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December 2003

Plumbing Concerns: Part One of Three
Polybutylene Piping
We have all heard about Polybutylene piping. But what is it? Why do we always hear about problems with it? And is it still a problem? Polybutylene piping has caused a lot of headaches, but still has come a long ways since it was initially introduced.
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Radon Detection Devices
Detecting the presence of radon, that colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that seeps into our homes from the underlying soil, is very simple to do using the many devices designed for this purpose. They come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase simple test kits from the local hardware store, order them from the internet, or hire a company to do the testing for you.
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Septic Systems Overview
Part One of Three: Traditional Systems
With so many types of septic systems out there it is easy to become confused when distinguishing between them. In the next couple issues we’ll go through several of the most common types of septic systems. This article will cover traditional septic systems. The most common septic system is referred to as the “traditional system.” It’s nothing fancy; just a tank, some pipes, and a leaching field.
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Tales from the Road: Can I See Your Inspector's License?
While traveling on the interstate, on the way home from a home inspection, I noticed a police car in my rear view mirror coming up on me rather fast. He got about two car lengths from me and turned on his emergency lights.
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November 2003

The Mold Issue: Part Three of Three
What To Do Now
Toxic mold sits near the top of today’s hotbed of issues for home inspectors. With uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding regulation and measurement standards, coupled with the media attention on mold’s health risks, U.S. Inspect receives daily inquiries regarding mold and the mold evaluation process. Relocation professionals, homeowners, and real estate agents are often left wondering what to do once mold has been identified within the home. There is a problem, but what should be done about it?
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Radon In Water Q & A
As Radon Testing providers for 18 years, we receive many questions about the effects of Radon in water. This article outlines the top twelve.
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Vanishing Septic Dye Tests in New Jersey
New inspector licensing laws in New Jersey may result in the elimination of Septic Dye Testing as a regular part of the home inspection.
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Tales from the Road: A Day with Susan
It was an afternoon I'll never forget. One I began as teacher and ended as student. My typical role of educating the buyer about her new home was eclipsed by the example of her life with its lesson of how seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome with determination, courage, confidence, a healthy dose of humor, and a burning desire for independence. Susan will be forever etched in my heart as a superlative example of the indomitable human spirit.
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October 2003

The Mold Issue: Part Two of Three
Types of Mold
Toxic mold sits near the top of today’s hotbed of issues for home inspectors. With uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding regulation and measurement standards, coupled with the media attention on mold’s health risks, U.S. Inspect receives daily inquiries regarding mold and the mold evaluation process. The second article in this series on mold, we will discuss the three types of mold.
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Chimney Maintenance
October is the season for leaves to change color, ghosts and goblins to come door-to-door asking for candy, and … for your fireplace and chimney to be cleaned. Just as you should have your air conditioning unit serviced and cleaned in the Spring, it is recommended that you do the same for your chimney prior to use in the Fall. 
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Fall Maintenance: 
Pool and Sprinkler Winterization
It’s that time of year again folks; shorter days, cooler nights, and the always exciting football on Sundays. It can only mean one thing: summer is over and winter is quickly approaching. This also means a little more work around the house: specifically pool and sprinkler winterization. This month’s maintenance article will address basic pool and sprinkler winterization methods for climates where some freezing will occur.
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September 2003

Well Potability 101
Have you ever wondered why well water analysis’ are done they way they are for Relocation properties? In this article we’ll explain the concerns with nitrates and coliform, how the testing is completed and appropriate remediation methods if sampling analysis reveals nitrates or coliform contamination.
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Tales from the Road: Green Inspector Saves Life of Child
I started working for the company in 1989. As the newbie on the block, I was given clients that were less than desirable. For the first few months, I waded my way through nasty repo-homes and worked in the worst parts of town. My first year on the job, I actually had guns pulled on me twice! It was much to my surprise when one morning I had an assignment in a very nice part of town. Wendy Atkinson, was the wife of a struggling attorney, and was a former model. She always brought along her toddler, Jack. He was a terror on two feet.
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Technical Jargon: Water Heater TPRV
TPRV stands for Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve. The TPRV is a valve on the water heater that will releases water if excess pressure is built up within the unit. Because the water released from the TPRV is very hot, it must be somewhat contained and discharged to a safe area by means of the pipe extension.
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August 2003

New Standard Increases Safety of Gas Water Heaters 
The manufacturers of water and space heating appliances, along with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have instituted a voluntary standard requiring all tank-type gas water heaters be equipped with new safety technology. This technology (commonly known as a flame arrestor trap) is designed to prevent fires caused by gas vapors entering the appliance combustion area.
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Vermiculite Insulation: A Cause for Concern?
The EPA has had a dramatic increase of inquiries from homeowners concerned about the presence of vermiculite insulation in their homes, and its possible health effects.   Vermiculite itself is not directly related to asbestos or known to contain asbestos. However, during the mining process sometimes asbestos deposits are disturbed and the two materials become mixed. It is difficult to tell if the vermiculite insulation in every attic is contaminated by asbestos. To further confuse the issue, the EPA states that there are many uncertainties with existing asbestos testing techniques. What is a homeowner to do? 
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Technical Jargon: USTs
UST stands for Underground Storage Tank. USTs are simply heating fuel tanks that are buried underground. Their presence is usually determined by the existence of the fill pipe above ground.  The primary concerns with the presence of USTs are soil and groundwater contamination, fire risk, tank collapse, and high maintenance costs.
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July 2003

