Winter Maintenance Tips

Canadian winters mean that our heating systems are running full time.

You should check your furnace air filters each month during the winter and either clean or replace them.

Filters for your ventilation system, such as a heat recovery ventilator, should be checked every 2 months.

It will mean greater efficiency for your furnace, saving you money on your heating bills, and improve the air quality, creating a healthier environment for you and your family!

Regular Testing of GFCI Outlets

The GFCI outlets in your home should be checked monthly. The purpose of a GFCI is to protect you from electrical shock. They are usually in areas of the home where electrical current might come in contact with water, such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors.

A GFCI monitors the amount of electrical current flowing from hot to neutral. If there is any imbalance, it trips the circuit, essentially cutting off the electricity for your safety.

To test your GFCI, push the reset button on the GFCI outlet to prepare for testing.
Plug a night light into the receptacle. The light should come on.

Push the test button. The light should turn off. Push the reset button again. The light should come back on.

If the light didn’t turn off when the test button was pushed then it is not providing you with adequate protection from an electrical shock and you should consult a licensed electrician.

You should always check the instructions for your particular GFCI to make sure that you are testing the unit properly.

Patrick Auriol
Home Inspector
Canadian Residential Inspection Services

GET A JUMP ON SPRING LAWN CARE

A little extra time in the fall with lawn maintenance will reap benefits in the Spring with a thicker, healthier lawn.

By providing water, nutrients and aeration in the Fall, you strengthen the root systems and provide it with the necessary components to support it during our long Canadian winters, so your lawn will be quicker to bounce back in the Spring. Roots can suffocate without good aeration. Aeration reduces compaction, prevents run-off and allows water, air and nutrients access to the root system.

FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS:
• It is important to continue cutting your lawn until it stops growing in October or early November. The mower height should be set at 3”.
• If there isn’t enough rainfall, remember to water you lawn so that there is a moisture reserve and healthy grass going on to the winter.
• Now is a good time to apply a winter prep fertilizer.
• At the end of the warm summer weather, many weeds die off, leaving room for new grass. Is the grass is thick enough, it tends to provide less area for competing weeds. Reseed any areas that may be damaged or thin. Rake the area lightly to remove any debris and after applying the seed, make sure that it is pressed firmly into the ground.
• Remove a test plug to see if you need to aerate your lawn and measure the partially decomposed matter that can build up between the bottom of your grass and the surface of the soil below. If it’s more than half an inch you should probably aerate your lawn

Neil Pickard
Licensed Home Inspector
Canadian Residential Inspection Services

Spring Yard Check-Up!

I hate to break it to you, but your basement probably leaks. Or at least, if the soil surrounding the basement foundation becomes saturated with water, it is extremely unlikely the concrete walls can keep the water out indefinitely.

Whether your foundation is made of concrete block, poured concrete or is a solid masonry wall, there are going to be at least a few tiny cracks present...it would be a very special situation indeed if there were no cracks at all in a basement foundation. Add to that the fact that con­crete itself is permeable to some degree and you have a situation just beg­ging to let water into your basement... given half a chance.

The best way to prevent water from entering the basement of a home is to keep the water away from the foundation wall in the first place. Most modern homes, if properly constructed and installed will have free draining backfill soil, gravel and drainage tile in place around the house footing and foundation in order to take water away before it has a chance to create any pressures on the basement wall. It is a great and wonderful thing when the drainage tile works well and is not obstructed....generally the case in newer installations.

In more established neighbourhoods, the drainage system built at the time of construction may now not be so robust and may have partially collapsed or silt and tree roots have entered the pipes and restrict flow.

So, what has all this got to do with the Springtime Yard Check-up? Well, NOW is the best opportunity you are going to get this year to ensure as much surface runoff as reasonably possible drains away from the house walls. It is a good idea to inspect the land­scaping immediately next to the foundation to ensure it is sloping quickly away from the home and then sloped down and away from the area completely. By moving surface runoff away from the house quickly, you reduce the opportunity for wet spots to develop next to the foundation walls. A drop of 1" per foot of distance over four to six feet away from the founda­tion is generally considered a good rule of thumb.

If the landscaping does not drain runoff away from the house now is the time to correct that situation while perennials and foundation shrubs are still dormant. In order to properly slope the yard, you may have to lift plants and doing so in springtime is generally less of a shock to their root systems.

