7 Kitchen Countertop Trends You Must Know

Luxurious kitchen countertops have gained popularity in recent times and countertop replacement companies have gained benefit from them. It is important to stay updated with these trends of kitchen countertops.

Natural Granite

Granite is and always have been the best and fondly used material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It is beautiful, elegant, durable, and has a lot of benefits like resistance from heat and stain. Natural granite is always unique due to its stone which creates many choice options for the people. They can have a wide variety of colors, design and patterns. However, granite countertop does require sealing at least twice a year from professional granite contractors, but that sealant will help the countertop to be free from stains and bacteria all the time.

Mixed Materials

The mixed materials have been also gaining popularity lately. With the increase in demand of shattered glass countertops that are an eco-friendly way of using the broken glasses of bottles and windshield to your advantage, there is also high demand for other mixed materials like glass shelving and stone countertops. This new trend will be big in a few years and will be seen in many luxurious houses. The main reason for that is the idea of customization a person can do with their kitchens. It creates a feeling of them being in control.

Quartz Countertops

If granite isn’t the natural stone you are impressed with, quartz countertops will not cease to amaze your gaze. Quartz is the closest alternative to the granite countertops because they are very similar in nature. Quartz is a fairly newer material to have been introduced and granite has been around for quite a time. People are turning to quartz due to its nonporous nature. It shares the same characteristics with granite-like sturdiness, durable, elegant, good looking and whatnot but what separates quartz from granite is the porousness of it.

Granite can have water or oil spilt over and it seeps into the spaces between it and creates a growing place for bacteria. This is fixed by regular resealing of the granite countertops by granite contractors. Quartz countertops don’t face this problem because it is nonporous by nature and no regular resealing is required which is one expense less and also less risk of breeding bacteria in your kitchen.

Built-In Sink Countertops

Countertops that have space for the kitchen sink to be built-in looks very classy and modern. Just the look of the integrated sinks in the countertops is amazing. This style is new and there is still room for uniqueness and expansion of your imagination and being creative with it. Different styles, sizes, finishes and the type of the sink can be combined to create your own personalized look. In-built stoves are common now, but this new trend is sure to go big in coming time.

Neutral Toned Countertops

It would seem elegant when a dark or bright countertop is installed in a kitchen which has been common for a few years but recently the use of the more neutral and light tone colored countertops have been seen on the rise. White, light blue, beige, soft grey are the colors that are soothing to the eye and have been trending for a while now. The mixture of some colors also makes them look decent. Now, beware that the light and neutral-toned countertops have been seen in the kitchens that have access to natural sunlight via a screen door or a skylight. It makes the light reflect around the kitchen and makes the kitchen look bigger.

Laminate Countertops

Whether flooring or kitchen countertops, the laminates have been dominating the market because of their ability of “being what you want them to be” nature. They can easily morph themselves into a luxurious stone with low cost and even lower maintenance. They are budget-friendly which is another reason they are still trending.

Wood Countertops

Countertop companies are often called upon to install butcher block countertops because of their nature to blend into the room and second nature of acting as a chopping board. They are resistant of stain, scratches (easily fixable by rubbing sandpaper) but don’t usually support heat due to obvious reasons. However, they are still in trend so you can buy one from granite contractor Potomac if you want.

Some Tips to Take Care of Your Indoor Fireplace

An indoor fireplace is a must for houses, as it keeps the entire house warm in winters using a cheap source i.e. wood. Apart from that warmth, an indoor fireplace also adds in a lot of style and ambiance to the house. It is quite important to maintain the fireplace properly so that it works well and stays in good condition. Most of the issues that occur in a fireplace start at the chimney. Hence, get a chimney inspection regularly in order to ensure the proper working of the fireplace. A fireplace that is well-maintained will last longer and will save you a lot of repair costs.

Some tips to maintain your indoor fireplace

In this article, we discuss a number of tips that you can use to maintain the quality of your fireplace. These include:

Clean the interior regularly

Due to burning, your indoor fireplace will accumulate a significant amount of dust, creosote, dirt, and ash. A mixture of these things will continue to build up until it is removed.

Hence, it is very important to clean it all up regularly. Otherwise, the small particles of ash may get suspended in the room’s atmosphere resulting in breathing difficulties. If one breathes in the air suspended with these fine particle, a number of air-borne diseases such as asthma can be contracted.

