​The majority of us would say that we enjoy nature and observing wildlife. However, when wildlife starts to encroach on our property, it can become less enjoyable and more of a problem. Many homeowners spend a lot of time and effort to make their yard look beautiful, only to then have an animal or rodent come in and destroy it. This may force a person to look for ways to deter wildlife from their property. Let’s consider a few methods that do not require the use of chemical deterrents.
 
The first step you will need to take is to identify the animal or rodent that is causing the damage. While you may have many critters visit, it doesn’t mean they are all causing a problem. By identifying the animal, you can then find out the best way to discourage it from your yard. Animals and rodents will be generally become attracted to your property because there is a food source. It may even be a type of shrub or plant. Eliminating the food source will make your property less appealing to the creature.
 
Placing a barrier that is designed for keeping out wildlife is another non-chemical approach you can try. There are different types of barrier deterrents, for example, it may even be something visual or a sound that the creature is afraid of.
 
If you have tried these methods and you still have the problem visitor, what can you do? You may want to attempt to catch the offending animal and relocate it. If you decide on this option though, make sure to consult first with your local wildlife management office or animal control center who will be able to offer the best advice on what to do.

​In our last blog we discussed the average length of time you can expect a water heater to last, so if your water heater is starting to require maintenance, what should you do? Should you get it repaired or is it better to replace it entirely?
 
Water heaters will, over time, begin to develop issues and require maintenance. Some of the more common signs that there is a problem are puddles of water under the heater and cold showers, etc. But what if the water heater hasn’t started showing those signs yet and seems to be in good shape? Are the maintenance costs going to be more than the cost of replacing it when the time comes?
 
One thing to keep in mind with water heaters as we have previously mentioned is their average lifespan. Your first question should be, how old is the water heater? Does it still have its warranty? This, of course, is a good thing, but you may find that these warranties do not always cover the cost of labor which may end up being rather expensive. For example, one part of the water heater that commonly needs to be replaced every few years is the sacrificial anode. This can be a tricky job and, if not done correctly, the unit can be easily damaged. Replacing the anode may even void out some warranties. So, if your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan and the anode has to be replaced, you may want to ask yourself whether it is worth doing the job to extend the heater's lifespan a little longer, or is it better to replace the water heater altogether?
 
One thing that will help you decide whether to replace your water heater is to see how much you are spending on average each year to maintain it. If it is more than 10 percent of the amount it would cost to install a new water heater, then it might not be worth all the time and effort to keep maintaining it. If you are unsure about what to do, why not get the water heater inspected? This way you will find out if it would be better to replace it or keep on repairing it.

​A water heater is an indispensable part of a home so a home inspector will pay particular attention to it during the home inspection. One question that homeowners frequently ask is how long does a water heater typically last before it needs to be replaced? In general, a water heater's lifespan is around 10 years, however, this will depend on a few different factors. Here are a couple of those factors:
 
The correct installation of a water heater plays a key role when it comes to how long it will last. Some homeowners decide to attempt the installation themselves in order to save money, but they may soon realize that it requires a lot more skill than they thought, particularly with tankless gas water heaters.  Water heaters must be installed in an upright position and in a well-ventilated area. You should not install a water heater in a location that could suffer flood damage as this can cause the exterior pipes to rust, decreasing their efficiency and lifespan. Another thing to keep in mind is that at some point you will need to have the water heater inspected so it should be placed in an easily accessible area.
 
The amount of use the water heater gets is another thing that will significantly affect its lifespan. Logically, the more water that has to be heated, the more stress this will put on the water heater as this means it has to work that much harder.
 
The quality of the water heater is another major factor that will determine its lifespan. As is the case with the majority of things, you get what you pay for, so a more expensive water heater is likely to last longer than a cheaper alternative. An easy way to tell if the water heater is of good quality is by checking to see how long the warranty lasts. Water heaters that come with a longer warranty tend to be constructed better which means they will have a longer lifespan.

​As we learned in our last blog, biological pollutants are found in pretty much every home. These have also become associated with different types of ailments. The symptoms often experienced by people suffering from biological pollutants, however, are very similar to those of other illnesses so, are there some ways to determine whether your symptoms are related to your indoor home environment or not? What should you ask yourself?
 
