Consumer asks The Rochester NY Home Inspector: How do you know if you need to replace your windows?

November 26th, 2009

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That’s actually a complicated question because there are a lot of factors to consider. Houses built prior to 1978 may have lead in their paint. One of the most popular reasons why people replace their windows is to resolve lead in paint issues. Some people who have older houses like the character of the older wood windows and may decide to have the lead paint removed from the windows. If you live in an historic district that may be your only option. You may also have a lot of windows that are rotted and falling apart. This is another reason why people replace their windows. Some people will replace their old wood windows because they want lower maintenance. You can buy windows that don’t need to be painted and have tilt in features that make it easier to clean them. Some people will replace their windows with new windows that are more energy efficient. The pay back period for getting your money back in energy savings can be quite long. There are contractors out there that can tighten up older wood windows and make them more energy efficient. Here in Rochester, NY we have the Landmark Society. The Landmark Society has a list of contractors that specialize in preserving the character of older homes. Theses contractors are skilled in repairing and improving the energy efficiency of older windows.
It’s my opinion that if your windows are in overall good operating condition and if you don’t have lead in paint issues that it probably is more cost effective to hire someone to give your existing windows a tune-up. Of course a window contractor will have a different opinion because they want to make thousands of dollars by selling you new windows.

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National Property Inspections of Rochester, NY, LLC
Inspecting Homes, One House at A Time Since 1989

Home Inspections Save Lives

October 24th, 2009

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Watch this video and see what a cracked furnace heat exchanger looks like which is a potentially fatal situation

Home Inspector Says Aluminum Branch Wiring Can Be A Fire Hazard

October 18th, 2009

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Watch the above video to learn about electrical wiring that we sometimes find in homes that can lead to fires

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NY Home Inspector finds Solution For Defective Chinese Drywall

October 16th, 2009

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Sabre Announces Roll-Out of Permanent Solution to Chinese Drywall Problems

Slingerlands, New York — October 15, 2009 — Sabre Technical Services announced today the roll-out of its chlorine dioxide-based solution to the problems experienced by U.S. homeowners and builders whose homes are impacted by contaminated Chinese drywall. Sabre’s solution is an adaptation of its patented chlorine dioxide decontamination process to deal specifically with individual residences and smaller buildings.

Sabre has a long history of safe and effective applications of chlorine dioxide in a wide variety of industries, including water treatment, food processing and oil and gas. That expertise and technology has now been applied to the problems related to contaminated drywall, providing a permanent solution.

The Sabre Process

Since 2001, Sabre’s patented chlorine dioxide technology has been internationally recognized for its effectiveness in eliminating contamination from buildings. Sabre successfully used its process to eliminate anthrax contamination from the Hart Senate Office Building, two Post Office Distribution Centers and several other buildings. In 2005, the National Academy of Sciences determined chlorine dioxide, as applied using Sabre’s proprietary process, to be “the standard for the decontamination of buildings.”

Sabre has successfully treated hundreds of large structures for pervasive mold, pathogens, viruses and other sources of contamination, providing permanent solutions to the critical problems facing these structures. They have included an 8 million cubic foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, a 1760-room, 400,000 square foot hospital in southern California (which was repopulated with patients and staff in less than a week—just three days after Sabre completed the treatment), and a number of shopping centers, office buildings, restaurants, churches, condominiums and individual homes.

Chlorine Dioxide as a Solution to Problem Drywall

In recent months, Sabre has worked to adapt its chlorine dioxide decontamination process to an emerging problem in the southeastern U.S. – contaminated drywall. In certain homes and structures, particularly those exposed to temperature and relative humidity conditions common to the Southeast, this drywall has been identified as the source of problematic gases which give off a characteristic “rotten egg” smell and cause a blackening and corrosion of copper. A recent study funded by the Florida Department of Health determined that the contaminated drywall is releasing a variety of reduced sulfur gases, including hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide.

Chlorine dioxide permanently solves this problem because it is a highly penetrating gas that seeps into building materials and wall cavities, reacting instantaneously with reduced sulfur compounds converting them to safe, inert compounds, eliminating odors and stopping corrosion. Sabre recognized that its proprietary chlorine dioxide treatment process, which has been perfected through the successful decontamination of hundreds of structures, could be used as a permanent solution to drywall challenges. Accordingly, Sabre has adapted its equipment to specifically address individual residences and smaller buildings.

