Let's talk about sharpening a knife. Once the knife has been sharpened by a professional on a whetstone keeping it sharp requires your attention. Always use the knife on a wood cutting board, marble glass and ceramic will dull your knife rapidly. Use a honing steel to keep the knife sharp.
This is the familiar steel stick with grooves in the steel. The purpose of the honing steel is to remove any nicks or jags and make the knife smooth. Hold the knife at the same 20 degree angle and draw it across the steel with the same sweeping motion that you used on the whetstone. Repeat on the other side. Do this five or six times. Once again, always work in one direction. Use this before each use. .
So what are a few causes of moisture and mold inside our homes?
Any type of water introduced into the home that is not controlled is a problem. Couple example would be a broken sump or washing machine hoses that burst allowing the water to spill onto carpeted areas. Hoses should be replaced every couple years and sump pumps replaced every 7 years. Another area is drywall or green board that has ceramic tile installed over the surface. Water from the shower penetrates grout and degrades the wall board. The solution is to always use cement board for these projects. Poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens accumulate water vapor which will condense on the walls surface and create surface mildew. So always use a fan for cooking and showering. Also make sure crawl spaces do not have water ponding in them.
They are creepy and most people can’t stand them in their home.
When centipedes invade your home it can be very disturbing. Having said that, centipedes can be beneficial as they feed on termites, bed bugs, roaches and spiders. The bottom line is people still want them out of their home. So it is all about control, you need to caulk and fill any opening to the outside of your home to prevent entry. That means weather-stripping around doors and caulking by siding, brick and foundations. Centipede can’t live without moisture, so remove damp wood, mulch, leaves and debris from the perimeter of the home. If they are in the home look for any area of moisture and work on elimination of the water. Using an insecticide dust around the exterior of the home will also help prevent the centipedes from invading your home.
October is home safety month and a big part of home safety is protecting your home and family from fire.
Here are some things to add to your home safety checklist.
Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.
Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
Teach everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches on fire.
Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.
Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches. Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet
As the seasons change and we begin to close the windows and fire up the furnace problems can occur.
If the furnace, water heater or other appliances in your home are fueled by natural gas there should be several carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Byproducts of natural gas include carbon dioxide and water vapor. Complete combustion of gas produces a harmless mixture of these two byproducts. However, when a fuel is burned without proper air for complete combustion, a toxic gas called carbon monoxide may be produced. Incomplete combustion could happen for a number of reasons:
Insuffient air supply for complete combustion
Improper venting of equipment
Faulty appliances (have your appliances checked by a professional regularly)
Lack of ventilation around appliances (keep your furnace rooms clean)
October is home safety month so here is a quick list for your home.
Eliminate sources of mold, dust, and insects
Make sure furnaces, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and gas appliances are vented properly and inspected annually.
Use safety gates to block stairways (and other danger areas), safety plugs to cover electrical outlets, and safety latches for drawers and cabinets.
Keep children - and the furniture they climb on - away from windows.
To prevent falls, keep hallways and stairways well lit and use non-slip backing for area rugs.
Keep cleaning solutions, pesticides, and other potentially dangerous substances in their original, labeled containers, and out of the reach of children.
Test homes built before 1978 for lead paint.
If you have guns or rifles in your home, store the firearms and ammunition in separate containers and lock them out of the reach of children.
Learn First aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Keep an updated list of emergency telephone numbers, including your local poison control center, physician and hospital emergency room, next to every phone in your home.
Have your home tested for radon. If levels are above EPA's recommended level, call 1-800-557-2366 to find out about ways to reduce the levels.
Make sure your family knows what to do during a natural disaster. In an earthquake, drop to the floor and get under something sturdy for cover; during a tornado, take shelter in a basement or an interior room without windows; and during a hurricane stay away from window. Have handy supplies of food, flashlights, and water.
Use a metal fireplace screen. Have the chimney checked and cleaned regularly.
Put lighters and matches where small children won't find them. Use special outlet covers to keep children's fingers out.
Allow air space around the TV and stereo to prevent overheating. If the TV doesn't work right, it can be a fire danger. Have it checked out.
Check for outlets that have loose fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
Make sure electrical cords are in good conditions - not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them.
Check to see that extension cords are not overloaded. Additionally, they should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring. Make sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent young children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.
Make sure your plugs fit you outlets. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESNT'T FIT. Plugs should fit securely into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are working properly.
Check the wattage of all light bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended, if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may overheat.
