​As we discussed in our last blog, biological pollutants are present in practically every home and can have a bad effect on the quality of our indoor environment. Biological pollutants are also known to cause illnesses in some people. However, because the symptoms caused by bio pollutants are very similar to those of other ailments, how can you determine if your health problems are the result of biological pollutants or not?
 
What are some of the symptoms you may experience if you are being affected by biological pollutants in your home? Tiredness, fevers, dry throat, dizziness, frequent headaches, stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing are among the many symptoms you may be feeling but, one thing you should ask yourself is when spending time out of doors do these symptoms go away?
 
Have you had any energy conservation work done to the home recently such as weather stripping, insulating, or storm windows, etc.? Or did you just move to a new home? Did any or all of your symptoms begin during or after the work or the move?
 
Have you cleaned out your air conditioning units or humidifiers lately? Or have they not been cleaned in some time?
 
Do you notice moisture seems to accumulate on hard surfaces like walls, windows, and ceilings? Can you smell any moldy or musty odors in your home that would be a sign of moisture intrusion? How does your indoor air feel, is it very humid?
 
Have you been experiencing problems with pests like rodents, or cockroaches, etc.?
 
If after reading this list of questions you can answer yes to all or a few of them, then it is possible that bio pollutants may be affecting the quality of your home's indoor air. Naturally, this is something you should talk to your doctor about first.

​Breathing in good quality air is a basic need for everyone and much effort, time, and money is spent each year towards reducing pollution levels in our outside air. But, how good is the quality of our air indoors? Perhaps it is not something you think about too often unless there is a bad odor, etc. but very often, indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air. Let’s briefly consider one of the causes of this, biological pollutants.
 
In general, biological pollutants come from living organisms or the parts of living organisms. Some of the most common types of biological pollutants that you will find in your home are dust mites, animal dander, cockroach remnants, pollen, and viruses and bacteria. While this is not a list of things anyone wants to have in their homes, the fact is that they are present in every home and usually travel through the air completely undetected. Therefore, it is not really possible to rid your home of them completely.
 
Do some types of environmental conditions help to support the growth of biological pollutants? Yes, as they need moisture and nutrients to survive, places they are more likely to thrive would be areas prone to high humidity such as bathrooms and damp basements. Certain appliances like air conditioners and humidifiers, if not cleaned out regularly, will also provide ideal conditions for these air pollutants. Also, because some modern home designs and construction techniques prevent outside air from coming into the home, this could also result in an increase in indoor humidity levels, which in turn may promote the growth of biological pollutants.
 
Some people are known to suffer health problems related to biological pollutants. If this is something you are worried about, the best thing to do is consult with your health care practitioner who will be able to advise you.

​Water intrusion can become a big issue for homeowners. It can cause all kinds of problems like poor indoor air quality and costly home repairs. It could even lower the value of a property. To help prevent this, the first step is to identify the places in your home that are most at risk of moisture intrusion, here are a few of them:
 
Let’s begin with the roof as this is an area that is highly susceptible to moisture intrusion. Flashings, if not done correctly, can tend to leak so it’s a good idea to check them periodically. The roof itself should also have the right amount of slope to allow for adequate drainage. Another common cause of water intrusion is blocked gutters and downspouts. These should be cleaned out regularly. You should also check that downspouts are positioned so that water drains away from the home and isn’t gathering around the foundations.
 
Cracks and holes often form in the walls and foundations of a home over time, making them more vulnerable to water intrusion. If you have noticed this, you will want to seal them up as soon as possible. Another area at high risk is the plumbing system. Do not ignore dripping pipes, leaking fixtures or blocked drains, etc. as these are a big cause of water intrusion.
 
If there are high levels of humidity indoors this can also create issues with moisture intrusion. Some of the signs of this becoming a problem is staining on walls and ceilings, poor quality indoor air, and musty smelling odors. One way to help prevent this is by cleaning and drying any surfaces where you see moisture collecting, including windows.
 
If you are concerned about water intrusion in your home, please feel free to contact us. Perhaps you would benefit from a home inspection.

