8 Hidden Health Hazards Lurking in Your Home

Home is often associated with comfort and rest. It is a place where we get to unwind and feel safe. However, making your home a safe environment for everyone requires some work. There are hidden hazards that may cause harm to your family, and these need to be assessed and addressed. 

Safety should be the utmost priority, and it requires some work on your side. Fortunately, many of these are easy to manage and are fixable. 

Radon

It is a radioactive gas that naturally occurs thorium, uranium, or radium breaks down in soil or groundwater. We are exposed to it, but this becomes a hazard when the gas enters into cracks or holes in your home, and you are inhaling a high level of radon.

This gas increases the risk of lung cancer when exposed for an extended period. You may not notice its presence because it is odorless and colorless. This can be avoided by checking the level of radon through a testing kit. Improving ventilation can reduce the amount of radon indoors, but you’ll need professional help to eliminate it.

Asbestos

Another natural fiber, asbestos, is commonly found in construction materials, textiles, and insulation. It is durable and can withstand high temperatures. In general, asbestos is safe to use. However, it becomes a health hazard when the asbestos-containing material crumbles or is friable.

When the asbestos material is in a poor state, a simple movement releases dust particles into the air. When handled poorly, you might inhale the dust particles and damage your lungs. These particles can stay in the air for a while. 

You need to get rid of asbestos fast because there are common diseases associated with asbestos inhalation, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. 

Molds

If you notice a musty odor around the house, there might be mold growth in the area. Excess moisture promotes the growth of molds, which might indicate water leaks in the house. 

Mold is a type of fungus that can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Its presence in the house can trigger respiratory problems, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies. Infants, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised are susceptible. 

You can check for molds in the kitchen, under the sink, in your shower curtains, or basement. Mold in small amounts is harmless, but the spores being released in the air can harm everyone in the house when it is significant. 

You can control the growth of mold in the house by getting a dehumidifier in damp areas, keeping every area clean and dry, fixing any leakage and improving ventilation, controlling humidity, and making sure the house is warm during the cold season by adding insulation or heater. 

Carbon Monoxide

If you have kerosene heaters, gas stoves, a fireplace, wood stoves, or any gas equipment at home, you need to be careful with carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas is odorless and colorless making it dangerous because you wouldn’t notice you’re being exposed to it. 

Homes with poor ventilation are at high risk for carbon monoxide poisoning—headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and chest pain. If you inhale a large amount of these toxic fumes, you can pass out. Those who are sleeping or drunk can die of carbon monoxide poisoning without them even noticing it.

If you have equipment that uses gas, make sure to have proper ventilation. Install CO detector, purchase equipment certified by the appropriate agency, and hire licensed technicians to do yearly maintenance on your gas equipment. 

Lint

Removing lint from your dryer can keep your home safe. There are many benefits in keeping your dryer clean, like reducing electricity consumption, drying the clothes faster, and most importantly, preventing fire risk.

Lint is flammable, and the dryer produces heat which can create potential fire. Aside from fire, it also promotes mold and mildew growth because it can increase humidity around the vent. Clean the lint trap after every load. For hard to remove lint, soak the lint trap in hot water and brush gently. 

Dust mites

Your furniture, carpet, and bed can harbor dust mites. These hard to see, microscopic creatures love dead skin cells and hair. The bug is a potential allergen and can trigger the immune system to react. Those with asthma and sensitivity to insect bites are prone to dust mites. Those who are allergic will experience a runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. 

Lead

If you are living in an old home, you might want to check for the presence of lead. There might be a chance that the lead is hiding behind a few coats on your wall. Children are at the most at risk for lead poisoning and this can lead to severe complications.

Lead poisoning signs are developmental delay, irritability, loss of appetite, hearing loss, seizures, abdominal pain, and vomiting. You can get a lead testing kit to make sure your home is safe. 

Household cleaners

A prevalent health risk at home is household cleaners. When poorly stored and used, it can irritate the eyes, mouth, and nose. Others are volatile chemicals that can cause serious health problems, such as bleach and ammonia. 

Store these chemicals safely away from the children, read and follow instructions, avoid mixing chemicals and reduce the use of harmful chemicals by substituting them with natural ingredients. 

Be proactive when ensuring the safety of your home. Follow guidelines and research for information that can help keep your home free from health hazards. 

7 Home Improvements You can Do for Your Family's Well-being

If you are a parent, you know how hectic things can be. Still, you have to keep your home functioning well for the entire family. 

If expanding or moving to a bigger family home isn't an option, you need to do some tricks that can enlarge your space. That way, you can have a conducive family home. 

A couple of enhancements here and there can result in a happy home. That said, here are seven home improvements can do for your family:

Upgrade Your Bathroom

There are straightforward ways to spruce up your bathroom, making it a lot nicer for your family to use. 

