Jeffersonville home inspector tells about sump pumps

A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump pit, commonly found in the basement of homes. The water may enter by way of the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the pit or because of rain or natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.

Now is a great time with the rainy season upon us, to check out your sump pump to make sure it is operating properly. Sump pumps are used where basement flooding happens regularly and to remedy dampness where the water table is above the foundation of a home. Sump pumps send water away from a house to any place where it is no longer a problem.

Usually hardwired into a home’s electrical system, sump pumps may have a battery backup. The home’s pressurized water supply powers some pumps, eliminating the need for electricity. Since a sump pit may overflow if not constantly pumped, a backup system is important for cases when the main power is out for prolonged periods of time. Having a battery back up can remedy the problem of not having a sump pump during a storm when you need it the worse. Make sure you take the extra step to install a battery backup to assure that your home is protected during a power outage.

Certainty Home Inspection will check your sump pump while we are doing the home inspection to assure that it is adequately working. Certainty Home Inspections servesthe Southern Indiana and Louisville area.

Now Offering Appliance Recall Check

At Certainty, we are always dedicated to staying in front of our competition with what the home inspection industry has to offer our clients. We are now offering an appliance recall check. We take the model numbers off of all appliances in the home including the furnace, air conditioner, the hot water heater, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and even the stove fan. We submit those to the manufacturer and within 48 hours, they will produce a report on your appliances showing you if any of them have been recalled due to part malfunction or a safety recall. They will provide you with a phone number that you can call to have the part replaced for free. The cost of this service is $35 and is well worth the money to give you peace of mind with your appliances. This service is available for any home inspection performed in the southern Indiana region or Louisville area.

Types of Mold In Southern Indiana & Louisville area

TYPES OF MOLD

Alternaria-Extremely widespread and common spore, common in soil, dead plants and foodstuff.  It is often found indoors growing on cellulosic materials and as settled dust on carpets, textiles,etc.  Potential opportunistic human pathogen.  Commonly recognized as type I(Hayfever) and type III hypersensitivity pneumontis.

Epicoccum- A common allergen found in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products, secondary invader of damaged plant tissue.   Common cause of type I allergies ( Hayfever, asthma) No cases of infection have been reported in humans or animals.

Basidiospores-  Spores from one of the major groups of fungi that include mushrooms like the shelf fungi, puffballs and common button mushrooms sold in grocery stores.  Most spores produced from this group of fungi have not been found to be allergenic  or toxic.

Penicillium/Aspergillus- This group is considered common to indoor environments, it is widesrpead in the soil and on plants and is also considered a common contaminant of food.  It has a musty odor.  It is commonly being implicated in pulmonary disease in immunocompromised hosts.  It has also been reported to cause skin infections many species produce mycotoxins, which may be associated with disease in humans and other animals.  Toxin production is dependent on the strain  or on the food source on which it grows.  Some of these toxins have been found to be carcinogenic in animal species.  Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens.

Stachybotrys-  This is a slow growing, dark mold that grows well on cellulosic (paper-containging) building materials.  It can produce a number of different macrocyclic trichothecenes that have been described as being toxic to humans and animals.  Individuals with chronic flu like symptoms, sore throats, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, itching and burning sensations of the eyes and nose and general malaise.  This mold is rarely found in outdoor samples and it is usually not found in indoor air samples unless the colony is physically disturbed

Eurotium-  Rarely considered a human pathogen, rarely found in the air and is a slow growing fungus that requires low moisture availability.  Common in the natural environment.

Chaetomium-  Common everywhere growing on dung, dead leaves, wood.  Likes cellulose substrates, especially wallboard and wood.  Commonly associated with type I (hay fever and asthma) allergies, uncommonly seen infecting humans but some cases have been reported mostly on immuno compromised persons.  Produces chaetoglobosins and rarely sterigomatocystin

Smuts-  Commonly  found everywhere especially on logs, grasses and weeds.  Smuts don’t normally grow indoors but can occasionally be found on things brought from outside and stored in the house.  Myzomycetes can occasionally grow indoors but need lots of water to be established.  Type I (Hay fever and asthma) allergies,  smuts and myzomycetes are a combined group of organisms because their spores look so similar and cannot be reliably distinquished from each other.

