• 29Apr

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Pulldown Ladders

    Child Safety, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, The Maverick Builder 2,625 Comments

    Attic pull-down ladders, also called attic pull-down stairways, are collapsible ladders that are permanently attached to the attic floor, that could be even hidden with oriental rugs, that people get. Occupants can use these ladders to access their attics without being required to carry a portable ladder. A professional refinishing service from Epoxy Flooring Tacoma gives you a chance to get a spectacular looking floor without replacing.

    Common Defects

    Homeowners, not professional carpenters, usually install attic pull-down ladders and it is important to use a proffesional service, we also advice the SONA lantern blinds, they will take control of your sky space, light levels and room ambience with the intelligent skylight blind system. Evidence of this distinction can be observed in consistently shoddy and dangerous work that rarely meets safety standards. Some of the more common defective conditions observed by inspectors include:

    •cut bottom cord of structural truss. Often, homeowners will cut through a structural member in the field while installing a pull-down ladder, unknowingly weakening the structure. Structural members should not be modified in the field without an engineer’s approval;

    •fastened with improper nails or screws. You may also find yourself looking for ball screws if its a circular deck. Homeowners often use drywall or deck screws which in today’s world have become obsolete due to the use of ipe pavers, rather than the standard 16d penny nails or ¼” x 3” lag screws. Nails and screws that are intended for other purposes may have reduced shear strength and they may not support pull-down ladders;

    •fastened with an insufficient number of nails or screws. Manufacturers provide a certain number of nails with instructions that they all be used, and they probably do this for a good reason. Inspectors should be wary of “place nail here” notices that are nowhere near any nails;

    •lack of insulation. When deciding how to best improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, it’s important to understand the science behind insulation. Every home is different, and the experts from a good services like the First Defense Insulation company can help you get the right insulation and air sealing services you need to get the results you want in your home.

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  • 22Apr

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Garage Fire Hazzards

    Child Safety, Energy Savings, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, The Maverick Builder 142 Comments

    Attached Garage Fire Hazards

    The purpose of this article is twofold. First, at Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh, we’d like you to take measures to keep your garage free from fire so stay in touch with Steel Line Garage Doors for netter maintenance. Fortunately, there are ways this can be done, some of which are described below. Secondly, garage fires do happen, and we’d like you to make sure that a fire cannot not easily spread to the rest of your house. While you can perform many of the recommendations in this article yourself, it is a good idea to hire a licensed home inspector to make sure your home is safe from a garage fire, so getting a good garage door is important for this, and you can get the right services for this from https://www.automaticdoorspecialists.com/oceanside/.

    Why do many garages pose a fire hazard?

    •Where are you most likely to do any welding, or any work on your car? These activities require working with all sorts of flammable materials.

    •Water heaters and boilers are usually stored in garages, and they can create sparks that may ignite fumes or fluids. Car batteries, too, will spark under certain conditions.

    •Oil and gasoline can drip from cars. These fluids may collect unnoticed and eventually ignite, given the proper conditions.

    •Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, motor oil and paint are commonly stored in garages. Some other examples are brake fluid, varnish, paint thinner and lighter fluid.

    The following tips can help prevent garage fires and their spread:

    •If the garage allows access to the attic, make sure a hatch covers this access.

    •The walls and ceiling should be fire-rated. Unfortunately, it will be difficult for untrained homeowners to tell if their walls are Type X fire-rated gypsum. A licensed home inspector can examine the walls and ceiling to make sure they are adequate fire barriers.

    •The floor should be clear of clutter. Loose papers, matches, oily rags, and other potentially flammable items are extremely dangerous if they are strewn about the garage floor, why not try here to obtain better results Total Floor Care 1168 W Main St, Lewisville, TX 75067 (972) 374-7774

    •Use light bulbs with the proper wattage, and do not overload electrical outlets.

    •Tape down all cords and wires so they are not twisted or accidentally yanked, for this the use of professionals custom cable assemblies are a great option to get the right wiring for a house.