Circuit Breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the same size fuse.
Don't place plugged in appliances where they might fall in contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water. NEVER reach in to pull it out - even if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repairperson.
Check to see that your computer and entertainment equipment are in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.
Space Heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture, and rugs. Don't use in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn off and unplug when not in use.
Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms.
During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e. hairdryers, toasters, and radios) or telephones (except in an emergency); do not take a bath or shower; keep batteries on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage: and use surge protectors on electronic devices and appliances
A clogged dryer vent is an energy waster at best and a fire hazard at worst. So here are some basic guidelines.
Actually inspect the termination port of the dryer and the wall or roof jack. Look for birds nest or clogged openings. Most importantly, feel for proper exit velocity of the air leaving the vent and look at or feel the interior walls of the duct.
If you suspect clogged or partially clogged exhaust ducting, it is likely you need to have them cleaned. Dryer vent cleaning improves the safety and efficiency and depending on the venting circumstances, should be cleaned or inspected every 6-12 months.
Make sure your flex transition hose is not kinked or crushed. The space behind your dryer should be sufficient as to provide adequate room for the flex transition hose to make its bends with minimal deflection and restrictions.
Dryer vent cleaning is a very real commercial trade and the contracted work is sometimes described as Routine and Problem Cleaning.
Routine cleaning is done from the outside by sending an air-propelled "jet-snake" through the vent. It blows air 360 degrees backwards, blasting the lint loose and blowing it outside. The lint is caught in a special bag.
Problem Cleaning is performed when an individual dryer is not drying clothes fast enough. They disconnect and pull the dryer out, install a large blower on the vent, and blow, brush, vacuum and/or dismantle - whatever it takes to get the vent clean.
Look in your Yellow Pages under Duct Cleaning or search the Internet.
The use of the white vinyl flex pipe is all but completely prohibited, both by building departments and appliance manufacturers. Some municipalities allow or do not discourage the foil covered vinyl flex but almost all appliance manufacturers insist on the use of the aluminum flexible pipe. I have created a very useful comparison page. Click here to view it.
Keep exhaust duct as straight and short as possible. Exhaust systems longer than the manufacturer's recommendations can extend drying times, affect appliance operation and may encourage lint build-up on pipe lining.
More Dryer Vent Cleaning information can be found here. Great site dealing in all aspects of vent maintenance, cleaning and solutions.
When running the clothes dryer, be careful not to overdry. Running your dryer too long not only wastes energy but can also damage your clothes. We recommend using an automatic setting, such as "less dry" rather than a timed setting.
Clean lint filters regularly. Cleaning the lint filters on your washer and dryer will save energy, improve performance, and minimize fire hazards.
Know what a hurricane WATCH and WARNING means ✔WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours. ✔WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan ✔Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places—a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. ✔Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged. ✔Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advisedto evacuate, do so immediately.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing— ✔First aid kit and essential medications. ✔Canned food and can opener. ✔At least three gallons of water per person. ✔Protective clothing, rainwear,and bedding or sleeping bags. ✔Battery-powered radio, flashlight,and extra batteries. ✔Special items for infant, elderly,or disabled family members.
Identify what to do when a hurricane WARNING is issued ✔Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so. ✔Complete preparation activities. ✔If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows. ✔Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm willhappen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs,buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by thesecond winds. ✔Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remainindoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows. ✔Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way.If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the carand climb to higher ground.
Know what to do after a hurricane is over ✔Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions. ✔If you are evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so. ✔Inspect your home for damage. ✔Use flashlights at all times; avoid using candles.
Are You Ready for a Hurricane?
Here’s what you can do to prepare for such an emergency ✔Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you todo so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
Prepare for high winds ✔Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2” outdoor plywood boards for each windowof your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can putit up quickly. ✔Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
Know what to do when a hurricane WATCH is issued ✔Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for upto- date storm information. ✔Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hangingplants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind. ✔Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywoodas described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows isnot recommended. ✔Fill your car’s gas tank. ✔Recheck manufactured home tie-downs. ✔Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
So many things come in aerosol form from paint, to glue, to expandable foam and even caulking so here are some safety considerations. Never pitch and aerosol can in a fire even if it is empty. Never use an aerosol container in temperatures that exceed 120 degrees and that includes storage. Always use these products in a well-ventilated area. Keep the spray head clean by turning upside down and depressing the spray head. Never insert a nail or pin into the spray head. Never work near an open flame or pilot light and certainly do not smoke when using. Always keep the container away from children and never puncture the container. It never hurts to review common sense safety procedures when using an aerosol container.
Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
Infant Needs (if applicable)
Notes:
Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.
Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
Infant Needs (if applicable)
Notes:
Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.
Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
If you are about to purchase some glass block for a window or a room divider here are a couple of things you need to know. Standard glass block is 3 and7/8” thick and is made by fusing two pieces of glass together leaving a vacuum in the middle. Square faced block comes in several sizes 4” 6”8” and 12” squares be sure the block size you select will lay out to fit the opening because it can not be cut.There are also face patterns to consider. These patterns are usually pressed into the inner face of glass so that the surface remains smooth. The styles usually consist of swirls, fluted, pyramid and clear face. Glass block also comes in most any color of tint.Glass block can also be tinted to reduce the solar gain from entering the home.
If you have a remodeling project that is going to be done by a contractor of course you get several bids.Comparing the bids is critical always make sure you are comparing apples and apples.One area that is often overlooked when accepting a bid from a contractor is the relationship you will have with this contractor.Some remodeling projects last for months so you need to have a good gut feeling about your selected contractor.Here are a couple of things to consider;
Can you live with this person in your home every day?
Do the two of you communicate well together? Does the contractor listen?
Is the contractor spending your money wisely?
How does this person interact with other family members?
Is this person clean and professional?
As you can see when hiring a contractor there are more things to consider then just the cost of the job.
If you have mold on the inside or outside of your home there are many products you can use to clean it.A lot of the products on the market contain bleach or alcohol and difficult to use, plus they can dangerous.A couple of products that will clean and eliminate mold and help prevent mold from forming are on the market.Both of these products are very safe, one type is an enzyme cleaner that attacks and kills the mold before the mold know it is under attack. Apply scrub and rinse and your project is complete.I just tried another product called Mold Control. The product is sprayed onto the mold and just left to dry.The product forms a film over the mold and crushes and suffocates the mold.The film then serves to protect the surface against mold . No scrubbing not bad.
VAT is not banned and can still be manufactured in the US.
Originally VAT was banned from manufacture in the US via. July 1989 EPA rule commonly known as the "Asbestos Ban and Phaseout Rule" This ban was remanded by the Court of Appeals. Consequently, VAT can still be manufactured and distributed in the US. For liability reasons, it often is not, but itcan still be foundin buildings that were built well after the July 1989 Phase out rule.
Asbestos use is not banned in Canada and in many foreign countries. Products containing asbestos, such as VAT and even wallboard can often find its way into the US. The EPA does not monitor the use of asbestos in commerce, only when it has to be abated in buildings. Therefore, it’s “buyer beware
For further info check with the states Department of Health
If you have a problem with an invasion of gnats in your home here are a few solutions.Gnats enter the home a couple of ways; brought in with fruits and vegetables, plants carried in the house or gnats entering the drains in your home.After you have removed all fruits and vegetables in your home and removed or used an insecticide on the plants, use a shallow bowl and put cider vinegar and Dawn soap into the bowl.The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar and with the help of the soap it will drown the gnats.Also pour a cup of ammonia into the sink drain and that will solve your problems.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that candles were responsible for an estimated 18,000 home fires. Candle-related fires caused an estimated 333 million in property damage. According to the NFPA, twice the average monthly number of candle fires occurs in December. Christmas Day brings the most candle fires of the whole year. I admit that I enjoy candles as much as anyone. But here are some safety tips when burning candles. Don't leave candles burning in a room unattended. Extinguish them before leaving or going to sleep. Keep candles away from items that can catch fire. Clothing, books and magazines, or curtains. Use sturdy candle holders that will not tip or burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax. Keep all open flame - including candles - away from flammable liquids.
Trim candle wicks to one-quarter inch. Extinguish pillar and taper candles when they get within two inches of the holder. Extinguish votives and container candles before the last half-inch of wax is melted.
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Why is mold a problem?
Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
How do I recognize mold?
There are several features that distinguish mold growth. Mold often appears as black,green,or brown fuzzy or powdery patches on surfaces in humid environments, though spores can also be gray, purple, or red in color. Mildew is the common term used to describe mold .
Air enters and leaves your house constantly. While some of this movement is necessary for ventilation, most homes have entirely too much air exchange. reducing air infiltration can be easily and economically accomplished by providing seals where air enters and exits.
Use his audit to evaluate your home. After you have completed it, take it to the hardware store or home center for the tools, materials, and advice on how to plug the leaks that are costing you money in higher heating and cooling bills.
