Helpful Home Tips
Archive for September, 2009
A New Garage Door Can Save You Money!
How can a new garage door save you money?
Is your basement frigid during winter? Does your upstairs have cold floors? Are your heating bills through the roof? If you have an old wood door or an un-insulated garage door this could be one of the reasons why. Your garage door is this largest opening in your home’s exterior and if not properly sealed or insulated it is likely to be costing you money.
A wood door has an R-value of approx 2.00, an un-insulated metal door has an R-value of approx 1.00, a 2” thick fully insulated door has an R-value close to 7.00, and a 2” thick, two sided steel, insulated door can have an R-value close to 14.00. Since we are coming up on the winter season it is important to keep the heat from escaping. A new, high R-value door is a great investment in to the life of your home, it will yield years of trouble free operation, and help save on heating and cooling costs.
Aside from the door itself, you can save money during winter by keeping the cold air out of the garage. A good seal around the door and along the top and bottom will keep out the cold and pesky critters too. A proper seal can be purchased from many home improvement stores or you can have your garage door repair professional install upon request. The trim is called garage door stop trim, make sure to request one with the “rubber flap”. The trim is usually installed on a home with metal doors, but it can be installed on a home with wood doors also.
Now, on the other hand, during summer an insulated door is also very beneficial. If your door has direct sunlight beating down on it then you can greatly benefit from an insulated door. The insulation can greatly reduce the amount of the sun’s heat that is transferred through the door into your home’s interior.
To recap, an insulated is one of the most effective ways to save money this winter, but a good seal around the door can be priceless as well. Hope this helps you save money in the near future.
Post provided by – Garage Door Service Alpharetta GA.
When to replace or repair your garage door(s)?
When should you replace your garage door? Is the door rotten? Is it outdated? Is it in need of repair? Is it older than dirt? Or is it just plain ugly? These are all things to consider when it comes time to repair or replace your garage door.
For most of us the garage door is a major component on the front of our home. How it looks can greatly affect the curb appeal of your home. A new door can instantly update the face of your home, increasing curb appeal, increasing resale, and even reduce utility bills. A garage door system has what we will call: three main components. The first is the door itself, it may be made of wood, steel, aluminum (uncommon residentially), fiberglass, even copper and stainless steel. Second is the hardware, this consists of the springs, hinges, rollers, bearings, cables, pulleys, brackets, and other miscellaneous parts. Third is the garage door opener itself. The garage door sections are not a wear item, they only need to be replaced if they are damaged, rotten, or you just want an updated look. The hardware is usually rated for 10,000 door cycles and this equates to typically 7-10 years on a double door with two cars using it every day. If you have single doors then the hardware should last closer to 15 years.
Here are a few things to consider when weighing the option of repairing your existing door or replacing it altogether:
(1)If the door is more than fifteen years old and has damaged sections due to rot or it was backed into by a car, then it may be a good time to replace the door or at least get new door prices. This is due to the cost of the sections in conjunction with the cost of the inevitable broken parts in the near future would bring the repair possibly close to the cost of a new door.
(2)If the door is fifteen years old or older and has broken springs, worn rollers, and more parts that are worn due to use, but the sections are structurally sound, then it may be most cost effective to overhaul the moving parts. An overhaul replaces all the wear items on a garage door usually excluding the hinges. This repair typically will get the garage door running better than it did when it was originally installed. We hope this makes your garage door purchasing a little easier.
Post provided by – Garage Door Repair Canton GA.
Ear infections can be costly and painful for your dog or cat
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons that dogs and cats are taken to the veterinarian every year. Ear infections are a painful, smelly and unpleasant condition for everyone involved. If your dog or cat has ever had an ear infection you know that treatment can be time consuming, costly and sometimes very difficult.
There are many reasons that ear infections may occur. The ears of dogs and cats are very different than humans. Their ear canals have many grooves and turns that make it a great place for moisture, debris and ultimately infection to reside.
The best way that you can protect your dog or cat from ear infections is with routine ear cleansing. Whether your pet has an ear infection or not, routine cleansing is a major part of prevention and treatment. For pets without active ear infections, ear cleansing removes debris and moisture from the canal making it an unfavorable environment for bacteria or yeast to accumulate. In active ear infections, cleansing removes infected material and helps allow the prescribed ear medication to work.
There are many types of ear cleansers available today. It is important to balance the need for cleansing and soothing in these products. Products that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera are great for keeping the ear canal clean and healthy.
Post provided by - www.calmcoat.com – All Natural Dog, Cat & Horse Products.
