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Five Tips on How to Safely Take Down Holiday Decorations
Many people enjoy decorating for the holidays but few people consider the hazards when undecorating after the New Year. Falls, cuts, shocks, and other injuries are all possible risks when taking down and putting away decorations. Review these tips on how to safely take down holiday decorations.
1. Set Up Your Ladder Safely
Many people hang holiday lights high on the roof without considering the ways to safely take down holiday decorations. When removing decorations from roofs, balconies, and trees, you’ll need to set up the ladder safely to prevent falls. If you are using an extension ladder, lean the ladder against the house at a 75-degree angle. Place the ladder on sturdy and dry ground. Have someone hold the ladder down so it doesn’t move while you’re using it.
2. Test the Lights
Testing your lights is the next step after you safely take down holiday decorations. Before returning the lights to storage, check for broken bulbs and frayed cords that could spark and create fires. You want the lights to work and to know they are safe to decorate with next year.
3. Be Careful With Heavy Items
Do not injure yourself while carrying heavy items. Big holiday decorations can weigh a hundred pounds or more. Set a maximum limit for each box that does not exceed 50 pounds. That is the weight that most people can carry without injuring themselves. Lift with your legs instead of your back.
4. Get Rid of Broken Items
Get rid of broken ornaments immediately after you safely take down holiday decorations. Do not stash them away, thinking that the damages are small and barely noticeable. Cracked bulbs or glass ornaments are still hazardous to children and pets.
Always Consider the Ways to Safely Take Down Holiday Decorations
After the holidays pass, it’s typical for people to remove their decorations quickly and carelessly when storing them. With a little planning and thoughtfulness, you can avoid injury. Remember these tips when you safely take down holiday decorations.
Elite Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Louisville and the surrounding areas of Kentucky. Contact us to book your appointment.
How to Improve Home Security During the Holidays
Protecting your home against invasions, burglaries, and other crimes is a year-round task, but it becomes more important over the holidays. In many homes, expensive gifts are placed under a tree and conveniently packaged in boxes for criminals to haul off in a matter of minutes.
Travel is common over the holidays so burglars are on the lookout for vacant homes. Boosting home security during the holidays is smart and can be accomplished in a few easy steps.
Easy Ways to Improve Home Security During the Holidays
Now is the time to assess your home’s most vulnerable areas. View the exterior of your home by putting yourself in the mind of a criminal. Is your home easy to access without being noticed? What is inside your home that may be appealing to criminals and easy to haul off?
By focusing on the right areas, you can improve home security during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year.
1. Install Motion Sensor Lights
Many criminals use the darkness of night for concealment as they get in and out of homes. Therefore, when you look at ways to improve home security during the holidays, illuminating your home’s exterior should be a top priority.
Improving landscape lighting throughout the exterior is one idea, and you can also install bright motion sensor lights that turn on when someone approaches your home at night. These lights can sense motion several feet away. If someone is up to no good, a bright light turning on might scare them off.
2. Invest in a Security System
Another smart idea is to invest in a home security system. A basic system can be armed when you leave and will alert you and authorities if the doors or windows are opened.
A more advanced system may have motion sensors in the home as well as video surveillance capabilities. You may also be able to activate and monitor the system remotely from your smartphone using an app.
3. Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can be used in a number of ways to improve home security during the holidays. For example, a wireless video feed on a smart doorbell or exterior video camera can be used to alert you when motion is sensed on your front patio.
You can connect interior lights, the TV, and even automatic blinds to your smart home system. When you are away, you can adjust these features periodically to give the appearance that someone is inside the home.
4. Talk to a Trusted Neighbor
When you are away during the holidays, it is helpful to have someone who lives close by to keep an eye on your home. You may also have a pet sitter visit your home several times per day or a housesitter that stays for the duration of your absence. Either one can collect your mail and newspapers while you are out of town.
If you have a neighbor that you know and trust, inform them when you will be out of town, and ask them to keep an eye on your property. You can return the favor for them.
