For nonsmokers, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in America. According to the Surgeon General, exposure to high levels of radon gas causes over 21,000 deaths each year. Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless, and can only be detected by testing for the presence of [...]
There are all sorts of safety hazards around a home that may not be obvious to everyone, but that should be addressed to ensure safety. Hiring a home inspector to check a home for these not so obvious safety issues can help to protect you and your family when buying a new home, or [...]
Downspouts are an essential part of the stormwater management system of a home, which includes gutters, downspouts, and downspout drains. While gutters collect rain water at the roof eaves, downspouts direct this water to underground stormwater system that sends to water out to the street or downspouts may discharge in a properly sloped yard [...]
Most modern windows in homes are made up of multiple panes of glass which are separated by air gaps, which are then sealed around the edges by a flexible rubber seal. Insulated Glass Units (IGU) can also contain an inert gas in between these glass panes, such as krypton or argon, which help to [...]
Lead paint is a product that was commonly used in the 19th and 20th centuries in American homes and can be found in a vast number of homes built during this period. Lead based paint was a widespread product known for being water resistant and quick drying. However, lead based paint was banned by [...]
First invented by Willis Carrier in 1902, modern air conditioning provides a welcome respite from the summer heat and is a common appliance found in many homes as part of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. While this system is commonly used when temperatures rise outdoors, air conditioners should not be tested or [...]
Roof flashings on a roof are important components that help to deflect rain water from away from roof penetrations and the home structure. Improperly installed or missing flashing on a roof can cause water intrusion issues into the building shell, which in some cases could lead to structural damage and mold growth issues. When a [...]
Fences around a home help to create a more peaceful and safe space where pets and children can use the yard freely without being open to the street or neighborhood beyond. A fenced-in home gives more privacy and can also help to increase the curb appeal of a home and raise home value. However, a [...]
Keeping water away and outside of a home is a critical part of keeping a home in good shape and preventing moisture related issues as well as structural problems. A home with gutters in our climate is more susceptible to mold, wood decay, foundation undermining, wood destroying organisms, and more. Gutters are the first [...]
Roof edge flashing is a component of the roof that should be incorporated into all installations with asphalt shingles and many other roof covering materials. The purpose of roof edge flashing is to direct water away from the susceptible components at the roof’s edges and into the gutters. Roof edge flashing is made of [...]
