OCS Blog

Fall Home Maintenance To-Do’s

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 15:53:19 GMT

Fall is a great time to touch up your house on all fronts before winter arrives. Summer weekend getaways happen on a less frequent occurrence, giving you more time to maintain the quality and integrity of your house. With this being the first full week of fall, here are some maintenance tips to help you out:

Trim Trees & Shrubs : Winter can be extremely harsh on trees, so make sure that the ones on your property are healthy. Falling limbs and trees cause tremendous damages to roofs and siding every year, so make sure you are ready.
Gutters & downspouts : Once most of the leaves have fallen, farther into Autumn it is crucial that you clean out your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters during the winter can lead to leaks through your roof.
Exterior Repairs/Replacements : Going into winter, you want to make sure your house as a whole is structurally sound. A whole in the roof or broken siding board could cause some issues during the winter. A proper inspection can go a long way for your:
- Roof
- Siding
- Windows
- Doors
- & More
Prepare Deck : Make sure that your porch or deck aren’t in need of repairs. Cover and store all chairs and accessories that you have been using. This even means that emptying pots are essential because the dirt can freeze causing pots to crack.
Look Interior : After you have done your do-diligence outside, the fall is also a great time to plan any interior remodeling jobs you have been thinking about.

Owens Construction Services is a leading exterior remodeling company located in Cleveland, TN. If you need any help with your roof, siding, windows or gutters, feel free to reach out! We can be contacted over the phone at 423.284.8667 or through our online contact form.

Reasons Why You Should Install A Fence Around Your Property

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 02:28:17 GMT

The fence installed around your property, home, farm or even school is the first thing that people will see when they visit. You have to install a fence that stands out from the rest. The fence should also be maintenance- free. There are various types of fences in the market including wood, vinyl, chain-link, farm, and aluminum ones.

If you are a realtor and you are looking for clients to sell your home to, you have to impress them with the privacy they will be enjoying once they purchase your property. A poorly chosen fence, such as a chain-link one, offers very little security and privacy to a home; hence, it is not advised for securing a property. Bamboo fences, on the other hand, shouldn’t be used in cold climates as they can quickly rot away. That being said, you need to think critically about the reasons for your need for the installation of a fence, even before the start of budgeting process for the fence. You should first be asking yourself about the kind of property which you own. For instance, if you have a farm and thousands of acres of land, you would require installing a farm fence and not a wooden fence because it would be expensive to maintain such a large fence in the long run.

Added Privacy

Privacy is the one of the most important things that everyone takes into account before they purchase a property. Whether you are watching a movie with your significant other or sunbathing, it’s great to know that someone isn’t watching you, because you have installed a fence around your property. A person won’t purchase a property if it has a poorly designed fence because this would mean that the buyer won’t be assured of their privacy, even if the property is unique and is the most exceptional home in the town or city.

Fences, as stated above, accord different levels of security. For instance wooden and vinyl fences would be preferred to chain-link ones. Chain-link fences are see-through and don’t offer any form of privacy, when compared to the other types of fences. If you have pets, (e.g., dogs) wood, vinyl, or electric fences would be preferred to prevent them from unnecessarily barking at the neighbors. Also, it would stop animal abusers from mistreating your dogs.

Security

Security is one of the main reasons why people invest in fences. I know you wouldn’t want to live in a home without a fence, especially if you reside in an area prone to high cases of crime. Areas with high levels of crime are equipped with wooden fences and probably an electric mesh on the top of the wooden fence, to prevent any intruders.

A fence will come in handy if you live in an area that has proximity to a wildlife reserve, as it will prevent wild animals from entering your property and causing harm to you and your family. If you have children, siblings or pets, a fence will prevent abductions.

Marking Of Property

Land is a scarce resource. If you have a large farm of thousands of acres or even a small plot measuring less than an acre, marking your property is imperative, as it will prevent people from encroaching it. Erecting a fence is the best way of marking where your land starts and ends. It will help you avoid disputes with your neighbors; such problems can sometimes lead to expensive lawsuits.

In addition to the prevention of encroachment, installing a fence will also help you to know how much space is remaining on your property, so that you can plan accordingly if you have any renovations or additions in mind. You may wish to add a swing set or small pool for your kids, so knowing the size of your land will help you determine the size of the pool and the kind of swing set which you can get for your kids or younger siblings.

Marking your property using a fence will also help you determine where your maintenance activities begin and end, such as clearing the lawn, picking up dirt or gathering fallen leaves.

Safety Purposes

Fence off your home to ensure the safety of your kids, younger siblings or pets, especially dogs. A fence will keep them confined to your compound, preventing them from wandering in your neighborhood and possibly leading to unfortunate incidents.

