Everything You Need to Know About Home Extensions Before You Start the Demolition

Is your home getting a little too small for your growing family or small business? You can build up, go down into the ground or create something that extends out the back—no matter what you choose, adding an extension to your house can efficiently solve your space problems. However, where do you start with your home extension? Here are a few things you need to know about this building project so that it ends up providing great home improvement benefits.

Don’t start without permissions

In most cases, but definitely depending on the size, shape and scale of your project, you will need to apply for planning permissions when extending your home. For instance, in Australia, you need council approval and building certification. Every local council is different, so it’s best to work with a designer who is willing to push the bounders and get you the most for the permits you receive. You can find a lot of information on designs on your council website and see which styles are permitted to ensure your neighborhood is complimented by architecture and not destroyed by it.

Time it well

In general, it’s best to plan for a summer build. Firstly, the weather is more stable and you will get fewer storms. Secondly, if you’re planning to stay in your house while the extension is being built, you will have more opportunities to spend time outside and escape the mess. Thirdly, if you’re doing a kitchen addition/remodel, you can easily rely on preparing food outside when the weather is nice. Also, make sure you finish your project before Christmas, especially in the States. Most builders close down for weeks, and if you’re missing any materials, you won’t be able to get them until January.

Team up with experts

No matter how big your extension is, an architect will give your project that designer look, thanks to their expertise and experience. In places like Australia, all homeowners rely on architects when it comes to any building aspect—feasibility studies, design, tendering, project management, etc. Another thing people do is hire companies specializing in home renovations in Australia and ask them to provide everything from the design phase to final looks. Since renovations and extensions require a different set of skills than building from scratch, it’s best to find a company that focuses on these tasks particularly.

You will need a budget

Even the smallest extensions can break your bank if you don’t budget well. In general, you need to set aside $1500-$2700 per square meter, plus an extra 10-20% for emergencies. You can also issue your designer drawings to a calculator and get a more accurate cost. Keep in mind that your budget doesn’t only include building costs, but also architect and consultant fees and permits as well. Be realistic with your budget and you will manage to make your dreams into a reality.

Make sure your addition boosts the value

If you decide to sell one day, you’ll be glad that your extension boosts the value of your home. Every extension needs to make economic sense and add value that’s greater than the costs of the extension. Check out properties in your location and see how much they are worth, but be aware of the ceiling value and adjust your building plans accordingly.

Don’t get preoccupied with the size

There’s more to your project than square meters. You also need to think about what your extension is adding to the house beside the size. Bigger is not always better, and you will often find many creative ways to boost the square footage or create an illusion of a bigger space without investing in large extensions. Through clever design, anything is possible.

Aim for continuity

Your extension should look like it’s a part of the original building. While you might want to experiment, it’s best to take into account the architectural integrity of the house, street and neighborhood, as well as your personal preferences. If you add a very contemporary extension to your old heritage home, it can really ruin the curb appeal of the entire street. Blending old with new is very important if you don’t want to end up living in an abomination.

Be creative

On the other hand, try to be creative. You can extend your house upwards (loft), outwards (addition) or downwards (basement), all of which can stand out in the best possible way and give your property a lot of character. You can add an interesting design element that will set your extension apart—a shape of the extension, a hidden glazing panel, etc. Residential architecture can be very interesting, so don’t be scared to push the boundaries together with your architect.

Building home extensions is stressful, especially if you don’t have any previous experience, but if you follow these tips before you start any demolition, you will pull through and end up with a dream house for your family.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

Signs Your Home May Have a Leaking Sewer Pipe

Of the many potential plumbing issues homeowners can face, sewer pipe trouble is considered one of the most costly. Often, homeowners won’t have a clue they have an undetected plumbing problem until they get their water bill. 

A massive spike in the water bill can be a clear indication of a sewer leak. If you suspect you have a sewer problem, it is recommended that you work with professionals and have a sewer camera inspection carried out as soon as possible.

Other telltale signs of sewer leaks you should look out for include:

Colored Water

Water from your faucet should be clear. If you have a sewer leak, water can turn yellow, brown, or green. However, colored water is not always an indication of an undetected sewage issue. Colored water can also be caused by rust in your plumbing system or a leaking pipe. Green water can also point to a corroding copper pipe. 

Sagging or Wet Floor

Another sign that can indicate a hidden water leak is a damp spot on your carpet. Water can seep upward when there are sewer leaks in the slab foundation of your home. Hidden leaks and concrete slab foundations often go hand-in-hand. 

