Reduce Summer Heat with a Comfort Cooler Attic Fan

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Ashley Houk

attic-ventAttic ventilation is one of the biggest problem areas that we come across. Most people don’t realize how important proper ventilation is for a healthy and happy home. As those humid, Midwestern summer days are ever approaching, prepare to beat the heat.

You probably haven’t seen a lot of attic fans around these days. But you may remember them from your grandparents’ farm house. On brutal summer days, my grandma would always have the windows and doors open to promote air flow, but when it got too hot to handle you can bet the attic fan was left on day and night.

Did you know that during summer months, attics can reach up to 150 degrees?! That air, without good ventilation, is merely circulated throughout the house. This will cause the air conditioner to run more frequently, which in turn wreaks havoc on utility bills. Attic fans draw that air out of the living areas as it reduces the temperature of the air in the attic. That way your A/C can take a break once in awhile.

Improved ventilation can help with keeping pesky critters like termites and cockroaches at bay too. These insects are drawn to dark, moist areas that are often created as a result of poor ventilation. As the attic fan draws air up and away, it pulls moisture out too. Say goodbye to termites, mold and mildew!

As the air and moisture are removed from your home, you may notice that you have to clean less. Sorry, I know that really bursts your bubble. Since air will be circulating pretty quickly, your attic fan draws dust molecules out before they have a chance to settle on, well, everything. This could potentially help with reducing allergy symptoms too!

With all the perks of having an attic fan, I can see why Grandma didn’t mind it running through the summer. If your home doesn’t currently have one, this could be a great time and money saving option. Attic fans are an inexpensive way to improve ventilation and general home health.

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Salvage Water Damaged Valuables

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Ashley Houk

As we finally begin to see the spring showers us Midwesterns look forward to, water damage becomes a real threat. Winter only brought a few heavy snow storms, so the rain is falling on pretty dry ground. Because the soil can’t absorb the moisture quickly enough, be prepared in case your basement starts to take some of that wetness on.

In the event that your sump pump stops working, can’t work fast enough, or a freak flash flood hits, there are some things you can do to save all those precious memories.

  1. Rinse wet items with clean water and gently remove any debris with soft-bristled brushes or damp cloths.
  2. Air dry possessions, indoors if you can. Sunlight and heat can cause even more damage, such as cracking or warping.flooded-room
  3. Do your best to prevent mold, in/on items as well as the basement. Clean baseboards, walls, and floors with disinfectants. If objects were stored in a file cabinet or box, remove them for drying. Should they need transported elsewhere, plastic bags can be used just make sure they’re left open to allow air to circulate.
  4. Paper items will be fragile; handle with care! If pictures or diplomas are framed, remove loose edges. Books and paper can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
  5. Metal items can be rinsed to remove small deposits of silt or mud, then dried with a soft cloth. If the deposits of mud are thick, allow it to dry before removing later.

No one wants to have to deal with the hassles and stress of water damage. Store valuables in waterproof safes, airtight storage containers, in the attic, or away from home in storage units in order to help prevent future instances of damage. Installing a second sump pump is also an option. Gordon Energy and Drainage offers a battery back-up pump for basements that are at high risk of leaking. Contact us today at (913) 712-0500 for more information.

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Grow a Better Yard with Proper Drainage

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Ashley Houk

pretty yardStanding water in the yard is enough of a nuance for walking or mowing, but that water could be causing other problems too. If you have trouble growing anything, drainage may be the problem. Maybe you made plans to spend your summer in the garden, another place drainage often poses problems to itself and your yard. Take the time to ensure proper drainage systems are in place before you begin.

Signs Drainage is Affecting Your Yard

Of course all plants need good soil to grow, but if you have that and are still struggling to sustain growth consider these things, all of which can be affected by poor drainage:

  • Strong roots help keep plants in place, but also aid in their health. If roots are weak, trees and flowers are more likely to contract certain diseases that will inhibit growth or cause them to die.
  • Photosynthesis is how plants turn water, sunlight and other chemicals into nutrients for growth, which will decline if they’re given too much water. You can tell if your yard or garden is holding water by looking at leaves for a yellowish hue in place of the normal green. If the problem persists, the leaves will eventually die and fall off.
  • Moss, typically found in wetland environments where water is stagnant, shouldn’t grow in yards and gardens. Unless it was intentionally planted, remove it as soon as possible and seek to remedy the drainage issue(s).

