How Ceilings Can Enhance Your Home’s Value

When designing a new home or remodeling a current one, few design elements have a bigger impact than Ceilings Perth. A well-chosen style can draw the eye up, set a mood and enhance resale value.

Ceilings

A ceiling can have a multitude of architectural details, such as carved plaster motifs or curved molding along arches and bands outlining skylights. 

Beam ceilings create visual interest, bring a sense of history to a space and can add a touch of rustic charm to any home. They are ideal for homes with vaulted or high ceilings, but can also be used to elevate flat ceilings. Ideally, beams are made from timber, but other materials can be used as well. They can be stained, painted, or decorated with extra moldings and decorations. Beams are usually supported by joists that are built into the wall framing and may be exposed or hidden from view.

Reclaimed, hand-hewn solid wood beams with the crosscut marks from saws carved into them can lend a classic Old Country look to any home style. These can be a great addition to farmhouse, cottage and Scandinavian design styles. Alternatively, faux beams can be a smart choice for homeowners who want the look of beams but don’t want to invest in structural elements. These fake beams can be made from a wide variety of materials, but are often crafted from a high-density polyurethane for durability and easy installation.

Exposed beam ceilings have become a popular style that is suitable for many traditional and modern design styles. They can be accented with different lighting and can create a dramatic effect. In some cases, exposed beams are paired with a coffered ceiling, which can create recessed panels that make the room feel more spacious. Beamed ceilings can also be adorned with decorative elements, like a ceiling grid or tin ceiling panels. They can be painted a color that complements the wall and floor colors for a unified look, or they can be left natural for an industrial aesthetic.

Drop Ceilings

Many of us are familiar with drop ceilings from our childhoods in elementary school or work environments, where two foot by four foot styrofoam rectangles were set in a grid and lined up along with harsh fluorescent lights. While these are still common in some commercial buildings, they have fallen out of fashion at home due to their severe and industrial appearance. However, modern drop ceilings are available in a wide range of styles that may look more appropriate for a home’s interior, including stained or painted tin, beadboard, and coffered.

In addition to aesthetic considerations, dropped ceilings can be used for acoustic and even air quality purposes. They can conceal wiring and piping, which might otherwise be unsightly on a structural ceiling. And they can help with energy efficiency by lowering the heated space of the home.

Some dropped ceilings can be fitted with insulation to provide a small amount of additional thermal protection. They can also be fitted with sound attenuation batts to create a more comfortable and acoustically balanced room.

One drawback of the older style of drop ceilings is that they were unable to easily be removed and reattached to the grid, making accessing electrical, plumbing, or fire suppression systems difficult. However, newer ceiling constructions have been developed that allow for easier inspection and maintenance.

Another downside of dropping a ceiling is that it will typically result in a loss of headroom. This is because the panels must be hung within a hanging frame, and this can reduce headroom by several inches in some rooms. This can be a problem for homes with tall ceilings, especially those that already have a lot of ductwork, pipes, or wires.

Stretch Ceilings

Stretch ceilings are a modern design choice that offer a host of benefits. They can be molded to any shape or form, and they come in a wide range of colors and finishes. They can even incorporate lighting to create unique ambiances. This makes them an ideal solution for residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Unlike drywall ceilings, stretch ceilings are made of non-flammable B S1-d0 Barrisol(r) fabric impregnated with polyurethane foam. Using a construction hair dryer or heat gun, the fabric is heated until it begins to shrink and expand. It is then fixed into the installation profile. This process is called thermoforming. The fabric is a non-woven material with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC), which helps ensure clean air.

Once installed, stretch ceilings are virtually maintenance-free. The canvas is dust-repellent and can be wiped down with a cloth or a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol. This reduces the amount of dust that accumulates, making it a good option for people with allergies. Most stretch ceilings are also water-resistant, which is useful in case of flooding.

Another benefit of this type of ceiling is its ability to enhance a room’s acoustics. The tensile material absorbs sound waves rather than reverberating them, which reduces unwanted noises from the outside. This feature is particularly beneficial for large spaces, such as retail stores and warehouses.

