Cozying up to a crackling fire is one of the rituals of wintertime. From gathering around on Christmas morning to warming yourself on a chilly day, our fireplaces form a central part of our winter memories and daily life. Yet, what we rarely consider is that our fireplaces and chimneys can also be a danger to our homes and families! When creosote is allowed to accumulate in flues, dangerous chimney fires can result; however, protecting your family is as easy as having your chimney cleaned annually! Read on to learn more about the hazards of chimney fires and how to keep your home safe.

Dangers of Chimney Fires

A chimney fire occurs when built-up creosote in your chimney ignites. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood-made up of smoke, hydrocarbons, tar fog, and other substances-that can condense and accumulate inside your chimney. And, unfortunately, creosote is highly combustible. Chimney fires can be violent and loud, or they can be slow and smoldering. Both kinds of these fires burn at extremely high temperatures, so even though your chimney and fireplace are designed to safely contain wood-fueled fires, creosote-fueled chimney fires can cause serious damage. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) reports that chimney fires burn around 2,000°F and can “melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material.” This deterioration of the chimney’s structure may create an opening that allows the fire to reach the combustible parts of your house: its wood framing, wallboard, and interior structure. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (USCPSC) August 2008 report, an estimated 24,500 house fires were caused by fireplace and chimney fires in 2005. Tragically, these fires were responsible for 20 deaths.

Chimney Sweeping

The good news is that chimney fires are preventable! Simply call your local chimney sweep for a cleaning and inspection. These professionals can evaluate your chimney for structural damage, deterioration, or problems caused by an unnoticed chimney fire as well as clean creosote build up out of the flue, smoke chamber, and other chimney areas.

Most chimney sweeping companies also provide chimney and fireplace repair, so if the inspection turns up any problems you can quickly and easily have them taken care of. Common chimney repairs include installing or replacing the cap (which keeps water and animals out of your chimney); replacing bricks; repairing mortar; and chimney waterproofing (which helps prevent damage caused by the freezing and thawing cycle). All of these repairs are necessary for optimal chimney function and will help keep your chimney in good working order.

Remember, chimney sweeping is a job for professionals. Even experienced do-it-yourselfers should rely on the expertise of a chimney sweep: the inspection is almost as important as the cleaning, so it’s crucial to have a pro-they know what to look for! And be sure that you hire a qualified chimney sweeper. Not all states require licenses, so you may want to stick with CSIA certified professionals to guarantee experience, training, and quality.

Homeowners should consider yearly chimney sweeping mandatory, especially if they burn more than a cord of wood a year. The simple truth is that dirty chimneys cause chimney fires; if you keep your chimney clean with regular sweepings and have any problems repaired promptly, you will more than likely never have a chimney fire. So to safely enjoy your fireplace this winter, contact a chimney sweeper. Chimney sweepings are relatively inexpensive, only take a couple of hours, and can make the difference between a safe chimney and a ticking time-bomb.

Matt Gallo

While many homeowners are beginning to realize the importance of routine duct cleaning, you may still have questions about the process. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about who should clean your ducts, why it’s necessary, and how it’s done. Read on to learn everything you need to know about duct cleaning!

“Why do my air ducts need to be cleaned?”

Over the years, dust, allergens, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. In fact, it can build up in layers as much as three inches deep! This filth can trap bacteria and foster mold growth, creating potential health threats for your family. And, to make matters worse, every time your HVAC system turns on, some of these contaminants are circulated throughout your house. Having your air ducts cleaned removes this accumulation of pollutants and greatly improves the air quality of your home. For safe, breathable air, you should have your ducts cleaned at least every four years.

“How exactly is my ductwork cleaned?”

Using specialized tools and a negative airflow system (essentially a huge vacuum), air duct cleaners scrape the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts. The tools agitate the particles away from the sides of the ducts and the vacuum keeps them from escaping into your house. Other elements of a duct cleaning include air washing furnace and air conditioner components, vacuuming registers, and applying mold inhibiting agents if necessary.

“Who should clean my ducts?”

Only trust a professional duct cleaning service. These experts have the knowledge and specialized equipment to effectively remove all of the dust and debris from your ductwork without damaging it or dispersing the pollutants throughout your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using only National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) certified specialists for your air duct cleaning. NACDA certified professionals are trained, skilled experts with a thorough knowledge of industry standards, proper duct cleaning procedures, and environmental concerns.

“Will duct cleaning damage my furnace or air conditioner?”

No: duct cleaners use specialized tools and techniques to remove accumulated dust without harming any component of your HVAC system. In fact, your furnace and air conditioner will actually work better after an air duct cleaning: airflow will be improved, so your heating and cooling system can run more efficiently.

“My home is new, so I don’t need a duct cleaning, right?”

