Jerry Spicer

Concrete and Tile roofs in Phoenix Arizona,

Concrete tiles are made of extruded concrete that is colored. Traditional roofing tiles are made from clay. Concrete and clay tile roofing systems are durable, aesthetically appealing, and low in maintenance. They also provide energy savings and are environmentally friendly. Although material and installation costs are higher for concrete and clay tile roofs, when evaluated on a price-versus-performance basis, they may out-perform other roofing materials. Tile adorns the roofs of many historic buildings, as well as modern structures. In fact, because of its extreme durability, longevity and safety, roof tile is the most prevalent roofing material in the world. Tested over centuries, roof tile can successfully withstand the most extreme weather conditions including hail, high wind, earthquakes, scorching heat, and harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete and clay roof tiles also have unconditional Class A fire ratings, which means that, when installed according to building code, roof tile is non-combustible and maintains that quality throughout its lifetime. In recent years, manufacturers have developed new water-shedding techniques and, for high-wind situations, new adhesives and mechanical fasteners. Because the ultimate longevity of a tile roof also depends on the quality of the sub-roof, roof tile manufacturers are also working to improve flashings and other aspects of the underlayment system. Under normal circumstances, properly installed tile roofs are virtually maintenance-free. Unlike other roofing materials, roof tiles actually become stronger over time. Because of roof tile's superior quality and minimal maintenance requirements, most roof tile manufacturers offer warranties that range from 50 years to the lifetime of the structure.

Concrete and clay tile roofing systems are also energy-efficient, helping to maintain livable interior temperatures (in both cold and warm climates) at a lower cost than other roofing systems. Because of the thermal capacity of roof tiles and the ventilated air space that their placement on the roof surface creates, a tile roof can lower air-conditioning costs in hotter climates, and produce more constant temperatures in colder regions, which reduces potential ice accumulation. Tile roofing systems are made from naturally occurring materials and can be easily recycled into new tiles or other useful products. They are produced without the use of chemical preservatives, and do not deplete limited natural resources. Here in Phoenix, Arizona, we have a large amount of Concrete tile and Clay tile roofs. When doing our Phoenix Home Inspections we are very careful not to break or displace any tiles. It is very common to see tiles that have been displaced or even cracked. We did a Phoenix home inspection last week on a golf course home and there were approximately 40 tiles that had been broken by golf balls. Let Sonoran Property Inspections work for you. We have over 27 years of experience , let us put it to work for you.

We’re always happy to talk to you on the phone, give us a call at 480-415-7977 to see how we can help you with your inspection needs.

Sonoran Property Inspections had a nice conversation with Joe Lederman at the Mesothelioma Center the other day about asbestos. They have written this article and I thought it was important to pass this along to everyone if you are wondering about asbestos or have a need to get further information.

Home Inspections, Asbestos Prevention & Healthy Tips

Purchasing a home is one of the more important decisions you will make in your life, so it is best that you are sure that the home you want to buy is in proper and safe condition. Evaluating a home by a licensed expert, a professional home inspection will take a close and objective look at your property. Most home inspectors can evaluate the physical structure, mechanical systems, condition, identify items that should be repaired, calculate the remaining life of electrical, plumbing, air and check for any hazardous materials present. If your home was built before 1980, there is a chance it may contain asbestos. This does not mean you should be devastatingly alarmed. With the proper precautions and a professional home inspection, exposure to asbestos can be easily prevented.

In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. If you believe that your home contains asbestos, a home inspection could be extremely important for safety, health and investment reasons. Asbestos was praised for its heat resistance, strength, flexibility and insulating properties.

Exposure to asbestos can cause a severe lung ailment known as malignant mesothelioma. With limited treatments available, this form of asbestos lung cancer usually receives poor prognosis from physicians. Diagnosis of mesothelioma has been a difficult task because symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions.

Healthy Tips

Popular in the United States from the 1920’s through the 1960’s, asbestos also appeared in nine inch floor tiles due to its heat resistant and durable properties. Asbestos also appeared in adhesives or glue in older flooring materials. If you encounter black or dark asphalt floor tiles, they may contain high levels of asbestos fibers. According to most experts, if asbestos is in good shape, it's poses minimal risk. If it's in bad shape, it could be a problem.

If an inspector deems the substance harmful, the removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic substances. Depending on the condition of the asbestos, many experts feel it is better to seal it off than remove it.

Licensed abatement contractors who remove asbestos, will be familiar with the regulations in protecting you and themselves from exposure to asbestos. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any exposure. The area is usually isolated from the rest of the house by shutting down ventilation systems and sealing them.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests:

- Asbestos insulation should be left undisturbed in your attic.

- Limit the amount of accessories and items stored.

- Do not allow children’s access.

- If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations, hire professionals to handle asbestos to safely remove the material. Removing asbestos by yourself can potentially spread fibers throughout your home and your family will be at risk of inhaling asbestos dust.

Recycled building materials that are healthy alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These green options provide the same qualities as asbestos, minus the health risks. Studies have shown that these options can also reduce annual energy costs by up to 25 percent. Builders and investors are recognizing that eco-friendly construction provides not only long-term positive environmental benefits but also financial payoffs as well.

While we at Sonoran Property Inspections are not certified asbestos inspectors or abatement specialist when we see a product that is suspected to be asbestos we will recommend further review by a qualified expert in the asbestos field to be on the safe side. We're always happy to talk to you, give us a call at 480-415-7977 to see how we can help you with your inspection needs.

