Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were manufactured from the mid 1950′s to the early 1980′s and were widely-distributed throughout the United States. For years, fraudulent manufacturing & labeling, house fires, and injuries have been attributed to this product. Independent testing has confirmed that FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers fail to trip, at times as much as 70-80 percent of the time, posing a serious fire and shock hazard. FPE Stab-Lok panels were installed in millions of homes.

In addition to the failure of the circuit breakers to protect against dangerous over-current, switching an FPE Stab-Lok breaker to the “off” position may leave the breaker “on” internally, risking serious or fatal electrical shock. The breakers also have a tendency to become loose at their connection to the bus bar causing arcing and overheating which can only be seen by removing the breaker.

Given these facts Federal Pacific electric panels are considered a fire and shock hazard risk. Complete replacement of the equipment, in the interest of occupant safety, is advised.

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Aluminum Wiring

Between 1965 and 1972, approximately 2 million homes were constructed with aluminum wiring. The wiring that is of major concern is the single strand solid aluminum wiring, connected to the smaller branch circuits supplying receptacles, switches, lights, and appliances such as dishwashers, furnaces, etc. Corrosion of the metals in the connection, particularly the aluminum wire itself, causes increased resistance to the flow of electric current and that resistance causes overheating. Most modern homes have some aluminum wiring, including the main service wires, and the heavier 240 volt circuits that feed other major appliances, such as ranges and air conditioners. The higher voltage wiring does not present the same risk as 15, 20 and 30 amp circuit wiring.

    Signs of trouble in aluminum wire circuitry include:

Cover plates on outlets or switches that are warm-to-the-touch.

Circuits that do not work, or work intermittently.

Flickering lights.

The smell of burning plastic at outlets, switches, or lighting.

Smoking outlets, switches, or lighting.

Tripping circuit breakers, for no apparent reason.

   Unfortunately, not all failing aluminum wired connections provide such easily detected warning signs, as they can fail without any prior indications or problems

How to Correct the issue?

One — complete replacement of the system — is typically too expensive for many homeowners, as it can cost $8,000 or more. The other is to replace every connection in every outlet, switch and junction box with a copper pigtail using a special Copalum connection — a short piece of copper wire is bonded to the aluminum wire using a tool designed specifically for the task. The copper wire makes the connection.

But the problem is that only electricians trained by the Copalum manufacturer, Tyco Electronics, can rent the special tool necessary for installation. So it may be difficult to find an electrician to make a Copalum repair

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Between the holiday expenses, colder temperatures and tight budgets, finding ways to reduce costs can be a bit of a challenge. If you’re looking for ways to save, look at your home, and see if you can improve on your energy efficiency – thereby keeping a few extra dollars in your pocket.

* Program the temperature. You already know that the lower you set the thermometer in winter, the less your furnace will work. Having the temperature set in the low 60s when out and about makes perfect sense. But when you are home, setting the temps a bit higher will help keep you comfortable. Instead of continuously running back and forth to the thermostat to constantly keep readjusting the temperature, install a programmable thermostat and preset the times you want the temps lower or higher.

* Clean your heating and cooling system. To help your furnace operate better, hire a qualified company to clean the ducts, blower, cooling coils and heat exchanger. To find someone certified contact NADCA – the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association. NADCA recommends homeowners clean their heating and cooling systems annually, because dust and pollen build up on your ducts, and then recirculate through your home. This buildup of dirt prevents your furnace from efficiently running, making it work harder and run longer to maintain the temperature you set.

“A clean heating and cooling system helps to increase the airflow through your furnace, which in turn helps to make your home more comfortable,” says Matt Mongiello, president of NADCA. “And when you combine a clean system with controlled temperatures, you’ll notice the savings on your utility bills.”

* Wash clothes in cold water. Every household processes about 400 loads of laundry per year, according to the California Energy Commission , making your washer one of the biggest water consuming products in your house. To help save on energy, wash your clothes only in cold water so you don’t have to spend money using the water heater. And make sure you only process full loads to help conserve the number of loads you run and water you use. Additional energy savings can be found by line drying your clothes, or running them through the dryer for half the time, and then air drying them the rest of the time. Across most of the country, humidity levels tend to be lower during the winter months, which helps to speed up the clothes drying process.

* Unplug appliances. The amount of electricity consumed in your home often can easily be reduced by just unplugging and turning off items. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, 5 percent of residential energy use in the U.S. is used when appliances are in the off position. Consider unplugging smaller appliances such as your microwave, cellphone charger, coffee maker and desktop computer which can continue to consume energy, even when you’re not using them. If the appliance has a clock, or electrical display of some sort, electricity is needed to keep those items illuminated. If it’s a hassle to unplug these items after each and every use, consider putting them on a power strip, so you can quickly and easily flip the switch on and off when you need to use the appliances.

