Snow: Atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falling in light white flakes or lying on the ground as a white layer.
The West Michigan area has seen a lot of this snow this past week and as we turn to next week with temperatures nearing the 50 degree mark, this is why, we, Michiganders love our four season state.
Homes are built to withstand different elements in different areas, like snow in Michigan. Our homes are built to withstand the heavy weight of this beautiful frozen element but only to a certain point. Snow is very heavy; one cubic foot of snow can weigh as much as 40-50lbs. With enough snow on top of our homes, it could turn disastrous. A good indication to tell if your roof has too much snow on it is when the doors inside are beginning to stick, like bedroom and closet doors on the top floor. Also, examine the door frames for potential cracks as this may be a sign of there being too much weight on the roof. If you see these signs, it is best to call in a professional to have the snow removed as this can be a very dangerous task. If you are a do-it-yourselfer there are snow rakes you can buy at your local hardware or home improvement store that can get the job done, just use caution.
As a home inspector, snow can be very useful on telling the efficiency of heating. When a light dusting of snow covers the roof, we are able to see where there is a loss of heat by how the snow is melting. If you compare your home to others after a light snow fall you will see just how efficient your attic is. The more roof that is visible the more heat that is escaping and in return the more money you are paying for your bill. If your roof is showing after a light snow, have your home inspected to see how you better insulate your roof to prevent the loss of heat in the winter. Snow also can help with our heating bill; as the snow is packed up against our homes it acts as an insulator and keeps the heat inside.
In this Great Lake state, we always must be prepared for the unexpected. One day sunshine and 65 degrees and the next day is a lake effect snow advisory. Keep those roofs clear and enjoy this wonderful weather.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Monday, July 9, 2012
Protecting What Matters Most
Did you know 75% of all reported crime is theft? Well it's true. There are approximately 2,222,196 burglaries annually in the United States. Here are some facts:
*Every 14.16 seconds a burglary occurs.
*6101 per day.
*Over 70% are residential.
*Only 13% are arrested.
*85% of burglars are male.
*Burglaries typically happen between 10 AM to 3 PM.
*They last about 90 seconds.
*The average person reads 300 words per minute - as you were reading, another home was burglarized.
*Average dollar amount lost is $2,079.
*Most common items are cash, jewelry, silver, firearms, and electronics.
Some tips on protecting your home:
Lights - Leaving lights on or off all day is a sure sign that no one is home. Instead use timers to have lights turn on when you are not home, but since most burglaries happen between 9 am and 3 pm when most people are less likely to be home - you might want to have a timed radio or tv go off periodically during the day to appear as if someone is home.
House Sitter - When you are away, your home looks like you are away. Having a neighbor check up on your home, can help make your home look occupied while you are away. Having them pick up the paper, packages and even parking their car in your driveway will help disguise the fact your home is unoccupied.
Trash - Our trash tells a lot about us. This includes all big ticket purchases we made. Make sure to break down boxes of expensive items such as TVs, computers, and other electronics.
Windows - Never leave windows open. This is the next best thing after a locked door for a thief. Make sure, if you are to leave the windows open, that all windows have a blocking device to prevent them form being opened enough for someone to crawl through into the house.
Clean Up - Leaving unsecured items laying around your yard can be perfect tools for a burglar. Ladders can provide access to second story windows, as well as garden tools can help them pry the windows or doors open. Make sure all items are secure and locked up when you're not using them.
Hideaway Keys - Burglars have seen it all. If you think it's hidden well enough - it's not. The best place for a spare key is with a trusted neighbor.
Names and Numbers - As your house number should be clearly stated on your home, your name should not be. Knowing your name and street address will make it easy for a burglar to find your number. All they have to do is call to see no one is home.
Landscaping - Make sure all plants don't make good hiding places for burglars. Or don't give that extra boost they would need to climb up to the second story. Make sure all plants are trimmed neatly and all tree branches are away from second story windows. Thorny bushes will help discourage as well.
The Lock - Most useful step in preventing a burglar. The most common way for a burglar to enter a home is through an unlocked door. Locking with a deadbolt will help to prevent the door from being kicked in. Use protection while you are home - have a peephole installed so you can check who visitors are while you are home. Bump-resistant locks should be installed. Burglars will use "bump keys" which are keys with slight modifications. Schlage, Primus and Medeco have locks that offer some bump-resistance.
