Lamunyon News and Information

 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. According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms can cause expensive damage, with an estimated $1 billion in insured losses reported in 2016. While only a small percentage of those losses are caused by winter storms and other types of damaging wind, hail, and flooding, they can still come with a large price tag. And if the damage goes untended, the amount needed to restore your home could increase the longer you wait.Spring Exterior Inspections Once warm weather welcomes you back outdoors for springtime chores, take a look at these specific...

While elves are busy making toys for good little girls and boys, your children might have some concerns about the logistics of Santa delivering their presents on Christmas Eve. After all, there are a lot of houses and children to visit in just a few hours, so the smoother the landing zone, the better! We thought we’d help you put your child’s mind at ease about your house being Santa-ready – specifically about making sure your roof is ready to hold Santa, his sleigh, and his eight tiny reindeer. First, let’s set the scene. According to The Telegraph, Santa’s sleigh weighs more than 2 million tons, once loaded down with toys. He also travels about 1,800 miles every second, so the time he spends on your roof will be over with the twinkling of an eye. Still, that roof better be ready!To ensure a successful landing and departure, here’s a roof maintenance checklist:Do a...

Only second to your roof, ceilings provide much needed overhead protection from the elements, extreme temperatures, and debris floating in the air. They also hold insulation in and keep unsightly beams and pipes undercover. While you may not give your home’s ceilings much thought day to day, when they start to show signs of damage, they are sure to move up the priority list.Types of Ceiling DamageCeiling damage can present itself in a few different ways: Ceiling stains: If you’re ceilings are painted a nice bright white, any discoloration is sure to attract the eye. Ceiling stains come in different colors and shapes, but when they appear, there’s no denying something’s not right. Ceiling cracks: Looking just as it sounds, cracks can form in the ceiling. Some may form in a spiderweb pattern while others may form long straight lines. Bowed ceilings: For the most part, ceilings should be level and...

Labor Day may not be the first official day of fall, but for many it feels likes the unofficial end to summer. While warm days are sure to follow the holiday weekend, they are certainly numbered. Before long the air will turn crisp, the leaves will fall, and snow will be in future forecasts.Take advantage of good weather while it’s here to not only up your home value and curb appeal but also create a comfortable and safe environment during the colder, brisker temps ahead.  Home Projects to Do Before Labor Day  Check the roof: Heavy snow can prove a heavy burden on a roof that isn’t in tip-top shape. Inspect your roof for holes, loose shingles, or areas that could lead to leaks and ice damming this winter. If you aren’t doing the work yourself, hiring a roofing contractor while the weather is still warm will be easier, and likely less...

A homeowner recently told us that she had left her house after turning on the washing machine, only to return 30 minutes later and discovered it was still filling up with water. Sadly for this homeowner, a broken water supply line caused extensive damage not only to the laundry room, but also to the ceiling, wall and floor in the room directly below the laundry area.Water Damage Caused by a WasherThe homeowner said she couldn’t believe so much water could come out of such a small break in the pipe. She was shocked to learn that a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day. She was even more stunned to know that her washing machine used an upwards of 40 gallons of water per load.Here are some additional water facts that relate to our homes and possible insurance claims:A newer washing machine with an...

Water Damage PreventionPreventing home water damage can seem to be redundant and time-consuming, but it definitely beats the alternative. Taking the right preventative measures such as fixing any faulty plumbing early on and redirecting rainwater away from your home, can save you from the headache of a disastrous water damage. If water damage does strike your house, it is important to know the signs in order to catch it early on. The longer it sits, the more damaging, time-consuming, expensive, and stress it will become.Water damage can start small and all of a sudden turn into a disastrous mess, destroying everything in its path. If you can keep an eye out for the signs of a premature water damage, you could save yourself a lot of trouble. These include: Faulty PaintIf your paint begins to bubble, peel, chip, or show any evidence of discoloration, that’s one of the easier signs of...

