Wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds are part of nature and can be wonderful to observe. However, they can be troublesome and threaten our health and safety when these creatures invade our property and home. Unwelcome vermin can spread disease, cause structural damage, and inflict bodily injury to humans and pets. Here are some signs that you may have wildlife inhabitants and helpful tips to avoid infestation.
Due to shifting soil, water issues, and normal settlement, most foundations will crack. There are different kinds of foundational cracks and varying causes. Once you understand the type of cracks you have and the underlying cause, you'll be better able to repair them to protect your home.
There are two basic types of foundational cracks. They are horizontal and vertical cracks that differ in causes and severity.
The direction the front of your home faces will determine the amount of sunlight it receives which has an impact on many elements of your home. There are four types of exposures: Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western. One is not necessarily better than the other but there are advantages and disadvantages to all.
Ventilation provides air circulation crucial to protecting your roof and other structural areas of your home. The attic and crawlspace are two of the most important areas for air to flow freely from the ground to the roof. However, these areas can get easily overlooked because we rarely check the attic or crawlspace for any problems. With the proper installment of vents in your attic and crawlspace, you can guard against the buildup of excessive moisture that can lead to damaging mold growth, unhealthy air, and other hazards. The following are specific reasons why attic and crawlspace ventilation are vital.
Valentines Day means romance and nothing creates an air of romance more than candles. Although candles are great for creating warmth and romance, accidental ignition can lead to property damage, injury, or even death without proper adherence to fire safety. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), thousands of home fires due to candle-burning accidents are reported each year and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that most of candle fires can be avoided by following basic safety rules. Keep your home safe by practicing these simple candle safety tips.
It’s important to know how to tell when you have a plumbing problem so that you can address small issues before they become bigger ones. When pipes are left unchecked over time, some common occurrences are exuberant water bills, permanent water damage, the spread of harmful mold, and bursting pipes and sewer lines. The following are some things to look for to tell if you have a plumbing issue that needs attention.
Although we may pay attention to maintenance and safety needs inside the house, outside hazards such as falling tree limbs, mold, infestations, and foundation issues can get overlooked, leading to costly repairs and possible injury. Here are some common risks to look for and tips for keeping your exterior property safe.
Before you move into the home of your dreams, you'll need to decide what type of mortgage will work best for your financial needs. One type is an adjustable-rate mortgage, also called an ARM. What is an ARM? We’ll explore this kind of loan so that you can decide if it’s right for you. An adjustable-rate mortgage or ARM is a home loan with an interest rate that adjusts over time. These rates are governed by benchmarks such as the U.S. Treasury and are influenced by economic conditions and your credit score. These are unlike a fixed-rate mortgage which keeps the same interest rate and payment for the life of the loan.
Well-functioning gutters are essential for reducing potential damage to your foundation. Gutters direct rainwater off your roof and away from your foundation reducing the potential for damages caused by ponding water. It's important to clean your gutters regularly to avoid becoming clogged which could lead to avoidable costly repairs. In cold climates, clogged gutters can cause ice dams allowing water to seep up and under roof shingles. Here are some gutter-cleaning tips and safety measures to keep your gutters in good health while also protecting you from injury.