inspection – Barrie Home Inspector

Mould and Home Inspections

napoleon — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 11:02:26 +0000

Mould and Home Inspections go together when you are buying a new home

Mould can be present in any home! Mould is a microscopic fungi that only needs heat, moisture and any organic substance to grow in a 48 hour period. Water leaks and penetrations are prime
causes of mould in basements. That is why it is so important to dry out any wet areas within 48 hours of occurrence. Fungus will grow on wood when it has a 15 percent moisture content and the wood itself will start rotting when it reaches 20 percent.

Mould and Your Health

Certain species of mould can be extremely toxic and other are only a problem to individuals with allergies or unusual sensitivities. Buy mould reactions include pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis,
asthma, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fever. Some varieties can cause problems in the digestive system, joints, lungs, eyes and ears. Some are considered carcinogenic. Health Canada has not set safety standards for mould. Everyones immune system is different and can react accordingly to contact with mould. The most common side effect is flue like symptoms.

What We Look For

The Barrie Home Inspector looks for three items that coincide with mould growth: visual evidence of mould growth, visual evidence of moisture intrusion (e.g. leaks), or areas that may be susceptible to mould in the future. Your inspector will be particularly alert when inspecting wall or ceiling recesses, under floors or floor coverings, or areas behind furnishing or stacked boxes.

Our Air Quality Mould Test is sent to an accredited laboratory where samples are tested and a written report is created. Along with any positive identifications of the presence of mould, methods of remediation will also be recommended.

Moisture Detection

Our inspection includes the use of specialized moisture detection equipment and infrared technology (see thermal imaging) and other various tools to track hidden moisture and locate possible areas of mold contamination. Read out comprehensive article on Protecting Your Attic, details concerning common issues homeowners can find in their attic.

Mould Myths

Myth #1. Clean it with bleach

Bleach is an effective antimicrobial however it is caustic and dangerous or deadly if mixed with other common household chemicals. Regular dish soap and hot water is safer and just as effective as long as the vegetative growth is properly removed prior to the introduction of moisture and, the surface is properly dried after cleaning.

It is known if you apply moisture to an active dimensional mold the resulting growth can cause the spreading of its seeds or “spores” about the environment, causing more serious contamination in other areas of the home, often through forced air heating systems.

Myth # 2. When mould is dormant it is not a problem

This is false. When mould is in an active state of growth it emits Mycotoxins as it absorbs its food source. These toxins can significantly affect those with heightened sensitivities or weakened immune systems. When mold is in a dry state the mold spores can more readily travel with natural air currents in the home, also causing potential health concerns.

Myth # 3. All molds are dangerous

Mold is part of our natural environment, and without it we would not have the biological breakdown of organics, penicillin, or blue cheese! Some molds have been linked to possible health issues. These molds include but are not limited to Stachybotrys, Fusarium and Chaetomium. These molds are not common to our outdoor environment and are clear indicators of an indoor mold growth issue when found in any amount in an air sample. Other molds are common to our outdoor environment include but are not limited to Penicillium/Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Basidiospores, and are found in most air sampling we perform to some extent, as long as the levels are not excessive. Because we share our indoor environment with the outdoor environment it would not be realistic to expect a mold free home in most cases.

If you hire the Barrie Home Inspection Service for you next property purchase you will also receive a Free Thermal Imaging Scan of entire home which can find hidden moisture that might other wise go undetected.

As an added bonus when you are purchasing a home with a woodstove, fireplace or pellet stove, you can obtain a Site Basic Certified Wett Inspection for only $50.00 per unit, as part of Home Inspection package.

The post Mould and Home Inspections appeared first on Barrie Home Inspector.

Knob & Tube Wiring

napoleon — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:02:35 +0000

Knob & Tube Wiring found during Home Inspection

Knob & Tube wiring was installed in houses up until about 1950. This system consists or two wires, one black or hot wire and the other white or neutral to create a circuit. These two single wires are held in place with ceramic knobs and tubes. Knobs are used to clamp the wire to the structural member, while tubes are placed in holes in the structural members to prevent the wire from chafing.

Knob and Tube wiring is still found in many Century or older homes. Many times visible wiring in basements and upper floors have been upgraded with the old knob and tube being removed or cut off. The Barrie Home Inspector has performed hundreds Century Homes Inspections and receives many referrals from Real Estate Agents and past clients due to this knowledge.

Unfortunately knob and tube wiring is still being found in attics or places where replacement is difficult. During home inspections I have found homes where there has been a complete re-wiring of home but the electrician has still used live knob and tube in the attic to complete circuits. This would be typically done without the home owners knowledge and is very poor workmanship.

The safety of knob and tube wiring deteriorates as the system ages and deteriorates. Many of the porcelain knobs and tubes may crack or break, old wires sag and fray, and the sheathing turns brittle and falls off, exposing the live wires. Homeowners may improvise their own repairs as replacement parts may not be readily available which results in some very dangerous modifications.

Most insurance companies will not insure your home if you have knob and tube wiring. Finding out this information prior to buying a home is in your best interest. The seller will typically fix this type of problem if identified prior to completing sale of home. Hiring a professional home inspector can save you needless expense and worry. The Barrie Home Inspector offers a 100 % Money Back Guarantee for every inspection.

ESA Safety Comments on Knob and Tube Wiring

Existing knob and tube conductors concealed in walls, floor spaces, etc; supplying general lighting and receptacle circuits are permitted to remain in place if:
• They are protected by a 15 ampere fuse or circuit breaker; and
• No additional outlets have been added to the original installation so as to overload the circuit;
and The conductors, where visible, appear to be in good condition. If your home has knob and tube wiring, we recommend that you follow these guidelines:

• • Have a licensed electrical contractor check the “knob and tube” conductors in your existing installations for sign of deterioration and damage; or request a general inspection from ESA. The General Inspection report will identify visible electrical safety concerns in your electrical wiring.

“Knob & tube” conductors should be replaced where exposed conductors show evidence of mechanical abuse and or deterioration, poor connections, overheating, alterations that result in overloading, or if changes to wiring contravene any section of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

• Homes with knob and tube wiring may not have the electrical capacity to meet today’s needs. As a result, homeowners have modified their electrical system with what the Electrical Safety Authority classifies as unsafe practices:
• Improper use of extension cords – using improperly rates extension cords, or using extension cords as permanent wiring;
• Improper fuse replacement – using 20 or 30 amp fuses to replace 15 amp;
• Improper connections – adding receptacles and outlets on existing circuits or improperly connecting to the knob and tube wiring (this work should be done by a licensed electrician);
• Removing ground pins – ground pins on power bars or electrical equipment should not be removed to accommodate the two pin receptacles used in knob and tube wiring (2 pin to 3 pin are not permitted) Improper replacement of two pin receptacles. If you require a three prong receptacle, only use a GFCI receptacle.

Homeowners who are planning to modify their knob and tube wiring, or any other electrical wiring, should have the work performed by a licensed electrical contractor or electrician and arrange for an electrical inspection by Electrical Safety Authority.

Older homes that have knob and tube wiring will typically have had Asbestos used in their home at one time or another. Have your home professionally inspected prior to purchase and have any suspected Asbestos tested to ensure health and safety of your family. Another common item in older homes are wood stoves and fireplaces. Most insurance companies now require a Certified WETT Inspection prior to issuing home policy. Have your WETT Inspection performed for only $50.00 when part of home inspection package.

FREE Thermal Imaging scan of all exterior walls and ceilings with Infrared Camera. Find hidden moisture, missing insulation and electrical hot spots. What could your inspector be missing while inspecting your home if not using all the available technology.

All Inspection Prices are Listed on our Website

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