Fences - While fences can give us a lot of privacy, they also give burglars privacy as well. Avoid putting privacy fences around your house. Instead a picket or chain link fence will help discourage burglars.
Doors - Exterior doors should be solid, free of rot and decay, and always possess a deadbolt. If a mail slot is present it should have a box or cage around it. Burglars have successfully used these to break in. Sliders should be equipped with locks on both the top and the bottom or the door. They should never be able to be lifted from their frame and a large stick such as a broom stick handle should be placed in the track as an added security.
Pet Doors - These are never a good idea but if necessary use ones that only allow the animal to go through by an electronic collar and place it as far away from the lock as possible. Burglars have been known to crawl through, or ask a child to crawl through or crawl through themselves as some burglars are children.
Dogs - Dogs are great at keeping burglars away. If you don't own a dog, place a "Beware of Dog" sign up.
As these are great ways to reduce the chance of having your home burglarized. There is always ADT. Having your home monitored while you are home and away is a good way to keep you, your family and your home safe. Schedule a home inspection with J D M Home Inspections and ADT will install a home security system for FREE.
We want to help you protect what matters most.
*Every 14.16 seconds a burglary occurs.
*6101 per day.
*Over 70% are residential.
*Only 13% are arrested.
*85% of burglars are male.
*Burglaries typically happen between 10 AM to 3 PM.
*They last about 90 seconds.
*The average person reads 300 words per minute - as you were reading, another home was burglarized.
*Average dollar amount lost is $2,079.
*Most common items are cash, jewelry, silver, firearms, and electronics.
Some tips on protecting your home:
Lights - Leaving lights on or off all day is a sure sign that no one is home. Instead use timers to have lights turn on when you are not home, but since most burglaries happen between 9 am and 3 pm when most people are less likely to be home - you might want to have a timed radio or tv go off periodically during the day to appear as if someone is home.
House Sitter - When you are away, your home looks like you are away. Having a neighbor check up on your home, can help make your home look occupied while you are away. Having them pick up the paper, packages and even parking their car in your driveway will help disguise the fact your home is unoccupied.
Trash - Our trash tells a lot about us. This includes all big ticket purchases we made. Make sure to break down boxes of expensive items such as TVs, computers, and other electronics.
Windows - Never leave windows open. This is the next best thing after a locked door for a thief. Make sure, if you are to leave the windows open, that all windows have a blocking device to prevent them form being opened enough for someone to crawl through into the house.
Clean Up - Leaving unsecured items laying around your yard can be perfect tools for a burglar. Ladders can provide access to second story windows, as well as garden tools can help them pry the windows or doors open. Make sure all items are secure and locked up when you're not using them.
Hideaway Keys - Burglars have seen it all. If you think it's hidden well enough - it's not. The best place for a spare key is with a trusted neighbor.
Names and Numbers - As your house number should be clearly stated on your home, your name should not be. Knowing your name and street address will make it easy for a burglar to find your number. All they have to do is call to see no one is home.
Landscaping - Make sure all plants don't make good hiding places for burglars. Or don't give that extra boost they would need to climb up to the second story. Make sure all plants are trimmed neatly and all tree branches are away from second story windows. Thorny bushes will help discourage as well.
The Lock - Most useful step in preventing a burglar. The most common way for a burglar to enter a home is through an unlocked door. Locking with a deadbolt will help to prevent the door from being kicked in. Use protection while you are home - have a peephole installed so you can check who visitors are while you are home. Bump-resistant locks should be installed. Burglars will use "bump keys" which are keys with slight modifications. Schlage, Primus and Medeco have locks that offer some bump-resistance.
Fences - While fences can give us a lot of privacy, they also give burglars privacy as well. Avoid putting privacy fences around your house. Instead a picket or chain link fence will help discourage burglars.
Doors - Exterior doors should be solid, free of rot and decay, and always possess a deadbolt. If a mail slot is present it should have a box or cage around it. Burglars have successfully used these to break in. Sliders should be equipped with locks on both the top and the bottom or the door. They should never be able to be lifted from their frame and a large stick such as a broom stick handle should be placed in the track as an added security.
Pet Doors - These are never a good idea but if necessary use ones that only allow the animal to go through by an electronic collar and place it as far away from the lock as possible. Burglars have been known to crawl through, or ask a child to crawl through or crawl through themselves as some burglars are children.
