Author: Jaxon Goodman

A few splintered boards here and there aren’t necessarily cause for concern, but it is a sign that the deck needs to be cleaned. A clean deck allows you to see any problems that may be hiding beneath dirt, dust, and debris.

Wood rot and termite damage are major concerns. Look for splintering and cracking boards as well as holes, wood flakes, and signs of pest infestation. Visit https://www.mountjoycompany.com to learn more.

Before you can start any repairs, you need to have a full understanding of what your deck needs. Ideally, this should come from a professional that can provide you with a thorough inspection and assessment. It will include a comprehensive look at both the structural integrity of your deck and its surrounding areas. This will let you know what is and isn’t fixable, so that you can decide whether or not a repair or a replacement is more appropriate.

You can sometimes fix problems like cracks and splinters by simply patching them up. However, if there is any structural damage, it may be time for a complete replacement of your deck. Signs of structural damage include sagging or leaning boards, soft or spongy areas beneath your feet, and corroded joist hangers.

To determine if you need to replace your deck boards, walk on and around your deck. When you find a loose board, gently tap it with a hammer or screwdriver to see if it sounds hollow or feels soft. If it does, then it’s probably water damaged and needs to be replaced immediately. Loose boards that aren’t water damaged may be able to be re-fastened, but you will need to inspect them closely to ensure they don’t become rotted or warped in the future.

Once you have a clear view of what your deck requires, it’s time to gather materials and tools. This is especially important if you’re considering a stain instead of paint, as you need to prep your deck thoroughly to help it retain its longevity.

Aside from removing any loose paint, this will also help prevent mold and mildew growth, which are both common issues that can affect the longevity of your deck. A good scrub brush and a stiff natural or nylon bristle deck brush can quickly get rid of any dirt, debris, or loose paint that’s built up. If you choose to stain your deck, then you’ll need a high-quality clear wood preservative or exterior stain that contains a UV protectant. This will allow the stain to penetrate deeply into the wood grain, rather than just coating it, so that moisture won’t cause rot or mildew.

Repairing Damaged Boards

If a portion of your deck has been damaged by water or termites, it’s crucial to fix it as soon as possible. Moisture exposure causes wood rot, while termites eat away at the board’s integrity. Both problems can lead to sagging or loosening of the boards, which creates safety hazards. If the problem extends to a beam or joist, you’ll need to contact a professional for more extensive repairs.

To start, make sure the deck boards are completely dry. If moisture remains in the boards, it will cause further damage to the wood and create long-term problems with mildew. To speed up the drying process, you can use a hairdryer to remove excess moisture.

Next, use a pry bar or a hammer to loosen the nail slots in the damaged board. If the board is loose, it may be able to be removed and replaced. If it’s not, you will need to carefully chisel away the old wood, using a sharp chisel and tapping it gently with a hammer. Be sure to hammer only in the middle of the damaged area and avoid hitting any joists or other structural elements.

Afterward, replace the broken board with one that matches the rest of the deck. If you aren’t able to match the color or stain of your replacement, consider getting a general deck stain or sealer that will provide adequate protection and keep the new board looking good.

Once the repair is complete, be sure to check that all fasteners are secure. Weather fluctuations and vibrations from foot traffic can loosen nails, screws, and bolts, so regular inspections and tightening will help prevent them from becoming dislodged or corroded.

Deck repair may seem like a big chore, but taking care of this maintenance task will improve your outdoor living space and ensure the safety of your family and guests. For more serious issues, like a sagging deck or extensive mold damage, contacting an expert is always recommended. If you’re ready to give your deck the care it deserves, call us today. We are here to help you get the most out of your investment and enjoy your outdoor space worry-free!

Repairing Railings

A loose railing isn’t just a nuisance, it poses a safety hazard for people using the deck. While a few loose boards here and there usually aren’t a reason for alarm, if all the railings have become loose or deteriorated it’s definitely time to call in a professional.

