News & Events | Handyman Services in Laurel, MD

Winterizing Your Outside Spigot: A Handy Guide to Cold-Weather Protection

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, calls for help come pouring into Ace Handyman Services to repair burst pipes, clean up water damage, and patch and paint the resulting drywall holes. All this stress, headache, and property damage can be mitigated through a few simple steps.

Many burst pipes result from outside spigots, also known as hose bibs, that were not properly drained for the winter. As temperatures drop, these metal fixtures transfer the cold to any water still present, which then freezes. The expanding water stresses the pipe, which can cause a rupture. The result is the unwanted headache of property damage and lost time.

Follow these steps to reduce your risk:

Close Spigot Shut-off Valve: Locate the shut-off valve that controls the water supply to your outdoor spigot. This valve is commonly found just inside your house from where your spigot is located. Three to ten feet of pipe can be between your shut-off valve and the exterior spigot so you may need to do a little searching. Additionally, some shut-off valves are hidden inside drop ceilings or behind access panels. Turn it off to stop the flow of water to the exterior faucet and go outside for step 2.
Disconnect Hoses: Remove any hoses or attachments connected to the spigot. Drain the hoses completely and store them indoors for the winter. Even residual water left in hoses can freeze and cause damage.
Open Spigot to Drain: Ensure the spigot is completely drained by opening it and allowing any remaining water to escape. Leave the spigot open for step four.
Bleed Interior Shut-off Valve: Go back into your house to your shut-off valve bringing a bucket and towels to catch the remaining water in your pipe. Most shut-off valves should have a small bleed cap on the bottom or side. (If yours does not, you will skip this step, but we highly recommend replacing your shut-off valve with one having this cap.) While holding the bucket below the valve, loosen the cap (but do not remove it) until the remaining water empties into the bucket. If the water flow is heavy, drape a towel or rag over the valve to contain the flow into the bucket. Once empty, gently tighten the cap back down.
Close Spigot: Go back outside and shut off your exterior spigot to seal the air into the now-emptied pipe.
Insulate: If available, cover your spigot with an insulating cover. These can be purchased at your local Ace Hardware store. Remember that the cover alone may not prevent damage unless you follow the above steps to empty the water.

Winterizing your outside spigot is a simple yet crucial task in preparing your home for the colder months. By following these steps and being proactive in maintenance, homeowners can prevent potential damage caused by freezing temperatures.

At Ace Handyman Services, we prioritize not only fixing issues but also empowering our customers with the know-how to maintain their homes and prevent the need for large, costly repairs. Call us if you would like help with your home maintenance. We strive to help you free up your precious time. Whether it is you or Ace Handyman Services that performs your home winterization, acting before that big freeze is vital.

Revitalize Your Lawn: A Comprehensive Fall Lawn Care Guide for Maryland Homeowners

As summer's warmth gives way to the crisp air of fall, it is time to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter and ensure it returns lush and green in the spring. Here's a detailed guide to fall lawn maintenance.

Aeration: Late summer to early fall, typically spanning from late August to early October, is the prime window for this revitalizing process. Aeration involves puncturing the soil with small holes, creating channels that enable essential elements like air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone. To prepare for aeration, give your lawn a good watering a day or two before the process, ensuring that the soil is soft enough for effective penetration.

Overseeding: Overseeding is essential for thickening your lawn and filling in dry places. Choose high-quality grass seed varieties suited to Maryland's climate, such as tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. After aeration, use a spreader to scatter the seed uniformly and softly rake the soil to cover it. Consider mixing the seed with a thin layer of compost before broadcasting it evenly across the freshly aerated lawn for an extra boost.

Fertilize: Fertilizing in the fall allows your lawn to retain important nutrients for the winter. Choose a balanced fertilizer with a higher phosphorus (P) content to enhance root growth. Make sure there are no weed or crabgrass prevention chemicals that will prevent the fresh seed from germinating. Apply according to package directions, then irrigate your lawn to activate the nutrients.

pH Adjustment: Because Maryland soil is slightly acidic, testing the pH of your soil is crucial. Lime can be used to raise the pH of the soil and make it more alkaline. To ensure that your grass receives the nutrients it requires, apply lime based on your soil test results. Test specific locations, especially under trees, because pine needles and leaves will modify the pH of the soil.

Watering: While Maryland receives more rain in the fall, it is critical to monitor soil moisture. Initially, water ungerminated seeds frequently with less water. To foster deep root growth after germination, water thoroughly and infrequently. Watering your grass early in the morning allows it to dry before dark and reduces the danger of disease. Adjust as needed to avoid seed washout, pooling, and fungus.

Mowing: Lower your mower blade gradually as the fall season advances to allow more sunshine to reach the grass. Continue mowing on a regular basis, but never remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time. To ensure smooth cuts, keep your mower blade sharp.

