Spotting Video

October 17th, 2011

Carpet Spot Removal

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Commercial Carpet Cleaning Spot Out is very effective. Download our instructions pdf flyer here.

Irrigation Drainage

August 1st, 2011

Irrigation DrainageMany homeowners forget to check for a leading cause of water damage to their home: Poor irrigation direction in their lawns, gardens, and landscaping in general. A simple guide to judge your irrigation’s efficiency is:

  • Dig garden trenches with a downward slope away from the house
  • You should be able to see part (at least 3 to 4 inches) of your home’s foundation, and then slope the ground a total of 6 inches for the first 10 feet away from the house
  • Point roof gutters away from your home and, if necessary, provide attachments that carry it even further from the home if you notice pooling
  • Use piping to direct condensate line drips away from your home

Window Leaks

June 1st, 2011

Window LeaksDetecting a window leak is a lot easier said than done. Unless you are seeing visible dripping during a storm, you are unlikely to “catch them in the act.” If you suspect leakage, look for staining around the corners of window sills after a storm. Look for signs of any possible paint bubbling. The drywall may be brittle and chalky in areas where moisture sat recently. If there is a noticeable leak during adverse weather, call a window installer to double check caulking and the window’s fit. Other reasons for window leaks could be voids in the sealer and wooden window frames coming loose from brick houses.

Pro and DIY Roof Inspections

May 1st, 2011

Pro and DIY Roof InspectionsIf your roof is the first line of defense for your home, then a roof inspection is the first line of defense for your roof! The best times to have your roof inspected are at the beginning of the rainy season, when any structural damage will be quickly exposed, and toward the end of the rainy season, when the high volume of precipitation may have taken its toll on your roof.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that homeowners have their roof inspected twice a year. This may be playing it unnecessarily safe in Tucson, but we recommend having your roof inspected at least once a year. To get started on a Do-It-Yourself Roof Inspection, try these tips:

  • Check all gutters, and make sure they are clean and securely fastened.
  • Check flat roofs with roof drains, and make sure the drains are functioning properly.
  • Check chimneys for any cracks or damage.
  • Check all flashings, and make sure they are securely fastened / sealed.
  • Check all areas with caulking, and touch up any suspected deficiencies.
  • Inspect under eaves and overhangs to look for damage that might indicate water leakage, especially at points of the roof that don’t conform to the regular roof plane, such as dormers or skylights.

Condensation Line Leaks

April 1st, 2011

In the summer, air conditioners suck hot air from inside of your house through a series of cooling coils, called Condenser Coils. The coils turn the warm air into cool air using a freezing agent (Freon). The cold of the coil causes water to collect (condensation) on the outside of these coils, much like a glass of ice water will “sweat.” This condensation is then collected in a pan located just beneath the coils, which drips into a line (the Condensate Line or “CLine” for this article). The CLine is designed to process the water overflow, directing it to an outer part of the house.

If your AC unit is on top of your roof, your CLine will drain onto the roof. If your AC unit is in an attic, the CLine is located in the attic as well. Often, what happens is the Catch Pan and/or the CLine grows algae, just like a pool or any other standing water. This will clog and eventually cause the Catch Pan or CLine to overflow and/or not flow properly. Two easy ways to prevent overflow:

Clean the pan and CLine regularly (or at least at the beginning of the summer season).

Install an EZ-trap or a rubber float switch that shuts the AC unit off once the CLine is full to a certain point. These should be installed by a professional.

Our office can provide you with recommendations for reputable vendors who will perform these services for you.