Wrong! Construction is a messy process, and frequently debris and drywall dust get into your ductwork. This blocks airflow, traps even more dust, and can contribute to mold growth. A thorough duct cleaning will remove any obstructions, as well as the accumulated dust, to get your ducts into great shape!

“Will my house be less dusty after my duct cleaning?”

You bet! Because your heating and cooling system circulates dust from your ductwork throughout your home, eliminating that dust means your whole house will be cleaner.

“Since my new furnace clean, I don’t need a duct cleaning, right?”

Wrong. Even though your new furnace is clean, there is still dust in your ducts. And, because the fan on your new furnace is probably more powerful than the old one, all that dust and dirt is going to be blown straight into your rooms! Most HVAC cleaning specialists recommend a complete duct cleaning in tandem with any new furnace or air conditioner installation.

“I’ve heard about dryer duct cleaning. What is that?”

Your dryer duct is the tubing that connects your dryer with an external vent, allowing hot air to exit. However, if not properly maintained, your dryer duct/vent can accumulate lint, pet hair, and other particles, creating a major fire hazard. If you suspect that your dryer duct may be clogged, you need to have it cleaned ASAP! Dryer duct cleaning is similar to cleaning air ducts: using a negative airflow system to keep the debris from being pushed back into your house, the buildup is scraped off and removed.

“Will duct cleaning help my allergies?”

Most likely. The accumulation inside your ducts includes pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens as well as dirt. Removing this debris should greatly decrease the concentration of allergens in the air and reduce your allergy symptoms.

If you have any additional questions about duct cleaning or need to schedule a cleaning for your ductwork, contact your local air duct cleaning service. They’ll be able to provide additional information and superior duct cleaning!

Exterior lighting can make a huge difference for your business, church, or school. Not only will appropriate outside lights create a safer environment, they also make your building more visible: attracting people to your business or building. Although installing and maintaining tall parking lot and exterior lights may seem like a huge hassle, qualified commercial electricians can easily install these lights and provide upkeep services as well. With all the reasons for outside lighting, there is no reason not to install it today!

Crime Reduction

Adding lights outside your business, educational institution, or place of worship is a cost-effective way to prevent criminal activity. Numerous statistics show that when lighting is increased, incidences of vandalism, robbery/theft, and violent crime like assault decrease. And, unlike costly crime prevention strategies such as surveillance and security staff, lights are relatively inexpensive. When criminal activity is high, you have the double disadvantage of people avoiding your property and the monetary and psychological detractors of the crime itself. Installing a few lights is really all it takes to eliminate these problems!

Safety

In addition to preventing crime, exterior lights help reduce the number of car accidents that take place in parking lots. Additional lights make it easier to see other cars, obstacles, and pedestrians. And while avoiding fender-benders is important, it is even more important to cut down on pedestrian-related accidents, especially those involving children. According to the international organization Safe Kids, approximately 2,500 U.S. children per year (2001-03) were taken to the ER with injuries from being struck in a parking lot or driveway. Sadly, an average of 229 of these children did not survive. Schools, churches, and businesses catering to children especially need to ensure adequate lighting levels to help cut down the number of child-car collisions in this country. With the help of your local electrician, you can increase the safety of your parking lot and reduce the number of accidents that take place there.

Visibility

Lights also make your building easier to see. This increased visibility attracts customers (or parishioners/students, as the case may be) and makes your building more appealing. Unlike expensive advertising and marketing campaigns, lights are an affordable way to raise the profile of your business. Simply directing more attention to the building itself will dramatically increase the number of people it attracts!

If you’re ready to capitalize on the numerous benefits of additional lights, contact your local commercial electrician. These experts will be able to design, implement, and maintain any type of exterior lighting system from tall pole lights to building-mounted lights. Many even have bucket trucks for quick and easy repairs! Don’t consider lighting installation a hassle; your electrician can handle the work so you can sit back and enjoy the benefits! Exterior lights are highly recommended for:

• Car dealerships
• Churches and places of worship
• Event halls
• Parking lots
• Parks and playgrounds
• Schools
• Shopping centers

Smart investors are eyeing today’s real estate market as a potentially lucrative venture; prices are down and mortgage rates are low, so there are some real deals on the market. But if you’re looking to capitalize on the down economy by buying property at reduced rates, be sure you know what you’re getting before you complete the purchase. Building analysis and home inspection can help insure that your new property is the great investment you think it is.

Home Inspection

Home inspection has always been a component of smart house-buying, but it’s even more important in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re buying a new home for your family or are purchasing a house as an investment, you need to know what condition the building is in. If nothing else, a home inspection can help you determine if that fire-sale price is because of the economy or because there is something seriously wrong with the structure.

