Have you ever looked in your attic and noticed black, brown, or white patchy or fuzzy areas present on the roof sheathing or framing? While this is a common occurrence, particularly in regions with high annual rain fall and/or humidity, it can pose a potential health hazard for the home’s occupants. Mold growth can [...]
Vapor barriers are an important installation for all homes. However, vapor barriers in homes build on a slab or with a finished basement will not be visible or accessible. A vapor barrier should be made of 6-mil black polyethylene plastic and is designed to prevent moisture vapor in the underlying soil from reaching the [...]
Many homes built in North America have crawlspace or basement foundations. A crawlspace is a small space below the lower floor for a home, usually 3 or more feet high, that is used for routing building components such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC equipment/ductwork. The crawlspace also allows access to under the building’s subfloor [...]
A home’s roof is the most important building system for keeping water from leaking into and damaging the interior of the home. Roof leaks could lead to mold growth issues, and long term leakage could lead to significant structural damage and expensive repairs. Although a roof is a waterproof assembly that is designed to [...]
Homes that have a crawlspace have a unique set of concerns when compared to homes built on a slab, or on a basement foundation. Since a crawlspace is an enclosed space under the living space, problems can go unnoticed since most people will hardly ever, or never enter the crawlspace. Crawlspace issues that include [...]
Gas furnaces have become one of the most common types of home heating systems over the last few decades and have become more efficient and effective over time. With regular maintenance, gas furnaces can last for many years and provide consistent and reliable heat within the home. However, like all home appliances, they can [...]
When looking for evidence of moisture intrusion in a crawlspace or basement, some of the most obvious signs include water stains on the floor or vapor barrier, decay in wood, or moisture damaged framing. While these defects all point to a past or ongoing moisture issue, there is another sign of moisture problems that [...]
CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) is a flexible pipe that delivers natural gas or propane to a variety of residences and businesses in the United States. CSST is frequently covered on the outside with a yellow or, in some instances, a black plastic coating. CSST is not to be confused with flexible gas appliance [...]
Landscaping can make the difference between an unattractive setting and a private oasis. While roses and rhododendrons make for appealing shrubs, large trees can be a dramatic and attractive focal point for a yard. While large trees can be a great source of beauty and shade, they can also present certain challenges and hazards [...]
Wintertime in the Pacific Northwest brings many great outdoor activities; from skiing the slopes of Mount Hood to storm watching at Cannon Beach, wintertime in the PNW brings plenty of changes to our region. While cold and wet weather can put a damper on some activities, it can also bring a host of problems [...]
