troy michigan home inspections: How To Choose Firewood
- 10/17/10 10:19 AM
Choosing Firewood What makes good firewood for wintertime fuel in the fireplace? Seasoned Wood It helps to use wood that burns easy. All firewood contains water, and freshly cut (or green) wood can be up to 45% moisture content. This causes uneven burning, lots of smoke and ash, and generally smells bad. Seasoned wood, however, contains about 20-25% moisture content. Tiny radial cracks along the cross-sections of a split log indicate that the wood is dry and ready to use. If the firewood is cut about six months in advance and stored properly, the sun and wind will dry it out … (2 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Chimney And Fireplace Safety
- 10/17/10 09:35 AM
Chimney And Fireplace Safety One of my favorite things about a Michigan winter is the opportunity to get a fire roaring in the fireplace. And judging from my neighbor's woodpile, I am not the only one who loves using the fireplace. But before we light up the first fire of the season, we'd be wise to take a look at our fireplace and chimney to make sure everything is in order.
Energy Loss Fireplaces are the largest unsealed opening in the home, and according to government estimates (if you trust them), they cost American families over $7 billion in … (3 comments)
Many of you know that awful feeling... the sneezing, the runny nose, the watery eyes, the... well, you get the idea. Allergies are a common disorder here in the United States. In fact, around 50 million Americans suffer from either seasonal or chronic allergies, including about 2.5 million people right here in Michigan. Nationwide, they cost the health care system about $18 billion a year. Allergies are caused by oreign substances (typically small proteins) that are most often eaten or inhaled. These substances come from a number of sources like molds, dust mites, … (4 comments)
Cracks in concrete can appear in driveways, patios, sidewalks, and even around the foundation of your home. Most concrete will crack, because concrete shrinks as it dries and cures. In fact, concrete slabs shrink about 1/16th inch for every ten or so feet. This type of stress is a lot like holding up a magazine, grabbing each end, then pulling it apart. But there are many other reasons concrete cracks. Root growth, standing water, and the freeze/thaw cycle (not an exhaustive list) Standing water is a particularly hard on concrete. When water isn't draining properly, … (0 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Keeping Mice and Rats Away: Winter's Unwelcome Guests
- 10/13/10 09:30 AM
It is another warm October day in Michigan, but the cold weather is coming. And with the change in the temperatures comes the change in the pests we have to put up with in and around the home... rodents are going to try to make their way into nice, warm homes all over Michigan (and all the other cold states). I HATE rats and mice.They are one of the very few downsides to my inspection work (and to the life of any homeowner who has to deal with them). But they can be evicted from the house, and with the application … (10 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Getting Your Home Ready For Winter
- 10/11/10 05:25 PM
Getting Your Home Ready For Winter It was another beautiful October day in Southeast Michigan. Temperatures reached about 73 degrees F in my back yard where the thermometer is located. But in spite of the lovely autumn weather we are enjoying, I know a typical cold Michigan winter is around the corner. And that means it is time for winterization, the process of preparing the home for the harsh conditions it will face during the winter. Winterizing is usually performed in the fall before snow and excessive cold have arrived, and it protects against damage due to bursting water pipes, and … (13 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: How To Hire A Contractor And Not Get Cheated
- 10/11/10 07:53 AM
How To Hire A Contractor And Not Get Cheated I recently wrote a post titled How To Hire A Roofing Contractor. I received an email asking me to go into a bit more detail, so this post tries to deliver that additional content. So with apologies for the long post, here it is... One of my favorite TV shows is Holmes on Homes. Mike Holmes, the host, fixes the houses of unfortunate homeowners who have been swindled by different contractors. This of course leads us to ask the question: how do I avoid hiring the wrong contractor and avoid being … (4 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Safe Drinking Water
- 10/10/10 04:34 PM
Safe Drinking Water The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but that statistic doesn’t tell you about the quality and safety of the water coming out of your tap. Drinking water quality varies from place to place, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn, and the treatment it receives. Starting in 1999, every community water supplier was required to provide an annual report to its customers. This often comes with the community information we receive at the end of the calendar year. The report provides information on your … (6 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: What Is A Vapor Barrier?
- 10/10/10 03:59 PM
What Is A Vapor Barrier? Moisture control is the key to healthy, comfortable indoor air. It also protects building materials from breaking down. Vapor barriers are an important part of moisture control. A vapor barrier is typically a plastic or foil sheet which resists the passing of moisture through ceiling, wall or floor assemblies. They also are effective for controlling moisture in basements, crawlspaces, and slab-on-grade foundations. They also block gases like methane and radon from coming through cracks.
While the term "vapor barrier" is commonly used, "vapor-diffusion retarder" is probably more accurate. "Barrier" implies that the material will stop … (7 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: How To Hire A Roofing Contractor
- 10/10/10 03:34 PM
How To Hire A Roofing Contractor Have you ever watched that wonderful show, Holmes on Homes, on television? The host, Mike Holmes, visits unfortunate people who have been cheated by different contractors, rights the wrongs with his crew and fixes their housing nightmares.
