My guess is that you don’t know much about dust mites aside from they are small, unseen creatures that sicken you. crawl space moisture Perhaps someone in your family is allergic to them. what is a michigan basement Here is some background information on dust mites and how you can minimize them in your house. Dust mites don’t live in your air ducts, even though most people tend to focus there when attempting to remove them. They live in soft places, prefer higher humidity, and discharge a protein which causes an allergic reaction for many people. crawl space sump pump If you don’t have any reactions to dust mite proteins then reducing your exposure may not be a priority for you but these fundamental treatment steps should still be taken to reduce their presence in your home and affect on your life. If you need motivation to do a number of these steps you can see pictures of dust mites by doing a google image search. They’re coarse enough to scare anybody into a quick cleaning spree. Dust and vacuum your house on a frequent basis.
The more dirt you have, the more dust mites you have. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home as dust mites love high humid environments (anything over 70%). Wash your family’s bedding in hot water at least twice monthly, possibly weekly. Get machine washable plush toys if you have children, the fabric harbors dust mites. If you have someone allergic to dust mites, there are more intense fighting steps to take. Do your best to eliminate every cloth surface as they tend to harbor these creatures. Replace your carpets with wood or laminate flooring. Take away fabric covered furniture and change to wood or plastic pieces. Wrap your mattress, pillows, and box springs in zippered covers that are dust proof and allergen proof. You probably won’t totally eliminate dust mites, but you can go a long way toward reducing their numbers by maintaining a clean healthy living environment. Your family will thank you for it.
Most people do not recognize that one of the biggest places in a house to find dust mites is in the Crawl Space under the house. The crawl space is like party central to a dust mite. There is usually plenty of moisture there. So much so it is like having an unlimited supply of water bottles. Plus there is a lot of dirt there to roll around in. There is also plenty of food. People stock up all sorts of edible insect foods down there like sticks of wood and lumber, old furniture, old sleds, and old wooden handle tools. So what do you imagine dust mites ate before people showed up? That is correct, there were insects here on planet earth for millions of years before people arrived.
When constructed correctly and by means of the appropriate air conditioning and ventilation, a basement should be dry. But many basements are prone to dampness because of their poor design and ventilation. flat rock Wetness like this is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in basements where old books, magazines, clothing, and suitcases are stored. When the humidity level goes over 50%, the water vapor in the air can cause furniture to warp, humidity to reduce on walls and floors and promote growth of fungus. west bloomfield It will also accelerate wood rot. For those family members with allergies, a basement dehumidifier is essential to lessen the health risks linked to toxic mold and fungus. rod hole repair
But before you purchase a basement dehumidifier, consider taking some time to examine the reason behind the high humidity, and then repairing the underlying problems.
Your basement should ideally be the same temperature as the rest of your house, and not an exceptional cool temperature zone. Try adding weather-stripping to any basement doors and windows. If the basement is uninsulated, you’ll have to evaluate the costs of adding insulation against that of running a basement dehumidifier. Buying a basement dehumidifier will require a little planning. Know the cubic footage of the basement space that it will be going into. In addition you will need to decide on getting a permanently installed unit versus a portable dehumidifier. Another shopping point to consider is the size of the unit- will it fit in the space you are planning for? Also be aware that some models are noisier than others, so inquire about a demonstration before you buy.
A dehumidifier works on the same principle that refrigerators and air conditioners do. They distribute the humid air over a bank of cold coils and in the process extract a good portion of the dampness via condensation. This condensation drips off the coils into collection pockets inside the dehumidifier. Meanwhile the dry air flow, heated somewhat by the extraction of humidity, is directed out of the unit back into the room. Since the dehumidifier is in the basement and out of the way, a lot of people forget that it requires some maintenance. It is important to empty and wash the collection container inside the unit periodically, otherwise it could be prone to bacterial growth. Some companies manufacture basement dehumidifiers which have no inner collection container, but minimally a hose that can be run to a floor drain, and these are an absolute solution to the problem.
Also, be careful to keep an eye on your sump pump. These culprits are by far the biggest problem.
When it comes to home improvement, one of the more cost effective ways versus a more intensive renovation that will bring new life to any room and add value to your home is to upgrade your flooring. Renovating your floors with a hard surface such as with popular hardwood floors is one of the most commonly selected home improvement options. There are many styles and types of hardwood to flatter any room in the house. Since they are easy to care for, long lasting, and can be recycled, hardwood floors are a satisfactory choice. Bringing elegance to your decor, hardwood floors can turn your house into a home.
