Thomas Paine

Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. It was first published anonymously on January 10, 1776, during the American Revolution. Common Sense, signed “Written by an Englishman”, became an immediate success.

Paine wrote and reasoned in a style that common people understood; forgoing the philosophy and Latin references used by Enlightenment era writers, Paine structured Common Sense like a sermon and relied on Biblical references to make his case to the people.   Historian Gordon S. Wood described Common Sense as, “the most incendiary and popular pamphlet of the entire revolutionary era”

One of the major concerns in the world today is depletion of energy. As concerned citizens all of us must make a concerted effort to be conscious citizens and save electricity. Electricity has become integral to life but imagine having to live without power.

Conservation of electricity benefits you personally as you will pay lower bills.

Consider these “Paine-fully” Simple Common Sense Tips:

1.            Doing an energy audit. This will tell you how and when you use energy and where the wastage lies. You will be able to make an “energy savings plan” by pinpointing exactly how you can cut back on energy consumption. Some ideas may be as simple as don’t leave the coffee machine on at all times.

2.            Think about resetting the thermostat ten degrees lower during the night. If you can do this for say approximately eight hours a day you will save 10% on electricity without sacrificing comfort. Insulate the home in winter by drawing shut the drapes.

3.            Check all insulation in the house. If you increase attic insulation to around 12 inches the electricity consumption will reduce by 20 percent.

4.            Plant more trees around the house these will cool the house in summer and insulate the house in winter. Studies show that a green cover benefits in many ways.

5.            Have all electricity wires and outlets checked for leakage. Check all fuses and appliances.

6.            Fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient. They use 75% less energy than ordinary light bulbs. These have a longer life and contribute to great savings.

7.            Use energy efficient appliances. These use less energy and believe it or not a high efficiency refrigerator uses less electricity than a light bulb.

8.            When you are away even for a few hours or days you should turn off and unplug   all electrical appliances and turn settings on the thermostat, water heater, and refrigerator to   the lowest setting.

9.            Ensure that you use a water-saving shower head. Water heating costs for a family can be lowered by at least US$ 250 a year.

10.          Weatherize your home. This helps reduce heating bills by 20% and cooling by at least 10 percent. Even when building a home or decorating it use weather friendly materials—those that are not good conductors of heat and cold. Install windows and glass panes in the roof in such away that you use sunlight to light up the rooms during day light hours. Make an effort to switch off lights and fans when leaving a room. Ensure that the filters in air conditioners and heaters are always cleaned and free of clog and dust.

Common Sense

If you live an energy efficient lifestyle you will see the numbers on the energy bill actually reducing. The power to cut energy costs is well within your control. It is as simple as only washing full loads and that to in cold water. Use the hot wash option only for very dirty clothes.  Cook food only just before you are ready to eat that way you can save reheating costs as well as refrigerating costs of storing the food. Turn the thermostat of the refrigerator to minimum in cold or cool weather. Switch off freezers if they are not in use. Small contributions can all add up to significant amounts of power saved. And, power saved means money in the bank.

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

“Something in the air” takes on a whole new meaning today than that magic spring night in the 60’s or the Tom Petty song.  Mold, Fungi, Radon, Chinese Drywall and now PCBs.

Polychlorinated biphenyls or PCB’s have been around since the 1940’s.  They where manmade chemicals that were widely used in construction materials and electrical products.  They were banned by Congress in 1976 because of a “concern” about their health and environmental effects. 

The use and disposal of PCBs before the phase-out resulted in their widespread presence in our soil, air, water and food. Despite the federal ban, they remain present today in caulking and sealants used in the construction or renovation of older buildings before 1978.

So why did the EPA announce guidance about this cancer causing chemical in September of 09?

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency “announced a series of steps that building owners and public school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in many buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. 

Call out the instigator
Because there’s something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the revelution is here! . . .

The press release acknowledged the growing amounts of evidence of levels of PCBs in caulk used in older buildings with discussion as to the health concerns related to this “banned” cancer causing chemical. 

But, the press release seemed to be carefully crafted such that it did not use the words “must” or “shall” in their discussion for actions and related testing.

Is this a serious issue? 

Also the “EPA recommends testing peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk for the presence of PCBs and removing the caulk if the PCBs are present at significant levels . . .”

In referring to high air test levels, the EPA also stated that “building owners should be “especially vigilant” in implementing and monitoring ventilation and hygienic practices to minimize exposures . . . ”

How are people exposed to PCBs?

Though PCBs were banned from production in 1978, they still typically exist in low-levels in our environment.  They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe and in dirt and dust outside.  They build up in our bodies over many years.

This long-term build-up of PCBs is what potentially causes harm. The levels of PCBs in our environment and in the bodies of people in this country have decreased significantly over time.

So why all the fuss now?

Food is a main source of exposure to PCBs. Fish (especially fish caught in polluted waters) contains small amounts of PCBs, as do meat and dairy products.

Indoor air and dust may also be a significant source of PCB exposure from PCB-contaminated caulk, electrical products, other building materials or products that contain PCBs.

What about caulk in single-family houses or other places?

EPA has found PCBs in large scale apartment complexes and public buildings. To date, EPA has not found PCBs in caulk in single-family houses.  They do note that generally air concentrations are below the public health exposure levels developed by EPA.

Run through the fields and the houses
Because there is something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the Revolution is here! . . .

- Tom Petty

 So where does this leave you?

Unless you sleep with old caulk gun, lick your window sills or snort contaminated dust,  PCBs should not be a great concern.  On the other hand if you work or live in a room where window caulk is peeling and falling on the floor, call an inspector for testing and recommendations before you “break out” into a song . . . you heartbreaker you!

