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A home is one of the most important investments you can ever make in life and for this reason; you need to give it the best treatment. Little wonder then that homeowners always look for the best ideas to upgrade their homes. If you have been thinking about a good idea to give your property a fresh breath of life, you need to consider exterior shutters. Windows are a prominent part of both the indoor and outdoor décor and when treated right, they give an otherwise ordinary looking house a dash of style and elegance. Window shutters are not only aesthetic fixtures but they also have functional value for your property. If you have picked this type of window treatment, you have to choose between the two most popular shutters; wood and vinyl.
This article highlights the pros and cons of the two window shutters to help you make an informed choice for your home improvement project. Keep reading.
About Wood Shutters
Wood shutters are the most common type of window treatment and they have been around for decades. They have a classic look and give your property a vintage look. The best shutters come from hardwoods and their beautiful, unique grains add a stylish classical touch to the house and warmth.
Benefits of Wood Shutters
Durability: Hardwood is a solid, hard wearing material which lasts long with proper care making it ideal for exterior window treatments.
Variety: There are myriad stains and color options of wood making it easy to find the perfect shutters for your home décor.
Strength: Wood has natural strength and it is thus ideal for making large window shutters. These shutters boast a better strength-to-weight ratio than other materials used for making these window fixtures
Classical/timeless beauty: These shutters add an authentic and warm feel to your home with their natural imperfections such as small knots, wormholes, and grains of the wood. They offer rich color variations to redefine your home's aesthetics
Natural light control: Shutters made from wood are ideal for blocking out sunlight and UV rays.
Increased privacy: The opaqueness of the shutters provides privacy in your home.
Cons of Wood Shutters
High cost: Finding the best wood to make window shutters costs a lot and this makes wooden shutters very expensive.
Need for maintenance: While these shutters can last long, they need proper care and maintenance which is costly and time-consuming.
Water damage: Wood is prone to moisture damage making these shutters a poor choice for areas exposed to moisture
Pest damage: Wood is susceptible to pest damage and if not properly treated; your shutters might fall apart.
About Vinyl Shutters
Benefits of Vinyl Shutters
Cheap window treatment: Vinyl shutters are readily available at a cheaper price than wood or other materials.
https://waterdamagerestorationknoxville.com/brentwood-tennessee/ and pest resistance: These factory-made shutters are not prone to moisture or pest damage making them ideal for exterior use.
No-maintenance shutters: You don't have to provide special care for these shutters which save you a lot of money.
Practical window treatment: These shutters will not peel, crack, fade or suffer damage easily compared to wood and other window treatments.
Flame-retardant: Vinyl is inherently flame-retardant making it perfect for use in the kitchen and other areas close to open fires
Damage resistant: This hardy material is not prone to scratches and dents making these shutters ideal for kids' rooms.
Cons of Vinyl Shutters
No uniqueness: The fact that they are cheap makes vinyl window treatments too common and they don't have that authentic feel
Low strength material: Vinyl is too flexible and requires other support materials when used on large windows and this adds to the cost. On such openings, they risk of sagging when not well supported
Poor customization options: It is not easy to find vinyl colors to mix and match your home's décor
Comparing Wood Shutters and Vinyl Shutters
Now that you understand these exterior shutters better, it is easier to compare them and make a final decision for your home improvement project. To do this, use the following factors:
Strength
Window shutters have to withstand exposure to the elements and regular use. As such, you want the strongest materials for your shutters. In this case, wooden shutters take the vote here because you will use the best basswood for your shutters which is tough, sturdy and durable. With proper care, these shutters can last for years without any need for replacement.
Versatility
If you want shutters to suit any size of your window opening, it is advisable to go for wood-made shutters. These can work for both small and large windows because they are strong enough. Vinyl-made shutters, on the other hand, don't work well on windows larger than 29 inches wide. They will sag and become an eyesore in your home. You will have to look for extra support for your vinyl covers which affects the décor and adds to the cost.
