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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.

Now, winter is on the way. What can you do keep your landscaping healthy when the winds are blowing, the snow is falling and your yard is a frozen tundra.

Wind blown or fallen snow seldom harms your plans, but you need to take precautions when dumping or plowing snow. Damage can occur to your plans when driveways, streets and sidewalks are plowed or shoveled.

When de-icing sidewalks and driveways make sure to use product that will not harm your plants. There are newer products out there that contain magnesium chloride. These products will work well in temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit and remains effective longer that some of the old stand by ice melters.

In addition to being a great ice melter, magnesium chloride provides additional befits to plants. Magnesium is a necessary nutrient, and magnesium chloride is used in agriculture. So using magnesium chloride deicers to clear your walks in winter protects your plants and helps to fertilize them year round.

Magnesium chloride’s low melting temperature helps to minimize freeze/thaw cycles. This means it’s a little friendlier to concrete. By reducing freeze/thaw cycles, you reduce potential damage to concrete.

One final thought for those days when snow blankets your landscaping: Snow can be your friend. Snow on the ground helps protect roots by insulating them from extreme cold. And it’s a self-regulating source of water; plants need water in the winter, and snow on the ground automatically provides moisture when there’s a thaw, even if temperatures get barely above freezing.

Following a couple of rules can help you to protect your plants and stay safe during the winter months. Don’t throw heavy snow on delicate plants, and when you buy an ice melter, choose a product with magnesium chloride that can keep your walks clear while protecting your plants and landscaping.

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

Posted on Saturday, November 26th, 2011.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Inspectors Blog

Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Here we are, the end of October.  Summer is over and we need to start thinking about preparing for winter.  Below are some recommended home maintenance tips you should consider before the snow starts to fly.
 
Gutters and Downspouts
If you live in an area that has tall trees, you may have gutters full of leaves and debris.  Check your gutters and clear any debris from them.  Make sure that your downspouts are clear so that the gutters can drain properly.  Also make sure that he downspouts discharge is directed away from the home.    You may have to do this a couple of time during the season to insure that any water from the roof easily flows from your roof and out into the yard, away from your foundation.
 
Storm Windows
If your home has storm windows, now is the time to make sure that they are clean and in good condition.  Preparing them for installation now while the temperatures are still mild will make it easier to install when you are ready to pull the screens and install your storm windows in a couple of weeks.
 
Doors and Windows
Doors and windows should be inspected to insure they close and seal properly. The most commonly damaged seal on doors is the threshold seal at the bottom.  Make sure it is in good condition.  Replace if damaged.  Check the weather stripping around the rest of the doors and windows.  Adjust, add or replace if there are gaps or damage. Proper weather stripping and seals will keep the moisture and cold air outside where it belongs, and will help to control your energy costs. 
 
Dryer Vents
You should perform an inspection of your dryer vents at least twice a year.  Make sure that they are not have lint build up and that the exterior flapper works properly.  Short runs can be cleaned with a shop vac.  Longer runs may need to have a brush snaked through them, or be cleaned professionally.  Clogged dryer vents result in longer, energy consuming, dry times as well as a potential fire hazard.  A half inch build up of lint in a 4 inch duct reduces the opening by 5.5 square inches.
 
Exterior Openings
Rodents know winter is coming so they are on the lookout for their winter homes.  Make sure that all exterior openings are sealed.  In addition, make sure that all exterior vents are screened.  Mice can squeeze through a ¼ inch home, so if you leave openings larger than that, you will most probably have some winter guests.
 
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Monday, October 31st, 2011.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Small Water Savings Tips That Have A Big Impact
Water and Sewer bills can be as high as $500 for the average household.  According to the EPA, you can save up to $170 per year and conserve resources by making just a few small changes in your water usage.  From replacing old and inefficient appliances to making small changes in your home, you have the potential to realize savings.  Below are some tips for you to follow:
 
Bathrooms
The single largest use of water in your home can be attributed to your toilets.  A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water in a single day.  That’s a lot of water over the course of a year.  It is estimated that 20% of all toilets leak, and some so slowly that a leak can go undetected for years.
 
