Foggy windows can be repaired using a defogging procedure. While still a newer repair option, window defogging can produce cosmetic results that help improve visibility in your windows. On the downside, defogging does nothing to restore the window's insulating ability (R-value) to its original level.

However inconvenient fogging is, it isn’t the only issue commonly seen in double pane windows. There are times that a window may appear stained or glossy from the exterior of the home. This condition happens whenever the seal of a Low-E window fails. Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your glass, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. Low-E glass windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. While it might be possible to replace the glass with a low-E/argon-filled glass, you should consider if the repair is worth the investment. The better option might be replacing the entire window with a newer window because it is labor intensive, which adds up to more cost.

If you have concerns about about the condition of your windows, contact a licensed Home Inspector to learn more about your window condition and possible repair or replacement options.

Human being can become very sick from contact with sick animals. Animals can carry many germs or illnesses that can cause many different types of illnesses in people and animals, ranging from mild to serious illness and even death. These illnesses are known as Zoonotic Diseases or zoonoses and can include harmful germs like viruses, bacterial, parasites, and fungi. The CDC, or Center for Disease Control, states that Zoonotic diseases are very common, both in the United States and around the world. Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals.
Because of the close connection between people and animals, it’s important to be aware of the common ways people can get infected with germs that can cause zoonotic diseases. These can include:

• Direct contact: Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucous, feces, or other body fluids of an infected animal. Examples include petting or touching animals, and bites or scratches.
• Indirect contact: Coming into contact with areas where animals live and roam, or objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with germs. Examples include aquarium tank water, pet habitats, chicken coops, barns, plants, and soil, as well as pet food and water dishes.
• Vector-borne: Being bitten by a tick, or an insect like a mosquito or a flea.
• Foodborne: Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food. Eating or drinking something unsafe, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, undercooked meat or eggs, or raw fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal. Contaminated food can cause illness in people and animals, including pets.
• Waterborne: Drinking or coming in contact with water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected animal.

Throughout history many of these Zoonotic diseases have caused worldwide pandemics, including Bubonic Plague, West Nile virus and, more recently, emerging coronaviruses (e.g. severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome). Less common diseases include Rabies, Brucellosis, Lyme Disease and Salmonellosis.
 
The best defense against these diseases is avoidance and cleanliness. The CDC recommends these guidelines:

• Keep hands clean. Washing your hands right after being around animals, even if you didn’t touch any animals, is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
  • Always wash your hands after being around animals, even if you didn’t touch the animals.
  • Many germs are spread by not washing hands properly with soap and clean, running water.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Because hand sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water if they are available.
• Know the simple things you can do to stay safe around your pets.
• Prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
• Learn more about ways to handle food safely—whether it’s for yourself or your family, your pet, or other animals.
• Be aware of zoonotic diseases both at home, away from home (such as at petting zoos or other animal exhibits), in childcare settings or schools and when you travel.
• Avoid bites and scratches from animals.

Our licensed inspectors know the importance of making sure your home or building is free of pests, and we will report any obvious signs of infestation. It is important to clean any droppings from pests and ensure that any pathways into the structure are sealed to ensure that animals or insects can’t easily gain access to your home.

We all know the saying: “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” But sometimes, April showers bring significant water intrusion to basements through cracks in the foundation, sump pump backups, or sewer backups. Water intrusion may start slowly and seep into your basement un-noticed affecting drywall, flooring and stored items. 

​We suggest that you routinely inspect your basement during heavy rainfall to check for common signs of moisture. It’s important to properly assess water damage and even consider hiring a professional to inspect any damage. We’ve provided some tips on how you can prepare and protect your home from flooding this spring. 

Smoke Alarm Locations​
Having a sufficient number of smoke alarms located in the proper areas of the home is critical to ensuring that occupants are immediately alerted in the event of a fire.

Individual counties, cities, or authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) may have their own requirements for smoke-alarm placement, so homeowners can check with their local building codes if they need specific instructions. The following guidelines, however, can be helpful:
Smoke alarms should be installed in the following locations:

• on the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the vicinity of bedrooms;
• in each bedroom, as most fires occur during sleeping hours;
• in the basement, preferably on the ceiling near the basement stairs;
• in the garage, due to all the combustible materials commonly stored there; 
• on the ceiling or on the wall with the top of the detector between 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling; and/or
• in each story within a building, including basements and cellars, but not crawlspaces or uninhabited attics.