Useful Tip: Gutters

An inspection of the gutter system should be a mandatory inclusion in a homeowner’s routine home maintenance schedule. Ideally, a gutter inspection should be performed twice a year, once in the fall before the cold winter months, and again before the heavy rains of spring. The gutter system plays a very important part in managing the water run-off around the home. Poor or non-existing water run-off management systems through the use of gutters tend to be the primary cause behind water problems in the basement, as excess water is not properly shed away from the home.

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month's Peace of Mind tip is on the exterior gutters of the home.  You will learn more about how to safely inspect the gutters as the agent for a buyer or seller, and proper tips for gutter maintenance.

A certified inspector will inspect the exterior gutters.

Safety Tips For Inspecting Gutters

As always remember to take caution when working on or inspecting your gutters. Unlike inspecting and maintaining other sections of your home’s exterior, 90% of gutter work is done from a ladder. Remember to:

• Always make sure that your ladder is on level ground and stable.
• Ask for help from a spouse, friend or neighbor to hold the ladder for you.
• Call a Professional Gutter Service provider if you feel uncomfortable doing the work yourself.

Tips for Inspecting Gutters

Cleaning Gutters: In order for gutters to properly do the job for which they are intended, removing debris like leaves, sticks and dirt from the gutters and downspouts should be performed twice a year along with an overall inspection. Clogged gutters can lead to overflows in heavy spring rains and ice buildup in the winter months. Either of which can lead to gutter damage or to potential water intrusion problems.

Check for pooling water: If the gutters are free from debris, and still have water pooling or otherwise not draining properly in any section, this may be a sign of damaged gutter hangers or poor installation. Check that all gutter hangers are attached correctly and are not bent. Missing gutter clips are a common occurrence and can easily be replaced. If all gutter fasteners are there, check to make sure that the length of gutter is pitched downward toward the downspout. In general, a length of gutter should fall one inch for every 15 to 20 foot span and should be adjusted accordingly.

Sagging Gutters: Sagging sections of gutter around the home are most likely caused by bent, broken or missing gutter hangers. Gutter hangers are inexpensive and fairly easy to replace. Repairing or replacing them should be done as soon as possible to help support the added weight of heavy spring rain or the snow of winter.

Gutter Apron: Is rainwater dripping down between the gutter and the fascia? If so, your gutters may not have had gutter apron installed when they were put on. Gutter Apron is an ‘L’ shaped piece of metal flashing, nailed to the roof decking just under the edge of the shingles, that drops down into the gutter. Gutter apron ensures that rainwater coming from the roof is routed appropriately directly into the gutter and not able to sneak behind it. If not installed, water that seeps behind the gutter can cause fascia damage and limit the effectiveness of the gutter system.

Holes & Cracks in Gutters: Inspect the gutters for any holes or cracks that may need to be repaired. Holes or cracks in the gutters can typically be repaired by adhering a patch of the same or similar material, to the damaged spot.

Make Sure All Connections Are Secure: When doing your gutter inspection check to make sure that all the connections, where gutter lengths are connected, gutter meets downspout, or sections of downspout, are fastened together tightly. Check for broken or missing rivets, which if found, should be drilled and replaced.

Make Sure Gutter System is Fastened to the Home Securely: Check that all downspout fasteners, where downspouts are fastened to the siding or exterior elevations home, are secure. If a section of downspout is torn off due to wind, heavy snow, or ice because of a loose or missing fastener, it may not only damage the gutter beyond repair, it may also cause unnecessary collateral damage to the siding.

For more information on peace of mind services and to view a sample home inspection report book please visit our website at www.peaceofmindhi.net.

Source: Trinity Exteriors, Inc

Maintenance Tips for Spring

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year's flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
  
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
  
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
  
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
  
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
  
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
  
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
  
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
  
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
  
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

Source: HGTV

Useful Tip -- Heating

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month learn about furnaces!

How to Inspect the Furnace:

• Locate the furnace. Is the furnace even there? Don't laugh; theft for scrap metal is pretty big these days!