If the downspouts on your home do not drain directly into a cistern or the municipal storm sewer system you should ensure they have extenders on them that discharge at least
four to six feet away from the foundation wall.

If you do not have rain gutters and properly discharging downspouts, you should consult a specialist who normally can install proper gutters and spouts for a lot less than the cost of basement foundation remediation.

Dan Marcotte
Certified Home Inspector
Canadian Residential Inspection Services, Cambridge, ON

Fire Safety

This month’s home maintenance tip involves fire safety: prevention, detection, and escape. House fires are more common during the cold season; therefore, this is a great time to discuss fire safety in the home.

Prevention:
• Candles: Many fire officials say that unattended or forgotten candles create the greatest risk for fires. Therefore, candles should only be used with extreme caution and should be kept out of reach from children.
• Unattended cooking is another major source of house fires; never leave cooking unattended.
• Extension cords – only one extension can be used per appliance or fixture; buy an extension cord that is the proper length and do not connect a series of extension cords as this is a fire hazard. Note that all extension cords and cords for appliances and fixtures need to be checked for any signs of damage and should be replaced if damage is found.
• Ensure that electrical heaters are at least 1 meter away from anything that can burn.
• Wood burning appliances: Many insurance companies will not cover a claim if the damages were caused by a wood-burning appliance that was not professionally inspected in the last year. Consult your insurance company for specific details and have your wood-burning appliance professionally inspected and cleaned.

Detection:
• It is very important to have smoke detectors installed on each floor of your home. Remember to check them regularly for proper function and change their batteries at least once a year. Every 10 years (or less) smoke detectors need to be replaced. Regularly vacuum or dust your alarms to remove any dust or cobweb build-up.
• In conjunction with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should also be installed on every level of your home outside of sleeping areas. Follow manufacturers recommendations.

Escape:
• Ensure a working fire extinguisher is readily accessible on each level of your home. A proper fire extinguisher can be used to put out a small fire in its early stages. Specific kitchen fire extinguishers (labeled for use in kitchens) need to be easily accessible near your kitchen. All persons in the home should understand how to use the fire extinguishers. The type of fire extinguisher needs to match the type of fire it is being used to fight. Consult your local fire department to guide your purchase of fire extinguishers.
• Most deaths due to house fires are caused by toxic smoke inhalation and not from flame burns. Once a fire alarm sounds, you have approximately 3 minutes to escape safely; therefore, a 3 minute fire escape plan must be developed and it must practiced once or twice per year.

Everyone says that “it will not happen to me,” but it can and does happen to these people every year. Help keep you and your family safe and prepared in case of an emergency. Consult your local fire department for more information. A great website to visit is www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca. Do not be caught unprepared; take action today.

Ice Dams

Our Canadian Winters have their frosty reputation for good reason. These extreme temperatures can affect the condition of your home and how it functions.

Your roof is one of the most important lines of defense between you and the natural elements. It helps keep warm air locked in during the winter months and prevents snow, rain or the cold from penetrating the exterior of your home.

This is an ideal time to examine your attic for frost accumulation. Look for excessive frost or staining of the wood on the underside of the roof.

Ice dams on the exterior surface of the roof can be a problem, particularly for low-sloped roofs with an overhang. This is the result of snow accumulation on the roof and is more common on poorly insulated homes. After a snowfall, heat escapes from the attic and melts the snow on the roof. The water runs down and encounters the snow on the overhang, which has not melted because there is no attic below it. The water, which meets this snow, will freeze forming a dam at the lower edge of the roof. This moisture can then back up beneath the shingles and result in damage below. A well-insulated and ventilated attic will help reduce this problem.

If you notice frost accumulation on the underside of your roof or ice dams on the exterior consult our website for more information at, www.CanadianResidential.com. Under the Articles section you will find a fact sheet from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation titled, “Attic Venting, Attic Moisture and Ice Dams”.

