COMMON CENTS

Pinching pennies. Not an unfamiliar phrase in the midst of inflation as we all try to cope with rising cost of living. But a ‘pinching pennies’ mindset could overwhelm our common sense. One of our most commonly asked questions is, “Can I just have one section of my siding cleaned?”, thinking it will save money. Will it? What are the risks? What is the reality?

Benefits of House Washing:

  • Removes algae, mold, and mildew; Prevents environment fertile for buildup.
  • High humidity and moisture necessitates maintenance in order to protect your investment.
  • Removing algae, mold, and mildew makes your home healthier. House Washing prevents these from negatively impacting your home.
  • It enhances curb appeal and property value.
  • Even a home that appears clean may be dirty. Dust, dirt, and grime may be adhering to the surface. Always wash your home’s exterior before painting it.

Risky Business

Spot Cleaning‘ is not recommended, and is a waste of your time and money. Rather than saving money, very likely, if a section of your siding is dirty enough to be power washed, chances are the contamination is not contained to the dirty section. You would soon notice the need to house wash again. Besides that, professionals are trained to use different levels of psi for different types of cleaning. What homeowners do not realize is that quite often dirty siding looks clean to the untrained eye. What is more, they also do not realize that washing a small section will definitely leave “clean lines”, just as you would see when you remove a long-residing picture from a wall. But beyond aesthetics of how it looks, there are far more serious reasons why it makes sense to do more than spot clean.

Common Cents

The bottom line. All businesses have a bottom line. Running a company is a balancing act. Many factors contribute to the costs, including cost effectiveness for the cleaning company AND the customer, and must determine whether it is a waste of both time and money to clean only one small section. For example, the logistics of the cost of business includes not only the labor force, but also the equipment, detergents, hoses, machines, gas for the vehicle, and regular wear and tear of the equipment and vehicle. With a baseline price just to function, it is not enough to be a viable business to merely break even in cost. Not to mention other factors that could weigh in that increase business costs which can not be compensated for by the customer. Therefore, if a customer wishes for say a 5 foot square section to be cleaned, at a minimum arrival cost of $249, whereas an average complete house wash could be less than double that price, you can see why it makes sense for the company and the homeowner to settle on a full service, when the preparation, unloading and use of equipment, labor force cost, and delivery fees are the same.

Common Sense

Our quality standard is to clean properly and efficiently. Just as you wouldn’t think of only washing one spot or one side of your vehicle, as it would likely make sense for you to properly finish the job if you are going to invest the time or money. Our vehicles, just like our homes, are subject to wear and tear, and are constantly bombarded by elements, dust, dirt, and grime which untended can lead to stains, rust, and loss of value. The same principle applies to your home. Just because you only SEE dirt on one side or spot, does not mean it isn’t there on the rest of your home. For example, NORTH facing sides of homes are much more likely to show the most dirt or grime as they are shielded from the sun and typically more humid. However, the elements and organisms involved in creating this “Hot Spot” still exist all around your home and are easily transported by wind, weather, animals, and natural processes. To an untrained eye, it would seem to make sense to only do what is needed. To a professional, it is wise to invest that same amount of cost and energy to keep a quality standard, which protects YOUR investment and OUR reputation.

In short, we respect your time and money as much as our own. By keeping our quality and standards high, we endeavour to keep prices low. Common sense dictates that we act in the true best interest of our community, for we all share our ‘common cents’.

MULCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

(Yes, you read that correctly.) Translation: A lot of trouble or complaining about a small problem. In this case, a mulch problem…

“Keeping up with the Jones’.” It’s a thing. Another cliche: “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.” But what if status quo is only perpetuating misinformation? A freshly mulched garden looks lovely and well-groomed, but within lies a deceptive fungal plot ready to hatch and wreak havoc on your home.

