May 2018 - Advanced Infrared Home Inspections, Omaha NE

Home Inspection – Infrared/Thermal Imaging Home Inspection

Home Inspection – Infrared/Thermal Imaging Home Inspection

As with any new technology, infrared or thermal imaging technology may not always be viewed as the latest/greatest new gadget to be introduced to a particular industry. Some will perceive thermal imaging as nothing more than scientific hype and not as a device which can be an effective part of a home’s inspection. No, it does not provide you with ex-ray vision into or through the surfaces of walls, crawl spaces, roofs, basements, etc.

So, what can it do for the home inspector? In the home inspection business thermal imaging inspection provides both the homeowner and the home inspector the ability to view variances of temperature on different surfaces. Infrared/thermal imaging provides the home inspector with the ability to look beyond physical elements. Some homes may appear immaculate on the surface of an inspection – ceilings have no stains, no bubbling, no indication of problems of any kind. The infrared/thermal imaging camera can be used effectively to tell the home inspector and future home owner if water infiltration is occurring in the walls or insulation at the time of inspection. If water infiltration is detected, the home inspector can then further test with a moisture meter to see the extent of that infiltration.

Infrared Camera

How does a thermal imaging camera work? Thermography uses specially designed infrared video or still cameras to make images (called thermograms) that show surface heat variations. Images record the temperature variations of the surface ranging from white for warm regions to black for cooler areas. All materials on earth emit heat energy in the infrared portion of the spectrum. The thermographic, or infrared image, allows the user to reveal anomalies in electrical, mechanical, plumbing and waterproofing systems. Those abnormalities can then be further investigated through equipment like a moisture meter to analyze the extent of the anomaly.

Examples of Infrared Inspection

What information can be gained using the infrared/thermal imaging camera?
1. Missing or damaged insulation
2. Faulty electrical-mechanical and HVAC systems and components
3. Leaking roofs – can look for missing or moisture soaked insulation.
4. Construction defects – identifying water intrusion in areas where flashing or sealants were not properly installed or are inadequate.

At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections uses the latest technology to assess every detail of the homes systems. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we also have the unique ability, through Infrared/Thermal Cameras, to inspect and photograph anomalies which may occur in your home. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.

Home Inspection – Radon Inspection

Home Inspection – Radon Inspection

How Radon Enters Your Home

Let’s begin with what Radon is. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert radioactive gas. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. It can be found in all 50 states. Why is Radon a problem? The problem occurs when radon gas enters your home and gets trapped within it. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VI) Report, “The Health Effects of Exposure to Indoor Radon.” The study reviewed and evaluated data from many prior studies and drew conclusions. It fully supports estimates by the EPA that radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Though some people debate the number of deaths, it is widely agreed that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Only smoking causes more cases of lung cancer.

Highest Levels in Nebraska by County

Radon Concentrations by County in Nebraska

Generalized Geologic Radon Potential of the United States

So, how does Radon gas enter your home and create this exposure? Radon gas moves from the soil your home was built upon and seeps into your home through pores in concrete, gaps in walls and floors, your opening in your sump pump basin, etc. It is important to note that any house of any age is susceptible to radon gas – a new home just built or a home 100-years-old. It should be noted that one out of every fifteen U.S. homes have a radon problem. The only way to know what your home’s Radon level is is to test it.
According to the EPA and the Surgeon General testing of all homes below the third floor is recommended. The purpose is to identify the need for mitigation or reducing the radon level found in homes. Ideally, the test should be conducted in a regularly used room on the lowest level of the home, such as the living room, playroom, den, or bedroom. While testing, do not disturb the device being used to take the radon sample. Keep in mind that high humidity and drafty conditions can bias the results from some test devices.

Radon Test Kit

EPA recommends that you hire a qualified professional to test for radon when you are buying or selling a home. Some states, including Nebraska, require radon measurement testers to follow a specific testing protocol. If you hire a contractor to test your residence, protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company.