• If possible, identify the manufacturer along with the make and model of the furnace. You then want to determine, based on the manufacturer's sticker and the age of the house, how old the furnace might be. All peace of mind certified inspectors will recommend that with any unit fifteen years or older should have the heat exchange checked for any cracks or leaks of carbon monoxide, this service is typically offered for free buy your local utility company.

• Check around the furnace's location for noticeable water stains, this could potentially mean the furnace condenser is leaking.

• Check the thermostat. The thermostat should be located out of direct sunlight (i.e. hallways). The thermostat should be level and attached properly to the wall to work properly.

• Test the thermostat by turning on the furnace. Upon turning the system and listen for unusual sounds while feeling how warm the air is and how strong the air flow is from the vents. Move around the house, verifying the vents are pushing adequate air throughout the home.

• Look at the air intake located indoors to verify the filter is properly installed and the cleanliness of the filer itself. If the filter looks unclean, the filter most likely needs to be cleaned or replaced. Make note of the filter type, there are many types of filters to choose from.

How to Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Furnace:

Seasonal furnace maintenance is essential to make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. We'll walk through some of the steps in maintaining your furnace. It is also a good idea to locate a Carbon Monoxide detector badge at the furnace to monitor its safety.

• Turn Off Gas and Electricity to Furnace -- As with all home repairs, the first step is to turn off the power and in this case, the fuel. There should be a switch near the furnace, if not, check the electrical service panel and shut off the appropriate breaker. The gas line will be connected to the furnace in a black pipe and will have a shut off valve nearby. Turn the valve so it is perpendicular to the gas line to shut it off.

• Vacuum the Furnace Interior -- Open the furnace door. With a vacuum cleaner having a long snorkel attachment, vacuum out the base of the furnace and the gas burners. Get all the crevices cleaned of any loose dust or debris.

• Change the Air Filter -- The furnace filter is the one component that needs to be checked and possibly changed monthly during the heating season. Replace it as part of this seasonal maintenance.Watch the step by step video below by Liberty Home Builders!

• Check the Fanbelt -- Just as on your car, fanbelts wear and get loose. Check the fanbelt on your furnace that drives the blower. Inspect the belt for glazing, cracking or fraying. If any of those signs are evident, replace the belt. Also check the belt tension. By pushing down in the center of the belt, it should feel taut and only deflect about 1/2" - 3/4". If it deflects more than that, tighten the belt by loosening the attachment bracket. Then, move the motor assembly so the belt tightens and hold the motor assembly in place while maintaining tension on the belt. Tighten the attachment bracket.

• Lubricate Oil Bearings -- If your furnace is older or if it has a motor without permanently sealed bearings, the bearings will need to be oiled. Find the oiling caps. They may also be on the bearing shaft. Drop a few drops of lightweight household oil in the oil spout below the caps. Don't over oil.

• Replace Furnace Cover and Reconnect -- Once completed, replace the furnace cover and turn the electrical power back on along with the gas. Relight the pilot if necessary.

Source: About.com Guide

How to Change Your Furnace Filter:

To learn more about Peace of Mind Home Inspections, please visit http://www.peaceofmindhi.net.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind 

Useful Tip - Structure

Behind every home is a solid structure or is there?

Every house moves, but the question is whether the movement is typical or represents a structural problem. This month's tip is regarding the structure of a home and what areas you should inspect when showing a home to buyer or listing a home for a seller.

