Average Service Life of Different Residential Roofing Materials Choosing the right roofing material is crucial for homeowners, as it directly impacts the durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetics of a house. Different roofing materials offer varying service lives, influenced by factors such as climate, installation quality, and maintenance. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are among the [...]
Damaged Fiberglass Bathtubs and Shower Enclosures Damage at fiberglass bathtub and shower enclosures can result from poor installation or from physical damage caused by dropped items or regular use. Once a fiberglass enclosure is damaged, the area should be repaired prior to using the shower or bathtub to prevent moisture related issues at adjacent [...]
Whole Home Surge Protectors Residential surge protectors at electrical panels, also known as Whole-House Surge Protectors, are devices installed directly at your electrical panel to protect your home’s electrical system and connected appliances from voltage spikes or surges. Here’s a detailed overview: How They Work Surge Detection: The surge protector monitors the voltage coming [...]
Painted Chimneys Although painting of older brick chimneys is common in-home remodels, this practice is not recommended by most masonry and chimney contractors. Brick is porous and naturally absorbs moisture. Painting the brick can trap moisture inside, leading to potential issues like peeling paint, efflorescence (white, powdery deposits on the surface), and even structural [...]
Chimney Crowns and Repairs A chimney crown, also known as a chimney cap or chimney top plate, is a slab or layer of concrete that covers the top of a masonry chimney. It serves as a protective barrier for the chimney structure, helping to prevent water damage and deterioration. The chimney crown plays a [...]
Drywall Ghosting Ghosting in interior drywall refers to the appearance of faint, sometimes shadow-like patterns or discoloration on the wall surface. This phenomenon is also known as "thermal tracking" or "soot staining." Ghosting typically occurs in areas where there is a temperature difference on the surface of the wall. The most common causes of [...]
Sewage Ejector Pump A sewage ejector pump is a device used in plumbing systems to pump wastewater, particularly sewage, from lower to higher elevations. It is commonly employed in homes or buildings where the plumbing fixtures, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, are located below the level of the main sewer line or septic [...]
Carpet Filtration Soiling Carpet filtration soiling, also known as filtration soiling or filtration lines, refers to the accumulation of dark, grayish lines or streaks along the edges of carpets, near walls, and underneath doors. These lines are often more noticeable on light-colored carpets. The primary cause of carpet filtration soiling is airborne particulate matter [...]
Vent Free Fireplaces A vent-free gas fireplace is a type of gas fireplace that doesn't require a traditional chimney or venting system to expel combustion byproducts outside. Instead, these fireplaces are designed to burn gas cleanly enough that the resulting byproducts, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, can be released directly into the [...]
Sacrificial Anode for Water Heater Replacement A sacrificial anode is a component used in water heaters and other metal structures that are in contact with water. Its purpose is to protect the metal tank from corrosion. Water heaters typically have a metal tank, often made of steel, and water is an electrolyte that can [...]