Typically, pipes run through the concrete where they are kept hidden. If the leak is undetected for an extended period, you can end up with a damaged foundation.

Unexplained Odors

One of the very first signs that point to a sewer leak is unexplained odor. Most homeowners with a sewer leak would notice the smell of sulfur or eggs. The unpleasant smell is often attributed to gas that's released from an undetected plumbing leak. 

On the other hand, an eggy smell will not always indicate a plumbing problem or leak. At times, it can be traced to gas leaks from homes that use natural gas as a heating fuel. Either way, it is recommended that you have your pipes checked right away if you notice any unusual smell.

Slow Drain

If you notice your shower drains slowing down, the possible problem might be a hairball. Soap, hair, and other particles can also clog your drain and create sewer leaks. If the slow drain is in your kitchen, the problem can be caused by grease clogging the drain.

When every drain at home starts to move slowly, it can be an indication of a more severe issue like a sewer leak. If unsure, it would be best to seek help from professionals so the problem can be identified and fixed right away.

Old-Looking Pipes

Undoubtedly, visual inspection is one of the quickest and easiest ways to spot a possible sewer problem. Ideally, you should check for possible problems at least twice a year—before turning on the air conditioning and as soon as the temperatures drop.

Coupled with a frozen pipe, a sewer leak can turn into a plumbing disaster. Check the hidden area under your drain and look for possible joint leaks in your sewer system. Discoloration can also point to a possible leak. 

Water Pressure Drops Off

Contrary to popular belief, if you notice a low water pressure when running the dishwasher, taking a shower, or doing the laundry, it's not always a sign of an undetected plumbing problem. It is possible that your municipal water supply might be the culprit. 

If your water takes some time to drain and water pressure at every tap is low, there's a huge possibility you have a sewer leak. In some cases, a hidden mainline puncture might not leak into your home. Instead, it can flood your neighbor's property and keeps the problem hidden much longer.

Excess Water Pooling Outside

After a rain shower, a puddle or two can form. If you notice a puddle when it has not rained, it can indicate a problem with the drain system or an undetected sewer leak. Also, if you notice a sudden elevation change, it can be a sign of another issue like a collapsed sewer pipe. 

Also, if you notice the pipes backing up or a small pool forming, even if it's not raining, you're likely dealing with a hidden leak. It is recommended that you have your pipes checked to find the source of the leak and have it fixed.

Discoloration on the Walls

While unfortunate to note, most sewer leaks can stay undetected for months causing water to slowly seep throughout your home. A slow drip can also stay hidden for long periods if concealed behind your ceiling or wall.

Colored spots and dark rings that appear on the walls are not only unsightly, they can also indicate a leak that's hidden under the surface. Another clear sign of a sewer leak is bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper. 

Final Thoughts

Sewer leaks can be very costly if left undetected for a long time. That said, if you notice any of the telltale signs above, get in touch with a professional so any issues can be resolved right away before they cause more damage.

8 Fall Decor Curb Appeals

We all know curb appeal is important, everyone strives to have a nice looking front lawn. What happens when Fall rolls around and it’s time to decorate? It’s absolutely possible to have a gorgeous fall set up that will more than likely boost your curb appeal! Having people stop and admire your work is definitely the goal. Here are some inspiration pictures that are sure to leave you with a gorgeous front lawn.

Simple, but cute! The welcome sign can be seen from the street, and fits in perfectly with the oranges of the leaves and pumpkins. The little tree is a nice touch too!

Are you looking for bigger decorations that are easily visible? Big plants and pumpkins are your go-to! Staggering them going up the stairs is sure to add dimension and variety, and looks gorgeous!

This is a cute way to display your address for guests to see! Make sure it’s placed tall enough to be visible from the street.

If you want to jump right into mixing fall with halloween, this is the perfect little corner set up! Add a variety of jack-o-lanterns, along with some different styled pumpkins to add uniqueness!

Do you have a long walk up to your doorstep? Throw in pumpkins to create a trail on the way up with different shades of fall-colored flowers!

Do you have a little nook corner space on your front porch for sitting? This is the perfect opportunity to surround the seats with fall-related decorations! You can even throw in some fall throw pillows if that’s something you’re interested in. Nothing like getting cozy on your front porch in the September breeze with pumpkins surrounding you!

Another cute way to display your mailbox and address to visitors!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Vintage Decor Ideas You Can Pull Off on a Budget

The vintage decor style has had a big comeback which means that, if you’re a fan, you can now easily find a ton of old accessories, decorations and furniture pieces with that old but timeless and classy look. These items are typically expensive, but you can still find some on a budget or create something by yourself.