Improving home security during the holidays requires forethought and planning. After you identify your home’s vulnerabilities, determine which of these tips may be most effective for you. Combining all of these tips will allow you to enjoy your holiday vacation with peace of mind.
Elite Home Inspections wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!
Steps to Prepare Your Fireplace for Use
As part of your seasonal home maintenance tasks, preparing your fireplace for the first use of the season should be included in a fall maintenance schedule.
Regardless of whether you intend to use your fireplace only a few times or daily, you need your fireplace to be well-maintained and clean. By taking these steps to prepare your fireplace for use, you can keep your home and your loved ones warm and safe all season long.
Why You Need to Prepare Your Fireplace
If your fireplace functioned well the last time you used it, you may question the need to take any additional steps to prepare your fireplace for use at this time. However, house fires can be caused by dirty or damaged fireplaces. Even though your fireplace appeared to work well during your last use, it is common for birds or rodents to build nests in the flue.
The last time you inspected your fireplace may have been a year ago during the last fall season. It can be risky to begin using the fireplace again without understanding its true condition. When you take these steps to prepare your fireplace for the upcoming season, you’ll feel confident as you enjoy its warmth.
1. Clean the Firebox
The firebox may be filled with ashes which can hinder your ability to start or maintain a fire. More than that, soot and creosote that have caked onto the sides of the firebox can be flammable.
This may not seem like a concern given that you will have a fire burning in this location. However, these materials can catch fire along with the logs you are burning, and it can get out of control quickly. Clean the firebox before starting the first fire of the season.
2. Open the Damper
The damper is located in the flue, and it opens so that smoke can rise up and out of the home. Make sure that the damper opens and closes fully as needed. If the damper does not function properly, it should be repaired before the first use.
By opening the damper, you may notice that debris from bird and rodent nests falls down. This is a sign that flue cleaning service is essential. Keep in mind that the debris that is used to make nests is usually flammable. Also, blockage in the flue can cause smoke to filter into your home instead of up and out.
3. Check for Signs of Damage
As you clean the firebox and open the damper, pay attention to the overall condition of the structure. When you prepare your fireplace for its initial use, any cracks, fissures, or other damaged areas must be repaired.
A professional should be called to inspect the fireplace and determine the best course of action. Repair work should be completed before your initial use of the season in order to protect your home and loved ones from harm.
4. Schedule Flue Cleaning Service
Your flue should be professionally cleaned annually and the best time for this service is before the first use of the season in the fall. A professional will clean the flue from the top of your roof and from inside the fireplace.
When your fireplace’s various components are dirty, damaged, or clogged you’re at a higher risk for a fire or experiencing smoke-related damage. If you intend to use your fireplace at all in the months ahead, now is the time to take these steps to prepare your fireplace for use.
Elite Home Inspections provides home inspection services for Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding area. Contact us to book your appointment.
6 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Fall
As fall approaches, it’s important to get your home ready for the cooler days ahead. There are probably many tasks you’ll want to get done before the weather sunny, warm weather disappears, but here are 6 things you should definitely complete in order to prepare your home for fall.
1. Clean Your Gutters
Although it can be a tough job, cleaning the gutters is an important way to prepare your home for fall. It’s a job that should be done every year so that you don’t experience big problems over the winter months. As you’re cleaning your gutters, you also have the opportunity to inspect the condition of your roof and chimney. You can check for damage or note any areas that might become a problem as the weather cools down and your roof is faced with snow, ice, and severe winter weather.
2. Fix Cracks in the Sidewalk to Prepare Your Home For Fall
As summer winds down, you should work on filling in any cracks in your sidewalk, patio, or other concrete areas to prepare your home for fall. This could be the last chance you have to do this before the sunshine and warm weather disappear.
3. Compost Leaves
As the leaves start to fall off of the trees, start composting them to save for your garden next spring.
4. Turn Off Outside Plumbing
If you have outdoor hoses, faucets, or other types of plumbing, you’ll want to turn them off and winterize them before cold weather causes them to freeze and burst.
