Steve Lightcap Jr.

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

True or False?
1. Gutters should be hung as level as possible.
2. Flat roofs are more prone to leakage than other roofs.
3. When purchasing an A/C system, a larger capacity than required is advisable.
4. Grout and caulk are pretty much interchangeable when used in a bathroom.
5. A slight gap around three sides of an exterior door (without a storm door) can cause an energy loss equivalent to an opening the size of a brick.
6. A carpenter ant and a termite each have a sweet tooth.
7. Most basement water penetration problems are caused by underground springs.
8. A ton of A/C capacity generally will cool the average house.
9. Setting your heat thermostat at 72 degrees F will direct your furnace to deliver air to the room registers at a steady 72 degrees F.
10.) The ambient temperature in a room with an activated ceiling fan will be lower than a room without a fan.

Here are the answers:
1. False – gutters should be angled toward the roof’s downspouts/drains to facilitate water flow.
2. True – flat roofs will leak unless they receive diligent inspection and maintenance.
3. False – a larger than required A/C will reach the thermostat setting before it has removed a reasonable amount of moisture from the air causing a “cave effect” (cold & damp).
4. False – caulk remains flexible after application and is designed for use around edges of bathtubs and shower stalls where movement may occur, while grout dries hard and is designed for use around rigid tiles.
5. True – it’s amazing how much energy is lost to missing weather stripping.
6. False – termites prefer cellulose (wood, etc.) while carpenter ants enjoy their (your) sweets. They only gnaw out word for nesting purposes.
7. False – while springs are sometimes a problem, most water penetration problems are caused by roof and surface water that is not directed away from the foundation.
8. False – One ton is equivalent to approximately 12,000 BTUs; the average size house typically requires 30,000 to 42,000 BTUs of cooling capacity.
9. False – forced air furnaces deliver steady register temperatures in the 130-140 degrees F range. Heat pumps typically deliver hot air in the 90-100 degrees F range.
10. False – while the room may feel cool due to the movement of the air, the ambient temperature will actually be marginally higher due to the heat generated by the fan’s motor.

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.

Many couples embark on the purchase of a new home soon after they are engaged or married. It’s a hectic time, but these tips should help new homebuyers be proactive and make educated real estate decisions.

• Location -- Proximity to employment and the quality of the schools are common factors in determining whether a location is suitable; so scan community web sites for more information about the area. Local Realtors® have access to extensive data regarding the community and its amenities, and are a wonderful resource for this information.
• Factor in maintenance costs -- All homes require constant care. Many homebuyers take into consideration the cost of paying the home’s mortgage, taxes, and utilities, but fail to factor in cost and time investment of home repairs and maintenance. Estimates indicate that every home will require between 1% and 3% of the homes value in annual maintenance costs.
• Be an educated consumer – Get your prospective home inspected before closing. A proper inspection can help you avoid unexpected expenses in the future. Make sure the inspector you use has been formally trained, has access to ongoing technical support and education, and will stand behind his findings in writing.
• Participate -- Reputable home inspectors prefer it when the prospective homeowners accompany them during the process. The home inspector will take the opportunity to educate them on home’s basic operations as well as the overall condition of the home’s major systems and components.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a real estate professional if you have questions about a specific issue.

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.

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

GRANITE PRODUCTS AND RADON

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)