It has been a wet summer so far with no end in sight. You may be noticing signs of water intrusion in your property or looking for ways to ensure that your property stays dry and comfortable. Your home is constantly being tested by the elements and can use hundreds of gallons of tap water on a daily basis. If a home is well built and maintained then there is little need for worry. If this is not the case there could be excessive damage to your home including mold, rotting wood and structural damage. Your home need to repel water, have proper ventilation, have a dry and firm foundation and have plumbing that is free of leaks. Exterior Moisture Problems
Now that you know how you can keep your home dry bring on the sun! The post Managing Water Around Your Property appeared first on Edmonton Home Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger Managing Water Around Your Property
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With energy efficiency in the news it is a hot topic and can make your home more comfortable and save you money. The most common misconception is that drafts are the biggest contributor to energy loss when in reality attics and basements are usually the biggest contributor. Warm air rises and can be lost through your attic if leaks are present. These leaks can be difficult to find and the help of an inspector certified in thermography can help find these leaks. Once you know what needs to be done you can perform some repairs on your own as long as the attic is accessible and you can move around easily. Simple fixes such as sealing air leaks and adding insulation will help to reduce your energy costs and make you more comfortable. If you find a more serious problems such as leaks, mold etc you will want to contact a reputable contractor. Things to Remember You will need to have a work light to make sure you are able to see clearly. Personal protective equipment is also a must. You will need kneepads, coveralls, gloves and a hat. Insulation is itchy and you will not want it coming in contact with your skin. You may find mold or other irritants so an approved respirator is recommended but if not available a high-quality dust mask is a must. Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure you walk on joists or truss’ and are watching for sharp nails and things sticking out above your head. Remember if you feel that the attic is dangerous in any way do not complete any work your self and hire a professional. Biggest Gains The areas that will have the greatest impact on your comfort and energy costs will be large areas of leakage. Leakage is likely to be the greatest behind attic knee walls, dropped ceiling areas and where walls meet the attic floor. Watch for dirty insulation as this is caused by air moving through it. Once you have looked after the larger holes move to the smaller holes. Use expanding foam or caulk to seal the openings around plumbing vents and electrical wires remembering to replace insulation. One area that can be forgotten is the attic access. Ensure that the attic hatch is sealed with weatherstripping and that the attic hatch has a piece of fiberglass or rigid foam board the same size as the hatch glued to the back. Ducts Checking ducting for leaks can be a big energy saver. This is fairly simple to do with mastic or foil tape. Once this is taken care of you will want to ensure that HVAC ducts are properly insulated. Attic Insulation Proper insulation levels in your attic are very important to your homes energy efficiency. You can take a look in your attic and check the insulation level. If your insulation is even or below the floor joists or you see low spots more insulation is needed. Insulation levels are specified by an R-value. An R-value is the measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the value the higher the insulating value. The recommended level for most attics is R-38 depending on the climate and type of attic floor. When topping up your insulation you do not have to use the same type that is already present. Remember never to lay insulation over soffit vents or recessed lighting. Insulation must be at least 3 inches from lights are insulated ceiling rated. Stack Effect You can think of a stack effect like a chimney. During the winter warm air is pushed up through the home and out of the attic sucking colder air in through the basement which makes the home feel drafty. During the summer months the opposite occurs. Cooler air settles and is pushed out of the basement through spaces and cracks and hot air is sucked in through the top of the home. Sealing these holes and gaps can go a long way to increase comfort and save money on heating and cooling bills. We have covered a few areas in the home that can effect your overall comfort level as well as increase your energy bills. It can be beneficial to look at your home as a whole and come up with a whole-house energy-efficiency plan. All the components of your home work together so ensuring they work efficiently together is beneficial.
The post How to Make your Home More Energy-Efficient appeared first on Edmonton Home Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger How to Make your Home More Energy-Efficient The exterior of your home is constantly exposed to the elements; the wind, rain, sun and changing temperatures help to age your home. To ensure that your home stands the test of time you will need to monitor building exterior for wear and damages.
Exterior Wall CoveringsThere are many exterior wall coverings that have been used and are being used today. Here is a few!
