Having problems with lower water pressure? Unfortunately, with our hard West Texas water, this is not uncommon. Here is a great how to on fixing this issue!
http://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-remove-mineral-deposits-in-your-water/
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I am sure each of us have watched one of those great home improvement shows on HGTV, DIY Network, etc. It's never requires more than 30 minutes (minus commercials) for our favorite TV personality to correct the woes forced upon the home owner that's the topic of that particular episode. All is corrected, and no expense is spared.
Now to reality. You buy a home. You hope it's what you want. You hope that the money you invest is going into a well built, well maintained property. How do you cover your bases, and protect the investment you've made? Hire a home inspector, of course! The reality is this: on TV, you see contractors (TV people) do things that will positively never happen in real life. No home inspector demolishes drywall to see what's behind those walls. No home inspector assesses whether your HVAC system is perfectly balanced, or the correct components are installed per the manufacturer. No home inspector tests breakers, or works on wiring inside the electrical panel, attic, basement, or walls. You'll never see a home inspector digging up drain connections in the yard. In West Texas, you'll never see home inspectors scanning your home with $25,000 infrared thermal cameras (though I can offer you a limited version of this service at no additional charge!) What I'm getting at is this: before you hire an inspector, know what to expect! If you're unsure, I can help. We can review what is a part of a State of Texas licensed home inspection, and what is not included. And the great thing is, you may be surprised how much worthwhile information a realistic home inspection from Double C Home Inspections can provide you with! Call me! Let's schedule your inspection! The 10,000 point inspection. Now available only from Double C Home Inspections!
How much more information is available to the home buyer through this home inspection? The answer might just overwhelm you! If you are interested in getting virtually every possible piece of information about your property, you need to contact me. Only Double C Home Inspections provides a 10,000 point inspection that can provide at least 10 times the inspection points the other inspectors check! How do you get this amazing inspection service? When you contact me to schedule your next home inspection, let me know that you need a 10,000 inspection. If you don't ask for it, I can't schedule it. Be aware, this inspection is not cheap! In fact, it is the most costly inspection on the market in West Texas! But isn't your home worth it? Contact me! Let's schedule your 10,000 point inspection NOW! Should the home buyer be present for the inspection?
I’ve completed real estate inspections for hundreds of clients all over West Texas. There are many real estate related topics that everyone seems to have an opinion on, but one that’s near & dear to my heart is based on homebuyer expectations vs. reality. Probably every property inspector out there has been asked whether it’s okay for the buyer to attend the home inspection. Some inspectors answer” no”, in part because they want to provide the best inspection possible for their client, or they’re afraid of the liability that can come from the inspector being personally responsible for what might happen while at the home. Both of these points have validity, and as an inspector, I have experienced the worst case scenarios when it comes to each of these points. But that doesn’t mean I don’t believe that the home buyer (or client) should be present at the home inspection. In fact, quite the opposite. Humor me for a moment: Let’s play ‘What would you do?’ (John Quinones from ABC News sold separately!) Scenario #1 - Julie is looking to buy a home. She’s found one she loves. She makes an offer on the home and it’s accepted. She has 10 days to have the home inspected, per the contract with the seller. Julie locates an inspector with a great reputation. Julie asks the inspector beforehand if it’s okay to attend the inspection with the inspector. The inspector has no issues with her attending the inspection. The date of the inspection is here! (Now this is where it gets interesting!) The home inspector arrives to inspect. The home inspector seems to do a thorough job inspecting the home. Julie doesn’t follow him around the whole time, but she is observant. At the end of the inspection, the inspector reviews his findings with Julie. Later, Julie receives a report from the inspector which names some of the defects he shared with her already, as well as a few others. Julie is happy to know where she stands! Fast forward a bit: Julie has asked the seller to fix a few of the “major” defects found at the inspection, and the seller has agreed. A little further in the future: Time for Julie to move in! 1 week after move in:: The dishwasher quit working. No washy. No scrubby. No nothing! Now…. Scenario #2 - Julie is