Author: Modern Living

You might not think about the upkeep of your roof, but it’s as important to your home’s wellbeing as any other aspect of home maintenance. Here are some tips for choosing a roof repair service.

1. Using Anchors

Because repair work usually involves patching the roof instead of stripping and replacing it, your contractor will need to use anchors for safety. Anchors are a unique safety feature of roof repair because they’re places where workers and attach a lifeline to prevent falls. Some roofs have anchors installed when they’re constructed; others need to be retrofitted. Either way, anchors are part of an OSHA standard roof repair safety plan, along with ladders or scaffolds, work zones and safe locations for tools, supplies and removed debris.

2. Choosing a Contractor

Be sure to shop around when you’re looking for a roof repair service. Different repairs, such as water damage or a fallen tree, might require different kinds of expertise. A custom home may have specifications for roof repairs.  One contractor that does roof repair St Louis County MO could have experience in both private and commercial roof repair, while another might only work on private roof repair. Make sure you choose the best option for your needs. 

3. Choosing Roofing Materials

Additionally, you need to be sure the contractor you choose uses quality materials. Look for materials with good warranties that are also made to last a long time. Many of these materials are affordable, but if you need to replace them often, say after a few years instead of a decade, your repair costs will be higher in the long-run. Composite shingles are the most common material, but you can also choose asphalt, metal, clay or wood.

Roof repair services help you maintain the integrity of your roof and fix unexpected damage without you needing to try to fix it yourself.

With some home improvements, you can take your time. This is often the case when you are remodeling a bathroom or a bedroom. Rushing the work along could result in a less than satisfactory outcome. Now and then, though, a home improvement must be completed right away to protect your home from additional damage, or because a change has occurred in your lifestyle. In either situation, a home improvement is just that, an upgrade to some aspect of your home that adds value to your home. The following improvements should be made as soon as possible.

Roofing

If your home has old roofing or if the roof system is starting to leak, you should act right away. Water coming inside your home from a rainstorm will only make matters worse. With home improvement Lafayette LA, you can get a brand new roof on your home that will keep you warm and dry for years to come. Just as importantly, a new roof will help your home look its best and increase its value.

Heating and Cooling

Any time the HVAC system goes on the fritz, it’s a serious matter. If you live in a hot climate, air conditioning is critical to your comfort. If you live in a cold climate, heating is needed for several reasons:

• To keep family members warm
• To keep pipes from freezing
• For the safety of your home
• For the health of your pets

Without adequate heat, households often turn to space heaters. The National Fire Protection Association reports that space heaters result in thousands of home fires each year.

Plumbing

Any leaks into the home from old or broken pipes need to be fixed quickly. Waiting will only result in more damage, and it can also lead to unhealthy conditions that promote mold growth.

In some cases, waiting for a home repair or improvement is a luxury. It is better and often less expensive to get things done right away.

Buying a house is a big life choice, so you need to make sure the house is what you want before you buy it. To do that, you should consider what you need in a home. You may also want to contact a Dallas real estate appraiser to ensure you get a good deal on a house you buy. That way, you can rest easy knowing you made the right decision. Here’s what to consider when you buy a house.

Location

You may be looking at your dream home, but consider what’s around it. Think about if you want to live in the middle of the city or on the outskirts. Consider where you work or go to school and if you want a short commute. You may also want to know where the closest grocery store and gas station are. Location isn’t the most important thing, but it can make a big difference.

Value

You don’t want to pay thousands more than what the house is worth. Sometimes, the location can affect a house’s value. But other things, like the house size and recent updates, can affect that amount. If you have a strict budget, you’ll need to consider how much the house costs. And if the house is more desirable, you may need to give a higher offer if you really want the house.

Plans

You should also consider your future plans before buying a house. If you may want to move in a few years, it might be better to rent for a while. You can always buy a house later when you’re ready to settle down in an area. Buying a house takes time and money, so you shouldn’t feel pressured to buy a house if it’s not the right time.

Owning a home is something many people look forward to. Once you find your dream house, you may feel tempted to buy it. But consider these things to make sure you make the best decision for you.

Whether you need simply need a cleaning, or need new ductwork installation Gainesville taking care of your duct work and making sure that it is clean and functions well can be important. Not only can it have an impact on the cleanliness of your home, but on your family’s health, as well. If it has been a while since you have thought about the ducts in your home, here are a few reasons to get them cleaned today.

It Can Prevent Allergies

One of the top reasons to get your air ducts cleaned is that it can help prevent a variety of allergies. What many don’t realize is that in addition to visible particles like dust, there are many irritants in the air that cannot be seen with the naked eye, like mold, bacteria and viruses. Not only can these kinds of irritants lead to more sicknesses and colds in your household, but they can also worsen conditions like asthma. By having your ducts cleaned you can help reduce your family’s exposure to these things and maintain better health.

