Author: Kathy Robb

The Importance of Gutter Cleaning

Kathy Robb Gutter Cleaning , , , , , , ,
Gutter Cleaning

Clogged gutters can cause damage to your roof, landscaping, and even your home’s foundation. Gutter cleaning can help prevent these problems. To perform this task you’ll need a ladder that is suitable for the height of your home and a scooping tool (such as a garden trowel or your child’s toy shovel). You’ll also need a bucket and a hose to flush the debris. Visit Website to learn more.

A gutter that is clogged can lead to water overflow and if the overflow is not addressed it can eventually cause water damage to your home and its contents. The purpose of a gutter system is to direct rainwater from the roof and away from the house but it can’t do this effectively if it is blocked by leaves, branches and other debris. Gutter cleaning is one of the most important regular home maintenance tasks a homeowner can perform to help protect their property and prevent costly repairs.

One of the main reasons why people put off cleaning their gutters is that it is a dangerous job, particularly if done incorrectly. This is because you will need to stand on a ladder and this can be very dangerous if not done correctly. Each year thousands of people are treated for ladder-related injuries and some even die.

To minimize the risk of falling off a ladder while cleaning your gutters, be sure to take several precautions. Always wear work gloves and a good quality pair of safety glasses. These will protect your hands from dirt, bacteria and rotting leaf debris that is often contaminated with rodent, pigeon and bird feces. The safety glasses will also protect your eyes from the many sharp bits of metal, twigs and leaves that may fall off the gutter.

Ladder safety is also a big issue when cleaning your gutters as you will need to be able to stand on the ladder with both feet and at least one hand on it at all times. This will help you keep your balance and avoid falling off the ladder or getting caught in the middle and tumbling to the ground. It’s also a good idea to place a tarp underneath your workspace to catch the gunk that will fall from the gutter.

Once you have removed all the debris from your gutters, be sure to wash down the downspouts with a garden hose. This will ensure that there are no blockages and that the downspout is working properly to drain the water away from your home. If the water is not flowing freely through the downspout it’s a good idea to use a plumber’s snake to remove any obstructions.

Prevent Damage

Gutter cleaning removes the debris that builds up on your roof and surrounding walls. If this is left unchecked, it can lead to rot and the need for costly repair. Gutter cleaning also prevents water damage by ensuring that rainwater is funneled away from the foundation of your home. Without proper drainage, your basement can become infested with mold and mildew which can wreak havoc on furnishings and other belongings housed there. Gutter cleaning minimizes this risk by keeping your gutters clear of leaves, twigs and other debris.

A clogged gutter can cause overflow and leakage which, in turn, puts an unnecessary strain on your roof. The extra weight of water and ice can damage your roof materials, as well as causing leaks in the walls of your home. Regular gutter cleaning will keep your roof in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Debris that builds up in a clogged gutter provides a breeding ground for pests such as rats, mice, mosquitoes and birds. These pests can spread deadly diseases such as the West Nile Virus. Debris that is left unchecked can also break down to encourage the growth of tree seedlings, fungi and other plants. Gutter cleaning will eliminate these breeding grounds and keep your home pest-free.

Regular gutter cleaning can improve your home’s curb appeal. Clogged gutters overflow and spill over the sides, creating a messy, unsightly look that can detract from your property’s appearance. A professional clean will eliminate this problem and leave your gutters looking as good as new.

While this might not be the most obvious reason to get your gutters cleaned, it’s a vital one. When pollen and other allergens are blowing around in the spring, they can find their way into your gutter and begin to grow. This will not only make your allergies worse, but it will also feed the plant life that is growing in your gutter. Gutter cleaning will ensure that your gutters are free of all allergens and that no seeds are being planted which could result in invasive plants spreading to other parts of your yard.

Save Time

Gutter cleaning is not a fast task, particularly when clogs are present. Some factors can increase the cleaning time including:

The type of gutters – Gutters with more debris such as leaves, sticks, and moss require longer cleaning times than clean or empty gutters.