looking to buy a home. She’s found one she loves. She makes an offer on the home and it’s accepted. She has 10 days to have the home inspected, per the contract with the seller. Julie locates an inspector with a great reputation. Julie will not be able to attend any of the inspection, but she is confident that it will go well. The date of the inspection is here! (Now this is where it gets interesting!) The home inspector arrives to inspect. Later, Julie receives a report from the inspector. Much of what she sees on the report is a bit overwhelming. Every defect listed on the report could mean the END OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT, or be no big deal. She’s not sure, because she is not a home inspector. In fact, because she didn’t attend the inspection, she’s never even personally met a home inspector. Any home inspector. Is this defect a major issue? What about that defect??? Fast forward a bit: Julie has asked the seller to fix a few of the “major” defects found at the inspection, and the seller has agreed. A little further in the future: Time for Julie to move in! 1 week later: The dishwasher quit working. No washy. No scrubby. No nothing! Now the question we all need to ask ourselves is this: Which scenario gives Julie the peace of mind that the dishwasher was at least working when the inspector was there? That’s an easy answer, right? - Scenario #1. Even if Julie didn’t actually see the inspector check the dishwasher, she knows that the inspector did a thorough job, because she was there for part of the inspection, and she met and talked with him personally. In Scenario #2, Julie might think the home inspector didn’t even look at the dishwasher. How would she know for sure? Most inspection report standards don’t require the inspector to provide an opinion on systems or appliances that are working fine. And why would they? A home inspector is reporting on defects, not usually reporting on items that are working fine. If the inspector commented on every item in the home, regardless of whether it was a defect or not, the inspection report would be impossibly long and very difficult to decipher! In conclusion, just a thought from an experienced home inspector, but I always appreciate my client wanting to attend the inspection. It’s the best case scenario for everyone involved. So, make the time to be there. It’s worth it! I look forward to seeing you there! Check on Your HVAC Systems (Before They Check Out on You) by Fran J. Donegan for The Home Depot Have you ever woken up in the middle of a winter night, shivering under the blankets and able to see your breath? Or have you ever watched the thermostat creep into the upper 80s during a record-setting heat wave, realizing you haven't heard the air conditioner kick on? If so, your heating or cooling system was on the fritz—and (of course), it happened at the worst possible time. These systems not only fail when you need them the most, but also during the hardest time of the year to get a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractor to come by for repairs. Naturally, technicians are at their busiest when these systems are busiest. So, unless you have a relative in the business, the best way to ensure your heating and cooling systems keep working is to maintain them properly. To guard against a future breakdown, have a professional perform periodic maintenance on the systems before the peak seasons begin. Have the heating system serviced in late summer or early fall, and keep in mind that priority scheduling for repeat customers may begin mid-summer. For a central air-conditioning system, arrange to have a pro check it out in the early spring, after temperatures have reached 65° F, depending on when it starts getting hot in your region. A typical maintenance call will involve tightening electrical connections, checking the condition of hoses and belts, lubricating all moving parts, and making sure the controls work properly. For cooling components, the contractor will clean the evaporator coils that remove the heat from the air in your home, as well as the condenser coils that release the collected heat to the outside air. Your tech will also check the fan components, make sure the refrigerant level in the system is correct, inspect ductwork and gas lines, and check for leaks. For heating systems, technicians typically check fuel connections, change the filters, and inspect the system's combustion and heat exchangers. What You Can Do Here are a few maintenance tasks you can perform yourself:
If your HVAC system does break down, you will be faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace it. Repairs are less expensive, but there are a number of reasons to consider replacing the entire unit.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/investigators/numerous-consumers-report-exploding-kenmore-oven I'm occasionally asked why I don't operate valves and light pilot pights. Courtesy of another inspecting professional, this is why:
http://youtu.be/la58-7ZA1W8 What should you look for when shopping for your first home? Here are some great tips courtesy of Double C Home Inspections!
