4 Ways to Keep Your Attic Rodent Free

Buy at Amazon

If you find yourself hearing noises in your attic, you may have some unwanted guests. Don’t ignore the signs. Hearing thumping or scratching noises especially at night is a surefire sign that you have animals or even squirrels in your attic.

Also, if you keep finding your trash can overturned and waste in your yard, this can be an indication that something is thinking about or currently taking up residence in your home. Acting early is important.

Animals like raccoons and squirrels living in your attic can quickly cause severe damage. They are notorious for destroying wiring, pipes and air ducts. You will need to seek the help of a professional to rid your house of these rodents and animals and seek the help of a professional cleaning crew. These types of animals carry diseases that are harmful both to humans and their pets. Here are some ways you can keep your attic rodent free.

Secure your Chimney

This is one of the easiest ways for rodents to get into your house and make there way into your walls or attic. Before taking any steps to block this entrance, you must first make sure there are no animals currently taking up residence in your chimney.

You can check it out yourself or ask for the help of a professional. You can use a chimney cap or vent, to make this inaccessible to animals. The cap will allow smoke to escape your chimney still but will block any unwanted guests.

Check your Roof

Check for any holes or damage to your roof. Missing shingles, gaps around vents or damage to flashing can be an indication that something is trying to get in or is already in. If you have any holes or damage, you must fix them as soon as possible.

Pay particular attention to pipe vents because they can dig around those and squeeze their way into your attic. The professional you have come out can advise you of potential work that needs to be done and additional preventative measures such as vent covers and reinforcements.

Trees and Bushes

Step back and check if you are making it easy for rodents and other animals to gain access to your roof. Do the trees in your yard have branches that touch your roof or are close? If so, these should be trimmed back, so they don’t provide a walkway to your house. Remember, a squirrel can jump pretty far, up to 20 feet in some cases. Keep this in mind when you are planting and pruning around your yard.

Yard

Keep your yard clean an uninviting to rodents and critters. Make sure when you take your trash out it is secure. Never leave bags loose on the sidewalk for pickup, this will attract animals and they will think this is an excellent area to source food and then begin to look for and make a shelter. You can also have a huge mess on your hands.

Make sure your trash cans lids are nice and secure and can’t be easily tipped over. You will also need to watch leaving pet food for dogs, cats or birds out all night. Raccoons especially hunt for this type of easy food at night.

If you are worried that you are at risk for having a rodent or animal problem in your attic or home, you can always call out a pest control specialist.

Most companies will send out an expert that can walk your property with you and inspect your roof and attic to look for weak areas. They are trained to look for spots that we usually wouldn’t see that can easily be covered or plugged.

Conclusions

The bottom line is, it is more cost effective to act now. If you wait until you hear noises in your attic or see other signs, there may already be severe damage that can be expensive to fix. If you do find yourself in this situation, call your homeowners insurance and let them know right away.

They can begin a claims process with you to help alleviate the costs of repairs. Most insurance companies will cover any damages to your roof or home, along with costs to repair or plug holes. While they won’t take care of personal items that are damaged in your attic, they will cover the costs to fix any electrical or plumbing work you may encounter. Taking preventive measures before this happens is the most straightforward path to take.

Tree House Project: Make Your Kids Wishes Come True

Click to View More

Tree houses were all about a quick assembly of a simple little house where the kid could play with a bunch of friends and lead imaginary life. Today, tree houses are more of a complex building that includes certain luxuries unknown to the previous generations. Even so, this type of tree house building has a lot of benefits for the kids – a mutual work between the parents and the kids will bring out a lot of fun and educational experience.

The benefits of building a tree house

Building a modern tree house with your kids will take a couple of days, maybe more, but every step of the process will bring a teachable moment for the kids.

Physical activity – kids won’t even notice how hard they work while they are helping you build the tree house. This helps them be highly physically active, strengthening them and making them fit. It is an easier form of getting them active than forcing them to do regular exercises or a sport they don’t enjoy. Obesity is a frequent issue with kids of newer generations, and an outdoor project is what will entertain them and help them fight it.

Teamwork and problem-solving – the motto here is: the more, the merrier. Including the whole family will create team spirit and strengthen the bond between you. You will have a mutual goal you are aspiring to. And let’s not forget the problem-solving skills your kids will improve. Starting from calculating the size of the walls, the exterior look, the materials that have to be used and even the budget you need to stick to – your kids can be included in every step of the process, making their contribution, realizing what the limits are and how to overcome certain challenges. And all of that being done with close members of the family, figuring out the problems together.

Connecting with nature – spending too much time indoors separates children with natural processes around them, like changing seasons, leaves falling off, blooming of the flowers and lives of small animals around them. Building a tree house will expose your kids to the natural environment, and every day they spend outside working on the tree house (and later on, in the tree house that’s been completed) will show them what happens in the world around them, creating a strong connection with the living things in their backyard.