Install a heat-proof glass

A heat-proof glass will increase your fireplace safety by adding a layer for protection. This will prevent fine particles from suspending in your room’s atmosphere.

At the same time, if you have kids around, the glass will work as a means of protection. This can significantly reduce the chances of getting a burn (one of the biggest fireplace hazards).

However, the cleaning of a heat-proof glass is another added responsibility. Otherwise, materials will start to build-up on the glass. In order to scrape off tough build-ups, you use sandpaper.

Burning the right wood

People say that wood-burning is a science in itself. Hence, it is very crucial to choose the right type of wood to burn in your indoor fireplace. In the market, you can find all types of inexpensive and expensive woods. However, the cost of wood is not the best indicator of quality.

Wood from oak, ash, and birch are more advantageous as they tend to burn for a longer period of time and give off more heat. Since they do not sap easily, it is easy to handle them and they cause less build-up of creosote.

On the other hand, softwood is cheaper but does not result in efficient burning. At the same time, softwood can also result in a significant amount of creosote build-up.

Clean the deposits of soot

Soot is one of the most harmful by-products of wood burning. If not managed properly, you can face a number of harmful soot effects and hazards such as a fire outbreak.

As compared to creosotes, soot tends to be softer and hence, it spreads through the room much easier. Hence, we suggest you clean off the soot as soon as the deposits are 1/8^th of an inch deep.

Inspect the fireplace chimney annually

Apart from regular care, it is important to get a chimney inspection regularly. In case there is a build-up of materials in the chimney, reach out to chimney sweep services Bowie immediately. Apart from that, also look for signs of any missing screws, rusts, or dents in case the chimney is made of metal.

Ending note

By proper maintenance and care, your indoor fireplace can last for many years and can work efficiently. At the same time, it will also prevent your house from potential fire hazards that occur due to poorly managed fireplaces.

What Are The Best HVAC Installation Tips To Know?

Nothing is more important than a reliable connection with HVAC repair companies when the summer season is around the corner. Getting your AC system back on track can be a tough job to do but if you will be patient, we will teach all the tips and techniques that will benefit you in the long run. Many problems arise due to the inaccurate installation of an HVAC system.

Know about air conditioner repair

Therefore, installing it correctly with the right equipment and technicians holds a huge significance. Following are some of the tips that will definitely benefit you in the installation process.

Hire HVAC Services….

Approach a Respectable HVAC Contractor

The HVAC system is a big investment which must be done intelligently. Hiring a reputable contractor from renowned air conditioning companies to do the job on your behalf might take you days or even weeks but do not give up too early. Once you are able to find the contractor, do not let him go just because he is asking for a few more bucks. Saving that money won’t really do you any better in the future.

Install Big Units Instead of Small Units

Smart people always opt for bigger units because they know that it is durable and easy to maintenance. This may sound absurd since bigger things require bigger plans for maintenance, more energy etc but hear us out first. Smaller units tend to generate problems because they do not have enough capacity to sustain excessive energy. If you really wish to see your cooling and heating appliances working perfectly for the next decade then you must never go down this road.

Insulation Is Vital

If you have been really looking forward to saving bills and preserving energy then this is the part where you need to grab your glasses and pay every bit of attention to. After installation, you must make proper arrangements for the house insulation because if the house starts passing current through its walls and ceilings, your energy bills will shoot through the roof in no time and you will be required to turn in the system to HVAC companies for proper inspection.

Always Buy a New HVAC Unit

Never put your comfort at risk just to save a few bucks. Be more observant and specific. Buying used HVAC system may seem like a clever option at the time but seriously it is just to trick you from paying attention to the real deal. Likewise, the real deal may seem like too much but do not let it slip away just yet. Think about all the next years you will spend chilling in your room munching on your snacks without any impending worries, sounds luxury, doesn’t it? So put your mind at ease and spend money on your comfort without any hesitation.

Protect Your System

Just like any other valuable item, the HVAC system also calls for protection. According to HVAC companies, there are so many factors that can affect the HVAC system especially if it is installed on the rooftop, for instance, theft, thunder, rainstorm, accidental damage etc. Since HVAC system is a heavily equipped appliance of an excellent worth it must be protected at all costs. The cage is the best way to keep the machine safe from any criminal activity or theft.