You can perform a leak inspection yourself  to see if your toilets are leaking by adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.  If there is a leak, you will start seeing the colored water in the bowl within a few minutes.  Once you determine whether you have a leak or not, flush the toilet to clear out the colored water and to avoid staining the porcelain.  If you are unable to fix the leak, you could consider purchasing and installing a new high efficiency toilet.    Some of these high efficiency toilets have a dual flush system which will allow for a 0.8 gallon or a 1.6 gallon flush.  There are also toilet retrofit flush mechanisms that will allow you to convert an existing toilet to a dual flush.  These dual flush options can save up to 6000 gallons of water over the course of a year.

Kitchens
Did you know that a faucet in the kitchen, dripping one drip per second can add up to 3000 gallons of wasted water per year.  A drip may seem like a small deal but it can cost you a bunch in the long run.  Faucet drips can typically be fixed by replacing the seals.  Seal kits are inexpensive and fairly simple to install.

Only use your dishwasher when full.  Running partial loads wastes water and electricity.  There are dish washers out there that have half load options or express wash cycles that can be used for small loads or lightly soiled dishes.  You may want to consider one of these models if you are in the market for a new dish washer.
 
Lawns
Of course we all want to have a nice green lawn.  Keeping your lawn and garden green can account for at least 30% of your household water usage.  There are some smart watering techniques that you can use to help reduce your water usage outside.  Watering in the cool morning will reduce evaporation.  Sprinklers should be positioned so that they aren’t watering sidewalks, driveways or the street. 
 

By keeping your eye on a few of the potential water wasting areas of your hole, you can help to conserve a precious natural resource and save yourself utility costs.    

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

Posted on Saturday, October 15th, 2011.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Crumbling Porch Brick Work

Crumbling Front Porch

This is an example of one way not to repair a crumbling porch.  Over time the elements got to the outer later of this porch brickwork.  Mortar and bricks became loose and fell out.  What the home owner did was to provide bracing to keep addotional courses of block from falling out. 

I did not do a home inspection on this property.  The picture was taken from the street of a home I was driving by when I saw the condition of the porch structure.  It is not know if there was any kind of Safery issue related ith the deteriorated brick work.

Posted on Saturday, September 10th, 2011.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Oh My Gosh..., Structural

Garage Door Opener Maintenance Tips
If you have a garage, chances are that you also have at least one garage door opener.  Your garage door opener is one of those things that runs day in and day out for years..until it doesn’t.  Like anything, your garage door opener will operate properly, for a long time if it is properly maintained.    
 
There are two main types of garage door openers used today.  The Chain Drive is the most widely used, followed by the Screw Drive.  At least a couple of times a year you should inspect your garage door and make any necessary adjustments and maintenance.  Below are some tips to help you keep your garage door opener maintained and operating properly for years to come. 
 
Loose Bolts/Hardware
The major problem with garage door openers is the vibration as a result of the door going up and down.  Take a screwdriver, ratchet or adjustable wrench and make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are snug up and tight. 
 
Lubrication
Keeping your chain or lead screw oiled will help to reduce wear, noise and corrosion.  A properly oiled chain and lead screw will operate more smoothly and last longer. You should also make sure that the garage door rails and wheels are properly greased so that they slide easily without binding.
 
Chain
As I point out at many home inspections, it is important that the chain does not have excessive slack.  Excessive slack will cause your door to close hard, and not travel smoothly.  In some cases the uneven and jerking movement from a loose chain can result in cracking at the top panel where the lift mechanism is attached.  Make sure that your chain is taught, and not over tightened. 
 
Electric Eye and Auto Reverse
These safety features help to prevent the garage door from coming down on and crushing or pinning an object, human or a pet.  Make sure that the electric eyes are un-obstructed and clean.  With the door traveling downward, simply pass an object into the light beam.  If they are working properly they should reverse the door to open.  The auto reverse has two screws located on the garage door assembly that are used to adjust how much force will be applied before the door reverses.  If physically obstructed in the downward travel, the door should easily reverse.  If the door does not reverse when lightly obstructed, simply adjust the down force screw until the door reverses with only a slight amount of obstruction.
 
Light Bulb
One of the most underrated areas of your garage door opener is the light bulb.  Most people never even think about the light until it quits working.  It’s a good idea to change your light bulb every 18-24 months just to make sure that it works when you need it.    
 
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Monday, August 29th, 2011.
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Posted in Garage, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

How Not To Fix A Leaking Drum Trap
Leaking Drum Trap

How Not To Fix A Leaking Drum Trap

Not sure how to fix a leaking drum trap?  Well, neither was this guy.  He did however find a way to direct the leak to a drain, in the basement shower below. Some string, a funnel and some old garden hose and we’re good.