​With 2020 almost behind us, many are looking to make some changes in the upcoming year. Is selling your home one of the changes that you would like to make? It takes a lot of time and effort to get a home ready to sell but one thing that can make things a lot easier is having the home inspected. This is important because it will help you find out about any issues with your house before the buyer’s inspection does.
 
When you are ready to schedule your seller's home inspection, we will be more than happy to help you through the process. To help give you some idea of how to get prepared for this kind of inspection, we have a short video. It will let you know what steps you will need to take before we arrive for the home inspection. If you would like to know more about the seller’s home inspection or the other kinds of inspections we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
​

​Are you thinking about remodeling your bathroom? If you are then now might be a good time to think about some water-saving options. One adjustment you could make is by installing pressure-assist toilets instead of the standard gravity option. This type of toilet uses a lot less water to flush, so it makes them a more environmentally friendly choice. So, how does a pressure-assist toilet work, and what other advantages are there to this kind of toilet?
 
Although a pressure-assist toilet looks a lot like a traditional type, inside the tank, it is a lot different. It is fitted with an air-filled pressure container so that when it is flushed, compressed air pushes the water into the toilet bowl. The force of the water makes for a much more powerful flush and requires a lot less water. Another benefit of this is that because water is pushed through the system at a greater force, there are far fewer blockages than you would experience with a standard gravity toilet.
 
Pressure assist toilets are now commonly used in new houses but there are many benefits to using them in older homes as well. For example, the tank's design means that it does not experience condensation issues which is often a problem in humid conditions. Also, because the pipework in older homes makes it prone to clogs and blockages, a power assist toilet can push waste through the system quickly and help to remove any trapped waste.
 
Of course, there are some downsides to pressure-assist toilets that you should take into consideration. To operate successfully, they generally require around 20 to 30 PSI which could be a problem in homes with low water pressure. Also, while pressure-assist toilets need little maintenance, they do cost more initially. Another problem for some is the noise of the flush as it is a lot louder than a standard toilet so have these things in mind when deciding what is right for your home.

​If you are getting ready to put your home on the market, you may be thinking about ways you can improve the value of it. Although renovating some areas of the home can make it look like new, it isn’t always a good investment. What can you do instead? Try these remodeling alternatives which will cost you a lot less.
 
A great way to start improvements is by giving your entire home a thorough clean. Look for ways you could brighten up the home and allow more light to come in.  Cleaning the windows and removing any heavy window treatments are good ways to brighten a room. If there is foliage growing around the windows outside this will also prevent light from entering the home, so trim it back.
 
Is your home too cluttered? Try to think about the best way you can use a space. A cluttered home will not appeal to a potential buyer so, clear it out and put it in storage if you need to. Do you have a guest room that you hardly use? Could you re-purpose it and stage it as an office or other useful space instead? It will surprise you to see how much floor space your home has when you reduce your possessions.
 
Is the kitchen or bathroom looking a little dated? Instead of ripping them out and replacing them, why not refinish the cabinetry? Re-glazing a sink or bathtub can also extend the life of them. Another thing that can work wonders at transforming and brightening a home is a fresh coat of paint. It's also a fairly inexpensive option.
 
Stage the home so that you highlight the best features of every room and make each space look inviting. It is good to remember that most buyers will take a look at your home online first, so some clever staging will show the home at its best and make it look enticing in photos. If you don’t feel like you have the knack for staging your home, there are professional staging services that can help you.
 
These low-budget remodeling alternatives often give you the same results as a high-priced renovation will.

​So many of you enjoy gardening and perhaps you have a greenhouse on your property. Much like any structure, a greenhouse requires regular maintenance and upkeep so that it will keep working the way it is supposed to. With that in mind, here are a few maintenance and safety tips.
 
A greenhouse usually houses items like gardening equipment and pesticides, etc. that could be dangerous in the wrong hands, particularly young children, so it is best to keep the greenhouse locked whenever you are not using it.
 
Greenhouses are designed to create an ideal atmosphere for plants to grow by retaining light and heat, however, good ventilation is also needed to prevent greenhouse air from becoming too stagnant and humid. This would, not only make it too hot for plants to grow, but also create conditions for fungi to thrive.
 
To avoid too much moisture in your greenhouse which will encourage insects and harmful pathogens like mold, make sure you immediately fix any leaks that have developed.
 