Amount of Debris – Heavy clogs take longer to clear than light clogs. Downspouts that are packed with gunk also add to the overall cleaning time as they need to be cleaned out and redirected to optimize water flow. Weather Conditions – Working in rain, wind or extreme cold makes the job more difficult and slow as ladders need to be secured, stabilized and repositioned to reach new areas. Location – A multistory home requires more ladder work and safety rigging than a single-story house. Proximity to power lines or other obstructions can also impact how quickly a job is completed.

Keeping gutters clean prevents a number of issues from arising that cost money to repair or resolve. For example, a clogged gutter can overflow and dump water onto flower beds, shrubs, and other greenery around your property that may need to be replaced. Additionally, moisture and mold that build up in your gutters can cause costly and permanent damage to your home’s structure, and even health issues for you and your family if the mould is toxic.

While hiring a professional may seem like a costly expense, it’s much less expensive than dealing with the consequences of neglecting your gutters. Consider the financial benefits of avoiding costly repairs and health concerns by investing in gutter maintenance now and scheduling cleaning services twice a year.

Save Money

Gutter cleaning can be expensive, especially if you have to hire professionals to do the job. However, the cost of getting gutters cleaned regularly is less than the repair costs that can result from not cleaning them. Gutters are designed to direct water away from the roof and foundation, but clogged gutters can cause significant problems to both. If the water is allowed to overflow, the roof can develop mold and rot, while the foundation can crack and crumble. Even if the water doesn’t overflow, it can cause other damage such as erosion and run-off that can wash away landscaping and destroy trees.

Clogged gutters can also cause damage to the home’s siding and the roof, which means that you will have to spend money to repair them. In addition, clogged gutters can create water seepage in the basement or behind the home’s siding that can cause drywall to become rotted and even moldy. Regular gutter cleanings will keep water from flowing down the side of the house and causing these costly issues.

It is recommended that homeowners have their gutters cleaned at least two to three times per year in order to keep them working properly. Many companies offer seasonal pricing, with discounts during off-seasons when there isn’t as much demand for their services. Some companies also offer annual contracts that can help homeowners save money on their gutter cleaning costs over time.

Another way to save on gutter cleaning costs is to take advantage of discounts and coupons offered by many different companies. These discounts can often be found in local newspapers or on coupon sites like Groupon and Living Social. Some companies may also offer a discount for customers who refer friends or neighbors to them.

Before you decide to do your gutter cleaning yourself, make sure that you check a company’s website and other reviews online to ensure that they are reputable and have good customer service. In addition, it is important to ask a company about their liability insurance in case someone gets injured while they are on your property. If a company doesn’t have liability insurance, you should find a different gutter cleaning company to work with.

Why Hardwood Flooring Is a Timeless Choice

Kathy Robb Hardwood Floor , , , ,
Why Hardwood Flooring Is a Timeless Choice

Hardwood Flooring is a timeless choice for any home. Not only do they add warmth and beauty, but they also increase a home’s value. Choosing the right wood species for your floors can greatly impact how they look and feel. Fortunately, there are many domestic and exotic species to choose from.

flooring

1. Durability

Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable types available, thanks to its natural wood grains and special finishes that make it water-resistant. It can last for 100 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

Various hardwood species are available, from slow-growing woods like oak and maple to fast-growing exotic varieties like teak and mahogany. Each wood has its unique character.

Some hardwoods are denser than others and may be more susceptible to warping, especially in humid climates. It’s also important to remember that pets can damage hardwood floors, so trim their nails and keep them away from the floor.

2. Environmentally friendly

Hardwood flooring has long been considered a green building material and has become increasingly popular recently. With the rising awareness of climate change and environmental issues, many homeowners are looking for ways to create environmentally friendly homes.

Wood floors are naturally carbon neutral because they absorb harmful carbon dioxide and produce oxygen throughout their life cycles. This makes them the most renewable flooring option and a great way to help preserve our planet.

Engineered hardwoods are also great for homeowners who want an eco-friendly floor. They feature a solid wood veneer and a plywood core made from fewer slow-growing trees than traditional hardwoods.

