Decorology

Category: stone

  • Does Your House Have Dry Rot Damage – How to Spot It and What to Do About It

    Does Your House Have Dry Rot Damage – How to Spot It and What to Do About It

    Your home is often your pride and joy. You put a lot of work into making sure it is maintained, beautiful, and works for your needs. Over time, issues will arise that need attention, and it’s up to you as a homeowner to identify these possible problems and know how to respond to them.

    timber frames

    One issue that can happen to homes, especially as they age, is dry rot. Because so much of your home is made from wood, it can be prone to dry rot, which will, in turn, affect the structural integrity and strength of the property if serious enough. Knowing how to identify dry rot and understanding the steps you need to take to remedy the situation as quickly as possible will help ensure that your home stays strong.

    Here we’ll take a look at what dry rot is, how to identify it, and what to do about it.

    What Exactly is Dry Rot?

    Dry rot is an issue that affects wood; it is progressive. Dry rot is actually a fungus that spreads through the wood, rotting it as it goes. As the wood rots, it becomes weak, crumbles, and even breaks, which is why it will affect the structural integrity of your home if the damage is extensive. You cannot reverse the process.

    timber frames

    The reason dry rot occurs is because moisture has somehow gotten into the wood. As the moisture spreads through the wood, the rot is able to continue damaging more and more of the structure as it goes.

    What Does Dry Rot Look Like?

    So, how can you tell if you have dry rot? It’s actually pretty easy to detect to the naked eye. Typically, there is no need to have a professional come out and determine whether or not you’ve got dry rot.

    timber frames
    MC513

    The red flags you want to look for are areas of timber that look damaged. The damaged area turns brown and has broken and crumbled pieces around it. There may also be grey strands on the timber and even spore dust that is brown or orange in color. Not to worry, the dust is typically harmless.

    What to Do About Dry Rot?

    Fixing dry rot should actually be a two-step process. You want to fix the area that is damaged and replace the compromised wood, plus you want to take preventative measures to ensure the moisture no longer seeps into the wood, therefore, stopping dry rot from happening again. This means eliminating or at least reducing excess moisture.

    timber frames

    Often it can be best to call in a professional to assess the damage and then make the necessary repairs. This ensures the job is done correctly, the house keeps its structural integrity, and further issues with moisture are remedied.

    Don’t Let It Go

    When it comes to dry rot, it should be taken as a serious issue. Leaving it unresolved will allow the dry rot to progress and in serious cases, affect the structural integrity of your home making it unsafe to live in.

    timber frames

    Thanks to Sacramento Handyman for partnering with us on this post

  • 5 Things That Might Cost You This Winter

    5 Things That Might Cost You This Winter

    As the temperature gets colder, more and more people rely on energy and electricity to keep their homes nice and warm. But are you being energy – and money – efficient when it comes to heating your home? Here are a few things that might be costing you major money without you even knowing it.

    winter decor

    via Pinterest via Style at Home

    Window And Door Insulation

    Your windows and doors may actually be costing you a lot more than you expect. Heat escapes through any cracks in the entry points to your home, rendering your heating system less efficient and causing you to spend more money for less heat. There are insulating window treatments that you can try out to conserve heat and energy. You can also apply hard plastic to your windows during winter months to help keep the heat in, or caulk the perimeters to ensure that no obvious gaps are letting cold air in. Doors should be checked to make sure they fit their frames properly. Otherwise, you’ll be losing heat that way, too.

     

    winter decor

    via Pinterest via ?

    Temperature Regulation

    Many people leave their heat running all day, regardless of whether or not they’re actually home. This is a costly move with little for you to gain. Instead of doing that, try turning the heat down when you’re away from home or while you sleep at night. You can even invest in a thermostat controller, which allows you to change the temperature whether you’re at home or away from it.

    You could also try lowering the thermostat by a few degrees even when you are home. Chances are you won’t notice the difference, but it could make a big impact on your heating bill.

    winter decor

    via Pinterest via One Kings Lane

    Poorly Maintained Fireplace

    Your home doesn’t necessarily need to rely on the heat from a fireplace for it to cost you money. If you don’t block it off properly in the winter, it acts just like an open door or window would, siphoning the hot air from your house and costing you extra in heating costs.

