Thermal expansion

Written by Gerald Simmons

What is thermal expansion and why do I need a thermal expansion tank?

When water is heated, it becomes dense and expands. Heated water, unlike air, cannot be compressed the volume expands. In a standard 40-gallon tank, water heated to about 140˚F expands and volume in the tank increases from 40 to 40-1/2-gallons.

After a home inspection, the buyer asks to have a thermal expansion tank installed on the water heater. The home inspector, through the agents, tells the seller “a thermal expansion tank is a safety device that is a code requirement”.

Toxic Molds

Written by Gerald Simmons

Are molds toxic? The answer has to be no. The dictionary defines toxic as “relating to or containing a poison or toxin, or causing serious harm or death”. Common sense begs the question; if molds are toxic how have we survived all these years?

Just what is mold; the dictionary defines mold as “a fungus that causes organic matter to decay”.

Do you know humans eat fungi, Agaricus bisporus, know as the common mushroom, white mushroom or button mushroom plus others like the Portobello.

Some will argue that molds can produce potentially toxic substances. They may be correct. There is no question that many people develop allergic reactions to molds and there is no question that mold has a potential to cause serious health problems, but toxic they are not.

Mold is visible stuff on the surfaces of just about everything. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye. Mold spores attach to clothes, animals, that chair or umbrella you just stored in the basement and they will become a problem when there are water problems.

Thermal image

Written by Gerald Simmons

Anyone who claims that an infrared camera allows the user to see into walls or that an infrared camera will identify a water leak behind the surface is making dishonest and false statement.

A camera is a camera; digital or infrared, it takes a picture of a surface.

A digital camera forms an image using light.An infrared camera or a thermal imager does the same, only it uses infrared radiation that meaures or profiles heat.

A digital camera takes a picture of an individual or an object and captures the visible surface. An infrared camera takes the same image but converts what is sees into colors that identify variations in surface temperatures.

Infrared cameras can identify areas that may need additional testing or evaluation, but they are not conclusive and should not be relied upon without further testing and evaluation. Be  wary of anyone who claims an infrared camera allows the user to see into a wall.

Infrared or thermal imaging can play an important roll for the home inspection and decision making process when used properly.

Radon testing

Written by Administrator

Five things you should know about radon screening:

1. Radon sampling is called screening.
2. Radon gas is a natural phenomenon.
3. What are normal screening conditions? This requires some common sense. During the screening process, a finished room or living area does not need to be closed off from the remainder of living space.
4. Do not test in a basement if the basement is not designed for future expansion.
5. What are closed house conditions? Windows and doors should remain closed for 12-hours prior to and during the testing period. Normal coming and going is expected and is acceptable.

What is radon?

Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General’s office estimate radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Since it is difficult to identify any immediate symptoms related to radon exposure, it may take years before health problems appear. So, whether in the workplace, in homes, or in schools, understanding radon is important. This includes learning how radon gets into buildings, its health effects, and ways to reduce its levels.

Having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you or your family is at risk of radon exposure.

Screening companies in Georiga is neither licensed nor regulated. Most screning companies have attended classes and most have received certificates stating they have attended a class.

Home inspection screening companies generally use one of two different testing devices. Short term devices or continuous monitoring devices.

The most common short term device used in Georgia is activated carbon (charcoal). These devices are placed in the lowest living level for a specified period of time, generally a minimum of 48-hours after which the devices are packed and shipped to a certified lapbatory for analysis.

Long term or continuous monitors allow the screener to obtain on site hourly readings and produce an on site report at the end of the testing period, generall 48-hours..

Pros and cons: Electronic testing devices provide detailed information gathered by a machine that requires periodic calibrating that the end user or customer cannot verify whereas charcoal devices are tested with laboratories equipment that is calibrated and certified on a regular basis.

Cost of both charcoal and electronic, when provided by an inspection company is around $175.

Homeowners can purchase testing kits from hardware stores or over the internet. Cost of screening kits for homeowners ranges from $25 to $45.

Buyers who want or whose companies require radon screening will use services provided by a screening or home inspection company.