by Marci Broderick | Nov 26, 2014 | Miscellaneous
Ceiling cracks aren’t uncommon, especially in older homes with plaster or concrete slab ceilings. Cracked ceilings can be a result of several different factors, including shifting with age, excess moisture from heavy storms, improper roof drainage, and too much weight from the floor above (see my previous blog, Ceiling Cracks: Causes and Remedies for more information). In many cases, cracked ceilings aren’t a reason to worry, but in other cases, they can be an indication of structural instability and will require repair as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
by Marci Broderick | Nov 19, 2014 | Cracked Floor
You Love Your House. It’s your biggest investment, your comfort zone, your shelter. You’ve decorated it how you want it to look, and you’ve probably shelled out a whole lot of money to make it yours. But now your basement, garage, and other concrete floors are cracked. Should you worry? What’s causing this blatant disrespect to your beloved home? And what can you do about it?
by Marci Broderick | Nov 12, 2014 | Cracked Wall
Cracking walls are an annoyance for any homeowner. Some cracks can be easily spackled and sealed without the need to call in the professionals, but other cracks are a result of a more serious issue, and will therefore require more serious repair efforts.
by Marci Broderick | Nov 11, 2014 | Miscellaneous
As a homeowner, you have a list 10 miles long of all the things that could potentially go wrong with your home. You probably also have a super long list of repair options for all of those potential problems. But, if you’re like me, your budget isn’t nearly as long as either of these lists, so you find yourself wondering how to pay for your repairs. You may have also realized that there are several Do-It-Yourself options that allow you to take matters into your own hands, allowing you to save money right off the top. But are all of those DIY options as reliable as hiring an expert? How do you know if your own DIY skills are adequate enough to perform the task at hand? What if you start a project, only to realize that you’re in over your head, forcing you to call a contractor anyway? Luckily, in the chaos of all of these scary questions, one solid answer emerges. And while it’s not applicable for every issue you’ll face with your home, DIY carbon fiber kits give you the power to structurally reinforce your own home in a matter of hours.
by Marci Broderick | Oct 30, 2014 | Cracked Wall
When this homeowner purchased a foreclosed property with a severely cracked wall, he knew he needed something stronger than mere crack filler or mortar to repair it. The ¼”-wide crack went all the way through the block wall, and was likely caused by soil displacement. The homeowner needed structural strengthening, and his research led him to StrongHold. After reviewing the included installation video, he realized that the pre-measured and pre-cut carbon fiber kit would be very easy to install himself. Armed with confidence and The Strongest Name in Carbon Fiber, this homeowner got to work.
by Marci Broderick | Oct 23, 2014 | Bowed Wall
When your basement or garage walls bow, a slew of questions generally accompany them. What caused the bowing? What should I do about it? How quickly does it need to be repaired? How serious is it? How much money is this going to cost to repair? Is this something I can handle myself? A bowed wall is often a sign of extensive damage, so repairing it can seem like a daunting task. But armed with the right knowledge and repair solutions, it really doesn’t have to be.
by Marci Broderick | Oct 21, 2014 | Miscellaneous
Wet walls can be one of your home’s scariest nightmares. Water saturation can disintegrate wallboard and cause wood to swell, rot, and warp. Moisture acts as an unwanted invitation to mold, mildew, and fungus, and if your walls get too saturated with water, they risk total collapse. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, “most new homes develop basement leaks within 10 to 15 years, and over 60% of basements have moisture seepage, while 38% experience mold and fungus growth due to an elevated moisture level.” Whether your walls are wet because of heavy storms, plumbing leaks, or leaking cracks, it’s important to get them taken care of before they lead to irreparable damage.
by Marci Broderick | Oct 8, 2014 | Miscellaneous
Your home is your biggest investment. It’s probably your largest purchase, ever, and you want to keep it strong and safe for a really long time, right? So you’re probably already aware of that crack going through your living room ceiling…and wondering what to do about it. But before I give you a solution (and don’t worry, I will), it’s important to know what caused that crack in the first place.
