Articles by Inspector on ArticleSnatch.com

Attic Ventilation Protect Your Home

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Ice on your roof or shingles curling, look no further, your attic needs proper ventilation. As a home inspector, one of the most common problems I find is improper or inadequate attic ventilation. According to building code requirements, your attic should have one square foot of venting for every three hundred square feet of roof area. Twenty-five percent of this ventilation must be at soffits and twenty-five percent at top of roof. The remaining fifty percent can be located anywhere in the roof. Your attic is ventilated by convection; air enters at your soffits and exits at the top of your roof, allowing any warm air and moisture to leave your attic space. Remember, water or moisture is one of the worst enemies of your home, and every effort should be made to ensure that it is kept away or removed immediately. Soffit vents are located along the bottom of your roof. Modern soffits are covered with aluminium panels which have holes for the purpose of ventilation. Where most problems are encountered is where your rafters meet your walls in the attic space. Insulation is frequently allowed to completely fill the void between rafters and the ceiling joists. **End Summary** Topics: attic]]> ventilation]]> vents]]> moisture]]> ridge vents]]> turbines]]> roof turbines]]> soffit vents]]> insulation]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied.

Home Inspections - Are There Qualifications?

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Home inspections are a fairly new phenomenon in Canada. There are no regulations in Canada to control who may call themselves or perform home inspections. This leaves the prospective home owner at the mercy of Real Estate agents, who usually refer a home inspector to their clients. Real estate agents are required to refer at least three home inspectors as dictated by their ethics requirements, but most typically refer their trusted inspector. Horror stories abound of home sales lost through the callous remarks of an un-trained home inspector. As a fully insured member of FREA, one of the requirements of obtaining insurance was the requirement to have completed a recognized home inspectors course and supply a certificate. I personally took the Carson-Dunlop course which covers all the main systems of the home in detail. Another requirement is to belong to an home inspectors organization, to which I also belong, NACHI ( North American Association of Certified Home Inspectors ). I looked around before choosing an association to belong to and found NACHI provided the most information and help for inspectors after you paid your dues. **End Summary** Topics: Barrie]]> home]]> inspector]]> inspections]]> qualifications]]> training]]> guarantee]]> Napoleon Home Inspections]]> Roger Frost]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied.

Real Estate - Buying Your Home in Barrie

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Real Estate Buying Your Home in Barrie Barrie is a city of over 150,000 people nestled around the beautiful Kempenfelt Bay. There are over 90 parks located throughout the city with many trails for walking, rollerblading and biking. Linked to Toronto and Cottage country by the 400 highway, which bisects Barrie and provides a convenient method to travel between areas. Real Estate investment in Barrie has proven to be a wise choice. Properties have increased in value an average of thirty percent in the last few years. Barrie has also been designated one of the fastest growing cities in Canada many times over the past decade. Georgian College is also located in Barrie with many local and even foreign students participating in its diverse curriculum, ranging from fire fighting to the auto industry. They have recently partnered with Laurentian University to provide university courses at their Barrie campus. Royal Victoria Hospital is a modern facility that is moving towards becoming a regional cancer center in the near future. Plans for expansion are already in the works and government funding has been approved for the future. **End Summary** Topics: Barrie]]> Kempenfelt Bay]]> property]]> real estate]]> buying]]> inspection]]> home]]> inspector]]> royal victoria hospital]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Call 705-795-8255 today for your risk free inspection Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Improve Your Lot Drainage