The Type of Fuel

There are several types of HVAC systems that use different types of fuels. These fuels include Fuel oil, electricity, natural gas, and geothermal. You must be certain about which fuel you want to operate your machine. Since fuels play a huge role in generating the energy bills, it is important for you to shed light upon this subject of matter too. You can easily get some piece of advice from air conditioning companies as they will tell you all the benefits of each fuel in detail.

HVAC installation is a process that must be carried out perfectly or it will end up giving you a really difficult time. Follow the above-mentioned tips carefully and at the end of the tenure, you will be thanking us. The system of HVAC is quite complex and isn’t really made for ordinary people, it needs technicians and professional help for installation and maintenance. Even AC repair companies Herndon VA advise you to approach experts in this regard.

Do You Know These 6 Sink Cleaning Tips?

Kitchen sinks can get very dirty and germ filled with the leftover food and drinks which need to be cleaned properly which you can do either by yourself or call over drain cleaning services. Here are a few tips for cleaning and disinfecting your sink;

Dirty Sink Needs To Be Scrubbed Off

You might have that myth in your mind that you clean your dishes with soap and warm water every day so your sink might not be dirty. Well, the flow of warm water and soap in your sink isn’t everything, in fact, food leftovers, soap deposits, water stains, food stains, and rust are all those things that are responsible for the dirt and germs making your sink nasty. These things need to be scrubbed off on a daily basis if you want to keep your sink germ and dirt free. For that purpose, you need:

To make a mixture of dishwashing soap and warm water or buy a readymade cleaning spray.
Squirt it in your sink and gently scrub it thoroughly to remove all the dirt and stains from your sink and make it shine like a brand new one.
Easy Porcelain Clean Up

If you have a porcelain clean then this method would work for you like magic to bring back the sparkle of your porcelain. This is one of the simplest procedure for which you don’t need to hit up any drain cleaning contractors even if you haven’t cleaned it off properly for a month. You would need to:

Place some towels in your sink making sure they cover the entire sink properly.
Soak the towels in bleach and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Discard the towels and rink the sink with water.
And voila! The glint to your porcelain sink is brought back. Avoid applying bleach directly to your colored porcelain sink as it would fade away the color.

Protect Your Sink

Some people might just replace their sink if it gets dirty and they don’t know how to clean it. Well, that’s just one dimwitted act anyone could do. If you follow the below-mentioned tips then your sink can stay like a new one for a long time to prevent drain clogging:

Rinse off the vinegar, fruit or any acidic food as soon as it spills in the sink. Don’t let them rest for a long time as these can cause the staining or etching on the surface of the sink.
Place a plastic perforated mat in the sink so that the surface of the sink stays protected from scratches and dirt.
Use the cleaning spray mentioned above to clean your sink instead of scouring powders as they can dull the shine and leave etches on your sink.
Sanitize the Sink Properly

Every time you clean dishes in your sink make sure you sanitize it correctly to eliminate all the possible dirt and germs sitting in your sink. This is very simple, and you can easily do it by:

Fill the entire basin with water by plugging it in.
Add in a little amount of bleach at least a tablespoon of it into the water.
Cleanse the faucets and handles using a sponge and let it sit for a few minutes.
Rinse the basin and let it dry.
If you think you need to get your sink cleaned by some professional hands then take help from drain cleaning services for this.

Use a Toothbrush to Clean Difficult Areas

Toothbrushes are the best cleaning tools for some tiny gaps where dirt gets stuck and nothing can take it off, for example, your tap or the small gaps around it. The bristles would reach those grinds and clean off the dirt perfectly.

Call Drain Cleaning Services

If you have a major issue with your drains or sinks then you can hire a drain cleaning contractor to resolve the issue. Having things done by professionals would definitely not favor your wallet but would make your drains and sinks like a brand new one.

Drain cleaning contractors manhattan ny might help you in doing the cleaning but you would have to follow the aforementioned tips in order to maintain the newness and tidiness of your sinks.

Commercial Steamer Repair: Tips On How To Properly Use The Steamer

Commercial steamer repair professionals report that most of the steamer problems come about as a result of improper use. Do you want your unit to last for a long time and also give you ideal services? You need to use it properly. Here are tips that will help you out:

Don’t add too much water

The most important component of steam cooking is water. The key to having great food is adding enough water. When you are using a steam basket on the stove, start by adding one or two inches of water to the pot. You should avoid adding too much water that it goes above the steamer basket when you place it in the pot. You should note that adding too much water leads to ruining of the meal.

