The Purpose and Importance of Plumbing Vents

Plumbing vents are comprised of a network of pipes that connect appliances to the outside of your house to expel sewer gases from your home. Plumbing vents usually lead to the roof, but they can be directed through other locations as well.

Beyond the normal transportation methods for water and waste that regular plumbing pipes provide, plumbing vents are a safety measure that prevent sewer gases from staying in your home. This not only prevents bad odors, but also eliminates the health risks to you and your family that sewage gases contain.

These vents also allow water and waste to move through your piping smoothly because they maintain a neutral pressure in the piping system. Neutral air pressure must be well-maintained in order to prevent negative or positive air pressure from overwhelm your piping and damaging your plumbing system. If either negative or positive air pressure becomes too dominant, it will create leakage and allow sewer gases into your home.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Tranform Your Outdoor Living with a Screened In Porch

Spending time with your family outside and enjoying the beautiful weather is a wonderful way to bond and create memories. The main downside to being outside, however, is that you can be bombarded by bugs. Fortunately, there is a way you can have the best of both world by screening in your porch. There are many ways to build a screened porch, ranging for using a contractor, using a kit, or building one yourself from scratch.

You can quickly and easily construct a porch at a low cost by using a screening kit. Prefabricated kits are great if you don’t want to do a lot of measuring, cutting, and constructing. All you have to do is determine your square footage, order the appropriate kit for your type of porch, and set aside a time to install the premade porch screen panels.

You can also build your own screened in porch from scratch if you do not have an existing porch structure to work with. If you decide to do it yourself, check the building codes in your area and get the required necessary permits. There are certain skills you will need to possess in order to do this properly. You need to be able to build a foundation and solid framework, as well as have the ability to connect the existing roofing of your house with that of the new porch. Make sure to take very precise measurements. When cutting the screens, allow for a little extra room in case you need to make any adjustments when you affix them. Each side of the screen should be able to be attached to a porch beam.

Screens can be made from metal or plastic materials. Plastic screening is often the best choice, as it is resistance to rust and is light weight, yet durable. Ultimately, you want to choose something that is consistent with the look and feel of your home. You can also install screens that have the option to be opened if there are times when there aren’t as many bugs and you want to feel more of a breeze.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Reducing Energy Consumption With Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless heaters are becoming more and more popular, as they can save as much as 25% to 50% on your utility bill. Unlike storage water heaters, tankless water heaters work on a supply and demand system. Store water heaters constantly heat the water inside at all times, meaning they constantly run and use energy, whether you are using hot water or not. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not produce hot water nor store it until you are ready to use. They only heat the water you need, making it very economically friendly and highly efficient.

To achieve maximum savings, make sure that your tankless water heater is properly installed by a professional. They have the expertise to know what size of unit you need for your home based on your household needs, while still maintaining efficiency. You also need to consider the energy source used to heat the water, as that will affect operating costs as well.

After purchasing a tankless water heater, you may be able to take advantage of a Federal tax rebate upon installing it. The rebates are designed to make it more economical to install energy-saving devices as a way to promote greener living.

Tankless water heaters are very durable and last a long time, since they do not work 24/7 like traditional storage water heaters do. They are designed to last at least 20 years or more. The risk of flooding is also reduced because you don’t have a full tank that can burst and spray water everywhere.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Install Your Ceiling Fan in Just a Few Steps

Ceiling fans are a functional, cost effective, and space saving way to cool a room and increase air circulation. Installing one yourself can be easy as long as you follow the proper procedures. Here are the basic guidelines for how to install a standard ceiling fan (just remember to always read the instructions included with your fan to be sure you address any special steps specific to it):

1. Turn off the power switch and breaker on the electrical box before you begin. Electrocution can cause serious injury, so you want to be sure there is no power going through the electrical wires when you are working with them.
2. Do a thorough inspection on the existing electrical box. This will let you know if a fan brace box is required to attach the ceiling fan to or if one is already present that you can use.
3. Remove the ceiling fan from the box and make sure that everything is complete, parts and all. If any screws or installation pieces are missing, return it to the store where you purchased it and exchange it for one that contains all the pieces.
4. Place the fan motor delicately on the floor and then install the down rod to the correct height to the top portion of the fan. The usual measurements of down rods come in 2.5” and 6” for most ceiling fans. Install the down rod by removing the ball that is attached and then slide the ball down the rod and disconnect the pin. Attach or install the down rod on the top portion of the fan, and screw it tightly into place.
5. Slide all covers of the fan to conceal the down rod mounting junction.
6. Allow the canopy to fall from the down rod and onto the top of the fan housing.