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Improve Your Lot Drainage How much water do you think comes off your roof in a heavy rain storm? Take a typical 1500 sq ft home and a rain storm that drops one inch of rain, this is equal to over 900 gallons of water. This water, all 900 gallons, leaves your roof by following your gutter system and down through downspouts to the ground. This is where most homes are sadly lacking. Many homes have missing elbows on downspouts, which would allow water to run straight down your foundation. If you have a basement, this can lead to damp walls or even water entry into basement. Once water has created a path it will tend to follow the same path unless remedial methods are used to re-direct it. Every downspout should have an elbow and extension directing water away from your home. Water is the worst enemy of your home. Concrete pads are great; just remember to install them with the open end pointing away from your home. Unbelievable, but I have come across numerous cases where these run off pads were installed like a dam, with the open side butted against the wall. Wrong way; turn it around! **End Summary** Topics: water]]> stroud]]> drainage]]> foundation]]> damage]]> downspout]]> eavestrough]]> rain]]> french drain]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Call 705-795-8255 today for your risk free inspection Brought to you by Stroud Home Inspector Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Why Get A Home Inspection? Many people buying Real Estate, when asked to get a home inspection decline the offer. Why do people, usually spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, decide to save two to three hundreds dollars? Simply put, these people usually have no understanding of what a professional home inspection entails. A professional home inspection starts with the exterior of your property, checking your lot for retaining walls, water drainage, and any hidden problems such as buried oil tanks or other potentially costly items. A visit to the roof is usually next, checking shingles, roof vents, dormers, flashing, fascia, eaves troughs, exterior windows, window sills and siding material. This is an important area as new roofs can cost upwards of $7,000 dollars and repairing cracked or missing brick on second storey can also be expensive. Next to be checked is the foundation, poured or block, looking for cracks indicating settling of the property, or severe spalling of finish. Small cracks can be repaired with epoxy for around $600.00, making area stronger than before. Remember your house is only as solid as its foundation. **End Summary** Topics: orillia]]> home inspection]]> roof]]> window]]> basement]]> insulaton]]> certified]]> professional]]> plumbing]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is a Professional Home Inspector who helps others to educate themselves about current real estate issues. He also professional advice through articles on home maintenance and problems. To view more articles or find out more information visit his website at Orillia Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Furnace - 101

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Safety First - Always ensure that each floor of your home (including the basement level) is equipped with Smoke detectors - it may save your life! How does a furnace heat my home? Â· In the simplest illustration, a furnace creates heat and then circulates this energy to the other parts of the house. How it creates this heat depends on the make of the furnace. Different furnaces burn different materials - some burn gas, others oil or coal. Newer furnaces create heat with an electrical resistance element. No matter what type of heating system your home has, always ensure that you have sufficient smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. It may save your life one day (please see our articles on each under health & safety) How do I maintain it? Â· Although furnaces are meant to run almost maintenance free, ones with gas or oil burners require occasional cleaning. Ideally, this should be taken care of in the fall before the heating season kicks in. Fortunately, furnace maintenance is not tool reliant - a good flashlight and vacuum is all you need. Â· You should perform a visual inspection on furnace's exterior before opening it. **End Summary** Topics: furnace filter]]> furnace 101]]> changing filter]]> home inspections]]> barrie]]> ontairo]]> inspec t your furnace]]> furnace check list]]> hammock filter]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Call 705-795-8255 today for your risk free inspection Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Home Electrical Problems and Solutions

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Electrical Safety Answers What are some of the electrical warnings I should be aware of? Dim or flickering lights, arcs, sparks, sizzles and buzzing sounds, odours like the smell of burning plastic, switch and receptacle plates that are warm to the touch, cracked or loose plugs and wall plates, damaged insulation, frequent tripping of circuit breakers or flown fuses and electrical shocks. If you notice any of theses warning signs, you should call a licensed electrician. How Can I Protect Myself from Electrical Injury Look for problems in your home's electrical systems. Outlets and extension cords should be checked to make sure they are not overloaded. You should examine electrical cords to make sure they are not frayed or damaged or placed in spots where people may trip over them. You should make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps. Consider installing GFCI's ground fault circuit interrupters. One of the most important precautions you can take is to make sure the batteries in your smoke detectors are working properly. You can perform minor repairs, such as changing a fuse with one of the proper ampere rating. **End Summary** Topics: electrical problems]]> solve your electrical problems]]> electrical shorts]]> fuses]]> circuit breakers]]> three prong plugs]]> over lamping]]> barrie ontario]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at http://diy.napoleon.cc and ask experts questions at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum , where you can ask trades people questions on common home problems. Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Water Heater - What You Should Know

