Tips for Finding a Great Roofing Contractor

Leaking roofs are never convenient, and they can be incredibly damaging to your home. Therefore, you should get them fixed right away, but if you haven’t ever worked with a roofing contractor, you may be anxious about choosing the right one. These are a few tips to help you find a great roofer.

Search Your Local Area

Your first task should be finding local contractors. For example, you can search for “roof leak repair Laurel MD.” You may also contact the local chamber of commerce. They will let you know what contractors are in good standing in the community. You can also ask for referrals from friends and family members. However, search for their customer reviews, and contact the Better Business Bureau to ensure they do not have outstanding complaints.

Ask About Their Insurance

When you contact the roofers you have found, ask about their insurance. Roofing contractors should carry liability insurance in case your home is damaged during the roofing process. They should also carry workers’ compensation insurance in case any of their staff are injured while they work on your roof. Accidents happen, even with the most experienced contractors, so you want to ensure that you and those who work on your roof are protected.

Verify Their Licensing

Roofing services require a license from the state. This license verifies the contractor’s capability of completing the job properly and safely. You want a high-quality roof, so you need a roofer who has completed the licensing requirements. Also, your roofing materials typically have a warranty, but it may be voided if the materials are installed improperly or by an unlicensed professional. Therefore, verify your contractors’ licenses.

Ask About Their Experience

Your contractor should have extensive experience. Avoid those who just started companies or who recently changed their names. This may suggest inexperience or existing complaints or violations of the law. Ask for references, and be sure to check them, to verify the quality of the contractors’ work.

Protect your home from extensive damage by getting your roof fixed quickly. Choose a licensed, insured contractor with experience in installing high-quality roofs.

Ask About Their Insurance

When you contact the roofers you have found, ask about their insurance. Any roofing company should carry liability insurance in case your home is damaged during the roofing process. They should also carry workers’ compensation insurance in case any of their staff are injured while they work on your roof. Accidents happen, even with the most experienced contractors, so you want to ensure that you and those who work on your roof are protected.

How to Rescue a Yard That's Seen Better Days

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Your backyard can start to look pretty sad if you neglect it even for a short while. But you don't always have time to be out in the garden. You might also have ended up with a neglected yard through other means, such as buying a house that hasn't been looked after. It might look pretty drab, but there are always things you can do to rescue a yard that has seen better days. One option is to tear everything out and start again, but you don't necessarily need to raze your backyard completely if you want to bring it back to life.

Brighten Up Your Grass

A neglected lawn is one of the most immediately obvious signs of a yard that hasn't been cared for. The grass can quickly start to look brown and withered. You might even find that there isn't much grass left. If your lawn just needs a bit of a list, you can look at lawn treatments to help bring it back to life. It might be smart to reseed your lawn too, especially if there are some patchy bits that need to be filled in. If your lawn is looking particularly bad, it could be smarter to start all over again.

Cut Back Overgrowth

An overgrown yard can look pretty shocking. It can easily take over your outdoor space, and you can end up with a lot of weeds and even pests making their homes there. If you want to keep some of the plants and trees you have, cutting back the overgrowth may be all that you need to do. Of course, it can be a lot of work to get it to a point that you're happy with. You might also want to completely pull up some plants, particularly weeds but also anything that you no longer want to keep.

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Power Wash Your Paving

Any paving, such as patios or paths, can look really dirty if it hasn't been cared for. The quickest way to clean it is often to use power washing or pressure washing to give it a quick blast. You can wash away the dirt and stains to reveal a cleaner surface underneath. After cleaning, you can make any repairs if there is damage to the paving. Sealing it will then help to protect it in the future, keeping it clean and preventing weeds from growing too.

Replant to Fill In Bare Patches

If cutting back your backyard plants has left you with any gaps, you can replant to fill in bare patches. Think about what you want to plant and how much work you're willing to put in to keep everything alive. You might want to plant trees or bushes that will be there for years or perhaps you're happy to have some flowers that won't last as long. Plan your planting so you can plant at the right time and give everything a fighting chance to grow.

Your yard might have seen better days, but you can still rescue it if you come up with a working plan.

Reducing The Costs Associated With Your Home

Having your hands on the set of keys to a property is all good and well, but there’s no avoiding the fact that it is expensive. Just the act of buying a property could put a serious strain on your finances. After all, in the past three decades, the average cost of a home has more than doubled, which means it’s especially difficult to buy a home, and even more so if it’s your first time. 

And it’s not as if the costs are over once you have the keys. The costs have only just begun. It costs a lot to keep a home in great condition, after all. It’s important to remember, however, that there are always things you can do to reduce the expenses. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the most effective methods for doing just that.

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Learn Some Skills

There are plenty of people you can call when something goes wrong with your house or when you want to make some improvements. But of course, if someone else does it, then you’ll have to pay for it -- they won’t do their work for free! You can seriously reduce your home expenses by learning some DIY skills. There are plenty of jobs that don’t require an expert; you can do them yourself! Just remember that there are some tasks that you should always leave to the professionals, such as anything electrical. 