A home inspection is a visual inspection of all systems and components of a building that usually takes place to satisfy a contingent offer on a property. If the house is in the condition that the seller advertised, the sale typically goes through; if not, the offer can be renegotiated or withdrawn. The inspection will include assessment of structural elements, plumbing, wiring, HVAC systems, roof, and exterior. Having a house inspection prior to purchase is important because even if the building looks fine to you, it may have defects you are unaware of. A professional, licensed home inspector knows what each system and component is supposed to look like and can accurately identify any issues that exist.

To ensure quality, contract a qualified, licensed home inspector. While it may seem almost impossible to accurately assess the hundreds of items in a home, a qualified property inspector is equipped with the specialized knowledge to correctly evaluate the structure. He or she will be able to efficiently and effectively inspect the construction and condition of a home so that you can make an informed decision about purchasing it.

Commercial Building Analysis

Building analysis is important if you are considering buying an office building, apartment complex, or other commercial structure. These analyses can evaluate compliance with state, federal, and local regulations and are usually provided in addition to standard inspections regarding the soundness and integrity of the building. Building analysis is useful for determining if renovations are required and whether the structure is suitable for its intended use. Some types of building analysis include:

* Zoning

* ADA compliance

* Building code

* BOMA standards

* Site analysis

* Parking analysis

* Sun and shadow studies

When you have a complete analysis before buying a building, you can assess income earning potential as well as evaluate the cost of renovations or modifications necessary to meet code, ADA standards, or other legal requirements. Thus, a building analysis can help identify just how great an investment a particular building is and help you make an educated decision about the property.

The affordable prices and low mortgage rates available today make real estate an attractive option for investors as well as home buyers. However, ensure that you don’t get burned by opting for thorough house inspections and building analyses prior to purchasing. With this information in hand, you can make a great decision about buying property in today’s economy.

Many homeowners don’t realize that exterior paint is not just about making the house look great; paint also protects the wood from the weather and provides a layer of protection for your whole house. It’s important to have your home repainted not just to keep it looking beautiful but also to keep the structure sound!

Paint Removal

The first step to repainting your house is removing the old paint to prepare the surface for a new coat. It’s important to completely remove old paint so that the new paint can fully adhere to the wood; otherwise, the new paint can bubble, chip, and peel off. Professional paint removal is recommended when it comes to stripping off old exterior paint. These experts use a system of propane heaters and scrapers to systematically remove the paint without damaging the underlying wood. Without these professional tools and training, it’s almost impossible for the DIYer to achieve this level of thoroughness. And, in their attempts to remove the paint without specialized equipment, homeowners do tend to mar the woodwork. For the best paint removal results, it’s always best to leave it to the pros!

Exterior Pre-painting Preparation

While removing the old paint is certainly the first step, there is more prep work that needs to be done before fresh paint can be applied. The bare wood needs to be sanded to create a smooth surface so the paint can go on evenly; sanding also ensures that any lingering specks of old paint are eliminated. Then the siding, trim, and window and door frames are evaluated for cracking, rotting, and other damage. These blemishes are caulked, repaired, or mended so that the exterior of your home is in top shape before the paint cans are ever even opened. With this thorough preparation work, often a collaboration between paint removal professionals and house painting experts, the new paint sticks completely, with no flaking or peeling.

House Painting

Once the paint is totally removed and the surface has been prepped, your house is ready for a new coat of paint. While many homeowners feel up to the challenge of painting their home, you may want to consider hiring professional house painters. These specialists can competently address any problems that develop during the painting process, as well as take into consideration the particular requirements of external paint jobs. Exterior house paint needs to be tough-resistant to wind and rain, UV rays, mold, and fungus-and it needs to be applied in a thick, consistent coat to optimize these characteristics. If you are at all uncomfortable with the idea of painting your home yourself, you should contract painting pros. They’ll be able to give you the smooth, gorgeous paint job you’ve been dreaming of, and you won’t have to worry about incorrect application or other issues that might arise from a DIY job.

If your paint is chipped and peeling; if you’re dreaming of fresh, attractive house paint; if you’re ready to protect your home from the elements, it’s time for new exterior paint. Not only will your house look great, it will also being protected. Call professional painting specialists for optimal results. They have the knowledge and skill to make sure you get an attractive coat of paint that lasts for years!

For comfortable living and beautiful décor, carpet is one of America’s favorite choices. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your living room, or you’ve just moved into a fixer-upper and need to replace all the carpets, carpeting is a great way to completely change the look and feel of a space. But with so many options in style, fiber, and color, it can seem impossible to know which is best for your home. Don’t despair, though; a little research can go a long way toward helping you select the carpet of your dreams!

The first step is defining your needs. Think about what you want in a carpet, how the room will be used, and what your carpeting priorities are. Consider:

* Traffic: How much use does the room get? Who will be using it (including pets)? Do you mind if footprints and vacuum marks are obvious?

* Allergies: Are family members sensitive to wool or other fibers? This should especially be taken into account if children will be playing on the carpet.

* Desired appearance: Do you want the carpet to look plush and luxurious? Is a homier appearance preferred?

