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Is That Supposed to be There...Mold Edition

2/5/2018

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What Do I Need To Know About Mold in My Home? Since 1990, new homes have been built with energy efficiency in mind. They are designed to be air tight, which is the principal reason mold issues are a problem. Mold growth occurs because of warmth, lack of air circulation and most importantly, moisture. Older homes didn’t experience this problem as much because they were usually drafty which allowed for moisture to be dried out.

So how serious is having mold? It is generally well tolerated but can a effect some people drastically. The best thing to remember about mold is to solve the problem before it becomes too serious.
1.) Try to keep moisture out and clean up any condensation as soon as possible. Anything like a roof or plumbing leak should be treated seriously.
2.) After cleaning up condensation, the root problem should be fixed as soon as possible.
3.) If slight mold does form, wear gloves and a mask and scrape it away.
4.) In the case of serious mold growth, a professional should be contacted. They can let you know what steps to take next. The health effects of mold bother those with allergies, breathing problems or weakened immune systems most. In the case of severe exposure, it can mean allergy-like symptoms or irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat or lungs.
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Crawl Spaces? Crawl Spaces.

2/5/2018

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If your home has a crawl space, its a good idea to have it inspected at least once a year. Poor conditions with your crawl space can damage your building’s structure and negatively affect the living environment in your home which lies directly above the crawl space.

When inspecting your crawl space:

• Make sure it is free of pests and that there are no signs of excessive moisture build up such as ponding of water or mold growth.
• If the crawl space has a dirt floor, check that there is a vapor barrier installed, such as a plastic liner covering the entire dirt floor.
• If water tends to accumulate in the crawl Noteworthy News space, your NPI inspector will likely recommend further evaluation by a qualified crawl space waterproofing contractor for the best solution.
• Avoid storing items in the crawl space as it may inhibit access for maintenance. • Another important factor in reducing moisture in the crawl space is to have the ground outside your house slope away from the walls of the structure. This is to avoid undue water seepage into the crawl space.
• Use caution! A crawl space can be difficult and even hazardous to enter.


Consider having an NPI inspector conduct your crawl space inspection. NPI inspectors are trained and experienced and take the proper precautions when entering and inspecting crawl spaces.
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What do we look for in Heating Systems?

1/21/2018

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In the winter, utility costs rise in most regions of the United States. In fact, heating and cooling typically account for about one half of a homeowner’s total yearly utility costs! Since cold weather can tax any type of home heating system, having us look at yours can mean great savings. We will examine your home’s particular system and take into account its unique needs.


Identifying the energy source and delivery system used to heat your property is part of a general home inspection. Your inspector will check for a master system shut-off switch, which is important for both safety and convenience. We’ll also examine the condition of the equipment, maintenance history, the state of the filter, and the ventilation system. Understanding the status and upkeep of these components is important whether you’re buying a home or ordering a seasonal checkup.
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Candle Safety

12/17/2017

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The holidays are approaching, and for many people, it’s candle season. Candles can create an attractive display, whether solo or placed precisely inside or around additional décor. The ambience and aroma of candles burning in a home is pleasurable and relaxing for many people. But let's remember that fire is involved. Whether you are burning candles on a birthday cake, at dinner, while Christmas caroling, or while relaxing in the bath, we’d like to remind you of some simple candle safety tips:
  • Make sure candles are completely snuffed and the wicks do not have hot embers or are still smoking when you throw them away. A candle that is not completely out could easily cause a fire in a trash can or other area.
  • Be alert when you have candles burning. Stay in the room so you can see them quickly if they tip over or if a draft blows something into the flame. Never go to sleep with candles burning inside your home; a potential fire from the open flame could become out of control quickly.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended near burning candles. A curious child could easily get burned or even drop or knock over a lit candle over. Likewise, pet tails, whiskers and floppy ears could get burned if an animal gets too close to a candle.
  • When burning candles, make sure they are not located close enough to come into contact with flammable materials, such as bedding, furniture, window coverings, newspapers, mail, aerosol cans, gases and clothing.
  • Place candles on level surfaces that can support their weight. Candle holders can help prevent a candle from falling over and aid in catching hot wax that may trickle down the sides of a candle. Even jarred candles need to be on level, weight- supporting surfaces, as they may slide off or tip over. 

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Winterizing your home

12/17/2017

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Weatherizing your home can prevent warm air from leaking out of your house in the winter — which costs both energy and money. The good news is that weatherizing your house is a cheap and easy task. All you have to do is caulk, seal and weather-strip seams, cracks and openings to the outdoors. And it’s well worth the 10 percent or more you’ll save on energy costs.
Every house has some common culprits for air leaks. These are some of the areas you’ll want to focus on when weatherizing your home:
  • Dropped ceilings
  • Light fixtures
  • Attic entrance
  • Electrical wires, boxes, switches and outlets
  • Water and furnace flues
  • Air ducts
  • Door and window sashes and frames
  • Chimneys
    Here are some tips for weatherizing your house:
  • Test your home for air leaks. On a windy day, hold a lit candle or incense stick next to windows, doors, electrical outlets and other areas that are common culprits for air leaks. If the smoke or flame wavers noticeably, then you have found an area you need to seal. You can also have a professional home energy audit..
  • Caulk and weather-strip around drafty doors and windows — don’t forget basement windows.
  • Caulk and seal air leaks where electrical wiring, plumbing or ductwork penetrates through exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
  • Purchase inexpensive rubber or foam insulation kits specially designed for electrical outlets and switch plates.
  • Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace the windows with better insulated double-pane windows. During the cold winter months, you can also purchase window insulation kits, which allow you to install clear plastic over drafty windows.
  • Consider plugging the fireplace flue with an inflatable plug or a rigid insulation plug if you don’t use the fireplace.
  • Caulk the exterior of your house around all areas where electrical, gas, cable and water lines enter the house. Also, caulk around your dryer vent. ​
​
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#5 after a Heavy Rain

9/11/2017

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​One of the most common sources of water damage is rainwater that pools around the foundation of a home. Over time, that water can seep into the poured concrete and form cracks and weak points that let even more water pass through. Properly functioning gutters and downspouts are your best protection against such damage.

