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Preston Sandlin

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Charlotte Inspector Reveals How To Make Your Garage GREAT!

07-08-09
Preston Sandlin
Garage Door Because a garage door can occupy almost 30 percent of a home’s front exterior, more homeowners are paying attention to that large, square attached or next to their home. Many garages are getting an update, for both design and energy-efficiency purposes. And homeowners are finding that once a garage is more energy-efficient, there are unexpected ways they can better utilize some of that extra space. In terms of design, the carriage-door has made a comeback, with versions now available in less-expensive, low-maintenance materials such as steel. These doors feature wood-grain composite overlays or embossed patterns to heighten the carriage-house look. Steel doors are a popular choice because they are much easier to maintain than wood, and resist fading and rot due to the elements. Classic raised panel steel or wood doors are also popular, with updating provided by decorative windows. For the most contemporary of home-styles, aluminum and even glass doors are available. Energy-efficiency is an important consideration for homeowners, and energy tax credits may be available if you install a better-insulated garage door. (Tax credits reduce tax dollar-for-dollar). To be eligible for the tax credit, the purchased garage door must meet the following criteria: The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage. The door must have a U-factor (how well a material prevents heat-loss) equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains glazing. If the door contains windows (glazing), the door must offer a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun and is abbreviated SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30. The door perimeter must have a means to control air infiltration. The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years and be a part of the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence. The homeowner’s tax credit is based on the total material cost of the purchase. The maximum credit is $1500 When looking to upgrade a garage door, one of the primary factors is R-value (ability to prevent heat loss). The higher the R-value, the higher the insulation, resulting in the most energy savings. A garage door insulated with polyurethane foam is considered one of the best choices, because it bonds to the door’s metal skin. The bonding insures the metal skin won’t separate from the insulation, resulting in air leakage. Upon installation of a better garage door, some homeowners see the space contained within their garage in a different light. Some families choose to equip a garage with extra electrical outlets and phone jacks. In addition to traditional uses of a garage – storing cars and sports equipment – some garages are sporting a hobby area, a fitness room, a home office, laundry room, extra kitchen storage or walk-in closet. Other homeowners are thinking ahead and adding entry-ways that are wheel-chair accessible. For more information go to our websites: http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/ http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/
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The Quest For Great Drinking Water

07-08-09
Preston Sandlin
Clean Drinking Water Americans spend millions of dollars on the water they drink, and not just for bottles of Evian. We spend countless dollars each year in search of just the right home water treatment system. In fact, according to an association that monitors water quality, one out of every ten Americans now uses a home water treatment unit, so it’s a good idea for real estate professionals to know a little bit about the various units. These units can range from simple pitchers to costing less than twenty dollars to sophisticated whole-house water filtration systems costing several thousand dollars. There are a variety of reasons homeowners purchase a home water treatment system. Some people use this feature to improve the taste of their tap water. Others are looking to treat their water because of health concerns. Drinking water can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, picked up as the water journeys from its original destination into water purifying stations and eventually through plumbing systems and out the tap. As long as contaminants remain at levels no higher than EPA standards, our water is considered safe to drink. Some contaminant levels remain constant throughout the year, while others vary according to the season, weather or from house to house. For example, lead typically makes its way into the water supply when it leaches from lead pipes and solder that are in some homes. If water comes from a household well, the EPA recommends annual water testing for nitrates and bacteria. Different treatment systems will vary greatly in price, performance and look. A water treatment device can be rather free-standing home water treatment device. Most water pitchers use granular-activated carbon and resins to bond with and trap contaminants. These filters are effective at improving the taste of water, and many will also reduce lead and other contaminants. Filters attached to a faucet or installed under the sink: These filters use the same technologies as pour-through pitchers. Some filters use fabrics, fiber, or ceramic screening to physically remove contaminants. The most common types use a molded block of activated carbon. These filters are effective at improving at improving the taste of tap water, and some will also reduce lead, protozoan cysts and many other contaminants. Distillers: Distillers heat water to the boiling point, and then collect the water vapor as it condenses, killing disease causing microbes and leaving most chemical contaminants behind. Distilled water tastes flat to some people because the water’s natural minerals and oxygen often have been removed. Reverse Osmosis Units: Reverse osmosis units force water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure, leaving contaminants behind. Reverse osmosis units use a significant amount of water. They recover only a small percentage of the water entering the system and the remainder is discharged as waste water, but they are effective in eliminating disease-causing organisms as well as most chemical contaminants. Aerators: Aerators force water to travel over air jets. Contaminants easily turn into gases, such as gasoline components and radon, are removed. Other contaminants are not. The water may additionally filtered after it passes through its system to remove additional contaminants. Water Softeners: Water softeners use sodium chloride or potassium chloride to reduce the amount of hardness (calcium, magnesium) in water. The hardness ions in the water are replaced with sodium or potassium ions. Ion exchange water softeners simultaneously remove radium and barium while removing water hardness. Whole House Filters: The whole house water system looks similar to a typical hot water heater and can supply filtered water throughout the entire home. Different companies use various techniques to filter the water. Most whole house systems also soften or condition the water, many doing so without the use of salt, chemicals or magnets. These systems generally use carbon for filtration, but each company has their own, unique process to soften water, some using ions and minerals to accomplish the job. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/ http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/
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Charlotte Home Inspectors Tell How To Find P-Trap If You Can't See It

