Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Mar 25, 2009 @ 11:52 AM
Spring signals the end of winter, the beginning of warmer weather, and the perfect time to start looking for warnings signs your roof might need a little attention. While roof repair can be expensive, the inspection can be free if you do it yourself, and know the signs.
Before going on the roof, conduct a visual inspection to ensure it is safe from rot and debris. Make sure the pitch of the slope is no greater than 6/12. This means for every 12 inches of run, the rise can be no greater than 6 inches. This will ensure stable footing, and allow you to maneuver safely.
Different signs are the result of several factors including leaking, poor installation, aging, moisture absorption, and severe weather. Some of these signs include:
- Algae / Mold Growth
- Blistering
- Buckling
- Ceiling Spots
- Curling
- Damaged Flashing
- Missing Granules
- Missing Shingles
- Rotting
Going into the attic and conducting more of an inspection is also a good idea. Look for signs of sagging between the rafters, light coming in from outside, leaks, and mold growth. If the problem is small, you may be able to do the roof repairs yourself. Contact a roof professional for a proper inspection and estimate in the cost of the roof repair.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Mar 18, 2009 @ 09:03 AM
There are some spills, pet stains, tracked-in dirt, and/or other messes that just cannot be cleaned as a do-it-yourself job. Jumping on the Internet or skimming through the yellow pages becomes the next course of action when attempting to rid your carpet of those unsightly eyesores. When choosing carpet cleaning companies, here are some important tips to remember:
- Use caution if a company has not been in business for a long time or guarantees an advertised price for a certain area. Most of the franchise carpet cleaning companies will provide you with a quick estimate based on the description of the room, but they will not emphatically state what the price will be outright.
- The use of a brand name cleaning product does not guarantee affiliation with the product's manufacturer.
- Ensure the company is certified either by CRI and/or IICRC, as these organizations require ethical standards be held to use their certifications.
- If the company is not willing to provide a written estimate, or send a representative out to inspect the areas prior to cleaning, then they should be avoided at all costs.
- Ask what processes are used in carpet cleaning, and make sure they are backed by a guarantee.
- It may be best to move any important furniture or breakables yourself, prior to the process start.
- When the job is complete, ensure the final bill matches what was quoted. If any extra work was conducted, the project manager or representative present should have explained thoroughly prior to conducting the work.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Tue, Mar 17, 2009 @ 08:36 AM
You have recognized the dangers of flood cleanup, begun the rescue of your personal belongings, and now it is time to save and rebuild your home. After contacting your insurance agent, and understanding your coverage, the adjuster will determine what course of action is required. A general contractor and restoration services company is best equipped in assisting you in this potentially traumatic event. There are some things, which you can do to help, and know during this process.
Walls & Ceilings:
- Wallboard, or drywall, behaves like a sponge, and will soak up the water and contaminates. It must be removed, at least to flood level, and remember to pay attention to any ductwork or wiring.
- Proper airflow inside the walls will allow necessary drying to prevent health hazards.
- Insulation should be handled professionally, as each type requires different methods of restoration or replacement.
Flooring:
- Wood flooring needs to be dried gradually to ensure all the moisture is removed. If not dried correctly, the wood may crack and/or swell causing further damage. The wood must be clean and dried before any repairs.
- Vinyl or laminated flooring is removed to allow the subflooring to properly dry.
- Carpets must be cleaned and dried as quickly as possible. The potential for mold growth is especially high, due to the organic nature of some fibers. If the carpet is exposed to water for more than 24 hours, it is best replaced. Padding should also be replaced, as it is almost impossible to clean properly.
HVAC & Electrical Systems:
- Both require separate servicing, cleaning, and inspecting before they can be utilized. If insulation is involved, it will need replaced.
Roofing & Foundation:
- Cracks, clogging, defective flashing, and holes are some of the symptoms of an affected roof. Professionally corrected and inspected is ideal.
- If flooding occured in the basement, pump only about 2-3 feet per day. Excessive pumping will drain the basement too quickly, increasing the pressure, and possibly causing cracks in the foundation.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Fri, Mar 13, 2009 @ 01:26 PM
Once you have recognized the potential threats involved in flood cleanup, it is now time for the work itself. Many cherished personal belongings may have been lost, and rescuing what remains is as important as your health.
- Contact your insurance agent, and if your insurance covers the damage, an adjuster will arrive to inspect the damage — document everything!