Begin by checking the exterior doors for these possible leaks:
Cracks where the door meets the frame.
The joint between the frame and the exterior and interior walls of the house
The bottom of the door at the threshold.
Between the base of the threshold and the floor underneath.
If your door has windows, are they properly glazed or is the glazing old and cracked or missing entirely.
Are any of the panes cracked or broken.
If the doors have existing weatherstripping, is it still in good shape or does it need replacement.
Does you home have adequate storm doors and are they properly hung and caulked.
Taking the same approach to interior doors can't hurt either. Keeping them properly sealed helps reduce room-to-room infiltration and makes it possible to control more precisely the heating and cooling of individual rooms.
Look at your windows next:
How many windows have moving parts that allow leaks.
Are there any gaps or flaws in construction around the frame.
What is the condition of glazing compound around the glass. It may be old and cracked.
Are seams around the window trim caulked.
If weatherstripping exists, is it adequate or in need of replacement.
Are any window panes cracked or broken, and need to be replaced.
Are the windows covered with drapes, shades, or blinds.
Are storm windows installed and properly fitted and caulked to eliminate gaps where the window meets the framing
Once you have covered all the conventional openings, look for the not-so-obvious ones.
Foundation cracks or crack in basement walls
Separation between any two materials of the house construction like an exterior chimney and the house
Utility pipes
OPhone, electrical, or cable lines
Mail slot
Clothes dryer vent
Outside light connections
TV Antenna entry
Electrical outlets
Cracks or splits in the siding
Gaps or loose mortar between blocks, bricks, or stone facing
Air ducts for heating and cooling system
Improper insulation around window air conditioning units
Leaky basement windows
Exposed roofing nails
Gaps around roof flashing
Split or loose shingles
Poor drainage around house
Damaged, blocked, or poorly connected downspouts
Gaps around garage door
Energy also leaks from you home by other openings
Is your furnace properly cleaned and tuned for maximum efficiency?
Is the air filter clean?
Check the air conditioning filter
Check the range filter
Check for dirty or blocked heating/cooling registers
Do you set your thermostat too high in winter and too low in summer?
Do you turn your thermostat down when you are out the the house for several hours?
Is the thermostat broken, worn, or dirty? Have you considered a programmable thermostat?
An improperly located thermostat (too near to a heat or cool source or an outside wall) can waste energy
Check for leaks in heating and cooling ducts and joints
Is your hot water heater set at an efficient temperature?
Is the hot water heater malfunctioning in any way?
Are you lighting and heating or cooling unused or seldom used rooms.
Have you insulated your hot and cold water pipes and heating and air conditioning ducts.
It's a fact — having a smoke alarm in the house cuts your risk of dying in a fire inhalf. Almost 60% of all fatal residential fires occur in homes that don't have smoke alarms, so this may be the single most important thing you can do to keep your family safe from fires.
If your home doesn't have smoke alarms, now is the time to install them on every level of your home and in each bedroom. If possible, choose one with a 10-year lithium battery. If your smoke alarm uses regular batteries, remember to replace them every year.Because smoke rises, smoke detectors should always be placed on ceilings or high on walls. If a smoke detector near the kitchen goes off while you're cooking, do not take the battery out of it — you may forget to replace it. Open the doors and windows instead.
This is fire safety week and here some tips when in comes to preventing fires caused by electricity. 1) Make sure your appliances are in good shape and the cords are not broken or frayed. 2) Make sure your outlets are not overloaded with plugs from TV, computers, printers, video game systems and stereos. 3) Extension cords should not be over used and never connect several together. 4) Lighting fixtures sometimes have a restriction on the wattage size of the bulb, so make sure they are in compliance. 5) Don’t run wires under carpeting. 6) Protect the outlets in your home with GFI’s to prevent shock and fire but shutting down the circuit. 7) Unless you are a trained electrician, be careful about DIY electrical projects.Studies have shown that many home fires are caused by faulty workmanship.
I never recommend using acid based drain cleaners because of their caustic nature but if you are going to use them take precautions: Pour the drain cleaner carefully making sure it does not come in contact with your skin. Never pour acid in to standing water or an eruption will occur causing acid to go flying. If the drain cleaner does not work NEVER use a plunger on the drain. If the cleaner does not work and you decide to remove the trap, remember the acisd which is heavier then water is sitting in the trap.Beware Always read the directions and wear protective clothing and goggles to protect your eyes.
