Improvements to Make to Your Attic in 2020

When it comes time to make upgrades to your home in 2020, don’t forget about your attic! Improving your attic gives you a prime opportunity to increase your home’s value while also creating a space that you’ll want to use more often.

Here are four home improvements to make your attic better this year.

Air Sealing

It’s not uncommon for attics to have large air leaks. This can make it nearly impossible for you to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. By air sealing your attic, you will alleviate these issues and reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs.

Insulating

If your attic isn’t insulated, this will negatively affect your entire home’s energy-efficiency. Without adequate insulation in your attic, you’ll lose a lot of conditioned air during summer, and you’ll lose much-needed warmth during winter. Your roof can also swell because of heat building up in your home’s attic. Insulating your attic with reduce all of these problems.

Decluttering

Has your attic become a place where you store everything? If this is the case, then you should declutter it in the months ahead. While an attic is a good place to store your items, you probably have a lot of things that you simply don’t need anymore. These items might be taking up a lot of space that could be better used for a different purpose. Before 2020 is over, make it a goal to sell or donate the unnecessary belongings in your attic.

Repurposing

Your attic can do more than just store some of your unused items. You can repurpose it so that it becomes another space for you to use. Your attic can become an office, playroom, movie room, or even a spare bedroom. You will probably need to paint it, add flooring, install a ceiling fan, and furnish it. If you always feel like your home is just a little short on space, then making your attic into an extra room is definitely a project that you should undertake in the new year.

Before you get started…

A clean attic is a must! Whether you plan on repurposing your attic, using it for storage, or simply upgrading its insulation, make sure to get the space thoroughly cleaned first. At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we offer professional attic cleaning services to prevent common problems related to moisture, pests, and poor indoor air quality.

Improvements to Make to Your Crawl Space in 2020

One of the best ways to maximize energy efficiency at your home is to insulate your crawl space. Performing these simple maintenance tips can result in significant cost savings and is well worth the effort. Here are a few ways you can make significant improvements to your crawl space in 2020.

1. Insulate and Seal Air Ducts

Insulating your air ducts is key in maximizing energy efficiency. On the other hand, holes in your air ducts can cause unwanted hot or cold air to enter the crawl space that can easily spread to other areas of your home. Checking your air ducts and all the connections around the walls or floors is a good idea to ensure that everything is sealed properly.

2. Insulate Perimeter Walls

Insulating the perimeter walls is much more energy-efficient compared to insulating between the joists. Insulation on the walls can regulate the temperature much better and help you maintain an ideal balance between hot or cold air. Another benefit of insulating perimeter walls is that it makes it easy for contractors to access pipes between the floor joists without having to remove any insulation.

3. Use a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is a great way to control the climate within your crawl space. You can choose from a variety of dehumidifiers that can play an important role in regulating the temperature. A dehumidifier can also help reduce the amount of mildew or mold and create a much healthier environment.

4. Install a Vapor Barrier

The moisture in your crawl space can affect the temperature and humidity in the rest of your home, which can then cause your HVAC system to work harder to reach your desired temperature. A vapor barrier prevents your crawl space from becoming damp, which, in turn, prevents problems that occur due to excess moisture, such as chilly floors, rot, mold, and mildew.

Improving your crawl space a great way to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency within your home. At Greenpro Cleaning & Restoration, our experienced professionals can help remove debris and any sources of moisture in the crawl space of your home or commercial business.

Contact us today to learn more about the many benefits of improving your crawl space!

What Happens When You Don't Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter

Your furnace is part of one of the most expensive and integral systems in your home, your central heating and cooling (HVAC) system. Because the HVAC system controls not only the internal temperature of your home but also the air quality and humidity, it is crucial to maintain your equipment properly.

One of the most common and easy ways to maintain the system is by changing the air filter regularly. Neglecting to change your air filter routinely can cause many different problems.

