Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Emergency Plumber

Benefits of Hiring an Emergency Plumber

Plumbing issues are very unpredictable and can occur at any time especially when you are not expecting it. The worst time that it happens is when you are away from home and it just destroys everything. It pays to hire plumbers from time to time to check the home’s plumbing, but not all of us do it right! For those who haven’t experienced a plumbing emergency yet ask the ones who have and in addition consider the benefits of emergency plumbers discussed in this article. In such plumbing emergency scenarios, an emergency plumber can be a lifesaver. They not only can help you with any emergency plumbing problems but can also offer other benefits.

Plethora of Emergency Plumbing Services

In addition to being available in case of a plumbing emergency, emergency plumbers offer a plethora of other services too. They need to be equipped for any situation that may arise, be it a water heater breakdown, blocked drainage or a burst pipe. They need to have the expertise and tools to repair these in no time and you can be sure that an emergency plumber can come with the necessary skill set to tackle any tricky situation.

Customer-Oriented Service

Emergency plumbers keep their services available 24/7. They do not have fixed timings and adjust themselves to the needs of the customer. Their services are more customer-oriented and can deliver at even odd hours rather than insisting to their time slots. Despite this exclusive service their rates are quite nominal and almost at par with the regular plumbers. So, all you get is quality and reliable service.

Stress Free

This is probably the greatest benefit of hiring an emergency plumber form the perspective of the customer. Getting a plumbing emergency at odd hours can really be stressful and emergency plumbers understand that. Thus, they make their services available to you 24/7 so that you can relax with the thought that there is someone keeping your back. An emergency plumber usually comes insured and licensed so you can be again stress free that the job is being done by a professional.

Licensed and Insured

Emergency plumbers usually go through rigorous training to be well equipped, calm and composed in stressful situations. They get a licensed certificate as well as are insured so that you are not liable to any injury caused to the emergency plumber while you have hired their service. So, a licensed and insured emergency plumber means that you will receive the highest quality work and quick solution to your problem without any liabilities.

Regular Plumbing

 Emergency plumbers offer regular preventive plumbing services. So, you can hire their expertise to make sure that your home is free of any potential plumbing dangers. All their services come with a guarantee or warranty so you can be assured that their regular checkup is reliable and you will not face any issues in the future. Even their post plumbing emergency service comes with a warranty so you can be sure of a permanent solution to your problem.

With all these 24/7 benefits an emergency plumber can certainly prove to be a lifesaver. However, when opting for one, ensure that he has an appropriate license and insurance. Also, go through reviews or customer recommendations to know the quality of his work. All of this should be handled well in advance before a plumbing emergency arises rather than later when you are in a stressful situation. Use the services of an emergency plumber to carry out regular checkups and maintenance that can help avoid a plumbing emergency in the future. So, keep an emergency plumber’s contact handy and be stress free.

Guest Contributor, Melissa Hamler

How to Choose The Perfect Lighting for Your Bathroom

How to Choose The Perfect Lighting for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are usually overlooked when it comes to design. Details, like lighting, are probably the most neglected part. People tend to choose the least expensive option, or the one that’s the easiest to install. However, bathrooms are an important part of our daily routines. Therefore, choose your lighting solutions meticulously, and you will immediately notice a difference in the overall ambiance.

Main light source

The best light source for any room is always natural light. It isn’t an option for many, but try to have as much of it as possible. If there is no chance to introduce natural light to your bathroom, think about installing a nice chandelier which will make the room appear spacious and inviting. However, with all that water running around this can be a bit dangerous if not done properly. Therefore, make sure you place it at least 3 feet away from the tub. Also, add a dimmer to this solution as you might want to dim the light by about 20 percent during the day.

Task lights

It’s important to have proper lighting for mundane bathroom tasks (like applying makeup, flossing or shaving). Mirror and vanities are the best places to hide a couple of stronger (75 to 100 watt) light bulbs. Put one light on each side of the mirror at about face level. If you place it higher than, you might not like the results. Use LED lights because they are much easier to control and dim. Don’t forget to place a small light above your storage area as well – it might come in handy.

