Category: News

Carbon Monoxide: A Deadly Danger

Posted on October 29, 2018 by onlineimage - News

With winter coming on to cool much of North America, it’s worthwhile to address a potential hazard that arises with increased use of fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces and water heaters: carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, oil, and propane in devices including furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. These items are normally designed to vent the CO to the outside, but harmful interior levels of CO can result from incomplete combustion of fuel, improper installation, or blockages, leaks or cracks in the venting systems. Very high levels of CO can lead to incapacitation or death, with victims sometimes never having been aware they were being poisoned.

Homeowners can take action against potential carbon monoxide poisoning by taking the following steps:

Never use gas stoves or ovens to heat the home, even temporarily.
Have all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually, preferably before the start of the cold weather season when heaters and furnaces are first used.
These appliances include gas stoves and ovens, furnaces and heaters, water heaters and gas clothes dryers.
All such devices should be properly installed and vented to the outside.
If repairs are necessary, be sure they are performed by a qualified technician.
Always use the proper fuel specified for the device.
Have flues and chimneys for gas fireplaces inspected regularly for cracks, leaks, and blockages that may allow a buildup of CO to occur.
Do not start a vehicle in a closed garage, or idle the engine in the garage even when the garage door is open.
Gasoline-powered generators and charcoal grills must never be used indoors.
Purchase a CO detector (either battery operated, hard wired or plug-in) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper location and installation. Installation of working CO detectors in residential properties is now required by law in most states.
Learn what to do if the CO alarm activates. If anyone in the home experiences symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, or confusion, everyone should leave immediately and seek medical attention. If no symptoms are felt, open doors and windows immediately and shut off all fuel-burning devices that may be potential sources of CO.

Enjoy the comfort and safety of home this winter and all year long.

How to Avoid Halloween Hazards

Posted on October 26, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

If you’re welcoming ghouls and goblins to your door this Halloween or taking your kids for trick or treating, everyone will have even more fun when care is taken to reduce holiday hazards. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:

Keep pathways and porches well lighted for easy navigation. Look for and remove any tripping hazards such as garden hoses and low potted plants that children may not be able to see.
Never use candles as outdoor decorations. People, costumes and pets can easily knock them over and cause a fire. Use small battery-operated lights instead. There are some that look just like small votive candles and provide the same effect without the flame.
If using decorations such as dried corn stalks or straw bales, be sure to keep them away from any flames or other possible fire sources.
Trick-or-treaters should use flashlights to guide their way from home to home. This will also help them be more visible to drivers. Stick to familiar neighborhoods, and visit only homes where the lights are on.
Be sure that any costumes are labeled as flame resistant. This makes them safer, but does not mean they are completely flame proof. Avoid overly long and loose sleeves, and be sure the length allows the child to walk normally.
Make sure masks fit properly and allow the wearer to see clearly. Alternatively, face paint is a good option for a safe and fun disguise.
Children should refrain from eating their goodies until a parent can examine the treats for opened or damaged wrappers or any off-limits ingredients.

When driving, be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters that may dart out into the street unexpectedly. Drive slowly and cautiously, and make sure your headlights are on.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors!

Fall is for Fireplaces: 8 Tips for Homeowners

Posted on October 19, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

A wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful feature in many homes. Here are some reminders and tips for staying safe and getting full enjoyment from your fireplace this season:

Annual Inspections – Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure that it’s obstruction free and clear of creosote – a black, oily substance that can build up on the inside walls of the chimney. Because creosote is highly combustible, a thick accumulation creates a serious hazard that can put your home at risk of a major fire.

Feeding Your Fire – Use dry, well-seasoned hardwoods in your fireplace. If you choose to use manufactured fire “logs,” never burn them together with real wood to avoid the possibility of dangerous flare-ups.

Plan Ahead – Keep the area around the hearth clear of debris, decorations, and flammable materials. Use a metal mesh screen that covers the opening, whether you have glass fireplace doors or not. Leave glass doors open while a fire is burning to ensure good ventilation and airflow.

When to Clean – During periods of heavy use, clean out the firebox regularly once the embers are cold. Leave about an inch of ash because it acts as insulation, allowing the new fuel to heat faster and retain heat longer. Never use a vacuum to clean up fresh ashes, as embers can smolder for as long as several days after the fire is out, creating a fire hazard.

Upkeep – Check that vents are unobstructed and able to do their job. If you have a fireplace fan, keep it clean. In non-wood burning fireplaces, clean and adjust glowing embers and logs for best appearance.

Cap Your Chimney – Have a cap installed at the top of the chimney to keep animals out, help prevent water damage and keep debris from blocking the opening. A spark arrestor will prevent live embers from escaping the chimney and landing on your roof or on other buildings.

Use Common Sense – Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed, and always keep children and pets away from the fireplace.

Be Community Aware – Many local ordinances prohibit the burning of wood, manufactured logs or pellets on days or nights when the amount of particulate matter in the air reaches a predetermined level. Be sure to check with your local air quality district or fire department before lighting your next fire. Some air quality districts have apps that can alert you when it’s not okay to burn.

Follow these tips and safely enjoy cozy fires all season long.

Boost Buyer Interest and Add Value with Curb Appeal

Posted on October 10, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

Curb appeal. It’s all about how your home looks to people walking or driving by. But there is no more important audience to attract than potential buyers, who are highly influenced by their first glimpse. If you’re selling, you can boost that first impression by making sure your home looks great before it hits the market. Here are some tips and techniques that can positively affect your home’s curb appeal and perhaps even its value.

Cleanup and Repair – Tackle some basic maintenance and repairs before moving onto larger projects. Clean windows and siding, stow away yard tools and equipment, and clean up dead branches and leaves. Make sure fences, walkways, and the driveway are in good repair, too – a home that looks well taken care of is always more attractive to buyers.

Landscaping – A full landscape overhaul may not be warranted, but the yard, especially in front, should look neat and well maintained. Trim any overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and tidy up planting areas. A fresh layer of mulch is an inexpensive way to make planting areas look well maintained. If the season is right, add some colorful flowering plants to brighten up around walkways and at the front entrance. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to create an instant welcoming feeling.

The Entrance – The front door is another key element of that all-important first impression. If replacement is cost prohibitive, consider revitalizing a tired, faded door with a fresh coat of paint in a great accent color and swapping out the hardware. Updated house numbers that reflect the style of the home are another impactful but inexpensive addition.

Paint It New – Brighten up the exterior with a new paint job. It’s always best to go with neutral colors that have widespread appeal so that potential buyers won’t be put off by polarizing colors or combinations. Painting the exterior is a significant improvement that can even add to the home’s value. If the existing paint is already in good shape, have the exterior pressure-washed to get rid of accumulated dirt and grime. Have the windows washed inside and out to brighten the overall appearance of the home and to maximize incoming light.

There’s nothing worse than home “lookers” who drive by – and keep right on going because they’ve already decided a home doesn’t appeal to them based on looks alone. With these tips in mind, chances are your home will catch the eye of more potential buyers.