Another sustainable option is reclaimed wood. These floorings are salvaged from old warehouses, boxcars, military structures, underground piers, and logs pulled from the bottom of rivers where they sank on their way to the mill. This is a great way to support the wood flooring industry and reduce the demand for new trees.

3. Aesthetics

One of the top aspirational flooring choices among consumers, real wood floors have a visual aesthetic that can’t be duplicated by other materials. This is because the variety of species, colors, and grain options are endless, which allows homeowners to create a custom look that fits their specific interior design themes.

Some classic hardwood color options that never go out of style include cherry, mahogany, oak, and walnut. They all have a warm, rich tone that will instantly improve the overall design of your room.

Another option is birch wood, which is a light-colored wood that can complement many design styles and stains. It is also incredibly durable and is resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains.

Choosing the right flooring grade for your home is also important. Prime Grade hardwoods offer a clean, uniform look with few knots and minimal sap content.

4. Easy to maintain

Solid wood floors can be a great addition to your home. They offer timeless beauty, increase the value of your house, and are easy to maintain.

The look of your hardwood floors is determined by a few factors, including the wood species, color, and finish. For example, some wood species have greater natural variations in color between planks. Others are a more uniform tone, and still others are darker or lighter.

Hardwood flooring is also easy to maintain, and it doesn’t need to be refinished as frequently as carpets do. It will last a long time if you follow a simple maintenance schedule, sweep and vacuum regularly, and wipe up spills immediately.

If your floors do get scratched, refinishing them can fix these scratches and give them a new look. It’s also a lot cheaper than buying and installing new wood floors.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Services

Kathy Robb Flooring Blogs
flooring

Many homeowners today are opting to have their wooden floors refinished and sanded. Using a few simple refinishing services your wooden floors can now look as good as when they were put down. They can be much better protected from future damage too. Here are some benefits of refinishing your floors with professionals.flooring

Although some people may consider them to be an unnecessary expense, you can actually save money on heating and air conditioning by refinishing your hardwood floors. When you have your floors resurfaced and sealed, you are able to reduce the amount of time that you need to spend keeping your rooms warm or cool by up to 30%. This is a huge savings in energy costs.

Refinishing wood floors will also make them appear much brighter. The natural grains in hardwoods are lost when they are stained. However, hardwood floor refinishing services can actually bring back those same natural grains. They do this by applying high-pressure steam or water. Stained floors will regain their original ” brightness” making the room look like new. This makes the rooms appear larger and spacious.

Another reason why homeowners are choosing to use floor refinishing services is that it will save them money. There are some wooden floors that can actually be hundreds of dollars a piece. Once they have been stained however, it can be hundreds more dollars each year to maintain them. Therefore, using wooden floors refinishing services is definitely a money saver.

Having said that, not all dust removal services for wooden floors are created equal. Some are actually quite harmful. For instance, a dust removal company might use very high-pressure steam to remove dirt from your floors. While it is good for your floors, it can cause the wooden flooring to splinter. It is possible to find companies that offer only semi-waterproof dust removal or, better yet, water-resistant dust removal.

In addition to wood floor refinishing, homeowners may also choose to use hardwood floor sanding services. With hardwood floor sanding, the homeowner will receive a beautiful finish as well as protection against future scratches and scrapes. When choosing hardwood floor sanding services however, you must ensure that the company uses the right equipment. Ideally, the company should offer both wet and dry sanding as well as finish sanding services.

If you do not feel comfortable with doing the work yourself, you can always hire a professional to do the job. Typically, homeowners will be given a free estimate prior to the actual work beginning. This way, they can see if they are capable of completing the project on their own. You should take advantage of this offer and arrange for a free estimate on wood floors refinishing.

Whether you decide to get your hardwood floors refinished or to hire a professional to do it, you will discover that the process is not difficult. In fact, it can be quite enjoyable. In the end, you should discover that your home has been completely transformed for the better. You will have beautiful floors that have been properly refinished. You will have saved money, and perhaps even avoided a need for home renovation in the first place. With so many positive outcomes, there is no reason that you should not schedule the refinishing of your hardwood floors today.