    If there is a door that connects the garage to the living area, consider the following:

    •Do not install a pet door in the door! Flames can more easily spread into the living area through a pet door, especially if it’s made of plastic.

    •Does the door have a window? A licensed inspector can inspect the window to tell if it’s fire-rated.

    •The door should be self-closing. While it may be inconvenient, especially while carrying groceries into the house from the car, doors should be self-closing. You never know when a fire will happen, and it would be unfortunate to accidentally leave the door open while a fire is starting in the garage.

    •Check the joints and open spaces around the door. Are they tightly sealed? Any openings at all can allow dangerous fumes, such as carbon monoxide or gasoline vapor, to enter the living area. An InterNACHI inspector can recommend ways to seal the door so that fumes cannot enter the living area.

    Concerning items placed on the floor, you should check for the following:

    •Store your flammable liquids in clearly labeled, self-closing containers, and only in small amounts. Keep them away from heaters, appliances, pilot lights and other sources of heat or flame.

    •Never store propane tanks indoors. If they catch fire, they can explode. Propane tanks are sturdy enough to be stored outdoors in job site storage boxes like ones you can find on https://siteboxstorage.com/.

    In summary, there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent garage fires from spreading to the rest of the house, or to keep them from starting in the first place. However, it is highly recommended that you have your garage periodically examined by a licensed home inspector.

    Dave Park
    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    Davepark@advantageinspection.com

    Advantage Home 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 20 years, Advantage Home Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.

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  • 15Apr

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Asbestos

    Child Safety, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Technology, The Maverick Builder 244 Comments

    What is Asbestos?

    Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. If you are buying a new home you should hire iDry Restorations Asbestos Removal to come test for asbestos. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

    How Can Asbestos Affect My Health?

    From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer in the forms of mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity, and asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.

    The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increase with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

    Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped even when you slice tiles with ease using your tool, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard. Visit FusionExteriors.com to find out the solution to your problem.

    Where Can I Find Asbestos and When Can it Be a Problem?

    Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Common products that might have contained asbestos in the past, and conditions which may release fibers include:

    • steam pipes, boilers and furnace ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged. You should visit plumber-dublin.ie, as they can have your gas boiler serviced annually and can provide reliable emergency boiler rental to ensure safety and efficiency levels remain high and your heating bills remain low.
    • resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for installing floor tile. Sanding tiles can release fibers, and so may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during removal. If you’ve ever considered an easy-to-maintain, flooring option, Adhesives Lab bet there’s an epoxy solution for you.
    • cement sheet, millboard and paper used as insulation around furnaces and wood-burning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers, and so may cutting, tearing, sanding, Hagstrom Drilling, or sawing insulation;
    • door gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use;
    • soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly or water-damaged material may release fibers, and so will sanding, drilling or scraping the material;
    • patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, and textured paints. Sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos fibers;
    • asbestos cement roofing, shingles and siding. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, drilled or cut; entrust the roofing issues to commercial roofing contractors.
    • artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces contains asbestos,choosing wood pellets is cheaper and safe to health and other older household products, such as fireproof gloves, stove-top pads, ironing board covers and certain hairdryers; and
    • automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings and gaskets.

    Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found in the Home

    • Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement, but you can get rid of them by taking the assistance of https://www.jacksoncontractingsite.com/roof-repair/. I personally have heard about their services for quite a while and the remarks have been nothing but the best.
    • Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
    • Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
    • Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
    • Older products, such as stove-top pads, may have some asbestos compounds.
    • Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard or cement sheets.
    • Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
    • Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
    • Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

    Note: visit the Transition Roofing website for more information.

    What Should Be Done About Asbestos in the Home?

    If you think asbestos may be in your home, don’t panic. Usually, the best thing to do is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. There is no danger unless the asbestos is disturbed and fibers are released and then inhaled into the lungs. Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don’t touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage, such as tears, abrasions or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow. Sometimes, the best way to deal with slightly damaged material is to limit access to the area and not touch or disturb it. Discard damaged or worn asbestos gloves, stove-top pads and ironing board covers. Check with local health, environmental or other appropriate agencies to find out proper handling and disposal procedures. If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present.