During  home inspections I frequently come abross several unique ways to stop leaks from coating with silicone or epoxy, hanging buckets under them and such.  It’s really best to have the leak properly resolved.  Who wants to be exposed to whatever is leaking out of this thing.

Special thanks go out to Trent Martin over at Mr Rooter Plumbing for sharing this photo.

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

Posted on Friday, August 12th, 2011.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Oh My Gosh..., Plumbing

Rochester MN Home Inspection Company Discusses Wet Basements
I just had a home inspection client cancel his home inspection this past Monday on a vacant home.  The Realtor and plumber met at the property in the morning to turn the water on and reported that there was standing water in the basement that was seeping in through the foundation.  As a result, the client decided to cancel his offer on the property.
I can only guess the reason for the water intrusion, but as I discuss with all of my home inspection clients, Gutters and Down Spouts, when properly installed can go a long towards helping to keep your basement dry.
 
The number one culprit for causing water penetration into the basement of a house is rain gutter downspouts discharging rain water right alongside the foundation. All downspouts should discharge the water at least five feet or more from the foundation. If a downspout is discharging water right alongside the foundation, I recommend installing downspout extensions. That is an easy job that most people can do themselves.
Getting the water away from the foundation will help to avoid water penetration into the basement. Close-to-the-house downspout discharge is not the problem of all water problems in the basement, but it is certainly one of the major ones. If a water penetration problem develops in the basement, before you call in a waterproofing contractor, check the downspout discharge area.
 
As already mentioned the correction may be as simple as installing extensions on the downspouts and discharging the water away from the house.
 
One other tip on water penetration and downspout discharge, if your downspout discharges to an under ground discharge pipe and you are getting water penetration in the downspout area, you may have a damaged underground discharge pipe. That pipe may be discharging water right alongside the foundation causing the water intrusion. To determine whether or not the in-ground pipe is damaged and causing the problem, disconnect the downspout from the in-ground pipe and put a five foot extension on the downspout. This will allow the water discharge to occur above the ground. If the water penetration into the basement stops, is will be evident that the broken in-ground pipe line is the problem. If that’s the case, you can either dig up and repair the pipe or just stay with the above ground discharge extension.
 
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011.
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Posted in Basement, Exterior Components, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Summer Storm Damage – Now What?
It’s Summer, and if you haven’t noticed yet, we have had a few storms.  Once a storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, make a careful inspection of the exterior of your home and repair any minor damage that may have occurred.  These things don’t take care of themselves, so taking prompt action for minor problems can help ensure they don’t end up being a major headache. 
 
Below are a few guidelines for assessing and dealing with storm damage:  
 
Roof
Use a pair of strong binoculars to perform a preliminary inspection of your roof from the ground or eaves.  No sense of getting on the roof if you don’t have to.  Check the roof for missing or lifted shingles.  Check the edges, valleys and ridges for damage.  Also take a good look around protrusions such as vent pipes, attic ventilation and chimneys.  If you have to go onto the roof to further investigate, make sure that you can do so safely, and take precautions to prevent injury.
 
If accessible, view the underside of your roof from the attic assess.  Discoloration of the wood or decking could signal water infiltration problems.  If flashings have been damaged, there may be light coming in around vent pipes, exhaust vents, or the chimney.

Even if you are a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, always consider difficulties and potential dangers when considering roof repairs.  If you have any doubts about your abilities, ask for professional help at your local home improvement store or higher a professional.

Gutters & Downspouts

The checklist below will help you detect obvious signs of a failed gutter system.  Clogged or damaged gutters will not properly route water away from your house and can result in moisture problems in your basement.  As many of you have heard me explain – a one inch rain fall on a thousand square feet of roof surface  is 630 gallons of water.  We want to make sure that water isn’t pooling around your foundation.

* Gutter(s) that are hanging off the roof
* Downspout(s) that are disconnected from the gutter or house
* Missing gutters
* Water in the basement or elsewhere inside the house
* Leaking or dripping gutter seams
* Overflowing gutters

Again, if you are handy, you can easily repair minor leaks or sags yourself by patching or adding hanging brackets.  Visit your local hardware store for advice and the proper hardware for these fixes. More serious gutter damage may require a professional.  

