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water heater

Water Heaters

May 12, 2022/1 Comment/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

Glass-lined tanks are insulated steel cylinders with an enamel coating on the inside – the lining helps prevent corrosion. If it’s not installed properly, the water heater can explode. There are standards that regulate the safety of installation and design of water heaters. Certification marks on them from approved agencies indicate compliance with approved standards.

Conventional residential water heaters have life expectancies that vary, typically having a lifespan of roughly 10 years based on the following factors: usage volume, correct installation, maintenance, and construction quality.

Correct Installation

A water heater should normally be installed upright. Installing a water heater on its side will place stress on it due to inadequate support for the pipes and heater as a whole, and may cause a shorter lifespan. Water heaters should be installed in well-ventilated areas, not just for fire safety and nitrous-oxide buildup, but because poor ventilation can also shorten its lifespan. It  should also not be placed in an area susceptible to flood damage, as water can rust out the pipes and exterior. A water heater is best placed in an easily accessible area for maintenance, and should also be readily visible for fire and health-hazard requirements.

Usage

The life expectancy of the water heater depends on the volume of water used. If large quantities of water are being used, the water heater will have to work harder to heat it. The greater the volume of water, the greater the abrasive effect of the water will be on the pipes, tank materials, etc.

Construction Quality

Cheaper water heater models will have a shorter lifespan, while more expensive models will generally last longer. Check the warranty as a good indication of a water heater’s construction quality, as longer warranties naturally imply sound construction. According to a 2007 Consumer Report that deconstructed 18 different models of water heaters, models with longer warranties were of superior manufacturing quality, with 9- and 12-year models usually having larger or higher-wattage heating elements, as well as thicker insulation. Models with larger heating elements have a much better resistance to mineral buildup or scum. 

Porcelain casing provides an additional layer of protection against rusting and a greater level of heat insulation. Some models come with a self-cleaning feature that can flush the pipes of mineral deposit buildup, which can affect the unit’s lifespan. Models with larger or thicker anodes are better-equipped to fight corrosion.

Maintenance & Parts Replacement

If you have hard water, that is another consideration when looking at estimating the lifespan of a water heater. If you live in an area where there’s a higher mineral content to the water, water heaters have shorter a lifespan, since mineral buildup reduces its efficiency. Even with soft water, some mineral deposition is still a possibility. To counteract mineral buildup, periodically flush the water heater system. This process also heats the water in the tank. Pricier models typically come equipped with a self-flushing feature. While manual flushing is required in some models, it’s important to not damage the water heater valve, which is easy to break due to it being made of plastic.

Although an older model may appear to be well-maintained, is the maintenance worth it? Warranties often do not include labor costs, so if the total repair cost per year is greater than 10% of the cost of buying and installing a new water heater, it’s not worth replacing any parts that have been damaged.

 

Contact me today to book your home inspection.

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Electrical Panel Safety & Inspection

January 26, 2022/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tools & Tips, Uncategorized/by paragon

All homeowners should know where their electrical panel is located.  When you open the door to it, there are breakers that have labels corresponding to different rooms or areas of the home. Breakers will sometimes trip due to an outage or power surge, but you can reactivate the affected area by flipping the specific switch. Behind the breakers is the ‘dead front’, and should be removed only by a qualified electrician or inspector.

 

Before resetting a breaker, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I have an escape path in case there’s a spark? For example, if a shovel or extension cord is in the way of your footing, a quick jerk turn can easily turn into a dangerous fall.
  • Is the floor wet? Never, under any circumstances, touch any electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.
  • Does the panel look wet? Check on the ceiling for dripping water that may have condensed on a cold water pipe.
  • Is the panel rusty? Rust indicates there were previous wet conditions that may still exist.

 

Here is a list of defective conditions that you may see that may be called out during an electrical inspection:

  • Insufficient clearance. According to the 2008 National Electrical Code, most residential electrical panels require at least a 3-foot clearance or working space in front, 30 inches of width, and a minimum headroom clearance of 6 feet, or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater.
  • Sharp-tipped panel box screws. Make sure the panel box cover screws have blunt ends so they don’t pierce the wires inside the box.
  • Circuit breakers that are not properly sized.
  • Oxidation/corrosion to any of the parts. Oxidized/corroded wires will increase the resistance of conductors and create the potential for arcing.
  • Damage caused by rodents – Rodents can chew through wire insulation in electrical panels (and other areas), creating an unsafe condition. Rodents have been electrocuted this way, leaving an unsightly mess inside the panel. Make sure to check for rodents inside and around your electric panel every so often.
  • Evidence of electrical failures, such as overheated or burned areas.
  • Possible water entry inside the electrical panel. Moisture can ruin circuit breakers so that they won’t trip, make connections less reliable and the equipment unsafe to touch.

 

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Windows

Window Maintenance

December 15, 2021/1 Comment/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

Condition: Window frames, sashes and sills should be monitored because the interior condition and hardware of windows change over time. Frame materials can include steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, plastic-clad wood, and metal-clad (aluminum or steel) wood. Window types include single-hung, double-hung, horizontal sliding, casement, projected out or awning, fixed, and projected in.

