1. Moving forward without a plan
The investment required during the planning phase often feels like a wasted portion of the budget. Intoxicated by visions of additions and a finished product, amateur renovators often see little value in plotting out existing features and conditions on paper. However, as the old idiom goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Tradespeople often approach a job with an eye for the path of least resistance, and are not responsible for considering their works’ impact on the project as a whole. Without plans directing installation teams, you are leaving everything to chance. An errant HVAC worker may plop their air-handling system in the middle of an unfinished room whose space you had intended to use.
2. Mishandling hazardous materials
Asbestos and lead paint are two common materials encountered during restorations that put health and the environment at risk. Though their use has been discontinued in contemporary builds, they continue to be present in many older homes, particularly those targeted for restoration work.
Asbestos is found in mastic pastes, insulation, and tapes produced in the 1950s. These products remained in circulation for over three decades, and were later found to cause scarring of lung tissues that often leads to lung cancer.
Lead paint was used heavily in home construction from the 1880s to 1920s. Lead poisoning can cause a myriad of gastrointestinal issues and neurological issues.
In both cases, the best and safest method of disposal requires encapsulation to prevent any spreading of contaminants.
3. Neglecting leakage
Dripping faucets and rusty pipes get plenty of attention as homeowners have become justifiably worried about mould. Air leakage is often dismissed because it poses no real physical threat. However, neglecting to handle air leaks can seriously impact your home’s energy efficiency, with most professionals able to improve efficiency by 50-75%. Many professionals will use blower-door tests involving high-powered fans to depressurize a home and pinpoint leakages, which can then be treated using closed-cell spray foams.
Tips for Identifying Mould in the Household
Identifying danger zones for mould is relatively easy, although directly locating the growth can be challenging. Any suspicions of flooding or water damage should be investigated as soon as possible. Water staining, condensation, and discolouration on the walls, floors, and ceilings are telling signs that mould may be present. Walls that are bulging, bowed, or warped are also strong indicators that moisture has penetrated them, and is likely settling at the visible damage points.
Once you have located mould, there are some basic visual cues you can look for to distinguish the strain and severity of the problem. Mould comes in a variety of colours. Many homeowners are relieved to find that harmless salt deposits known as effloresence are often confused for white mould. Pink mould, known as aireobasidium, typically thrives outdoors, but can trigger a variety of allergies when present in the home. Yellow mould known as serpula lacrymans is usually found around wood, where it feeds and causes the fibres to dry-rot away. Finally, blue or green mould, known as penicillium, spreads very quickly and can cause allergic reactions, chronic sinus infections, and act as an irritant to the lungs.
Regardless of the colour or type of mould you have identified, action should be taken immediately. Any visible mould likely indicates the presence of a mould colony hidden from sight. Even the smallest patch of mould will spread, and finding any traces means your home has the right conditions for its growth. This information is meant to enhance your consultation with a professional.
Tips for Identifying Mould in the Household
Identifying danger zones for mould is relatively easy, although directly locating the growth can be challenging. Any suspicions of flooding or water damage should be investigated as soon as possible. Water staining, condensation, and discolouration on the walls, floors, and ceilings are telling signs that mould may be present. Walls that are bulging, bowed, or warped are also strong indicators that moisture has penetrated them, and is likely settling at the visible damage points.
Once you have located mould, there are some basic visual cues you can look for to distinguish the strain and severity of the problem. Mould comes in a variety of colours. Many homeowners are relieved to find that harmless salt deposits known as effloresence are often confused for white mould. Pink mould, known as aireobasidium, typically thrives outdoors, but can trigger a variety of allergies when present in the home. Yellow mould known as serpula lacrymans is usually found around wood, where it feeds and causes the fibres to dry-rot away. Finally, blue or green mould, known as penicillium, spreads very quickly and can cause allergic reactions, chronic sinus infections, and act as an irritant to the lungs.
Regardless of the colour or type of mould you have identified, action should be taken immediately. Any visible mould likely indicates the presence of a mould colony hidden from sight. Even the smallest patch of mould will spread, and finding any traces means your home has the right conditions for its growth. This information is meant to enhance your consultation with a professional.
