Home Maintenance Tips

May 2010 - With the passing of the new law regarding lead in pre 1978 homes it is a good time to make sure that your home is lead safe and if you are contracting for work make sure you use a certified renovator. Do some research for yourself on the effects of lead but some things you can do if you are in an older home is:

Keep the inner trays of your windows clean, clean them by misting with water so the dust will not spread and wipe with a damp cloth designed to trap dirt. Put the rag in a plastic bag and discard.
Do not vacuum this area unless you have a hepa vacuum.
Keep your pets off the window sills and trays, this can actually spread dust to other parts of the home.
Do not disturb or dislodge large areas of paint at your home unless you are sure there is no lead. Do not take the chance.

May 2009 - Spring is right around the corner this is just the time to check all, yes all, the caulking and paint on the outside of your home. Did you know that most rot damage, along with the mold that comes with it, can be prevented by keeping wood surfaces painted and caulking applied. Just because something has been covered in aluminum does not mean that it is waterproof; water getting back there can cause trouble. Caulking and paint are two of the easiest preventative measures you can take to protect your investment. When caulking use a high quality silicone, make sure it is paintable if you intend to paint. Silicone will be a little more expensive but it is well worth the money becasue it holds up better and is less likely to crack. Before you recaulk, it is a good practice to remove the old caulking especially if it is loose or cracked. Don't just caulk over the old caulking. Please feel free to email me if you have questions. ewalters@htwtenterprises.com

June 2009 - Sprucing up your outside deck seems to be high on everyone's list these days as we try to create the perfect stay-cation retreat. Here are just a few things to keep in mind. If you have a deck that is made from "Treated Lumber" you should never power wash a deck unless it is horribly stained and you have tried everything else. The problem with power washing wood is it drives out the preservative and puts water under pressure into the wood so the first time that the sun hits it, the water steams and cracks the wood. The first step should always be to use some kind of deck cleaner first then a clear preservative. If you decide to use a solid stain or stain of any kind just remember that once you stain it, you have a job forever and it is much harder to maintain than some of the clear products. ewalters@htwtenterprises.com

Email: ewalters@htwtenterprises.com
NJ Contractor ID# 13VH04349000