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To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.
For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.
For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.
(ARA) - Today, a garage is no longer just four walls and a roof in which to park the car and store seasonal items. A garage workshop often becomes a second home for the enthusiast. It's prime space to house tools and workstations. While most people need a basic workbench for routine maintenance, the enthusiast turns the garage into a fully equipped workshop. So it's little wonder that garages are getting serious makeovers.
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware (www.rockler.com) has developed a modular system that will transform a typical garage bay into a fully equipped workshop that can still easily accommodate the cars. The Adjustable Multi-Function Shop Stand was designed to use common building materials for the surfaces and sides, but the genius of the design is that it's economical and versatile. Using a set of stand legs, a set of stretchers, and the included hardware, a variety of workbenches, power tool cabinets, storage cabinets, assembly tables and more can be built -- up to 15 different sized workstations. Add on locking casters to each modular unit and the stations can be easily rolled out for optimum use and then tucked against the wall to make room for the vehicles.
All the stands and stretchers come pre-drilled, so customizing the cabinetry by adding doors, drawers, backs and sides is easily managed. Assembly is a breeze with square holes for carriage bolts and nuts, which are included. For garages with less than perfect floors, heavy-duty adjustable levelers will keep the workstation stable and wobble-free.
Vertical storage is another way to maximize a fully equipped workshop. Two wall systems fit the budget and provide versatility. The traditional pegboard is the most economical solution, and Rockler's Talon pegboard tool holders stay in their designated spots without falling out.
Another wall system is the Slatwall Kit. Resin strips lock together to form a 4' x 4' section. A small tray, wire shelf, and a tool rack designed to fit the slats will help you organize regularly used tools and supplies.
Storing lumber, pipes or other long items can be organized on the Triton Lumber Rack system. With six levels of storage, there will be plenty of room to store lumber and materials for future projects.
The organization of the garage wouldn't be complete without someplace to put the nuts, screws and bolts. Clear Tilt bins let you see what's stored inside and are readily accessible with the tilt-out feature.
You don't need to break the budget with Rockler's storage and organization solutions to turn your garage into a great home workshop. To find the Rockler store nearest you, or to view their online catalog, log on to www.rockler.com.
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To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.
For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.
For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.
(ARA) - Did you know that a family of four can generate up to 18 gallons of water in the form of humidity inside a home in a week? All that water stemming from cooking, showering, washing and drying clothes, and even breathing, has to go somewhere.
One of the more visible indicators of high humidity in a home is the windows. If your home contains excessive moisture and its cold outside, the first place you'll see it is on your windows. This does not mean there's a problem with your windows, according to the Window & Door Manufacturers Association and manufacturer Peachtree Doors & Windows. The majority of window condensation simply indicates that your home needs increased ventilation to lower the amount of moisture in the air or you need to reduce the sources of the humidity.
"Older homes tend to have more cracks in their construction which allow natural air into the home and help reduce moisture," said Jeff Kibler, brand manager for Peachtree. "Newer homes, however, are much tighter and therefore trap moisture in. While helpful from an energy efficiency standpoint, this contributes to condensation and creates the potential for condensation on surfaces that are cooler than the dew point."
Humidity is generated by cooking food, running the dishwasher, filling the sink with hot water, showers, hot tubs, washers and indoor-vented dryers, basements and crawl spaces that channel dampness from the ground into the home, breathing and perspiration.
In addition to these perpetual sources of moisture, wood, plaster and other building materials in a new home absorb moisture during humid summers and gradually release it after the first few weeks of heating your home in the fall.
Is it Damaging my Windows?
Occasional beads of moisture on the glass after a hot shower or steaming food on the stove usually aren't a problem. However, if your windows are "sweating" without cause or for long periods of time, your windows could become damaged. Wood frames and sash can warp and become difficult to operate. Paint or other finishes may peel or become discolored. Other areas of the home could also be damaged, such as insulation, exterior siding and drywall.
What Can I Do?
"The best way to combat condensation on your windows is to decrease the amount of moisture in the air," Kibler said. "This may involve adding ventilation, eliminating sources of humidity or removing humidity from the air after it's been generated."
To lower the humidity in your home, you need to increase ventilation and decrease the sources of moisture.
* Run exhaust fans in the bathroom during a shower, or in the kitchen while cooking
* Take shorter showers and install water-restricting faucets - you'll lower your humidity and your water bill
* Use the microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill more frequently
* Check and reroute drainage away from your home to minimize the moisture in and around the basement and foundation
* Run a dehumidifier in basements and other damp areas
* Turn off your furnace humidifier or other home humidifier
* Open drapes and blinds to allow warm house air to circulate across the windows
Are All Windows Affected by Condensation?
