Mold 101

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Mold can be scary if you don’t know much about it. We found this article with a TON of information on mold. We know that it will help you in gaining more understanding about mold.

======================
If you need Hammond apartment associations vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Facts about Mold

What exactly is mold? Molds are living microorganisms and forms of fungi like yeasts and mushrooms. Now that we have a basic definition of mold, lets start debunking some common mold myths!

Most of the information you find in the media and internet on ???Black Mold??? is completely bogus and horribly misleading. The fact is that the color of the mold as it appears to the naked eye cannot tell you anything about whether its toxic or not. This brings us to point #3:

With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it virtually impossible to tell what type of mold you have without a microscope.

While there are over 100,000 species of mold, the good news is that you do NOT need to know what kind of mold you have to eliminate mold growth. All mold is treated in the same way. Since mold is a living organism, it requires food and water to survive. But controlling mold by eliminating food sources is very difficult since mold can feed off building materials, and the tiniest of organic matter like dirt, dust and debris. Thus the best way to eliminate mold problems is to eliminate water problems.

Eliminating mold problems is important because the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, and that the air we breathe indoors is more polluted than the outdoor air. So indoor air quality matters a lot to our health.

——————–
Interested in maintaining your home this summer? Checkout this article with more information about summer maintenance for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read all the facts and information here: http://www.moldmanusa.com/106-tips-about-mold-mold-remediation-mold-removal-mold-testing-and-mold-prevention

Have a Flood? Learn How to Clean it Up Here

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Having a flood is nerve racking. Not knowing what to do about it and how to clean it up is even worse. We found this article released by the City of Milwaukee with information about how to clean up after a flood. We hope that you never need this information but should you need it we hope it helps.

======================
If you need Denham Springs apartments vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Safety

DO NOT WADE INTO STANDING WATER IN YOUR BASEMENT UNLESS YOU ARE SURE THE ELECTRICITY TO YOUR HOME IS OFF.

PREVENT ACCESS TO AREA BY CHILDREN

Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage and should be treated as such.

Minimize skin exposure by wearing rubber boots and rubber gloves during clean up.

There is a hazard in utilizing electrical equipment (i.e. sump pumps, furnace motors, etc.), which is wet. It can produce severe shocks and endanger human life as well as burn out the equipment. Make sure all electrical equipment is dry before use

Check gas and oil furnaces as well as gas hot water heaters for escaping gas and ensure that pilot flames are lit. If gas is escaping, do not light a match until the gas supply has been shut off. If you are unfamiliar with this procedure, contact your local gas company or a professional heating contractor.

The area may be extremely slippery. Walk Carefully.

——————–
Interested about someone else’s experience with a flooded laundry room? Checkout this article about flooded washer horror story for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

For all of the tips click here: http://city.milwaukee.gov/Flood-Clean-up

Learn Why You Should Do A Home Inventory Here

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Thought about doing a home inventory but wasn’t sure if it was necessary? Home inventories should be done for a variety of reasons. We found this article that we hope will help you prepare if the worst should happen.

======================
If you need Denham Springs condos vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

If your home is struck by a burglary, fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster, one of the first questions you will be asked is, “What property was lost, destroyed, or stolen?” It’s almost impossible to pull up such information out of your brain on a good day — and it’s twice as hard in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

This is one of those tasks that is easy to say one will do “tomorrow.” But do it today. Being able to pull out an up-to-date home inventory will make it hugely easier to deal with police and your insurance company.

Fortunately, making a home inventory isn’t onerous, and might actually prompt you to prevent the loss itself. As you inventory your possessions, you’ll become more aware of their vulnerability, and can take steps to secure them.

Start by walking through your house with a pad of paper and a still or video camera. Jot down a list of any items worth more than $50 or so and take pictures of them. Go room by room, and don’t forget the garage, attic, and basement. Be sure to include jewelry, clothing and shoes, stamp or coin collections, CD and record collections, silver, tools, and electronic equipment.

——————–
Looking to renovate your home and increase the value of it? Checkout this article about boosting resale value for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read the entire article here: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/preparing-home-inventory-case-your-property-gets-damaged-stolen.html

Learn Household Safety and Prevent Injury

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

No one wants to think about themselves or their loved ones getting injured in your own home but unfortunately it happens. Preventing injury of any kind is a parent’s number one priority. We found this article with information on keeping your family safe from injury from fires and burns. We hope it helps prevent injury to you and your loved ones.

======================
If you need Hammond townhomes vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

In General

Make a fire escape plan with two ways out of the house, plus a designated meeting place once out of the house. Practice the fire escape plan regularly.
Keep an emergency ladder on upper floors of your home in the event of a fire. Keep the ladder in or near the room of an adult or older child capable of using it.
Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and in each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and remember to change the batteries twice a year.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older.
Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.