- If there is mud present, shovel away as much as possible. Use a garden hose if necessary to spray away any loose debris or dirt.
- Use a heavy-duty cleaner, or ¼ cup per gallon bleach solution, to scrub everything. The cleaner must be a disinfectant to kill germs.
- Soak any kitchen implements and plates in boiled, sanitized water. Also, ensure the water contains the aforementioned cleaning solution.
- If contaminated by floodwaters, toys, stuffed animals, and mattresses may need replaced. They can soak up the potential hazards residing in the water.
- Solid-wood furniture is restorable, while the cheaper veneered wood will more than likely require replacement.
- Damaged documents and photographs may be frozen and rescued by a professional restoration company. Clean as much of them as possible, carefully and slowly, and seek help if necessary.
- Professionals should also clean appliances and electronics, because deposits, stains, and odors can remain if not properly treated. Each will also have to be sanitized and recertified for use.
- Clothing may either be treated professionally, or done by you. If you decide to wash exposed clothing, ensure it is separated from non-contaminated clothing, and washed in hot water and detergent.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Mar 11, 2009 @ 09:29 AM
The spring and summer months bring a welcome, warm temperature change and beginning of growth and renewal. The rains and melting snow, however, also bring the potential for disaster and heartbreak. Rising waters or unsuspecting flash flooding may not only cause damage to your home and belongings, but may also bring dangers to the health of your family.
More than just people navigating small boats through flooded streets, floodwater has the potential to carry with it sewage and infectious organisms. Harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella; Hepatitis A Virus; and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid, and tetanus are a few of the dangers, which can threaten you and your family. Chemicals from nearby industrial plants may also pollute the flooding water, causing such symptoms as headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, nausea, excitability, weakness, and fatigue. In the warmer months and areas, standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, which can carry dangers such as West Nile, encephalitis, and/or other insect-borne diseases.
Animals seeking shelter from the rising water also are a potential hazard. An animal bite from a wild animal, which may contain rabies, is a serious threat. Disease from fleas and ticks is another hazard commonly associated with wild animals, and medical attention must be taken immediately should any bite occur.
- Keep children and pets safe and clear from the contaminated area until the flood cleanup is thoroughly completed.
- More than anything, hygiene is the most important factor to adhere to during cleanup. Make sure you use hot water and soap, diluted with a bleach solution or detergent used for killing germs.
- Never prepare food, or wash, with any water suspected of contamination.
- Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in contaminated areas. Rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles are some of the basic safety items you should be wearing.
- Ensure your vaccinations (tetanus) are current prior to working in contaminated areas, and seek medical attention immediately if any scratch or bite occurs.
- Fire and explosions are possible if electrical and chemical exposures are not recognized. Police, fire department, or other trained safety personnel should handle these hazards — do not risk the dangers if they can be avoided.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Mar 04, 2009 @ 12:10 PM
When we buy new furniture, the majority of us choose upholstered furniture for our homes. We enjoy the comfort factor it brings, even though it may come with a heavy price tag. Over time, however, the favorite chair or sofa will lose some of its luster if not properly maintained. Here are some tips in upholstery cleaning, while using green methods.
- Get an eco-friendly vacuum - Yes, they are out there. Avoid vacuums that have a short life span, and will end up in the landfill in 3-4 years. Get a vacuum, which uses HEPA filters and/or bags.
- When vacuuming, make sure you hit the furniture before you tackle the floor. Those expensive vacuum cleaners come with lots of fancy hook-ups, which work great in corners and crevices of your furniture.
- The most widely used, and less-often, cleaned parts are the head and armrests. Cleaning these with a vacuum can be difficult, so try using a lint remover made with recycled paper. It takes less time, and can pick up more than just your vacuum. The paper can then be recycled again!
- Vacuum and/or brush down your furniture every other day to ensure its longevity. Flip the cushions as well so they wear evenly. Taking them outside and beating them is also a good plan to adhere too.
- Instead of using paper towels, use a sturdy soft cloth for blotting away stains.
- Harsh chemicals are just not an option anymore. Try using more eco-friendly methods such as whipped detergent, Earth-friendly cleaners, and baking soda. Make sure you conduct a spot test in an inconspicuous place before actually working the stain out.
- If weather permits, open the windows and allow the air to dry the furniture instead of using a fan. It may take long, but it uses less energy.
- If your furniture needs the professional touch, make sure the upholstery cleaning company practices green cleaning methods. This would include offering a stain guard, which is friendly on the environment.