Take Care of Threats 

There are plenty of small costs associated with your home. But there can also be some big costs, too. And if they strike, then you could be in store for a big bill. You can avoid these (or at least reduce their likelihood of happening) by taking care of them ahead of time. Do you have a tree that looks like it may fall on your home? Then work with a tree lopping company. Has your roof been damaged by a big storm? Then get a roofing expert around to fix any vulnerabilities. You’ll need to be proactive with these things, but you’ll be happy that you did.

Ongoing Maintenance

You’ll need to pay when things go wrong with your home, even if it’s just the materials you need to fix the issue. Plus, time is money, and if you’re fixing it yourself, then you’ll pay in time. You can reduce the costs of fixing things in your house by engaging in ongoing maintenance. A little bit of work at your property can reduce the likelihood of something going wrong. For instance, just clearing your gutters will make it less likely that you’ll experience flooding. And that’s a job that’ll take next to no time.

Switch Energy Suppliers

Not happy with how much you pay for your energy, internet, and other home bills? Then look at switching suppliers. There are normally various companies you can work with. Plus, just by threatening to leave, your current supplier may offer you a discount. You can often save 10% just by picking up the phone! 

How to Easily Spring Clean Your Home

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Thinking about spring cleaning your home but don't know where to start? Spring cleaning can be a wonderful activity because it allows you to make your home clean. 

However, spring cleaning can be a daunting task especially if there is a lot of clutter that you need to deal with. If you have been thinking about spring cleaning but haven't gotten started because you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, here are some tips that will help you make your spring cleaning project go a lot more smoothly.

Room by Room

Taking it one room at a time is the best way to ensure that your spring cleaning project goes off without a hitch. This will make the task seem less overwhelming. This is especially true if you have a very big house. 

Deep cleaning one room at a time will ensure that you will stay focused on a particular task until you get it done. If you need help with cleaning carpets and furniture, consider hiring a service such as Champion Chem-Dry to help.

Create To-Do Lists

Creating a to-do list for your spring cleaning project is one of the best ways to ensure that you don't miss any of the most important steps in your project. You can make a to-do-list for each room and decide what you need to declutter in every room. 

By having a systematic plan for how you are going to get everything clean and organized you are more likely to succeed in a shorter period of time. 

Declutter

Decluttering your home in an organized way is a good way to spring clean your home. You can get four boxes, and label them according to the items that will be going in them. 

You can have one box for the items you will keep, have another box for the items you plan to give away, place items that you want to put in storage in one box, and then put the other items in a donation box. 

Organizing all the clutter in the rooms in this way will help you to organize the things that are most important to you. When you know exactly what you want to keep, you can start making a plan about where in the room you will be putting these keepsakes.

Spring Cleaning Made Easy

Spring cleaning your home is something that you should try to do at least once a year. Giving your home a good cleaning will help your whole house look brand new. Being organized is the key to spring cleaning your home with minimum hassle. 

You want to make sure that at the end of the cleaning you're satisfied with the outcome. The only way to do this is to decide which rooms in your house are most important and tackle those first. 

After that, you can start working on lower priority areas. Successfully dealing with the most important areas first will motivate you to continue until you are finished.

5 Ways You Can Make House Maintenance Much Easier

 

Toddler cutting the lawn grass with a pair of scissors - Image Courtesy of Pixabay

In the UK alone, homeowners spend around £2,000 per year to keep a good home. But you can reduce potential costs and make house maintenance much easier with a proactive approach.

Get the Right Tools

No matter what you need to do, you must always have the right tools for the job. Above all, it's so much safer. But using proper equipment will also make things much less hassle. For example, cleaning your windows without a squeegee is a chore and a half. You will work much harder for a less-than-perfect job. So always get what you need. You should also look after your equipment with proper storage such as garden boxes. However, a reputable shed company can provide a great place for storing your expensive lawn mower and other gardening power tools.

Keep a Schedule

Your house maintenance work will only become a challenge if you let it get out of hand. Therefore, you must make a schedule and stick with it as best you can. To make it easier, you can make a list of things that are related. For example, mow the lawn every Saturday. And while you're out there, give the gutters a check. In essence, get the outdoors work done while you are in the vicinity. But don't do too much at once. Your windows probably need cleaning once per month rather than every week. And, of course, you can get the kids involved in light work.

Tests and Checks

Some things in your house need to be checked often. Exterior aspects like drainage and roofing are great examples. Checking these regularly can help spot small problems that can become big nightmares. However, inside the house is just as important. Plumbing and electrics often fail in older properties. And your heating system is put through its paces in Winter and early Spring. So little jobs like checking your boiler's water pressure and fixing a leaking tap can help prevent some of the most major problems from coming your way. 

Preventative Measures

Of course, prevention is better than the cure, and you can help your home by looking after it. And acting as soon as you notice an issue is the best way to resolve it. Never leave a problem until it's a problem, or it will be much bigger than originally thought. For example, if your boiler pressure is low, release the valves to reset it. A roof shingle shifted after a storm? Replace it ASAP, or you risk interior leaks and a chain reaction of loose roofing tiles. The best advice is to be proactive when it comes to house maintenance, and you will make much less work of it.

