Lawrence Englehart, RHI's Blog

How do I check if my deck is built according to correct safety standards?

Lawrence Englehart, RHI (Global Property Inspections) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:44:09 -0700

Building a deck is a project often done by do-it-yourselfers; unfortunately, not all decks are built soundly. A deck inspection includes checking the support posts, railings and decking boards to ensure it is in proper condition and safe.

These are some key points to look for during a deck inspection:

• Deck built immediately below electrical wires or over an air-conditioning/heat pump unit

• Warped or fractured wood support posts

• Deteriorated masonry posts

• Missing support posts or undersized support posts

• Support posts that are sinking into the ground

• Deck securely attached to house or independently supported

• Bolts mounted head out and thread end in

• Railings and steps installed (if required) and secure and sound

• Decking in good condition and securely attached (ledger board bolted to house, with joist hangers installed)

For more information or to locate an inspector in your area, visit http://www.gpiweb.ca/ or for HRM Standards www.halifax.ca.

How can I know when my roof needs repair or replacement?

Lawrence Englehart, RHI (Global Property Inspections) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:28:23 -0700

There are a few things to watch for when assessing whether repairs need to be made:

Broken and Cracked Shingles - Too many broken and cracked shingles will compromise your roof’s integrity. These should be repaired to ensure proper protection.
Wide Gaps - When roofing materials age, they will shrink. This can lessen the protective covering of the roof and allow moisture to seep into the attic. Gaps should be about 3/8” wide. When they become ¾” or more, it is time for repairs.
Shingle Curling - Curling at the edges of the shingles is a common sign that they are aging. This can sometimes be observed from the ground and is an indication that your roof needs attention.
Mildew and Algae - Shady roofs can have fungus and algae grow on them. This type of growth can be limited by trimming trees to allow sunlight to reach the surface.
Age of the Roof - Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material, will last about 20 years. If your roof is approaching its suggested lifetime, consider having a professional take a look.

If you are unsure about the condition of your roof, a Global Property Inspections professional can inspect it and give you a proper assessment.

Refresh Your Deck

Lawrence Englehart, RHI (Global Property Inspections) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 06:09:15 -0700

Maintenance Matters

A newly refinished wood deck can go between two to four years (depending on your climate and how much sun it's exposed to) before it needs refreshing.

Replace cracked or damaged boards.
Trim foliage that may be in the way.
Clean the deck by wetting the wood with water from a hose or power-washer. Mix the deck cleaner according to the directions and apply it to the wet wood with a pump sprayer.
Power-wash dirt and mildew from the wood using long, overlapping strokes.
To kill mildew, pump-spray a diluted solution of nonchlorine bleach on the wet wood. Wait 10 to 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water.
Once the deck is dry (wait at least three days), apply the finish. Work from the top down and stain the railings and balusters first with a foam applicator. Use a pump-sprayer to apply the finish to the decking by using long, even, slightly overlapping strokes across the length of the boards.
After spraying four or five boards, smooth out the finish with a foam applicator pad. Let the finish dry for two days before walking on it.

For more information, go to http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,602946,00.html.

Estimated Life Expectancy of Household Components

Lawrence Englehart, RHI (Global Property Inspections) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:21:54 -0700

Do you ever wonder how long a certain component in your home might last? The life expectancy of a typical component depends on the use it receives. The National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) "Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components" created a timeline for you, based on the results of the study, to use before planning your next big home improvement.

Appliances differ in their life expectancies. Gas ranges have the highest life expectancy of 19 years, washers and dryers are expected to last about 14 years, and dishwashers and microwaves are expected to last ten years.

Flooring. All natural wood floorings have a life expectancy of 100 years or more; marble, slate and granite are expected to last for about 100 years; vinyl floors last up to 50 years; carpet last between eight and 10 years.

Kitchen cabinets are expected to last up to 50 years.

Masonry (chimneys, brick veneers, fireplaces) are expected to last up to 100 years.

Countertops have a life expectancy of about 20 years, depending on the type.

Exterior doors (fibreglass, steel, wood) can last as long as the house exists, while vinyl and screen doors have a life expectancy of 20 to 40 years.

Garage door openers have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

The life expectancy of most components is often overlooked. Most components are replaced before they are worn out because of changes in technology, life styles and consumer preferences. Proper maintenance of these components is important in order to achieve the maximum life expectancy.

For more information on the life expectancy of other components in your home, go to Old House Web.

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/life-expectancy.shtml