Any ideas why this brand new home’s air conditioner does not work?
The correct answer will be posted in the ‘Comments‘ next Tuesday, February 28th!
Be sure to check back…you can make a ‘Comment‘ below if you think you know the answer!
Category: Buying a Home
-
Proper Roof Maintenance is Important
The roof is arguably one of the most important components of any structure. Proper installation and maintenance will keep out the sun, rain and other elements. If neglected, it will affect every other component of your house and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few things that will help keep your roof healthy and happy for years to come!
To begin with, there are several types of roofs and each has its pros and cons. The most common types here in the valley are tile, asphalt shingle and built up or flat roofs. You will also see wooden shingle or shake roofs in some custom neighborhoods. These types of roofs are all made from different materials and have different life expectancies. All roofs, however, need to be kept free of debris such as leaves and dirt. Keeping your roof clean will not only make your house look better, it will allow the roofing materials to perform the way they were designed. Annual inspections are also an important part of roof maintenance.
Tile Roof
Tile is a great material for roofs, especially here in Arizona. However, if not installed properly, they can begin to leak after a very short period of time. Improper installation is more common than you would think and it can allow the tiles to move out of their intended position (see picture). This allows water to penetrate the roof. Once a leak begins, the roof can deteriorate quickly and tiles can actually fall off the roof (very dangerous if you happen to be standing nearby when it happens). Apart from the installation, tiles can crack easily which also allows water in. If you don’t have a good reason, never walk on a tile roof. In some cases, it will even void your warranty (if they can prove that you were up there). The best preventative measure for tile roofs is to look for cracked tiles and tiles that have shifted out of position, then call a professional, your homebuilder or warranty company. Average life expectancy is approximately 50 years, depending on maintenance.Asphalt Shingle Roof
Asphalt roofs can be found all over the country and perform well in most climates. The main enemy to asphalt roofs here in Arizona is the sun. The intense heat and ultra violet rays will deteriorate the shingles and shorten their life span. If the shingles become brittle, they can easily be damaged by wind. Inspect the roof after monsoon storms for missing or damaged shingles. If your roof is over 15 years old, a higher level of maintenance may be required. Asphalt shingles come in different qualities (i.e. 20 year shingles, 30 year shingles, etc.) Keep in mind that here in Arizona, they actually last fewer years than the stated life expectancy due to the intense sun.Built Up or Flat Roof
A flat roof is not truly flat and installation is key. If water does not drain off the roof properly, it will pond. This sitting water will ruin a flat roof quickly. If ponding does occur, steps should be taken to redirect the water off the roof and away from the house. This expense is far less than replacing the entire roof. If a leak occurs, it may be very hard to detect precisely where it is coming from which can add to the cost of repairs. Prevention is the approach that should be taken when maintaining a flat roof. These roofs should last for the life of the structure provided they are resealed every 3-5 years. Wooden Shingle or Shake Roof
Wooden roofs can be some of the prettiest roofs and should last 40 to 60 years if properly maintained. One of the best ways to keep a wooden roof in peak condition is to apply a wood sealer every 5 years or so. This will help keep the shingles clean and protect them from water damage and other elements. Wooden roofs, like tile, can be easily damaged by walking on them so stay off unless you have a real good reason. Annual inspections are important; things to look for include curling, cracked or broken shingles and shingles that have been moved out of place.Nothing will completely eliminate the possibility of a roof leak. However, following a few simple rules along with a little preventative maintenance can help reduce the risk. And catching problems early will greatly reduce your costs when problems do arise!
Remember: If you have any questions or concerns, call a Home Inspector!
Is your warranty about to expire?
-
Construction Flaws Eventually Lead to Roof Failure
What can you do with the equity in your home? Re-model the kitchen or bathroom? Re-surface the pool and add a rock water fall and BBQ? Or, remove the tiles on the roof, replace the felt paper and batons completely, and add the flashings that the original roofer failed to install which is why you had to jimmy rig three five gallon buckets in the attic to catch the rain water that is entering between the sheathing and staining the kitchen and living room ceilings. Breathe…….Unfortunately this happened.
The original homeowners purchased this home new, ten short years ago and now have to replace most or all of the underlayment on their roof. The roof had several construction flaws that led to its failure (see pictures below). Most of these flaws allowed storm water to get under the tiles and onto the felt paper. As water runs under the tiles, it runs into thin wood pieces called batons. These batons are what the tiles are nailed to and run horizontally across the span of the roof with gaps every few feet to allow water to slip between, should any water enter. The batons expel the water horizontally which affects additional material and instead of a small area between the leak and the bottom of the roof, you now have a large area that can be affected by one small leak. So instead of paying off the car and taking a cruise through the Caribbean, the homeowner is going to spend thousands of dollars and their home will look just as it did ten years ago.
This is just another example of why it’s so important to have a Construction Inspection! We will inspect your new home as it’s being built and after it’s complete, helping to eliminate hidden surprises like the one described above. A Warranty Inspection can also help to find problems before your new home warranty expires.
Homewerx offers several different types of inspections to help buyers, sellers and homeowners. Call to schedule your home inspection today!
(480) 503-2611
or 1-888-THE-WERX
…or schedule online!
Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!
-
Taking Care of Your Swimming Pool
The following is a short list of items that need regular attention to help keep your pool in good working order. Please remember that no two pools are alike and this list is not intended to address every problem that may arise. Swimming pools can present many different problems based on a number of factors. The age of the pool, water quality/chemistry and the age & type of the mechanical systems all play a roll in the frequency, type and expense of maintenance required. If you are unsure of anything, consult a pool service professional. The sooner you address a problem, the less it will cost to remedy.
