Carpet is a popular floor fitting, prized for its warmth, versatility, insulation abilities, and the protection it provides unfinished floors. If you’re considering installing carpeting in your home, keep reading to learn about the benefits and advantages of this practical and fashionable product.
Safety
First and foremost, a carpeted floor is a safer floor. The soft surface and cushioned under-padding not only reduce the impact of a fall, but also the likelihood of it happening in the first place. Carpet is inherently slip-resistant, meaning it’s harder to slip and fall.
Sound Reduction
If you live in a busy home with lots of traffic, you know how loud wood or laminate floors can be. Carpet stifles noise and reduces echoes in three ways: absorbing the impact of foot traffic, soaking up room sounds and echoes, and finally, by blocking sound from carrying between floors (especially helpful in condo apartments or multi-family homes).
Warmth & Insulation
Carpet provides excellent warmth underfoot, making it a great choice for chilly bedrooms or stark offices. Carpet also acts as an insulator. The combination of the carpet and its under-padding acts as an additional layer of insulation in your home, and – depending on the weight and grade of your carpet – it can even add to the R-value of your home.
Ease of Care
Most carpets made today are highly stain-resistant, meaning cleanup is easy. With just a damp cloth or a quick vacuuming, your floors look as good as new. Because carpets trap dust and allergens, they can also improve the air quality in your home as long they’re properly cleaned and vacuumed on a regular basis.
Flexibility and Style
Carpet isn’t limited to just a few colors or grains. You can get carpet in any style, design, color, or pattern that you want. Because of its versatility, carpet fits in well in any design scheme.
Low Cost
Typically, carpet costs significantly less than other types of flooring like tile, marble, or hardwood. Even with professional installation, carpet tends to cost much less than other flooring options.
Warranty
Unlike many hard surface floorings, most carpeting comes with an extensive manufacturer’s warranty that covers pile, installation, and craftsmanship. Because of its quality, low cost, design flexibility, ease of care, warmth, safety, and ability to reduce sound in your home – carpet is typically the number one flooring choice for most homeowners.
Did you know that Dust Mites are the principle cause of asthma and allergies in our country?
What Are Dust Mites?
Dust Mites are microscopic creature, tiny arachnids, with closely relation with spiders and ticks that live in carpets, blankets, pillows, mattresses, and others soft materials. They are technically not insects, but they are arthropods, like spiders. They are too small to see without a microscope. Dust Mites are primitive creatures that have no developed respiratory system and no eyes. They spend their lives moving about, eating, reproducing, and eliminating waste products. Their food are flakes of human skin that all of us normally shed every day.Mites do not bite people, and do not live in people, but live near them.In Fact,we cannot inhale live mites because they do not live in the air, it is the waste particles that they have produced, and the body fragments of dead dust mites, that become airborne, are inhaled and cause allergy symptoms.
They can be seen under a microscope like as whitish bugs. Mites measures only about one-quarter to one-third of a millimeter. Their life cycle consist of several stages, from egg to adult. A female may lay as many one hundred eggs in her life time. There are at least 13 species of mites, all of which are well adapted to the environment inside your home. Depending on the species, it takes from 2 to 5 weeks for an adult mite to develop from an egg. Adult may live for 2 to 4 months.
Dust Mites lives in temperatures of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and requirerelative humidity levels of 70 % to 80% at least 50% of humidity to survive. Mites are not usually found in dry climates. They avoid the light, beds provide the warmth, darkness, high humidity, and shed skin scales that mites crave. A mattress may contain over a million dust mites.
What is Dust Mites Allergy?
Dust allergy is actually a sensitivity to substances in the waste particles and body fragments of house dust mites. High levels of exposure to dust mites are an important factor in the development of asthma in children. Household dust is not a single substance but rather a mixture of many materials. Dust may contain tiny fibers shed from different kinds of fabric, as well as tiny particles of feathers, dander from pet dogs or cats, bacteria, food, plant and insect parts, and mold and fungus spores. It also contains many microscopic mites and their waste products.
Allergy Symptoms:
Many people recognize allergy such as a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing from dust exposure related to common household chores such as vacuuming, dusting and sweeping. House dust exposure can also trigger asthma symptoms for example wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
What causes the allergic reaction?
Allergies occur when our immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, pet dander or dust mites. Our immune system produces proteins known as antibodies. Those antibodies protect us from unwanted invaders that could make us sick or cause an infection. For example, antibodies react when we have contact with the waste particles that mites have produced, and the body fragments of dead dust mites, that become airborne, are inhaled and our immune system responds and produce this inflammatory response in our respiratory system.
Tips to reduce Mites allergies?
