Here at Fresh Design Blog, we’re not afraid to take a look at the less desirable side of home interiors – and household mould can be a real pain.
Mould can be a particular problem in winter, as we’re leaving windows open less so there’s less natural ventilation. Cold weather outside and heated interior rooms can mean a condensation build up on windows – and mould does love a damp environment. The trouble is that once mould finds a foothold in your home, then it can be very difficult to remove the spores and prevent a further build up. You definitely need to persevere, though – not only does it look horrible, it’s also not good to breathe in mould spores, particularly if you suffer from a breathing problem such as asthma. Untreated mould can spread very quickly in the winter, and the bigger the area the bigger the problem. We take a look at the different cleaning and elimination methods available.
Mould loves damp areas, such as the cracks round ill fitting window frames, or window ledges where condensation can gather.
A new patch of mould can sometimes be the consequence of a problem such as rising damp, a leaking pipe or gaps around windows. If you’re not sure what’s causing your mould, then speak to an expert first. A lot of the mould that appears in winter, though, is caused by poor ventilation – bathrooms are particularly at risk from the constant use of hot water and steam. If you don’t already have one, look into having an extractor fan fitted in the bathroom which will help with keeping steam to a minimum. The other option is to open the window after every shower, and leave it open for half an hour or so – shut the bathroom door to keep the heat in the rest of the house.
Left untreated, mould can quickly spread to cover large areas. Image (c) 2021 Pixabay
The best method to remove mould will vary a little depending on the type of surface you’re removing it from. It usually builds up on walls and causes staining, so after removal and thorough drying you will probably need to repaint the wall using a paint with an added mould inhibitor.
Before tackling any patch of mould, put on some rubber gloves and a face mask (yes, sorry, we’re advising wearing them in the house now!) to help stop you breathing in spores. Then, spray the affected area with one of the following:
A commercial mould remover (available in the cleaning products aisle of most supermarkets) – follow the instructions on the bottle
A spray made up of one part bleach to four parts water (this is fine for walls which are going to be repainted, but don’t get it on the carpet or soft furnishings)
White distilled vinegar, used neat. This is safe on most surfaces but don’t let it get into contact with natural stone. Leave to sit for one hour before cleaning.
Shower heads are vulnerable to a build up of mould. Most are made to remove for cleaning, so take them off and soak them in warm water with a couple of spoonfuls of baking soda added, or a very mild bleach solution.
Then, scrub the area with a scrubbing brush and wipe any residue off with a damp cloth. You may need to use an electric heater or even a hairdryer to dry the area out thoroughly.
Mould can be difficult to shift once it’s decided to move into your home, so you may have to repeat the treatment several times before you get on top of it. Keep areas as well ventilated as you can – mould loves damp, so keeping areas clean and dry will really discourage it.
If you’re looking for a bold but understated way to stand out from the interior design crowd, stone cladding could be the wall treatment you are looking for. Suitable both inside and outside the home, it’s eye-catching, stylish, and has a timeless quality that will stay gorgeous for years.
What Is Tile Cladding?
Tile cladding is a wall treatment designed to look like tile, without the profound irregularity of full stone walls, while keeping the natural beauty and lustre of stone. It is typically cheaper than a full stone tile, so can give great visual results with little investment, and you aren’t forced into a ‘rustic’ look by default, as there are many modern styles. In fact, stone tile cladding makes a great ‘modern spa’ atmosphere that’s soothing and attractive.
Depending how it’s used, stone tile cladding can work in living spaces too. It makes an interesting and eye-catching kitchen tile treatment for splashbacks, and looks magnificent around fireplaces. It’s also a great way to make a feature wall and can be used in everything from home offices and home yoga studios, to entertainment rooms.
Cladding tiles for exterior walls are commonly used around patios and decks, or as a backdrop to seating areas, giving the area character and extra shine. It helps create a spa-like vibe, encouraging people to relax and view the area as an outdoor retreat. It also makes an entertainment area feel homely, giving a touch of the French Riviera even in winter. It can also be used effectively to create the illusion of better space in a small or awkwardly shaped courtyard.