Natural Solutions For Your Dirty Furniture
Lemons are one of the most versatile super-foods nature has provided us. They are equally at home in savoury and sweet cooking, function as a powerful detoxifying agent, and relative to our purposes, are a common ingredient in cleaning products due to their antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. 1/2 cup of pure lemon juice mixed with 1/2 cup of olive oil makes for an effective furniture polish (and as the foundation for a great homemade salad dressing!). This mixture is especially useful for cleaning hardwood floors and furnishings, as the olive oil adds moisture and helps to prevent cracking.
With its disinfecting and deodorizing properties, white vinegar is another effective all-purpose cleaner that is a common additive in many makeshift cleaning mixtures. Used with oil, it is an exemplary furniture polish, with the vinegar’s acidic profile lifting dirt from wood. Stay clear of apple-cider or balsamic varieties in order to avoid unwanted staining.
Finally, a strong cup of black tea will not only motivate you to get cleaning, but is a great revitalizing agent for your furniture. All you need to do is brew a very strong cup with 3-4 bags in boiling water, and allow it to steep until cooled. After removing the tea bags, you can liberally apply this brew to your furniture, then walk away. The tea’s tannic acid removes residue and creates a natural shine.
Natural Solutions For Your Dirty Furniture
Lemons are one of the most versatile super-foods nature has provided us. They are equally at home in savoury and sweet cooking, function as a powerful detoxifying agent, and relative to our purposes, are a common ingredient in cleaning products due to their antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. 1/2 cup of pure lemon juice mixed with 1/2 cup of olive oil makes for an effective furniture polish (and as the foundation for a great homemade salad dressing!). This mixture is especially useful for cleaning hardwood floors and furnishings, as the olive oil adds moisture and helps to prevent cracking.
With its disinfecting and deodorizing properties, white vinegar is another effective all-purpose cleaner that is a common additive in many makeshift cleaning mixtures. Used with oil, it is an exemplary furniture polish, with the vinegar’s acidic profile lifting dirt from wood. Stay clear of apple-cider or balsamic varieties in order to avoid unwanted staining.
Finally, a strong cup of black tea will not only motivate you to get cleaning, but is a great revitalizing agent for your furniture. All you need to do is brew a very strong cup with 3-4 bags in boiling water, and allow it to steep until cooled. After removing the tea bags, you can liberally apply this brew to your furniture, then walk away. The tea’s tannic acid removes residue and creates a natural shine.
Tips for Controlling Your Pet’s Shedding Problem
The most common method of reducing your pet’s shedding problem is through regular brushing. As well a being one of the most effective measures for controlling shedding, regular brushing can be a great source of quality time with your pet, and will give your pet’s coat a desirable sheen and softer feel. Finding the right brush can be a difficult task, and is often dependent on your pet’s coat length and the degree of tangled or matted hair you are dealing with. Consequently, it is important to research whether an undercoat shedding rake, mat-breaker, or shedding blade is needed.
The final tip is simply to act fast! When you see newly-shed hair, it is in your best interest to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer you hesitate in removing the hair, the further it will work its way into the fabric. Once intertwined with the fine fibers of your upholstery, pet hair become a hassle to remove. Following these tips will go a long way towards a cleaner home and happier pet.
The final tip is simply to act fast! When you see newly-shed hair, it is in your best interest to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer you hesitate in removing the hair, the further it will work its way into the fabric. Once intertwined with the fine fibers of your upholstery, pet hair become a hassle to remove. Following these tips will go a long way towards a cleaner home and happier pet.
The final tip is simply to act fast! When you see newly-shed hair, it is in your best interest to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer you hesitate in removing the hair, the further it will work its way into the fabric. Once intertwined with the fine fibers of your upholstery, pet hair become a hassle to remove. Following these tips will go a long way towards a cleaner home and happier pet.
The final tip is simply to act fast! When you see newly-shed hair, it is in your best interest to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer you hesitate in removing the hair, the further it will work its way into the fabric. Once intertwined with the fine fibers of your upholstery, pet hair become a hassle to remove. Following these tips will go a long way towards a cleaner home and happier pet.