At the same time, you should avoid adding too little water as it will lead to the burning of the pan. When you add too little water, the water is bound to boil way before you are done with cooking.

Don’t steam for too long

While many people use the steamer, most of them are unable to steam the food properly enough that everything remains hot and tasty. Most of the people end up steaming the food for too long which as you might guess, leads to food ruin.

When you are cooking vegetables or other related dishes, you should note that the two tend to finish cooking fast which might be too early than you need them.

When you are cooking such foods, you should simply switch off the steamer or heat source. Many people switch off the heat source but fail to remove the food from the pot. This is wrong. For you to prevent the food from continuing to cook when they are in the pot, you should remove them and place them in a bowl filled with ice water. This will prevent the food from getting too soggy.

Doing this has also been shown to help the vegetables to remain crisp.

Always boil the water first

When you are in a hurry, it’s common to be tempted to throw everything in the pot and let it cook fast. This is wrong as it often leads to a horrible dish.

For you to ensure that the food cooks properly, you should first boil the water then add your vegetables and other food items.

Once the water is boiling, you should then simply add your vegetables, close the lid and allow the steaming process to start. For you to tell the right amount of heat that you should use, experiment by turning the heat up or down while the food is steaming.

Get creative

The most common way of steaming food is using water, but you shouldn’t limit yourself to this. You should get creative. Instead of using plain water, try using chicken and vegetable broth. You can also add a little bit of lemon or salt to the water before it starts to boil.

Are you feeling adventurous? Add some herbs to the water. Some of the common ones that you can use include: rosemary sprigs, dill sprigs, sliced garlic, lemongrass, and any other that you might be interested in.

When you are experimenting with different materials, you might change the amount of time it takes for the water to boil, which changes the overall cooking time.

Keep the seal air-tight

Commercial appliances repair Northern VA professionals recommend that you keep the seal of the pot air-tight. This is to prevent the steam from escaping making it difficult to cook the food. When the seal isn’t tight enough, you not only end up with undercooked food, you also tend to use a lot of energy.

Minimalist Fireplace Ideas

So you cannot thank enough the patio builders who have transformed your backyard into an amazing escape pod with a little warming area you can always hang out during cold weather. Your little indoor warming nook can also be your spot, but it needs a bit of a makeover, then maybe you should try a minimalist fireplace. Not only because it’s the latest trend in interior home designs, but it can also save so much space inside your home.

Here are some things that you need to consider before installing a fireplace.

BEFORE INSTALLING A FIREPLACE

Having a fireplace at home is not only a need, but it can also be a focal point which adds value to the entire house, especially if you are planning to sell it in the future. Of course, you don’t just install a fireplace unless you are properly prepared and informed about how overwhelming the installation process can be. Below are some of the guidelines you should take into account before you have a fireplace put up in your home.

Function and Placement

Question: Are you adding or remodeling your fireplace for decorative purposes, or because it will serve its purpose? Basically, a fireplace can just be for show and does not need to warm the room all the time. Actually, it can be placed anywhere you wanted it for as long as it looks nice and pleasing to your taste.

Now, if you wanted it purposely to heat up the room, then a functioning fireplace should be placed in a room where it can even heat up the area and can still look good. The same goes to the gas fireplace, but this heating contraption should be carefully installed together with its proper venting system.

But, if you are planning to have the traditional wood burning fireplace, this heating system requires a fireplace house with a chimney that will act as its venting system. Now, regardless whether you prefer wood, gas, or electric fireplace, it’s wise to consult a professional to make sure that your fireplace is or will be properly installed together with its safety features and ventilation system placement.

Shape and Size

When it comes to the spot where you wanted to place your home heating system, you also have to consider the space where it will be placed because it is where the style and size of the fireplace will be based. If you wanted a bit colossal fireplace, then you should reserve a bigger space as well. Whilst a minimalist fireplace, which most households are choosing, can fit even a smaller space or wall.

What matters is that your fireplace can enhance the character of the room without totally dominating the entire façade.

Fireplace Designs and Ideas

Your fireplace design will greatly contribute to and influence how the entire room will look like. It also follows some interior design rules if you choose to follow it. But it doesn’t have to be all by the regular norm. You can choose your own design based on your scouting and research. There are tons of fireplace designs to choose from online or from manufacturers’ magazines and brochure. If you wanted the classic heating spot made from stone or brick – that is not a problem. Even the minimalist style that will save you so much space and has a lot of design is all up to as well. Whether you just wanted a simple fireplace or a grand one, it will all depend on your preference and need.