    In addition to general asbestos contractors, you may select a roofing, flooring or plumbers are trained to handle asbestos when it is necessary to remove and replace roofing, flooring, siding or asbestos-cement pipe that is part of a water system.

    Normally, roofing installers and flooring contractors are exempt from state and local licensing requirements because they do not perform any other asbestos-correction work.

    How to Identify Materials that Contain Asbestos

    You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos, or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended. If you nevertheless choose to take the samples yourself, take care not to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled. Anyone who samples asbestos-containing materials should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling and, at a minimum, should observe the following procedures:

    • Make sure no one else is in the room when sampling is done.
    • Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
    • Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers, for doing this we recommend you to contact an expert from Omni Heating and Air 1530 San Ponte Rd Corona CA 92882 (951) 299-0151 or check this site out for further instruction on how to do it.
    • Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
    • Place a plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.
    • Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
    • Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using a small knife, corer or other sharp object. Place the small piece into a clean container (a 35-mm film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or high-quality resealable plastic bag).
    • Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
    • Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials according to state and local procedures.
    • Label the container with an identification number and clearly state when and where the sample was taken.
    • Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fiber release.
    • Send the sample to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Your state or local health department may also be able to help.

    How to Manage an Asbestos Problem

    If the asbestos material is in good shape and will not be disturbed, do nothing! If it is a problem, there are two types of corrections: repair and removal. Repair usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so that fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace and boiler insulation can sometimes be repaired this way. This should be done only by a professional trained to handle asbestos safely. Covering (enclosure) involves placing something over or around the material that contains asbestos to prevent the release of fibers. Exposed insulated piping may be covered with a protective wrap or jacket. With any type of repair, the asbestos remains in place. Repair is usually cheaper than removal, but it may make removal of asbestos later (if found to be necessary) more difficult and costly. Repairs can either be major or minor. Major repairs must be done only by a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos. Minor repairs should also be done by professionals, since there is always a risk of exposure to fibers when asbestos is disturbed, using services for cleaning asbestos as you can find in the Threshold Environmental site and offer the best option for this purpose.

    Repairs

    Doing minor repairs yourself is not recommended, since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard where none existed. If you nevertheless choose to do minor repairs, you should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before doing anything. Contact your state or local health department or regional EPA office for information about asbestos training programs in your area. Your local school district may also have information about asbestos professionals and training programs for school buildings. Even if you have completed a training program, do not try anything more than minor repairs. Before undertaking minor repairs, carefully examine the area around the damage to make sure it is stable. As a general rule, any damaged area which is bigger than the size of your hand is not considered a minor repair. According to the leading Perth builder “Asbestos infected homes should be repaired only if the damage caused is at its minimal, but if the damage is more, then its better to change the house as the repairs are bound to cause a major dent in the wallet and even after the repairs are done there is no guarantee of 100% safety”. Many of the leading builders agree to this as an asbestos infected home not only compromises the integrity of the house but also affects its tenants for a considerate amount of time.

    Before undertaking minor repairs, be sure to follow all the precautions described previously for sampling asbestos material. Always wet the asbestos material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent. Commercial products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas are available. Small areas of material, such as pipe insulation, can be covered by wrapping a special fabric, such as re-wettable glass cloth, around it. These products are available from stores (listed in the telephone directory under “Safety Equipment and Clothing”) which specialize in asbestos materials and safety items.

    Removal is usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family. Entrust it to real professionals from THA Heating, Air, and Plumbing Inc.

    Asbestos Professionals: Who Are They and What Can They Do?

    Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.

    Asbestos professionals can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected material, assess its condition, and advise on the corrections that are needed, as well as who is qualified to make these corrections. Once again, material in good condition need not be sampled unless it is likely to be disturbed. Professional correction or abatement contractors repair and remove asbestos materials.

