Reilly Painting Blog

Beware Of These Fire Hazards

Written by Brook Reilly. May 18, 2012. Leave a comment

Beware of the Wires!

Beware of some of these fire hazards in your home. You may not know it, but some of these areas can be extremely flammable, so be sure to inspect from time to time:

Wiring

“People don’t think of wiring as a danger, because it’s out of sight behind walls,” says Lorraine Carli of the NFPA. But electrical fires have accounted for more than 50,000 home blazes a year, plus $1.5 billion in property damage. And seemingly innocuous acts, like driving screws into a wall to hang a mirror, can easily pierce wiring. One good fix: Replace circuit breakers with arc-fault circuit interrupters (found in hardware stores for about $30. These safeguards detect dangerous electrical arcs—abnormal sparks that signal bad insulation or loose connections—and stop them before they start a fire.

Kitchen Clutter

Paper towels, pot holders, recipe cards: They’re all sitting near your stovetop, ready to ignite. Is it any wonder 41 percent of home fires start in the kitchen? Keep a 3-foot zone between combustible materials and the burners. And, of course, never leave cooking unattended.

Have Your Gutters Cleaned This Spring!

Written by Brook Reilly. May 18, 2012. Leave a comment

Gutter cleaning is one of the most important things to do in this weather to ensure a better home. Reilly Painting excels in gutter cleaning, so be sure to the spread the word on our service. If you are hesitant about the benefits of gutter cleaning, here are some reasons to give us a call!

Gutter cleaning and gutter maintenance are an important part of home ownership. Your gutters are the collection system, on the edge of your roof. They are designed to divert water that is running off your roof to downspouts. Without gutters, the water would run off your roof in curtains. Unfortunately, your gutters also collect debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt. If too much of that debris collects in your gutters, there is nowhere for the water to go and gutter cleaning becomes necessary. Gutter cleaning is not a pleasant chore, but it is something that every homeowner has to do for many reasons. This site, will give you gutter cleaning tips and suggestions about gutter cleaning tools. This information could mean the difference between a beautiful home and a disaster.

Why Is Gutter Cleaning So Important?

Although gutter cleaning is a chore, if you do not complete it you could end up with far worse problems. Gutters are the first line of defense against erosion of soil around your home foundation. A gutter system is supposed to carry water running off your roof to down spouts so it does not saturate the soil next to your house. If this soil is saturated, then you run the risk of getting the foundation wet. A foundation exposed to water can lead to a multitude of problems.

When water comes across a barrier, it will look for the path of least resistance to continue. If that barrier is your foundation, water can find its way into small cracks in the foundation. No concrete foundation is going to be perfect and crack free. As water travels into the cracks, it will find another barrier because the cracks do not go all the way through the foundation. Therefore, the water will turn around and flow out of the crack, but it will take small pieces of concrete foundation with it. Every time water overflows your gutters and finds its way into the foundation, it erodes away at it. After enough time has passed, the cracks will work all the way through the foundation and water will leak into your basement. Water in your basement can lead to problems with mold, mildew, and other bacteria.

If your gutters are not cleaned regularly and they start to overflow, allowing water to find its way to the soil directly next to your house can also be a problem. As the soil on top becomes water logged, the water will travel deeper and deeper into the soil layers. If the soil underneath your foundation becomes too saturated then it could give way causing a cave in of your home’s foundation. In other words, your house would collapse into a giant sinkhole and could be unlivable. The picture below gives you can idea of what could happen if your gutters are not properly cleaned and maintained.

What To Do With That Small Room?

Written by Brook Reilly. May 17, 2012. Leave a comment

If you have a small room in your home and looking to redecorate, take a look at some of these tips courtesy of Better Homes & Garden:

Perfect Pairing

Even small homes can live large, thanks to smart furniture choices and use of space. When space is limited, keep scale in mind and find furniture that isn’t oversize. A glass coffee table and sofa and chairs with exposed legs do the trick in this tight living room.

Expand the Space

Mirrors reflect light, which will make a space feel larger than it is. This living room is filled with dark, rich finishes, but the space is anything but cavelike thanks to large windows — which let in lots of natural light — and plenty of reflective surfaces, such as this mirror above the fireplace.

Crisp and Clean

Creating storage in a small kitchen can be tricky. Designing a storage-smart island such as this one is the perfect way to maximize a tight space. And the centered pulls add a nice personal touch by making the cabinet doors look like old-fashioned bins.

4 Easy Steps For Cleaning The Skylights

Written by Brook Reilly. May 16, 2012. Leave a comment

How To Clean Skylights

We all know how to wash windows, but cleaning the skylights in your house can be a little more tricky. With their awkward placement, and much dirtier appearance, you have to make sure you have the necessary tools to complete the task. Here are some tips:

You should clean your skylights once or twice a year to keep the grime from building up, and permanently damaging the surface, especially on Plexiglas skylights. The grime and dirt can cause minute scratches to Plexiglas skylights, which will leave them with a clouded appearance. This can be expected for older skylights, as Plexiglas degrades over time, or even for new skylights in areas that have acidic rainfall. One great, albeit unusual tip, for Plexiglas and regular glass, is to wax the skylight with an automotive paste wax after it has been cleaned thoroughly. A couple coats of wax, will protect against environmental damage, and will make rainfall bead off…..so you can see those horrible grey clouds.