Color Variation
With vinyl, there are limited color options and it is not easy to find the perfect blend for your home décor. You can't paint, stain or refinish these shutters to get the desired effect and this makes wooden shutters a better option in this regard. There is a large variety of species, finishes, and colors all which give homeowners variety of choices in colors, texture and other finishes.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, vinyl window shutters win hands down because they require minimal care compared to their wooden counterparts. You can use vinyl window shutters in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens without any risk of damage or any need for special care.
Cost
Wood window shutters are costly and you can save 10-30% by opting for vinyl window shutters.
Aesthetics
Regarding aesthetics, wooden shutters take the vote because they ooze timeless classic beauty and add a dash of style to your home. Vinyl-made shutters imitate wood can come with a faux-wood finish but they can never give your home the warmth and authentic feel you get from wood window shutters.
Health Risks
Wood window shutters pose no risk to your home's occupants but this is not the case for their vinyl counterparts. With exposure to sunlight, vinyl releases toxins linked to neurological damage, cancer, diabetes, reproductive and congenital disabilities. Wood window shutters don't pose such health risks and are perfect for any living space.
Well, choosing between wood and vinyl shutters is not the easiest of decisions but with these tips, you can now make an informed choice. Look at all qualities of the two popular window treatments and make your decision based on your needs.
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Water is very beneficial gift of nature but it is very harmful when it appears in form of flood and damages your Home and all possessions. Water damage invites multiple other problemssuch as sewage problem. Sewage damage is a very grave problem - specifically if this wastewater leaks into your Home or office building. There are a large number of water damage restoration companies which knows the severity of sewage water damage to your property and acts fast to rapidly remove sewage and repair leakage to avert further damage and contamination.
Sewage Damage
Sewage damage is a grave problem don't left it untreatedOccasionally you can repair sewage backup damage yourself depending on the severity of the leak, but more often professional sewer damage restoration is wanted to correctly disinfect and wash affected areas to avert microbial expansion. If left untreated sewer water damage can source grave health problems, specifically in children and elderly people, as well as in those who suffer from chronic respiratory problems or weakened immune systems. flood cleanup brentwood to waste water from a sewage backup can give birth to multiple diseases such as Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Guardia.
Sewage Cleaning
That's why you can contact skilled , expert of water damage restoration companies hours a day and 7 days a week and have a certified sewage action technician directly deployed to assist with sewage clean up and sanitation. It is vital that all of the impure areas are treated, whether it is floorboards, carpets, walls or furniture. Everything that has been polluted requires directattention to avert the spread of bio-contaminants including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Additionally, all material where mold may have started growing or may begin to grow must also be treated. A sewage backup will commonly present a grave health hazard mainly caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Sewage backup is dangerous due to the multiple ways it spreads sickness and because it is sometimes hard to predict.
Sewage Cleanup
When it comes to dirt damage, timing is everything. The professionalmen of water damage restoration companies gives their services to treat sewer water damage as swiftly and efficiently as possible. After health concerns have been entirely addressed, water damage restorations companies can also assist you guard any personal belongings that may have been damaged by the sewage leak and help you minimize your personal property loss. There are some basic sewage backup prevention methods which are given below.
Check up
1. The first important step in sewage backup prevention is to hire professional men to perform a sewer inspection. These professional will find roots and structural damage in you sewer line and will give you with an accurate report on your sewer form.
2. Repairing & maintenance. always try to resolve the problem of sewage and do not overlook any problem. For example: if you experience slow drainage after using the bathroom than hire a professional men to fix the problem directly and maintain your sewer system properly.
3. Backwater prevention Valve it is important to cure sewage problem that you should fix a backwater prevention valve. A backwater valve is a fixture fitted into your sewer line and into a drain line in the basement to avert sewer backups.