Problems Caused by Dirty Air Filters

The air filter prevents various air pollutants from entering your HVAC system by trapping them. Things like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other common particles can quickly clog an air filter. If the air filter gets too dirty, it will disrupt the flow of air through your heating and cooling system.

Without adequate airflow, your HVAC equipment will have to work much harder just to maintain your desired temperature. If the unit is forced to work harder and run longer, the next inevitable consequence will be much higher energy bills. In the meantime, your indoor air quality will also decline, as pollutants detach from your air filter and start circulating through your air ducts and into your home. For those with respiratory problems such as allergies or asthma, this can be especially problematic.

Additionally, if your HVAC equipment has to work harder to compensate for poor airflow, its components will suffer premature wear and tear, shortening the system’s lifespan. One typical example of this is frozen evaporator coils or even a broken air blower. After extended periods of wear and tear, the damage to the unit will eventually cause it to break down.

Ultimately, the cost of not regularly replacing an air filter can end up being thousands of dollars. The simplest and most efficient way to maintain your HVAC system is to replace the air filter as a regular part of your home's maintenance.

HVAC specialists recommend that you replace the air filter at least every 30 to 90 days. Some manufacturers will make different recommendations based on the ability of their product, so be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Take the next step toward healthier air in your home by getting your air ducts professionally cleaned. Contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for an estimate: 631-940-8100.

Tips for Improving Your Holiday Guests’ Overnight Stay

You may have some friends or family members who will be spending the night over the holidays. In order to help them have a comfortable night’s sleep, there are some thoughtful steps that you can take beforehand. Check out these tips for improving your holiday guests’ overnight stay.

Thoroughly Clean Ahead Of Time

Do some deep-cleaning before your guests arrive. Vacuum and dust the entire house. Change out the sheets in the room that they will be staying in. Rearrange the closet to make sure that they have a space to put their things. If you simply don’t have the time to clean your home as thoroughly as you’d like to, consider hiring a professional to do it. This will help you ensure that your home is completely ready for your guests.

Provide Them With Enough Blankets

Many individuals don’t enjoy staying the night at someone’s house because they get too cold or too hot at night. It can be difficult to set the thermostat just right to make sure that your guests will sleep comfortably. You can easily solve this by providing them with enough blankets. Make sure that they have access to comforters just in case they get too chilly and thin blankets that they can use if they are too hot.

Use Plug-in Nightlights

Your guests may have difficulty navigating your home if they need to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or get a drink of water. This is why you should use plug-in nightlights. You should place these lights in outlets in both the hallways and the guest bathroom. This will allow them to easily see where they are going without bumping into things.

Purchase A Few Of Their Favorite Drinks And Snacks

Your guests will probably get hungry and thirsty quite a bit when they are staying at your house. You can easily make your guest’s stay more comfortable by purchasing a few of their favorite drinks and snacks. Show them where these items are located, and let them know that they are free to help themselves to them.

Plug in a Humidifier at Night

If you know that your central heating system tends to make the air especially dry in your home, you might want to keep a humidifier running where your guests sleep (as long as it runs quietly). Sleeping with a humidifier is more likely to prevent your guests from waking up with aching sinuses or a sore throat.

Improve your home’s indoor air quality with professional air duct cleaning services. At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we do not use any toxic chemicals and our cleaning systems produce superior results.

The Importance of Keeping Your Crawl Space Dry in Winter

Winter can bring a variety of unexpected problems into the home. Due to the season's cold and wet climate, rot and mold can form in many areas. The crawl space of a home is particularly vulnerable during the winter months. Keeping your crawl space dry and clean year-round is an essential aspect of maintaining your home.

What Is a Crawl Space?

Most crawl spaces are just hollow areas located underneath a house. They are usually between 1 and 3 feet high--just enough room for somebody to crawl through them.

There are a few different advantages to having a crawl space. By propping your house off of the ground, you can reduce your risk for termites. Crawl spaces also add additional space for clutter or storage that may not fit in other areas of the house.

