Structure Talk

In today's show, Tessa, Bill, and Reuben talk about the hazardous locations for glass windows.

Reuben shares the hazardous places to install glass and discusses the use of tempered glass and safety film for glasses. Bill confirms that using safety films is more cost-effective than replacing broken windows and sash. Tessa agrees that commercial establishments and other high-traffic areas should use tempered and safety glass.

Reuben talks about the 4 criteria that must be observed in the installation. He mentions Chapter 3, section 8 (1-4), of the International Residential Code includes the locations where safety glazing is necessary. They also talk about using glass windows on walk-in surfaces, stairwells, patio doors, showers, and bathtub areas,

Tessa shares that home inspectors are not code officials. They highlight that recommendations in inspection reports are not defects but optional safety upgrades.

In today's show, Reuben, Bill, and Tessa talk about urinals, spray form, and tiled showers.

Bill shares that his cabin is in the phase where they are finishing the bathrooms. Reuben remembers that the urinal (http://www.structuretech1.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Urinal.jpg) he installed in the basement of his last home helped sell the house. They discuss using a waterproof foam board and a cement board behind the surrounding tiles and how they can potentially be damaged. Also, Reuben mentions that there are changes in the building and  plumbing code.

They also talk about exterior walls and exterior finishes in Bill's cabin and the materials they are using. Reuben discusses the importance of staining all six sides of every board to stay flat. He also talks about ''nogging'' to prevent the wall from bowing and the studs from moving in the interior load-bearing walls.

Tessa shares about the permeability and water resistance of spray foams and how to seal out moisture and soil gases. Reuben mentions a vlog by Matt Risinger titled Water Testing Spray Foam Insulation (https://youtu.be/H6jiGKOSABo). They also give recommendations on how to vapor-seal the bedrock that the cabin is built on.

They share the construction challenges of their relatives and neighbors. Reuben expresses that it's difficult to draw the line when visiting a friend's house, noticing alarming parts of the house, and not reacting. Then he and Tessa share their experiences.

Today's show is about carbon monoxide (CO). Improperly ventilated appliances in enclosed spaces may allow CO to accumulate to dangerous levels.

Reuben shares that Appendix D of the International Residential Code (IRC) stipulates the standards in testing fuel gas-fired appliances for safety. Tessa mentions that there are various methods and variables in testing appliances, however, home inspectors are not required to do a back-drafting test or a combustion gas analysis on appliances. They also talk about back-drafting signs and factors, how long appliances establish proper draft, as well as other testing standards and practices. Reuben highlights why testing is not encouraged for home inspectors and why it should be.

Tessa mentions that gas ranges potentially are the biggest source of carbon monoxide because they are designed to vent combustion gases into the house. She highlights the need for proper exhaust while using gas ranges. Bill asks about the difference in the CO hazard of high-efficiency furnaces.

Recently, a family in Minnesota died due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Reuben highlights that CO alarms are lifesavers.

Useful links:

Appendix D, Minnesota Gas Code: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/MNMFGC2020P1/appendix-d-ifgs-recommended-procedure-for-safety-inspection-of-an-existing-appliance-installation

Gas-fired Kitchen Ranges: https://appliancegenie.ca/blog/news/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-gas-fired-kitchen-ranges-be-alarmed/

Carbon Monoxide Levels Chart: https://gaslab.com/blogs/articles/carbon-monoxide-levels-chart

CO poisoning accident: https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/police-several-people-found-dead-moorehead-home/89-bac05f98-050d-48fd-ba62-e24f750a4a33

Happy Holidays!

In today's show, Reuben shares his toptech tips and hacks that help improve productivity and security in everyday life.

Reuben has always been tech-savvy with influence from James Bond and Back to the Future films. He shares that he spends the entire day on the computer and enjoys a high-resolution monitor. He also uses a screen clipper and a split keyboard. He uses chrome plug-ins like Video Speed Controller and password managers such as Lastpass, Dashlane, or Roboform that store passwords for the user's future reference. Tessa and Bill ask about how to use these technologies and share their concerns about managing passwords.

One hack that Reuben used since his kitchen disaster is a Guardian Leak Detection System. Then he discusses how the system works. They also talk about Google Photos that recognize faces and objects. Tessa mentions that iPhones have the same feature and highlights the quality of photos that new phones capture. Bill also shares about a car rental sharing mobile application that works very conveniently.

They talk about a very useful home internet security and family-friendly browsing which is the OpenDNS Family Shield, it's accessible through https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/#familyshield. Reuben shares that he is using two routers that allow him to shut down the internet connection at night. Reuben also uses magnetic charging cables that are available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LD8TWYS. Another tip is using Adobe PDF viewers that allow you to sign and fill in documents without needing to print them.