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

Posted on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip, Roofing

Rochester MN Home Inspector Asks: Is Your Air Conditioner ready For Summer?
When was the last time that you had your air conditioning serviced? Last year? Two years ago? Never?
 
We’re at the beginning of June  and Summer will be here before you know it! Have you taken the time to make sure that your air conditioner is ready to handle the hot summer days and muggy summer nights to come.
 
In addition to cooling the air inside of your home, your air condition actually “conditions” the air.  The air is cooled, dehumidified and filtered.  This is why it is so important to keep your filters clean and change them regularly.  Make sure that you install the correct size filter and insert the new filter in the proper direction of the air flow indicating arrows.  Always make sure that you can put the filter cover securely in place.  You can reduce your energy consumption by 5% to 15% by replacing your filters at the prescribed intervals.  Dirty filters result in your air conditioner having to work harder to move and cool the air.  Cold air is harder to move that hot air which makes it even more important to keep them filters clean and changed. 
 
Taking the time to perform a little outside inspection and maintenance will also help with your air conditioners performance.  Be careful not to blow grass clippings in the direction of your compressor unit when mowing the lawn.  Also maintain at least a minimum of one foot clearance around the compressor unit to allow for proper air flow and cooling of the coils.
 
Once a year, or when you compressor unit appears dirty, you can rinse the unit with a garden hose.  Use the water stream to remove debris from the fan blades and the cooling coils.  Clean coils and fans move the air more efficiently through the unit.
 
Never run your air conditioner if the outside temperature is below 65 degrees F.  This can damage your compressor.  Also, if you shut the power off to your air conditioner in the winter months,  make sure that you turn the power back on at least 24 hours minimum prior to using your air conditioning system.  There is a small heater in the compressor that keeps the lubricant at the proper operating temperature.  If the lubricant temperature is too low you can damage the compressor unit. 
 
You can use your ceiling fans to help move the cooled air in your home can make it more comfortable with your air conditioner set to a higher temperature than in summers past.
 
If you feel real energetic you could set some time aside to go through your home to ensure that the ductwork is properly insulated, especially in the attic or garage.  Be sure that there is no furniture covering up the vents and cold air returns in each of your rooms.  As you would in the winter, inspect the weather-stripping around your doors and windows to see if it needs to be replaced.  Making sure that your windows, doors and fireplace dampers are completely closed helps to prevent cooled air from unnecessarily escaping your home too.  
 
Try doing laundry or using the oven early morning or late evening.  This will help to keep your home cooler during the day when the outdoor temperature is typically at its warmest.
Lastly, it is highly recommended that you have your air conditioning unit inspected by a licensed and insured service technician every couple of years.  You want to make sure that your air conditioner will keep your home comfortable for years.  Periodic service can prevent unexpected failures, and save you money in the long run. 

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

Posted on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011.
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Posted in Air Conditioning, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Preventing Washing Machine Hose leaks
Washing Machine Hoses

Washing Machine Hoses

Failure of washing machine water hoses is one of the leading causes of residential water leaks and damage.  Your standard rubber hoses have a typical life of up to 5 years. 

There are however, better grades of hoses available that will minimize or eliminate potential for leaks, bursting and water damage. Changing and installation of new hoses is simple and can be done in 15-30 minutes. 

The most common, and much safer hose are the ones with the braided stainless steel covering.  These hoses can be purchased at many hardware stores and are much stronger and resistant to bursting.  These hoses are going to cost you ar0und $30 for the set.  There is a one brand of the braided hoses that goes for about $50 for the set and has a 20 year guarantee.  

Take the time to complete a full inspection of your water hoses.  Replace them if they show any signs of wear or deterioration.  Upgrading your washer hoses is well worth the effort and the peace of mind that you protected against sudden bursting of an old water hose.

Posted on Wednesday, April 20th, 2011.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Plumbing

Thanks Rick, we feel very comfortable in the decision of buying our new home after the home inspection.  You did a great job!.

Suzy & Kevin H. Pine Island, MN.

I really enjoyed going through the home inspection with you.  You made the inspection feel more personal than business.  I will definately go with you for any future home inspections.

Derek G. Claremont, MN

All in all you did a great job. You made us feel at ease and not nervous. Did an awesome job pointing out problems, and GOOD things about the house. I loved the photographs of problem spots in the home inspection picture pages.

Rhonda M, Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942