Mulch by definition is material such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost, spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil. Mulching does have many benefits to your plantings and your soil. Besides the obvious intimation of landscape aesthetic, it also serves to regulate and protect soil temperature and moisture. It promotes water conservation and weed prevention, enhances soil nutrients, and helps to remove residual effects of pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals. A thin layer of 1-2″ is sufficient. Types of mulch include Wood, Rock, and Synthetic. Look for naturally sourced wood mulch NOT commercial or construction debris-based, which will contain contaminants.

Mulching is nearly a science of its own. While it is simplistic, it involves a complicated ecosystem. The trouble with mulch lies in over-mulching, which nearly everyone does. In excess, it deprives oxygen from plant roots, causing plants to re-root in mulch, then die out when the mulch dries out. Large, bark/wood chip mulch deprives soil of Nitrogen and takes longer to decompose, at least a year. Mulch piled against tree trunks actually promotes bark decay. Instead, follow the rule of the ‘Casey Trees’ Organization, the “Three-Three-Three” Method: “A 3′ diameter mulch circle around a tree, 3″ thick, 3″ AWAY from the trunk.”

Laying mulch too thickly smothers roots of trees and shrubs in search of air and water. Excessive hardwood mulch can become toxic to plants due to buildup of elements. Avoid mounding at shrubs, especially azaleas and boxwood, as their surface roots will grow into mulch, eventually starving the plants as mulch decays. Perennials smothered in mulch will rot when their natural cycle of dormancy is too wet.

Roger Davis, Senior Gardener at Longwood Gardens, recommends two types of Mulch: “Triple-shredded hardwood bark” and “Leaf Mold”, (tree leaves on their way to becoming compost). *(See Recipe at end of article.)

MUCH ADO ABOUT MULCHING

The University of Delaware explains: “Mulch provides a food source for fungi that are natural decomposers, breaking down plant material and utilizing organic matter. Without fungi, dead leaves, twigs, and branches would clutter forests and landscapes.” While a necessary decomposer, unfortunately this means your mulch pile is also a breeding ground for various home offenders such as: slime molds, stinkhorns, bird’s nest fungi, and artillery fungus.

At first glance, these seem only a negligible nuisance. However, left undisturbed, mold and fungus can wreak havoc on your home. Black stripes on your roof, green slime on your siding and flatwork, or miniscule black spots that appear on your siding are the result of a humid, fertile, breeding ground that has been fed by mulch.

Artillery fungi, the most pervasive of these offenders, is so tenacious that complete removal is nearly impossible. Naturally occurring in mulch, not only will it transfer onto your home, but also your plantings. Without proper removal from your home and mulch, you are sure to have a repeat offender. If caught immediately, these spores may be scrubbed away with a brush and soap and water. However, if the material has dried, it must be scraped off, being careful not to re-litter the soil or mulch, which will, of course, mean re-infestation. Even with successful removal, these tarry spores leave their mark and will stain siding. Worse still, replacement of siding is the only solution to complete removal, and that is completely out of your pocket.

One solution to combating the prevalence of artillery fungus is incorporating mushroom compost (or mushroom soil) into the mulch. Mixing in 20-40% mushroom compost into your mulch is sufficient to reduce growth of artillery fungus. Doing so is both economic and proactive for your garden, the planet, and your budget.

THE LESSON: Don’t placate your garden with good intentions. Do your research to find the right solution for your plantings, not to fit in your neighbourhood. Be deliberate, not deceived. And when it comes to removal of mold and fungus, no one FIGHTS GRIME like we do.

How to Make Your Own “Leaf Mold”: (According to Washington Post)

  • Gather the fallen leaves from Autumn.
  • Shred with your mower.
  • Put into compost pile or store in plastic bag.
  • Use next Spring as Mulch. OR
  • Spread chopped leaves directly onto beds in Autumn.
  • Let Nature take its course. Soil creatures convert leaves into humus.
  • Better for the planet. Better for your pocket.

Symbiotic Solutions: Solar Panels

KEEPING CLEAN ENERGY CLEAN.