1. How long has the home been on the market? If the home has been available for an extended period of time, it may mean that contracts haven't worked out for other potential buyers, sometimes due to "failed" home inspections. 2. New paint? New flooring? New fixtures? May be a "flipper" house. This means that the home was bought recently for the express purpose of a quick resale with minimal investment. Though not necessarily a bad thing, it can mean that cosmetic repairs were made to a home that may have needed much more extensive repairs. 3. Does the home look like it is loved? If it looks like the home was treated like a treasured possession, many times the previous owner has made some effort to maintain the home properly, as in the HVAC system, roof, etc. These can be costly repairs if the these systems haven't been maintained. Like to learn more? Call me! (806)544-8540 or (432)202-7544 The BuildFax Report takes away the guesswork when it comes to knowing what’s going on with a property. Things like how old the wiring is, or the furnace. The things you need to know to keep your family safe. In seconds, you’ll see how well it’s been maintained, the kind of work that’s been done on it, and what it’s really worth. You’ll get a detailed snapshot of the structure without ever stepping foot inside. With the BuildFax Report, the guessing game’s over. FEATURES Renovation History - We take every update on record for the property and use that to determine the quality of work that was done. The absence of records can also be telling, revealing whether unlicensed renovations have taken place, and possibly putting your safety at risk. 20 Point Risk Scan There are certain types of problems that home inspectors find most often. They include things like pests, radon, or fire damage. Our 20 Point Risk Scan flags the 20 most common ones if they’re present. Smart Buyer Insight It pays to know how old the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems are so you can anticipate the hidden costs that can come from one of them failing. With that kind of info in your back pocket, you can walk into negotiations like a pro. Neighborhood Review Our data shows that construction activity trends with economic changes, so having a sense of what the community is doing in remodeling can clue you in on things like gentrification trends and residential redevelopments (flipped houses). Click here to learn how BuildFax can add to your inspection report from Double C Home Inspections ! The most common question I get when contacted for a home inspection is "How much do you charge?"
The truth is, how much the inspector charges should be less of a concern. Many Lubbock area home inspectors battle for who is the lowest priced home inspector. While the real estate agent commission is typically over $3000, many Lubbock area home inspectors charge less than $300. As consumers, each of us has experienced those purchases where we wish we hadn't gone the cheapest route! I can personally guarantee you that each inspection report I provide will locate defects that could have cost you much more than the price of a home inspection! (Saves you $$$$) With that in mind, here are 3 questions you should ask before you hire your inspector: 1. "As my Lubbock home inspector, what is your motivation?" By this I mean, is the inspector more interested in helping he home sell? It should be obvious that this is not in your best interest as the buyer! 2. "How many points does your average inspection cover?" As your Lubbock inspector, each of my reports covers at least 1000 points! No other Lubbock inspector can compare with that level of service. 3. "What if I have questions after the inspection?" Will every Lubbock inspector be there to support the sevice they have provided? Many times, the answer may be No! Call me for questions or if you're ready to schedule your home inspection! I serve all of the South Plains and Permian Basin! (806)544-8540 or (432)202-7544 Leviticus 14:39-47: The priest shall come again on the seventh day and shall look; and if the disease has spread in the walls of the house, he shall command that they take out the diseased stones and cast them into an unclean place outside the city. He shall cause the house to be scraped within round about and the plaster or mortar that is scraped off to be emptied out in an unclean place outside the city. And they shall put other stones in the place of those stones, and he shall plaster the house with fresh mortar. If the disease returns, breaking out in the house after he has removed the stones and has scraped and plastered the house, then the priest shall come and look, and if the disease is spreading in the house, it is a rotting or corroding leprosy in the house; it is unclean. He shall tear down the house--its stones and its timber and all the plaster or mortar of the house--and shall carry them forth out of the city to an unclean place. Moreover, he who enters the house during the whole time that it is shut up shall be unclean until the evening. And he who lies down or eats in the house shall
