In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Prepare Your Home for Old Man Winter and save Energy & Money
Everyone puts off those last minute maintenance chores until the weather turns cold. We are bringing you a list of items that will make the transition into winter mode that much easier.
Heating
Having your furnace inspected and is operating at peak efficiency is a wise investment. Typical cost for a technician to inspect and clean your furnace is around $80 to $100.00. This is a small price to pay to avoid a costly repair on the coldest day of the year when your furnace won’t start. Change your furnace filter every 30 days or so, if you have animals who shed hair a more frequent replacement might be required.
Check or have your chimney checked for any cracks, missing brick or mortar or loose rain cap. The freezing thawing action of water penetrating small cracks can do a lot of damage over the winter season. If you have a wood burning fireplace you should consider having it cleaned prior to use and have the flue tiles inspected for any cracks or deficiencies.
If you have ceiling fans now is a good time to clean the dust and lint off the blades and reverse direction of motor. Forcing the warm air down will make your living area feel much more cosy.
Windows & Doors
Clean your windows and doors inside and out. This is a great time to check your seals and exterior caulking. Ensuring your seams on brick and concrete window sills are not open can save you a lot of money on needless repairs later on. Water can enter your exposed seams cracking mortar and eventually damaging the brick below. This “spalling” as it is known, happens when clay style brick absorbs moisture, which then freezes and blows off part of the brick surface.
Check all your door closures to ensure they all operate smoothly. Screen doors should have glass panels lowered or installed on older models. Basement windows screens in window wells are susceptible to damage from rodents and other small animals. Screens should be removed and stored for the winter. Replace any damaged door seals or sweeps to prevent drafts from entering home during the cold months. Operate your garage doors and lightly grease track for smoother and quieter operation.
Roofs & Gutters
Inspect your roofs shingles for any damaged or missing tabs. Pay close attention to any flashings on walls or chimneys to ensure that they are completely sealed. Caulk any suspect areas to be doubly sure of preventing any roof leaks. Clean out any debris in gutters and ensure your downspouts and extensions are in good condition. If you have an older home using heating cables for eaves or downspouts, now is a good time to ensure that they are in good working order. Put away your rain barrels and ensure your splash pads and extensions are directing water away from your home.
Plumbing
Drain all your exterior water lines to prevent freezing. I personally always leave the exterior tap open and have never had a freeze up problem. If you have hose reels installed, now is a good time to store them after draining out the water. On older homes with crawlspaces now is a good time to close ventilation vents and cover with insulation in preparation for winter. Any in ground sprinkler lines should have already been blown out by your sprinkler maintenance company, if not call them immediately.
Wrapping your hot water tank and hot water lines with a insulation can save you money all year long. Check your sump pump by either lifting float or pouring water into unit to ensure it is in operating condition.
Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire departments recommend replacing the batteries in smoke alarms twice a year, and if your smoke alarm is between 5 and 10 years old, replace it with a new one. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your house and one within 5 m of each bedroom. In Ontario this is the law and homeowners can be fined for non-compliance. Smoke detector information
Drafts & Air Leaks
Energy experts estimate about 30% of the heat in your home is lost to leaks and drafts. Adding foam seals to exterior wall outlets can stop and lot of heat loss. Check any penetrations on the exterior wall of your house and seal any gaps with caulking, this stops both cold air and moisture from entering your home. Check you interior for leaks and missing insulation at penetrations. Most contractors will not replace your vapour barrier or insulation when they install electrical or heating vents. Replacing insulation and re-sealing vapour barrier can save a lot of heat loss over the course of a winter.
Equipment
Change your oil in lawnmowers and any other lawn maintenance equipment and add some fuel stabilizer prior to storing for the season. Get your snowblower out and ready to go. Check oil and top up the tank with fresh fuel prior to starting. Grease all fittings and check for loose fittings or bolts. Put away the rakes and grass trimmer and get out the shovels and ice choppers. Ensure you have adequate supply of salt or sand for sidewalks.
