Dry heat and air are your friends

Once you have evacuated the majority of the water, you need to dry out walls, flooring and furniture. The good news is that water evaporates in high heat. Air flow will also help keep water from standing or simply absorb right back into something else. When drying out your home after a flood, you might consider relocating somewhere else for a few days, as you will want to keep the temperature at 80 degrees or above. You will also need air to circulate freely, so you should consider renting several industrial fans to keep the air moving.

Use a dehumidifier to suck up moisture from the air

If you live in an area of moderate to high humidity, you might consider renting an industrial-sized dehumidifier. Once the air is heated, water will begin to evaporate. A dehumidifier will remove that moisture from the air, which allows the air to absorb more moisture. This cyclical process will help pull moisture out of areas where you can’t see it.

Know when to call in the pros

If flooding comes from clean water that you tend to immediately, you may be able to handle the problem yourself. The problem is that the worst water damage often occurs where you can’t see it. Drywall is subject to a process called wicking, which pulls moisture high up into the wall, where it hides behind paint. Over time, the moisture will warp the wall and can even seep into the wood framing behind the drywall and rot the wood. In addition, flood water that comes from outside is generally teeming with bacteria. When water has been left standing for some time or is potentially contaminated, it is best to leave flood damage restoration to the pros.

There is no doubt that professional flood damage restoration can be costly, but it is often a drop in the bucket compared to the long term repair costs when flood damage is not mitigated properly. When flood damage is not properly dealt with, it can cause mold and mildew to develop or even dry rot, which can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in necessary repairs and even make your home a toxic environment until is addressed.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

image credit: Pixabay

Foundation Repair

Foundation problems can lead to all kinds of structural concerns. That’s the reason that prospective home purchasers should be well-versed in all potential signs that denote possible foundation issues. Some telltale signs that often indicate foundation difficulties are indoor wall cracks, pooling h30 below structures, doors that are off balance in any way, drooping flooring, basement pest infestations and immoderate basement moisture.

Sewer Line Repair

Sewer line problems can occur in all kinds of homes. They’re especially common in residential properties that are older. If you want to feel good about your home purchase choice, you should learn any and all common indications of sewer line trouble. Pay attention to signs such as ceiling cracks, wall cracks, sluggish draining, awful smells, mainline clogs and the abrupt emergence of plants. If your noses detects a terrible smell that rises from below outdoors, then sewer line repair may be essential.

Garage Door System Repair

Garage door system repair work is often necessary, too. If you notice that a home’s garage door is particularly loud, then there is most likely a problem. If you notice that the door moves in an unpredictable and erratic fashion, repair work may be required, too. Many things can go wrong with garage door systems. Problems with cables and springs can often lead to serious and time-consuming inconveniences. If a home’s garage door system is especially unreliable, replacement service may be an intelligent idea.

Electrical System Repair

Some homes require repair work on their electrical systems. If a home you’re considering buying is part of that category, you may be able to figure that out on your own. Search for possible clues including outlets that have taken on an oddly brownish appearance, burning odors, lights that flash nonstop and fuses and breakers that trip with great frequency. If these signs are apparent, then electrical wiring repair may be a must.

Purchasing a new home is a project that requires determination. It’s also one that requires a careful eye. Don’t only focus on the “fun” things about the home search process. Concentrate on all of the vital systems that make up properties.

Drafts

Most older homes suffer from drafts. It’s not a problem with the quality of construction. As the house settles, it subtly shifts the entire structure. That process creates small gaps and cracks around doors and windows that let outside air sneak inside. The good news is that fixing this problem is cheap and DIY-friendly most of the time. You can use caulk to seal up small cracks and gaps. Expanding foam works well on larger gaps and cracks. Also, don’t forget to replace the weather stripping.