Tue, 26 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

When it comes to water heaters, homeowners usually have two basic questions: (1) Will I have enough hot water for my family's needs, and (2) how much longer will my water heater last? The first question, are we going to have enough hot water, is hard for anyone outside your immediate family to answer because so much depends on the number of people in your home, their ages and activities, and preferences for baths or showers. There are, however, some rules of thumb about hot water heater capacity. For example, the majority of single-family homes in the United States built in the last 50 years were equipped with a single 40-gallon water heater. This fact alone indicates that any tank-type water heater with a capacity of less than 40-gallons would be inadequate to support an average family's lifestyle. In more recent years, many homes have been equipped with 50-gallon water heaters. Some newly constructed homes, particularly those with one or two 50-gallon water heaters installed side by side and working in tandem. Other factors may also influence the water heater's ability to provide an adequate supply of hot water. **End Summary** Topics: hot water heater]]> life span of hot water heaters]]> saving your hot water heater]]> how big should your hot water heater be]]> barrie home inspections]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The "Barrie Home Inspector" provides a professional home inspection for $199.00 which includes one free WETT inspection. We are fully insured and offer a 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Visit our web site for complete listing of "Do It Yourself" articles for home owners and a forum "Ask the Experts" which provides professional advice from tradespeople. Barrie Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

GFCI Your Lifesaver

Mon, 25 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

If an inexpensive electrical device were properly installed in every household, nearly 70 percent of the approximately 240 electrocutions that occur every year in the US would be prevented. This life-saving device is called a ground-fault-circuit interrupter, or GFCI. An unintentional electric path between a source of current and a grounded surface is called a ground fault. Ground faults occur when current is leaking somewhere. If humans provide a path to the ground for this leakage, they can be seriously injured or electrocuted. Ground faults are often the result of damaged cords or appliances, poor insulated wires, or mishandling, such as dropping an appliance in water. GFCI's are products designed to prevent injury or death from electric shock by detecting ground faults at very low levels. If a GFCI senses even minimal current leakage in an electrical device, it assumes a ground fault is taking place. It then interrupts the power fast enough to prevent injury to anyone in normal health. To comply with National Electrical Code, many homes built since 1973 (US) have some GFCI protection. However, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that as many as 70 percent of all existing dwellings have no such protection. **End Summary** Topics: GFCI outlets]]> installing GFCIs]]> electrical safety]]> homeowners tips]]> home safety]]> home inspections]]> barrie home inspector]]> inspecting homes in Barrie]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The "Barrie Home Inspector" provides a professional home inspection for $199.00 which includes one free WETT inspection. We are fully insured and offer a 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Visit our web site for complete listing of "Do It Yourself" articles for home owners and a forum "Ask the Experts" which provides professional advice from tradespeople. Barrie Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Roofs Materials and Flashing

Mon, 25 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Sloped Roofs - Most roofs are sloped, and many are covered with asphalt-composition shingles. In fact, this type of material is the most common roofing material, and is used on more than eighty percent of roofs that have a moderate slope to steep slope. When the shingles are nailed in place, they resemble and function like the scales of a fish. Asphalt shingles effectively shed water down the roof. A roof could also have wood shakes, tile, metal or slate. The fact remains that none of these outer materials actually protects the house and sheds the water. Instead, it is the material under the shingles, or underlayment that keeps out the water. The real function of the wood, tile, metal or slate is to provide a pleasing appearance and to protect the underlayment from nature. Wood shingles also are used on roofs with a slope. Both cedar shakes and wood shingles are popular in a variety of climates, and both can add architectural appeal to homes. If installed professionally, the homeowner can expect a reasonably long service life. Both wood shingles and shakes are sawn on the bottom or underside. However, a shake is split on the top face. **End Summary** Topics: roofing materials]]> type of roofs]]> flat roofs]]> sloped roofs]]> flashings]]> roof flashings]]> types of roofing materials]]> home inspections]]> Barrie Inspector]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The "Barrie Home Inspector" provides a professional home inspection for $199.00 which includes one free WETT inspection. We are fully insured and offer a 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Visit our web site for complete listing of "Do It Yourself" articles for home owners and a forum "Ask the Experts" which provides professional advice from tradespeople. For more articles on Home Improvement or Real Estate, please visit Barrie Home Inspector Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Structural Cracks - How to Evaluate Them