    Some firms offer combinations of testing, assessment and correction. A professional hired to assess the need for corrective action should not be connected with an asbestos-correction firm. It is better to use two different firms so that there is no conflict of interest. Services vary from one area to another around the country.

    The federal government offers training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some state and local governments also offer or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal or state-approved training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such as completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area.

    If you have a problem that requires the services of asbestos professionals, check their credentials carefully. Hire professionals who are trained, experienced, reputable and accredited — especially if accreditation is required by state or local laws. Before hiring a professional, ask for references from previous clients. Find out if they were satisfied. Ask whether the professional has handled similar situations. Get cost estimates from several professionals, as the charges for these services can vary.

    Though private homes are usually not covered by the asbestos regulations that apply to schools and public buildings, professionals should still use procedures described in federal or state-approved training. Homeowners should be alert to the chance of misleading claims by asbestos consultants and contractors. There have been reports of firms incorrectly claiming that asbestos materials in homes must be replaced. In other cases, firms have encouraged unnecessary removal or performed it improperly. Unnecessary removal is a waste of money. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family, so don’t wait any longer and call house demolition cairns to avoid those issues. To guard against this, know what services are available and what procedures and precautions are needed to do the job properly.

    Asbestos-containing automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings and gaskets should be repaired and replaced only by a professional using special protective equipment. Many of these products are now available without asbestos.

    If you hire an InterNACHI inspector who is trained in asbestos inspection:

    • Make sure that the inspection will include a complete visual examination, and the careful collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is present, the inspector should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention.
    • Make sure an inspecting firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a contractor follows proper procedures and requirements. The inspector may recommend and perform checks after the correction to assure that the area has been properly cleaned.

    If you hire a corrective-action contractor:

    • Check with your local air pollution control board, the local agency responsible for worker safety, and the Better Business Bureau. Ask if the firm has had any safety violations. Find out if there are legal actions filed against it.
    • Insist that the contractor use the proper equipment to do the job. The workers must wear approved respirators, gloves and other protective clothing.
    • Before work begins, get a written contract specifying the work plan, cleanup, and the applicable federal, state and local regulations which the contractor must follow (such as notification requirements and asbestos disposal procedures). Contact your state and local health departments, EPA regional office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regional office to find out what the regulations are. Be sure the contractor follows local asbestos removal and disposal laws. At the end of the job, get written assurance from the contractor that all procedures have been followed.
    • Assure that the contractor avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other areas of your home. They should seal off the work area from the rest of the house using plastic sheeting and duct tape, and also turn off the heating and air conditioning system. For some repairs, such as pipe insulation removal, plastic bags may be adequate. They must be sealed with tape and properly disposed of when the job is complete.
    • Make sure the work site is clearly marked as a hazardous area. Do not allow household members or pets into the area until work is completed.
    • Insist that the contractor apply a wetting agent to the asbestos material with a hand sprayer that creates a fine mist before removal. Wet fibers do not float in the air as easily as dry fibers and will be easier to clean up.
    • Make sure the contractor does not break removed material into smaller pieces. This could release asbestos fibers into the air. Pipe insulation was usually installed in pre-formed blocks and should be removed in complete pieces.
    • Upon completion, assure that the contractor cleans the area well with wet mops, wet rags, sponges and/or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners. A regular vacuum cleaner must never be used. Wetting helps reduce the chance of spreading asbestos fibers in the air. All asbestos materials and disposable equipment and clothing used in the job must be placed in sealed, leakproof, and labeled plastic bags. The work site should be visually free of dust and debris. Air monitoring (to make sure there is no increase of asbestos fibers in the air) may be necessary to assure that the contractor’s job is done properly. This should be done by someone not connected with the contractor.

    Caution!

    Do not dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. These actions will disturb tiny asbestos fibers and may release them into the air. Remove dust by wet-mopping or with a special HEPA vacuum cleaner used by trained asbestos contractors.