Try to clean the inside and exterior on the same day. Start on the inside by moving any furniture from beneath the skylight opening and lay a plastic cloth on the ground to catch any spills. Skylights are rarely placed for cleaning convenience, so determine the safest way to access the opening. Is it over a tub? Above a staircase? On a vaulted ceiling? The inside doesn’t get very dirty, unless the skylight is in a kitchen, above a shower or tub, or near a fireplace. Usually the worst problem is spider webs, followed by grease build-up, and plain old dust.

If the skylight is flat glass, use a squeegee on the end of a broom stick or extension pole. See the Window section for specific instructions. For ‘bubble’ style lights, use a regular glass cleaner. If the skylight can not be reached by hand, try spraying some window cleaner on a clean rag draped over a broom. Replace that rag with a fresh, dry rag, to wipe off any residue and prevent streaks.

KEEP THE PLASTIC DROP SHEET IN PLACE WHILE CLEANING THE EXTERIOR!

Bring up a bucket with dish soap and a sponge to the roof. Don’t fill it with water until you are on the roof.

Take up your garden hose, and hose down the skylight.

Fill your bucket with water, and wash the skylight with the sponge.

Rinse thoroughly. If there is sap, bird, or bug excrement, use a citrus based cleaner. Be certain to test any chemical on a corner of the skylight to be certain it does not damage Plexiglas skylight lenses.

Decluttering: A Leading Cause For Stress!

Written by Brook Reilly. May 16, 2012. Leave a comment

You know that old expression “Messy house, messy mind.” In many ways, if you’re physical surroundings are disorganized and messy, your productivity will decrease, and your stress will increase. Here are some tips for overcoming this hurdle:

Messy rooms, disorganized closets, and jumbled junk drawers add unneeded hassle to our already hectic days. I can’t think when things are cluttered! So I’ve learned a few tricks to control the clutter. I sort and toss the stuff I don’t need or want, and I keep the necessities of life tucked away, out of site but easily accessible.

Even small homes have space for storage. Under the bed, at the back of a closet, under the sink — all these spaces can be used to hold out-of-season clothes, toys, sports equipment, and unsightly trash bins. That’s right, even putting the kitchen trash bin under the sink and on a convenient roll-out trolley, instead of having it out, in plain sight, reduces both visual and floor space clutter.

Donating useful but no longer needed items, getting rid of unwanted junk, and keeping what we do need neat, accessible, and as invisible as possible let our personal spaces become welcoming havens instead of uninviting areas that make you want to run away. In an ideal world, every room of your house should be neat as a pin and organized alphabetically. But we know that’s pretty much impossible. After all, we do have to live our lives, and making a mess is sometimes part of it. But the storage solutions in this section can help you keep your stuff restrained.

Preventing Leaks In The Bathroom

Written by Brook Reilly. May 16, 2012. Leave a comment

Be warned Cleveland…the leaks are coming. Is your house, or more specifically, your bathroom ready to handle water damage? Take a look at some these tips from State Farm for water damage tips and advice:

The Bathroom

The bathroom is another water damage hot spot. Here’s what you should examine and address:

Showers And Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak. Again, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

How To Clean Stains From Your Driveway

Written by Brook Reilly. May 16, 2012. Leave a comment

How To Clean Driveways

Have an ugly stain on your driveway that’s driving you crazy? Take a look at some of these tips for getting rid of stains and restoring your driveway:

1. Assemble your supplies

Here’s what you will need to remove most common stains from your driveway, which are oil or grease from your car:

A bag of kitty litter (or a box or two of corn starch or baking soda)

A good, hardy scrub brush, such as a grill brush

A shop broom (one appropriate for outdoor work)

Dish soap, laundry detergent or soda

A bucket (gallon size or larger)

If you have a different type of stain on your driveway, such as paint or rust, or you don’t have a stain, you just want to give the driveway a good scrubbing, you can skip the kitty litter and steps one and two below.

2. Sop up any liquid pooled on the driveway

Kitty litter by design is meant to be absorbent, making it perfect for this job. Corn starch or baking soda will work as well, though they don’t come in the convenient large bag. Before you ask, yes dried-on liquid can be absorbed too, though it is best to catch it when it’s still wet of course.

Open the bag or box and cover the entire area of the stain in a layer of litter or your absorbent material of choice. Make the layer about a quarter inch thick so that you’re sure all of the liquid is covered. Then grind the grains into the spot with your broom (a shop broom works better than the common kitchen variety, and you won’t want to use it in the kitchen after it’s covered in oil), or if you’re feeling adventurous, with the toe of your shoe. Once you’re done telling that kitty litter who’s boss, let it set for at least an hour so it can absorb as much of the liquid as possible.

