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How to Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Between Cleanings

. Posted by in • Houston

Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

How to Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Between Cleanings: A Comprehensive Guide

Keeping your home’s exterior in good shape might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a new homeowner, but don’t worry! With a bit of regular cleaning and attention, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain a great-looking home. Here’s an easy guide to home exterior maintenance throughout the year.

Start by focusing on exterior maintenance to safeguard your home’s structural integrity. Regularly inspect your home for any needed repairs, such as fixing damaged wood siding or addressing issues with your roof. Maintaining your exterior paint in good condition is also crucial, as it helps prevent problems like mildew and deterioration. A well-maintained exterior paint job not only enhances the visual appeal but also acts as a protective layer against the elements.

Next, don’t forget about your gutters and downspouts. Regular gutter maintenance is essential for preventing water from backing … Read Full Post »

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The Environmental Impact of Exterior Cleaning Products

. Posted by in • Houston

Environmental Impact of Cleaning Products

The Environmental Impact of Exterior Cleaning Products: What You Need to Know

When we clean our homes, we often use products that can have a big impact on the environment and human health. For instance, some cleaning products can lead to ecological harm, affecting everything from the sewage system to the food chains. Even something as simple as using air fresheners can introduce harmful chemicals into our homes.

Interestingly, some products, like certain types of tea bags, seem harmless but can also contribute to environmental issues if not disposed of properly.

To help protect our planet and our well-being, it’s a good idea to use more environmentally friendly cleaning options. These products are designed to be safer for both the environment and our health.

What Are Cleaning Products?

Cleaning products are the soaps, sprays, and detergents we use to keep our homes spotless. But did you know conventional products … Read Full Post »

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How to Organize a Neighborhood Safety Meeting

. Posted by in • Houston

Neighborhood Safety Meeting

Organizing a neighborhood safety meeting is a great way to bring your community together to strengthen security and support crime prevention. Whether you’re part of a neighborhood watch program or want to make your neighborhood safer, you can create a space where local citizens can discuss safety concerns and work together. By getting involved, you’ll be helping to make your neighborhood a safer place in your country. To start, reach out to your local police office and invite your neighbors to join in this important effort

1. Plan the Meeting

Begin by contacting your neighbors and the local police department. Let them know you’re organizing a neighborhood watch or crime prevention meeting. It is a great way to bring your community together and focus on neighborhood safety. Choose a time and place that works for most people. A park or community center is ideal for creating a welcoming … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
Hot water heater leaking

Did your water heater mysteriously start leaking? This is frustrating for any homeowner, but the good news is that most leaks start small and can be easily fixed if you act quickly. The solution may be as simple as tightening a few loose connections or valves.

However, a water heater leak can sometimes indicate a larger problem. If rust or corrosion is at play, it may be time to replace your water heater altogether.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater leaks, what they mean and what homeowners should do about them.

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

The first step in fixing a leaking water heater is to determine the cause of the leak. This is easier said than done, since water heaters can leak for a variety of reasons. They can range from easy-to-fix problems to more serious issues.

Most water heater leaks begin slowly and worsen over time. If … Read Full Post »

Volunteering Opportunities in Your Community: Where to Start

. Posted by in • Houston

Volunteering Opportunities in Your Community: Where to Start

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference in your community and even impact the world. Whether you want to provide meals at a food pantry, serve in a soup kitchen, spend time with residents at a nursing home, or participate in a mission trip, there are many ways you can contribute and learn new skills.

Food pantries and soup kitchens are great places to start if you want to help feed those in need, as you can volunteer to sort food donations, prepare meals, or serve food to the community.

If you’re interested in traveling and helping communities in need, mission trips provide opportunities to build homes, teach, or deliver medical aid.

Volunteering regularly, even if it’s just once a month, can make a big impact, and it’s a chance to develop new skills and make new friends. Whether you’re providing meals, offering … Read Full Post »

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Venomous Spiders in Texas

. Posted by in • Austin
a black widow spider

The Lone Star State is known for its diverse wildlife. This variety extends beyond animals like wildcats and armadillos. It also means that homeowners need to watch out for venomous spiders in Texas. 