Molds are the most typical form of fungus found on earth, comprising approximately 25% of the earth’s biomass. Molds are made up of masses of thread-like cells called hyphae. Under the appropriate conditions, the hyphae will grow into long intertwining strings that form the main body of the fungus, or the mycelium. It is the mass of mycelium that is visible to the human eye. Molds reproduce via seed-like spores present in the air and soil. However, molds can also spread if a fragment of broken hyphae is transplanted to an area with adequate moisture and organic matter for food. Spores are produced in large numbers. They are located on the hyphae. Symptoms of Mold Exposure There are many symptoms of mold exposure. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. An allergic reaction is the most common symptom that could include wheezing and difficulty breathing. Inhalation of fungal spores, fragments (parts), or metabolites (mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds) from a wide variety of fungi may lead to or exacerbate immunologic (allergic) reactions, cause toxic effects, or cause infections. A single or repeated exposure to mold, mold spores, or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold, and repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity. Allergic responses include “hay fever”-like symptoms, such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, irritated eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Molds can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. Fungi in buildings may cause or exacerbate symptoms of allergies, especially in persons who have a history of allergic diseases (such as asthma and rhinitis). In addition, molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of individuals, whether or not they are allergic to mold. Other symptoms include nasal and sinus congestion, burning, watery and red eyes, a sore throat, a dry cough, and skin irritation. These and other symptoms may be associated with exposure to mold. But all of these symptoms may be caused by other exposures or conditions unrelated to mold growth. Therefore, it is important not to assume that mold is the cause of such symptoms. The effects of mold exposure can be acute or chronic. An acute effect is an immediate, severe reaction to a large exposure. A chronic effect may take days, months or years to manifest, and usually comes from small, repeated exposures. If a person experiences these symptoms only when occupying a particular building, then that person may possibly be experiencing symptoms of mold exposure. There are four important indoor allergenic molds. They are Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Alternaria. Alternaria and Cladosporium are outdoor molds that can be found indoors if the doors or windows of a building are left open and the spores are carried by air currents. For more detailed information on mold and its health effects, consult a healthcare professional or the state or local health department. Though many people mistakenly believe that cleaning surface mold with bleach eliminates the problem, this is not an appropriate solution. Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a biocide or a chemical that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment indicates their use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain, but these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If disinfectants or biocides are used, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach with other cleaning solutions or with detergents that contain ammonia because toxic vapors could be produced. Note that dead mold is allergenic and may cause allergic reactions and other health effects in some individuals, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold. It must also be removed. Contact a Certified Mold Inspector. I have the training and expertise to give you the peace of mind you need! Statistics show that more than 18,000 Americans die every year from injuries that take place in the home.
This makes it the second most common location for such fatalities. Most Americans are unaware that they are able to prevent such accidents. From burns, poisoning, electrical shocks, suffocations; Unintentional injuries, no matter the magnitude, are never fun and sadly result in an average of over 21 million medical visits each year – that adds up to nearly $220 Billion in medical costs! What are the causes of these injuries, and how can we prevent them? Check out the info below for home injury statistics, and great home safety ideas: Common problems in the home that lead to injuries
