February 7, 2025

repair

Maintenance tips to avoid hefty home repair costs this winter

As winter approaches, most Brits will do all they can do put off home maintenance.

At present, 54 per cent of Britons (28 million), put off maintenance according to Aviva, with many giving time and money pressures as the cause of delay. This may result in hefty repair costs or large insurance claims if jobs aren't tackled.

Here are ways to prepare before the cold weather, according to Yell.

Check your roof

Roofs can suffer anything from minor to extensive damage during the winter in the event of a storm bringing heavy rain, winds and snowfall.

Should your roof incur any damage, you should find a good viewpoint where you can assess the impact of strong weather. You may find it is helpful to check for:

  • Missing tiles

  • Blocked gutters

  • Holes

  • Debris build-up.

Missing tiles can result in water damage or leaks which can be a costly repair. Meanwhile, debris build-up and blocked gutters can put extra weight on your roof, increasing the risk of damage.

Check your heating system

Reports have shown that by December most central heating systems have been switched on – except for an unlucky few whose boilers are not working.

It’s a good idea to have your furnace or boiler system checked annually by a professional but additional checks are advised when exceptionally cold weather or storms are imminent. If you have a boiler, you are advised to:

  • Keep an eye on water pressure once a month

  • Bleed your radiators twice a year

  • Check radiator valves are open and working properly before winter comes

  • Check for any leaks in the venting system

  • Check if any wiring looks questionable or damaged

  • If your heating system is a heat pump, make sure your outdoor unit is free from any leaves or snow. There should be no greenery crowding the unit at any time.

Check your pipes to avoid freezing

Experts warn that at-home thawing of pipes can cause them to burst. To avoid having to remedy the issue later on you should:

  • Ensure all pipes in your roof space or loft, as well as pipes in other areas that may be vulnerable to the cold, are insulated.

  • Ensure your heating is not turned off completely but remains low if you're away for the winter.

  • Have your thermostat set to a minimum of 18 degrees or your heating timed to come on regularly throughout the winter to ensure the pipes are not at risk of freezing.

Block out window and door draughts

There is no easier way to save money on your heating bills than by blocking door draughts.

Draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you £45 a year, the Energy Saving Trust has said. If you have an open chimney, draught-proofing it when not in used could save £65 a year. The benefits include reduced condensation and damp, money saved on energy bills and, of course, a warmer house.

Draught-proofing needs will vary depending on what level is needed but homeowners should generally be able to do this without external help. By adding metal brushed window and draught excluders to frames, you will be able to keep out the cold and reduce the amount of warm air that is being lost. These can be fitted to both exterior and interior doors.

It should also be noted that keyholes and letterboxes can be draught-proofed.

How to Repair a Trenchless Sewer Pipelining

If your pipes have cracked or broken, trenchless pipe lining can solve the problem. It is less invasive and cheaper than digging up old pipes. The process of trenchless pipe lining requires a small hole to be dug for the camera inspection. Afterward, the pipe is lined with a new, sealed pipe inside. The procedure is quick and easy, and it can also address a variety of issues, from blocks to tree root ingress.

Less invasive than pipe bursting

When pipes begin to collapse, the best option for repairing them is through trenchless sewer pipe bursting. This method involves digging two small access holes and inserting a hydraulic tool into the old pipe. The tool then breaks up the old pipe, forcing bits of it away from the line and laying the new one. This method does not require digging up the lawn, which means the entire process can be completed in a matter of days.

Because the process is less invasive, it is often the best choice for older pipes. The pipe will remain the same diameter as before, which minimizes the risk of restricting water flow. In addition, the condition of the old pipe will have almost no impact on the new one. Even if the old pipe has severe damage, it will not affect the replacement process. This means that you can save time and money.

Cost-effective

The benefits of trenchless sewer pipelining outweigh the costs associated with traditional pipeline replacement. As pipeline length increases, the costs for repair increase as well. However, trenchless pipe repair is more affordable than traditional pipeline replacement. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider trenchless pipeline repair for your home or business.

Before conducting a trenchless sewer pipelining repair, the technician will prepare the area by cleaning roots and debris from the pipe. Then a new pipe liner will be installed in the old pipe. These liners are designed to last for decades and can reduce the cost of replacement by 50 percent. This type of pipeline is also faster than traditional methods, as repair can be completed in a day without causing major disruptions or tearing up walls.

