Have you noticed a loss of water pressure in your home? Does your shower get hot if someone flushes the toilet? That can be so annoying! If this is happening in your home the first thing to do is determine the cause.
Many older homes used galvanized pipe for water supply lines. Galvanized pipe is steel that has been coated with a thin layer of zinc to help prevent corrosion. This type of pipe was used in residential construction into the 1960s and has an estimated useful life of 40-50 years. The problem with galvanized pipe is it corrodes from the inside. As the corrosion and other minerals build up in the pipe the water flow is restricted. This causes low pressure or loss of pressure when using multiple fixtures. Eventually the restriction will cause total loss of flow.
In addition to loss of flow, the corrosion can cause pipe failure. Most commonly this happens at the threaded ends of the pipe where it enters a fitting. It may be hard to notice at first, maybe just a little moisture. As the condition worsens it may begin to drip or there may be a total failure. If any of these conditions are noted in your home it is best to have it checked out and repaired before there is a total failure.
Replacement with copper (or other materials where allowed) is the recommended fix for aging galvanized water lines. This can be accomplished by repairing only the damaged areas or with a total retrofit. The actual replacement of the pipes is not a difficult procedure, but gaining access and repairing those areas can be challenging.
If your home does not have galvanized water lines, you may have to do a little investigating to determine the cause. Make sure all water supply valves are in the full open position. If there has been an interruption of service or if the fire hydrants have been recently tested it is possible there is some sediment in the lines and fixtures.
If you have low water pressure in your home and are not able to determine the cause it is a great time to schedule a Maintenance Inspection. Call today if you have any questions.
Thanks for reading!
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Houses built before the 1980's may contain lead based paint.
Lead poisoning is a big concern for children but it also affects adults. Lead poisoning in children is known to cause irreversible brain damage and impairs mental functioning. It can retard development mentally and physically and reduce the attention span. Even at extremely low levels it is known to retard fetal development. Adults may experience irritability, poor muscle coordination, and damage to the nerves of the sense organs and nerves that control the body. Lead poisoning may also cause problems with reproduction (such as a decreased sperm count) and may also increase blood pressure.
Lead Based Paint is hazardous to your health.
Lead-based paint is a major contributing source of lead poisoning. Lead was added to “alkyd” oil based paint as a pigment and drying agent. Statistics show that about two-thirds of the homes built before 1940 and one-half of the homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain paint with heavy lead content. Even some homes built after 1960 also contain heavily-leaded paint. It may be found on any interior or exterior surface, most commonly on woodwork, doors, and windows. In 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lowered the legal maximum lead content in most kinds of paint to 0.06% (a trace amount).
Lead enters the body when it is ingested or inhaled. The most common way children are exposed to lead is from chipping, peeling, or flaking lead-based paint or lead dust. The lead dust can get on their toys and hands. It is ingested when they put their hands or toys in their mouths. Children can also get lead poisoning by chewing or sucking on painted surfaces or paint chips that contain high levels of lead.
Before renovating or if the paint or underlying surface is deteriorating in a home constructed before the 1980s, consider having the paint tested for lead. There are some do it yourself test kits available that use sodium sulfide. These types of tests produce many false positives due to other metals in the paint and some resins may not allow the solution to contact the lead. The most reliable way to test for lead based paint is to have a sample taken and sent to a lab.
If it is determined you have lead-based paint in your home, you should take steps to reduce your exposure to lead. These steps are:
- Have the lead-based paint removed.
- Have the painted item replaced.
- Cover the lead-based paint with a sealer or paint. However, painting over lead-based paint with non-lead paint is not a long-term solution.
- Reduce lead dust exposure by mopping and wiping surface and floors with a high phosphorous cleaning solution. This is a preventive measure and is not an alternative to replacement or removal, it is a temporary precaution until the paint is removed or the item is replaced.
Professionals are available to remove, replace, or cover lead-based paint. If you have any questions about lead based paint or any other concern in your home, please call our office immediately. The safety of you and your family is our top concern.
Thanks for reading.
David Novalinski Sr
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
First of all, what is an asphalt driveway? Asphalt is a combination of Asphalt Cement (the binder) and aggregate (sand, gravel and/or rock) mixed in prescribed proportions in a Hot Mix Asphalt Plant. The mixture is loaded into trucks and hauled to your site. It is then placed and compacted on a prepared base and/or sub grade.