There’s no need to spend a fortune to redecorate your home in a vintage style. All you need is some time and imagination to add something special to every room.

With the budget-friendly vintage decorating ideas listed below, all you will need is some resourcefulness, creativity and time!

Search for Old Furniture

If you are going for vintage interior decor, start by choosing the right furniture. Vintage furniture is commonly older and a bit worn out, but the best thing is that it’s often quite cheap. For instance, you can find it at antique shops, yard sales, flea markets and auctions. Admittedly, you will need to be patient and do a lot of searching and digging before you find the perfect piece for your home. Shopping for vintage furniture can easily turn out to be one great and exciting adventure that may eventually reward you with a fabulous vintage décor piece!  

Repurpose Old Things

No vintage home decor is complete without some vintage accessories. The quickest and easiest way to get them is to look at what you already have and get creative! For example, you can create a feature wall and hang up your old plates.

Similarly, you can practically do the same with any vintage item you have as long as you find a cute way to display it. In this way, you give them a decorative purpose and an entirely new meaning.

Distress the Paint on Existing Furniture

Distressing the paint will turn even new furniture into a piece with a vintage vibe. It’s also an easy DIY project – just take some sandpaper and rub it over the furniture edges. Whether the paint job is old or new, the final look will be vintage-looking!

A word of wisdom before you start - this will only look good on furniture that can be conceived as older. It will never work on cheap, ultra-modern pieces. So, you should consider old tables, cabinets, desks, and other already-vintage-looking items. You can end up having stylish pieces with added gravity of age.

Antique and Collectibles with Vintage Touch

Vintage decor relies on the use of objects from previous centuries that are considered out-dated, but have been saved for their beauty or sentimental value.There are many different collectibles that can be used for decor in your house. They usually come from a specific decade, or even an earlier period of time when the object was popular like in the middle ages or medieval. Collectibles, such as antique glassware, miniature statues and firearm replicas such as flintlock pistols are all excellent choices for ornamentation. They can be used as vignettes, mounted on walls with frames, or placed in bookshelves.

Accessorize at Will

Accessories have always been an important part of decoration. Even more maybe, as these details have the power to infuse life in a boring interior. Tasteful accessories rank very high on the list of vintage decor ideas, primarily due to being cheap and easy to implement.

Keep your eyes open for vintage pottery, glassware, lace and even living plants such as gorgeous everlasting rose in a jar– that is certainly something that will be reminiscent of old times and vintage castles and it’ll last up to a year!

Hang Vintage Mirrors

Mirrors are an excellent tool to use to make a room seem brighter and larger, but they also bring the charm and elegance of past times. Hanging up an oversized massive mirror with an elaborate golden frame will create a powerful effect recalling the grandeur of the Roaring ’20s.

For visual effect, you should try and find a mirror smoky with age and a frame that is faded. If you feel it needs a more aged look, don’t be afraid to paint it yourself and possibly distress it to give it the perfect aged-looking hue.

Create Shelves out of Old Suitcases

If you love DIY projects, this idea will be ideal – it involves turning old suitcases into shelves. It will require you to visit some more flea markets and antique shops, but once you have the amount you need, you can create unique shelving that will be visually effective and provide additional storage for your old books and vintage decorations.  

Add a Touch of Warmth with a Soft Rug

Warmth is what distinguishes a house from a home. One of the main vintage decor features is a warm and welcoming interior. The quickest and easiest way to do this is by using a soft rug with rich texture and colours. The great thing about rugs is that regardless of their size, they can be easily fitted in almost any sized room and they work well with antique wooden furniture pieces.

There are always lots of different ways to improve your home but if you are fond of vintage decors, the possibilities are practically endless. Hopefully, the vintage decor ideas listed here will inspire you to redesign your home on a budget and create a warm and inviting vintage feel.   

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

Want to Get Rid of House Centipedes? Here’s How to Find and Remove them

Even though they’re usually harmless, nobody wants to have centipedes at their house. But, it might often be a bit complicated to get rid of them. However, you need not worry as there are still some ways you can deal with them. And, for that, you need to find them first. Now, that will surely require quite some effort on your part. 

Apart from that, you’d also want to prevent further centipede infestation in your house. In case you’re wondering how to do all of that, you’ve come to the right place. So, keep reading to know how you can find, remove, and prevent home centipede infestations. 

Where can you Find Centipedes in your Home?

The first stage in the process is finding the centipedes in your home. There are certain areas where you have more chances of finding them. But, you might often find it inconvenient to look for them on your own. Especially so, if you have a busy schedule daily. In such cases, you must hand over the job to a competent pest control Dubai service provider. 