Fans, Grills and Screens

January is a good time to do a little property maintenance on the inside of the home.
The grill protectors on your fans need to be kept clear of dust and spider webs in order to function efficiently. Vacuum around the fire / smoke detectors and the bathroom fans.
Vacuum the radiator grills on the back of your refrigerator and freezer. Empty and clean the drip trays.
If you have a humidifier you should clean the reservoir with an anti-bacterial solution periodically. The medium (used to hold water - usually a pad, filter, screen or a mesh) should be replaced regularly.
If you have a de-humidifier you should change the filter at least once a year. In some units, you can clean the internal filters. Keep the water container emptied and cleaned to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

MAINTAINING YOUR HOT WATER TANK

Performing routine checks and maintenance on your hot water tank, whether it is gas, oil or electric, is vital to extending the life and efficiency of the tank and ensuring your safety. The normal life expectancy of a tank is 8 – 12 years. Older tanks have the manufacture date as part of the serial number; however newer tanks have stickers with the date of manufacture clearly stated.
Completely check the tank for any signs of leaks, corrosion, damage and deterioration. Check water lines on top of the unit for leaks and corrosion; also check that the bottom drain valve is not leaking. You should routinely drain the tank and flush out any silt and debris on the bottom of the tank. This will greatly increase the life and efficiency of your tank, especially if you are on a well system.
The area around the tank should be kept clear of debris and combustibles. Air flow is required to help with combustion and the performance of your tank. Visually check the tank’s main components. Check the burner and pilot-light burn pattern and look for signs of corrosion and deterioration and ensure that the flame shields are in place. Air flow to the burner area should not be obstructed.
Next, take a look at the temperature pressure relief valve (TPRV) located on the side of the tank. The TPRV is designed to release any build-up of pressure or temperature. There should be no signs of leakage or corrosion. The TPRV should also be equipped with a down-tube to safely direct any release of hot water and/or steam from hitting you. The TPRV should never be capped. Without the ability to release pressure, your tank will essentially become a ticking bomb.
The vent connector/exhaust pipe on top of the tank should be securely attached with no holes or corrosion. If the vent is not in good condition it could lead to the off gassing of Carbon Monoxide, which can make you ill or at high levels, lead to fatality.
**Please note: When draining a hot water tank you must turn off the power to the unit. This is very important especially with an electric hot water heater. If you don’t turn off the power, you will burn out your elements!
You should consult a professional plumber if any of the above issues exist or if you have any questions or concerns.
Dave Watson
Certified Home Inspector
Canadian Residential Inspections Services, Sherwood Park, AB

Don’t Fall Behind, Be Ready for Winter!

Once the leaves are off the trees it is a good idea to clean the eavestrough, downspouts, gutters and valleys as melting snow in winter months can result in ice dams and unnecessary weight in the eavestrough which cannot drain properly.

When you are outside cleaning your eavestroughs it is also a good time to take a quick look at any trees on your property. Look to see if any limbs are brushing up against your house or are in contact / close proximity with your power or telephone lines. Winter storms are coming and damage can occur as result of high winds or snow-laden boughs. Appropriate trimming by a licensed arborist now may save you considerable inconvenience this winter. Also look for trees that are leaning and may come down on a power line and contact the utility company for removal.
Ed Wendt
Certified Home Inspector
Canadian Residential Inspection Services, High River, Alberta

Ants?

Ants?
Low cost and environmentally friendly!
Summer has arrived and so have the ants! These days we are more cautious about using pesticides / poisonous chemicals to get rid of unwanted pests.
Ants can cause extensive damage to a home causing thousands of dollars in repairs. Now is the time to walk around the exterior and interior of your home to check for ants and/or ant filings. Ant filings look like very fine sawdust in small piles and are usually the result of ant damage to the wood in your home. If you notice ant filings, you should consult a professional.
Two options to avoid chemicals are to use powdered cinnamon or corn meal to get rid of ants. These items can be purchased in bulk.
Sprinkle generous amounts in the areas of concern.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy an ant-free summer!

Concerns about the WATER PUMP on your well?

For houses that have their own water supply from a well:  If your water pump is coming on and shutting off and then coming on again in less than 10-15 seconds, it usually means there is insufficient air pressure in the cold water tank. 

If left uncorrected, the system will use more electricity and shorten the life of the water pump and pressure switch.

Have a plumber add more air to the tank or, if the tank's bladder has failed, the tank will need to be replaced.