As the seasonal transition from cool to warm temperatures happens, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has to work in new ways to keep your home comfortable. Instead of eliminating the nip in the air, it now has to help you and your family chill out while also reducing the dampness caused by summertime humidity.If your HVAC system is brand new, that may be as simple as flipping a switch and changing your thermostat settings. However, no matter what age your HVAC system is, it’s always best to complete regular maintenance and take proper measures to prevent costly repairs and wallet-draining energy costs.Energy Saving HVAC TipsBefore it’s time to blast the A/C, use the following tips to keep your HVAC system running at it’s best without forfeiting comfort or cash. Schedule a checkup: Kick off the cooling season by getting your HVAC system in good shape. Hire a skilled...

April showers bring May flowers, but spring rain can also lead to water damage. Basement flooding due to foundation problems and roof leaks can become costly problems when a big storm hits. The good news is by taking proper measures, you can prevent spring rains from hurting your home. Start at the TopWhile flooding often comes first to mind when discussing rain damage, it’s not the only hazard brought in with storms. A roof in need of repair can lead to water leaking in and causing big problems up above. Typically roofs should be replaced every 15 to 20 years, and regular maintenance is key to getting the longest life from your overhead cover. Bring in professional to inspect your roof and repair any cracks, missing shingles, and general wear and tear. Keep in mind that even a loose nail can allow water to leak in. Be on the lookout for water...

With weather warming up, it’s time to shake off the cabin fever and put that extra stored-up energy toward preparing your home for the spring and summer seasons. Regular maintenance is key to preventing and responding to regular wear and tear that happens with age, use, and weather elements. And getting started early means more lazy summer days to spend relaxing. So let’s get started!Outside Spring To-Do List Windows: Replace removable storm windows with screens, and clean dirt and allergen build up from interior and exterior glass as well as the window frame itself. If windows let cold air in during the winter or air-conditioned air out in the summer, consider replacing your windows with more efficient options.Yard drainage: One of the best ways to keep outside water from entering your basement is to grade your yard away from your home with the highest point at the foundation and leveling down from...

Are these THAT necessary?  Many houses don't have them, especially older homes.  So what's the big deal?  The answer is: safety.  If the device you're using develops a short inside it and allows the electricity to find an easier path than the neutral wire, it will take it - a lot of times, into YOU!  If not you, then it can take a path through some flammable material, which really isn't a good thing either.So if you're remodeling, be sure to install outlets with a grounding function.  Especially if you are working in an area near water (kitchen, bathroom) do you need to install GFI or GFCI outlets.  What these do is compare the amount of electricity leaving through the hot (usually black) wire and returning through the neutral (white) wire.  If they are different, it breaks the circuit.  This is to protect you if some of the electricity is passing...

Doesn't everyone do this?Familiar scenario.....you plug in a space heater to warm a chilly room.  You leave it on for a while, but just to be safe, you unplug it after leaving the room for any amount of time.  Or this one...you're phone is almost dead and you turn it off and plug it in - and go to bed.  What's wrong with that?  Usually nothing is wrong with appliances plugged in overnight, or while you're gone.  However, there have been some studies lately showing dangers when that is done.  A federal agency recently conducted a study showing how things can go VERY wrong very quickly! We just finished cleaning up after a fire where the homeowners had left a space heater plugged in.  No, it wasn't turned ON, just plugged IN.  Safe, right?  Evidently not, as they came home from a relaxing weekend away to find about a 10' section of...

At one time or another you or someone you know will experience the (sometimes) horror and aggravation of a sewer backup.  You panic because of the sight of it all to begin with and then the worry about whether you can get things truly clean again!  Let's first find out...  What Causes Backups?Wastewater can enter a home when the sanitary sewer backs up through either floor drains or a stool.  Causes can include blockages from grease, debris, tree roots, sewer line collapse, or as we've seen in recent years, infiltration of storm water in older sections of town.Storm water sometimes overwhelm the sanitary sewers, taking them beyond capacity...and into your house it comes!  While you can't control what the weather does, nor can you always have an influence on what your local city does or doesn't do to maintain the sewers, you as the homeowner CAN make a difference by taking...