How to Inspect for Structural Issues:

Inspecting the structure of the home is the most important concern to buyers because much of the structure of the home is buried below the ground or hidden behind the coverings, it is important to inspect these hidden structural components by looking at clues to what is going on under the surface. Such clues would be inspecting the following areas:

• Flooring: To check the floor, walk around the room with stocking feet to feel for sags and slopes. Sagging or buckling can indicate failing structural members.
• Ceiling: To check the ceilings, walk around the home looking for any cracks in the Sheetrock and/or plaster. A ceiling crack can indicate deflection of the floor above or movement of a wall where it intersects with the ceiling.
• Interior Walls: To check the interior walls, walk around the home looking for any cracks on the walls or signs of movement. Movement in interior partition walls is more common and less troublesome than in exterior walls. When walking around the home, look for door misalignments; door frames that are no longer square and cracks starting at the top corner of door frames and running diagonally to the ceiling.
• Exterior Walls: To check the exterior walls, walk around the home looking for any cracks or signs of movement. When walking around the exterior of the home, look for any walls that are not vertical, gaps more than 1/4-inch wide or wider at the top of where interior and exterior walls meet, and any cracks on the interior finishes that show up on the outside of the wall.
• Chimneys: Check around chimneys for cracks in the brick, separations at nearby windows, and repaired mortar joints. At areas where brick and siding meet, check the original paint line on the brick to see if the brick and siding are still aligned where they were when paint was applied.

Additionally, many people go to great lengths to hide foundation settlement indicators, so these guidelines are no substitute for a professional inspection by a qualified and experienced Peace of Mind Inspector.

How to Avoid Structural Issues:

The structure is a fancy sounding name for a house and it’s components. The key components of a home’s structure are the foundation, floors, walls, columns, piers, ceilings, roof structure and attic. Every home has a structure and there are quite a few things a homeowner can do to reduce the chances of structural damage to their home. These things include:

1. First, is having proper downspout drainage directing the water flow away from the foundation. With this being said, it is important to monitor moisture in the crawlspace and basement. Often time moisture issues occur due to improper drainage and over watering.
2. Monitor wood structural members such as joists, beams, columns to be sure wood is solid and free from decay. You may want to hire a licensed Peace of Mind pest inspector yearly to be sure your home is free from wood destroying organisms.
3. Monitor the driveways and walkways for cracks, breaks, or erosion that may cause damage. Be sure to pay attention to any growth in the cracks and/or length of the cracks.
4. HVAC systems circulate the air through your home, however; with brush and debris blocking the unit the air movement around the home may be blocked.
5. Regular Yard Maintenance can also have an effect on the structure, it is important to trim all shrubs and bushes at least one foot from the foundation walls.
6. Monitor masonry walls, looking for cracks or weakened, crumbling mortar.
7. Monitor fences, gates, and retaining walls for ease of operation, condition of structure, and materials will also benefit you in the long run to ensure there are no new changes to these areas.
8. Continuous cleaning of the foundation walls and doorways from debris and leaves will also reduce the potential of moisture problems arising.
9. Lastly, cracks will occur because homes do move, but what is most important is to monitor these cracks and confirm the cracks are not growing larger or increasing in length.

Monthly Tip about Dishwashers!

How well do you know your home and its systems?

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, we show what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month learn about dishwashers!

How to Inspect the Dishwasher:

• Identify the manufacturer of the dishwasher. You then want to determine, based on the manufacturer's sticker and the age of the house, how old the dishwasher might be. Every appliance in your home has a life cycle; this one might be coming to an end.
• Verify Air gap or high drain loop. Verify that the drain line is plumbed into the disposal and both are before the trap. Note: If it is draining out of the air gap there could be an obstruction in the drain line. Check in the cabinet under the sink for leaking. If there is water present, this could be due to the fittings being loose.
• Ensure it’s securely anchored to either the cabinet or kitchen counter. You should see two screws and brackets holding the dishwasher cabinet to the kitchen cabinet.
• Open the door to determine if the door is in good condition. Does it hang at a right angle? Does it drop slowly or does it drop all at once?
• Inspect the door gasket. Is it’s hardened or is it loose and supple? Has it become cracked or broken? A bad door gasket can cause a serious leaking problem.
• Visually check the interior of the unit's tub. Are there any cracks or blisters present? This too can cause a leak.
• Inspect the condition on the dish racks. Do they look like they are in good condition? Is the plastic coating on the racks intact or worn?
• Pull the trays out and spin the spray impellers to see if they are being obstructed by anything stuck in the dishwasher. li>
• Without locking the door, turn the timer to a short wash cycle. Be sure to close the soap dispenser. Now lock the door and the dishwasher should start.
• Check under the unit for leaks.