4. Grease
Grease can play an important role in solution of sewage damage problem. Because when grease goes down the drain, it, ultimately, cools off, and hardens in the sewer.

What to Expect From the Water Damage Cleanup Process
Learn how pros tackle water damage cleanup and what to expect along the way.
If you've recently experienced a flood or pipe burst and have water damage in your home, you're probably wondering what happens now?” The first, and most important, step when dealing with water or flood damage is to stop any active leaks in the home. This can be done by shutting off the home's main water supply. If you don't know how to shut off your home's water supply, call a professional plumber or your local water supply company for assistance. Once any active leaks have been addressed and all water has been turned off, it's imperative you call a professional to start the water damage cleanup process as quickly as possible to minimize damage.
How a Home is Restored After Water Damage
All water damage restoration jobs are unique and the amount of work required for each depends on a variety of factors such as the amount of area in the home that's been damaged and how long the water has been present. Once a professional water damage cleanup vendor arrives and has a chance to inspect the home, they'll be able to put together a detailed project timeline specific to your job. In the meantime, we've listed the eight common phases that occur during the water damage restoration process and what happens in each, so you'll know what to expect.
Inspection
Once help arrives, the first thing a water mitigation contractor will do is inspect the home and evaluate the damage. In order to properly evaluate the damage, they have special tools and instruments they use to measure the moisture content of the home. To do this, they either poke or rest the instruments on top of surfaces like floors, baseboards and ceilings in the damaged rooms to get an accurate reading. Depending on the moisture content readings and Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) dry standards for the state you live in, your contractor will assess if drying equipment is needed.
Prevention of Further Damage
The longer water damage sits untreated, the more likely it is that additional damage can occur. If it's determined that drying equipment is needed, dehumidifiers will often be placed in the home to prevent against further damage like mold growth while the vendor is waiting for approval from the insurance company, if one is involved. Dehumidifiers can be present for one or multiple nights depending on factors such as the length of time the water has been present and the source of the leak. The contractor working on your home will be able to assess how long the dehumidifiers are needed.
Removal of Standing Water
It's time for one of the most important steps: removing any standing water from the home. The removal process is actually much less complicated than you may think. https://waterdamagerestorationknoxville.com/brentwood-tennessee/ use fancy shop vacuums and rotate them around the room, sucking up all the water that's present in the area. The amount of time this phase takes varies depending on the type of substrate that's being dried, the size of the room and the total amount of water that's present.
Drying
Once any standing water has been removed, it's time to start drying out the home. Your contractor will bring in different types of air movers (think of these like glorified fans) to help circulate airflow throughout the room. Don't be surprised if they need to lift up a section of the carpet or position one of the air movers at certain sections of the walls to ensure air is getting to the most saturated parts of the room. If you have hardwood floors, they may use floor mats which help draw the water out of the floor. If needed, they might even remove the baseboards and drill holes into the drywall to help the walls dry faster. While some of these methods may sound extreme, they're making every effort to dry the home without having to demolish and rebuild, which could add multiple weeks to the project timeline and become very costly.
Containment
The containment and drying phases happen simultaneously. While drying out the home, wet areas are taped off in order to concentrate the heat and suction to the rooms that need to be dried out. Containment is critical as it enables the work crew to maintain the environment of the room and dry the home as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Monitoring
Throughout the drying process, crews will stop by periodically to monitor how the drying is progressing. Specifically, they monitor the dehumidifiers' intake and output temperatures and humidity levels to make sure the dehumidifiers aren't putting wet air out into the room. They'll also go back and take readings of the same surfaces they did during the inspection phase. As rooms are declared dry, crews will often move equipment around to other areas of the home that are still wet.
Completion
Once the home has been returned to its previous dry state, the water damage cleanup process is considered complete. At this point the drying equipment will be removed from the home and your contractor will confirm you're satisfied with the work.
Repair of Additional Damage
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Don't Get SOAKED!