The most common service that professionals offer is the re-coating of hardwood flooring. If you have old wood that has begun to rot, you may be able to salvage the wood by coating it with a protective coating. This coating will help prevent further damage and preserve the wood underneath. For instance, if your floors were once lacquered, you can use this same coating to re-coat them. Instead of spending time and money on expensive re-coating kits, you can save money by doing the work yourself.

A common service offered by professional hardwood floor refinishing specialists is the sanding and cleaning of floors. The reason for the cleaning is to remove any dirt and dust that may have collected during traditional refinishing procedures. In addition, dust can build up if you have not been vacuuming your floors on a regular basis. This can result in a residue build-up that actually damages your floors over time. By removing and using a sander and a vacuum, you can help remove this build-up of dust and dirt, as well as make the floors look great.

If you are still unsure about whether or not you should hire a professional to work on your floors, it may be a good idea to get a free estimate. You can request free estimates from several local contractors. Ask for more than just a free estimate, however. Most companies ask for a free estimate only to set up a scheduled time for work to be completed. After the estimate is provided, you can schedule a time to see the finished product. Most reputable hardwood floor refinishing services will be more than happy to schedule a time to get a more in-depth look at your hardwood floors.

Bathroom Remodeling: Ways to Cut the Cost

Kathy Robb Flooring Blogs

Bathroom remodeling should be an enjoyable experience. The choice of a toilet is a crucial decision because it contributes to the bathroom’s overall appeal. There are two toilet choices – the Hidden Tanks and the low-flow toilets. Toilets with concealed tanks in which the sewage water storage tank is installed within the wall also have many advantages.

They’re well worth consideration, particularly for small bathrooms, since the design may conserve space. Most contractors like the ones  would recommend a fixed cistern for better functionality. But you need to make sure that your cistern is strong enough and that it will not leak after several years of use. If your cistern gets damaged, then you will need a new one. Therefore, this is why it’s essential to discuss your plans with your bathroom remodeling contractors. Also, they would give you some helpful bathroom remodeling design ideas.

They usually offer a wide selection of sinks, faucets and fixtures. They can also help you choose between under-counter and over-counter products. Bathroom remodeling design plans include such decisions. However, the rates depend on factors such as the size, number of users, style, material, color and accessories. The below given are some tips to help you find a good contractor.

Bathroom fixtures are available in different colors, styles, shapes and materials. They’re not only beautiful but are the most important element of the bathroom. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right fixture to fit your bathroom. You should opt for those fixtures that match the rest of the bathroom. Older homes usually have more vintage styled toilets. If you want to retain the traditional aspect of the home, then go for older style sinks and toilets.

A bathroom is considered incomplete if it doesn’t have a whirlpool or spa tub. Whirlpool baths have become the latest trend when it comes to designing and remodeling bathrooms. These types of tubs offer a great way of relaxing after a hard day’s work. They also offer many health benefits because of their ability to stimulate lymphatic circulation. In other words, it helps you keep fit and healthy.

There are many people who think that bathroom renovations cost so much. However, they must also realize that it does not have to be expensive. With proper research, you will be able to find affordable products that won’t disappoint you at all. A lot of remodeling products have very reasonable rates. It can be compared to buying an annual pass in most cases.

One of the best investments you can make is in tile. The durability of the tiles is high and they also add to the overall resale value of your house. When it comes to bathroom remodels, ceramic tiles are popular due to their beauty and affordable prices. Ceramic tiles are water-resistant and do not absorb stains well. Also, they are easy to maintain, which makes them great choices for any bathroom remodels.

Another thing you can do to reduce the remodel cost is to use paint that is water-based. The reason why this type of paint is more affordable is because it doesn’t require a solvent for cleaning. Also, it won’t peel off easily and it holds onto its color longer. You might also consider getting a powder room instead of a bathtub to cut down the remodel cost. A powder room will make the room look bigger than it actually is and it is one option available for you if you want to get a bigger space in your bathroom.