From traditional species like pine, oak, or maple to more fashionable corkand bamboo, or sourcing reclaimed wood, options run from the environmentally-friendly to those with unique characteristics that add a special touch. There are also many types and styles of wood floors from engineered or solid and parquet or strip that will suit your budget and styling needs.
With minimal care, even in high traffic areas, they can be maintained so that they keep looking new. Eventually with years of wear and tear, solid hardwood floors can also be refinished and brought to looking brand new again. Hardwood floors can be installed anywhere in your house, on concrete, plywood, or over existing floors (not recommended however, as it adds weight to your joists).
Some Install Tips
Think of yourself as handy? Installing your own hardwood floors is time consuming, but ultimately a gratifying project that once you get the hang of it, is pretty straightforward. When you are deciding where to start your install, use a focal point of the room, such as a mantel. Before laying the first board, draw a line to use as a reference point. In this installation, a manufacturer’s recommended underlayment is placed on top of the subfloor.
All wood subfloors must be screwed in place before you install. While you are doing this, use a level to insure that floor is even throughout. After the subfloor is installed, make sure that the surface is sanded and smooth. Once the subfloor is in place, sanded, smoothed or filled to provide a level, even surface, installation of the boards can begin. Some manufacturers recommend using a foam underlay that is placed on top of the subfloor and underneath the new floor. This helps minimize creeks and noise from the new floor.
Level the first row of planks with the draw line to make sure that all following planks will be aligned.
Before you nail in the planks to the subfloor, map out the area like a jigsaw puzzle. Fit the boards, making sure that the planks fit together and they are staggered with at least 12 inches between one another.
Blind nailing tongue-and-groove boards hides nails. Nails should be driven through one board’s groove, and hidden by the next parallel board. With other installs, nails are hammered through the face of the board, a process called top nailing. Planks can be glued together as well.
If DIY is not for you, knowing how to choose the right flooring company is helpful. When selecting a flooring company, make sure installation is offered according to your schedule. Flooring installation should be where you need it and when you need it, and some companies offer next day installation. Home improvements shouldn’t be an inconvenience. Your flooring company should have a commitment to and be recognized for customer service and for standing behind their products and installation.
Quality products sold at low warehouse direct pricing is a good sign your flooring company of choice is focused on keeping prices competitive while still offering top name brand products. It is recommended that you choose your flooring where you use your flooring – at home. The best way to select the right flooring is in the home itself, with the assistance of a qualified sales representative. The flooring company you select should offer free, in-home sales appointments.
If you prefer a softer surface for your home, or want hardwood only in some rooms and carpet in others, it’s helpful to know what your options are. Purchasing a new carpet for your home is not an easy decision and can be a large investment. There are several options that you will need to consider such as types and colors. Depending on the types of carpet you choose, you should be able to find the perfect one for nearly any setting.
Types of Carpeting
Cut Pile is one of the most popular types of carpet. The textured cut pile is less resistant to crushing than other types of carpet. Cut looped carpet fibers create a cut pile with yarn bundles standing straight. Pre-shearing cut pile several times creates a luxurious appearance.
Loop carpet is a favorite in many houses, condos, and apartments for high-traffic areas. It is also called “level loop” because it is made of loops that are all the same height. The loop heights are high and uncut, creating a level, tougher surface that is much more resistant to wear and tear, to footprints and streaks from vacuuming. Another popular type of carpet in homes is cut and loop. This carpet uses different heights of loops, cutting some and leaving some uncut to create different textures and patterns. Cut and loop carpet is used for lower-traffic areas, as it does not hold up to streaks and marks. It is, however, a supple, more attractive carpet, making it perfect for living areas.
A Saxony style carpet is very comfy and elastic, although the display can be deceptive. This appearance is developed by rigidly crafted twirls of thick twine that are fused with heat. Since Saxony is made from thick threads, it is heavy, warm, and a popular selection for your home. Berber carpets however, are becoming more popular than any other type of carpet. Berbers eliminate any footprints and vacuum tracks. Berber has a thicker surface than most other level loop pile carpets for high durability. Because the loops are thicker and higher, they tend to keep dirt and become damaged from snags. Velvet carpets can provide a more elegant look, where each tread will appear. Velvet carpet is shredded several times to develop a satin-like shimmer. It is created and designed with shapes and colors to accent your home and personal taste.
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