A fence is particularly critical if your kids or pets love to play in the yard and if there is a road close to your home. They could easily wander towards the road and get hit by a car or abducted. If your dog is the aggressive kind, a fence will allow it to play without you worrying that it might attack passersby. You could put up signs on your fence, warning your neighbors about your dog. Fences can help prevent incidents such as drowning as you can use it as a warning sign to prevent people from using the pool without your permission.

Decorative Purposes

Some fencing types add a decorative appeal to your property, as they have ornamental elements on them. Such types of fences will add an instant appeal to your house, thus increasing the value of your home. A good, high-quality fence is always a great investment. You will then end up reselling your property at higher costs, which will be more profitable for you. When choosing a fence, it’s advisable to pick a design that will match the look of your neighborhood. If you live in one of those neighborhoods or communities that have a defined type of fence, you are required to install, then you will have fewer choices

If you aim to reap the benefits of a fence, ensure you find the services of an experienced fence contractor. It’s important to do so as they will advise you on the right kind of fence, the materials you should use and the style and colors, which you should use for your fence. Call the professionals at Owens Construction Services to ensure the highest quality.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR HOME SIDING

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 18:16:58 GMT

Siding is one of the most important parts of the home improvement plan that a homeowner can think of. Different materials used for siding are vinyl, wood, stucco, and fiber cement. In most American cities, it can be seen that different siding materials are used in various houses. Each has their set of rules for proper upkeep, and most importantly some of these materials require more maintenance than others.

Most homeowners are unaware of the ways to maintain the siding of their houses. Here is a list of some of the most common siding materials that are used and ways to maintain them:

Stucco: This is a low-maintenance material that does not require much effort on the part of the homeowner. Normally an occasional power-wash would help a lot to maintain stucco sidings. However, the moment you see cracks on stucco make sure to replace it to prevent any major problems in the future.
Wood: Although wood is a favorite material when it comes to siding construction, wooden home exteriors require the highest degree of maintenance. To wash wooden sidings, it would be better to use a hose-pipe and not a power washer. Make sure not to use much water pressure while washing it since it may cause the sealant or the paint to come off. With water use oxygen bleach since due to its mild nature, it is safe to be used on wood and does not cause any damage to the vegetation in the surrounding areas. It is normally advised to paint wooden siding once every year to make it last longer.
Vinyl: Since vinyl is relatively maintenance free, most homeowners prefer this material for siding construction. In numerous US cities, it is seen that homeowners have been using vinyl for the external part of their home for a long time. However, it is important to say that this material requires cleaning with a good power washer at least once every year. Most siding contractors advice their clients to make sure that vinyl siding does not get dirty. This is because the longer the dirt sits on the material, the more likely chances that it will set in. All cleaning solutions that you use should be intended for cleaning vinyl sidings. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can cause undue damage. All the detergents should be rinsed off completely with a lower-pressure rinse. Again, the rinsing process should work bottom up and in an even manner. Proper cleaning will ensure longevity and durability of your vinyl sidings.
Metal siding: Ones they have been installed, it should be reasonably maintenance free for many years to come. A thorough cleaning from time to time will be needed to keep the siding looking clean and good looking. Usually, a simple washing of the siding with a hose or a pressure sprayer will do. If additional cleaning is needed, a simple solution of detergent and water can be used with a soft bristled brush. The siding should invariably be rinsed thoroughly following any use of cleaner or chemicals. The use of any strong solvent or abrasive cleaner must be avoided altogether. Metal siding can last for many years with proper installing and maintenance. It is a good alternative to other kinds of siding materials. With increased popularity for use in homes and commercial buildings, it is a durable, attractive product that could improve the functionality and appeal of just about any building.

Are you interested in hiring a reliable and professional siding contractor in the Cleveland, TN area? Contact us today!

How do you know when it's time to paint your house?

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 17:46:16 GMT

So how do you know when it's time to paint your house? Watch for these 6 signs.

Taking care of your home, including keeping up on the maintenance of your painted interior and exterior walls, is one of the most important things you can do to keep its value up. Along with keeping your kitchen and bathrooms updated, a clean, maintained paint job looks inviting and put together. Quality paint also protects your home's exterior against the elements. Repainting your exterior or interior is a great way to make a big impact in updating your home, but it's also a smart investment.

The Paint Shows Signs of Wear

Peeling, bubbling, and cracking paint are signs that the paint wasn't applied correctly in the first place or that the paint has succumbed to the elements. These signs may also mean you're dealing with dry rot or mold. They shouldn't be ignored, as they can lead to bigger problems down the road.

