Just because summer temps heat up doesn’t mean you can extinguish your efforts toward fire safety this season. You may no longer be using the fireplace to warm up your property or cooking large family meals in the kitchen for the holidays. Still there are plenty of times when fire is used during months of June, July, August, and September that can lead to injuries, loss of property, and even death. Learn about the three common summer fire risks and the safety precautions you need to take to prevent your season from getting singed.  (more…)

Like it or not, mold is all around you–and that includes in your home. Thousands of different mold strains exist in the world, and many can reproduce and thrive easily with just water and a living–or once-living–biological source. A good example of the latter is wood. (more…)

Commercial buildings, like any property, are subject to costly weather-related damage. Depending on the season and location, losses can be caused by tornadoes, blizzards, earthquakes, and hurricanes. But maybe one of the more common weather disasters is storms. In addition to hail, heavy winds, and lightning strikes, when the rain starts to fall, often times flooding is of biggest concern.  (more…)

Grilling is a summer staple, be it a backyard barbecue, firing up food at baseball tailgater or cooking over an open flame while camping. But as fun as gathering with family and friends to feast on some warm-weather fare can be, it can all go up in smoke if grill safety isn’t made priority number one. (more…)

We are one week from the unofficial start of summer. This means the season when backyards become the place to be. After a long, cold winter stuck indoors, you and your family may see your backyard–or any lot of land surrounding your property–as an outdoor oasis offering fresh air and fun in the sun. True as that may be, like anything that’s sat virtually unused for months at a time, your yard could use your attention before beginning to barbecue with the neighbors or laying out the lawn games. (more…)

Thanks to mold, Hide and Seek is no longer just a game kids play. In fact, your commercial building may be harboring mold in secret hiding spots you don’t know about, and now it’s up to you to find it before it causes bigger problems. (more…)

As snow and ice give way to flower buds, grass sprouts, and sunshine, it’s time to take a fresh look at the shape of your home. Winter, with its cold temperatures, icicles, and harsh winds may have done a number to your exterior. Hefty damage might be easy to spot but don’t overlook the little problems that could cost you big time later. (more…)

Spring and water damage tend to go hand in hand, be it melting snow, falling rain, or rising levels of humidity. And seasons aside, there’s also man-made water damage due to burst pipes, leaky appliances, and inadequate ventilation. As soon as the water hits–whatever its source–the destruction begins, causing stains, odors, wood swelling and warping, drywall deterioration, and structural rot. Within hours, flooring, walls, and furniture can be ruined, and within days the integrity of your home can be compromised and your interior air contaminated by mold. (more…)

You’ve done you’re part to reduce, reuse, and recycle, but don’t let your green efforts end there. There are plenty opportunities to make your home more eco-friendly after disaster. Whether you have a remodel already planned or you just want to make your space more sustainable, honor the month of Earth Day and let Mother Nature be your project guide. (more…)

Bills and expenses come with owning a home, but being house poor wasn’t likely your goal when putting a roof over your family’s heads. Instead, you probably planned on saving for retirement, stashing away money for your child’s education, and having a little extra to take a family vacation now and then. But if the end of the month has you seeing more red than black, it’s time to look for more ways to cut back. (more…)