Oklahoma Termites
According to sources within the Oklahoma Pest Control Association, the Governor of Oklahoma recently signed a new law, which will institute the use of a state-mandated Wood Infestation Report. No forms are available as yet, but the new format is expected to be instituted within six months. 
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Pool Safety 
About 350 children under five years old drown in pools each year nationwide, and over half of these incidents occur in June, July and August. Most of these cases involve residential pools. Among unintentional injuries, drowning is the second leading cause of death to this age group after motor vehicle incidents.
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Septic Inspections in Florida
The state of Florida has changed the laws regarding septic permits, installation, design and inspection. Now, a master septic tank contractor, registered septic tank contractor, or state licensed plumber must perform septic inspections in Florida. The inspection must involve a comprehensive septic tank evaluation, including a pump-out. 
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Technical Jargon: 
Attic Insulation Baffles
Attic insulation baffles are forms, typically made of cardboard or plastic, that create a gap between the attic insulation and the roof sheathing, allowing air to flow from the soffit vents into the attic itself. Baffles are secured to the roof sheathing near the eaves. They effectively prevent the attic insulation from covering the soffit vents, promoting airflow from the soffit vents across the roof sheathing to the ridge vents.
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June 2003

Georgia (Termite Reports) On Our Minds ...
The Georgia Wood Destroying Insect Report, due to its unique scope and format, often creates questions and debate within the real estate community. Recent changes in the Rules of Georgia Structural Pest Control may stir additional questions and debate.
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) in New Jersey and New York 
New York and New Jersey are the first two states to enact a law requiring all newly built homes involved in real estate transaction to have at least one approved carbon monoxide (CO) detector in the residence. More states are likely to follow their lead in this pursuit to eliminate a very dangerous; colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. 
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What is Stucco? 
Part Three of Three: Hybrid Stucco
U.S. Inspect defines Hybrid stucco as a system that falls outside the design and components of the following standard systems: Conventional or EIFS Class-PB (barrier EIFS). Though a manufacturer may produce a system that has a set specification (such as EIFS Class-PM, FRP, Direct applied or One-Coat), known data, testing and litigation information is not available for Hybrid Systems.
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Springtime Maintenance
Part Three of Three: Your Sprinkler System
One last thing to do before your lawn is put to the mercy of those dreadfully hot summer months: Start up your sprinkler system! Below is a list of items your local sprinkler contractor should check when your system is used for the first time this year.
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Technical Jargon: 
Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos
Asbestos containing materials are classified as friable and non-friable. Friable describes an object that is brittle and can be easily crumbled. Friable asbestos can be easily reduced to dust; non-friable cannot. The EPA states that if the asbestos can be reduced to dust by hand, it is considered friable; if it cannot be reduced by hand, it is non-friable. While both friable and non-friable asbestos can be a concern, friable asbestos poses a more immediate health risk and more frequently creates problems in real estate transactions.
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May 2003

More Radon Regulations from Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS) is taking no chances with radon gas in their state. Regulations on Radon testing in Illinois are notoriously tough, with the clear objective for protecting its residents. However, the new regulations are forcing Radon Testing to become more expensive in some situations.
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What is Stucco? 
Part Two of Three: EIFS
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) products are often referred to as “synthetic stucco”, “Dryvit” (one of the more common manufacturer brand names), or EIFS. EIFS was developed in the early 1950s to help repair postwar Europe. EIFS was introduced in the U.S. in the 1960s, used first on commercial buildings, and later on homes.
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Springtime Maintenance
Part Two of Three: Your Pool
For you lucky enough to be pool owners, it's time to get ready for those sweltering hot summer days. Below is a checklist of items for you and your local pool specialist to check. Do-it-yourselfers can accomplish most of these tasks, but if you’re unsure about something or if an item needs repair, we recommend contacting your local pool contractor.
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Technical Jargon: 
Inoperable GFCI Outlet
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter receptacles (GFCI or GFI) are safety devices that protect you from electrical shock in the event of a short in an appliance, extension cord, or plug. These outlets are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and outdoors, and are easily recognized by the small “test” and “reset” buttons placed in the center of the outlet. If the outlet containing a GFCI does not “trip” when tested, it is considered inoperable.
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April 2003

What's the Problem with New Jersey Water?
New Jersey’s well water testing procedures are making waves. Officially titled the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act, this new regulation went into effect on September 14, 2002, and governs all property sales where the drinking water supply comes from a well.
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Springtime is Here! (And So Are the Swarmers!)
Late March and the entire month of April are referred to in the pest control industry as “Termite Swarming Season”, the time when a portion of a mature colony leaves it to start its own colony. Homeowners who have dealt with what, in the least, can be a nuisance, and at the most, the beginnings of a full-blown termite infestation on their properties, often roll their eyes at the mention of it. 
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What is Stucco? 
Part One of Three: Conventional Stucco
We have all heard the term and have seen it on multiple reports. In these reports the stucco is most commonly referred to as Conventional, EIFS PB, and Hybrid. Over the next three issues of our Monthly Inspection Update Newsletter, we will give details of each system. To start we have chosen the oldest form of stucco: Conventional.
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Technical Jargon: 
Inoperable Garage Door Reversing Mechanism
A reversing mechanism is the safety portion of the garage door opener system which causes the door to reverse its direction when an obstruction impedes its path. If an excessive amount of pressure is required to cause the door opener to reverse, the reversing mechanism is considered "inoperable."
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