5. Prepare Your Furnace
On the inside of your home, it’s important to clean and inspect your furnace so it will be ready to effectively heat your home. Replace the filters, make sure air vents aren’t blocked, and clean dust and debris away from the unit. Having an HVAC technician service your HVAC when the seasons change is always a good idea.
6. Inspect Windows and Doors
Another important way to prepare your home for fall weather is to inspect all of your windows and doors. Check the weatherstripping on all of your doors and windows so that cold air won’t enter your home and warm air will stay inside. You should inspect any caulking around your windows to see if it needs to be replaced and re-caulk them as necessary. You’ll also want to clean your windows so they will let in more sunlight. This will help warm your home up on cold days.
These are just a few of many things you can do to prepare your home for fall both inside and out. Taking steps to get your home ready to take on the cold weather is important so that you don’t run into problems once colder weather arrives.
Elite Home Inspections serves the Greater Louisville area with comprehensive home inspection services. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
7 Tips for Improving the Air Quality in the Home
Improving Air Quality in the Home for Better Comfort and Health
Air quality is important in every home. Everyone needs to breathe in clean air. Plus, when you walk into a home, you can immediately tell when someone is not proactive about improving air quality in the home. To make sure that you, your family, and your guests breathe clean air, make sure to practice these tips.
1. Avoid humidity.
Humidity can do a number on any building if you’re not careful. Humidity can lead to damp conditions and mold growth. To fight humidity, use a dehumidifier in various rooms of your house. Turn on the fan whenever you are taking a shower or cooking to help draw moisture from the air. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure that the temperature of your home is at a level where humidity can’t flourish. A consistent dehumidifying practice can help with improving air quality in the home.
2. Use indoor plants.
Indoor plants are effective for improving air quality in the home since they purify the air naturally. So, keep one plant for every thousand square feet in your home. An easy way to include indoor plants in your home is by using eucalyptus leaves. Purchase a few sprigs of fresh eucalyptus and hang it from the shower head in your bathroom. Not only will this release a pleasant smell, it’ll also do wonders for the improving the air quality in the home. You can also use plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and rubber figs in various rooms of your home. If you don’t have a green thumb, check out different tutorials online.
3. Clean regularly.
Make it a practice to regularly clean your home. If you have a lot of junk and clutter, it can create an unsanitary environment. This is especially true for rooms like the bathroom and the kitchen. Make certain rules mandatory like always keeping the sink wiped clean. Mop the floors on a consistent basis. Dust and wipe down surfaces regularly. Don’t let food clog up the disposal. As you put food down the disposal, add a few lemon slices to help sanitize and deodorize the disposal. Once you make cleanliness a habit, it is easier to maintain good air quality.
4. Avoid artificial fresheners and cleaners.
Even though cleanliness is important, make sure that you’re not using too many toxic cleaners to get the jobs done. Use eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own cleaning products from natural sources such as lemon, vinegar, and baking powder. It’s also a good idea to watch the number of air fresheners you use. Even though they can make the room smell good temporarily, they can also release toxins that are bad for human ingestion. Use essential oils and diffusers to naturally deodorize the room. If you choose to use candles, make sure that you don’t burn them for longer than three hours at a time, and purchase candles that are made out of natural materials instead of synthetic.
5. Open the windows every day.
Make it a habit to open the windows every single day for at least 15 minutes. This is a perfect way to allow fresh air to flow through the rooms. If it’s really cold outside, know that you don’t have to open the windows really wide to for this to be effective. If it’s really hot outside, wait until the evening hours when the sun sets and the air is cooler.
6. Change your filters.
Regularly change your HVAC air filters at least every three months, or more frequently if you have pets or if anybody in your home has allergies. When you change your air filters, you decrease the chances of circulating toxic air throughout the home.
7. Call the professionals.
It’s a good idea to make sure to have your HVAC system inspected on a yearly basis so it continues to work properly. Professionals can often spot problems that you cannot. It’s better to be proactive and stay on top of the systems in your home than to run into a potentially costly predicament down the line.