Sun, 24 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Structural cracks cause prospective buyers to pull up short when looking at a prospective property. This article gives some basic guidelines that will allay most of these fears and help them make a more educated decision while understanding the cause of these cracks. Basement Cracks - If you have cracks in you basement or crawl space walls, take note of their direction. If the cracks are small and almost vertical, then they are probable not a cause for concern. Most homes have "settlement cracks" or "shrinkage cracks". However, if they run more horizontally, we recommend consulting a structural engineer. Wood Cracks Cracks often appear in wood and are not significant if they run parallel to the grain of the wood. These cracks ( called checks) often are the result of the wood drying and shrinking. However, the closer the crack comes to going across the grain, the more serious it could be. Drywall Cracks Hairline cracks in wallboard, plaster or concrete basement walls are usually not a problem unless they are wide and look tapered (V shaped). These cracks often radiate out from the corners of window and door openings. **End Summary** Topics: Cracks]]> structural cracks]]> foundation cracks]]> water leaks]]> basement leaks]]> detecting leaks]]> detecting cracks]]> finding cracks]]> evaluating cracks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The "Barrie Home Inspector" provides a professional home inspection for $199.00 which includes one free WETT inspection. We are fully insured and offer a 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Visit our web site for complete listing of "Do It Yourself" articles for home owners and a forum "Ask the Experts" which provides professional advice from tradespeople. Napoleon Home Inspections provides many articles for the use of homeowners. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Moisture - Effects on Your Home

Sun, 24 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Home owners should monitor for any signs of moisture in and around your home's structure. Too much moisture can seriously damage your home. Wood can soften, warp, rot and even fail. The foundation can shift, heave or settle causing cracked walls, sloping floors, or doors that stick or won't close. Excessive moisture can lead to corrosion of pipes and ductwork. Insulation loses it value when it becomes moist and can lead to growth of mould, which can cause respiratory illness in some people. To protect your home, you need to be aware of where and how moisture becomes a problem. The fact is, 90 percent of moisture problems start on the roof. If the water that hits the roof isn't directed away from the foundation, you could end up with water in the basement or crawl space. That is why a properly designed roof drainage system needs to be installed in every home. The drainage system involves gutters, scuppers, and downspouts. Together, they collect water from the roof and move it properly to the ground and away from the foundation. Properly is the key word. The water must be directed so that it does not pond near the foundation. **End Summary** Topics: barrie home inspector]]> moisture damage]]> preventing moisture in your home]]> keeping your home dry]]> water problems]]> water drainage]]> mould and moisture]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The "Barrie Home Inspector" provides a professional home inspection for $199.00 which includes one free WETT inspection. We are fully insured and offer a 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Visit our web site for complete listing of "Do It Yourself" articles for home owners and a forum "Ask the Experts" which provides professional advice from tradespeople. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Buying Rural Properties

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Buying Rural Homes and Properties Many people are moving from Toronto and Barrie and are looking for rural properties. Some of these people have been raised in the city and have no country living experience other than TV or visiting a friend's property. There are some major differences that separate country living from city life. Winter driving can be more difficult, some areas are not a high priority for snowploughing, and this might affect your early morning drive to work and might even necessitate buying a four wheel drive vehicle. This is assuming that you have suitable equipment to clean your own driveway, which in the country can be quite lengthy. Power outages are quite common in some areas, and as you venture further a field, usually the more common they are with varying repair times. You might want to check with people in the neighbourhood if this will be a problem or buy a generator. Septic tanks and wells are another way of life in the country, make sure you have a certified inspector inspect and test both of these systems. Beware of people who assure you that they can inspect these systems but are not licensed or insured. **End Summary** Topics: Rural property]]> moving from Barrie to country]]> Toronto]]> Barrie Home Inspector]]> Inspections in Barrie area]]> rural barrie properties]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Call 705-795-8255 today for your risk free inspection. Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Fire Separations and Occupancies

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Building Occupancy Groups and Fire Separations The building code divides the use of building into separate occupancies classifications. The purpose of this is to provide a means of providing protection to each occupancy classification from an adjoining hazard. Protection of each individual occupancy is obtained by providing a minimum fire resistant rating on the fire separation as required. Fire resistant rating is determined by the performance of the building materials to withstand the passage of flame and transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified test conditions. Fire resistant ratings are rated in hours or fractions thereof, and are applied to fire separations as such. Fire Separations are a constructed assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire. So, fire separations, are the principal means of separating occupancies that provide a hazard, to themselves, or neighbouring occupancies. Building Occupancies are broken into six main categories; Assembly, Care or Detention, Residential, Business and Personal Services, Mercantile and Industrial Occupancies. There are sub-groups under these categories; call divisions that even further define their use. **End Summary** Topics: occupancies]]> fire separations]]> fire resistent rating]]> occupancies groups and divsions]]> typical building]]> building code]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at http://diy.napoleon.cc and ask experts questions at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum , where you can ask trades people questions on common home problems. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Damp or Wet Basements

