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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.

Dealing with Damage: Tips to Restore Your Property After a Fire

Dealing with Damage, Tips to Restore Your Property After a Fire

After a fire sweeps through your home, you might think that there is no way that you can restore the home back to what it looked like. While it won’t be exactly the same, there are tips to getting your property back to a condition where you can live in the home once again. Use the time to design the home the way that you want it to look and to create a space that you can relax in.

Scrubbing And Washing
As soon as the dust and smoke settle, you want to begin washing the soot from the walls and the floors. You also want to begin washing the items in the home that can be saved. A pressure washer is ideal for using on the outside of the home and on the inside once everything is removed. A steam cleaner can also help in getting the soot from cracks and other small areas.

Linens And Clothing
The clothes that can be washed should be stored in a bag or box until you can get them laundered. Items that are damaged beyond repair can be tossed into a trash can or even a dumpster as the smell of smoke can linger. Even if items like linens or towels don’t seem to be damaged because they were in a different part of the home, you still need to wash them as the smell from the fire can settle into them.

Disinfecting
Once everything is cleaned, you need to use a disinfectant on everything to get a fresh scent in the home once again. A professional restoration company like Icon Property or someone similar in your area can help with eliminating the smells that are present by using fans and air fresheners. The company often has items that can get deep into the structure of the home to remove odors.

New Flooring And Walls
Avoid replacing the carpets, paint and other large components of the home until it’s completely clean and the smell is gone from the home. Once everything is stripped to its base, you can begin adding new flooring and paint. This is when you can get the floor that you want, such as a hardwood look in the home with linoleum or new colors on the walls.

A fire can be devastating. It can take away everything that you own, but if you are prepared, then you can save some of the items that are in the home. Once the property is safe to enter once again, you can begin the process of restoring what you can and getting the house back into a condition to sell or live in with your family.

House in Flames: How to Restore and Rejuvenate Your Home after a Fire

House in Flames

Local fire departments respond to over 358,000 residential fires every year, and these disasters can change your life forever. In addition to structural damage, you might find yourself struggling to find important documents and prized personal possessions. While you will no doubt be in a state of shock for at least a short period of time, you need to immediately begin taking steps to restore your home as soon as the fire has been put out.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Almost all home insurance providers require their clients to notify them of residential fires as soon as reasonably possible. Even if you are not ready to begin dealing with a claims adjuster, you should still speak with your insurance company about getting an advance. An advance can help you cover some of the initial costs such as replacing your clothing and toiletries. You must also track your living expenses during that time if you have a “loss of use” clause in your insurance policy.

Assess the Damage

Assessing the damage is one of the most difficult steps in this process, and making any mistakes on your claim could end up costing you quite a bit of money. That is why all homeowners should immediately invest in a binder or folder to store all of the information regarding the fire. As you remember new possessions that were in the home or the fire department notifies you of specific damage, that information must immediately go into the folder.

Account for Personal Belongings

Your home insurance most likely includes a clause regarding personal possessions that are damaged in a fire. Unlike the structural damage that will be assessed by the claims adjuster or an inspector, you will most likely need to estimate the price of your personal possessions that were lost. You should begin with some of the more expensive items that you had in your home including your furniture and appliances. Many of the smaller items like your clothing and decorations will most likely be lumped into a single payment from the insurance company.

Speak With a Fire Restoration Specialist

Depending on the severity of the fire, you might prefer to work with a fire restoration specialist instead of having your home completely rebuilt. Some companies, like Icon Property, know that many homeowners must speak with a variety of contractors to determine if it will be more economical to rebuild or restore. Most homes can be restored if the fire didn’t damage any of the key structural components such as the foundation or load-bearing walls.

Once you are finally able to move back into your home, you want to be absolutely sure that your family will remain safe in the coming years. You must install new smoke alarms and fire detectors throughout your home and then test them as often as possible. You should also have an escape plan in place so that your family knows exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.

Thinking of DIY Repairs? 7 Times You Should Call a Pro

Thinking of DIY Repairs? 7 Times You Should Call a Pro

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 TaylorChloe 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+.

 

 

4 Safety Hazards That Your Home Might Have & You Don’t Even Know It

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.

4 Safety Hazards That Your Home Might Have and You Don't Even Know It

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.

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.

