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December 27 2021

Common Insulation Defects

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Information, Residential

5 Insulation Problems Home Inspectors Look For Insulation makes your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, so it must be in good shape to ensure a comfortable living environment. However, insulation defects can occur when insulation was not properly installed (usually because of a rush construction job and cost cutting measures), or simply due to old age. Here are five common insulation defects that your home inspector will be checking for. Too Little Insulation The biggest insulation issue that many homes have is too little insulation, and insulation not reaching the recommended R-value, or resistance of heat transfer. Homes in warmer climates in the south have a recommended R value of 30; homes in the middle of the country need insulation with an R value of 38; and homes in colder northern regions like Minnesota and North Dakota need insulation with R values of 49. To achieve the correct R-value, it’s sometimes necessary to layer insulation. For example, roll batting insulation with an R value of 13 can be applied between wood joists; but, you still need another layer to reach the recommended R value of 38. So, another layer of insulation, like a rigid foam […]

December 13 2021

6 Common HVAC Problems

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Information

What Home Inspectors Look For When Checking Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Your HVAC system–the components that control your heating and air conditioning– is critical to the safety and comfort of your home. The quality of your HVAC system affects the air you breathe and your monthly energy costs, so it has to be in good shape. However, there are problems unique to HVAC systems that a home inspector may point out during an inspection. Here are 6 common HVAC problems your inspector will look for during your next home inspection. Ductwork and Old Age HVAC ductwork ages along with your home, so the inspector will examine ductwork for sagging, cracking, and separating seams. If the ductwork has aged and the material has eroded or or disconnected, this could cause air to leak, thus decreasing air flow (either from the air conditioning unit or the furnace) to the rest of the home and, consequently, driving up energy costs. Air Conditioning Condenser Issues An AC condenser, or compressor, is usually found outside the home. The inspector will turn on the AC and listen for signs of electrical issues, like a chattering or ticking noise, which could indicate that the electrical relay switch is wearing […]

November 15 2021

The High-Tech Home Inspection

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Information infrared, inspection

Using Infrared to Uncover Issues Did you know that in addition to tools like flashlights, ladders, and moisture testers, home inspectors also rely on the high-tech power of infrared to do their work? Infrared light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and is invisible to the human eye, but we can sense it as heat. Infrared devices–like night-vision goggles and thermal imaging– are not like x-rays that “see through” solid materials; however, infrared technologies do show areas of hot and cold temperatures that can indicate common household issues. Infrared technology is a key tool in the home inspector’s arsenal because it can identify problems inside your home–like moisture spots, temperature changes, or other structural defects–that you can’t see with your own eyes. Read on for more information about how home inspectors use infrared thermal devices to give you a more accurate picture of your home’s condition. ENERGY LOSS Your home inspector may use an infrared thermal imaging device to check for heating malfunctions and drafts that can increase your energy costs. The home inspector will check for temperature changesby taking measurements across an insulated wall, ceiling, or floor. Areas that are very hot will appear as white, bright red, orange or yellow; areas […]

October 11 2021

Fireplace Safety and Maintenance Tips

Robert Jones Home Maintenance, Information fireplace, Maintenance

Avoid Fire Hazards with Proper Cleaning and Maintenance If you own a home with a fireplace, you’re familiar with the joys of cozying up next to a crackling fire. But, if your fireplace isn’t maintained, you and your home could be in trouble. Read on to learn more about serious fire hazards that can occur if you fail to maintain your fireplace, and tips to keep your fireplace clean and safe in your home. CREOSOTE BUILDUP CAN CAUSE HOME FIRES The number one danger your fireplace presents is when creosote builds up in your chimney and causes a fire. Creosote is a tar-like substance that accumulates on the walls of a chimney each time you make a fire. When creosote builds up to about ⅛ inch and comes into contact with temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, it can become the source of fire in your chimney that can then spread to your home. The best way to prevent creosote from becoming a danger to your home is to properly maintain and clean your fireplace. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR FIREPLACE Before you begin the process of cleaning and maintaining a fireplace, consider these tips to ensure proper functioning and a safe […]

September 20 2021

5 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Home Maintenance, Information fall home maintenance, home maintenance

Things To Do Around The House This Fall As fall approaches, it’s important to prepare your home for the cold temperatures that winter will bring. In addition to common landscaping tasks like raking leaves and pruning back shrubs, your home requires maintenance and preparation during the fall to prevent damage that can occur from cold winter temperatures. Here are the top five fall home maintenance tips that will keep your home warm and inviting and prevent wintertime damage. 1. Make Sure Your Roof Is In Good Shape In addition to trimming trees around your roof to prevent damage from fallen branches, fall is a great time to clean gutters and ensure they’re well-anchored. This task can also include checking that downspouts are clear to avoid ice dams during the winter. Inspect the roof for warning signs like loose or damaged shingles, warping, or black algae stains. You should also check that roof flashings—the thin metal material that directs water off the roof—are in good shape. 2. Heating System Check Fall is a great time to test your furnace and thermostat, change the air filters, and clean the heat exchanger. If you have hot water radiators, test those, too. After that, clean the […]

September 6 2021

New Construction Homes Have Problems, Too!:

Robert Jones Construction, Home Inspections, Information home inspection, new construction

10 Problems to Look For in New Builds Although older homes get a bad reputation for requiring costly maintenance and repairs, newly constructed homes have their fair share of problems, too. If you are purchasing new construction, you should be aware of some possible issues. Here are 10 problems you might see with new construction. 1. Foundation and Structure Problems New construction means newly poured concrete that dries out as the water ingredients evaporate. With this in mind, be aware of cracks in sidewalks and driveways caused by shrinkage and ground movement. If the new construction was built quickly, you should also watch out for uneven floor or roof trusses. 2. Dirty Duct Systems Building a new home is messy, and during the course of construction and installation, heating and air ducts are bound to get dirty. If the HVAC was installed first and was turned on during the rest of construction, it’s possible that dust, dirt, and debris from the remaining construction process were sucked into the ducts. 3. Grading and Drainage Mistakes Ideally, water should flow away from your home; but, if new construction was not properly done, water can move toward a new build’s foundation. The ground around […]