    If you do use your fireplace, then you won’t be getting the most out of it if it’s poorly maintained. Moreover, you could actually be putting yourself at risk for a house fire if the ventilation isn’t good enough or if the fireplace itself isn’t cleaned. Make sure to have yearly maintenance performed on your fireplace at minimum to ensure it’s running as it should be.

    winter decor

    via Pinterest via?

    Hot Water Heater

    Your water heater’s default temperature setting rests at a very hot 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you could save some money by dropping it just 20 degrees so it rests at 120 degrees Fahrenheit instead. In the same way that you likely won’t notice a difference if you lower your thermostat by a few degrees, you probably won’t be bothered by water that’s still warm enough to take a cozy shower in.

    winter decor

    via Pinterest via Between Naps on the Porch

    Broken, Damaged Or Old Furnace

    Your furnace doesn’t have an indefinite expiry date, and an old one will begin to have issues. Old furnaces or ones that are showing wear and tear may become obvious when your bill begins to hike. It can also begin to make noises that you aren’t used to. Finally, damages can actually appear in the forms of cracks or other blemishes to the furnace itself. You can check your furnace for these signs if you believe that your furnace may be contributing to your heat loss or climbing bill costs. If you notice any, chances are pretty good that you’ll need some repairs or even a furnace replacement.

    If you’re interested in seeing less of your heat and money fly out the window this winter, give these tips a try. You’ll be surprised to see how much money just a few changes can save you.

    This post in consideration with Ray & Son Heating and Air Conditioning

  • Air Quality Considerations in Small Spaces

    Air Quality Considerations in Small Spaces

    The tiny house culture is soaring in popularity. Owning a small space comes with unique challenges, though. You have to think about homeowner issues that people in larger spaces won’t. One of them is indoor air quality (IAQ), which comes with special difficulties for tiny homes.

    Given the multitude of indoor air pollutants, conducting indoor air quality testing can assist in pinpointing a particular source of contamination and addressing it promptly. Luckily, G3 Environmental stands as a dependable partner, poised to swiftly deliver essential services and top-notch information. Committed to achieving the highest standards, G3 Environmental assures effortless attainment of fresh and uncontaminated air.

    Here’s a guide on air quality considerations for small spaces.

    Tight Quarters and IAQ

    small houses

    The tiny home culture isn’t just about the small homes that you see on reality television programs. One-bedroom and studio apartments, as well as dorm rooms, are tight spaces too. All of these dwellings have the same IAQ issues. The most important thing to realize is that you have less air in a small, enclosed area. When you have excessive pollutants in this space, the percentage of clean air is far too low. That’s why you must take special precautions to maintain high IAQ in a tiny home.

    small houses

    Spray for Bugs

    Bug infestations are one of the worst problems in tiny homes. The husks of these creatures are so small that you may not see them, but they wind up becoming a part of the air. These pollutants can trigger allergies and even asthma attacks in some instances. While you may think of bug spray as a problem for IAQ, the reality is that getting rid of pests is critical to healthy air.

    small houses

    Check for Mold

    Another one of the primary culprits of air pollution is mold. Dust mites, pollen, and mold are all major irritants that you don’t want floating in your HVAC ventilation system. You need to check for mold often, particularly in the areas of your living space that are most likely to get damp. That’s the attic and basement plus the baseboards of your home. If you see mold, you must sanitize the area to improve your IAQ.

    You should also change air filters to lower the number of pollutants in your vents. A dirty air filter won’t stop as much gunk from getting into your vents. By replacing your air filter, you’ll trap more dust mites before they reach the vents. You may also want to buy an air filter with a higher MERV rating. These filters are even better at stopping pollutants from reaching your ventilation system. You can make a huge difference in your IAQ by spending a few more dollars on a better air filter.

    small houses

    Don’t Use Air Fresheners

    Air fresheners sound like they’d do wonders for your IAQ. In reality, these fragrant devices emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are terrible for the air that you breathe. The same is true of candles. You may love the scent, but you’re risking your health by using them.

    Instead, you should use naturally fragrant scents, like flowers, in your home. Fruits also work well, as long as you remember to replace them before they go bad. These fragrances are just as lovely, and they don’t hurt the IAQ in your home.

    Living in a small place is a popular choice today. If you’re going to do so, just make sure that you follow the advice listed here. These tips will make you air more breathable.