Bathtub and shower

Bathtubs can be a bit tricky to properly illuminate. Aside from the various technicalities you’ll need to consider, this area is very private so keep that in mind as well when choosing the best lighting option. Furthermore, putting fixtures too close to the tub can be pretty dangerous. Most people decide to usewet location downlights, but those who have big bathrooms may also install spotlights. Trim lights which are pretty bright and cast a large shadow are the best solution for open showers. Since these come in direct contact with water, you should maybe consider having an electrician 24 hours at your disposal. 

Light bulbs

When choosing the right light bulbs, your primary concern should be the way their light affects your skin tone. Also, you should consider the impact they have on the environment and the amount of electricity they consume. Halogen bulbs are definitely a smart choice, but they are a bit pricey. On the other hand, you won’t have to change them very often which means that you might even end up saving some money in the long run. Fluorescent light bulbs are a close second when it comes to tone, and they consume 10 times less energy than other bulbs. It’s also important to check if the new light bulbs fit the traditional fixtures.

A new ambiance

It’s important to note that by changing the lighting, you might feel the need to change some other things in your bathroom, as well. This change may expose a problem with your paint, or make the old paint feel inadequate. Also, by introducing a different light a room can seem more spacious, so you might want to add mirrors or a couple of other smaller decorative items.

Choosing the right lighting solution for your bathroom is much more art, than it is science. It’s good to have an overall vision of the atmosphere you wish to create, but unless you try a few ideas out, you won’t be sure which of them actually work.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

How To Bring Your Poolside Back To Life

How to Bring Your Poolside Back to Life

We can all agree: Having a pool is awesome! Still, there is a bigger picture. Your swimming pool can be the centerpiece of an area where you, your friends and family spend a lot of time. Just imagine spending days on end lounging about, bathing in the sun, relaxing, while in the evenings it becomes pool-party central. If you want to enjoy this lifestyle and bring your poolside back to life, here’s some advice on how to achieve it.

Create Multiple Lounge Areas

When planning the layout of your pool area look to create multiple hangouts. Think bar, lounge area, and even a couple of hidden nooks for some relaxing me-time. The more zones you create the more your poolside area will be able to accommodate different occasions. Make sure that at least one chill-out zone is beneath a roof, so you can continue enjoying your poolside area even in the rain.

Get a Daybed

Incorporating an outdoor daybed into your pool area is a great way to spend time out in the sun or beneath the stars. Contemporary outdoor daybeds come in a number of designs, which means they can easily fit the general style of your poolside area. When positioning your daybed, make sure that it is close to the pool. This allows you to enjoy the company of a good book as soon as you exit the pool.

Add Some Shade

In most cases, poolsides are open-spaced areas, which means the summer sun can be a problem. To avoid sunburn, it’s a good thing to add some shade around your pool. However, this doesn’t mean adding some tacky sun umbrellas. Get inspired by the latest pool shade designs, and you just might consider incorporating a streamlined shade sail, a modern pergola or a couple shade canopies for your poolside area.

Incorporate a Natural Design

A more natural take on your pool area can also add some much-needed shade, and create an oasis Mother Nature would be proud of. Instead of a timber deck, today’s hardscaping professionals can easily use natural rocks and stones to outline your pool. Similarly, a landscape architect can be commissioned to incorporate more greenery into your backyard that will merge with the existing plant life.

Add a Fire Pit

A fireplace isn’t reserved only for winter or your living room. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit is one of the latest trends in poolside design. The contrast of fire and water adds a dramatic effect to the poolside area, which is both visually alluring and cozy. The flickering fire also adds warmth on chilly nights when you and your guests don’t have to move the party inside just because it suddenly got colder.