Outside of aesthetics, does stone tile cladding have any benefits? The natural look and feel is a big draw for many people, and creating a bold, daring, and stylish space can add value to your property. It’s also a simple way to camouflage boring walls, creating an attractive facade. Due to its natural construction, it makes for a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors.
It’s also surprisingly versatile, fitting into several designs and homes. What you may not realize is that stone can be a great natural source of insulation, helping to keep the home cooler and energy bills lower. Provided you invest in quality tiles and install them properly, they are also very low maintenance. It’s difficult to chip, stain, or break, and a pressure washer will restore them to full glory.
If you’re looking for a classy way to ease the transition through an indoor/outdoor area, or to introduce a restful touch of Mother Nature into your home, stone cladding could be perfect for you. It’s also a versatile and useful treatment for outdoor entertainment areas, and can dress up dull walls without major renovations or the need for constant maintenance.
Would you consider stone tile cladding in your home? Be sure to let us know your own thoughts or experiences with this novel cladding choice.
If it’s time to replace your old roof or build a new home, you will need to decide what type of material you will use. While there are many options available, few of them come with the benefits of steel roofing. From a 70+ year guarantee to a sleek new look, metal roofing can be a real boost for your home.
For those concerned with their carbon footprint and using eco-friendly materials, metal roofing is one of the most sustainable construction materials. Most of the steel comes from recycled materials, and it lasts nearly a century in your home before it can be broken down and used again.
Metal roofing comes in a variety of colours, styles and can be custom cut to fit by Landmark Roofing to any profile. If you are still undecided about your roofing materials, it will help to take a look at the benefits of metal roofs.
Durability
Metal roofing is the most popular choice of homeowners that live in areas that get severe weather. The sturdy construction is able to withstand high winds, pounding rain, hail, and snowstorms without sustaining any damage. If you live in an area that is at risk from wildfires, you can rely on a metal roof to help fireproof your home. You may even save money on your insurance costs when you install a metal roof due to its high level of durability.
Most shingle roofs are only guaranteed for 25+ years. That means that you would need to replace your whole roof at least twice while you own your home. A metal roof is guaranteed for more than 75 years. That means that once you have your metal roof installed, you should never have to replace it for as long as you own your home.
Curb Appeal
Homebuyers love a metal roof. In fact, many buyers have a metal roof as a must-have feature on their home shopping list. The well-known durability and lasting quality of metal roofs make it a high return on investment upgrade to your home. Metal roofing comes in a rainbow of colours and can add a stylish and dramatic flair to any home.
Sustainability
Metal roofing is one of the most sustainable materials that you can purchase for your home. Most metal materials are made using recycled products, making them an eco-friendly choice for homeowners that want to reduce their carbon footprint. Once your metal roof has run its tenure on your home, it can be removed and further recycled into other metal products.
Energy Efficient
Photo by Expect Best from Pexels
Metal roofing has a powerful reflective quality that helps to keep your home more energy-efficient. While it reflects the hot rays of the sun, your metal roof helps prevent heat absorption by your structure. As it prevents the heat from getting into your home, metal roofing can help reduce your energy bills and create a more efficient cooling cycle for your home.
Metal roofing is becoming a more popular choice for homeowners. From its durability, sustainability, and longevity to its added curb appeal, installing a metal roof on your home has many benefits.
Building a custom home can be exciting and stressful. This is one of the largest financial investments that you will ever make and a huge project to take on. There are a thousand small details to take care of, along with the potential for things to go wrong. While it’s important to put your trust in your builder, homeowners can struggle to stay calm during their building project.
From having a company such as Northwest Construction Control come in for inspections to making sure your flooring is delivered on time, there are plenty of things that can stress you out while building a home. With open communication, you can stay in the loop with your contractor and resist the urge to micromanage your project.
There is a lot at stake when you build a custom home, so it’s not surprising that this would be a high-stress time. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can stay sane and calm during your home building process.
Firm Budget
Much of the stress that you have during a home build is financial. Worrying about whether you will go over budget or if you will finish your project on time is a constant issue. Setting your initial budget should be easy. What is not so easy, is sticking to the budget. It may seem easy during your build to stretch out your budget to allow for more time or upgrades. However, when the project is finished you may have some regret about the amount of financial burden you have taken on for the future.
