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Category Archives: Home Inspection

Categories Home Inspection

The Truth about Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning

Out of sight, out of mind is the approach many take when it comes to regular home maintenance or big cleaning projects.

If you can’t see it, why bother?

Especially if you know it’s going to take up your entire Sunday to address.

While regular HVAC maintenance is important, there is debate surrounding one specific area: the air ducts.

The general consensus is that frequent air duct cleaning isn’t necessary, but there are some issues that call for a professional air duct cleaning.

 

Some Air Duct Problems to Leave to the Professionals

  • Suspicion of mold growth
  • Mice or vermin infestation
  • Visible dust coming from the supply registers when air is exiting the vents
  • Dust buildup when changing air filters
  • Black debris around air vent register

 

What Goes into the Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleanings should be performed by professionals, as special tools and techniques are required for a proper cleaning.

Additionally ducts may have to be cut for access by special tools; which requires skill and previous knowledge.

It’s recommended to get a professional duct cleaning once every 2-5 years, but of course it’s all boils down to what you feel is best for you and your home.

Some families who deal with allergies or asthma may consider more frequent cleanings.

 

Preparing for the Cleaning

Site prep is key for a successful cleaning.

While you shouldn’t attempt to do the cleaning yourself, there are plenty of helpful measures you can take beforehand that will ensure a smooth and successful job.

 

1. Review

Along with your duct cleaning contractor, you’ll want to review and evaluate each step of the process so that there is no confusion.

You should disclose any and all information about remodels or HVAC issues in the past before the cleaning.

 

2. Make Space

Just like with a home inspection, you’ll want to make sure you clear out the key areas.

Find out ahead of time how much space around the air vent register your contractor would like. Ensure each register is accessible, and you’ll save everyone time.

 

3. Prepare for Noise

There’s no way around it, duct cleaning can be very loud.

If you have children or pets, consider getting them out of the house for the day as it may agitate them. If it’s not possible for them to leave the house, make sure you have them in a safe area.

 

4. Safety Plan

Even if you plan to stay in the house, you should go over a safety plan with your contractor.

While it’s uncommon, fires are always possible, especially when handling special equipment.

Be sure that you and your contractor both know where the nearest fire extinguisher and exits out of the house are located.

 

While there may be debate around the benefits of or how often to have duct cleanings, there’s one thing everyone can agree on—cleanings should always be performed by certified professionals.

If you have any home concerns or you’d like an expert opinion, get in touch with us here! Schedule your own HVAC inspection and see if an air duct cleaning is in the cards for your future.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Five Common Gutter Problems and How to Fix Them

gutter problems

When considering the important parts of a home, many people fail to see the significance of gutters.

They protect our foundations, help to prevent water damage, and have a significant role in reducing the chances of a flooded basement.

Which is why regular gutter maintenance should be a top priority in your homecare routine.

Regular upkeep can ensure your home has healthy gutters that will serve you for years to come. Here are five of the most common gutter problems and how to address them:

 

Clogged Gutters

Obviously when gutters are clogged they don’t drain which can lead to overflow and eventually more complicated issues within the home.

To avoid any complications from this, you should ideally follow a biannual gutter-cleaning schedule. Depending on the climate where you live, it can look something like this: once in late fall and again in spring (April or May).

 

Overgrown Gutters

Your home’s gutter can instantly become a huge flowerpot if you neglect it.

An overhanging branch may drop a seed or birds may defecate. And after some rain and sun, you’ll have a mini jungle on your hands.

Regular cleaning and extra protection in the form of gutter guards can save you big bucks.

 

Poorly Pitched Gutters

In order to keep water flowing properly away from your home, your gutters should be angled (pitched) properly.

The slope should sit at the correct angle, which is at least a quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter.

If you think your gutters might not be pitched properly, it’s easy to tell—just check for standing water after a rainstorm. Sometimes fixing this is as easy as bending it into place. Otherwise you may need to completely reinstall.

 

Gutters with Joint Leaks

Especially common in older homes without seamless gutters, you’ll see leaks occur where two sections of the gutter join together. Temperature changes, house settlement, and weather all play a role in causing the leaks.

Thankfully there is an easy and quick fix! Just get some silicone caulking and reseal the joints. Be sure to keep the silicone as flush as possible to prevent a dam effect.

 

Inadequate Gutters

A big problem we see when it comes to gutters is that some homes don’t even have a gutter system installed!