Illuminate Your Pool

Light up your poolside area with captivating swimming pool lights to create a magical evening atmosphere. The lighting designs come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional to colorful flatball LEDs and floating lighted pool fountains. Whatever you choose for your swimming pool, you can be sure that the lights will illuminate your entire backyard.

Choose Wooden Furniture

When thinking about deck or patio furniture, think comfort and natural materials. In recent years, wooden furniture is featuring more and more in poolside and backyard design. Choose wooden deck chairs, or set of yard chairs made from natural materials. You can also shouldn’t forget a decent coffee table, when friends come over or just to have a place for your drink next to your deck chair.

Get Some New Cushions and Pillows

The little time you won’t spend swimming you’ll probably want to spend it in comfort. This is why it is so important to update your cushions, regardless of the chairs you have. Outdoor cushions can give your patio furniture a fresh look at a low price. In case you don’t like cushions for some reason, you can opt for pillows instead. Create an Oriental-styled nook near your pool by getting some floor pillows.

All these ideas are just here to inspire you and breathe in some new life into your poolside area. The possibilities are endless, but remember, it is up to you to choose the final solution.

If you're planing to build a pool in your backyard, it is very important to choose high quality materials. Here's a great guide that will help you choose the best swimming pool paint - https://www.globosurfer.com/best-pool-paints/

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Tips On Repairing And Installing Colorbond Guttering

Tips On Repairing And Installing Colorbond Guttering

The colorbond guttering system deteriorates much faster than expected. So it is essential to have the proper materials as well as workmanship to create an efficient gutter. The gutters that are made of aluminium are of top quality and are steady. It is also resistant to rusts and leaks. The modern guttering system and downpipes is a perfect complement of the roof. It also guarantees a premium finish to your home that is considered to be ideal. The experts use high quality materials for gutters to match the roof of the house. You can find a variety of colors to create modern gutters.

What Is Colorbond Guttering? 

The steel gutters are found to be resistant, durable as well as stylish, and these are their basic characteristics. You can choose from the various options available, if you want to create a stylish gutter. You can find them in a wide range of colors and they can be installed very fast and have a strong exterior coating. This protects the gutter from damage that is derived from flaking and peeling. If you compare steel gutters with that of aluminium, the former is much more affordable. The colorbond gutters as they are called are very durable and resistant to leaks and rust over a period of time.

The colorbond guttering system primarily takes away the waterfalls from the front door. The top-quality gutters are installed to get the best results you need. The manufacturers of gutters have products that will have a weather-resistant finish. The gutters that are painted are available in different ranges of gloss. You can choose either attractive colors or just plain steel gutters. The selection can be done as follows:

·       The Ace Nu-line is one kind of gutter that is a combination of gutter and fascia. This can be installed directly on the roof rafters without the use of timber fascia.

·       Ace Mini-line is a small version of gutter that is attached to the fascia through brackets. It has a certain amount of water capacity containing overflows at the front. This is ideal for areas that have heavy downpour.

·       The square line is the third type of gutters ideal for car ports and garages. This is folded at the corners so that the need for brackets is eliminated. The external angles are also not in use. It has special features like the overflow, so works wonders in areas with heavy rains.

·       The gutters that are semicircular in shape are common type of gutters. This shape is highly advantageous with respect to water capacity and travel speed. It is much better than the conventional gutters that can be self-cleaned.

·       The round line gutters have the features of a cylindrical shape but as a flat back that does not need brackets. This also can be self-cleaned.

How Are Gutters Repaired?

·       The gutters will definitely deteriorate after a period of time. They rust from inside out particularly around corners. The rust is also seen where the water accumulates due to lack of fall in the gutter system. The water is eventually directed towards the downpipes.

·       The gutters therefore should be repaired which is a straight forward process. You can then either cut out or replace the sections that are affected. You can even treat and address the issue from within the gutter.

·       The last option is to apply an anti-oxide paint which may be a temporary solution.