Poisoning and Other Household Risks The second leading cause of home injury death is poisoning. It leads to nearly 5,000 fatalities each year. Accidents involving fires and burns are the third leading cause of home injury deaths, and they claim more than 3,000 lives a year. The fourth highest home safety risk is airway obstruction (choking, suffocation and strangulation). This claims about 1,000 lives annually. Water related incidents, particularly drowning, are responsible for 800 deaths per year. Children and Home Accident Statistics Children have the highest risk for at home injury and accidents. More than 3.4 million children experience an unintentional household injury every year and 2,300 children under 15 die from these unintentional injuries. The leading causes of childhood injury in the home are choking, suffocation, drowning, submersion, falls, fires and burns, guns and poisoning. Two children die as a result of being burned while over 300 children are treated in emergency rooms each year after suffering from burns. Scald burn injuries caused by hot liquids or steam are more likely to be sustained by younger children while older children more often sustain injuries from flame burns that are caused by direct contact with fire. Drowning is the leading cause of death and injuries in children ages 1-4. Water can be seen as a high threat to children as they can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Little to no supervision is dangerous anytime young children are dealing with water in the home. So many sad stories all too often of a caretaker who neglects to monitor a child while they're in the bath tub which results in a drowning accident. Home Injury Prevention Tips While the statistics about home injury and fatalities are alarming, preventing them can be easy. Here are some simple ways to prevent the most common home injuries. How to prevent falls
Seguridad en el Hogar ante Incendiospor Nick Gromicko y Kate Tarasenko
La Administración de Bomberos de Estados Unidos informa que han habido más de 403,000 incendios hogareños en EEUU durante 2008, provocando 2,780 muertes y más de 13,500 heridos. Algunos incendios se deben a temas estructurales, como el caso de las caídas de rayos, cableado defectuoso, disfunciones de hornos, y cualquier otro percance relacionado con los sistemas eléctricos y de calefacción. Pero la mayoría de los incendios hogareños son prevenibles. Según un informe de Abril de 2010 de la Asociación Nacional de Protección contra Incendios, los adultos mayores a 75 son tres veces más propensos a morir en un incendio hogareño que el resto de la gente en general. El programa de prevención de incendios de la NFPA promueve los ocho consejos siguientes para que la gente mayor--y la de todas las edades--puedan usar. 1. Planifique y practique su evacuación durante un incendio. Hemos oído este consejo anteriormente, pero no puede estar preparado para actuar en una emergencia si no tiene un plan previo y los demás no saben de qué trata. Tanto el pánico como el temor se pueden esparcir tan rápido como el fuego, por lo que debemos determinar una ruta de escape y un punto de reunión en el exterior, e involucra también a los miembros más jóvenes de la familia de manera que todos puedan trabajar como una unidad para lograr una evacuación segura. Si vive en un condominio o en un edifico de departamentos, asegúrese de leer la cartelería de su piso adonde se advierte sobre la ubicación de las escaleras y otras salidas, y también la de las alarmas de incendio y extinguidores. 2. Planifique su evacuación de acuerdo a sus capacidades. El tener un teléfono cerca de su cama le permitirá llamar rápidamente al 911, especialmente si las salidas de su casa están bloqueadas por el humo o las llamas. Tenga siempre un par de zapatos junto a su cama, también. Si su casa o edificio posee una escalera para incendios, practique usándola y subiéndola. 3. Los detectores de humo salvan vidas. Si ya no tiene instaladas en forma permanente alarmas de humo cableadas al sistema eléctrico y ubicado fuera de cada dormitorio y en cada piso, adquiéralas y colóquelas como se explicó. Instálelas con adhesivos y tornillos, pero tenga cuidado de no tocar con el destornillador el cableado interno, porque puede provocar una descarga electrostática y estropearlas Además instale detectores de monóxido de carbono, para proteger a lo miembros de su familia de venenos mortales aun antes que haya comenzado el fuego. 