The Paint Is Fading

Fading paint makes a house look worn and tired. It's time to repaint when the paint doesn't have that same vibrant color it had when it was originally painted. Dark paints will fade quicker than lighter paints, so keep an eye out.

You're Putting the House on the Market

First impressions only happen once. That's why curb appeal is so important when you want to sell your house. Potential buyers will make split-second opinions about your house the moment they drive into your driveway. If the paint job is old, or was poorly done, they'll notice -- and that may affect their decision to place an offer or not. Likewise, the interior of your home needs to look fresh and taken care of. New paint can make your home look modern, clean, and inviting.

You're Seeing Gaps or Shrinking

Do the boards on your home's exterior look as if they're shrinking? Do you see gaps between the boards? This is a sign of potential dry rot, meaning moisture could be getting into the wood. You'll want a professional to assess the damage.

The Caulk Is Cracking

If the caulking on the exterior of your house is cracking or showing signs of being brittle, it has lost its elasticity and it's time for an updated paint job.

The Right Amount of Time Has Passed

You don't have to wait to see signs of paint failure before you paint. In fact, it's better if you don't. Just like you want to replace your roof before it's caving in, repainting before you have huge issues will save you a headache or 12 -- and it will keep your house in tip-top shape.

So how often does your house need to be painted?

Exteriors should be painted every 5 to 10 years. This timeframe depends on how well your house was painted the last time, the quality of paint that was used, the quality of the prep work that was done, and the surface of your exterior.
Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years.
Aluminum siding needs to be painted about every 5 years.
Stucco should be repainted every 5 to 6 years.

If you're seeing any of the above signs, give Owens Construction Services a call. We use quality paint and expert prepping and painting techniques to ensure you get lasting results. Call us at (423)284-8667, or contact us online for a consultation.

5 Home Maintenance Tips for Summer

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Wed, 23 May 2018 19:35:19 GMT

The long days of summer are the perfect time to catch up on several annual home maintenance activities. These can often be done in one weekend, with plenty of time leftover to enjoy the sun. Plus going through this list can save you time, money and headaches down the road:

1) Air Conditioning Tune-Up

The number one priority for your summer home maintenance checklist is to have your air conditioning (AC) unit tuned up. As important as getting your car tuned, your AC needs to be tuned to inspect and prevent unwanted emergencies. This can be done yourself or with the help of a professional.

The tune up includes inspecting refrigerant levels – that’s the magic that keeps your unit running cool. Followed by looking at your fan to ensure it’s functioning well and changing out the air filter.

2) Roof check

Your roof should be inspected annually to ensure that you don’t have any problems. Whether you have just ended your rainy season or are about to begin it, checking your roof each summer will assist in finding a small problem before it becomes a large, leaky one.

Contingent on the type of roof, you may also want to clean your roof to avoid any permanent water damage. Especially if there are pine needles or other debris that accumulate on it.

3) Clean gutters

Cleaning gutters regularly will help prevent clogging and unnecessary leaks. It is recommended that gutters are cleaned twice a year: once in late fall – after all of the leaves have fallen and once in early summer.

Use a small plastic scoop to remove debris. Once clean, flush the gutters with a hose to remove any other debris.

4) Window check

Ensure that the hot summer heat stays outside by checking and maintaining your home’s windows. One of the key items in window maintenance is routinely checking the sealants.

Ensure that both inside and out are secured, and caulk any open areas in between. Also, check weather-stripping for any faults and replace it immediately if there is an issue. Taking care of windows will keep your home looking and feeling good.

5) Wash the exterior of your home:

An important element of maintaining your home’s exterior is to routinely clean it, and the easiest way to do so is to pressure wash the walls. Do it to remove dirt, stains and mildew, especially prior to painting.

4 SUMMER ROOFING TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME COOL

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Thu, 03 May 2018 17:25:29 GMT

Pool parties, BBQs, fireworks, trips to the beach and road trips all have one thing in common — they’re all summer activities. To some, summer is the best season of the year. One thing no one can disagree with is that with the summer months comes summer weather. As the summer heat is here to stay, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the grueling summer heat and help keep your home cool.

The attic is an area of the home that can easily be forgotten or overlooked, but it is one of the biggest contributing factors to helping keep your home cool during the summer heat. An attic can easily reach temperatures up to 150 during the peak of summer if not properly insulated and maintained. Although you’re not going to be spending much time in your attic, that heat can still make your air conditioning work much harder than it should.

Due to the summer heat, one thing all homeowners should be on the lookout for in their attic is moisture. Moisture affecting plywood your attic can lead to mold if not treated as quickly and effectively as possible. Mold damage can leads to major cost repairs if untreated over time.

