Diamond Certified Blog

A concrete foundation is the proverbial rock upon which a house is built, so when it begins to settle due to erosion or another issue, it’s no small matter. Since the signs of foundation settlement issues can be surprisingly subtle, it’s a good idea to be proactive about identifying them in your home. Here are a few things to look for:

Wall cracks
While cracks in walls aren’t always a concern, in some instances they can be a direct result of foundation settlement, such as diagonal cracks at the corners of doors and windows. If you see these types of cracks, there’s a simple way to determine if they’re related to foundation movements: fill them in with latex paint. Read more

Watch this video to learn when you should pay attention to automobile recalls. Read more

When credit card purchases go wrong, the “charge back” feature can be a helpful ally. Watch this video for more information. Read more

Many of us experience eye floaters—they’re those tiny moving specks that occasionally appear in your field of vision. Manifested in a variety of shapes (from dots to squiggly lines to tiny rings), these particles can be a minor nuisance, particularly for those who work on computers or in the sunlight. However, there are rare instances in which this seemingly benign phenomenon can indicate a more serious condition.

Eye floaters are actually small flecks of a protein called collagen that break off and become suspended in the vitreous humor (the gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye). Read more

The massive distribution of the 2014 Diamond Certified Directory has begun, with more than 800,000 copies reaching homes and businesses throughout the Greater Bay Area. Your FREE copy should be arriving very soon (if it hasn’t already), so keep your eyes on your mailbox!

If you’re new to the Diamond Certified Directory and would like to receive a free copy for your local area, simply visit www.diamondcertified.info/directory and fill out the required information. You can even order an extra directory to give to a friend or family member! Read more

Shock replacement continues to be one of the most commonly neglected aspects of vehicle maintenance. Most people put off replacement until their shocks are completely worn down or leaking fluid, but the average lifespan of most shocks is only 50,000 miles, so they should be replaced proactively rather than remedially.

The fact that shock replacement is so frequently overlooked may be due to a lack of appreciation for the role they play in vehicle operation. The primary function of shocks is to control a vehicle’s suspension system. As shocks become worn, however, their ability to fulfill this role becomes diminished, resulting in more movement of the suspension and its related components. Read more

Parents, take notice: Safer strollers are coming in 2015. Watch this video to get up-to-date on the latest information. Read more

Replacing a roof is an expensive endeavor, so it makes sense to implement related energy efficiency improvements at the same time. By investing in things like roof ventilation, attic insulation and natural overhead lighting, you can increase the comfort of your home while keeping money in your pocket.

Roof ventilation
There are minimum code requirements for ventilating a roof, but it never hurts to exceed this standard. Maximizing your roof’s ventilation will not only make your home cooler in the summer, it will also help protect against moisture build-up in the winter. Read more

Between winter rain and summer sun, a wood deck can take quite a beating, which is why annual maintenance is crucial to keep it looking and functioning optimally. With increases in both temperature and daylight hours, spring is the ideal time to refinish your deck in preparation of summer leisure. Here are the steps to take to achieve a properly refinished deck:

Preliminary cleaning
Start by sweeping the deck with a stiff broom. Use a hammer or drill to countersink all nails or screws, particularly those which have started to protrude. Next, fill a bucket with soapy water and use a scrub brush to scour the deck boards and railings. When finished, Read more

If you need to go to small claims court, watch this video for some helpful tips and information. Read more