Window Replacement

Windows have come a long way in the last 100 years in terms of heat efficiency. That’s a good thing, since windows and doors account for over 30% of heat loss. Of course, many older homes still sport basic single pane windows. These are the least efficient kind of windows and drive your heating and cooling costs through the roof. If it’s in your budget, replace those single pane windows with double or triple pane windows. Multi-pane windows act like a sandwich with pieces of glass around an air pocket. Some new windows use inert gases like argon to add insulation value and reduce frost.

HVAC

A good HVAC system can run for decades, but it’s important to remember that furnaces and AC units are machines. Parts can wear out and systems become less efficient over time. Think of it like the gas mileage in your car. It might have gotten 33 mpg when you bought it, but it probably doesn’t get that after five years. You can’t know for sure how well previous owners maintained the HVAC system in your fixer-upper. It’s in your best interest to get the system inspected and repaired by a professional HVAC service, if necessary. Those repairs can improve efficiency and extend the life of the system.

Fixer-uppers can be a great deal if you go in with your eyes open. That means understanding that some basic maintenance and repairs will happen. Things that should go right at the top of your list are draft repairs, window replacements, and HVAC servicing. You’ll save money on heating and cooling. Plus, you’ll be more comfortable when the cold weather arrives.

There May Be Cracks in the Walls or Floors

It is possible that there will be cracks in the walls or in the floors at all levels of the home. You may also notice cracks or fractures in the foundation itself that may be either relatively thin or are several feet deep. It is important to note that cracks in walls may also be a sign of a failing roof, so that may need to be inspected as well.

The Floors May Sag

When the foundation starts to settle, it can pull other parts of the house down with it. One sure sign that a foundation is not in good condition is when kitchen, bedroom or hall floors start to sag. In many cases, you will be able to notice a difference in elevation between one part of the floor and another.

You May See Gaps Around Frames

If you notice that there are gaps between doors and their frames or windows and their frames, it is likely a problem with the foundation. In addition to the problems that can be caused by a problematic foundation, gaps between windows and doors can allow pests or water to get into the house. It can also allow cold or hot air into a room, which can lead to expensive heating and cooling bills.

What Can You Do to Fix the Problem?

As soon as you discover that there are cracks or other issues with the foundation, it should be replaced. This may mean hiring a concrete cutting company that can get rid of the damaged portions and replace it with new concrete. In some cases, it may be possible to seal a foundation to make sure that it can stand up to water or other damage in the future.

The foundation is one of the most important components of a home. If it is damaged, it could put you and your entire family in harm’s way. Therefore, it should be inspected and repaired by a trusted service provider. If necessary, the entire foundation may need to be replaced for best results.

With the government banning the use and production of asbestos, a lot of danger has been eliminated from the urban homes. But for those with age old homes and several other areas, the danger of asbestos still looms. As the harmful carcinogenic properties are greatly ignored by people, there is dire need to get asbestos services in several homes. With continued usage of asbestos since ancient times, a lot of asbestos has been purged deep into the lands of the cities and that poses great health threats.

Why get asbestos removed?

Asbestos is not basically harmful when it is in a good form. But when it deteriorates, it starts posing threats to human health.  When the asbestos fibres disperse into the air, these enter the human body through inhalation. With extended exposure, there are risks of lung cancer or mesothelioma. Both these ailments are incurable and can be fatal. Recent studies even report the roleplay of asbestos in breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

How much would it cost?

To simply answer this question – An asbestos service costs a lot lesser than your life. Also, when you hire professionals to do the work, they will do the complete job right from set up to the clean up after the job is done. Asbestos removal contractor will take good money to set-up and clean-up and other minor tasks.

Depending on the scope and amount of risk involved in abatement and removal project, the contractor will give you a quote. You should get several quotes from varying asbestos service providers. There is not much harm if you leave asbestos untreated provided it is still in good condition. Should you take the abatement measurement or complete asbestos removal will depend on the degree of damage to the asbestos in your building. Through abatement, asbestos related health issues and legal worries will vanish. So, taking all these factors into consideration, you can ask the contractor to give you a quote.