In Ontario the home owner is responsible for maintaining their septic system. Failure to properly maintain your septic system can lead to contaminated ground water. That is why if your source of drinking water is a well you should have it tested on a regular basis.
Most potential purchasers will require any maintenance or pumping information you have available for both your well and septic system. The typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a leaching bed.
Since the 1970’s most septic systems have consisted of perforated pipes surrounded by stone and sand. If the sand is not available on site it would have to be imported in. The field has a biofilm at the bottom of the stone and sand which is the final filter before the effluent enters the natural soil.
All the waste water from your home goes to your septic tank. The primary chamber allows all the solids to settle before the water moves to the second chamber where any remaining particles should settle. The baffle prevents any floating particles from entering your bed. The expected life span of a septic tank is approximately 30 years. Over use can shorten it life span considerably which is why it is important that a system be properly sized for the house it is serving.
You should keep all toxic and hazardous chemicals out of your septic tank system. Avoid washing coffee grounds and other food items down your drain. Grease and cooking oils create a layer of scum in your septic tank and should not be disposed of down your drain. Plastics, dental floss, paper towels, tampons, cigarette butts and kitty litter should not be disposed of by your toilet.
A quick check of the septic tank can determine whether you need a plumber of a septic pumper. If your septic tank is full to the lid then your drainage field has a problem. If the tank is down 6 -8 inches check the inlet to see if there is any clogging from grease or other products.
Using a garbage disposal can increase your solids by as much as 50% and are not recommended for use in septic tanks. Water softeners pump large amounts of water into your septic system and the salt can be harmful to the bacteria in your tank.
There are two types of Tertiary Treatment systems, that must be approved by the Building Materials Evaluation Commission prior to use in Ontario, passive and aerobic systems. The passive system filters the sewage to produce the required final effluent and the aerobic system has an active blower which adds air to sewage increasing bacterial growth.
When purchasing a new property ask your realtor for drawings or site plans showing location and the date the septic system was installed. Most municipalities or health departments keep these records on file. Having you septic tank pumped and inspected by a trained member of Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services should be done prior to purchasing property.
Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) – What’s the Truth
Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) has been used as an insulating material in North America since the mid-1960’s and in Europe for several decades. It is estimated that 100,000 homes in Canada and 500,000 homes in the United States are insulated with Urea Formaldehyde insulation. This form of insulation was used extensively in Canada and the U.S. during that time, especially during the period from 1975 to 1978. In Canada, the government offered financial incentives for its use and as with most government programs was poorly supervised allowing shoddy workmanship from poorly trained installers.
Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) was installed primarily in wall cavities during the 1970’s as an energy conservation measure. Its appearance is like ordinary shaving cream. Dry, it can be a white or tan colour, and fluffy like styrofoam. To ascertain if UFFI is present in a home samples of insulation must be taken for lab analysis.. It is made by using a pump set and hose with a mixing gun to mix the foaming agent, resin and compressed air. The fully expanded foam is pumped into areas in need of insulation. It becomes firm within minutes but cures within a week. UFFI is generally spotted in homes built before the 1970s; one should look in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and unfinished attics. Visually it looks like oozing liquid that has been hardened. Over time, it tends to vary in shades of butterscotch but new UFFI is a light yellow color. Early forms of UFFI tended to shrink significantly. Modern UF insulation with updated catalysts and foaming technology have reduced shrinkage to minimal levels (between 2-4%). The foam dries with a dull matte color with no shine. When cured, it often has a dry and crumbly texture.
Formaldehyde is also widely used in building materials. It is especially used in glue, foam insulation and pressed wood products, such as, plywood, particle board, paneling, wood finishes and furniture. Many floor coverings, like carpeting, padding, and adhesives also contain formaldehyde. Other products include paper products, cosmetics, deodorants, shampoos, fabric dyes, inks, and air and carpet deodorizers.
