Edgar Roberts, Jr., NC Licensed Home Inspector

North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector, Edgar M. Roberts, Jr., in conjunction with National Autism Awareness Month, is holding the 2nd annual Inspecting for Autism fundraiser. Inspecting for Autism is designed to recognize local preschool programs dedicated to providing individualized treatment for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

During the month of April, Roberts will donate a portion of proceeds from each home inspection performed through his home inspection service, Altamont Inspections, LLC, to Helping Hand Developmental Center, Inc. East Flat Rock, NC.

Helping Hand Developmental Center, Inc. is a private, nonprofit, 5-star rated preschool program providing individualized services such as speech, occupational and physical therapies for children in Henderson County who are physically, emotionally and educationally challenged, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Autism Society of North Carolina describes Autism Spectrum Disorder as a brain disorder that impacts communication, social interaction and behavior. It is the second most common developmental disability following Mental Retardation and is more common than childhood cancer, Cystic Fibrosis and Muscular Sclerosis combined. It is estimated that up to 1 out of every 150 children born today has some form of ASD.

Altamont Inspections, LLC provides licensed home inspections, NEHA-NRPP certified radon gas testing and well water testing for home buyers, sellers and owners throughout western North Carolina. This area includes Asheville, Hendersonville, Lake Lure, Brevard, Black Mountain and surrounding mountain towns.

Roberts is a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector Association and the Hendersonville, NC Board of REALTORS.

For more information about Inspecting for Autism, contact Angela K. Roberts, Altamont Inspections, LLC Office and Marketing Manager, at 828-654-0033 or visit the company's NACHI award-winning website at www.AltamontInspections.com.

The Autism Society of North Carolina is gearing up for the 3rd Annual Western North Carolina Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC.

This year the featured events include a 5K Run/Walk, a One-Mile Fun Run/Walk and a Tot Trot for children 6 years old and under.

According to the Autism Society of NC, Autism spectrum disorder is the second most common developmental disability following mental retardation. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined. It is estimated that up to 1 out of every 150 children born today has some form of ASD. This means that approximately 1.5 million Americans (children and adults) have ASD today, and that more than 15 million Americans (loved ones, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals) are directly impacted by the disorder. In the state of North Carolina alone there are over 50,000 individuals living with ASD.

For more information on how you can take part in the 3rd Annual WNC Run/Walk for Autism, visit www.wncrunwalkforautism.com.

Cleaning Your Gutters. A Simple Chore that Could Save You Thousands. By Edgar M. Roberts, Jr. - NC Licensed Home Inspector, owner of Altamont Inspections, LLC.

When I was a kid, one of the most dreaded chores around the Roberts house was cleaning the gutters. Back then I didn't know why it was so important to dig out every soggy leaf or pluck out every stuck twig, I just knew Dad said, "Grab a ladder and get to it!" Now I know why. Having clean gutters is a homeowner's best defense against serious water damage.

Most homeowners know that gutters catch rainwater runoff from the roof and route it away from the house, but many don't know why that's necessary. Water is one of a home's worst enemies. If clogged gutters keep water from being properly channeled away, the water spills over the gutter, damages the fascia and soffits and seeps into the home's structure. Once inside, water can cause walls and floors to warp, mold and mildew to form, door and window frames to swell and decay and provide pests with a direct entryway. Outside, misrouted water can cause leaking basements, cracked foundations, sagging driveways and damage to landscaping. Luckily, prevention is simple. Keep your gutters clean.

Here are some sure signs your gutters need cleaning:

* Water spills over the gutter edges when it rains * You can see little weeds sprouting in the gutter
* The gutter edges are dark or discolored (caused by overflowing rainwater)

When tending to your gutters, be sure your downspouts funnel water well away from your house. If necessary, add downspout extenders that carry the water away from the foundation. Also consider using splash blocks. They should be slightly sloped and extend at least four feet away from your house.

Gutter cleaning may never be a glamorous job, but its one that certainly deserves more respect.

Edgar M. Roberts, Jr. is a North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector. As owner of Altamont Inspections, LLC, Mr. Roberts provides home inspections, radon gas testing and water testing for home buyers, sellers and owners in the Asheville, Hendersonville and Lake Lure areas. Visit www.AltamontInspections.com to learn more about his home inspection service.