Tips for Controlling Your Pet’s Shedding Problem
The most common method of reducing your pet’s shedding problem is through regular brushing. As well a being one of the most effective measures for controlling shedding, regular brushing can be a great source of quality time with your pet, and will give your pet’s coat a desirable sheen and softer feel. Finding the right brush can be a difficult task, and is often dependent on your pet’s coat length and the degree of tangled or matted hair you are dealing with. Consequently, it is important to research whether an undercoat shedding rake, mat-breaker, or shedding blade is needed.
Cleaning Your Driveway
A clean driveway can contribute to your home or business’s curb appeal and will protect the asphalt or concrete from damaging. Cleaning your driveway can be a strenuous task, especially if you do not own a pressure washer and the necessary cleaning products. Even if you buy all of the needed products, you still may be dissatisfied with the results.
If you simply don’t have the time or resources needed for this task, Steamatic offers professional pavement cleaning services. Steamatic goes above and beyond the typical pressure washing service. Steamatic offers a variety of techniques to efficiently clean your business or home’s driveway or car park. These methods include blast cleaning, mechanical brooms, and ride on sweepers. Steamatic can also remove graffiti or spray paint when cleaning your car park or driveway. A clean car park or driveway sets a positive first impression for visitors, employees, and customers. By cleaning your car park or driveway you will also eliminate hazardous spills or build up. Perks of pavement cleaning also include elimination of grease, oil, and other stains caused by vehicles. Steamatic presents pavement cleaning services that save you time and money.
Steamatic is proud to offer professional pavement washing services for your home or business. To save the hassle and time of trying to clean your driveway or car park, trust Steamatic for impressive results and cost savings.
Simple Tile Cleaning Techniques
The kitchen and bathroom often have tile flooring. Tile flooring is durable, offers strong longevity, and should be easy to clean. These tiles see a lot of traffic, dirt, dust, and crumbs. When it comes to the kitchen, dirt and crumbs can multiply quickly. You should make an effort to try to sweep the floor everyday. This will reduce the debris on your floor and make it easier to clean. Sweeping before mopping is also a beneficial habit to get into.
Once you have swept the tiles, mop the floor with warm water. If the floor is stain free and does not need extensive cleaning, mopping with warm water should do the trick. Clean the floor in segments and try not to step where you’ve mopped to prevent footprint marks. If your floor does have stains or marks you may have to apply a cleaning agent to scrub away food and drink stains. When a stain does occur, clean it as soon as possible. The longer you leave the stain, the harder it will be to clean when you get around to dealing with it. Clean messy spills with a disinfectant spray. For instance if your cat or dog has an accident, use a disinfectant spray to eliminate bacteria and to prevent a long lasting stain.
Finally once you have mopped and spot cleaned, you can dry the floor using a dry mop to deter dirt from attaching to the wet floor.
If your floors are still lacking the shine you desire after cleaning yourself, Steamatic can help. Steamatic offers hard surface cleaning for all of the floors in your home. This professional service will have your floors looking like brand new. By implementing this service into your regular cleaning routine twice yearly, your floors will sparkle and shine!
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
When cleaning your home consider cleaning your air ducts to maintain a healthy living environment for you and your family. Your ducts can contain bacteria, mould, fungus, pet hair, debris, and more. Your air ducts can also be taking on debris when it is trapped in the ducts. If bacteria, mould, or fungus are present, this affects the quality of air you are breathing.
Once your air ducts have been cleaned you can rest easy knowing that you are breathing in fresh air. Considering the amount of time we spend indoors, it is important to keep up with regular air duct cleaning to ensure we are inhaling clean air.
The benefits of duct cleaning are:
You should have your air ducts cleaned if you have done recent home renovations, suffer from allergies, installed a new air conditioning system or furnace, or if you have moved into a new home.
Steamatic will determine what shape your air ducts are in and eliminate any blockages that may have built up in the duct. By effectively cleaning your ducts you will experience optimal temperatures and cost savings. Contaminants in your furnace or air conditioning system force the machines to work harder and can interfere with the efficiency of your systems. Once the air ducts are clean these systems do not have to work as hard, and less energy is used. Steamatic is experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to air duct cleaning. We are dedicated and committed to providing a safe and efficient service for you and your family.