Dogs - Dogs are great at keeping burglars away. If you don't own a dog, place a "Beware of Dog" sign up.
As these are great ways to reduce the chance of having your home burglarized. There is always ADT. Having your home monitored while you are home and away is a good way to keep you, your family and your home safe. Schedule a home inspection with J D M Home Inspections and ADT will install a home security system for FREE.
We want to help you protect what matters most.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Saving Money While Staying Cool
There are a lot of different ways to stay cool in your home during these hot summer months. The first and most favorable way is to have a Central AC unit installed or running throughout your home. As much as this keeps your house at a cool temperature, it may not be the option some can afford to run or install, as it can be very pricy (approximately $1.50 an hour).
If that's the case, there are some other alternatives to having a cool house.
1. Attic Fans/House Fan - These fans will help vent out the heat from the attic in the summer time and cost minimal to run. Solar attic fans cost nothing to run as they run on the solar energy from the sun. Attic fans are inexpensive to have installed and run. Running attic/house fans for 10 summers is cheaper than running your central AC for 1 summer.
2. Ceiling Fans - Ceiling fans will help to circulate the air in the house and are especially effective with central AC. Average cost per day is around $.20/day.
3. Window Fans - When the temperature outside drops below the temperature inside, turning on those window fans will help to create a nice cool evening. By using this method only in the evenings and through the night should cost you roughly $.25/day.
4. Shades - Having blinds and shades on the windows for most of us is a privacy/decoration desire, but having them drawn down over the windows during the summer to block out the sun is highly effective in preventing the sun's heat coming into your home.
5. Wall/Window AC Units - Compared to central AC, these may be more of a pain but they are more efficient and much cheaper than central AC. These units (depending how big they are) costs about $60-$80 a month to run.
6. Trees - Planting trees on the South/West side of your homes will give you shade during these hot summer months. Choosing trees that drop their leaves will give you sun in the winter for that extra heat.
7. Insulation - If you don't have at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic, consider adding some for that extra barrier, as well as making sure your duct work is free from leaks and well insulated.
If you love your Central AC, make sure it's working to the best of it's ability for the lowest costs. See that landscaping is not crowding the outside unit, or compressor, as this needs to breathe to work efficiently. With landscaping crowding it, it may have to work harder which will cost you more. Always check to see if it needs cleaning and how to clean it. Some need to be turned off where others are okay to be left on. If you are unsure, have a professional clean it for you. The recommended time is every year.
Enjoy this beautiful weather and stay cool!
If that's the case, there are some other alternatives to having a cool house.
1. Attic Fans/House Fan - These fans will help vent out the heat from the attic in the summer time and cost minimal to run. Solar attic fans cost nothing to run as they run on the solar energy from the sun. Attic fans are inexpensive to have installed and run. Running attic/house fans for 10 summers is cheaper than running your central AC for 1 summer.
2. Ceiling Fans - Ceiling fans will help to circulate the air in the house and are especially effective with central AC. Average cost per day is around $.20/day.
3. Window Fans - When the temperature outside drops below the temperature inside, turning on those window fans will help to create a nice cool evening. By using this method only in the evenings and through the night should cost you roughly $.25/day.
4. Shades - Having blinds and shades on the windows for most of us is a privacy/decoration desire, but having them drawn down over the windows during the summer to block out the sun is highly effective in preventing the sun's heat coming into your home.
5. Wall/Window AC Units - Compared to central AC, these may be more of a pain but they are more efficient and much cheaper than central AC. These units (depending how big they are) costs about $60-$80 a month to run.
6. Trees - Planting trees on the South/West side of your homes will give you shade during these hot summer months. Choosing trees that drop their leaves will give you sun in the winter for that extra heat.
7. Insulation - If you don't have at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic, consider adding some for that extra barrier, as well as making sure your duct work is free from leaks and well insulated.
If you love your Central AC, make sure it's working to the best of it's ability for the lowest costs. See that landscaping is not crowding the outside unit, or compressor, as this needs to breathe to work efficiently. With landscaping crowding it, it may have to work harder which will cost you more. Always check to see if it needs cleaning and how to clean it. Some need to be turned off where others are okay to be left on. If you are unsure, have a professional clean it for you. The recommended time is every year.
Enjoy this beautiful weather and stay cool!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Are you using your power strips safely?