At Certainty Home Inspections, we are EPA mold specialists serving the Southern Indiana and Louisville area.

Book your inspection online today!

Asbestos & Its Dangers

In Indiana & Kentucky, Asbestos is still a concern for this Indiana Home Inspector! If you have questions on asbestos, don’t hesitate to call us with your questions at 1-866-417-9591 or schedule your home inspection
online today! Certainty Home Inspections performs inspections in Southern Indiana and Louisville

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, the ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and most chemicals. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, coatings, and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts. The current federal definition of asbestos is the asbestiform varieties of: chrysotile (serpentine); crocidolite (riebeckite); amosite (cummingtonite/grunerite); anthophyllite; tremolite; and actinolite.
What are the health effects of asbestos exposure?
Exposure to airborne friable asbestos may result in a potential health risk because persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continued exposure can increase the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may cause serious lung diseases including: asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure.
Three of the major health effects associated with asbestos exposure include:
• Asbestosis – Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate lung tissues and cause the tissues to scar. The scarring makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath and a dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. There is no effective treatment for asbestosis.
• Lung Cancer – Lung cancer causes the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure. People who work in the mining, milling, manufacturing of asbestos, and those who use asbestos and its products are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are coughing and a change in breathing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent chest pains, hoarseness, and anemia.
• Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining (membrane) of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart and almost all cases are linked to exposure to asbestos. This disease may not show up until many years after asbestos exposure. This is why great efforts are being made to prevent school children from being exposed.
Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects. Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure. If you are concerned about possible exposure, consult a physician who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist).
For more information on these and other health effects of asbestos exposure see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s Web site.
Where Can Asbestos be Found?
Asbestos has been commonly used as an acoustic insulator, thermal insulation, fire proofing and in other building materials. Asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and have properties that make them resistant to heat. Many products are in use today that contain asbestos. Most of these are materials used in heat and acoustic insulation, fire proofing, and roofing and flooring.

History Of Mold

In Biblical times, it was known that indoor mold could be a health concern. Mold was identified as the cause of mysterious deaths of farm animals in the 1930′s. “Stachybotrys chartarum” was found growing on wet grain used for feeding animals. The industry now calls for greater regulations and keeps a better watch on the contamination of grains that are fed to animals. In the 1970′s, homes became more air tight and they began being built with drywall instead of plaster. Although the tighter the home, the less of an energy bill, this tightness does not allow the home to breathe creating more suitable conditions for mold to start growing. Usually, if you take care of the moisture problem your home has you will eliminate the likelyhood of the mold concerns. Mold is an actual plant that thrives on wet conditions. Some types of mold are harmful and are capable of creating health problems. Other types of mold are beneficial to humans like the drug penicillin or in the consumption of food such as mushrooms and aged cheese.

For more information on MOLD have an air quality test performed today by Certainty Home Inspections serving Southern Indiana and Louisville.

Radon In Indiana & Kentucky

Many Indiana counties are at the EPA highest level and all of Indiana is at risk for deadly radon gas. Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country with an estimated 21,000 annual radon-related lung cancer deaths,

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of
uranium and typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.

Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time.

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.

The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend all homes be tested for radon.

Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home. Homes which are next to each other can have different radon levels. Testing is the only way to find out what your home’s radon level is.

If Your Home Has Not Yet Been Tested for Radon…

Have a test taken as soon as possible. The radon test result is important information about your home’s radon level. Some states require radon measurement testers to follow a specific testing protocol. Protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company to test your home today.

