Tips to protect and ensure longevity of the building

As winter approaches, property owners, facility managers and building maintenance supervisors should take precautionary steps to ensure their buildings are prepared for whatever weather conditions Mother Nature may bring.

RCI, Inc., the leading international association of professional consultants, architects, and engineers who specialize in the specification and design of roofing, waterproofing, and exterior wall systems, recommends a few simple, proactive steps to help endure winter’s harshest weather conditions, including sleet, hail, snow and high winds.

Inspect the roof annually at a minimum:

Before the cold weather arrives, inspect the roof for potential weak spots, leak points and loose building envelope components. Roofs subject to routine traffic should be fitted with walkway protection mats and inspections increased to twice yearly. Roofs that become covered with autumn leaves should be inspected three times annually.

Ensure the roof and drains are clear of obstruction and fully functioning:

Remove any debris or vegetation growing on the roof and cut back tree limbs that may touch it. Branches that brush a roof can abrade or even puncture its surface. Clear gutters of fallen leaves to prevent drain overflowing as they can cause a roof to collapse.

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This fall, millions of U.S. children will begin their first away-from-home experience at a daycare center.  It is a time that is both exciting and stressful, as parents try to ensure that their child’s daycare center is as safe as their own home.

Whether a parent is sending their child to a daycare center or school for the first time, or they are beginning a new year at the same facility, experts recommend a thorough safety investigation.  The type of steps below can help make the transition safe and easy for everyone.

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With temperatures still frosty in many regions, family activities often continue to be conducted indoors. With more time spent inside the home, child safety experts say it’s important for parents to winterize the household and keep it safe for kids. Here are a few insulation tips to help keep out the cold.  

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An unusually severe pattern of storms, hurricanes and other extreme weather over the past decade has wreaked havoc on the nation’s commercial building infrastructure, especially in coastal areas and the Midwest.

Experts who have investigated the damage report that among the most common commercial roof systems in use today, hot-applied asphalt built up roof (BUR) systems offer better protection than synthetic roof membranes in severe weather.

“The reason is obvious – built up systems have substantially greater mass than single-ply systems,” says Reed Hitchcock, executive director of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and the Quality Asphalt Roofing Council (QARC). “A four-ply BUR system provides about 280 mils of waterproofing thickness, whereas most single-ply systems average 60 mils or less. The multiple layers of a BUR system result in a thick, heavy membrane that provides solid protection against wind uplift and penetration by wind-blown objects.”

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There’s a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame – and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored.

Accidental candle fires account for approximately four percent of all U.S. residential fires, and more than 15,000 residential fires are caused each year by the careless or inappropriate use of candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association*, most candle fires start in bedrooms (38%), followed by living areas (15%), bathrooms (14%), and kitchens (8%).

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Temperatures are rising, the school year is almost through, and you and your family are finally ready to relax and enjoy springtime. But whether you’re rolling up the shades to let the light inside or basking in the sunshine outdoors, don’t overlook the safety of your family. The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is alerting parents and homeowners to the potential risks posed by outdated window coverings.

Time off means more time in the home, so take the necessary steps to ensure that your window coverings are as safe as possible.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 175 infants and young children have died from accidental window-cord strangulation since 1991.

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With the winter season finally behind us, families are heading straight for the outdoors. Kids with cabin fever are anxious for some fun in the sun. But before planning your next barbeque, take the time to check for potential safety hazards that may be lurking in your own backyard. These helpful tips are a good starting point for keeping your family safe this summer.

Outdoor Wiring
Outdoor parties often include indoor appliances like radios and blenders that require electricity. This can present risks for adults and children alike. Basic indoor electrical safety rules apply outside the home as well. It’s important to remember to always install plastic safety covers in unused outlets to prevent little fingers from getting inside them, and replace any cracked or frayed electrical cords. In addition, the National Fire Protection Association recommends the following precautions for dealing with outdoor power:
• Make sure outdoor electrical fixtures are weatherproof
• Don’t use electrical appliances outdoors when the ground is wet unless they have been rated for that kind of use
• Never run extension cords across lawns, walks or driveways and only use extension cords rated for outdoor use

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Electric power can be a friend … or a foe. Power outages and blackouts remind us how everyday life suddenly becomes primitive without electricity. If not properly handled, electrical power also poses a threat to individual lives and property. It can deliver a lethal jolt to a human body, or burn a home to the ground. It is called electric “power” for a reason.

If electricity is to be our friend then it is necessary to safeguard against certain hazards. Correction of these hazards could prevent many deaths, injuries and cases of property damage.  In the interest of assuring that electric power remains our friend, the Copper Development Association (CDA) has developed its own “Top Ten List of Electrical Hazards in the Home.”

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Baby-Proofing Your Home

Preparing the home for a new baby’s arrival is a highly anticipated and exciting time for new parents.  At the same time, however, parents must be aware of potential safety hazards in their home and evaluate baby-proofing tips which must be completed.  More than 4.5 million children are wounded in the home every year—most of these injuries can be prevented if parents take appropriate precautions to ensure their children’s safety.  By following these simple steps, parents can be sure they are bringing home baby to a loving and safe home.

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Hip parents embrace child-friendly design

When it comes to interior decorating, style and children don’t always mesh well. But that doesn’t mean parents should toss out the trendy design magazines. It is possible to maintain a modern, stylish home while raising small children. By selecting colors, fabrics and furniture that will withstand the attention and activities of toddlers, you can ensure that your home is chic yet child-friendly.

Here are some helpful tips to creating a swanky and safe house ideal for the entire family.

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