February Tips and Best Practices

1/30/2025 (Permalink)

Sunsets are getting later and later.

Maintaining your home during February in a winter climate is important to ensure everything stays in good shape and to avoid costly repairs later. Here’s a list of tasks that homeowners should focus on in February:

1. Check for Ice Dams

• Ice dams can form along the eaves of your roof and cause water to back up, potentially leaking into your home. If you notice ice build-up, safely remove it using a roof rake or hire a professional.

2. Inspect and Clear Gutters

• If gutters are blocked with debris or ice, meltwater won’t drain properly, leading to potential leaks. Clear gutters or check that downspouts are still clear.

3. Maintain Heating System

• Ensure that your furnace or heating system is running efficiently. Change air filters if needed and check for any unusual sounds or issues. Consider scheduling a professional inspection if you haven’t already done so for the season.

4. Check for Drafts

• Examine windows and doors for drafts and seal any leaks using weather stripping or caulk to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Cold weather means more time indoors, often with the heat running, so it's a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly.

6. Keep Pipes from Freezing

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. If the temperature dips below freezing, leave a small drip of water running from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.

7. Inspect the Chimney and Fireplace

• If you use a fireplace or wood stove, inspect the chimney for any blockages or creosote buildup. Schedule a professional chimney cleaning if necessary.

8. Maintain Snow Removal Equipment

• Ensure your snow blower, shovels, and other snow removal tools are in good working order. Check the fuel and make sure everything is functioning properly for quick access during a storm.

9. Check Insulation

• Evaluate attic and wall insulation, especially around areas like pipes, vents, and windows. If necessary, add more insulation to prevent heat loss.

10. Inspect Roof for Damage

• Check for any visible signs of damage or wear, especially after a snowstorm or high winds. Look for missing shingles or areas where snow may be collecting unnaturally.

11. Maintain Exterior Lighting

• Ensure that all outdoor lights are working. It’s particularly important during winter when daylight hours are short, and outdoor safety is a priority.

12. Protect Outdoor Faucets

• Disconnect garden hoses and drain them. Consider using faucet covers or insulating exposed outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.

13. Check for Moisture Issues

• Watch for signs of condensation or frost on windows, walls, or ceilings. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, especially in areas with poor ventilation.

14. Clear Walkways and Driveways

• Regularly clear snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and steps to prevent accidents. Consider applying salt or sand to help with traction.

15. Monitor Indoor Humidity

• Cold weather can dry out indoor air, which can affect both your health and your home. Use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable level of moisture in the air.

By keeping up with these tasks, you can help your home stay safe and functional throughout the rest of the winter months.

February Tips and Best Practices

1/30/2025 (Permalink)

Sunsets are getting later and later.

Maintaining your home during February in a winter climate is important to ensure everything stays in good shape and to avoid costly repairs later. Here’s a list of tasks that homeowners should focus on in February:

1. Check for Ice Dams

• Ice dams can form along the eaves of your roof and cause water to back up, potentially leaking into your home. If you notice ice build-up, safely remove it using a roof rake or hire a professional.

2. Inspect and Clear Gutters

• If gutters are blocked with debris or ice, meltwater won’t drain properly, leading to potential leaks. Clear gutters or check that downspouts are still clear.

3. Maintain Heating System

• Ensure that your furnace or heating system is running efficiently. Change air filters if needed and check for any unusual sounds or issues. Consider scheduling a professional inspection if you haven’t already done so for the season.

4. Check for Drafts

• Examine windows and doors for drafts and seal any leaks using weather stripping or caulk to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Cold weather means more time indoors, often with the heat running, so it's a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly.

6. Keep Pipes from Freezing

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. If the temperature dips below freezing, leave a small drip of water running from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.

7. Inspect the Chimney and Fireplace

• If you use a fireplace or wood stove, inspect the chimney for any blockages or creosote buildup. Schedule a professional chimney cleaning if necessary.

8. Maintain Snow Removal Equipment

• Ensure your snow blower, shovels, and other snow removal tools are in good working order. Check the fuel and make sure everything is functioning properly for quick access during a storm.

9. Check Insulation

• Evaluate attic and wall insulation, especially around areas like pipes, vents, and windows. If necessary, add more insulation to prevent heat loss.