If you have metal railings, check them frequently for signs of rust or corrosion. Metal isn’t as resilient as wood when it comes to weather changes, so it can succumb to moisture-related damage more easily. Regular cleaning and the use of rust inhibitors can help keep your metal railings looking new and functioning well.

Loose wooden railings aren’t as much of a safety issue as loose metal ones, but they still require consistent maintenance and attention to ensure their durability and functionality. You should regularly sand and refinish your wooden railings to keep them looking their best, and you should inspect them for signs of wear and damage. If you notice that your railings are loose, tighten the carriage bolts or screws that hold them in place. If the problem is caused by rotted or swollen posts, replace them. You can also add pressure-treated blocking tightly between the rim joists of your deck to provide support.

While you can repair most issues on your own, it’s worth calling in a professional when the job requires the right tools or knowledge of structural problems. A pro can save you a lot of time and effort, not to mention protect your investment in your deck.

Repairing Stairs

Stairs can become squeaky due to loose treads rubbing against risers or stringers. Treads can be fixed easily from below by using wedges or brackets to secure them to the riser. If access isn’t possible from below, squeaky stairs can be repaired from above by gluing and screwing wood blocks under the tread to secure it more firmly to the riser.

Loose or squeaky stairs can also indicate that there are structural problems with the deck or staircase. This requires careful inspection to determine what is causing the problem. Stairs should be inspected for structural integrity, as well as vertical and horizontal levelness. Stairs should also be inspected for any movement that may cause them to be unsafe or to collapse. It is important to identify the location of the squeak as this will help focus repair efforts and save time.

Most squeaks in stairs are caused by loose wood, especially as it weathers and shrinks over time. This can cause the treads to rub against the risers or stringers creating a high-pitched noise when someone steps on them. Squeaks are generally not serious but they can be very annoying and might cause people to avoid stair use.

Typically, squeaky stairs are easy to fix from below by securing the squeaky treads with wedges or brackets glued and screwed under the tread. This will stop the squeaking and may also improve the overall appearance of the staircase. If the squeak comes from the nosing of the staircase it will require a bit more work to repair as the nose of the stairs is attached with glue and nails.

It is important to prioritize repairs and focus on safety and structural issues first, while cosmetic fixes can wait for a later date. It is also important to budget for the cost of any repairs as costs can vary widely depending on the issue.

It is advisable to call in professional assistance to perform any structural or complex repairs to a deck and stairs as it will ensure that the repairs are made properly and safely, and that building codes are met. A reputable contractor will provide a written quote outlining the work to be done and an estimated cost for each item of repair.

Mattress Disposal Options

April 29, 2024

Jaxon Goodman

Junk Removal Services No Comments

Local junk removal companies often recycle or donate mattresses instead of throwing them away. Make sure the mattress is properly wrapped in a mattress bag or covering before setting it out for garbage pickup.

When recycled, the steel springs and foam are turned into new products like carpet padding and insulation. This helps reduce landfill fees and creates revenue for recycling centers. To learn more, visit https://www.sgtjunkit.com/junk-removal-louisville.

Every year, millions of old mattresses and box springs end up in landfills. They take years to break down, releasing harmful chemicals into the air and soil that can damage the environment. Recycling mattresses and box springs is a more responsible way to dispose of them.

You can recycle a mattress by taking apart its components and bringing them to a recycling center. Up to 85% of a mattress’s parts are recyclable. Metal springs can be recycled for scrap metal, while foam and wood can go to a facility that uses them to make new products. The fabric on the mattress can be shredded and made into cleaning sponges, while nails and screws can be used to make crafts like plant and candle holders.

Often, your local waste management company will accept your mattress for recycling. However, many companies require that you place your mattress on the curb no more than 24 hours before your trash pick up day and that it be secured in a plastic bag. In addition, you may need to pay a fee to have your mattress picked up by the waste management company.