·       The last solution is the replacement of colorbond guttering but not repair. This is cost effective to the homeowners and can be installed by a license plumber.

The most chosen of them is the aluminum gutters by homeowners. This is because it will not rust and are long lasting. This is the best and ideal solution for replacement of gutters.

Guest Contributor, Amelie Lawrence

Top Ten Worst Things That Could Happen During a Super Bowl Party

Top Ten Worst Things That Could Happen During a Super Bowl Party!!!

1. Running out of food
2. Running out of beer
3. Allergic reaction to food
4. Someone taking the game to serious and ruining everyone else's fun
5. Double dipping
6. Not enough appetizers
7. TV not working
8. Toilet backing up
9. Your team losing the game
10. Your child is not letting you watch the game

Top Ten Foods For Super Bowl Parties

1. Chili
2. Pizza
3. Chicken Wings
4. Tacos
5. Nachos
6. Italian Beef
7. Meatball Subs
8. Hamburgers
9. Hot Dogs
10. Loaded Fries

To get into Super Bowl spirit we made our own home made chili. Watch it and enjoy. 

How to Choose the Right Modern Bathroom Vanities for Your Bathroom?

How to Choose the Right Modern Bathroom Vanities for Your Bathroom?

Bathroom vanities give you an opportunity to do that. Whether your taste is modern, traditional or somewhere in between, your bathroom vanity should have both functional factor and aesthetic factor as it is the main focal point of the bathroom. There are plenty of options available when it comes to selecting a bathroom vanity. Two things that limit your choices are your budget and bathroom size. You can choose from variety of materials, styles, and also play around with plenty of color combinations to give a luxurious and modern look to your bathroom vanity. When you are remodeling your bathroom, you need to install some bathroom vanities like shower screen, shaving kits, bathroom vanity cabinets, tower handrails and toiletries. But you need to consider the total space utilization of your bathroom, and in this regards you can shop for some latest designer bathroom vanities available in the online market. These bathroom vanities can easily suit with your contemporary bathroom decoration, and they can easily be installed in a small space.

Tips to Make Your Bathroom Vanity Selection Easy 

Before you start off with your bathroom vanity project, it is important to consider a few factors that help you to successfully finish the project. Be aware of all the possibilities that might restrict the installation of the new bathroom vanity.

•   Vanity Size: Basically, the size of the vanity is determined by the size of the bathroom. Larger and double bathroom vanities are most suitable for larger bathrooms, while smaller vanities are perfect for smaller bathrooms. If you are going with larger vanities, make sure you leave some space, especially if you want to keep trashcan next to the vanity.

•    Decide Where to Place the Vanity: The vanity is a multi-functionality asset of the bathroom. So, it requires enough space to serve satisfactorily. Make sure the vanity doesn't impact the traffic flow even if the cases or doors are open, also ensure that they don't smack other fixtures or block the entry path. Also, have sufficient space above the vanity to allow proper lighting. Most importantly, make sure you don't need to reroute the plumbing system as it may impact your budget. 

•  Storage Space: Along with having the modern look, you also want bathroom vanities to serve the basic purpose, which is storage. Evaluate all your storage needs, this will give you an idea about the amount of required storage space, including cabinet, drawers, and shelves. You can also add some extra space by having wall-mounted cabinet and wall mounted rack in your bathroom. In this way, you can get some extra space and you can easily arrange more things in your bathroom.

How do you decorate your bathroom with bathroom vanities?

•      Style and Color Selection: Make sure your vanity color and style matches the decor of your home. Modern bathroom vanities are suitable for homes that have contemporary look, whereas antique vanities are suitable for traditional looking homes.  
•      Choose Suitable Counter-top: It is always better to choose vanity counter-top first. Based on the position of counter-top, you can decide the placement of other bathroom fixtures, such as sink. Also, choose a material that is humid resistant and also goes well with water, because vanity countertops face water splashes very often.
•     Use Your Creativity: Make some experiment using your creativity. Designing customized bathroom vanities can be fun and give more satisfying result. You can search over internet to get some ideas and you can make some modifications using your artistic flair. 