Ask for Help

Don't let pride get in your way, either. If you need expert help, just ask for it. It's likely you aren't a professional electrician or roofer. And if you go playing around with these and you aren't qualified, you risk more than making a problem worse. You risk your life and the lives of others. Shop around for a reputable contractor and let qualified and trained people handle complex tasks. And if you spot a problem early on, it's likely it won't cost much to get ahead of it compared to what it will cost to fully repair something when the worst happens.

Summary

Home maintenance doesn't have to be perplexing. You can offset most serious issues if you stick to a plan and check for problems regularly. And don't be afraid to call for expert guidance.

Reduce Your Garden Maintenance With These Simple Steps

Garden maintenance is considered fun by some homeowners. However, not everyone enjoys it. 

If you are among those that do not enjoy garden maintenance, yet do it because you enjoy a beautiful looking outside space, then here are some tips to help reduce your garden maintenance and still maintain great results.

Lawn Mower Grass Garden Front - Free photo on Pixabay

Protect your equipment

It is common to leave equipment lying around in the garden, or outside in a shed. Either way, the equipment can easily become rusty or damaged due to the weather. 

For example, you might leave game equipment outside for easy access. Yet, a storm could occur and damage it, which can result in a long repair job or spending more money. To reduce garden maintenance and keep your equipment in its best condition, it can help to protect it with the right bags and covers. You can find out more about how to store your game equipment the right way, such as cornhole boards, at https://www.cornholeworldwide.com/products/cornhole-bags/personalized-cornhole-bags/. 

Add shelters

Shelters in the garden are useful for many reasons. They can help to shade people when sitting outside, which can protect people from strong sun rays or rain. Plus, a shelter can help to maximize the condition and life of your wildlife. 

For instance, adding a shelter over plants can ensure that they receive optimal sunlight - not too much and not too little. It will help to control the light levels that come into your garden, which can sometimes damage the condition of grass and plants. Hence, wildlife can flourish and not be burdened by the weather.

Fake grass

Speaking of grass, if you are someone who dislikes trimming it, then have you ever considered getting fake grass? This mimics the natural look and feel of real grass but requires no maintenance. 

This means you can still enjoy a beautiful green garden without the regular upkeep.

Use stones for edging

Another tip for grass and low garden maintenance is to use stones for edging. This will prevent weeds and ensure to keep the moisture in, which comes from rainfall or watering. 

Should you wish to keep real grass, then using stones will help to improve the appearance of your garden and the grass as well as reduce weed picking. Sometimes picking weeds is the reason why people fall out of love with gardening. Hence, if you can prevent weeds, then you won’t need to perform this dull job.

Choose low-maintenance plants

If you are someone who enjoys looking at plants in the garden but doesn’t enjoy (or isn’t good at) maintenance, then it can help to choose low-maintenance plants. This will mean that they will require minimal care yet still flourish. 

Doing your research on plants that can last in most/all weathers can ensure that you can perform minimal maintenance yet enjoy their beauty all year round. Likewise, researching the amount of sunlight they need will ensure that you plant them in the optimal spot in the garden. 

How to Make Your Driveway Look Brand New Again

Driveways are often one of the first things people see when they pull up to a home, and they can make a big impression. A well-maintained driveway can add curb appeal, but over time, driveways can become stained and cracked. So if your driveway is looking a little worse for wear, don't worry - we have some tips to help you restore it to its former glory! This blog post will discuss how to make your driveway look as good as new again using simple techniques and supplies that you probably already have at home.

Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

#1 Clean your driveway

The first step in restoring your driveway is to clean it thoroughly. This can be done using a garden hose, a broom, and some hot water and dish soap. Be sure to scrub all of the dirt and stains away, and then rinse off the soap with the hose. If you’d like to have a professional handle it, be sure to get in contact with the best pressure washing service to give your driveway a good scrubbing!

If your driveway is really dirty or stained, you may want to use a cleaning product designed specifically for concrete driveways. These products are available at most home improvement stores. Be careful not to damage the surface of your driveway while cleaning it - try not to use harsh chemicals or scrub too hard!

#2 Fill in the cracks

After cleaning your driveway, you will want to address any cracks or gaps in the concrete. The best way to do this is with a product called "concrete caulk," which can be found at home improvement stores and online retailers like Amazon (link). Simply squeeze some of this caulk into each crack or gap, then smooth it out using a putty knife or popsicle stick so that there are no bumps on top of the surface when finished. 

If needed, apply more than one layer for larger holes - just make sure not to overfill them! If there are still visible imperfections after filling them up with caulk, try sanding down those areas until they're flush once again before applying another layer of concrete sealant (link) over top of everything else.

#3 Seal your driveway

Now that the cracks are fixed, and the surface is clean, it's time to seal your driveway. This will help protect it from staining and weathering in the future. There are many different types of concrete sealants available, so be sure to choose one that is designed for driveways (or ask a hardware store associate for advice). Apply the sealant using a paintbrush or roller, making sure to cover every inch of the surface. Let it dry completely before driving on it.

