Foundation-2-Rooftop, Inc.
Article Archives …
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Buyer Beware
NAHI wins Settlement against NACHI
This is the actual Opinion and Order of Paul D. Borman, United States District Judge granting The National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI) enforcement of the settlement with The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Inc.(NACHI.) This order forces NACHI to change their name to InterNACHI. The order clearly puts into perspective the difference in professionalism and quality between the 2 national associations. It really does pay to do your homework when hiring a home inspector.
Children Smoke Alarms
“Children Smoke Alarms ” – This is an alert for parents regarding how ineffective today's smoke alarms are on children ranging from toddlers to teenagers. There is a link to a great video where Channel 7 news out of Boston documented Firefighters' children sleeping through the smoke alarm's loud noise. When they changed the alarms to ones with the parent's recorded voice, the response time of the children waking up dramatically increased. Having one of these child smoke alarms could save your child's life.
Chimneys
“Avoiding A Chimney Fire” – This article provides some interesting fire danger statistics, the stages of creosote, signs of problems that you can look for, and the steps you should take to properly maintain your chimney. The most important factor being always hire a Certified Chimney Sweep from the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
Driveways
"Driveway Creep" - Ever wonder how a driveway can push a house? This article explains what driveway creep is, how to detect it, and how to prevent it.
Electrical
“Knob-n-Tube Wiring” – For those home owners or investors out there that own a home or are contemplating purchasing one built prior to the 1930’s in the Omaha Metro, this article explains the issues that commonly arise with knob-n-tube wiring.
Fall Maintenance Tips
“Home Tips: Fall Maintenance” – This is a checklist of some basic maintenance tips homeowners or investors can do to ensure the safety of their family/tenants and to protect their investment throughout the cold winter months.
HVAC-Boilers
“Steam & Hot Water Boilers” – This article was written from an excellent technical presentation from one of the most highly qualified boiler experts in the Omaha, NE and Council Bluffs, IA area…Harry Taczuk of Air Tech Services, Inc. If you own a home or a commercial property with a steam or hot water boiler, this article is for you!
HVAC-Carrier Settlement
"Carrier Settles Class Action Lawsuits On High Efficiency Furnaces" - This article explains the history behind the class action complaints, the brief synopsis of the US/Canada Settlement Agreement, the approval by Federal Judge Ronald B. Leighton, and a list of the furnace models included in the settlement.
HVAC-Gas Forced Air Furnaces
“A Cracked Heat Exchanger Is Nothing To Ignore” – This article is for the real estate agents, investors, or homebuyers out there contemplating purchasing a property with an older furnace. It explains what a heat exchanger is, how it works, the carbon monoxide dangers if a crack develops, how cracks develop, the types of heat exchanger tests, and the manufacturer warranties on heat exchangers.
HVAC-Geo Thermal Heat Pumps
“Geo Thermal Heat Pumps” – If the investment can be made, these systems are our answer to less dependence on foreign oil. This article describes the history behind geo thermal heat pumps, how they work, comparison to air source heat pump, the initial investment, OPPD discounts, and tax credits.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Homes
“Today’s Concrete Homes” – This article explains what an ICF home is, the many benefits of building an ICF home, and testing by Texas Tech University’s Dr. Ernst Kiesley using the “tornado cannon” on stick built, steel frame, and ICF walls. It’s pretty cool watching a 2x4 obliterate when it shoots into an ICF wall at 100 mph!
Plumbing
“Sewer Lines: Problems, Signs, & Solutions” – For all of the foreclosed homes and bank-owned properties out there that are winterized when potential buyers or investors are contemplating purchasing the properties, this article drives home the point of why you want to have the utilities turned on so the home inspector can thoroughly inspect the property before moving forward with the transaction. This article covers who’s responsible when a sewer line needs to be replaced, the types of sewer lines and common problems, signs to be on the look out for, and the best way to have the sewer line check out.
Siding
“Inspecting Composite Wood Siding” – This article explains the history behind hardboard siding, the resulting claims against the manufacturers, and the defects to look for.
Termites
“Termites: Habits, Inspections, & Treatments” – The title says it all. This article is dedicated to subterranean termites that are prevalent here in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. It will help investors, sellers, and homebuyers understand what they are up against if termites are found.
Water Heaters
“Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant Water Heaters” – Safety is the main reason behind the national change in water heater manufacturing. This brief article explains the design behind the FVIR water heater.
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