4. Deje espacio para los calentadores ambientales. Si ahorra en las facturas de servicio utilizando raramente la estufa, o cuando usa unidades portátiles para calefacción puntual , asegúrese de separarlas al menos 3 pies. Cerciórese de apagar y desenchufarlos cuando se vaya o se acueste. Los artefactos eléctricos dejan circular corriente aun cuando están apagados, y una falla puede provocar un incendio que puede difundirse por el cableado en las paredes a una velocidad mortal. 5. Si fuma, hágalo afuera. No solo va a mantener más saludables a los miembros de su familia y su casa oliendo más fresco, si no que minimizará la posibilidad que una sola brasa de su cigarrillo caiga y arda sin notarse hasta que cause algún daño 6. Sea prudente en la cocina. Esto significa vigilar lo que tenga en la cocina y seguir de cerca lo que se está cocinando en el horno. No cocine si está cansado o si está tomando medicamentos que puedan obstaculizar su juicio o darle sueño. Ser inteligente en la cocina también significa usar ropa que no se enrede fácilmente en los mangos de las ollas y sartenes, o alimentar a llamas abiertas o elementos de calefacción. También significa saber cómo apagar un fuego de aceite; el agua lo va a esparcir, pero la sal o el polvo para hornear lo extinguirá rápidamente, como lo haría cubriendo la olla o la sartén con una tapa y apagando la hornalla. Utilice siempre el extractor de aire cuando esté cocinando. Tenga a mano un pequeño, y para todo propósito extinguidor en un lugar accesible, como puede ser debajo del fregadero. Se denominan “ABC” para los tres tipos de fuegos a extinguir: El “A” apaga basura, Madera o papel encendidos; el “B” actúa sobre grasas y otros líquidos inflamables; y el “C” es para pequeños fuegos eléctricos. Lea las instrucciones de estos dispositivos accesibles cuando los traiga del negocio, de manera de actuar rápidamente, si fuera necesario. Si su extinguidor es un poco viejo por falta de uso, sacúdalo y agítelo para evitar su apelmazamiento y el posible taponamiento de la boca de salida. También es buena idea mantener un pequeño extinguidor extra cerca de los dormitorios. Si ocurre una emergencia y se encuentra atrapado porque la ventana está trabada, puede usarlo para romper el vidrio. 7. Practique la técnica de parar, echarse al suelo y rodar. Intente evitar entrar en pánico y correr si sus ropas toman fuego porque lo único que va a lograr es acelerar el proceso de esparcimiento, ya que el fuego necesita oxígeno para mantenerse y aumentar. Apisonar el fuego rodando es efectivo, especialmente en el caso de que sus ropas estén prendidas fuego en la espalda o zona más baja del cuerpo, lugares en los que puede no darse cuenta inmediatamente. Si el espacio es limitado, cúbrase con una frazada para bloquear las llamas, y rocíese con agua lo antes que pueda. Además, siempre trate de estar cerca del piso durante un incendio; el aumento de calor y humo, y el aire respirable estarán a nivel del piso, lo que le dará más chances de escapar antes de ser atrapado por el humo y emanaciones tóxicas. También, antes de salir de una habitación cerrada, palpe el picaporte a ver si está caliente previo a abrir la puerta. Un picaporte muy caliente indica que el fuego puede estar agazapado ahí afuera; el abrir la puerta alimentará el fuego y agregará oxígeno, con posibles contra tirajes explosivos que pueden ser letales. 8. Sepa el número telefónico de emergencias local. LA gente de todas las edades necesitan conocer el número de emergencias (generalmente, es el 911). Poniéndolo cerca del teléfono y en marcación rápida hará ganar preciosos minutos en el momento en que la lucidez mental puede estar comprometida. Más Consejos
Todas las construcciones residenciales nuevas requieren la instalación de detectores de humo, generalmente en cada piso de la casa, y afuera de cada dormiotiro. Los detecores más modernos también detectan monóxido de carbono.Ests asesino siliencioso y sin olor es una side las causa principales de muerta accidental, porque los miembros de la familia pueden envenenarse fatalmente mientras duermen. Los detectores de humo vienen de dos tipos. Los detectores fotoeléctricos pueden sensar humos y fuegos ardientes. Los detectores por ionización son mas rapidos para sensar llamas y fuegos rápidos. Los detectores duales combinan mabos tipos, y los recomienda la USFA ya que no es possible predecir el tipo de fuego que puede aparecer en una casa. Hay tambien detectors de alrma que vibran y/o tienen lámparas estroboscópicas para alertar a los habitantes de la casa con problemas de visión o de oídos con alguna sordera. El fabricante líder de detectores de alarma residenciales en U.S. y el de extinguidores, es Kidde. Sus sensors duales fueron sujeto de una ratirada voluntaria hecha por la Comisión de Seguridad del Producto del