Improving air quality in the home is an achievable goal when you make adjustments to the products you are using and your home maintenance routine. Just follow the above suggestions and notice that you are breathing easier before too long!
Elite Home Inspections provides home inspection and testing services to Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding area. Contact us to schedule your appointment.
How to Get Rid of Termites at Your Home
How to Get Rid of Termites: DIY Techniques
Termites are winged pests that feed on the wood in your home and cause structural and property damage. Five main types of termites exist: Dampwood, Drywood, and Subterranean are the three most common, but Conehead and Formosan termites also can be a problem. Any of these termite species can infest your home, but keep a close eye out for the Drywood termite that gains access to your home through tunneling underneath the surface. It is best to hire a termite inspector to inspect your home for termites if you suspect an infestation, but there are a few measures that you can take to help control the problem. Learn four DIY ways to get rid of termites below.
1. Sunlight Exposure
It is rare that you’ll see a termite during the day. The sun’s UV rays are deadly to the pest and they often die when exposed to sunlight for even short periods of time. As such, sunlight exposure is an excellent elimination technique that can help get termites out of wood furniture or other items they might have infested. Any items termites are feasting on can be placed in the sunlight for 3-5 days to kill off any pests inside.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil isn’t the fastest-working product, but it does work and is non-toxic. It’s also one of the easier ways to remove termites from the home. Neem oil is an all-natural pesticide which disrupts the growth, feeding, and reproduction of an insect. Neem oil prevents termites from feeding on the cellulose and from laying their eggs. When the termite ingests the neem oil, it kills them instantly. To use neem oil to kill termites, apply the oil to a cotton ball and rub it on furniture and other items infested with the pests. The termites will ingest the oil and die.
3. Wet Cardboard Trap
Cardboard contains the cellulose that termites feed on so the wet cardboard trap is an effective way to get rid of termites. Simply gather a few corrugated cardboard boxes, soak them in water, and place them in locations where you suspect there are termites. When the termites discover and begin feeding on the box, it’s time to pick it up and destroy them. This is easiest done by burning the box.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a great pest prevention product, working wonders to keep termites and a variety of other pests away from your home. The product works by scraping the outer shell of the termite, causing the pest to dry out and then die. To use Diatomaceous Earth, put on a face mask and gloves and sprinkle it in thin layers over infested areas. It is good for the garden, the foundation of the house, and other areas where termites have been seen.
The four DIY termite prevention techniques above are reliable methods for controlling a termite infestation. We recommend using these techniques in conjunction with hiring a pest control professional.
Elite Home Inspections provides termite inspections for home buyers and homeowners in Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana. If you are concerned about termites in your home, contact us today or schedule your appointment online.
Do You Know the Truth About Radon? Common Radon Myths Debunked
Radon testing in your home could potentially save a life. This odorless gas is found in soil and becomes a problem when it enters and gets trapped in your home. As the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., radon is very dangerous to anyone who is exposed to high levels of the gas, even for a short period of time. Despite what we know about radon, many myths about the gas still exist. These myths pose a serious threat to people who ignore the risk of radon in their home. Learn some of the most common radon myths and the truth behind the misconceptions so you can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of radon.
What is Radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that causes more than 21,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. It is emitted from the earth’s soil, where it can then be transmitted into the home via cracks, windows, and other openings. When it enters the home, there is always cause for concern. Radon mitigation is possible but since the gas cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, professional help is needed to detect and treat the problem.
Common Radon Myths Debunked
There is a good chance you’ve heard a few of the common radon myths before. Some people spread information with the full belief that it is accurate when in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. It is important to educate yourself on the topic so when you do hear the myths, you’ll know firsthand that it is inaccurate. Your information could potentially help someone else. Some of the most common myths and the truth behind them include:
- Radon testing is expensive: Radon testing is affordable and well worth the peace of mind you will have from knowing what the levels are in your home. The most accurate way to test for radon is to have a professional home inspector perform the test. This service will cost a little bit more than purchasing a DIY kit, but it’s more reliable, and you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your health.