The United States had the first problem case involving Urea Formaldehyde which was installed in a mobile home. This mobile home was extremely air tight and the urea formaldehyde was apparently only half mixed and poorly installed. Although there were no directly attributable problems to the insulation the Federal Government banned its use as a precautionary measure. The fears of having a home with UFFI installed eventually created a loss in market value of the homes and the fear of cancer and other health problems coupled with the decrease in property value of homes insulated with UFFI, have given it a stigma from which it has never recovered. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of UFFI in the United States in 1982. Shortly thereafter, laws were enacted to further ban its use. However, in April of 1983, the U.S. Court of Appeals repealed the law, due to insubstantial evidence of UFFI contamination.
Claimants in a Quebec court case took the Federal Government, manufactures and others to court in a record setting case which lasted about eight years. Unfortunately they could not find any homes where the formaldehyde gas levels exceeded the conservative amount of 0.1 parts per million. The court found there was no basis for a settlement and the plaintiffs had to pay most of the court costs.
Urea Formaldehyde insulation is still used in Europe where it is considered one of the best retro-fit insulation products. In 1983 the United States Court of Appeals repealed the law banning its use due to insubstantial evidence of UFFI contamination.
Your offer has just been accepted on your dream home, now you need a home inspector. Many Realtor’s will supply you with the names of their favorite home inspector or recommend as many as three local home inspectors. Whether you take your Realtor’s advice or you find your own home inspector, through friends advice or online, there is some information you should verify before hiring a home inspector.
In Ontario there is no requirement for a home inspector to be licensed. There are professional associations that most professional inspectors belong to, you can go online to view their
The Best Home Inspector in Barrie ON
requirements for membership. Prior experience is a good starting question when interviewing a prospective home inspector, a registered builder obviously will have more knowledge than a factory worker. Professional qualifications from Provincial Organizations are also indicate a higher level of professionalism than some online courses which issue great looking certificates but are a little short in actual knowledge. The number of home inspections and years in business are absolutely the most defining question you can ask.
Because buying a home is one of the biggest investments that most people will make you should plan to attend the home inspection and bring a pad and pencil with you. A good home inspection also gives you invaluable details about your new home in addition to information about the condition of the property. You’ll learn where the main shutoff valves to the utilities are located, how the house operates and more! Asking questions during the home inspection will ensure you are completely aware of any issues that may have come up after you moved in. Remember a educated consumer is a smart consumer.
Some of the items your home inspector looks for which can affect the sale of the home are:
Drainage Issues – Poor landscaping can cause wood rot, wet basements and crawlspaces and even mould growth. Most drainage issues are caused by poor downspout location or damaged gutters. Simply re-grading area around the house can repair most drainage issues. Most home owners are un-aware that water is a natural compactor of soil and will continually lower the grade in an area where it is allowed to pool.
Foundations – Responsible for distributing the houses load to the footing, this is an important part of your home structure. Crumbling or large cracks in the concrete can signal expensive repairs maybe required. Wet or leaking foundations can indicate high water tables or drainage issues.
Roofs – Builders grade roof shingles rarely last much beyond 18 years and typically will always fail on the south side of roof first. Homebuyers buying a home that is around 15 years old can expect to pay for shingle replacement in near future. Replacing shingles on a home is a required maintenance expense that should be budgeted for by home owners and buyers. Beware of double layer shingles, although legally acceptable in Ontario, the added cost of removal and dump fees will just be passed on to the next roof re-shingling.
Electrical Wiring – Aluminum wiring in a home, although still legal, cannot be insured by some insurance companies. Some insurance companies will require it be completely removed prior to issuing a home policy. Some older homes still have older two wire copper wiring with no ground wire or even worse, knob and tube wiring still installed. It is amazing how many times a house will have a new panel, new romex wiring throughout the house and when the attic is inspected there is still one or two live knob and tube circuits. This are exactly the type of things homebuyers need to know prior to purchasing a home. The absolute worst case scenario for home buyers is the renovated basement with no electrical permits and all the work done by homeowner. This is where you will typically find poor workmanship and even life safety issues which could have shocking results.
