Simple Lock

Our home has a left-side steel door with a hinge lock that leads straightly to the front yard. My first time to capture it. I guess it looks nice in B&W.

 The Weekend in Black and White

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House Cleaning Tips after the Flood

House Cleaning Tips after the Flood -Lately some of us are affected by flood, especially people who are living in areas prone to flooding. Cleaning house after the flood is certainly exhausting work. Do not give up; here are some house cleaning tips that may help you:

image:thejakartapost.com

 

1. Put off electricity

Electricity-supply company usually decides to cut the power lines in the flood-stricken areas. But when the power of your home is still on, you must immediately turn off it to avoid short circuit or an electric shock hazard.

2. Use clean  water

Flooding would make mud into houses. Spray the house with clean water using a long hose and rubber drain to remove the mud from inside the house.

3. Wear gloves, footwear and masks

The spread of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases after floods could be very fast. To avoid getting affected by the diseases, there is no harm if you use gloves, footwear and a mask when cleaning the house.

4.Disinfectant sprayer

Still related to the post-flood diseases, disinfectants are essentially required when cleaning the house. Spray the disinfectant onto the wall, floors or difficult to reach spots such as beneath cabinets and sidelines of desks.

5. Drying damp items

Drying out using solar light is the most effective. In addition to remove the moisture, it may also kill germs and repel odor. Small stuffs such as clothing, blankets or towels can be washed in the normal way or soaked it first using hot water. While carpets or mattress, after being cleaned and dried, each should also be sprayed with disinfectant to kill the nesting germs. And then you must dry out them again.

6.Boil the tableware

Digestive diseases most easily spread after flooding. To avoid it, boil the metal tableware for 5-10 minutes, or at least watered them using boiled water.

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Tips on How to Care for Your Water Heater

Tips on How to Care for Your Water Heater -To ensure that your hot water heater is functioning efficiently, there are certain things that need to be done periodically. But before that, here are some interesting facts about water heaters.

 

image:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_heating

Fact 1: Hot water heaters are expected to last for about 8 to 12 years.

Fact 2: Following a maintenance schedule can extend a unit’s economic lifespan.

Fact 3: Water heater keeps a reservoir of hot water, so when you turn on the tap, it already is able to provide what you need.

Fact 4: Sediments gets accumulated at the bottom of the tank.

Fact 5: For natural gas water heaters, irrespective of its age and size can have an energy efficiency of 45%-61%. The newer models though can have an energy efficiency of 62%.

Fact 6: Natural gas hot water heater needs to be ventilated.

Fact 7: Electric water heaters have an energy efficiency of up to 93%, but the cost of the energy is more expensive.

Fact 8: Tankless water heater provides hot water at a longer time but there are times that the flow can be at a lower rate. Energy efficiency is 82%.

Fact 9: How water system needs to be serviced every 5 years.

Tips in Caring for Your Hot Water Heater

·         Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to avoid getting scalded.

·         Keep a clearance distance of 2 feet around the appliances or according what the manual states.

·         Drain the tank a few times in a year to remove the sediments – sediments that are accumulated will cause the water heater to exert more energy to maintain the desired temperature.

·         Perform an annual temperature pressure relief valve check.

·         Check the anode rod every 3 to 5 years.

·         Insulate units especially the older ones with a fibreglass jacket to help improve its energy efficiency.

·         Adjust the thermostat.

·         Maintain the right pressure in the tank.

·         Install water and gas safety valves in case if there is a problem.

·         Replace or fix any part that gets broken. Any broken piece will hinder the water heater’s performance and energy efficiency and consumption.

·         Check water leakage at the heater’s bottom.

However, when doing maintenance check, you need to make sure you follow safety rules. If you need the help of a professional, do not stop yourself from doing so just to save money. You need to understand that if things go wrong, then it will be more expensive than hiring a professional to work on your hot water heater.

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Asbestos Removal – Perth Homeowners’ List of Important Measures to Take

Asbestos is a mineral that came into wide use between the ‘50s and ‘80s in many construction projects. In particular, asbestos was favoured for possessing several great qualities including rigidity and fire resistance. During that period, the mineral was used in the construction of heating flues, bath panels, floor tiles, garage roofs, sheds, gutters and wall and ceiling linings.

But during the ‘70s, scientists discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos produced adverse effects including cancer and respiratory ailments. While asbestos can be readily found in a vast array of environments, prolonged exposure to high quantities increased the risk for these diseases. Unfortunately, the adverse effects can only be seen between 20 to 30 years after exposure, when a disease has already wreaked havoc on a person's body.

In response to this, the mineral has been banned for use in construction projects, particularly in residential properties.

If you fear that your home has been built with materials using this mineral, you might be seriously considering asbestos removal. Perth homeowners, however, ought to know that the removal of the mineral is not the first best option in every case. For example, if your home was built during the ‘80s or a few years later, it is highly likely that the building materials used in the construction of your residence do not contain asbestos. However, if your home was constructed before this period, there is a significant chance that there may be asbestos there.

 

Image:en.wikipedia.org

 

Another important thing to note is that when left untouched or undisturbed, asbestos does not pose a serious health risk to the residents of a household. On the contrary, asbestos removal, when done incorrectly, can further increase the risks. If you are remodelling a portion of your home that has asbestos, the contractor can work around this material to ensure that it is not disturbed. Additionally, there are treatments available that can be applied to asbestos that will permanently bind the fibres together.

However, if you do not wish to gamble on the health and wellbeing of your family, then your best choice would be to remove the material containing asbestos from your home. In this case, it is imperative to choose an expert with the knowledge, skill and equipment to perform the job correctly.

A suitable contractor knows how to properly remove materials containing asbestos. Do mind that sawing, drilling or sanding materials with asbestos allow the harmful fibres to escape into the air. Experienced contractors also know how and where to properly dispose of the removed materials, thus preventing exposure and contamination to unknowing victims.

About the author: Kenneth Lawrence is a “Handyman.” He is also a content creator who writes about home renovation, kitchen improvement, interior and exterior designing, DIY projects, landscaping and other related topics that can help improve houses. As of now, he visits www.martelletticontracting.com.au to know more about home services like asbestos removal.

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