Is your home ready for hurricane season? Sometimes people think that because they have not been through one in a while or they have heard the season is expected to be mild that they do not have to worry about it. Remember that it only takes one storm to destroy a home (or many homes). That does not mean you should be freaked out about hurricane season. You should just be prepared. Here are some tips for preparing your home for the season that do not require a major construction project to handle. Hurricane Preparedness Tips Look at your insurance…
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When considering the purchase of manhole covers, it is important to consider he long term durability to get the most value. High-quality composite manhole systems have a life expectancy over 30 years and require little maintenance. Contrary to this, cast iron systems require a significant amount of maintenance and will not last a full 30 years. Replacement of these systems needs to be figured into the total cost when comparing the two options. While some may be concerned with the safety of using composite over cast iron, fully traffic rated covers can withstand weight 30% higher than the current weight…
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Air conditioners are a way of life for most Americans, with over 68% of homes having one installed. While most recognize the value of good maintenance, few realize just how crucial it can be. Poorly maintained or faulty air conditioning and fan equipment was the cause of as much as 35% (2,500 out of 7,200) fires in the years between 2006 and 2010; a further 7% (500 of 7,200) resulted from broken heat pumps. Despite the need for such maintenance, only just more than 40% of owners make use of annual regular air conditioning services. Regular maintenance has other benefits…
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Research shows that most American households experience frequent leaks that can cost homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damages and water loss. Up to 35% of residential toilets experience some form of leakage, although most of it goes unseen. Even something as inconspicuous as a leaky pipe or faucet can waste hundreds or thousands of gallons of water per year depending on the frequency and severity of the drip. Estimates suggest that the average leaks a household experiences contributes to over 10,000 gallons of wasted water — this is enough water to run 270 loads of laundry. Finding…
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General Contracting Green is the buzzword in virtually every aspect of home building and upkeep. From environmentally conscious building practices to choosing the greenest household cleaners, it has become increasingly easier to make smarter choices for a healthier planet. However, there are still many areas that need attention, and roofing solutions is one of them. Even the greenest of general contractors can neglect roofing as a part of a sustainable building plan. While solar panels have gained traction as a viable alternative to conventional power sources, they are often the only attention given to improving the environmental impact of the…
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The scum of the earth prey on hardworking, honest citizens. FBI statistics from 2013 show that there were 1.9 million burglaries across reported across the nation which resulted in property losses of $4.5 billion. Criminals don’t stop at stealing possessions as all too often they rob families of happiness, peace of mind, and loved ones in too many cases. Protect yourself from the worst of our kind: make sure your home is secure with these four steps. Modern Security The police do what they can to protect law abiding citizens, but they are respondents and not every home has a…
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Humans have become increasingly adept at mastering our environment. While we may still be miles away from developing a weather dominator as depicted in GI Joe, modern heating and air conditioning systems keep our homes comfortable no matter what mother nature might bring. Here are a few tips to maintain a reliable heating and air conditioning system in your own home. Proper Maintenance Anyone Can Do Like any machine, a heating and air conditioning system requires regular maintenance to work properly. Air filters should be changed on units frequently; experts suggest doing so every three months or whenever the filter…
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Most of us don’t have to spend a lot of time thinking about what happens after we flush our toilets; the 730,887 Americans who work for the 104,852 plumbing and sewage companies across our nation do that thinking for us. Unfortunately, sewer-related issues can cost American households hundreds if not thousands of dollars if left unchecked due to leaks. Here are some ways to make sure your lines are clear and functional. The Sources of Sewer Problems Up until the 1980s, sewer lines consisted of clay piping that was durable, but corrosive over time. These pipes have a typical lifespan…
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Installation of hardwood floors continues to be popular over the years due to their numerous benefits. One of its main benefits is that they are easy to maintain. Cleaning a hardwood floor overlay is simple; you either sweep or vacuum it. People with allergies will be glad that stains and dirt do not adhere to it because they are not trapped there as they would be on the carpet. Hardwood floors won’t easily fade so they will maintain their color for many years. Another advantage is that the most common wood flooring has unique natural patterns and comes in various…
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Count to 13. In the time it took you to count to 13, one home intrusion took place. One every 13 seconds, according to research. With statistics like that it is little wonder that security is core concern for most Americans. And while home security systems can play a significant role in keeping your home safe, there are other aspects that are often overlooked in assessing the overall safety and security of home beyond just safeguarding against crime. Steel windows, for example, can play a role in keeping you and your loved ones safe from burglars and from weather phenomena.…