Trusted Contractor
You should invest some time and research into choosing the right building contractor. You are trusting them with your money and your dreams so it’s important that you find someone that you can work with and rely on. Talk to friends and neighbours about their recommendations and complete your own due diligence when going through the vetting process for a contractor. Make sure to take a close look at the portfolios, the certification, and customer reviews before you make your final decision about which contractor you will hire.
Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels
Don’t Micromanage
It can be tempting to try to get involved with every detail of your custom home build. After all, this is your home and your money that is financing the process. While it’s acceptable to get involved and communicate with your contractor about the progress, you should resist the urge to micromanage. Your contracting team is professional experts and they know what they are doing. Set a regular meeting time with your builder to get updates about your project and let them get on with the work.
Accept Compromises
Building a home is a massive project which means that there are bound to be things you will need to make compromises for. There will likely be delays and budget issues. Brace yourself in the beginning so that you will be prepared for the challenges ahead.
It can be an exciting time when you are building a new custom home, but it can also be a time that is filled with stress. Follow these tips to help you stay sane and calm when you are building your dream home.
Installing energy-efficient windows prevents conditioned air from escaping from the interior of a building, plus they help reduce the transfer of heat into a home. The windows increase insulation, reducing your daily energy use, and you’ll enjoy increased soundproofing and comfort in your home. Energy efficient windows are available in several design options and can be used for both residential and commercial applications.
Although the initial cost of installing Energy Star-rated windows is a little high, you can save a significant amount of money annually.
The energy savings offered by these windows will eventually exceed the initial cost of installation, making them a worthy investment.
You can choose windows that offer the highest energy efficiency to enjoy the hugest energy savings.
Benefits of Installing Energy Efficient Windows
Installing premium quality windows with high energy efficiency ratings can offer you numerous benefits including:
Improves comfort
Windows rated as energy-efficient assist in maintaining a consistent temperature in a room. They assist in eliminating cold spots during winter and hot spots during summer, so your home will be the optimum temperature all year round.
Saves money and reduces carbon footprint
Research shows that these windows reduce carbon footprint and energy bills by about 12 percent more than standard windows.
Replacing single glazing with double glazing will reduce thermal emissions and increase energy savings significantly. However, the savings may vary based on the kind of windows you choose and different climate conditions.
Some people also make use of roller shutters to cover the windows and close any gaps around the window frame. This along with the shutter’s insulation will help maintain the temperature inside your home, helping you save up to 25% on your electricity bills each quarter.
Certified performance
Windows rated as Energy Star undergo thorough testing. They’re only labelled as Energy Star after getting approval by certified laboratories.
Protects furniture from harmful UV rays
The windows come with a special coating that offers protection against harmful UV rays.
That way, household items such as fabrics, furniture, carpets, rugs, wood, and paintings are protected from fading due to exposure to UV rays. The coating works like sunscreen and doesn’t reduce visibility.
Reduces maintenance needs
Another benefit of installing energy efficient windows is that they don’t require a lot of maintenance due to reduced condensation and they’re less likely to have mould issues.
Additionally, the UV-resistance film on the windows assists in reducing dirt build-up and water spots on the exterior surface, helping to cut down on the amount of cleaning required.
Noise reduction
The airtightness and insulation properties of these windows make them reduce sound transfer. As a result, you’ll enjoy a significant reduction of exterior noise.
Disadvantages of Installing Energy Efficient Windows
Generally, installing Energy Star windows is more expensive than regular windows. However, you’ll recoup the cost of installation through the energy savings you’ll make from reduced air conditioning and heating.
Replacing old and worn windows with energy-efficient windows in a commercial or residential property comes with numerous benefits. Most notably, these windows enhance energy efficiency, which in turns allows you to enjoy reduced gas and electricity bills.
Although the initial cost of installation is often high, you’ll recover the investment through monthly energy savings. What’s more, installing these windows could increase the value of your property and reduce your carbon footprint.
When searching for a window installer, check their reviews and request a free quote before hiring them.
