Here are a few pictures from a recent Phase 2 new construction home inspection in the Houston area. A Texan Inspection home inspector found two wall sections that were not properly anchored to the foundation bolts. As a result, the walls were barely touching the foundation, if at all. Give us a call at [...]
Damaged Gas Fireplace Flue Pipe In Attic January 2020 This hazard is more common than most of us know. A damaged or cracked flue pipe on gas appliances can be dangerous. Combustion gases like carbon monoxide can be released into the attic and make their way back into the home. Brian Richards of Texan [...]
Everything that goes down any of the drains in the house (toilets, showers, sinks, laundry machines) travels first to the septic tank. The septic tank is a large-volume, watertight tank which provides initial treatment of the household wastewater by intercepting solids and settleable organic matter before disposal of the wastewater (effluent) to the drain [...]
Asbestos in Your Home What Is Asbestos? Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks, of naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into fibers. There are several kinds of asbestos fibers, all of which are fire resistant and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. The fibers are strong, durable, and [...]
Water Testing Water is the universal solvent, and it has the capability of dissolving just about anything. Because of this unique property, water can easily become contaminated. Serious contaminates such as Lead and E. Coli Bacteria may be toxins affecting your family’s health. Listed below are the four major testing categories that we can [...]
Aluminum Wiring Certain properties of aluminum can cause deterioration of connections, possibly presenting a fire hazard after years of service. The hazard is overheating of connections, typically after carrying a heavy electrical load, such as a hair dryer or portable heater, for a sustained period of time. The problem is most marked in homes [...]
Lead-Based Paint Exposure Lead-based paints were used in many homes prior to its banning by the federal government in 1978. Lead-based paints, as the name implies, contains lead. Many documented cases of lead poisoning can be attributed to lead contamination resulting from the degradation of such paints. Lead-based paints in good condition pose little [...]
EIFS - Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago and were first used on commercial buildings and then later on homes. EIFS typically consist of an [...]
What is Polybutylene? Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as "the pipe of the future" and were used as a substitute [...]
Air Quality One sure path to energy efficiency in houses is eliminating air leaks. If you cut down the amount of air that has to be heated and cooled, you cut your utility bill substantially. But plugging up all those air leaks means less fresh air inside and this has brought on other problems. [...]
Termites Buyers: If you’re buying a home, your lending institution might ask, "Is there any structural damage? How much damage is there?" You, too, will most likely wish to have answers to those questions. We can help provide the answers. Sellers: We can tell you if the home you’re selling has termite damage and/or [...]
What is Radon? Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you breathe, causing a potential health risk to you and your family. Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can get into any type of building [...]
What is Mold? Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are [...]
Well Information Properly constructed private water supply systems require little routine maintenance. These simple steps will help protect your system and investment. Always use licensed or certified water well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed or the system is serviced. An annual well maintenance check, including a [...]