————
Interested in finding out the most common causes of fire and how to avoid them? Checkout this article about common causes of fire for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
————

Read all the ideas here: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/safety_burns.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle

Laundry Room Flooding Horror Story

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

You never want to think of your home flooding. Especially by your brand new washing machine. Read this woman’s story and decide for yourself if you should buy Whirlpool or not.

======================
If you need Denham Springs apartment associations vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

The first load of laundry in Lona Massong’s new Whirlpool Cabrio washing machine went smoothly.

Load No. 2, well, that’s a different story.

Massong filled the machine with clothes, poured in the soap and turned the dial.

When she returned to the first-floor laundry room a short time later, she found herself standing in a pool of water.

She ran down to her finished basement and found the ceiling caving in, the carpet soaked and a wall saturated with water.

Massong and her husband turned off the machine, cleaned up the mess and immediately called Grand Appliance, where the couple had purchased the washing machine.

Two days later, on Aug. 9, a repairman came to their Wadsworth home, dragged the washing machine into the driveway and looked underneath.

It didn’t take him long to find the problem. A clamp that was supposed to connect the washing machine’s drain hose to the drain pump was missing, so when the clothes in the second load began squishing around, the motion dislodged the hose, sending water everywhere.

Grand Appliance replaced the washer but said the damage to Massong’s basement was Whirlpool’s responsibility because the manufacturer failed to attach the clamp.

Massong called Whirlpool, which instructed her to get two estimates. One estimate put the damage at $5,660, Massong said, and another was closer to $6,000.

Whirlpool hired Eagle Adjusting Services Inc. to examine the claim. Eagle Adjusting came up with its own, considerably lower estimate, placing the damage at $4,575.38. It then subtracted $1,072.18 for “depreciation,” saying nothing in Massong’s basement was new.

The final offer from Whirlpool, based on Eagle’s estimate, was $3,503.20, a number that did not sit well with Massong.

————
Looking to maintain your laundry room? Checkout this article about laundry room maintenance for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
————

Click here to read the rest of the story: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-11-06/business/ct-biz-1106-problem-massong-20111106_1_basement-whirlpool-cabrio-washer

Maintain Your Home This Summer With These Tips!

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

It’s important to always maintain your home. Summer isn’t any different even though most of us would rather just sit back and relax during the summer months. We found this article with specific things that you can do this summer to maintain your home!

————
If you need Hammond homeowners associations vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
————

From the article:

KEEP YOUR DECK HEALTHY
Your deck provides a great place to hang out in the summer, but it needs a little TLC to stay in good shape. Visually inspect the boards to look for curling, cracked, or rotting wood. If you see a board that’s damaged, remove it and replace it with a board that you’ve cut to fit the same space.

Go underneath your deck to make sure the support structure is in good shape, and keep an eye out for cracked boards and missing screws or nails. If you see signs of insects or unwanted animals, such as spider webs or chewed boards, call a pest-control expert to take care of the problem.

Lastly, if your deck is sealed or stained, some experts say you should refinish it annually. Start by power washing the deck, then letting it thoroughly dry. Remove the finish or seal with a remover/stripper, and let it dry again.

With a sander and medium-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the deck, then remove all of the dust before continuing. Before you apply your finish, do a small test area to make sure you’ve got the right color. If you do, apply the finish with the wood’s grain and don’t stop in the middle???that can cause uneven coloring and streaks.

Two things to remember: make sure you’re wearing a mask to prevent inhaling dust and fumes, and don’t do any of this work if it’s going to rain.

————
Looking to maintain your laundry room? Checkout this article about laundry room maintenance for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
————

Read all the ideas here: http://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/home-insurance/home-maintenace-for-summer.aspx

Go Green With These Summer Projects

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Like the idea of going green especially in your home? Not sure where to start? Start with these summer projects in order to have a greener home.

————
If you need Denham Springs apartments vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
————

From the article:

Save Water with Every Flush
Why flush away more gallons than you need to do the job? In other countries it???s common for toilets to have two settings ??? one for when less water is needed, and a second for when more water is needed. But with a $100 kit, your toilet also can have two flush options.

An even simpler way to save water is by gently placing a sealed half-gallon container of water in your tank. The container displaces new water, saving a half-gallon per flush. With the average American flushing five times per day, each half-gallon adds up to significant water savings.

Even better: Use the water once before it reaches your toilet tank. Another $100 kit can add a simple sink to the top of your toilet, allowing you to wash your hands with water that then drains into your toilet tank.

Or, if you???re feeling really ambitious, you can install a greywater system to funnel water from the sink and shower drains into the toilet tank and leave plenty left over for the garden. Just remember that you???ll need to switch to all-natural, biodegradable soaps and shampoos as well.

————
Looking to save more money? Checkout this article about saving money with laundry for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
————

Read all the ideas here: http://www.greenzionism.org/resources/articles/177

Learn the Most Common Causes of Fire Here!