Because problems with drainage arise from a variety of reasons—soil type, proximity of gutters to the house or the amount of foot traffic the regularly yard sees—there isn’t just one quick fix.

If you would like more information about ways to prevent and repair yard drainage problems, call Gordon Energy today at (913) 712-0500.

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Chiefs and Royals Team Up Against Erosion

Posted on May 5, 2013 by joe

When it comes to sports, having the right playing surface is more than just mowing and watering the grass.

The Chiefs and Royals can attest to having the right amount of lawn care.

However, the tenants over at Truman Sports Complex are taking a different approach to the grassy area surrounding the complex. No more mowing, they say.

erosion-control-kansas-cityThis week, workers are replacing 35 acres of sod and weeds with a mixture of wild flowers and native prairie grasses, which they hope will become more environmentally friendly for the area.

By having wild flowers and prairie grasses, they hope to cut down on reducing pollution as they won’t have to mow the old crabgrass and fescue, as well as reducing erosion and building bioversity!

The Missouri Department of Conservation is helping with the project as they grow native prairie grasses: little bluestem, big bluestem and Indiangrass.

The project will pay for itself in its first year as the cost of mowing the lawn (workers’ wage and gas) in a year is greater than the cost of putting in flowers and prairie grass.

The Royals and Chiefs have also planted several trees around the complex this year.

So not only are they looking to cut costs, but they’re also being environmentally friendly!

If you would like to discuss ways to prevent erosion around your home or business, give Gordon Energy a call today at (913) 712-0500.

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Spring into Action

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Gordon Energy & Drainage

spring lawn care mowing the lawn

Spring is in the air! With the first official day of Spring on Wednesday, March 20, I am feeling the excitement. At this time of year, I start looking forward to the chores and projects I’ll need to do outside.

I’m sure we are all ready for barbeques, drinking lemonade on the porch and playing in the yard. First, we have to help our lawn move from Winter to Spring. Let’s think of some things we can do to get our lawn and house ready for Spring!

 

  1. tune up your lawn mower-Make sure your lawn mower is ready for all the work you’re about to use it for this season. See if it starts up immediately. If it doesn’t, it may need some work. Change the oil, the spark plug and the air filter. You can do this yourself or hire someone. You’ll be glad you checked early in the season!
  2. rake it out- You raked last fall, but this rake is important, too. Rake the weeds and dry grass before any other lawn projects. If you’re planning to seed or use fertilizer, all of the debris will keep it from reaching the soil.
  3. say goodbye to the weeds- Use a weed killer to keep the weeds out of your yard. Starting early in the season will help prevent the weeds from producing more seeds and taking over your lawn.
  4. prune- This is the best time to prune trees and shrubs around your lawn. For spring-flowering shrubs, wait until they finish blooming.
  5. plant and transplant- This is a good time to plant and transplant many flowers, trees or shrubs.

These steps should help you get your lawn ready for the warm months ahead! For more home improvement tips, check out the Gordon Energy Facebook page!

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What To Do Before A Trip: Home Safety Tips Part 2

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Gordon Energy & Drainage

In our last post, we started to share the basic steps for preparing your home before you leave for a trip. Securing your house will not only help deter thieves, but it will also make sure you avoid damage or loss. Remember to have a friend or family member check on your home to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Read on for the rest of the home safety tips:

Pause Mail and Deliveries- A pile of newspapers is a sign to potential thieves that homeowners are not around. Be sure to hold your mail by going to usps.com or stopping by the post office. You can cancel newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbor to check for and remove packages and notices of attempted delivery.

