Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling

Archives October 2022

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Residential Roof

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Residential Roof – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Residential Roof

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Residential Roof

 

After owning your home for some time, you’ll begin to notice imperfections and signs that it may be time to replace your roof. To the unknowing eye, these may go unnoticed, but by looking out for these telltale signs, you’ll be able to ensure you get your roof replaced before it’s too late.

Look For Specific Signs

Your residential roof can endure a lot over the years, but you’ll want to keep your eye specifically on these signs that it’s time for a replacement. Knowing if it’s time to replace your roof can depend on the following factors:

 

  • Age of your roof
  • Material of your shingles
  • Condition of your shingles (i.e. cracked, damaged, or missing)
  • Storm damage
  • Rotting or trapped moisture
  • Plants and incessant moss growth
  • Cracks or breaks in the roof flashing
  • Water damage

 

Having a damaged roof can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase and can also be rather dangerous if it’s caving in or sagging throughout your home. Take account of the conditions of your roof indoors as well. Make sure to check the underside of your roof in your attic to look for shiners or nails sticking out where they shouldn’t be to cover all your bases.

 

Know How to Finance Your Repair

 

Replacing your roof can be a costly endeavor, so you’ll want to be sure you have the funds to properly fix the damage that’s been done. The quicker you realize where your roof is deteriorating, the quicker you can get to the root of the problem, lessening how much you’ll have to spend on your project. Preparing a roof replacement budget can be beneficial if you’re doing consistent preventative maintenance, and can allow you to use money here and there on your roof repair.

 

Another financing option that would add more money to your roof replacement budget could come from your utilizing your home’s equity. A home equity loan can give you a full lump sum of cash all at once to put towards any home improvement project, allowing it to become tax deductible. When replacing your roof you have a variety of materials to choose from, and we can help you decide what is best for your home and budget.

 

Prepare For Future Maintenance

 

In order to prolong the lifetime of your new roof, you’ll want to adhere to some routine roof maintenance tips. Preventative roof maintenance is the best way to ensure your roof lasts up to 60% longer than reactively maintained roofs. Use binoculars or a sturdy ladder, and use a spotter to ensure you’re following the best safety practices.

 

Throughout the inside of your home, look for any warning signs and take note of new water spots or cracks in your ceiling. If you have an attic you don’t check on too much, begin to make this part of your maintenance routine, along with checking on your roof at least twice a year. After large winds or winter storms, it’s best to check your roof for any damage or holes that could’ve come about and repair them quickly to ensure they won’t get worse. By using our clean up and recovery services, you can be assured that your roof is in great condition all year long. Leaving damages untouched can lead to replacing your roof sooner rather than later. Taking preventative measures is key to the longevity of your new investment.

 

Following through with preventative maintenance and inspections throughout the year will ensure your roof is getting the care and attention it needs. If you find that your roof is in need of a replacement, consider your financing options.

The Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

The Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

 

Here’s an alarming fact: according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the level of pollutants indoors is two to five times higher than outdoors. Polluted indoor air is also considered one of the top public health risks.

 

On average, people in the United States spend 90 percent of their time indoors. This makes adequate ventilation, air filtration, and proper HVAC maintenance important as they can help minimize exposure to airborne contaminants and harmful emissions.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

 

The following are some of the most prevalent air pollutants indoors:

 

  • Biological Particulates. This includes pet dander, dust mite feces, bacteria, viruses, cockroach exoskeleton particles, dust, pollen and other biological pollutants that are invisible to the naked eye. If you have an allergy, exposure to particulates can be harmful to your health. It has also been known to trigger asthma attacks.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Volatile organic compounds are typically found in pesticides, new flooring, dry-cleaned clothes, adhesives, and air fresheners. VOCs are also known to produce hazardous chemical emissions that have short- and long-term effects on the health.
  • Mold develops when there is inadequate ventilation and excess moisture. Depending on your sensitivity, molds can trigger asthma or allergy symptoms. You can also develop respiratory illnesses or allergy-like symptoms when exposed to the mycotoxins produced by mold colonies.
  • Combustion Pollutants. Items that use oil, wood, or gas like furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, and fireplaces produce combustion pollutants that can be harmful to health. According to the World Health Organization, combustion pollutants are considered the most dangerous for children, especially those in third world countries. This type of indoor pollutant has been known to cause acute lower respiratory infections that can be life-threatening. Two of the most dangerous combustion pollutants are carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

 

How Poor Indoor Air Can Affect Your Health

Poor indoor air quality can cause infections, chronic lung diseases, and lung cancer. Understandably, those with lung diseases are at a greater risk. Below are some of the most common indoor air pollutants and how they can affect your health:

Building and Paint Products

Remodeling and construction materials can emit dust or fumes that can endanger your health. Older building materials can also release indoor air pollutants when removed or disturbed. Building materials like furniture, plywood, and other pressed-wood products can contain chemicals that give off odors and gasses as the materials age.

