Spotlight on: Mountain View Pumps

If there is one universal thing we humans rely on, it’s water. Those of us living in the Northwest are spoiled for abundance. We turn on the sink, and ready to drink water flows at our disposal! At least, it should. Sometimes, that refreshing glass of water has a distorted flavor. You may at times notice a slight color. Sometimes the problem is with the pressure, or the water won’t come out at all. There are a lot of reasons that your water may stop performing as it is meant to. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a water expert to restore it. That’s what Mountain View Pumps does!

Established 20 years ago, originally as “Helen’s Pumps and Filters,” Mountain View Pumps and Filtration is owned and operated by Marlene and Kenny Smith. They run their company on the understanding of the importance of clean, healthy drinking water. The goal? To provide their customers with water solutions that are both functional and economical. We all share this world, and we all rely on it for water. Giving families practical, economical means to healthy drinking water is invaluable.

Mountain View Pumps is an established leader in the pump and water filtration industry. From water analysis, to system maintenance and repair, to the installation of new purification systems, they can handle every home’s needs! When you begin to notice a problem with your water, often times the first step is an analysis. Mountain View Pumps uses a state certified lab to test your water for minerals and anything that may be polluting it. From there, they can give you a solution to restore your water.

In the northwest, we are known for lots of land. Many of us live on properties that rely on their own wells as a source of water. As a local company, this is their specialty! Mountain View Pumps are experts in wells and private water systems. Building a new home? Need to update your well? They are exactly the people to call!

When it comes to the water you drink, compromise is never a good option. Fortunately, you have trusted experts in your community who can make sure you won’t have to! At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We are proud to recommend Mountain View Pumps for your water filtration needs! To read more about them and see other contractors we recommend, visit us online at responsiblecontractors.com.

Attacking the Attic

Does your home have an attic? When’s the last time you crawled in? Has it been a while since it’s been inspected? This may be the right time to give it some long-neglected attention. On your checklist of improvements to make before the weather changes should be a trip to the attic. It’s true that for many it is easier to ignore, but proper inspection of the attic will help prepare your home for the winter. The best part? It doesn’t take long!

If you have just had your roof replaced by a reliable contractor, your attic is probably in better shape. If it’s been a while since your roof received maintenance, your attic will give you the first signs of its condition. Leaking and excessive moisture coming in the attic is one of your roof’s way of begging to be replaced. This is one reason a regular trip up to the attic is recommended. When doing an inspection, in addition to any obvious signs of damage such as leaking, you will check for: ventilation and pathways, rotted sheathing, insulation condition, mold, and cracks. Let’s dig into these a little deeper.

All attics should have some sort of ventilation built into them. Proper airflow is important to prevent the buildup of excess moisture, which can lead to mold, mildew, and rot. Locate your vents, and make sure there is nothing blocking them on either side. Boxes should not be covering them. Small animals have also been known to build nests in or near vents. If you can, check the outside of the vents as well for leaves, or other debris, that may have built up. Clear pathways for the air to flow are important to prevent moisture from settling in the attic.

Next, you’ll want to check your wood and sheathing. Rot is most commonly found near chimneys, windows, and roof vents. If you’ve had any water leakage, there will likely be rotted sheathing nearby. Look over the frame as well. It’s normal to hear creaking, but if you see cracking and bowing, or feel unstable, you may need to reinforce the frame.

While inspecting your frame, take a look at the insulation. Because heat rises, your attic has the potential to let much of your home’s warm air escape. If you see any gaps, or visible signs of damage, have it repaired right away. During the winter, you want your home to stay heated without destroying your utility budget.

Finally, at least once a year you should perform a detailed inspection for mold. One of your first signs of mold will be a change in the air quality. Mold can create a foul odor in the air, as well as irritate a person’s senses. It is common to experience allergy-like symptoms when breathing near mold. If you are sneezing, noticing your nose and eyes are feeling irritated, look around. Sneezing may just be from the dust, but it can also be a sign of mold. Notice the air quality as well. If the air is moist, there is a higher chance of mold growth. Finally, look for visible signs of it. Because mold can sometimes be hard to recognize, it’s recommended to look around with proper lighting. Often times, mold will fall in corners, and resemble patches of dust. If you notice even a small amount of growth, there is a likelihood of a larger mold colony growing out of sight. Mold should never be ignored, as it has the potential to impact your family’s health, and can even be toxic.

While the attic may not be a favorite area of the home, it needs your care and maintenance too. If you do find damage that needs to be repaired, don’t hesitate to call a professional. You’ll appreciate having it fixed before the cold weather sets in. To find a professional who can help, visit us online at www.responsiblecontractors.com.

Spotlight on: Awnings by Design

We know how you feel. As much as you love the sunshine, sometimes you just need a little shade or protection from the weather. We have the perfect solution to enjoy the sun, or any kind of weather, on your terms. Awnings By Design can provide that solution!

From solar shades for your windows, to retractable, motorized awnings, Awnings By Design offers a custom solution to give you complete control of where, and how the weather effects your home and yard. Getting a little too hot for your taste? No problem. Want a little shade while you enjoy the sunlit yard? Absolutely! And it can be an aesthetic design addition as well!

