Energy savings

September and October are the perfect months to have a heating and cooling system cleaned to ensure maximum efficiency. Team Newman recommends a cleaning every three years for an HVAC system. This not only benefits efficiency but also promotes cleaner air quality inside a home or business. 

Energy savings – Contamination build up inside the duct work of an HVAC system can cause a system to operate inefficiently. A proper cleaning will eliminate the built up debris and allow the system to operate properly and improve effectiveness. A more efficient HVAC system can reduce the energy bill at a home or business. Have you looked inside your registers lately? A quick peek behind registers can often show the potential buildup of dirt and debris inside the system. If there is visible dirt, dust, pet hair or trash behind the register or vent cover, it is likely those same contaminants are throughout the system.

Improve air quality – Dust, pollen, dirt and debris can sit inside the duct work and impact the air quality of a home or business. A professional air duct cleaning will remove these contaminants and improve the air quality. A disinfecting spray can also make a tremendous impact on the pollen and microbial growth in the air duct system. If you live in a home with pets, indoor plants or you keep the windows open often, a duct cleaning can make a significant impact on the indoor air quality.

Less wear and tear on the HVAC system – A clean system will run more efficiently and increase the lifespan of the HVAC system. A professional cleaning every three years lessens the chances of costly repairs.A more efficient system can also heat and cool the home faster. It will reduce the electrical bill and make it easier to change temperatures in a home or business. 

Peace of mind – Once a system has been cleaned, it is often relaxing to know that you will be experiencing all of the benefits of a clean HVAC system. Whether it is improved indoor air quality or a more efficient heating and cooling system, the benefits can pay off in various ways.

For more information, please contact us. Newman Restoration & Cleaning specializes in fire and water damage restoration, mold removal, and comprehensive cleaning services!

Snowfall and freezing temperatures leave many homes at risk of water damage from ice dams. Ice dam removal should be handled by professionals and can be dangerous for the inexperienced.

What is an ice dam – An ice dam occurs when snow melts and refreezes on a roof. Sunlight or heat from the inside of a home partially melts the snow as it refreezes overnight. Water can penetrate the shingles and then freeze and expand, eventually causing damage to the roof and allowing water to penetrate inside the home.

How to prevent ice dams – There are many products available to prevent an ice dam. Heat tape, snow shields, roof melt and improved attic insulation are all beneficial products to prevent an ice dam. Roofing and insulation experts can be your first line of defense against an ice dam. Using a roof rake to clear snow from the roof before it can freeze is an effective tool, but it can be dangerous and difficult work.

Removing an ice dam – Removal can be a tricky and dangerous job. Aggressively removing an ice dam can pull shingles and cause further damage. Do not use a sharp tool like an axe or pick to remove an ice dam as it can penetrate the roof. The most effective method is to use a roof melt product to create a trough for the ice to melt off the roof. It is also important for gutters and downspout to be clear to allow for proper drainage.

For more information, please contact us. Newman Restoration & Cleaning specializes in fire and water damage restoration, mold removal, and comprehensive cleaning services!

Winter weather is making a big impact on the driving conditions across Montana, so Le-Squeegee wants to share a few winter driving tips.

1. 1. Keep your tank close to full and have a set of warm clothes in the vehicle. If you get stuck or stranded, a running car can be your only source of heat. It is important to have winter boots and a warm jacket if it is safe to attempt to dig out a stuck vehicle. A folding shovel is also a good investment.
   2. Use defensive driving tactics. Take your time and be safe on the road. Wait for a car to make a turn before entering an intersection and remember that other vehicles may have a difficult time stopping.
   3. Reverse into parking spots. Being able to pull straight out of a parking spot improves safety when there is not much traction in a parking lot.
   4. Follow at a safe distance. Giving yourself plenty of space is necessary in the winter to avoid other vehicles that might stop suddenly or lose control.
   5. Stay up on vehicle maintenance. Cold weather can exacerbate any issues with a vehicle, so ensure that hoses, belts and batteries are all working properly.
   6. Maintain wipers and washer fluid. Functioning windshield wipers and a full reservoir of fluid can help keep your windshield clear of frozen debris. Make sure that the washer fluid is rated for low temperatures.
   7. Brush all the snow off of your vehicle. Don’t just clear the windshield of snow, but make sure to clear the entire vehicle to avoid impaired visibility.

For more information, please contact us. Newman Restoration & Cleaning specializes in fire and water damage restoration, mold removal, and comprehensive cleaning services!

It certainly isn’t the most fun weekend project, but it’s an important one nonetheless. While it’s certainly easier to procrastinate cleaning out your gutters, there are a number of problems that can arise from debris building up. If the reality is that you’re just not going to get out and do it, then it can be a good idea to call in a professional service to come in and make sure it gets done well.

People don’t often stop to think of the issues that can arise from clogged gutters, but there are actually many. If water is not able to properly flow away from your house, then damage can result in a number of different locations, from your roofing to your foundation. There are number of reasons to make sure that your gutters get cleaned out. Here is a look at six of those reasons.