#4  Enjoy your beautiful driveway!

Once you've finished all of these steps, sit back and enjoy your beautiful driveway! It will now be protected from staining and weathering, so it should stay looking good for years to come. If you ever notice any damage or staining starting to occur, simply repeat these steps as needed. Thanks for reading - we hope this blog post was helpful!

In conclusion, there are many ways to make your driveway look as good as new again. By using the above tips, you can restore your driveway to its original glory in just a few hours. Be sure to clean it thoroughly before starting, and use the right products and techniques for your specific type of driveway.

How To Remove The Musty Smell From Your Home

Mold produces microbial volatile organic molecules, which are responsible for the musty stench common in older dwellings. A musty stench in your house, regardless of its age, indicates that mold has taken root somewhere. There are various things you can do to get rid of that musty stench and leave your house feeling fresh and clean. Read on to find out what you can do. 

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Find The Mold

The first thing you must do is handle the mold issue. Mold not only has a musty stench, but it is also potentially harmful to your health. Mold typically develops in the vicinity of a plumbing leak. Hopefully, it's in a convenient location, such as beneath the kitchen sink. It might, however, be growing within your walls around a leaking pipe.

Once you've identified the mold, wash the affected area with a solution of one gallon of water and one cup of bleach. Scrub away all of the mold and keep the area properly aired until it dries fully. You can treat a tiny area of mold on your own. However, if the area is much bigger or difficult to get to, you may need to hire specialists to help you. If there is a lot of damage, then you'll certainly need water and mold restoration services to help you put things right again. 

Fix The Leak

You must address the cause of the issue, or the mold will return. You'll need to either repair the leak yourself or hire a plumber. However, in an older house, your plumbing may need to be changed if the pipes have deteriorated, in which case you will most likely want the services of a professional. Galvanized steel pipes, for example, are notorious for rust. Polybutylene plastic pipes, which were popular in the 1970s and 1980s, are prone to cracking.

Of course, it isn't always a leaking pipe. Mold development can be facilitated by any moisture accumulation, not only plumbing issues. If you live in a humid region, think about installing dehumidifiers, particularly in the bathrooms and kitchen. After you've finished showering, open the windows and turn on the fan to help dry the bathroom. Also, keep furniture at least a few inches away from the walls to avoid moisture collecting. You can avoid mold by keeping your house clean and dry.

Use Natural Odor Absorbers

Natural odor absorbers, such as baking soda and activated charcoal, can aid in the removal of any remaining smells. To keep them fresh, swap them out every week or two. Additionally, sunshine and fresh air are natural air cleaners, so leave the windows open throughout the day. Mold development is also inhibited by sunlight and fresh air.

It may take some time to eliminate mold and musty smells entirely, but don't give up. Even if it takes a few weeks for the smell to go away completely, it's far better than doing nothing and living in an unpleasant home. Once you've done what you can, keeping your house dry and allowing in fresh air and sunlight should keep mold at bay.

How To Take Good Care Of Your Roof

Looking after the roof of your home is always something that is going to be important, not least because it is a primary safety concern and one of the most common exterior elements that can go wrong or become damaged. If you know how to take proper care of your roof, it is going to mean that you can keep your building intact much more easily, saving you money and trouble in the long run. So let’s look right now at how you can take good care of your roof.

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Regular Inspection

One of the most important things you should do is to carry out regular inspections of your roof. This is the only way to keep on top of it and make sure that you are aware of any damages and so on. In doing this, however, you do need to take care - you can’t simply go crawling around the roof without harming yourself. It is usually best to hire a roofer to come and inspect the roof for you, but make sure that you are asking them to do it regularly and that you hire a trusted professional.

Tile Replacement

From time to time, that inspection might show up certain breakages and damaged tiles, and as such you will need to make sure that these are being replaced as soon as possible. If you don’t replace them, you might be opening up your home to the elements in a way that is just not necessary, or good for your home. When replacing tiles, remember that you need to choose the right material, the right metal roof colors, and make sure you are replacing all the relevant parts of the roof. Again, a professional should be able to help you out with these decisions.

Natural Disasters

If you should live in a part of the world where natural disasters are a real probability, then you will need to bear this in mind too as you try to take care of your roof. Hurricanes, storms, tornadoes and even just heavy rain can all be problematic if you are trying to care for your roof. The best thing you can do is to prepare for them, have a plan for when they occur, and ensure that you are replacing and repairing the roof after the fact too. If you do that, you should be able to keep your roof in a good state of repair in general.

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Signs Of Damage

There are signs of damage to the roof that might occur which you should pay attention to too. For example, you might find that you have leaking water coming into a room, which is a definite sign that you need to have something to look at on the roof. The last thing you should do is ignore such signs, at the very least. You never know what it might be or how bad it might get, and keeping on top of it will help to save you money and hassle in the long run.