All of Indiana is in the moderate to hot zone for radon gas levels. Certainty Home Inspections has recorded readings ranging up to 127 pCi/L in the southern Indiana area. Counties with high levels of radon gas include: Harrison, Clark, Floyd, Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Lawrence, Bartholomew, Scott in Indiana and Jefferson County in Kentucky. Certainty serves all of the Southern Indiana area and Louisville. Contrary to beliefs, radon can be found in all homes with any type of foundation. Even though your neighbor’s home maynot have radon that does not mean your home won’t.

For More Information on Radon Gas visit http://positiverealestateprofessionals.com/radon/ target=”_blank”>positiverealestateprofessionals.com/radon/

Window Efficiency

Indiana home Inspector would like to share some information about window efficiency in the Southern Indiana and Louisville area. Windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation but in the winter time they can lack on performance. Placing your hand against a window pane on a cold day proves the point. If the pane feels cold, there’s a good chance you can reduce your energy costs by either insulating your windows or installing new ones. Insulating with drapes is a low cost fix to drafty windows and reduce heat loss up to 10 percent and in the summer months they can block out the heat, providing a 33%reduction in heat gain. Interior storm windows are another fix and consist of flexible or rigid plastic installed over existing window panes. If you decide to purchase new windows, be sure to choose energy efficient models that will save heating and cooling costs all year long. Energy Star has established a set of energy performance ratings tailored to four climate zones across the US to guide you in selecting new windows. These ratings are broken down into several catorgories although U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coeffiecient (SHGC) are the most basic. U-Factor simply meastures how easily heat can flow through a window, not counting direct sunligh. The lower the number the more energy efficient it is. SHGC measures how much heat from sunlight can be absorbed by the window. A high number means the window remains effective at collecting heat during the winter. A low number provides greater shading ability and may be best for Southern climates. For Indiana U-Factor of .40 or lower and a SHGC of .55 or greater works best. For more info visit www.energystar.gov

Most Professional Home Inspection Company In Southern Indiana!

Certainty Home Inspections is certainly one of the most professional home inspection companies in the Southern Indiana area. Vince Hopper EXP Realty

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A growing number of states and cities are requiring homes to install a device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that kills 2,000 people a year and sickens many times that number.

Surprising to most homeowners, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S. Detectors have been available for almost a decade, to alert people to the gases — odorless and colorless — spewed out by faulty furnaces, stoves and even barbecue grills. However, fewer than one-third of American homes have these inexpensive devices, according to industry surveys.

Just as laws requiring smoke alarms spurred nearly every household to install them during the past 20 years or so, legislators and doctors are hopeful that the new carbon-monoxide detector requirements will have the same effect.

Starting next month, most homes sold in New York state — new or resale — must have a carbon-monoxide monitor. Similar laws have already passed in Rhode Island, New Jersey and West Virginia. A number of other states are contemplating legislation. Action is being taken at the local level too: Cities such as Chicago and St. Louis have ordinances requiring detectors.

“A detector can save families from something they can not control,” says Stephen Gladstone, vice president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. “If somebody doesn’t have a carbon-monoxide alarm and their heating system malfunctions, they might just not wake up.” Nearly a decade ago, tennis star Vitas Gerulaitis died of carbon-monoxide poisoning from a faulty heater.

Legislation seems to have life-saving effects: Cities with ordinances that require carbon-monoxide detectors have much lower death rates from exposure to the gas than those that don’t, according to a study published last year in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

While fires and automobiles are the top producers of carbon monoxide, a typical family home has many possible culprits. Furnaces, kitchen stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, generators, camping stoves and charcoal barbecues — anything that burns fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel, wood and kerosene — can produce dangerous levels of the gas.

Carbon monoxide is produced when these fossil fuels don’t burn completely. Incomplete or “dirty” burning can occur if rust or grime falls into a furnace burner, if equipment cracks or rusts, if gas pressure is out of adjustment or if there isn’t proper ventilation for these devices. Health officials have seen carbon-monoxide poisoning occur after people warm up their cars in their garages, even for a few minutes.