Increasing concern of energy crisis is causing more people to explore alternative energy solutions. One such solution, Solar Power, is receiving much attention as a viable option in supporting modern power needs.

Energy Crisis and Importance of Solar Power

Demand of fossil fuels and mismanaged resources have accelerated the need for a cleaner energy for the health and sustainability of our planet. Temperature extremes also stress an overwhelmed energy demand as well as the increased use of energy draining appliances. Happily, implementing solar power contributes not only to the efficiency of your own home’s demands, but assists the demands placed on power grids, resulting in more consistent energy flow, with less reliance on power grids, lowering costs and pollutants. So, although an energy crisis looms, it might actually become a positive opportunity for change.

In fact, according to the Renewable Energy Corporation, installing solar power has multiple benefits, including:

  • A secure electricity feed.
  • Reduced blackouts.
  • Continuous run of appliances, Wi-fi, and Internet.
  • Less impact of rising energy costs.
  • Stable work-from-home environment.

When it comes to Solar Power, optimal location equals optimal output. The website enelx states: “The more efficient a solar panel is, the more energy output it will have per amount of light hitting the cell, which will, in turn, take up less surface area to meet your energy requirements…The more efficient the panel, the more it will produce compared to a less efficient panel, and the fewer panels you will need.”

According to MIT…”the accumulation of dust on solar panels…can reduce the output of photovoltaic panels by as much as 30% in just one month-so regular cleaning is essential for such installations.”

Researching the right solar solution for your home will help to dictate the amount, type, and orientation of panels you choose. In general, for panels to receive the most sunlight, (energy from the sun), perpendicular placement to the sun’s rays maximizes investment. A helpful resource to educate your choice is: https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Solar_panel_orientation#:~:text=In%20the%20northern%20hemisphere%2C%20the,direct%20light%20throughout%20the%20day.

Keeping Clean Energy Clean

Professional cleaning of Solar Panels is recommended for a variety of reasons including tools, methods, timing, and safety. Solar Panel cleaning is best done in moderate temperatures, avoiding mid-day heat, especially in summer. Ignoring this could damage or destroy the solar panel. Professional cleaning methods make the most of your solar panel output, leaving no residue which could alter its efficacy. Professionals are also equipped with the appropriate tools and equipment to safely clean the panels, which generally tend to be placed in higher, out-of-reach areas. All of this contributes to a safe and efficient cleaning.

Coastalsolar.com states a “25% difference in energy collection and production when blocked by dirt, dust, and debris”, which can accumulate rather quickly. Deionized and Distilled water is the most effective cleaning solution as it is clean, safe, and leaves no residue which could further impede the efficacy of the panels. Other water-saving methods of cleaning are currently in research and development so as solar panels can become an even cleaner source of energy.

While it seems at present there is no perfect solution to “clean energy”, there are combined efforts that are making a difference. Professional solar panel cleaning using clean methods and solutions safeguards your investment.

Grime Fighters can help support our neighbours and communities in navigating and maintaining this difference, making the most of your clean energy by keeping it clean and efficient.

Pollution, Pandemics, and Polarized Weather

CLIMATE CHANGE: HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR HOME

According to the UN, Climate Change is defined as: “Long term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800’s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.”

Rising emissions fueling rising temperatures create a perfect storm of weather volatility, the effects of which are clearly seen in rampant flooding, temperature instability, and widespread infectious disease. Weather extremes impact soil changes, air quality, deforestation, and drought, all of which further impact housing and health. How is Climate Change currently affecting your home?

Adapting to the needs of our home to protect our family and investment means guarding and protecting what is within our control in a climate which may make us feel otherwise. A house is only as good as its foundation. It’s time to throw away the throw-away-mentality. With rising costs of building materials and housing, a shift in perspective may be what is needed to help your house remain your home.

Rising housing costs include high demand of building materials, rising mortgage rates and insurance rates. These negative impacts have led to positive strategized construction methods including Green Design, with a keen eye on improving structures having long-term integrity and positive impact ecologically. Further, weather extremes cause imminent damage to one’s health and property which can also effectively be counteracted with knowledge of said effects.