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

A wet basement can be obvious water trickling across the floor or standing several inches deep at the base of the stairs. But there also are less obvious signs. A wet basement may just feel humid and have a damp, stuffy smell. If so, wood in contact with concrete may be wet or decaying. Efflorescence, a chalky white substance left by the evaporation of water, may be seen on the walls. Basement floor tiles may be loose or popped. A carpeted floor may smell musty. Find the Water Fixing a wet basement begins with finding the cause. Infiltration of surface water, infiltration of groundwater, presence of outside humidity, and presence of indoor humidity are common causes of wet basements. Surface water intrusion is when water runs toward the foundation and finds an entry. Groundwater enters through the walls and floor by wicking action or by hydrostatic pressure when the surrounding soil is saturated or the water table is high. Warm, moist summer air can enter a house and condense on the basement's cooler floor or walls. Indoor activities,like an improperly vented dryer, can create humidity that settles in the basement. **End Summary** Topics: damp basement]]> wet basement]]> do it yourself basement repair]]> fixing wet basement]]> fixing damp basement]]> humidity in basement]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at http://diy.napoleon.cc and ask experts questions at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum , where you can ask trades people questions on common home problems. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Insulating Your Home

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Ensuring your attic insulation is performing as required is always a great way to save money and make your home more comfortable. You can even prevent premature failure of shingles, sheathing and other roof components. If you are contemplating checking or adding to your insulation in your attic read these tips before committing to a product or contractor. The "R-value" Thickness isn't the only way to determine the effectiveness of insulation. Materials that are good for insulating purposes are poor at conducting heat. To provide a standard of comparison for insulation materials, "R-value" is used to measure resistance to heat transfer. The higher the R-value per inch of insulation, the more effective the material in resisting the escape of heat. Recommended R-values For new housing, the 1995 Ontario Building Code requires: R32 for Ceilings R12 for Walls R8 and R12 for solid masonry/ concrete/frame basement walls R20 for cathedral ceilings R26 for floors over unheated garages/crawlspaces/overhangs When you buy home insulation, it's a good idea to look for the manufacturer's instructions on the insulation packaging to make sure it meets the standards set by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB). **End Summary** Topics: insulation]]> installing insulation]]> checking insulation]]> how to insulate]]> do it yourself insulation]]> barrie home inspector]]> simcoe county inspections]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at http://diy.napoleon.cc and ask experts questions at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum , where you can ask trades people questions on common home problems. the "Barrie Home Inspector" provides "Risk Free" home inspections in Barrie and Toronto areas. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Roof Repair Tips

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Roofs are usually made up of the following: roof sheathing, underlayment, roofing material, roof intersections, flashing details and ventilation. Proper installation is important to ensure water is kept on the outside. Maintenance is also required to stop any of these individual components from failing. Roofs rely on gravity, pitch of roof and friction to direct water down and off your roof. These systems rely on overlapping elements”roofing felts, shingles, tiles and flashing details”to redirect the rainfall. The pitch of the roof provides the gravity and the detailing provides the redirection. Gravity does not play such a role in low-slope roof applications, where gravity only allows water to accumulate in every low spot on the roof. This is why low-slope roofing applications have to have a perfect waterproofing system, both on the roof and at every penetration. Roof sheathing is attached to the roof framing, trusses or rafters, and provides the nail base for the other components of the roof system. Roofing underlayment, often made of building paper or felt, is the first weatherproofing layer of a pitched roof. **End Summary** Topics: flashing]]> roof leaks]]> repair your roof]]> checking for leaks]]> check your roof]]> prevent leaks]]> roof repair]]> tips for homeowners]]> barrie home inspector]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at http://diy.napoleon.cc and ask experts questions at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum , where you can ask trades people questions on common home problems. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Home Inspector Ethics

