safety

October 24 2022

Backup Power Generator Safety

Robert JonesHome Maintenance, Information, Safety homeowners, safety, tips, winter

A portable generator can be a lifesaver for homeowners during extreme weather conditions that knock out power grids. But generators can come with safety hazards like carbon monoxide emissions and electrical shock, so it’s important to understand how to use one correctly. Read on for more information about how to choose a generator and run it safely. FIND THE RIGHT WATTAGE The first step is finding the right wattage generator to power your home based on what you need to keep running, such as a refrigerator, HVAC system, sump pump or lights. For example, a refrigerator typically needs 600-800 watts to function; a sump pump needs 1,500 watts; and a central air conditioning unit uses about 2,000 to 4,000 watts. To find the right generator for your home, add up the wattage for the appliances and systems that you need to keep running during an emergency. Then, follow this formula to determine the wattage generator you need: Running Wattage (R) + Starting Wattage (Rx3) = TOTAL wattage. If your running wattage is 500, add that to 1,500 (or 500 x 3) to get your starting wattage, which results in a total wattage of 2,000. HOOK UP YOUR GENERATOR SAFELY For a simple, low […]

October 10 2022

Fire Safety Tips For Your Home

Robert JonesHome Inspections, Information, Safety homeowners, inspection, Maintenance, safety

Certain hazards and disasters like floods, winds and snow are out of your control as a homeowner, but there are certain steps you can take to prevent fires from starting inside your home. Although fires are a hazard that you would rather not think about, it’s still important to consider fire prevention measures. From smoke alarm maintenance to evaluating your home’s electrical components, you can take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe from potential fire hazards. Read on for fire safety tips for your home and signs home inspectors look for when assessing a home’s fire safety readiness. Check Your Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms are probably the first fire prevention measure that most homeowners consider when ensuring a home is safe from fire hazards. Keeping your smoke alarms in good working condition is a key step in fire prevention. Follow these three tips for maintaining smoke alarms in your home: Carbon Monoxide Detectors In addition to smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors not only save lives, they are required by Washington State law. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion from vehicles or common appliances around your home such as gas powered lawn equipment, ovens, stoves, and furnaces. […]

September 19 2022

What are Warning Signs of a Damaged Foundation?

Robert JonesHome Inspections, Home Maintenance, Information foundation, homeowners, Maintenance, safety

7 Common Foundation Issues A foundation upholds the structure of a home, so it must be in good condition to ensure that your home is safe for you and your family. However, over time, foundations may develop issues that need to be addressed. It’s best to identify problems as soon as possible to help avoid costly repairs in the long run. Here are seven common foundation problems that you may be able to observe on your own before you call in a professional. Doors or Windows Not Fitting Homeowners often blame sticking windows and doors on humidity or temperature changes; but, it could also be a sign of foundation issues. If you notice that your windows or doors are sticking or misaligned, your home’s foundation may be shifting or settling. When cracks develop around doors or windows, or if they’re starting to separate from the walls and don’t work properly, you should call a professional. Exterior or Interior Cracks Cracks that form outside your home along the foundation can signal serious issues. If the soil around the foundation is too wet from improper drainage, it can cause the foundation to crack. You may also notice cracks in kitchen or bathroom tiles […]

August 22 2022

Dryer Vent Safety

Robert JonesHome Maintenance, Information, Safety dryer vents, homeowners, Maintenance, safety

The Importance of Keeping Your Dryer Vents Clean You depend on your dryer to tackle loads of clean clothes and to keep laundry day moving, which is why it’s important to care for your dryer’s vent system. If a dryer vent or duct is not properly maintained, it may lead to a fire hazard. Follow this guide to learn more about how a dryer vent works, what can cause a dryer vent fire, and tips for keeping your dryer safe for use. How A Dryer Vent Works A dryer works by using either electric or gas power to create a system of heat, tumbling and air flow. First, the dryer draws in room temperature air and heats it using a heating element or burner. At the same time, a motor turns the drum of the dryer, allowing the damp clothing to tumble around while air circulates around the clothes. When hot air moves around the damp clothes, it creates steam that evaporates and is pushed out of the dryer by passing through a vent or an exhaust duct that opens to the outside of your home. What Can Cause a Fire As the steam and evaporated air is transferred out of the […]

June 20 2022

Porch and Deck Safety

Robert JonesHome Inspections, Information, Safety homeowners, inspection, Maintenance, Repairs, safety

Identifying Safety Issues with Your Porch, Deck or Balcony Porches, decks and balconies are great additions to any home, but they can also pose dangers when not maintained properly. Hazards like loose railings, gaps between deck boards and rusted fasteners are common in homes where decks and porches are left in poor condition. Read on for tips on how to identify and prevent common porch and deck safety issues. Loose Railings Lagging screws in from the outside when building a railing can result in loose railings and pose a hazard to anyone leaning against it. Ideally, rail posts mounted to the interior of a frame can be strengthened by installing blocking around the post, creating a kind of pocket for it and making it sturdier. For railing posts connected to the outside of the frame, you can strengthen the rail by tightening the bolts and installing blocking to the rim joist. Also check that carriage bolts go all the way through to ensure a tighter fit for railings. Gaps in Butt Joints Too much room between the ends, or butt joints, of deck boards can pose a tripping hazard, and too large of a gap can cause the wood in […]