The driveway is the first thing you see.
A properly installed and maintained asphalt driveway not only looks great, but it has a life expectancy of thirty years or more. But what does it take to properly maintain a driveway? It’s probably easier than you think!
If you have a brand new driveway it is recommended to keep cars off it for at least three days. After that time, care should be taken to avoid indentations from motorcycle and bicycle stands or from parking in the same spot for extended periods until the asphalt has properly cured.
To keep the driveway looking good and lasting a long time it is necessary to make sure water is not penetrating through the asphalt. If water is allowed to penetrate it will disturb the gravel base and cause the driveway to crack, sink or wash out. Allowing moisture under the asphalt also puts you at risk of having the driveway lift up during sub-freezing temperatures, which may not be an issue for everyone, but it is in the suburbs of Chicago!
The best defense against water is seal coat. Seal coat does exactly as its name implies; it seals. It closes all the holes and small cracks in the driveway and stops that water from penetrating. A new driveway should not be seal coated for the first 90 days, but within the first year. After the initial application, it is recommended to re-seal the driveway when the previous application has worn off. This would be roughly every two – four years. It is not recommended to seal coat every year.
An excellent indicator that water is getting under the driveway is if there are weeds growing in cracks. If you have this happening, remove the weeds and seal the cracks with crack filler. Also fill in the gaps at the ends of the driveway. Do what it takes to keep that water out!
Follow these basic steps and your driveway should look good and last a long time! If you have questions, feel free to call.
Thanks for reading!
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
David Novalinski Sr.
This week’s entry is going to be a little out of the ordinary for me. No home maintenance tips, safety lectures or inspection talk at all. I want to talk about an experience I had last week that I will never forget.
This past week I put everything on hold for six whole days. I skipped a meeting for my network group, logged off Facebook (that was tough), turned the email auto responder on, and didn’t perform any home inspections for the entire week. I packed my bags and left my family behind. What would make me do such a crazy thing? Sit back and enjoy while I tell you about it.
Horizon Camp 2010
I just completed one of the most gratifying weeks of my life. I volunteered as a camp counselor at Horizon Summer Camp. The Association of Horizon, Inc. offers a week long summer camp experience where adults with physical disabilities team up, usually one on one, with able-bodied volunteers for a week of recreation, learning and fun. The camp is held annually at Timber Point Outdoor Center on Lake Bloomington in Hudson, Illinois.
This was my first time volunteering at Horizon camp. I have volunteered at numerous Muscular Dystrophy camps over the past 13 years, but wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I arrived on Sunday. After a 2 ½ hour drive I finally arrived at camp. Woo Hoo! Here we go! No turning back now!
Why was I so nervous? I’ve done this so many times. But I still had all these questions going through my mind. What was my camper going to be like? Were we going to get along? Could I handle working with somebody who had a disability different than what I was used to dealing with?
Kevin & Dave - 2010
Then I met my camper. As I introduced myself to Kevin, I knew everything was going to be OK. He has a smile that will melt your heart. Kevin has Cerebral Palsy and even though he only speaks a few words, we are able to communicate by me asking yes or no questions which Kevin would answer with a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down. I’m not going to say we didn’t have our challenges, but with a little patience (on both sides) we were able to make it through the week and have a great time! Kevin – You ROCK! I am already looking forward to and making plans for next year’s camp.
This year marked the 19th anniversary of summer camp sponsored by the Association of Horizon. This year’s camp was the largest group to date with nearly 100 campers and 120 volunteers & staff. It takes a lot of hard work, coordination and fund raising to make a camp like this happen year after year. If you are interested in learning more about the Association of Horizon, Inc., the summer camp program, or how you can get involved, click HERE, or call me. You won’t regret it!
To see my photo albums from camp on Facebook click the following links. Album 1 - Album 2
Thanks for reading!
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
During the summer months most homeowners are wrapped up in yard work. Keeping your yard looking good is a great source of gratification. Depending on the design of your yard and the amount of landscaping you have, this can be very time consuming. The only caution I would have is be sure you are not neglecting your home. Homes require maintenance even when we are busy doing other things.
