Ice Dam Build Up

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off theroof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

Happy New Year!

May you be blessed enough to spend this new year with your parents, friends, loved ones. Be grateful and you will have only good things come your way. Happy 2018!

Happy Holidays!

Best wishes for a happy holiday season and our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year! We hope you have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones!

Have Hail Damage? Get a Quick Response from HomeTech!

Although hailstorms do not occur with great frequency in the Maryland area, when they do strike it can cause serious and widespread damage. Your home is vulnerable to hail damage in many different areas, including roofing, siding, windows, and doors. Hail stones striking a your roof can cause immediate damage in the form of broken, cracked or loosened shingles or tiles. But hail can also cause unseen damage to other parts of your Maryland home that can have long-term consequences.

Even if your roof appears to be undamaged, a hailstorm can result in hidden damage. You need the trained eye of the professionals from HomeTech to conduct an on-site inspection of your roof to determine whether or not the underlayment and supporting structure was damaged. Only a trained Maryland hail damage specialist can uncover hidden problems in every aspect of the exterior of your home. We will inspect your entire home, including climbing on the roof and checking it up close.  After our inspection  we will provide you with a detailed report and work with your insurance company.

When hail hits your roof it can cause a “bruise” which can allow water to seep into your home. It may not lead to an immediate leak, but over time the water will find its way into your Maryland home. It’s difficult to determine whether a roof needs to be repaired of replaced after a hailstorm because the damage is not readily evident.

One thing the hail damage experts at HomeTech will look for on a shingle roof is granules in the gutter. Hail can wear away and weaken shingles, eroding the protective granules and shortening the life of the roof. The exposed asphalt will deteriorate and more granules will come loose. Excessive granules collecting in the gutter means repair or replacement is recommended.

When disaster does strike, and a hailstorm causes damage to your Maryland home, make sure you call a fully licensed contractor. There are unlicensed contractors out there (we in the industry call them “Storm Chasers”) who are not backed by their manufacturers. If you hire a “Storm Chaser” you will pay for any mistakes they make out of your own pocket. So give HomeTech a call, we’ll respond promptly and work quickly to fix any hail damage we find.

Expert Repair Services

 

The exterior of your home is constantly open to the elements, which can lead it to accrue damages of all kinds of the years. From high winds, to driving rain, to piercing hail, the weather patterns of Maryland can throw many different things at your home. That is why HomeTech offers a wide range of specialized repair services, each one designed for homes in Maryland. To schedule an inspection, call 866.611.2223.

Indoor Winter House Cleaning & Organizing

Kitchen Cabinets: While you’re stuck indoors in winter weather, take the opportunity to give your kitchen cabinets a good cleaning to remove any grease and grime. To make the job easy, spray on a little orange oil cleaner to cut the grease, then wipe the cabinets clean with a wet sponge that’s been microwaved about 40 seconds. Be sure to wear gloves so you don’t burn your hands! The combination of citrus oil and hot water will make short work of grease on cabinets. To see how it’s done, check out our video on Removing Grease from Kitchen Cabinets. 

Stovetop and Oven: Citrus-based cleaner also works great for cleaning your stove. Start by removing the burners and pans, then give the stovetop a good cleaning using the same hot sponge method. Be sure to remove and clean the knobs and the surface behind them as well. For stubborn stains, sprinkle a little baking soda and scrub. While you’re at it, be sure to clean your oven with a commercial oven cleaner, following the instructions. For a greener option, sprinkle the bottom of the oven with baking soda, spritz with water, let it sit overnight, then scrub it clean. 

What to Winterize Now, Soon or Later in Your Home

Now, You Should…

Insulate windows: Keep cold air out by lining each windowpane with an insulating film. Don’t worry about it looking tacky; the plastic can have a barely there finish when applied correctly.

Change the furnace filter: Buildup can make your furnace work overtime, which may reduce its life and inflate your heating bill. Change the filter every few months or whenever you can no longer see light through it.

Block drafts: You can save 5 to 30 percent on home energy costs by reducing drafts, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy. Invest in door draft blockers—they’re inexpensive and easy to install.

Soon, You Should…

Change out your wardrobe: As you make room for winter clothes, assess your summer outfits before you pack them away. Toss what’s ripped and hopelessly stained, donate what no longer fits your body or style, and place what’s left in space-saving bags.