Some communities have their own municipal recycling programs where you can drop off your mattress for free. These facilities recycle all types of household items and may even offer pickup services for large, bulky items like mattresses. Check with your local municipal office or use an online resource like Earth 911 to find a location near you that accepts mattresses for recycling.

If your town’s recycling program does not accept mattresses, you can still dispose of them responsibly by donating them. Many charities will take your used mattress and box spring, giving them a second life and providing comfort to someone who needs it. You can also try selling your mattress on a local website, such as Facebook Marketplace or on Craigslist.

Donating

Mattresses that are not donated or repurposed can end up in landfills where they take up space and contribute to environmental problems. Recycling and repurposing are better alternatives to trashing. In addition to local charities, there are also a number of online resources that can help you find recycling centers and other locations where you can bring your old mattress for processing.

Before deciding to donate your old mattress, you should check that it is in good condition. This includes being structurally sound and free of odors and infestations. If your mattress has a strong odor, it is important to determine whether it is a result of mold or bed bugs, which can be difficult to get rid of. A bad odor is usually an indication that the mattress has been exposed to moisture or chemicals that can affect its structural integrity and make it unsafe for someone else to sleep on.

You should also remove all sheets, blankets, and any other covers or toppers from your old mattress before donating it. This will ensure that the mattress is clean and ready for its next use. If the mattress has stains, you may need to treat them with specialized cleaning products before vacuuming and re-vacuuming the entire surface. If your old mattress has severe stains, it is a good idea to have a professional remove them.

Some old mattresses can have a great deal of value when they are donated to charitable organizations. However, you should remember that the value of a mattress will depend on its size, condition, and brand.

If you are unable to donate your old mattress, consider dismantling it and bringing the components to a recycling center. Many of these facilities can recycle metal, wood, and foam. You can even recycle the fabric if you are able to separate it from the other parts of the mattress. These recycled materials can be used in a variety of creative art projects and unique home decor pieces. From repurposed steel springs to dog beds made with old mattress padding, the possibilities are endless.

Curbside Pickup

Getting rid of an old mattress takes more than just dropping it off on the curb. You need to know the best way to dispose of it, so you don’t risk contaminating the environment. The most common option is to hire a junk removal company. They will remove your old mattress and take it to a proper disposal site. These services are expensive, but they help reduce landfill waste. They also help you comply with local regulations. The other option is to recycle your mattress yourself. There are a number of recycling centers that will accept used mattresses for low-cost pick up or drop-off.

Some mattress retailers and manufacturers offer pick-up and disposal services to their customers. Ask the store or manufacturer for details. In addition, some cities and counties offer regular bulk collection for items like mattresses. This is a good option if you don’t want to wait for the trash service or you live in a building that does not allow large items on the premises.

Before you put your mattress out for garbage collection, make sure it is sealed in a plastic bag that is any color except orange or red. This is a requirement in some areas to prevent the spread of bed bugs. You can find these bags at many home improvement stores. You should also check your city’s website to determine the specific requirements for putting out bulky items for pickup.

You can also try selling your old mattress online on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. If your mattress is in good condition, you may be able to get a decent price for it. Just be sure to take clear, well-lit photos and describe the mattress thoroughly. Emphasize the absence of stains and tears, and reassure prospective buyers that it is free of bed bug infestations.

If you don’t want to invest in a new mattress but you don’t want your old one to end up in the landfill either, you can donate it to a charity that will use it for children’s beds or other programs. Some charities will even pick up your mattress from your home for an additional fee.

Dumpster

If you cannot donate, recycle, or resell your mattress, and you don’t want to throw it out in the trash, there are a few options for disposing of it. You can put it out by your garbage bins on a heavy trash day, or you can call a junk removal service to take it away for you. These services are usually a fee-based, but they can save you time and effort by doing the work for you.

