Category: Home Maintenance/Repairs

Home Maintenance: A Fire Waiting to Happen

Home Maintenance/Repairs

YOUR DRYER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS APPLIANCE IN YOUR HOUSE

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires.  Watch this from the NBC Today Show:

 

LINT… LINT… GO AWAY!

Not all of the lint generated by a dryer is stopped by the lint screen.  Much of it ends up inside the machine on the heating element – and lint is highly combustible.  Lint also builds up in elbows, termination caps, and in flimsy plastic or foil duct extenders. Only smooth metal vents should be used and fittings must be taped together with aluminum tape (no screws), which is what most manufacturers specify.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Here’s the take away – have your dryer and duct work cleaned out once a year.  If you need a recommendation, call us.

If you have questions about any home improvement project please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home Maintenance : Gas vs. Electric Water Heater

Home Maintenance/Repairs

what type of water heater should you chooseYou May Think You Know Who the Winner Is…

First some clarification must be made.  If you do not already have fuel lines in your house for natural gas appliances, adding them is very expensive – more than negating any savings in energy costs.  Also, the initial cost to purchase and install a gas water heater is higher than an electric one, which also must be taken into consideration.

Now let’s assume you are strictly looking at the energy cost of running a natural gas versus electric water heater.  A very good, scientific study was performed by the City of Statesboro, GA consisting of three tests.  Here is what they found.

Operating Costs

“Test #1 , between the traditional electric and gas tank water heaters, showed natural gas water heating operating costs to be 35% less than the electric water heating system operating costs.”

Delivery

“Test #2 measured delivery (how much hot water can you get from the tank before you run out). The natural gas tank delivered 36% more hot water than the electric unit. That’s an extra 33.2 gallons of hot water for bathing, washing clothes and dishes.”

Recovery

“Test #3 measured recovery (how much time does it take for the water heater to heat the incoming water to the desired temperature). The natural gas tank recovered 64% faster than the electric tank.”

AND THE WINNER IS…

Which costs less?  Natural gas costs less strictly to run.  Just remember all the other costs to get there if your house is not already set up for natural gas.  The payback period in cost savings may exceed your lifespan.

If you have specific questions about any home improvement project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home-Repair: Roof and Gutter Repairs / Maintenance

Home Maintenance/Repairs

Water Stains on the Ceiling and In the Attic

Image result for leaky house clipart

If you live in South Florida, every day seems like a rainy day and the afternoon storms are quite strong.  If you are noticing stains on your ceilings or leaks in your attic, it may be a result of broken or packed gutters or cracks in your roof or flashing.

Gutter Maintenance

Inspect and clean your gutters and make sure they are free of debris. Also, make sure your gutter connections are sound and the downspouts are clear.

Roof Tiles Cracked / Discolored or Broken Shingles

If you notice your roofing tiles are broken, cracked or missing, it is a sign that they need to be replaced. Walking on your roof, if you are not careful, can also cause tiles to crack and damage your roof.

Use a Camera From the Ground to Inspect Your Roof

To check your roof – without using a ladder and walking on your roof, zoom in with a camera to inspect from the ground.  Gutter cleaning and repairs require that you use a ladder.  If you are ladder-shy contact Leading Edge Homes, Inc. and we will assist you with this project.

When to Call a Professional – Like Leading Edge Homes, Inc.

If you have water-stained drywall – do not replace it yourself. You may need mold remediation. Let a professional assess the situation so you don’t risk spreading mold spores into your home.

Also, the safety risk isn’t worth it for repairing or replacing anything on the roof.  Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a state licensed roofing contractor!

If you are ladder-shy or don’t own a ladder, contact a professional for your gutter cleaning and repairs. Safety first!

If you have specific questions about any home improvement project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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