What happens when an exterior faucet drips in Minnesota in the Winter? You get an Ice Dome. Two things you want to make sure of is that faucets ar completely shut off and that you don't leave garden hoses hooked up. It is important that the anti frost valve is allowed to drain properly to prevent damage to the faucet
Protecting Your Home From Rodents This Winter
Protecting Your Landscaping During The Snowy Season
We all put a lot of time and hard work into your yard during the summer. It’s late fall and you have taken the time to get things ready for winter. You know the drill: make sure your plans are all well watered before the ground freezes. Move house plans indoors. Clean up the flower beds, remove, cut back, mulch…etc.
Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Crumbling Porch Brick Work
Summer Storm Damage – Now What?
Ice Damming Discussed at Rochester MN Home Inspection
Mold Growth On Basement Woodwork
This video is showing mold growth and staining in a split level basement ledge of the exterior wall. The basement was finished off about a year ago, with the mold and staining starting within the last two months. The owner pointed out this problem during the home inspection and asked me if I could help to figure out the cause. This wall was the only one in the basement that had this problem. All other areas were dry at the time of the home inspection.
Home Inspector creates “Buzz” On A Secret Bee Hive
At a recent home inspection I came across an opening in the side of a home that was housing a bee hive. This video clearly shows why you should always make sure that openings in the exterior of your home are sealed. These bees get into the wall and displace the insulation as they build their colonies. My recommendation to the new home owner was to have these bees exterminated, removed, and then to have the insulation replaced... Oh, and to make sure that all openings in the home's exterior are sealed.
Home Inspector Detects Unsafe Exterior Electrical Outlet
Rochester MN Home Inspector Reveals Unsafe Deck
Rochester MN Home Inspector Discussion On Adding Storm Doors To Your Home
What does your home have that can improve its first impression and it’s energy efficiency? It’s on the front of your home and sits directly in front of your main entrance. I’m talking about your storm doors. Storm doors play an important role in your homes curb appeal and energy efficiency. They can beautify and prevent drafts.
Home Inspector Discusses Mudjacking A Settled Slab
Rochester MN Home Inspectors Disclose Steps To A Dry Basement
Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Staining Deck To Protect Your Investment
Rochester MN Home Inspector Drives By Roof Collapse
Home Inspector finds roof collapse from snow load
We had a lot of snow this past winter and apparently the load exceeded the design specifications of this garage roof. Or maybe deferred maintenance caught up with structure. Whatever the case, it appears this garage is near the end of it's useful life ;-).
Your home inspector saw this as I was passing by and couldn't resist stopping and taking a picture.
Rochester MN Home Inspector Finds Bees In The Basement
Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Sealing Your Driveway And Garage Floor Gap
Home Inspector discusses sealing gap between garage floor and driveway
Quite often during a home inspection I will note a gap between the concrete driveway and the garage slab on the inspection report. Taking the time to fill the gap will be worth the effort. Excess water under the slab will cause the slab to raise in the winter as the ground freezes. The gap can be closed using a filler/backer rod and a self leveling sealant filler material.
The first step is to clean the gap, blowing away all dust and debris. If there is any depth to the void you will need to fill it with a filler material, sometimes called backer rod, or backer rope. This is typically a closed cell synthetic material that looks like one of those float noodles that the kids use in the pool. But a size that is slightly wider than the opening you are trying to fill. Your local Rochester, or Southeastern MN building materials store will have these materials.
Next, force the backing materials into the opening using a putty knife until you have about ¾-1 inch below the concrete surface. The backer rod material will support the filler sealant and will expand and contract as the seasons change. It also provides a surface that will not stick to the filler sealant. If the filler sealant is attached to three surfaces, it may not expand and contract properly and pull away from the concrete.
After the backer rod is installed, add the self leveling concrete filler or urethane type caulk. This material will fill the void and is self leveling. This material is designed to adhere well to concrete and will expand and contract with the seasons. Always follow the manufacturers directions for installation and cure time. Proper installation will give you a great result that will keep the gap filled for years to come.