4 picoCuries per liter or higher

What should you do if you find high levels of radon in your home? If you discover levels of 4 picoCuries per liter or higher, the EPA recommends doing a second radon test. Once you discover levels that are at or above 4 picoCuries per liter mitigation should be considered. Mitigation will either require an active or a passive system that will vent the radon of your home. Active systems will require a fan to move the gas from the home. Passive systems do not require a fan but will require a vent system to allow the gas to escape from the home through the vent system.

Passive Radon System

Mitigation

The EPA provides more information about health effects from radon in their publication, A Physician’s Guide to Radon, as well as their booklet Reducing the Risk From Radon: Information and Interventions (A Guide for Health Care Providers).
For More Information:
• National Radon Hotline: Purchase radon test kits by phone.
1 (800) SOS-RADON (767-7236)

• National Radon Helpline: Get live help for your radon questions.
1 (800) 55-RADON (557-2366)

• National Radon Fix-It Line: For general information on fixing or reducing the radon level in your home.
1 (800) 644-6999

• Living Healthy and Green Hotline
1 (866) 730-4733

• National Radon Hotline En Español
1 (866) 528-3187

At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections uses the latest technology to assess every detail of the homes systems. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we also offer Radon Inspection to the prospective home owner at an additional fee for testing. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.

Home Inspection – The Roof

Roof Inspection

In assessing costs of becoming a homeowner, the cost of replacing a roof will be one of the greatest expenses you will have. For that very reason it is critical that you get a roof inspection on the home you are wanting to purchase. It is also critical that you as the future homeowner do some research on the roof on the home also. Questions that you need to have answered are:
1. What type of roof is on the home? Most roofs in Nebraska will have asphalt or composition roofing shingles.
2. How old is the roof? The age of the roof is not a defining element on how good it is. Some asphalt shingles are made to last longer than others, while wood shake roofs have shorter lifespans than asphalt shingles.

3. What is the overall condition of the roof? It is critical that you have the roof inspected. There are several questions that you will want to have answered including:
a. Are there any loose, broken or missing shingles, tiles, or shakes?
b. Are there any blistered, curled or split shingles or dark patches?
c. Are there large amounts of granules from the shingles in the rain gutters?
d. Is the flashing loose, missing or corroded?
e. Are there broken or loose shingles at the ridge and hip lines?
i. A home inspector can answer all of these questions through their inspection.
4. Has the current owner made any roof repairs? As with any system of the home it is important to know the condition of the roof, appliance, etc. and what repairs have been made, when, and why. If there was storm damage to the roof, make sure you know the damage, if the roof was supposed to be replaced and if it was by what roofer and what products were applied. If a new roof was installed be sure to ask if the warranty on the materials used is transferrable.

5. Are there visible signs of the roof leaking? A home inspector will be able to help you assess this. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections offers infrared inspection, which will look for damage through state of the art inspection equipment. As the future homebuyer you can also check for visible signs in closets and on the ceiling.

Remember, getting the roof inspected by a professional home inspector and doing your roof research will cost you less now than paying for a roof you didn’t plan on replacing. Keep in mind that different professionals in the roofing world will look at your roof for different reasons.
1. Home Inspectors – a home inspector is looking at the installation practices, age and condition of the roofing materials, flashings, vents, chimneys, skylights, etc. The Home Inspector will report on the condition of the roof and its components at the time of the inspection. The home inspector will typically mention the job that the roof is doing for the home and what the probability of replacement is in the near or distant future.
2. Insurance Adjuster – an insurance adjuster is looking for damage to the roof surface, evidence of failure of the roof covering, and the remaining lifespan of the roof. It is their job to evaluate the risk that roof represents for the future. An insurance adjuster may not recommend that your insurance company will provide coverage because the roof will need replacement in 5-6 years.
3. Roofing Contractor – the roofing contractors job is to sell you a roof.

As the future homeowner you have the right to ask for more opinions of the condition of the roof before you buy the home, after all it will be one of the greatest expenses you will have if it needs to be replaced.

