covers before the start of autumn. You also need to close the shutoff valve that controls your outdoor faucets and remove the bleeder caps to drain any remaining water.

Upgrade the Insulation

High-quality insulation will keep your home at a comfortable and consistent temperature no matter what the weather is like outside. At the very least, you need to check your insulation a few times a year for any signs of damage. Homeowners who have a little extra money to invest back into their property should consider upgrading to blown-in insulation with a high R-value.

Another project that you might want to tackle this summer is scheduling a comprehensive energy audit for your home. During an audit, a specialist will inspect your property and come up with a detailed list of changes you can make to improve your home’s efficiency.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys Tennis and spending time with her family.

 

How To Clean Your Retractable Shade Awnings

Many people forget to care for their retractable awning once it’s installed and keep using it every day and for months and years till one day they realize that multiple problems have developed with the uncared for awning. The awning may stop rolling in or out smoothly, or may develop mildew and fungi, or may have too coarse and thick covering of dust on it to make it frizzy, etc. Most of these problems can be avoided easily with a little maintenance and periodic cleaning. A clean and well-maintained outdoor retractable awning would last for many years. Here are some expert tips and steps to clean your outdoor awnings.

awning
Retractable Shade Awnings

  • Steps for general cleaning

A general cleaning is advised every month to keep the awning in good health. This just needs a broom and a water hose.

  1. Clean the awning fabric outside and inside with a broom
  2. Now clean the awning with a jet of water and use only cold water
  3. Allow the fabric to air dry completely before you retract it

This cleaning is required once a month, and without any serious steps, the awning will keep looking nice and shining with this much care. However, you need to clean the retractable shade awning once in 2 to 3 years with soap water.

  • Soap water cleaning steps

To clean the awning with soap water, use only mild soaps, and avoid the use of harsh chemical and detergents. Also, use only cold water for this.

  1. Use a broom to clean the fabric outside and inside very well.
  2. Now with a hose of cold water, wet the fabric.
  3. Make soap water solution, and then sprinkle the solution on fabric and gentle rinse in patches with a soft brush. Start from the bottom and move upwards.
  4. Now leave the soap water and give some time for the soap to work, as it loosens the dirt.
  5. Now rinse off the soap with cold water.
  6. Allow the fabric to air dry completely
  7. Retract it

All types of dirt and stains can be removed from outdoor awnings when you use the right cleaner for the problem. Oil stains, paint stains, bird droppings, mold and mildew, rust stains, and everything will be gone with the right cleaner.

  • Facts you must know to keep the awning good

Besides cleaning the awning periodically, there are some words of caution, which you must know and follow. They are:

  1. Shrubs and vines, which twine around the awning or touch it, may contain chemicals and acids, which will slowly corrode the fabric and the metal bar. Hence, you should try to keep such elements away from the awning and prune shrubs and vines nearby.
  2. Never retract an awning while the fabric is still wet. This way the fabric will develop molds and mildew on it, and eventually smell awfully bad, and freeze while rolling on or out.
  3. The awning frame is made of aluminum like metal, which does not demand much cleaning etc. Hence, you may loosely broom it in a month and forget.
  4. Never wet the motor part of the awning. Wetting the framework or the motor will bring trouble.
  • Outdoor retractable awnings need little and general care mostly

Generally, retractable shade awnings are made of stain and mold resistant fabrics, which are treated accordingly to show such characteristic. However, when too much of dirt builds up, then molds may grow not directly on the fabric, but on the dirt clumps. Hence, a periodic cleaning ensues that you won’t face challenge while retracting the awning or rolling it out. It will look fresh and stay as it is for longer period of time.

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