The summer months in the Midwest are usually filled with hot temperatures and high humidity. There seems to be times when the AC unit doesn’t shut off for weeks at a time. This is when you should be doing routine maintenance; when everything is operating correctly. If you wait until it doesn’t work, then it isn’t maintenance anymore.
If you had your AC unit serviced in the spring you should be able to sit back and enjoy the cool air, right? On typical AC units there is some maintenance that you can do yourself. The two most important things are:
- Depending on the type of furnace filter you use, you should change it monthly or per the manufacturers recommendations
- Keep the condenser coil (outside unit) clean
Performing these two items should keep that unit operating efficiently throughout the summer.
The summer is also a good time to look at the condition of your siding, paint, trim & caulk. If you notice any areas that could use a little ‘help’, do it before it escalates into a serious problem. Reattach any loose pieces, scrape and paint weathered areas, re-caulk around windows and doors, and clean any areas of algae or dirt from siding. A little prevention goes a long way!
As you walk around admiring results of your hard work maintaining your landscaping, take note of any discrepancies you see. How does your roof look? Are there any missing shingles? Does your driveway need to be seal coated? Does your fence, deck or other wooden features need to be stained or sealed? You get the idea. Be proactive and your house will not only look good, it will be good!
Any questions or comments are welcome. If your needs are more immediate, please call our office at 847 669 9040. The summer is also a great time to schedule a Maintenance Inspection. Thanks for visiting!
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847.669.9040
That is a great question we should be asking ourselves. In our daily lives we all face a variety of health risks. Whether you are driving in a car, flying on a plane, or spending time at home; you are being exposed to environmental pollutants that pose varying degrees of risk. Some of these risks are unavoidable. However, indoor air pollution is one risk that you can do something about.
Some of the most common pollutants in a typical home are:
• Mold spores
• Radon Gas
• Off gassing of chemicals
• Disruption of hazardous materials present in the home
What can be done to improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
To control mold, you must control moisture in your home. Make repairs to any areas that are allowing moisture to enter the home. It is important to totally dry water damaged areas within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Obviously you cannot prevent all moisture from getting in, but you can provide adequate ventilation in those areas. If mold is a problem in your home, get rid of excess water or moisture and then clean up the mold.
Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims an estimated 20,000 lives annually. The first step is to have your home tested for elevated levels of Radon. If the levels in your home are above 4 picocuries per liter of air, make arrangements to have a radon mitigation system installed in your home.
Off gassing is the release of synthetic compounds used in a variety of common products. The best way to avoid off gassing is to avoid the products that are
likely to give off gas. If that is not possible, regular air movement and proper ventilation can aid in keeping the effects to a minimum.
Most hazardous building materials, including asbestos and lead paint, become a risk when they are disturbed. If there is any question at all if your house contains either of those materials, please have it tested prior to doing anything that may disturb them.
If you have any comments or questions about today’s blog or any other topic relevant to home maintenance, feel free to call our office at 847 669 9040. Thanks for visiting!
David Novalinski Sr
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Sump pumps are a normal topic of discussion during most home inspections. As home designs have changed, new building standards have been introduced and components added to increase the reliability of systems. A home’s foundation system includes weeping tiles and sump pumps. They are not just an afterthought, but an integral part of the home’s defense against its number one enemy. That enemy is water.
One of the biggest discussions involving sump pumps is the need for a battery backup system. There are
many different brands on the market that all provide different levels of protection. Obviously these products all come with a price tag. I have noticed a vast range of prices for these systems. You can get one starting at $159 with retail prices going up to $2000 and more. How do you decide which one best suits your needs?
There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding on a battery backup system.
• Monitor the pump. Keep track of how often it runs under normal (no rain) conditions.
• See if that number changes during a steady rainfall.
• Determine if there is a big difference during a heavy rainfall.
• How often do you lose power?
• Make sure the pump and its check valve are operating properly.
Depending on the water table in an area, there are some homes whose pumps very seldom or never turn on. There are others that seem to run all the time. If your pump is one that runs a lot, you may want to think about adding and maintaining a battery backup system for your own ‘Peace of Mind’.
Thanks for reading! If you would like to talk more in depth about sump pumps, battery backups, or any other home maintenance call our office today. Our number is 847 669 9040.