Plumbing – Water runs downhill, should be pretty simple, but that is not always the case. Although seeming a pretty simple task plumbing is definitely beyond the scope of some people. Improper venting is probably one of the most common deficiencies found when inspecting a home which has had renovations. Missing traps on plumbing drain lines is also quite a common occurrence even though it can allow sewer gas into your home. Many people are unaware that your washing machine is required to have an air gap at the drain to prevent siphoning. Improper Tee used on toilet drain lines are also quite common, the list just goes on and on.
Building Permit – If a home has been renovated and no building permit was taken out, you can safely assume that the hidden electrical, plumbing and building envelope were not inspected prior to being enclosed. Your home inspector will advise you of the possibilities but ultimately it is your decision, which you base on information given to you. Remember, CAVEAT EMPTOR – BUYER BEWARE, once you move in it is hard, if not impossible, to get any repairs done or money back from the seller.
As part of your home inspection you can have a wood burning appliance WETT Certified for only $75.00. Most insurance companies now require you to have your Fireplace, Wood Stove or Pellet Stove inspected by a WETT Certifed Inspector prior to issuing you a home insurance policy.
Call Roger at 705-795-8255 or Toll Free at 888-818-8601
Most homes have gutters installed to collect and discharge water away from our home. Without gutters water would splash when hitting the ground and possibly enter our basements. For every inch of rain that falls on a roof of 1,000 square feet, you can expect to collect and drain approximately 600 gallons of rainwater. Improper drainage is probably one of the main causes of water penetrating into basements.
Installing gutters is easier now with rolled seamless aluminum eaves trough being the most popular type for new homes. Sectional gutters are typically for the Do It Yourself type of installation. The joints in a sectional gutter system will eventually leak. For proper drainage you should ensure your gutter slopes a minimum of 1/2 inch for every 10 feet of gutter. When your length of gutter exceeds 40 feet you should raise the gutter in the center and slope down to opposite downspout locations. This is why it is important to plan your gutter and downspout drain locations prior to starting job. Many new home designers do not take winter into consideration, and as you often find in Barrie ON home inspections, you end up with downspouts discharging onto sidewalk and driveway walking areas.
When selecting your gutter you most likely will have a number of options to choose from. The most common options are material, profile, size, production, and coating. Many new homes and replacement roofs are using steel or metal roofing material. One downside to metal roofing is that snow and ice tend to start sliding off these roofs in fairly large sheets. Many metal roofs have snow guards or other devices which break up the sliding snow and ice before it leaves the roof. The snow and ice slides can rip your gutters right off your fascia even with snow guards installed and many home owners opt for the more expensive steel gutters rather than the aluminum gutter for this very reason. Vinyl and plastic gutters are usually not installed by professionals and are generally considered a waste of money. Seals tend to leak at joints and they quickly degrade in sunlight.
The lower edge of your shingles should extend beyond the fascia board by about 3/4 inch so that runoff drains into the gutters. If the overhang is too short, water will drip behind the gutter, resulting in rotted roof sheathing and fascia, water stains of your siding, and even soil erosion and a flooded basement. Fix this problem by installing sheet-metal drip edge, which is installed under the first course of roof shingles. Most professional roofers will install this product when shingling your roof.
If you have lots of trees around your home you probably have to clean your gutters on a regular basis. Many home owners in the Barrie On area are choosing to protect their gutters with one of the many forms of gutter protection available today. These gutter protection systems range from a clip in screen to a complete cover which allows water to run over the edge and back into gutter, keeping gutters free from leaves and other debris.
Gutter Inspection & Cleaning
Unless you are used to climbing ladders we recommend you hire a professional company to inspect and clean your gutters. Many seniors opt for installing a gutter guard which prevents debris from entering and blocking gutters.