Condensation will appear on any type of window, if a home has high humidity. Vinyl, wood or aluminum windows, regardless of manufacturer, will have some condensation if the air is humid.
One component in standard dual-pane glass, or insulated glass, can help minimize condensation. The 1/8-inch thick, 3/8-inch wide adhesive spacer that bonds together the two panes can help reduce condensation if it is comprised of a non-metal material. Traditionally these spacers have been made of stainless steel or aluminum, both of which conduct heat and cold readily. A non-metal spacer minimizes conductivity and, in turn, reduces condensation. Peachtree Doors & Windows uses a warm-edge, non-metallic spacing system.
"The non-metal, warm-edge spacer system also improves the energy efficiency of windows while reducing condensation," Kibler said. "The less metal a window has, the less it will conduct heat and cold, the less condensation will appear on the glass, and the more energy efficient it will be."
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To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.
For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com
For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.
(ARA) - When it comes to home decorating, texturing can do for your walls what a good coat of wax can do for your car's finish - hide a host of flaws. Poorly patched holes, uneven sheetrock, ugly wallpaper and even multiple layers of peeling paint can all be hidden beneath a beautiful layer of texture.
Texture's beauty, versatility at covering imperfections and ease of application has made it a long-loved technique of do-it-yourselfers. There's a texturing technique to fit virtually every budget, decorating theme and level of expertise. Here are some tips for adding a textured look to your home décor:
* Keep it simple. You don't have to do anything complicated, difficult or even particularly time consuming to achieve a good textured effect. In fact, the easier the process, the more you will enjoy it and that enjoyment will show through in your work.
* When working by hand with a trowel, roller or paint brush, you can use your favorite paint and any color you choose. Simply mix your paint of choice with regular drywall joint compound. Or, if you want to be cautious with color, you can apply the joint compound first, then paint over the completed texture once it has dried. If you choose this option, you'll get the best results by applying the paint with a brush, rather than a roller.
* The range of textures is virtually endless. Popcorn (most often used for ceilings), knock down and orange peel are among the three most popular, and simple, textures. Knock down and orange peel textures mimic the appearance of plaster or stucco on an interior wall.
* Nearly anything can be used to put the texture in the compound - from commonly used items like sponges and paint trowels to whisk brooms and even window squeegees. The texture is limited only by your imagination.
* Paint sprayers, a favorite tool of in-the-know do-it-yourselfers, is now also a viable alternative for texturing your walls. Wagner Spray Tech has introduced a sprayer specifically designed for adding texture to walls or ceilings. The Power Tex can apply texture to any ceiling or wall in your home, and uses three nozzles and a generous 1-gallon hopper to apply popcorn, knock down or orange peel textures. Compact and light weight, the Power Tex also offers a variable flow trigger, a hopper that adjusts for walls or ceilings, and an easy clean up design. A built-in air turbine eliminates the need for a separate, often cumbersome, air compressor.
The Power Tex is available from select retailers. To learn more or for a list of retailers, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com.
Maintenance is an important part to any home appliance; for your home’s water heater, this process is simple and will help keep it running smooth for years to come.
As with all major home appliances, your water heater should have come with its own personal instruction manual. This manual should be kept handy as it details the information every homeowner needs to know regarding this apparatus, including a proper maintenance schedule and to-do list.
You Water Heater:
Before beginning any maintenance it is important to get-to-know your appliance first. This will help to ensure an understanding of its parts and how the process will proceed. Most water heaters are designed the same:
· Water Shut-Off Valve: located at the top of the water heater
· Pressure Release Valve: located at the top of the water heater as well and should have labelling next to it and piping leading into the wall
· Water Drain: located at the bottom of the water heater and is usually easy to spot as it has threads where a hose may be attached
It is also extremely important to know whether or not you have a gas or electric water heater before beginning any step. Look around the appliance for any labeling, warnings, etc., that will help determine this. In addition to this labeling, gas run appliances have a pilot light. If you see this, you will know that it is gas run.
Why Maintenance is Important:
As a water heater operates, pumping water through the tank, sediment and other minerals begin to settle on the bottom. These extra ingredients can play havic on your water heater as it not only can cause rust but also causes the appliance to work harder than it should. These issues ultimately end up shortening the lifespan of your water heater.
The good news is that, as mentioned, maintenance of your water heater is simple and is cheap. All that is required to perform the maintenance tasks are the following items:
· Hose
· Bucket
· Gloves
Step 1:
· Shut off all heating sources including the gas (if gas run)or the circuit breaker (if electric run).