Here are some areas that you must inspect while looking for home centipedes:

1. Basement

Your basement probably has a damp environment. In case you didn’t know, that makes it a perfect place for centipedes to live and grow. So, if you’re wondering where to start, you can do so with your basement. Check thoroughly at all corners and make sure not to leave out any areas. 

2. Bathroom

As mentioned before, centipedes find damp or moist areas a suitable habitat. So, apart from other places, you must also inspect your bathroom. Maybe that’s where the centipedes you saw around your house are coming from. Further, check all the areas of your bathroom thoroughly for any sign of centipede infestation. 

3. Kitchen

The kitchen is yet another area of your house that offers a suitable environment for centipedes, especially the moist areas, such as below the sink. Apart from that, you must inspect any other area that’s moist and dark. Apart from these two qualities, centipedes also look for safety. So, check the corners and other areas that might provide a safe place for them. 

4. Closets

Apart from other areas, you must not forget to inspect your closets as well. After all, they provide centipedes with the kind of humidity they like. Especially, so when it’s winter. So, they can be a target of centipede infestations as well. 

5. Potted plants

Do you have potted plants at your home? If yes, then you must inspect them as well. Though, certain types of centipedes are indeed good for your plants. But, many others are harmful to them. So, you’d want to find and get rid of them as soon as possible. 

6. Trash cans

Do you have open trash cans in any part of the house? If yes, then it acts as a perfect habitat for centipedes. After all, it often has a level of moisture inside it that attracts them. So, you might find a centipede infestation in your trash can if you inspect it. 

How do you Eliminate House Centipedes?

Once you’ve found a centipede infestation in your home, you must make no unnecessary delays. So, you must get to the task of eliminating them as soon as possible. Here are some of the ways you can achieve that:

1. Kill them right away

Do you spot centipedes around your house? Then, you must consider killing them as soon as you find them. After all, that’s the best way to eliminate them from your home. Now, if there’s an infestation, there might be a large number of centipedes in your home. In such cases, you probably won’t get the time to find and kill all of them. So, you’d need to apply some other tricks as well or seek professional assistance. 

2. Eliminate all other pests

One of the ways to eliminate centipedes is by taking away their food. So, what do they feed on? In case you’re wondering, they eat other pests. Thus, if you kill them as well, you can hope to free your home from centipedes soon. Further, you can simply use various products available in the market for this purpose. 

3. Place traps around your house

Apart from other things, you must also set up traps to catch and eliminate centipedes. This would be quite an effective way to deal with them. Especially so, if you combine it with the other methods listed here. Also, now you know where centipedes might live in your house. And, it should give you a good idea of where to place the traps. 

However, this trick mostly works in catching smaller centipedes. So, you might need to look for other ways to deal with the bigger ones. 

4. Spray insecticides

This is one of the most important steps that you must not skip. After all, it’s one of the most effective ones as well. You can simply use a professional insecticide to kill all the centipedes in your home. This will help you eliminate them within a couple of days. But, for that, you need to spray the pesticide on the right spots, which isn’t so difficult. 

Other products that you can use

Looking for suitable products other than insecticides for this task? In that case, there are many effective alternatives that you can try. And, these include boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and peppermint oil. All of them can kill the centipedes in your home. 

How do you Prevent Further Centipede Infestations in Your Home?

You can ensure that your house remains free of centipede infestations by various methods. Here are some of the most effective ones among them:

1. Fix all plumbing issues

Since most environments favour centipedes, you have to remove them from your home as well. Now, plumbing issues are a leading cause of moisture in your home. So, repair them as soon as possible to prevent that. Also, you must keep areas that are prone to centipede infestation as dry as possible. 

2. Clean your house regularly

This method never fails to keep your house safe from issues such as centipede infestations. So, it’s quite an important preventive measure that you must follow. You must clean every corner of your home. Especially the ones that can favour centipede infestations. 

3. Keep the humidity under control

Don’t want centipedes in your home? Then, you must do something about the humidity apart from other things. Otherwise, it’ll always attract centipedes into your home. So, you need to keep the humidity in check. And, for that, you can simply use a dehumidifier or your air conditioner. 

4. Close all holes in the walls

There might be holes and gaps in many places on your walls. Unless you close them, centipedes can simply walk in anytime. So, fill them up as soon as possible to prevent that. This step is quite an essential one in keeping centipedes out of your home.  

Are the above steps enough?