1. Runaway rain water.Check gutters, downspouts, for proper pitch and damaged fasteners or corrosion and make sure it is channeling the water away from the home. 2. Roof and siding. Check siding and under eaves for water stains. 3. Pest infestations. Termites and carpenter ants gravitate to moist soil.Rodents go towards disorder and debris such as leaf piles and stacked wood. 4. Mold and Mildew. Musty odors, dank air and runny noises are all signs of a problem. Mold can’t grow without water. 5. Foundation cracks. Some are harmless others can mean big trouble. Take a pencil and if the pencil goes in the crack up to the paint that is cause for concern. Like I say water is the number 1 enemy of your home and the top 5 projects you can’t ignore all have to do with water.
We talk a lot about insulation and mold.Sometimes these two issues go together.The reason is if water gets behind a wall because of a leaky bathtub, roof, pipe orgains entry to your home from the outside then the insulation gets wet and often becomes moldy.If you use the newer vapor barriers or the craft wrapped vapor barriers they breathe enough to dry out.You can test to see if the insulation is wet my using a moisture meter to detect humidity behind a wall.If the reading is high the chances of mold are great. Insulation that is moldy should be removed and the wood structure should be cleaned with enzyme based products. Check out the photo gallery of moldy insulation below.
Chlorine (bleach) being used around the exterior of your home can have damaging effects to your home.
No Pressure or Zero Pressure Roof Cleaning usually means that your roof is being saturated with (Pool) Chlorine. After all, it is a product manufactured to kill bacteria in swimming pools that is inexpensive for the applicator. This product is applied to your roof and allowed to kill the fungus. What most homeowners fail to realize are the short and long term effects of this method.
Chlorine breaks down the asphalt causing extensive granule loss (Which are placed on the roofing material for UV protection)
Shingles become brittle and begin to curl thus shortening the life 5 to 7 years.
If Chlorine is allowed to penetrate beneath the roofing materials chances are the nails or staples used to attach the shingles to the roof will corrode allowing avenues for shingles to become loose and cause leakage.
Can cause severe damage to the gutters and drip edge molding around the roofline.
Kills, flowers, grass, shrubs and contaminates soil.
In most cases, this method will VOID your shingle Manufacturers Warranty.
Keeping unwanted animals out of your house require you to take away food , shelter and safety for the animal. To eliminate one food source, pick up any fruits or nuts that drop from your trees. The dropped food is an easy buffet for raccoons and other prowling creatures. Another source of food is garbage. Keep your garbage in the garage, until garbage day. Pet food is another source of food for wild animals. If your pet is an outdoor animal, try not to leave its food lying about. Eliminate Shelter and Access to Your House The first thing to do is make sure that you don't have any cracks or holes that lead outside. They could be on the roof, in the house or foundation. If you find these problems, just caulk or patch them.
It is also important to protect your chimney. Birds and animals tend to think of this as a perfect nesting area.
Getting animals out of your house The first thing to do is to leave the animal alone. Don't chase it around and don't try and pick it up yourself. Some animals carry disease and can bite through gloves. If you give it room it will probably leave the way it came in.
The EPA has responded positively to industry pleas a to delay the implementation of the controversial Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule The rule which went into effect on April 22nd of this requires renovation and repair contractors working on homes, schools and day care centers built before 1978 to be “lead-safe certified” as approved by EPA or face hefty fines. Contractors effectedx by this regulation range from painters to plumbers. However, there are not enough certified trainers to accommodate the demand for training contractors across the country. The limited number of training providers hurts contractors. It has forced many contractors to go out of their way to find or wait for training. With the delay – announced Friday – EPA will not enforce the regulation until October 1, 2010.
Quick steps to takes if your home at pet are infested with fleas.First Quarantine infested pets.
Collect bedding, rugs and throws and wash them in soapy water. Soapy water kills the eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Be careful not to spill eggs or larvae when picking them up.
Vacuum everything. upholstered furniture, carpets, cracks in the floor, bare floors, and use the attachments to get in the corners, behind doors, and anywhere else that dust collects. This will pick up most of the eggs, but larvae will latch onto carpet fibers and stick around. After vacuuming, immediately remove the vacuum bag and seal it in a plastic bag. This bag can then be put into the freezer to kill any fleas.
The remaining larvae can be dealt with by having the carpets professionally cleaned. Make sure you warn the cleaners about the fleas and remove infested animals. Alternatively, you can shampoo the carpet with insecticidal carpet shampoo
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