Less intrusive than digging up old pipes

Trenchless pipe replacement is a much better option than conventional digging to replace an old sewer line. The process is much less disruptive and has a higher cost-to-value ratio than digging, which gives it a leg up over competitors. In fact, trenchless pipe replacement is less expensive than replacement when you include labor, equipment, restoration, and time. While you can discount labor, this isn't an accurate metric.

Another major benefit of trenchless technology is that it requires little or no digging, meaning less dirt and less time spent backfilling soil. The only excavation required is two 4-by-4-foot pits, one at each end of the pipe. Trenchless methods are less expensive than digging up old pipes, but they still require some amount of backfilling, which means you'll spend less time filling in the area around the old pipe.

CIPP lining reduces pipe size

Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) lining is an excellent option for pipes of varying diameters. It can be made to fit pipes of any length without requiring a trench. Because of its size, CIPP is especially effective for pipes of varying lengths with multiple lateral connections. As a result, it is an excellent solution for a variety of pipe repair needs and is ideal for repairing long pipes underneath inconvenient objects.

A CIPP liner has a wall thickness of mm. Its thickness increases with a reduction in pipe size. A CIPP wall thickness of 9 mm increases the maximum principal stress of the pipe by a factor of 1.085 and 1.349. This ratio is negative and increases the likelihood of failure. This ratio means that a CIPP lining should be thick enough to accommodate a pipe of a smaller diameter.

CIPP lining causes a "bursting head or bullet"

There are two methods for replacing a broken pipe. The first method, pipe bursting, replace the damaged portion of a sewer pipe with a new one. This process is more effective because it does not release chemicals or contaminants into the environment. Instead, it replaces the damaged pipe with a durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe that lasts for decades. The second method is slip lining.

CIPP lining is a noninvasive procedure that involves inserting an epoxy resin liner into a damaged pipe. The resin expands to fill the inside walls of the pipe when heated. The liner then hardens to form a new pipe. The process may take several hours, but it is usually completed in one day. CIPP lining is not as permanent as structural pipe lining, which requires invasive surgery.

What Does Property Management Include?

If you are thinking about hiring someone to take care of your property, there are many things you should consider. The company you hire, such as Carlsbad property management company oversees refurbishments and extensive renovations. They can also take care of the property's outdoor space and handle tenant complaints. They can also arrange for emergency repairs and manage evictions. 

Managing tenants

Managing tenants as part of property management can be a challenging task. However, tenants represent a significant portion of your rental investment, and you must do all you can to screen and manage them well. The following steps will help you screen tenants and ensure your rental investment is successful. Screening tenants include checking references, verifying credit, creating a lease, and collecting rent. In addition, you will want to follow all state and federal laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, to avoid liability.

You may also need regular inspections to catch minor problems before they become major ones. You can also prevent expensive repairs by performing seasonal maintenance on your property. In addition to annual inspections, you should also set up a move-in and move-out checklist to distinguish normal wear and tear from excessive damage. Managing tenants as part of property management should also include a thorough security inspection. Many states have laws that allow landlords to hold back a portion of a tenant's security deposit to cover repair costs.

Maintaining financial records

Financial records are an integral part of property management. For example, property managers will make entries for rent and security deposits. They may also be required to make reserve payments to pay for major property repairs. For example, some property managers pay to have carpets cleaned and pass this cost on to tenants. Other financial records may be contingent, meaning the property manager is paid based on the property's potential future sale or profit. This kind of record will be necessary for tenants to know what's going on with their lease payments.

For example, income is recorded in the income account, while expenses are in the expense account. The income account will record rental payments and other financial obligations. The expense account will include bills and other costs. In either case, the record will show what's been spent on each property. This report also gives you a clear idea of your tenants' delinquent accounts. It helps you avoid losing money on delinquent tenants.

Paying for repairs and maintenance

If you are considering property management, you may wonder about the cost of repairs and maintenance. Most property management companies hold rent money until a problem is resolved, and then they will spend the funds on repairs. In addition, many property managers require tenants to keep a reserve for repairs and maintenance of $250 to $1,000, usually deposited into an escrow account. You will receive an itemized statement after repairs are completed, and you can review and approve all estimates before they are begun. Alternatively, property management companies negotiate volume-based discounts for contractors, saving you money on maintenance and repairs.

While some of the most important features of property management include the maintenance and repair of property and a positive tenant relationship, there are some pitfalls to watch out for. The best way to prevent this is to communicate with your tenants about the cost of repairs and maintenance and keep your expectations clear. It will minimize disputes and tenant turnover and increase the chances of a successful outcome. But how can you make sure that your tenants are following your rules?

