Asbestos In Your Home
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Avoiding Flood Damage Protecting Your Property
Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by flood waters. These tanks pose serious threats not only to you, your family, and your house, but also to public safety and the environment. An unanchored tank outside your house can be driven into your ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Air Duct Cleaning
If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Avoiding Flood Damage: A Checklist For Homeowners
You may have other options for avoiding flood damage depending on your needs and financial resources. These include building drainage systems around the property, sealing openings such as low windows, building levees, constructing exterior ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Egress Solutions For Basement Living Space
The ICC’s 2006 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Story Dwellings has new language stating basements that contain one or more sleeping rooms are required to have emergency egress and rescue openings in each sleeping room. Emergency ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Epa Pressures The Wood-Preservative Industry To Change
Some homeowners want a deck that they don't have to worry about — no harmful chemicals, no sanding, and no sealing. With composite decking they can have that. Also called "plastic wood" and composite lumber, composite decking is the home ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
De-Icing Salts For Slippery Walks
Environmental Landscaping Planning is useful, for it can reduce ice buildup, and the need for so much salt and shoveling . The winter sun melts ice, especially over dark surfaces. That is why blacktop is the preferred driveway surface in northern ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Backup Power
In today's technology-driven world, backup power is fast becoming a household necessity. The same electricity supply that once ran only the basic necessities (lights, appliances, and heating and cooling systems) must now power computers, security ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Home Maintenance Checklist
8. Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up—BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Getting Connected: Modern Safety And Security
Interactive video surveillance technology brings management of the home's security system into the hands of the homeowner. Internet cameras positioned in and around the house observe the protected property, and can be fixed with motion sensors. ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
A Pesticide Primer
Bacillus Thuringiensis - (called BT) Kills small caterpillars and grubs. Is harmless to people, animals, birds or good bugs. There are different varieties for each insect, as well as a long lasting solid BT for mosquito larvae. (Trade name ... [... more]
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