If you are new to pool ownership, become familiar with your pool and its equipment. (Parts of a Pool Pump: 1. Filter, 2. Timer Control Box, 3. Primary Leaf Catcher for Pool Filter 4. Pressure Gauge & Air Bleeder Valve 5. Back Wash Valve 6. Primary Leaf Catcher for Jacuzzi). In the event your pool has just been built, your pool contractor will show you all of the systems and how to operate them. However, if you have purchased a home with an existing pool, have the sellers explain the system and what they have been doing to maintain the pool. They may not have been doing it correctly, but it will give the service professional a place to start if anything is wrong and needs correction. Items you should be familiar with: Skimmers and Leaf Catchers, Timers and Valves, Heater(s), In-Pool Vacuum, Water Shutoff, Electrical Circuit Disconnects
Regular Maintenance:
Circulation: The circulation pump needs to be run every day. However, the length of time depends on the size of the pool, the type of filter, the time of year and the number of swimmers. The best way to determine how long to circulate the pool is to start at 3 or 4 hours a day and increase the time as needed until the water is clear.
Filter: The filter needs to be cleaned regularly to work properly. Cartridge filters can be cleaned by hand while sand and DE filters need to be backwashed. If your filter has a pressure gage, it should be monitored to determine when cleaning is necessary.
Skimmer and Leaf Catchers: Remove any debris from the skimmer and primary leaf catcher to maintain proper water flow through the filter. If air gets into the plumbing system when cleaning the primary leaf catcher, bleed air from the system through the air bleeder valve on top of the filter.
Water Level: The circulation pump and filter will not work properly if the correct water level is not maintained. If your pool has an automatic fill valve, it should be adjusted to the correct level (3 to 4 inches above the bottom of the tiles). If not, the water level will need to be maintained by hand.
Clean: The sides and bottom of the pool should be brushed several times per week to keep them free of dirt and debris. Remember that you cannot brush your pool too much!
Test: Test the PH level and chlorine every day until you get a correct reading for three days in a row. After that, test weekly at a minimum; more often if your pool gets heavy use.
Add Chemicals: Always read the labels on pool chemicals and store them accordingly. Mishandling can result in an explosion or other injury. Follow directions and recommendations on the label when adding chemicals to the pool.
Shock: The water needs to be shocked regularly to disinfect the water, kill algae, bacteria, other organisms and oxidize wastes. After shocking your pool, test the chemical levels and be sure that they have returned to normal before swimming.
Vacuum: Visually inspect the vacuum and hose for broken or worn out parts. Also, clean any debris that has gotten caught in the vacuum and observe that it is functioning properly.Remember: If you have any questions, contact a professional.
And ALWAYS supervise children around water!!!
-
Help Your Water Heater Last for Years to Come
As with all household appliances, water heaters need regular maintenance. You should consult your owner’s manual for warnings and guidance before attempting service or repair. If you do not have a manual, you should be able to obtain one by calling or writing to the manufacturer. You may even be able to request one on the internet. Since our directions are very general, if any of the instructions in your Owner’s Manual or on the unit itself are different in any way than what you read here, follow your manufacturer’s guidance!
The frequency of servicing needed is dependent upon a number of things, such as: the age and type of the unit, the hardness of the water (the amount of minerals dissolved in the water) and whether or not you have a water softening system. At a minimum, check out your water heater at least once a year. Listed below are some things you can probably do yourself. However, if you feel uncertain about performing any of these steps yourself, we highly recommend that you contact a professional.
Pressure Relief Valve – Manually operate the valve to make sure it is not seized (see pictures below for location). Just move it up and down a few times and be sure it returns to its original position. Also, listen for the sound of running water and check to see that it is draining either to a floor drain, or ultimately to the outside of the building (by way of the Pressure Relief Drain Pipe).
Electric Water Heaters – (1. Electrical connection, 2. Pressure Relief Valve, 3. Drain Cock, 4. Water Inlet Valve, 5. Pressure Relief Drain Pipe) Prior to draining, the electricity needs to be shut off so the heating element does not burn out. Determine which circuit breaker controls the unit’s power and move it to the off position. Look at the electrical connection at the top of the water heater for loose or frayed wires. Remember, if the wires don’t look right, have an electrician check it out! Follow the steps below for draining and refilling tank. 
Gas Water Heaters – (1. Pressure Relief Valve, 2. Pressure Relief Drain Pipe, 3. Pilot Light & Combustion Area, 4. Water Inlet Valve, 5. Flue, 6. Gas Control Valve,
7. Drain Cock) Prior to draining, clean the air passages to the burner. To do this, you must first shut off the gas by following the instructions on the unit. Then remove the access cover to the pilot light and burner area. Any dirt or debris should be removed. Also, observe the top of the water heater to be sure that the exhaust flue is secure and nothing is blocking airflow. Gas water heaters should be installed at least 18 inches above the ground. BE SURE NO FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES ARE STORED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE UNIT. Follow the steps below for draining and refilling tank.Draining and Refilling the Water Heater Tank – It is important to drain the tank to remove any sediment and/or sludge from the bottom of the tank. After completing the steps above, turn off the water inlet valve (usually on the pipes at the top of the tank…REMEMBER – Lefty Loosy, Righty Tighty!) Then connect a garden hose to the drain cock at the bottom of the tank. Turn the drain cock to the left and let the tank drain. Next, close the drain cock, disconnect the hose and turn the water inlet valve back on. When you no longer hear the water running, the tank is full. Now, turn the circuit breaker back on or for gas water heaters, light the pilot light by following the directions on the unit. The flame should be blue in color. If not, call the gas company. They should check it for free.
Be sure the temperature is set to avoid scalding, especially if there are children or elderly in the house!! Check your Owner’s Manual or look on the water heater for guidance.
These simple steps should help keep your water heater in good working order. However, if you are unsure of anything, it’s always best to have your unit inspected and/or serviced by a professional.