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.

Choosing The Right Professional For Roof Repairs

Roofing problems can arise at any time. Neglecting them is not possible as it can result in a lot of damage which is definitely a question of worry. That is why it becomes necessary to make sure that the roofing is repaired or replaced according to the requirement. Whether your roof is leaking or its shingles are disappearing, the only way to combat them is through the best roof repairs. As roof repairing is a task of experts, therefore, you need to hire someone who specializes in this area. This will prove beneficial as quality services will come your way and at the same time, you can look forward to great outcomes. So, one should be very careful while making the choice and do proper research before you avail the roof repairs.

Roof Repairs
Roof Repairs

Several Aspects That You Would Like To Look Into But Some Of The Crucial Ones Are Given Below.

Licensed and insured – The very first thing to consider while hiring any company is whether they are licensed or not. If the company is licensed, their services will be guaranteed and will offer complete assistance you are looking for. On the other hand, if you trust any local company that is not licensed and insured you might face some problems thus increasing your tension. So why compromise when you can easily locate a good roof repairing company for your home. Also, your investment is protected as you can avail compensation in case of any damage etc.

Warranty – There are many companies that offer work guarantee. Usually the warranty period of roofing work is only one year but still, some of them may offer a higher warranty period as well. So it will be good if you get in touch with the company as well as the professionals and grab information about the work warranty which is certainly an important concern.

More than the general services – Usually the contractors only offer roof repairs but there are few who provide additional services too like helping you to choose the right roofing material, designs etc. So you can definitely look for a company that is more than just a roofing company and whose professionals are highly knowledgeable to guide you at every step. A skilled professional will also carry out complete inspection and suggest the necessary steps to be taken as per the current status of the roof.

Roof Repairs
Roof Repairs

Reputation – Another factor that you would like to look into is the reputation of the company. Everyone wants to hire a company who is not only reputed but trusted and reliable too so that you can look forward to finest services. That is why, make sure you do proper research about the company, check the reviews and consult others as well before you finally decide to hire them for the work.

Maintenance services – The Company which you hire should be able to provide maintenance services as well because it is necessary to maintain the roof repairs regularly.  Thus it will be better if you consult about the same with the company in advance so that you are able to avail all the services from one place only. Also, it will minimize the need of hiring any other companies for the same work and spending more money.

One more thing that is essential is the experience, knowledge and the skills of the professional as it can make a huge difference to the work quality. Always satisfy yourself completely before you rely on any professional as you are investing money and the best should come your way. So follow the above tips and make a wise decision.

How to Turn Your Imperfect Home Into a Comfortable Dwelling

How to Turn Your Imperfect Home into a Comfortable Dwelling

Nothing is perfect, especially a home that was built back in the 1970’s or earlier. An older home is definitely something that needs to be fixed up with repairs and various updates. Such imperfections tend to take a toll on a home and have the potential of making you feel a little uncomfortable. Your home is supposed to be a cozy sanctuary, not something that you dread coming to. The following tips should help transform your home into a comfortable dwelling.

Make a few Repairs

It might not seem too important, but little issues at home could make you feel uncomfortable. That crack on the wall or peeling drywall could look like eyesores and make it hard for you to feel happy. Worse of all, these imperfections could make you a little nervous when someone wants to visit. Try to repair these areas as soon as possible. Besides, pests can use cracks or holes to enter your home.

Add a Splash of Color

Many homes come with boring colors, but there is no need to stick to these colors. It might be time to consider a good accent wall or an entire paint job. One color that you might want to consider is blue. This color is known to help people relax and control stress hormones like cortisol, which should make you feel more comfortable at home.

Consider Upgrades

Many home owners are in need of a few upgrades, such as their kitchen or furnace. Sure, there may be a thing or two that you might be able to upgrade yourself. However, it can be difficult messing with outdated materials and trying to incorporate more modern materials or technology. This is why it’s important to call in a specialist, like one from Glendale Heating & Air Conditioning, to do the upgrading for you. If you’re reluctant to do an upgrade, though, you should consider all of the benefits. For example, an older furnace will be less efficient and cost you more in your heating bill than a newer one.

Create More Space

One thing that some older homes are notorious for is their misuse of space. This issue can sometimes make a home feel a little smaller than it actually is and make you feel cramped. This is the reason why it is recommended that you consider knocking down unnecessary walls to give your home more space, which should make you feel comfortable.