THE MINIMALIST EFFECT

“Less is more”. This is the mentality of the majority nowadays. May it be the furniture, appliances, and other design; the minimalist effect can actually bring out more character from small spaces. This is what the minimalist fireplace has to offer, though, there are some points to think of when choosing this modern-day heating system.

Stick to a neutral color scheme.
Go with smooth lines and geometric shapes.
Make an open space as much as possible.
Make your fireplace blend with art and vice-versa.
Don’t hesitate to decorate your fireplace with outdoor plants.

With that said you can now achieve a modern-minimalist fireplace area and save so much space in your home. The outdoor fireplace builders Long Island can also help you with the professional installation of your heating system. This minimalist fireplace is perfect for both small and big spaces, it just depends on your artistic touch and design choices.

to use Ginger

Limited mode

the ad does not need to warm the room all the time

Understanding Chimney Relining

As a homeowner, you need to undertake chimney relining in the event your chimney liner comes off.

Why do you need to install a chimney liner?

The chimney liner provides your home with plenty of benefits:

Protects the home from the risk of accidental fire: The liner protects the wood around your chimney, shielding it from high temperatures that are produced in the fireplace. When you work with an unlined chimney, the heat produced in the chimney tends to move through the chimney and into the adjacent wooden parts extremely fast putting your house at the risk of catching fire.

Protects the brick and mortar from corrosion damage: If you have used your chimney for a long time you might be aware that the byproducts of combustion are toxic and corrosive. When the products seep directly into the chimney masonry, erosion results.

When there isn’t a liner, the combustion gases eat away at the bricks and mortar of the chimney, which puts you and your family at risk. This is because the cracks and gaps created by the erosion can allow the poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide to leak into your home.

Increases the efficiency of the fireplace: One of the popular ways of increasing the efficiency of the fireplace is to install a fireplace insert into an existing opening. Since masonry chimneys are larger than these inserts, the size difference often brings about safety and performance issues.

One of the ways of fixing this issue is by installing a chimney liner. The decreased size of the chimney flue increases the efficiency of the chimney thus you use little fuel.

Chimney liner options

Did you know that you have many options of chimney liners that you can choose from? Some of the most common ones are:

Clay: They are the most popular lining materials that you can choose from. They are loved by many people as they are inexpensive and highly durable. A properly maintained clay liner can last for up to 50 years.

While clay liners are cheap and durable, unfortunately, they are difficult to replace. This is because they require a lot of labor to tear them off. For you to avoid having to replace them every now and then, you should take good care of them.

Metal liners: The most common liners under this category are the stainless steel flue liners. While they are a little bit expensive to purchase, they require just a little labor to install them.

If you are strapped of cash and you want metal liners in your home, you should go for aluminum liners. They are often affordable, but they are only ideal for certain medium-efficiency gas appliances.

Cast in place liners: Cast in place liners are constructed from poured cement. The cool thing with lining with cement is that the process is less invasive, less laborious, and often cheaper than when you are rebuilding a clay liner.

When you take good care of the clay liners, they have the ability to last up to 50 years. You can install the liners on any type of chimney you might be having. The cool thing is that the lining can withstand a wide range of elements including heat, acids, and even condensation.

Tips to consider when relining your chimney

If the chimney liner has come off, you should replace it as soon as possible. As you have seen there are plenty of material options that you can go with. As rule of thumb, you should choose a material that gives you the best results and gives your chimney the look that you want.

Unless you are highly experienced at the installation of the lining material, you should avoid doing it by yourself—always hire chimney contractors to help you out. While the contractors will cost you money, they will be worth it as you will end up saving a lot of money and time in the long run.

Some people try to cut costs by going for the cheapest lining materials and hiring the cheapest contractors. Don’t do this. Remember that you always get what you pay for; therefore, when you pay cheap, you should expect cheap services and cheap results. For ideal results, always go for quality.

What You Need To Know About Quartz Countertops

In addition to Quartz countertops being tougher than marble, they are also less porous, harder, and appealing as granite. Are you thinking about installing these countertops in your home? There are plenty of things you should know about them:

They are ideal for kitchen use

When you are looking for pieces that will perfectly fit your kitchen, these are your go-to pieces. Since they are less porous than other pieces in the market, they tend to retain fewer bacteria, don’t stain or crack easily, among many other things.