This process is effective and efficient. It provides a permanent solution to problem drywall and allows residents to reoccupy their homes in less than one week, from start to finish. The Sabre chlorine dioxide treatment process is safe, permanent, costs less than the alternative “rip and rebuild” process, and takes significantly less time.

About Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide has been safely used in a variety of industries for decades as a powerful selective oxidant and an EPA-registered broad-spectrum microbiocide. It is used in hundreds of municipal water treatment facilities in the U.S. for controlling bacteria and odors, including odors from reduced sulfur compounds. It is used in food processing for odor control and as a food contact microbiocide that has organic food status (e.g. baby carrots are rinsed in it to control bacterial growth, and chickens are rinsed in it to eliminate salmonella and other pathogens).

About The Sabre Companies LLC

The Sabre Companies are technology and services companies specializing in solving problems and developing solutions related to biological and chemical contamination and pollution. The Companies’ numerous patents on chlorine dioxide generation and process applications allow them to provide unique solutions to many industries. For additional information, please visit www.thesabrecompanies.com.

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The Rochester NY House From Hell

October 10th, 2009

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Watch this video to see some great examples of why every buyer should have the home that they are buying inspected

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Rochester NY Home Inspector on Ladder Safety

September 7th, 2009

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Each year, there are more than 164,000 ladder emergency room-treated injuries in the U.S., according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Before you climb the ladder to perform fall maintenance tasks, take these safety precautions.

• There should only be one person on the ladder at one time.

• Never leave a raised ladder unattended.

• Be sure all locks on extension ladders are properly engaged.

• All metal ladders should have slip-resistant feet.

• The ground under the ladder should be level and firm.

• Don’t carry objects in yours hands while on a ladder.

• Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times.
For more information, go to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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Ask the Rochester NY Home Inspector

August 30th, 2009

Q: What is the purpose of a gutter and how do I know if my gutters are working properly?

The purpose of guttering is to collect rainwater off a roof and send it away from the house. Inspecting the gutters is part of a National Property Inspections home inspection.

The first thing an NPI professional will check is the downspouts. The downspout sections must be solidly connected to each other and to the building to hold the heavy weight of the water running through them. The water flow at the bottom should be diverted away from the building. The NPI inspector will walk under the guttering to observe if any seams appear to be broken.

One of the biggest problems with guttering is the attachments to the house. The NPI professional will check for sagging gutters, loose gutter strapping or spikes, and clogged gutters. The inspector will note any concerns and recommend repairs.

Toxic Mold in Rochester NY Homes

August 7th, 2009

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Solutions to help Rochester NY homeowners outsmart Mother Nature

July 26th, 2009

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(ARA) – Protecting your home means you’re pitted in a constant struggle against the forces of nature. Products and improvements that help you beat the weather are a smart investment.

Look for “weather beater” products that are low maintenance or that provide solutions to harsh climates and moisture. Remember, weather damage can occur in any season, whether it’s from hot or freezing temperatures, driving rains or rising flood waters.

First line of defense

Water damage can happen to any home in an instant, ruining valuable electronics or priceless family heirlooms. Even if you’re not in a flood zone, it is wise to invest in a main sump and battery backup pump.

“When storms hit or snow melts off, the ground gets over saturated and the water can enter your home,” says Tony Ferrante, vice president sales and marketing, Wayne Water Systems. “Sump pump systems are easy to install and provide years of worry-free service.”  And, he advises, if you’re in a water-prone area, the sump pump should have a reliable battery backup pump, since power tends to go out during storms. For removing standing water in an emergency, such as pipes bursting or a sink or washing machine overflowing, utility pumps also come in handy.  Many are portable and submersible.

A complete basement protection system is a minor investment compared to the extensive damage water can do to property and sentimental items that can’t be replaced. It is your first line of defense to protect your biggest investment: your home. Visit www.waynepumps.com for more information or go to amazon.com and key in Wayne Pumps.

