Radon testing: Charcoal Canisters versus Other Devices

Hello Colorado Springs, this is an article written by Dr. James Burkhart, Director of the Radon Measurements Lab at UCCS.  I can’t count the amount of times I am asked about charcoal canisters versus other radon measuring devices.  So this article should help clear up a lot.

Charcoal Canisters versus Other Devices

Charcoal canisters are, as far as I can determine, the most recent technology invented for measuring radon. Prior to the invention of charcoal canisters, most radon was measured using alpha track detectors and continuous monitors. Both of these technologies are quite old, dating back to the early 1900’s in some cases. Radon monitors, in particular, use zinc sulfide as a scintillant, an ionization chamber or a solid state chip to measure the alpha particles coming from radon and the radon decay products. There is nothing new at all about these technologies, since they date back to the 1940’s or 1960’s (for the solid state chip). Even the most recent monitor on the market uses nothing more than one of these three technologies, all of which pre-date charcoal canisters. These newer monitors may have new components and new bells and whistles, but the technology for measuring the radon is not new.

Some clients wish to know if continuous radon monitors are more accurate than charcoal canisters. If we define accuracy to mean how close the reported radon is to the actual average radon over a 48 hour test, than no monitor commercially available to home inspectors is more accurate than a charcoal canister. This has been shown over and over by running monitors side-by-side with charcoal canisters in homes and in scientifically controlled situations (as in a radon chamber). Some monitors do have the feature of being sufficiently sensitive that they can measure hourly variations of radon in the home. This makes these monitors helpful to the home inspector in trying to determine if the home owners ventilated the house during the test. However, quite frankly, only the very best monitors are sensitive enough to show whole house ventilation unambiguously and none of them are sensitive enough to show ventilation of one or two rooms in a house. Thus, the main feature of a continuous monitor, its ability to measure hourly variations in radon is usually not used or not precise enough to be used.

If you do decide to use a home inspector with a continuous monitor, double check that the home inspector has had a formal 2-day course in radon measurements, is currently certified with NEHA or NRSB, has had his or her monitor calibrated within the last year and has passed the NEHA and/or NRSB performance test within the last two years. Failure to produce proof of any of the above documentation should concern you as the lack of any of the above means that the home inspector is probably simply placing a machine in your home for which they have had no formal training and/or the machine is not being properly maintained as per manufacturer’s specifications.

Charcoal canisters have been shown to over-respond if placed in fast, moving air. They also, because of their quick response, can be biased by a large swing in radon toward the end of the 48 hour exposure time. It is not true, however, that charcoal canisters only read the last 12 hours that they are in the house. This is manifestly incorrect. As stated earlier in this paragraph, if there is a very pronounced swing in radon during the last several hours of the 48 hour exposure period (a very unusual situation in a typical house), the canister may be biased upward or downward in response to this swing. The author has never personally seen a single instance when this characteristic of a charcoal canister has biased the reading so much that a house that would normally be below 4.0 pCi/L incorrectly was reported to be above, or, conversely, that a house above 4.0 pCi/L was incorrectly reported to be below.

I hope this helps shed some light on radon testing and why A Precise Home Inspection, Inc. continues to use and support our local Radon Measurements Laboratory at UCCS.  There simply is NOT any better alternative to radon testing.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to blog back or call A Precise Home Inspection, Inc. @ 719-272-0100 or visit us on-line @ www.aprecisehomeinspection.com

Where to Mount a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

There has been much debate on where to mount your Carbon Monoxide detector, well hopefully this article will help.

Where to Mount a Carbon Monoxide Detector?  

So you just bought a carbon monoxide detector to put in your home. You feel a sense of security wrap around your body as your plug it into the electrical socket near the ground. Stop right there though. You just made a crucial mistake that many other people make when choosing the location to mount their carbon monoxide detector.

It is known that some companies recommend mounting their units near the floor, but in general it is a potential risk due to the chemical properties of carbon monoxide. The key point that we want to focus on is the specific gravity of CO which is 0.966. Compared to the air we breathe (1.0), carbon monoxide is slightly lighter which means it will rise. Having a carbon monoxide detector mounted near the ground means there is the possibility that it may not detect CO when it is present in your home. Consequently, you will want to mount carbon monoxide detectors on the ceiling the same way you would mount a smoke alarm.

Additionally, here are some other guidelines you should follow when choosing a mounting location. You will want to keep CO detectors out of bathrooms or any other humid areas. You will also want to place them at least 15 feet away from heating or cooking appliances. Placing a CO dectector near a furnace may also set off false alarms since these devices are known to emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up.

Sources

“The Answer Man”.Belleville News-Democrat. 12 Feb 2007, Final Ed.: C8

For more information on home inspection issues, please call Lance Hayward, A Precise Home Inspection, Inc @ 719-272-0100 or visit us on line at www.aprecisehomeinspection.com

Home Inspection Picture of the Month (July)

Hello Colorado Springs!