We recently attended a class in forensic clean up.  In the class the instructor made the comment that bleach has lost it's rating as a sporicide.  That led me to think:  Bleach has been used for so long by homeowners as a quick and easy mold killer - you mean it isn't effective at ALL?  It seems to work on my shower - so what's the deal?  I did a little research and thought you might enjoy the results, it's easy enough to remember....Differing views...It's been a common view for years to just 'throw some bleach on it and it'll be REALLY clean!' However,  OSHA, who once recommended using chlorine bleach for mold abatement now recommends not using it for mold remediation.  Subsequently, the EPA has edited their Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (EPA 402-k-02-003) to exclude their once recommended use of bleach as a mold clean-up solution.  So,...

What is a Sewage Backup?First of all, it's basically a mix of murky water that contains a variety of unpleasant things such as waste water from your household, organic waste, solid waste, human excrement and debris.  All are hazardous to your health, but human excrement brings the highest risks as it contains micro-organisms such as coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coliform and Enterococcus.  Translation:  Dangerous stuff is in that nasty water!  So the next question is....Is this something I can do on my own?That's a normal question for a homeowner looking to save some money or to avoid having workers coming into his home.  However, read over the precautions, the dangers and the details involved first before deciding absolutely.  It isn't safe to stay in a building that's flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so that there will be no...

During the 18th and 19th centuries, missionaries preached a "doctrine of cleanliness." Why?  The unhygienic conditions in Europe and the United States were the source of all sorts of illness.  At the time, it was common for people acting as a witness in court to kiss the Bible (same Bible for all witnesses), and to use a common cup for drinking at schools and at railway stations.  Then when Louis Pasteur and others demonstrated the connection between illness and bacteria, it only added to the incentive for better public health schemes.Does a clean home make a difference?  Accumulated garbage can contribute to an increase in the population of rats, cockroaches, and other pests that cause illness.  By keeping one's home clean and neat we can help ourselves and family stay healthy.The Right Mental AttitudeSome think that a dirty house or neighborhood is synonymous with poverty.  This isn't necessarily so.  My grandmother,...

Here are a few trusted DIY solutions for common hot water heater problems. johncarljohnson/flickrI've been told here in Hutchinson, that hot water heaters can last about 7 years.  We have so much salt in our water that it corrodes the metal quickly. Sediment and foul odors in your hot water may be a sign of problems with the water heater. Fortunately, there are relatively simple solutions to many water heater problems.How to Remove SedimentFlush the water-heater tank at least once a year to remove sediment buildup, help lengthen the life of your heater and improve energy efficiency. This can help remove particulates in your water. It also helps with chlorination and other remedies explained below, because built-up sediment can protect bacteria from chlorine.First, turn off the breaker to an electric water heater or turn the gas valve knob to the “pilot” position on a gas heater.Connect a garden hose to the drain...

Most will look at these pictures and think "Gross!  How could anyone allow their home to look like that?"  As with most things, it's a conditioning.  We gradually become used to our surroundings and view them as normal.  But seeing these photos makes you want to start cleaning everything in sight, doesn't it?  How DOES a person clean up the sticky, nasty residue of cigarette smoke?  It really isn't that difficult to put the cleaning solution together.  It WILL require some elbow grease though and it has to be done, Kilz-ing alone will not help it.  You have to clean off the nicotine for the paint to adhere properly.It's a simple recipe actually.  First of all, be sure to have proper eye and skin protection:  goggles and gloves. Secondly, have plenty of fresh air.  I have two recipes for you, you can choose whichever you like.  Some purists swear by just 1/2...