When it comes to building materials, opt for those with low or zero emissions. Fortunately, many building materials are now produced using alternative chemicals that emit less harmful chemicals. Refrain from using products with benzene as it has been known to cause cancer.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas. This highly dangerous gas is produced when fuels like kerosene, charcoal, natural gas, and oil are burned. Carbon monoxide can minimize the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Other possible sources of CO include wood stoves, camp stoves, and charcoal grills.

Breathing even low levels of carbon monoxide can produce symptoms like disorientation, nausea, weakness, headache, confusion, and dizziness. On the other hand, breathing high levels of CO can cause vomiting, anxiety, sleepiness, impaired vision, and impaired coordination.

Pet Dander

Pet dander can linger in the air longer compared to other allergens. This can be attributed to the fact that they are jagged in shape and can easily stick to bedding, fabrics, and furniture.

Exposure to pet dander can cause symptoms such as sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and shortness of breath. Pet dander can also trigger asthma and cause hives or skin rash. It can also cause contact dermatitis.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are insect-like and very small pests that thrive in humid settings and feed on dead human skin cells. Inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages caused by dust mites is considered a dust allergy.

Dust mites can also live in curtains, carpets, bedding, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. Since dust mites are found almost anywhere, four out of five homes in the United States are exposed to them.

Lead

Lead is a harmful and toxic chemical. Exposure to lead can be very detrimental to the body. Lead can accumulate in the kidneys, liver, bones, and blood. In some cases, lead poisoning continues even after the source of the exposure has been eliminated. Children are more prone to lead pollution because their nervous systems are still developing.

Some of the ill effects of lead pollution include paralysis, anemia, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased IQ, behavioral problems, constipation, increased blood pressure, reproductive system damage, and kidney and brain damage.

Final Thoughts

Considering all the health risks involved, it’s never a good idea to ignore poor air quality indoors. Just like contractor insurance, investing in HVAC maintenance is a wise idea. After all, proper mitigation begins with seeking help from qualified and experienced professionals. They can help you decide on the indoor air quality solutions that would suit your needs best.

 

 

About the author

 

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of New AC Unit. Aside from heading the company’s content marketing strategies, she writes articles about how to stay fit and energy-efficient home living.

6 Essential Upgrades to Make During a Renovation

6 Essential Upgrades to Make During a Renovation – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Renovation

6 Essential Upgrades to Make During a Renovation

 

Upgrading your home is a great opportunity to boost its resale value and add unique details that reflect your style. More importantly, though, your renovations should optimize the space in your home and add to its functionality. The following upgrades will help you achieve this goal and make your home uniquely yours.

 

Have a remodeling project? Trust the pros at Gainesville Restoration & Remodeling for all your renovation needs!

 

  1. Home Office and Guest Room

With an increasing number of professionals working from home, the need for home office spaces has risen rapidly. You can incorporate an office into your home — and you don’t have to lose your guest bedroom to do so. You can renovate your spare room to meet both needs by putting a sleeper sofa in the room and investing in storage cabinets. Add a full-length mirror for a touch of class, and you have the ideal multifunctional room.

 

  1. Better HVAC System

If your renovation includes any expansions, you’ll need to assess whether it’s necessary to add additional ductwork or ventilation for the new space. An HVAC company can offer advice on the issue, and if you do need HVAC services, you should start looking for contractors near you online and research reviews and ratings before you contract with a provider. This is the best way to ensure that the company you use will be worth the investment.

 

  1. Wear-Resistant Flooring

Flooring has evolved considerably in recent years, and delicate shag carpets are no longer the norm. Instead, most homeowners prefer wear-resistant flooring materials such as bamboo, vinyl, ceramic, or porcelain. These options offer both style and sustainability thanks to their long-term durability.

 

  1. Roof Repairs or Replacement

According to research, the average roof needs to be replaced every 25 to 30 years. If you have a unique roofing material such as copper, tile, or slate, it may last as long as 50 years. No matter what material your roof is made of, though, renovations are the perfect time to invest in any repairs that may be necessary — or, if a replacement is needed, get the replacement out of the way. In addition to the boost in value that a new roof will provide, it will improve your home’s insulation and increase its curb appeal.

 

  1. Energy-Efficient Appliances

Replacing appliances is a major decision. You may have trouble choosing the color and brand, but no matter what style you opt for, you should prioritize one thing — energy efficiency. Energy-efficient appliances are a fantastic investment, and they offer considerable long-term savings to homeowners.

 

  1. Interior Design Elements

Lighting is a great opportunity to show off your aesthetic sensibilities. Consider adding some other unique interior design elements such as wallpaper, accent trim, or retro accessories. A renovation allows you to infuse your uniqueness into your home. Don’t miss the opportunity to craft an environment that you love with thoughtful design details.

