Monthly Archives: April 2014

Termites

Termite Control in the Home

Wood destroying insects and other organisms can cause serious problems in the wood structural components of a house and may go undetected for a long period of time.

New Construction

All chemical soil treatments, bait systems, and chemical wood treatment must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applied in […]

Septic Systems

source: EPA

Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes of wastewater from individual or small numbers of homes and commercial buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a state, tribal, and local responsibility. EPA provides information to homeowners and assistance to state and local governments to improve the management of septic systems to prevent failures […]

Roofing

Maintaining Your Roof

Homeowner maintenance includes cleaning the leaves and debris from the roofs valleys and gutters. Debris in the valleys can cause water to wick under the shingles and cause damage to the interior of the roof. Clogged rain gutters can cause water to flow back under the shingles on the eaves and cause […]

Hot Water Heaters

Hot Water and How to Heat It

There are several water-heating options available to you. While you are taking steps to save on home heating, don’t forget to see what you can do to lower your water heating costs. Check with your fuel supplier for more information, and consider alternatives to your current method.

Storage-type water […]

Plumbing

For more information on your home’s plumbing, call a home inspector.

Plumbing may be defined as practice, materials, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, and alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with sanitary or storm drainage facilities, the venting system, and the public or private water supply systems. Plumbing does […]

First Aid for Electrical Accidents

Source: NASD

 

Disconnect the appliances or turn off the power if the person is undergoing electric shock.
Cover associated electric shock burns with a dry sterile dressing only.
Never touch a person undergoing electric shock or you too could become a victim.

 

First Aid for Electric Shock Victims

1. Don’t touch them!
2. Unplug the appliance or turn off the power […]

Electrical Fires

Source: NASDM

Electricity can be a potent fire source. Many farmers and others have lost a barn or house from old or defective wiring. Overloaded wiring can be very dangerous. It is safer and more efficient to install new circuits.

Never put water on an electrical fire. Use a CO2 fire extinguisher if the fire is small.
Protect […]

Electrical Safety

source: NASD (CDC.gov)

Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused.

Outlets near water should be GFI-type outlets.
Don’t allow trees near power lines to be climbed.
Keep ladders, kites, equipment and anything else away from […]

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem in your home or […]

Mold and VOCs

Mold and VoC’s

VoC stands for Volatile Organic Compound.

Volatile means that the substance vaporizes easily under normal room temperature conditions. Organic is a naturally occurring substance. Compounds are things comprised of 2 or more actions or functions. Relating this to black mold, it is the musty, or moldy smell that occurs as the mold grows […]