· Gather all of your supplies (listed above).
· Make sure to protect your hands from any steam and heat by wearing the mentioned gloves.
Step 2:
· Turn off the water to the water heater.
· Attach the hose to the water drain.
Step 3:
· Turn on the Water Drain and open the Pressure Release Valve (locations mentioned above).
Don’t worry if the water appears dirty at first, this is due to the sediment that has been collected within the tank. Wait 10 to 30 minutes, allowing all of the water to drain.
Step 4:
· Turn off the Water Drain and remove the attached hose.
· Place a bucket under the Water Drain.
· With the pressure valve still open, turn on the water to the water tank.
· Turn on the Water Drain to allow the rest of the sediment to be flushed out.
· Check the water coming out of the tank to make sure that it is clear. If it is, you are then ready to refill the tank.
Step 7:
· Close the Pressure Release Valve.
· Refill your tank with water.
· Turn on the gas or the circuit breaker. NOTE: do not do this before the tank is completely full.
Maintenance Scheduling:
Once all of the steps are completed, your water heater should work great. To keep the appliance working at its best, make sure to follow these steps once a year.
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To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.
For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com
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No one, or no region, seems to be immune. Thefts are occurring as far away as Honolulu - not only in private homes and on construction sites, but even in churches. This past summer someone stole a copper drain spout from an Episcopal Church. Three days later more drain pipes were stolen from the same church. With recycled copper valued at nearly $3 per pound, the three pipes alone are estimated to be worth about $4,000. The church is one of nearly 20 copper theft sites reported in Oahu in the past few months alone. Numerous states, including Nevada, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Illinois and California, are reporting similar theft increases. In Oregon, the Assistant U.S. Attorney's Office estimates metal theft is costing the state's economy millions of dollars each year. In Ohio, landlords are especially feeling the pinch. Several home improvement stores in the greater Cleveland area have confirmed major increases in the number of landlords coming in to purchase new pipe to replace copper removed by tenants in the process of moving out. When the landlord posts a "For Rent" sign, it is an indication that the house is empty. Vandals may also come as a result and strip the home's copper pipe. In most of these cases, the landlords have requested CPVC pipe to eliminate the risk of being ripped off again. Plastic pipe is seeing a major sales boost as a result. A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) economist recently indicated that the use of plastic piping is on the rise on the heels of substantial increases in the cost of copper. Plastic is already the material of choice for most waste pipes carrying water away from sink drains and toilets. And with the ease of transition from copper to plastic in the home, many experts predict that plastic may soon take the lead in market share for water distribution systems, as well. Plastic plumbing systems, like FlowGuard Gold CPVC pipe and fittings, offer homeowners a number of benefits. From an economics standpoint, they are more practical to install, because the material is less expensive, their installation process is less labor intensive, and they have no resale value away from the construction site. Beyond their cost advantages, FlowGuard Gold CPVC systems will never pit, corrode or scale. That means no pinhole leaks, no copper leaching into drinking water, and no scale buildup to hinder water flow over time. They are also quieter, more energy efficient and less prone to condensation. Although CPVC has recently been in the news more as a result of skyrocketing copper prices, it actually has a 47-year proven history in residential and commercial applications around the globe. For more information on the benefits of CPVC plumbing systems, visit www.flowguardgold.com . |
(ARA) - It's a common complaint. Just a few days after a thorough house cleaning, that unsightly dust is back, settling on every surface in your house. Dust can also contribute to respiratory allergy suffering. Although the visible dust is most obvious, health scientists now say it is the very small invisible particulates and noxious gases we should be most worried about. What's the answer? Here are seven proven ways to greatly reduce dust and breathe easier in your home.
A good deal of the dust in our homes comes from internal sources such as skin flakes and fabric fibers. However, new research has found that in many homes a significant amount of the dust actually originates from outside the living space. The hot or cold outside air that leaks in through gaps and cracks often brings a lot of dust along with it. The air from outside always contains airborne particles such as mold spores, pollen, soot, tire rubber and agricultural dust.
Building scientists have recently discovered that in the typical home, most of the incoming air first passes through dirty areas such as the attached garage, outside walls, crawlspace, basement, attic or even from underground. This incoming air is often contaminated with pollutants such as mold spores, carbon monoxide, automobile exhaust, carcinogenic radon gas, insulation fibers, pesticides and volatile organic chemicals.