Ceiling Issues? Knowing When To "Look Up" Professional Help

 

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In many ways, a home is like a person. In the early days, they can have teething troubles, but as they settle and grow into themselves they become reliable and reassuring. The longer they’re around, the more likely they are to begin to show their age and the more faults will become recognizable. And the more faults develop, the more important it is to seek out help.

In a lot of other ways, a home isn’t like a person. With the correct maintenance, a home can live on indefinitely and be around for hundreds of years. This does however rely on the aforementioned maintenance being sought and delivered at the right times, which isn’t always easy. It does mean that you’ll need to keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, and this is particularly evident (and particularly important) when it comes to your ceiling. When there are problems developing over your head, it becomes essential to keep a close eye on the matter.

Sagging with age is not an inevitability

If your ceilings begin to sag, you’d be correct in thinking that it’s a sign of things not being as they should be. Most usually, it will be as a consequence of a burst or damaged pipe causing water to leak into the space between a floor upstairs and a ceiling downstairs. Gravity means the water will drip or flow down, and it can collect up and become a real problem. A sagging ceiling is your cue to call a plumber and get their opinion on what needs to be done. Doing it in a timely fashion can save you a more extensive and expensive repair.

Are the cracks beginning to show?

Cracks in your ceiling are not an ideal development, although they are not necessarily as big a problem as you may be thinking they are. They will certainly always need to be dealt with, although sometimes a DIY topical application of plaster and paint will be enough to take care of these signs of ageing. If, however, the cracks grow, or are deeper than just the surface, then a ceiling repair expert is going to need to be called. A crack running the length of your ceiling could mean the house is settling badly, and extensive work will be needed.

Spots and blemishes need attention

If your ceiling has developed black or grayish spots, there is a potential problem with mold that may not destroy your ceiling, but will have worse repercussions if left indefinitely. Black mold develops because of moisture hanging around, and can arise as a result of unmitigated humidity and poor ventilation. If you have a HVAC system, get it checked out, but also get that mold removed and put defenses in place against it. If black mold is breathed in by people, it can cause serious health problems which can become lethal if allowed to persist.

Your ceiling is quite possibly not something you look at particularly often. It’s just there, doing its job. But particularly as it gets older, you may want to give it a bit more care and attention. Recognizing issues and repairing them is vital for your home’s health, and your own.

Don't Wait to Fix These Summer Home Problems

A range of problems can pop up in your home during the summer. While some of them can wait to be fixed, there are some issues that you just don't want to leave. If they don't need to be fixed by the time summer is over, you might need to make some repairs while the season is still in full swing. If you don't, you could end up dealing with an even bigger issue, whether it's your home being too hot or problems from summer storms. During the summer, make sure you look out for these problems so you can fix them right away.

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Gutters and Drainage

Summer might make us think of sunshine and heat, but it often comes with rain and storms too. It's important to be prepared for it to rain, so pay attention to your guttering and drainage system. If there's a blockage or anything is broken, it could mean that something isn't working as it should be. This could lead to water not draining away from your home properly when it rains, which could cause flooding, leaks and other problems. These types of issues need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

Air Conditioning Problems

Your air conditioning can be your lifeline during the summer. But, not only does it keep you cool, but it also stops your house from overheating. If your home gets too warm, it could cause various problems, such as warped hardwood floors. Keeping your AC on during the summer is important, so make sure you're ready for any emergency AC repair that might be necessary. To prevent this, be sure to service your air conditioning system before summer begins. It will help to reduce the chance of anything happening that requires sudden repairs.

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Pests

Pests can become an issue during the summer because some pests like the heat. And those that don't still might want to come into your home. Pest problems might start off as a slight annoyance, but they can get a lot worse if you leave them for too long. It's always best to tackle them as soon as you can, which means it's helpful to know the signs of certain common pests. When you know how to spot them, you can pick up on them sooner and get rid of them faster. Of course, prevention is a good idea too, so take steps to stop pests from causing problems in the first place.

Moisture and Mold

Moisture and mold in your home aren't only problems during the winter. With summer rain and storms, it can become an issue during the summer too. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks, condensation, mold and mildew in your home during the summer. You need to deal with them as soon as you can so they don't become a bigger problem. You could eventually start to see structural damage if the issue grows.

Some problems need to be fixed right away. Even if you're having fun in the summer, don't forget to take care of these big problems.

Drains

Drains in our homes are often left until they are completely blocked. Sometimes the problem can be solved quickly and easily with a plunger, but other times more drastic measures may need to be taken. If you notice signs of water not draining away properly, it's important to take action before it turns into an even bigger issue. Get your drains inspected by drain cleaning specialists so that any potential blockages can be identified and dealt with as soon as possible.

3 Ways to Care for Your Stairs

 

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Many types of stairs bring your home together. Whether they're kissing the wall of your home or welcome everyone who enters the door, you see and climb them every day. 

These steps take you to another level on Earth and back down. So, give your stairs the much needed TLC with these few tips!

Proper Maintenance

Unlike carpeted floors, stairs need more than just a brief vacuum. Every step up needs to be taken care of which can take a little more time out of your day. 