Apart from the removal costs, there are always small costs of pre-inspection fees and labor of sample testing, cost of material, and other job pieces involved. Also, if you choose to go for asbestos abatement, it can cost you lesser than asbestos removal. Abatement measures, which includes sealing fibers or covering asbestos, are less costly and minimize health risks. But, the only demerit of abatement is that the asbestos that is still there and may deteriorate in future would ask ask for further care or removal after a few years. This will be costlier.

How to choose an asbestos service provider?

All your efforts and money are down the drain if the asbestos expert is not an experienced one. So, due care needs to be taken while choosing an asbestos service expert. Here are some tips for that:

• The professional must be licensed and trained by the state.
• The person should take samples to a certified asbestos testing lab that are not associated with the contractor.
• The quote offered by the licensed asbestos contractors should include the cost of clean-up, set-up, disposal, and labor and replacement materials.
• Check for the qualification proof, reputations and previous work references of the contractor.
• They should comply with federal laws and health regulations for safety and disposal.
• Make sure the area is re-inspected and re-cleaned after the asbestos removal procedure.
• You may choose to have re-inspection done by different contractor from the one who performed abatement or removal.
• Check if the contractor has insurance policies to cover the risks involved in the job.

With this, I conclude that you need to get asbestos services as soon as possible in your properties.

A clogged drain can cause serious trouble and disrupt your lifestyle like a nasty disaster, and in the even you realize that drain blockages have the nature of occurring happens when you least expect it. Drain pipe repair in such case becomes the inevitable necessity, and that too, on immediate basis. Before it runs serious havoc, it is important to know and understand the signs of upcoming drain repair.

The real key to drain problem is to sense the issue a little before they take the shape of annoying nuisance. You may wonder how one could possibly predict the drain blockage. Here are a few signs that you can learn to make sure you go for drain pipe repair in time.

Easy to spot: Clogged Drains

Drain repair and maintenance are two dreadful words for any common household and homeowners get frightened by sudden invasion of blocked drains. No matter how much you hate it, you will realize that anything hindering the normal healthy operations of your domestic plumbing system needs your careful attention. Clogged Drains is one such incident that requires your undivided focus.

The most obvious causes of blocked drains include compacted paper, grease, hair, organic materials like tree roots and leaves. You can clear them away with the help of common plumbing equipment like plunger. But in case it is a lot more challenging, you can always call an emergency plumber service.

Sluggish functioning of Drains

A complete clogging is not the only sign of drain problems. The trouble can be there even when water is still running through drain pipes. But if you notice water not moving fast down the drains, it means you have got a situation to handle. It is time for next drain pipe repair. If you think you are not good at investigating the issue thoroughly, you better contact a local plumber for further diagnosis and resolution. Skilled professionals can inspect the drain pipes and implement correct action for precise solution.

Dirty leaks

Leaks are quite obvious to observe and you can usually tell where it is coming from. Any drain pipe leakages provoke irritation since it is a source of dirty water and slow flooding. But there some leaks that are too tricky to find out and they require some art and expertise from plumbers. These subtle leaks will deceive you until you really notice unpleasant consequences.

Disgusting stinks

Malodor is a pretty strong sign that something has gone wrong with your drain pipes. It must be coming out of damaged drains that need obvious drain pipe repair. Sewage emits abysmal stink that makes your everyday living terrible. If this happens at your workplace, things can get really disturbing. This is where you are compelled to call a plumber for quick diagnosis and ultimate solution.

Using the camera techniques

Before anybody get their hands dirty to clean blocked drains, it is important to know what exactly happened inside. Some professional plumbing services are equipped with a video camera that captures the problem and show it on a screen. This inspection camera has digital locators that successfully catches the true picture of what is stuck inside the pipe.