Are you or any members of your household experiencing any of the following, dizziness or tiredness, fevers, frequent headaches, dry throat, stuffy nose, wheezing, or difficulty breathing? If the answer is yes, do these symptoms go away when you spend time out of doors?
 
Did you move into a new home recently? Or have you had some remodeling done such as the installation of storm windows, insulation, weather stripping, or another type of energy conservation work? If so, did your symptoms appear during or after this work or the move?
 
Is there any musty-smelling or moldy types of odors in your home that would indicate problems with moisture intrusion?
 
Have your air conditioners or humidifiers been cleaned recently, or has it been some time since they were done?
 
Do you notice moisture seems to collect on hard surfaces like windows, walls, and ceilings? Does the air inside the home feel very humid?
 
Have you been experiencing problems with unwanted pests such as cockroaches or rodents?
 
If you can answer yes to a few or all of these questions, then it is very possible that biological pollutants are affecting the quality of your home's indoor air, which may, in turn, cause some of your symptoms. It should be noted that it is important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis, however, they may find this information helpful when making that diagnosis.

​Everyone would agree that breathing in good clean air is essential to our health and wellbeing. A lot of effort and money is spent each year trying to improve levels of pollution in our outside air, but how good is the air we are breathing indoors? Are there any pollutants inside our homes that might be affecting our health? These are some good questions to ask ourselves, especially as so many of us are spending a great deal more time at home these days. In this blog we are going to briefly consider the types of biological pollutants found indoors.
 
Biological pollutants are generally living organisms or parts of living organisms. They are usually invisible and travel through the air. Some of the more common types of biological pollutants found in the home are animal dander, dust mites, cockroach parts, pollen, and bacteria and viruses. While this is probably a very unpleasant thought, the fact is that these substances are found in all homes so you will not be able to remove them completely.
 
Some conditions, however, support the growth of these biological pollutants, making them a lot worse. These are moisture and nutrients. You will often find these conditions in humid areas such as bathrooms and damp basements, also appliances like air conditioners and humidifiers. Modern construction methods and their materials can also become a contributing factor when it comes to biological pollutants in the home. The reason is that these are designed to prevent a lot of outside air from entering the home which can result in higher levels of moisture inside.
 
After reading this brief article you may be wondering how to determine whether or not biological pollutants are causing some of your health issues. We will consider this question in the following article. 

​Sinkholes are known to cause a great deal of damage and destruction. This may lead a homeowner to worry about the possibility of one forming on their property. So, here are some of the warning signs you might observe if there is a sinkhole in your area.
 
Signs of a sinkhole can range from very noticeable to a little more subtle. For example, some of the more noticeable signs are rapid ground subsidence, cracks in the ground that form a circular pattern, and sudden ground fissures. Some of the less obvious signs are an accumulation of water in places where this does not normally happen, sudden dying off of plant life in some places, which can be a result of a sinkhole draining the plant's water source. Trees or fence posts may start leaning over or exposing areas that are normally in the ground.
 
What about warning indicators inside your home, what may you observe? Again, these will range in severity. You may see cracks appearing on the walls and floors of the home, this is not something you should ignore as it may be a major warning sign of a sinkhole. If your home uses well water, it might become muddy or cloudy in appearance. Windows and doors may have begun shifting slightly and so no longer close properly.
 
If you have observed some of these signs in or around your home, what should you do? Do not panic as they could also be indicators of a different issue. However, it is a good idea to have the problems checked to rule out a sinkhole and diagnose what the problem is. An inspection of your home and property can help you to find out any issues your property has and help to keep your household safe.

​We all know how vital water is for life but where our homes are concerned, water intrusion can become a big issue that results in many problems such as poor indoor air quality and costly home repairs. You may even find it lowers the value of your property. In this blog, we are going to give you some idea of the areas in your home most at risk of moisture intrusion.
 
