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The white growth you see on the floor joists of this 1960’s ranch is not spray foam. Instead, it is the worst wood-destroying fungus I’ve ever seen!The lack of a proper protective vapor barrier on the ground combined with plumbing leaks and foundation water penetration caused excessive crawl space moisture leading to fungus. If you look closely, you can see areas where the joists are literally falling apart. Unfortunately, these homeowners will likely end up needing to replace their entire floor framing system. Periodic inspections from a licensed home inspector could have prevented this disaster.  Continue reading “Have You Had Your Crawl Space Inspected Lately?”

The world’s scariest inspection pics!

Fall is officially here, and it is important to prepare your home for the rigors of the Winter season to protect your investment. The following is a list of important home maintenance tasks that every homeowner should do to protect their home. Continue reading “5 Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tasks”

Replace or clean the air filters-  Basic air conditioning maintenance starts with simply cleaning or replacing all of the system’s air filters on a regular basis; typically, every 90-days.  Failure to do so can clog the evaporator coil restricting the air flow. This will cause the system to work harder and less efficiently ultimately resulting in premature system failure or component damage. Continue reading “Inexpensive DIY Maintenance Tips for your Central Air Conditioning”

What’s the difference between fuses and circuit breakers?  While they both perform the same function (provide over current protection to the circuit) they do so in different ways.  A circuit breaker simply “trips” when the current exceeds the rating for the circuit while a fuse must be replaced as it is consumed.  Therefore, circuit breakers are simply more convenient and are the currently preferred method. There are no safety advantages.  If your breakers trip or fuses blow often, call a licensed electrician as this indicates a problem with your electrical system. Continue reading “5 FAQs About Home Electrical Systems”

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Stone veneer, or manufactured stone, has the appearance of natural stone but is made of concrete. The cladding has increased in popularity in recent years among builders and home buyer’s as it provides an upscale look. However, I routinely see incorrect installations that can lead to water penetration and concealed structural framing damage. The Masonry Veneer Manufacturer’s Association (MVMA) has very specific installation procedures that if followed, will result in a cladding that will last for years. Continue reading “5 Common Installation Mistakes with Stone Veneer”

Composite exterior cladding materials (siding) have gained more popularity over the past 20 years as they provide a high-end look, are paintable and more impact resistant than traditional siding materials like vinyl and aluminum. However, a significant amount of the installations I see in the field are incorrect per the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Below is a list of the more common installation mistakes I routinely see. Continue reading “Common Installation Mistakes with LP SmartSide®”

As the leaves begin to change colors, I’m starting to think about preparing my home for the fall season. I thought I would share my own personal maintenance tasks that ensure my home is a happy, healthy place for my family. Continue reading “4 Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tasks”

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