So now install some latest designer bathroom vanities and turn your traditional bathroom into a modern one. 

Guest Contributor, David Fenton

7 Choices of Kitchen Benchtops Available!

7 Choices of Kitchen Benchtops Available!

When it comes to kitchen remodeling the very important thing to consider is kitchen benchtops. Every home owner needs to select the correct material for these countertops so that it can stay around for several years. There is a wide range of choices available these days in the market as far as benchtops are concerned. So taking the decision on the right material can prove to be difficult. When you choose the kitchen benchtops, you need to choose some durable materials, which can provide your rust resistance power along with better longevity.

In such case, you can install the granite or marble bench tops which are totally rust proof. Apart from that, you can also clean these stone benchtops in a normal way, and you can also use some portions of these benchtops as your chopper board.

#7 Choices of Kitchen Benchtops:

Once you know the options available and some idea about these materials you will be in the right position to take the decision.

1)     Quartz benchtops: It is one material that is maintenance free. These engineered quarts are scratch, stain and heat resistant. Also, it is non-porous and so does not require sealant to maintain it in the good condition. In case you check out the market for this material you will find amazing choices of patterns and colors.

2)     Granite benchtops: This material is one of the popular and common materials used for kitchen benchtops.  Lots of home owners have selected this material due to its strength and elegance. In case you want an eco-friendly material for the counter top then this can be one of the best choices. These benchtops are affordable and you can also customize the granite slabs and make your benchtop according to your kitchen size.

3)     Laminate benchtops: Do you want an economical option for counter tops? Well in that case, laminate ones can be a great option. The best part of this material is that it is available in patterns, which resemble wood, quartz and stone that too at a very reasonable price. 

4)     Marble benchtops: One of the sophisticated and attractive choices for counter tops is marble as nothing can beat its beauty. In case you are willing to spend high then this kind of counter tops are highly recommended. It is sure to add class to your kitchen.

5)     Wood benchtops: Do you want to add the same touch to your kitchen? Well in that case, consider installing wood counter tops. These When these counter tops are sealed well it can serve its purpose very well. Also, this is material is heat resistant and so you can without worrying keep hot pans on it.

6)     Glass benchtops: These kinds of counter tops offer the best visual appearance. Glass counter tops are heat resistant and strong and so can be suitable for the kitchen. Also, it is possible to make these counter tops custom made so that you can get the color and effect you desire.

7)     Stainless steel benchtops: Today, there are many interior designers making use of this material for the counter tops to offer a modern look. The best thing about these is that it blends with all color schemes. Also, these are very simple to clean. For cleaning, you just need to wipe with a wet cloth. It is considered one of the hygienic choices.

It is one of the newest materials for the kitchen benchtops. With this material, customization is easily possible and so it can fit in all odd size spaces. It is possible to embed and texture these counter tops with shells, colored glasses, tiles or stones.

Today, there are lots of homeowners who prefer this kind of material as it is very stylish. Go here for looking more stylish kitchen benchtops.

Author Bio:

Joseph Webb is excellent writer and blogger. His guidance always helps for the readers to get best idea. Follow him on Google+ and on Twitter as @aussiesmag.

Bathroom Remodeling Do's and Don'ts

Bathroom Remodeling Dos and Don’ts

Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to refresh your old bathroom, and add a bit of value to your home as well. However, if you’re inexperienced in construction works or interior designing, this may be a bit of a challenge for you. Nevertheless, if you have a clear vision of what you’d like your bathroom to look like in the future, check this guide and be sure not to make any mistakes during the renovation process.