  • Soil changes from drought to flooding extremes cause shifts in foundations due to settling soil.
  • High winds can damage roof and siding materials in need of repair.
  • Burst pipes often result from dramatic drop of temperature, especially when sustained by frigid winds.
  • Poor indoor air quality often leaches in from structural damage which leads to radon, mildew, mold, and fungus in ventilation. WHO (World Health Organization) reports “an estimated 7 million people die annually from breathing bad air.”

What You Can Do About It

Knowledge is power, so rather than feel defeated by Climate Change, empower yourself to manage what is in your control.

  • Be proactive to secure your home’s foundation. Act quickly to repair any cracks in foundation or walls.
  • Keep your roof, siding, and windows in good repair. This will protect your home from the elements, limiting loss of heating/cooling, and maintain clean air.
  • Maintain clean gutters; keep in good repair. Make sure they drain properly, keeping water away from home’s foundation. Even a small clog can mean a big problem when a sudden heavy rain occurs.

How Grime Fighters Can Help You

Power Washing, Window Cleaning, and Gutter Cleaning are at once preventative and proactive, as they protect your home from extremes which can lead to disease and deterioration, also keeping a keen eye on areas which may be more vulnerable or weakened, such as:

  • An emerging crack in settling foundation or walls.
  • Faulty Guttering.
  • Windows without a tight seal will leak air and moisture, often seen as fogging.
  • External mold, fungus, or mildew which can leach into your home.

All of these factors lead to possible health problems and home repairs which can quickly snowball when under extreme stress.

Rely on Grime Fighters to provide a positive effect on your home. A clean home is a healthy home.

A Radical Resident

Hidden Home Dangers: RADON

Now, officially winter, we relish in resting and snuggling into the coziness of the indoors. But a silent invader poses a real threat to the sanctuary of our home as a healthy haven: RADON. This radical gas has grown slow attention despite being the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. January is National Radon Action Month.

According to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas leaches into our homes through foundation cracks or basements. Breathing in this gas poses a cumulative health risk over years of exposure. The DPA estimates approximately 40% of all homes in PA have Radon levels above acceptable EPA guidelines. This means that trouble brews undetected posing serious harm. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that “lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year” with Radon being the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking, but remains the #1 cause for non-smokers. However, both radon and lung cancer are detectable and treatable when caught early.

EPA.gov is a reliable information source for understanding Radon risk, testing, removal, and sources for dealing with it. Detection is extremely accessible, with hardware stores selling kits at an affordable $20-$30.

After an initial assessment, if Radon levels are above EPA standards, reputable companies can be requested for confirmation. A secondary test can confirm levels that require action, as radon levels can fluctuate. Testing should be done in the basement, or the ground floor if the home is built on a slab. If the second test confirms levels that require remediation, hire a certified Radon contractor to install a Radon Reduction system. These systems can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the amount of work and the size of the home. Average costs rest around $1,000. After installation, test to confirm Radon is reduced, as well as periodically maintaining the efficacy of the system.

You want to protect yourself and your loved ones now, and in the future. Minimal effort and expense now can have a great impact on a healthy future. Resolve to make January a month of a truly significant action: SAFETY!

Scare Tactics and FOMO:

How to Avoid Clever Marketing Tricks and Keep a Level Head in a Spending-Surge Season.

Benjamin Franklin said:

“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.”

We’ve all been there. The moment we acquire that which we want or need, it is replaced by the next best thing. Instead of feeling a sense of gratitude or accomplishment in such acquisition, we feel duped, less than, and insecure about our purchasing habits.

Whether or not we realize it, we are all subject to marketing strategies and tactics~ everything from our choice of milk to how technology fills our life~ serve to define us and our spending profile. We may even begin to feel as Franklin implied, that we are creating a vacuum. And especially now, in a season full of splurge-worthy sales, when it seems that every day is filled with a must-have mentality for the acquisition of that next-best-thing, is the very time we need to guard our mind and money, so as to avoid the proverbial rabbit hole of debt.

