Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Bring Functionality And Beauty Back To Your Home Through Chimney Restoration



Chimney restoration should be something you consider when you are thinking about performing maintenance on your home. Too often, people focus on things like windows or how the exterior looks. As a result, they fail to properly take care of their chimney and fireplaces.

The exterior part of your chimney is of particular importance. In most situations, the chimney is comprised of bricks along with surrounding flashing in order to keep water away from the chimney itself. Many chimneys, as they begin to age, will see the mortar between the bricks begin to deteriorate.

This means that not only is the integrity of the structure being compromised, but it simply won't look as nice. In addition, your chimney falling apart on the exterior of the home could lead to additional problems such as water getting in around the chimney where it shouldn't be. So it's important to have your chimney inspected and then restored.

Another option to restore it to proper working order is to reline the flue of your chimney. This is particularly important because the flue works to remove the gas omitted by the fire from your home. The gas produced by fire isn't healthy to be inhaled in large amounts, which is why the flue helps to guide this air out of the home. Making sure that your flue is in good working order and having it restored if it isn't will keep your home healthy and safe.

Chimney restoration is important to keep your chimney functioning properly, not only because it will keep it looking good, but also to keep your home secure. So if you have a chimney and haven't paid it any attention, it's time to see if it needs restoration.

If you have any questions, reach out to an expert in chimney repairs in Los Angeles.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Home and Business Roofing

We were so pleased with the work that our contractor did on the roof of our home, we were really excited to use them again when we needed some roofing help on our commercial building! They were excited to help too, as they had just recently started the commercial side of their business. Apparently, commercial roofing in Mason MI requires a lot of different skills than residential roofing, but their team of professionals is able to handle it all! Our commercial roof looks and functions beautifully, and we're happy to know it will keep us safe and last us for years to come.

Fencing for it All

Some may invest in a fence for security, some may get one to protect their pets or children, and some probably want a fence simply to improve the look of their home. Me? I wanted a fence that would do all of these things! Fences in Warsaw IN should be multipurpose in my opinion, so when I hired a professional contractor in our area, I wanted to select a fencing material that would look nice and be sturdy. I'm very happy with the way our fence turned out, it's been a couple of years and it still looks brand new!

Productive Work Environment

It's nearly impossible to expect your staff to be productive when rain is dripping on their heads! This was the reality of our office, after our roof suffered some damage and rain water started to leak through the roof during a heavy storm. I knew that something needed to be done immediately. We evacuated the building and i called a company that specializes in commercial roofing in Jackson MI. They were able to repair the damage to the roof, and even offered me a great deal to replace the roof in a few years. We will definitely call them when the time comes!

Friday, April 21, 2017

Shabby Roof

I have a lot of trees around my home and oftentimes, my roof can look pretty shabby because of fallen branches, etc. I called my local Roofing Maintenance Leesburg VA and they did such a great job that I now have them come out on a regular basis!

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Spring and Summer is the Best Time for Chimney Restoration and Repair



For the most part, the heating season is behind us, and homeowners are cleaning up their fireplaces and won't give them another thought until they are needed in the fall. But if you have a need for chimney restoration or repair, this is the time to do it.

If your chimney needs some brick or mortar repair, then spring and summer is the optimal time to do it. Not only are chimney companies more available, but some repairs, such as replacing bricks and mortar, or filling cracks, should be done when the weather is warm and dry.

Maybe you're not sure if your chimney is in good shape, but you have seen issues, such as cracks or water in the firebox that make you wonder if you have a problem. You probably shouldn't wait until fall for an inspection, because it might be too late to get repairs done by then.

A reputable chimney repair company or chimney sweep in Mechanicsburg PA will not only come and clean the chimney so it's ready to go at the first sign of cooler temperatures, but they can give it a thorough inspection too. Specialty equipment such as video inspections can give a clear view of the condition of the chimney from the fireplace all the way up to the roof. And if they do find an issue, it's always best to take care of it sooner rather than later, because little problems often turn into major issues in a short time period.