James Kane, Registered Home Inspector, NCA #00155
Canadian Residential Inspection Services, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Tips for Preventing Molds and Mildew

  It is a good idea to remove the inside screens from your windows over the winter months. This allows more air to circulate around the inside of the window trim and sill area, thus reducing the incidence of molds and mildews. Molds tend to grow in high moisture areas. In the winter months extra moisture may condense on the colder surfaces of the glass. Adequate ventilation helps expel that moisture.

Although some home owners block off heating vents to certain rooms over the winter months to decrease heating costs, it is never a good idea to completely block off your vents for the same reason - ventilation helps to expel moisture that may contribute to mold and mildew in a home.

When you remove the screens do a quick check of each window and clean the sill and trim if you notice anything that may be mold or mildew. Dry the area quickly after cleaning.

Check for tears and repair any damaged screens. Clean the screens before storing them in a dry area so they will be ready for installation - in case we have an early spring!

Bruce Hennessey
Certified Home Inspector
Canadian Residential Inspection Services, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Stay Warm this Winter!

Get Ready for Winter!

If your heating equipment is over 20 years old, consider upgrading it. New equipment is much more efficient than the older versions.
Draft proof your home everywhere! Include attic hatches, doors, window frames, and any penetrations through exterior walls.
Consider upgrading your windows to dual or triple pane if they are more than 20 years old.
Change the furnace filter often and have heating equipment serviced and cleaned on a regular basis.
Install a programmable thermostat! This allows you to setback the temperature when you are asleep or away, automatically.
Lower the thermostat two degrees and wear more layers.
Upgrade attic insulation! It is almost impossible to have too much insulation. Edmonton's "Net Zero" home has four feet of insulation in the attic.
If you have a fireplace, replace any leaky dampers and repair chimney flues. Think about switching to energy efficient alternatives like electric inserts, or direct vent natural gas inserts.
Make sure all registers and ducts have unobstructed airflow.
Close registers in any unused portions of the home.

Stay warm this winter!
Richard Zyp
Certified Home Inspector, National Certificate Holder
Canadian Residential Inspection Services, St Albert, Alberta

 

Hot Water Tank Explodes!

When replacing your Hot Water Tank make sure that it is properly installed by a professional who understands the importance of the “temperature/pressure release valve” and the “discharge pipe” as well as their functions. It is extremely important that your hot water tank has a properly installed and functioning temperature/pressure release valve and discharge pipe. The valve will either be on the top of the tank or on the side near the top. This valve must not be capped off or plugged in any way! If it is, there is no way for pressure to be released. The discharge pipe is a pipe attached to the valve that, in case of pressure, will direct the steam towards the floor, into a bucket. If the heating element and/or thermostat were to malfunction, the temperature of the water inside the tank would increase to the point where it is producing steam. If the situation progresses, and there is no outlet for the steam, the increased pressure could cause the hot water tank to explode. The purpose of the temperature/pressure release valve and the discharge pipe is to prevent this from happening. Awareness and prevention are essential to a safe home; check your hot water tank! If you are unsure, or have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your local Canadian Residential inspector! Discovery Channel’s popular show “Mythbusters” video taped the possible consequences when a hot water tank malfunctions. Please, watch the video!

See the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu3FwgIHsQA  

Summer Humidity

It is recommended that you use a de-humidifier in basement areas throughout the summer and early fall months (when your home is not being heated).
This will help to control general moisture conditions in your home and will reduce the incidence of molds / mildews.

Home Inspections

Home inspections are a necessity for anyone looking to sell or purchase a property, but especially if the property in question is a home. Choosing someone qualified to perform home inspections will ensure that not only will the results of the home inspection be thorough, but that the risk of future complications – potentially costly – will be reduced as much as possible.

What Home Inspections Include

Home inspections are the equivalent of a medical examination by a doctor, and cover the systems of a home from top to bottom. Included systems include central air conditioning systems, heating systems, plumbing systems, and electrical systems; physical components of a home inspection include an evaluation of the condition of the roof, foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and other visible structures of the building.

Qualified home inspectors will do a thorough evaluation of all the systems and structures of a home. Rather than appraising a home's value, or ensuring that the building meets municipal codes, home inspectors work to determine the condition of existing structures and calculate the risk of any problems arising in the future

Childproofing the house

All windows above the first floor should have operable window guards, because children can fall from windows that are open as little as 5 inches wide.