Pick the Right Surface

If you decide to change your old tiles, this time pick the porcelain ones. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain ones come in many shapes, sizes, patterns or colors and are much more durable than ceramic ones. What’s more, you can even choose the plank pattern, so it could like a hardwood floor. However, the color and pattern isn’t the major thing to think about. The most important thing to keep in mind is how slippery the tiles will be. Both those in the shower area and outside should be safe enough to walk on when they’re damp.

Don’t Forget the Lights

Quality lighting fixtures are an essential part of every home. If you want to have a well-illuminated bathroom, but also a perfectly designed space, don’t forget to invest in some fancy lighting fixtures. Ambient lighting with ceiling fixtures can be a fabulous upgrade to your bathroom. Wall-mounted shaded lights by the mirror, recessed fixtures, or sconce lights ‒ choose the one that you like the most and that you think would look best in the bath and go for it. Without proper lighting, you can be at risk of hurting yourself, so invest in some good lighting.

Don’t Move the Ventilation or Plumbing

Plumbing and ventilation are some of the most important features in the bathroom. Therefore, if they’ve been functioning properly, you have no need to change or move them to another place. Moving the plumbing can be dangerous, and it can cost a fortune. Not to mention, with all this additional work, the remodeling can take even longer than you expected. Furthermore, try not to block the ventilation with any new feature or décor in the new bath. It’s essential that the bathroom has proper ventilation system, since it can get steamy. Unless it’s air-conditioned properly, mold will appear in the bath causing you a lot of problem.

Expect the Unexpected

Renovation is a long and daunting process, so even when you think everything is almost complete, something will go wrong. Whether you’re faced with a broken pipe, a cracked glass, or a damaged bathtub, try to prepare yourself for these kinds of mishaps. What’s more, don’t forget to include a couple of unexpected accidents to your budget as well, so that you don’t have to go through financial stress too.

Hire a Constructor

The best thing you could do when you decide to remodel a bathroom, is to call a professional. You may think you are skillful in plumbing and constructing, but you’ll soon be proved otherwise. Therefore, save yourself the trouble of breaking a pipe, and choose some of the professional bathroom renovations Sydney offers. They’ll do the job fast, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.

Remodeling a bathroom can be challenging and exciting at the same time. While you’re looking forward to a refreshed room in your home, you need to go through an exhausting process of painting, installation and fixture changing to achieve the final result. Therefore, if you want to make the process as fast as possible and save yourself the additional stress, be sure to pick the right surface for the baths, hire a professional for all the heavy works, install quality lighting fixtures, don’t move the plumbing or ventilation system around, and always expect the unexpected.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

What To Do When Insulation Gets Wet

Learn How to Treat Water Damage on the Different Types of Insulation

If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest longer than a month, you know we get a lot of rain. Not, of course, as much as is painted by Hollywood in movies like “Sleepless in Seattle” or “The Killing”. However, the fall and winter months unleash a low, misty cloud-bank that keeps us all inside and snug in our black, gray, or dark blue jackets.

While the steady rainfall is also what we’ve got to thank for our lush, beautiful landscape, it also brings challenges as well — the most obvious being that all this damp weather makes it difficult to keep this moisture out of our homes and insulation.

So, what should you do when you notice that your insulation is wet? Well, that will depend on the type of insulation you’re dealing with. Now that we’re heading into our wet, fall weather yet again, it’s time to arm yourself with the knowledge gleaned from home insulation experts that can enable you to protect your home from the issues caused by damp insulation.

What To Do About Wet Spray Foam Insulation:

Aren’t you the lucky one! Closed-cell spray foam insulation repels water and provides a moisture barrier. This means the water won’t have penetrated the insulation itself and it should simply evaporate from the surface.

Clean up is fairly easy. Use an old towel to dry the spray foam to the best of your ability and place a fan nearby to dry out any water that you may have missed. Because spray foam insulation offers an airtight seal, the wooden structure behind should be dry as well, but just in case, you should take a peek yourself or have a professional come in to check it out. If water is getting between the wood and your spray foam insulation, it can begin causing wood rot, mold, and reduced insulation abilities.

