| Vol. 2, No.
7 |
From the desk of ...
Arthur S. Lazerow |
ALBAN
Home Inspection Service
Our First Anniversary |
Exactly a year ago Alban Home Inspection
Service was born What a busy and exciting year! 400 inspections of differing types for
over 300 clients. Referrals from over 150 Realtors from Martinsburg, West Virginia to PG
County, Lead testing as a new area of expertise. Maryland water testing license. Listing
by EPA for radon testing. Even I am surprised at this past year's accomplishments.
When I decided to begin home inspecting, I believed that the combination of my educational
background, construction knowledge and communication skills would be unique in this
profession. A year later, at the conclusion of an inspection last week, the husband turns
to his wife and said, "Now that Art's finished the inspection and we have his report,
I really love this house even more than when we signed the contract." Their Realtor
turned to me and smiled. Truly a unique outcome for a home inspection,
I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to our clients and our Realtor friends, all of whom
have shown such wonderful confidence and satisfaction with our services. Many thanks to
all!
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573 Lancaster Place
Frederick, Maryland 21702
Metro 1-800-822-7200
301-662-6565 |
Full Fee Refund
IF SALE DOESN'T CLOSE |
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| Controlling
Moisture Problems |
Moisture
arises from both inside and outside the home. To reduce the humidity to a stable and
optimum seasonal level, investigate the following possible causes and their solutions:
1. Domestic activities. Cooking without lids, bathing, hanging wet clothes
and using unvented clothes dryers may cause excessive moisture. We suggest using exhaust
fans for at least 15 minutes in kitchens and bathrooms and venting clothes dryers to the
outdoors.
2. Plumbing leaks. Leaks provide a steady source of moisture, particularly if the
moisture stands or soaks into building materials. Check and fix all leaks to prevent this
moisture source.
3. Faulty or Improperly combusting flame-fired heating equipment. Gas or
oil may release water vapor and carbon monoxide into the air During a maintenance call,
check for blocked vents or a blocked chimney and test to see if the flame on the heating
unit is yellow or flickers.
4. Newly installed building materials. Increase ventilation during new
construction and during a home's first year, since green lumber, wet wood, concrete,
wallboard taping and masonry fireplaces are full of moisture.
5. Certain types of cooling systems and humidifiers. Do not use evaporative
coolers in high-humidity climates and use humidifiers only when necessary. This equipment
can be a source of excess moisture and may increase indoor relative humidity.
6. Improper Grading. Areas around the foundation that slope toward the home
cause rain water to drain toward the home, causing moist basement walls at a minimum and a
wet basement at worst. |
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