Why Do I Need to Keep My Crawl Space Dry?

Since your crawl space exists below your house, you might assume that moisture is simply a natural and insignificant occurrence. However, excess water can cause several problems if not quickly addressed.

Moisture in crawl spaces frequently leads to rot and mold growth, both of which can attract insects and other types of pests to your house. Spores, humid air, and a particularly musty odor can all creep into your home from the crawl space if moisture is not kept out.

How Can I Keep My Crawl Space Dry?

During the summer months, crawl spaces do not usually need help staying dry. The winter and spring months can be tricky when snow and rain start to impact a home. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent a moldy crawl space.

The first step to preserving a dry crawl space involves finding the source of water. If there is an ongoing leak, repair it immediately. Without solving the original problem, trying to fix an already-soaked crawl space is futile.

Dehumidifiers can effectively help cleanup moisture. Since dehumidifiers usually have an automatic timer setting, they can frequently turn on as soon as they detect high levels of humidity in the air.

Sealing a crawl space can also cut down on trapped moisture. Closing all holes and cracks can prevent the free flow of air, helping your crawl space stay dry during winter.

For professional crawl space cleaning services, contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration.

4 Ways that Excess Moisture Can Damage Your Chimney

When it comes to home maintenance, it can be easy to overlook your chimney. Damage from excess moisture in this location can be a significant problem that you may face as a homeowner. Have your chimney inspected once a year to prevent the damage described below.

Rusting

Rain and snow are a threat to the metal components in and around your chimney. The damper or firebox in your chimney can rust if water seeps in. Rust deteriorates the integrity of the metal and creates a severe hazard in your fireplace. Also, a rusted damper will not create a proper seal, and the conditioned air in your home can leak out through the chimney. A properly installed chimney cap prevents moisture from entering.

Spalling

Bricks are made of a porous material that allows them to absorb moisture. Trapped moisture inside them expands and contracts as the temperature drops and rises. The process that causes the surface of the brick to break off is called spalling. Spalling compromises the structural integrity of your chimney. A professional can apply a treatment to reduce the risk of spalling in your chimney.

Mortar Damage

The same cycle that causes spalling causes damage to the mortar between the bricks. Also, the exposure to water on the exterior of the chimney can cause the mortar to deteriorate. Damaged mortar results in damage to the bricks, and it also compromises the structural integrity of your chimney. Tuckpointing is a process done by professionals that involves repairing the damage.

Linear Deterioration

The lining of the chimney protects the walls from exposure to intense heat and harsh by-products. Cracks and holes in the lining are a result of excess moisture. When the liner becomes damaged, it exposes the chimney walls to extreme conditions as the heat and by-products rise out of your chimney. This also compromises your chimney's structural integrity and can damage the walls and ceiling in your home. A chimney cap can help to prevent this issue.

Need assistance with water damage? Contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration.

How to Prevent and Deal with Ice Dams

Many people think that the icy wall slowly forming along the edge of their roofline during winter is harmless and picturesque. What you might not know is that these formations, called ice dams, can collect water that backs up underneath shingles and seeps into homes. By the time you notice the damage, you'll need extensive repair work at the worst possible time of year, at a cost that may bust your budget.

When you learn how to prevent and deal with ice dams correctly, you can erase your worries about this common source of winter water damage. 

How to Prevent Ice Dams from Forming on Your Home

1. Make sure you have adequate attic insulation.

Check to be sure that your attic insulation provides the minimum R-value your local building codes require. Make sure the insulation forms a complete blanket across your attic floor, without gaps.

2. Close up areas of heat exchange from the main floor.

Heat loss from your living space rises into your attic, which triggers ice dam formation.

Seal any air leaks from gaps in drywall, light fixtures, plumbing, electrical wiring, chimneys, and even the attic access door. Exhaust fans must vent to the home's exterior and not into the attic space.

3. Unblock or add attic and roof vents.

If your attic feels warm, you must increase airflow between the outside and your attic.

