Unlined Chimneys: Protecting the Hidden Structure
During the summer, chimneys are often an afterthought that are not given much consideration. Come winter, the warmth and comfort associated with a nice fireplace is something most homeowners look forward to. However, [...]
Underground Oil Tanks in Portland: Hidden Costs
Once a common form of heating in Portland, oil fueled furnaces have become largely replaced by gas and electricity as a primary source of heat. Oil furnaces required large amounts of oil to continue [...]
Dryer Vent Fires
A common and heavily used household appliance, the clothes dryer revolutionized the amount of time that people spent cleaning and drying clothes when it was first developed in 1938. While this machine is both [...]
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: What Are They and Where Should They Be?
Since their creation by Charles Dalziel in 1961, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) have become a commonplace item in homes and have saved countless lives from electrocution. But how do these devices work and [...]
High Water Pressure
High Water Pressure in the Home: The majority of homes in the Greater Portland and Vancouver area that are connected to the municipal water supply receive water at a pressure of 40 to 80 [...]
Recessed Lighting and Insulation Contact
Recessed lighting is a popular feature in both new construction and in remodeled homes, but an important safety factor is not obvious. Some recessed light fixtures are designed to be safe for insulation contact [...]