For carpeted stairs, vacuum each step as you would or use the nozzle with an appropriate attachment. The step and rise up will be brushed, and the sides will need special attention. Don't forget to get into those corners! 

For tiled stairs, go ahead and broom the stairs. Just like carpeted stairs, vacuum the hard to reach corners. It is your choice to wipe the stairs down as well as give it a glow.

Some of you may have a runner going up the stairs. A combination of tile and carpet care will be done. Brush the stairs with care and pay attention to the sides. Though stairs are continuously stepped on in the middle, lots of buildup gets caught where feet don't touch.

Also, don't forget the rails! Wipe them down or if it's time to touch up the colour, go right ahead. Give your staircase the presentation it needs!

Upgrade

Are you tired of looking at the same old staircase? You're probably ready to update them with a modernized look. 

You have some decision making to do for your soon to be newly designed stairs. It's your choice to stick with the same style and decide what flooring will be best for your home. Don't be overwhelmed; this is your chance to change up your home for the better. 

The main question is, do you want tiled stairs, carpeted stairs, or an accent runner to bring out your home? No matter what you choose, a variety of solids and patterns will need to be conquered. Also, take into consideration the care your new steps will need. Make them last for years with the countless steps you'll be taking.

Add-Ons

Sometimes stairs can look too plain. Look forward to every time you use the stairs with accessories to make the steps pop. Whether you're climbing up or going down, enjoy the features you add on your escalated trip. 

Picture frames of any view are popular add-ons over stairs. Instead of watching your feet step, enjoy a setting or memory every time. Decorated walls can bring out your stairs for the better.

Handrails are often neglected. Try something new by adding laced around decor or hanging statements. These are often done during the holidays, but you can try them year-round. Express yourself every time you brace yourself on the stair rail. 

Hopefully, you embrace at least one of these tips and become proud of your newly modelled stairway. There's nothing like having a beautiful connection between the upstairs and downstairs. 

3 Marble Countertop Care Tips

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Marble countertops can be a lovely addition to any kitchen. The durable, long-lasting natural stone can develop an attractive patina over time. However, marble countertops require proper care to stay in good shape. There are things that homeowners should do to ensure the marble looks and functions well for decades.

1. Clean After Use

Acidic foods such as wine, vinegar, tomatoes and citrus fruits can damage marble. Spills that are not cleaned up promptly can cause stains, especially if left for hours or overnight. Use mild soaps with water and nonabrasive cloths or sponges to clean countertops after use to keep them looking fresh. Avoid using cleaners with harsh chemicals or abrasive properties to preserve the finish.

2. Protect From Damage

Be careful when using heavy objects, as dropped items can chip or crack counters. If damage does occur, find help with countertop repair Manhattan NY. Use large cutting boards or silicone sheets to prevent acidic or staining foods from coming into contact with the surface of the countertops. While marble is tolerant of heat, it is a good idea to use trivets underneath hot pots and pans as a safeguard.

3. Remove Stains and Seal

Occasionally, stains will occur that cannot be removed during the normal cleaning routine. At that point, a harsher chemical and abrasive cloth may be employed to strip off the sealant and remove the stain. The counter should be allowed to dry completely before being resealed. The sealant may wear out over time. Put a few drops of water on a countertop to see if they remain beaded on the surface or sink in and spread. If they sink into the marble, it is time to reseal the counters.

Although caring for marble countertops does take time and dedication, many people believe it is a worthwhile endeavor. If unsure of what to do, talk to professionals for advice.

Prep Your Home for Winter

With fall weather upon us, now is a good time to start planning your home maintenance so it's ready for the colder weather. Before you begin, here are a few items you should add to your to-do list to ensure you're ready for the winter when it arrives. 

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Check Your HVAC

To keep your HVAC system in good condition, it's a good idea to have it serviced each year. Before cooler weather settles in for the season, have an HVAC contractor come out to inspect and clean your system so that it continues to run optimally during the long winter months. 

Clean Your Gutters

Once the leaves start falling, you'll want to set aside some time to clean your gutters so they don't get clogged, which can cause them to back up or overflow. While you're cleaning them out, give them a good inspection to see if they're still in good condition. If they're in disrepair or have seen excessive wear, it's time to call for gutter replacement St Louis.

Seal Your Home

Before cold, damp weather arrives, you should seal off your home to protect it from the elements. Take the time to walk around your home and caulk around windows and doors to prevent energy loss. Sealing around your home also prevents critters from making their way into your home during the winter, which can lead to infestation. You may also want to consider sealing your driveway if it's pavement to prevent cracking during the colder months. 

Close Your Pool 

If you have a pool, you should be sure to have it cleaned, drained, inspected, and closed up well before winter arrives. While you're having your pool shut down, have your sprinkler system winterized as well to prevent blown lines when the ground freezes. 

With these items crossed off your fall maintenance to-do list, you'll be ready to relax when winter arrives and rest easy knowing your home is prepared for winter's arrival. 