The putty around the window glass panels should be watched carefully, since this is a vulnerable part of the window. Check the panels in aluminum or steel sashes for signs of deterioration, such as hardened sealant. Check metal sashes for weep holes that have been blocked by sealant, paint or dirt. Weep holes are usually easy to clean. And storm doors and windows should be monitored for weathertightness, operation, fit, and overall condition. 

Weatherstripping: Door and window weatherstripping is generally one of three types; foam, metal plastic, or plastic stripping. Each type should have a solid fit. Check the metal for bends, dents and straightness, and check foam plastic for resiliency, and plastic stripping for any cracks. Make sure the weatherstripping is securely held in place. 

Awnings & Shutters: Every once in a while, check the shutters’ operation and observe their fit and condition. Shutters close to the ground can be examined from the ground, and shutters off the ground should be examined from inside the house. 

Monitor the condition of your awnings, since the attachment to the exterior wall could become loose. An attachment device in the mortar joint of a brick wall can be pulled or slid outward, and some windows and glazed exterior doors have awnings over them for decoration, sun control, and weather protection. 

 

Egress Windows for Fire Safety

Egress: Basements and every sleeping room should have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening that opens directly onto a public alley, public street, court or yard. This standard is required because many injuries or deaths happen when occupants are asleep at the time of a house fire and the usual means of escape (through doors) are normally blocked. 

The sill height of the rescue and emergency escape opening should not be more than 44 inches above the floor. A window well should be provided if the window has a sill height below ground level. It should have a horizontal area of at least 9 sq. feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. The porch or deck should allow the window to be fully opened and the escape path should be at least 3 feet high if an emergency escape window is located under a porch or deck. 

You can’t be prepared to act in an emergency if you don’t have a plan and everybody knows what that plan is. Fear and panic can spread as quickly as a fire, so make sure to map out an escape route and a meeting place outdoors. Involve even the youngest family members so that everyone can work together to make a safe escape.

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Tools Every Homeowner Should Own: Part 3

December 8, 2021/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are pliers that are designed to cut small nails and wires. They will come in handy when cutting steel, iron, brass, aluminum, and copper wires. Wire cutters also have insulated handles that will ensure no shock from the wire cutting.

Screwdriver Set
It’s best to have 4 screwdrivers: small and large flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but they’re no substitute for these due to the manual reaching into more places. They’re also less likely to damage the screw from over-pressure.

Claw Hammer
One of the most important tools you can own is a good hammer. You can use it to insert and remove nails, in combination with other tools, and to pry wood loose from the walls of your house. Claw hammers come in a variety of sizes, but a 16-ounce hammer is the best choice for all-purpose usage.

Duct Tape
This tape is extremely adaptable and strong. Originally, it was used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Now, it’s one of the main items specified for home emergency kits since it’s water-resistant and extremely sticky.  Duct tape comes in a variety of colors, but keep in mind that it’s meant to be used as a temporary fix.

Respirator / Safety Mask
While paints and other coatings are now made to be less toxic and lead-free than in previously, most still contain dangerous chemicals. This is why you should still wear a mask to avoid accidental inhalation of their fumes. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty/dirty environments. Disposable masks can come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after each use. Half-face and full respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of fine particles that normal facemasks will not stop, such as sawdust and insulation fibers.

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Tools Every Homeowner Should Have: Part 2

October 12, 2021/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

Flashlight: None of the tools you own will be of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation at hand. The problem and solution are fixed only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight can usually work well, as larger flashlights may be too bulky. Having backups at home ,and in your cars too, is a must in case of emergency.

Tape Measure: Measuring house projects requires a tape measure—not a ruler. Tape measures come in many lengths, although one that is at least 25 ft is best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy, regardless of the project.

Safety Goggles: For all tasks involving any power tools or hammer, you should always wear safety glasses for eye protection. They should also be worn while you’re doing major renovation projects, especially drywall, since anything that can go airborne upon destruction can wind up in your eyes, causing irritation or injury. 

Hacksaw: A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as bolts, brackets, and pipes. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame. Use a stable surface for cutting, and use caution, as a hacksaw injury can be very painful and deep.

Torpedo Level: Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf or picture frame, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal and vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle for accuracy.

Schedule your inspection today with Paragon Property Inspections. A home inspection that buys you peace of mind.

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Home Maintenance Tips: Stairs

October 7, 2021/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

Structures: All stairs must be kept structurally sound. Don’t forget to examine the basement stairs, too. Check the area where they meet the floor and where they are attached to the floor joists above to make sure there are no problems.

Width and Clearance: Stairways should have a minimum headroom of 6 ft and 8 in., and width of 3 ft. to ensure swift entry.