Most people never know they have mice in their attic until they have a home inspection. In the Barrie area I would estimate that 95% of the brick homes inspected with fiberglass or rock wool insulation have signs of rodents living in the attic. Some attics have so many trails through the insulation it looks almost like a normal pattern. Home buyers are surprised to learn that mice can climb brick walls with ease and only need a gap of 1/4 inch to gain entry into your attic. Come winter time your warm cozy attic would seem like Florida to a mouse.
The average mouse has about 5 to 10 litters in a year and it only takes a month for the young mice to become independent. If left un-checked your attic could easily become overrun with mice. Since mice are nocturnal you may even catch sight of one entering your attic area around dusk when they will be out foraging for food and water. Your attics is a desirable location to a mouse. Attics are protected from the elements, are free from predators and are much cleaner than the hole in the ground their less fortunate mouse-cousins live in.
The three methods of preventing or getting rid of mouse problems is to seal, trim and trap.
Seal – Go over the complete exterior of your home, paying particular attention to any dark areas, and seal any gap 1/4 inch or larger. Heavy materials are recommended such as mortar, sheet metal or heavy gauge hardware cloth. Use a powerful flashlight to illuminate any dark areas, if it stays black then it is a hole, which requires sealing.
Trim – Trim tree limbs at least 4’ away from roofs, attic vents, eaves, and utility wires. Trim and thin ground covers and allow approximately 12 inches of open area under plants.
Trap – Trapping is an effective means of controlling rodents. Snap and glue traps can be purchased at nurseries and hardware stores and are most effective when placed in rodent runways between harborage and feeding areas. There are many scams out there which claim to rid your home of mice. Ultra sonic wave devices, although sellers claim success, most studies have found them completely ineffective. Using poison or bait can also leave your attic with rotting carcasses. Most experts agree that placing your trap near entrances and pathways will produce the best result.
Mice an carry up to 30 diseases which can affect humans and pets alike. To clean up your attic after removing mice mix a biocide solution, whether commercial or bleach water at the ratio of 10 parts water to one part household bleach. Enter the attic and, wearing a HEPA filter mask, use a spray bottle or similar to douse the insulation surface and any objects where mouse droppings are present. Wait a few minutes. Not only does water help weigh down microscopic particles that become airborne when disturbed, but the bleach or disinfectant kills germs, viruses and bacteria on contact.
Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will make. Most people get a home inspection done as part of the buying process to help protect that investment. Buying a home is typically the largest financial investment a person or family will make. Ensure your Home Inspector has the Inspection Knowledge & Experience to protect your investment. The Barrie Home Inspector is the Right Choice for you. If you are living in Ontario and are planning on buying a home, here are some tips for you:
What Should You Expect from a Home Inspection
You have to communicate with your home inspector prior to having your home inspected. Ask questions about what is inspected and even more importantly what is not inspected. For example most people think, and even some home inspectors, that a well and septic tank inspection will be included as part of the home inspection. There are licensed professionals who perform both of these inspections and they are usually hired separately to perform their inspections.
A home inspection is a visual inspection of your home and its major systems. Not everything is visible to the naked eye so home owners should be aware that there maybe hidden problems that may show up at a later date. An example of this is a property inspected in Collingwood. Seller had a flood in basement and did not disclose to Realtor or buyer. Nothing was visible during home inspection as pictures taken showed. When taking possession of house client found visible mould on insulation and when mould experts were brought in, it was also found under linoleum. It is almost impossible to protect yourself from this type of dishonesty which is very disheartening for the majority of honest people out there.
Every professional home inspector has a Standard of Practice which dictates what and what is not inspected. Most home inspectors have this readily available on their website and it is highly recommended that you discuss in detail any concerns or issues prior to hiring one. If your potential new home has some issues that concern you, call your home inspector and discuss them before the home inspection to ensure that they will be addressed to your satisfaction.
Inspecting Your Home Inspector
Professional Home Inspectors typically belong to an organization that certifies them. Research the organizations website for courses and types of qualifications that they require prior to certifying members. Is there a background check and minimum amount of inspections required prior to certification. As a Certified Master Inspector you require both a background check and must have performed over 1,000 paid inspections. The Barrie Home Inspector has performed over 8,000 paid inspections and is a Certified Master Inspector. Many home inspectors also have certifications from other professional organizations that are related to the home inspection field. Roger Frost is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association which indicates he is certified for both Part 9 and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code. Knowledge and experience are the key prerequisites for a professional home inspection.
