Common Home Defects

Common Home Defects found in most homes.  This are some of the most common deficiencies found during home inspections in the Barrie region.

Lot and Roof Drainage
Keeping water out of your house in one of the most important areas to be considered in building design and annual maintenance checklists. Eave troughs collect large amounts of water, average is 160 gallons per hour, which is then directed down to ground level to be dispersed. This is where most systems have problems, from missing extensions to reversed splash pads, and it is important to ensure all water is directed away from your home. I have actually come across homes where the sump pump was pumping water out into the exterior corner of the house where the water ran right back down the foundation to be re-cycled again. Areas around foundations are prone to settling and should be built back up to ensure that any water will flow away from home.

Foundations
The primary function of the foundation is to transfer the load of your house unto your footings. Water can enter your home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Cement block foundations are required to be parged and then coated with damp proofing product to prevent this. Poured concrete foundations are required to have form holes sealed to prevent water entry. Minor cracks in foundations can be attributed to settlement of building or shrinkage cracks which would appear in poured concrete foundations. Any crack in your foundation is a potential source of water entry into your basement. If your area has excellent drainage and surface water is not an issue then sealing your cracks yourself could be an option, if not then a professional will seal poured concrete cracks using injected foam or epoxy for around 300 to 600 dollars. Sealing with epoxy will make the cracked area stronger than surrounding untouched area. Horizontal cracks in basements are stress cracks and usually should be inspected by engineer to ensure safety of the home.

Cladding
There are many types of cladding used in homes today, we are going to discuss brick veneer and vinyl siding, the most common types of cladding used in new homes in Barrie, ON. Brick – There are two common types of brick in use today, clay and cement bricks, clay being the most expensive and more durable of the two. The most common defects in brick are caused by poor workmanship and settling of the house or foundation. Checking the brick work for cracks in mortar is very important part of your home inspection. Finding cracks prior to moisture and freezing damage occurring can drastically reduce the amount of work required to repair problem. Corbelled brick corners are an area where cracked mortar is very common but is an easy fix. Step cracks usually indicate a structural type problem is present and deeper investigation is required. Home owners can cause damage to bricks by building planters which allow soil to contact brick, this will result in spalling of brick face and eventually the brick will crumble and require replacement. Vinyl Siding – This product has proven to be an attractive and low maintenance alternative to brick. If not properly installed vinyl siding can come loose which will make it very susceptible to damage. Properly installed siding has to be able to expand and contract without warping, this is done by not hammering in nails tightly and the fastening slot will allow siding to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Washing your vinyl siding spring and fall is also a good idea as this will help prevent staining from airborne contaminants. Vinyl siding is susceptible to cracking, especially in winter months when cold temperatures can make it extremely brittle.

Windows
Windows come in all sizes and shapes with many different types of opening models. We are going to concentrate on mainly the casement style window, as this is the type of window, which commonly has defects. Casement windows commonly have problems with the cranking mechanism. Stripped windows cranks are commonly found on windows in children’s bedrooms and are mainly due to the fact that in the winter these windows tend to freeze up and then when the crank is operated, a stripped mechanism results. Broken seals in thermal units are another common defect found in windows. Windows around 15 years, and older, are usually found to have problems with leaking thermal units. There is a process that involves inserting tiny one-way vents into these units which can eliminate the moisture problem and save you money. The “R” value of windows is not so high that this procedure would create a huge heat loss. Then there are the common defects in windows, which can include, no caulking, cracked glass panes, improperly trims, sagging headers above windows, require painting and last but not least cracked or rotting wood.

Roof
We are going to concentrate on asphalt or fibreglass shingles as this is by far the most common type of product used in new homes today. Shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years depending on quality of product and environment that they endure. Shingles on south side of home usually fail first due to greater exposure to sun and UV radiation. Proper venting is a very important factor that can greatly affect the life of your shingles. Building code requires 1 square foot of vents for every 300 square foot of roof. Ensuring adequate venting is important part of home inspection, a lot of homes have inadequate soffit venting due to insulation preventing continuous movement of air. This allows moisture and heat to build up in your attic and will dramatically reduce life of shingles. Inspecting flashing, valleys, skylights, vents and eave trough are another important factor of your home inspection. Ensure your inspector has a ladder and walks your roof if he is able.