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Purchasing Real Estate is not for the faint of heart. Purchasers of new and used homes expect their dream home to be completely free of defects. Hiring a home inspector is their reassurance that their expectations will be met when they inhabit their dream home. Why, you ask, are countless claims are made against inspectors, Realtors and sellers for sundry defects that were not disclosed at the time of purchase. Some of these claims are valid, but some are not. Some of the conditions found after the buyers move in were not apparent at the time of the transaction, while others were plainly visible but were simply missed by the inspector. Sometimes these misses are the result of mere human error, but there are also times when they reflect professional negligence. Unfortunately, some negligent inspectors may not take responsibility for mistakes, while the true professional will step up to the plate and accept responsibility for his errors. In all fields of human effort, errors are inevitable. Even the most competent and experienced home inspectors miss apparent defects and are sometimes called to account. **End Summary** Topics: home inspection]]> eithical home inspectors]]> home inspector insurance]]> tips on getting a home inspection]]> barrie home inspector]]> toronto home inspector]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at http://diy.napoleon.cc and ask experts questions at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum , where you can ask trades people questions on common home problems. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Ceiling Water Leaks - How to Find Source

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

If your ceiling is water stained, it's a safe bet you have either a roof leak or a condensation problem. It's important to figure out what type of stain you have before you repair your ceiling. Fortunately, these stains are easy to identify. The condensation stain is usually found on a ceiling panel near an exterior wall, often in a corner. Instead of one large stain, you'll see several smaller circles of stains. These stains vary in size and shape, but they tend to have white centers. Condensation stains appear even if there has not been a rainstorm. The rain leak stain can be found anywhere on your ceiling: near an exterior wall, surrounding a ceiling fixture, around a ventilation pipe or even in the center of the ceiling. This stain tends to be concentric rings that get progressively lighter as they move outward. The center stain is dark, because it is the oldest stain. Each "ring" by the way, is a separate occurrence. If you see lots of rings surrounding the dark stain in the middle, you know the roof leak has been around for quite some time. **End Summary** Topics: water leaks]]> roof leaks]]> ceiling leaks]]> repairing water leaks]]> finding water leaks]]> barrie home inspector]]> do it yourself repairs]]> finding leaks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at http://diy.napoleon.cc and ask experts questions at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum , where you can ask trades people questions on common home problems. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Concrete foundation analysis

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Home inspectors, building code compliance inspectors, and general building contractors are often able to recognize possible foundation or other building problems which may be costly or dangerous, thus requiring the intervention of an expert foundation repair company or foundation design engineer. These early visitors to a building site, most often the home inspector, see a very large number of in-service field conditions leading to building failures. Foundation inspectors can, without performing any engineering calculations or analysis, learn to recognize signs of important foundation or other structural problems developing well before forensic engineers and foundation experts are asked to design a repair and almost always well before the actual occurrence of a catastrophic building failure. This breadth of field inspection experience and education, combined with an informed and careful building inspection, provide a valuable first line of defense for building owners and occupants who may be facing previously unrecognized costly or dangerous foundation damage. Foundation inspections are conducted to identify & document potential costly or dangerous conditions. **End Summary** Topics: Barrie Home Inspector]]> concrete]]> inspections]]> professional]]> concrete inspections]]> foundation inspections]]> napoleon home inspections]]> toronto office]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Roger Frost is a home inspector and founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, with offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. He has written many articles on home inspections which can be found at http://diy.napoleon.cc and also runs a forum for homeowners at http://www.napoleon.cc/forum Visit Napoleon Home Inspections at http://www.napoleon.cc The Barrie Home Inspector Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Painting and Prepping Your Home

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Steps to painting and prep work required. Often times during the prep phase you will be using products such as sandpaper and scrapers, which produce millions of pieces of debris. The best way to insure that your flower beds do not end up with thousands, dare I say millions of paint chips in them is to cover them using a drop sheet. Drop-sheets for your interior are just as important if you plan on using caulking and spackling. Caulking and spackling gets into carpeting easier than it comes out, so be sure to cover any areas requiring protection. If you do not plan on painting on a regular basis, we recommend using painters' plastic rather than professional-grade drop-sheets. It is available at most hardware stores and is inexpensive and easy to dispose of at the end of each day, or the job. Painters' plastic also comes in easy to manage weights and lengths. You can usually pick up enough plastic to cover 3,000 square feet for about $20, whereas professional painter drop-sheets will run you hundreds of dollars. Sandpaper, scraper, wire brush, spackling compound and a putty knife. This is where the real work starts. **End Summary** Topics: painting]]> caulking]]> do it yourself projects]]> how to paint your home]]> painting tips]]> prepping your home]]> paint and save money]]> barrie home inspector]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Call 705-795-8255 today for your risk free inspection Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspections "Ask the Experts" forum for "free" advice on your home from professional tradespeople. http://www.napoleon.cc/forum/ Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Home Heating - Oil Tank Certification