For you to get the most from the pieces, you should buy the right ones. Different varieties of the countertops go at different prices and come at different qualities. It’s up to you to choose the ones that fit your home perfectly.

Quartz and quartzite aren’t the same thing

Many people confuse quartz and quartzite. One of the things you should know is that the two are very different. While quartz is an engineered material made with stone and resin, quartzite is a hard-metamorphic rock which a type of granite.

Quartzite originates as sandstone then transforms into quartzite in a process of high heating and pressurization. While the two are different, they are very durable; therefore, when you install them, you will enjoy having your countertops for a long time.

The countertops tend to scratch

While the countertops are tough compared to granite or marble, they aren’t a magical scratch-proof material. This means that the material is bound to scratch if you aren’t keen with your countertops.

Experts report that the susceptibility of the countertops varies depending on the color of the quartz. The darker the material, the more likely you are to scratch it.

For you to ensure that the countertops retain their look for a long time, you should protect the surfaces from damage. When you are cutting any substances on the surfaces, always have a cutting board in place.

There are plenty of quartz countertop varieties you can buy

Since the countertops are engineered, they come in different varieties for you to choose from. Due to the many options available in the market to choose from, many homeowners are confused about the best ones that they should go for.

If this is the first time you are installing the pieces in your home, you should get the input of a professional. The professional will help you in choosing a design that will not only look good in your home, but also last for a long time thus saving a lot of money in the long run.

The countertops are damaged by sunlight

While the pieces are tough, they can be damaged by sunlight. The damage is often extensive when the pieces are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.

While your countertops will retain their look even when they are exposed to the sunlight every now and then, they are bound to get discolored when you install them outside or in areas where they are continually exposed to a lot of sunlight.

If your kitchen is allowing a lot of sunlight in, you should make a habit of covering the countertops up.

The countertops are easy to maintain

In addition to the countertops boasting durability and high performance, they are also easy to maintain. Since they are non-porous, they don’t stain easily. This means that even when there are spills, you have an easy time cleaning the surfaces as the spills don’t get deep into the surface.

While the countertops are easy to maintain, it doesn’t mean that you should mishandle them. When you are placing any hot materials on the surfaces, always protect the surfaces so that the pieces can last for a long time.

As mentioned above, you should cover the surfaces if your kitchen allows a lot of sunlight in.

Unlike granite countertops Raleigh NC and other materials, you don’t need to seal these countertops to keep them in good condition. Regular wiping of the countertops with a cleaner and polish is enough to keep the pieces looking great for a long time.

It’s common for the pieces to get damaged every now and then. When the damage happens, you should fix it as soon as possible.

Chimney Cleaning Services: Chimney Myths You Should Be Aware Of

While chimneys have been around for a long time, they are surrounded by many myths that can confuse you if you aren’t keen. Here are some of the most common myths as given by chimney cleaning services providers:

You can easily clean the chimney by yourself

It’s true you can clean the chimney by yourself if the chimney is small, but if it’s large, you will have a hard time keeping it clean. Proper chimney cleaning requires you to have the necessary training, experience, and tools. This means that if you don’t have any of these, there is no way you are going to properly clean the unit.

Chimney cleaning also comes with its risks. For example, you can easily choke from the creosote and lose your life. Instead of trying to clean the unit by yourself, you should hire a chimney contractor to help you with the cleaning.

Since the contractor has the necessary training, experience, and tools, he/she will clean the chimney fast and give it the looks it deserves.

You don’t need to clean or inspect a rarely used chimney

It’s true that rarely used chimneys aren’t as active as their counterparts that are used daily, but this doesn’t mean that you should ignore it. You should note that even if you aren’t using the chimney, birds, and animals can build nests on the chimney blocking the unit.

What is the result of this? When the chimney is blocked, carbon monoxide and other gases don’t leave the house which puts you and your family at risk.

Do you have a chimney that you barely use? Ask a chimney expert to inspect it and get rid of any birds or animals that might be there.

Chimneys with metal liners don’t need to be maintained

Chimney liners come in handy at increasing the efficiency of the chimney, dealing with the common chimney problems, and extending the life of the chimney. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t inspect or maintain the unit.

Just like any part of your chimney, the chimney liner is susceptible to creosote buildup and other issues that can lead to chimney fires.

For you to ensure that your unit is in top shape all the time, you should hire a chimney professional at least once a year to inspect it for defects it might be having. Also, remember to clean the unit if a lot of creosote has built up in it.