We have included pretty much all the stages in removing and preventing centipede infestations in homes. Hopefully, they will provide you with the desired results. Provided that, if you follow each step appropriately, you usually won’t require any professional help. But, in case you still do, contact a reputable control service as soon as possible. 

Guest Contributor: Biler Charlie

The Side Effects Of A Slab Leak And How It Affects Your Plumbing

The slab leak is one plumbing issue that has the potential to cause most of the damage. This finding is substantiated from the number of plumbing issues, and their severity reported annually by the homeowners of America. A slab leak is a problem that opens up a number of other issues, eventually causing nothing but lots of damage. 

Generally, a household looks to find a slab leak repair in Carlsbad only when the situation gets beyond the point of control. However, this is dangerous. If you ask why, hold on as we are going to discuss the side effects of a slab leak and how the entire plumbing system gets affected by it.    

Side Effects Of Slab Leak

A slab leak is a bigger than usual issue. If we say it is just another plumbing problem, it won’t be justifying the potential of damage that it carries. Here are some of the key damages that it can cause: 

• Foundation Of Home: The slab leak has a good potential to damage the very foundation of your home. You would say that we are kidding, right? No, not at all. The leak, apart from penetrating water, can cause pressure in walls and flooring that results in cracks and faults. Further, it can affect the steel and concrete that has been used in the house and on the back of which the structure stands. The houses that were made of concrete slabs and are a few decades old can face more problems than others in such cases.

• Health Effects: If you didn’t think that a slab leak can cause health issues, then here is a wake-up call for you. Yes, your health and your family’s health can be affected as a side effect of the slab leak problem. Excessive leakage of water can cause the accumulation of water in your home, which can result in the breeding of molds and mosquitoes. Not only these the damp walls and ceilings caused by the leakage can also cause breathing and respiratory diseases as well.

• Debt Burden: Yes, you read it right! The debt burden is another side effect of the leaking slabs. Let us explain to you. Water damage due to slab leaks is not covered even if you have insurance for the home. What this means is that you have to spend out of pocket for the damage caused. However, this heavy expenditure that you need to undertake will put you in a situation of debt if you do not have savings at your end.

How It Affects Plumbing? 

The plumbing system is affected in more than one way with the slab leak. Some of the major effects are:

• Clogging: Internal water leakage in the slab can lead to the accumulation of water around the area. This would further cause damping of the area leading to venting out of the water.

• Cracks And Faults: The leakage can trigger cracks and faults and this, in turn, causes the water to sweep inside and affect the walls and flooring of the house. The entrance of water in flooring can damage the floor structure internally, making it weak enough to break down.

• Bursts: It has been seen that slab leakage can trigger the bursting of pipes as well. This is generally caused due to the increase in the water leaked around the pipes. This water puts pressure on the pipe’s wall. This along with the internal water flow pressure can result in cracks and vents in pipes triggering a burst in them.

• Short Circuit: If the leak happens around the floor, ceiling, or sidewalls, then it affects the foundation of the entire system. We know that pipes of plumbing systems and the wiring of electric systems run behind our walls and floors. A slab leak that causes damage to the plumbing system can extend that damage to the electric system and can give birth to a large-scale short circuit. Such a deadly incident is good enough to shake the whole foundation of the house.

Fixing The Issue

Now, the question comes how to fix it. Since we have seen the magnitude of the effect and damage, it’s obvious you would like to avoid that. Here what we would advise is to detect and repair the leakage of the slab early. General signs like water leakage, increased water bill, wet spots, etc., can provide you with insights into the issue. If you catch these signs, you can check the leakage well in time, preventing the damage. 

In case you think the detection is beyond your capacity, then call a plumber and get a plumbing tune-up. You can always check this site if you need slab leak repair in Carlsbad or any other related help about plumbing issues. However, even if you are able to detect the problem of a slab leak, it is advised to call a professional. The reason is simple: they can provide you a clear assessment of the extent of the damage. Further, they can provide a quick fix solution that your home remedy can’t offer.

Guest Contributor: Laura

6 Creative Ways To Detect Hidden Water Leaks Without Damaging Your Home

There are numerous ways to do and make things happen. However, the most relevant stealthy problem people tend to face these days is detecting water leaks. For instance, leaks tend to damage the entire system, which uses up. After that, you may face an entire list of differences when not having access to the water leaks and their solutions at hand. Similarly, avoiding it is also extremely easy just by going through this article and applying it. You must only follow the right kind of process to make it all happen.