Ensure that you replace the caulk if any molds are growing on it, which prevents conditions like asthma from worsening. Ensure that the grouts are clean as well.

To add a touch of luxury, you can also replace the showerhead and faucets. 

If you live in a place that has hard water, try using a showerhead that has an in-built water softening filter. Doing so prevents limestone build-up, and everyone at home will have softer hair. 

Hang Family Photos

Placing family photos in a room helps add character and charm to your overall home. It's also a great way to remind your loved ones of all the happy times that you've spent together. 

You can place them in various rooms in your house or hang them in a geometric pattern going up the stairs. 

Hanging your family photos at home requires only a little bit of DIY. So if you don't have nails or don't want kids helping with the risk of using a hammer, you can use picture hanging strips instead. 

You can easily remove these and won't cause your home any damage, so there's no need to replaster it later. 

Paint the Walls

You might be accustomed to how your house looks already. But if you look closely at the walls and the ceilings, you'll know that these might badly need a paint job. 

So, make an effort to give at least every room in your home a fresh coat. In the same way, you can also use this opportunity to upgrade some rooms' styles. 

For instance, why not let your kids choose their favorite color for their bedrooms? This is a great way to make them feel like their room is their personal space, and they'll love you for it!

Note that if you're painting walls with fresh color, see to it that you give it at least two coats so it won't look as it's rushed. 

Remember that you're the one who should be making improvements. You shouldn't make it look as if it's just half done. 

Stabilize Your Roof

Shoddy roofing can be destructive, damaging items in your home or causing a host of health problems. 

Having a stable roof gives you and the other occupants in your home peace of mind. 

Having durable roofing ensures that you can focus on your tasks without having to worry that the roof might collapse or start leaking. That's why quality roof construction should be a top priority.

Switch the Lighting

A place's lighting can make a huge difference in how a person feels. Harsh lighting often increases stress, and in some cases, causes headaches. 

So to give a more relaxing vibe to your family home, opt for some laps instead to decrease the bright glare. 

You can also swap older light bulbs in your home for more energy-efficient ones. Not only is this a lot more eco-friendly, but it's also not too heavy on the wallet. In fact, using energy-saving light bulbs allows you to save up to $75 annually. 

Get Indoor Plants

Creating a large backyard is a great thing that you can do for your family. But another thing that you can liven up in your family home is to bring in some beautiful indoor plants. 

Apart from just the beautiful appearance, many benefits are often linked to houseplants. This includes better air quality at home, as well as decreased stress levels. 

It's also a great idea that you involve kids with your plants. Your younger children will love watering them and watching them grow. 

It's an excellent way for older kids and teens to teach them how to be responsible. You can start with these new hobbies together, as you bond over your plants.

Revamp Your Flooring

When it comes to revamping the flooring of your home, choose longevity over durability. 

A carpet is one of the most common types of flooring materials. Not only that it's cheap, but it also solves the problem of having noisy footsteps. But the downside of it is that it usually isn't durable in the long run. 

If you want more durable floors, consider laminate, hardwood, cork, and vinyl plank options. If you worry that the kids might slip, you can purchase rubber play mats, placing them on areas they frequent. This allows you to retain a more aesthetic look on your floors. 

When making home improvements, picking suitable projects is vital. These family-friendly improvements let you spruce up your home, making it an ideal place to live for you and your loved ones. 

5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Windows

You may have been too busy to notice the slow damage that’s been happening to your widows. Wind, rain, and the occasional hailstorm—not to mention stones and debris from all the cars that drive by—can really take a toll on them. Your windows are your portal to the outside world, especially on days when you can’t go outside. Don’t let them be a burden! Know the five signs it’s time to replace your windows so that you can enjoy them for all they’re worth.

Visibly Damaged Windows

Your home’s windows are constantly exposed to wind, rain, and debris. Overtime, wear and tear can cause the glass or frame of your windows to crack, warp, or rot. Check for cracks and chips in both the glass and frame of your window. Sometimes these can be repaired, but often, you will need a full replacement. If your frame is soft, it may be a sign of dry rot and mold caused by too much moisture.

Windows that are too foggy and can’t be easily cleaned should also be replaced. It’s important to allow natural light into your house so you can enjoy it. If your house is near a lake, field, or other stunning view, you will want to enjoy the views. Keep your windows clean to avoid having to repair or replace them as often.

Drafty Windows

Drafty windows are most noticeable in the winter; they’ll cause curtains to billow and produce a whistling sound from all the wind rushing by them. If you still feel a breeze near a closed window, it could be coming from damage to the glass or frame of your window. While a draft is one of the signs it’s time to replace your windows, a window repair may be enough to solve the problem.