Here is a picture of how NOT to run a dryer vent through a roof.

See the holes in the tar?

For more inspection picutres, go to: www.aprecisehomeinspection.com, or just give us a call @ 719-272-0100.

kitchen/bathroom caulking maintenance

 Hello Colorado Springs, here is an article written by Randy Flanery of Tri-Valley Tile & Stone, one of the most trusted and experienced tile craftsman in Colorado.

CAULK REPAIR If you have been in your current home for more than five years, make sure you inspect your caulking in your shower or your tub surround. Look for an appearance where the edges of the caulk are either peeling or have a break in the body of your caulk. If either of these are the case at your home, you need to either call me for more ‘hands on advice’ or try to repair this situation yourself. Remember, to have an effective outcome with this repair you MUST use SILICONE caulk. DO NOT USE latex or latex-siliconized caulk-they only last for six to twelve months. If you are looking to buy a home, here are a few important things to look out for as well… TILE AND GROUT INSPECTION If the entry way or kitchen has tile already installed on the floor, pull off one of the heater vent covers and look to verify if the tile installation was done on top of the sub-floor only (you will see only wood and mortar under the tiles), this was done with out a proper tile substrate or you will see a cement or gray looking board on the top of the plywood/sub-floor and mortar in between them. This was a correct installation.

1. If this installation was done on the top of the sub-floor, you will see hair-line cracks all over your floor area OR it will begin to crack very soon. In either case you should have the seller or your agent request a CREDIT towards a new floor.

2. Also, if you step on a tile that was installed by a person in a hurry, or inexperienced, you will hear a ‘Hollow’ sound. Tap this tile with your hand/knuckles and it should give a ‘dull’ or ‘hollow’ sound as well. This is a problem because the installer did not cover enough of the back of the tile with ‘Thin-set Mortar’, which is what affixes the tiles to the underlayment on your floor.

3. Remember, the state of Colorado DOES NOT REQUIRE anyone who installs tile or stone to have any type of license. So be very alert to who comes over to YOUR HOME and find out how they received their schooling in this amazing trade that adds so much elegance to the place where you live. If done by a person who THINKS he is doing it right, the out come will be noticed by everyone AND, if done by a licensed professional with state schooling under his belt, this also will be noticed by everyone.

4. I do my best to go beyond what is required in every installation which I’m involved in. To show this I give either a THREE, FIVE or TEN YEAR WARRANTY on all of my installations.

Again, if you have any questions at all please call me. Best Regards to everyone who loves the elegance of TILE OR STONE

RANDY FLANERY ‘TRI VALLEY TILE & STONE, INC’ 719)641-9538 tilestoneartisanship@gmail.com Since 1987: Schooled through the state of California, C-54 licensed, trained through the ‘Tile Setters Union’ from 1987-1992

For additional information on home maintenance give A Precise Home Inspection a call at 719-272-0100 or visit us on line at:  www.aprecisehomeinspection.com

Exclusive Home Security System Offer

Hello Colorado Springs!

A Precise Home Inspection, Inc. & 911 Alarm are proud to offer you and your clients an exclusive offer.  You and your clients (past & present) can receive a home security system free of charge.  Stan Kelley of 911 Alarm writes:

“One thing I would say is that with increased home intrusions and peoples families and valuables at risk it is becoming increasingly important to keep “what matters most protected”!  In going with a home burglar system we can offer  a range of security products to fit your every need.  We protect the doors , windows , crawl spaces, attics and any walkway that is accessible to your home.

We do all of this for the best prices in the industry, and for A Precise Home Inspection customers we will do it all for way less than the competition.  Besides just the piece of mind of having an alarm system you will also receive a discount on your homeowners policy as well!  With all the security benefits and financial benefits of having an alarm in your home there is little reason why not to own your own today!  911 alarm is a local independently owned security company that has 24/7 customer service and when you call us you will not go into a phones system , you will talk with a real licensed individual who can walk you through this process.  Call  for your free in home installation today, 719-358-9687 or toll free 866-395-3167 or visit us on line at www.911alarmpro.com!  911 Alarm thanks you for your business!”

So, although the redneck alarm system may be working for now, it never hurts to add to that “piece of mind”.

Compliments of A Precise Home Inspection, Inc.  If you have any other questions concerning home security, home preservation, energy conservation don’t hesitate to give us a call at 719-272-0100 or visit us on line at:  www.aprecisehomeinspection.com.

Home Inspection Picture of the Month (June)

Hello Colorado Springs!

Here is a photo of an overhead main electrical service.  You’ll notice that there are only two wires entering the home.  This service is rated for only 120 volts.  In order to have a 220 outlet to a dryer, electric water heater, A/C, it’s required to have 240 volt power or (3 wires) entering the home.

This is a photo of a 240 volt overhead electrical service, but what’s wrong?