Most homeowners typically conduct biannual inspections of their gutters and downspouts in the spring and fall to make sure they're not clogged with leaves and other debris. But after a big storm with high winds, it's worth giving them a second look.

Here's what to look for in a gutter and downspout inspection:
  • Excess leaves, twigs, and other debris should be removed from the gutters.
  • Make sure that the openings to all downspouts are clear.
  • Use a garden hose to check that water flows easily.
If necessary, extend downspouts so they empty at least 10 feet away from your home's foundation.
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Heavy Rains? #4 in series

9/11/2017

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The floor is the easiest place to spot leaks and puddles, but walls can also sustain water damage in a severe storm. Standing water poses the biggest threat to walls. A flooded basement, if not drained quickly, will soak the bottom few inches of drywall and plaster, which are difficult materials to dry. In that case, the damaged sections will need to be removed and replaced.

Other walls in your home can sustain storm water damage, especially sections below leaky windows that are repeatedly exposed to moisture. Look for wall surfaces that exhibit signs of water damage, such as:
  • Stains or discoloring.
  • Bubbling paint.
  • Peeling wallpaper.
Call in a professional to identify the source of the leak, then remove and replace any damaged sections of drywall or plaster. Also, pay attention to the insulation inside the wall cavity. If it gets wet, it should also be removed and replaced, but dry out the cavity as much as possible with fans first.

​We can use moisture meters to determine moisture levels on surfaces.
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Heavy Rain #3 in series

9/11/2017

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​Even the strongest roof can be compromised by a heavy spring storm. Shearing winds can rip off shingles, sideways-blowing rain can pass right through ventilation panels, and falling tree limbs can cause serious structural damage. So the next step in your post-storm inspection should be a trip to the attic.

In an unfinished attic, the biggest issue is wet insulation. It will soak up and hold moisture, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Wet insulation resting against a wood subfloor can also lead to rot.

If you find a section of wet insulation, pull it out immediately and run a fan and dehumidifier in the affected area before laying down a replacement section.

Finished attics will have the same carpeting, rug, and flooring issues as the rest of the house. Make sure you remove every wet item and dry all wood flooring as thoroughly and as quickly as possible.

Pro Tip: Set a box fan in the attic entry door and have it pull air from the attic for a few days to speed the drying process.
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Heavy Rain Series #2

9/11/2017

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So, second step is to evaluate carpets, wood flooring, and rugs.  If rainwater pushed through open or unsealed windows, or pooled under a doorway and onto your carpets, rugs, and hardwood floors, you need to dry those areas as quickly as possible. Mold loves wet fibers and will start to grow on or underneath a damp carpet within 24 to 48 hours, so immediate attention is critical.

First, remove any rain-soaked area rugs and either wash and dry them yourself, or have them professionally cleaned. If a section of wall-to-wall carpet is soaked through, pull up the affected area so there's no contact between the wet fibers and the floor. Remove and replace any wet padding underneath and use a wet/dry vac and fans to dry the carpet as much as possible.

Solid hardwood floors soak up moisture like a sponge. If wood panels absorb too much water, they will warp by bulging in the middle or "cupping" at the edges. While some panels will recover over time, others will have to be refinished or replaced. Follow these steps to dry them out fast:

  • Sop up standing water with mops and towels.
  • Open doors and windows to create cross-ventilation.
  • Direct as many fans as possible on the affected areas.
  • If you have a dehumidifier, set it on its most powerful setting and let it run.
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First Thing after a Heavy Rain

9/11/2017

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The first thing you should do after a serious downpour is check your basement (or crawlspace) for standing water. Sustained heavy rain can turn your yard into a swamp, and excess water will infiltrate any cracks or weak points in your home's foundation. Even if you have a sump pump, it can fail, allowing rising groundwater to seep into the basement.

While a flooded basement is definitely a problem, a sewage backup is an emergency. Sewage backups are caused when storm water overwhelms the sewer lines, which then can back up through basement drains and fixtures.

If you think the water in your basement contains sewage (the smell is a dead giveaway) call a water mitigation professional immediately to clean it up. Raw sewage is full of bacteria, viruses and microorganisms that can cause all types of health problems, including skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and even dysentery. It's important that any sewage be cleaned up properly and immediately to avoid these risks to you and your family.

Even if the water is just rain, you must get it dried up as quickly as possible.

  • If the water is draining slowly, use buckets or a portable pump to get it out faster.
  • Go after remaining puddles with a wet/dry vac.
  • Open any doors and windows to increase ventilation, and run fans to circulate fresh air.
If you have a dehumidifier, set it on its most powerful setting and let it run
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