Managing evictions

Managing evictions in property management is a complicated task. Not only is it expensive, but it can also be lengthy. You can hire a professional eviction service to avoid the hassle and expense. Depending on your state, you can file for eviction immediately after the tenant has missed their first payment. Here are some tips to make the eviction process as easy as possible. In addition to the services mentioned above, you can consider hiring a tenant manager to handle the situation.

Managing evictions in property management requires thorough knowledge of eviction laws. A property manager must follow the correct procedures and avoid a messy situation. Eviction laws vary from state to state, but most states have a detailed legal eviction process that one must follow. Therefore, managing evictions in property management should follow the state guidelines. 

Creating a business plan for property management

Before you can begin implementing your marketing plan for your property management business, you must create a business model. This document describes your strategy for approaching the market and your overall approach to the industry. This plan should also outline the financial goals and budget for the business. Ultimately, your business plan is a guide for your company. As you begin this process, remember to stay on task and avoid a lot of unnecessary detail.

A successful property management business plan must address the prospecting methods for renters and clients. The first step in prospecting is to choose a target income. You can then determine the costs associated with managing each property. As a general rule, property management businesses generate the majority of their revenue from management fees, which are usually flat fees or a percentage of the rent. In addition, property management businesses also charge finders fees for bringing in tenants and mark up maintenance bills.

The Complete Guide to Oil Tank Maintenance

The Complete Guide to Oil Tank Maintenance has all the information you need to maintain your oil storage tank properly. This guide includes information on how to identify signs of deterioration and corrosion. Read on to discover what to look for. In addition, the Complete Guide to Oil Tank Maintenance includes contact information for your local DEP and regional offices, so you can get help when needed.

Check for corrosion

EPA recommends checking fuel oil tanks for corrosion every year. The study showed that 75% of tanks had no corrosion damage, and 80% had some degree of corrosion. This indicates that the gap between owner perception and actual corrosion is wide. To avoid this problem, the fuel tank should be half a whole year-round. 

The best way to check for corrosion is to conduct visual inspections of the tank regularly. Look for damage, and avoid pushing on weak areas. Weak spots could lead to leaks or spills. If you see bumps on the tank's surface, be wary. Lastly, check the gauge systems to make sure they are functioning correctly. Then check for corrosion immediately and contact necessary oil tank services Congers NY.

Check for cracks

Inspect your oil tank regularly. Cracks or holes in the tank are signs of weakness. If a crack is big enough, the oil may leak out. Small cracks and holes can be patched with duct tape or soap. But these methods are only temporary. Cracks and holes in the oil tank could lead to leakage and a contaminated oil supply. Repairing these problems is essential for safety.

Plastic fuel tanks are prone to cracking and damage over time. You can usually identify such problems by looking at the tank's exterior. Cracks in a plastic tank can be repaired quickly, or they may require replacement. Often have developed regulations for plastic fuel tanks. If a crack appears on the tank, contact a qualified engineer to repair it. Make sure they have a tool to transfer oil from an old tank to a new one.

Check for missing legs.

Regular tank maintenance is essential to keeping your heating oil tanks in working condition. First, make sure that you check the legs and brackets for damage. You should also check the platform for cracks, deformities, and rust. Also, look for signs of dampness or dripping oil. If it appears black, you might have water leakage. If you suspect a leak, you should inspect the tank and connectors to determine the cause.

In addition, ensure that your oil tank stands upright on a solid concrete slab. If the tank is on separate cinder blocks, it could lean, resulting in a catastrophic spill. Finally, check the legs and gauge for cracks or deformation. Even if the legs and fittings look fine, they could be loose and cause a catastrophic spill. Check for missing legs and other signs of leakage when performing oil tank maintenance.

Check for deterioration

To ensure the safety of your fuel tank, you should conduct regular inspections. First, the base and surrounding area should be thoroughly checked for damage and deterioration. Next, inspect any visible pipework for signs of die-back or rust. You can also look for stains, wet spots, or odors. Next, check for cracks or subsidence in the tank's base. Finally, inspect the piping and vent pipes for leaks.

If you notice a crack or scrape in the tank, consider replacing it. You'll be better off in the long run. Check deterioration and cracks every few years, and you'll be safer.

Check for water contamination.

