Prevent Further Damage Now!

As a Tennessee home inspector I find this situation more often than you can believe.   Letting the family dog have full range of the back yard and marking his area can lead to problems, especially when one of his target areas is the air conditioning unit. This habit will corrode and deteriorate the cooling fins making the unit less efficient. Install a wire fence to keep Fido away from the unit and use a garden hose with low pressure water to keep the fins clean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your looking for a home inspector in Tennessee

Give In-House Inspections A Call Today: Call 901-489-1913
Or Click Here to Request Your Home Inspection Online

We Have the Training and Experience to Help Protect Your Investment

• Certified, Insured, and Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi.
• Serving Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette Counties in west Tennessee.
• Serving Desoto, Marshall, and Tate Counties in north Mississippi.
• Computer generated reports within 24 hours of inspection using Home Gauge Report Systems.
• Moisture and Mold problem analysis and testing.
• Certified through the American Home Inspection Training Institute (AHIT).
• Member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

We proudly serve families in West Tennessee and North Mississippi.

TN Home Inspector shares Gutter Maintenance

As a TN home inspector  I like to share different home maintenance issues the I run across during my TN Home inspections.  Here is one that is found often. Debris is allowed to build up in the gutter systems and by keeping your gutters clean will extend the life of the gutters and prevent costly repairs from water damage.  Leaking seams are common problems with gutters that if not repaired will cause damage to the facia and soffit boards. Get inspected today!

If you or your friends need a thorough Tennessee home inspection

Give In-House Inspections A Call Today: Call 901-489-1913
Or Click Here to Request Your Home Inspection Online

We Have the Training and Experience to Help Protect Your Investment

• Certified, Insured, and Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi.
• Serving Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette Counties in west Tennessee.
• Serving Desoto,Marshall, and Tate Counties in north Mississippi.
• Computer generated reports within 24 hours of inspection using Home Gauge Report Systems.
• Moisture and Mold problem analysis and testing.
• Certified through the American Home Inspection Training Institute (AHIT).
• Member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

We proudly serve families in West Tennessee and in North Mississippi.

Hardboard Siding.

Hardboard siding is very common on houses in this area. The problems with this siding is usually due to poor maintenance and improper installation. Siding in need of paint will swell from water intruding the bottom edge. Siding installed too close to roof shingles will deteriorate from rain water intruding on the cut side of the siding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you or your friends need a thorough Tennessee home inspection

or a North Mississippi home inspection

Give In-House Inspections A Call Today: Call 901-489-1913
Or Click Here to Request Your Home Inspection Online

We Have the Training and Experience to Help Protect Your Investment

• Certified, Insured, and Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi.
• Serving Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette Counties in west Tennessee.
• Serving Desoto,Marshall , and Tate Counties in north Mississippi.
• Computer generated reports within 24 hours of inspection using Home Gauge Report Systems.
• Moisture and Mold problem analysis and testing.
• Certified through the American Home Inspection Training Institute (AHIT).
• Member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

We proudly serve families in West Tennessee and North Mississippi.

Money Pit or Dream Home?

The only way to know for sure if you’re buying a dream home or money pit (my favorite movie, by the way) is to hire an experienced certified Tennessee (Arlington) home inspector. We thoroughly inspect all major components of your new home according to the “Standards of Practice” set forth by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). Our home inspectors expose unknown defects and advise you about future maintenance or recommended improvements about your home. Newcomers, part timers, and good old boys simply don’t have the ability to provide the comprehensive inspection you’ll need.

Our Comprehensive Houston home inspection service covers the following areas;

• Structure
• Roofing System
• Mechanical Systems
• Plumbing
• Attico Exterioro Interioro Kitcheno Bathroomso Landscape

Structure Strength and shape of the home are provided by the structure. The two main components of the structure are the foundation and the framing system. Each of these components are critical in providing the building with long lasting comfort and stability. Major defects in the structure can be extensive and costly to repair.

Roofing System

The roof is designed to protect all the components of the dwelling. There are numerous roof styles and finish materials. Each style and material is inspected carefully for wear, leaks, defects and other deficiencies. Roofing problems that go undetected can cause serious harm to other components of the building. Styles and types of roofs are dictated by location, age, and preference. Your inspector will carefully evaluate the condition of the material used and note defects.