Here's Why Your Home Is Costing You A Fortune

Are you struggling with high home costs? You’re certainly not alone. There are lots of people that wonder how on earth their home costs them so much money. Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that this post is providing the answers as well as the solutions. Are you ready to jump in?

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Faulty Equipment

It is possible that your home is costing you a fortune because some of the key equipment needs repair. For instance, you might need an HVAC service if you find that you regularly have to turn your thermostat up to the boiling point to keep your home warm. This is also why you should be checking your systems about once a year. It can save you from an expensive surprise repair or even worse - a full replacement. It’s easy to arrange key checks like this for your property. 

The Wrong Tech 

Alternatively, it might be an issue with the tech in your home. If you have older tech in your property it’s always going to cost you more money because it won’t be as eco-efficient. That can mean that there are hundreds extra on your energy bill. To deal with this problem there are a few strategies that you can take. One option would be to upgrade your tech every couple of years. Another possibility would be to rent some of the techs that you use. This is becoming a more popular choice, particularly for those who have home offices. 

Poor Insulation 

Or, it could be an issue with poor insulation that is causing your bills to go sky high. If you have poor insulation, you are going to struggle to easily keep your home hot and cold. Instead, you’ll need to work your AC to the max through the summer and your heating system will be on full blast through the winter. Usually, this will be due to the seals around your windows being blown. It’s an easy fix but you will have to invest in a new set of windows. This might not fit into the typical home budget. 

Someone Is Eating Power

Finally, it could just be one person or a couple of people in your home who are responsible for the surge in costs. That’s because they might have a piece of equipment that they use regularly and eats energy. Games consoles, certain laptops, and fans are all common issues here. You should check the energy ratings of devices like this and potentially set a limit on how much someone in your family can use them throughout the day. If you do this, you should find that your costs immediately start to decline as your energy usage drops. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key reasons why your home could be costing you an absolute fortune. With our tips, you’ll be able to cut the costs down to size and guarantee that you get things back on the right track. You could be amazed by how much you manage to save in your budget. 

4 Ways to Have Your Grass the Envy of the Neighbors

Professional landscapers don’t want to share their secrets for lush green lawns, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find out what they are. To be frank, landscapers just know the details about the best things to use on a lawn and when or how to use them. Here are their secrets.

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Feed the Lawn

Most homeowners only head out in the spring to give their lawn a good meal. Grass that grows in thick and healthy needs to be fertilized about four times a year. There are also different foods that should be applied each season. You can head to a garden store or nursery for more information on the type of grass you have and the best food for it.

Mow It With Care

Pulling out a lawnmower with dull or rusty blades will hack your lawn to death. Use a lawnmower repair company to sharpen your blades and maintenance the mower before the start of each cutting season. Depending on how long your growing season it, you may want to consider a second sharpening midway through. Leave your grass higher than two and a half inches at a minimum, though each type of grass has its own recommendations. Vary your mowing pattern to avoid ruts in the ground and to stimulate thicker growth.

Let It Get Thirsty

Too many people make the mistake of watering the grass every day. It is better to let the grass and soil have a good long soak. This forces the roots to grow down deep, strengthening the lawn and adding more protection from drought. Spring and fall may require one watering a week, while the summer sun will have a lot to do with your summertime schedule. If the grass blades start to turn gray and limp, it’s the sign to give the lawn a drink.

Use Good Grass Seed

You can fill up your lawn with green stuff or you can fill it up with lush grass. The type of seed you choose will impact the quality of your lawn. A premium grass seed, followed by a quality fertilizer will create a lawn your neighbors will be envious of. It does cost a little more, but the results are longer lasting and much nicer. Fuller grass does better at choking out weeds as well.

If you follow these tips, then that old adage about the grass being greener on the other side will be referring to your lawn. Let your lawn be the best on the block.

Signs You Should Replace Your Vinyl Siding

When is the last time you really looked at the outside of your house? If it has been a while, now may be the time to inspect it. While you know when it is time to replace the roof because leaks and other issues will form, with siding the issues can be less noticeable. Some of the things to look for that indicate it is time to replace your siding can be found below.

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Evidence of Rotting

Vinyl siding doesn’t experience dry rot. However, the wood siding under it can. If water gets under your siding, fungus may grow, which can cause dry rot. This will affect the wood and the siding that covers the wood.

If rot has affected your vinyl siding Baton Rouge it will pull apart easily or will appear cracked. This means it isn’t too hard to detect. If you don’t see any visible areas of rot, poke a few of the areas that may have water seepage, including the siding near your gutters.

Evidence of Moisture in Your Home

If there is any moisture in your vinyl siding that has moved into the wood siding under it can be seen inside the house, too. This is a tell-tale sign of an issue. Sometimes, this issue will be noticed due to peeling interior paint, which means the moisture has reached the drywall or plaster. However, it may also result in mold in your walls. This is a dangerous situation and something that needs to be addressed right away.

If you notice any of the above issues, it is a good idea to speak with the professionals about replacing the vinyl siding. In many cases, replacing the siding is going to be the only way to fully repair the issues present. Keep this in mind when inspecting the exterior of your home.