1. Roof Damage

When leaves and other debris clog up your gutters to the point that water is flooding over, you can end up having issues with rot on your roofing. This is one of the main reasons that it’s important to keep your gutters clean.

      2. Keep Out Pests

Clogged up gutters can be appealing to a number of critters as a nesting site. From birds to mosquitoes, a bed of damp leaves can be alluring.

     3. Damage to Fascia

The fascia is that board that runs right behind your gutter. Overflowing water can damage this important component of your gutter system.

     4. Overwatering Garden Beds

If your gutters become clogged to the point that water is spilling over the side and into your garden beds, you can damage your plants’ health by essentially drowning them. Overwatering can be as harmful as not watering enough.

     5. Cracks in Foundation

If water overflows and pools along your home’s foundation, it can end up freezing, which can cause it to expand and generate cracks in your foundation.

     6. Damage to Brackets

Clogged gutters are holding too much weight, which can result in damage to the brackets.

Back to School Safety is so important…

It’s time to put away the swimming suits and load up your backpacks for another school year.  Starting classes is an exciting time—and so Le-Squeegee has put together a few safety tips to help make sure it stays a safe time.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

• Students waiting for a bus should stay five steps away from the curb
• Always wait for the bus driver to tell them when to board and to face forward after finding their seat on the bus.
• Stay seated on the school bus.  Be sure you are watching for your bus stop.
• When exiting the bus, students should look left-right-left, and take five steps away from the bus toward the curb.

WALKING SAFETY

• Students should use the sidewalk whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
• When walking, put away your electronics.  Don’t be distracted on a cell phone, or have both headphones / earbuds in, thus taking away your ability to hear oncoming cars, or any other potential dangers.
• Students should use crosswalks whenever they are available and look left-right-left before crossing any street.

BIKING SAFETY

• Students should always wear a helmet and securely fasten their chin strap.
• They should ride in the same direction as the traffic and follow traffic signs and signals.
• When riding, stay in the bike lane whenever possible or use the sidewalk, keeping an eye out for pedestrians.

For more information, please contact us. Newman Restoration & Cleaning specializes in fire and water damage restoration, mold removal, and comprehensive cleaning services!

Summer A/C Maintenance 

As the summer approaches, it will be time to start running your air conditioning units. Le-Squeegee is here to help with a few hints to make sure the A/C unit is functioning properly.

Change your air filter – It is a good idea to change your air filter with the seasons. Most filters recommend that they are changed every three months, but make sure to follow the manufacturer timeframe.

Is it time for a thermostat upgrade – There are many options for programmable thermostats. These can reduce electrical bills by making the A/C unit run more efficiently.

Clear any debris from around the unit – It is important to make sure there is no debris blocking the A/C unit from getting proper airflow or damaging the unit itself.

Remove items that block airflow from vents – If vents are covered up or the airflow is impeded, it can impact the efficiency of cooling your home.

Look for wear and tear on the system – Wear or damage to the ducting can cause efficiency issues. Wear on the wiring of the A/C unit can be a potential safety risk. Also check the insulation around the refrigeration lines to ensure it is insulated and working efficiently.

Get air ducts cleaned every three years – Having clean air ducts makes for a cleaner and healthier home as well as allowing for the air to move efficiently throughout your home.

For more information, please contact us. Newman Restoration & Cleaning specializes in fire and water damage restoration, mold removal, and comprehensive cleaning services!

As we prepare for the coming cold weather in central Montana, Team Newman has a few tips and ideas to help keep your home heated efficiently.

Check rubber seals around windows and doors – Preventing drafts from windows and doors is a key to keeping a home warm in the winter. Damaged or missing window seals can allow the warm air to leak outside the home or cold air to draft inside.

Invest in a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat can be a money-saving investment. Many new units have eco modes that can be programmed and use a time setting to gently heat the home before you arrive.

Clean air duct system – A clean duct system allows the warm air to travel throughout the entire home in an efficient manner. It also saves on wear and tear for the HVAC system. Team Newman recommends having a professional duct cleaning every three years.

Utilize a fireplace or wood-burning stove – This is another option to heat a home for low cost, especially if you have a supply of firewood. Make sure that a well used chimney is swept once a year to allow for smoke to draft properly and to prevent a dangerous creosote buildup.

Move furniture away from vents – When trying to heat your home, blocked vents can limit efficiency. Furniture too close to a vent will actually absorb heat and keep it from heating the home. Make sure vents are free of any obstructions to allow for the proper dispersion of warm air.

Utilize your curtains – Sunlight can bring warmth into a home. Keep curtains open during the day to allow sunlight into the home. Keep curtains closed when the sun goes down to keep as much warm air in the home as possible overnight.

Do not let the temperature drop below 50 – If the temperature gets too low in a home it can create a frozen pipe. Make sure to check the basement daily because it is often the coldest area in a home.

Use your ceiling fan – It may seem counterintuitive, but running a ceiling fan in reverse can pull cold air up and recirculate the warm air. It is another way to efficiently keep your home heated.

As below-freezing temperatures are predicted to set in for Montana over the next week, there are a few items homeowners should address.