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

Full Press Release http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when spores are present in large quantities, they can be a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Molds and fungi are found everywhere inside and outside, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. When molds reproduce they make spores, which can be carried by air currents. When these spores land on a moist surface that is suitable for life, they begin to grow. Mold is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals.

Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth, and mold spores are ever-present, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture indoors.

Mold growth may also be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials such as concrete. Flooding, leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, plumbing problems can all lead to mold growth inside homes, offices, clubhouses, and other areas humans gather.

For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water (which could be invisible humidity), a source of food and a substrate (material) capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets and carpet padding are food for molds. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are the food sources. After a single incident of water damage occurring in a building, molds grow inside the walls. The right conditions, such as high humidity, can activate a mold bloom even after a long period of being dormant after the event has occurred.

If there are mold problems in a unit or home only during a certain time of the year, then it is probably either too air-tight or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house and moisture is trapped) and occur in drafty units or homes more frequently during the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same effect as lowering humidity.

Assessment

The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed, sampling for specific species of mold is necessary.

 These methods, considered non-intrusive, only detect visible and odor-causing molds. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.

 Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.

Remediation

The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Common remedies for small occurrences of mold include:

*Sunlight

*Ventilation

*Non-porous building materials

*Household cleansers

Significant mold growth may require professional mold remediation and removal of affected building materials. As this issue has become more and more prevalent, different states have different requirements for licensing, certifying and qualifying mold remediation technicians. 

There are Certified Mold Inspectors, Certified Mold Remediators, and Certified Environmental Hygienists, all professionals that provide services relating to mold problems. While some mild instances of mold may be able to be addressed in a do-it-yourself way, if in doubt, a professional should be engaged for this purpose. The preparation of the area for the removal of the material, the disposal of the material removed, the personal precautions that are required, generally exceed those of a maintenance worker or handyman.

If in doubt, call a professional.

Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

It appears that “Green” is making builders “Blue” these days. 

A new poll shows that people who once put a huge emphasis on the government’s green efforts now have other issues they care about more.The latest Pew Research Center poll shows that the economy and job market have jumped to the top of the priority list for most people. Last January, 75 percent of Americans polled said that the economy should be a top priority, and in a year’s time, that has jumped to 85 percent.On the other hand, however, protecting the environment has fallen from 56 percent a year ago to just 41 percent today. Of the 20 issues raised, the least important issue raised was global warming.

As a buyer you want to buy “Green”.  As a builder you want to build “Green”.  The problem for builders is being prepared to show the economic benefits of buying “Green.”

Buyers now appear to be less likely to spend their hard earned greenbacks on anything in today’s declining economy.  Green must present a personal benefit for the buyer.  Not 20 years from now, but in the average ownership time frame.  (Currently 6 to 7 years).

Is the demand there?  I believe so, but reality and times have changed for America.

America is worried about economic prosperity, health care and social security.  With this focus home buyers are cutting their budgets and green is the first to go.  Unless you can show the immediate benefits and long term savings, selling green will probably go nowhere fast.

People generally want to save money on utilities, protect mother earth and her resources.  It is the right thing to do and people will warm up to it.  Products must be developed to meet immediate needs of the home buyer.

When it comes right down to it, people are looking for “Green” to not add “Red” to their bottom line!

 Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

 For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

In the 1970’s ”Made in America” was all the rage in the world.  In the 1980’s “Made in Japan” was the hit of the decade.  1990’s was the bigger the better decade and the 2000’s were the decade of the Dragon.  The Red Dragon.  Yes Walmart, Apple and Talking Elmo had already brought in a sea of red to America.  Next was to come construction materials.  And boy did they come.  They came in ship by ship, box car by box car and 18 wheelers by 18 wheelers. 

Most materials used in remodeling and construction are made in America, but with the building boom earlier this decade, hurricanes Wilma & Katrina along with the midwest flooding came a shortage of building materials. 

Enter the Dragon!

The Dragon brought in drywall that has a problem, bad breath (sulfur gasses).  This sulfur emission can be found in many ways.  The easiest I have found is to inspect the electrical wiring by removing the face place and retaining screws from the outlet and gently/carefully pulling out the outlet and looking at exposed copper (as on the ground wire).  Normally this should remain copper colored, even when aged, like a penny.  If it appears black, it’s a preliminary indicator that something might be amiss.

Here are a couple of other things to know:

1.  This problem has been idenified in homes built between 2004 and 2007.

2.  Knauf brand drywall is now at the center of several lawsuits, but they were not the only ones to deliver the product.

3.  Sulfur gases smell like “rotten eggs”.  You will know it when you smell it.

4.  The Air Conditioning unit is a place where you can see the coils (inside the panel).  A greenish tinge is normal, but black is a sign of trouble.

5.  Black looking soot on the plugs of your washer and dryer is also an indicator.

6.  If you can find an unfinished spot in your basement or attic, you may be able to see the brand or stamp where the drywall was made or manufactured.

7.  Major home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowes say they never sold Chinese drywall.  In most cases it was sold in bulk to national builders. 

One last note, don’t go looking to your homeowners insurance or your home warrnty provider to cover this problem.  Your  policy will not cover a this product defect.

Don’t get caught up in the Red Dragon’s Ying & Yang.  At Advantage Inspection we have been trained to look for these indicators and we  provide this service with every home we inspect.  Professional, Licensed and Insured, we provide ”Peace of Mind” and that is your Advantage! 

Leigh Carsen, a legal expert in Real Estate transactions states “the right inspector will be experienced, meticulous, plainspoken and ideally have a proven track record in your area.” Ask your agent for a recommendation or check for local members of the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association (www.NCLHIA.org) or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (www.nachi.org).

Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com