Well, we addressed cat "issues" so we might as well be fair and tackle dogs!  Pet waste and urine have a tremendous amount of proteins.  Certain sorts of bacteria are attracted to these and consume them as food.  During the digestion process, you get the strong odors, yuck!  To eliminate the smell, you must eliminate the protein.  So!  What steps does the responsible pet owner take?  Several websites recommend using enzymatic cleaners.  Nature's Miracle is easily found at pet and home and garden stores.  Knowing that, let's outline the steps:1:  Remove the ExcessPick up any solids with a paper towel.  After blotting up as much residue with another paper towel, spray the stain with either a laundry stain remover or your pet stain cleaner.  Let it soak for a few minutes or as directed on the back of the bottle. 2:  Blot with Cold Water and DetergentThis is where several websites...

We all love our cats and most of us welcome them into our homes.  We love their energy, the soothing purrs they create on our laps...we just DON'T love the odors they can create!  In a sense, there's an unwelcome "guest" that greets our noses each time we enter the room; it even welcomes your guests.  You know what we're talking about:  the nasty ammonia scent of cat urine.  You aren't stuck with it though.  There are a number of ways to kick it to the curb!Remove as much urine as possible.   The less urine there is, the less you'll have to deep clean. So if your kitty has pottied somewhere other than her litter box, clean up as much as you can as soon as you can.  If the puddle was on the carpet or furniture, the Humane Societies recommend blotting things up with a paper towel - it doesn't...

Last week we went over 5 points in giving good customer service.  This week I thought it would be fun (and worth a 'can you believe it' head shake) to give you a few examples of unbelievably BAD service.No one has to be trained really, in what constitutes bad manners or bad service.  But sometimes you wonder...Would you like a side of whiskers with that? A group of friends were enjoying dinner together when a mouse darted out from between two booths.  They brought it to the attention of the waiter who responded with "That's cool" and asked what they'd like done about it.  The manager was called in and acknowledged the infestation with the explanation that 'all restaurants have mice whether you see them or not.'  He then proceeded to let them know while he would pay for their meal, there was nothing more he could do about it.  Is there...

As cultures, values and ethics change, customer service skills seem to as well.  Good customer service is the lifeblood of any business.  You can offer any sort of "teaser" to bring in new customers all you want, but if they don't come back again, your business won't be profitable for long.Good customer service is all about bringing customers back - and bringing them back happy, happy enough to be an "unpaid cheerleader", one who sings your praises to anyone who will listen.A good salesperson can sell anything to anyone once.  But it will be the approach you use that will determine whether or not you'll ever be able to sell that person anything else.  The key is to form a relationship with customers - one the customer feels he would like to pursue.  How do you go about doing that?  Remember the one true secret of good customer service and apply it:  "You will be...

February: Winter's last hurrah, Valentine's Day for this part of the world and mating season for skunks! For those of you living in urban areas, skunks are part of the landscape. Unfortunately in their quest for love, they wander around more at night. And for those of us with pets, it can be a precarious time of year! Sunday Morning 5:30a.m. Baxter, our 2-yr old boxer, wakened me for breakfast. Afterwards his routine consists of letting himself out through the doggy door, coming back in and going back to bed. He did this, but with the addition of gagging and choking back into our bedroom! I jumped out of bed initially thinking he was sick...and then the horrible smell hit. He had been skunked right in the face! Talk about bedlam! My husband and I rushed he and his sister (who had been outside with him) into the attached garage, jumped into...

Mold can grow in any moist area of your home, including behind the refrigerator (left) or in the water heater closet (right).  Photos (l. to r.): Wendy Brolga, Flickr; rian_bean, Flickr So you've been noticing a musty odor lately at work, or at home.  You've also developed a rash, constant headaches and watery eyes.  What's causing it?  It could be mold.  Mold and it's spores are all around us.  The primary types of mold include penicillium and aspergillus.  Other kinds of mold like the type you see growing in your bath tub or shower are generally harmless.  Out of all the toxic molds, Black Toxic Mold is the most well known because there have been so many cases of these mold problems in houses devestating the residents' health.  So let's identify Black Mold:Black mold looks black or dark green.  While growing it has a distinctive shiny, slimy looking surface.  Dry however,...