It makes for interesting and educational television, and it begs the question: how do you avoid being a victim? Roofs and roofing systems are among the most important parts of the house. How do you hire a roofing contractor? There are several things a homeowner needs to know about insurance and permits. Homeowners can be stuck … (4 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Maintaining A Roof
- 10/10/10 02:55 PM
Maintaining A Roof Roofs play a key role in keeping our lives dry and comfortable. The roof, insulation and ventilation all work together to keep our houses and buildings free from moisture. Roofs also protect us from the sun. Correctly designed, overhangs actually protect the building's exterior walls from both sun and moisture. Such an important part of the house deserves some routine maintenance to keep working properly. This includes cleaning the leaves and debris from the roof’s valleys and gutters, a common task here in Michigan. Please note that many of the gutter protectors that are supposed to keep … (1 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Pollutants In The Home, Part IV (The Holy Grail)
- 10/10/10 02:37 PM
Part I Part II Part III Moisture Control Moisture control is the Holy Grail of Indoor Air Quality. Water in the home can come from many sources: leaking or by seeping through basement floors, from showers, and even from cooking. The amount of moisture that air can home depends on the temperature of the air. This is true whether we are talking about air inside the house or outside. As temperature decreases, air is able to hold less moisture. We see this during our Michigan winters as moisture condenses on cold surfaces. This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow. There … (0 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Pollutants In The Home, Part III
- 10/10/10 02:24 PM
Part I Here Part II Here Checking Your Home For Pollutants There is no simple or cheap way to sample the air in your home to determine the level of all biological pollutants. Besides, experts suggest that sampling for biological pollutants is not a useful problem-solving tool. Even if you had your home tested, it is almost impossible to know which biological pollutant(s) cause various symptoms or health problems. The amount of most biological substances required to cause disease is unknown and varies from one person to the next. But this doesn't make the problem hopeless. We can take … (0 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Pollutants In The Home, Part II
- 10/10/10 05:25 AM
See Part I here. Health Effects of Biological Pollutants All of us are exposed to biological pollutants, but their effects on our health depend on each person's sensitivity, the amount of exposure, and type biological pollution. Sensitivity dramatically differs from person to person. Some people do not experience health reactions from certain biological pollutants, while others may experience allergic attacks, infections, or toxic reactions.
Allergic Reactions Allergic reactions are the most common health problem with indoor air quality in homes. Common allergens include animal dander (mostly from cats and dogs), house dust mites (microscopic animals living in household dust), and … (1 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Pollutants In The Home, Part I
- 10/09/10 04:13 PM
Pollutants In The Home Outdoor air pollution remains a major health issue across America, and lots of effort and money continue to be spent either to clean it up or prevent the emission of pollution to begin with. But the air pollution that may affect your health the most can come from sources you don't expect, and thrive in a place you least expect it -- your home. Isn't indoor pollution about mold and other nasty stuff? Not exclusively. Many ordinary activities like cleaning and cooking, even something like redecorating, can cause the release and spread of indoor pollutants at home. … (7 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: A Fire Prevention Week Success Story
- 10/03/10 04:45 PM
It may be Fire Prevention Week, but let's assume the worst has happened and there is a fire in the home. What then? Or, what if you aren't home, but your kids are. Would they know what to do? Back in November of 2007, this scenario became reality at my house. With my kids. This nightmare scenario started while I was at work. Experiencing some pregnancy complications, the doctor sent my wife to the hospital, and I was leaving a worksite to meet her there. I wasn't sure what part of the hospital she'd be at, and I couldn't raise … (7 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Fire Prevention Week: The Staggering Cost Of Fires
- 10/03/10 04:08 PM
In 2009, there were (nationwide) 377,000 housefires that killed 2,590 and injured another 13,050 people. The direct dollar loss in these fires came to $7.8 billion, let alone the devastation caused to families and individuals. Considering all fires across America in 2009, There were 3,010 civilians that lost their lives as the result of fire. There were 17,050 civilian injuries that occurred as the result of fire. There were 90 firefighters killed while on duty. Fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined. 86 percent of all civilian fire deaths occurred in residences. There were an estimated 1.3 million fires … (2 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: 0-4: Where's The Roar?
- 10/03/10 03:32 PM
Well, the Gridiron Greats didn't quite pull it off, but since the Detroit Lions haven't won in Wisconsin in the previous 19 years, I guess we shouldn't be too surprised. The Packers led 28-14 after Charles Woodson (please pause for a moment and put your hand over your heart for the University of Michigan player who won the Heisman Trophy back in our last National Championship season) scored early in the third quarter, but the Lions were able to cut the lead to two points before the Pack ran out the clock. What can I say? We've lost 20 straight … (2 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Fire Awareness Week
- 10/03/10 03:07 PM
Here in Troy, our fire department hosted their annual Open House. It is pretty cool, because we have six different fire stations throughout the city, and each station hosts their own unique Open House. It is a great time learn about fire safety, about how the department works, and to meet some amazing firefighters and take pride in their excellent work. I always enjoy heading out and watching the different demonstrations. One of my favorites is watching a team of firefighters tear open a car, simulating the extraction of automobile accident victims. The car is opened like a can of … (3 comments)
troy michigan home inspections: Mixing Household Chemicals Can Be Hazardous To Your Health
- 10/01/10 05:42 PM
Don't Die Cleaning The House Cleaning the house? Watch out... mixing common household cleaning products can cause serious injuries. And I am not being silly or alarmist. Some stuff just isn't mean to mix unless you are taping an episode of MythBusters. Let's limit our chemicals to some simple cleaning items that should never be mixed. We'll cover why in a bit. Bleach and ammonia Bleach and acids Using two drain cleaners together (or one immediately following the other) Where Is Bleach Found In The House? Bleach is found in pool products, laundry products and many disinfectants. The active … (29 comments)
Choosing Firewood What makes good firewood for wintertime fuel in the fireplace? Seasoned Wood It helps to use wood that burns easy. All firewood contains water, and freshly cut (or green) wood can be up to 45% moisture content. This causes uneven burning, lots of smoke and ash, and generally smells bad. Seasoned wood, however, contains about 20-25% moisture content. Tiny radial cracks along the cross-sections of a split log indicate that the wood is dry and ready to use. If the firewood is cut about six months in advance and stored properly, the sun and wind will dry it out … (2 comments)
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