Just because winter is over, doesn't mean you can forget about your chimney. For many chimney repairs, spring and summer is the best time to have the work done.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Love at First Site

I found a home that I fell in love the moment I saw it. It seemed too good to be true but Home Inspections New Canaan CT assured me that they did not find anything wrong! I suggest you give them a call because they were incredibly thorough and did an excellent job.

Paint My Home

I was giving the exterior of my home a long over due face lift. While working through my list of things to do,  I called Fascia Painting La Mirada CA. They were helpful and efficient; I suggest you give them a call!

Adding On

I love my home and it's location. I'm near family and friends and only have a ten minute commute to work. I'll admit, I got my home at a steal but I'm starting to need more room because my fiance is moving in. We figured we might as well just add on!

I called Home Additions Mclean VA and they did a GREAT job!

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Plumbing Service: Inspection

Plumbing problems always make themselves known. The main question for a homeowner is if the problem is discovered early or late. Early discovery leads to the easiest repair, least expense, and least life disruption. A routine inspection plan can pay in money and in convenience.

Initial Inspection

A good home inspector will look at plumbing and note obvious visible issues. For an older home or a home in an older neighborhoods, consider using a professional plumber for an in-depth inspection. A plumber can simply go into more depth.

Two notable items for pre-purchase inspection are system pressure and sewer. By measuring system pressure, a plumber can spot a serious problem in a house that appears to have normal flow. A qualified local plumber will also have good knowledge of the local sewer system and can advise if a pre-purchase camera inspection should be performed.

Routine Inspection.

A routine plumbing inspection should be part of a house maintenance routine. Schedule it twice per year. The focus will be leaks associated with piping, fixtures, and water attached appliances.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to a Milwaukee WI plumbing service.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

How to Tell if You Need Chimney Repair


Many homeowners aren't familiar with their chimneys. That can make it tough to figure out when  you might need chimney repair or service. Here are a few signs to look out for. If you see these, you may need repair or a chimney sweeping in Hampstead NC. 

Shaling or Spalling

Shaling occurs when the flue tile begins to break off. If you see thin slices of chimney tile in the hearth, it's a sign that your flue lining is damaged. The flue lining must remain intact for the fireplace to be used safely. A damaged flue lining may lead to a house fire. A chimney sweep should inspect your flue liner and make sure there are no signs of damage.    

Spalling causes bits of masonry to break off outside the chimney. Moisture that penetrates masonry will force the surface of the concrete, stone or brick to peel, flake off, or pop out. Left unchecked, spalling will eventually cause the chimney to collapse.

Rust

Rust on your damper or firebox is a clear sign of too much moisture in the chimney. Rust points to a larger issue, so a professional chimney sweep should examine your chimney as soon as possible.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

A Yard with a Fireplace is the Place to Be

I wanted a chill spot for friends and family to get together and enjoy one another company. I'll admit that I was envious of my neighbors fire pit so I asked them who I should call. My neighbor suggested Outdoor Fireplaces Burleson TX so I gave them a call!

Needless to say, I can see why my neighbor suggested them! They did a fantastic job!!

Get Out and Fix Your Fence

We hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather we've had over the past week. As we start to spend more time outside, we may notice a few things that need some fixing throughout our yard. Fences are no exception to this. Winter weather can take a toll on your fence. That's why now is a great time to make any necessary fixes so your fence is looking the best it can. Here are some tips provided by a Summerfield NC wood fence expert.
  • Pressure washers are a great way to clean a wooden fence. They can get rid of hard to remove stains and allow you to wash a large area relatively quickly.
     
  • If you're going to paint or stain your fence after washing it, make sure you allow time for your fence to completely dry before applying paint or stain.
  • If you are tired of cleaning and maintaining your fence every year, consider vinyl fencing. Vinyl tends to require the least maintenance.
     
