Asbestos Information
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Asbestos is a tiny fiber that was used in the
past primarily as insulation. It was also added to some building materials
to provide added strength and flame resistance. The problem with asbestos
is that it has been shown to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma in individuals
that were exposed to large amounts of free-floating asbestos fibers in the
air. These conditions typically did not become apparent until around 30
years after the exposure. Because of the health hazards of asbestos fibers,
its use in insulation and paint was banned in the 1970’s. |
| What you need to know about asbestos | Homes built prior to the
1970’s could contain asbestos in insulation, plumbing, paint, wall joint
compound, and other building materials. However, as long as the materials
are in good condition, they pose no danger. Asbestos is only a threat
if the fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled. Renovations or demolitions of materials containing asbestos can release the fibers into the air. Therefore, the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requires the owner of any property containing asbestos building materials to get an asbestos inspection prior to any demolitions or renovations of that property. |
| How Can Asbestos Be Removed? | If your home contains asbestos, you have two options: removal of the material or sealing the material
to prevent it from releasing fibers. Either option requires the help of
a trained professional. |
| How do I know if my home contains asbestos? | If you suspect your home or a home you are considering
buying may contain asbestos, it’s vital you get a thorough inspection by
a qualified environmental professional. Asbestos can only be detected by
a special microscope. Inspectors are trained in asbestos detection
and will take samples from your home for further analysis. |
Plumbing Issues
Plumbing problems can simply revolve around one of three things: clogs, leaks, or drips. Unfortunately these seemingly simple things may lead to extensive, expensive repairs. Let All Phase Home Inspection, Inc. determine if you new or existing property needs a plumber for those sneaky clogs, leaks or drips.
The most important fact you can do as a home owner is find out where the main water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off. This is one of the many things we will discuss during a home inspection. If you are unable to attend the actual inspection you will also get this information in our detailed written report. This is usually either outside the home or in the basement or crawlspace. If any tools are necessary to turn off your water, keep them handy. Being able to shut your water off at the main valve can be vital to reducing damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
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It pays to be familiar with your plumbing system so
you can minimize the damage caused by plumbing problems as well as fix minor
problems on your own. Periodically you should also check each plumbing appliance (sinks, toilets, etc.) for their own shutoff valves and verify they work. If the valves fail to turn off water to the appliance, you should have them fixed by a professional plumber. These valves come in handy when the need arises to repair individual appliances. If an appliance has no valves, you will need to shut off your water at the main valve to repair it. When it comes to clogs and slow drains, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the tub or shower, invest in an inexpensive hair trap or screen to prevent the majority of hair and soap scum from going down the drain. In the kitchen, don’t pour cooking grease down your drain. It will harden and coat your pipes with a sticky scum that will catch other particles and eventually clog the pipe. Instead, keep it in a coffee can or milk container and dispose of it with your garbage once it’s cooled. You should also avoid dumping coffee grounds down the drain. They’re notorious for causing clogs. Maintaining your drains on a weekly basis is also a good idea to keep your pipes clear. One way to do this is to pour a half-cup of salt, a half-cup of baking soda and a half-cup of vinegar down the drain and follow with two quarts of boiling water. |
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If you do encounter a clog, don’t
panic. Clogs and slow drains most commonly occur in areas that can be easily
cleared on your own without the help of a pro (if more than one drain or
toilet is affected, you will need to contact a plumber). First, try
a plunger. Second, a snake, which can be purchased at most home stores,
has easy to follow instructions. There is also the option of using chemical
clog removers. Be sure to follow the package instructions when using
them many chemicals can deteriorate your plumbing waste lines. Many plumbing repair projects don’t require the help of a professional. Replacing faucets, garbage disposals, sinks, and toilets are all easily accomplished by the handy do-it-yourselfer if you have the right tools and information- but be cautious not to get in over your head… |
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Roofing Issues
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Of all the problems you can encounter
around the house, roofing problems are by far the sneakiest. Leaks
can develop unnoticed for years causing rot, mold, warping and other expensive
damage. Experts recommend that you go into
your attic or crawlspace at least once a year after a rainstorm to check
for leaks and water damage. Special attention should be paid to
areas where you have flashing (the metal or plastic weather stripping
that will be around chimneys, pipes, vents, roof planes and eves) because
this is typically the most likely area to develop leaks. It is also
recommended that you check the surface of your roof yearly – during good
weather – to look for any loose, missing, eroded, warped or otherwise
damaged shingles and to check the overall condition of your roof. This
does not mean that you have to walk on or enter the roof surface to check
for these deficiencies. You should also clean rain gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris regularly, many water intrusion problems stem from clogged gutters depositing an abundance of water to close to the foundation. While doing this, also check for mineral deposits which could indicate the erosion of asphalt shingles. |
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Many
people would prefer not to inspect their roofs themselves. Roofs
can be pitched at very steep angles and pose quite a challenge to those
leery of heights. Inspecting the roof from an attic or crawlspace full of spiders and other creepy inhabitants may not be too attractive either. Another issue is most people are unsure of what to look for. Leaks can be hard to track – water travels downward and the damage can be far from the actual leak. Because of this, hiring an expert to inspect the roof for you is something you should consider. |