 

Home Warranty

A home warranty provides peace of mind by protecting homeowners from costly repairs to appliances and major home systems, such as their HVAC system. They also offer financial protection in the case of unexpected damage due to things like natural disasters or unforeseen accidents. What’s more, many home warranty plans include additional benefits, such as free service calls and discounts on annual maintenance. If you need help with a Florida home warranty, read online reviews to determine the best protection plan for your needs. When choosing a plan, carefully consider customer service, scope of coverage, and available deals.

 

Transform Your Home Into a Haven

You spend most of your time at home, but it might not always feel like the haven you wish it were. You can change that with renovations that allow you to upgrade the most important parts of your home and add to its appeal. Once you’ve renovated, consider purchasing a home warranty to protect your home’s systems and appliances.

 

Make More Money From Your Investment Property Business

Make More Money From Your Investment Property Business With These 4 Tips – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Investment Property

Make More Money From Your Investment Property Business

Buying real estate is a lucrative way to grow your money and diversify your investments. Perhaps the best way to make money from your investment property in the long term is to rent it out to interested tenants. However, there is more to the process than simply buying a home and then immediately putting up the first renter you can find. By following a few best practices in your budding investment property business, you can find even greater financial success in this profitable venture.

 

  1. Repair and Deep Clean Each Property

Any home that is previously lived-in is likely to show some signs of wear and tear. Your first priority upon purchasing an investment property is to conduct a thorough inspection and address any damages which might be a liability later on. Common repair expenses can include roof renovations and electrical repairs.

 

It is also a good idea to deep clean the entire house, even if the floors and walls appear passable to the naked eye. When potential tenants come to view the home, their willingness to rent may go up dramatically just by noticing a freshly-cleaned carpet.

 

  1. Add Attractive Modifications

Beyond what is strictly necessary for the sake of safety, there are other touch-ups you can make to your property to increase its value to renters. Real estate experts explain that some of the best property upgrades are the ones that prospective tenants will notice right away, such as landscaping or even a literal fresh coat of paint.

 

Accessibility is another huge priority and one that can broaden the pool of potential renters who might show interest in your property. Start by constructing an entrance ramp for easier access into the home, and widen doorframes throughout the house if they cannot already accommodate wheelchair passage.

 

  1. Market Your Property to Potential Tenants

An appealing property in a prime location might eventually attract renters on its own merits, but the time spent waiting is time that your property could be generating revenue. To bring in tenants quicker, and higher-quality tenants at that, you need to properly market the property.

 

Putting up signs or flyers in the local area is a tried-and-true method of raising awareness. You can also find potential renters through social media networks and email your flyer directly to them as a PDF file. If you want to learn how to edit a PDF, use a free tool. Then, you can make additional changes or add drawings for emphasis before downloading the finished document and sharing it.

 

  1. Write a Business Plan

While it’s true that you can make a decent property by occasionally flipping houses or by owning one or two rental properties, your investment property venture can become a consistently reliable source of income if you treat it like a full-fledged business. To that end, you need a detailed business plan that outlines your long-term goals, your funding needs, and whether you will manage your growing real estate property yourself or with the help of a property manager.

 

As you move forward with formalizing your business, you should consider establishing a limited liability company to protect yourself and your assets from the possibility of litigation. You can form an LLC by hiring a lawyer or by working with a more cost-effective formation service.

 

Investing in real estate is a prudent decision for anyone with the finances to spare. To truly bolster your income in the long-term, though, you can take the appropriate steps toward turning your side investments into a successful investment property business.

 

Clogged Drain? Here Are 8 Effective Options

Clogged Drain? Here Are 8 Effective Options – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

Clogged Drains

Clogged Drain? Here Are 8 Effective Options

 

Plumbing systems may clog over time, and that is normal. After all, you use them every day, so you can’t always keep them free from grease, grime, dust, and other elements.

But the good news is that there are ways to clear the clog once and for all: use specialized cleaning products and tools or seek professional help.

In this post, we’ll discuss the available options for clearing clogs in your plumbing system. However, before we do that, let’s figure out why your plumbing system sometimes gets clogged.

Why Clogs Happen

 

Hair clumps are the most common culprits behind a clogged shower drain, while toilet paper build-up is the popular cause of a clogged toilet. Large food particles and grease in the pipes, on the other hand, are usual reasons your kitchen sink clogs.

You see, water cannot flow properly once debris and other solid particles accumulate. As a result, your plumbing system may slow down or clog. To make matters worse, you will never know your plumbing system is clogged until you experience these problems:

  • The toilet overflows or won’t flush, no matter what you do.
  • It takes longer than usual to drain water in the bathtub, sink, and shower.
  • There’s an odd smell coming from your plumbing system.
  • You find standing water around the dishwasher, laundry machine, or toilet base.