Treads and Risers: The riser of a stair is the height of the step, and the tread is the step’s depth. Tread depths and Riser heights should be as uniform as possible. All treads should be secure and level. As a guide, stairs in new homes must have a minimum tread depth of 10 in. and a maximum riser height of 7-3/4 in. The maximum difference in height for risers and depth for treads should not exceed 3/8-in.

Guardrails and Handrails: You can check a railing’s fastenings and stability by shaking it. Handrails are normally required to be 34 to 38 in. above the stair nosing on at least one side of all stairways having three or more risers. Guardrails are also required on open sides of stairways and should have intermediate rails that don’t allow the passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter.

Lighting: All exterior and interior stairways should have lights to illuminate the stairs, including treads and landings. Interior stairways should have a light at each landing, except where a light is installed directly over each stairway section.

Smoke Detectors: In addition to having them installed in hallways and bedrooms, smoke detectors should be installed above stairways. They should be located near or on the ceiling, away from corners, and near the heads of stairs. Periodically check if all smoke detectors are working properly by pushing their test buttons.

 

Book your home inspection today here.

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doors

Home Maintenance Tips: Doors

September 20, 2021/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

The interior condition of exterior doors can wear out over time, and should be monitored for the condition of their frames and sills. Check doors that are not protected from the weather for the presence of essential flashing at the head.

Interior Doors: Check their hardware for finish, wear, and proper functioning. Monitor the condition of your doors and frames, including the interior of storm doors and entrance doors. Sticking doors or out-of-square frames may indicate house settlement, which is normal.  

Exterior Doors:  Exterior doors should be checked often for their condition, operation, and the functionality of their hardware. Door types include hinged, and single and double doors made of steel, aluminum, wood,, and plastic with or without glazing. Monitor wood and plastic doors that are not protected from the weather – these doors should be rated for exterior use. Some houses use glass-framed doors with operable panels that have wood, vinyl-covered wood, and aluminum frames. Check the tracks of these sliding doors for breaks, breaks and straightness. 

Garage Doors: Garage doors should be monitored for operation, overall condition, and fit. Garage doors are typically made of steel, wood, hardboard on a wood frame, fiberglass on a steel frame, or aluminum. They come with glazed panes in many styles. Wood and hardboard can rot, steel can rust, hardboard can crack and split, fiberglass can deteriorate from ultraviolet light, and aluminum can dent. 

Garage doors with motors should be tested every now and then using each of the operators on the system, such as key-lock switch or combination lock keypad, where control must be accessible on the exterior remote electrical switch, photo-electric control switch, or radio signal switch. Check the operation for smoothness, speed of operation, quietness, and of course, safety. Also check for the presence and proper operation of the door safety-reversing device. View the exposed parts of the installation for loose connections, rust, and bent or damaged pieces. 

 

Book your home inspection today here.

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Paragon Property Inspections - Inspection Services for Connecticut. There are many home inspection companies out there…don’t settle for second best.

Top 5 Maintenance Tips for Your New Home

September 8, 2021/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

Caulk Your Windows

By caulking around your windows and doors, it can help you cut down on cooling and heating bills by preventing air leaks during the warmer and cooler months.

Clean Your Gutters

This is another way to keep your home moisture-free. Your gutters help to direct water away from your home. By keeping them clean, water can flow directly off your roof and away from your siding.

Check Your HVAC Filters

HVAC filters are a pivotal part of keeping your heating & cooling systems function at their best by preventing dust and debris from the airflow. It is best practice to change them every 6 months to ensure proper air quality.

Check Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are your first safety measure in keeping your family safe from a fire. To keep your home and family safe, make sure that they are well maintained and tested every month.

Touch Up Your Exterior Paint

If there are peels or chips in your paint, give it a touch up. Exterior paint also acts as a moisture barrier for your home. For a better coat of paint, a power wash is recommended to ensure no debris is underneath your coat of paint.

 

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your own home inspection, head over to my Contact page.

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Tools

Tools Every Homeowner Should Have: Part 1

September 8, 2021/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tools & Tips/by paragon

Plunger: A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems…fix it with a plunger. Two is always better than one – it’s best to have two plungers; one for the sink and one for the toilet.

Combination Wrench Set: The combination wrench is a multi-purpose tool with an open-end for tightening and loosening in small spaces and a box-end for a grip around nuts and bolts. Use these wrenches for fastening, turning, tightening and loosening things like pipes, pipe fittings, and nuts and bolts (also have an extra set of these on hand just in case).

Slip-Joint Pliers: These pliers are versatile because of their jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many things. Use these to grab hold of a nail, nut, bolt, and much more.

Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench is ideal when you need wrenches of different sizes. Whether you need it for plumbing, car fixing, or even furniture, this is the tool. Just make sure to screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging a bolt or nut.

Caulking Gun: Caulking is a quick way to seal up gaps in tile, cracks in concrete, and leaks in certain types of piping. Caulking can provide thermal insulation and control water penetration. Note that caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.

 

Schedule your inspection today with Paragon Property Inspections. A home inspection that buys you peace of mind.

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