Maryland Home Inspection Blog
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- Written by: Stephen Showalter
Vapor Drive
Vapor drive, a technical term in building construction, refers to the movement of water vapor through various building materials, such as concrete, wood, and insulation. This process significantly impacts a structure's energy efficiency and long-term durability. Therefore, it is critical to consider building design and construction to mitigate concerns such as condensation, elevated humidity, mold growth, and material deterioration.
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- Written by: Stephen Showalter
Where to Start with Mold Investigations and Sampling
We receive calls daily about mold concerns and indoor air quality testing. Many potential clients do not know where to start and have become overwhelmed, led by searching the Internet and getting conflicting information. I will try to explain that indoor air quality tests are like going to the doctor to get a blood test. What are they testing for? The same applies to indoor air quality, including fungi, mycotoxins, VOCs, asbestos, and much more.
Read more: Where to Start with Mold Investigations and Sampling
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- Written by: Stephen Showalter
SIRS, or Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
SIRS, or Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition. A whole-body inflammatory response to an infection or other severe insult characterizes it. SIRS can lead to organ dysfunction and failure if not treated promptly. It is important to seek medical attention.
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- Written by: Stephen Showalter
What is that odor?
Some common calls we get throughout the year are to locate and identify an odor. These can be difficult as many times odors can smell different to different people and some individuals may be more sensitive to certain odors while others can become acclimated to certain odors in their homes. Some odors may be phantom odors and come and go throughout the day due to various conditions such as a change in the weather, the heating and cooling system as well as the clothes dryer and bath vents that can put the house under negative air pressure, and draw in odors.
With multi-family homes adjacent units may contribute to odors from cooking, smoking, and other odors that could cross-contaminate or affect adjacent units. We had one client contact us and it ended up being rotting food in a cooler. Many times, it is an adventure trying to locate and identify the sources of these nuisance odors.
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- Written by: Stephen Showalter
The Home Inspectors guide to Preventive Maintenance
Years ago, I wrote and published a book called, "The Home Inspectors Guide to Preventive Maintenance". As a home inspector for over 35 years, I have always felt part of my job is to educate the future homeowner about not only the property condition but also potential life expectancies and maintenance. To me, an educated homeowner becomes empowered to not only maintain their home but also aid in hiring contractors for repairs, updating, and future projects. These are some abbreviated considerations to be aware of.
Read more: The Home Inspectors guide to Preventive Maintenance
- Asbestos Risks and Concerns
- Mold is not always in your home!
- Post Settlement Inspections
- Mold Prevention in Buildings
- Historic homes or hysterical homes
- Gotta Love a Flip
- Pre-drywall Inspections
- Five significant inspection concerns
- High winds and heat loss.
- Five significant home inspection concerns
- What is a home inspection and how to get the most from one?
- Zinsco electrical panels safety hazard in your home
- Aluminum solid strand branch wiring, fire hazard
- Polybutylene Plumbing what is it?
- Preparing For a Home Inspection
- Is your water heater a safety hazard and an energy hog?