You can imagine the issues that result.

If you don’t have gutters or they’re a bit outdated, it’s best to make the investment to have a solid system put in professionally.

We like to recommend aluminum gutters as they can last nearly forever with proper care and regular maintenance.

 

Keeping an eye on your gutters will prove to be valuable in protecting your home. Ignoring smaller issues can lead to extensive repairs and even bigger bills.

 

We Can Help!

If you have any doubts about your home’s gutters or other functions, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection with us today! EIG will put your mind at ease that your home is in good shape.

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

How Moisture Invades Your Vented Crawl Space

vented crawl space

Unfortunately in the southern U.S. most homes have vented crawl spaces.

We have enough research now to know that this isn’t the most effective way to keep them dry. But because foundation vents made their way into the code years ago, it’s difficult to change.

The trouble with crawlspace construction is that it’s more likely to have mold and wood rot problems than other types of construction. Both of these issues are types of fungal growth.

Thanks to a combination of humid climate and a vented crawl space, you will find yourself with a moisture problem under your home.

 

Why Moisture Is Bad

Excessive moisture in your home is bad for a few reasons:

 

1. Mold, Mildew

The main problem is mold, fungi, and mildew. A recurring mold-related problem is expensive.

Crawl space moisture can start blackening floor cavity insulation and structural elements.  Because there is no light and only minimal ventilation, the problem never improves on its own.

 

2. Rot

Structural elements of your house (joists, sills, posts, beams) are made of wood.  Being an organic material, wood will begin to rot when it comes into contact with water.  

 

3. Creatures

Animals of all types are drawn to water and can infest your home.  This includes rats, carpenter ants, and termites. If you need a refresher on the problems they bring check out some of our older posts.

 

4. Resale

Even if your home isn’t suffering from one of the problems mentioned above, it will turn homebuyers away.

When you try to sell your house, the property inspector will explore the crawl space and note the presence of water on the report.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived with this issue for decades, the buyer will want the problem fixed or demand a credit.

 

How Moisture Gets in Your Crawl Space

  • Plumbing leaks:

A lot of plumbing pipes, both supply lines and drain lines, run through crawl spaces. They do leak occasionally. Because crawl spaces are visited infrequently these leaks can go unnoticed for a long time.

 

  • Foundation walls:

Moisture can also come from the ground outside the house by migrating through the foundation walls.

Vented crawl spaces rarely get any kind of damp-proofing or perimeter drains on the exterior. As a result, wet soil outside the crawl space can come right through.

 

  • Soil:

Although it may appear to be dry, uncovered soil is actually evaporating moisture into the air of the crawl space.

The good news is that most new homes do get vapor barriers put down on the ground, eliminating a lot of the moisture that comes from the soil.

 

  • Foundation vents:

Yes, the very thing that was constructed in order to keep moisture out of the crawl space is the main culprit. In the summer the humidity seeps in and releases moisture into your vented crawl space.

 

If you’re worried that your crawl space may be the victim of excessive moisture, don’t hesitate to call in a professional opinion. EIG offers an easy online scheduling tool, and we’ll be out to see you in 48 hours or less!

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

Everyday Gifts for Homeowners

Everyday Gifts

With holidays around the corner, many of us are winding down with our gift shopping and starting to settle in at home for some quality relaxation and family time. 

When you think about your home it’s more than just a place to store your belongings and sleep—it’s almost like a state of mind.  

To have a peaceful home, you need a space that is both functional and attractive. You’ve already invested time and money in your home so why not stock it with proper tools that will make life easier for you? 

Whether you are looking to put the essentials in your own home or you’re getting some gifts for a new homeowner in your life, consider these gifts that will optimize your home maintenance.  

Safety

When it comes to safety there are many useful tools and items to keep around the house, but some of the basics include: 

  • First-aid kit 
  • Power outage essentials (flashlight, batteries, etc.) 
  • Fire extinguisher (check out this helpful guide) 
  • Tarps (useful in storms to secure objects that may become airborne) 
  • Surge protector (especially in older homes) 
  • Disinfecting dishwasher light (did you know that 62% of tested dishwashers harbor mold—yuck! Keep your health in check with this trusty device) 

Home Care

Keeping your house clean not only makes your home that much more comfortable, but it will also increase the longevity of your home while providing a healthy space for your loved ones. 