By embracing the timely combination, Maryland homeowners can set the stage for a thriving lawn that remains resilient through the seasons. Remember to consult your local ACE Hardware Store professionals for more advice and products as individual conditions may warrant specific help. With dedication and these strategic steps, you'll soon enjoy the rewards of a lush and inviting landscape.

Streamlining Your Home for a Smooth Back-to-School Season

As summer comes to a close, the excitement of the back-to-school season begins to stir. As parents and students gear up for the busy days ahead, it's crucial to create an organized and efficient home environment that supports the demands of the school year. With a few strategic upgrades, you can make the transition from lazy summer days to productive school mornings a breeze.

Organizing Backpack Stations: One of the first challenges to tackle is the morning rush. Establish a designated area near the entrance of your home as a backpack station. Install hooks or cubbies for each family member's backpack, making it easy for them to grab their essentials on their way out. Encourage kids to empty their backpacks daily, keeping important papers and assignments organized. A small whiteboard or corkboard can serve as a message center, allowing you to communicate reminders or schedules effectively.
Designating a Homework Hub: Set the stage for productive study sessions by creating a dedicated homework hub. This space could be a corner of the living room, a spare bedroom, or even the dining table. Equip it with essential supplies like pens, paper, calculators, and a comfortable chair. Ensure good lighting and minimal distractions in this area to promote focus. Personalize the space with motivational quotes or artwork to make it an inviting and inspiring place to study.
Creating a Family Calendar: The key to staying organized throughout the school year is a well-maintained family calendar. Utilize a large wall calendar or a digital solution to track everyone's schedules. Assign each family member a specific color, making it easy to identify who has what activities on a particular day. Include school events, extracurricular activities, and even meal plans to streamline each day's plans. Regularly updating the calendar will keep everyone on the same page and help prevent scheduling conflicts.

As you embark on the back-to-school journey, remember that a well-prepared home can significantly reduce stress and set a positive tone for the entire family. By establishing organized backpack stations, creating a dedicated homework hub, and maintaining a comprehensive family calendar, you'll be better equipped to tackle the challenges and enjoy the rewards of the upcoming school year.

Breathing Easy: Improving Indoor Air Quality for Maryland Homeowners

Because the pace of modern life confines us indoors, the importance of indoor air quality cannot be stressed. The air we breathe inside our homes has a direct impact on our health, happiness, and overall quality of life. In Maryland, where weather conditions frequently force homeowners to stay indoors for extended periods of time, adopting proactive actions to improve indoor air quality is critical. Let's look at some practical suggestions for Maryland households to breathe easier in their own homes.

Adequate Ventilation: Proper ventilation is critical for preserving healthy indoor air quality. Ensuring adequate ventilation aids in the removal of indoor contaminants and the introduction of fresh outdoor air. In addition to simply opening windows and doors during mild weather, consider installing an air exchange system to bring in fresh air during the summer and winter. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) allows for continuous fresh air circulation while minimizing energy waste. These systems efficiently remove stale indoor air while conditioning entering fresh air, resulting in better air quality without sacrificing comfort.
Air Purifiers: Investing in high-quality air purifiers can remove hazardous particles and allergens from the air. These devices are intended to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and even microscopic contaminants, considerably improving indoor air quality. For best performance, use air purifiers with HEPA filters and consider strategically positioning them in often-used locations such as living rooms and bedrooms.
Reduce Indoor Pollutants: Identifying and reducing sources of indoor pollutants can go a long way toward improving the quality of the air you breathe. Smoking, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household goods, and indoor allergens like dust mites are all common reasons. Encourage a smoke-free environment, use low-VOC or natural cleaning solutions, and clean and vacuum on a regular basis. Robot vacuums offer a convenient modern solution. These automated cleaning devices can help maintain cleaner floors, reducing dust, allergens, and pet dander that accumulate on surfaces.
Proper HVAC Maintenance: Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system on a regular basis is critical for good indoor air quality. Filters should be changed or cleaned every few months to keep dust and debris out of your home. Consider upgrading to higher-quality filters that are intended to effectively trap tiny particles.
Introduce Indoor Plants: Indoor plants not only offer natural beauty to your home, but they can also help purify the air. Certain plant species are capable of absorbing contaminants and emitting fresh oxygen. Consider adding houseplants to your living environment, such as spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants.

Maryland residents can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for themselves and their families by emphasizing indoor air quality. Remember that simple measures such as appropriate ventilation, air purifiers, decreasing interior pollutants, and maintaining HVAC systems can make a significant difference in the quality of the air you breathe. So, take a deep breath and take the necessary steps to ensure that the air inside your home is as pure and energizing as Maryland's lovely outdoors.