Tightening down on your energy usage can help you save a couple of dollars here and there, and also keep you more comfortable in your home. So sit back and relax in your home and enjoy the winter season.

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Filling cracks and holes as a preventive maintenance can significantly prolong the life of your driveway.

Asphalt Drive Maintenance/Repair

Here a few things you can do,

First thoroughly clean your driveway

Using a quality solvent, remove all dirt and oil from surface and be sure cracks are completely dry and free of debris before filling. The use of a high pressure water or air hose can be helpful for initial cleaning and a shop/vac for cleaning debris from cracks is very useful.

Small cracks less than 1/2 inch wide are normally sealed with a quality rubberized filler that can be purchased at most local hardware stores and is applied with a caulking gun. Read and follow manufactures instructions.

Wider cracks or sinkholes are usually repaired with, a cold-patch. Again, purchased at most local hardware stores, following preparation and installation instructions is very important!

Next Apply Sealer/Filler

Both coal tar and asphalt-based products are available at most hardware stores. You normally get what you pay for and a higher quality sealant is normally worth the difference. Manufactures application instruction are posted on the containers and should be closely followed for best results.

Most asphalt driveways only need to be sealed about every three years or when the asphalt begins graying indicating that the surface is losing the aggregate binder in the asphalt

Your licensed home inspector will call out driveway cracking  in his real estate inspection report.  Certainty serves the Jeffersonville,  New Albany, Seymour, Bedford,  Southern Indiana  and Louisville Kentucky area for your real estate inspection needs.

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Repairing driveway cracks is important to prevent moisture from entering the cracks and causing further damage.  Fixing driveway cracking  also increases the “curb appeal”.  Before starting the repair, check the area around your driveway looking for the cause of the crack.  Growing tree roots, impacts and heavy objects sitting on the driveway may be the cause.  Standing water is the most common cause of driveway cracks because water gradually seeps into the concrete, expanding and contracting with temperature changes.  First, clean the crack so that the surface of the driveway can bond with the repair materials.  Break off any loose concrete with a screw driver of chisel without making the crack larger.  After cleaning the crack remove any other debris with a wire brush, air compressor, or shop vac.  Small cracks use a textured caulk, concrete sealer, or pourable grout specifically for concrete.  With concrete sealer or grout, wet the surface lightly with water.  With caulk, apply to a dry surface..  Fill the crack and use a pointing trowel to push the product into the crack.  When using caulk be sure to slightly over fill the crack to allow for shrinkage after drying.  If the crack is over 1/2 inch wide then it may be wise to seek a professional’s opinion.  The supplies you need can be found at your local home improvement stores.  Need a home inspector in the Jeffersonville Indiana area then Certainty Home Inspections a call at 866-417-9591.

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After a period of time it may become necessary for you to re-caulk around the windows of your home. Often times the sun will take its toll and cause cracking and separation of the caulk surrounding your windows. When the caulk pulls apart or cracks this will allow water to penetrate into the window are. Caulk forms a seal for cracks that is flexible. Caulk is recommended on cracks or joints that are less than ¼ of an inch. Caulking varys in strength, properties, and prices but can be used for several repairs around the house. Use caulking around bathtubs, wall trim, windows, and doors. Caulking helps to seal out cold air and it can even help with water damage when used around windows. Water-based caulk can be cleaned with water, while solvent-based compounds require a solvent for cleanup.

Be sure to use the appropriate caulk depending on the job you are performing since there are many types of caulk to choose from. First, decide if you want to use water or solvent based caulk, then decide the kind of caulk you’ll use such as, silicone, painters, latex, kitchen and bath, asphalt or rubber. If in doubt, ask your local home improvement store what would be best. The best time to apply caulk is during dry weather when the outdoor temperature is above 45°F (7.2°C). Low humidity is important during application to prevent cracks from swelling with moisture. Warm temperatures are also necessary so the caulk will set properly and adhere to the surface.

When caulking around the home be sure to follow these tips:

1. Clean all areas that will need to be caulked. Remove any old caulk using a putty knife and make sure to dry the area well.
2. Hold the gun at a 45 degree angle so that when squeezing the caulk it goes into the crack
3. Try to caulk in one continuous line without any breaks or stops
4. Be careful to use enough caulk do not try to be skimpy with what you use.
5. Make sure the caulk is sticking as you apply it to create a nice line of caulk
6. Let go of the trigger before pulling the gun away to avoid excess caulk
7. If the caulk shrinks, reapply it or if it comes out, take a putty knife and push it back into the crack or joint.

You will need approximately ½ a tub of caulk per window plus a caulk gun to perform this maintenance.

