Portable Generators

Having a generator ready for power outages in New England is a great idea. It can provide peace of mind and allow your family to be comfortable and safe at home during severe weather. Making sure we understand how to operate them and operate them safely is imperative.  After all keeping us safe and secure is the goal! The article below details some basic rules for operating a generator safely.

 

 

http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/GeneratorSafety.shtml

Cord Wood

Stacking and storing your cord wood

 

Summer is quickly coming to an end and in New England the urge to be prepared for the long winter months ahead will soon kick in. Making sure your heating wood is properly stacked and ready to burn is a growing concern for many. This article offers some general guidelines to make sure your wood is ready and you don't get left out in the cold.

 

http://www.woodheat.org/stacking-firewood.html

Attic Insulation

  With the colder weather here for many of us, it a great time to evaluate the level of insulation we have in our attics. Your insulation's r-value will determine the possible need you might have and benefit you might gain from adding insulation. Adding insulation to the attic is generally a moderately difficult do-it-yourself (DIY) project. The good news is that, even if you're not comfortable taking on this project yourself, there are many qualified contractors who can help you get the work done. The energy star website has a wealth of information on insulation projects and improvements as well as  the amounts recommended for your geographical climate zone.








http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_attic_insulation

Radon In Your Home

Radon can be found all over the U.S. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. New Hampshire is a prime location due to the amount of granite in our state. It can find its way into any type of building — homes, offices, and schools — and result in a high indoor radon level. But your greatest exposure will be in your home, where you spend most of your time. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy — it should only take a few minutes of your time. Radon levels can be brought into safe ranges with a radon mitigation system. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. For more information on radon, testing and mitigation please click the link below.

                 http://www.insideoutnh.com/radon.html

Attic Ventilation 101

Attic ventilation relies on the principle that hot air rises and cold air falls. Soffit vents allow air intake into the attic space, and ridge, gable, and roof vents allow the hot air to escape. This creates a circular flow which helps prevent hot moist air from causing mold and rot. Proper ventilation also help reduce heating and cooling costs. There is an excellent video in the link below explaining the basic principles in attic venting.

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/building-science/lstiburek-s-rules-venting-roofs

Keeping your dryer vents clean, simple but important maintenance!

Something I always educate my clients on is dryer venting and proper maintenance. Lint is extremely flammable and every year there are approximately 300 fires in the U.S. attributed to dryers and dryer venting. This is an excellent article about installation and maintenance of your dryer venting.

http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/home-maintenance/fall-maintenance/dryer-vent-maintenance.aspx

Deck Safety Checklist

  

     Proper deck maintenance is extremely important to the safety and longevity of your deck. Here is a checklist for your homes deck which will help your deck last and keep everyone safe. Items that should be monitored and corrected as needed, so you can enjoy the outdoors on your deck safely and worry free.

Decks, Deck Safety, Maintenance and Safety for Decks, Porches, Patios, Gazebos or other exterior wood structures. Information about Deck Builders, Porch Builders, Patio Builders, Decking Materials, Ra... »

NADRA is the premier Association representing the Decks, Docks and Railings Building and Manufacturing Industry - It's members are deck builders, building contractors, decking material manufacturers,...

 


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