Windows That Won’t Close

A properly working window is important to your safety as well as your overall comfort. If your window won’t lock properly or is difficult to open, something may be hindering your ability to use it. You may need to replace your window when it isn’t functioning due to:

• Poor installation

• Rust around the lock and window frame

• Failure with the sealing

• Balance problems

Window Condensation

When your windows start to sweat in the summer and frost in the winter, it’s a sure sign they have lost their insulation. Poorly insulated windows allow the air from inside your home to escape. It’s typically due to failed weather stripping, possibly because of a crack in the frame or glass.

Pro Tip: If your energy bills are starting to rise, it could be a sign you need to have your windows replaced. Houses with poor insulation overwork their heating and cooling systems.

Noise

It’s great if you can hear birds through your windows in the morning, but it might not be so wonderful if you are woken up by the cacophony of a busy road or your noisy neighbor. Windows that are poorly sealed or poorly made can allow noise pollution into your home. Get double or triple pane glass insulated with Argon gas to decrease exterior sounds.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable in your home due to the temperature, noise levels, or rising energy costs, check your windows. They just might be the culprits. The main signs it’s time to replace your windows are that they are cracked, causing drafts, or have lost their insulation. New windows are a fabulous way to spruce up your home’s interior and exterior.

Guest Post - Wood Flooring Styles for Every Room

For the ultimate in style and durability, many homeowners can't resist installing beautiful, engineered wood flooring in every room. It helps to create a seamless flow throughout, enhancing your interior decor and providing your home with a pleasing ambience and sense of space. But what confuses many people is whether each room should have the same pattern. With bespoke engineered wood flooring that is made to measure and installed with the greatest care, you need to spend some time thinking about the catalogue of patterns that can add such a unique touch of style to every room, whether you are moving into a new home or remodelling.

Hallway

The hallway is the first part of your home that guests encounter. It's often one of the smallest spaces and can be frequently cluttered with coats and shoes. Wood flooring in a light to medium color will help to provide an illusion of extra space, but the pattern you choose is crucial in emphasizing the size of the floor. A simple Long Plank design with the timbers laid side by side is the best pattern to make floors look open and spacious. But a clever trick is to continue it into your living room.

Living Room

Your living room is usually the largest single space, but it's where your family and guests gather, so it needs to look spacious. Continuing a plain Long Plank style from your hallway into the living room symbolizes a warm welcome as it leads everyone directly to the heart of your home. Your living room is often the showpiece of your house and will usually undergo more redecorating than any other. Long Plank is a traditional, timeless pattern that is perfect for adapting to different trends and fashions over the hundred years or so that your engineered wood floor will last.

Kitchen

The Herringbone pattern produces a zigzag effect with short timbers cut at ninety-degree angles. This straight cut interlocking design is ideal for complementing the Long Plank of hallways and living rooms. Kitchens are frequently large, but the space is often occupied by island cabinets and breakfast bars that can make the room feel enclosed. The Herringbone creates a spacious appearance as the eye is drawn to the joints of the zigzags. It's also a tough, durable design that can withstand the heavy traffic endured by the average kitchen. Herringbone has been popular since the sixteenth century, so it should enhance your kitchen for years to come.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is a place of relaxation and privacy so you can be far more indulgent with the pattern of your engineered wood floor. An alternative to the Herringbone is Chevron. This beautiful pattern has each short length of timber cut at an angle to form a sharp 'V' as it zigzags across your floor. Engineered wood flooring adds an elegant touch of luxury to your bedroom particularly as it's suitable for cozy, underfloor heating. It is also extremely durable, ensuring the pattern of the floor will last for decades.

Another option in your bedroom is the Versailles Panel. It's a sumptuous design of square panels of interlocking timbers that appear to be woven together. The texture of each timber's surface along with its natural grain and color, increase the appeal of this luxury design. The Versailles Panel needs a room with a reasonably large floor space to highlight its intricate pattern.

A Perfect Finish

Bespoke engineered wood flooring is a beautiful addition to any room whichever pattern you choose. When choosing your design, consider how you use the room, its size and the footfall it might receive. But it's entirely up to you whether you choose to install your favorite pattern throughout your home or a different design in each room.

However, as mentioned above, certain designs are more suited to specific rooms. In the hallway, consider a Long Plank design in a light to medium color which will create the illusion of space. The Long Plank design will also work well in your living room. This is an important room for every home, so it is important that the color matches the interior design. 

For the kitchen, consider Herringbone. This is a strong and durable design that can withstand the heavy footfall. Finally, there are two main options for the bedroom. Chevrons beautiful patterns will add an aspect of luxury to any bedroom but if you have a larger space, Versailles Panels are worth considering.

Author Bio: This article was written by Martin O’Callaghan of Wood Flooring Ireland. Martin has over two decades experience designing bespoke Chevron floors for households and businesses.