Advertisers use clever marketing strategies to create emotions within us that lead to Fear Of Missing Out, or even in extreme cases, a sense of harm or doom, if we do not purchase whatever idea they might be selling. These are called ‘scare tactics’, and are noted such because it works by taking away our power of reason. As succinctly stated by the University of Melbourne,

“Ads that tap into our emotional reaction to an issue, rather than just our rational or informational needs, are called “fear appeals.” They are named this way to jump-start us into action. They aren’t just about scaring or shocking us for the sake of it- it’s about using that fear to encourage us to change.”

Common examples of this might look like: ‘Don’t miss out’, Get it before it’s gone’, ‘Flying off the shelves’. These buzz words create a sense of panic in our brain leading us into an irrational, fear-based decision, rather than a rational, thoughtful need. Even if the item is a planned purchase, clever marketing can trick us into spending too much or spending in an untimely fashion.

Another ‘fear tactic’ of marketing that exploits Fear Of Missing Out is the ‘Buy 3, Get 1 Free’ type sale. Okay, do you really need 4 of the thing, or is it really just a way to trap you into overspending? You may rationalize that you are getting something for free, and while that may be true, you’ve also just been duped into spending triple on the one item you set out to purchase. Marketing tricks like these may temporarily fill a void with a ‘new purchase’ kind of joy, but that joy is quickly replaced by regret and fear when our budgets are not feeling the normal flex of living within our means.

So how can we avoid the traps of FOMO, overspending, and keep a level head? Cicero said:

“Frugality includes all the other virtues.”

Frugality, or the careful management of material resources and money, may seem a purely rational quality, borne out of checks and balances. But it is more than a mere mathematical exercise. If we don’t develop gratitude for what we already have, the ledger will never have enough zeroes, and we will find ourselves in constant want. Conversely, if we practice gratitude, learn to live within our means, make thoughtful purchases which require both saving and denial, then we are getting close to the algorithm as quoted by Cicero. Virtues help us to feel appreciation.

Gratitude helps us to make peace with missing out. We exercise gratitude when we take stock of what we already own, make lists for what we really need, and learn to use sales to our advantage rather than a paved road to debilitating debt. As George Lorimer wisely stated:

“It’s good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t LOST the things that money can’t buy.”

HIDDEN HOME DANGERS: Electrical Hazards

What you need to know to keep your home and family safe.

Electricity. We depend on it, and yet take it for granted. We rely heavily on its stability, but think little of safety. Sadly, it confronts us when we are put in danger by it.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports just over 6% of all residential fires are electrical in nature, with an annual approximation of 24,000. That is nearly 66 electrical fires per day. What are the most common electrical hazards at home? How can you protect your home and your family from this hazard? And what should you do if an electrical fire does happen?

The most common electrical hazards are due to faulty wiring, stressed or overtaxed electrical circuits, exposure to water, outlets that are broken or exposing wiring, damaged or stressed cords, improperly matched light bulbs to wattage, appliance hazards, lack of or broken smoke alarms, and human intervention.

Protecting your home and your family is simply a matter of safety. Do not overload outlets, which can stress circuitry, or exceed recommended wattage allowances of lamps. This is a direct electrical fire hazard. Keep electrical cords clean, sorted, and free of debris, piles, or external heat sources which may ignite a fire. Check that appliances are working properly. Immediately respond to any odours or switch tripping, as these may be indicative of serious hazards. And it can not be overstated, check that smoke detectors are functioning properly, and replace batteries annually.

Despite the best safety measures, sometimes an unseen threat may result in an electrical fire. What should you do in case of an electrical fire? In short, remember, B,B,C,C.