Thermostat- If you are leaving while the temperature is still low, you will want to set your thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees.This prevents freezing pipes and colder temperatures that may affect the interior of your home. If the weather has warmed up, its okay to turn the thermostat up. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to return to a normal temperature the day you arrive home so you aren’t welcomed by a stuffy house.

set home security system before vacation

Security- Double check that all doors are locked and enable your alarm system if you have one. Use light timers to deter thieves- set your living and bedroom lights to turn on in the evening following your typical schedule. Exterior light timers are another great investment. To go the extra step, consider a radio timer that can turn on in the evening to make it seem you are home.

Just as you make a packing list before the day of your vacation, you should make a house preparation list a few weeks in advance .This gives you time to buy or find light timers, ask neighbors to check in and hold mail. Do you have any tips for preparing your home for a vacation?

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What To Do Before A Trip: Home Safety Tips Part 1

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Gordon Energy & Drainage

You’ve started a countdown, planned the itinerary and rummaged through the basement to find the suitcases. Yes, you are ready for your vacation. Maybe you have several weeks to go until your family spring break trip, or maybe your visit to grandma’s house is just around the corner.

Whatever type of trip you have planned, we have one more thing to add to your “to-do” list. While you’re preparing yourself, don’t forget to prepare your home as well. If you take a little bit of time before a trip, you’ll save yourself the worry of damage, theft or loss happening while you’re out living your vacation dreams. Securing your house first will keep you from losing items, property or money- and you’ll be able to completely rest while you’re away.

packed car for trip

Add these home safety tips to your vacation checklist:

Check In- Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home daily. Meet with them before you leave to show them around the house, pointing out locks, alarm systems and plant and pet information. Leave them a list of tasks and your travel plans. Ask them to call the police if they see anything unusual. Its also a good idea not to advertise the fact that you and your family will be out of the area for a week. Tell only those friends and neighbors that need to know and make sure your family doesn’t post about the vacation on social media sites- this is an easy way for thieves to find vacant homes.

Valuables- Intruders almost always head straight to the master bedroom. Rethink where you store your extra cash, jewelry, guns and valuables. Keep all guns in a locked gun safe. You might want to store jewelry and cash at a safe deposit box at the bank.

Energy- Go through every room before you leave and unplug all unnecessary objects. Your TV and toaster won’t be used, so this will save you from wasting energy and electricity.

We know how vacations are- it is so easy to forget something important. Trust us, you’ll be happy you took a few steps to secure your home before your trip. Our next post will share the rest of the home safety tips you should check off before leaving town.

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A Year of Home Improvement Projects: Fresh Start in The Kitchen

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Gordon Energy & Drainage

Winter might still be hanging on, but it is time to think forward to spring. This month’s project in our series of monthly home improvement projects focuses on a family’s favorite spot- the kitchen. Move from winter meals to fresh spring eating by clearing out your pantry and fridge.

Organize Your Kitchen:

Clear out your stash of winter food

Go through your freezer, fridge and pantry. Organize the frozen meals and winter staples you have left, and make a list of all meals and ingredients you should use before the temperatures rise. Make a plan to finish off your frozen casseroles, wintry vegetables and other foods.

Deep Clean

To do a good job, you need to clear out the shelves completely and clean the shelves and drawers. Use soapy water to clean all fridge surfaces and dust the pantry. Then, go through all items in your fridge, throwing out old items or things you won’t eat. Make a mental note at this stage- do you have three uneaten boxes of stale crackers? Maybe you only need a small box next time.

Clever Organization

Be practical when you restock your fridge and pantry. Do you and your kids rush out the door without breakfast in the morning? Gather your granola bars, bagels and fruit in a basket so you can grab and go. Look for wire baskets, can shelves, and clear tupperware with locking lids. Use your door space- attach white boards for weekly menus or spice racks for easy access.

organzied pantry home improvement

Try creating sections for different items. Baking supplies have a corner, simple weeknight dinners go in a container, and quick lunch snacks are organized in a tub. After you’ve made a system that works for you, make your shopping list.

