Home Maintenance & Renovation Insights

As a general contractor with over 11 years of experience, I can't stress enough how important proper gutter maintenance is to protecting your home. Your gutters are your home's first line of defense against water damage, and neglecting them can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Why Gutter Maintenance Matters

Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your foundation, basement, or crawl space. This can lead to foundation cracks, mold growth, and even structural damage. In Central Ohio, where we experience all four seasons, your gutters work overtime managing rain, snow melt, and falling leaves.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

I recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year—once in late spring and again in late fall. If you have trees near your home, especially oak or maple trees, you might need to clean them more frequently. Here in Columbus, the fall season requires extra attention due to heavy leaf coverage.

My Professional Tips:

• Safety First: Always use a sturdy ladder and have someone spot you. Never lean too far to either side.
• Remove Debris: Use a gutter scoop or your hands (with gloves) to remove leaves, twigs, and sediment.
• Flush With Water: After removing debris, use a garden hose to flush the gutters and check for proper drainage.
• Check Downspouts: Ensure water flows freely through downspouts. Use a plumber's snake if you encounter clogs.
• Inspect for Damage: Look for rust, holes, sagging sections, or loose brackets that need repair.

If you're uncomfortable working on ladders or notice damage during your inspection, call E P Restoration Services at (614) 420-2538. We offer professional gutter cleaning, repair, and replacement services throughout Central Ohio.

Finding water pooling on your kitchen floor is never a pleasant surprise. Over my years servicing homes in Columbus and surrounding areas, I've responded to countless emergency calls about leaking dishwashers and refrigerator ice makers. Here's what you need to know and do when this happens.

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Turn off the water supply - For dishwashers, locate the shut-off valve under your sink. For refrigerators, find the valve behind or beneath the unit.
2. Unplug the appliance - Safety first! Disconnect power to prevent electrical hazards.
3. Clean up the water - Use towels and a wet vacuum to remove standing water quickly. This prevents floor damage and mold growth.
4. Check for subfloor damage - If water has been leaking for a while, your subfloor might be compromised.

Common Causes of Dishwasher Leaks

• Faulty door gasket: The rubber seal around the door can wear out, crack, or become loose.
• Loose or damaged hoses: Water supply and drain hoses can crack or come loose from connections.
• Clogged drain: If water can't drain properly, it will overflow.
• Pump seal failure: The water pump seal can deteriorate over time.

Refrigerator Ice Maker Leak Causes

• Defective water inlet valve: This valve controls water flow to the ice maker and can fail.
• Cracked water line: The plastic or copper line feeding the ice maker can crack or develop holes.
• Loose connections: Fittings at connection points can loosen over time.
• Ice maker assembly issues: The ice maker itself can develop cracks or seal failures.

Don't let a small leak turn into major water damage. Contact us at (614) 420-2538 for fast, professional repair service throughout Central Ohio.

Living in Central Ohio means dealing with harsh winters and lots of road salt. Unfortunately, that salt you track into your garage is slowly eating away at your concrete floor. Pitting—those small holes and craters in your garage floor—is one of the most common problems I see, and it's only getting worse if left untreated.

Understanding Why Concrete Pits

Concrete is porous, and when road salt (sodium chloride or calcium chloride) mixes with water and seeps into those pores, it causes a chemical reaction. During our freeze-thaw cycles here in Ohio, that moisture expands and contracts, breaking down the concrete surface. Over time, this creates those characteristic pits and spalling you see in your garage floor.

Assessing the Damage

First, you need to determine how severe the pitting is:

• Surface pitting (¼" deep or less): Can usually be repaired with resurfacing products
• Moderate damage (¼" to ½" deep): Requires patching and possibly an overlay system
• Severe pitting (deeper than ½"): May need complete floor replacement

DIY Repair Options for Minor Pitting

If you're handy and the damage is minimal, here's what I recommend:

1. Clean thoroughly: Use a concrete cleaner and pressure washer to remove all dirt, oil, and loose concrete.
2. Etch the surface: Use a concrete etching solution to open the pores for better adhesion.
3. Fill the pits: Use a high-quality concrete patching compound or epoxy filler. Apply in thin layers for deeper holes.
4. Smooth and level: Use a trowel to smooth the patched areas flush with the surrounding floor.
5. Seal the floor: Once patches cure, apply a high-quality concrete sealer to protect against future damage.

Professional Solutions

For moderate to severe pitting, professional solutions include:

• Concrete resurfacing: A thin overlay that covers imperfections and creates a smooth new surface
• Epoxy coating systems: Durable, chemical-resistant coatings that fill pits and protect the floor
• Polyaspartic coatings: Fast-curing, UV-stable options that cure even in cold weather

Prevention Tips

• Use a snow brush to remove salt and snow from your vehicle before pulling into the garage
• Place absorbent mats near the garage entrance
• Reseal your garage floor every 2-3 years
• Clean salt residue regularly during winter months

As a general contractor who has painted hundreds of homes over the past 11 years, I'm constantly asked: "Which paint brand should I use?" The two names that come up most often are Sherwin-Williams and PPG (formerly Pittsburgh Paint & Glass). Let me give you my honest, professional comparison based on real-world experience.

The Bottom Line Up Front

Both are excellent paint brands used by professionals nationwide. The "better" choice depends on your specific project, budget, and preferences. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Sherwin-Williams: The Industry Standard

Pros:

• Coverage: Their premium lines (Duration, Emerald) offer exceptional coverage, often requiring just one coat over properly primed surfaces.
• Color matching: Industry-leading color matching technology. If you have a specific color in mind, Sherwin-Williams can match it.
• Store locations: More stores means easier access to products and support. Here in Central Ohio, there are multiple locations.
• Product lines: Extensive selection for every application and budget, from SuperPaint to their premium Emerald line.
• Durability: Excellent washability and stain resistance, especially in their higher-end products.

Cons:

• Price: Generally more expensive than PPG, especially at retail prices.
• Lower-tier products: Their budget lines (ProMar 200) don't perform as well as PPG's comparable products.

PPG: The Value Alternative

Pros:

• Price-to-quality ratio: PPG often offers better value, especially their mid-tier products like Manor Hall and Speedhide.
• Timeless line: Their premium line competes directly with Sherwin-Williams at a lower price point.
• Better budget options: Their entry-level products outperform Sherwin-Williams' budget lines.
• Zero-VOC options: PPG was early to market with low and zero-VOC paints, better for indoor air quality.
• Application: Many painters report PPG flows and levels slightly better, making application easier.

Cons:

• Store availability: Fewer dedicated PPG stores; often sold through independent retailers.
• Brand recognition: Less known among homeowners, though contractors are familiar with them.
• Color selection: While extensive, not quite as vast as Sherwin-Williams' catalog.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Need help deciding what's best for your project? Call us at (614) 420-2538. We'll assess your specific needs and recommend the best solution for your budget and timeline.