DIY Residential Drain Cleaning

Start With Natural Methods
It's always best to start with natural drain cleaning methods, such as that of using a drain snake. With a drain snake, you can insert the device down into the drain and use it to pull out debris that might be causing a clog, such as hair. Natural drain cleaning methods are better and safer on your home's plumbing system than harsh cleaners, so start here and only move onto chemical drain cleaners if this step doesn't work.

DON'T Use the Wrong Cleaner
If you do need to resort to trying a chemical drain cleaner, make sure to carefully read the label before you buy. Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home's plumbing system, certain cleaners might not be safe on your pipes or drain and may actually cause more harm than good, if you're not careful.

For more information, check out Water Quality Problems in Durham NC.

Summer Maintenance Checklist!

In the midst of Summer, you may be relaxing and not paying attention to the home maintenance tasks that need to be accomplished during this hot season. Give your home a little TLC! Here are some essential tasks to assuring your home does its job to keep you cool:

1. Get your roof in shape by fixing any holes that may allow for leaks. Whether you have residential or commercial roofing in Grand Ledge MI, it's best to contact a professional to evaluate the status of your roof.
2. Install energy-saving windows and doors! This will reduce your carbon footprint and help you save money on your HVAC bills, which tend to spike when the weather's extreme (which it certainly can be June-September).
3. Re-pave your driveway. Summer is the best time to tackle this project, because the newly laid concrete cracks much less than in other months.

For more Summer task ideas, stay tuned for another blog post coming soon!

What Goes Into Building A Custom Home

Building a custom home has its benefits compared to the typical home you see from neighborhood to neighborhood. While your home might be the unique unit on the block, there a few different steps that go into the building and design process than you might suspect.

The building time that goes into a custom home varies compared to a typical cookie-cutter design. Getting a building permit can take time based on the geographic location of your future home. For a manufactured home, they are built to meet a national code. Building a custom home gives you flexibility to adhere to local building codes so you can build any type of home in different areas. And of course with a custom home, you get to be a part of the design process.

For more on the build process, check out Best Construction Management Software for Builders.

Match Your Bathroom to Your Personality!

Remodeling your bathroom can be a daunting task. It's important to remember that along with the difficult reconfiguration of the inner workings of your bathroom comes the chance to redecorate to create a space that reflects your unique personality. The first thing you should do is think about your interests. Are you luxury loving? If so, try installing gold hardware and marble tiles. Passionate about Mother Nature? Choose a shower head that feels like rainfall and an aromatherapy diffuser. If you're more logical and simple, purchase a no-frills shower kit to easily install. There are lots of different ways to customize a new bathroom, but the only way to know you're doing it correctly is to contact a professional in bathroom remodeling in Milwaukee WI.

Tips for Current Fence Owners

Our last post focused on tips and info when buying or starting a fence project. However, we also want to make sure we provide helpful info to current fence owners. After all, it's important to perform regular maintenance and upkeep of your fence. Here are some painting tips provided by an expert in fence installation in Murfreesboro TN.

• How often you need to paint your fence is largely dependent on where you live. If you notice rain soaking into your fence instead of beading up, it's likely time to repaint or seal your fence.
• Painting tip: Make sure you check the weather and the forecast doesn't call for strong winds or precipitation.
• Looking to improve your landscaping? Consider painting your garden fence black to make the green shrubbery stand out more.

Thinking of Adding a Fence? Here Are Some Tips

We hope everyone's summer is going well! With all the time you spend outdoors during the summer and fall, you may be thinking of adding a fence to your yard. We want to help make the decision process easy by providing some helpful info and tips. These were provided to us by experts in fencing in Pequannock Township NJ.

• Be sure to contact your zoning department before starting on any fencing project. Depending on where you live, you may have specific codes you need to follow that pertain to your fence.
• Keep in mind that your fence can have just as much of an impact on  your neighbors. Consider consulting your neighbor to make sure they're fine with your fence project.
• What type of fence you choose should be determined by the purpose you want the fence to solve. For example, a security fence should be tall with spiky tops and smooth outer face to deter climbing.

Purchasing a New Commercial Roofing System

Did you know that 85% of all flat roofing systems are installed with modified bitumen? Contractors often fool customers by promising 15-year materials and actually showing up with 10-12 year materials. It's important to do your research before blindly agreeing to a product. Be sure to ask for the materials receipt upon its delivery. Don't forget to ask the contractor if  they are a "Manufacturer’s Certified Installer" of the materials they're delivering. After they install the roofing, your contractor will probably suggest putting a silver asphalt base reflective coating over everything to block sun damage to the new roof. Make sure they have enough coating to cover everything, and confirm the rate per square foot they'll charge for applying it. For more information on Commercial Roofing in Charlotte MI, contact a local professional commercial roofer. 

Stainless Steel Gutters: Worth the Investment?

Stainless steel is popular for its ability to resist corrosion through the harshest of environments. Choosing this material for your gutters can be expensive, but saves you money and headaches down the road. Stainless steel will remain strong for decades, as long as you hire a professional to install them properly. Aside from their unbeatable durability, they also shine for years, adding aesthetic value to your home. And perhaps the best part of all: no rusting! To decide whether or not investing 2-3 times more money for durable and attractive gutters is worth it, contact a professional in installing gutters in Richmond VA today!

