Ask The Inspector! |
Q. "My
house has cedar siding and the builder said that cedar does not need any protection
because it breathes."
A. Some woods do breathe (cedar, redwood, and cypress) and are resilient; however, all
woods need protection from the weather and the sun.
There are chemicals that will do a good job protecting wood from the weather however, you
need pigment to protect wood from the sun.
Example: Pentachlorophenol is one chemical that protects wood from the weather.
Stains or paints have pigment and will therefore protect the wood from the ultraviolet
rays of the sun. The darker the stain, the more protection you will have and re-coating
will be less frequent.
Clothes Dryer Maintenance
 Have a dryer work more effectively and safely by cleaning the
exhaust duct every two years. Clean the lint filter after every load is
complete. Excess lint can cause fires. Also, check the outside exhaust hood to
be sure it too is free of lint.
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| Note: This newsletter is for
informational purposes only. When getting involved with a project, please work within your
ability. If you need help with a contractor or with any other home-related issue, please
contact Alban Home Inspection Service with any questions. Thank You. |
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Life Expectancies of
A Home's Interior
These ranges should give you a good idea of average life expectancies of
equipment and materials commonly used in residential housing. They could still vary for a
variety of reasons, including the quality and/or proper application of the equipment
and/or materials.
Ceramic Tile (in tub or
shower wall areas)
Wet bed (cement) or wonder board
backing................................................40 to 90 years
Mastic system (adhesive)......................14 to 20 years
Plaster
Walls...................................................70 to 120 years
Ceilings................................................60 to 90 years
Note: Life expectancy of plaster is altered by the carpentry framing and
the type of plaster lath used.
Drywall (also called sheetrock)
Walls................................................50+years
Ceilings.............................................30+years
Appliances
Refrigerators.......................................10 to 20years
Dishwashers.......................................13 to 18 years
Gas Ranges........................................20 to 35 years
Electric ranges....................................15 to 25 years
Garbage disposal.................................10 to 15 years
Dehumidifiers...................................... 8 to 12 years
Washers & Dryers...............................10 to 20 years |
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Full
Fee Refund Offer if sale doesn't close! |
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