Add more vents to the roof and eaves if necessary. Ensure storage containers or leaf debris never block vents.

How to Deal with Ice Dams that Form on Your Home

Getting rid of ice dams after they establish can be tricky business. Working in cold weather with ladders, rakes, de-icers, or heat cabling can be dangerous. If possible, hire a company that specializes in ice dam removal. Call a professional remediation service to deal with any water leak damage, and provide ways to stop future ice dams from forming before they ruin your holiday season.

Need assistance with water damage? Contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration.

Tips for Preventing Winter Water Damage

If sudden snow or freezing temperatures catch you off guard, you can end up with a lot of costly water damage in your home. If temperatures drop too low, your pipes can freeze and burst, leading to leaks where you can't always see them right away. Melting snowfall can also wreak havoc the exterior and interior of your home, particularly when it seeps in through your roof.

To prevent costly repairs from winter water damage, check out our tips below!

Keep Your Pipes Insulated

Protecting your pipes should be your first course of action when it comes to preventing water damage. You can find insulation explicitly made for pipes at relatively low costs in just about any hardware store.

You can keep inaccessible pipes warm by setting your home's thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and leaving your kitchen and bathroom cupboards open. This allows the warm air from your home to warm pipes that you can't physically reach.

Clear Out the Gutters

Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of water damage during winter. They tend to become clogged during the fall, but many homeowners don't realize this until it's too late. Before your gutters end up destroying your home, make sure to check and clean them routinely. Remove any rocks, leaves, nests, and debris that have accumulated to prevent them from clogging and overflowing.

Invest in Coverage

When we talk about investing in coverage, we’re not talking about your homeowners insurance. There are other forms of coverage that can keep your house safe such as sewage-backup coverage. The storm drains might become overwhelmed due to all the water coming from the rain and snow.

This can actually cause sewage and water to flood your home. If you can catch it before it does anything harmful, then you won’t have to worry about much. But if things take a turn for the worst, the insurance can help pay for any damages.

Regardless of the season, no homeowner wants to deal with water damage. However, if you suspect that water damage has taken place in your home, don’t wait to take care of the problem! The first step toward fixing it is getting the damaged area inspected by a professional.

For quality water damage inspections, contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration.

Big and Small Ways to Make Your Home Warmer and Cozier

You’re tired of constantly being cold at home, but on the other hand, you’re also worried about your energy costs. Is there a way to feel warm and cozy at home without having to contend with a monster heating bill at the end of each month?

Yes! In fact, here are six adjustments and improvements you can make around the house to feel warmer and lower your utility costs simultaneously.

1. Cover your crawl space floor.

If your crawl space floor is nothing but dirt, it could be making your home a lot colder than you realize. As warm air rises through your home, cool air from your cold, damp crawl space moves in to fill its place. This is known as the stack effect. Covering your crawl space floor with a vapor barrier will not only prevent cold air from entering into your home, but it will also prevent mold and moisture issues.

2. Seal your windows and doors.

To lower your energy bills, invest in some caulk and weatherstripping! Weatherstripping prevents drafts from sneaking in and out through the gaps between doors and their frames. Weatherstripping also works for windows that you intend to open and close. You can use caulk for windows that are not made to be opened.

3. Make sure your air vents are exposed and open.

Sometimes air vents end up hidden away under a rug or behind a piece of furniture. Inspect your home to make sure that none of the air vents are covered up. Also, make sure that the registers over the vents are open. Closing registers in specific rooms to try to control your home’s temperature will create pressure issues and inhibit your HVAC system’s ability to heat your home effectively.

4. Keep window coverings open during the day.

If you have rooms that get a lot of sunlight, take full advantage! Leaving the curtains or blinds drawn will allow the sun to warm up the room. Not only will your heater get some help, but you can cut down on your lighting costs as well with some of that free illumination.

