by Tom Francis | Feb 9, 2015 | Home Repair Tips
Importance of Proper Roof Water Drainage Proper roof water drainage is very important in building maintenance. Even if the grade around a home is correct, the water running off the roof can wreak havoc on the foundation. Depending on the amount of soffit overhang, the...
by Tom Francis | Feb 7, 2015 | Home Repair Tips
If water runs towards or pools next to your house’s foundation walls you likely have some house grading issues. Water tends to run downhill, on the top of the ground as well as below the surface. When a home is placed on a lot, consideration should be given to...
by Tom Francis | Jan 19, 2015 | Radon Testing
For doing your own radon test this is my number one recommendation, in most cases. The Pro Series III Radon Gas Detector, by Safety Siren is EPA approved and designed for the homeowner. Just plug it in and this multifunctional detector continually monitors the radon...
by Tom Francis | May 20, 2014 | Home Safety Tips
What is asbestos? Amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite are the six minerals grouped together and collectively named asbestos. These minerals occur naturally in the environment and are mined for their unique characteristics....
by Tom Francis | Apr 9, 2014 | Structural Defects
Adjustable “split” jack posts or “split” steel columns are improperly used in many homes in New York and are a structural defect. When any of these split type or telescopic adjustable post or columns are installed with the intention of permanent use for the support of...
by Tom Francis | Apr 3, 2014 | Radon Testing
Measured Basement Screening Radon Levels by Town – October 2012 The document Measured Basement Screening Radon Levels by Town – October 2012 is available in Portable Document Format (PDF, 99KB, 19pg.) The average New York radon in your town is given by...
by Tom Francis | Apr 3, 2014 | Radon Testing
Radon levels and radon test results in homes can vary greatly for many reasons. There are more than a few situations when re-testing for radon is recommended and warranted. Even if your radon test has comes back low- below 4 pCi/L or really low- below 2 pCi/L. Below...
by Tom Francis | Apr 1, 2014 | Home Repair Tips
What’s the problem with composite siding? Many types of composite siding will become defective or deteriorate prematurely due to lack of or poor maintenance just like real wood. Composite siding is also known to develop problems due to manufacture defects, which...
by Tom Francis | Mar 31, 2014 | About Radon Mitigation
When it comes to radon vent pipe clearances it can be confusing what is and what’s not allowed, what’s safe and what is not. Looking at radon mitigation systems in central New York you will see a wide range of installation methods including the location of...
by Tom Francis | Mar 18, 2014 | Home Buying Tips
Once you narrow down your home inspector search to a list of names, its time to make calls and conduct some interviews. Conducting an interview is the best way to determine if a home inspector has what your are looking for. Following are some tips and questions for...
