Would your home pass inspection? Get it ready for winter now

Gosh, the weather has been great; however, I know winter is just around the corner. Last winter we had lots of snow with temperatures dropping below freezing.  If temperatures stay below freezing for more than three days, un-protected plumbing pipes will bust or break.

My Dad always told me “prior planning prevents poor performance.” That quote really applies to those of us who live in North Idaho year round.

At the beginning of summer I inspect my home for damage. I make a check list of the things I need to check. The roof and plumbing is always at the top of my list primarily because I know a leaking roof or frozen pipe is no joke. If that happens the functionality of my home is becomes greatly reduced not to mention the interior damage that I will have to repair.

I start my inspection by entering the attic. After entry into the envelope, I check the roof sheathing for visible water staining. I make sure all of my soffit and gable vents are open and clear of debris. I check the fiberglass insulation for color changes. If I find a color change it usually indicates moisture penetration. I look for rodent droppings ; if found, it indicates infestation. I check the electrical wiring for gnaw marks which again indicates rodent infestation. I check the trusses (framing) to see if the previous year snow load caused cracking or breakage. Once I’m sure my attic is in good condition, I will proceed to the crawl space. If I found problems, I add those repair items to my “honey do” list.

On entry into the crawl space, I crawl to the areas where piping protrudes from the living envelope (kitchen and bathrooms) into the crawl space. I check each pipe for visible damage (drips, cracks, etc.). I make sure the pipe insulation and heat tape is in place. I check the insulation for visible color changes and rodent droppings. I check the electrical wiring for gnaw marks. I look for dry and wet rot. I closely examine the moisture barrier for penetration which would allow surface moisture to wick into the floor hoists. If that happens, my crawl space will develop fungal growth (mold).  If problems are found, they are added to my “honey do” list.

When inspecting the exterior of my home, the first place I go to is my hose bibs and faucets. I make sure faucet opens freely and shuts off tight. If a drip develops after I turn them off, I know I have to replace the seat ring around the stem. I check the building siding. I look for penetration caused by ice damming, if not fixed will allow moisture to penetrate into the building. I check my windows & door framing to make sure the caulking is not cracked or has chipped out. If that happens moisture will penetrate into the building. I will climb upon my roof and look for damage from snow removal. If damage is found it must be it repaired immediately. One of the last things I check is my wood stove stack. It is a real good idea to have your chimney or stove stack professionally cleaned once a year.

I’m sure over time you will develop a far more comprehensive check list than I have listed here. Actually my check list consists of two full pages of items that I need to check; however, because limited space here, I have condensed my check list to what I think are the most important items and areas that need to be checked.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), email them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, and his new handyman services, check him out at NWEES.COM.

n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.