Month: May 2021

8 Tips for Safe Summer Barbeques

May 24, 2021 /

According to the Nation Fire Protection Association, an average of 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. With May, June, July, and August being the peak months for grill fires, it’s the perfect time to learn the do’s and don’ts of outdoor grilling.

DO

  1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and other attached structures, including garages and porches. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills. The farther away from your home, the lower the risk of fire.
  2. Clean your grill regularly, if not after every usage. If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they provide more fuel for fire. By regularly cleaning your grill, you not only decrease the risk of a fire but it also helps food cook better.
  3. Check your grill for gas leaks regularly. Make a solution with one part water and one part dish soap and apply it to the line that connects the grill to the gas tank. If bubbles appear on the line when you turn on the gas, that’s a sign that the hose has tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.
  4. Keep water and a fire extinguisher within a couple of steps from your grill. More importantly, know how to use the fire extinguisher! If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don’t waste time fiddling with it before calling 911.

DON’T

  1. Leave your grill unattended. Fires can double in size every minute. In case the grill catches fire, an adult should be around to extinguish it quickly.
  2. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. If you do this, it causes gas to build up in your grill and can instantly turn into a fireball when the grill lid is opened.
  3. Overload your grill with food. Although it seems time efficient, cooking too much food, especially fatty meats, can cause excess fat to drip down onto the grill flames. This excess fat is highly flammable and can cause a large flare-up.
  4. Use a grill indoors. People often think that it is safe to use a grill inside, however, this is not true. Besides a fire hazard, it also creates a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning that can kill you, your family, and your pets.

As fire restoration experts, we advise everyone to be vigilant when grilling. Unfortunately, fire damage incidents can still happen to the most cautious homeowners. If your property experiences fire, smoke, or soot damage, contact Whalen Restoration Services for professional and reliable fire restoration services.

How To Prevent Mold In Your Attic

May 7, 2021 /

The attic is one area of the home that is very likely to be neglected or ignored. Since attics are often “out of sight, out of mind”, they can easily become a hotbed for mold. Roof leaks, poor ventilation, and other condensation related problems are some of the most common causes of excessive attic moisture and mold growth. Unattended mold in your home attic space can reproduce, leading to potential structural deterioration. However, with proper care, you can help prevent the growth of mold in your attic.

Here Are Some Tips On How to Maintain a Mold-Free Attic

Inspect Your Attic Monthly

Check regularly for rook leaks that may produce moisture. This is the best way to ensure that a leak does not go unnoticed for too long. Inspect the insulation and wood for discoloration, as discoloration may be a sign of water damage.

Check for wet areas in roof valleys (where two roofs join at an angle). These areas are highly susceptible to rook leaks and may lead to excess water and moisture damage if not properly fixed.

Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation

Without adequate ventilation, moisture levels in your attic may significantly increase. This is particularly important in the winter, when warm air rises to the ceiling, enters the attic, and condenses on the cold surfaces. Proper ventilation, using rafter vents and soffits, allows the heat and moisture to escape. Constant air exchange will keep attic humidity low and significantly reduce the chance for mold growth.

Ensure Proper Insulation Installation

Attic insulation controls the temperature and moisture levels by preventing warmer air from penetrating into the colder attic. Ensure that the insulation of the floor, heating ducts, and other regions and surfaces are adequately insulated, and that the insulation is in good shape.

Do not over insulate. Your roof needs a certain amount of heat to reach it so it can dry out the moisture in the air. By adding too much insulation, your cold attic may mix with wet winter air and produce mold growth.

Vent Appliances Directly to the Outside

Make sure that your dryer, kitchen, and bathroom vents are vented to the outside of your home and not in the attic. Each appliance and vent should have its own dedicated port to transport the hot air outside. Otherwise, your ventilation system could be overwhelmed and not maintain moisture levels efficiently.

For all your mold remediation services, give Whalen Restoration Services a call at (508) 760-1911, or check out our website for more information.

© 2024 Whalen Restoration Services Inc.

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