Blow out sprinkler system – A sprinkler system needs to be winterized to prevent damage during the winter. This can be done by blowing out the water in the system. It often requires a large air compressor to generate enough PSI to force the water out of the system. Many landscaping companies offer this as a service in the fall.

Clean out gutters to help with ice dams – Clean out the fall foliage from the gutter system to help prevent ice dams. Snow melting and freezing can create an ice dam on the roof. This creates a potential hazard and should be avoided. Cleaning out the gutters can allow the snowmelt to drain properly and reduce the chance of an  ice dam.

Remove any leaves and debris close to the home – Yard debris built up around the property can prevent proper drainage. If water is not allowed to flow away from the property it can saturate the ground and present issues for the foundation. If the ground by the foundation becomes saturated, the hydrostatic pressure can force water inside a home through any faults in the foundation. 

Check seals and weatherstripping around windows and doors – Damaged or missing weatherstripping can allow drafts inside and make heating your home more expensive. Improper seals around windows also present an opportunity for water to leak into a home.

Clean out window wells – Remove any debris that has built up in window wells. They can easily damage windows with bad weather.

Sweep your chimney before use – Creosote buildup can be an ignition source for a dangerous house fire. A professional chimney sweep will remove dangerous buildups and help the smoke draft properly.

For most of us, we do not think about getting a chimney sweep until the cold is here to stay in the winter. However, scheduling a chimney sweep for the fall has a few advantages.

Avoid the scheduling rush:  Most of us think about utilizing a fireplace for the first time when the temperatures start to drop. However, chimney sweep companies can be very busy in the fall and early winter. Make it easy and support a local business by getting it scheduled in the summer.

Safer work environment and avoid delays – Frost or snow buildup on a roof can make it dangerous to perform a chimney sweep. If the weather conditions are too hazardous it can lead to a cancellation. Performing a chimney sweep in the fall makes the situation safer and easier.

Be ready for that first cold day of fall – With a professional chimney sweep in the summer, your fireplace will be ready for that first cold day of fall. This will eliminate any worry or concern of a backup or issue.

Why is a chimney sweep important – Newman Restoration recommends a yearly chimney sweep. This will prevent a dangerous creosote buildup from occurring. This is a common cause of a house fire. A chimney sweep also helps with drafting and allowing for the smoke to efficiently flow out of the home. 

What is the chimney sweep process? – At Newman Restoration, we utilize a three-fan, HEPA-filtered vacuum which is inserted into the fireplace or wood-burning stove. A series of brushes and rods are deployed from the top of the chimney, when possible, and the vacuum at the bottom catches the debris. After the sweep, the fireplace or wood-burning stove is cleaned. Team Newman uses plastic and tarps to ensure the area around the fireplace is protected.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not just for the professionals or for OSHA compliance. It is a necessary part of any home remodel and something that should be understood and budgeted for in your project.

Respiratory protection – There are many facets and levels of respiratory protection that need to be understood before tackling a home remodel project. These go from the most basic level of dust protection all the way to guarding against harmful carcinogens.

It is important to be aware of the possibility of asbestos-containing material during your home remodel (link to last blog). In addition to asbestos, lead paint can be disturbed during the demolition process. In general, drywall dust is a severe irritant and anyone around the removal of drywall should be using a respirator with a particulate filter.

Drywall dust can cause severe irritation in a short exposure window. Asbestos, lead, and mold can cause long-term illness. Make sure everyone who is around a home remodel is taking the necessary steps to prevent exposure with respiratory protection.

Eye protection – According to OSHA, thousands of people are blinded in work-related injuries that could have been prevented with proper eye protection. Many home remodelers believe their prescription glasses or sunglasses can protect them from an injury but this is not true. Proper eye protection will have Z87 stamped somewhere on the frame of the lens.

Using eye protection during a home remodel project is a must. Debris from demolition, flying debris from power tools and falling debris can all damage eyes. Most of these risks are continually present during a project, which means eye protection should be worn basically at all times.

Hand protection – Cuts, punctures, and chemical burns are all possible hazards of a home improvement project. The area of your body most susceptible to these injuries is your hands. It is important to handle each risk with the appropriate type of hand protection.

Are you planning on using chemicals to clean or strip paint during your home improvement project? If so, chemical-resistant rubber or latex gloves must be used to prevent burns or irritation on the skin.

In addition to possible chemical irritants, cuts and punctures are a major concern. A pair of cut-proof gloves are necessary for almost all home improvement projects.

Another aspect of hand protection is for the glove to fit properly. Loose-fitting gloves and clothing pose a significant risk. Loose material can get stuck in power tools and cause serious damage to the user.

Understanding the hierarchy of controls – While PPE is necessary for home remodeling work, it is important to understand where it sits on the hierarchy of controls. PPE is at the bottom and is the least effective part of the hierarchy of controls.

Reliance on PPE can make work more dangerous. Before starting a hazardous task, be sure to think about these questions. Is there a way the hazard can be eliminated? Is there a way to substitute for the hazard? Can you isolate yourself away from the hazard? Is there a way to change how people are working to avoid the hazard? The answers to these questions can drastically reduce the chance of a specific hazard harming a worker or homeowner.