Most homeowners ignore their furnaces during the summer months, so today we're going to give you an easy checklist to look over for the heating season.First, Clean the BurnerUse a wire brush to remove any corrosion and soot buildup on the around the burners.  Shop Vac to remove the brushed free materials.  Inspect the burner and the surrounding housing for excessive corrosion or holes.  If you see damage, contact a professional for repairs.Second, Replace the filter(s)Forced air furnaces have a filter mounted at the blower to eliminate dust from the air that the furnace moves through the home.Three, VentsClean the vent outlets around the house.  Shop vac out any dust or debris from all the vents.Four, Check the burnerThe burner flame needs to be uniform and blue while the furnace runs.  If after cleaning you see a yellow flame, it indicates imporper combustion.  Clean the burners more thoroughly and vac away any...

In today's blog, we will address two important areas for winterizing our homes:Plumbing and Chimney/FireplacesAs temperatures drop, we sometimes forget that simple things can make a HUGE difference in resulting costs and damage.  One simple thing that needs attention is:  Frozen pipes.  While one day or night of freezing temperatures shouldn't make a difference, prolonged freezing temperatures can have a drastic effect on your exposed plumbing.  By now, for those of us living in Kansas, we've had several hard freezes...so doncha think it's time you went around and checked your faucets?!  Remove any hoses you have attached to your outdoor faucets and then go in the house and TURN OFF the water to the outside faucets.By doing these two simple tasks you have averted major risk already to water damage in your walls and home by a frozen burst pipe.Frozen water exerts thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch on a...

For many people, this time of year means family, home time, warmth and twinkling candles. Those are all good things, as long as you go about it safely.  Whether you plan to stay home for your holidays or travel, take steps to be sure you keep your home safe and secure.Each year the US averages 240 Christmas tree fires and 150 decorative light fires resulting in 21 deaths and over $25 million dollars in direct property damage. Don't become another statistic and take these simple, but necessary steps outlined below. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/holiday.shtmHoliday LightsUse artificial lights (not candles) that have cool-burning bulbs approved by a testing lab.Be sure any lights or cords used outside are designed for outside use.Never use or attempt to repair a frayed or damage light set - toss it.Don't overload electrical outlets.Don't place extension cords under carpets or throw rugs.  The traffic can wear off the exterior of the...

We love our pets, but there's always a training period isn't there?  Animals don't understand initially where they should "go" and where they shouldn't.  It's up to us as responsible owners to teach them where.  Yet there's a learning curve, and in-between the time they've learned and the time they're still 'getting it',  we have the inevitable messes to clean up!  How do we clean properly and well enough that they don't head back to that same spot?  Or what if you clean and clean, but you still can't get rid of the smell?Where did it happen?You need to find the soiled area and then re-train them to avoid eliminating there.  To do that, the spot(s) need to be cleaned and cleaned well.Here are the steps you'll need to take:Use your nose and eyes.  If that doesn't work or the scent is just too overpowering, making it difficult to spot exactly where,...

A sooty reminder...A very common problem around most homes is the residual left by burning candles.  The smoke put off by the wicks not only can go into your heating and air system, but can stick to the walls too!  One lady we cleaned for realized how bad the problem had become when she went to move pictures on the wall...and could see where every picture had been!  The walls were actually a different shade behind the pictures.  So how do you go about removing it?First of all, DO NOT WET CLEAN.  Several self help sites have recommended TSP, Windex, etc.  Many times though, and especially if you have flat paint on the walls, these help to "set" the smoke and you will never get it off.  Some homeowners have used the dry cleaning sponges (like Mr. Clean) with some success, but not all.What we use at Lamunyon Dry Out &...

When the word "mold" is used, it never seems to be in a favorable way, does it?  And yet, mold is around us everywhere.For the most part, outdoors, it serves a useful purpose in breaking down organic matter such as downed trees, fallen leaves and dead animals.  We wouldn't have some foods and medicines without it.Indoors, mold growth needs to be avoided.  Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with respect to wood-framed buildings, the structural integrity of the building itself.As long as the three food sources are there for mold:  Moisture, Oxygen and an Organic Source, it will continue to grow.  All molds need dark too, which explains why we so often find it in crawl spaces and basements.  If you add sunlight and air circulation, these areas dry out, making them less hospitable for mold.  Since mold requires water to...