Preparing Your Maryland Home for Severe Weather: A Guide to Summer Storm and Hurricane Protection

We are in the middle of summer when severe storms are more common, and just around the corner is hurricane season. Even though we are neither in the tropics, where hurricanes provide the greatest threat, or in the heart of the country, where tornadoes and severe storms are more regular, these storms can represent a substantial threat to Maryland families and homes. It is critical to take proactive efforts to prepare your home for such catastrophes ahead of time. In this blog post, we will provide valuable guidance on inspecting and removing weak or dead trees, securing outdoor furniture, and creating an emergency kit to help you safeguard your home and loved ones.

Inspecting and Removing Weak or Dead Trees: Trees near your home can become dangerous during severe weather, especially if they are weak or dead. Hire an arborist to inspect the trees on your property and identify any that pose a potential risk. Dead trees are prone to falling or shedding limbs, inflicting substantial damage to your home. The arborist can safely remove these trees or recommend appropriate risk-mitigation strategies. Regular tree maintenance, such as pruning and trimming, is also necessary to reduce the chance of storm-related tree damage.

Securing Outdoor Furniture: During high gusts, outdoor furniture such as patio sets and grills can become dangerous projectiles. Bring these goods indoors or secure them in a shed or garage before bad weather strikes. If bringing them indoors isn't an option, secure them to the ground with heavy tie-downs or straps.

Creating an Emergency Kit and a Plan: Having an emergency kit on hand can make a big difference in how well you and your family withstand the storm. Nonperishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, extra medications, and a portable phone charger should all be included in your kit. Keep up to date on evacuation routes and emergency contacts in your region. Designate a safe room in your home and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is located. During a tornado, the best place to seek refuge is usually a basement or storm cellar. If your house lacks a basement, look for an interior area on the lowest level away from windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or corridor.

You may better prepare your family and Maryland home for severe weather by evaluating and removing weak or dead trees, securing outdoor furniture, and creating an emergency pack and plan. Protecting your property and loved ones in advance means that you can withstand the storm with more peace of mind and resilience. Stay safe and well-prepared!

Enjoy a Safe Independence Day: Fireworks and Grill Safety Tips for Your Backyard Celebrations

Independence Day is quickly approaching, and backyard celebrations with family and friends are a popular way to commemorate the occasion. From spectacular fireworks displays to sizzling barbecues, safety must be prioritized to ensure a memorable and incident-free day. We'll go over crucial safety recommendations for handling fireworks and barbecues in this blog post, so you may have a great Independence Day while keeping everyone safe.

Fireworks Safety:

Attend a professional display: Instead of setting off fireworks in your backyard, consider attending a licensed fireworks show. These displays are conducted by professionals and offer a safer and more spectacular experience for everyone.
Follow local laws and regulations: If you decide to have fireworks at home, be sure to research and comply with all local laws and regulations. Certain forms of fireworks may be restricted or prohibited in some locations. Always buy fireworks from a licensed merchant.
Create a safe zone: Choose an open spot away from buildings, trees, and combustible items. Clear the area of any potential hazards to avoid accidents and fires.
Adult supervision: Never let minors handle fireworks without adult supervision. Only responsible adults who understand the risks and safety procedures should ignite them. In case of an emergency, keep a pail of water or a hose nearby as well as a first aid kit.

Grill Safety:

Proper grill placement: Place your grill on a level surface away from any structures, overhanging branches, or flammable items. To avoid mishaps keep a safe distance from any gathering locations.
Propane safety: If you're using a propane grill, inspect the gas tank and connections for leaks before use. Keep the propane tank outside and away from heat sources. If you suspect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and consult a professional.
Safe grilling practices: To avoid burns, use long-handled equipment and oven mitts when grilling. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area and never leave the grill unattended while it is in use. Keep a fire extinguisher or a pail of sand nearby in case of a fire.

Independence Day is a time for celebration, but it's crucial to prioritize safety during fireworks and grill activities. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a fun and accident-free holiday for everyone involved. Remember, it's better to leave fireworks to the professionals and practice responsible grilling techniques to prevent any mishaps. Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and have a happy Independence Day!

Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for professional guidance. The author and the publisher disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the contents of this article.

Make Your Backyard Patio More Fun for Summer Entertaining with a Ready-Made Gazebo Kit

Summer is the ideal season for hosting outdoor celebrations with friends and family. Consider investing in a ready-made gazebo kit to upgrade your backyard patio and create an enticing spot for entertainment! These adaptable constructions offer shade, mosquito protection, and an alluring ambiance, allowing you to make the most of your outside space during the summer!