Don’t You DARE Get A Home Inspection…

At least not until you read this.

Sure, you might think the property in mind is a good investment (from what you can see), but forgive me if I am wrong – are YOU a professional and certified inspector with more than 25 years of custom home building and inspection experience?

And have YOU personally inspected over 1,000 homes and properties to TRULY know what you are looking for?

No? Then please continue reading, because this may be one of the most important 5 minutes of your property-investment, home buying and/or property-selling life.

Before you purchase or sell a property, get an honest and thorough home inspection or a top-notch commercial building inspection to know the true integrity of its condition. Otherwise you might end up kicking yourself.

We are the #1 choice for Scottsdale home inspection and we provide our professional services in Phoenix, Glendale and other surrounding cities.

Don’t Just Get Any Inspector:

Sure, you can spend your time and hard earned money on any home inspector, but if you want a quality, knowledgeable Home Inspector who is working hard for you and your family then look no further. Our customer service and satisfaction guarantee is unmatched by anyone.

Simply put: We will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed business decision when buying or selling your property.

Think about it, whether you’re buying or selling a property, it is expensive either way when there are unexpected damages that could possibly ruin the whole deal. This is no time to shop for a cheap home inspection – well, it’s also not time to overpay either!

The cost of a home inspection with us is relatively small compared to the purchase price of a property – and not to mention the broken truss in the attic, the roof with no ventilation, the plastic water distribution lines, the water damaged ceiling, the cracked foundation and whatever else lurking beneath the surface. YOU NEED US!

We offer a 100% Money-Back-In-Your-Pocket Satisfaction Guarantee on the QUALITY of our Home Inspections!

For buyers, we make sure that you know and understand every fact about the property that you are purchasing. For sellers, we will provide a report that gives 100% full disclosure, with no worries of a buyer coming back and questioning anything regarding the property.

Unlike the city inspector who simply enforces code regulations, we look at the building and its various systems as a whole and determine where problems exist or might arise in the future. Remember I said we are great with customer service? We will explain the entire home to you and spend what ever time is needed so you and your agent can make an intelligent business decision based on the facts.

We go far and beyond to make sure we EXCEED the standard practice!

We work directly for you as if you were a close family member and no-one else. Our job is to insure that you understand every item that may be reported in the home inspection. Our job does not end after the home inspection report is completed.

Should you have any questions, you are encouraged to give us a call and we will do whatever it takes to insure that you are completely comfortable and satisfied with the property.

Whether you're buying a new property and want to be sure of what you're getting or selling a property and want to eliminate possible problems in the future, give us a call now. And if you just want a professional to inspect and advise you on the condition and maintenance or safety recommendations of your current property, we are here to help.

Sonoran Property Inspections LLC is here to assist you in making a confident decision about your property and choosing us to do your professional home inspection will give you PEACE OF MIND in making that critical decision with your family and agent.

We do Phoenix home inspections, Scottsdale home inspections, Chandler Home inspections as well as other valley communities.

We’re always happy to talk to you on the phone, give us a call at 480-415-7977 to see how we can help you today. Call NOW!

Learn Four Things You Must Know To Avoid Hiring The Wrong Home Inspector

Get a Home Inspection From The Owner Of The Company:

Nobody works harder for you the client than the owner of the company! The success of the business depends on exceeding your expectations for quality and professionalism each and every time and you just don't get that level of service from "employee inspectors!" So be sure to get an inspection from the owner of the company because he has a vested interest in insuring your Total Satisfaction!

Education & Training:

Being a contractor is very different from being a Professional Home Inspector. Home inspectors are responsible for evaluating all of the systems and components of the home -- not just one aspect like the brick or the framing. To be able to provide a competent evaluation of all of these elements takes formal education and training. Did the inspector attend one of the top home inspection schools, or did he complete a correspondence course, or have his brother in law, Bubba show him how to inspect? Comprehensive continuing education and training is a must!

The Inspection Report:

The top home inspectors in today's business don't produce handwritten reports. A professional inspector will provide a combination checklist/narrative report. Technology has evolved where you should expect to receive a full-color report on site, with digital photographs of the issues discovered during the course of the inspection. The report should provide "Summary Pages" with specific categories like Major Concerns, Safety Issues and Deferred Cost Items, etc.

The report should not contain repair costs or action plans for repairs. Professional home inspectors inspect -- they don't repair! An inspector that makes repairs should always be avoided due to the conflict of interest inherent in that situation. Ask for a sample of an inspection report so you'll know what you can expect for your time and money. After all, you are the client!

Ask To See What Other Home Buyers Have Said About The Inspector:

Quality Professional Home Inspectors ask their client's to complete comment cards upon completion of the inspection. Professional Inspectors want to know what they are doing right, as well as what might need improvement. If the inspector can't or won't provide client referrals, he might be blind in more ways than one!

Sonoran Property Inspections is always happy to talk to you , give us a call at 480-415-7977 to see how we can help you.

I was talking with a group of agents this morning and one of them said she felt like her head was going to explode with all the goofy stuff going on. I of course tried to explain to her that this to shall pass as it always seems to but did have this pop into my mind:

We're here to help all those agents out there who sometimes feel like this. We can do your Phoenix Inspections,

Glendale Home Inspections, Goodyear home inspections, Chandler Home Inspections or any other Phoenix community just give us a call at 480-415-7977.