- Radon isn’t a real threat: Some people say that radon isn’t a big concern and that it is not as dangerous as the EPA suggests. However, these misguided theories have been proven incorrect and inadequate numerous times. Studies have proven a direct correlation between radon exposure and lung cancer.
- Radon isn’t in my area: Whether you’re on the West coast, situated in the Midwest, deep in the south, or spread out over the east coast, radon is a serious threat to your home and well-being.
- My home isn’t at risk for radon: There is no particular type of home that is at a greater or lesser risk for radon than the next. No matter the size, the age, or location of the home, every home should be tested for radon.
Know the Truth
By knowing the truth about radon, you can protect your family’s health. Despite the many common radon myths that are out there, it’s important to take radon seriously and have your home tested. If you live in Louisville, Kentucky or the surrounding area, contact Elite Home Inspections to schedule a radon test.
Keep Your Home Safe by Avoiding these Mistakes
Maybe you don’t clean out the lint trap on your dryer before and after every use, or perhaps you occasionally throw a shirt with an oil stain on it in the washing machine. But kicking these habits along with some others is important if you want to keep your home safe.
Don’t Throw Away the Owner’s Manual
When you buy a product like an appliance or a tool, it should come with an owner’s manual filled with guidelines to help you learn how to use the item and keep your home safe. This means that you shouldn’t just toss the manual. Read it first and then follow the directions each and every time you use the product.
Keep Your Home Safe by Not Washing Flammable Chemicals
If your job involves a lot of elbow grease, cleaning your clothing can be an ordeal. It’s also not safe for your home unless you do it properly. If the clothing’s fabric has been exposed to cooking oil or volatile chemicals, when it’s exposed to heat, you’re risking starting a fire.
- Wash the load two times so that there’s more time to get the chemicals out.
- Don’t use the dryer. Instead, hang the clothes up to dry.
- If you must use a dryer, make sure that it’s on the lowest heat setting and add a cool-down cycle.
- Don’t allow damp clothes to sit in a warm dryer.
Get Rid of the Lint
Lint is extremely flammable, so be sure to keep your lint traps as clean as can be to keep your home safe.
- Clean up every speck of lint that you can find, including lint that’s hiding behind your appliances.
- Empty the lint trap after using it. Double check by cleaning the lint trap again before you start a load.
- Do not run the dryer if the trap is clogged or missing.
- If you’ve used a fabric softener, wash the lint trap using warm water and soap. Let it dry completely before you put it back in the machine.
- Make sure that the exhaust vent is clean and clear.
- Every 18 months, hire a professional to clean your ducts and the dryer.
Don’t Mix Cleansers
Never mix bleach with a different cleaning product, and be sure that you don’t use a product that contains bleach and one that contains ammonia at the same time. This mixture causes a toxic gas to form that can not only make you ill—it can be deadly. There is a long list of cleansers that should not be mixed with bleach. Also, keep your home safe by not using products that contain bleach when cleaning up pet stains.
Don’t Forget About Your Stove
In this age of multi-tasking, it’s tempting to take on other chores while you’re in the middle of cooking. Yet cooking is the #1 cause of house fires and injuries.
- Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking. Don’t leave the house for any reason.
- Make use of a timer to help you keep an eye on things.
- Don’t cook when you’re sleepy or overly fatigued.
Don’t Wrap Your Cords
While it may be tempting, never wrap your electrical cords tightly around anything. This will trap heat that can cause the insulation to melt. It can also cause the wires to break, which can make an appliance short out or even initiate a fire. Be especially careful when you’re dealing with irons, space heaters, or any other appliance that heats up.
While you’re working to break these hazardous habits, teach your children to keep your home safe as well with these tips.
Elite Home Inspections is Louisville’s preferred home inspections provider so that you can have confidence that you are purchasing a safe home for your family. Give us a call at (502) 648-9294 or schedule your inspection online.
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