    Dave Park
    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    Davepark@advantageinspection.com

    Advantage Home 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 20 years, Advantage Home Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.

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  • 08Apr

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Solar Energy

    Energy Savings, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Technology, The Maverick Builder 147 Comments
    Solar energy offers considerable advantages over conventional energy systems by nullifying flaws in those systems long considered to be unchangeable. Solar power for home energy production has its flaws, too, which are outlined in another article, but they’re dwarfed by the advantages listed, as well you can check this website to get more info about disadvantages and advantage of solar panel. You can also sign up for solar panel affiliate program | Shop Solar Kits if you are interested.
    Solar energy is a great choice
    The following are advantages of solar energy, also don’t forget to read the energy comparison article to learn more about this topic:
    • Raw materials are renewable and unlimited. The amount of available solar energy is staggering — roughly 10,000 times that currently required by humans — and it’s constantly replaced. A mere 0.02% of incoming sunlight, if captured correctly, would be sufficient to replace every other fuel source currently used.

    Granted, the Earth does need much of this solar energy to drive its weather, so let’s look only at the unused portion of sunlight that is reflected back into space, known as the albedo. Earth’s average albedo is around 30%, meaning that roughly 52 petawatts of energy is reflected by the Earth and lost into space every year. Compare this number with global energy-consumption statistics.  Annually, the energy lost to space is the combined equivalent of 400 hurricanes, 1 million Hoover Dams, Great Britain’s energy requirement for 250,000 years, worldwide oil, gas and coal production for 387 years, 75 million cars, and 50 million 747s running perpetually for one year (not to mention 1 million fictional DeLorean time machines!). There are companies like AJSS that provide technical and business management services to the gas industries. Contact AJ Stack Solutions Pty Ltd for customer support to extend the life of your assets and reduce maintenance costs.

    • Solar power is low-emission. Solar panels produce no pollution, although they impose environmental costs through manufacture and construction. These environmental tolls are negligible, however, when compared with the damage inflicted by conventional energy sources:  the burning of fossil fuels releases roughly 21.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually.
    • Solar power is suitable for remote areas that are not connected to energy grids. It may come as a surprise to city-dwellers but, according to Home Power Magazine, as of 2006, 180,000 houses in the United States were off-grid thanks to their solar energy storage, and that figure is likely considerably higher today. California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Washington have long been refuges for such energy rebels, though people live off the grid in every state. While many of these people shun the grid on principle, owing to politics and environmental concerns, few of the world’s 1.8 billion off-the-gridders have any choice in the matter. Solar energy can drastically improve the quality of life for millions of people who live in the dark, especially in places such as Sub-Saharan Africa, where as many as 90% of the rural population lacks access to electricity. People in these areas must rely on fuel-based lighting, which inflicts significant social and environmental costs, from jeopardized health through Home Inspection Raleigh - Solar Energycontamination of indoor air, to limited overall productivity.
    • Solar power provides green jobs. Production of solar panels for domestic use is becoming a growing source of employment in research, manufacture, sales and installation.
    • Solar panels contain no moving parts and thus produce no noise. Wind turbines, by contrast, require noisy gearboxes and blades. You will only need to obtain a forklift certification online to be able to be engaged in the solar panels installation process.
    • In the long run, solar power is economical. Solar panels and installation involve high initial expenses, but this cost is soon offset by savings on energy bills.  Eventually, they may even produce a profit on their use. You can also save more money by switching to an electric utility provider that offers low rates on utilities in Edmonton.
    • Solar power takes advantage of net metering, which is the practice of crediting homeowners for electricity they produce and return to the power grid, in systems as air condition or heating, that people can get using services online, find out about THA Heating and Air with other services at their site. As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, public electric utilities are required to make available, upon request, net metering to their Home Inspection Raleigh -Manhattan, and much of the northeast USA, goes dark in August, 2003customers. This practice offers an advantage for homeowners who use solar panels (or wind turbines or fuel cells) that may, at times, produce more energy than their homes require. If net metering is not an option, excess energy may be stored in batteries.
    • Solar power can mean government tax credits. U.S. federal subsidies credit up to 30% of system costs, and each state offers its own incentives. California, blessed with abundant sunshine and plagued by high electric rates and an over-taxed grid, was the first state to offer generous renewable-energy incentives for homes and businesses.
    • Solar power is reliable. Many homeowners favor solar energy because it is virtually immune to potential failings of utility companies, mainly in the form of political or economic turmoil, terrorism, natural disasters, or brownouts due to overuse and they can find great houses with this in different Real Estate businesses online. The Northeast Blackout of 2003 unplugged 55 million people across two countries, while rolling blackouts are a part of regular life in some South Asian countries, and occasionally in California and Texas.
    • Solar power conserves foreign energy expenditures. In many countries, a large percentage of earnings is used to pay for imported oil for power generation. The United States alone spends $13 million per hour on oil, much of which comes from Persian Gulf nations. As oil supplies dwindle and prices rise in this politically unstable region, these problems continue to catalyze the expansion of solar power and other alternative-energy systems.
    In summary, solar energy offers advantages to conventional fossil fuels and other renewable energy systems.