    All images via Apartment Therapy

  • 5 Awesome Epsom Salt Bath Benefits

    5 Awesome Epsom Salt Bath Benefits

    There’s nothing like a hot, refreshing bath to relieve some stress after a long, strenuous day. The only thing better than a typical bath is an epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is a substance which carries with a number of useful benefits. These benefits range from the physical, to the mental, the spiritual. Here are 5 awesome Epsom salt bath benefits.

    bathtubs

    via andallshallbewell.tumblr.com

    1. Improves Circulation

    One of the huge health benefits of Epsom salts is improved blood circulation. Epsom salt, when absorbed into the pores, works to promote arterial elasticity, promoting more even and consistent blood flow.

    By improving circulation, it also helps to stave off stroke and heart disease. In addition to this, Epsom salt baths also help to prevent blood clots. This greatly reduces the risk of sudden heart attack.

    bathtubs

    via homedit.com

    2. Relieves Pain

    Perhaps the most well-known benefit of Epsom salts is pain relief. Epsom salts promote pain relief in several different ways. Not only does it reduce the pain associated with migraine headaches, it also reduces inflammation, heals cuts, and relieves overall joint and muscle soreness. Do you know which neurotransmitter is the body’s own natural pain reliever?

    To take advantage of the pain relief components of Epsom salt, mix about a cup of it into a tub filled with hot water. Sitting in this tub for 15 to 30 minutes will go a long ways in taking away any pain and soreness present in your body.

    bathtubs

    via outsideonline.com

    3. Exfoliates Skin

    If you’re looking to make your skin as smooth and pure as possible, an Epsom salt bath can benefit you. Epsom salt helps to exfoliate the skin by removing any existing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.

    It works especially well on feet, which are the most prone body part when it comes to dead, hardened skin. If you know how to make bath bombs, you can place some Epsom salt into the bomb with other oils so that they can all work together to treat your skin.

    a deep big bathtub that works well as a shower stall, too. Exactly what we need.

    via frommoontomoon.blogspot.com

    4. Reduces Stress

    Another huge benefit of Epsom salts is stress relief. Because it’s filled with magnesium, and because magnesium promotes serotonin, Epsom salt works to neurologically heighten your mood.

    Taking Epsom salt baths at least three times a week can go a long way in improving your overall mental health and stress levels.

    bathtubs

    via pinterest

    5. Influence Insulin Effectiveness

    Insulin is the chemical in your body which staves off high blood sugar and diabetes. While there are a number of things you can do to keep your insulin levels regular, Epsom salts can help.

    Epsom salt helps because it’s filled with magnesium and sulfate which promote adequate levels of insulin production. Essentially, taking salt baths regularly will reduce the chance of diabetes.

    *disclosure: this post syndicated by Maykke

  • Inspiring Gardens and Landscape Design

    Inspiring Gardens and Landscape Design

    Inspiring Gardens and Landscape Designs

    I know I usually focus on interiors, but I hope you don’t mind that today I share some beautiful exteriors with you.  Now that are home renovations are pretty much complete, we can focus on our landscaping a bit more.  Inspiring gardens are something I have trouble finding in person. I get tired of the same old impatiens and marigolds. We also have an extremely shady backyard, so we are more or less stuck with ferns, hostas, and other shade plants. Therefore, finding inspiring landscape and planting ideas is a must.

    inspiring gardens

    As unnatural as it is, I am a sucker for grass growing under trees!

    via Pinterest via Garden Walk Garden Talk

    inspiring gardens

    How beautiful are these birches with grasses and a little stream?

    via Pinterest

    inspiring gardens

    A bit manicured for my tastes but I love the brick walk and the shades of purple and green.

    via Pinterest via Puddy’s House

     

    inspiring gardens

    Another example a bit manicured for my taste but I would not complain!  What a lovely way to spend an evening, outside by the fire!

    via Pinterest via Home Bunch

    inspiring gardens

    So dreamy!

    via Pinterest

    inspiring gardens

    This is probably closer to my skill level and my budget – but really pretty nonetheless!

    via Pinterest via HomeBNC

  • Considering the Open Concept Layout

    Considering the Open Concept Layout

    An oldie but a goodie for you on this Thursday!
    Now that hubby and I are not longer spending every spare moment wedding planning, we are finally thinking about improvements that we’d like to make to our home.  Our house it a 50s rambler, and while it doesn’t have the bones these amazing spaces do, we are still thinking about knocking down some walls to create a more open and modern space.
    Has anyone here remodeled for a more open layout?  Were you happy with the results?
  • Luxurious Bathrooms

    Luxurious Bathrooms

    Our master bath is in desperate need of a facelift.  You can tell the previous owner tried to make it look upscale based on the tile they used, but the execution is so DIY …like, gunky caulk lines DIY.  This winter, painting and caulking our master bath will be a priority project.