At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections uses the latest technology to assess every detail of the homes systems. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we also have the unique ability, through Drone equipped HD Cameras, to inspect and photograph roof components. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.

What to Look for in a Home Inspector

What to Look for in a Home Inspector

Let’s begin with the statement, Every Home Should Be Inspected! As a future home buyer, you may be tempted to by-pass the home inspection to save yourself $300-$600. The reality is, that is a very small investment when you look at the overall picture. Consider the cost of a roof that needs to be replaced, a hot water heater that is not working properly, a furnace that does not properly function, issues with a sewage pipe, etc. In all reality you as the future home buyer may not catch many of the potential issues of the home you are looking at, the seller may not be aware of some of the issues or their initial inspector may have missed some items. As the future buyer it is always a wise investment to find the home inspector who will be thorough and give you the best picture of the home you are wanting to invest in. With that said remember, a cheap home inspector is not the best choice either. Your home purchase is an investment that will cost you thousands of dollars. A thorough and professional home inspection is what is necessary to help you make a sound decision on the purchase of the home.

So how do you know what home inspector will provide you with the best assessment? Your real-estate agent may suggest home inspectors. This is a good place to start. Take time to review websites, call potential inspectors and talk to them, check reviews, check with mortgage companies, family members and friends. With that said there are several considerations which you will want to make. Let’s begin with important questions to ask when looking for your home inspector.

1. What professional group do you belong to? Keep in mind that just because they belong to a professional group does not mean that they are quality inspectors. Ask further questions about:
a. Experience and Certifications. How long has the inspector been in business? How many inspections have they done? Is this their full-time job? What other background experience do they have that provides them with the knowledge that is necessary to do a quality inspection? A home inspector who has had a background in home building will have a better idea of what to look for and how to access the overall quality of the home.
b. What leading technology is your home inspection service using?

2. Ask what will be included in the home inspection. A typical home inspection will take 2 – 3 hours. The amount of time will depend upon the square footage of your home and the age of the home.

3. Ask what will NOT be included in the home inspection. A solid roof inspection may not be possible if there is snow on the roof or if it is wet or raining. Also keep in mind that radon and mold inspection may be offered as an additional cost. Several areas in the United States, as well as Nebraska, have high radon levels. You owe it to the safety of your family to protect them if that is a possibility. Remember, your home inspector does not have a crystal ball that will look into the future and tell you what will happen to the water heater, dish washer, or any other major system of the home in six months, one year, or five years from now. Be sure you have also done your homework and know when the roof was replaced and what storms have been in the area the last few years; how old the major appliances and utilities of the home are (example water heater, furnace, air conditioner, etc.), what service and repair has been done to it and how long you can expect them to potentially last.

4. Ask what licenses and insurance they have. Keep in mind that not all states and cities require either.

5. What type of inspection report do they offer? Most home inspectors will provide a report within 24 hours. Be sure that the report they offer meets the requirements of your lender as well as your own needs. Look for a report that will:
a. Describe the facts of the inspection
b. Disclose the situation or problem of the home system
c. Direct or analyze potential recommendations

6. How will the report be reviewed with me, the home buyer? Be sure the home inspector will review the report with you so you have a complete picture of the various home systems that were inspected and what the potential issues are. This provides you the opportunity to also ask questions about what was reviewed and what the exact problem may be.

7. Can I attend the inspection? A refusal to allow you, the potential homeowner, to do so is a definite red flag.

As I stated earlier cost should not determine the inspector that you hire. Cost becomes a determining factor ONLY when you have found two inspectors who are both equally qualified and will provide you with the type of inspection you not only want but need. Remember the statement, you get what you pay for. Find the home inspector that will provide you with a complete evaluation of your potential home investment. A quality home inspection will give you the information you need to make a sound evaluation on whether to move forward on the purchase of your home or negotiate with the seller.

At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections uses the latest technology to assess every detail of the homes systems. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we also have the unique ability, through Drone equipped HD Cameras, to inspect and photograph roof components. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.

Inspecting More
Than Meets The Eye

402.699.9666