The first and the most important step to reduce dust mites is to use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain relative humidity at about 50% or bellow.
The second is encase your mattress and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers.
The next most important step is wash all bedding and blankets weekly in hot water at least 130-140 Fahrenheit to kill dust mites.
Replace wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials and traditional stuffed animals with washables ones.
Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth.
Wash rug in hot water whenever possible. Cold water leaves up to 10 percent of mites behind.
Wear a mask while vacuuming to avoid inhaling allergens, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes to allow any dust and allergens to settle after vacuuming.
Windows should have roll-type shades instead of curtains, if you have curtains, be sure to wash them often.
Use a high quality vacuum that entraps allergen and prevents it from blowing out through the exhaust.
It is probably impossible to avoid Dust Mites completely, but we can make some changes in our environment inside our home to help us and reduce the exposure of these tiny and unwanted “guests”.
Source:Mission Allergy; National Institute of Environ; Mayo Clinic.
If you suffer asthma or any allergies issues and you have not clean your carpet in a 6 months it is time for you to hire a professional cleaner. If you need any help please do not hesitate to contact us 502-365-6779.
While the holiday season is a time of joy, it can also pose many dangers. Every year about 8,000 injuries occur from accidents related to holiday decorating activities. Christmas trees alone are involved in hundreds of fires which result in almost 40 deaths each year. Decorating with safety in mind can keep you from becoming one of those grim statistics.
Choosing a Safe Christmas Tree
If a natural Christmas tree is part of your holiday decorations, consider these guidelines:
Select a tree that is as fresh and green as possible. The needles on a fresh tree will bend instead of breaking and should not fall off easily.
Cut an inch or two off the bottom of the truck before putting it in a stand to allow water to soak into the tree.
Use a stand that holds water, and keep it filled to prevent the tree from drying out.
Locate your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.
When choosing an artificial tree:
Buy only artificial trees that are labeled “fire resistant.”
If an artificial tree comes with lights installed, look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval to indicate that the proper wiring was used.
Lighting Safety
Holiday lights not only present a fire hazard but can also pose the risk of electric shock. Keep these tips in mind when buying and putting up lights:
Select only lights that have been tested by a reputable testing lab (such as UL approved) to be sure they conform to safety standards.
Keep in mind that even approved lights can become unsafe if they are used improperly or have been damaged.
Check each strand for broken bulbs, cracked sockets or frayed wires. If damage is apparent, discard the lights.
Always unplug lights when replacing bulbs.
Do not link more than three strands of lights unless the instructions indicate it’s safe.
Make sure extension cords are rated for the amount of load they will carry. Cords and light wires should not be warm to the touch.
Don’t run cords under rugs or across open floors or doorways.
Keep pets and small children away from cords and lights.
Connect lights to a circuit that is protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), or use a cord or plug that has GFCI protection built into it.
Avoid using metal fasteners (like nails or tacks) to secure outdoor lights. Instead use plastic clips, hooks, or insulated cable staples available at home centers and hardware stores.
Be sure that lighting used outside is recommended for outdoor use.
Turn off all lights before leaving home or going to bed. If a timer is used to turn lights off, make sure it is set correctly and working properly.
Decorating Fireplaces and Mantels
While fireplaces and mantels are often used for holiday decorations, it’s important to make sure you take proper precautions to prevent fire:
Don’t leave lit fireplaces unattended, regardless of the time of year.
Stockings and other combustible decorations, such as pine garlands, can present a serious fire hazard when a fireplace is being use, so be sure to remove them before starting a fire in the fireplace.
Resist the urge to burn wrapping paper or pine boughs in the fireplace as their floating embers can escape your chimney and could ignite your roof or a neighboring roof.
Candle Safety
Candles can add a cozy touch to your home during the holidays, but they should be used with caution:
Make sure candles are firmly secured in sturdy, non-combustible holders that will not tip over.
Keep candles well away from flammable decorations, especially pine garlands and other dry, natural arrangements.
Don’t leave lit candles unattended.
Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
Check lit candles frequently to make sure they haven’t burned down too far.
Do not use lit candles on or near Christmas trees.
Ladder Safely
Be sure to follow these precautions when using ladders to hang decorations:
When using a stepladder, make sure all four legs are firmly on the ground, and don’t stand on the top step or on top of the stepladder.
Position an extension ladder at a 75° angle or a 1 to 4 ratio of horizontal distance to vertical height of the ladder (1’ out for every 4’ in height).
Use ladder pads on the end of extension ladders to prevent slipping.
Use a non conductive fiberglass or wooden ladder when working with electricity.
Don’t attempt to hang lights outside or go on the roof after dark.
Unplug lights and other electrical decorations when installing.