After interviewing your potential home inspectors ask for some past referrals or check on a creditable site such as Home Stars or Angie’s List. Visit your home inspector’s website and view a sample home inspection report. Note the detail and observations, are they what you would expect when you receive your report?
When booking your inspection, does your Home Inspector have lots of available time available, that in itself should be a red flag. Most professional home inspectors with experience are usually pretty busy and to hire a good one you will have to compromise on dates and times to book an inspection that suits all parties.
The Home Inspection
The big day has arrived for the Home Inspection. A savvy buyer will come prepared with a list of questions and notepad for any items of interest that may require further evaluation. Unfortunately most buyers quickly become bored with the time and detail needed to inspect a house and usually end up chatting with the Realtor. I would highly recommend that the home buyers stick to their home inspector and ensure that they are aware of significance of any deficiencies or controls that he or she may point out. At the end of the inspection you will get a detailed overview of the complete home inspection, including pictures of any items or interest or deficiencies. This is the time to go with your home inspector and ensure you understand the significance or potential cost for items identified. Failing to address item at inspection still leaves the option of addressing issue when your read your home inspection report. Most inspectors will cheerfully review your home inspection report with you if you have any questions.
If a deficiency is found by the inspector the consumer should obtain three quotes for the repairs from a reputable and insured contractor. The inspector will not provide estimates nor should they recommend companies to use.
Pre-Inspection for Sellers
Many home sellers end up receiving less from the sale of their home than they expected due to a major deficiency that was uncovered during the home inspection. This could easily been avoided if they had opted for a pre-home inspection. Even if no major deficiency is found, just the fact that the laundry list of little items that require doing can be eliminated from the buyers home inspection report can make it very worthwhile. Buyers could become nervous while listening to their home inspector drone on about missing caulking, cracks in asphalt pavement, exposed wood that requires painting, doors that need adjusting, holes in screens, loose boards on deck and the list can go on and on. These types of deficiencies are common but also very easy to repair or replace. When you go to a car lot, the cars are freshly washed and shiny, your home should be presented that way also, invest in a pre-inspection and make your sale go smoother and get the best price possible.
Double Taps in Panel – A double tap in an electrical panel refers to added wires at fuse connections so as to increase the number of circuits that are available to the electrical system. This is accomplished by connecting two conductors (electrical cables) to one terminal of a circuit breaker, and or two neutral conductors under one screw at the neutral bar. Cutler Hammer and Square D both make a circuit breaker on which it is permitted to attach two connectors, these types of circuit breaker are clearly identified on their labels. The best solution to this problem is to have a licensed electrician install another circuit breaker and remove the double tap connection.
Vermiculite Insulation – Many older homes have had vermiculite insulation added to their existing insulation. The vermiculite insulation that originated from Libby Montana was found to have traces of asbestos present. The only way to determine if vermiculite has asbestos is by sending samples to a lab for testing. Having vermiculite insulation removed can cost a home owner of an average house between 8 and 15 thousand dollars. Having your home properly inspected can prevent you from having an expensive asbestos removal bill after taking possession of your new home.
Window Sill Mortar Cracks – This is one of the most common deficiencies found during a home inspection, concrete split window sills with cracked or missing mortar. On newer homes the builder will typically put caulking over the mortar seam between two pieces of concrete sill. Over time the caulking shrinks and allows water and moisture to start attacking the mortar seam. Once the mortar is cracked the natural thawing and freezing action in winter starts to break up the mortar and the moisture proceeds down to the brick below the sill. Even on fairly newer homes it is common to see the brick mortar under a window sill starting to crack, and in some cases the moisture causes damage to the brick by spalling. Spalling is when the brick (typically clay brick) absorbs moisture and then freezes, the freezing action causes the moisture to expand, blowing of part of the brick finish.
