Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Quick Tips

Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns

The fireplace is a central meeting area in a home, a place for the warmth and friendship of old and a center piece for conversation. Even though they require very little maintenance, if problems do occur, there is help.

Q: During the last bout of bad weather our electricity went out. With no heat or lights, we tried the fireplace, unaware of a blockage in the flue, and our house sustained smoke and soot damage. Do I have to replace my carpets, drapes and repaint the room?

A: Not always. Many companies have specific training and know the right materials to clean up after such a mess. We are able to “erase” the soot right off the walls and wallpaper without damage to the finish, and clean the carpets, furniture and window coverings.

Q: After the soot damage is removed, is there a way to remove the odor or is it something we must live with?

A: Deodorizing techniques will remove the odors from a space sometimes without altering the appearance of any surfaces. One method is use of an ozone generator which produces ozone gas to remove the smell permanently without harming furnishings. The use of high concentration of ozone should be done by a professional who understands the safety issues involved with such a procedure.

Another deodorizing method is a fogging machine which produces a hot, thick smoke with an odor destroying agent. Because this smoke is hot, it rises and fills the same nooks and spaces the original smoke entered. However, because this device leaves a film residue behind, a thorough cleaning should follow this procedure.

If scorching or burnt materials are left behind, the area should be sprayed with a soot sealer, repainted and then the above mentioned methods can be used to destroy odors.

Q: We had tenants in our home who took good care of it, but they cooked with a lot of spices. We have painted and scrubbed but we still have an odor. what can we do?

A: You didn’t mention if you had cleaned the carpeting yet. That is where I would start. Then, the methods and devices listed above will also work for removing cooking odors. Some materials in the home collect odors and are hard to locate. Acoustical ceiling material can be a source of odors, as can draperies and blinds. Also, don’t forget to change your furnace filter, as some odors become trapped in the heating/air conditioning system.

Q: An ember sparked from our fireplace and left melted areas on our carpet. Is there anything that can be done or must we replace the carpet?

A: Fireplace burns are relatively easy to repair. The lack of wear patterns around fireplaces usually makes it easy to insert new carpet from a remnant or closet. Some small areas the size of a dime can be tufted in with new yarns. These repairs generally aren’t very expensive and are well worth the investment.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Surviving the Remodeling Process
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
Stylish Basement Remodels

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses

Appliances

Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Conventionally Framed Home Builder
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room

Carpentry & Cabinets

Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops

Cleaning Services

Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet
Choosing a Carpet Cleaning Service

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Installing Concrete
Tip: Repair Concrete Steps
Wunderbar Rebar!

Consumer Guides

Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System

Design Ideas

Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Tip: Electrical Safety
Surge Protectors
Furnace Tune-up

Expert Advice

Painting Over Wallpaper
Comparing Aluminum to Vinyl Siding
Roof Treatments

Flooring

Custom Looks with Standard Tile
Refinishing Hardwood Flooring
Basement Carpet

Handyman Services

Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping

Heating & Cooling

Tip: Types of Geo Thermal Heating Systems
Heat Pumps
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat

Home Construction

More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Panelized Homes
Do Homework Before Building a New Home

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Asphalt Paving
The Attention Your Landscape Needs
Preparing Your Yard for Winter

Moving & Storage

Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It

Other Services

Tip: Fire Protection or Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Your Children Safe
Wet Basements

Painting & Staining

Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting

Plumbing

Safe Drinking Water
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service

Quick Tips

Tip: Saving Money on Plumbing
Tip: Prepping Before Wallpapering
Tip: How to Maintain Your Wood Stove

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Install Roofing Snow Melt Protection
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

Techniques for Wall Covering Removal
Create a Turn-of-the-Century Look With Metal Ceilings
Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning

Windows & Doors

Basic Door Lock Information
Installing the Correct Blinds or Shades
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades

copyright 2008 Realty.com