The roof is one area highly susceptible to moisture intrusion and can happen in a number of ways. The roof should have the correct amount of slope. The roof's flashings can also start to leak so they should be checked periodically. Gutters and downspouts can become an issue if they are clogged which will prevent water from draining adequately. They should also be positioned to drain well away from the house.
 
The plumbing system is another high-risk area for water intrusion and should be checked to make sure there are no dripping pipes, leaking fixtures, or blocked drains.
 
Most houses over time will start to develop cracks and holes in the walls and foundations that can then be susceptible to moisture intrusion. If you notice this happening, try to seal them up as soon as possible.
 
A high level of humidity in a home can cause numerous moisture-related problems. Among these are musty smelling odors, staining on walls and ceilings, and bad indoor air quality. The best way to prevent this is to clean and dry thoroughly any surfaces where you see moisture collecting. 
 
These are just a few of the many areas throughout the home that are at risk of damage due to water intrusion. Keeping the home well maintained and taking quick action to fix any issues you find are good ways to avoid bigger problems and higher repair bills.
 

​With a new year rapidly approaching perhaps you are putting together a list of all that you would like to hopefully accomplish in 2021. Maybe you are thinking about getting some projects done in your current home, or even looking for a change and planning a move to a new home. Whatever the case, having the house tested for Radon might be something you will want to add to your list. Ask yourself, when was the last time my home was tested for radon and, why is it so important to do so?
 
To help you understand the importance of having your home tested for radon, please enjoy the following video. It will help you understand a little about what radon is and, why it could be present in your home. If you have any further questions regarding radon testing or any home inspection query, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
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​Depending on its size, a wood-burning stove can be an excellent way to heat either a room or an entire home. If you have recently moved to a home that has a wood-burning stove in it, it is important to know how to take good care of it so that it stays efficient and safe to use. To help with this, here are a few tips on how to keep your wood burner well maintained.
 
As the name indicates, a wood-burning stove is intended for the burning of wood. When choosing firewood to burn in your stove select dry wood that has a low moisture content. This burns a lot hotter than freshly cut wood. Certain kinds of wood ignite quicker than others and so are good to use when starting the fire. Softwoods like pine work well for this. After the fire has been started, you can then use hardwoods like oak, ash, or hickory. Burning wood in smaller pieces will also give you a cleaner, hotter burn.
 
You should never burn coal in your wood-burning stove. The reason is that coal burns much hotter than wood does so burning coal could pose a fire risk. Another reminder is to never burn items that emit toxic chemicals. Such items include plastic, plywood, gift wrapping paper, and colored paper, particleboard, and painted or pressure-treated wood.
 
Other reminders. Creosote can often build up in the stovepipe which can become hazardous so you might want to have your stove periodically inspected by a professional. When you are disposing of ashes from your wood stove it is a good idea to place them in a water-filled, metal container. Lastly, make sure that you have enough smoke alarms fitted throughout the home and check them every month to ensure they are working properly.
 

​If you are looking to have your home inspected for termites, how can you find the right company? After all, the majority of homeowners are not usually experienced when it comes to diagnosing a problem like this, so how can you be sure you are not being ripped off?
 
There are a few warning signs to look out for to determine whether a company is trying to con you out of your hard-earned money. For example, sometimes they will greatly exaggerate the dangers that termites pose and tell you that it will cost you a lot of money to treat the problem. If you are worried this is happening to you, the best thing to do is get another opinion. You can do this by comparing their price and service with other companies in the area. When you do hire someone to do the work, be sure to have a written contract detailing the length of time the work is guaranteed for.
 
Another thing you should do when you are told you have a termite problem in your home is to see the evidence for yourself. Ask to be shown where the problem is. Signs that your home has termites are hollowed out wood along the grain and galleries that are lined with soil or mud. If the evidence you are shown is in a woodpile or fence not connected to your house, then don’t worry yourself unduly as the danger this poses to your home is not immediate.
 
Be wary of any companies that approach you. If you are told you can have a free termite inspection, proceed with caution. This type of company is very likely to find a problem that does not actually exist or greatly overstate one that does.
 
These few suggestions should help you to find the right, honest company and weed out those who are not so honest.