What To Do About Wet Fiberglass Insulation:

Don’t fret — things could be worse! Fiberglass insulation is made from spun glass fibers. It won’t absorb water and, when a dousing does occur, the water won’t cause any major structural damage to the insulation.

However, water that has accumulated inside the fiberglass insulation will dramatically reduce the functionality of the insulation. Water conducts temperatures very easily, so when the warm air of your home presses against the insulation, the water will transfer that energy right outside. Additionally, the density of fiberglass insulation makes it difficult for the water to evaporate (usually only a problem when the insulation has been thoroughly wetted, in which case full replacement may be recommended). This means that moisture can lead to damage in the wood around the insulation.

So, your job is to help your insulation dry out. A dehumidifier and a few fans will often do the trick. Place them inside your attic or crawl space to help the area dry out. If possible, lift out the fiberglass bats that have been affected and place them in the sun or in a warm, dry area to let the water inside evaporate, then relay them. Please remember, if you do handle the insulation, do so only with gloves, long sleeves and pants, protective eyewear, and a breathing mask. Fiberglass fibers should not come into direct contact with your skin, eyes, or lungs.

Check up on your insulation over the next few weeks. If you start noticing a musty smell, it’s a sure sign that your insulation has been contaminated by the water. When this occurs, you’ll likely need to replace some or all of the insulation. This is most likely to happen after a flood, or if you’ve had pests in your home such as mice or rats.

What To Do About Wet Cellulose Insulation:

While cellulose insulation is for the win when it comes to being an eco-friendly or ‘green’ option, it’s not the best performer when it gets wet. Cellulose insulation is made from plant fibers, such as recycled newspapers. These fibers wick up moisture like a sponge. If your water damage is minimal, you may be able to simply have the affected area of cellulose insulation removed and (possibly) dried.

If your leak was significant, large areas of your insulation are likely affected. Unfortunately, cellulose is a great conductor of water and offers nutrients for mold and mildew. Usually, wet cellulose insulation will develop mold within a few days to a couple of weeks, which will require a total replacement of the insulation.

There is the possibility of removing and successfully drying cellulose batting, for those homeowners who have a large enough dry space for the batts to lay while they dry (this can take up to 10 days or more). If successful, the area in which they were laying can be thoroughly cleaned to prevent mold growth (and dried), and the bats can be laid down again.

What To Do About Wet Cotton Insulation:

As you might imagine, cotton insulation is prone to collecting moisture. Often made from recycled blue jeans or other plant fibers, cotton insulation will easily and rapidly absorb moisture. Thankfully, it is easier to dry out than other types of insulation, such as cellulose.

If you’ve only got a small area that’s been damaged, remove the insulation at least a foot further out than the visible wet area. Then, place the bat in the sun or in a warm dry place. Once dried, it can be replaced. Be sure to frequently check the area for any additional moisture or signs that mold growth is starting to develop.

Also, it’s important to know that if cotton insulation is subjected to repeated water exposure, it’s insular abilities often begin to decrease and the chemicals used to deter pests and slow the burn rate in the event of fire may have leached out.

If your cotton insulation has been saturated, such as in the event of a flood, all affected insulation will need to be replaced. It is possible that some insulation might be salvageable, but you would run the risk of introducing mold or moisture into your brand new insulation. Any cotton insulation that has mold growth should be scrapped.

What To Do About Wet Foam Board Insulation:

You’re in luck! Foam board insulation, like spray foam insulation, is water repellent and an unlikely host for mold or mildew growth. It is important to make sure you keep your foam board insulation dry, however, as well as the areas surrounding it. Because foam board is impermeable to water, it can create a seal that traps moisture in an area of the home, such as in a wall cavity. The wooden beams and drywall or sheetrock are not water resistant — they will be damaged and require replacement.