Water damage is a very common type of insurance claim. Many of these claims are caused by similar scenarios, all of which can be avoided by taking a few simple precautionary measures. Water losses can be costly and often are not covered by a homeowner policy. Even a small leak can lead to serious damage to your home and belongings.
Routine maintenance checks and attention to warning signs can prevent a potential problem before it has a chance to develop. Below are helpful tips to prevent water damage from occurring within your home - saving time and money!
Before starting any repairs to any of your water supply systems be sure to turn off the water supply!
Roll over the yellow objects below in the floor plan to see water damage prevention tips.
Warning Signs:
The toilet bowl is joined to the floor with a wax ring (or gasket). Over time, it can allow seepage around the base of the toilet.
If the toilet is wobbly and not secure, it could cause the toilet to leak.
Solution:
Before performing any maintenance on the toilet, make sure the water supply to the toilet is shut off.
The toilet should be installed tightly and firmly to the floor. If the toilet is wobbly, check to see if a nut is loose or the toilet is not set on the wax ring properly.
Check the wax ring and replace or repair it promptly to prevent damage to the floor and structure under the toilet.
Look for damp, soft or stained cabinets or floors
Solution:
Check the caulking around the sink and replace when worn.
A dripping faucet should be repaired immediately.
Routinely clear from the drain any debris that could build up.
Warning Signs:
Cracked tiles or missing grout can cause water to get behind the wall and cause water damage to the walls and floors.
Look for staining or soft spots on walls and floors.
Solution:
Replace caulk or grout within the bathtub.
Warning Signs:
Cracked tiles or missing grout can cause water to get behind the wall and cause water damage to the walls and floors.
Look for staining or soft spots on walls and floors.
Solution:
Replace caulk or grout within the shower.
There is excessive moisture on bathroom walls and ceiling.
Solution:
Clean the inside of the exhaust fan by vacuuming it. Wipe down and remove excess buildup.
Proper installation of the exhaust fan is required for the unit to work as intended.
Make sure the exhaust fan is discharging moisture outside of the home. If the exhaust fan is not working properly, it could cause extra moisture to stay in the room, thus allowing mold to grow.
Only opening a window in a bathroom is NOT a good alternative to an exhaust fan. A window will not allow the extensive amount of condensation caused by the shower and bathtub to leave the room. An exhaust fan is the best option.
Condensation can build on a toilet, windows, and pipes.
Condensation is caused by excess moisture in warm air and can occur during any season throughout the year.
Solution:
To reduce moisture in the air, use a dehumidifier, install exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom and insulate your home.
Allowing ventilation throughout your home will help dissipate the moisture.
Look for damp, soft or stained cabinets or floors.
Solution:
Check the caulking around the sink and replace when worn.
A dripping faucet should be repaired immediately.
Routinely clear from the drain any debris that could build up.
Warning Signs:
Check for signs that the hoses may be aging (cracking, bubbling, wear or discoloration).
At the base of the dishwasher and nearby cabinets, look for discoloration, warping or weakened floors as these could also be signs of a leak.
Solution:
Check water supply hoses periodically. Make sure they are properly connected.
Replace aged or damaged hoses.
Warning Signs:
Look or feel for any water spots on the floor or water bubbling out of the water line.
Check for signs that the hoses may be aging (cracking, bubbling, wear or discoloration).
Solution:
Pull refrigerator away from the wall to examine water lines. Replace all aged or damaged hoses.
Check water supply hoses periodically. Make sure they are properly connected.
If a leak in the refrigerator water line has been detected, repair or replace it immediately to prevent any further damage to walls or flooring.
Before replacing the water line, be sure to shut off the water supply.
Solution:
Maintenance should be performed several times a year to ensure the sump pump is in working order.
Flush the pump with water and vinegar solution to remove particles and residue that built up in the pump.
Inspect the outside drainage to ensure the pump is discharging water. Clean tubing or piping to prevent water from being blocked.