In this article, you will get to know the best water leak detector, which will tend to help you at times without any problem of conduct in between. Therefore, keep a check on the kind of problems that you might be facing in the process. Above all, you will be able to handle all these problems much more easily. For professional assistance, you may get the Top Water Leak Detector in Orange County within a less amount of time. Similarly, getting rid of all of them will seem very easy after you reach the end of this article.

1. Keep A Check On Your Water Meter

The water meter of your home gives a huge deal of information about the water set up entirely. After that, you must have a clear idea of the kind of water meter and the information it shows up on your screen. Similarly, a poor water meter may give you a bad setup with a lot of problems coming your way.

Therefore, it’s better to have professionals for quick detection and repair services of water leaks because they have the best water leak detector in Orange County for the leak you wish to verify and put up the right resources. The water meter will show some deflection even after switching it off after using if there is any water leak. However, it won’t show any deflection after use if the water component is in the right condition. This way works the best when checking for the water leak.

2. Check Out Your Bill

The water bill tells you a lot about the actual condition it faces over time. After that, take the courage to see the variations that might have come up in your bills over the past few months. The bill range will show variations if there is a leak that is still undetected. Try to hire professional plumbers in Orange County who can even check out if there is a hidden leak in underground pipelines. This will decrease the risk of billing activity and help you figure out the best solution to tackle the existing leak.

3. Use Your Common Sense

When you try to set up the leak repair facilities, make a sharp presence of mind. This will help you avoid making any major mistakes in the leak detection process. Also, make a wise decision when taking up the repairing services and hiring people for work. For instance, do not pay for the things that are going to be needless in the process of repairing and checking out the leaks. Above all, keep checking for the right resources to cover up.

4. Use Some Food Color

You may make use of food coloring substances to detect the leaks that may exist in the water tanks and systems. Similarly, these will help you know about the leaks in the toilet seat. For instance, after applying the color, start the flush to check if the color flows and deflects in different directions. You can notice color in different directions if the leaks are obstructing your system or not. Therefore, this is a genuine way to check out for all of it.

5. Check Out For The External Areas

The outer space of your home too must be giving you an idea of the leaks that may exist. Above all, you can use a hose to check the proper working ability of it. After running the hose for a few hours, replace the gasket. After that check, if the places are wet, they may indicate the presence of leaks. This way, you may get an idea of the leaks with ease. Also, the leaks indicate the seepage systems that will be existing inside the home.

6. Take A Visible Inspection

Taking a visual inspection of different places may definitely help you get the location of the leaks exactly. For instance, the place that will have leaks will definitely be visible on the walls. This mostly happens in the bedroom and other open spaces. Therefore, take a key idea from all of it and bring these facts out to detect the problematic area. Above all, take the help of expert plumbers in Orange County to carry out the process. This is a great way to point out the leaks and seepage easily and repair them on the spot.

Conclusion

Lastly, make sure to check up on the quality of repairs you are getting in return for your investment. However, make optimum use of the money by hiring the best water leak detector in Orange County. Have a top Water Leak Detector in Orange County and get efficient solutions.

Guest Contributor: Laura

Beginner’s Guide to Detect and Repair Water Leaks under the roof:

Water leakage under the roof is the most common and major problem of your house construction. The roof is the fifth wall of your home, which maintains all the other four walls. So, maintaining it is very much crucial. 

Reasons For Roof Leak:

There are many reasons for roof leaking like:

• A hole occurred in your roof.

• Missing or damaged shingles.

• Drainage issues.

• If the roof becomes old, it is a reason for leaking.

• Roof slope issues.

• Ridge caps and Valleys has cramped

• Cracked booting

• Ice dump build-up

• The problem of chimneys.

If you got water damage in a roof or walls, then contact top water leak detection professionals in San Diego.

How To Detect Water Leaks?

Water leaking is a critical problem for you. So the first thing you have to do is to detect your water leakage and fix them immediately. So here are some symptoms that can help you to know this:

• You can see water stains or damp spots on your ceiling.

• Towards your light fixtures or electrical outlets, you can see moist drywalls or paints.

• You can notice damp spots near interior air vents or fireplaces.

• There occurs bubbling or peeling in the paint during the rainy time.

• You can get a musty smell from your house.

• One big symptom is you can hear water dripping sounds every time.

• There was mold on the exterior walls and the meeting point of the roof wall.

• In your gutters, there will be Shingle granules.

• Always notice if your floor becomes wet or not. If it is wet, then be sure about leakage.

• Your house's roof nails will be exposed.

• Water will be stained on roof sheathing inside your attic.

• Around your chimney, you can notice the occurrence of the cracks.

• The color of your roof will vanish.