How to Unclog Your Drains

There are many ways to unclog your drain, but it can be challenging to identify which option works best for your plumbing system. As a general rule, start with the easiest and gentlest solution to avoid making the problem worse.

Here are some easy methods to unclog your drain:

1. Use a hanger to unclog the sink.

Food particles, hair, and dirt can get stuck in your drain pipe walls. If not removed, they can slow down water flow and cause your plumbing system to clog.

A quick solution to this involves the use of a simple hanger. Find a coat hanger, straighten it out, and bend it to form a small hook shape at the end of the wire. Slowly push the hook down to the hole and start to fish. Do not push the hanger downwards. This will only cause the blockage to move further down the drain. It is best to use gentle hooking motions to remove the gunk that is blocking your drain.

2. Use a dish detergent.

Hair can easily clog the shower drains, whereas wipes, tissue paper, and female sanitary products tossed into the toilet bowl are notorious for blocking the toilet.

As a quick fix for clogged shower drains and toilets, use dish detergent. This product can break the build-up and lubricate your drain. Start by pouring a cup of dish detergent, then flush it with boiling water. To make it easier to remove the blockage, use a plunger.

3. Add baking soda and vinegar.

Who knew that our science class project is key to unclogging your drains? Believe it or not, baking soda and vinegar aren’t just for the DIY volcano project we had during our early years at school. The fizzing power created by these two ingredients can help eliminate mild clogs!

Pour boiling water into the drain and wait for it to be cleared. After that, pour one-half cup of baking soda. Follow that with one cup of vinegar and another cup of hot water. Wait for about an hour as the ingredients work their magic. Lastly, use tap water to drain the ingredients away. Your drain should work properly at this point.

4. Use washing soda.

If the previous method did not work, find a stronger alternative, such as washing soda.

Also called sodium carbonate, washing soda is a common cleaning product used for unclogging drains. Compared to baking soda, this ingredient is more alkaline, making it a stronger and more effective drain cleaner.

To use, pour boiling water down the sink and follow it with a cup of washing soda. Next, pour another cup of boiling water and leave it there for 5 minutes. Any blockage should be removed by then. If you notice that your sink is still not draining quickly, repeat the process.

5. Use a wet/dry vacuum.

As the name suggests, a wet/dry vacuum cleans liquids and dry dirt by vacuuming. This is commonly used to suck waste from clogged drains, especially if the blockage is near the surface.

Before you start, make sure to create a seal over the hole to prevent creating a mess. You can use an old or broken plunger head for this. Then turn on the vacuum and choose the liquid setting. Use the most powerful suction if possible. Put it over the plughole. Leave it there for 1-2 minutes. Then turn it off and pour tap water to see if the sink is now unblocked.

6. Coke

We know that coke makes for a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. But did you know it also works as an effective clog drain fix? Simply pour 2 liters of cola down the drain and let it sit for at least an hour. Then add hot water to drain it away. Watch how blockage is removed.

Unlike commercial drain cleaners, coke is quite effective but far milder. So, it’s definitely safe to use. However, note that it can also leave a sticky substance because of its sugar syrup content. Hence, it is recommended to use only when dealing with major plumbing system blockages.

7. Plungers

You can also use tools like plungers to unclog your drains. But make sure you use the right type because plungers are not created equal. A simple toilet plunger won’t work if you are dealing with a sink blockage. For that, you need a cup plunger.

To use a plunger, unscrew the stopper and position the plunger into the drain. Create a tight seal. Then start plunging. Run water every now and then to see if the clog has cleared. Repeat the process if necessary.

8. Caustic Soda

Caustic soda is a harsh ingredient and can cause chemical burns if not used properly. So, when you use it, you need to wear eye goggles and rubber gloves. Also, ensure that there is proper ventilation in the area to avoid suffocation.

To use caustic soda in unclogging drains, add three-quarters of a gallon of water and three cups of caustic soda to a bucket. Stir well using a wooden spoon. You should notice that the solution starts to fizz. Pour it down the blocked drain and leave it there for half an hour. Rinse it with boiling water. Repeat the process if needed.

Never Have to Worry About Clogged Drains!

Clogged drains can be annoying, especially if they become a regular problem. But before you resort to harsh chemicals, try to remove the visible blockages first and opt for natural solutions. They are safer for you, your pipes, and the environment.

However, if you are not confident about what to do with your clogged pipes, seek help from experts. Professional plumbing service providers can fix clogged drains, so you don’t have to. They also offer drain cleaning services to prevent clogged drains! Plus, they can recommend the best course of action to unclog those drains.

 

About the author

Merrie is a Marketing Manager for the Rooter Ranger brand. Her focus is on results driven strategic marketing efforts that deliver sales and profit growth. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors and traveling the world.