You don’t need to clean the chimney when you are using hardwood

You must have heard that you should burn hardwood for you to reduce the creosote levels in your chimney. It’s true that hardwood tends to burn at higher temperatures; therefore, little creosote is deposited on the walls of the chimney.

If you don’t remove the creosote for a long time, the levels will gradually pile up putting your house at the risk of fire. Regardless of the firewood that you are burning in your chimney, you should always clean it. As mentioned, hire a chimney cleaning professional to help you with the work—avoid trying to clean it by yourself as you won’t do a good job.

For you to reduce the creosote that might have built up in your unit, you should avoid burning softwood. The softwood tends to burn at lower temperatures that lead to the accumulation of creosote in the chimney. The best way of going about it is using hardwood that has been air dried for at least six months.

You don’t need to clean the chimney after buying a new house

If you have bought a house that is completely new you don’t have to worry about cleaning the chimney, but if there were people living in the house before you bought it, you should get worried about its cleaning.

You should only ignore cleaning the chimney if you have proof that it was recently cleaned. If you aren’t sure when the chimney was last cleaned or inspected, hire a chimney sweep Bowie or any other professional to inspect it and clean it if necessary.

Remember, the previous house owners might have gone for a long time without cleaning the chimney putting you and your family at the risk of fire.

Tree Removal Services: Things To Consider When Removing Trees

Are you looking to remove a tree? You need to follow a set of tips for you to do it right. Here are some of the tips to consider as given by tree removal services providers:

Put on the right protective gear

Anything can go wrong when you are cutting a tree. The tree can fall on you, branches might get on you, among many other things. For you to protect yourself from the risk of cutting a tree, you should put on the right safety gear. You should wear a hard hat, a pair of gloves, and earmuffs for your ears.

Use the right chainsaw

You need a chainsaw to remove the tree of interest but you shouldn’t use just any saw that you come across. As rule of thumb, you should avoid using an old or poorly maintained chainsaw. For you to be safe when cutting the tree, use a properly maintained chainsaw.

In addition to the properly maintained unit being easy to use, it also tends to be much safer to use. You can buy the chainsaw or rent it from your local store. In addition to considering how properly maintained it is, you also should consider its size. The size should depend on the size of the tree. If looking to cut a large tree, go for a large chainsaw and vice versa.

When you are using the chainsaw, be extra cautious as you can easily hurt yourself and other people in the area. Always ensure that you have a firm grip of the machine so that it doesn’t slip off your hands.

Before you start using the chainsaw, you should check whether it has the right tensions in place. It’s common for the chain to stretch and even loosen. Before you start cutting the tree, check whether the saw has the right tension so that you don’t have issues when cutting the tree.

Check the tree you are cutting

Did you know that some people cut the wrong tree? This is because they aren’t keen on their work. Don’t do this. Before you start the process, take time to inspect the tree and ensure that you are cutting the right one.

You should be cautious when you are cutting a rotten tree. Since the tree is already rotten, parts of it can easily fall off and land on you. You should avoid cutting the rotten trees. If you have to cut them, let a professional handle it.

When bringing down the trees, pay attention to the direction at which they fall. Is this the first time you are cutting the tree? You should note that the tree tends to fall away from the cut direction on the “hinge.” While this is the case, you should note that if you saw in one direction and you don’t provide an adequate felling hinge, the tree will fall in any direction that gravity dictates.

As you might have guessed, this would lead to property damage, tree damage, and even injury to you and other people in the vicinity. For you to be safe, you should take your time researching the direction that the tree will fall.

When cutting the tree, cut it with a directional notch that is deeper than 15-20% of the tree’s diameter.

Remember, even with the best planning, things can go wrong. For you to be safe, you should always have an escape plan in place. Have a way in which you can escape in the event the tree doesn’t go where you intended to.

Get rid of tree stumps

Removing a tree isn’t enough—you also need to get rid of stumps that remain. Leaving stumps after removing a tree not only leaves your yard looking ugly, it also leaves your yard infested with insects and even termites.

Stumps are also a safety hazard as people can easily trip on them.

As soon as you have removed the tree, you should work at removing the tree stump. The cool thing is that there are many ways in which you can remove the stumps. You can do the work by yourself or hire tree services Chevy Chase providers to help you out. Just like when removing a tree, take caution when removing the stumps so that you don’t injure yourself.