10. Inspect Roof for Damage

• Check for any visible signs of damage or wear, especially after a snowstorm or high winds. Look for missing shingles or areas where snow may be collecting unnaturally.

11. Maintain Exterior Lighting

• Ensure that all outdoor lights are working. It’s particularly important during winter when daylight hours are short, and outdoor safety is a priority.

12. Protect Outdoor Faucets

• Disconnect garden hoses and drain them. Consider using faucet covers or insulating exposed outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.

13. Check for Moisture Issues

• Watch for signs of condensation or frost on windows, walls, or ceilings. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, especially in areas with poor ventilation.

14. Clear Walkways and Driveways

• Regularly clear snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and steps to prevent accidents. Consider applying salt or sand to help with traction.

15. Monitor Indoor Humidity

• Cold weather can dry out indoor air, which can affect both your health and your home. Use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable level of moisture in the air.

By keeping up with these tasks, you can help your home stay safe and functional throughout the rest of the winter months.

How to deal with humidity

7/3/2024 (Permalink)

We have the equipment to get your home or business dry!

The humidity levels in your basement can impact your home and everyone living inside. It can also affect your valuables, electronics and appliances. 

Ideal basement moisture levels are between 30 - 50%. Anything below 30% is too low and can lead to structural changes in your home, causing gaps between windows and doors. Aside from health effects, insufficient moisture levels can also cause wood floors to creak and damage your belongings.

Moisture levels above 50% can lead to mildew, mold and bacteria growth. That environment can cause serious health effects. Excessive moisture can also damage walls and carpets, causing your home and belongings to rot.

One of the best ways to address basement humidity levels is to manage the moisture at its source. While consulting with a professional is always helpful, you can start by sealing off drafts, maintaining sub pumps and vents, repair leaks, and clean gutters. 

Some humidity issues are more severe than others. However, there are several accessible tools you can use to maintain appropriate moisture levels in your basement and home. Consider the following tips. Run dehumidifier, exhaust fans, use chemical absorbents, check area with water leak detection device. Humidity monitors can help you keep track of your basement's humidity levels though you can usually tell by ‘feel’ and/or smell. 

If you have any done all of these things and are still concerned that you have an issue somewhere, please call us to help you to keep your home safe and secure from those things like mold which can impact all areas of your home if dampness and humidity remains undetected. We are a phone call away at 812-372-7760!! 

How to Fight Pollen in Your Home

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

Pollen strikes each spring, leaving you coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. As your car starts to get covered with the yellow stuff and your sinuses get backed up, it’s time to make a plan to keep your home pollen-free. These tips can help you minimize the risks.

Minimize Exposure of Your Car

When possible, park your car in the garage. This helps minimize the amount of pollen it’s exposed to during the day. If you can’t do this because you don’t have a garage, drive through the car wash as often as possible.

Keep the Shoes Outside

Anything with pollen on it should remain in the garage or outside of your home. You don’t want to bring it in on your shoes. Take off your coat or anything else with pollen on it in the doorway to avoid exposing the whole home.

Take a Shower

If you’ve spent enough time outdoors to attract a significant amount of pollen, assume it’s in your hair and on your skin. Take a shower, if possible, to get rid of as much of it as possible.

Avoid Getting It in Your Bedding

Pollen on your bed and pillows can be harmful to you because you’ll breathe it in for hours at a time. Wash your hair prior to going to bed, and take a shower if you have not done so previously.

Manage Your Pets, Too

Your pets are likely to bring in just as much pollen as you do. For that reason, you’ll want to keep them washed whenever they are spending time outdoors.

Minimize Interior Air Exposure

Keep the doors and windows closed, especially on high pollen days. You’ll want to minimize the amount of exposure to pollen.

Keep Surfaces Clean

Be sure to vacuum your home routinely. Empty the vacuum outside to minimize the spread of pollen again. You’ll also want to keep your porch areas clean to limit the amount of pollen brought into the home.

Avoid Bad Days

When the pollen count is high, stay inside. This is important if you are at a high risk for respiratory concerns.

Need Help Keeping Your Home Clean?

Pollen isn’t easy to clean, but we can help. SERVPRO can help you keep your home clean with our residential cleaning services. We ease the burden of the constant cleaning and maintenance of your home, so you have a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment. Contact us today to learn more about our services.