Foundation WallsIt is easy to visually inspect your foundation walls for cracking, moisture intrusion and deterioration. This should be part of your regular home maintenance plan.
Windows and Doors
Other Exterior Components
Now that spring is in full bloom take a look around your home to ensure you are ready for the spring and summer storms. The post Protecting the Exterior of Your Home appeared first on Edmonton Home Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger Protecting the Exterior of Your Home This time of year we are all thankful for the roof over our heads. To ensure that it keeps us protected from the elements you will need to monitor it throughout the year. Your roof is not waterproof but is water resistant which means that at some point you may experience a leak. Our harsh climate puts our roofs to the test and although there are different types of roofs there are common things to watch for. You will want to watch for debris that can clog gutters and valleys, loose flashing and any damage to the roof coverings. While it is important to check your roof this can be dangerous. You can use binoculars for a quick visual but you may want to consider calling a professional after a bad storm to ensure that there hasn’t been any damage that needs to be repaired. Home inspectors are equipped with infrared thermal cameras and moisture meters which can be used to find and test the roof structure. Ensure you use an inspector who is trained in thermal technology. There are two roof categories: pitched roof and a low-sloped roof. There are four common roof-covering materials used on a pitched roof and each should be monitored differently.
No roof should be flat; all roofs must have at least a slight slope to allow for proper drainage. Roofs that appear flat are called low-slope roofs. This style of roof can be expensive to repair so it is important that they are properly maintained. If you see water pooling on your roof that is a sign that you need to call a professional to look at your roof. This is either because of improper drainage or sagging which needs to be structurally repaired. Like pitched roofs there are different covering materials used on low-slope roofs. They are:
Ice Dams With our cold climate ice damming can be a common problem to watch for. Heat loss through the roof and heat from the sun cause snow on the roof to melt and run down onto the overhang. The water then freezes above the gutter causing an ice dam, trapping water from melting snow and forces it under the shingles and into the building. Now you should know what’s required to maintain your roof and get the longest possible life out of it. Remember to always be safe and view your roof from the ground and hire a professional for a more thorough inspection. The post Taking Care of Your Roof appeared first on Edmonton Home Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger Taking Care of Your Roof Many new home owners opt not to inspect their new homes prior to possession. With Alberta required warranties and home builder requirements there is time to get it inspected as late as the 11th month of ownership. Once your home is 12 months old you may be required to sign off on your home builders obligations for warranty repairs. This inspection is the time to ensure that there is no repairs that need to be performed by the builder before the warranty is up. At this point the costs are passed on to you, the homeowner. There are options when you come to the end of your warranty. Regardless of the option you choose the builder must receive a documented list of needed repairs and defects. If the builder does not receive this list they may not have to honor your warranty claims. Your Options:
Many issues are due to moisture and water intrusion which can lead to a larger problem if they are not identified and corrected. These can result in structural damages in the future. Your inspection may also uncover areas that need to be addressed by you; the homeowner. Damages to shingles, filters that need to be replaced, grade and landscaping concerns can all lead to costly repairs down the line. When the time is right, review our profile, read our reviews and let us earn your trust. We will provide quality home inspection service in Edmonton or surrounding areas. The post Schedule Your Home Builder Warranty Inspection appeared first on Edmonton Home Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger Schedule Your Home Builder Warranty Inspection
WETT Inspection? What’s that?
We recommend WETT Inspections by qualified professionals PRIOR TO USE of a wood or pellet burning fireplace.
For your SAFETY a WETT Inspection should be a complete inspection of the chimney and fireplace. We do not recommend an inspection less then a Level 2 Inspection; which is a comprehensive inspection of the system.
Level 1 inspections are basic or a very minimal service. If your inspection service provider cannot perform WETT services beyond a Level 1 you may want to evaluate the benefits of calling a Level 2 inspector. A proper inspection (including a sweep) performed on your future home typically costs between $200 and $250.
When Admirable Inspection Services supports you with your future property; the best hand picked inspectors will be present! In many cases our septic and WETT inspection professionals will be there at the same time and ready to go! This allows you to have all your services performed in just one visit. Your families safety comes first.