Add Gutters and Downspouts

It’s a fair bet your primary home has a high-quality gutter and downspout system in place. Your cabin, however, is just as likely to have no system at all. Gutters and downspouts direct damaging rainwater away from your cabin’s exterior and foundation. This is especially crucial if you have a log cabin. Check to make sure the gutters or drains you do have are working properly, aren’t blocked up and are directed away from the foundation. Just a few simple checks can keep things safe for the year.

Rethink Landscaping

Maybe your cabin was landscaped by an award-winning professional, or maybe the plants and trees surrounding it began life at Arbor Day giveaways or school plant sale finds. Either way, they may be too close to your cabin. You need at least 18 inches of clearance between your cabin and bushes or tree branches. This will allow air to circulate and prevent the growth of damaging mold or mildew, as well as preventing tree branch falling or damaging the house.

Avoid Runoff

While digging out plants, create a gentle slope away from your cabin. This will direct water away from your walls and foundation. While you are at it, check your exterior window sills and replace any that don’t slope away from the building.This directs wind, snow and rain away from your cabin and better protects it from the elements.

Tackle Mold on Decks and Porches

Prevent rot by removing mold and mildew when you see it. Get deck cleaning solutions from the hardware store or make your own by adding 3 ounces of household bleach to a gallon of water.

Keep Your Propane Tank Cozy

If you use your cabin during the cold season, ensure your wintertime comfort by keeping your propane tank protected. Cold temperatures can reduce pressure and render your propane tank useless. A specially designed propane tank Powerblanket will prevent this and keep things running smoothly.  

Install a Ceiling Fan

If your cabin has a cooling system, you might not have thought about adding ceiling fans, but these can make your cooling system more efficient. As a bonus, they can make your heating system more efficient too. Just remember to flip the switch from the summer setting to the winter setting at the appropriate time.

Once you’ve made your repairs, you’ve earned a break. So sit back on your porch and sip a nice, cold drink while you enjoy the nature and solitude your cabin provides.

Watch the Warning Signs

Standing water, or mysterious puddles in your basement are an indicator you have water problems, but there are other warning signs that aren’t quite as obvious. Slow leaks may first appear as brownish rings on the ceiling, or peeling paint on your walls. A moldy or musty odor is an indication that water is entering the structure, but remaining hidden behind cabinets or other fixtures.

Head to the Attic

If you see evidence of a water leak along the ceiling or walls, then make a quick trip to the attic on a sunny day. Look for areas where sunlight is streaming through the roof, and you may find the source of your leak. Check for wet insulation or roof sheathing to see if you can pinpoint the leak. The most common areas are around headwalls, chimneys, and vents.

Check the Gutters

When water is coming in through the basement, the problem may actually lie with your gutters. If they’re overflowing with rainwater, then the water will be forced along your foundation. Over time, it will start to enter through small gaps in your basement walls.

Consider the Plumbing

There are times when the water puddling on your floor isn’t from an external source at all. Fresh water leaks can occur at any time, and can lead to massive amounts of damage if they aren’t addressed. Keep an eye on fresh water supply lines in the bathrooms and kitchen, as these are some of the most common sources for indoor water leaks.

Basement Leaks

One of the most difficult problems to address is problems with the basement walls. When water pressure outside builds up along the walls, it can force its way into the structure. In many cases, the water coming in cannot realistically be stopped, so the best solution is to work with it. In this situation, a specially designed drainage system and sump pump will effectively manage the water to prevent damage.

Water leaks should never be ignored, but you can turn to a professional company for assistance. Roofers know how to address problems with your shingles or flashing, and you can rely on a plumbing company like A Absolute Plumbing & Heating for help with fresh water leaks. If you suspect there are problems with your basement walls, then you’ll want to turn to an experienced waterproofing company for a viable and cost-effective solution.

1. Electrical Work

Electrical work should always be left up to professionals. One mistake with your home’s electrical system, and you could die or be seriously injured. Even if you seem to succeed at wiring electricity yourself, mistakes might lead to electrical fires. Often, home policies and building codes don’t give you a choice to do electrical work yourself anyway. Typically, a professional electrician is demanded.