If you’ve noticed your foam board insulation has condensation or moisture on it, thoroughly dry the area with a towel. If there is any chance that moisture could have gotten behind the foam board, have a professional inspect the area to make sure you catch any water damage before it becomes a serious problem.

Home Insulation Options and Installation

Have a type of insulation that we didn’t mention here or are curious to learn more about getting new insulation installed in your home? We’d recommend contacting a reputable local business that specializes in insulation installation for attics, crawl spaces, and other areas of your home. They’ll be able to provide insight on the types of insulation best used for your home, the R-value of each option, and quotes for installation.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 

I'm the marketing manager for Clean Crawls, a Pacific Northwest crawl space cleaning & insulation company. At home, I love to spend time with my wife, 4 children, and golf. At work, I help connect my clients to their customers through content that helps people solve problems. 

The Calm of Grey?

 Benjamin Moore

The Calm of Grey?

The first thing to come into your mind when you think of the color grey could be one of two things – it could be Mr Grey, if you are a fan of the Fifty Shades series, or it could be a mundane and dull color shade.

If you went for the latter, you’re airing on the side of negativity!

Grey can be a very calming and serene color, when it is matched up correctly, and used in the right way. Of course, when you do grey in the wrong way, it can be come cold and unfriendly, but like anything in life, that can be turned on its head!

Check out these suggestions on how to turn your grey kitchen into a harmonious space of relaxation and serenity. You can choose one grey color for your kitchen worktop from Inovastone.

Use Grey With Warmer Colors

Yes, grey can be cold and unfriendly when used on its own, but if you can team it with warmer colors, such as woods for example, then you can find that it is strangely warm and calming. Wood, such as wooden chairs or a wooden worktop, also adds an earthy tone to your space, preventing the grey from becoming too clinical or cold. If you go for a wooden floor, perhaps laminate to mimic the wooden style, then grey cabinets will be warmed up instantly.

Copper is another great choice, because this is a warm and rustic color to go for, and when used with grey you have a strange combination which actually works really well, to add depth and sophistication to your kitchen space.

Make an Impact with Cabinets

The impact of using grey can be quite strong and you can use that with cabinets to create a sharp but stylishly clean appearance. Go for a bold shade and team it with a light shade for your worktop, to tone the harshness down. Of course, grey on your cabinets is also a good choice because it is a durable option to go for in terms of cleaning. In addition, grey cabinets basically look bold and stylish!

Add in Extra Color

If you want to try something a little different, try mixing your grey color scheme with a splash of color here and there. This doesn’t have to be something huge or over the top, perhaps just some colored chairs, such as a blue or green, to add a splash or pop. Stick to natural shades, and you will have the perfect blend, and something a little different too.

Natural Light Adds to The Mix

Grey can look dark and unfriendly when it is used in a small, unlit room, but if you have a large window or lots of natural light, the grey can actually look quite creamy and friendly. If you can allow plenty of natural light into your room then you really will have a calm and serene appearance from the get-go.

Grey Can be Used to Create Drama

A grey kitchen, when used with other colors which warm it up slightly, can actually look quite dramatic, especially if you use grey in a back splash which runs the full height of your room. You can go for a lighter, simple shade, or a darker one which looks more sophisticated.

Add in Some Nature

If you are a little concerned about your kitchen looking cold with the grey color shade, throw in some nature to bring about instant serenity! Think plants, fruit, flowers, basically anything natural will do the trick.

These are just a few tips and tricks on how you can make a grey kitchen look instantly calming, without going too over the top. This all just goes to show that any color can be made into whatever effect you want it to have, and it just takes some little tricks of the trade to create the appearance you want.

Grey does not have to be cold and unfriendly, especially if you don’t go down the route of pairing it with warmer colors, to bring it away from the cold side, and into the warm side. If you go for lighter colors, this certainly is a warmer feel instantly, but even darker greys can be made earthier and warmer with the right advice. 

Guest Contributor, Florin Aldea