Sensitivity to risk – while building a tree house, there are certain things that can go wrong and endanger your kids’ safety, so it’s highly important to teach the kids about the necessity of taking precautions to avoid any injuries. Children learn from what they see, so make sure you are the role model demonstrating a cautious approach to work in order to protect yourself and others. It will prepare your kids for the potential risks in the future – they will learn to think in advance about possible dangers and they will know how to protect themselves.

Necessary tools for the construction

You don’t need a workshop to build a tree house, but here’s a list of the necessary equipment that will ensure quicker work, too.

Firstly, it’s important to note that angles and measurements stay accurate, so this is the part where your kids can help – but always double-check everything before you actually start cutting. A circular saw will save you a lot of time and effort here.

Next, as you will have to cut beams, studs and joists at a precise 90° so that they are connected firmly, a speed square is another useful tool for the precision.

A cordless and a corded drill are the next necessity, depending on the size of the hole you will need to drill.

Folding sawhorses are very stable even though they are really light. You can use them for cutting beams or to support a table with tools and smaller parts.

The safety gear you will need includes safety glasses to protect eyes from the dust and debris, cut-resistant gloves with a good grip. Earplugs to prevent hearing loss from loud noises, those power tools are sometimes just too noisy. And of course a pair of Australian work boots that provide protection and stability when doing any kind of handiwork around your house.

The most important parts

Supports is what you need to first decide on, and they include:

Posts – as they are inserted into the ground, they damage the tree the least.

Bolts – even though this is the traditional method, beams and platforms being inserted into the tree, this is very damaging to the tree.

Suspension – chains and ropes are what you use to suspend the house from bigger branches, but it isn’t appropriate for heavier constructions.

The platform and deck are the parts that need to be leveled and built as close to the trunk as possible, which could mean you will have to cut some holes if some branches get in the way. The deck should include railing so that no one falls off.

The access to the tree house – if the tree house is lower to the ground, it will be enough to put a rope ladder or the wooden one. But if the structure is high in the tree, a long wooden ladder with a handrail would be a better choice. If your kids enjoy adventures, you could even consider building a spiral ladder around the trunk.

Final words

Once you know the basic elements you need to have and to plan, they only thing left to do is to get on to work together, enjoy the learning process and everything that comes after it.

3 Common HVAC Leaks to Look Out For

Buy at Amazon

Did you know most HVAC service calls are related to some type of leak? A leak in your heating and cooling system can reduce the efficiency of your system, increase your energy costs, cause premature wear and tear to the HVAC system, and even damage your home.

We’ve compiled here information on three common leaks you should watch for to keep your system in good working order.

1. HVAC System Leaking Water

Do you notice water pooling inside your air conditioner? Do you have water leaking out of the system when it’s turned on? Leaks are common with central AC systems and they may be caused by many problems. If ignored, these leaks can cause serious damage to your home. If you have an air handler above your ceiling, for example, the water can drip and damage the structural integrity of your home.

There are 3 primary reasons for an air conditioner to leak:

  • Clogged air filter. Your air filter should be changed every 1-2 months. When the air filter looks dirty, replace it right away. A dirty air filter can make ice buildup on the AC’s evaporator coils. When this ice melts, it will leak water.
  • Crack in the overflow pan. You can tell if this is the problem by inspecting your overflow pan for problems with a flashlight. This pan is designed to catch condensation from your air conditioner, but it can develop small cracks and tiny holes, especially along the edges and corners.
  • Clogged drain lines. Drain lines divert condensate away from the air conditioner, but these lines are prone to clogging. When this happens, the water backs up and begins to flood the pan. You can use a hand pump or a wet/dry vacuum to suck clogs out of the line. Your drain line should also be cleaned regularly, before you develop clogs, to prevent a build-up of mildew, algae, and sludge.

2. Air Duct Leaks

Not all leaks involve liquids; leaks in your home’s ductwork can cause you to lose heated or conditioned air. Ducts are responsible for transporting cooled and heated air from your HVAC system to other areas of your home. If there’s a hole or gap in the duct work, it allows the air to escape.

Leaky ductwork can result in up to 30% in energy losses. Because the heated or conditioned air is escaping through leaks, your HVAC system has to run longer to reach your thermostat setting.

Leaking ductwork can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your air conditioner or furnace. When your system runs longer than necessary, it can strain components and accelerate wear. This can lead to more frequent HVAC repairs. Air duct leaks can even reduce your indoor air quality by allowing the ducts to pull in dirt, dust, and other contaminants in the crawl space and attic.

The good news is air duct leaks are easy to address. Sealing your air ducts with metal tape and insulating ducts that can be accessed can dramatically reduce energy loss and save you a significant amount on your heating and cooling costs.

3. Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is what your AC system uses inside its coils to remove heat from the air. The correct amount of refrigerant is added when an HVAC system is installed and the refrigerant is never used up. As long as the system remains sealed, the refrigerant will stay in the coils.

Older systems are prone to developing refrigerant leaks, however. When your coils develop cracks or hole, the refrigerant can escape. This forces your air conditioner to work harder and become less efficient. You may have a refrigerant leak if your AC is not cooling your home very well even though air flow and the fans seem to be working normally. Over time, this problem will get worse.

Never ignore a refrigerant leak. Along with preventing your AC system from cooling your home, it can also damage your air conditioner. When refrigerant levels get low, your AC will compensate by running longer. This increases pressure in the system and may damage components like the compressor.

The longer your AC runs, the more energy it will use. A 10% drop in your refrigerant level can force your AC system to use up to 20% more energy.

Conclusion

If you’re like many people, you don’t think of your HVAC first when you consider water damage and leaks in your home. It may be time to change your thinking. A leaking HVAC system can end up costing you thousands when it comes to water damage, higher energy costs, and HVAC repairs. Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep these costs at bay.

HVAC Failure: Smells and Sounds to Watch out for

Buy at Amazon

HVAC failure is not only annoying because you lose your climate-controlled environment but it can also be costly to fix or replace the system. It’s a good idea to know the warning signs so you don’t lose money by not getting the repairs done.

Grinding Sound

A grinding sound is never good when it comes to your HVAC system. If you hear a grinding noise when it starts, when it’s running or when you turn it off, it might be time to check with a professional.

Humming or Buzzing When the System Turns On

Many people think a humming or buzzing noise is normal when their air conditioner is running. The professionals at Master Service Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration see this a lot, but it’s actually not a noise that’s supposed to happen. If you have humming or buzzing in your system, you might have a problem.

Hot Smell When Your Heat Is On

If it smells hot when you turn your heat on, you could have a problem Your heating system should not smell hot when you turn it on. If it has a hot smell to it, then it could be burning up energy and could be causing problems for your system. It could also make it harder for your system to work which could cost you money.

Popping or Hissing Coming from Your Vents

It might be time to upgrade your HVAC if you hear a popping or hissing sound coming from your system. The HVAC system shouldn’t really make much noise while it’s running even if your air conditioner is working hard to cool off your home.

Gear Noise When You Turn the Air Off

Once you turn the air off, all noises should stop. If there’s something in the air conditioner making a noise like a gear going, you might need to replace your system. The gear noise is usually just the system doing what it needs to power down, but it can indicate a problem if it’s not something that normally happens.

 

When you know what to look for, you can better prepare to make sure your system is working the way it should. It’s always a great idea to check and make sure you don’t have any leaks or other problems with your HVAC system when you hear one of these noises or smell something off with your heating and cooling system.

Plumbing Problems: 4 Ways to Safely Solve a Septic Problem

Plumbing Problems: 4 Ways to Safely Solve a Septic Problem

Buy at Amazon

A septic tank is so often overlooked until it starts to backup all over your lawn. There are some measures that you can take to ensure that your septic tank is functioning for years to come. If it’s too late for preventative measures, there are solutions so that you can safely resolve the issues. Here are some of the things that you can try to get your septic tank back in working order.

Add Biologically Active Ingredients

Your septic tank is just a holding place for the waste. The normal process is that the bacteria in the system break down the waste and keep it under control. You can try adding more active biological material that will aid to dispel the waste in the tank. There are commercial products that you can purchase that will help you with this type of situation. This may be more of a preventative measure than a corrective measure depending on the state of your septic tank.

Check Your Power Source

Many septic tanks rely on a power source to help them function in removing the waste safely. If you notice a problem, make sure that your power source isn’t interrupted. Check your breakers and ensure that there isn’t a break in the electrical wiring as much as you are able. This can often cause you to experience septic tank failure. You may need to consult an electrical expert if this is the case for your situation.

Inspect Your Septic System

Perform an inspection of your septic system to the best of your abilities. You may notice cracking or clogged piping. This could be the problem that is causing your tank to give you trouble. Another common problem is that the drain pipe will become clogged. This can result in your septic tank backing up into inappropriate areas.

Seek Professional Assistance

There may be instances in which the septic problem is more than you can handle. Consider seeking out professional assistance. They have the necessary experience to get the job done quickly and safely. See this site if you’d like more information about this route. If possible, get several quotes so that you can get the best deal.

You have to handle your septic tank in a safe manner. Remember that you’re dealing with human waste. This presents a number of hazards when it comes to your health and safety. Consider getting professional help if you’re unsure about how to proceed with fixing your septic tank.