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Articles
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that can be emitted from any standard fossil fuel burning appliance or heating source. There are thousands of diagnosed CO poisonings each year in North America, and hundreds of fatalities. For a minimal investment of time and money you can take the appropriate steps to protect your family from this silent killer.
Due to the fact that you can’t sense CO it can poison you slowly, or under extreme conditions, kill you within a matter of minutes. Carbon Monoxide is attracted to the hemoglobin in your bloodstream; when inhaled it bonds to the hemoglobin displacing the oxygen that your body needs to survive. It will suffocate you from the inside out, and can cause brain damage or death.
Long term exposure to low levels of CO often causes flu like symptoms-headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, disorientation and fatigue. Children, infants and unborn babies are the most vulnerable to CO poisoning, for they have a higher metabolic rate-meaning they require more oxygen and use it much quicker. If exposed, CO can lead to learning disabilities, memory loss and personality changes in children, and miscarriages for exposed pregnant woman.
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For a small investment, you can help prevent the potential disastrous effects of CO poisoning by installing at least one Carbon Monoxide detector in your home. They are inexpensive, easy to install, require very little maintenance, and are now mandatory in all residences with fuel burning appliances in the new City of Toronto. When choosing a CO detector weigh all your options, such as plug-in or battery powered, how sensitive is the unit, does it detect low levels. There are many CO detectors to choose from, but only a few are worth choosing at the moment.
If your Carbon Monoxide detector should go into alarm, leave the house immediately and call for emergency help. Do not go back inside until the fire department tells you it is safe. Allow them to help you find the source and determine how to repair the problem as soon as possible.
Do not take a chance with Carbon Monoxide. This gas is undetectable to your senses and it can be fatal. Abiding by the Cities bylaw can save your life and the lives of your family. For more information regarding Carbon Monoxide detectors please call us at Pappas Home Inspections at (416) 691-9900, so we may guide you to the best way to protect against this silent killer.
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WET BASEMENTS AND DAMPNESS
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One of the most common concerns people have when purchasing a home is the matter of moisture in the basement. In fact, most homes have some form of dampness in their basements. Often, this dampness is caused by too much water collected in the soil surrounding the foundation walls of the home, and can frequently be rectified at a cost relatively low to the homeowner. The remaining incidences can usually be attributed to underground streams, high water tables and/or underground rivers, and must be controlled by a sump pump to prevent the water from seeping in.
As is frequently the case, water-saturated soil surrounding the foundation walls is usually due to one, or a combination of two major factors. The eavestrough discharge is too close to the home, and/or the slope of the ground (grading) is either flat or sloping towards the home. Both these situations can usually be rectified inexpensively if the problem is not too serious.
When an eavestrough is not functioning properly the misdirected water can saturate the surrounding soil and penetrate the foundation walls, thus causing moisture in the basement. To avoid this, one must ensure the eavestroughs are clean, free from leaks, and well sloped towards the downspouts.
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Additionally, the downspouts must also be extended well away, 6-8 feet optimally, from the home, in order to keep the water away. If the downspouts drain directly into an underground drain be sure the drains are not cracked or plugged.
If the problem does not appear to be directly related to the eaves or the downspouts, ground grading may be your problem. The ground should ideally slope away from the home for 6 to 8 feet, and drop 1-2 inches for every 12-inch horizontal distance, to ensure all water runs away from the home. In the case of driveways or walkways, additional surface material such as concrete or asphalt may be required. It is also a good idea to caulk the ground intersection at the foundation walls on all applicable surfaces.
In most cases foundation walls that show signs of dampness can be repaired rather inexpensively by the homeowner once it is known where the water is coming from. A qualified and experienced building inspector will be capable of detecting the problems, and notifying you as to what actions to take and the approximate costs involved remedying the situation.
(If you would like further information on detection or the testing procedures involved please call, Pappas Home Inspections Inc, at (416) 691-9900.)
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KNOB AND TUBE WIRING VS THE INSURANCE
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For many years owners of homes, and/or potential home owners have had difficulty in obtaining insurance for homes that contain knob and tube wiring. Approximately 25% of insurance companies will not insure these homes, and those who do will usually attach a premium ranging from a 25% to 100% increase. However, In the past year the insurance companies have relaxed their position on knob and tube wiring. Why.
They are realizing knob and tube wiring is not the problem. The problem lies with the additionally installed amateur wiring. Due to the fact that most older homes have fewer receptacles and lights then we require for our modern lifestyles many people have added there own. And, often these additions are not installed professionally, they are installed by the unqualified weekend handyman. It is not uncommon to see extension cords or speaker wire used to run electricity to a new outlet! This is where the problem lies.
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Many people fear electricians will not work with knob and tube wiring, or fear they will be charged higher rates. The fact is many electricians prefer the knob and tube method to work with when renovating due to it’s visual advantages of clearly marked, separated wire, and the secure method of fastening. It is very simple to work with, and generally there are no extra surcharges.
The Knob and Tube wiring method is not the problem, consequently the additional receptacles required and installed by unqualified amateurs are the problem; and this is the concern of the insurance companies. Our home inspection will identify knob and tube wiring, and we will give you suggestions on how to handle any issues that may arise. You do have options. The original knob and tube wiring does not have to be changed, only the additional amateur wiring need be corrected and checked by a hydro or insurance representative.
This second inspection usually satisfies the weary insurance company, however, some may still charge a premium once approved.
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