Mechanical Systems

A comfortable and safe living environment is provided by the mechanical systems of the house. Each system has many components and there are many types of each system. Your inspector will evaluate the safe operational condition of each system and report any defects discovered. The mechanical systems encompass the entire dwelling and exterior portions.

Plumbing

Plumbing involves the installation, maintenance and alteration of piping, fixtures, appliances and accessories in connection with sanitary or storm drainage facilities, venting systems and public or private water supply systems. A plumbing system consists of three systems:

(1) water supply
(2) drain and waste disposal
(3) mechanical, ample fixtures and equipment.

Your inspector will inspect and operate all fixtures and run several gallons of water through the plumbing system, checking the overall condition of the system. Leaking pipes, dripping valves, clogged pipes, corrosion, reversed hot and cold water supplies, limited hot water or inadequate water pressure are indications of a defective plumbing system.

Attic

The attic of the home is the uppermost portion of the dwelling, which still remains on the interior. Attics are often used by homeowners for storage and sometimes finished for additional living space if construction style allows and unfortunately even when it doesn’t. When an attic is unfinished and accessible the inspector can inspect for the quality of the construction, the insulation, water penetration, venting, pest or rodent entry and exposed electrical hazards. Your inspector will be looking for signs that may indicate hidden problems as well as a safety concerns.

Exterior

The interior components of the home are protected by the exterior of the home. Exterior compoents of the building include; roof, siding, trim, gutters & downspouts, windows, garage, decks, patios, grounds and related items. Each of these items are inspected for its condition and how it relates to the dwelling. Defects in exterior components such as the windows or siding can affect other components of the home.

Interior

Interior components of the house include all the various rooms and related items, which are not covered in other aspects of the inspection on the interior of the dwelling. Your inspector will go through each room including all visible and accessible areas the house. This is an important part of the inspection because symptoms of larger problems are often visible in the various rooms of your home. Settling can be noticed in the floors and walls. Roof or plumbing leaks may be noticed on the ceilings. Poor quality workmanship on mechanical distributions such as outlets and heat convection may be visible. Your inspector will go through each room making notes of relevant defects.

Kitchen

The kitchen of a home is often considered the heart and soul. This is where the majority of the American public spends most of their time when indoors and not sleeping. Kitchens, which were installed using sub-standard materials and products, will be a source of expensive future upgrades. Poor quality or worn cabinets and counters may require expensive upgrading or repair. Complete kitchen replacement is very expensive. It is normal to spend more than $10,000 on a new kitchen! Recent cosmetic repairs will be looked at carefully to determine the quality of work and whether or not they were done to mask a more serious problem. The inspector will look for water damage around the sink, dishwasher and refrigerator as well as for safety hazards.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms of the home can be one of the most expensive areas to replace or refurbish. With simple maintenance, such as caulking and grouting of tub and shower areas, expensive repairs can be avoided. Many future homeowners badly underestimate the cost of bathroom replacement because of the underlying defects, which require repairs. A well maintained, but outdated bathroom can often be updated at a reasonable cost by replacing wallpaper, shower doors, sink vanity and other minor items. The inspector will carefully check all areas including the tub and shower areas and around the toilet in particular. These areas are more prone to hidden water damage. The inspector will advise you of visible defects and alert you to potential hidden defects such as leaking shower pans, which can only be checked in a limited capacity.

Landscape

Inspections of the grounds surrounding the home will include items such as grading for drainage, patios, landscaping (retaining walls and other alterations to the natural flow of the property), fences, trees and bushes which may have an effect on the home and all other items as they relate to the exterior of the house. Patios and surrounding soil should be pitched away from the house to keep water from ponding at the foundation and undermine the concrete slab. Trees and bushes need to be kept away from the buildings components to prevent wear, damage or present a possible safety hazard.

Give In-House Inspections A Call Today: Call 901-489-1913
Or Click Here to Request Your Home Inspection Online

We Have the Training and Experience to Help Protect Your Investment

• Certified, Insured, and Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi.
• Serving Shelby,Tipton, and Fayette Counties in west Tennessee.
• Serving Desoto,Marshall, and Tate Counties in north Mississippi.
• Computer generated reports within 24 hours of inspection using Home Gauge Report Systems.
• Moisture and Mold problem analysis and testing.
• Certified through the American Home Inspection Training Institute (AHIT).
• Member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

We proudly serve families in West Tennessee and North Mississippi.