Many people aren’t big fans of spiders, but it’s important to keep in mind that few spiders commonly found in Texas pose any real risk. Most of them, like the southern house spider, would simply rather be left alone and aren’t much of a threat. 

However, black widow, pictured above, and brown recluse spiders are concerning species to have on your property. Learn how to identify these venomous spiders in Texas, how to prevent them and what you should do if you encounter them.

What Texas Homeowners Need to Know

A Texas homeowner should know that managing spider populations starts with knowledge and prevention. The good news is that out of the roughly 900 species in Texas, only two of them … Read Full Post »

How to Create a Community Recycling Program

. Posted by in • Houston

How to Create a Community Recycling Program: A Simple Guide

Creating a community recycling program is a fantastic way to help the environment and promote sustainability. Start by appointing a recycling coordinator who knows how to manage the program effectively. Next, get the community involved by reaching out to residents, businesses, and organizations to build support and encourage participation.

Develop a clear plan that outlines what materials will be recycled, how they will be collected, and where drop-off points will be located. Make sure this plan fits your community’s needs. Educate everyone about recycling through workshops, flyers, and social media to explain why recycling matters and how to do it correctly.

Set up convenient recycling options, like drop-off bins or curbside pickup. Regularly track the program’s progress and gather feedback from participants to make improvements. By promoting recycling, you’ll help reduce landfill waste, save resources, and make a positive impact on your … Read Full Post »

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Expert Tips to Get Your Home Winter-Ready

. Posted by in • Tyler

Even without snow, East Texas winters bring chilly winds, heavy rain, and unexpected cold snaps that can test your home’s comfort and durability. A few quick checks now can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home healthy all season long.

Homeowner Tips for Winter Readiness

Winter in East Texas might not bring blizzards, but it still comes with chilly winds, heavy rain, and sudden cold snaps that can take a toll on your home.  Our expert pest, lawn, and handymen teams compiled a few simple steps to help you care your home and avoid expense repair costs.

1. Seal Up Before It Cools Down

Start with the basics: check your windows, exterior doors, and garage seals. A tight seal keeps warm air in and cold drafts and pests out.

  • Pro tip: Close your garage and turn off the lights. If you see sunlight peeking through, it’s time to replace those seals before temperatures drop.

2. … Read Full Post »

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Early Signs of Termites

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Early signs of termites

Key Takeaways

Early termite signs are easier to spot than termites themselves—watch for mud tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings. Quick detection helps prevent expensive structural damage.

As a homeowner, you spend time and effort keeping up with the maintenance of your home. Unfortunately, there’s a pest that can quietly cause extensive damage: termites.

Termites create big problems wherever they go. They’re responsible for costly and extensive damage to homes all over the country, but in Texas, they’re even more of an issue because of our climate. 

While termites prefer to stay hidden, they leave behind evidence of their presence that is easier to spot if you know what to look for. Most homeowners find signs of termites before they ever see a termite themselves. Noticing the signs of termites can help you … Read Full Post »

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The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses

. Posted by in • Houston

Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters?

Supporting local businesses is a big deal for your community and the economy. It’s not just about buying from a shop or café; it’s about helping your town grow, create new jobs, and improve the quality of life.

Your purchasing decision can attract more potential customers, which helps local businesses thrive. This support strengthens various industries and contributes to a vibrant and dynamic community. Here’s why you should care:

Boosting Your Local Economy

When you spend money at local shops, it stays in your town. This helps create jobs and supports things like parks and roads. Your purchases help make your community stronger and more vibrant. Local businesses often use the money they earn to buy supplies from other local vendors, which keeps the money circulating within the community.

This cycle of spending helps fund important services and improves the overall quality of life in your area. Plus, … Read Full Post »

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