We are home inspectors for the following cities:

Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Seymour, New Albany, Bedford, Charlestown, Sellersburg and other southern Indiana and also, Jefferson county in Kentucky.

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When walking a roof surface, one of the items we are looking for is a cracked boot commonly known as a neoprene roof boot. The neoprene is a flexible rubber like material that is found to be dependable for a period of about 7-8 years. The suns UV rays and heat can cause premature cracking of this boot. Once this boot becomes cracked water can filter into the house, causing leaks to need attention. If left unattended, these leaks can lead to mold, weakened roofs and ceiling damage. Typically boots will last about half the life span of the asphalt shingles you use and roofers will often suggest you replace the boot at least once during the life expectancy of the shingled roof. Commonly, roof boots will get the majority of their wear and tear on the south side of the house and on the south side of the boot. On occasion, if the crack is not too significant, you can use tar to patch for a short period of time until further repairs can be made and the roof boot be properly replaced. If one boot becomes cracked, you may consider checking and replacing all if needed, and possibly reduce the costs of replacing just one at a time.

As Clarksville Indiana Home Inspectors,we perform home inspections in several counties in Indiana where it is very common to see cracked boots throughout an Indiana home inspection.

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Do your door knobs close and open the way they should?   Change the door knob, it may be that simple.

We enter and exit our doors several times every day and it’s typical for the doorknobs to become worn out and require to get exchanged.Take a moment to stop and look at the number of times your doors get closed and opened each day.Most people have the necessary ability to remove and replace the door knobs within their home using a screwdriver and some patience; here is some information about how to help make your doors close and open efficiently.

The type of door knob you may need depending on whether or not they are to be used on an exterior door or an interior door.

Outside doorknobs is going to generally be a heavier duty kind doorknob with a heavy duty lock. If you replace the exterior door knob you are normally have a deadbolt lock that needs to be replaced whenever you change your door lock in order to have matching keys for both locks.

Inside doors use a simple doorknob and are available in two typical sizes; 2-3/8 inches and also 2-3/4 inch. How you can figure out which size the door has would be to measure from the sharp edge of your door to the center of the door knob. If you buy a replacement door knob be sure it will match up with your door size.

To remove the current doorknob use the proper kind of screwdriver and take the two screws out completely. Tug on the knobs from each direction and the door knobs should come a part on either side.

To take out the latch extract the pair of screws on the door edge as well as the face plate as well as latching mechanism will pull out. Now remove the strike plate from the door facing by taking out the 2 screws which have been holding it in position.

Now that you are well prepared to get going with your installation; for those who selected an adjustable doorknob make sure it is set in the appropriate setting.

You need to install the latch 1st; slide it through the small opening ensuring it does not bind up and screw it back into place. Simply somewhat snug your anchoring screws, this tends to let you shift it around a bit to get the knob assembly to work a little more smoothly, you can tighten all of them later on.

Now you have everything prepared to slide the doorknob assembly directly onto place, put the side in first that receives the anchoring screws, the actual spindle will have to go all the way through the latching assembly and as well as fit through the opening accurately.

While you’re holding it just barely rotate the knob back and forth, this allows you realize you have it in the right way.

At this time slide the opposite knob assembly directly into place and begin the screw in correctly. Once more; just sung the screws and make sure the doorknob works freely.

At this point place the strike plate located on the door facing simply by being certain that it fits in the slot accurately and installing the screws.

Slowly and gradually examine the door to make any necessary modifications.

Straightforward work saving tip; Make sure you turn any locking mechanisms along with the latch the proper direction initially, you can certainly insert them in facing the wrong direction, then you will have to re-do your work.

For more information on tips to maintaining your home visit our Home Maintenance & Safety section on our website.  Certainty Home Inspections has three licensed home inspectors serving the Louisville Kentucky area and Southern Indiana area including Jeffersonville, New Albany, Seymour, Bedford,  Sellersburg, Charlestown and Clarksville Indiana.  We provide several services including septic, termite, mold, radon and well water testing.  We also perform Indiana Housing and Rural Development loan inspections.  Call us today to book your next inspection 866-417-9591.

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Here are 21 Home owner painting tips for painting the inside of your home

Painting within of your home may be a very rewarding job; sometimes just getting started may be the most difficult. Nowadays there are many different types and colors of paint to select from merely getting all your paint together may very well be overwhelming.

There are many items to consider regarding the different varieties of paint to choose from. Below is a list and limited explanation to assist you to select what kind will be the best for your project.