Doorknob covers should be installed to prevent children from turning the door handle, and guards should be installed to keep children from pinching their fingers.

Cabinets should be secured with safety latches, especially if they contain potentially hazardous substances.

Safety locks or covers should be placed on toilets, dishwashers, ovens and stoves and stove knobs.

Bookshelves and other stand-alone furniture should be secured to prevent the risk of it tipping over.

Sharp-edged furniture should be removed from or covered in any room where the child is going to play.

Unused electrical outlets should be covered with safety plugs, and excess electrical cord should be bound with twist ties or wound around special spools.

Poisonous plants should be removed from the home. These include azaleas, daffodils, mistletoe, holly, morning glory, and many others.

Walls and floors should be inspected to make sure walls have no peeling or cracking paint, and that rugs are secured to floors or fitted with anti-slip pads.

People who live in homes built before 1978 should verify that there is no lead paint in the home, which may cause lead poisening in children.

To protect the child from house fires, smoke alarms should be installed and tested each month to make sure they work. Fire extinguishers should be placed on every floor, with an extra fire extinguisher placed in the kitchen. An emergency ladder should be available for evacuations from the upper floor of a home.

Spring Home Maintenance Tip for your Roof

Inspect for wind, snow, or ice damage. Check to see that the roof shingles are secure, tightly fastened and in good condition. If any of the shingles are loose, repair with asphalt roofing cement. If they are damaged or missing, replacement will be necessary and may require professional help.

Inspect the flashing around the chimney, pluming vent stacks, electrical masts, and in valleys where roofing sections meet. Repair or re-flash if the flashing has deteriorated.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors – What you need to know

· Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. Low exposure can cause health problems and high levels of exposure can be fatal.

· Detectors are recommended if your home has gas, oil or wood burning appliances, or if your home has an attached garage.

· Unborn and young children are the most susceptible, also seniors and those with a history of heart problems.

· Place detectors near sleeping rooms or in children’s bedrooms.

· Check chimneys and vents for blockages and / or holes annually.

· Never start a vehicle, gasoline powered tools or a BBQ in a closed garage.

· Never use your vehicle remote while it is in a closed garage.

· Replace CO detectors every five years.

· If the alarm sounds evacuate the house, including pets and do a head count.

· CO detectors will be mandatory in a new construction, starting 2009.


You should have a CO detector in your house today.

Spring Home Maintenance Tip for your Decks

Spring is the time of the year when we are getting ready to start using our decks again. Prior to this you should be performing a quick check to make sure that your deck areas are still serviceable and safe for your family.

Check that they are securely attached to the house and are level. Check that the support posts under the decks are plumb. Over the winter months the wood and supporting beams may have deteriorated. Check for rotten boards and replace as required. It is not uncommon to need to re-level your decks in the spring.

In order to prolong the life of the wood, wash the deck to remove any mold or mildew, and apply water repellants or semi-transparent deck stain.

Dishwasher Hoses

Hoses on dishwashers and washing machines weaken over time and start to break down. This can result in extensive water damage to your home if not replaced. Check the water hoses on these items for signs of deterioration such as cracks and bubbles. If you notice any signs, replace the hose.

Rubber water hoses for washers usually have a life expectancy of at least 5 years.

A quick check before you leave for vacation is a great idea.

You don’t want to come home to any surprises!

Pellet Stove Maintenance

Pellet Stove Maintenance

There was a great demand for pellet stoves last fall to heat houses more efficiently than oil or electricity. Now that you have operated your stove all winter with a minimal of cleaning, it’s time to clean it yourself or have it cleaned professionally. Most manufacturers have detailed instructions on how to do yearly pellet stove cleanings either in their manual or on the web – follow these instructions carefully. The pipes need to be brushed and vacuumed well. Vacuum the heat exchange tubes as well as behind the baffles. The chimney cap also gets a build up of wet ash and should be cleaned. Doing this in the spring while your stove is still fresh in your mind will cause less creosote or ash smell through the summer when it is not in used and it will be ready to start up on the first cold night next fall.

If your stove is in a basement put an open box of baking soda in the burn box to keep the stove from rusting on the inside.