Decks that endure

Moisture can be your deck’s worst enemy if it’s made of wood or has wood content. Decking and porch materials are available that have the rich looks of wood, but are resistant to moisture, insects and freeze/thaw conditions. The home exterior experts at AZEK Building Products say the latest innovations are cellular PVC deck boards and porch planks that stand up to weather with a durable, natural looking surface.  

“It resists any type of food stains you can dish out, including red wine and barbecue sauce,” says Brian Kincaid of AZEK Building Products. He cautions to always ask for a code report for any decking product, since many building permits require this.  

An outdoor haven with classic looks

Rain or hot sun does not have to limit your outdoor enjoyment.  Enhance your entryway or backyard with a beautifully crafted pergola featuring rain-resistant or waterproof canopies in a range of colors and designs to add comfort and protection from weather.  

For example, Walpole Woodworkers features pergolas in natural wood or low-maintenance cellular PVC to withstand the elements.  With the added option of a manual or motor-driven retractable canopy, homeowners can enjoy shelter from rain, UV-rays and even add privacy with retractable side panels.  The company offers free pergola or canopy design consultations at (800) 343-6948 or www.walpolewoodworkers.com.

Caulk goes above and beyond

Water damage and energy leaks can threaten your home and drain your wallet. Caulk delivers more bang for the buck than expensive technologies like solar, according to a March 6, 2009 Wall Street Journal article. A third of the energy loss in homes could be stopped by simple caulking and insulating, the article says.

One way to head off moisture or beat extreme temperatures is to buy the best caulk you can find.  One example is LIFETIME Caulk from Red Devil, recognized for its durable “lifetime” seal with a warranty against weather damage for the life of the home. “Caulk is easy to apply and can result in up to 20 percent savings on utility bills,” says Jason Ringling of Red Devil.

Homeowners who want to protect their homes, increase resale value or enjoy low-maintenance exteriors can make sound product choices now, rather than pay big bucks to repair problems later. It is possible to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Upgrade Your HVAC system For Energy Efficiency

July 19th, 2009

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(ARA) - Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are often out-of-sight and out-of-mind when you’re looking to buy a new home, moving into one or just making sure your current home is in good repair. However, updating your HVAC system now can increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your home, and might even qualify you for a tax credit.

With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain types of HVAC systems, water heating equipment, or make other energy-related improvements to their homes now through Dec. 31, 2010. More information about the tax credit is available at www.AmericanStandardAir.com and www.irs.gov.

How do you know what HVAC improvements are right for your home? American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offers a quick overview of basic components to consider when purchasing a new system or planning an upgrade:

Outdoor units: air conditioner or heat pump                                                                          
An air conditioner offers cool, quiet comfort during the hottest days by extracting heat and moisture from indoors. A heat pump does double duty, acting as both an air conditioner and a furnace. But unlike a furnace, it doesn’t burn fuel to create heat — it uses electricity to keep your home warm in winter, cool in the summer and comfortable all year long. A Heritage Hybrid Comfort System combines two different energy sources and automatically operates in the most efficient and economical mode. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s line of Allegiance air conditioners and Heritage heat pumps range in efficiency from 13 to 20 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, the measure of cooling efficiency.

Indoor units: furnace or air handler                                                                                                
A furnace works with an air conditioner to heat and evenly circulate air throughout your home. An air handler performs the same duties as a furnace in homes that use electricity instead of gas. It works with an air conditioner to circulate cool air in the summer. Or, when paired with a heat pump, it circulates cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.

Air cleaner or filtration system
For even greater comfort, an air filtration system can be added to your furnace or air handler to filter out unwanted airborne particles. A whole-home air filtration system can remove the allergens from the air your family breathes, including dust, dander, pollen and bacteria.

Humidifier                                                                                                                                                  
A humidifier adds moisture to the air in winter and in hot, dry climates. It can be attached to your furnace and programmed to automatically turn off once humidity reaches a certain level.

Thermostat
A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts temperatures throughout the day, ensuring greater energy efficiency and enhanced indoor comfort.

Some — but not all — of American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s products qualify for the tax credit. A local dealer can help you decide what qualifying components are right for your home. For more information or to find a dealer, visit www.AmericanStandardAir.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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