10 Important Facts About Mold

Introduction to MoldsEdit

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Basic Mold Cleanup

The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Asthma and Mold

Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma.  People with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to molds.

EPA’s Asthma web site
EPA’s Asthma Brochure
EPA’s Mold page from Asthma web site

• Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics (AAN/MA): (800) 878-4403; www.aanma.org
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): www.aaaai.org
• American Lung Association: 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872); www.lungusa.org
• Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America: (800) 7ASTHMA; www.aafa.org
• Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation fact sheets on mold – www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_50.cfm
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: www.niaid.nih.gov
• National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800) 222-LUNG (5864); www.njc.org

Health and Mold

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

EPA’s publication, Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals , assists health professionals (especially the primary care physician) in diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution problem. It addresses the health problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office. Organized according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet lists key signs and symptoms from exposure to these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action.  Also includes references for information contained in each section. This booklet was developed by the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the EPA. EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994.

Allergic Reactions – excerpted from Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals section on: Animal Dander, Molds, Dust Mites, Other Biologicals .

“A major concern associated with exposure to biological pollutants is allergic reactions, which range from rhinitis, nasal congestion, conjunctival inflammation, and urticaria to asthma. Notable triggers for these diseases are allergens derived from house dust mites; other arthropods, including cockroaches; pets (cats, dogs, birds, rodents); molds; and protein-containing furnishings, including feathers, kapok, etc. In occupational settings, more unusual allergens (e.g., bacterial enzymes, algae) have caused asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human origin can cause asthma in a subset of any appropriately exposed population.”

Consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website

• CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) has a toll-free telephone number for information and FAXs, including a list of publications: NCEH Health Line 1-888-232-6789.
• CDC’s “Molds in the Environment” Factsheet

Stachybotrys or Stachybotrys atra (chartarum) and health effects

• CDC’s “Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds

Homes and Molds

The EPA publication, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home” , is available here in HTML and PDF formats.  This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.  A printed version will be available soon.

Biological Pollutants in Your Home - This document explains indoor biological pollution, health effects of biological pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup. One third to one half of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage development of pollutants such as molds and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions — including asthma — and spread infectious diseases.  Describes corrective measures for achieving moisture control and cleanliness.  This brochure was prepared by the American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. EPA Document Reference Number 402-F-90-102, January 1990.

Moisture control is the key to mold control, the Moisture Control Section from Biological Pollutants in Your Home follows:

Moisture Control

Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.

There are many ways to control moisture in your home:

• Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid  climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don’t become sources of biological pollutants.
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
• Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
• Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.

Moisture On Windows

Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on windows and other cold surfaces. Excess humidity for a prolonged time can damage walls especially when outdoor air temperatures are very low. Excess moisture condenses on window glass because the glass is cold. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier may be long showers, running water for other uses, boiling or steaming in cooking, plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there.

Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup. Consult a building contractor to determine the adequacy of the vapor barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure the relative humidity in your house. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends these maximum indoor humidity levels.

Outdoor Recommended Indoor Temperature Relative Humidity

+20 F. 35%
+10 F. 30%
0 F. 25%
-10 F. 20%
-20 F. 15%

Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers ( www.aham.org ).

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - excerpt on duct cleaning and mold follows, please review the entire document for additional information on duct cleaning and mold.

You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:

There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:

• Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.
• You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation.  For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
• If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
• If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.

Give In-House Inspections A Call Today: Call 901-489-1913
Or Click Here to Request Your Home Inspection Online

We Have the Training and Experience to Help Protect Your Investment

• Certified, Insured, and Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi.
• Serving Shelby County and parts of Tipton and Fayette Counties in west Tennessee.
• Serving Desoto and Marshall Counties in north Mississippi.
• Computer generated reports within 24 hours of inspection using Home Gauge Report Systems.
• Moisture and Mold problem analysis and testing.
• Certified through the American Home Inspection Training Institute (AHIT).
• Member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

We proudly serve families in Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette counties in Tennessee and Desoto, Tate, and Marshall counties in North Mississippi.