Position the hanging bracket onto the electrical box, properly connect the electrical wiring to the fan motor house, and then rotate the fan.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Home Pest Control Tips

Because prevention is better than a cure, it is advised that you do regular pest control maintenance in your home to protect it against unwanted visitors. Realistically, however, we’re all busy, and sometimes we forget to take action until it is too late and bugs or rodents have already invaded. The thing to keep in mind, though, is that getting in the habit of doing regular pest control maintenance no only saves you the headache of having bugs or rodents in your home, but it also saves you a lot of money because preventative measures are far less expensive than the processes required to eradicate pests.

To save time, money, and effort, here are a few tips for how to exercise regular pest control prevention:

– Never allow dirty plates and dishes to be left in the sink for long periods of time. They should be immediately washed and dried, so they do not attract pests. On a larger scale, this is also important for your health, as it is not safe to allow bacteria and germs to develop and spread.
– Store all food items in tightly sealed containers.
– Maintain overall cleanliness and avoid dust mites by sweeping and vacuuming regularly.
– Fix any dripping water taps. Water is essential to mold and bacterial growth, and it can also attract certain types of bugs. So, be sure your pipes are leak-free, areas under your counters and sinks are dry, and high-moisture areas like the bathroom have proper ventilation.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Designs with Wrought Iron Furniture

The use of wrought iron in home decor is popular throughout the world due to the fact that it is stylish, durable, and readily available. Wrought iron furniture can fit any room or style, whether it be indoors or outdoors . It can be used everywhere from your bedroom and bathroom to your kitchen and courtyard. Iron can be sculpted to form unique patterns and designs, which is what enables it to complement any decorating style. It even comes in different colors and finishes, such as patina for an antique look.

Wrought iron tables are among the most popular wrought iron furniture. They come in many sizes and shapes and look nice on their own or combined with wood and glass. This allows for a lot of variety when it comes to style because they can look more traditional or more modern, depending on the materials with which they are paired.

Check the thickness of the iron first before you buy any wrought iron furniture. Choose pieces with thicker iron, as they will be more durable. Carefully examine the iron to be sure there are no scratches or signs of damage because these areas are prone to rusting. If a damaged area is minimal, you can sand it down, but you must immediately repaint or refinish it in order to prevent it from rusting.

To ensure a long life for your wrought iron furniture, you should perform regular maintenance from time to time. Clean your wrought iron furniture with mild soap and water and paint it regularly to make it weather resistant. Once treated, it is safe to leave outside, even during the winter.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Epoxy Floor Paint to Protect Concrete

Instead of replacing an old concrete floor, more and more people are turning to epoxy floor paint to revive the material, clean it, and make it function better. Epoxy floor paint is a very durable and useful substance used to protect concrete floors. It helps to prevent stains from oils, scuffs, and other types of damage from occurring. It makes concrete floors very easy to clean and maintain and enables them to last for years, even in high traffic areas. This makes it particularly great for places where heavy equipment is present and regular foot traffic occurs.

Epoxy floor paint is available in a variety of colors and types. You can experiment with different colors and patterns to achieve the ultimate look for your floors. Epoxy will also make your floor look even because there is a chemical within the paint that helps it naturally even out surfaces. When you correctly apply the paint, you are essentially able to resurface your floor.

Epoxy paint is easy to apply. Just follow the instructions on the container. It is important to note, however, that not all concrete will hold the paint. You have to do a moisture test first to determine whether your floor will be able to be painted. A moisture test can be conducted by taping a plastic bag to the floor and waiting about 24 hours. After that time has passed, examine the plastic bag, and if it has collected moisture, do not apply the epoxy floor, as the water will break the bond and prevent it from adhering properly.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Make Your Home Welcoming with Front Yard Landscaping

They say that first impressions are the most important, and when it comes to houses, that is achieved through front yard landscaping. Front yard landscaping and design are the best methods for beautifying your front yard. It doesn’t matter if you have a big or small front yard – there are ways you can beautify any space.

The key to successful landscaping is planning. This phase involves determining the layout you want for your front yard. Among the things you need to take into consideration is the functionality of your front yard. Aside from aesthetic appeal, yards are also often utilized for bike or wheelchair access and car parking. The type of entryway you use is important, so make sure that the layout will not hinder or block the entryway. It is usually better to keep the layout fairly simple for these reasons.

