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garage pedestrian door

12/23/2021

 
​Safety and appearance are likely the two things that most people consider when choosing an exterior door. Protection from intruders is important and everyone wants the best-looking door in the neighborhood, but many people don’t realize that the door separating the house and an attached garage should also be of exterior grade. The reason for this is not only to protect against the outside temperatures and intruders, but also the risk of fire entering the home from the garage. The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) states that about 3% of structure fires start in an attached garage. It is important to note that even though the percentage is low, garage fires tend to be very hot and can spread very quickly to the house if not detected early.
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​The International Residential Code (IRC) requires that the door separating the garage to the home must be 20-minute fire-rated. This means that the door has successfully passed a test in which it has been subjected to fire, without the use of a hose stream, for 20 minutes without the fire breaching through to the other side.
One of the most common deficiencies found in fire rated doors are “Doggie Doors”. These openings are very convenient for pet owners, but any opening in a fire rated door voids its fire rating. Several manufacturers advertise a fire safe door but if air can pass through the opening, so can fire. The other factor to consider is that any window in the door must be constructed with glass that is also fire rated to retain the overall door’s fire rating.

Do you have a question or concern about the fire rating of your garage door or wall between your garage and the interior?  Contact a CAI Home Inspector to speak with a licensed home inspector that can help guide you on best practices and repairs.
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Garage Dog Door May Void Fire Rating

Failed Window seals

12/8/2021

 
​Many homes today have more energy efficient windows than the old single pane window. Most are vinyl or wood with either double or triple pane glass, with double pane being the most common. Double-pane windows contain two panes of glass separated by a space of air or gas that helps to slow the transfer of heat and cold. A desiccant is also added between the panes to absorb any moisture that may have entered the space during manufacturing. Gases like Argon are used because it is denser than air making it more energy efficient than just air. Double pane windows offer many advantages compared to single pane windows, but one issue that is common in many homes with double pane windows is broken window seals.
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Double Pane Window
So, How Can I Tell If My Window Seal Has Failed?
  • Windows appear dirty even though they have been freshly cleaned. A broken window seal is no longer able to keep out dust and dirt.
  • Condensation occurs between the panes of glass.
  • The windowpanes appear distorted in the center.
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Condensation Between the Glass
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Window Staining Between the Panes
When a window seal fails, moist air seeps in between the glass panes and condenses on your windows, causing window fog. And while the fog may eventually go away with weather changes, now that the seal has failed, the problem will likely continue. Fortunately, a broken window seal is not a serious issue in most cases. While window seal failure removes much of the energy saving features found with double or triple pane windows, it does not negatively impact the function or look of the window aside from the occasional presence of window condensation.
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.

pest control and your health

11/10/2021

 
PictureRodent droppings under kitchen sink.
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.


Double keyed locks on exterior doors

9/13/2021

 
Every so often, we encounter a hidden safety hazard that many homeowners might not think about - double keyed deadbolt locks.  These locks require a key on the exterior and interior of the home.  Many times, these keyed deadbolt locks are installed on the interior side to enhance security so that the window or sidelight in the door cannot simply be broken and the interior lock opened by hand.  While enhanced security may have been achieved, this was at the detriment of safety to the occupants who now must have possession of the key to exit the door in an emergency.

​We often see homeowners leave the key inside the lock or nearby on a key hook; however, the key can be unknowingly removed by a member of the family or the key may not be readily located on a nearby hook by children or guests trying to escape during an emergency.  For these reasons, we recommend the double keyed locks be replaced and modifications to the door be made to eliminate the need for the double keyed lock (i.e. removal of windows adjacent to the lock, security bars over the windows, etc).

It is worth noting that updates to building codes nationwide now ban the practice of using double keyed locks in new construction.
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Excerpt from the Ohio Residential Building Code

April Showers Bring More Than Flowers

4/16/2021

 
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. 
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smoke alarm locations, types, testing, & Replacement

3/28/2021

 
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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.


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why do radon levels fluctuate so much?

1/31/2021

 
We often get asked why radon levels fluctuate, often dramatically, during the 48-hour test period and whether there is cause for concern.  There are many reasons for this and the fluctuations are perfectly normal, but this emphasizes the reason that a long term average gives the best indication of whether radon is truly elevated in the home.

The most common reasons that radon levels fluctuate can be broken down into three basic categories:
  1. Air pressure differentials in the home;
  2. Use of exhaust devices that vent indoor air to the exterior;
  3. Weather.
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Ungrounded Electrical receptacles (outlets)

1/13/2021

 
Grounding of electrical receptacles is an important safety feature that minimizes the risk of electric shock and protects electrical equipment from damage. Modern, grounded 120-volt receptacles in the United States have a small, round ground slot centered below two vertical hot and neutral slots, and it provides an alternate path for electricity that may stray from an appliance.
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Frozen AC Lines in the Summer

7/24/2020

 
It’s the middle of summer and despite the 90-degree weather, you notice your air conditioning lines are frozen over with a layer of ice. What gives? Sometimes the solution is as easy as replacing the filter, other times an HVAC professional may be needed.
Common Reasons AC Lines Freeze Over
  • Low refrigerant level
  • Refrigerant leak
  • Dirty filter
  • Clogged duct
  • Blocked or closed vent cover
  • Closed damper
  • Dirty evaporator coil
  • Malfunctioning/damaged indoor blower fan
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Will foundation issues affect the value of my home?

6/30/2020

 
If you suspect your home has foundation issues, it may seem scarier than it actually is. Sometimes, foundation issues are not progressive. This means any damage that has occurred won't worsen over time. Although this isn't always the case, an experienced home inspector and licensed Professional Engineer can help you determine the seriousness of foundation issues and what to do about them.
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Our Primary Office Locations in Ohio & North Carolina


Raleigh, NC
3052 Cinder Bluff Dr
Raleigh, NC 27603
​984-261-2787

Cleveland, Ohio
16115 Waterloo Rd
​Cleveland, OH 44110
216-672-6185
Dublin, Ohio (main)
6214 Inishmore Ln
Dublin, Ohio 43017
​614-364-3829

Dayton, Ohio
60 Camden Park Ct
Springboro, OH 45066
​937-396-5239
Cincinnati, Ohio
5605 Bridgetown Rd #10
Cincinnati, OH 45248
​513-306-4640

Toledo, Ohio
478 Dearborn Ave.
Toledo, Ohio 43605
419-329-4623

Ohio Service Areas

CINCINNATI
BLUE ASH
HAMILTON
LEBANON
LOVELAND
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Toledo
​BOWLING GREEN
​
HOLLAND
​
MAUMEE
​
PERRYSBURG
SWANTON
SYLVANIA
WATERVILLE

North Carolina Service Areas​

Raleigh
Holly Springs
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Angier
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Clayton
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Contact us at: 888-301-3186
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