The Risks of Chimney Fires and the Need for Chimney Cleaning Picture yourself nestled up in front of a warm, crackling fire, enjoying the warmth and comfort it offers. The risk of chimney fires, which many homeowners underestimate, lurks behind this picturesque scene. In this article, we'll examine the dangerous world of chimney fires, [...]
A slow draining sink, tub, or shower are a common problem and one that we find often during the home inspection. A slow draining plumbing fixture can be the result of a simple clogged trap or it can indicate a more significant plumbing issue that would be outside the ability of a typical homeowner [...]
Fiber cement siding is found on many homes in our areas. It is the most commonly installed siding material in our area today. Most people refer to the siding as “Hardie Plank,” however, that is just one style of siding manufactured by the company JamesHardie. This manufacturer, and others, produce many different styles of [...]
Using a battery pack at the igniter for a gas fireplace can be necessary when the home has lost power or if electricity has been disconnected from the electric igniter at the gas fireplace. It may not occur to all homeowners that utilizing a gas fueled appliance still requires a small amount of electricity [...]
Is your sliding door sticking, grinding, or generally difficult to open? This issue can often be resolved with relatively simple maintenance that homeowners can perform themselves. Sliding doors need to be maintained in order to preserve their satisfying smooth operation, as well as their energy-efficiency and general condition. The easiest maintenance a homeowner can [...]
Moldy sealant is a common issue that can quickly make a bathroom look aged and unsightly. The sealant or caulking around your plumbing fixtures is easy pickings for household mold and mildew with an ideal combination of warmth, moisture, and organic materials such as soap, skin cells, or food particles. The issue can be [...]
Concrete is a crucial building material that has transformed the construction industry due to its exceptional strength, durability, and adaptability. In homes in our area, concrete finds common usage in foundations, patio slabs, and garage slabs. However, like any other building material, concrete has certain challenges that you should be aware of. Shrinkage is [...]
Allowing downspouts to drain directly at the foundation of a home is a common but potentially dangerous practice. Although it may seem harmless, this condition can have significant ramifications that jeopardize both the structural integrity and the safety of the occupants of the home. The risks posed by this practice can result in a [...]
Modern plumbing pipes are often comprised of plastic components. Plastic is a material that has an extremely long life, is durable, and affordable. It quickly became the material of choice for plumbing piping throughout the industry for these reasons. One consideration for protecting various plastic components from potential long-term damage is preventing exposure to sunlight. Sunlight is [...]
Drainage pipes are an essential component of every home’s plumbing system. Drainage pipes are part of a home’s DWV (Drain Waste Vent) system and provide the avenue in which water and waste leave the home. These pipes terminate either into the city sewer system or into a private septic system. One of the potential [...]