Consumidos de U.S. en el verano de 2009 debido a que una falla porvocada por una descarga electrostatic durante su instalación, lo que los tornó inoperables.Asegurse de isntalar cualquier detector portátil de humo o de monóxido en forma segura, y pruebleos depsues de instalarlos. También pued epedirselo al Cuerpo de Bomberos local que lo haga. Muchos detectors son cableados al sistema electric de la casa, pero pueden tener una bactería de apoyo en el caso de un corte de enregia. Tipicamnete tiene un boton de preuba. Asegurese de porbarlo una vez por mes y reemplace las baterias una vez por año. Si oye un sonido anormal, esto significa que las baterías están bajas y deben ser reempalzadas. Alfunos tienen un botón “molesto”. Si quema algo que esta cociennado.y desconecta accientalemne el sensor, puede apretar este boton y apagarlos rewcuerde de no sacar de servicio la arlama realmente, puede olvidarse de poenrla nuevamente. Simplemente saque el humo de la habitación. Rebajas y Descuentos Bajo la mayoria de las norma los propietarios e inquilinos tiene polizas de segurocon detectors de humo,detectors de monoxidod e carbon y extinguidores en la casa que calificaran a los portadores de las polizas para descuentos y reempbolsos en sus primas.Algunas caa modernas tiene sistemas de rociadores, y varias municpalidades en U.S. están obligando a su instalacion, en función de la superficie de la casa. Resuemiendo, instalando sensors duales de humo y de monoxidod e carbon, y tomando precacuioes de sentido comun, y con mantenimientos rwegulares, logarara mantener segura a su familia de los posibles y destructivos efectos letales del fuego en una casa. Porgarme una inspección con su inspector de InterNACHI par aver si puede firtalecer su casa ante semejante peligro. Smoke alarms are one of the most crucial systems related to your safety in your home. Smoke alarms are generally very affordable. So, why are so many homes missing smoke alarms, or have installed smoke alarms that don't operate? Below are some facts related smoke alarms and occupant deaths: Courtesy http://www.nfpa.org/ Smoke alarms provide a critical early warning of fire, allowing additional time to escape. National estimates of reported fires derived from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) fire department survey show that in 2009-2013, fires in homes with no smoke alarms caused an average of 940 deaths per year (38% of home fire deaths). An additional 510 people per year (21% of home fire deaths) were fatally injured in fires in which smoke alarms were present but failed to operate. Power source problems were the leading cause of smoke alarm failures. Almost all households indicate having smoke alarms, yet smoke alarms were present in slightly less than three-quarters (73%) of reported home fires and operated in roughly half (53%). When present in reported fires large enough to activate them, they operated 87% of the time. Hardwired smoke alarms were more likely to operate than those powered solely by batteries. The death rate per 100 reported fires was more than twice as high in homes with no or no working smoke alarms (1.18 deaths per 100 fires) as it was in fires with working smoke alarms (0.53 deaths per 100 fires). The lowest fire death rates were seen in homes with hardwired smoke alarms andsprinklers. Victims in homes with working smoke alarms were more likely to have been in the area of origin. They were also more likely to be 65 or older, to have a physical disability or to have tried to fight the fire themselves. From http://www.csstdanger.com/ CSST is flexible, corrugated stainless steel tubing used to supply natural gas and propane in homes, schools, hospitals, commercial and industrial buildings. It is not the same product as an appliance connector, which is a similar flexible piping that connects directly to moveable appliances like ovens, hot water heaters, grills, ranges or dryers from the wall or floor. CSST piping is an extremely thin-walled piping system that can be routed beneath, through and alongside the basement joists, inside the interior wall cavity or through attic spaces. The thinness of the tubing wall makes it susceptible to damage from direct and in-direct lightning strikes to the structure where it is used. Unlike black iron pipe, which easily withstands the affects of lightning, CSST wall thickness is readily breached when arching occurs. Testing reveals that when a pinhole in the wall of the CSST is created by arcing, ignition of the leaking gas can occur leading to a gas-fueled fire in the structure. How do you respond if you believe your home may have CSST in it? Contact a professional home inspector. We can help you find the information you need to decide what your next steps.