“It can be produced so easily and it can spill into a home so easily,” says Tom Greiner, an Iowa human-housing engineer who is pressing for a law in his state to require detectors.

Today’s carbon-monoxide detectors don’t go off anytime they sense the gas. Earlier versions of the device (those made before 1998) did that and were tripped off so easily — a car pulling into the garage could cause it to go off — that many consumers saw them as an annoyance and were inclined to ignore them. New models go off when they sense a certain level of gas over a period of time. The detectors measure how many molecules of carbon monoxide are present in one million molecules of air (parts per million). Government regulations state that 50 parts per million is the maximum concentration a healthy adult should sustain over an eight-hour period. (A concentration of 400 parts per million can be life-threatening within three hours.)

Consumers can choose from inexpensive no-frills monitors that simply beep and cost around $15 to fancier $50 devices that have digital displays and flash the concentration detected. There are also combination smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Safety experts recommend that an alarm be placed outside bedrooms and on each floor of the house. Some also suggest putting a detector near carbon-monoxide-producing devices such as furnaces. Manufacturers suggest that people replace their alarms every seven years since sensors can degrade and electronics can fail. Companies that sell detectors include U.K.-based Kidde PLC and BRK Electronics’ First Alert.

Symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning vary depending on the concentration of gas in the air. Mild carbon-monoxide exposure often mimics the flu or food poisoning — with headaches, nausea, vomiting and fatigue — and is thus commonly misdiagnosed. Higher concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause almost immediate dizziness and nausea and can lead to convulsions, coma and death within a few hours, or even minutes at extremely high concentrations. Small children and those with heart and respiratory conditions are most at risk. And some patients complain of neurological symptoms months and even years after exposure.

Carbon monoxide suffocates the cells of the body: It enters the bloodstream and prevents the release of oxygen to the tissue. The only treatment for carbon-monoxide poisoning is to immediately leave the source of the gas and to administer oxygen.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in your Kentuckiana home, get everyone out of the building immediately, and call 911.  If it is safe to do so open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances your suspect my be releasing the carbon monoxide.

When needing to test for carbon monoxie in your home locate a home inspector in Southern Indiana or Louisville Kentucky. Be sure to call one that is certified, licensed and insured. Certainty Home Inspections has three licensed home inspectors to make sure we can get your inspection done in the time you have left on your real estate contract. Don’t waste your money on a cheap Charlie inspector, have “Certainty” with your new home purchase.

How Temperature Affects Your Inspection!

Heating & air conditioning operation

The heating system may not be tested at the time of inspection if temperature conditions do not allow the system to be operated normally (during warm weather months we will not operate the heating system)  Sytems are not dimantled.  The system type(forced air, hydronic, convection) and fuel type (gas, oil, electric) will be reported.  The operating status of the heating system can change over a period of time.  To assure operating status has not changed since date of inspection, we recommend operating the heating system prior to closing, weather permitting.  Central air conditioning systems will not be  operated unless the outside temperature has been above 65 degrees F for at least 72 hours prior to the inspection. 

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are operated in their current operating mode only.  Due to possible damage of equipment we are not able to test heat pumps in both modes.  Above 65 degrees for a period of 72 hours, we test in the cooling mode.  Below 65 degrees F, we test in the heating mode. 

Heating and cooling inspections are visual and operational.  Weather permitting, we will operate either the heating or AC units in their respective modes.  We will use normal controls and evaluate how well the system is performing its intended function.  Taking into consideration the age of the system, it may need maintenance and repairs in the future and upgrading of the system.  There are some very efficient and economical systems on the market at the time, which may save a great deal on future fuel bills.

The  view of the heat exchanger is very limited due to the design of concealed areas.  A complete evaluation can only be achieved by dismantling the unit, which is beyond the scope of an inspection.

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