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK, we have 240 volts or (3 wires) entering the home, but this overhead service is by no means safe.  You see when it rains on this house the rain drops follow the electrical wire right down the mast and into the main electrical panel causing all kinds of rust, corrosion, leading into major costly repairs.

This is how a proper drip loop on an overhead electrical service should look like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns about overhead electrical service entry’s please give A Precise Home Inspection, Inc. a call @ 719-272-0100 or visit us on line @ www.aprecisehomeinspection.com.

New Carbon Monoxide Law effective July 1, 2009, Colorado Springs

Hello Colorado Springs!

Here is the new Carbon Monoxide Bill Signed into Law

Colorado homebuilders will be required to install carbon-monoxide detectors in new homes under a proposal signed into law on March 24th.   House Bill HB 1091  also requires installation of the detectors in new and resold homes near bedrooms as well as rented apartments and homes. It takes effect July 1, 2009.    The new law will cover all new residential construction and existing single-family and multi-family housing units offered for sale, transfer or rent.

The law applies to any seller of residential real property containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.  The seller will be responsible for assuring that a carbon monoxide alarm is properly installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping.  No person shall have a claim for relief against a property owner or their authorized agent if a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions. 

There have been several deaths in Colorado this year from Carbon-monoxide poisoning, including a family in Aspen and a graduate student in Denver.  And carbon monoxide (CO) is responsible for more than 450 deaths and approximately 15,000 emergency department visits each year in the United States.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled and can be fatal within minutes of exposure.   Most incidents happen in the winter, mainly due to an increased use in fuel-burning appliances.  According to an article I found on Bill Ritter’s Web Page, roughly 83 percent of Colorado single-family homes use gas, wood, kerosene, coal or fuel as their major heat source, all of which emit carbon monoxide.

There are a couple of web sites that provide a comprehensive list of things to do to protect against Carbon Monoxide; and the best info I found was on the EPA’s web site.  It also includes information about buying a Detector.

If you have any questions please give A Precise Home Inspection, Inc a call:  719-272-0100 or visit us on line at www.aprecisehomeinspection.com

Reference:  http://coloradospringsvintagehomes.com/2009/03/28/new-carbon-monoxide-law-effective-july-1-2009/

Rockrimmon Mines, Colorado Springs

Abandoned Mine Subsidence Information

Rockrimmon area

Protect yourself and your clients

If you were not aware there are several abandoned coal mines in the Rockrimmon area here in Colorado Springs.  There are several resources at your disposal to research whether or not the home you own or about to purchase is built over an abandoned mine.  Here they are:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_/ai_n9779867/

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Peak.Basement.Systems.Inc.866-962-3976/newsletter/42501

http://mining.state.co.us/AMLSubsidenceMaps.htm

If the home is in a potential subsidence area, and it is not enrolled in the Colorado Mine Subsidence Protection Program, call 1-800-44-MINES for more information.

The Signs

-         Windows and doors are sticking, hard to open and close.

-         You may see multiple nail pops in ceilings and walls

-         There appear to be large gaps in windows and door frames

-         Window and/or door trim are developing spaces

-         The floors are starting to settle and become uneven

-         Bowed or leaning basement walls

-         Cracks in your foundation walls

-         Interior plaster walls cracking

-         Chimneys are tilting or leaning

-         Foundations are sinking

-         Cracks in your basement walls 

If you have any questions or concerns give A Precise Home Inspection a call at 719-272-0100 or visit us on line at www.aprecisehomeinspection.com

Home Inspection Picture of the Month (May)

Hello Colorado Springs! 

Here is a photo of the missing garage beam support.  Where’d it go?  Do I really need to emphasize the importance of a home inspection?  Give “A Precise Home Inspection” a call today, 719-272-0100.

hmm?

For more home inspection pictures just visit:  www.aprecisehomeinspection.com

11 Mold Prevention Tips

Hello Colorado Springs!  If you haven’t heard, A Precise Home Inspection, Inc. has also become a Certified Mold Inspector.  So here are 11 tips that may help you prevent mold in your home.

 

11 Mold Prevention Tips

 

1.   Moisture control is the key!!!!

 

2.   Keep the building clean and dry; dry wet or damp areas within 48 hours.

 

3.   Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.

 

4.   Watch for condensation and wet spots; fix the sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.

 

5.   Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air

circulation. To reduce the moisture level in air, repair leaks and increase ventilation (if

outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).

 

6.  Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing

properly, and unobstructed.

 

7.  Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.

 

8.  Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60 percent relative humidity (RH), ideally 30

percent to 50 percent, if possible.

 

9.  Perform regular building and HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.

 

10.  Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the

foundation.

 

11.  If you are not experienced with home/building repairs you may want to consult a

professional when making repairs, or for assistance with mold-prevention-related changes

to your home/building.

Apparent wall mold growth

Apparent ceiling mold growth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns about mold, please give us a call at 719-272-0100 or visit us on line at www.aprecisehomeinspection.com.