In the last year I have seen more and more storm or screen doors on the entrance to the home from an attached garage. This is very dangerous. They compromise the gas and fire barrier and the end result can lead to your home being burned down or /and death.

Most people don’t realize that before the 1960’s most garages were detached from the home. This was done for good reason. The garage is where gas, oil and many other combustible products were kept. The possibility of your garage catching fire was many times greater than your home. If a fire started in your garage you would not want it to spread to your home. Thus the detached garage.

Your fuel burning engines such as your automobile, lawn mower and snow blower are also kept in the garage and can release the deadly carbon monoxide gas.

So why are garages attached now? The use of fire resistant drywall is the answer. Drywall will not stop a fire from spreading into your home but will slow it down. 1/2 inch gypsum board retards a fire approximately 15 minutes and 5/8” thick gypsum board about 20 minutes.The reasoning is that if a fire starts in the garage the fire department will have enough time to arrive and knock the fire out before it enters the home.

Back to the storm or screen door.The door from the garage into the house must resist the spread of fire. The door must have a 20 minute burn rating or, if it is not specifically rated, it must be a solid door 1 3/8 inch thick. It must not open into an area used for sleeping. It must stay closed not be left open with a storm or screen door.

Other concerns I see are attic entrance panels that are not drywall. Dryer vents and heat vents open into the garage. This can allow fire and carbon monoxide into the home.

Accidental CO poisoning is very common. People are not perfect and sometimes the car is started with the vehicle door closed. The car may be left idling in the garage while the driver is distracted by something in the house. There are many ways to make a mistake.

A storm or screen door is a bad idea and should be removed.

Carbon Monoxide has been in the news in the Milwaukee area twice this week killing two people and making others sick. Last year a West Allis bowling alley had a issue with Carbon Monoxide sending many people to the hospital. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home or work. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Comm...ission (CPSC) recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. I see most home without sensors. Some of the home that actually do have sensors make the mistake of placing the the sensor in the basement where the fuel burning appliance is located. This could be a deadly mistake because if the alarm is not heard especially while sleeping you and your family will never wake up. If you have only one sensor it should be in the bedroom area. I suggest Carbon Monoxide sensors in bedroom areas and rooms with fuel burning appliances.

One of the most common issues I find during home inspections are bathroom exhaust fans that vent into the attic. Bathroom exhaust fans should vent to the outside through an approved vent either through the roof or the side of the home. You are taking all the moisture out of the bathrooms and venting it into the attic which can cause mold and damage the sheathing resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs and even worst causing health issues to anyone who has reactions to mold. If your one of those people who installed a bathroom exhaust fan and vented it into the attic it would be a good idea to go in the attic and see what is happening and correct the situation.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain may hit our area again today. Help yourself out and inspect your home before, during and after the rains. When bad storms are predicted get ouside and inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure your gutters are clean and free from debris, at this time of the year they get blocked from pine needles and helicopter seeds. Make sure all the downspout extensions are on. Downspouts should extend 4-6 ft. from your home. Check your grading. Is it low, have dips or slope towards the home? Your grade should be level and slope away from your home 1" per foot for 4- 6 ft.. Do you have window wells and or covers ? Make sure they are secure. If your walkway or driveway is close to your home, they should also slope away from the home. Check them for cracks and repair as necessary. Check your basement walls is there any dampness or staining? Go outside and re- examine these areas. The hard part inspect your home when it rains. Are the gutters leaking, overflowing or clogged? If your downspouts and or sump pump discharge underground make sure they are not clogged. Is there any puddles forming around the home. If there is improve the grading. Again check your basement walls. Finally after the storm Re- check everything. Please remember when we receive large amounts of rain in a short time that is not a normal condition and the chance of having water seepage is greater.

Hello,

While I do my inspections I see so many smoke detectors missing or not working. Lets clear up the the smoke detector issue. They will not save your home, but they will save lives. Test them every year and put a new battery in them. It is the simplest things that make such a large meaning in our lives. Don't be a fool install smoke detectors on each living level and maintain them.