5. Close window coverings at night.

Your house had a chance to warm up during the day. Once the sun goes down, you’ll want to keep as much of that warmth inside as possible! Close all of your curtains and blinds to prevent heat loss during the night. Thermal curtains are especially effective for retaining heat and can make a room feel a few degrees warmer than it would with only standard curtains.

6. Invest in proper insulation for your home.

When your home was built, it may have contained top-of-the-line insulation at the time. However, the insulation available today may be much more effective than what you have currently. Check out ENERGY STAR’s website to see what the recommended insulation R-Value is for your region of the U.S., and consult an expert about possible upgrades.

Need debris removed from your crawl space before you cover it? Contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for thorough crawl space cleaning services.

The Best Types of Floors for Bathrooms

Because of the humidity released by baths and showers, your bathroom is one of the most mold-prone areas of your home. Plus, no matter how hard you try, your bathroom floor is going to get wet, which can increase the chances of a mold problem. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a bathroom floor material that’s easy to clean and that will repel moisture.

Before moving forward with your bathroom makeover, these are the ideal types of flooring you’ll want to consider.

The Look of Wood Without the Risks: Vinyl Plank Flooring

If tile is not your cup of tea and you prefer a more rustic look, vinyl plank flooring might be the perfect option for you. It looks like wood planks but does not require the same level of maintenance.

All of this material’s surfaces, including its seams, are completely waterproof. Also, this type of flooring is relatively easy to install for DIY-ers and easy to remove and replace. Just keep in mind that the price is going to vary significantly with the look and quality level.

The Most Versatile: Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Whether your tastes are traditional or contemporary, you can find a tile style to match your taste. Tiles come in a variety of hues, textures, sizes, and shapes, allowing your floor to take the spotlight or blend discreetly into the background.

Porcelain tile is just one type of ceramic tile. Porcelain, in particular, is categorized by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) as having a water absorption rate of no more than 0.5 percent. Ceramic tile is waterproof—just remember that you’ll have to seal the grout to prevent mold and mildew.

The Best Resale Value: Natural Stone

When correctly sealed, natural stone is an excellent, durable flooring choice for bathrooms (though at a luxury price point). Polished marble has a classic elegance that can suit modern or traditional tastes. Granite and limestone offer an earthier appeal that’s perfect for transforming your bathroom into your private spa.

Though natural stone will last the longest of these flooring options and offer you the best resale value, it will require regular resealing to protect against moisture. Also, to ensure the stone is cut precisely to your bathroom’s specifications, it’s best to hire a professional to install this flooring.

Do you need a water damage survey in your bathroom? Contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration today at 631-940-8100.

How to Properly Store and Protect Your Warm-Weather Wardrobe

If stored incorrectly, your warm-weather wardrobe could fall prey to moths, mice, mold, and mildew! To ensure that your clothes make it to next spring intact, stick to these tips during and after packing away your apparel this fall.

1. Wash all of your clothes before storing them.

Moths and mice find dirty clothing much more appealing than fresh, clean clothing. Before storing your clothes for the winter, wash them in water that’s as hot as the fabric can handle. Washing clothes at 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will destroy the larvae that female moths lay into the fabric.

2. Store your clothes in airtight, plastic containers.

Airtight, plastic containers are the best way to keep your clothing safe until the weather gets warm. Rodents can easily chew through cardboard boxes. Plastic garment bags, while effective at keeping out moths, can trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.

3. Store clothes with cedar balls or sachets of lavender.

Steer clear of mothballs and moth crystals, as these products contain pesticides that can harm people and pets--and even unborn babies. Instead, opt for all-natural cedar or lavender products. The oils in these plants help repel moths without the use of toxic gas.

4. Vacuum often.

Vacuuming helps to suck out the moth larvae from places where female moths lay them. While vacuuming rugs and carpets is a given, make sure to also vacuum underneath beds and behind radiators, as moths are attracted to the warmth there.