Construct a varied Outdoor Living Space: A ready-made gazebo kit is a quick and easy method to convert your backyard patio into a varied outdoor living space. These kits include all of the necessary components, such as pre-cut pieces, hardware, and step-by-step instructions, making assembly simple. Installing a gazebo creates a distinct place that may be used for a variety of functions, such as holding barbecues, dining alfresco, or simply offering a comfortable hideaway for leisure.
Elements Protection: While the warm sun is nice, sometimes you need a break from its harsh rays. A gazebo provides much-needed shade, shielding you and your guests from the sun's damaging UV rays. Furthermore, it provides protection from unexpected summer showers and pesky mosquitos, letting you continue your outdoor activities uninterrupted. You can hold outdoor gatherings with confidence, knowing that your guests will be comfortable and protected regardless of the weather, thanks to a gazebo.
Improve Aesthetics and Ambiance: A well-designed gazebo improves the aesthetic appeal of your backyard patio immediately. The graceful structure and range of available designs can complement any outdoor location. There is a gazebo kit to fit every taste, whether traditional, rustic, or futuristic, and many brands and sizes. You can also customize your gazebo with ornamental elements like curtains, netting, fans, string lights, or climbing plants to create a pleasant and appealing environment for entertaining your guests.

Purchasing a ready-made gazebo kit is a great way to renovate your backyard patio and create a charming spot for summer gatherings. We will be delighted to assist you in putting together your new gazebo! Call us and let us handle everything so you can relax and enjoy the outdoors while remaining comfortable and stylish.

Make Your Maryland Home a Refreshing Summer Sanctuary

As the temperature rises in Maryland, it's time to start preparing your home for the summer season. You can build a comfortable and enjoyable environment for the hot months ahead by focusing on both outdoor and indoor environments. In this post, we'll look at outdoor living space ideas as well as internal modifications to assist Maryland homeowners in avoiding the heat and enjoying the pleasures of summer.

Redesign Your Outdoor Living Space: Create a summer sanctuary in your backyard where you can rest and entertain. Begin by purchasing comfy outdoor equipment like loungers, hammocks, or patio sets. To avoid the sun's rays, add shade using umbrellas, pergolas, or retractable awnings. Install an outdoor kitchen or a grilling station for enjoyable summer cookouts. Decorative lighting, such as string lights or solar-powered lanterns, can be used to enhance the mood. Remember to include greenery in the form of potted plants, hanging baskets, or a vibrant garden. Finally, use outside rugs, cushions, and pillows to create a warm ambiance.
Improve Your Inside Living Space: As temperatures rise, it is critical to create a cool and refreshing inside oasis. Install ceiling fans in rooms to promote air circulation and create a nice breeze. Blinds, curtains, or shades can be used to filter direct sunlight and prevent heat input. Consider light-colored, breathable textiles for your furniture and lighter blankets and throws instead of heavy ones. Finally, reduce heat emissions from lighting fixtures by choosing energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Maryland homeowners may fully enjoy the summer season by renovating both their outdoor and indoor environments. Creating a relaxing and welcoming outdoor living space provides entertainment and relaxation while improving your interior space ensures a cool alternative when temperatures soar. With these renovations, you can enjoy a peaceful escape in your own home during the summer months.

Energy-Saving Upgrades: Make Your Maryland Home an Energy-Efficient Haven

As homeowners, an initial investment in energy-efficient modifications can provide significant long-term savings in energy expenses. Hiring a handyman can make a big difference if you're a Maryland homeowner trying to improve your home's energy efficiency. In this blog post, we'll look at three essential upgrades—insulation, window upgrades, and smart thermostats—that can turn your home into an energy-saving haven.

Insulation: Properly insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to save energy. Insulation works as a barrier, inhibiting heat transfer in Maryland's climate, where winters can be chilly and summers can be humid. A handyman can evaluate your current insulation and make recommendations for upgrades. You may dramatically minimize the need for excessive heating and cooling by adding insulation to walls, attics, and crawl spaces. This improvement not only reduces your energy expenditures but also improves indoor comfort.
Window Improvements: Windows play an important part in energy efficiency. If your windows are old or poorly sealed, they might leak air and cause heat loss in the winter and gain in the summer. Changing to energy-efficient windows can have a significant effect. Handyman services can assist you with selecting low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, double or triple glazing, and insulating frames for your windows. These characteristics reduce air leakage and solar heat gain, which reduces your reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Smart Thermostats: When it comes to energy savings, a smart thermostat is a game changer. It allows you to remotely regulate your home's temperature and schedule heating and cooling based on your daily schedule. A handyman can install and configure a smart thermostat to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. You may prevent wasting energy and enjoy significant cost savings over time by ensuring that your heating and cooling systems only operate when needed.

By embracing energy-saving measures, Maryland homeowners can have a good impact on the environment and their pocketbooks. You may create a more comfortable living area while drastically reducing energy consumption by investing in insulation, window renovations, and smart thermostats. Don't undervalue the importance of employing a handyman to help you accomplish these improvements. Their experience and professional services will ensure your home becomes an energy-efficient haven, benefiting your pocketbook and the environment in the long run.

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