Rochester MN Home Inspector Discusses Building A New Deck

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.

Rochester Mn Home Inspector Recommends Carbon Monixide Detectors

What is Carbon Monoxide and why do I need a Carbon Monoxide Detector? Yes, Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and potentially dangerous gas produced when fuel burns without enough air for complete combustion. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, paleness and cherry red lips and ears. If symptoms are noticed, it is advised that you immediately open windows and doors to ventilate the home or structure, call 911 and get outside into fresh air. Later, have appliances checked carefully by a qualified heating contractor.

When doing a home inspecion I look for, and note whether there are Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors in all applicable locations. Make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and within 10 feet of sleeping areas, in rooms over or near a garage, in the basement or other isolated area, and in rooms where space heaters are used. Detectors that have been verified by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and have been manufactured after October 1995 conform to minimum alarm requirements. Those marked UL 2034 or IAS 6-96 have met the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. Follow the directions for installing and using the detector carefully.

To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:  Your chimney and flue should be checked and cleaned every year. Have a qualified inspector check appliances and heating systems each year.  Make sure all home appliances have adequate ventilation. Carbon Monoxide detectors should not be relied upon as a substitute maintaining appliances, furnaces or chimneys. The flames in appliances and heating systems burners should be blue, not orange. Never use a gas range as a space heater. Never run an automobile or gasoline engine in an enclosed space.  Charcoal grills should never be used indoors indoors.

Rochester MN Home Inspection Company Shares Sump Pump Basics

Sump Pump

The sump pump protects your home from groundwater forcing its way down through the soil into that hole in the ground we call a basement. A drain tile system below the basement floor will channel water into the sump pump basket.  When the water level hits the float in the sump basket, the sump pump lifts this water to the surface outside or into an underground storm sewer pipe that drains away from your home.

The sump pump and drainage system is separate from the sanitary sewer system that drains waste water from your home to the septic system or to a sanitary sewer treatment plant.  Your sump pump should not discharge to the sanitary sewer.

During the home inspection, a home inspector will look for indication of water in the sump basket, and will test that the sump pump operates.  Test your sump pump every few months. Start the pump by adding water to the sump basket or by lifting the float. The pump should start when the water is 8 to 12 inches below the basement floor slab. The water in the sump basket should be clear, without roots or debris. Watch to be sure the pump removes water from the crock.

The pump may have a float on the end of a rod or wire. Be sure the float operates easily and can't rub against the sump basket or the cover. If the float sticks, the pump will not run, and your basement could have some flooding.

If the pump is older and worn, rusty, or noisy, it should be replaced. The pump should be securely mounted in the sump basket. The power supply should be from an outlet, not an extension cord, and the plug should be securely fastened to the outlet.

If the pump runs more than several times per day or runs often during heavy rain, you should have a spare pump or even a second pump mounted in the sump basket. The second pump could have a float set for a higher water level so that the second pump only runs if the first pump fails. If you live in an area in Southeastern MN where the electrical power fails during storms, I would consider a battery backup for the pump system.

You might also want to consider installing an alarm that will alert you if the sump pump fails. This could save considerable damage from flooding that could result from this failure. Options range from expensive home alarm systems to a simple battery-operated water alarm. You can pick up a water alarm at your locat building supply center.

The Water Detector is a palm-sized unit operated by a 9-volt battery. When in contact with water, it continuously emits an alarm for up to 72 hours. The unit will float and continue to sound an alarm during a flood.