What should you do with your house if you're leaving for a long time? 

Reuben first talks about plumbing. He recommends turning the water off and keeping the house humidifier and water heater running. Tessa highlights how some homeowners misuse humidifiers. They also discuss avoiding sewer gas from leaking into the house as well as what doesn't have to be done.

In terms of electrical, phantom loads can be unplugged. However, Ruben mentions that these loads are very minimal and he prefers not unplugging them and especially the wifi and the smart appliances. Then they talk about heating and recommend the proper home temperature. Reuben suggests installing a smart thermostat.

Lastly, they talk about other things to consider basic security things and others such as snow removal, and deliveries such as newspapers, mails, and packages. 

Access Reuben's blogs here:

Q&A: "What should I do with my house if I'm leaving for a long time?" - Structure Tech Home Inspections

Send your questions and topic suggestions to [email protected].

Today Reuben and Tessa talk about how to determine the electrical service size at a home, mostly related to inspecting the main panel.

Reuben explains that new construction homes use 150 to 200 amps service size panels, and which service sizes are no longer acceptable today. Tessa highlights the different things that home inspectors need to determine: the service size, what the panel is rated for, and how much amperage is coming through the panel.

They talk about how to identify the size of the service panel with the shape of the meter base. They also talk about the strange locations of electrical panels such as in the basement and in the alley. They also talk about the sizes of wires for copper and aluminum. Lastly, they discuss the over-current protection device. 

Visit Reuben's blog post about electrical panels: https://structuretech.com/old-fuse-panel-60-amps-or-100-amps.

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.