Whenever you perform oil tank maintenance, check for water contamination. Water can cause significant corrosion to your heating oil tank, so you must ensure that you dewater it regularly. You can perform tank dewatering using an outlet pipe by fitting a bung at the bottom of the tank. The bung should be placed 0.25 inches below the bottom of the tank, allowing the water to escape but still containing the oil. This process should be done at least every six months to keep the tank clean.

There are several ways that water can get into an oil tank. Poorly sealed storage containers may let rainwater enter. Water can also enter the oil tank when the volume changes. Some breathing tanks may also contain water and pose a contamination risk. It's essential to have a filtration system for both types of fluids in your oil tank. If you're unsure how to check for water contamination in an oil tank, consult a qualified technician.

Home maintenance fear? Here’s how to keep repair costs down with regular upkeep

Juli Adelman of Northeast Portland should be feeling confident about homeownership by now. Since remodeling a fixer-upper 16 years ago, she’s sold each of her past three properties at a profit, moving her up the real estate ladder.

A year ago, she purchased a century-old house in her goal neighborhood: Beaumont-Wilshire. Despite her time-tested DIY repair skills and her contractor father’s assurance she wasn’t buying a money pit, Adelman still feels nervous.

She wonders: What costly mystery may be ahead?

“It’s a totally sound investment and I’ve been pretty lucky at this so far,” she said, “but it’s still kind of a gamble. What if the sewer goes sideways?”

She’s not alone in having home repair fear.

A survey by the Seattle-based real estate marketplace Zillow found 75% of pandemic-era home buyers, who battled record-low inventory, rapidly escalating prices and brutal bidding wars, wish they had done things differently.

Many of those surveyed discovered that one of life’s biggest financial investments, their home, needs more work or maintenance than they anticipated. In a panic to have an offer accepted, some buyers agreed to not ask the seller to make repairs.

Unchecked repairs, however, can become a major drain on savings or even create the need to take on another loan, said Andrew Emerson, vice president of mortgage at OnPoint Community Credit Union.

“Denial isn’t bliss,” he said, adding that preventive maintenance is a way to reduce unnecessary expenses. “You get the most bang for your buck by taking care of your home.”

Repairs and major renovations can put pressure on home finances, especially if budgets are already stretched to pay for a larger mortgage along with rising property taxes, home insurance premiums, homeowner association fees and utility bills.

Skyrocketing inflation and spiking labor and building material costs for even small repairs can quickly change a functioning budget into a sinking one.

But simple fixes can sometimes keep big and small components of a home operating efficiently, extending their usefulness, often without bringing in a professional, said Carol Eisenlohr, who leads the Building Toward Better program for members of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland.

She knows that few people enjoy vacuuming refrigerator coils to keep air flowing, but everyone wants kitchen appliances to be humming along when company’s coming.

“Things that aren’t working properly cause more damage, devalue the home over time and drive us crazy,” said Eisenlohr. “A little maintenance can make them last a lot longer.”

Saving money is the big incentive, she said. Replacing clogged furnace filters keeps motors running with less effort, cuts monthly electric bills and lengthens the time before replacements are needed.

But there are safety benefits, too. Stopping water leaks prevents mold. And a smart fix early on can put the brakes on a budget-busting disaster like a clogged drain flooding new carpet.

Divvying up routine maintenance duties over time and involving the entire household can make chores less of a pain, said Eisenlohr.

Money saved by reducing preventable repairs can be used to take everyone out for pizza or buy some other treat, she said.

“I get joy out of not having to rely on a technician to fix something that I can take care of any time,” said Eisenlohr.

She often finds solutions, like replacing a belt on her washing machine, by watching YouTube videos. “It’s empowering,” she said. “Changing out the fill valve in the toilet is very simple.”

Juli Adelman of Northeast Portland does a lot of her own home maintenance and improvements.

Juli Adelman of Northeast Portland does a lot of her own home maintenance and improvements.Juli Adelman

Portland homeowner Juli Adelman is teaching her twin teenage sons the rewards of tackling home improvement and maintenance projects.

“I really am proud to own my home and want to take good care of it,” said Adelman, who was encouraged by her father to develop mechanical skills and fix things around the house. “I respond right away when I see something wrong and I am not afraid to ask for help when I need it.”

She and her then-husband bought their first home in 2006. The distressed property on Portland’s Northeast Alberta Street had mushrooms growing on interior walls. No down payment was required and equity grew as the market improved and their hard work paid off.