Candle wax in carpet can be a MESS!Candle wax messes...We are coming up on the time of year and no matter whether you live in Little River or the Little Apple, we all seem to burn candles to warm up the house, or to create a festive mood.  However, doesn't it always seem that there's a spill of wax...and then what?  So many of those spills will happen on carpet.  How does one remove the wax safely and cleanly, especially removing the colored wax?The following method is safe for all carpet types and materials.You Will NeedButter knife or any knife with a dull bladeVacuum with hose attachment or hand-held vacuumClean white cloth, white paper towels, or brown paper bagsIronRubbing AlcoholSpray bottle with waterSpongeHeavy weightHow to Remove the StainGently scrape hardened wax with butter knife to remove as much as possible. If wax is still soft, rub with ice cube to harden and then scrape...

No One is immune from natural disasters.  Whether you live in an earthquake zone, hurricane area or Tornado Alley, you should be prepared to deal with the challenge of protecting important paperwork.  What would that include?  The article below from AARP helps cover your bases...Avoid the paper chaseYou may have mere minutes to evacuate, and that's no time to be running around looking for must-have paperwork. So before disaster strikes, collect and copy it.Protecting AssetsKeep one set of original or photocopied records in a portable file system or lock box that will allow grab-and-go convenience if you evacuate. Make a backup set of electronic copies and save them on CDs, DVDs or external drives that should be stored in another safe location, such as a bank safe deposit box or the distant home of a trusted friend or relative. If you have a remote back-up service, you can keep the copies there as well. Going forward,...

Most of us are (unpleasantly) familiar with the scent of skunk.  The human nose can detect the odor at 10 parts per BILLION.  Forget being sprayed directly, no one likes even a whiff of it!  What do you do though if one gets under the house or sprays 'ol Spot and he runs through the house before you can stop him?  There are several things that can be done to help you get rid of it.  First of all, remember that the spray is mainly oil, so you need to use something to cut that oil, thus ridding yourself of the smell.  Below we have listed several steps you will need to take for your "project:"Wash all sprayed clothes, fabrics, people, and animals as soon as possible. The faster you get those smelly things in the wash, the better the chance that the skunk odor will actually wash off. Using your regular laundry detergent...

It’s pretty easy to spot wet carpet; we don’t even need to touch something that we can see is wet.  Sometimes in the middle of the night you yourself may have even had the unfortunate experience of stepping in a wet spot on the tile or carpet, and you hope it’s just water and not that Ole Rover couldn't hold it.  It is not a pleasant experience.Noticing water in carpet or on tile is not too difficult.  This is the water that we refer to as “Dumb Water”.  No, it’s not that we test its intelligence, but it’s that the water doesn't know any better than to hide if it doesn't want to be found.  Water that hides?  Yes, this type of water is referred to as “Smart Water”.Water naturally wants to seek its equilibrium so while some water will soak into the carpet and pad and be easy to find...

Now that you as the homeowner have endured the hassle of preperation and routine upset, how do you make sure the job was done properly?There are several things you can do.  Ask about your contractor's final cleanup check.  Remember, lead dust is often invisible to the naked eye.  It may still be present even if you cannot see it.  The contractor must use disposable cleaning cloths to wipe the floor of the work area and compare them to a cleaning verification card to determine if the work area was adequately cleaned.  Need a cleaning verification card?  That and detailed instructions can be obtained by a visit to the EPA's lead website at www.epa.gov/lead or contact the National Lead Information center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or visit their website at www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm. You may also choose to have a lead-dust test.  Lead-dust tests are wipe samples sent to a lab for analysis.You should specify in your...