Access more tips and hacks at Home Inspection Blog - Structure Tech Home Inspections.

Today's episode is part 2 about mold conversation. Vickie Swenson shares the top 10 areas where mold usually hides.

According to Vickie, molds mostly grow in the base basement carpet, rim joist insulation, air exchanger intake ducts, attics, cement walls and basements, leaks under sinks, dark crawl spaces, insulation in newer homes, in-slab ductwork, and many splits in window air conditioners. She shares whether condensation and humidity or plumbing leaks cause more molds. Neil Saltzman also shares that mold grows in the dust. They also talk about how soil (moisture) affects the growth of mold in the basement and PVC being prone to mold.

Reuben, Tessa, and Bill ask about the sources of mold in the top areas, how to test them, and how to keep mold under control. Vickie highlights that mold control is about controlling moisture. Tessa also explains how ductwork in the attic grows mold due to standing water. She also asks about how mold spores in the air are filtered by the furnace. They also discuss how air purifiers help ensure the quality of air inside the house and the importance of cleaning air conditioners.

Reach Vickie Swenson through 612-508-2742 and mnmold.com.

Minnesota is a moldy state and there are around 59 places where mold can hide! Today, Vickie Swenson from Minnesota Mold Inspections, LCC and Neil Saltzman from Inspection Services, help us unpack some questions about mold.

They talk about how to find mold, how it develops, and how to prevent it. Vicky mentions that molds usually grow within 72 hours. Then she discusses the standards in inspecting and testing it. She highlights that the most common places where mold can hide is behind the bathtub, rim joist installations, and basement carpet.

Reuben also shares why he thinks warm water may develop mold faster. Tessa shares that molds can be present in both old and newly constructed houses. Bill asks about surface molds. They also discuss other kinds of molds and how much they can grow.

Neil highlights that humidity plays a big role in the development of molds. Vicky mentions the allergic reactions she's developed due to exposure to molds.

Today, Reuben, Bill, and Tessa go over a checklist for the winter. How well are you prepared for the winter?

Reuben shares his recommendations for the use and disposal of batteries. They talk about preparing salt in the garage,  disconnecting and draining hoses, daylight savings, and batteries for smoke alarms.  They also talk about clearing the gutters and the lawn.

Bill and Reuben discuss different snow blowers and lawn mowers. Tessa shares about maintaining the ARVs and HRVs. Reuben also shares about his new snowmobile.

Today's show is about mysterious siding stains and air exchangers. Bill raises his concerns and clarifications about air quality as it is one thing that homeowners must start working with starting the fall season.

Reuben names and distinguishes the three types of mechanical ventilation: positive ventilation strategy, exhaust-only or point-source strategy, and balanced ventilation strategy. Tessa then adds the differences between these strategies, how they work and where they are most beneficial. She also discusses the multiple variables that affect the results when testing pressure and condensation inside the house. Bill and Reuben then share about interstitial condensation.

They talk about recommendations on how to manage and test mechanical systems such as ducts, ERVs, and HRVs. They also discuss the right settings for machines and systems.

Today, Jason Brozen from Electrical Power Safety Company (EPSCO) joins the show to talk about electrical safety. He shares his experience of surviving an arc flash accident. Check out live footage from his accident at https://youtu.be/oFhssQtv0tY.

Jason starts by narrating what transpired during the incident and describes the injuries he sustained. He compares his experience to possible electrocution accidents in residences which are more fatal. Then, he further discusses the horrors of shock and electrocution injuries.

Reuben asks about the basic safety measures for homeowners and home inspectors, the dangers of hand-to-hand electrical contact, and improper screws that may cause injury or fire. Tessa inquires about what to look for and where to get PPEs such as recommended boots and gloves for professionals. Bill highlights that DIYers must do their research.

Get hold of Jason Brozen at [email protected] or [email protected].

Kevin Strandberg, one of the owners of BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning joins today's show to talk about the industry supply chain. He discusses the shocking price increase as well as the difficulty in sourcing some parts and products.

Reuben notes that there is around a 47% increase in prices over one year. Bill and Tessa ask about the common parts with sourcing issues, their order lead time, and the organic cause of the price increase.

Kevin talks about furnace efficiency, maintenance, and control as well as different kinds of air conditioners such as split air and a high-velocity system,  Kevin also highlights that hydronic heat is the most efficient way to heat a house and they give homeowners the most comfort. They give homeowners some advice and preparation tips for home equipment at this time of the year.

Tessa takes interest in the qualifications and job security in the industry. Bill asks about BWS's work arrangements and service applications. Kevin shares the technological advancement of their company.

Contact BWS at 952-681-2615 or schedule service through their website at bwsheatingandair.com.