There are more than one way you can use power strips/surge protectors in an unsafe manner. By using electrical components in ways they were not intended for, it may result in a fire, damages to your property or self, or fatality. Here are a few tips to help you keep using power strips in a safer way and avoid the dangerous habits of electrical usage.
1. Never use a power strip to power another power strip or connect through an extension cord. By using an extension cord or another power strip to power another is a direct violation of the NEC (National Electrical Code) as well as OSHA.
2. Keep power strips from being permanently attached to walls, tables, or structures or permanently used. According to the U.S. Office of Compliance, using for more than 90 days is being permanently used.
3. Do not use a 3-to-2 prong adapter to connect a power strip, remove the grounding prong or connect two power strips into a single wall receptacle.
4. Overloading is highly dangerous and could result in electrocution or fire. Avoid more than one appliance on a power strip or powering appliances that are not intended for ancillary power sources like space heaters or microwaves. Using power strips that have an internal circuit breaker should prevent overloading and overheating. It is highly recommended to replace all power strips/surge protectors with ones that contain an internal circuit breaker.
5. Power cords should be straight and not knotted and prongs are fully inserted into receptacle at all times. Unplug power strips when all components connected are not in use.
6. All cords should be fully coated with no wires showing, no cracks, or splices. If cracks, splices or exposed wires are found, no longer use the power cord.
7. Unplug all cords immediately when they feel hot to touch. Power strips need air circulation to prevent the chance of over heating. Placing behind furniture or underneath carpet, will prevent the necessary air circulation. If the power strip is too hot, evaluate what you have plugged into this strip and replacement is recommended.
8. Never place in a moist/wet environment.
9. Avoid plugging in components that create a heat source, such as space heaters, coffee makers, toaster ovens.
10. Not all power strips are the same, make sure to follow the manufacture's instructions and only connect what is intended for each power strip.
1. Never use a power strip to power another power strip or connect through an extension cord. By using an extension cord or another power strip to power another is a direct violation of the NEC (National Electrical Code) as well as OSHA.
2. Keep power strips from being permanently attached to walls, tables, or structures or permanently used. According to the U.S. Office of Compliance, using for more than 90 days is being permanently used.
3. Do not use a 3-to-2 prong adapter to connect a power strip, remove the grounding prong or connect two power strips into a single wall receptacle.
4. Overloading is highly dangerous and could result in electrocution or fire. Avoid more than one appliance on a power strip or powering appliances that are not intended for ancillary power sources like space heaters or microwaves. Using power strips that have an internal circuit breaker should prevent overloading and overheating. It is highly recommended to replace all power strips/surge protectors with ones that contain an internal circuit breaker.
5. Power cords should be straight and not knotted and prongs are fully inserted into receptacle at all times. Unplug power strips when all components connected are not in use.
6. All cords should be fully coated with no wires showing, no cracks, or splices. If cracks, splices or exposed wires are found, no longer use the power cord.
7. Unplug all cords immediately when they feel hot to touch. Power strips need air circulation to prevent the chance of over heating. Placing behind furniture or underneath carpet, will prevent the necessary air circulation. If the power strip is too hot, evaluate what you have plugged into this strip and replacement is recommended.
8. Never place in a moist/wet environment.
9. Avoid plugging in components that create a heat source, such as space heaters, coffee makers, toaster ovens.
10. Not all power strips are the same, make sure to follow the manufacture's instructions and only connect what is intended for each power strip.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Forecast is calling for wind
Lately, the forecast has called for wind and wind is what we got. Although it can be bit irritating to have such windy days one right after another, with messy hair days and attempting to walk across a parking lot without being blown away, this may not be the least of our worries. Wind at times can cause quite a bit of damage to our roofs as well as our homes.
Wind is just air that is moving from an area of high pressured air to an area of low pressured air, but don't underestimate it. The bigger the difference between the areas, the higher the speed of the wind. Wind loves to stick close to a surface and when there is a sudden drop or change in the surface, the air flow gets disrupted creating a vacuum. When there is an uplift in the wind current which creates this vacuum, it can take everything that will move with it. Even if there isn't a vacuum that is created, the wind more than doubles its speed on the roof compared to the side of our homes, which can create loose shingles, or other damages.
Anything is possible and it's important to make sure our roofs are well maintained and well intact. Any doubts, have our inspector inspect your roof.
