Seasonal Home Maintenance

Well folks, it’s officially summer. In Texas, there are a few things that implicitly come along with the season: intense heat, barbecue (with cold drinks on the side, of course), an uptick in the real estate market (if that’s even possible!), and yes: bugs. By far my least favorite component of the summer lineup, the insect ecosystem in Central Texas consists of a colorful cast. The most abundant, and in many ways, the most dangerous, is the mosquito.

Rising temperatures and humidity culminate in a perfect storm to spawn this swarm of blood-sucking beasts. In recent years, mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile and Zika have made headlines with a large impact on the state. In fact, Texas ranks in the top 20 percent of states with human disease originated from mosquito bites, with more than 6,600 cases reported between 2004 -2016. Is it just me, or is that a top-ranking list we don’t really care to be part of?

While most people infected by West Nile Virus will not experience extreme side effects, it can result in paralysis, distortion, and vision loss for older populations. Zika, on the other hand, can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her child and create serious birth defects including microcephaly, a sign of incomplete brain development.

Needless to say, whether you are looking to avoid the nuisance of an itchy bite or reduce the possibility of infection, minimizing the mosquito population is a smart choice. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your home:

According to the Austin Public Health Department, the best way to fight mosquitoes is to remember the Four D’s:

• Dusk through dawn is the most active time for mosquitoes. If you can avoid being outdoors during this time, you are less likely to have an encounter.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when possible. The more covered you are, the better. Mosquito repellant clothing is also available!
• DEET. If your skin is exposed, be sure to use insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow the label instructions accordingly, and check out these myths and facts about DEET from OFF!® if you have questions about the effectiveness or safety of DEET.
• Drain standing water in bird baths, flower pots, clogged gutters, and wading pools as these become a literal breeding ground from mosquitos. In the case of water source for our furry and feathered friends, refresh your pet’s outdoor water bowl and/or birdbath often to prevent stagnation.

Summertime is one of the best times to embrace the Texas outdoors, but it’s wise to do it safely. Follow these tips and join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook for more insight from our home inspection team. Stay cool, Central Texas!

After a hard winter and a rainy spring, Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – has finally arrived! We take grilling (and Texas barbecue in particular) seriously at Barfield Home Inspection, and think you should, too! Here are a few tips to help you get your outdoor cooking area fit for action this summer, all while keeping your home safe:

Start with a deep cleaning. Under ideal circumstances, you would regularly clean your grill and smoker. But hey, we get it – life is busy! Before you start your summer outdoor cook-athon, give all surfaces a thorough cleaning to eliminate grease accumulation which can cause flare ups.

Keep an extinguisher handy. Per your family’s fire safety plan, you should have at least one working fire extinguisher in your home. Be sure to place it within arm’s reach along with easy access to your water hose. If you need to purchase a fire extinguisher, now is the time! Visit your neighborhood home maintenance store before the holiday.

Keep your distance. As you enjoy outdoor time, make sure your grill is at least two feet away from all surfaces. This includes fencing, decks, outdoor equipment, and yes, your home!

Keep a lid on it. Check propane tanks for cracks, holes and leaks which can cause explosions. Make sure gas isn’t leaking from your tank by making a solution of dish soap and water and rub it on hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that’s a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough. Repair or replace these pieces accordingly!

We hope you have a great, safe summer kickoff. For more home maintenance and inspection tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @barfieldhomeinspection. If you’re looking for advice from the horse’s mouth, tune into “Under the Roof with Randy Barfield,” streaming on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In Central Texas, April brings beautiful wildflowers…plus the threat of severe storms. As warmer weather moves in across the region, look out for these weather events that can make a serious impact on your home, property, and personal safety:

Hail

As though we haven’t experienced enough frozen precipitation in 2021, hail has already made a huge impact across Central Texas (particularly in last week’s storm that hit Burnet, Travis, and Williamson Counties hard with baseball-sized stones).

Although you can’t stop the sky from falling, there are a few things preventative measures you can take to prepare yourself for a hailstorm:

1. Check your insurance. Many home and auto insurance policies cover hail damage. In order to expedite your quote and repair experience, make sure you’re covered before a storm hits.
2. Have your roof inspected. As your home’s frontline of defense for falling objects, the roof will take the brunt force in a hailstorm. By having your roof inspected before a storm hits, you can be aware of its condition and any problem areas that may lead to more severe damage.
3. Clean your gutters to remove excess water and debris that can make a serious mess if blocked.
4. Trim overhanging limbs that could damage your home, vehicles, or other property if knocked down in a storm.
5. Cover outdoor furniture and plants when severe weather is imminent.

Remember to stay indoors or seek shelter in a hailstorm. Once the storm passes, assess any damage and get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.

Lightning

While it may sound like the stuff of suburban folklore, lightning strikes are real and dangerous. The National Weather Service estimates that 49 people are killed and hundreds more severely injured by lightning strikes each year. Here are a few things you can do to help ensure your personal safety:

1. Listen for the roar. When you hear thunder, lightning may be close enough to strike. Find a safe, enclosed space and stay inside for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
2. Lightning can travel through plumbing, metal, electrical systems, and concrete walls and floors that have metal reinforcement. The key here is that while staying indoors offers one layer of protection, you need to stay away from windows, water, electrical devices, and concrete. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention estimates that one third of annual strikes each year happen indoors.

Tornadoes

Perhaps the most ominous of Central Texas’ weather threats, tornadoes can be fierce and unpredictable. That’s why developing a storm safety plan well in advance can help save precious time and potentially your life.

Here are a few highlights as you begin to develop your plan:

1. Know where to go. Evacuate a mobile home or other temporary structure. Find the innermost room on the lowest level of a building or home preferably without windows.
2. Gather supplies. While many storms pass quickly, sometimes a chain of storms can leave you up all night trying to brace for the worst. Be ready with portable chargers, water, essential medication, small food supplies, and a list of emergency numbers in case you cannot access your cell phone.

Pro Tip: We like to keep pet harnesses and leashes with the stash so we can shelter in place with our furry family members in the event of an emergency.

• Cover your body. If a tornado hits, cover yourself with anything you can from a mattress to a table or blanket. If possible, put sturdy shoes on to protect your feet from debris in the aftermath.

While we love homes, nothing is more important than your personal safety. Develop a storm safety plan early this season to protect yourself and your loved ones, and then take appropriate measures to secure your possessions. Stay tuned to local weather and stay aware of watches and warnings that can help direct your actions.

If your home does incur damage during a storm this spring, get in touch with the home inspection company you can trust. We’ve been telling it like it is across Central Texas since 2003 and we aren’t about to stop now! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more home maintenance and safety tips.