How to Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Dishwasher:

Think about all the time and effort your dishwasher saves you. By taking the time to maintain your dishwasher, you can make it run even more efficiently. A routine dishwasher cleaning is a good habit and should be included with the routine deep cleaning of your home. After you get the hang of it, you can clean your dishwasher quickly and easily.

• Using a small brush (old toothbrushes work well) dipped in hot soapy water, go around the door of the dishwasher taking care to get into the grooves and crevices of the rubber seal. Most likely, you'll be surprised at the debris that has built up, especially at the bottom of the door and around the hinges on the side.
• Scrub well. You may need to use a soft abrasive cleanser, such as Soft Scrub® to remove the dried and baked on grime.
• Using a household sponge dipped in hot soapy water, wipe off the dirt and grime that you stirred up with the brush. Go over the inside of the door and scrub any obvious areas inside the dishwasher that may have stuck-on food, such as out of reach corners.
• Using a clean wet sponge or dishrag, wipe the cleaning solution from the gasket and the door.
• Pull the bottom rack out and examine the drain area. Wipe around it to be sure there are no hard chunks that can plug the drain, cause damage to the pump or scratch dishes. You'd be surprised at what dishwasher repairmen find - bones, crab shells, chips of glass, and even small pieces of gravel!
• Then place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with plain white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Using the hottest water available, run the dishwasher through a cycle - except for the cup of vinegar, the dishwasher needs to be empty. The vinegar will help to wash away the loose, greasy grime, sanitizes, and helps remove the musty odor. Note: If you don't have any white vinegar, you may substitute a packet of unsweetened lemonade mix in the soap cup. Don't experiment with other flavors as they may stain the inside of your dishwasher. Baking soda is also effective at freshening and brightening your dishwasher. Just sprinkle a cupful around the bottom of the tub and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water. Baking soda is also helpful in removing stains.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind.

Monthly Tip about Hot Water Heaters!

How well do you know your home and its systems?

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, providing information to help your clients and yourself live better in your homes is what we do. Each month we provide home safety tips and do-it-yourself checklists to inform you what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to regulations. You will not only learn what items you should be aware of when showing a home to buyer or listing a home for a seller, but also discover how to properly maintain these items. This month’s checklist is regarding hot water heaters.

How to Inspect the Hot Water Heater:

• Starting at the top and working toward the bottom, do you see any leaks, rust, or corrosion?
• Locate the cold water supply line and confirm a non-leaking shut-off valve.
• Confirm the cold water supply line enters the water heater at the point marked 'Cold'.
• Locate the hot water supply line exiting at the point marked 'Hot'. Try running hot water at the closest tap and check the temperature by feeling the pipe.
• Confirm the Temperature Pressure Relief Valve (TPRV) is connected to an extension pipe that drops to within 6 inches of the floor.
• Inspect the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Check for leaking.
• Confirm a drain pan is positioned under the tank, if on or over the floor of living space. This will allow a forewarning should your tank develop a leak.
• Confirm the water heater itself (if gas) is positioned 18” off the ground on a stand. This is required by lenders if the water heater is located in the garage.
• Confirm there are two seismic straps holding the water heater, they should be place 1/3 from the top and the bottom to ensure it is safely strapped to the wall.

How to Maintenance the Hot Water Heater:

Every few months, you should check your water heater for leaks and flush it out to avoid buildup of sediment inside the tank. If these deposits are not removed periodically, the sediment will create a barrier between the burner and the water, greatly reducing the water heater's performance level.

Steps to success:

Turn off the gas or electrical power and let the water cool down a little.

Close the incoming water valve, and attach a hose to the drain valve to run the water into a large bucket, or to a drain or the outdoors.

