Prevent Water Damage and Keep Your Home in Good Repair
By · CommentsA home that has water damage can bring problems to homeowners that go beyond the cost of repair. Water damage is destructive to homes and buildings, causing a loss of value, higher maintenance costs, and even a liability with a loss of proper indoor air quality. These problems can be prevented by properly inspecting your home for damage and taking the steps to fix problems as soon as they occur. If you detect the presence of moisture in your home, be sure to take action right away.
Places to Inspect for Water Damage
There are a number of places in the home where water damage might occur. Some of these are areas you might not regularly notice, so consider keeping a running list of places to check. Some of these less-often-seen areas include: attics, storage areas, pipes, basements areas, and heating and cooling systems.
You might also notice more obvious things inside the home like damaged ceiling tiles, carpet, and water stains on drywall or plaster. Outside the home, make sure to check any cracks in the foundation or exterior walls, as well as the roof and windows. These are all places where water could leak in and should be are checked regularly.
Make Sure Your Home Is in Good Repair
Keep in mind that not all water damage is totally obvious. Sometimes you have to go looking for it to realize you’ve got an ongoing problem. Keep your home in good repair by sealing any cracks or holes in the exterior walls and foundation, making sure you have good ventilation in moisture-prone areas inside the home, and keeping up with inspection and maintenance of your home.
Finally, if water damage does occur for any reason, act quickly to fix the problem. Be sure to remove all standing water and moisture evidence. Consult with a home repair expert, if needed, to correct any leaks or water damage for good.
5 Tips for Dryer Safety
By · CommentsThere is a little-known cause of home fires that results from a clothes dryer that malfunctions and catches on fire. Now, some people like to make jokes that dryers cause pairs of socks or other garments to disappear forever, but this problem is actually quite serious.
When a dryer operates, it blows hot air while spinning at high rate to evaporate the water from the clothing. This makes the vent of the dryer a very important piece of this appliance, both for operation and for safety. Tiny pieces of material from clothing accumulate as lint and are highly flammable. Because of this home fires due to lack of dryer safety are actually quite common. They most often occur as a result of not cleaning out the lint filter and a mechanical failure that can cause the lint to catch on fire.
Proper maintenance of this vent and dryer safety are very important to prevent fires and keep the appliance operating normally. Here are some tips to make sure the your dryer is in good working order:
- The dryer and the vent are fully connected. The dryer can operate without this connection, but this will result in a lot of steam filling the room and there is a high risk of fire and mechanical failure. Make sure these parts are fully connected by checking on the back of the dryer or on the wall behind it.
- 2. There is no restriction of airflow. The dryer vent is flexible and can easily be crushed or kinked when placed against a wall. Any airflow restrictions are a potential fire hazard, so a clean, unobstructed vent is very important.
- 3. The lint from inside the dryer is cleaned out. Cleaning out the lint filter not only helps the dryer work more efficiently, but pieces of lint are highly flammable and if the dryer overheats, this can trigger sparks and cause a serious home fire. Be sure to clean the lint filter after every cycle and put it back into the appliance.
- 4. The area is clean behind the dryer. Since dryers are usually pushed into walls and small spaces, lint and dust tends to build up behind the dryer. This area should be kept free of dust, clothing and other objects as it can get very hot.
- 5. Only clothing items are placed in the dryer. Putting plastic, metal, rubber, or foam pieces can contribute to a dryer safety issues. In addition, if clothes in the washing machine have had flammable substances spilled on them such as gasoline, they should not be placed in the dryer.
Lately, make sure to have a working smoke detector in the laundry room as a precaution. By following these dryer safety tips you’ll greatly reduce any problems that could occur and also have a more efficient appliance.
For more information read the article Dryer Vent Safety.
5 Electrical Safety Hazards
By · CommentsElectricity is an important part of any home, but it can also be a significant hazard. While many electrical fires and injuries are due to appliances or electrical systems malfunctioning, a greater portion of problems are from misuse and poor maintenance or appliances, as well as overloaded circuits and extension cords and incorrect wiring.