All Natural Skin Care for your Dog or Cat:
Skin conditions are one of the most common reasons that cats and dogs are presented to their veterinarian. Itching, scratching, hair loss, scabs, crusts and excessive shedding are just a few of the side effects of dermatologic conditions that commonly affect pets.
When it comes to caring for your pet’s skin and coat there are many choices. The key ingredients are important and can provide great relief. In the face of severe skin disease most of the problem is often a direct result of deep skin inflammation. This leads to itching, scratching, hair loss and often extreme discomfort.
Many prescription therapies exist to help reduce the discomfort associated with skin disease in the dog and cat. Often these products are comprised of steroid compounds to reduce inflammation. While steroids are sometimes needed in the most severe cases, these medications are not without side effects.
For health conscious pet owners, an all natural approach to skin care is a great way to provide your dog cat or horse with the relief they deserve in a safe and effective way. Ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal, eucalyptus and vitamin E are excellent sources of all natural soothing and healing for skin and coat. These products are great in the face of skin disease or as a routine skin and coat care plan.
Post provided by – All Natural Skin Care Products for your Dog or Cat
Water Saving Shower Heads
You’ve reduced the amount of time you spend in the shower. You’ve replaced your leaky faucets in both your bathroom and kitchen. You even replaced your toilet that wasted too much water but yet, your water bill still seems to be very high. It may be time for a new shower head. Not just any shower head, you want to purchase a green shower head designed specifically to saving water.
The average person can save around 2 to 2.5 gallons per minute if they change from an older shower head to a more efficient low flow shower head. If you take two 10 minute showers per day on average – you can save 40-50 gallons of water each day. Over the course of a month that can add up to 1,500 gallons of water/per month saved per person in your household. A household of 4 individuals can save over 6,000 gallons of water per month or 72,000 gallons of water per year – WOW!!
A “water saving” shower head saves water by decreasing the water flow while at the same time keeping the water pressure high because the shower head will aerate the water so you keep the feeling of having excellent water pressure.
Changing your water head is not expensive at all; in fact, it can help you save money. Depending on the brand you choose, it is a very minimal investment. It can cost anywhere from $10-15. Once installed, you will start saving on your water bill right away.
Quick Tip: Does your shower water rise in temperature when you flush the toilet at the same time? All you have to do is lower the temperature of your water heater to around 120° F. When all else fails, simply contact a licensed plumber to install an anti-scald valve. This should do the trick for you.
Post provided by – Plumbers Lawrenceville GA.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Pests In Your Home
The first thing that often comes to mind when you think about store brand Pest Control products are pest control sprays and mouse traps. The best way to get rid of pests such as ants, spiders, roaches or mice is to contact a reliable pest control company. Hiring a pest control company is well worth the investment.
Even after getting your home professionally fumigated, you should get in the habit of practicing good housekeeping.
Pest-free House Keeping Tips!
First and foremost, make sure you keep a very clean house. It’s understandable that it can be a challenge to keep a clean house, especially when you have kids and you work a full-time job. Keep in mind; however, pests are attracted to messy homes and messy garages.
If you have carpeting throughout your home, make sure that you vacuum regularly. You will also want to clean out your refrigerator and ensure that your shelves are clean and any food containers are sealed properly. Make sure that everything in your pantry is also sealed properly and that your pantry is clean and free from any food particles that may be on the ground.
It may seem obvious but, keep your counter tops clean and free from debris. Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink and never leave food hanging out over night. On a regular basis, make sure you clean your kitchen counter tops and floors with a disinfectant spray.
Another area that can quickly attract pests is the area around your trash can. Make sure you always keep the area around the garbage can clean and that you take out the garbage regularly. If you keep your trash in a large cabinet drawer on under the sink, you need to be especially diligent to keep the area around your trash can clean.
Lastly, keep your attic and basement free from clutter. It is a good idea to store items in the basement and attic in sealed plastic containers. The cleaner you keep your home, the less likely you will find unwanted pests in your home.
Post provided by – Pest Control Service Brandon FL.
Steps to Keep Your Pool Well Maintained
Your pool area is probably the main location where you, your family and guest relax and have fun during the hot summer months and here in Sarasota, most people can use their pool almost year round. In order to keep your pool in tip-top condition, there are a few pool maintenance tips for you to remember.
Keep Your Swimming Pool Sparkling Clean
Invest in a water testing kit to ensure your pools chlorine levels, total alkalinity and pH are kept within a safe level. It is recommended to test the water in advance prior to use to ensure its safe to swim.