Need Help Cleaning? Just Get A Robot…Seriously

Written by Brook Reilly. May 15, 2012. Leave a comment

Let The Robots Help Around The House

Robot cleaners are becoming more and more common in homes these days. These automated cleaners take the stress out of sweeping, mopping and vacuuming. Michael Hsu of The Wall Street Journal discusses further:

I HAVE TWO ROBOTS that clean the floors in my apartment: the Evolution Robotics Mint and the iRobot Roomba 530. The Mint sweeps and mops. The Roomba vacuums. Total retail cost for my live-in cleaning staff: $500.

The point of deploying these devices is to save time. In practice, though, I don’t end up with as much free time as you would think, mainly because I find it impossible not to watch the robots work. It’s like hiring someone to mow your lawn, then sitting down and watching him mow your lawn. True, the novelty wears off after a few months, but I still find myself curious. Will the robot pick up that huge dust bunny that would take me five seconds to pick up and throw away? Let me wait 10 minutes and find out.

As domestic help, robots have flaws. I bought my Roomba about three years ago; the Mint joined it a year later. But my dream of an immaculate, machine-cleaned home has yet to materialize—they can be slow and you have to space out your furniture to give them room to maneuver. But they earn their keep in other ways: They’re entertaining—a cross between the Three Stooges and a geeky Discovery Channel reality show. I’ve read that owners often grow attached to their machines. Some give their vacuums names; there’s even a website that sells clothing for Roombas.

My bots and I don’t have that type of relationship. And yet when a friend asks if I’ve ever deployed both at the same time just to see what would happen, I bristle. That would be immoral—like running a cockfighting ring. Besides, it’d be boring. When they bump into something, they just turn around and head the other way.

Is Your Home Looking A Little Dull?

Written by Brook Reilly. May 15, 2012. Leave a comment

Is the interior of your home looking a little dull? Want to change the look of your room without spending a lot of money? Take a look at these decorative tips from The Nest. Nothing like saving money and getting a nice looking room out of it!

1. HEAD FOR BARNES AND NOBLE

Those cozy armchairs are beckoning, so grab an armful of decorating books and take a load off your feet. Flip through for ideas — you don’t need to buy the expensive stuff, but you may get some more cheap decorating tips on color and placement.

2. ANTIQUES (OR ALMOST ANTIQUES)

You can find great stuff at flea markets, antique shops, and thrift stores if you keep your eyes open. Flea markets can be treasure troves for large furniture, while some thrift shops have kitchen sections. You can even find collectibles if you look hard. A shelf of bright Fiestaware will make your kitchen sparkle, even if you got it on the cheap.

Tip: Shop late in the day at flea markets, when vendors are willing to make deals so they won’t have to cart stuff home. Don’t be shy about bargaining — everyone does it.

3. CAST AN EYE ON CAST-OFFS

Mom and Dad probably have a boatload of stuff they’d love to give you. Some of it may be horrid (like those orange ’70s plastic stools) but some items may have retro cool (like those orange ’70s plastic stools). Don’t be shy — ask to raid the ‘rents’ cast-offs.

Tip: Once you decide what to keep, offer to organize a yard sale for Mom and Dad. They’ll probably be so grateful to dump their junk that they’ll let you keep the proceeds. Use the money to buy a dining room table or other big-ticket item.

Finding The Best Color For You

Written by Brook Reilly. May 15, 2012. Leave a comment

Looking for the best color for a particular room in your home? If you’re interested in painting your rooms a different color, take a look at this helpful guide courtesy of Better Homes and Garden:

Spread Color

When you’re spreading color around a room, think about proportion. If you’re using three colors, try a 70/20/10 distribution. Use the lightest color for 70 percent of the room’s decor, the second lightest for 20 percent, and the boldest 10 percent. For two colors, go 70/30.

Get Inspired

“Pick colors using objects as your guide–an old celadon teapot, the burnt sienna in a paisley fabric, a blade of grass. It’s so much more lively than paint chips. I always, always, always start with a ‘thing.’”
–Sasha Emerson, Los Angeles designer

Go Lighter

After you find the perfect color for a wall on a paint card, buy paint that’s one step lighter. Colors look darker on the wall, so the lighter shade will deliver more punch than you’d expect.

Reilly Painting & Contracting

Welcome to the RPC Blog

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Beware Of These Fire Hazards

Have Your Gutters Cleaned This Spring!

Why Is Gutter Cleaning So Important?

What To Do With That Small Room?

4 Easy Steps For Cleaning The Skylights

Decluttering: A Leading Cause For Stress!

Preventing Leaks In The Bathroom

How To Clean Stains From Your Driveway

Need Help Cleaning? Just Get A Robot…Seriously

Is Your Home Looking A Little Dull?

Finding The Best Color For You

Welcome to the RPC Blog

Contact Us

Search the Blog

Socialize

Points of Interest

Topics

Testimonial

Why Is Gutter Cleaning So Important?