It Can Keep Your Home Cleaner

Another benefit of getting your air ducts cleaned regularly is that it can help you keep your home cleaner more easily. When your air ducts are dirty, they can spread dirt and dust throughout your home. This can mean more debris in your home, and more frequent dusting. When you get your air ducts cleaned, you can make it easier to keep the rest of your house tidy and well maintained.

When you’re a homeowner, there are often many things to think about on a daily basis to keep your household running well. Because of this, your air ducts may not always be the first thing on your mind. The reality is, though, that there can be many benefits to getting them regularly cleaned, from preventing allergies to having less dust in your home.

If you’re like most homeowners, you likely spend a good deal of time in your kitchen. Kitchens often serve as the central hub of many households where people gather to cook, eat, and enjoy one another’s company. If you find that you’re not enjoying your time as much as you could because your kitchen is old, dated, or cramped, then it may be time to upgrade your space with a kitchen remodel. Here are some of the latest in kitchen remodeling trends to keep in mind as you begin the process.

Open Concepts

Open concept homes have been a popular trend for many years in homes, and the kitchen is no different. Open up your space by choosing cabinets and shelving without doors, which can make your room feel bigger than it is. This also allows you to treat your dishes like artwork by displaying these pieces where people can easily see and appreciate them. When you work with your kitchen remodeling contractor company service Bohemia NY, ask about the different cabinetry available.

Smart Tech

If you want to impress your loved ones, incorporating technology throughout your kitchen is a sure way to turn some heads. Kitchen appliances have advanced to include smart technology which allows you to control things with an app or touch of a button, taking the hard work out of cooking. Some smart tech appliances also carry the Energy Star label, which means they’re better for the environment as well.

Use Natural Touches

To get in touch with the outdoors, incorporate natural touches throughout your kitchen. This can include sourcing local wood pieces to use as beams on your ceiling or as floorboards. Some natural, locally-sourced pieces around your kitchen can give it a stunning, natural feel that will make you feel like you’re in the great outdoors.

As you being your kitchen remodel, keep these fun trends in mind and you’ll be sure to have a stunning end result that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

There are some home projects that suit themselves to a particular season. Fall reseeding comes to mind. However, there are some projects that are integral to the proper functioning of your home and that can be done just about any time of year. If you have a spare afternoon and are looking to check something off the “to-do” list, consider tackling one of these basic home maintenance tasks.

1. Check the Dryer Vent

Did you know that clothes dryers are the source of nearly 3,000 home fires each year? What may be worse is that many of them were preventable with a little maintenance. Dryer lint is incredibly flammable, yet many households never stop to think about the hose leading out of the back of the dryer. Cleaning it annually can reduce the risk of fire and will also result in clothes drying faster. Check out these tips on dryer safety from the U.S. Fire Administration for more information.

2. Perform Fireplace Maintenance

If you have a fireplace or stove in the home, you will want to have an annual inspection done. Check the flue for any blockages or damage. If the chimney isn’t capped, go ahead and install once after it has been cleaned. it will keep small animals from venturing in. If you have a wood fireplace, be sure to inspect the lining for any signs of damage. Gas fireplace maintenance Denver is best left to a professional to ensure safety.

3. Clean Faucet Aerators

This is a simple task that can be done quickly. Chances are you won’t even need to visit the toolbox. Simply unscrew the aerators from faucets and clean out the filters. Your water pressure will improve and you’ll reduce contaminants in the water that comes out.

Keeping up with routine maintenance like cleaning vents and filters and maintaining the fireplace helps the systems run more efficiently and can extend their useful life. Take the time to schedule or perform these basic tasks to keep your house running more smoothly.

When your home’s foundation is strong, so is the rest of the building. Over the course of the years, a foundation can become damaged, and the usual culprit is moisture. Dampness finds its way in through cracks causing dangerous mold, bowed walls and compromising the integrity of the structure. To prevent this from happening, here are three ways to keep moisture as far away from your foundation as possible.

Install a Rain Gutter

One of the most effective ways to keep water away is to install a rain gutter and a downspout. By investing in rain gutters Shoreline, runoff from storms won’t accumulate around the home’s foundation. Instead, it’s diverted along the roof’s edge and through the downspout, which should empty several feet from the house. Always remember to clean out rain gutters every fall and spring to keep them working efficiently.

Create a Gravel Bed

Another option to control water around the foundation is to lay a gravel bed around the perimeter of the building. Moisture drains quickly through the gravel and prevents water from pooling up. This attractive barrier also keeps both weeds and insects away. Whenever possible, the area around your home should slope downhill and away from the foundation.

Leave Room When Landscaping

Everyone loves beautiful landscaping, but when crafting a design for your shrubs and plants, leave some room near the house. You need this space for adequate ventilation so that dampness won’t set in. Using mulch can also help absorb water so that it stays around your plants and away from the house.