When you can notice this type of symptom, then you have to be sure that there is a water leak under the roof. 

What Steps Should You Take For This leakage?

Water leakage becomes a very big problem for you if you do not take action immediately. It can destroy your house's construction and design. In research, we come to know that if there is water damage, it takes only 24 to 48 hours to grow damps. So take care of it. Here are some procedures by which you can do it easily.

1. Fix The Leak Of Roof Vent Pipe:

Leaking a vent pipe is a common problem. You can overcome it by using:

• Flexible Roof Sealant:

You can apply it in the hole or the can. It can help you to fill up space.

• Vent Pipe Boot Overlay:

 You can use it over the old pipe. It helps to seal leakage.

• New Boot & Shingles:

You can exchange your old pipe with new boots & shingles around it.

2. Fix Roof Air Vent Leaks:

Leaking in the roof vent is a reason for water leaking. So you have to repair it.

• Screen Guard:

You can use a metal screen guard wire as a protection for air vents. It can help you to stop hard driving rain.

• Flexible Roof Sealant:

You can apply a flexible sealant to fill up your vent's holes, gaps, flashing, and loose shingles.

• New Vent & Shingles:

If there occurs a major leak, you can change it with a new vent and shingle around it. This helps you to make a strong roof.

3. Prevent Roof Valley Leaks:

A roof valley area contains a lot of water. So, you have to prevent this leak.

• Remove Debris:

 Removing debris from your roof valleys can help you to fix it. 

• Re-shingle Roof Valleys:

When you notice a big leakage in your roof valley, you install ice and water shields for your roof valleys. 

4. Repair Clogged Gutter Roof Leaks:

A clogged gutter is a problem of water leakage. If you want to repair water leakage in San Diego, then you should call the top water leak companies in San Diego to repair clogged gutter roof leaks.

• Remove Debris:

Debris should be removed from your gutter. It can help you in  prevention.

• Gutter Shield:

Using a gutter shield can help you to clean your gutter. When you use it to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from building up in your gutters.

5. Repair Roof Leaking Around Chimney:

When you notice cracks around the chimney then you come to know that water leakage occurs. So you can prevent it by some method. 

• Chimney Cap:

You can use a chimney cap for it. This cap will help you to keep water from entering the top of the chimney.

• Flexible Roof Sealant:

You can use flexible roof sealant in the gap. It repairs all the gaps, holes, or loose shingles which occur around the chimney.

• Cricket installation:

When you use cricket, it helps you to restrict debris and water for your chimney.

Conclusion:

Always take a step quickly when you come to know about water Leaks under the roof. Know the location of the leaks and use the above steps to prevent it and save your house. However, for the effective and precise solution, you need to call the top water leak detection and repair professionals in San Diego. If you are looking for the water leak experts, get emergency leak detection and repair service to protect your home. 

Guest Contributor: Laura

Home Improvements To Make Before Moving Into a New House

Moving out of a home and into a new one can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. It can be a seamless transition into a new and exciting part of your life if you have it all planned out. However, playing it by ear can make moving in become a disastrous and stressful event for you and your family.

Moving between homes requires a lot of work behind the scenes. It’s not something that you can do in a day. If you’re lucky, it might take you 2-3 days to settle into your new place. Most of the time, many things need to be done before you can truly move into the new house. For example, your new home might need a few repairs or renovations.

To make sure that your transition to a new home is as seamless as possible, here are four things you have to do before settling into your new house. 

Store your items properly.

Packing your belongings and decluttering can be super stressful, especially if you have a lot of stuff. It can add to more stress if the new home you are moving into is filled with leaks and cracks that need to be repaired. So, if your new place needs to go through repairs and renovations, it’s better to store your belongings in a storage facility.

You won’t have to worry about your precious items going anywhere, and you won’t have to deal with all the clutter while your new home is getting repaired.

Deep clean your new home.

After all the repairs, your new home will most likely be filled with debris and dust. Living in a dust-filled home can be bad for your health, and it won’t be comfortable. So, it’s recommended that you give the new place a deep clean and ensure that you keep the dust to a minimum.

You should also look out for signs of mold growth and try to get them removed since mold and bacteria can cause damage to your health. If you feel that you can’t give a proper cleaning, you can hire a professional cleaning company to do the work for you.

Observe for plumbing damage

Observing your new home for any signs of plumbing damage is one of the most important things you can do before moving in. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night to find that a leaky pipe has caused significant water damage. 

Make time to go around the house and check for leaky pipes or cracks in the house’s foundation. Consider bringing eco-friendly plumbing systems to your new home to save both on usage and bills. Leaving any issues unchecked will lead to more significant problems in the future. Instead of ignoring it, focus on repairing what you can and prevent long-lasting damage.