Do not hang lights in the vicinity of power lines.
Do not attempt to throw strings of lights into trees located near power lines.
Fire Safety
Fires result in 3,000 fatalities and 16,000 injuries a year, and are more prevalent around the holidays To increase your odds of preventing a fire and escaping safely, be sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, a fully charged fire extinguisher, and an escape ladder handy for two-story homes. Also, remember to have your fireplace and chimney inspected regularly and cleaned as needed.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and area of your home:
Locate smoke alarms near or on the ceiling and away from corners in all major rooms of the house.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms and rooms with wood or gas fired appliances.
Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Clean your alarms periodically by vacuuming out any dust that has accumulated or blowing it out using canned air.
Sensors on smoke detectors can fail over time, so replace alarms after ten years of use.
Fire Extinguishers
Purchase one or more multipurpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguishers for your home. They can be used on all three types of fires: combustible materials (wood, cloth, paper), flammable liquids (oil, gasoline, grease), and electrical fires. Be sure to keep one handy in the kitchen where you can easily find it when you need it, since kitchen fires are some of the most common.
When using a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:
Pull pin
Aim at base of flame
Squeeze handle
Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire
Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and happy holiday season this year.
Now’s the Time to Check Coverage Before Winter Storms Begin
TOPEKA — The calendar shows we are heading toward the time of year when brisk winds, blowing snow and colder temperatures will become the norm. Although the comparatively nice weather has provided many of us with a true autumn, I’m urging people to check their homeowners’ and vehicle insurance policies now to be sure they are protected as we head into the winter season.
The first step I would encourage is to check with your local insurance agents about what’s covered in your policies. Overall, homeowners and vehicle policies provide basic protection, but some policies provide a broader range of coverages than others. It’s best to know what your individual policy contains.
Consumers should review these points about their insurance:
Most homeowners’ policies include coverage for wind, blowing snow and the weight of ice, snow and sleet on the structure.
Damage to homes caused by falling objects such as trees is covered under most policies. However, the cost to remove limbs is usually not covered unless the tree first damages the structure.
Water damage to a structure or its contents is usually excluded under most property insurance contracts. Check with your local insurance agent to be sure.
Some policies may provide coverage from frozen pipes, as long as the damage is not a result of the homeowner’s failure to keep the home adequately heated.
Many policies don’t include coverage for water that backs up from drains or sewers. That protection can be added to a policy by purchasing additional coverage or a rider.
Flood damage from snow and ice melt is almost always excluded by homeowners’ policies. Flood-related policies can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program. Your local agent can provide details and make recommendations on what’s right for you.
Vehicle coverage for winter-related accidents involving snow removal could be covered through collision coverage. Check with your agent for details.
There are a couple of things to know if you lose power. First, if a fallen tree is to blame for the power outage, you may be covered by your homeowner’s policy. Second, regarding food spoiling in your refrigerator or freezer, a homeowners or renters policy often allows for compensation for food losses, but only up to a certain (usually fairly low dollar) amount. If your deductible is equal to or greater than this amount, unless you have other losses, you probably can’t claim just the loss of the food.
Finally, hail damage can occur during the winter months as well. I encourage you to talk to your agent about vehicle and homeowners policies for hail coverage.
When you contact your agent, you should have a copy of your policy or insurance card handy. If you’ve put together a winter storm preparation kit, you might want to keep a copy there.
Before the weather outside gets frightful, take some time to make sure your insurance coverage will help keep the winter blues at bay.
Carpet is a popular floor fitting, prized for its warmth, versatility, insulation abilities, and the protection it provides unfinished floors. If you’re considering installing carpeting in your home, keep reading to learn about the benefits and advantages of this practical and fashionable product.
Dust Mites are microscopic creature, tiny arachnids, with closely relation with spiders and ticks that live in carpets, blankets, pillows, mattresses, and others soft materials. They are technically not insects, but they are arthropods, like spiders. They are too small to see without a microscope. Dust Mites are primitive creatures that have no developed respiratory system and no eyes. They spend their lives moving about, eating, reproducing, and eliminating waste products. Their food are flakes of human skin that all of us normally shed every day. Mites do not bite people, and do not live in people, but live near them. In Fact, we cannot inhale live mites because they do not live in the air, it is the waste particles that they have produced, and the body fragments of dead dust mites, that become airborne, are inhaled and cause allergy symptoms.
TOPEKA — The calendar shows we are heading toward the time of year when brisk winds, blowing snow and colder temperatures will become the norm. Although the comparatively nice weather has provided many of us with a true autumn, I’m urging people to check their homeowners’ and vehicle insurance policies now to be sure they are protected as we head into the winter season.