Lead remediation is not for the Do-It-Yourself-ers.  This is something a professional should be doing because 1:  They should have all the necessary tools and education and 2: because they know the regulations to work by!  As an Average Joe homeowner, we have so many other things to care for, it's safer in the long run to let the pros handle it.So let's say you've contacted a professional that is going to start on your home. How do YOU prepare for the 'invasion?' First, the work areas should not be accessible to occupants while the work occurs.The rooms or areas where the work is being done may need to be blocked off or sealed with plastic sheeting to contain any dust generated.  Therefore, you may not be able to access certain areas until the work in that room is complete, cleaned thoroughly, and the containment has been removed.  Because you may...

You have the ultimate responsibility for the safety of your family, tenants, or children in your care.  This means properly preparing for the renovation and keeping persons out of the work area.  It also means ensuring the contractor uses lead-safe work practices.Federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.Make sure your contractor is certified, and can explain clearly the details of the job and how the contractor will minimize lead hazards during the work.*You can verity that a contractor is certified by checking the EPA's website at epa.gov/getleadsafe or by calling the National Lead Information Center at 1.800.424.LEAD (5323).  You can also ask to see a copy of their firm certification.  *Ask if the contractor is trained to perform lead-safe work practices and to...

Many building owners do not recognize the dangers of lead based paint and have no idea how to protect themselves during the renovation of their homes or businesses.How do you know if you are affected?  If your home or business building was built before 1978, if you own or operate a child care facility, including preschools and kindergarten classrooms, built before 1978, or if you have a child under six years of age who attends a child care facility built before 1978.As you are probably aware, lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavior problems.  It is also harmful to adults.  Lead dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead, but exposure is also possible through lead in soil or paint chips.  Projects that disturb painted surfaces can create dust and endanger you and your family.  Don't let this happen...

So you walk down the stairs into the basement and behold this horrific sight. After the screaming stops and you start breathing again, what do you do? Should you immediately grab your shop vac and call all family and friends who owe you a favor? Or is it safer, and in many cases, less expensive to call a professional restoration company after water damage occurs? If you guessed the latter, you're correct!Here's the top 3 reasons you should immediately reach for the phone for professional water damage restoration:1.  Safety is first and foremost.  If the flooding is not from a clean water source, dealing with raw sewage is very dangerous without the proper equipment and training. Mold can also easily grow when walls, floors, and trim aren't completely dried. Why endanger the health of your family by taking the chance and drying it yourself?2.  Save money! Most people don't realize how...

The first priority is getting to the stain as soon as possible.  Remove as much of food spills as possible by scraping the carpet gently with a spoon or a dull knife.  Absorb wet spills quickly by blotting repeatedly with white paper or white cloth towels.  Always blot; never rub or scrub abrasively, as a fuzzy area may result.  When blotting, work form the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the spill.  Remove the stain using one of the cleaning items from the checklist below.  Rinse the cleaned carpet area with water to remove detergent residue that may become sticky and cause rapid re-soiling.  Absorb any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weighing them down with a heavy object.  This step is necessary even when the carpet doesn’t seem particularly damp.  A helpful tool in deciding which stain removal...

Very few people think about cleaning the vent and ductwork attached to their clothes dryer.  However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.  Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair can perform dryer vent cleaning as a complimentary service when we clean the air ducts in your home.  In the meantime, here are some tips to help prevent dryer fires, and make your dryer work more efficiently:Clean the lint filter screen after every load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign...

When people suffer the loss of their home and possessions in a tornado, flood, or fire, it is often the treasured family photos and documents that are missed the most.  Fortunately today there are many options for insuring that these family records are not lost forever.  One of your best bets will be to keep the originals or copies in a safe deposit box.  If that isn’t an option for you, a heavy-duty metal fire proof box kept on a high shelf can also work.  It may be wise to keep the copies in a separate location from the originals so that if one set is destroyed, the other will be safe.  Keeping them at a friend or relatives house may be a viable alternative. Another way to preserve your documents is to scan them into an electronic format that can be kept on a CD or external hard drive.  There...