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Clermont, FL

Homeowner Maintenance Tips

Steve Lightcap Jr.: Inspector in Clermont, FL

Every house is different, but there are some common elements every homeowner can include on a regular maintenance list:

  • Check the grading and drainage around the foundation
  • Seal driveway and walkway cracks
  • Check fencing and gates
  • Check and trim trees near the house
  • Check for deteriorating/damaged siding
  • Check for loose, damaged, or missing roofing and flashings
  • Clean all gutters and leaders
  • Check weather-stripping and seals on all windows and doors
  • Check all tile and sealant around tubs/showers and backsplashes
  • Check for leaks at faucets and piping below fixtures
  • Check condition of the water heater
  • Check ventilation openings for nests, blockage

While this list is not comprehensive, it’s a good start to identifying some potential trouble spots in any home.

It also saves you time when you decide to sell your home from having to catch up on all your maintenance items all at once. Maintenance items are the most common items found during a home inspection.

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Are your Granite countertops Killing you???

Steve Lightcap Jr.: Inspector in Clermont, FL

Chances are... Probably NOT but here's some interesting info on the matter:

GRANITE PRODUCTS AND RADON

Granite

It has been known for many years that mined or quarried products such as stone can contain radioactive deposits. Granite, in particular, has been known as a potential source of radiation from naturally occurring uranium deposits and a contributing factor for elevated radon levels in homes.

Allegations that granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation and radon have been raised periodically over the past decade, often by manufacturers of competing countertop materials. But with the increasing use of granite for countertops, as well as in other building products, more reports of potentially hazardous countertops have circulated. Articles have been printed in various media, posted on web pages, discussion in forums, and, undoubtedly, the topic will be getting a fair share of television coverage.

Although it has been well known that granite contains uranium and other radioactive materials by the scientific, building, and health communities, the generally accepted position has been that granite in buildings does not pose a serious health risk. That is, considering the other background sources of radiation, the amount of radon from deposits in granite floors or countertops is relatively insignificant.

While most still believe that the majority of granite products do not present a risk, with the increase in granite’s popularity, some new concerns have surfaced. As new granite sources are being tapped, some sources have reportedly been found to contain more significant uranium deposits then in past, which when installed in homes, can result in radiation measurements well above normal ambient levels. Some studies have found 3 to 10% of granite samples have elevated radon levels; others claim as much as 30% of some granite sources had elevated levels. Regular close proximity to granite that emits a very high level of radiation could be a significant risk, but in general the risk may be associated more with whether the radiation contributes to excessive radon levels throughout a house or building.

So what would be the best approach to addressing this issue from the standpoint of a buyer’s or homeowner’s concerns while the issue is further studied and analyzed? As indicated at the EPA Website ― it is recommended a home be tested for radon if there is a granite countertop. Periodic sealing of granite, which is often recommended to protect against stains, may also help limit the movement of radon gas.

Of course, EPA has recommended testing of all homes for radon since the issue of radon in homes first became an topic of discussion in the 1980s, but has not provided a specific protocol for testing related to radon concerns associated with building products.

For more Info. visit the EPA-radon Website (www.epa.gov/radon)

How safe is your garage door?

Steve Lightcap Jr.: Inspector in Clermont, FL
Don't overlook your garage when considering the safety features in your home. The garage door is typically the largest moving object in a home; and because of its size and weight, special care should be taken to maintain safe operations.
  • Mounting tracks Garage doorand hardware: If not positioned and attached properly, the door might come off the track and fall.
  • Corner Brackets: Usually attached to the high-tension cables that lift the door, if these brackets are loose, they could disconnect and fly off at dangerous speeds.
  • Springs: Due to the high tension in the cables that are attached to these springs, any repairs or adjustments should only be made by a qualified service company. For safety, consider enclosing extension springs in a metal tube or installing a safety cable inside the extension spring.
  • Panel Section Joints: Never attempt to operate the door by placing fingers near or in the joint between door sections. Monitor children who might be tempted to insert their fingers in these small openings. Some garage doors are equipped with finger-protecting joints that minimize this danger.
  • Entrapment Protection with Automatic Door Operators: Recently manufactured doors should have some type of safety device, such as an electronic eye or a pressure-sensitive control, which detects objects obstructing the door. Check these safety features periodically according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Consider replacing or retrofitting older automatic garage doors that do not have these modern safety features.
Remember, when in doubt, consult a professional. More home safety information and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.


Check your homeowner IQ! Take the Quiz!

Steve Lightcap Jr.: Inspector in Clermont, FL

Check your know-how on various homeownership related matters. See how many questions you can answer correctly. (The answers are listed below.)

1. Which cut lumber is thicker: a 2-inch by 4-inch board or a 2-inch by 6-inch board?
2. Which is thinner: a termite’s waist or a flying ant’s waist?
3. Which is colder: 30 degrees Celsius or 30 degrees Centigrade?
4. Which is typically hotter: the air supply temperature of a warm air furnace or the air supply temperature of a heat pump?
5. Which is longer: a six penny nail or a ten penny nail?
6. Which wood is denser: oak or pine?
7. Which will freeze first: hot or cold water?
8. Which produces more light: a 20-watt compact fluorescent bulb or a 60-watt incandescent bulb?
9. Which is lighter: natural gas or propane gas?


Here are the answers:
1. They are the same thickness.
2. A termite’s waist is thicker (probably from eating your house).
3. Both these measurements indicate the same temperature, although the Centigrade scale was formally changed to Celsius in 1948.
4. A standard furnace delivers hot air in the 130-140 degrees F range while a typical heat pump’s temperature range is 90-100 degrees F.
5. A six-penny nail is 2 inches long and a ten-penny nail is 3 inches long.
6. Oak wood is approximately 50% denser than pine wood.
7. While hot water will cool to a lower temperature faster than cold water, cold water will freeze first.
8. An energy efficient 20-watt CFL bulb can actually produce more light than a standard 75-watt incandescent bulb and is expected to last 10 times longer.
9. LP (liquid petroleum) gases, which include Propane, are heavier than natural gas. Since LP gases are heavier, they will accumulate at low points and pose a higher risk.


Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. Improve your Homeowner IQ by subscribing to the complimentary HouseMaster Homeowner Electronic Newsletter. This monthly how-to newsletter is full of household information and maintenance tips. It pays to be informed. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.