5. Monitor the humidity levels in your home.

Both moths and mold thrive in homes with high humidity. To make sure your clothes stay free of larvae and mold growth, you may need to lower your home’s moisture levels with a dehumidifier. You can also reduce your home’s humidity through other means, such as covering your crawlspace’s dirt floor.

Having trouble with crawlspace mold and moisture? Contact the professionals at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for an effective, bio-friendly solution.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Attic

Who couldn’t use a little bit of extra space? Adding new rooms to your home is expensive, but you might already have an unused space that’s full of potential right about your head: your attic! 

Here are four creative ways to turn your dreary attic into a great room.

Brand New Bedroom

Are your kids constantly fighting over their shared space and close proximity? Do you have a new bundle of joy on the way? In either case, you can convert your attic into a new bedroom. Of course, you’ll want to make sure it’s a safe and clean environment. You can do this by meeting your area’s building codes and hiring professional attic cleaning services.

Creative Office Space 

Separating your work from your personal space can be difficult, especially when you work from home. Your attic is the perfect place for a private office. If you’re in the creative industry, you can even convert your attic into an art gallery or photo studio. It’s a spacious area that can fit all the furniture and supplies you need. What’s even better is that it’s far enough from the rest of the bustle of your home while still being close.   

Fun-Filled Recreation Area 

Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, they’ll love having a designated recreation area. With just a few additions, you can turn your attic into the perfect playpen. Just add fun board games, toys, and a lounge section. If you want to invest in something larger, you can even get a ping pong table. Your home will be the hot spot where everyone in the neighborhood wants to hang out.  

Entertaining Media Room 

If the living room doesn’t fit your entire family comfortably, transform your attic into a media room. The dark, enclosed attic space will replicate a movie theater’s environment perfectly. Add a comfy sectional, storage for blankets, and a large-screen TV. You can complete your new home theater with a snack bar. 

Feeling Inspired?

Just remember that when it comes to transforming a dusty, old attic into a habitable place, the most important thing is the safety and health of your family. Turn to GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, the experts in attic and crawlspace cleaning, to help you transform your attic into the perfect addition to your home.

Ideas for Organizing Your Cleaning Supplies

Keeping up your home’s cleaning routine is a lot easier when you have well-organized cleaning supplies. The question is: what is the best way to organize your supplies? The answer will depend largely on your home’s storage options, but your personal preference will come into play as well.

Below, we’ve gathered some brilliant ideas for storing and organizing the odds and ends of your cleaning arsenal.

1. The Basics

A lot of us own duplicate cleaning supplies without even knowing it. Before attempting to organize what you have in the smartest way possible, make sure you’re only keeping the supplies you actually need.

2. Lazy Susan

If you store your cleaning supplies underneath your sink, it can be hard to reach the items stored toward the back. A Lazy Susan is a perfect solution. Instead of fumbling through bottles and brushes, simply spin the item you want to the front.

3. Tension Rod

Maximize the space underneath your sink by installing a tension rod. It’s a great place to hang brushes and the handles of spray bottles.

4. Towel Rod

Add a small towel rack to the inside of your cabinet doors for more hidden hanging space. (It’s a great way to store rubber gloves!)

5. Shoe Organizer

Short on space under your sink? Try an over-the-door shoe organizer. Each shoe pocket can hold most standard-size cleaning supplies and keep them all within easy reach.

6. Baskets with Handles

Store cleaning tools and products that you take from room to room in plastic baskets or caddies with handles. This will allow you to complete your tasks around the house more efficiently. If your kids have chores, make a basket for each of your kids with the supplies they’ll need inside it.

7. Broom-Holder

To prevent long-handled cleaning supplies from getting in the way and falling over, mount them on a wall. A broom-holder with multiple slots will do the trick!

At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we're taking eco-friendly cleaning solutions to a higher standard and striving for cleaner indoor air quality for all of Long Island. Contact us today to learn about our “green” cleaning solutions for attics, crawlspaces, and air ducts.