Call me. I can help! Why weep holes? What are weep holes? According to Wikipedia : A weep, a weep hole, or a weep-brick is a small opening that allows water to drain from within an assembly. Weeps are located at the bottom of the object to allow for drainage; the weep hole must be sized adequately to overcome surface tension. Weeps may also be necessary in a retaining wall, so water can escape from the retained earth, thus lessening thehydrostatic load on the wall and preventing moisture damage from freeze/thaw cycles. In such cases the weeps consist of small-diameter plastic, clay or metal pipes extending through the wall to a layer of porous backfill. Typically, weeps are arranged to direct water which may have entered an assembly from outside back to the outside. Weeps may also be found in metal windows and glazed curtain walls to permit interstitial condensation to escape. Weep holes are crucial to your home being able to "breathe", and helping your exterior avoid retaining moisture. What does this mean to you? Your brick facade exterior on the home you are buying or may already home should have weep holes. There are specific standards that these weep holes should meet, and meeting these requirements is vital to the long term strutural stability of your home. There could even be some unexpected results from improperly installed weep holes: The video above shows a product that is unnecessary if the weep holes are properly installed by your builder.
How can you find out if your home has been properly constructed? Call me! -----------NEWS from CPSC-----------
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Communications 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814 www.cpsc.gov 1. GE Recalls Air Conditioning and Heating Units Due to Risk of Fire http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/...Heating-Units/ ************************************************** ************************************************** ***************** Recall Date: November 3, 2015 Recall Number: 16-025 GE Recalls Air Conditioning and Heating Units Due to Risk of Fire http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/...Heating-Units/ Recall Summary Name of Product: GE Zoneline® Air Conditioners and Heating Units Hazard: Moisture from outdoor air can accumulate near the unit’s heater when the unit is operated with the vent door continuously open. This, along with two shorted electrical components, can create an electrical ground path and arcing, posing a risk of fire. Remedy: Repair Consumers should contact GE to schedule a free repair. Do not operate the PTAC unit with the external vent open while awaiting a free repair. Property maintenance personnel should remove the unit’s front panel and locate the vent door control lever at the left side of the Zoneline unit to ensure the lever is in the closed position. Consumer Contact: GE toll free at 866-723-2697 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, online atwww.geappliances.com/products/recall or www.geappliances.com and click the Recall Information tab for more information. Photos available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/GE-Recalls-GE-Air-Conditioning-and-Heating-Units/ Recall Details Units: About 33,500 Description: This recall involves GE Zoneline Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) and heating units with listed serial numbers. These units are most often used in hotels, apartment buildings and commercial spaces. The GE logo is affixed to the control panel door. Units with the following models and serial numbers are included in this recall: BrandModel PrefixSerial Number (Begins with) GEAZ40E09E AZ41E07E AZ41E09E AZ41E12E AZ41E15E AZ61H07E AZ61H09E AZ61H12E AZ61H15EAT, AV, AZ, DT, DV, DZ, FT, FV, FZ, GS, GT, GV, GZ, HT, HV, HZ, LT, LV, LZ, MT, MV, MZ, RT, RV, RZ, ST, SV, SZ, TT, TV, TZ, VS, VT, VV, VZ, ZS, ZT, ZV, ZZ The model and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate that can be seen after removing the front panel. Incidents/Injuries: GE has received three reports involving smoke and/or fire associated with the unit’s heater resulting in about $30,000 of property damage. No injuries have been reported. Sold by: GE authorized representatives and HVAC distributors nationwide from January 2010 through December 2013 for between $1,000 and $1,200. Importer: GE Appliances, of Louisville, KY Manufactured in: China |
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