This project will only take a few hours, and you’ll be glad you spent the time! We hope you find a bit of time to invest in your home this month. Tell us about your home improvement projects and your clean kitchens! Check back on our blog for more easy DIY home improvement projects and follow Gordon Energy & Drainage on Twitter.

 

We hope you’ll take a day to invest in your home this month. Try these ideas for keeping your home quiet and running well! Did we forget any common noisemakers? Let us know what you’ve found.  Remember to follow Gordon Energy & Drainage on Twitter and on our blog. Check out the blog for more monthly home improvement projects so we can keep our resolution!

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Waterproof Central: How to Waterproof Anything and Everything

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Gordon Energy & Drainage

 

girl in rainboots and umbrella waterproof

At Gordon Energy & Drainage we essentially deal in waterproofing basements, so the idea of waterproofing everyday items really makes sense to us! We don’t think about “waterproofing” very often, but water resistance is important to keep your things in good condition. So, we decided to investigate. Check these tips out to learn how to make several items waterproof.

Waterproof Outdoor Furniture

Even water resistant fabric outdoor furniture can take in water. To keep your outdoor furniture lasting through many seasons, you can do this simple project. Make sure that rain is not in the forecast, and then clean off all cushions with warm soapy water. Let the furniture dry completely before using a waterproofing spray that you can find at any hardware store. Spray outside and cover corners and seams thoroughly. When it dries, you’re ready to use your newly waterproofed furniture!

Waterproof Shoes

Waterproofing can help your shoes survive even the rainiest season. You’ll need to find the right type of waterproofing product depending on the material of your shoe. Spray waterproofers work well for silk, snakeskin, or suede. A lotion or oil will work for soft leather. Follow the instructions for the product you buy and always test on a small area to make sure it doesn’t affect the color.

Waterproof Book Covers

We know it isn’t beach weather yet, but if you are planning a vacation to a sunny spot, a waterproof book cover is the perfect way to protect your must-read from water damage. You can use oilcloth or vinyl. Mark around the open book adding ½ inch on top and bottom and 3 inches on each side. Cut out the shape and stitch ¼ inch hem on top and bottom edges. you can then fold the side flaps in and stitch in place.

Do you have any other waterproofing questions or tips? At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we know the power of water to damage items. When water makes way into our basements, there are many consequences. We will keep working hard to waterproof homes to prevent drainage and leaks from damaging homes. You can follow Gordon Energy & Drainage on Twitter and on our blog. Check out the blog for more projects and tips!

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A Year of Home Improvement Projects: Hush Your Noisy Home

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Gordon Energy & Drainage

We made a New Year’s Resolution to commit to home improvement in 2013 and we are excited to share our first project. This project is about bringing the stillness and silence of winter into your home. Since you spend more time indoors this time of year, you’ll feel refreshed after fixing a few pesky noise-makers.

Silence the Creaks

You may start to notice squeaky doors throughout your whole home. There is an easy fix for all of the creaky doors you find. Just attack the hinges and sliding tracks with some WD-40. Check your kitchen and bathroom cabinets and room doors. This simple fix doesn’t take much time or money. If you notice doors keep creaking and don’t shut tight, this might signal a foundation problem. We will happily check out your foundation to make sure there is no damage.

Stop the Beeps

Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors may be fine now, but no one in the house will appreciate if they start beeping in the middle of the night. We are not simply worried about a pesky beep keeping you up at night- we want to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are ready to do their job and alert you. So, you need to check and replace those batteries. Do not simply remove them, but have the new batteries with you as you check each detector in your home.

Pipe Down

Have noisy pipes when you use water? If the pipes are noisy when you turn the sink on and off, you may have a water hammer problem or the pipes are not properly secured to the wall. You may need to lower the water pressure to below 60 psi. You can use a pressure-reducing valve or have a plumber check out the situation.

We hope you’ll take a day to invest in your home this month. Try these ideas for keeping your home quiet and running well! Did we forget any common noisemakers? Let us know what you’ve found.  Remember to follow Gordon Energy & Drainage on Twitter and on our blog. Check out the blog for more monthly home improvement projects so we can keep our resolution!

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