Many waste disposal companies offer mattress recycling for an additional cost. They can break down your old mattress to its raw materials and reuse the parts to make newer mattresses. They can also take the metal, wood, and fabric for separate recycling programs. It’s best to cut up the metal springs and wood frame before placing them in a dumpster. This prevents them from becoming a hazard when you transport them and saves space. It’s also possible to repurpose the foam and the top layer of fabric for cleaning rags or other uses.

Before you place your old mattress in the dumpster, it’s a good idea to vacuum it first. This can remove dust, pet hair, and other debris that may have accumulated. You can also use a non-toxic mattress cleaner or a mixture of water and baking soda to spot clean any stains.

When you’re ready to dispose of your mattress, wrap it tightly in plastic sheeting or another sturdy material. This will keep it from getting wet during the rain and prevents it from becoming a breeding ground for insects and vermin. Make sure the wrapping is secure and that it doesn’t block the sidewalk or street or any fire hydrants or parked cars. You can check your local rules and regulations for more information about how to prepare large items like mattresses for curbside pickup.

Many cities and states have specific rules for throwing away mattresses. You can avoid fines and have peace of mind by following these guidelines. Be sure to check online for guidelines specific to your city or town, and contact the local waste management or recycling service if you have any questions about how to properly dispose of your mattress.

How to Tell If Your Home Needs a Furnace Repair Service

February 29, 2024

Jaxon Goodman

HVAC No Comments

If you are not getting heat in all parts of your home, there could be a problem with the air flow or your ducts. If this is the case, it will require a professional to resolve. First, check your thermostat setting. It may be set incorrectly. Next, try adjusting it up or down a few degrees.

If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s likely that there is a problem with one or more appliances. Unless the circuit is temporarily overloaded, a professional should look at the problem before you attempt any DIY fixes. Contact Cincinnati Furnace Repair for professional help.

Figure out which room or rooms the breaker controls. Then, unplug all the devices and appliances in that area. This will help you narrow down the source of the problem. If you see that a specific appliance trips the breaker repeatedly, try plugging it into a different outlet in that room on a different circuit. If it doesn’t trip the breaker, the issue may be with that outlet or switch instead of the equipment itself.

A tripped circuit breaker is usually caused by having too many devices on the same circuit. It can also be caused by a bad cord or plug, or a short circuit in a receptacle, switch, or fixture. If the breaker resets itself but continues to trip, it’s time to call in an electrician.

In homes with fuse boxes (as opposed to breaker panels), the process is slightly different. A fuse is made up of metal strips encased in glass, and it melts when there’s too much power. This is meant to break the circuit if there’s an overload, and it acts as a safety measure against fires.

If a fuse is blown, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. These can be found at any hardware store, but be sure to buy a replacement with the same amperage rating as the old one.

If you’re comfortable opening up your electrical panel, you can usually reset a tripped breaker by moving the switch to the off position and then back to on. Be careful not to move it to the middle position, which could be dangerous and may lead to another breaker trip. Be sure to shut off the power at the main breaker before doing this. If you’re not comfortable working on your home’s electrical system, it’s a good idea to call an electrician for safe and effective repair work.

Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit

Your furnace’s system depends on the pilot light to stay lit. If it does not, the whole system is affected. It can be a shallow problem or an underlying issue, but either way, it needs to be fixed. A professional should handle the repairs to ensure safety and efficiency.

Depending on your style of gas furnace, the ignition system is controlled by a few different parts. The thermostat calls for heat, the draft inducer fan kicks in to pull air through the furnace, the gas valve opens to move gas into the pilot burner, an electronic spark ignites the gas, and a flame sensor tells the gas valve that the pilot light is lit. If the thermocouple or flame sensor is malfunctioning, the system will shut down because it can’t sense that the pilot is lit.

The best way to diagnose an issue with your gas furnace is to consult the manual that came with it. This should contain specific instructions for relighting the pilot, and it’s a better guide than general guides found online. It’s also important to turn off the power and gas supply to the furnace before starting any work. This will help prevent accidental damage to the equipment and possible injuries to yourself or others.