  1. BREAKER: Disconnect electricity at the source: switch off the breaker, THEN unplug from the outlet, if this can be done safely. NEVER unplug an active wire that is compromised.
  2. BAKING SODA: Baking soda squelches an electrical fire by preventing it being fed more oxygen. NEVER, EVER use water on an electrical fire.
  3. CLASS C Fire Extinguisher: Only a Class C Fire Extinguisher should be used for an electrical fire, as fire extinguishers are rated for different purposes. Double check the rating on your fire extinguisher and familiarize yourself how to safely use it.
  4. CALL Emergency Services: Any fire can quickly get out of control. Be sensible, back away, and call for help. Emergency Services are trained how to safely deal with electrical fires.

As October is Fire Safety Month, why not make it an annual family activity to prepare mentally and physically in case of a fire. Testing detectors, checking wires, and reviewing and practicing safety measures and escape routes will educate and protect your home and family from this hidden home danger.

REMODELS, REMEDIATION, AND REMEDIES

HIDDEN HOME DANGERS: BLACK MOLD.

Mold is a fungus which grows and thrives in moist environments. Mold may take on various colors, which signify various types or stages of growth. In all its forms, it becomes dangerous when inhaled or ingested. It simultaneously grows on and decomposes organic matter.

Mold, especially black mold in particular, forms in your home in the presence of prolonged moisture. This can be anything from a poorly ventilated kitchen or bath, a pipe leak, or an extreme event producing water damage. Noteworthy too would be organic materials which may hold on to moisture such as expired food, old books or newspapers or other organic materials, like leather, wood, and straw.

While airborne spores have not necessarily been substantiated as dangerous to immediate health, many find black mold to be the cause of, at the very least, an allergen response, being as it were, your body’s first line of defense. Allergic responses would include, but not be limited to, coughing, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, and rashes. In some, this can even lead to an extreme asthmatic response, which can become an emergency. More than that, those with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to symptoms and are at risk of fungal infections. In a post-pandemic world where nearly all of us have felt the effects of COVID-19, removing allergens and lung irritants is imperative, as many have developed lung and/or breathing issues. Where mold once posed no real threat may now be an entirely different ballgame.

While this foul-smelling fungus may seem imposing, it is easily treatable and requires minimal effort and expense to remove, provided it has not grown out of control (larger than 10 square feet), or is out of sight, in which case, professional remediation is a must. For manageable remediation, safety is imperative. It is noteworthy to remember that while removing black mold is simple, it does become more airborne, and thus poses a serious allergen to eyes, ears, nose, throat, and skin. Therefore, PPE is required, even if using the most natural solvents to remove.

You will need:

  • Protective Eyewear
  • Gloves
  • Mask
  • Clothing that can be sanitized or disposed
  • Rubber shoes that can be disinfected

Mold is classically known for its musty smell and clustered, spotted appearance, but can also appear as red or pink (generally in bathrooms). As you remove the mold, you will need plenty of ventilation as it becomes airborne, especially when applying solvents. Remove and throw away anything which can not be cleaned. And of course, before you expend time and energy cleaning, be sure you have first addressed that which has sourced the black mold (water leak, dampness, damage).

Effective treatments include:

  • Tea Tree Oil and Water Solution
  • Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
  • Bleach and Water Solution
  • Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Solution

DO NOT CROSS-MIX SOLUTIONS! CHOOSE ONE.

Preventing mold is never absolute, but helpful measures would include having good ventilation, especially in baths, laundry, and kitchens, limiting the overall humidity in your home to 50%, by means of a dehumidifier if necessary, as well as dealing with any water issue, leak, or flooding PROMPTLY.

Keeping your home clean and dry both inside and out and keeping gutters clean will limit the moisture and mold potential. Keeping your home’s exterior mold and fungus free can also assist by decreasing the amount of airborne spores that may enter from your home’s central air unit or via window and door.

Being sure to address the source of any mold or fungus that can affect your home may take time, energy, and money, but it will be far worth the effort to keep your home and your family healthy, preventing costly remodels, remediation, and remedies.