1.       Flat or matte finish paint doesn’t necessarily reflect lighting and it’s always the best option to disguise bumps and damage on a wall

2.       Eggshell paints happen to be getting more popular because of the lower shine and durability, these kind of paints can be utilized for a wall paint in any room or living area and perform very well

3.       Satin finish paint features a gentle velvety consistency as well as a slight gloss; it actually is used for wall surface painting as well as trim paint. Satin paint is a wonderful choice when the smooth texture and consistency is actually needed and a little more resilience is required within a bathroom or kitchen

4.       Semi-gloss paint is a shiny long lasting paint normally utilized in kitchen areas and bathrooms; they’re particularly long lasting as well as quite simply wiped clean however the surfaces may show any existing blemishes

5.       High Gloss paints will often be used for cabinets and trim any time a very heavy-duty slick brilliant surface finish is sought after. Another typical use with regard to high gloss paint is for the metal trim or railings.

6.       Ceiling paint, this really is relatively self-explanatory; these types of paints do not cover or wear very well and are specially designed to be applied on your ceilings

7.       Get yourself ready, old clothing, simply no jewelry, older cap and cotton gloves. Making use of throw-away clothes and keeping all of the paint away from your hair is definitely easy enough, and yes put on cloth work gloves; I was taught this approach by a certified painter and the idea works very good

8.       Have all brushes, rollers and roller extension handles, tray, masking tape, enough paint, drop cloths; getting prepared at the beginning permits you to begin and finish without stopping and have to make a visit to your home improvement center

9.       Move all of the furnishings out of the room or space if possible

10.   Remove all of the hardware and outlet covers you can within the room or living area; Never forget Safety First! Zip-lock style plastic bags works out very well at keeping everything together and it is a good time to clean all the pieces

11.   Wash all the walls down, thoroughly cleaned surfaces paint best and also look and feel better when you are done

12.   Fill holes and / or cracks and any nail pops using latex caulk and / or spackling

13.   Do not use silicone type caulk

14.   Sand the wall evenly in case there are actually numerous problems

15.   Tape along the trim as well as along your ceiling that you simply desire to protect; sharp clean intersections help make a paint job look really good

16.   Thin coats are always far better than thick coats regardless what sort of paint you choose

17.   While you are purchasing your paint a very good general guideline is normally: one gallon of paint will cover 400 Square feet of wall space

18.   It is best to paint starting at the top and working down, start with the ceiling then you should paint your wall space

19.   Generally try to maintain a wet edge while you paint, what this means is if you let an edging to dry and begin in the center of the wall it will certainly develop a line which you can notice.

20.   Always maintain enough paint on the roller so that you will keep a consistent even surface.

For a 48 hour walk through check listclick here

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8 WATER TIPS

FOR WATER SAVINGS

Everyone knows the reasons to save energy and money, but most individuals don’t realize the amount of water we all use every day. It is possible to take it for granted but there is however an expense linked with using water, especially hot water.

Your daily life style accounts for plenty of waste and if you are willing to take enough time to improve a number of habits and simply getting a grasp on a few simple facts your family will enjoy a difference in your power bills.

If you will only cut back on a modest amount of water daily it will increase throughout the year into a great deal of direct personal savings and some indirect financial savings.

Here’s a listing of simple things you can do to conserve water, electricity and money with a small amount of effort

1.       Fix any leaky pipes and / or faucets; any faucet leaking a single drop of water every second may easily waste 2700 gallons each year. How much cash is that; particularly if you are wasting hot water?

2.       Ensure that all your toilets are not leaking; you may glance on the inside to see if a little trickle of water is running inside of the bowl, often it creates a little discoloration. You can place a little bit of food color to your tank water and wait around one or two minutes to figure out if some of the colored water makes it inside the bowl. Switch out the flapper valve if it’s leaking.

3.       Program the high temperature on your water heater at one hundred twenty-five degrees; you will definitely save money by simply sustaining the lower water temperature within the water tank

4.       Think about speedy showers; taking a brief shower rather than a bath or just standing and soaking inside the shower for a long time of time can help to conserve as much as twenty gallons of water daily

5.       Turn the water off when you’re shaving or brushing your teeth; just doing this can help to conserve up to 5 gallons of water every single day

6.       If you decide to change an old toilet which was manufactured before 1994 with a newer model it will consume about 50% less water

7.       Launder full loads of clothing; if you have to launder smaller sized loads of laundry make sure you start using the correct setting for your washer

8.       If you live in a rural area and have a well for water as well as a septic tank utilizing a lesser amount of water has even more benefits; a well pump motor will have considerably less wear, even use considerably less electricity and continue working longer and have considerably less water going into the septic system.

Our Indiana home inspection provides an examination of the homes plumbing system and reports on any visual issues found at the time of the inspection.  Need a home inspection in Indiana or Louisville Kentucky give us a call today or book your home inspection here.

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