2. Plumbing Projects

Some minor plumbing repairs such as replacing the mechanics in the back of your your toilet, or tackling moderately clogged drains are perfectly fine do-it-yourself projects. Projects such as tearing out your bathtub and replacing it with a new one, or upgrading your kitchen sink, should be undertaken by reliable experts. A bad DIY plumbing job could end up ruining your home with water damage.

3. Tree Removal

There’s a pesky tree threatening to tumble onto your roof and knock a hole open over your living room. Before you run outside with your chainsaw, stop, take a deep breath, and call a professional tree removal service. Trying to remove a tree yourself could end in personal injury, or structural damage to your home. Controlling the direction of a falling tree is not as easy as you may think.

4. Demolition and Building

Sure, it would be great if we could simply move walls around the interior of our house until everything is perfect, but maybe that wall you want to move is an integral part of your home’s structure. Before you tear into a wall with a sledgehammer, call a professional builder. While some walls are merely decorative, others literally keep a roof over your head.

5. Roof Repair

Too many homeowners are rushed to the hospital each year after climbing on their roofs and attempting repairs themselves. It may seem simple enough. There’s a hole in your roof, and it needs some patchwork to prevent further damage from weather. Before you drag out that ladder, call a professional roofer. Don’t spend your weekend in the emergency room.

6. Paving Driveways

Lots of homeowners make the common mistake of assuming installing beautiful paving stones is manageable without hiring help. In fact, installing paving stones is a meticulous process. It can go wrong quickly. Plenty of experts have mastered this art, and the results can be less than expected when attempting do it alone.

There are plenty of do-it-yourself tasks you can take on when remodeling your home. Working on your own home is certainly a rewarding endeavor, but some things require professionals. A home makeover can quickly become a costly nightmare for homeowners who should have left these tasks to the experts.

Informational credit to EZ Plumbing Inc.

Plumbing Parts Store

Do you know the best local plumping parts place? Doing a little research before needing one is advisable. Ask neighbors, research the internet and be sure to find out their store policies beforehand. That way, if you don’t have the parts or other supplies you need on hand, it will be easy to pick them up. Good parts stores can also be a wealth of sound advice and information when you need a little extra help.

Basic Tools

Most homes have a plunger or two, but while they may be all you need for the occasional mild drain back up, they may not be enough for more serious problems. There are some other useful basic tools, such as a pipe wrench that will tighten and loosen threaded pipes, nuts and fittings. You might also need tongue-and-groove pliers to hold, pull, twist, loosen or tighten things, and a hand auger tool for yanking out close to the surface clogs, and other uses. If you don’t have these tools, know where to get them, and ask neighbors what they may have available.

Drain Cleaners

It’s smart to have on hand baking soda and vinegar for simple clogs and drain re-freshening, or some other name brand drain cleaner for more difficult jobs. These cleaners can often quickly resolve a problem without having to spend extra money on parts or tools.

Supplies For Leaks And More

Epoxy putty and application tools are helpful in the event of a leak. A compound stick is good for small related repairs. Pipe patch kits, waterproof tape, backup toilet flanges and toilet mechanisms can all be real lifesavers to have in home supplies.

Know Your Home

If a water leakage issue arose, would you know where your water shutoff valve is? Determining that, and even drawing a diagram for future reference, can be critical in emergency situations. Also, refreshing your memory on basic sound plumbing practices can save a lot of future hassle.

Call Professionals

When all else fails and can’t fix the problem yourself, don’t hesitate to call professionals to take care of the rest. Sometimes, certain projects can be too complicated and very expensive if not done right the first time, and a professional can ensure the job is done well to give you peace of mind.

A little advanced planning can make a world of difference when life’s unexpected emergencies arise, and plumbing emergencies are no exception.

Informational credit to Hill Crest Plumbing & Heating.