Residential Foundation Insulation
Complete Guide to Foundation Insulation Foundation waterproofing in progress with dimpled membrane protecting the basement wall from moisture and soil. Proper foundation insulation can reduce total heat loss by up to 50% in well-insulated homes. This guide covers essential information about foundation insulation types, installation methods, and best practices. Full Basements Interior Insulation Options: Conventional […]
Electrical Safety
Essential Electrical Safety Guide: Protecting Your Home and Family A lone power strip and a plug, disconnected yet ready to connect. Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely, if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires […]
Residential Air-Conditioning System Inspection
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance Guide An HVAC technician servicing an air conditioning unit with precision tools. A building’s central air-conditioning system requires regular inspection and maintenance. While professional annual inspections are recommended, homeowners can perform many maintenance tasks themselves. Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit Before Starting: Turn off power to the unit Steps: Remove debris […]
Attached Garage Fire Hazards
Preventing Garage Fires: A Homeowner’s Guide Firefighters battle intense flames engulfing a garage. This guide outlines measures to prevent garage fires and stop their spread to the rest of your house. While many recommendations can be implemented yourself, consulting an InterNACHI inspector is advised to ensure comprehensive safety. Why Garages Pose a Fire Hazard Activities: Welding […]
Restore Your Plastic Laminate Countertop
Restore Your Plastic Laminate Countertop Elegant kitchen corner with rich dark wood cabinets, warm lighting, and a luxurious marble countertop. After twenty years of soft drinks, coffee and wear and tear, a plastic laminate kitchen countertop can become discolored and worn. Small scratches dull the finish. There may be areas where the laminate is coming loose […]
Foundation Problems? Check Your Gutters
Preventing Water Damage by Managing Roof Water Runoff A weathered concrete foundation with exposed rebar, surrounded by soil and small plants. Is your front doorbell working intermittently, leaving you unsure if someone is at the door? You don’t need to call an electrician for this minor issue. Often, a quick and easy fix involves replacing […]
Remove Oil Stains from Your Driveway
Eliminating Unsightly Oil Stains from Your Driveway A car leak leaves a dark stain on the garage floor. Oil stains, whether from vehicles, barbecues, or overturned garbage cans, can be removed from concrete or asphalt using Mex All-Purpose Cleaner or TSP substitute. How to Remove Oil Stains Pouring concrete crack filler to repair a damaged surface. […]
Squeaking Floor? Try This Fix Down Under
Fixing Squeaky Floorboards Inspecting the floor closely. That persistent squeak with every step can be more than just a minor annoyance; it can disrupt sleep and peace. Whether it’s a teenager sneaking in past curfew or a late-night trip to the kitchen, squeaky floorboards are a common issue in many homes. Understanding the cause and […]
Knock Knock…It’s Your Plumbing
Stopping Water Hammer Noise in Pipes White PVC plumbing pipes arranged in a zigzag pattern over dark wooden boards. Knocking and thumping sounds in your walls or basement when the clothes washer fills or during the rinse cycle often indicate a condition called water hammer. Here’s how to diagnose and fix this issue: Understanding Water […]
A Ton of Cooling
What Does a “Ton” of Cooling Mean in Air Conditioning? A sleek, modern air conditioner unit installed above a window. You may have heard of a two- or three-ton air conditioner, but rest assured, it doesn’t mean it weighs thousands of pounds! Instead, “ton” is a term that relates to a unit of cooling capacity […]