Consider having a professional service your sump pump every couple of years.
Check for wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank.
Solution:
Consider having the hot water heater placed near a floor drain or have a drain pan installed.
Replace aged or damaged pipes.
A rusted tank may be a sign of a leak. Contact a professional to inspect and/or replace the hot water heater.
Check the hoses for signs of wear and tear, such as small blisters in the rubber or cracking.
Be sure hoses are not pinched.
Solution:
Check water supply hoses periodically. Make sure they are properly connected.
For additional protection, you could upgrade all hoses to a stronger material such as stainless steel.
Check the shut off valve when the washing machine isn't being used. Make sure there are https://waterdamagerestorationknoxville.com/brentwood-tennessee/ and replace the valve immediately if one is apparent.
Install a drain pan. A drain pan will catch leaking water and divert it through a hose into a nearby drain.
Warning Signs:
Check under sink for signs of leaks. Look for damp, soft or stained cabinets or floors.
Solution:
Check the caulking around the sink and replace when worn.
A dripping faucet should be repaired immediately.
Routinely clear from the drain any debris that could build up.
Pipes can freeze and burst due to being exposed to cold.
Solution:
Ensure walls and pipes are properly insulated. This will help prevent condensation and freezing pipes.
Condensation can build on a toilet, windows, and pipes.
Condensation is caused by excess moisture in warm air and can occur during any season throughout the year.
Solution:
To reduce moisture in the air, use a dehumidifier, install exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom and insulate your home.
Allowing ventilation throughout your home will help dissipate the moisture.
Pipes can burst due to cold weather in the winter time.
Solution:
Winterize your outdoor water spigots.
Turn off the water to the spigot inside, and then go outside to let the spigot completely drain.
Insulate the pipes and spigot.
Warning Signs:
When winterizing your secondary home, it is important to protect your home from leaking or bursting pipes.
Solution:
Install a temperature alarm, also known as a freeze alarm or a home sitter. This product will call you when the temperature drops or rises.
You may use a monitor for fire, power failure, high temperature, humidity, water leaks and intrusion. This system will notify you when a situation that could cause potential damage has arisen.
Temperature alarms, water and flood sensors and freeze alarms can prevent or reduce loss severity in unoccupied, vacant, and secondary housing.
Turn off main water supply and drain all water from pipes.
Warning Signs:
With a bathroom or a laundry room located on the second floor, your home is susceptible to extensive damage if you were to have a leaky pipe or overflow of a toilet.
Water could run down the walls into the first floor and even the basement.
Solution:
Remember to watch for any signs of water to prevent severe damage to the remainder of the house. If you notice a leak or any water from the washing machine or anywhere in the bathroom, shut off water supply and immediately fix the leak.
Warning Signs:
If you're going on extended vacation during the winter months, the weather could become extremely cold.
Solution:
Make sure the heat is left on during the winter months.
Don't Get SOAKED!
Purchasing an RV can be a sizeable investment. So why risk losing it to water damage? Your vacation time is precious, so we have gathered some tips on how to protect your home away from home from a loss.
Properly winterizing each fall is one of the most crucial maintenance tips that you can follow. Before the winter hits, it's absolutely necessary to follow all of the steps in your owner's manual. Winterizing your unit is vital and will help protect it from the winter cold and lack of use.
Before starting any repairs to any of your water supply systems be sure to turn off the water supply!
Roll over the yellow objects below in the floor plan to see water damage prevention tips.
A leaky or overflowing toilet can cause considerable damage. Although its function is the same as the toilet in your home, your unit's toilet requires different maintenance and care.
Tips:
Be sure your water flush valve and gaskets are in good shape and free of hard water deposits.
After flushing the toilet, be sure it closes completely.
If your toilet bowl doesn't hold water for an extended period of time, it means the seal is not working properly and may need to be replaced.
Repair any leaks you find immediately to prevent further damage.
