Proper Venting Is Important

When your bathroom vent is not properly terminated to the exterior, this is what you can expect. Mold found in two attics just this past week.

Spring Roof Check-Up

Spring Roof Check-Up

     Every spring after the snow melts it is time to check your roof. Sometimes there is a tell tale sign like a leak, but most times the damage is not as obvious.  So taking a few minutes to view your roof can prevent small problems from turning into big ones.  A good amount can be seen from the ground with a pair of binoculars.

Things to be on the look out for,

1) Broken, cracked, or missing shingles.

2)Cupping or curling shingles, all the shingles should be laying flat.

3)Dark patches, a sign granules being worn away.

4)Slots on three tab shingle that are wide, as the shingles age they shrink and these slots widen.

5)Damage from ice dams and roof raking.

6)Flashings around chimney and skylights.

As the shingles age they become brittle and shrink which can accelerate any or all of the above issues.  Average life expectancy of asphalt shingles is 20 years. If the damage is limited and the shingles fairly new repairs may be sufficient. If the damage is more widespread and the shingles are older replacement may be best. So after this winter which was extremely harsh get out there and take a look before you have water in your house.

Keep Your Exhaust Vents Clear!

Reminder to keep you vents clear of snow and ice during the winter season. The large amounts of snow we can receive can block vents and create a dangerous situation with exhaust fumes backing up into your home. Generally the exhaust will keep itself clear but under certain circumstances such as height of the vent and large amounts of snow over a short period of time they can cause snow to melt and refreeze as ice, completely blocking exhaust and intake pipes. So if you have direct sidewall venting be safe and make sure they are clear.

http://www.houselogic.com/news/heating-cooling/keep-furnace-vents-meters-free-snow-and-ice/#.

Three Things Every Homeowner Should Clean Before Winter

While there is a long list of maintenance items homeowners should be doing annually these are three that we see neglected often. The consequences, by far, outweigh the time and cost of the maintenance.

1. Clean out your dryer vent. This is a simple chore that is best done before the cold temps and snow get here. We are much less likely to venture outside once old man winter arrives. Many fires occur every year from clogged dryer vents.
2. Clean your gutters.  Once winter hits with freezing temps and ice and snow problems occur. Gutters and downspouts cannot drain and will freeze and back up. This will cause ice dams and dangerous conditions which can be extremely costly to repair.
3. Clean your chimney. If you burn wood or pellets, you should have your chimney inspected and  cleaned prior to burning. Compromises in the liner can allow dangerous exhaust to enter your home. Clogged flues will not draft properly and can cause chimney fires. 

If you would like any further maintenance tips and /or any further information about our services please visit our website www.insideoutnh.com or give me a call.  Please feel free to share this email with interested colleagues or clients!

Thank You

Jamie Durand, Owner

InsideOut Home Inspection

603-548-6852

insideoutnh@gmail.com

Money Saving Tips

A great list of some basic money saving tips for first time home buyers or long time home owners.

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/18-things-a-new-homeowner-should-do-immediately-to-save-money/

Well Water

   If you are purchasing a home with a private well, then water quality testing should be important to you and your family. Many contaminants often have no taste, odor or color. Their presence can only be determined by laboratory testing. DES recommends that prospective homebuyers test the water in a home with a private well before purchase. Water quality in wells is typically stable and testing every 3-5 years is recommended. Bacteria and nitrates are exceptions and it is recommended they be tested every year. Here are several links with beneficial information for byers and home owners with private wells.
http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/wwb/

http://www.nelsonanalytical.com/

http://www.nhwaterwell.com/

http://wellowner.org/basics/

http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/well/index.cfm

Portable Generators

Having a generator ready for power outages in New England is a great idea. It can provide peace of mind and allow your family to be comfortable and safe at home during severe weather. Making sure we understand how to operate them and operate them safely is imperative.  After all keeping us safe and secure is the goal! The article below details some basic rules for operating a generator safely.

 

 

http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/GeneratorSafety.shtml