Additional heating is often required in a greenhouse during the colder months. To avoid the risk of fire or other related safety issues, if you decide to use an electric heater for this make sure it is designed for outdoor use. As an extra safety measure, unplug any electrical appliances when not in use.
 
Yes, by taking the time to keep your greenhouse well maintained you will contribute, not just to a better environment for yourself, but one for your plants as well.
 

​Major earthquakes as we know cause major destruction to property but, what about minor tremors, either natural or manmade? Can these cause damage to our homes?
 
Minor earthquakes can damage our properties and expose potential weak areas of the home. This is because in parts of the country that do not see a great deal of seismic activity the building codes governing earthquake preparedness are not as strict which means that even minor tremors could potentially cause some damage. Let’s look at a couple of areas in the home that may benefit from added support.
 
Make sure that the foundations of the home are in good condition. Check that they securely fixed to the house itself and look for any signs of deteriorations such as crumbling or cracking cement. Even a small amount of ground movement could make this problem worse.
 
An extremely serious issue that often occurs during an earthquake is leaking gas. Any appliances that run on natural gas should be secured to the floor or wall. A manual shutoff gas valve should be very clearly labeled and have easy and clear access to it so that it is easy to turn off in a hurry.
 
The chimney is another area that can become very unstable after any type of ground movement. If the chimney is damaged it can run the risk of collapsing into the home which would potentially cause serious injury to anyone inside. If you have an unreinforced masonry chimney, it can be secured using sheet metal straps and angle bracing. You should also place children’s play areas away from the chimney’s location.
 
Securing freestanding appliances such as the water heater is another way to reduce the risk of damage during a minor earthquake. This can be done using metal straps.
 
There are many more ways a home can be made safe against ground movement, but these brief suggestions will help get you started.

​Light plays a major role when it comes to setting the right tone for your home and nothing is more preferable than natural lighting. But, what if there are darker rooms or areas in your home that do not allow for traditional windows, could natural light be incorporated in this kind of space? Here are a few options:
 
One of the most popular ways to add natural light, other than a traditional window, is with skylights. This window option is highly effective if you want a maximum amount of light. Just keep in mind, however, that when installing skylights, you must make sure the flashing is done correctly and that you select double-paned windows.
 
Another method for adding natural light into a dark space is with light tubes. These tubes are fitted with a lens designed to enhance low-level light while at the same time minimizing the intensity of the midday sun. They are also coated with a reflective material that enables light to channel through the tube. Then, to evenly distribute the daylight, a light diffuser is added.
 
Clerestory windows are another way to maximize natural light. These windows are usually positioned high on a wall and have a short but wide design. During the summer months, this design allows a lot of natural light but, due to the roofs overhang, not too much heat. During the winter months, however, they not only allow maximum light but add some heat as well, making them a good option for all seasons.
 
If you are looking for ways to add natural light into darker areas of your home, perhaps some of these natural lighting options would work for you.

​Ceramic tile is a popular choice for flooring as it is durable, hard-wearing, and easy to clean. However, over time, ceramic tiles can start to need maintenance and repairs. So, what types of problems do we often see with ceramic tile flooring, and what are some ways to repair them?
 
As we have mentioned, ceramic tile flooring is very durable but one common problem you may observe is cracks in the tiles. This is commonly caused by simple wear and tear. It could also be because the tiles were not installed correctly. You may also notice cracking tiles in areas that experience temperature extremes because, depending on the temperature, a house can expand or contract which will cause the tiles to crack. It should not be too difficult to repair cracked tiles. If the cracks are small you can use a little grout to fill them. If the crack is too big, however, the tile may need to be replaced.
 
Deterioration of grout is another issue you may experience with ceramic tile floors. It is not uncommon to see crumbling, cracked, or discolored grout which can easily happen. For example, if the grout is not properly sealed it will start to absorb moisture. Some areas you will see this more is in moisture-prone rooms such as the bathroom. If grout has become too damaged you will need to remove it and redo it.
 
Another issue that occurs from improper installation of ceramic tile is an uneven floor. While this is probably very noticeable, it’s a good idea to give the floor a thorough inspection. If the problem is particularly bad, the tile will need to be redone.