| Vol.
7, No. 5 |
From the desk of ...
Arthur S. Lazerow |
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Mold problems in a home, or at least people’s
awareness of this issue, have become a significant nationwide
environmental concern. Newspaper, magazine, and television
stories report how mold contamination can cause both severe
structural damage to a home an also long-lasting and seri-ous
illness to family members. Since mold spores
can be found almost nywhere, the trigger to mold contamination
is moisture in the home. The article on the reverse of
this month’s newslet-ter discusses this more fully.
Alban inspectors have been trained and equipped
to perform mold investigations and mold testing. The first
step is to interview the family and then to inspect the
interior and exterior of the home, seeking the following
“red flags”, which indicate the need for mold
testing:
1. Visible mold growth
2. Family members with allergies, other illness, or sensitivity
to mold or mildew.
3. Musty odor in the home
4. Evidence of past or present water infiltration. Condition
that could promote water infiltration
5. Construction defect, plumbing problems, or leaking
drains
6. Carpet in direct contact with concrete If “red
flags” exist, testing is performed, which consists
of (1) direct sampling of visible mold to
identify specie, and (2) air and carpet vacuum pump sampling
to show mold contamination,
degree and specie. This can be done during the home inspection
or by appointment.
Alban’s inspectors are available for
consultation
without charge, and for mold investigations and testing.
Please call Alban as mold infestation or moisture problems
arise.
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573 Lancaster Place
Frederick, Maryland 21702
Metro 1-800-822-7200
301-662-6565 |
Full Fee Refund
IF SALE DOESN'T CLOSE |
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Preventing
CO Poisoning
With Annual Maintenance |
| A
simple maintenance plan and monthly check-up can help prevent
this silent and odorless killer. |
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There’s no doubt about it: an annual
heating system inspection and follow-up maintenance
is essential to the prevention of carbon monoxide
poisoning. Many agencies, including the US Consumer
Product Safety Commission, the US Environmental
Protection Agency, the National Fire Prevention
Association and the American Lung Association,
now encourage the regular maintenance of home
heating systems and chimneys in order to keep
“the silent killer” at bay. A well-tuned furnace
or boiler, when connected to the properly-sized
venting system or flue, will operate efficiently
and keep the home warm, comfortable and safe.
Of course, the flue or venting system must be
structurally sound, clean and free of blockages.
Homeowners should contract for an annual inspection
to insure these condi-tions.
Carbon monoxide detectors are another “must have”
for the home today. These are readily available
in most large retail stores and hardware stores,
and they’re affordable, so every home should have
at least two. One should be mounted near the furnace,
and the other near the family sleeping area. Although
carbon monox-ide detectors have been lifesavers,
they are not a substitute for routine maintenance.
Homeowners should remember that detectors point
out a problem; mainte-nance can avoid the problem
to begin with. Another good maintenance tip is
to have a qualified technician service your furnace
at least once a year. Also have chimneys checked
annually by a C.S.I.A. Certified chimney sweep,
who can clean the chimney or repair it as needed.
Considering the benefits of a well-maintained
heating system - and the risks involved when systems
are neglected - the smart home-owner would consider
such inspections a sound investment.
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