TN Home Inspector shares Gutter Maintenance
January 21, 2009 by Bill Bond
Filed under Common House Problems
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.
January 21, 2009 by Bill Bond
Filed under Common House Problems
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.
Home & Work Fireplace Safety
November 19, 2008 by Bill Bond
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips
Most homes look and feel cozier when they have a fireplace, especially a workable one that the owners use on occasion. But even an attractive fixture of this type can be dangerous if it is not managed correctly or safely. If you have recently purchased a home that has a fireplace, find and read maintenance guidelines to make sure your fireplace continues to be a source of pleasure rather than pain.
When taking possession of your home, ask the previous owner about the condition of the fireplace. Find out whether it was used, and if so, how often. Inquire as to whether there were problems with the fireplace, and if the chimney ever needed or received any type of repairs. It also would be a good idea to ask if there had been any problems with a fire starting from the fireplace or if carbon monoxide levels were checked. Once you have this information, you will have a better idea of what needs to be done.
Get the chimney inspected. Even if the past owners confirmed that the fireplace was in good working order, an annual checkup is advisable to make sure the flue remains operational, and that creosote has not built up to dangerous levels. Besides, small animals like birds, squirrels, and bats can build nests in the chimney at any time, and severe weather can take an unexpected toll, so a yearly inspection is a good idea.
Learn how to start, maintain, and put out fireplace flames. Keep the necessary materials on hand, like kindling wood and a lighter. Do not burn just any kind of materials in the fireplace, as some, like aerosol containers, may explode while others may release toxic substances.
Keep the right equipment on hand. You will want to put up a screen to keep sparks from darting onto the floor or nearby furniture. A poker will let you stir the embers to check for embers. You will need a shovel and a small dustpan to remove ashes, as well as a bin for firewood. Don’t forget to keep a fire extinguisher on hand, and know how to use it. Teach family members what to do in case the flame should get out of control. Install a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in the room to pick up early levels of problem fumes or smoke. Without the necessary items, you could run the risk of letting a fire spread into the room.
Never leave a fireplace flame unattended. Someone should stay in the room or be in and out frequently to monitor its burning. Otherwise, if a problem occurs, it could spread quickly without adequate supervision. Make sure the fire has burned out before leaving the house or going to bed. Don’t close the flue until the fire is completely out, or the house could fill with smoke or carbon monoxide.
A fire in your hearth is a beautiful sight, but it is important to learn how to tend it properly. Get the necessary guidelines and equipment before burning logs in your home fireplace.
For more information on fireplace safety tips, Visit The Fireplace Directory
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).