  • If you're going to complete any big changes or upgrades to your fence, make sure you check in with your HOA to make sure your plans follow all codes and standards.

Does Your Building Need a New Elevator?

A common theme I've seen popping up across cities in America is turning old warehouses into apartments. This seems to be really popular in Baltimore Maryland, a place that used to house a ton of industry and is now moving away from that. These old warehouses are being turned into some great living living spaces with a lot of room for tenants.

However, this transition isn't always easy. These buildings are very old, and that means it can be tough making sure they fit all of today's standards and codes. One area we see this a lot is with elevators. These old warehouses tend to have big freight elevators that may not be up to apartment living standard. That's why it's important to make sure your elevator is up to standards. If you think this applies to you, reach out to an expert in elevator modernization in Baltimore MD.

Monday, April 3, 2017

A New Chimney Liner: Best Practices

Some safety and performance issues with fireplaces may be fixed by relining the chimney. During yearly chimney cleaning in Hawaii, chimney liners are inspected for structural defects that can cause fires or escaping gases. If the homeowner is finding pieces of broken clay in the fireplace, or an inspection reveals cracks in the clay, or there is evidence on inspection of flue gas cooling, a new liner is in order.

If the fireplace is performing poorly, a new wood burning stove or fireplace insert can be installed. If installed into an older fireplace, a new liner is recommended. The usual clay liner is 8 by 12 inches in diameter, and the new appliances use a 6 inch diameter flue.

Clay liners can fail due to the effects of the acids in creosote, thermal shock, normal aging, and deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles. If the brick or rock chimney is in good shape, but the clay tile liner is failing, relining with a stainless steel liner is a good option.

Before a new liner is placed, masonry should be repaired and the old clay liner removed. It is critical at this point to remove all old creosote. If it's left in place, it will vent back into the living space when it burns and the new liner is in place.

Stainless steel liners should meet UL Standard 1777 and be listed on the materials. They come in both flexible and rigid forms, and they should have some type of insulation in place. They have specific terminations for top and bottom of the chimney.

New liners also can be poured into place, around a flexible rubber bladder; the cement-like material has insulation incorporated. While more expensive, the poured in place new liner is preferred for historic and heritage buildings.

Some best practices for chimney restoration are available from your chimney experts, so be sure to contact your local provider for more information.

Chimeny Sweeping: Do You Know When It's Necessary?



Unlike most home repairs, there is no set guideline of how to tell if you need to have your chimney swept. Though you may not be able to identify distinguishing characteristics of a dirty chimney as a homeowner, there are a few instances when you should always call your local chimney sweep to clean out the gunk.

For example, moving to a new home... Regardless of how clean the previous tenants may have kept the property, there's a good chance that the chimney didn't get cleaned before they moved out. Burning fires on a regular basis while a chimney is dirty not only impacts the air quality in your home, but also the safety of the chimney itself. When a chimney is clogged with creosote buildup after a few seasons of regular fires, the buildup can ignite, sparking a chimney fire.

Start your life in your new home on a clean foot and get the chimney swept.We suggest you call Chimney Sweep NYC today!

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Chimney Inspection: Putting Safety First

Your chimney is more than architectural detail on your rooftop. It is there to remove dangerous flue gases from your furnace, fireplace or wood stove, keeping your indoor air clean and breathable. As a vital component in the anatomy of your home, it's important to ensure it is functioning properly at all times, not only to keep your air safe, but to eliminate the potential for a chimney fire that could severely damage or even destroy your home!

Chimney fires occur from the buildup of creosote within the lining of the chimney. They can be very explosive, hot and loud, or slow-burning and insidious. Even when detected quickly, they burn so hot that they can cause severe damage to the chimney itself and to nearby combustible parts of your home.

Don't take chances with your home and safety, call for an inspection and chimney repair in Hampstead NC. Maintain one of the hardest working parts of your home -- your chimney.