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Fire is something that no one wants to face in their home. There are things that homeowners can be aware of in order to avoid fires. We found this article that we hope will help you avoid a fire in your home.

======================
SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Denham Springs apartment associations vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Many common causes of fire can be related to some of the following:

Open Flames

Examples of such unsafe conditions are as follows:

negligence in conducting hot work, such as welding, cutting or grinding;

improper use of candles;

improper handling of flammable or combustible liquids or flammable gases in near-to-potential ignition sources; and

matches and cigarettes that are improperly disposed of, or left unattended near combustibles.

Electrical

Examples of such unsafe conditions are as follows:

damaged electrical conductors, plug wires or extension cords;

use of faulty, modified or unapproved electrical equipment;

insufficient space or clearance between electrical heating equipment and combustibles;

short or overloaded circuits;

loose electrical connections; and

lighting.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

Do not use electrical equipment that is in poor repair or that has a damaged cord.

Do not overload circuits or extension cords.

Use approved power bars instead of circuit splitters.

Keep electrical heating appliances at a safe distance from combustibles.

Cooking

Examples of possible unsafe conditions are as follows:

deep frying in pots or pans on stove tops;

unattended cooking appliances; and

combustibles located dangerously close to cooking equipment.

——————–
Did you know that your dryer could catch on fire? Checkout this article and learn why it’s important to maintain your dryer that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read the entire article here: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/fire_protection/prevention/fire_causes.shtml

Replace Old Rubber Hoses on Your Washer

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

It is important to maintain your laundry room but it can be difficult to know exactly what to do in order to maintain the appliances in your laundry room.

We found this article that lists exactly what should be done in order to avoid any damage to your machines and to your home.

======================
SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Hammond apartments vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Burst washing machine hoses have to be one of the most common causes of catastrophic water damage in homes. When I find rubber hoses used to connect the washing machine, I often mention to my clients that it’s a good idea to replace them. It’s downright disturbing how often my client then goes on to share a story with me about how they already had a flooded house or knew someone who’s house flooded because of a failed washing machine hose.

As rubber ages, it loses it’s flexibility. After being subjected to water hammer over and over for many years, the rubber washing machine hose is eventually going to fail, and it’s going to be one heck of a mess. Here are a few suggestions to lower the risk of your washing machine hoses suddenly bursting.

Turn off the water supply when not in use
Washing machine manufacturers actually tell you to do this in their installation instructions.

Replace your old rubber hoses regularly
I???ve heard that a good rule of thumb is to replace rubber washing machine hoses every five years. That sounds good, but how do you remember? Another tip I???ve heard is to replace your washing machine hoses every leap year. Not a bad idea.

Install an emergency shutoff kit
You can purchase an emergency shutoff kit, such as the type sold by Floodstop, which will almost surely prevent any type of catastrophic leak. These devices come with a water sensor, so if a leak is detected, an alarm goes off and the water supply valves automatically close. These kits are battery powered, and according to the web site, can be installed in about 10 minutes. Not a bad idea.

Install stainless steel braided hoses
This is the simple advice that I usually give during home inspections. Stainless steel braided hoses are much more resistant to bursting, and they???re fairly inexpensive.

—————
Still have questions about caring for your dryer? Checkout this article about troubleshooting your dryer for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
—————

Read the entire article here: http://www.structuretech1.com/2012/07/rubber-washing-machine-hoses/

Find Out How to Save Money in the Laundry Room!

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Everyone likes to save money, especially saving money in areas that they use frequently. We found this article that we hope will help you save money by focusing just in the laundry room.

======================
SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Denham Springs condos vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

1. Wash with cooler water
About 90 percent of the energy consumed by your washing machine is used just to heat the water, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Switch to cold water for many of your loads, especially those with dark or bright colors and delicates like silk or wool. Cold-water washing won???t just save you money: It will also keep colors bright, reduce wrinkling and won???t set stains.

2. Run full loads
Your washer and dryer use the same amount of mechanical energy, regardless of how full they are, so the best way to save energy is to run full loads of laundry.

If you need to run a smaller load in the washing machine, be sure to use the appropriate water-level setting.

3. Throw in the towel
Toss a clean, dry towel or tennis ball into the dryer to get clothes to dry quicker, the Alliance suggests. The towel absorbs moisture, while the tennis ball helps circulate air between clothes.

4. Clean the lint filter
After each load, clean the lint screen in your dryer to improve air circulation, reduce drying time and prevent fires. The DOE recommends periodically using the long nozzle tip of your vacuum cleaner to remove the lint that builds up below the dryer???s lint screen slot.

Also, inspect your dryer vent from time to time to ensure it is not blocked; this precautionary measure will also save energy and prevent fires.

——————–
Looking for more money saving ideas? Checkout this article on more money saving ideas that could be of interest to you.
——————–