Here are four tips to make sure your attic and roof are ready for the summer heat:

Make sure drains and roof gutters are clean and clear of debris – Gutters with debris stuck in them cause flooding and overflow on your roof. Unchecked gutters can lead to major damage if not addressed immediately.
Make sure exhaust vents are working properly – Making sure your attic is properly ventilated allows cold air to flow me freely as well as allow more hot air to leave the attic; lowering the temperature of the entire house.
Check for small signs of damage in the attic and roof – Small signs can turn into large problems if not monitored or treated properly. If you’re unaware what to look for, give us a call here at Owens Construction Services. We can come out and professionally inspect your roof and inform you of things to keep an eye out for.
Look for missing, damaged and loose shingles – Damaged, loose or missing shingles can be an early indicator that your roof may be in need of major repair or replacement.

Homeowners are strongly encouraged to have their roof and attic professionally inspected twice a year. Owens Construction Services are happy to provide roofing inspections for interested parties.

Importance of Gutters

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 16:14:45 GMT

One of the natural elements that can create havoc on anyone’s house is rainwater. How can you maintain the magnificence of you house if you encounter heavy rain water which you know can eventually damage any part of your house in one way or another. If you want to have a house that is in good condition, start minding the gutters.

Gutters are devices that collect water which comes off the roof. Building officials, in recent years, across the country acknowledges the importance of having gutters. In fact several municipalities around the country are requiring gutters on all new residential constructions. Gutters direct water away from your home and its foundation.

Gutters serve many purposes, and there are reasons why you should need these for your home. For example, regular gutters cleaning ensures that leaves and other debris do not clog the gutters.

Aside from this, there are other key reasons why having gutters at home is relevant. Here are some of them.

AVOIDING FOUNDATION PROBLEMS

When it is raining, it is normal for water to move toward the foundation of your home. This can be avoided, fortunately, if you have protective gutters which can deflect falling rain from your roof. Consequently, you can prevent having wet ground and stop any damage to your house. Foundation problems caused by rain include personal respiratory infections due to breathing in the mold, cracking of molds and weakening of foundations.

PREVENTING FLOODING

Aside from affecting the foundation of your home, rain water can also leak into the basement resulting in flooding. Basement flooding results in as much as $3 billion in home insurance claims every year, according to the National Flood Insurance Program. Repairing a “minor” flood-damaged basement will cost an average amount of $10, 000. However, with regard to heavy rain, the damage can cause damage anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. To avoid any of these unwanted expenses, you need to have a good waterproofing strategy that includes gutters.

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE TO SIDING
Excess water can also damage the siding of a home. The moisture can promote mold and mildew growth. If water gets underneath the protective wrap of the siding, it may be difficult to tell if the moisture has impacted the siding until it has caused significant damage.

PREVENTING CRACKING TO SIDEWALKS AND/OR DRIVEWAYS

Excess rain can pour in torrents off a roof and damage anything in its path, from landscaping to sidewalks and driveways, resulting in cracking and instability. Through gutters, the rain has a controlled pathway to exit the home, minimizing any potential damage.

OTHER BENEFITS

Apart from the above-mentioned importance of gutters, there are more benefits you can get from having gutters on your house. There are other reasons why rain gutters are so important:
● Stability of soil around the house
● Prevention of erosion which preserve landscaping and turf
● Prevention of stone masonry and water staining on brick
● Preservation of exterior and garage overhead doors

GUTTER MAINTENANCE

Gutters play a significant role in maintaining your house. Yet, there are still things that you must keep in mind in order for it to continue to function. Gutters must also undergo maintenance. Rain gutters require work. Keeping it clean and in order is the homeowner’s responsibility. Therefore, you have to be vigilant and not be complacent thinking that these gutters will do everything. If you do not clean it, chances are, you will encounter the following problems:
● Water damming will occur and which causes damage to eaves
● Leaking of water into the house which causes damage to walls and flooring
● Mosquitoes breed in the standing water
● Leaves in gutters can be a fire hazard
● Gutters deteriorate which causes leaks and eventual failure
● Low sloped roofs require more frequent cleaning

PROPERLY INSTALLED GUTTERS
An important note that you should consider is to always make sure that the gutters you have are installed correctly. Majority of houses don’t have a properly installed gutter system which allows water to leak and create some serious damage to the house.

With all of this information, misconceptions and the many mistakes homeowners are making about gutters will be avoided. Prevent any cases of mistakes that can cause damage to your home.