It is not uncommon for a pilot light to flicker or go out. This is because the tip of the pilot light can become corroded with soot and stop gas flow to it. If this is the case, a toothbrush can be used to scrub the tip of the pilot light and clean it. Additionally, the thermocouple can sometimes get bent. This causes it to not be in contact with the flame, which causes the gas valve to close.

The thermocouple can be repositioned by hand, though this should only be done with extreme caution. It’s a good idea to ask an experienced professional to do this as it can be complicated and dangerous. If the thermocouple or flame sensor cannot be repositioned, it may need to be replaced entirely. This is a part that will need to be replaced by a professional, as it is an essential safety component.

Pilot Light Is Flickering Yellow

If your pilot light is flickering yellow, the first thing you should do is make sure the breaker or fuse that powers the furnace has not been tripped. Then, switch the thermostat to the fan-only or auto position. Ensure that the gas valve is set to the on position.

Next, check the pilot orifice for a clog and clean it with a piece of wire. After doing so, the pilot flame should return to a blue color. If not, the problem may be more serious and you will need to consult your Carrier furnace manual.

It is also possible that the igniter fails or there is not enough gas flowing to the pilot light. This could be caused by a dirty tube that requires cleaning with something abrasive. In addition, a broken thermocouple can also cause the pilot light to flicker. In this case, you will need to repair or replace the device.

Another reason for a yellow blinking light is an overloaded blower motor. This is most often a sign of a belt that needs to be replaced. Consult your furnace manual for specific instructions on replacing the belt and how to relight the pilot light.

If the pilot light blinks yellow, it means there is a serious problem with your furnace and that you should contact a professional furnace maintenance company right away. This issue could be dangerous and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is important to get the problem resolved right away.

Regular maintenance will prevent many of the problems that can lead to a yellow blinking light. A technician will perform a variety of checks and repairs that will keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently. They will check for a number of problems, including clogged vents and improper airflow, as well as inspecting and servicing the dozens of parts and subsystems that comprise your heating system. They will also look for signs of a potential electrical problem, such as loose connections or faulty components that can trigger a yellow flashing light and affect your comfort.

Burner Flame Is Yellow or Orange

If your furnace is producing a yellow or orange flame, it is a sign that it needs to be cleaned or repaired. This is a serious issue because it can indicate that your furnace is not combusting gas and oxygen properly, which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause nausea, headaches, and even death. It is important to have this problem fixed as soon as possible.

The flames on your natural gas burner should always be blue, with small traces of other colors from time to time. Anything other than this should be a cause for concern and requires the attention of a professional heating technician as soon as possible. A yellow or orange flame means that your furnace is not combusting the fuel and air properly, which can lead to wasted energy and expensive heating bills.

One common reason that your furnace’s flame may be turning orange is because of dirt build-up. When a furnace is dirty, it cannot properly combust the fuel and air to create heat and won’t burn off any of the extra exhaust. Another sign of a dirty furnace is a burning smell that comes from the unit and doesn’t disperse after a few minutes.

Another common cause for a yellow or orange flame is that there is not enough oxygen in the gas to ignite and combust it. This could be due to a dirty or clogged burner or a faulty blower. In this case, you should shut off your furnace immediately and call a specialist to check it out.

If you have tried turning the furnace breaker back on and it is still not working, try checking the main gas line to see if it is turned off. If the switch is off, it will need to be replaced before your furnace can work again.

Having a gas furnace that is not functioning correctly can make it difficult to keep your home comfortable and cozy. Ignoring these issues will only waste money on heating your home and can lead to dangerous problems such as a carbon monoxide leak. If you have any questions about your furnace or if you notice that the flame is not blue, contact the experts at LCU to schedule a heating repair service.

What to Look For in a Deck Repair