Here are some of the top electrical safety hazards:
- Extension cords under carpet: This can pose a big problem if the cord is under the carpet, becomes damaged, and then overheats and catches fire. The da
mage can be caused from foot traffic, furniture, or general wear and tear, and it won’t be readily visible. This can be especially bad in home where the cord is forgotten about and deteriorates, so extension cords under carpet are a major electrical safety hazard. - Electrical appliances: Any appliance you can plug in needs to be treated with care and common sense. Never leave paper or plastic close to a hot appliance or store appliances so they may tip over. Always unplug appliances when not in use and check periodically for corroded wires, cracked insulation, defective parts, and anything else that might not work properly. Also, remember to use caution with space heaters, electric blankets, and be sure to keep plugged in appliances away from water.
- Electrical outlets and cords: Electrical outlets can be especially unsafe for young children and safety plugs should be inserted in unused outlets, as well as electrical safety emphasized to children. Also, the use of electrical cords should be minimal and there should be enough electrical capacity in outlets. It is recommended that all electrical outlets are three-hole grounded outlets. If an outlet is located in the bathroom or outdoors, it should have a GFI or Ground Fault Interrupter outlet.
- Electrical wiring: All electrical wiring in your house should be up to wiring safety code. In addition, if you have had small rodents in your home or the walls, the wires will need to be checked to ensure they are not being damaged.
- Power Lines: Many people aren’t aware of overhead and underground power lines. Unfortunately, there have been electrocutions when people accidently put an object in the way of a power line, such as ladders, antennas, kites, and poles. Tress and bushes can also be a hazard, as well as animals who get caught in trees near power lines. Power lines are dangerous to touch, whether they are standing straight up or fallen down.
Keep electrical safety hazardous in check and be sure to also check out the article for Electrical Safety more information.
Minimizing Asbestos Risk in the Home
By · CommentsAsbestos was once common in home building, but as we know by now, exposure to it can pose a potential danger. Asbestos is basically a fiber that when cut or damaged can produce toxins that can cause serious illness, including lung cancer. If you’re wondering about asbestos in your home, here are a couple indicators, as well as what to do about it.
The good news is that asbestos exposure has been for the most part eliminated from use in homes. However, for years it was used in a number of materials, inc
luding fireproofing material, insulation, and flooring. In the 1970s and 80s asbestos exposure was minimized and today the materials that contain asbestos will have a label. In older homes asbestos might be more of a problem.
Where Asbestos is Located
According to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), asbestos may be contained in a number of areas in the home, including:
- Roofing and siding shingles
- Insulation in houses built between 1930 and 1950
- Insulation in oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Material or tape that is coated over hot water and steam pipes in older homes
- Textured paint on walls in ceilings before 1977
- Artificial ash and embers in gas fireplaces
- Older products, such as stove-top pads
- Walls and floors around wood burning stoves
When Dealing with Asbestos
Keep in mind that asbestos exposure becomes a problem only when the fibers are released. Improper repair or removal of this substance can cause a potential health risk. When it doubt, it is probably better to leave it alone, but consult a profession if you have concerns.
If you suspect asbestos might be in your home, check the material for any indication of damage—and if it is in good condition, leave it alone. Asbestos poses no danger unless the fibers are inhaled. To check for a disturbance, do not touch, rub, or handle the area or material; instead look for signs of damage, such as from water or tears, or abrasion.
Work with a trained asbestos professional or contractors if you have concerns or are considering removal. This person will know the steps to take to minimize the risk. This is especially important when it comes to home remodeling. An asbestos professional can take a sample of the material to test it.
For more information read the article Asbestos in Your Home.
More information on Asbestos:
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. PleuralMesothelioma.com has the most up to date and comprehensive information about Pleural Mesothelioma on the web today. With information ranging from a complete list of symptoms, to treatment options, as well as mesothelioma survival rate. http://www.pleuralmesothelioma.com/
10 Tips for Home Fire Safety
By · CommentsFires in the home are a common and also preventable problem.
According to the article Fire Safety in the Home, most home fires are avoidable with some common sense and smart planning. Here are some tips that you can use to keep your home safe:
- Test smoke alarm batteries. Experts say to check batteries once a month. Having a working smoke alarm is one of the most important home fire safety devices for homes.
- Unplug space heaters. Never leave a space heater turned on or even plugged in when you are not home or when you are sleeping. It’s not worth the risk.
- Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Having a fire extinguisher you can access quickly can help you put out a kitchen fire before it gets worse. Store it under the sink and read the directions so you know how to use it. Fire extinguishers are also handy to have near bedrooms—plus the canister can be used to break windows if needed. Read More→
How to Keep Your Basement as Good as New
By · Comments
As a home inspector I find that basements are susceptible to water damage and that homeowners might not realize there are some simple fixes that can sometimes prevent this problem. This problem of water leakage happens most often when the exterior parts of the home are draining improperly.
There are a few simple ways to keep water out of your basement and keep it as good as new. The key is to start with the outside of the house and pay attention to where water is draining. If it appears to be flowing inward toward the foundation of the house, it’s important to fix this problem before it gets worse. Here are some tips:
- Fix the Grading: When the ground slopes around the house—called grading—it causes rain water to spill toward the basement, rather than away. The cure is to get the water flowing in the opposite direction. This can be easily fixed with simple landscaping fixes. You don’t need a big slope to get the water to flow in the right direction, but a small adjustment in the grading, such as using dirt, rocks, and woodchips does the trick. These elements can create an angle that is better suited to keep water out of your basement. Read More→
Tips to Pass Your Home Inspection
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Passing your home inspection is an important part of selling a house. Before the inspection takes place there are a few steps you can take to make sure your home is in good shape. Here are some of the top problem areas and tips for making sure your home passes inspection with flying colors.
- Plumbing. This is one area that will certainly get scrutinized by the home inspector. Make sure there is no leaking, drainage problems, or dirty looking water from rusted pipes. Consider installing new fixtures if you’re home is older—not only will this help it look nicer, but it will make sure that everything works properly.
- Roof. A leaky roof is something to watch out for. The home inspector will report on the condition of your roof, so you want to make sure it’s in good repair. Fix shingles that are curling or missing and clean your gutters and pipes to make sure drainage is occurring properly. Read More→
Things Home Inspectors Can and Can’t Do
By · CommentsAs you get ready to have your dream home expected, keep in mind that there are certain parameters as to what the home inspector can do. Because a home inspection is mostly visual, the process is not completely fool proof and there is always an inherent risk with buying a property. As you keep this in mind, take a look at some of the things the home inspector can and can’t do during the home inspection.
A Home Inspector Can:
Visually do a thorough and professional check that all the systems in the house are working properly, including the inside and outside of the home. This includes checking water, heating/cooling, electrical systems, and turning appliances on to check if they work. This might also include crawl spaces, going on the roof or through small spaces, but not doing anything that is deemed hazardous.
Check for serious problems in safety and construction, such as amateur electrical wiring (also known as handyman wiring), cheap fixes for plumbing, safety of appliances, gas leaks, roof and attic issues, foundation problems, and the overall physical condition of the interior and exterior of the house. Another thing the home inspector can do is go into the attic and give a thorough visual check without causing damage. Basically, the idea is to alert the buyer of any safety issues, defects, and problems in need of immediate attention.
A Home Inspector Can’t: Read More→
What Happens When You Don’t Get A Home Inspection?
By · CommentsThere are some nightmare scenarios of buyers who skipped the home inspection process and found themselves the owners of a house that is falling apart. If you remember the 1986 
movie, “The Money Pit,” a couple falls in love with their dream home, buys it, and then experiences just about every possible problem. One of the most memorable scenes is when Tom Hanks falls through a hole in the floor that is covered by an area rug. This is, of course, an exaggeration of a home that is in severe disarray, but it’s also a symbol of the seriousness of what can happen when you don’t get a home inspection. Let’s look at some of the home inspection nightmares that could be lurking in your dream house.
The website for this old house, provides photos of some home inspection nightmares, many of which are just under the surface. Without a serious examination, some really basic things could be found to be in error. These might include some of the following: Read More→
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
By · CommentsIt’s the day before the home inspection and you’re wondering how to prepare. The home inspector will be canvassing the home and you want the process to go smoothly. Whether you’re in a new construction home, an older home, or having an investment property inspected, here are a few things to do to prepare for the home inspection.
Make sure the power and utilities are turned on. A big part of a home inspection is checking to see everything is working properly. Tests will be done to inspect electrical, gas appliances, and plumbing systems, including water faucets, toilets, heating or air conditioning (depending on season), kitchen appliances, lights, and anything else that turns on. Having the utilities and pilot light turned on in advance will ensure that the inspection won’t have to be delayed or rescheduled. Read More→