What You Need To Know About Home Remodeling

Planning to remodel your home? Bear in mind that remodeling is governed by your local laws and may not be as easy as you want it to be. Before remodeling, you have to look into local laws and regulations. Zoning restrictions will confirm where and what you're allowed to build. You should also check your local building permits requirements. In certain areas, you might need a new permit to install a new light switch! It just depends on your area, so you should definitely be aware of these restrictions so you don't get fined. Contact a contractor who has up to date information and if you need waterproofing in MClean VA, click the link for professional help.

Spend Summer Not Worrying About Your House

When you're planning a vacation the last thing you want to worry about is if someone might break into your house.

You can install video surveillance cameras around your house to deter intruders from entering because they see the cameras and know they're being filmed. A burglar is looking for easy targets, so with all your doors and windows locked and cameras on your house, they might choose a different location. You should also inform your alarm company that you plan on leaving for an extended period of time. They will be aware of this and know if anything seems suspicious while you're gone. If you need video surveillance in MT Kisco NY, contact professionals by clicking the link to get them installed.

Inspect Your Roof

Be a smart homeowner and check your roof every year to make sure it's in good condition. Here are something to check on your roof every year:

• Gutters: Make sure the gutters are clean and clear of all leaves and debris
• Roof overhangs: Make sure the paint isn't peeling off the roof overhangs because this indicates that there is too much moisture
• Roof surface: You want to make sure there are no cracks or damages on the surface of your roof because this can cause leakage 

If you notice your roof is having problems, contact roof replacement in Westport CT to talk to a professional about remodeling.

Other Uses For Roofing Shingles

When you hire a contractor to build you a new roof, there is likely excess roofing that wasn't used during the process. So, what should you do with the excess bundles of shingles. Here are some options:

• Use them as roof material for smaller projects like a bird house, gazebo, dog house, or shed. 
• Save some excess for repairs on your roof in the future. Anything can happen to your roof, so it's best to always be prepared for disasters. 
• Get creative and use it to create kitchen utensils like wooden spoons.  

If you need a roof inspector or have any questions about roofing, contact a roof inspector in Sarasota FL. 

How To Repair A Torn Carpet

Carpet adds coziness and color to any room, but can get a lot dirtier than traditional wooden or tile floors. Torn carpets can be extremely aggravating and costly to repair. Furniture can be dragged on it, cats can scratch at it and wear and tear is bound to happen. There are multiple ways to fix this issue. If you don't feel comfortable completing this task yourself, contact professional flooring in Chesapeake VA. Here are some ways you can fix a torn carpet:

• Use carpet tape to measure exactly where the tear is
• Use a carpet knife to help you cut straight and neat 
• Make sure you have the right carpet so it matches your existing carpet 

Flagstone Options For Your Yard or Patio

Not all flagstone patios are created equally. There is different flagstone shapes, sizes, and prices you can choose from. Flagstone refers to the general aesthetic and shape of landscaping rocks, not an actual geological rock. Irregular shaped flagstone gives patios a more natural, authentic feel to them. There is also uniform flagstone which is more mortar and is best used if you are looking for a more formal patio. If you are looking for flagstone in Keller TX, contact a professional to help you decide on the right flagstone for your patio.

Why Is My Paint Peeling Off?

Chipped paint isn't pretty, that's for sure. But, why is your paint chipping off your house and walls? There are multiple reasons for this, including:

• Too much humidity
• Water damage
• If the wall wasn't properly cleaned or if primer wasn't used before painting 
• If the wrong type of paint was used

If you need fascia painting in Downey CA, contact a professional for the best results and to make your house stand out.

The Importance of Elevator Modernization

Getting stuck in an elevator is everyone's worst nightmare. Not only is it terrifying, but it deters people from visiting your property once word spreads that people were trapped in one of its elevators. Elevator Modernization in Washington DC can help to keep your elevator running properly and prevent unscheduled major breakdowns. It is much better in the long run to proactively fix your elevators as opposed to resulting in Band-Aid solutions in a crisis.

Add Charm To Your Fence With Plants

Flowers will add that extra charm to a traditional fence and serve the purpose to soften even the severest chain link fencing. Here are a few that will make your fence pop:

• Roses - An all time favorite of everyone. They add so much color and fragrance to your yard and are worth the initial time investment to get them bloomed. 
• Honeysuckle - Honeysuckle will add those beautiful gold, red and pink colors with an amazing scent to brighten up your fence and lawn. 

If you need a new fence, contact commercial fencing in Madison MS. 

Practicality of Chiropractic

Specialists of chiropractic apply a delicate, directed development to the limited joints to enhance movement of the body's spinal segment and furthest points, in this way improving nerve work. This exceedingly controlled method is known as a chiropractic alteration. 