Furnace / Air Conditioning
Furnaces have an estimated life span of 15 to 20 years and this can vary greatly with maintenance being the biggest factor in extending life of your furnace. Your furnace cannot have any holes, be rusted through in any area and must be hooked up to an approved venting system. If connected to a “B” vent, a one-inch clearance must be maintained from combustibles, which also includes insulation. Check your flame color, yellow or orange flames indicate incomplete combustion which may be fixed with a simple tune up from your furnace technician. Many furnaces have no cap for filter cover which allows for both heat and cold air to escape into your basement. Your HVAC duct should be sealed using metallic duct tape to block any areas where air is escaping from your system. Humidifiers are a common cause of water source for damaging furnaces; they become clogged calcium and mineral deposits and overflow allowing water to enter body of furnace causing premature failure of unit. Central air conditioners are essentially a sealed unit. Using a temperature gauge can determine if unit is operating at a level that is acceptable. I use 58 degrees F as a bench mark in testing in hot weather. This ensures that unit will maintain your home at a comfortable temperature. All lines and insulation are checked for any damage or required replacement.

Electrical
The number one concern for homeowners and insurance companies is aluminum wiring. Installed in the early seventies as a substitute for high priced copper, aluminum has generated a lot of negative press, some maybe not deserved. Knowledge of aluminum wire is required to be disclosed by the home seller. Consequently some people are creatively hiding aluminum wiring. This might involve installing wire so insulation covers all exposed wire and running copper from main panel to junction boxes where it is connected to the existing aluminum wire. Adding pony panels, which allowable and recommended, is a great way of expanding your main panels resources. I came across one pony panel, a full sized 100 amp panel, which was powered off supply cables in switch box. This panel was noted in listing as an asset! There are a myriad of minor electrical problems to be checked in your home. Another main panel observation is that many people rather than add a breaker just attach two or more wires to an existing breaker, this is a not permitted and is a potential fire risk. Open junction boxes, missing covers, wiring contacting heat ducts and un-supported wiring are common defects noted on majority of inspections.

Plumbing
The other half of the keeping water away from your house equation is your interior plumbing system. Lack of caulking and sub-standard products or workmanship is also a big offender when it comes to keeping your house dry. Galvanized pipe is another item that insurance companies may be concerned about. Galvanized pipe tends to corrode from the inside out leaving any visible signs of impending failure, which tends to make insurance companies a little nervous about insuring homes with galvanized plumbing.  Leaking or dripping faucets can use a lot of water.  A toilet that does not stop running can be very expensive item when you get your water bill.  I inspected a local 9 plex apartment building where the water bill had tripled in cost over previous bill.  One apartment has a continuously running toilet which the tenant never notified owner about.  Scheduling regular inspections of your homes plumbing system may save you money and prevent a possible water leak.

Insulation
Homes today have a much higher insulation R-value than older models, the standard for your attic insulation is R-40. Coupled with vapor barriers this is a very important part of your homes building envelope. Many homes have lots of insulation but it has been compromised by workmen installing products such as pot lights and ceiling fans and never remedied. The un-suspecting homeowner never realizes the loss of heat and release of moisture that is taking place. I have inspected homes where there has been a sun room added on and for a period of two or more years that complete area has not had any insulation. Vermiculite insulation is receiving a lot of attention due to asbestos hazard. Most vermiculite was produced from Libby mine in Montana and contains trace amounts of asbestos. There is some type of vermiculite that has no asbestos risk, which can only be determined by laboratory testing. Homeowners are obligated to disclose any vermiculite insulation that they know of. This is another area where your home inspector can help and possibly save you a lot of money and headaches. Having Vermiculite professionally removed can range as high as $20,000 for a typical home.

Mould or Mold
Mold has been a inspection headliner for quite a number of years. Mold is present everywhere, outside, in your home and sometimes even in the wood you are building with. Moud requires three items to grow, they are; warm environment, protein supply (paper on drywall will do) and moisture. As you can see if you have any water or moisture problems in your home for any length of time then you probably have mold somewhere in your home. That is why it is so important to keep water out of your home and control the water you do have in your home by the proper use of exhaust vents, HRV units and humidity control. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

Structural
The structural component of your home includes all the items that comprise the supporting elements of your home, which include but are limited to; footings, floors, foundation, walls, columns and piers and roofing system. Visual inspection involves looking for cracks, missing supports, under-sized support construction, twisted or cracked beams, joists, rafters, trusses or support members. Consider your structure as the exterior and interior framework that encompasses your home. Defects in this system can be considered serious and should not be taken lightly as you whole home depends on this system.

