In today's fast paced lifestyle it's hard to find the time to do all the things that need to be done around the house. Because homeowners spend most of their time earning a living, the general upkeep of their dwelling is either contracted out or, sad to say, ignored until a crisis demands their immediate attention. This is why it is so important to have a maintenance strategy in place.
A house needs to have a regular 'check-up' to make sure everything is in good working condition. Create a list of inspections to be done at scheduled intervals. Check all plumbing connections and appliances that utilize water for any leaks once a month. This would include toilets, sinks, tubs, dish washers and water heaters. It's also a good time to test the smoke detectors.
Every three to four months take a walk around the outside of the house and look for any tree branches that may need pruning and clean up deadwood that might attract insects. Clean any debris from around the heating unit. Next, go into the attic and examine it for water leaks. Another job for this time slot would be to pull out the refrigerator and vacuum dust from behind it.
At least once a year, look for such things as missing shingles, loose siding, separated caulking around windows or cracks in the foundation. Examine crawl spaces and basements for moisture or mold. Also check the living areas for any cracks or stains on drywall which may be covering up a more serious problem.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Glass Doors Vs. Wooden Doors
Glass doors vs. wooden doors is a dilemma every homeowner faces eventually. The modern look of glass with its airy, open views is attractive for any style home. Glass doors come in various designs such a full panel and half pane for exterior doors as well as the decorative like cross pane, circular and semi-circular. Before purchasing a glass door, there are several issues to resolve:
1. Safety
2. Security
3. Durability
Most glass doors sold today are made from tempered glass that is shatter-proof. This is a safety feature particularly important for exterior doors that endure exposure to wind, driving rain and hail. Glass doors tend to offer less security than wooden doors due to the fragile material used. Though glass doors may be shatter-proof, they don't offer a burglary-proof construction. When comparing the durability factor of glass doors, under normal circumstances, glass tends to wear over time which then makes breakage more likely. Glass doors require frequent cleaning, given the visibility factor.
Wooden doors for the exterior of a home come in a wide range of styles and designs that give a home "eye appeal". Wooden doors require minimal maintenance. Most wooden doors are sold with weather-proof stains of polyurethane for protection from the elements. They offer maximum security and durablity, depending upon wood material. Protection from moisture that can affect the wood is necessary in areas of high levels of humidity.
The issue of glass doors vs. wooden doors is a matter of choice once the safety, security and durability factors are considered.
1. Safety
2. Security
3. Durability
Most glass doors sold today are made from tempered glass that is shatter-proof. This is a safety feature particularly important for exterior doors that endure exposure to wind, driving rain and hail. Glass doors tend to offer less security than wooden doors due to the fragile material used. Though glass doors may be shatter-proof, they don't offer a burglary-proof construction. When comparing the durability factor of glass doors, under normal circumstances, glass tends to wear over time which then makes breakage more likely. Glass doors require frequent cleaning, given the visibility factor.
Wooden doors for the exterior of a home come in a wide range of styles and designs that give a home "eye appeal". Wooden doors require minimal maintenance. Most wooden doors are sold with weather-proof stains of polyurethane for protection from the elements. They offer maximum security and durablity, depending upon wood material. Protection from moisture that can affect the wood is necessary in areas of high levels of humidity.
The issue of glass doors vs. wooden doors is a matter of choice once the safety, security and durability factors are considered.
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