How To Know When You Need a New Boiler

When your home or office building has a boiler, it is important to know when to repair or replace it to avoid dangerous breaks or malfunctions. It is also a good idea to have a routine inspection done on it by licensed professionals to spot problems before they get out of hand, and to know who to call when it does break. It is recommended that you replace your boiler every ten years, but you should also replace it if you need frequent repairs, hear odd noises or spot leaks.

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Odd Noises

The parts for your boiler will wear out at different times for various reasons, causing popping, hissing or knocking while on. When you hear these sounds, it is a good idea to call a boiler repair and installation company Scarborough ME professional to diagnose the problem. Sometimes it is a simple repair and replacement part, but others it is more cost effective to get a new unit.

Leaks

Leaking plumbing is never a good sign, but leaks around your boiler can be more than just water. Older or broken boilers can also leak carbon monoxide, which can cause suffocation. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it is a good idea to evacuate first and call for boiler repair from safety.

Frequent Repairs

As boilers age, parts wear out and many will reach the end of usefulness within months of each other. Sometimes these can be spotted when an earlier repair is made but needing frequent repairs or many at once can quickly add up to more than the cost of a new, more efficient, boiler.

Boilers are necessary equipment for many home and offices, so knowing what signs mean that you should have the unit repaired or replaced is the difference between having hot water for your shower or having your carbon monoxide detector go off during the night. Odd noises such as popping or knocking, leaks of water or gases and frequent repairs may mean that a replacement is a more cost-effective solution.

Keeping Your Garden as Presentable as Possible

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Summer is here and increasing numbers of us are looking forward to spending more and more time in our gardens. These outdoor spaces provide us with the perfect retreat during sunny days. We can bask in the sun. We can sit in the shade. We can have friends and family over for cold drinks or a BBQ. But in order to do any of these things, you’re going to have to make sure that your garden is presentable and in good shape. This is going to take some organisation, work and investment on your part. But it will be more than worth it. Here are just a few steps that you might want to take to keep your garden in the best shape possible!

Check Your Fencing

Over time, fence panels tend to go through a little wear and tear. This isn’t all too surprising. They’re battered by the wind and have to withstand rain and other elements. Gaps and cracks may begin to appear. It’s important to check your fences regularly to ensure that no damage has occurred. If there is any damage, call in professionals who can repair or replace your panels. If, after a fair few years, your fences are still in one piece but simply look a little battered, you might want to have new panels fitted too! Alternatively, a fresh coat of paint could help to make them look as good as new again.

Hire a Tree Surgeon

If you have trees in your garden, you’re going to need to use a tree surgeon’s services to keep them in good shape. While trees can make a beautiful addition to your garden space, they can quickly get out of control. If you still want the benefits of your trees (the aesthetic and the shade), then you don’t necessarily have to get rid of them. Instead, a tree surgeon will be able to maintain them - cutting branches that are getting unruly, dealing with the crown of the tree and pruning everything into a nice shape. This is great for safety (as falling branches could be dangerous), appearances and can also stop your tree’s branches encroaching on neighbour’s land. Find great Local Offers when searching for a tree surgeon. This will secure you a good price for a quality service.

Keep on Top of the Basics

Of course, maintaining a presentable garden is going to require that you keep on top of the basics. Make sure to mow the lawn regularly so that it doesn’t become overgrown. Make sure to pull weeds so they don’t take over your garden space. If you have flowers and flowerbeds, make sure to water them whenever needed. These simple steps will help to keep your garden a much nicer space!

Hopefully, the above tips and tricks will help you to create and maintain the most presentable garden space possible this summer. It really is important at this time of year when you’re likely to want to spend more time outdoors.

3 Benefits of Painting Services

Painting companies often provide more than just a paint job. Depending on the company, they can offer services like plaster repair, custom trim and molding, and staining. Here are three benefits of using a painting service.

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1. Professional Renovation Skills

Choosing to use a professional contractor when you want to renovate your workplace or living space can ensure the project is finished on schedule and meets standards and expectations.

Say you want to renovate an entire building, or most of the updates you want to make are outside. That can be a lot of work, and a project of this scale would probably be better off in the hands of experts with professional training.

2. Reduced Stress

Renovation projects can consume a lot of time, money, and energy. You can take on that work yourself as a DIY project, but most of the time, working with professionals can take a lot of the stress and workload off your plate, especially when you have a big project or extensive updates in mind. 

You can reduce stress with a one-stop-shop contractor. A company offering a wide range of professional painting services Redding means you can rely on one company for every part of your renovation instead of finding a different contractor each step of the way. That kind of strategy can really lower your stress level.

3. Long-Term Results

Utilizing the skills of professional painters and renovators usually means you can count on their work to be of high quality and last a long time. With good-quality workmanship, you won't need touchups as often as you might otherwise. That cuts long-term costs and means you won't have to deal with figuring out when and how often to schedule maintenance.

There are a lot of benefits to hiring professional painting services or renovators. They can repair, update, and maintain your office or home for you, so you have fewer things to worry about.