How Drought Affects Your Home

Why Gutter Cleanings are essential~ even in a drought.

When weather conditions run dry, more is affected than just your lawn and plants. The trouble runs deeper and broader, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, soil, and foundations.

Wikipedia defines drought as: “an event of prolonged shortages in the water supply, whether atmospheric (below-average precipitation), surface water or ground water. A drought can last for months or years, or as few as 15 days. It can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region and cause harm to the local economy.”

Global Warming and extreme weather patterns are increasing drought potential. Even areas which do not usually succumb to drought are beginning to feel the effects. Not only does this affect the soil and plants, but also the economy and ecosystem. Specifically, it affects you as a homeowner. Soils dry and shift with drought, causing settling as gravity naturally seeks to fill in the cracks left behind by shrinking soil. Your home’s foundation may shift and settle into these, leading to cracks in foundation, structural damage, sticky windows and doors, and uneven, sloping floors.

Conversely, when it rains, clay-rich soil becomes expansive soil, trapping rain water, essentially flooding the soil and contributing to excessive run-off and flooding. This can lead to an even greater hazard if cracks have formed in the foundation. Now your home is primed for water damage and moisture-related issues.

While this devastation may sound frightfully out of control, there are measures you can take to protect your home (and your paycheck).

  • The first thing you will want to do is inspect your home. Whether you choose to do this yourself, or hire a professional (many offer free inspection), taking a thoughtful stroll around your home may highlight hidden dangers.
  • The next most important step is to GENTLY water the soil around your home…(think misting, not torrent). As long as there are no restrictions on water usage, keeping the soil moist around your foundation prevents caving or collapsing.
  • Next, consider your landscaping. If there are large trees near your foundation, guess who is going to win…NOT YOU. Tree roots will absorb more moisture, which is bad for your foundation. However, planting shade plants and shrubs will contribute to the prevention of soil evaporation.
  • Finally, clean your Gutters! As previously mentioned, rain after a drought oversaturates the soil, causing structural damage to your foundation walls. By cleaning your gutters, you are preventing this torrent of rain water from pooling and puddling near your foundation. This will also help to prevent the spread of algae to other surfaces of your home.

Professional Gutter Cleanings are extremely affordable, especially if you consider all the money saved ($$$$$) by preventing further structural damage to your home. While Gutter Guards are a helpful preventative option, they are not infallible, and still must be maintained to have smoothly flowing gutters.

Protect your investment! Schedule your Professional Gutter Cleaning with The Grime Fighters.

Back to School: A Lifetime Endeavour

As Summer stubbornly nears its end, September ushers in another year of school education. Young ones anxiously endeavour to expand their minds, growing and learning, shaping them into future adults.

As adults, we recognize that true education never ends. We constantly learn and grow from experiences, training, and life. Albert Einstein said:

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

Education is important. It teaches us the necessities of how to live our best life. It helps us to make decisions, and improve our discernment, learning to establish values and ethics. As adults, we rely on these as we move forward and improve ourselves. Education is not limited to the classroom. It is only the foundation for learning as we grow older and wiser.

Einstein also said,

“I never teach my pupils, I only provide the conditions in which they can learn.”

At Grime Fighters, we echo those sentiments, providing conditions in which we train our crew, helping them to become skilled at their work. Each year we open the season with “Grime Fighter University”, whereby we train any new crew members, as well as improve the quality of our performance. All Grime Fighters benefit from this continuous training, as we consciously take strides to enhance our equipment, techniques, and cleaning agents, remaining as efficient, modern, and green-friendly as possible. We also make annual improvements to the rig. All of these upgrades mean education and training for our team, utilizing their individual skills and assets to help them grow as individuals, and as a team.

As a homeowner, all of this education benefits you. Using the latest technology, techniques, products, and training, gives you security in knowing that our team will treat you and your home well and with respect and professionalism, accurately employing these modern advances.

At Grime Fighters, we stand by the belief that you are never too old to learn something new.