The post WETT Inspection? What’s that? appeared first on Edmonton Home Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger WETT Inspection? What’s that? Building a new home is an exciting and stressful time. Many people think that if they are building they can forgo a inspection but that is a common misconception. Permits are required and inspections are completed throughout the build. Still many things are overlooked and many inspectors find that new builds are often more time consuming than older homes. A new home inspection is always recommended. Standard New Home Inspection During an inspection the focus will be on defects and deficiencies. Defects are areas that do not meet construction standards or items a that can benefit the new home owners when improved. Deficiencies can also include areas that are incomplete and with your realtors or lawyers support can be listed on your Purchase Agreement. In the case of deficiencies money can be withheld until these areas are completed to ensure accountability. It is also important to note damages as they are not covered by your new home warranty. Phase Inspection Phase inspections are important to ensure that the builder fulfills the contract that has been entered into. Inspections throughout the process allow you to get a better idea of the materials being used and the quality of work. These areas are usually not visible after construction is complete and you have taken possession. New home phase inspections or phase inspections take place over a period of time while the home is being built. Phase inspections usually involve three separate inspections.
New Home Phase Inspections include the following:
After an inspection is completed you will be able to rest assured that there should be very few surprises in the future. Next post we will focus on what the next steps are after you take possession and the importance of an 11 month inspections.
The post Why Your New Home Needs to Be Inspected appeared first on Edmonton Home Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger Why Your New Home Needs to Be Inspected Do you smell gas in the home Edmonton? Natural gas leaks can be serious and the support you need is only a call away.
Repeatedly we encounter minor to moderate natural gas leaks. I have even entered a home with a know leak for over one year time. Anytime you suspect Natural Gas do not delay, know who to contact in your jurisdiction. For this article we will refer to ATCO Gas in our great city of YEG Edmonton Home Inspection. http://www./atcogas.comNatural gas unchanged really has little to no smell. A product called Mercaptan is added to the gas to give us that easy to identify smell of rotten eggs.Do you believe you smell natural gas? Leave immediately. Leave everything as is no need to change lights or appliance settings. Once you have left the home or building in YEG Edmonton contact ATCO GAS at 780-420-5585 or call 911 without delay.
Only a few months ago I was requested to perform a home inspection. One of the first comments in the list of concerns was a “smell gas in the home”. Sure enough they were correct. Our EzFlex Combustible Gas Detector quickly located the leak. This confirmed the presence of a leak even with the shut off valve in the closed position. When your YEG Edmonton Home Inspector is working for you an important tool utilized is the EzFlex Combustible Gas Detector. These small handheld units only need a few minutes to warm up and can last years. A very good investment for any YEG Edmonton Home Inspector for around $200.00.
So we confirmed the leak now what.I in this case we decided to open the windows in order to get a good air exchange. We then contacted ATCO GAS at 780-420-5585. We informed the very patient operator of the concern and discovery. Within no less then twenty minutes a ATCO GAS van arrived. Another service professional was in the home. This guy came prepared with some the best equipment. He confirmed our concern and got to work. This ATCO gas service professional was in the home for under an hour. He had not only completed repairs required to this fire place but also completed a assessment of all the gas lines accessible. A complete system inspection or accessible areas. ATCO is a diversified global corporation delivering service excellence. Best of all there was no cost to the home owner. This is a free safety driven service. There is no compromise to safety, rest assured ATCO offers multiple services to home owners.
What else does ATCO do for YEG Edmonton Home Owners?They will support your emergency when: You Smell Natural gas, Hit a gas line? No heat in your home? or even when you suspect Carbon Monoxide and so much more. Please always rely the the service professionals in YEG do not take risks. Edmonton’s Trusted home and house inspector along with service providers like ATCO are here to help when needed. Be sure to check out our resources page: Our blog for ongoing updates for more valuable information from your Certified Edmonton Home Inspector. The post Smelling gas in the home? Take action appeared first on Edmonton's Trusted Home And House Inspector | Admirable Inspection Services. via Blogger Smelling gas in the home? Take action I get asked all the time “What is the best flashlight for home inspections?”
