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Archive for April, 2009

Black Streaking On Light Colored Shingles

If your home has light colored shingles, you may notice black streaking, especially on the north facing side. In areas where there is less sunlight, you will tend to have more dampness. With dampness comes mildew and fungus growth.

The best way to prevent mildew and fungus growth is to provide as much ventilation and sunlight as possible. Of course, this is easier said than done in some cases. Try to keep branches trimmed back on trees so that there is as much sunlight on the roof as possible.

There is no quick fix to mildew and fungus short of replacing the roof. I highly recommend that you hire a professional for cleaning your roof.  Another option is to check with your local Rochester, or Southeastern MN building supply or hardware store for products that are designed to remove mildew. Make sure you follow all safety and health precautions when using any chemicals to treat a roof. Mildew removal products may affect paint, gutters, and plants, so again, make sure you follow all safety and application instructions. 

Another product, which I have installed on my roof, is called Shingle Shield. This product consists of zinc strips that are placed under the edge of the shingles near the peak of the roof.  Rain reacts with the zinc to create a chemical that will prevent the growth of mildew and fungus on your roof. Ever notice how white shingles remain white below metal roof flashings?  Same concept with the zinc strips. Again, you should consult a professional roofer for installation of this product.  It must be noted, that the zinc strips may not remove existing mildew and fungus. You may have to have your roof treated to remove existing mildew and fungus prior to installing the zinc strips. 

If you are planning on replacing the roof on your home, you can also look into shingles that have mildew resistant chemicals built right into them. Or have the zinc strips installed with the new roof.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Monday, April 27th, 2009.
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Posted in Roofing

Steph & Chris A, Rochester, MN

Rick was very helpful when buying our first home.  He walked through every inch and tested everything in his path.  He was able to explain in detail why things needed to be looked at or checked.  I would recommend Rick to anyone that needs to have a home inspected.  Thanks again!

Posted on Saturday, April 25th, 2009.
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Posted in Client Feedback

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter 

 A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, (GFCI), sometimes called a Ground Fault Interrupter, (GFI) is an important electrical safety device in your home.  GFCI’s should be installed in Kitchens, Bathrooms, and any other room with a sink, like a Laundry area, as well as Garages, Exterior Outlets, and near Pools or Hot Tubs. 

 New construction typically has GFCI’s in all applicable locations.  The codes have changed over the years as far as placement, but if you have them in the locations listed above, you should be covered.  GFCI’s will provide a high level of safety in potentially wet areas, with a reasonably small cost, and in most cases they are fairly simple to install.

 Within the GFCI there is sensitive circuitry designed to prevent electrical shocks.  Any current imbalance between the hot (power) and neutral lines will cause the GFCI to trip immediately, thus cutting power to the circuit.  The imbalance tells the GFCI that there is a possibility of current leakage which may result in an electrical shock.

 GFCI’s should not be confused with the circuit breakers, or fuses that are installed in your electrical panel.  Circuit breakers and fuses protect your electrical wiring from overloading, overheating and burning.  Fuses or Breakers limit the amperage that flows through the wiring.  For example a 15 Amp breaker will trip if the load on the circuit exceeds 15 Amps.

 You should check your GFCI’s once a month using the “Test/Reset” buttons on the front of the outlet.  Sometimes GFCI circuit breakers are installed in the electrical panel in place of the usual breaker.  These will also have a “test” button on them.  Keep in mind that only one GFCI needs to be on a circuit.  For example, all outlets in a garage may be protected by a single GFCI at the beginning of that circuit.  Occasionally all bathrooms will be connected to a common GFCI  

 As I perform Home Inspections, I check all GFCI’s for functionality.  About 5-10% of the time I find defective units that either do not trip or reset when tripped. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009.
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Posted in Electrical, Inspectors Blog

Change Your Furnace Filter

When inspecting a furnace during a home inspection, I typically find that most people do not change their furnace filters at regular intervals.

Replacing your furnaces air filter at regular intervals is the first step in keeping your furnace running properly.  The furnace filter’s main purpose is to keep soot, dust, pollens and other particle contaminants out of the air in your home.  Clogged and dirty air filters result in your furnace blower having to work harder.  This makes your furnace more costly to operate and will shorten its lifespan.

Check your owner’s manual for the proper size and type filter for your furnace.  Furnace filters vary in size, and it is important that you use one that is sized for your furnace.  If you do not have access to the owners manual, you can sometimes find the filter information on the inside panel of the furnace.  If the information is not provided on the furnace, you can try contacting the Rochester or Southeastern MN heating company that supports your furnace brand.  Purchasing your furnace filters by the case changing more convenient.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Tuesday, April 14th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating

Josh M, Rochester, MN

As a first time Homebuyer I was a little nervous about the overall condition of the home and it’s systems.   Rick did an excellent job of inspecting these systems and reassuring me of their quality.  Overall Rick was very easy to talk to and very willing to thoroughly answer any and all questions.  Thanks Much!

Posted on Sunday, April 12th, 2009.
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Posted in Client Feedback

Amanda & Siva N, Rochester, MN

As first time home owners there are a lot of new things for us to learn.  You pointed out and taught us a lot about the home during the inspection.  We are so glad Shelli referred you!  Thanks for all your help.  We also love the Basic Home Systems book.

Posted on Sunday, April 12th, 2009.
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Posted in Client Feedback

Maintaining Your Furnace Saves Energy and Expense
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There’s not a furnace out there that can, or will continue to operate efficiently without periodic maintenance. It’s important to keep your home’s heating system clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted.  Replacing the filter regularly will extended life of your heating system and will help the furnace to heat efficiently.  In addition, you will save energy and expense.