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Basic Information 1. Oil tanks installed prior to 1971 are grandfathered and are deemed to be approved. 2. All oil tanks installed after 1971 are required to be ULC approved. 3. Oil tanks are to be inspected annually by TSSA certified fuel oil burner technician, and a comprehensive examination every ten years. 4. 90 day period may be granted for correction of defect if not considered an immediate hazard. 5. If your oil tank is not in compliance your distributor can not deliver oil. In June 2001 Ontario enacted the Technical Standards and Safety Act, which designates two main documents for management of residential fuel oil storage systems, including Ontario Regulation 213/01 - Fuel Oil, and the Fuel Oil Code Adoption Document. **End Summary** Topics: oil tank]]> TSSA]]> certification]]> home maintenance]]> home advice]]> heating]]> inspections]]> grandfather clause]]> oil burner inspectors]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspector To read many more articles on improving your home, please visit http://www.diy.napoleon.cc and to ask a professional questions about your home, please visit "Ask the Experts" http://www.napoleon.cc/forum/ Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Concrete Cracks - Small Repairs

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Repairing those cracks in walls, steps, or flat surfaces. Some of the easiest jobs with concrete don't even need concrete to be mixed to repair them. If you have cracks that let water into the areas around your foundation or inside your walls you can fix them with a mortar mix available in caulk tubes. You can go to your home improvement store and buy some mortar and concrete repair that squeezes out of a caulk gun to fix cracks and mortar joints in concrete. It is easy to use and dries to a flexible textured surface that looks like real mortar mix. You use a caulk gun, which costs less than 10 dollars. You can also get mortar repair for a fireplace that is resistant to heat. You simply squeeze out a line between the cleaned out cracks and fill with the mix. This takes some experience to get the hang of, so don't give up. When finished filling the crack, press the release to stop the product from being released from the tube. Use you finger, the same as for caulking, dipped in water to smooth over your work, and voila, done. **End Summary** Topics: concrete]]> small repairs]]> concrete crack repair]]> mortar replacement]]> concrete repairs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and surrounding area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Call 705-795-8255 today for your risk free inspection Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Concrete Crack Repair

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Plyurethane Foams for Low Pressure Injection Crack Repair What is the better choice: polyurethane or epoxy? Epoxy is the better choice if structural strength is required to be maintained. If the crack is only repaired to prevent water leakage then either product can accomplish this task. Cause of Cracks Lack of joints, to accommodate drying shrinkage and thermal movement during the construction phase is one of the major causes of concrete cracks. Settlement and overloading are also common causes of cracking. Cracks usually appear within the first month after construction. These cracks can leak as soon as they are formed or might expand and leak later. Crack can grow and cause problems as they expand. How Cracks Grow Moisture, which is the worst enemy of homes, enters the tiny cracks in the concrete and in colder weather, freezes, enlarging the crack. Also, movement of soils surrounding your home, through settling, can also cause expansion of your cracks. In extreme cases, soils that are unstable can overcome the inherent strength of concrete causing crack and expansion. Cracks caused by construction, heat, freezing and settlement can be corrected by injection. **End Summary** Topics: crack repair]]> concrete leaks]]> do it yourself repairs]]> structural crack repair]]> barrie]]> barrie ontario]]> property maintenance]]> real estate]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Professional home inspections for Barrie, Ontario and surrounding area starting at $199.00 for single residential with one bath. Fully insured and 100% money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Call 705-795-8255 today for your risk free inspection Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspections Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com

Duct Cleaning - Is It Necessary

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

What is Air Duct Cleaning? Duct cleaning - to clean or not to clean? This is the question many new homeowners ask. This is especially true for people moving into homes where previous owners had pets and allergies are involved. This is not the only reason to have your ducts cleaned. If ducts and related equipment are not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system, thus negating any potential benefits. Methods of duct cleaning vary, although industry associations concerned have established standards with air duct cleaning. Typically, a service provider will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris in ducts, and then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner. **End Summary** Topics: duct]]> duct-cleaning]]> hvac]]> maintenance]]> barrie]]> ontario]]> simcoe county]]> do it yourself]]> articles]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Article is provided by Napoleon Home Inspections, Barrie Home Inspections . More articles for homeowners are available on http://www.diy.napoleon.cc , Do It Yourself Articles. Article-Submit-Submission Courtesy of: MyArticlePub.com