Take Action Now

Whether you’ve just purchased a new home or have lived in it for years, inspect your foundation for cracks and evidence of moisture. Taking action now, such as installing rain gutters, putting in a gravel bed or creative landscaping, will keep your basement dry and prevent costly damage.

When fall weather rolls around, it is natural to feel the need to make your home warmer, cozier and more inviting. There are many ways to change or update your space to make it autumn-ready, but there are a few key elements that really have the ability to transform your living areas for the new season! With these tips, you too can make your home into a snug, comfortable place you’ll never want to leave.

Setting the Fireplace

What better way to prepare for fall and winter than by utilizing your indoor or outdoor fireplace? In today’s day and age, you can even order firewood delivery Virginia so that you do not have to leave the comfort of your own home to get a cozy fire roaring. The convenience of delivery will save you both time and a trip to the store, so it’s a great option during this time of the year. Having an indoor fireplace or an outdoor firepit can improve your autumnal experience tenfold by providing warmth and a space to enjoy in or outside of your house.

Swapping Out Your Decorations

Sometimes, swapping out a common household decoration for something a little more festive can really bring your fall vibes to life. You can get crafty with some popular do-it-yourself ideas, or hit your favorite shops in search of some colorful pieces. Whether you are looking to get something simple, like a new wreath or some pumpkins, you can find both DIY and pre-made options to suit your needs.

When it comes to decorating your home, you do not always have to go big. Simply ordering some firewood to keep you and your family warm and adding a few touches of fall colors here and there really make your space feel more on-trend with the season.

Arriving home after a busy day or on the way out in the morning, a garage door that will not open can ruin your day. Getting that big, heavy overhead garage door to respond when the button is pressed becomes a top priority.

Checking “fix garage door” off the list should start with a few simple tasks most people can do themselves. However, because that big, heavy door operates with heavy-duty springs, precision rollers and guides, and electronic motors, many repairs require professional service by qualified technicians.

Here are five things to check to see if the fix is a do-it-yourself or if it is better handled by a repair service, including in the Austin area, Pflugerville garage door repair.

1.) Power Up

Sometimes, the most basic issue is the solution. Is there power in the garage? The opener motor may be on a different circuit so check the breaker box. Look at the cord from the motor; vibration in the frame may allow the plug to wiggle out of the socket.

2.) Locked Down or Disconnected

Most garage doors can be locked from the inside. Check the position of the lock handle and the throws that slide into the door guides. Up above, look at the disconnect safety handle on the drive trolley. If it is disconnected, roll the door up and tug the handle to reconnect it to the drive.

3.) Beam Blocked

Garage doors are equipped with an electronic photo sensor that will stop the door from moving if the light beam is blocked. Most photo eyes are located on either side of the roller guide tracks, a few inches above the floor. If something is blocking the light beam, move it. Otherwise, use a soft cloth to gently wipe dirt from the lens.

4.) Remote Reset

If the door works with the wall button but not with the remote, try resetting the remote. Check the reset steps in the owner’s manual or look online for that make and model.

5.) Worn Tracks and Snapped Springs

If the door still will not open, look for rollers that have slipped the guide tracks. Get a helper and try lifting the door to see if the rollers can be returned to the track. Otherwise, a repair service, such as Austin’s Greater Garage Doors should be called in.

The other critical mechanism is the torsion spring. Worn out or broken springs should only be serviced by a professional.

 

For most potential home buyers that purchase will be the biggest investment they ever make. As a buyer, if you forego doing inspection due diligence before signing your closing documents, you may be committing to a money pit instead of a dream house. A good home inspector should know what to look for; however, you should consider going past the basic inspection to consider the following extra items be put under the microscope (some of which may also be required in specific regions).

Environmental Health

A home can have many features that add sustaining value. Other features that you may discover will not be assets and can in fact make you ill: uninhibited mold on the walls or within sink cabinets; lead in painted window sills and walls; or asbestos wrapped around boilers or in tiles. You will need inspection services from air contaminants Wilmington NC to uncover these issues before deciding whether the cost of any remediation is worth the price of the house.

Vermin Habitation

Your home should be a shelter for your family and pets, period, with no other creatures scurrying about. First, you need to determine if the house you want has attracted mice or rats, which are not only unappealing guests, but also bring disease and eat your food. On the other hand, termites can be even more unsettling; they can cause structural damage to wood that can be very costly to repair.

Structural Soundness

While many inspectors will look at roofs and systems within a house such as heating and electrical, you would have to rely on a structural engineer to evaluate the soundness of your foundation. Neglecting this analysis, especially where subsidence is common, can lead to an increasing number of cracks in your walls and listing door frames.

The more questions you can ask of a house you want to buy, the better off you will be in the long run. To ensure a happy home for years to come, consider hiring specialized inspectors to scope out issues where your general investigator leaves off.