    I take baths pretty often in the winter, and there is nothing like a cozy tub!

    A chandelier over the tub! tres chic.  The windows, the marble vanity, the rug, it’s all so gorgeous without trying too hard.

    I adore that tile!

    If you like the spa feel, go for white or natural elements like wood, stone, and foliage.
     4 above via Domino

    Modern luxe is all about materials, and mixing them well.
    via Amber Interiors

    This looks like heaven. The small tile, walk in shower, stacks of fresh towels!
    Pinterest
    via My Paradissi
    Which is your favorite?

  • Old barns converted into beautiful family homes!

    Old barns converted into beautiful family homes!

    Historic barns turned into functional living spaces

    I spent the better part of this weekend scrubbing out my barn and stalls by hand this weekend due to a broken pressure washer, so I have barns on the brain.  Our barn is just a small metal pole barn with two stalls, but it doesn’t make it hard to imagine the amazing open concept layout someone could create with a grand old barn of wood or stone.  Here are some pretty examples I found.


    I love the contrast of the dark wood floors and the white walls and beams.
    via Architectural Digest

    If the wood is kept dark, it’s a good idea to incorporate large windows for natural light and white or light walls (unless you like dark interiors!)
    via Architectural Digest

    via OneKindDesign

    I’m not a fan of taxidermy as decor, but that door opening to the yard is pretty fantastic!
    via OneKindDesign

    Beautiful light stone and natural wood floors make this barn conversion quaint and pretty.
    via OneKindDesign

    I think the photo above and below are from the same barn.  I don’t know if I could live on concrete floors, but I like the white plank walls and the rustic furnishings.

    via OneKindDesign

    via OneKindDesign

    Okay, this may not be for everyone, but how amazing would it be to be able to keep watch over and observe your animals while going about your daily household duties!
    via Great American Country

    So pretty in every way!  The large windows, vaulted ceiling, and character-rich hardwood floors are so pretty.

    via OneKindDesign

    The barn exteriors are often just as beautiful as the interiors!
    via Architectural Digest

    via Architectural Digest

  • Modern Rustic: A style that works for small spaces and large

    Modern Rustic: A style that works for small spaces and large

    I love modern rustic.  It blends two things I love: the clean, airiness of modern, and the warm, organic elements of rustic.

    Rustic Living Room by Seattle Interior Designers & Decorators Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design

    This space is so amazing it’s absurd!  Can you imagine waking up and drinking your coffee to that view?!?!?  I hope someone actually lives here and it’s not just a vacation home used 2 weeks out of the year.

    Rustic Entry by Seattle Interior Designers & Decorators Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design

    I love the the hardware on the doors and the wide entrance hall.

    Rustic Bathroom

    This bathroom might be small, but the materials and glass shower make it feel luxe.

    Beach Style Kitchen by Minneapolis Interior Designers & Decorators de[luxe] design studio

    This kitchen is small, but has an airy feeling because it is open to the dining and living room.  Natural wood tones bring in the rustic feeling.

    Farmhouse Porch by Austin Architects & Building Designers Rauser Design

    I love the shaker simplicity of this dining area.  A wide wrap-around porch is a dream of mine.  Here in my part of Maryland it would need to be screened against mosquitos!

    Rustic Bedroom by The Woodlands Architects & Building Designers JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

    LOVE the wood paneling – something I never thought I’d say.

    Rustic Dining Room by Montreal Photographers Jean Longpré

    This room has an austerity to it that I love.  Add a wood burning stove, some friends, and you have many cozy nights…

    What do you think of modern rustic?

  • Small Backyards

    Small Backyards

    With downsizing our homes comes downsizing our outdoor areas. For those of us who love to be outdoors but have limited space, what are you supposed to do?
    It’s obvious square footage isn’t required for a stunning space. Some beautiful stone, some great plants, and a nice place to sit is all you really need!
    side yard idea - the curve of the path adds interest and takes the eye around the garden, not just straight down.
    via bhg
    What would you do with a small backyard?