Properly winterize your unit according to your user/owner's manual.
Holding tanks have the potential to leak due to freezing/bursting, loosened fittings, and mechanical failure, as well as other causes.
Solution:
Check the waste water line fittings that lead to the holding tank after traveling with your unit. Fittings may loosen due to road vibrations.
Check all fittings, pipes and hoses on waste water lines when winterizing and when flushing antifreeze from the line EVERY spring.
Check for leaks. If you smell a foul odor, you may need to empty your holding tank or have it checked by a repairman.
Risk:
A water pump does just that; it pumps water throughout the RV. So if you have a water line leak or crack, or the toilet flush valve doesn't close, the water pump will continue to pump water, creating even more water damage.
Tips:
If your water pump is continuously running, shutting on/off or is making noise, it may be time to call a repairman or replace it. This could not only mean you need a new pump; it could also mean you have a leak.
Some RV owners suggest shutting the water pump off if you are not in or around the RV.
Properly winterize your unit according to your user/owner's manual.
Water tanks have the potential to leak due to freezing/bursting, loosened fittings, and mechanical failure, as well as other causes.
Solution:
Properly winterize your unit according to your user/owner's manual.
After traveling, check water line fittings from the fresh water supply line to the water tank. The fittings may loosen due to road vibrations.
Check all fittings on fresh water lines every spring for cracking or wear and tear.
Research your brand of water tank to learn its average life expectancy.
If your water tank makes noise or begins to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to call a repairman or replace it.
Risk:
Cracked or loosened sealants and gaskets can allow water to enter your unit, causing leaks and water damage. Some areas that are susceptible to this type of loss are the roof, sidewalls, end caps, moldings, windows and anywhere else the RV was cut by the manufacturer.
Tips:
Check sealants on a regular basis and inspect the rubber sealants around your windows to make sure they're tight and not cracking.
Repair any leaks you find immediately to prevent further damage.
Use the proper sealants to make repairs. If you are unsure of which to choose, contact an authorized RV repair facility for suggestions.
Risk:
Most motorhome roofs are made of rubber, aluminum, and fiberglass, all of which are susceptible to leaks over time, no matter how well the motorhome is built or how much it cost.
The most important protection for your unit's roof is its sealant.
Tips:
Roof sealants should be checked and treated annually. This will help prevent cracking, keep out water and drafts, and prevent warping.
Inspect the roof at least twice a year, when you open and close it, and after any storms or other events that pose the threat of damage to your RV roof top.
Repair any leaks you find immediately to prevent further damage.
Cover the roof of your RV with heavy tarps for additional protection.
Avoid parking or storing your RV under a tree.
Avoid storing your RV adjacent to a steel roof building as this type of roof tends to shed large amounts of snow. This could cause your roof to leak or even worse, damage your RV.
Risk:
Cracked or loosened sealants and gaskets can allow water to enter your unit, causing leaks and water damage. Some areas that are susceptible to this type of loss are the roof, sidewalls, end caps, moldings, windows and anywhere else the RV was cut by the manufacturer.
Tips:
Check sealants on a regular basis and inspect the rubber sealants around your windows to make sure they're tight and not cracking.
Repair any leaks you find immediately to prevent further damage.
Use the proper sealants to make repairs. If you are unsure of which to choose, contact an authorized RV repair facility for suggestions.
Risk:
Pipes and hoses responsible for water delivery and storage face the risk of failure due to freezing, bursting and deterioration.
Tips:
Repair any leaks you find immediately to prevent further damage.
Road vibration, wear and tear and mechanical failure are just a few things that may damage or loosen the fittings that hold the pipes and hoses in place on your unit.
Tips:
Inspect all hoses and fittings each year and replace them as necessary.
Keep extra fitting parts on hand when traveling in case one breaks on the road.
Repair any leaks you find immediately to prevent further damage.
Properly winterize your unit according to your user/owner's manual.
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