They parlayed that property into a nicer house in the nearby Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood.

After a divorce, she bought a more affordable house on her own farther east, which she enhanced and then sold for more than she paid for it. In January 2021, she was able to “catapult,” she said, back to Beaumont into a Craftsman-style house.

“I always admired how my parents took care of their home and yard, and I want to instill that in my boys, so that’s what keeps me motivated,” she said. “Plus I like learning new things. Two weeks ago I re-caulked my shower by myself and it looks awesome.”

Adelman and her sons work together outside, too, moving the push reel mower, raking, pulling weeds and pruning to fill up the yard debris bin.

“Sometimes one boy has to jump on the yard debris to compact the leaves or clippings to make room for more,” she said. “Making sure the bin is full each week ensures us that we are staying up on the yard as we’re working together as a family.”

Over Eisenlohr’s 25-year career in the building industry, she has helped homebuyers troubleshoot issues under warranty. Her advice: Read the frequently asked questions about the product on the manufacturer’s website or in the user manual.

A furnace could stop working because the door is ajar or an air conditioning unit can freeze up by a clogged filter not letting air flow to the coils.

If you can’t fix it, you can at least explain the problem better to the repair service and make decisions to keep the damage from getting worse, Eisenlohr said.

“Your learning curve will improve over time,” she said, “and you will know your home better.”

Peace of mind comes from doing simple repairs, she said, adding, “By being proactive, you can’t avoid everything, but you can prevent a lot of things.”

Homes don’t like to be ignored. Rust, odd sounds, musty smell, pests or discolored spots signal a problem. Don’t wait until a part breaks or is damaged beyond repair.

For expert advice, Portland-area contractors participating in the Home Builders Association’s 2022 Tour of Remodeled Homes May 21-22 will explain the advantages of using resilient, weather-friendly products.

Visitors walking through five remodeled homes can hear about composite siding and newer paint products that last longer, scratch- and water-resistant flooring like luxury vinyl planks, and energy efficient upgrades.

Electrical and plumbing inspections require a professional, but a lot of maintenance work — like cleaning leaves out of gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof and foundation, and caulking air leaks around windows and door — is not costly if you do it yourself.

Here is a starter list of home maintenance duties that can be performed over time that won’t rob you of weekend leisure time.

Most basic home maintenance tasks can be handled with an Allen wrench, a box cutter, five-in-one painter’s tool, adjustable wrench, pliers, tape measure, screw driver set, hammer and power drill.

“The life of your home depends on making sure it’s constructed properly to keep moisture and weather out,” said the Home Builders Association’s Eisenlohr, who wrote a downloadable home maintenance checklist for Oregon home builder Legend Homes that includes these tips.

Water

  • Keep sink, bathtub, shower, toilet, washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator drains clear and inspect valves and pipes for leaks that can cause mold, wood rot and other damage, and increase your water bill.
  • Condensation on windows and other signs of excessive moisture levels can cause damage over time and pose serious health problems. Use an air conditioner with a clean filter or a dehumidifier to help keep air dry in basements and damp spaces.

Air quality

  • Open windows when weather permits and turn on exhaust fans at other times to remove indoor pollutants.
  • Remove dust to improve air flow from heating registers, dryer vents and kitchen and bathroom exhaust filters. Vacuum inside the ducts of forced air systems.
  • Clean or replace air filters every three months or more often if it’s smoky outside.
  • Clear spiderwebs and dust from carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and security alarms, and replace batteries if needed. “I’ve seen people take the smoke detector down rather than put a battery in it,” said Eisenlohr. “People put maintenance off and don’t feel it’s important, but that could be a bad choice.”

Outside

  • Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows for proper seal and make sure doors to the outside shut tightly. Caulking helps keep warm air inside during winter and cool air during summer.
  • Remove mud and dirt from the siding and check for holes and breakage. Repair siding and masonry surfaces as soon as possible.
  • Inspect exterior siding and trim for peeling or flaking paint. “Paint protects the siding and caulking plugs gaps that could allow water into the wall,” said Eisenlohr.
  • The south and west sides of your home may need more paint care, while the north side might need to be cleared of moss growth.
  • Inspect your roof for problems that lead to leaks and possible dry rot and structural damage from water. Secure any loose shingles or siding. Treat pests that can cause roof damage.
  • Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture. Cracks in the foundation or masonry are normal, but changes in the size of the cracks might indicate a more extensive problem.

— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

[email protected] | @janeteastman

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