Chimney Caps – New homes have to have a one piece cap installed, no more mortar chimney caps which usually have many gaps and cracks. The requirements for a chimney cap are to be one piece and they must have a drip edge installed. The top of the cap is required to slope away from the liner. Jointed precast chimney caps are also required to have flashing installed extending from liner to the drip edge. A bond break is required between liner and cap which is comprised of a non-bonding sealant that can expand and contract with the liner. Older caps usually had two piece caps which were then sealed with mortar. Unfortunately the mortar tends to easily crack and allow water to penetrate. Failing to keep the chimney properly sealed can lead to damage to flue tile and eventual repair of some or all of the flue liner. Most people opt to insert a stainless steel chimney liner when water damage has affected their clay flue tiles.
Leaking Thermal Seals – Energy saving windows and doors have thermal sealed glass units installed which provide an air gap for insulation. Signs of a leaking seal are foggy or moisture droplets on the inside portion of the thermal unit. Most window units leak from the bottom section of the window where the support blocks are located. Cheaper builders grade windows have smaller and less support which can lead to a puncture of the sealant material causing the leak. Some people, usually sellers, will call in a company to drill holes in exterior glass unit and then clean the window interior with alcohol type product which will easily evaporate or be absorbed by the desiccant material most windows have in the bottom section. This is not a great fix as you lose your thermal seal and you might as well just break the outer glass and remove it and save yourself some money. The recommended way to repair a leaking thermal seal unit would be to remove the glass unit, slider or casement etc., and take it to a local glass repair shop. Some companies will repair the existing thermal unit while others will replace unit with a new one.
Attic Insulation – Telling potential home buyers that there is rodent trails in their attic insulation is not a pleasant experience. Women are especially concerned about the thoughts of sharing their home with some mice. Unfortunately almost 95% of brick homes that have fiberglass insulation will have mice running around in their attic. Mice can walk up a brick wall as easily as we walk on a sidewalk. They can also compress their heads allowing them to access the attic through any small hole or crack. Vinyl clad homes do not have this problem as mice are unable to climb on the vinyl material. Cellulose insulation, which is re-cycled paper treated with fire retardant chemicals, does not attract mice and when an attic is inspected there is no visible signs of rodents in the insulation. My solution on my own home was to blow in approximately 6 inches of cellulose insulation over the existing fiberglass. I have not seen a mouse since then but I would not guarantee that there was no mice living under the cellulose in the existing fiberglass insulation. Rodent trails have also been found during inspections in attics with Roxul and Rock Wool insulation types.
Reversed Polarity – Many times when a home owner has done their own renovation of a basement there are a lot of electrical outlets with reversed polarity or open grounds. This creates an immediate problem which has to be explained to the potential home buyer. When the electrical work was not done properly it indicates that there was not permit taken out for the work and it was never inspected or passed by the approving electrical authority. If this was found in a renovated basement then it usually is a safe bet that there was never any permits taken out for any work including plumbing and framing etc. When buying properties for myself I always assume that if there are visible defects in workmanship found then there will be others that are hidden by drywall, paneling and ceilings. A buyer has to weight the benefits of ignoring the fact that there was no permits or inspections performed against the possible liabilities.
Democrats and Republicans stand by their guns. Taxpayer as usual in the middle.
At the end of September the United States government is going to run out of money. The Republican Congress is threatening to withhold funding for the government. The Republicans have tried to shut down Obamacare over 40 times with no success. Now chances are government employee’s will sent home and services supplied by the government will shut down.
The Republicans appear to have made a grave error in judgement as there is no chance in this world that Obama is going to allow them to gut his pilot health care plan. So either they end up backing down, making themselves look even more idiotic or they shut down government and really piss off the taxpayers and voters.
Interesting is not definitive enough to describe the posturing and speeches that will be viewed by the watching world as another “Republican Crisis” unfolds.
