Home Safety Tip: Cleaning Up Broken Fluorescents

With the increased popularity of energy-efficient compact fluorescent light fixtures, HB Building and Design wants to share information and safety tips with you in case you have a fluorescent lighting fixture break.

Fluorescent bulbs among a variety of consumer products contain mercury, which has been identified decades ago as highly toxic. Compact fluorescent bulbs are gaining popularity as our nation looks for ways to conserve energy. If you use any fluorescent fixtures in your home, do you know how to recycle them or clean up a broken one safely?

The Environmental Protection Agency publishes the following instructions for cleaning up broken fluorescent bulbs:

If a fluorescent tube breaks on a hard surface:
1. Open a window, and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard, place them in a plastic bag, and seal it.
3. Wearing disposable rubber gloves, wipe the area clean with damp paper towels, and place the paper towels and the gloves in a plastic bag.
4. Put the first bag in a second plastic bag, seal it, and put it in an outdoor trash container.
5. Wash your hands.

If a fluorescent tube breaks on a carpet:
1. Remove as much glass and powder as you can with stiff paper or cardboard.
2. Use the sticky side of duct tape to pick up the smaller pieces.
3. Place the debris and the tape in two plastic bags, and seal them.
4. When all the visible materials are removed, vacuum the area, remove the vacuum bag, and put the bag or vacuum-canister debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash for disposal.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: UPDATING A 1970s KITCHEN TO SHAKER MODERN

Originally this kitchen was very small, with limited storage space.

HB Building and Design masterfully updated the look of the kitchen with modern tile, lighting, appliances, and an enlarged floorplan. Custom cabinetry was built to meet the client’s specifications.

When the project was finished, the kitchen had twice the storage space!

Is your kitchen short on storage? Love to cook, but need a more modern kitchen? HB Building and Design can come up with a perfect solution for you. We’ll be happy to do a free project assessment. Call us 650-728-5878 or email us to set up an appointment.

We’ll make your outdated kitchen the kitchen of your dreams.

Product Spotlight: GranitFiandre Tile: Stylish, Elegant, & Eco-Friendly.

GranitFiandre blends inspiration from nature with strength and durability to create tiles for counters, walls, and flooring. Designed in Italy, manufactured in the USA for high-end porcelain tile at an affordable price.

HB Building and Design offers a wide selection of GranitFiandre tiles. Our designers will help you choose the color, size, style, and finish to create a look for your home that is sure to bring compliments. From stone finishes to glazed tile, there is tile to fit your style.

No emissions, No VOCs, Guaranteed for 100 years.

Call us today 650-728-5878, and we’ll tell you about the amazingly low prices we have for you on this quality material.

HOME MAINTENANCE TIP: CHECK YOUR RAIN GUTTERS

Even though we’ve had a fairly mild winter so far, February is often the month that sees the most rainfall. Now is the perfect time to check your gutters and clean out any debris that may have accumulated since the last time that you checked. Clogged drains can cause water damage from overflow. A few minutes of maintenance can save you a lot of money by preventing the need for costly repairs.

At HB Building and Design our mission is to ensure you maximize the investment you’ve made in your property. We’ll help you make educated decisions about your home building projects. Call us today for a free site visit, project evaluation, and estimate. We are here to answer any of your questions.

Visit http://www.HBBuildingAndDesign.com and see what we can do for you.