Today, Reuben and Tessa touch on some key points about radon. 

Reuben discusses what radon is, and addresses the biggest arguments about testing, and myths about it. He mentions that health authorities have claimed that radon is a silent killer that causes lung cancer. 

They talk about the statistics of radon elevation, as well as the normal and acceptable levels and standards in the US vs Canada and other countries. Reuben also talks about the Radon Disclosure Act which is a requirement when selling and buying houses.  Tessa adds that the requirement to install radon mitigation systems is not based on their effects on people

Reuben shares about a self-testing kit that is available at mn.radon.com. 

Today is part 4 of the Window Replacement series. Today we're gonna talk about the big three window manufacturers.

Ryan Carey first talks about a Minnesota company, Andersen, which is a more popular brand. He discusses the type of windows that Anderson makes: the 400 and 100 series, the regular, and the Renewal products.

They talk about direct competition, Marvin, and why they have exclusive contractors that install windows. He also discusses the window options from the flagship brand Infinity, Integrity, Elevate, and Essentials series. Then they talked about an innovative company, Pella. He highlights their testing process and that only they make a true Vinyl and fiberglass window and offer a lifetime warranty. 

Ryan discusses the differences between the brand's products, the materials used, and the advantages. He also shares the brand with the best value-for-money and what to expect with the more affordable ones.

Visit getmy3quotes.com or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Another week with Ryan Carey ! In today's show, we're going to talk everything about window replacement.

Ryan discusses the two main types and the difference in window replacements: the insert or retrofit window and the full frame. He also explains the window replacement process and which type is best for each window or type of house.

They talk about replacing windows to address water intrusion and energy efficiency. Ryan also explains sash and glass replacements. Then he discusses the acceptable price range. He also talks about the type of vinyl windows and products from Lindsay Windows, Hayfield Windows, Alside Windows, and more. 

Visit Ryan Carey at getmy3quotes.com. Send your podcast questions or suggestions to [email protected].

Tessa asks about low emissivity or low-E windows and the layers of coating. Ryan explains its effect on houses, the light, and the heat that comes into the house, especially in the winter. He discusses the cost of double and triple-pane windows as well as gas fills like argon and krypton. They highlight that improving the windows helps increase energy efficiency. 

Ryan discusses the difference between the pros and cons of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite windows and their warranties. He further talks about window brands like the Anderwon Renewal and Marvin Infinity. He shares why he personally chose a vinyl window for his house. 

Ryan Carey discusses the sales process of window companies and the mind-game tactics they use. Reuben and Ryan also reminisce about Department Supervisor Training from Home Depot, where they learned how to deal with different types of customers. 

Reuben inquires about the important stuff to understand and look for when choosing a window. Ryan discusses the U-value, EnergyStar rating, and highlights that the National Fenestration Rate Council rates windows. 

Ryan Carey can be reached at [email protected].. Send your podcast questions to [email protected].

Reuben and Tessa advise looking for a good, competent, and qualified contractor by getting help from trained and certified professionals through Building Performance Institute (BPI Contractor and Test Center Locator | Building Performance Institute, Inc.). Tessa highlights that a good contractor should discuss air sealing, attic bypasses, and attic ventilation with the homeowner. 

They review crazy ice-removal methods such as hatchets, ice picks, hammers, and salt tablets in pantyhose. Reuben discusses the effective way to remove the snow by using a roof rake and doing it in segments. They talk about Steve Kuhl's The Ice Dam Company which does ice dam removals by steaming and installing heat cables before the snow comes. They discuss the pre-covid podcast dubbed ''Roof de-icing with Steve Kuhl''.

Visit the podcast notes and the three-part series on heat cables. Links below:

Podcast: Heat cables with Steve Kuhl - Structure Tech Home Inspections

Should you install heat cables to prevent ice dams? - Structure Tech Home Inspections

Not all heat cable is created equal - Structure Tech Home Inspections

Heat Cable Installation - Structure Tech Home Inspections

Snow was heavy in Minnesota last week. Today, we will talk about what causes ice dams, and how to prevent and fix them. 

Tessa explains what an ice dam is and how they are formed. She shares that most houses can fix this through proper air sealing and insulating of the attic space. Reuben adds that most people think this can be improved by adding ventilation to the roof but this is different. 

They talk about various roof designs and valleys that are prone to ice dams, as well as locations of air penetrations in the roof, bath fans, and how they contribute to the dam formation. Moreover, they discuss air flow and leakage, attic bypasses, and the importance of adequate attic ventilation. Reuben enumerates the types of vents and other heat sources. Tessa highlights that fixing air bypasses can be a very difficult and messy job. 

Dr. Ben Franske joins the show to speak about the internet of things and technology around your house. 

Ben discusses home automation and the software that helps him control various disparate devices such as HVAC control and thermostats, security and alarms, and door locks, among others. He also talks about devices that communicate through the cloud and localized systems. Reuben asks about installing permanent custom lights, the system, and how much they cost. Tessa asks about the cost of automating a new property.

Reuben mentions that wifi-controlled devices could be difficult for home inspectors. They discuss how the technology works and the challenges that may arise when properties are sold to new homeowners. Ben introduces Matter- reliable and secure connectivity for various devices such as Android and Apple.

Welcome 2023! It's a new year, a new podcast. The two-legged ladder, Reuben and Tessa, host the show. 

Tessa shares her journey with Structure Talk and leaves the company after 7 years. She shares about her new adventure. 

Reuben talks about how the new show will go. He highlights that there will be shorter episodes and shares exciting topics in the coming weeks. 

Check out our recent blog at structuretech.com and show notes at https://structuretech.com/podcast-structure-talk/. 

Whatever platform you're listening from, rate us and give us a review! Send your feedback, suggestions, and questions to [email protected].

The home inspection industry is male-dominated. Today, Uli Sommers and Jaymie Paternoster join the show to talk about the presence of women in the field.

Reuben recalls the multitude of feedback he received from his blog post entitled ''Home Inspectors don't have to be old white guys''. In the blog, he mentions that there is a huge demand for female home inspectors in the industry that needs to be met. 

Uli tells her story from practicing nursing to becoming a home inspector; from remodeling their first house in the U.S., taking the ASHI school, to getting the general contractor's and home inspection licenses. She highlights the significance of attention to detail and communication in the industry. She also shares the advantage of being a woman in the industry and having an extremely supportive home. 

Jaymie talks about getting tired of working in facility management and finding her passion for home inspection. She shares about becoming a home inspector and the excitement of empowering homeowners to make well-informed decisions. She advises having confidence in the journey, knowing yourself and your boundaries, and having fun. 

Tessa shares about having the podcast as a platform to inspire listeners who aspire to become home inspectors. She tells her story about meeting Reuben and receiving an offer to become an inspector. She highlights that finding mentors willing to help is a big part of her success. 

Reuben asks about their home inspection experiences while pregnant. Tessa reads some letters that women had written to the podcast. They discuss motherhood, multitasking, burnout, and proving their worth in the industry. Also, they talk about the future of home inspection, smart-home energy, and news in the Role of Delineation Study.

Bill bids farewell to Structure Talk. 

Get more advice and inspiration from Reuben's blog through this link: https://structuretech.com/home-inspector-training-advice/