06-26-09
Preston Sandlin
http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com During a recent home inspection in Waxhaw NC, a Charlotte inspector found a drain on a tub that had been added where the p trap was not visible. The problem on the home inspection is that there is no p trap visible. You could not find it without tearing up the floors. The builder says it was there but this was not good enough for the buyer. What is the best option? Charlotte Inspector Preston Sandlin brought a see snake which is a flexible light camera extension that puts what is seeing on an LCD Screen. He put that dow the drain and ran it about 3 feet and sure enough he saw water which indicates that a p trap is present. Why is a p trap important? The P Trap was developed as part of the drainage system for the plumbing in your home or business. The P trap will also stop sewer odors from coming back up the drain and into your bathroom. This trap has been used all of the world for many years and will continue to be. The p-trap is found in the bathroom, the kitchen, the basement, the bar and many other places in your home.Many P-traps can also be found in many commercial places of business. P-Traps can be found in fast food places, supermarkets, schools,hospitals, zoos, office buildings, outdoor showers at the beach and pretty much every where you can find a fixture drain. The P-trap can be found under most fixtures. Common places you will be able to see the p-trap are under both your kitchen and bathroom sink. If you have an laundry tub/sink you will be able to see the p-trap under that as well. Your shower and bathtub also use a p trap but you will or will not be able to see the actual trap. This will depend if you have a basement, crawl space or even live on a slab. If your bathroom is built on a slap you will not be able to see your p trap because it will be inside of the slab, which is under the bathtub or the shower pan. If you have a bathroom that is built on the first floor and you have a crawl space or a basement you will be able to see your p-trap if you go into one of those areas. The only problem you may run into is if your basement is finished, you may have to remove some Sheetrock from the basement ceiling before you can access the p-trap and the bathtub trip lever or shower pan drain. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com
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Charlotte Inspector Reveals How To Know When You Need A New Roof

06-19-09
Preston Sandlin
While performing a home inspection in Chantilly, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin noticed a roof that was in need of replacement. How do you know when you need a new roof? The following are some things that home inspectors typically look for. Leaking roofs, poor drainage, and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside your home. We have listed two ways to help determine if you need a new roof. If you need assistance with determining if you need a new roof, please contact us and we will happy to send a licensed and bonded member of our knowledgeable team to your home . Outside Roof Inspection Inspecting a roof from outside is very simple. All that is needed is a pair of binoculars and a viewing point that is unobstructed by other buildings or trees. Following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an outside roof inspection. Blistered, curled or split shingles. Loose or missing shingles or tiles. Loose nails. Exposed nails (can lead to leaks in the roof). Dark patches on asphalt shingles and/or large amounts of granules in the rain gutters (the granular coating is wearing away). Sagging either on the ridges or in the center of the roof. Broken or loose shingles at the ridge lines and hip lines. Rusty or corroded metal (flashing) and loose shingles in the valleys, plumbing vents or near chimneys. It may be necessary to remove excess debris and leaves to inspect thoroughly (and lots of leaf debris can cause damage to these sensitive areas of the roof). Rusty metal or loose shingles in locations where a vertical side of the house meets the roof Overflowing gutters or excess water pooling near the foundation of the house. For flat roofs, look for blisters (pop the blisters with a knife and coat them with roofing cement to prevent further damage), depressions near vent pipes (can also be filled with roofing cement), separations in flashing, and clogged drains. Note: Walking on the roof as part of the inspection is not recommended and may cause further damage to the roof. Indoor Roof Inspection Following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an indoor roof inspection. Sagging decking between the rafters. If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking will also require replacement when a new roof is installed. Outside light that can be seen through the roof. This may be common (and not a problem) on shake roofs, since the wooden shakes will swell during the wet months, effectively preventing any leaks. Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof). Test dark spots in the wood to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it is soft (test with a screwdriver), the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed. Signs of water damage or leaking (usually in the form of water stains, or sagging ceilings)--this could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation. If you observe any of the signs listed above, you need roof repairs or a new roof. Depending on the degree of damage, you can decide what is best for you and your house. Often the cost of fixing or replacing a roof is less than dealing with the damage an old roof can cause to your home. We will present you with both options. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com
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Charlotte Home Inspector Tells How To Avoid A Dielectric Connection

06-18-09
Preston Sandlin
Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin recently inspected a house that had two different types of plumbing pipes in use. Fortunatuately the Charlotte homeowner did not have them connected directy to each other or he would have had a dielectric connection. What is a dielectric connection and how do you avoid it? If you put two metals together in water, one of them corrodes to protect the other. This is known as electrolysis. The action of a sacrificial anode rod, and that of a battery, are both examples of beneficial electrolysis. However, usually in plumbing, electrolysis is something you want to avoid, especially in connections, since it means that the corroding part is eventually going to leak. http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/ http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/
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