Author: Automaton

How to remove shingles to do a repair

Roofing repair is not an easy task. If you are thinking of getting one replaced, then make sure to watch this video. It will really help you out. Repairing and maintaining your roof is one of the most important things you can do to your house since it keeps you and your family, as well as everything else, dry and warm. The cost of a new roof is high. Video Source Simple fixes like these may extend the life of your current roof by many decades. In order to prevent water from penetrating under the shingles and damaging the wood sheathing, any evidence of damage or wear must be addressed very once. Ignoring an issue, no matter how tiny it seems to be, might lead to a more expensive reroofing project. Take all necessary safety measures. You must always practice roof safety whenever you are on the roof. Protective glasses, heavy-duty gloves, and adequate footwear for roof-walking are all necessary precautions to be taken. Determine the amount of the damage underneath the shingles and how many replacement shingles you’ll need by locating the damaged region. Temperatures above 90 degrees’ Fahrenheit cause asphalt and asphalt sealant to harden, making it more difficult to remove. To find out more about roofing repairs, watch the full video.

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Why it’s Important to Test for Radon

Radon is a very harmful gas that is associated with causing lung cancer. Therefore, you must know the level of this gas in your home. That is why hiring a radon testing and inspection contractor is very crucial. Ensure you bring on board an experienced radon gas testing contractor that will determine if the radon gas in your basement or floors has reached worrying levels. When it comes to a residential radon testing and inspection contractor, you will have to consider experience. An experienced contractor will carry out not only a thorough radon testing exercise, but also you will get accurate results. You can tell when to prepare for radon abatement and mitigation services. When it comes to radon mitigation services, you will also need to hire a professional to reduce the levels of radon gas in your house. You will have to

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Learn how to Inspect a Wood Burning Fireplace and Chimney

It’s estimated that 11.6 million homes are heated by wooden fireplaces. Fireplaces and chimneys need regular maintenance to keep them working properly and to keep your family safe. Family Handyman YouTube channel describes how you can do a fireplace and chimney inspection. If you have a glass firescreen, look for any defects in the glass. Video Source Make sure they open and close smoothly. Make sure the sparkscreen moves smoothly when you open and close it. Fireplaces should have a grate for the logs to sit on. If you do not have a grate, get one. Check the hearth for cracks, especially in between the bricks, after vacuuming it. Make sure that any carpets, furniture, wooden flooring, or anything else that can catch fire is at least 16 inches away from the fireplace. Next, check the fire box for creosote build-up. If not removed by a chimney sweep, the creosote can cause a fire. The damper door should open easily and close completely. Check the flue for cracks or creosote build-up. Finally, go outside and look up at the chimney to see if any bricks or flashing are missing. You may need to get up on the roof to check and see if the cap is on, and that the chimney is free of debris. Check for black residue between the bricks which indicates that creosote is seeping through. If there are black marks, call a chimney sweep.

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Best Ways to Maintain Your Gutters

Your gutters should be cleaned at least once a year to remove anything that blocks the flow of water away from your roof. Seals often need replacing every one to five years, or they cause leaks. The Home Depot lists the best ways to maintain your all-important gutters. If you have mobility issues, you should not be standing on a ladder. You are better off hiring a service that offers gutter cleaning maintenance programs that clean your gutters annually. This will save you money in the long run. Video Source If you have a ladder and are healthy, then you can clean your gutters yourself. Make sure your ladder is on level ground. Use two buckets. Place tools you may need in one and debris from the gutters in the other. Hook the buckets on your ladder. Be sure to wear work gloves. Use a trowel, gutter scoop, or your hands to remove the debris. Next, remove and clean the downspout strainers. Finally, give your gutters a good flush with a hose. Check for leaks. If you find any, repair them with a sealant. Also, check that water is flowing freely out of your downspout. If there is hardly any water coming out when you rinse the gutters, you have a clog. Turn the hose on full blast to dislodge it. If the clog does not come out, call a professional.

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DIY Your Own Cedar Fence Install With These Tips

There are a number of ways to improve the curb appeal of your home, including installing an attractive fence around your property. A good fence not only protects your home and property, but it can also beautify your property and provide some privacy for your family. Cedar fence installation is very common as the wood is both attractive and durable, making it great for fencing needs. In this YouTube video, you will see what options are available and how to design and install a quality cedar fence on your own property. Video Source Whether you have a small city lot or a big plot of land, putting up a fence can go a long way in improving the appeal and overall value of your land. These additions add value directly to your property and this video does a good job at explaining how to maximize this with your fence installation. From start to finish, you will see what it is like to install a fence yourself. If this is something that is of interest to you, or you want to learn more about fence installation basics, be sure to check out this video and see what creative fencing ideas you can come up with!.

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