Open the drain valve, and turn on one hot water faucet somewhere in the house to let in air.

When all the water has drained from the water heater; turn the cold water valve on and off until the water from the drain runs clear.

Then close the drain valve and the hot water faucet.

Open the cold water valve, and turn the water back on.

Also, this is also a good time to test the temperature-pressure relief valve, which keeps pressure in the boiler from building up too much. Lift or lower its handle. Water should drain from the overflow pipe. If it does not, call in a repair professional as this could result in a potentially dangerous situation.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind.

State Farm: Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Home

State Farm provides a great list of seasonal home maintenance and safety tips for your home.

Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Home:

Winter tips
• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
• Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Check the attic for adequate ventilation
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets

Remove the screens from the storm window frames and install storm windows
Storm windows help reduce the cost to heat your home and help prevent windowsills from rotting.

Clean out gutters and downspouts
Cleaning debris and fallen leaves reduces the chances of an ice dam forming. One good step is to spray water down the downspouts to wash away leaves and other debris. A good tip is to place gutter screens over gutters. Read more about ice dams at attic ventilation and water damage.
Extreme caution should be exercised when working on or around the roof. Consider hiring a professional.

Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
This will reduce a home's fire load and the chance of attracting termites.

Familiarize responsible family members with the main gas valve and other appliance valves
Responsible family members should be familiar with the location and operation of valves. If you are unsure of the location and operation of these valves, contact a qualified plumber.

Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and may cause a fire.

Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
If possible, use 3-prong plugs and cords. The use of 2-prong adapters, which permit 3-prong plugs to be used in 2-prong outlets, doesn't always provide grounding to protect against shock. Unplug decorations when not in use.
Use of extension cords should be temporary. To help reduce the chances of overheating, electric cords, including extension cords, should never be bundled together or run under rugs and carpet.

Check the attic for adequate ventilation
Check the exterior wall to be sure the ceiling insulation is not blocking the outside air from the soffit vents from getting into the attic. Make sure the attic has plenty of vents. Caution should be taken in all attic spaces that are unfinished. Read more at Attic ventilation and water damage.

Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Keeping this clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.

Check water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
Replace hoses that show signs of leaking. Read more about Preventing water damage in your home.

Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets
These need to be tripped and reset once a month. If they do not trip or reset, have the outlet changed by a qualified electrician. These types of outlets are required around wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens to offer protection against shock. Only a qualified electrician should make changes in your home's electrical system.




Feel free to visit our website at http://www.homeinspectornow.com/ to learn more about our business and to schedule your next home inspection online!

What can you do better to maintain your home?

Is There Anything I Can Do Better To Maintain My Home?
Inspection reports often identify the same neglected maintenance items. Performing some basic maintenance can help keep your home in better condition, thus reducing the chance of those conditions showing up on the inspection report. To present a better maintained home to perspective buyers follow these tips from the California Real Estate Inspection Association. Most of these items can be accomplished with little or no cost, while the benefits of selling a well maintained home can be worth the effort:

• Clean both rain gutters and any roof debris and trim back excessive foliage from the exterior siding.

• Divert all water away from the house (for example, rain-gutter downspouts, sump pump discharge locations, and clean out garage and basement interiors.

• Clean or replace all furnace filters.

• Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding (preferable 6-8 inches of clearance).

• Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows, doors, and all exterior wall penetrations.

• Make sure all windows and doors are in proper operating condition; replace cracked windowpanes.

• Replace burned out light bulbs.

• Make sure all of the plumbing fixtures are in spotless condition (toilets, tubs, showers, sinks) and in proper working order (repair leaks).

• Provide clear access to both attic and foundation crawl spaces, heating/cooling systems, water heater/s, electrical main and distribution panels and remove the car/s from the garage.

• And finally, if the house is vacant make sure that all utilities are turned on. Should the water, gas or electric be off at the time of inspection the inspector will not turn them on. Therefore, the inspection process will be incomplete, which may possibly affect the time frame in removing sales contract contingencies.


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