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847.669.9040
Many home owners believe if their A/C unit turns on and blows cool air through the vents, life is good. Well, maybe it is, but wouldn’t you like to be sure?
A central air conditioning system is like any other mechanical unit in that it needs regular servicing and maintenance. It doesn’t matter if your unit is one year old or twenty, yearly maintenance can increase the efficiency and life expectancy. Did you know that an air conditioner that is only one pound low on Freon can actually cost you 15 to 20 percent on your cooling bill. It may be cooling your home but it is costing you more to do it. A regular, yearly clean and check can make sure your system is operating efficiently and within the manufacturers specifications.
A/C Condenser unit
Right now is the best time to have you’re A/C serviced. The outside temperature is high enough to allow operation of the system without fear of damage and the mad rush has not yet begun. Waiting until the temperature is unbearable can cause a delay in response time due to a higher volume of service calls. Don’t wait!
Changing your furnace filter is an important part of HVAC maintenance. Insufficient air flow across the coils while the A/C is running can cause ice build up on the coils or on the lines which can cause damage to the compressor. We recommend monthly furnace filter changes if you are using the standard 1” thick paper filters. This is an inexpensive method to reduce the chances of a system failure.
If you have any questions about your HVAC system or any other part of your home call our office today to schedule a maintenance inspection at your convenience.
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
I think spring is the best time of the year! I love getting out of the house after a long Chicago winter and work in the yard. The grass is growing, the birds are singing, and it is time for some routine home maintenance. I am sure I am not alone!
Winters can be very hard on your house. Ice, snow, wind and severe temperatures can cause unforeseen damage. Many of these issues go unnoticed until they become big problems. The best way to avoid costly repairs is to fix the minor issues before they become major, costly problems.
Some of these problems can be roof damage, siding damage, window or door damage, and potential foundation damage. Recognizing these issues are half the battle. Once they are recognized steps need to be taken to correct them. Sometimes it may seem tedious, but well worth the effort it requires. Ignoring the issues will not make them go away; they usually get worse!
So, while you are out in your yard doing some gardening or grilling, do a little observing. How does my siding look? Are there any cracks in the caulk around my windows and doors? Do the flowerbeds slope toward the house allowing water to pool next to the foundation? Is my A/C operating as it should? These questions, and many more like them, can give you the answers you need, even if you don’t really want to know.
If you are unsure which questions need to be answered or which issues require attention you should consider a Maintenance Inspection from About Your Home Inspection, Inc. We take the guesswork out of owning and maintaining your home.
Call today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
According to the US Fire Administration there are an estimated 15,600 annual structure fires caused by clothes dryers. These fires cause an average of 15 deaths and 400 injuries per year. Eighty percent of those fires occur in residential buildings. One and two-family residences account for 81% of residential building dryer fires.
These statistics are a few years old, but I think we all get the picture. Dryer fires are dangerous and they appear to be on the rise. In order to prevent dryer fires we need to know what causes them. Why do clothes dryers start on fire?
The US Fire Administration goes on to say the leading factor contributing to ignition for dryer fires is operation deficiencies – specifically “failure to clean.” Failure to clean accounts for 70% of dryer fire operational deficiency contributing factors.
The other leading factors contributing to dryer fires are mechanical failure, electrical failure, misuse of material or product, and clogged vents. Vents may become blocked from lint build-up or from small animals or birds nesting inside.
Some warning signs of a clogged vent are heavy clothes such as jeans or towels are taking longer to dry or if the clothes feel hotter at the end of the cycle. Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer vent or hire a professional to clean and inspect it for you. It is recommended to clean and inspect vents every two years, or more often, depending on the complexity of the venting system.
I will leave you with some dryer safety tips.
- Never put synthetic materials (foam, rubber, or plastic) or cloth used to clean up flammable liquids in the dryer, even if it has been washed.
- Clean the lint and debris from in and around the dryer regularly
- Inspect your lint trap for tears before every use. Replace if torn
- Exhaust vent should be as short as possible with limited bends to provide adequate airflow
- Do not let dryer run if you are not home or if you are asleep
Dryer fires can be prevented with proper installation methods, a little maintenance and using the dryer for its intended purpose.
If you have any questions about dryer fires or any other safety issue within your home be sure to call our office.
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