Make sure you use a skimmer to get rid of obvious debris, for example, leaves, tree branches, bugs and dirt that can build up in the water. Don’t forget to vacuum and brush and vacuum the walls of your pool including the floor in order to get rid of any additional debris. To make your job a lot easier, you might want to use an automatic cleaner or consider a reputable swimming pool service to maintain your pool.
If your pool is not going to be in use for some time – consider using a pool cover to keep the water clean. A pool cover will protect your pool from harmful bacteria, debris and dirt. Most of the steps included in this post will not take up too much of your time and they will keep your pool in good condition. By following these tips, the next time you want to go for a swim your water will be clean and your pool will be in great condition.
Post provided by – Pool Service Company Sarasota FL.
Home Security: Is Your Home A Target for Criminals?
So, you haven’t heard of any major crimes in your neighborhood. So, you ease up a little when it comes to home security. Especially during the summer months, you tend to become a little more lenient when it comes to security – you leave a window or two open. You leave your garage door open once in a while. You even leave the house for a few hours without setting the alarm. In reality, you’re only making a criminal’s job a lot easier.
What is on the mind of a robber prior to breaking into a home? In many cases, criminals choose their targets carefully. Criminals usually do not use a lot of force in order to break into a house. Remember, most criminals are well skilled in their craft.
Whether you live in a low crime area or not, make sure your home’s security is top priority 24-7. The first thing you need to do in order to protect you and your family is to strengthen your home security by making your home look “highly secured”.
A home that is well maintained and secured will become less of a target for robbers. One way to discourage criminals from breaking into your home is to make sure your property is well lit at night. A home that has proper lighting is more of a threat to thieves and most well lit homes will be passed over for an easy target.
If you are a stay at home mom, don’t leave the garage door open as you take a little one for a walk during the day. Just take your garage door opener with you. You never know who is watching you leave your home.
Also, make sure that your property is well landscaped and your shrubs are well pruned. If you have dense or tall shrubs around windows, you are giving a thief a perfect place to hide while they work their way in through a window.
Hopefully, these tips will help you make your home less of a target and provide a more secure home for both you and your family to live in.
Post provided by – Security Guards Columbus & Atlanta GA.
Helpful Winter Landscaping Tips
Many homeowners think of landscaping only during the spring, summer and the first few weeks of the fall. However, there are several benefits to maintaining your landscape during the winter season. For one, you can save a considerable amount of money on your heating bill each month. You can actually decrease the cost of your fuel up to 30%.
All you have to do is place windbreaks around your home to prevent wind from blowing directly at your house. Trees and plants can help insulate your house enough to decrease the cost of your fuel.
Trees and shrubs that have a low crown make perfect windbreaks. If you want to direct the cold wind over your home, consider planting an evergreen. Make sure you do not plant along the south side of your house because you want to allow the sun to heat up your house as much as possible.
Another consideration is to plant tall plants. Tall plants should be approximately a foot from your house. Blocking the cool winter winds from pounding your house will help keep more of the heat in your home.
The same trees and shrubs that help block the winter winds will also help you reduce your cooling costs in the summer. The trees and shrubs that are keeping the cool winter winds from blowing directly at your home will also block some of the direct sunlight in the summer time which will help reduce your cooling cost.
Maintaining your landscape not only increases your homes curb appeal but, it can help you with your utility bills as well.
Post provided by – Atlanta Landscaping Contractor.
Determining Hail Damage on Your Roof
When determining hail damage, the key is to know the difference between typical hail damage vs. wear and tear. This is especially important when filing an insurance claim. Insurance companies require their adjusters to identify specific damage caused by a hail storm vs. normal wear and tear.
Hail damage usually contains markings or bruises on one side of a roof and the damage is normally in the direction of the wind. The damage is normally a shade darker than the shingles of the roof.
If lighter markings appear on your roof, this generally means that lichen or algae have been knocked off the roof. Therefore, the shingles haven’t been damaged.
Additionally, improper roof installation techniques like nails pushing upward and even manufacturing flaws in shingles are usually misconstrued for hail damage.
With hail damage, you can usually wait a few weeks prior to getting it repaired only if your roof isn’t leaking. If your roof is leaking, don’t hold off getting it repaired, get it repaired immediately.
The surefire way of determining if your roof has been damaged due to a hail storm is to hire an experienced roof contractor. A experienced roof contractor will thoroughly inspect your roof and determine whether or not your roof has hail damage. A good roofing contractor will also work directly with your insurance adjuster to make sure the adjuster sees all of the damage and collateral damage to things like your gutters, you deck and any other possible places that have been hit by hail.
Post provided by – Roofing Hail Damage Claims Alpharetta GA.