Of course, these are just a few suggestions that may make you feel a little better at home. Be sure to be honest with yourself, and look around your home for any modifications that it might need.

Clever Ways to Incorporate Reclaimed Materials in Your Home

Clever Ways to Incorporate Reclaimed Materials in Your Home

Give your home that warm and happy feeling by incorporating reclaimed and recycled items throughout your home. Here are some great ideas for you to use reclaimed items that you’ll love having in your home.

1. Suit Case Shelves

Are you tired of the normal shelves you have in your house? Go reclaimed retro and make your own shelves out of a vintage suit case! Suit case shelves are so unique. You can find suitcases at thrift stores, antique stores, or even at yard sales!

This is an awesome way to decorate your walls with a twist. It’s also pretty easy to do it yourself. You can cut it through the middle, horizontally using the top and the bottom, which gives you two shelves per suit case. You now have a great and cheap way to add some fun to your walls, while giving something a new purpose.

2. Vintage Tile

Want a way to spice up your home with something less modern? It’s so easy to reclaim and use tiles in your home. You can find tiles that are salvaged from renovated homes, shop online or reuse tiles you already have.

You have so many options when it comes to tiles because they come in so many different styles, colors, and even different places around the world. You can use reclaimed tiles on the floor, as a backsplash in your kitchen, inside your bathroom or shower. You can get creative and personalize the tiles in your home to your liking.

3. Wine Bottle Lamps

Give yourself a reason to drink up! If you like to save or recycle the empty wine bottles you have, here’s a great way to use them as décor in your house. All you have to do is find battery operated string lights, and drill a hole in the bottom of any wine glass. You can use lights with a plug but that would limit you to placing the wine lamp near an outlet.

Wine bottles come in blues, greens, and clear bottles which will allow you to add a pop of color to the lamp if you want. While clear is recommended for a brighter lamp, you can have a dimmer light with a green or blue bottle.

Don’t drink wine? You can use any glass bottle and turn it into a string light lamp!

4. T-Shirt Rug

Do you have t-shirts or old clothing you no longer wear and just haven’t gotten the chance to donate it? Make a t-shirt rug out of your old clothes! Give your floors a little warmth and recycled love. This is a way to give your home a rug for free! You already own the clothes, so you don’t have to spend a dime!

wood floor

5. Antique Wood

Natural, hardwood floors are craved in homes, and hard to find in good condition. Original hardwood floors have more history than you may have thought. For example, American chestnut hardwood floors came in the 1800s and were used to produce cabins, barns, and hardwood flooring.

If you have hardwood floors in your home, check to see if they’re reclaimed from the original hardwood. If you don’t have hardwood floors, you can incorporate refurbished wood inside your home other ways. Old barn wood can be used in a lot of ways throughout your home! It can be on your wall, made into a coffee table, turned into a sliding door, and more!

6. Recycled Plant Holders

If you want to add some fresh greens in your home, consider using recycled plant holders. Plants are good to have in your home because they purify the air and provide you with more oxygen as they take in the carbon dioxide.

Rather than getting rid of the plastic containers you use, cut an opening in them for plants to grow. You can paint the plant holders, or leave them in their natural state. You don’t have to use plastic containers if you don’t want to. There are so many items you can turn into plant holders. Either way, you’re reclaiming the containers into something new. Some great items to use would be coffee cans, tin cans or even old tea cups.

vintage planters

7. Pallet Head Board

Reclaimed wood looks gorgeous in any home, but it doesn’t have to be on your floors. Restore an old pallet and turn it into a head board for either your bedroom or even a spare bedroom.

There are so many different ideas for pallet headboards, you have plenty of options. You can whitewash the wood to give it a lighter, newer look. If you want to keep it vintage looking, you can paint it and distress it by using a sander. You can also add built-in lights to the headboard for a rustic feel. Pallet headboards are a popular DIY and a great way to reclaim wood in your home.

Re-using items in your home is a great way to recycle and repurpose. You can reclaim any item that typically would be thrown out otherwise. Don’t be afraid to get creative or fancy when reclaiming items for your home. Have fun adding or changing the pieces in your home.

Kacey-MyaKacey 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.

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