Wind is just air that is moving from an area of high pressured air to an area of low pressured air, but don't underestimate it. The bigger the difference between the areas, the higher the speed of the wind. Wind loves to stick close to a surface and when there is a sudden drop or change in the surface, the air flow gets disrupted creating a vacuum. When there is an uplift in the wind current which creates this vacuum, it can take everything that will move with it. Even if there isn't a vacuum that is created, the wind more than doubles its speed on the roof compared to the side of our homes, which can create loose shingles, or other damages.
Anything is possible and it's important to make sure our roofs are well maintained and well intact. Any doubts, have our inspector inspect your roof.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
10 Most Common Home Inspection Problems
The 10 Most Common Home Inspection Problems
1. Faulty wiring—open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, no wire nuts on wires.
The cure: Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps.
2. Poor grading and drainage—spongy soil around the foundation, signs of leaking in basement.
The cure: Regrade so that grounds slopes away from house for 10 feet; remove porous material around foundation.
3. Faulty gutters—clogged or bent gutters, water not channeled away from house.
The cure: Preventive maintenance; gutters of adequate size, splash pans to divert run-off.
4. Basement dampness—water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew.
The cure: Repair gutters to channel water away from house; apply waterproof coatings to basement.
5. Roof problems—brittle or curled shingles; broken or missing flashings.
The cure: Apply new shingle, or tear off if needed (usually after three re-roofs ); replacing flashings, especially around chimneys and other protrusions.
6. Foundation flaws—cracks in foundation, sloping floors, sticking doors or windows.
The cure: Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy; apply waterproof coating to exterior.
7. Poor upkeep—needs repainting, worn carpeting, cracked driveway.
The cure: Give the house a minor facelift.
8. Faulty plumbing—inadequate water pressure, slow drains, signs of leaks on ceilings.
The cure: Clean and rout drains; reseat toilet with new wax ring, repair leaks.
9. Poor ventilation—extreme heat in attic, vapor condensation.
The cure: Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked; install additional roof vents; vent bathroom and kitchen fans outside.
10. Defective heating—cracks in the heat exchanger or water tank; carbon monoxide leaks.
The cure: Reseal chimney flues; replace sacrificial anode in water heater.
Excerpted from “Top 10 House Problems,” Practical Homeowner,Practical Homeowner LP, March 1990
http://www.realtor.org/
1. Faulty wiring—open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, no wire nuts on wires.
The cure: Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps.
2. Poor grading and drainage—spongy soil around the foundation, signs of leaking in basement.
The cure: Regrade so that grounds slopes away from house for 10 feet; remove porous material around foundation.
3. Faulty gutters—clogged or bent gutters, water not channeled away from house.
The cure: Preventive maintenance; gutters of adequate size, splash pans to divert run-off.
4. Basement dampness—water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew.
The cure: Repair gutters to channel water away from house; apply waterproof coatings to basement.
5. Roof problems—brittle or curled shingles; broken or missing flashings.
The cure: Apply new shingle, or tear off if needed (usually after three re-roofs ); replacing flashings, especially around chimneys and other protrusions.
6. Foundation flaws—cracks in foundation, sloping floors, sticking doors or windows.
The cure: Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy; apply waterproof coating to exterior.
7. Poor upkeep—needs repainting, worn carpeting, cracked driveway.
The cure: Give the house a minor facelift.
8. Faulty plumbing—inadequate water pressure, slow drains, signs of leaks on ceilings.
The cure: Clean and rout drains; reseat toilet with new wax ring, repair leaks.
9. Poor ventilation—extreme heat in attic, vapor condensation.
The cure: Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked; install additional roof vents; vent bathroom and kitchen fans outside.
10. Defective heating—cracks in the heat exchanger or water tank; carbon monoxide leaks.
The cure: Reseal chimney flues; replace sacrificial anode in water heater.
Excerpted from “Top 10 House Problems,” Practical Homeowner,Practical Homeowner LP, March 1990
http://www.realtor.org/
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Home Inspections
Buying a home can be a very exciting point in anyone's life and will be one of the most valuable assets. To ensure you know exactly what you are buying it is essential to have a home inspection done on your house of interest. By purchasing a home inspection, you will gain knowledgable insight onto any repairs that may need to be done and anything that can turn into a potential problem in the future. You wouldn't buy a car without looking under the hood, why buy a house without an inspection? We are here to help.
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