Ideally, your furnace should be inspected and serviced by a professional heating contractor on a yearly basis.  It’s best to have the system checked before each heating season begins. Your local Rochester, and Southeastern MN  utility and heating companies offer maintenance service at a reasonable price. If you do your own maintenance, you should have your heating system checked by a professional every three to five years.

The attached video is from a home inspection I did recently in an older home where it was obvious that the home owner did a good job of maintaining their heating system. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Rochester, Southeastern MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog

Building That New Deck For Your Home?

 The backyard deck tops the charts when it comes to home improvements. There are an estimated four million new decks and 40 million remodeled decks gracing today’s homes built annually in the U.S.  This rising trend has led manufacturers to offer a wider variety of deck materials, styles, and options with overwhelming choices. While wood has traditionally won the popularity contest in the Rochester area for decks due to its natural appearance, vinyl is becoming a choice material for outdoor home entertaining due to its combination of carefree maintenance, aesthetics, and value. Vinyl isn’t just for windows and siding anymore.

Why are more people using vinyl when building a new deck? Experts in Southeastern Minnesota say that one big reason is time. Vinyl decks are virtually maintenance-free.  A yearly power-wash to will help maintain a vinyl deck, whereas wood fades and deteriorates.  Wood also requires costly regular stain and sealant applications. Unlike wood or composite, vinyl is color-fast and non-porous, so dirt and stains don’t collect to compromise appearance. Vinyl decks retain their original fresh appearance for many decades.

When shopping for the right deck supplier, keep several things in mind. Vinyl deck systems vary with suppliers. Find a supplier with a complete vinyl package that includes not only basic deck materials, but compatible vinyl rails, posts, and trim to create a completed look that adds curb appeal to your home.  Many companies offer nice looking and functional vinyl deck solutions which help homeowners create stunning outdoor entertaining spaces. Do your research and find a reputable outdoor vinyl decking expert that will meet your needs.

Homeowners today want low-maintenance, natural-looking alternatives to wood. Vinyl deck systems can have the look of wood without the hassles of maintenance. Vinyl withstands heavy use and elements for a lifetime of value and leisure.

 When inspecting a deck during a home inspection I look to see that the desk is securely attached to the structure, and properly flashed.  I also inspect the support structure, (posts, beans and joists), to ensure that they are properly constructed.  If the deck has stairs, it is important that they are sturdy and that the railings are sturdy.  Deck, and stair railings should have gaps no larger than 4″ to prevent small children from slipping through or getting stuck.  Railings should also be firmly secured to the deck framing structure. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Monday, April 6th, 2009.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog

Building Codes

 

When it comes to building codes, most people have an opinion, Are they there to keep us safe, or are they a nuisance?   Without a doubt, building codes are a good thing.  Their purpose is to ensure proper workmanship and to provide for your safety.  Although a home inspection is not a “code check”, it is important that a home inspector keep up on the latest code changes so that any health and safety issues can be communicated. 

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People can be confused when it comes to required building permits and applying codes to work being done on a home.  There are national code organizations that set national building codes.  The best way to make sure you are in compliance is to contact your local officials.  In Rochester, and other cities in the southeastern MN area, you can contact the city to talk to the appropriate building inspector.  In the  outlying areas, contact the county to learn about specific  requirements for your project.  These folks can probably do a pretty good job in showing you why and hw a perceived nuisance is really a good thing.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Sunday, April 5th, 2009.
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Posted in Electrical, Inspectors Blog

Are You Ready For The Digital TV Transition?

Much of  the population, including those of us in Rochester and the Southeastern MN region, have been hearing about the 2009 digital TV transition for quite some time now. With the date of transition fast approaching, what does it mean for you and what are your plans for the TVs in your home?

According to the Federal Communications Commission, between February 17, 2009 and June 12, 2009 full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital.

Experts in communications recommend that if you are currently using an antenna to receive broadcasts you’ll need to either replace your TV with a newer model or get a separate converter box to continue watching your television. Those people who subscribe to a cable or satellite service should check with their provider to make sure they are using updated digital equipment.

For many people, the digital TV transition is an opportunity to take inventory of the TVs in your home and update some outdated equipment. Whether you need to replace the TV in your living room or those dated, smaller TVs in the bedroom or kitchen, many people are looking for deals and want to replace their old 19-inch TV’s they’ve been watching for the last couple of decades.

In making your decision it’s good to know what your options are. One option to consider is an LCD TV with a built-in DVD player — a perfect option when replacing your TV sets. Instead of being left with an obsolete and unattractive model, you’re investing in one that is designed to accent any room in your home and is technically equipped to receive the digital signals.

There are many companies who make a range of smaller, space-saving TVs that are great choices for the digital transition. These models have built-in digital tuners that work for standard cable channels as well as off-air digital broadcasts. When the digital transition arrives, you won’t have to worry.

The 2009 digital TV transition is a good thing. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. Of course you can always purchase a digital converter box and continue using your old model TV’s, but now that you are prepared and have options for every TV in your home, you’ll be better informed and ready to purchase a superior TV to appreciate your exceptional viewing experience.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Saturday, April 4th, 2009.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog

You were very thorough and took the time to explain every question. The inspection report was helpful for a single female, first time home buyer. The photo pages were beneficial in showing where repairs were needed.

Krista K, Rochester, MN

Thank you for being so flexible with your schedule.  We couldn’t have been happier with the home inspection.  Rick walked us through every detail of the home.  Thank you.

Megan O, Patrick G. Rochester, MN

I thought the inspection was very thorough.  Being a first time homebuyer,  I don’t have a lot of experience about things like electricity, sump pumps, etc.  I learned a lot of useful information about the home.

Lance G, Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942