For more information on your homes systems or construction visit the Barrie Home Inspector and what professional knowledge and experience can do for you on your next home inspection.

Basic AC Repair

Basic AC Repair.  When you require service for your a/c unit it is prudent to shop around for costs and estimates.  Air conditioners need maintenance whenever they stop performing or when their cooling or heating capability is lost. Air conditioner technicians can assess and repair your unit if financially feasible but may recommend purchasing a new unit if costs are prohibitive.  Newer units are minimum rating of Seer 13 and will save you money over time.

These products have 2 major parts, the evaporator and the condenser. Other major components that may be faulty are thermal expansion valves, cooling coils, supply plenum and return plenum. Most problems are not mechanical but electrical. Before starting, make sure that all switches and connections are functional. Look for tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses. You may also try to lower the thermostat setting.

Failure to go on can result from dirt inside the condensers or evaporators. Uninstall them with great care and clean well. Use a hand mirror and a stiff brush in the cleaning process. Leaking ducts can also result into ineffectiveness and must be sealed using tape or replaced altogether. Valves and ducts are easy to locate in the device once unscrewed.

Air filters assist to remove dust in air taken into the system. If they become defective, the system can fail. Filters may be replaced or fitted by making screws on them tight. Thermal expansion ducts and valves regulate how the refrigerant flows from the input side. Make sure that they do not leak and they are not twisted anywhere.

The thermostat is a key constituent in the working of air conditioner. The least error in them may cause the whole appliance not to work. If the base trips from its intended level or if the cover is not properly fixed, then they cannot function. Restoring the cover and the base to its original level can solve the trouble. Dirt can also tamper with their functionality.

Air conditioner repair is a sensitive and tricky task. Any defects that the consumer cannot fix must be referred to specialists. For people who have no readily available repair technician, using Google is an excellent resource.

For more information on air conditioner problems and for technical assistance visit the Barrie Home Inspector’s Tips site.

Concrete Masonry Applied To Home

Concrete Masonry  Applied To Home.  Many people find concrete as really advantageous. It is a very durable, strong, and flexible material. It can last for years. It is a good insulator. It adds thermal mass that can make homes energy efficient. It is also resistant to fires. It can also be decorated in many ways. The texture, shape, and color can be changed according to preferences. That is why concrete masonry Sacramento can be really good for the home. It can have various applications for your home. Learn then how you can use this for your home.

Walls can be one application for it. Its strength can make for really nice material choice for walls. An effective way of keeping away or retaining heat can be provided too. A look that is timeless, elegant, and classy can be achieved. Painting is no longer required with this as well. Walls that look nice and cost less can be gained with it.

Pavements can also be made out of this. Concrete blocks can be very good material for the pavements. Straight concrete pavements can also be formed and various designs can then be stamped on it. Materials like stone and brick can be imitated by it.

Also in the same way, it may be used also for the outdoor floors. It may be utilized for the steps, garden pathways, and patios. It may be placed with many colors, designs, and textures.

You can also create the swimming pool’s surrounding area with it. A non-slippery ground can be created. Compared to bricks, this would also feel cooler for your feet. Cleaning is also easier with this and the pool’s filter will not be clogged by sand.

It may also be utilized as accents in the many areas of your home. It may be utilized for the fireplace mantel. This would look good and could cost compared to marble or other materials.    For other great articles on cladding or home finishes, visit the Barrie Home Inspector Article site.

The Uses Of Silicone Caulking

The Uses Of Silicone Caulking.  The silicone caulking now used by builders and manufacturers is probably vastly superior to that used by our ancestors. However, it is marvelous to consider that ancient seafarers must have caulked their boats with some substances as they navigated across oceans to new continents long before the advent of writing. Some kind of substance must have been used to keep sea water from seeping though planks into boats.

In modern usage, when the word is used as an adjective silicone means an inert synthetic compound. Having the qualities of flexibility, water and heat resistance, among others it is useful in a wide variety of building and manufacturing situations. However, when used on its own, the word may also refer to one of the elements.

Although water is the most essential substance on earth there are places where it is not needed. In the built environment there are many situations in which the film between wetness and dryness needs to be absolute. For example, modern bathrooms need to be dry and clean but water must be immediately and readily available in quantities. The presence of electrical appliances in places where water is abundant emphasizes the importance of adequate caulking.