Additionally, stretch ceilings can be used to hide ventilation, wires, and cables. This helps make them a practical choice for many homeowners, as they can conceal unsightly structures without having to tear down existing walls. Finally, they can also be designed to integrate with smart home technology, giving you a futuristic living experience.

Zip-Up Ceilings

We’re happy to offer a unique solution for ceilings and under decks with Zip-UP, a water-diversion system that’s a finished ceiling and drainage system in one. Designed by our very own Jason Varney, multiple-year national award winner and owner of Docked Out LLC in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Zip-UP system provides both a refined appearance and protection that’s capable of withstanding different seasons. It works for both exterior and interior spaces and features easy installation and access to plumbing and electrical wires. Each Ceiling Panel slides into the Wall Trim at the house on one side and “Zips” into the Main Rails on the other. You’ll need one less Main Rail than the total number of Ceiling Panels you’re ordering.

This Florida-certified solution meets and exceeds cyclic load tests for hurricane-strength winds and carries a Class A fire rating.

Wood Panels

Wood paneling is a great way to add natural, organic texture to your walls and ceilings. It comes in a wide variety of makes, patterns and finishes so that homeowners can get the exact look they want for their homes. Shiplap, for instance, works well in farmhouse style homes, while beadboard panels work well with colonial-style homes. Flat wood panels can also create a modern and polished look that complements contemporary styles of interior design.

Wood wall panels are also very easy to install. They do not require the same level of attention and care as wallpapers or wall paint, and they don’t need to be allowed to dry as long. For this reason, many DYI homeowners are able to successfully complete wood paneling projects themselves.

Another benefit of wood paneling is that it is an extremely durable material. It is made to withstand pressure and moisture, so you can install them in areas of your home that are likely to come into contact with water (such as the kitchen or bathroom). The durability of wood panels also means that they last longer than most other types of interior decorating materials.

Wood slat wall panels are a popular interior design trend that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. They can help absorb sound waves and echoes, which is an important consideration for commercial spaces such as restaurants, where noise can detract from the customer experience. These acoustic panels are also effective in improving the ambiance of a space.

How To Clean Your Drains And Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly

Clogged drains are more than just an inconvenience—they can spread foul odors and bacteria throughout your home. The best way to avoid clogged drains is to be mindful of what goes down them.

This includes avoiding pouring cooking grease down the drain, which cools and congeals in your pipes. It also means being proactive with homemade drain-cleaning strategies. Don’t hesitate to call Drain Cleaning Aurora, CO experts when you notice signs of clogged drains.

drain cleaning

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

When it comes to drain cleaning, baking soda and vinegar are an inexpensive and eco-friendly solution. They’re also a lot safer and more effective than store-bought chemical drain cleaners. This do-it-yourself method can dislodge hair and grease clogs, and it’s easy to add to your regular home maintenance routine.

First, run a pot of hot water down your drain or garbage disposal to warm up and loosen any clogs or debris that might be stuck. Next, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. The reaction between baking soda and vinegar will cause a fizzing action that can help break up even the toughest clogs. After about five minutes, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. The mixture will cause another fizzing reaction that can help dissolve soap scum, grease, and other debris that may be stuck in your pipes. After the fizzing stops, flush the drain with a pot of hot water to wash away any remaining baking soda and vinegar.

If the clog is still there, you can repeat the baking soda and vinegar drain treatment as many times as needed to help dislodge it. If the clog is severe or you can’t get it to go away with this method, it might be time to call in a professional plumber.

Keeping your drains clean will reduce the risk of blockages and unpleasant odors. If you can, try to do this at least once a week. A little preventive care will save you a lot of money and hassle down the road!

Install Drain Strainers

A clogged sink, shower, or toilet can strike fear in the heart of any homeowner. This is because clogged drains are often the source of foul odors and dangerous bacteria that can permeate the home. But a little bit of regular maintenance can help prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

The kitchen is a prime culprit for drainage problems due to the grease, oils, and food scraps that can clog pipes. Installing a simple strainer in the kitchen can trap these unwanted materials, keeping them from flowing down the drain and causing a clog.