Family owned and operated, Awnings By Design brings the personal touch and best customer experience to your doorstep. Awnings can come in a wide variety of designs and solutions. Many of us, when we hear the word awning, think of a large canopy over our deck. Today’s market offers many more options than that! You have a wide variety choices:  Retractable or fixed, window or roof-mounted, canvas or aluminum, flat or rounded, and more! 

But what about the rest of the year? We Washingtonians enjoy our few months of sun, but are no stranger to the wet, cold seasons. As a local company, Awnings By Design caters to year-round solutions. Awnings are mildew-resistant, and can be motorize to self-store. This keeps them from being damaged in the cold season, so that the next summer around they are ready to face the sun again!

Those looking for a more permanent solution also have options. Awnings By Design builds patio covers, which will protect you from the sun during the summer, and the rain during the winter. If you have an outdoor space that you’d like to use all year round, patio covers are a great solution. Your outdoor space never needs to go unused.

Awnings By Design help you beat the weather by creating the right solution for your home and lifestyle. Whatever your goal for your outdoor space is, they can make it a reality. You live in your home; why not enjoy all it has to offer, even when the weather is telling you otherwise?

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. To view Awnings By Design, and other contractors we recommend, visit us athttp://www.responsiblecontractors.com.

Before Summer Ends: Carpet Cleaning

The weather is beginning to change on us, as we have just hit September! Those long, summer days are coming to an end, and it’s time to prepare your home for the colder seasons. Because the majority of homes are carpeted, at least in part, carpet cleaning should be on most bucket lists of improvements to be made before the dry days are gone.

Your carpet is one of the dirtiest places in your home. It’s the victim of spilling, trampling, dust and dirt settling, and more. Regular vacuuming is usually a good practice, however with all that your carpet endures, having it professionally cleaned once a year will keep it looking, feeling, and smelling clean! This is especially beneficial for homes with children who like to stretch out on the soft floor. Needing to have your carpet cleaned? Here’s what you should know!

While it’s possible to clean your own carpets with a carpet cleaning vacuum, there are reasons you should consider having a professional handle your annual cleaning project. There are two widely used methods of carpet cleaning: Steam cleaning, and hot carbonation, or dry chemical techniques. Most carpet cleaners you can purchase steam clean. Steam cleaning is a great method when done right. When using an inferior product, however, it can leave soap behind which will attract more dirt, and take longer to dry, which can lead to mildew. Done by a professional with the right equipment, steam cleaning will kill bacteria, extract dirt, and should dry within a ten hour period.

The other method professionals use is hot carbonation, or dry chemical cleaning. The benefit of dry cleaning is that there is a smaller chance for leftover moisture, which can lead to mildew, and mold spores. While dry cleaning does require some water, it is a significantly smaller amount. This, when carbonated, creates effervescent bubbles which suck the dirt from the carpet to be vacuumed away.

So which cleaning method is right for your home? Both methods may work well. When choosing between steam cleaning and hot carbonation, you’ll want to consider first your carpet. If you know who manufactured it, check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Not all carpets are created equal! Also, if anyone in your home has high sensitivity, the hot carbonation may be a more gentle option, as it doesn’t require the chemicals steam cleaning uses. For someone looking for a more thorough cleanliness, the chemical power of steam cleaning might be a great option. Lastly, consider your environment. If you live in a dry climate, steam cleaning will likely pose little to no threat, as the carpet will have a chance to dry completely. If you are concerned about humidity, hot carbonation may be a safer option to prevent mold from growing after the cleaning.

When caring for your home, we know you deserve the best. Whether cleaning your carpet, installing new flooring, or updating other areas of the home, it’s important to have the help of an expert you can trust. To see contractors we recommend, visit us online atresponsiblecontractors.com!

Spotlight on: Kanon Electric, Inc

When it comes to electrical work, many of us are in the dark. We know how to plug in our appliances and get our tv’s up and running, but rewiring and reworking? The internet is flooded with information: video tutorials, DIY instructions, all providing a thousand solutions for each problem. With respect to electrical, we recommend always hiring a professional. Electrical work can be dangerous for the untrained, and has to be performed up to codes in which most homeowners are not well versed.

Thankfully, we can recommend you to those who do have the training, skills and expertise needed! When it comes to setting the standard, Kanon Electric is at the top! Whether you’re in need of basic repairs, rewiring and installation, or need an electrical contractor for a new project, you will be in good hands with Kanon. Located in Milton, WA, they are local to the Pacific Northwest, and a great presence in the community! They bring friendly service, honest advice, and quality work.

When you find an outlet or light has gone out, resist the impulse to start exploring! Proper precautions need to be taken for safety, and fire prevention. This is why it’s important to call a licensed professional such as Kanon Electric! Any repair or install that entails wiring can cause extensive damage if not done right. With Kanon Electric, you can have confidence that they have the knowledge, skill, and experience to get the job right. Additionally, they go above and beyond to make your home work more efficiently!

Whether you need repairs done, want to rewire for an upgrade, or added efficiency, or install new outlets, fans, or others, Kanon Electric has you covered! With electrical work, we know a reliable contractor is essential. We are proud to recommend Kanon Electric for all your electrical needs! To see them and more contractors we recommend, visit us online at www.responsiblecontractors.com!