Back agony is among the most widely recognized explanations behind specialist visits. Around 80 percent of Americans will experience the ill effects of this condition sooner or later amid their lives. Regardless of whether you're as of now experiencing back torment or not, make chiropractic a piece of your well-being way of life and have your spine checked for joint dysfunctions. Contact a professional, reputable chiropractor in Glen Burnie MD if you are having back pain. 

Can Your Home Have a Roof Garden?

Roofs are a beautiful spot to grow some fresh veggies and fruits during the summer. If you live in a house where space may be limited, don't let that put a damper on your dreams of having a roof garden. To start a fresh garden on your roof, first check your local laws to be sure you don't need a permit. Then, take into account the pitch or slope of your roof. Flat roofs are most suitable for a small garden. If this is a problem, have the roofing looked at by a professional roofing company. If you have further questions, contact a Commercial Roofing Company in Southern New Jersey.

Most importantly, have fun with this! Gardening shouldn't be all work. Why not put some chairs on your roof and enjoy the warm weather and your new fresh garden?

Home Siding

Something we don't spend a lot of time talking about on here is your siding. Part of the reason is because many people don't think about their siding very often, and rarely need to replace or repair it. That said, it's still an important part of your home to know about. We talked to experts in siding installations in Garnet Valley PA and took some notes on things you should know.

• There are many different materials and types of siding. Different types have different pros and cons and different techniques for installation. Consult with an expert the best type and material for you.
• Siding is constantly exposed to the elements. It's important your siding is treated specifically for the climate you live in.
• Even though it's incremental, it's important to remember siding slightly expands and contracts based on the weather. If you are installing siding, give each row some wiggle room to expand and contract.

Do You Need Plumbing Service For The Upcoming Season?

All summer long, we have felt the heat and the humidity, but can you believe fall is almost here? Soon we will be turning off the air conditioners, leaving our windows open, and sending the children outside to rake all the leaves that have fallen on the ground. As we begin to say goodbye to summer, this is the right time to think about the ways you can get your home ready for the fall season.

We recommend you have an HVAC technician come to your home during the end of summer so you can be sure to have an efficient heating system. Many homeowners have yearly inspections or tune-ups to make sure the equipment will be ready when needed. However, many people are unaware of how important plumbing maintenance and plumbing service is during this time of the year.

Summer is a great time to knock out yearly maintenance in your home. Call a plumber or an expert in toilet repair in Greendale WI to inspect your plumbing system this summer.

No Sweat Chimney Inspections Help Consumers Enjoy the Last Days of Summer

It’s a glorious day. So, you step outside, with every intention of soaking up all that Mother Nature has to offer, when something unfortunate happens. While gazing up at the pristine, white clouds and gorgeous, blue skies you see something that makes your skin prickle. Maybe you even sweat a little at the thought of what might come next. Yes, there’s no longer any doubt that your home is in desperate need of a chimney inspection and now’s the perfect time to take care of it.

Remember, it may be warm at the moment but that heat is sure to disappear once the autumn winds appear, and it always sneaks up on us! It’s going to get cold out there and unless you want to pay outrageous utility bills, that chimney will quickly become your wallet’s best friend. Of course, that’s provided it’s in shape. A chimney’s life expectancy isn’t what many people think.

People tend to forget about their chimney until they want to use it in the winter. However, the first couple fires of the winter are the most dangerous if the chimney has not been cleaned. Get ahead of the game this summer and call a chimney sweep in York PA.

Injured

I took a nasty spill at work not too long ago, and ever since my body has just not been the same. I've had extreme neck and back pain and after trying many different solutions, I finally decided to try physical therapy in Monrovia CA to see if that would help. I'm shocked at the difference it has made! I can move like I haven't been able to in years, and most importantly, I am completely pain free!

Retrofitting

Roofs have a lifespan, but if your roof is in need of repairs it is possible to extend its life before it is time to completely replace it. If you haven't heard of retrofitting, it's a great option to look into Retrofitting allows for a new roof to essentially be placed over your existing roof, filling in any gaps or aged areas that would otherwise need to be replaced. For more information on retrofitting, contact commercial roofing contractors in East Lansing MI today.

Safety for Your Business

If your roof at home needs some work and you choose to do nothing about it, that's your prerogative, but the same cannot be done for the roof of your building. It is your responsibility as a business owner or property manager to ensure that your building is up to safety standards, and is a suitable place for your employees to work or residents to live. If you have any concerns about your roof, call for professional help in commercial roofing in Jackson MI before a problem arises.

Keeping Up with Your Gutters

With so much falling pollen and branches being broken off in summer storms, it's important to ensure that your gutters in Mechanicsville VA aren't getting clogged without your knowledge. It can be dangerous to examine and clean out your gutters on your own, which is why we recommend calling in a professional team to take care of the job for you. If you have any concerns, they'll be able to address them in a safe manner, and save you money in costly repairs.

Elevator Safety

We have frequent safety checks on our elevators and we have never had an issue with them in the past. However, during our last inspection, the inspector determined that our elevators were not up to code. We quickly called for elevator repair in Arlington VA to rectify the issue. They came out right away and were able to identify the problem and fix it without costing us an arm and leg. We we will definitely call them the next time we need anything else for our elevators.