Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, with a heightened risk for smokers who are exposed to radon. According to the EPA, it is advisable to have your home tested to verify the level of radon within the lowest liveable level of the home. When radon levels are higher than the average outdoor level 4 picocuries, mitigation is recommended.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Radon is from the decaying of particles beneath the surface of a home or building. It is carried into a home through air movement or the infiltration into the water supply. Testing should be performed at the lowest livable area within the house.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The EPA suggests that every home be tested for radon. Any level of radon above 4 pCi/L should be tested further. If the levels are still higher than 4 pCi/L then actions toward mitigation should be taken. Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer, behind smoking.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the “Radon” article. I learned that Radon is a colorless, odorless, toxic soil gas that can seem into the home. Radon is the leadingcause of lung cancer among non-smokers and 20000 people a year die from lung cancer caused by Radon.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture taken in a crawlspace that had large areas where the vapor barrier had separated. If a radon mitigation system was installed at this house, the vapor barrier should be sealed and overlapping by a minimum of 12 inches.
Research & Writing Assignment:
If you are buying a home, it is recommended that it be tested for radon. If the level of radon is greater than 4 pCi/L, the home needs to be mitigated. Approximately 21,000 deaths in the United States each year are contributed to lung cancer derived from radon exposure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon Testing. Since completing the Advanced Radon Course at the start I was not very interested in the topic but after the course I can see it as beneficial in certain areas of this province. Although I have am not aware of any local companies that do this testing I am going to pursue this further.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
five year old home with full basement slab. This home has extra moisture protection in and around the basement slab, most contractors would not do this in this area but it was my customer request to hopefully negate the occurrence of Radon. This area in Alberta is not prone to radon but when entering the foothills and mountains in Alberta it is a concern due to coulees and water abundance.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This a picture of an electric water heater with corrosion and leakage at both the hot and cold connections and at the TPR valve. The TPR valve is defective. The implications of not replacing this unit could be explosion and injury. Recommend further evaluation and replacement of the water heater/repair all pipe connections by a licensed plumbing contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In viewing the vinyl siding article and as a 20 year home inspector, I have seen many improvements in the siding products and quality over the years. One of the more interesting defects I am finding now is the heat damage from the reflection off of the new energy efficient windows.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a radon fan that is installed on a friends house in Pennsylvania. They have a radon mitigation system installed by a mitigation specialist . This in-line fan was installed on the exterior of the house to create a vaccum to pull the radon gas out of the area underneath their basement slab.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read an interesting article on moving your office out of your home and into a commercial space. There are many benefits to doing this such as increased credibility and the ability for future customers to see your business sign. There is also downsides such as the additional expense.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During a roof inspection, I observed that every gutter tie strap was improperly fastened. These straps are not only not recommended, they are installed improperly. The nails are placed on top of the shingle, some slightly under, yet the tab was bent upwards, some nails pounded to hard causing the underlying shingle to crack. This will cause water damage to the sheathing, fascia, soffit and internal structure of the rafters. Recommend further repair and/or evaluation by a qualified roofing or gutter contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting an item listed in the Standards Of Practice or if you decide to exceed the SOP, you should describe the defect by giving the location if possible. Then define the defect, letting the client know why it is a defect, then direct the client to a solution such as use a qualified contractor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The roofing nails at top of ridge on the garage roof were not sealed with caulk. This could lead to moisture instrusion under the roof membrane and cause moisture damage. Recommend sealing the nails with an exterior roofing sealant to prevent moisture from seeping underneath the asphalt shingles.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In measuring radon in a home, you can measure the amount of radon in the air through two different methods: Short-Term and Long-Term. The short-term method, radon can be measured in 48 hrs to 90 days. The equipment used can be either through passive device or active device equipment. The Long-Term test method takes between 90 days to 12 months. A long-term test is more accurate and provides a home’s year-round average radon level better than a short-term test. In addition to testing the air quality in your home, you can also have your water tested if your home gets water from a well or private ground water source. Radon in water can be mitigated through two different methods: Point-of Entry and Point-of-Use. Point-of-entry treatment can remove radon from the water before it enters your home through either granular activated-carbon (GAC) filters, or aeration devices. Point-of-use treatment devices remove radon from your water at the tap, but only treat a small portion of the water you use. In addition, Point-of-use devices are not effective in preventing radon being released into the air from the different water taps in the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I did covered this during a home inspection. The 4 pvc T was under a layer of 6 mil plastic sheeting. At first I didnt know what it was. The pipe runs up through the floor, is invisible inside walls and runs through the attic and out the roof. There was a sticker on the pipe in the attic saying Radon Gas Vent.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon Gas Why should you test for radon gas? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is simple to test with many testing options. If your home registers 4 pc/l or higher, you should install a mitigation system.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Radon mitigation is the process of removing the radon gas from the lowest point of the structure and directing the air flow with or without the assistance of a fan to a safe discharge area. Radon mitigation systems are typically vented 10 from any windows or normally accessible point of a house.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon is commonly found seeping through the ground layers and surfacing in the lowest point of structures. It can also be found in water. The two most common ways radon can be removed or levels lowered in water are with aeration in which the water is mixed with air and the radon floats up while the water falls down and with a charcoal filtration system where the radon attaches itself to the filter and the clean/er water continues its route to the desired location.