The persistence of water is demonstrated in natural water courses where its propensity to follow lines of least resistance carves courses through mountains. In bathrooms, where it must flow, it characteristically seeks ways through and out, often finding ways through the joints between pipes. Unsightly mold and mildew can grow where water seeps. Good builders are careful to ensure that water flows only where it is needed on tap.

In kitchens and other parts of a house caulk is also used to prevent weathering, It can be applied around doors, windows and counter tops to seal and secure domestic situations. Its industrial applications in interior and exterior applications are so innumerable and varied that they defy listing.

Some types of silicone caulking are safe for use in places where food is prepared. Others are suitable for exterior or industrial use only. This distinction demonstrates how important it is to read labels and follow guidelines in the modern built environment. Water is ubiquitous and so must be the chemical barriers between wet and dry.

For more information on caulking and materials visit Barrie Home Inspections Tips website.

Inspection of Commercial Property

Inspection of Commercial Property. The Commercial Property Inspector is a Certified  Building Code inspector with the Ontario Building Officials Association and is fully qualified on Large Buildings and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code. An unknowing inspector may lead you to believe your property is code compliant when you could in fact be faced with spending thousands or tens of thousands in required building code upgrades.

In the late sixties and early seventies, copper prices rose and contractors/electricians switched from copper to lower costing aluminum wiring. Knowing your property has aluminum wiring prior to purchasing could be a huge money saver for you. Many insurance companies will not insure a building containing aluminum wiring and the cost of retrofitting a property could be prohibitive due to budgeting.

Asbestos is another common hazard found in older buildings and removal of any sizable amounts can be very expensive. Class 2 removal of asbestos covers containment, removal of the asbestos, disposal of the asbestos. Workers have to be trained and properly encapsulated while dealing with the asbestos. Penalties can be severe if work is not performed by licensed personnel. Older boilers were typically coated with asbestos and old hot water and steam lines. Having a property inspection can identify these issues prior to purchase.

Moisture and mould can often be present in older buildings that have water or roof problems. Any time you have moisture present in a heated environment you have the possibility of mould being present. Mould cleanup can also be very expensive as the clean up crew may have to wear respiratory protection, eye protection and disposable clothing.

Thermal imaging cameras are used to inspect roofs for hidden leaks and potential areas of failure. We also check electrical panels for hot spots and conditions that might lead to failure or even an electrical fire. Our years of experience coupled with this technology can identify potential problems that can cost an investor unneeded expenses.

The Commercial Property Inspector has inspected Plaza’s, Strip Malls, Office Complex’s, Factories and Industrial Buildings, Churches, Mixed Use Commercial, residential apartment buildings, Commercial Leases and properties valued up to 30 million dollars. We use the lastest equipment and all our staff are highly trained in the Ontario Building Code and have many years of practical experience which ensures your investment will be protected. All inspections are performed to ASTM E2018 standard and report is based on PCA format.

Learn more about   Commercial Property Inspections. Stop by www.barrie101.com where you can find out all about the Toronto Commercial Property Inspector and what he can do for you.

Borden Military Real Estate Experts

IRP Borden Military Real Estate Experts.  Military relocations are our prime area of expertise as all our agents are registered service providers with Brookfield GRS. We have the top Military Relocation Realtor in Borden ON, Bill Forsyth. Visit Bill for more information. We closely monitor the service our IRP Realtor’s provide to ensure a higher standard than can be found elsewhere.

Whether buying or selling your home having a trusted Realtor who puts their clients first is a great benefit to military personnel who are constantly on the move. In North Bay we highly recommend the ReMax Legends agent Peter Taylor who has many years experience dealing with Military Relocations. Visit North Bay  to find our more information about Rhonda’s professional services for your next move.

Military personnel are experienced with HHT’s, house hunting trips where they have a limited amount of time to find a new home, schools for children, and sometimes another place of employment. The professionals at irp-dnd.com will ensure you have all the information you require at your disposal before you arrive at your destination.

Home inspections are an important part of buying or selling your home. Your Realtor can ensure that whether buying or selling, you will be aware of what you should do to your home prior to selling and more importantly the qualifications and experience of your home inspector you can use when buying.

Saving money is everyone’s goal when buying or selling a home. A lot of people do not realize the potential for saving large amounts of money by choosing the right Mortgage Broker. Just a small adjustment of the interest rate can put a lot of money in your pocket over the next five years. The mortgage brokers listed at irp-dnd.com are the best in their profession, and they got there by being good at their profession. Ensure you check out our top producing mortgage brokers for you next purchase.