    Dave Park
    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    Davepark@advantageinspection.com

    Advantage Home 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 20 years, Advantage Home Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.

    Call NRG Upgrade for any questins on topic.

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  • 01Apr

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Childproof Stairs

    Child Safety, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Realtors 172 Comments

    The Number One hazard for children under the age of 19 is falls, which are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the U.S. for this age group.  About 8,000 youngsters wind up in emergency rooms every day for major head injuries related to falling, adding up to almost 2.8 million per year.  With those statistics in mind, it is worth looking at what can be done to prevent such injuries in the home.  If you children have been injured, make sure to bring them to a trusted wellness center like QC Kinetix (Greenville) clinic for a fast recovery treatment. For child support or family law professional, go on paying alimony. If you need to deal with insect infestations try out fuze bug.

    In trying to fathom how so many children can be injured on a daily basis from something as simple as slipping and falling, we need to consider an important factor, which is height.  Oftentimes, when observing small children at play, we are amazed at their dexterity and ability to take what looks like a fairly serious tumble and hop right back up, unfazed.  Likewise, a slip or fall for most adults, more often than not, leads to little more than a poorly chosen expletive being uttered. For people between the ages 25 to 45 the common cause for fall is a slip from the window while cleaning it which is why its best to leave this form of work to the experts like Albrite Commercial Cleaners as their services are pocket-friendly and spotless.  However, imagine a small child falling a distance equivalent to the average height of an adult, and we begin to see where the danger lies.  With this to consider, let’s closer look at two of the most important areas to childproof in a home: Saftey Gates and staircases. Also if you want to repair your home roof. An expert roof installation is especially important for homes, you need a roofing company that you can trust. Click @ Advantage to know more about strong roofing and best company.  J.O.N. Construction, Inc. handles all types of construction jobs. The little ones at home need to have an adequate space so they can have fun and play safely, if you are looking for high quality roofs that guarantee that your children will not get hurt either in falls or other deficiencies of a non-optimal roof, click on https://primeroofingfl.com.
    We focus on re-roofing and commercial siding repair and have been serving the Lehigh Valley, PA for over 25 years. From your free estimate to your finished roofing project, a properly planned and installed roof can enhance the beauty of your home while protecting the value of your property. J.O.N. Construction, Inc. is committed to installing high quality roofing products and guarantee that your new roof will stand the test of time. In order to maintain steady profits in today’s market, it as absolutely crucial to make yourself as accessible to customers as possible. Your company’s roofing marketing can no longer be limited to what many would consider outdated strategies such as the newspaper and Yellow Pages. Without a user-friendly internet presence you are putting your company at risk of losing a number of potential customers each day. By utilizing roofing contractor marketing and roofing SEO with Google you allow your customers to learn about your services and make purchases at their own convenience For more details regarding to roofing business, you can browse around this site.
    From Indianapolis roofing installation, repairs, and maintenance to roof replacement and siding installation, we’re the contractors to call! JAGG Premium Roof Systems is trusted by the locals for their various roofing and siding needs. Even if you’re on the fence if you should have your currently existing roof or siding replaced or upgraded, pick up the phone and dial (317) 279 – 6137 so that we can talk about your various roofing options — yes, you can choose from different ones, thus making sure that your home will perfectly match your personal preferences and needs!Here you will get the options for roof repairs for Indianapolis homes, go  through this. Whether you are the owner of a business or a residential home, it’s a wonderful idea for you to choose to cover it with a metal roof or convert your current roof into one, which is very much possible even without getting rid of your present roofing system! This is just one of the reasons why metal roofing is something that your wallet will thank you for. Metal roofing solutions are not regarded as the most sought-after roofing options for nothing. With the many perks associated with costs, aesthetics and of course performance, it’s no wonder why a lot of commercial establishments and homes in Indianapolis have metal roofs. So if you want for your property to look fantastic and stay that way for a really long time without leaving your savings in shambles, consider metal roofing. You should have a peek here for the best metal roofing company in the Indianapolis . There are so many design options and cost selections available — you can rest assured that if you can think it, we at JAGG Premium Roof Systems can do it.