  • Versatile vacuum (Pro-tip: Splurging on a good vacuum is worth it!) 
  • Microfiber cloths 
  • Rubber gloves (especially if you handle chemicals or harsh soaps) 
  • Storage solutions (this can be anything from plastic containers to wicker baskets) 
  • Multi-head screwdriver 
  • Power drill 

Practical

This short list is chock full of items you wouldn’t think you needed until in the moment. While not the flashiest of objects, they will pay their weight in gold when you think about how often you use them. 

  • Step ladder 
  • Binder clips (yes, these, use them to clip open food packages, hang drying clothes, or even clip your curtains closed) 
  • Adjustable tension rod 
  • Leatherman multi-tool 
  • Retracting extension cord reel 

How many of these things do you already have around your home? What about your loved ones? 

Keeping items like the ones on this list can ensure a healthy and functioning living space for all. We know that these aren’t the most exciting home gifts so if you’re looking for something a little flashier we have a few suggestions. 

Fun Home Gift Ideas

  1. Temperature controlled faucet light: Avoid burns with this cool (and cheap!) light, cold water turns the light blue and hot water turns it red. 
  1. Electronic cleaning putty: Get your kids excited to clean with this silly putty made especially to get the hard to reach crevices on our devices like keyboards or remotes. 
  1. Palm up soap dispenser 
  1. Wake-up light: This alarm clock stimulates a sunrise, maybe it’s not directly related to the home, but it is a cool gift. 
  1. Pop out outlet: Great for style and safety! If you have kids, you should consider investing in these. 

We Can Help

If you’re looking to move homes or want to knock out your annual home inspection, give us a call! We’ll make sure you and your family have a stress-free holiday at home. 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Home Maintenance in Under 15 Minutes

Solutions

Have you noticed all the small “save it for later” projects piling up around the house?

Most household issues are more of a headache than an emergency. Good news! We have simple solutions to help you fix them in the same time it takes to brew your morning coffee.

The Problems and Solutions:

1. Peeling wallpaper:

If your wallpaper seam is coming up, paste it down with adhesive, go over once with a damp rag, and cover with painter’s tape. After 24 hours remove the tape.

2. Stuck Window or Door:

A buildup of gunk is the main cause for windows and doors that don’t move smoothly, put dry PTFE spray lubricant on the contact points and wiping it off with a rag. Don’t use oil lubricants; they can attract dirt, and some can damage the vinyl.

3. Lingering Odors:

Have you noticed a musky smell in your basement or garage? All you need is a big bag of plain charcoal (not the self-lighting kind). Cut a square out, and leave it in the corner somewhere and let it absorb the odors. Replace every 6 months.

4. Rattling Door:

A regularly rattling door is annoying. Thankfully, the solution is easy. Take a medium Philips and slot head screwdrivers, two pairs of pliers and a washcloth. Use a screwdriver to remove the doorknob’s strike plate (the metal square on the jam that reinforces the bolt hole). See the tang, or the lip that curls into the hole? Wrap the strike plate in the cloth and use the pliers to bend the tang a half-centimeter toward the hole’s center. Repeat and bend further until the rattling stops.

5. Pesky Wood Scratches:

If you see some scratches in wood you can color it out with a crayon or a scratch repair pen from any hardware store.

6. Wobbly Showerhead:

Eliminate a wobbly showerhead or pipe with a few squirts of expanding foam.

7. Ceiling Holes:

Save yourself time by covering any ceiling holes with a smoke detector.

8. Water Stains:

Tackle water stains with a bleach and water solution (10 percent bleach), but first cover the walls and floors with plastic and be sure to use protective goggles. If it’s an old stain, use a mold and mildew remover from the grocery store. This will work on both flat and textured ceilings.

9. Bad Faucet:

When a faucet loses pressure or starts spraying to the side it’s usually the result of a dirty aerator screen. Close the drain plug and then remove the aerator using a rag or masking tape. To remove the sand and other deposits, soak the aerator in vinegar, then scrub it with a toothbrush.

10. Kinked Toilet Chains:

Kinked toilet chains lead to running toilets; solve the problem by removing the chain from the arm and sliding a plastic straw over the flapper chain.

More than likely you’ve found yourself with a handful of these problems in your own home. Taking a few minutes each day to tackle one of these issues could help make each day go more smoothly.

Do you have any quick fix tips you swear by? Let us know!

Want to know what’s going on in your home?

Schedule an inspection with us today and we’ll be at your home in 48 hours or less, ready to give you a thorough and professional report.

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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