Homeowners may opt for a symmetrical or asymmetrical layout for their front yards. A symmetrical layout is ideal if the house is also built symmetrically (door at the center with an equal number of windows and features on each side). Though this layout involves a lot of work, the result can complement the house nicely, especially if homeowners want to go for a more formal look. Home owners can also go for a more relaxed look with an asymmetrical layout. An asymmetrical layout, though easier than a symmetrical plan in terms of precision, also calls for a balanced and a unified look, which requires creativity and studying carefully which plants grow in which ways.

After deciding on the layout, it is time to consider additional touches to complete the look of your front yard. You can start exploring different trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and water features. When adding these elements, consider their placement and arrangement. For example, avoid planting trees near entryways to prevent blockage and considering how much growing space to give the tree you are going to plant. You can also make use of different flowering plants to add color and vibrance to your front yard. It is recommended to use an array of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year to maintain constant flowers.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Most Common Plumbing Problems and How They Can Be Fixed

Plumbing issues can be costly and time-consuming. When such problems are not taken care of in time, they can result in larger issues and devastating damage. Fortunately, these costly problems can be avoided with a little knowledge and a little bit of regular maintenance. There are certain plumbing issues that you can easily fix yourself; however, when the issues get serious, it’s time to enlist the help of a professional plumber.

One of the most common plumbing problems is clogged kitchen pipes. Grease and fat from meat are your kitchen pipes’ worst enemies due to their curved shape that makes them vulnerable to the build-up of fatty materials. The problem gets even more complicated during the winter months when outside temperatures are frigid. Always use strainers in your sink and never dispose of cooking grease and oils in your drain. It’s also helpful to occasionally run hot water down your drains for at least five minutes.

You must be careful with about what you flush down the toilet or wash down the sink, as you may be causing a problem for yourself in the future. Prevent clogs by not flushing items such as sanitary products and other non-disposable items. Egg shells and stringy vegetables like celery, seeds, coffee, pasta, and rice should be thrown away versus washed down your sink, as they cause buildup as well.

Another common problem that can happen is a shower head that gets clogged with minerals from the water. You can fix this problem by cleaning the build up to avoid blockage and to increase the water pressure. There can also be leaks in the area where the shower head connects to the shower arm or between the body of the shower head and the swivel ball. Oftentimes, plumbing experts replace the washer to stop the leak, which can be done by removing the shower head from its ring.

Common plumbing system problems such as clogging and leaking can often be resolved with simple methods. However, if the scope of the problem is beyond your abilities, call a professional plumber immediately because the longer a plumbing problem is left unaddressed, the more serious it can become.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com

Different Types of Safes for Home Use

Having a safe at home may not be a top priority for some home owners. However, you should take a step back and consider the importance and benefits of having a safe for home use. A safe’s general purpose is to protect valuables, such as money, jewelry, important documents, and even firearms. Although many people assume they don’t need one because the likelihood of them getting robbed is small, having a home safe serves the same purpose as any other form of insurance – you have it in the event that the unexpected does occur.

If you decide to purchase a home safe, there are several different options available. The first type is a fire safe. This type of safe is ideal for safeguarding important documents (i.e. wills, birth certificates, land titles, passports, and other irreplaceable files) from fires or other natural disasters. It comes in varied models with different levels of fire protection.

Another type of safe is a burglary safe, which is more secure than the average fire safe because it includes different types of security features. Burglary safes come in standalone, floor, or wall safe models. Standalone safes can function with a key, combination dial, or electronic keypad. This type of safe can be placed in secret locations, but it takes up a considerable amount of space. Meanwhile, a floor safe has an added level of security due to the fact that it is installed in concrete flooring and is usually hidden out of sight. Wall safes, on the other hand, are more convenient than floor safes, but they usually offer little or no protection against fire.

For home owners who own guns, it is important to keep your weapons safe and out of reach, especially if there are children in the house. Gun safes come in varying sizes, security levels, and fire resistance ratings. There are also other types of larger gun safes that can also be used to store documents and other valuables.

Jessica Greving
NMLS# 21685
Residential Mortgage Network
RMN NMLS# 1495
Office: 319-354-7501
Cell: 319-330–1502
Fax: 319-354-8740
http://mortgageforall.com