Repair and renovate before settling in

It’s never nice to live in a home while full-blown repairs or renovations are taking place. If you have plans to renovate or repair parts of your home, it’s wise to do it in advance to avoid losing sleep and comfort in the future.

Repairs and renovations can range from flooring, painting, childproofing, or something as simple as patching up leaks. Either way, it’s better to fix things up before you start living in your new home.

Wrapping Up

Whether you just purchased a new house or you decided to rent a new place, it’s still an exciting event. Without proper preparation and planning, your big move can turn into a nightmare. To avoid turning your big move into a disaster, make sure to do your homework ahead of time and look for signs of damage, get rid of mold,  get repairs done, clean every nook and cranny, and keep your things in storage in the meantime until your new place is ready. 

Guest Contributor: Diana R.

How to Choose The Right AC Unit for Your Home

Installing air conditioning is one of the most significant improvements a homeowner can make in terms of household comfort.

It also happens to be one of the most expensive, especially if you go for an entire central air conditioning system, which could cost anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000 on average.

Homeowners planning to install air conditioning must know how to choose a new AC unit to ensure that they get nothing but the right air conditioner for their needs.

For a homeowner on the lookout for a new AC unit, here are some tips that will help.

Determine The AC Type You Need

Some only need window air conditioners, which are big enough to cool a single room. They’re affordable and easy to install. You can also opt for through-the-wall air conditioners, which, as their name implies, must be installed through a wall instead of a window.

If your goal is to cool an entire house, your best bet would be a central air conditioning system. As already mentioned above, central air conditioning systems can get expensive. Still, if it’s within your budget, there are dozens of types and brands available in the market that you can check out.

However, keep in mind that unlike window or through-the-wall air conditioners, central air conditioning installation requires the expertise of professional HVAC technicians, who can also make recommendations about AC units that will serve your cooling needs best.

Choose The Right Size

In air conditioning terms, the “size” refers not to the physical dimensions of the AC unit but its cooling capacity as measured in British thermal units (BTUs).

For example, a 1-ton AC unit has the capacity to remove 12,000 BTUs of hot air from a given space per hour. The bigger the AC unit’s tonnage, the more BTUs of hot air it can remove.

In the world of air conditioning, bigger isn’t necessarily better.

An AC unit that is much too big for a given area will cycle on and off too frequently, leading to issues that include high levels of humidity, high energy consumption, and shortened AC unit life due to wear and tear.

On the other hand, a small AC unit in an area that’s too big for its capacity means it won’t be able to cool the space properly. Nevertheless, it will work tirelessly and virtually non-stop to do its job, which means it would have to use more electricity. All that hard work also means plenty of wear and tear and a shorter lifespan for the AC unit.

To ensure that your AC unit is the right size, you need to measure the square footage of the area that needs cooling and refer to BTU charts that AC sellers and professional AC technicians would be glad to provide you.

Other factors that you need to consider to make sure you get the right size AC unit include:

• The number of occupants

• Your home’s age

• The number of heat-generating appliances

• The amount of shade and sun your home gets

• The number and size of windows

• The height of the ceiling

With a right-sized air conditioner, your home should get cooled perfectly in the most efficient way.

Check the SEER

When shopping for a new AC unit, always consider the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER if you want an efficient way to cool your home.

The SEER is an essential efficiency rating for AC units, and it’s calculated by dividing the total number of BTUs of heat removed from the air over a cooling season by its total electricity consumption for that same period.

For air conditioners, the higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient it is. So, if your old AC unit had a SEER of 9, installing a new air conditioning unit that carries a SEER of 18 would translate to a 50% drop in your unit’s electricity use and lower utility bills.

Aside from providing energy savings, a high SEER AC unit cooling your home would also be more favorable to the environment.

It would also be fair to note that AC units with high SEER ratings tend to have higher price tags, too, although the energy savings would more than make up for the steeper initial cost in the long run.

Hire Dependable HVAC Contractors

The AC unit you buy tends to be only as good as the professionals who install it. Even if you purchased a perfectly sized, highly-efficient AC unit, it wouldn’t run as well as it should if the people who install it do not do a good job.

When hiring air conditioning technicians, always do your homework.

Ask for recommendations from people you know.

Contact at least three air conditioning contractors and ask for quotes.

When interviewing prospective contractors, always ask for licenses, certifications, and proof of insurance to establish that they’re legitimate air conditioning technicians.

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.