Ask Lon!

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 Door Repair and Security Up-Grades by Ask Lon!

Being burglarized is a terrible experience. I know because it has happened to me. So, I’ve shot a video showing how to install an inexpensive door security up-grade to help lessen the likelihood of it happening again. Additionally, in the past 3 weeks I have been contacted by 3 different customers (one of them even had ADT Security) about break-ins.

In security this philosophy applies: “If you and a friend are being chased by a bear you only need to outrun your friend.”  So let’s make your home visibly more challenging to break into.

Pervasiveness:

• 85% of all break-ins are through a door
• It takes 10 seconds for a burglar to kick-in a door
• An experienced burglar is gone in less than 12 minutes
• Police response time to a typical home alarm is often greater than 10 minutes
• 38 percent of assaults and 60 percent of rapes occur during home invasions
• One in five homes undergoes a home invasion or break-in
• There are more than 8,000 home invasions every day in North America
• In 48 percent of home invasions, victims sustain physical injuries
• Victims age 60 or older make up 17 percent of home invasion victims

Thankfully, added protection does not cost a fortune!

Actually nothing can be done to assure that the professional burglar will be kept out of your home but the good news is that most thieves are not well equipped and therefore look for the quick and easy targets. When they see a solid properly installed lock and door system, and kick one of these door frame supports, they generally move on to a door without them.

It costs approximately 3 times more to repair a door then it does to install improved door security.

Ask Lon combines different systems to make life more challenging for the professional burglar and to help outwit the beginner. Call me now @ 847-636-0771 to inquire about scheduling a free estimate.

Sincerely,

Tags: Home Safety, Uncategorized by admin
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Ask Lon’s! / Fall Checklist!

Residential Homes & Condo Associations  

Replace batteries in smoke/ fire and carbon monoxide detectors.

Heating and Cooling: (Check the literature that came with your furnace – can’t find it? We can help!)

Inspect the chimney to be certain it is clear of nests and debris. Clean A/C condenser and cover unit. Vacuum around furnace and be certain nothing flammable has been placed near heating system. Replace air filter, check room for proper ventilation and move air duct vent to “winter” position.  Test the thermostat to assure the heating system ignites and shuts down properly.

Humidifier:

Some forced air systems have built-in humidifiers which need to be cleaned prior to use and the water supply turned on then tested for leaks. Failure to maintain the unit invites mechanical failure and corrosion of the air ducts. Worse yet, poorly maintained systems can provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and mold.  Even those standalone humidifiers must be cleaned and inspected.

Plumbing:

Drain garden hose & close exterior water supply.  Are all exterior stairwell drains clear and working properly?

Roof:

Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Inspect flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks.  

Attic:

Examine internally and externally for holes or leaks along the roofline. Make certain that attic insulation doesn’t cover ventilation vents in the eaves. Keeping them clear helps prevent winter ice dams. Remove or add as insulation necessary. Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper ventilation.

Windows & Doors:

Check condition of caulk, glazing and weather stripping around windows and doors. Clean out window and screen door weep wells. Lower storms and test window locks. Make sure the basement window wells are high enough to prevent ground water from flowing into them and that the bottoms are cleared of leaves and that dirt or gravel is at least 12 inches below the window sill. When was the last time you loosened the soil within them to improve drainage? 

Garage Doors:

Adjust to eliminate openings where critters gain entry and lubricate wheels and opener. Good time to replace remote batteries too!

Exterior walls:

Check for cracks, openings and deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for loose or damaged siding. Check painted surfaces for flaking.

Landscaping:

Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects.  Be certain ground around your home drops away ½ inch per-foot as you move away from the house.

Gutters and Downspouts:

Remove debris and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage. Are those downspout extensions in place and secure? 

Would you like us to handel these details?

Dial 847-636-0771 for a free evaluation.

Tags: Attics, Chicago Handyman News, Chicago Handyman Tips, Gutters, Handyman Service Packages, Home Safety, Indoor Handyman Services, Outdoor Handyman Services, Roofing, Winterize Home by admin
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For Immediate Release

Ask Lon! Launches New Chicago Handyman Website

Company unveils new web 2.0 website to anchor its 2010 marketing plans

MORTON GROVE, IL (January 12, 2009) – Chicago handyman services company Ask Lon! recently launched a new online destination that showcases the company’s services, client testimonials and Chicago handyman blog. The new site, located at www.asklon.com, is powered by the popular WordPress content management system and features the latest SEO and web analytics plugins to enhance online client prospecting and marketing.

“The new website is an exciting addition to our brand, and we are looking forward to utilizing it as the cornerstone of our new online marketing efforts” says Lon Thomas, Owner/Operator of Ask Lon!.

The new site features sections for client testimonials, which are increasingly important marketing tools in the handyman trade, and includes areas about the company’s service offerings, including residential handyman services and commercial handyman services. Also included are Web 2.0 initiatives, such as a Chicago handyman blog and links to the company’s profiles on the popular social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

Future website additions in the coming months will include ways for clients to pay for services directly through the website, and other new enhancements. The company has set out to make its web presence the premier Chicago handyman website

About Ask Lon!:

Ask Lon! provides Chicago handyman services that include residential and commercial installations, remodeling and repairs. The company is fully insured and specializes in small to mid-sized projects.

For more information contact:

Lon Thomas
President
Ask Lon!
1-847-636-0771
info@asklon.com

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Tags: Chicago Handyman News by admin
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