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Information on home inspections services, home maintenance, and more...

Wind Mitigation: Do You Really Need It?

4/26/2023

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Wind Mitigation in a Nutshell:

    The process of safeguarding your home from the damaging impacts of strong winds is known as wind mitigation. This is a crucial factor for homeowners in many regions of the country, especially those who are prone to hurricanes or other severe weather occurrences.
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Here are some factors to consider when determining if your home needs wind mitigation:
  • Your Home's Age
   It might be worthwhile to take wind mitigation measures into consideration if your house is older than 20 years because homes built before the implementation of the present building standards may be more prone to wind damage since building codes and construction methods have advanced over time. 
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  • Your Home's Location
   ​The possibility of wind damage can be significantly influenced by the location of your house. Homes in regions where hurricanes, tornadoes, or other extreme weather occurrences are common are more likely to sustain wind damage. Homes situated in regions where windstorms or thunderstorms occur frequently may also be at risk. It's essential to take wind mitigation measures into consideration if your home is situated in a region where there is a high danger of wind damage.
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  • The construction of your home
​    Your home's vulnerability to wind damage might also be influenced by how it was built. High winds are less likely to harm houses with a solid roof, reinforced walls, and impact-resistant windows and doors. A house's ability to endure strong winds is further improved by a well-maintained exterior, which has safe shutters, roof straps, and hurricane-resistant garage doors. If your house lacks these characteristics, you might want to think about considering wind mitigation measures.
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  • Your insurance premiums
​    Homes with wind mitigation systems frequently receive savings from insurance companies as these homes are less likely to be damaged by strong winds. Wind mitigation strategies could be a good option to think about if you want to lower your insurance costs.
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  • The cost of wind mitigation​
​Finally, it's critical to take wind mitigation costs into account. Prior to making any decisions, it's essential to compare the expense of putting these measures into place with the potential advantages of wind mitigation.
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Infrared Scanning: A Non-Invasive Technique for Diagnosing Hidden Problems

4/19/2023

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What is an Infrared Scanning?
Infrared Scanning is also known as thermal imaging. This is a non-invasive technique that uses infrared radiation to detect and measure temperature variations on the surface of an object or material.
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     When it comes to diagnosing problems in buildings, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment, it can be challenging to identify hidden issues. Traditional methods such as visual inspections and manual testing may not reveal problems that lie beneath the surface.
How Does Infrared Scanning Work?
    Infrared scanning works by detecting the heat emitted by an object or material. Everything emits some form of infrared radiation, and the amount of radiation emitted is directly proportional to the object's temperature. An infrared camera captures the infrared radiation emitted by an object and converts it into a visual image that shows the temperature variations on the surface of the object.
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Infrared cameras can be used to identify potential problems such as:
  • In buildings: infrared scanning can be used to detect moisture intrusion, air leaks, and energy loss
  • In electrical systems: infrared scan can be used to identify hotspots and potential equipment failures
What Are the Benefits of Infrared Scanning?
1. Non-Invasive
   Unlike other testing methods, such as invasive testing or destructive testing, infrared scanning does not damage the object or material being tested. It also does not require the object or material to be taken offline, making it an efficient testing method that can be performed quickly and easily.
2. Cost-effective testing method
   By detecting potential problems before they escalate into major issues, infrared scanning can help prevent costly repairs or replacement of equipment or materials. It can also help identify areas where energy loss is occurring, allowing building owners to make energy-saving improvements that can reduce their energy bills.
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Top Ways to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home

4/12/2023

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​     Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally present in the environment. It is a leading cause of lung cancer and can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation or walls. 
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Here are some top ways to reduce radon levels in your home:
  • Test Your Home for Radon
​The first step in reducing radon levels is to test your home. You can purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a professional to conduct a test.
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  • Seal Cracks and Gaps
​Sealing cracks and gaps in your home's foundation and walls can prevent radon from entering your home.
  • Increase Ventilation
​Increasing ventilation in your home can help reduce radon levels. You can open windows, install fans, or use a heat recovery ventilator to bring in fresh air.
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  • Install a Radon Mitigation System
​A radon mitigation system is a specialized system that is designed to reduce radon levels in your home. It involves installing a fan and a vent pipe to draw radon out of your home and vent it outside.
  • Maintain Your HVAC System:
​Maintaining your HVAC system can help reduce radon levels. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and have your system inspected by a professional.
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    ​Reducing radon levels in your home is important for the health and safety of you and your family. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your home is a safe and healthy environment.
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Health Impacts of Radon Exposure

4/5/2023

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​The main factor causing lung cancer in non-smokers is Radon.
How Does Radon Affect Your Health?
​     Radon seeps into the lining of your lungs and emits radiation when you breathe it in. It can harm the cells there over an extended period of time and result in lung cancer.
  • In the US, radon is thought to be the cause of 21,000 deaths annually.
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  • Although everyone is exposed to radon, certain populations identified in the literature are more likely to have elevated radon levels. Furthermore, some communities are more vulnerable to the negative health impacts of radon exposure.
  • According to estimates, those who smoke cigarettes have a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure than people who have never smoked.
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    ​The radioactive particles in radon gas might become stuck in your lungs when you breathe it in. These radioactive particles raise the possibility of lung cancer over time. Years may pass before you notice signs of health issues, years may pass.
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​    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. The main environmental factor causing cancer is radon. After smoking, it is the second most common cause of lung cancer. Compared to persons who do not smoke and are exposed to the same radon levels, smokers have a 10 times higher probability of getting lung cancer from radon exposure.
The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure is influenced by a variety of factors, including:
  • The age at exposure,
  • Time spent being exposed
  • Radon concentration in relation to time and age
  • Using cigarettes
  • Time spent and attention focused on various areas of the home, on commute routes, and in the business 
  • Source of water
  • Radon levels are frequently greater in the winter and lower in the summer in colder climates.
  • Static-prone seasons—between April and October, for example, there may be an increase in the degree to which radon progeny adhere to dust particles.
  • The amount of time since the exposure began.​
​     According to research, drinking water with high radon levels may also be dangerous, though the dangers are far smaller than those involved with breathing radon-containing air.
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