Similarly, bathroom drains are more likely to experience organic build-up and clogs due to hair, soap scum, and flushed items like baby wipes and sanitary products. Cleaning the strainer in your bathroom is one of the most effective ways to keep these drains clog-free.

You can also help prevent clogged drains by installing drain covers in your tub and shower. These covers prevent water from reaching objects stuck in the drain and can make it easier to clean out the drain.

Another great way to prevent clogs is by regularly using a DIY drain snake. This can be made out of a wire coat hanger that you unwind and straighten, then bend into a hook shape. You can then stick this into the drain to grab any clogged material and pull it out of the pipe.

One last tip for keeping your drains free and clear is to make a homemade DIY drain cleaner every month. This can be as easy as pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. This will create a fizzing action that can help break up clogs and bacteria.

Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your drains clear and clog-free for as long as possible. But if you do run into any trouble, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. Reimer’s team of trained plumbers is available to tackle even the most stubborn drain clogs and keep your plumbing in working condition.

Schedule Regular Service Calls

As spring cleaning and outdoor activities increase, so does the chance of clogged drains and toilets. Preventing clogs is all about being proactive, using drain strainers and regularly cleaning them out, not throwing anything down your sink or toilet that shouldn’t be there, and even installing a mesh screen to prevent hair from getting into your shower or bathtub drain. You should also never dump grease down the kitchen drain, as it will solidify when it cools and can combine with other foods or other debris to create a massive clog.

Aside from being a huge inconvenience, clogged drains can cause sewage backup and other plumbing issues that are best left to the professionals. Foul odors from drains are a sign that something is amiss, and while the tips above can help clear up smelly drains, it’s important to schedule regular professional maintenance drain cleanings to prevent clogs.

If you have a particularly smelly drain, try pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain to eliminate odors. Let the mixture fizz and work its magic for a few minutes, then rinse with boiling water. This will help to break up grease and food particles, which are the main causes of stinky drains.

You can also use dish soap and hot water to get rid of greasy deposits in your drains. Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with a pot of hot water and slowly pour down the drain. It is important to note that bleach is not a good solution for smelly drains, as it can be harmful to pipes and can release toxic fumes if left in the air.

If you are still experiencing foul odors from your drains, it may be time to call a plumber. Foul odors aren’t just caused by a blocked drain; they could be a sign that there is a problem with your entire waste line, and a plumber will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend a course of action.

Call a Plumber

Drains see a lot of action, and it doesn’t take long for food waste, hair, soap scum, or dirt to build up. This can lead to clogged drains which, when not resolved, may cause water to back up into your home and create a foul smell. Blocked drains require the services of a plumber and must be resolved quickly so that you can enjoy your home again and avoid costly repairs.

There are several easy ways to clean your drains and eliminate unpleasant odors. Baking soda and vinegar are both effective for eliminating odors and clearing minor clogs. Simply pour a cup of baking soda down your drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for a few minutes and then rinse with boiling water. Another simple drain cleaning remedy involves running a sink full of hot water every time you throw away food or garbage. This will help to flush the drains and keep them flowing smoothly.

Bleach is also an excellent drain cleaning solution but should never be mixed with other cleaners as it can damage pipes and release toxic fumes. A safer and more effective option is a natural disinfectant such as lemon juice or tea bags. These are safe for your plumbing system and can be used as often as needed to maintain a fresh scent in your kitchen drain.

Sometimes, home remedies for smelly drains won’t work or may even make the situation worse. If your smelly drains persist, it is best to call in a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and determine if a sewer line issue is to blame. If this is the case, a plumber will be able to remove a clog in your home’s sewer line and restore proper drainage throughout your entire home. So, if your drains are smelly and backed up with debris, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our team of experienced, qualified plumbers can handle any plumbing problem and leave your drains smelling great. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule your appointment!