There is a number of criteria to consider when asking about the best flashlight for home inspection.
Lumens is the brightness of the flashlight and plays a huge factor if you can see a defect or not. A light with not enough lumens will not illuminate drywall cracks or nail pops during the day on white walls or ceilings. I recommend at least 750 lumens and over 1000 lumens is better. Size of the flashlight is also important and you want your flashlight to be handy at all times and not be tiring you out from packing it around all day. Most flashlights weigh over 500 grams or a pound and while might be good for defending yourself I think they are too heavy to pack all day. I prefer the pen lights that are small enough to fit in your hand and weigh less than 250 grams or a quarter of a pound. How do you find a small flashlight that has over 1000 lumens and will fit in the palm of your hand?Thanks to new battery and bulb technology these type of flashlights are becoming more and more affordable. Here are the flashlights I have tried and my choices in order Fenix PD35 Tactical
Over 1000 lumens at peak power and small enough to carry in your pocket this is my go to flashlight for home inspection. This flashlight retails around $100 on Amazon and has a Fenix lifetime warranty. To save money you can also order a package of Fenix PD35 flashlight, 2 lithium-ion batteries and charger here Fenix TK35
If you dont mind a bit more size and want some more lumens the Fenix TK35 boasts 2000 lumens and is still a manageable size for home inspections. This package of the Fenix TK35, 4 batteries and a custom case can be ordered at Amazon and retails around $160
Eagletac T25 C2 XP-L V5
The Eagletac T25 C2 XP-L V5 would have ranked #1 if the price was a bit lower but this flashlight boasts over 1200 lumens, fits in the palm of your hand and has a lifetime warranty. A very good home inspection flashlight and comes in a package with battery and charger. Retails around $125 at Amazon
Maglite ML300LX LED
The Maglite ML300LX LED is a good quality home inspection flashlight that won’t break the bank. Powerful LED bulb and the reliable Maglite name makes this medium-sized flashlight a budget-friendly that retails around $50 dollars at Amazon Flashlights to AvoidEssentially any flashlight under $40 or under 300 lumens. They will not be bright enough or withstand the conditions of a home inspection. Save your money and buy a quality flashlight listed above and sleep easy knowing your flashlight will help you spot the defects that others miss.
If you have any flashlights you would like to recommend for home inspections please leave a comment. The post Best Flashlight For Home Inspections appeared first on Edmonton's Trusted Home And House Inspector | YEG Inspections. via Blogger Best Flashlight For Home Inspections
Alberta is a western province in Canada and is its fourth most-populous province. The “Energy Province” as it is often known for being a world leader in oil and gas industry can also very soon lead in Radon exposure. As per the Canadian Government survey, at least 6.9% of Canadian homes have a radon exposure above the normal level of 200 Bq/m3. The Radon Gas Map for Canada puts Alberta in a high exposure zone. These facts are based on geological data which considers the type of rock formation in that particular area which emanates the Radon gas.
Radon gas is an odorless radioactive gas formed when the natural decay of uranium takes places in the rocks, soil, and water beneath the ground. Once formed radon travels to the earth surface and is quite harmless outdoors. However, when it seeps into a building like a house or a school through the cracks in the foundation, walls, well water, etc. and accumulates inside the building. Radon gas has been the second leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and can be prevented by taking appropriate precautions. Go through this infographic from PropertEco for complete information about radon gas and its prevention which is explained in a simple form.
Lung Association of Alberta Warns of High Radon LevelsWed, Nov 4: The Lung Association of Alberta is urging homeowners to have their homes tested for high levels of radon gas. It’s believed radon gas is responsible for at least 3-thousand cancer deaths a year. Heather Yourex-West reports.
Another source of radon gas is the rock countertops installed in a lot of modern homes. Needless to say detecting radon gas is a job for professionals and YEG Inspections offers complete radon testing. If you suspect radon gas or experience any of the symptoms in the infographic, give YEG inspections a call today to book an appointment.
The post What You Should Know About Radon Poisoning in Alberta appeared first on YEG Inspections. via Blogger What You Should Know About Radon Poisoning in Alberta |
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