* Mobility: Do you have family members whose mobility would be impeded by lush or thick carpet? Consider shuffling gaits, wheelchairs, and cane-usage.

* Color: With all of the options available, color will not limit your choice of fiber or style, but you will want to contemplate which hues will look best in your home.

Once you’ve decided what you want in a carpet, you’re ready to evaluate options. Before you visit carpet stores, it’s important to learn the lingo. Carpet can be divided on the basis of fiber and type.

Carpet Fibers

Wall-to-wall carpets are usually made out of one of five fibers: nylon, olefin, polyester, wool, or acrylic. In the past, most carpets were wool, but today the most popular carpets are made from nylon.

* Nylon is the most expensive synthetic carpet fiber, but it also durable and resilient, so many homeowners consider it more than worth the price. Nylon carpet resists matting and stands up well to soiling and staining.

*Polypropylene, also known as olefin, is extremely durable, colorfast, and stain-resistant. It is typically low-cost, but it can succumb to crushing and melts at a low temperature. Polypropylene performs best in a high density loop carpet.

* Polyester has similar qualities to polypropylene: stain resistant and durable but vulnerable to crushing. The beautiful colors and recycled nature of some polyester carpets are attractive to many homeowners.

* Wool is considered the premier carpet fiber, but it also has a high price tag (as much as double the cost of nylon). If it fits in your budget, wool carpeting has beautiful colors, strong resiliency, and cleans fantastically.

* Acrylic is used mainly in area rugs, but its popularity is increasing. It closely imitates the appearance of wool. Acrylic carpeting is also springy, stain resistant, and does not fade easily.

Carpet Types

There are two main types of carpets: cut pile and loop pile. Cut pile is often preferred for its plush feel and soft appearance. Loop pile is more durable than cut pile, but some say it does not have the same fluffy appeal.

* Textured plush carpet is a cut pile that provides causal beauty perfect for your whole home. Its surface hides footprints and vacuum marks, and soiling is not readily apparent.

* Cut-pile Saxony carpet offers a smooth, soft finish for an elegantly traditionally look. However, this carpeting is recommended for low-traffic areas such as living rooms and dining rooms as it shows footprints and soiling.

* Berber carpet is a popular loop pile style featuring relatively tight loops: this increases durability and hides heavy use. Berbers are available in both subtle and evident patterns.

* Commercial carpet is a loop-style carpet designed specifically for durability, high traffic, and long life. It is made from short, densely packed loops.

Cut/loop pile carpeting combines both cut pile and loops for a unique look. It provides carved definition and frequently features accent colors. This carpet hides footprints and soiling well.

Now that you know what type of carpets you’re interested in, it’s time to visit your local carpet outlet. You’ll be able to touch samples, talk to sales staff, and learn more about the carpet installation process. Don’t forget, once you’ve selected a carpet for your home, be sure to ask about special care techniques to keep your carpet looking fresh!

Have you been cooking on the same boring Formica countertops for 20 years? Are you considering putting your house on the market? Is your kitchen drab and tired-looking? If you’re ready to give your kitchen a new lease on life, consider installing stone countertops. The renovations are relatively minor-quick and hassle-free-and the results are fabulous. You’ll be amazed at how different your kitchen looks by simply switching to granite or quartz countertops!

The truth is that laminate countertops are a thing of the past. In the last decade or so, stone countertops have shifted from a luxury item available to the elite few to the industry standard. Laminate simply looks dowdy and old-fashioned when compared with the sleek, satiny look of stone. Having stone countertops installed in your kitchen is a great way to bring your home up to date and into the 21st century.

You may be surprised to learn that stone countertops are available in a wide variety of price ranges. You’ll pay a premium for specialty natural stone like exotic marbles, but more common natural countertop materials such as granite and soapstone are less expensive. Also, consider that materials like quartz counters can easily last the lifetime of your house; even though such stone countertops are more expensive than laminate would be, they’re a better value since they never need to be replaced!

And, speaking of value, investing in quality solid-surface countertops is a fantastic way to add value to your home. Regardless of whether you’re planning to sell your house in the short term, stone countertops are an enduring investment in your home. Especially if you’re planning to enjoy your home for years to come, now is the best time to install granite countertops; you’ll have plenty of time to benefit from your attractive, functional stone counters before you eventually sell the house. And when you do sell, the purchase price will invariably be higher than if your kitchen had worn Formica counters. In fact, because the appearance of your kitchen is usually the single room that makes or breaks a sale, stone countertops may be the difference between selling your home or not.

With all of the great reasons to install stone counters in your kitchen, there’s no point in waiting! Visit your local stone counter showroom to see samples and talk to knowledgeable sales staff about the various benefits provided by different types of stone. Regardless of what type of stone counter you select, you will be adding beauty, durability, and class to your home.