Contact a HVAC Contractor such as Golden State Home Inspections, and ask for an Infiltrometer blower door test; this will pinpoint where the bad air leaks are. Many leaks can be easily repaired by homeowners as weekend projects. Others such as leaks in your air ducts, or through recessed can lights are better left to professionals.
Finding and fixing the leaks that let in bad air will make your home healthier, more comfortable and less dusty. Your home will also have more controllable indoor humidity levels. Fixing these air leaks will even pay for itself through lower heating and cooling bills. In fact, duct leakage alone has been found to waste 20 percent to 40 percent of most systems' heating or air conditioning. For more information on Infiltrometer testing and duct leakage, go to www.comfortinstitute.org.
Many homes operate under what is called "negative air pressure," created unintentionally by the mechanical systems. The air pressure becomes lower in the home than outside. This accelerates the inward flow of potentially dusty outdoor air, and can even back up furnace and water heater chimneys, allowing poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the home. Ask your HVAC contractor to test your home for negative air pressure and proper venting of gas and oil appliances. For a free report on how to identify a good HVAC contractor, go to www.comfortinstitute.org.
While negative air pressure is bad, a slight positive pressure is good. A house at an intentional positive pressure has much less dust. Ask your HVAC contractor for information on how to create positive air pressure. The first step is an Infiltrometer blower door test to determine how leaky your house is, so that the right amount of pressurization airflow can be determined.
Typical throw away furnace filters do not even adequately protect your equipment from getting fouled up, let alone protect you from invisible respirable particles. Ask your HVAC contractor for recommendations on installing a new high efficiency filter at the equipment. One of the best are pleated media filters, typically four to six inches thick, that only need to be changed once a year. Have your HVAC contractor first test the duct system static pressure to ensure your system can handle the increased pressure created by a good filter. On larger 4 and 5 ton AC systems it is often necessary to split the airflow in two and have two filters.
Vacuuming helps control dust, but most vacuum cleaners simply don't catch the very small particles. The majority pass right through the filter bag. Although a new vacuum with a "HEPA" filter is good, the best solution is a central vacuum cleaner that exhausts the small particles directly to outside.
Even the best vacuum cleaner agitates some dust into the air. If your forced-air system is equipped with a good filter, you can filter out some of that dust before it settles by switching your thermostat to "fan on" while vacuuming.
Many duct systems contain large amounts of dust and debris. If you get your ducts cleaned, be sure the contractor thoroughly cleans the furnace/air handler and cooling coil as well. Note that if you have dirt accumulating on the supply air vents, the cause is most likely duct leaks in the vicinity, not dirt from inside the ducts. A good sealed duct system, with filtration at the inlets, rarely if ever needs cleaning.
Follow these steps and you can make a big difference in the dust levels in your home. For more free information on HVAC solutions to improving indoor air quality, visit www.comfortinstitute.org and www.epa.gov.
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. These spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. Once they land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. 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 mold.
Toxic Black Mold Allergy, Respiratory Problems & Mold Health Issues
"Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
“Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.
“In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing" advises the u.s. environmental protection agency.
“All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason."
~ The U.S.EPA (march 2001)
The EPA warns people that "Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasion more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.
In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.
"Ninety four percent (94%) of all respiratory ailments are caused by polluted air according to the American medical association, which also reported that one-third of the U.S.A.'s national health bill is for causes directly attributable to indoor air pollution. Adult-onset asthma from workplace mold exposure.”
The present [health study] results provide new evidence of the relation between workplace exposure to indoor molds and development of asthma in adulthood.
“Our findings suggest that indoor mold problems constitute an important occupational health hazard,” reported the Finnish institute of occupational health, in environmental health perspectives, may, 2002.
The Finnish workplace mold study estimated that the percentage of adult-onset asthma attributable to workplace mold exposure to be 35.1%. We were able to find sufficient evidence that certain respiratory problems, including symptoms in asthmatics who are sensitive to mold, are associated with exposure to mold and damp conditions.
Excessive dampness influences whether mold, as well as bacteria, dust mites and other such agents, are present and thrive indoors, the committee noted. In addition, the wetness may cause chemicals and particles to be released from building materials.
A rare ailment known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis also was associated with indoor mold exposure in susceptible people," as reported in the almost 300 page report by the Institute of Medicine [division of U.S. Government's National Academy of Sciences], Tuesday, May 25, 2004. The study was financed by the U.S. Government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Just a few hours of unprotected exposure to elevated levels of airborne mold spores can start mold growing inside one's body, and then possibly require medical intervention to cleanse the body of internal mold growth.
Learn the various unhealthy Mold Species. Sample indoor mold spores with a Certified Mold Inspector.
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To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.
For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com
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