    STAIRCASES

    The first thing that probably comes to mind when examining child safety in relation to stairways and staircases is a safety gate, and with good reason: falling down stairs can be a serious hazard for an infant or toddler who is just learning to navigate his or her surroundings. We’ve all heard of cases where someone tripped and fell due to a defective step. If you’re looking for professional advice when it comes to cases like these, you can read more on these slip and fall cases in massachusetts and see how a personal injury lawyer, as explained by them they can lend you help. When properly installed, high-quality safety gates can help eliminate this possibility. Ladder brackets make it safe and easy to use a ladder. Do visit the link given to browse through many products that you can use to safely manage your roof and other places in your house which can be reached with the help of roof anchors, harnesses, etc all of which can be found on the site at reasonable prices and made with excellent quality materials.

    Safety Gates  

    A safety gate is a gate that is temporarily installed in a door or stairway.  It allows adults to unlock and pass, but small children will be unable to open it.  There are two basic types of gates which differ in the way they are installed.  The first type is a pressure-mounted gate.  These safety gates are fixed in place by pressure against walls or a doorway.  They can be used in doorways between rooms, such as for keeping crawling babies out of a kitchen during cooking, but they are not suitable for keeping kids out of other areas, such as the top of a stairway, where falling could be a risk. At the same time, if there is a baby at home, it should be the responsibility of every parent.

    The other type of safety gate, which is recommended specifically for stairways, is hardware-mounted.  These gates will mount solidly in place with screws but are still easily removable for times when they are unnecessary.  A hardware-mounted safety gate will prevent small children from entering stairways where accidents could occur.

    When choosing a safety gate, you can refer to established ASTM standards for these products, and some manufacturers also participate in a certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.  Any gate you choose should meet the ASTM standards, which will ensure that the gate itself poses no hazard to the child.  Products that comply with these standards will have a sticker on the packaging or on the unit itself.

    Railings 

    For parents of children who have outgrown the need for safety gates but are still small and curious, especially those prone to climbing on things, baluster spacing on the handrail becomes a concern.  An InterNACHI inspector knows that a stairway with four or more risers should have a continuous handrail not lower than 34 inches or taller than 38 inches on at least one side, with balustrades not more than 4 inches apart from each other.  If you have spaces between vertical rails or risers that will allow an object larger than 4 inches to pass between them, they should be reported during an inspection as in need of repair because they pose a risk to a child who tries to climb on the rail or gets stuck between them.

    Dave Park
    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    Davepark@advantageinspection.com

    Advantage Home 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 20 years, Advantage Home Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors and there are also real estate by owner listings so you can find the perfect home for you.

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