FALL PROJECTS

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:33:02 GMT

Before all the Leaves have fallen here is a list of projects you may want to think about:

Fall Project #1 – Roof Repair or Replacement
There’s nothing worse than the drip, drop, plop of a leaky roof and ugly water stains on ceilings at Thanksgiving.
And the last thing you want is dad falling through the roof while trying to hang Christmas lights.
So, before the heavy winter weather comes pouring down, you might want to think about a fall roof job.
Fall timing couldn’t be better! The extreme heat of the summer is gone and roofs can be replaced much faster and you won’t have to worry about losing as much cool air while having it replaced.
If your roof is leaking or not up to holding the weight of snow, roof replacement or repair could be dangerous.
Don’t get caught this winter in freezing temperatures trying to fix something that could be prevented now!

Fall Project #2 – Window Replacement
Fall is the absolute perfect time to have your windows replaced.
Could you imagine going through another winter like the last with the old windows you have now?
Do you feel a draft near windows, or can you hear the wind whip and whistle through them?
Can you see condensation on the window or do you remember it being there last winter?
Give your heater a break this winter and save a ton on your utility bill by replacing those old, ugly, outdated windows!!

Fall Project #3 – Flooring
There’s nothing like new flooring to turn your home now into a cozy retreat before the cold winter air hits.
Set up your Christmas Tree this year on new floor and ditch your old!
New wood, carpet, tile, and laminate will help your winters to likely seem a bit cozier and wow your holiday guests.
New flooring is one of the best investments you can put into your home. It keeps it updated, clean and can help with allergies.

Fall Project #4 – Painting
A fresh coat of paint or a spicy new color can bring a fresh new feeling to your home.
Whether it’s inside or out, new paint can really make for a warm and fuzzy holiday season.
But what doesn’t go down well with the holiday meal is a side of paint fumes!
Don’t wait until the last minute and it be December 21st and you need fresh paint or want to rip that old wall paper down! Plan it now!
New Paint is the perfect way to show off your style and bring to life an old drab outdated color.

Fall Project #5 – Concrete and Mortar
Have you been meaning to pour a new concrete patio or driveway, patch those holes or cracks in existing sidewalks or driveways or build a new fireplace, but haven’t quite gotten around to it?
Well, you might want to take advantage of the fall weather, otherwise the cold dampness of winter may make these projects more difficult.
Winter months can be hard on concrete driveways and patios. Fix cracks and chipping concrete now so they don’t worsen this winter!

Roof Maintenance Tips for Fall

kylie@sociallogic.biz (Kylie Wiser) — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:33:02 GMT

When the weather turns colder, the last thing homeowners want is to deal with a leaky, ill-maintained roof. You can preserve the integrity of your roof all winter long by following these easy roof maintenance tips during the fall months.

Inspect Your Roof

Every autumn, it’s a good idea to give your roof a general inspection for integrity. Start by checking the shingles on your roof. Shingles that are cracked, bubbling, or otherwise distorted need to be replaced. The shingles on your roof are your home’s first line of defense. Next, examine the flashing, the chimney, and other vents on your roof for damage. Scrape off any algae, dirt, leaves or debris that has accumulated on your roof, as these can slowly deteriorate roof shingles while they grow or decompose.

Gutter Maintenance

The gutters on your house are an important part of your roof system. The shingles on your roof direct water down toward the gutters. Here, water is directed away from the home to prevent flooding and water damage. If your gutters are dirty or clogged, problems can occur. During the winter, standing water can freeze in your gutters, preventing new moisture from being directed off the roof. An ice shelf, a large and heavy block of ice, can form on a roof and cause structural damage. After you inspect your roof for debris, don’t forget to clean out the gutters and downspouts.

Trim and Pare

The number one cause of roof damage in the fall months comes from trees and branches that are simply too close to the roof. During the fall, trees begin to shed their leaves, but what many people don’t know is that trees will also shed limbs, branches, and twigs that have ceased to be a productive part of the tree. When the weather turns colder and high winds affect your area, these limbs and branches can become dislodged and land directly on your roof. If a large tree branch falls on your roof, the damage has already been done. However, by cutting off dying or dead branches in a controlled environment, you can prevent these accidents from occurring. Inspect the trees around your house. Any limbs or branches that are hanging directly over your roof should be removed. It is important to have limb removal performed by professionals, as incorrectly chopping limbs from a tree can result in damage to a roof or even injury.

Spring may be the season when homeowners clean the inside of their homes, but fall is the season when the outside becomes the focus. Inspecting your roof for damage , cleaning gutters and rainspouts, and removing hazardous tree branches will help keep your roof intact and your home dry during the colder months.