Archive for December, 2011

Mud-jacking Uneven Pavement

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

There was a time when the only remedy for sinking sidewalks, patios, steps, or uneven foundations was to tear out the old pavement slab and pour a new one, and spend a great deal of time and money in the process. Today, a less intensive alternative–known as mud-jacking–is possible. Mud-jacking, also called concrete leveling, pressure grouting [...]

Ghosting, or Discolored Shadows on Walls and Other Surfaces

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

No, it’s not spooky spirits in your home! Ghosting is a term that refers to discoloration that appears on surfaces in a home such as walls. The source of this discoloration can be a mystery to anyone not familiar with the phenomenon, but it is really very simple. Ghosting is the result of particulates attaching [...]

Master Home Inspector Frequently Asked Questions: Foundations

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

As a Master Home Inspector I get lots of questions from individuals about insulation and their home’s foundation. Here are a few great questions along with the answers I share with inquiring home owners to help them save money and protect their home and their family. If a basement is unfinished, does it still need [...]

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Friday, December 9th, 2011

A new law in Wisconsin that became effective on February 1, 2011, requires that most homes in Wisconsin have carbon monoxide detectors. What you need to know is that all single family homes with an attached garage, a fireplace, or fuel burning appliances (including a gas forced air furnace) must have carbon monoxide detectors on [...]

Formaldehyde

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

Formaldehyde is an important VOC to test for due to its known toxicity and health implications. Testing for formaldehyde can also result in peace of mind for the customer when the levels turn out to be low. However, it is important to measure formaldehyde in newer homes, particularly if they are 5 years old or [...]