Detecting and Addressing Radon

Detecting and Addressing Radon Contamination in the Home

Many homeowners are increasingly concerned about the possible presence of radon in their homes – and with good reason. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in North America, and it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. The good news is that if radon is detected, steps can be taken to remedy the problem.

January has been designated National Radon Action Month; learn the facts and take action.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF RADON?
Radon is naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that is formed by the ongoing decay of uranium in soil, rocks, sediments, and even well or ground water. While radon that escapes into the atmosphere is not harmful, dangerously high concentrations can build up indoors, exposing residents to possible health risks.

HOW DOES RADON ENTER THE HOME?
Radon gas can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls or floors are common avenues. Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure.

HOW CAN MY CLIENTS FIND OUT ABOUT RADON IN A HOME THEY ARE CONSIDERING FOR PURCHASE?
A Pillar To Post Home Inspector can conduct a Radon test as either part of the home inspection process or on its own. An inspector will set up the testing equipment and report on the results once the proper measurement procedure is complete. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to lessen the concentration inside the home.

REDUCING THE LEVELS OF RADON IN THE HOME
Radon mitigation methods can include sealing likely entry points, improving ventilation, and a process called soil depressurization, which vents air from the house back into the surrounding soil, reducing the level of radon that can enter the home. Professional mitigation services can provide recommendations for a home’s specific conditions.

Conserve energy while keeping Green

Because the average household generates 50-70% of its energy bill through heating and cooling, properly insulating your home is one of the easiest ways to cut back on energy usage and lower your bills year round. Most conventional insulators, such as fiberglass and mineral wool contain carcinogenic resins and can be challenging to install. Green entrepreneurism has generated a number of affordable alternative insulators that are made of eco-friendly materials, which are healthier for your family and the environment. Here are some alternative to fiberglass and mineral wool to consider for your insulation project:

• Natural Fibers, particularly those made from recycled denim, have been growing in popularity with sustainable builders. This type of insulation is manufactured with 85 % recycled cotton material, contains no chemical irritants and requires no warning labels. If you insulate with natural fibers you are also ensuring that those faded 501’s, which were headed toward the landfill, can now be recycled into the walls of your home.

• Cellulose is another popular option. Made from100% recycled newspapers and cardboard, this alternative requires substantially less energy to manufacture and install than traditional insulation. Cellulose is available as a loose fill or spray-on material so it fills every crevice, preventing energy loss through drafts and condensation caused by air infiltration. Cellulose costs the same as fiberglass, but is much more environmentally friendly and is just as readily available.
  

• Paint-on insulation is one of the most flexible of all the emerging materials. This product, named Nansulate, utilizes nanotechnology. Microscopic particles fused with acrylic resin create a nontoxic, environmentally-friendly product that is both water and mold resistant. Though more costly than other options, paint-on insulation can be applied to ceilings, walls, and flooring, making it the most versatile of all the insulators.

• Greensulate is the newest insulating material created from oyster mushrooms. It is by far the cheapest and greenest of all the options, with a forecast manufacturing cost of $1 per square foot. Greensulate is 100% natural, biodegradable, and fire retardant, so it does not require additional chemicals and will biodegrade when it is no longer in use. This technology is winning global attention with its unique ability to decrease carbon emissions on a globally significant scale.

Seattle Sun

Well to break from my normal home inspection lingo. I thought I would post a few pictures from our wonderfully great Seattle weekend...... this spring these days seem so far between that any excuse to get out and enjoy it is a good one.











Look at what a little water can to to once great stairs....... I guess surf, saltwater, and living animals have to help.

CONTROLLING ALLERGENS IN THE HOME

For many people, household allergens can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and shortness of breath, and may be a contributing cause of asthma, especially in children. However, it is possible to minimize the effects of such allergens by taking steps to control their presence and dispersal in the home. The most common household allergens include dust mites, mold, mildew, pollen, and pet dander (dried flakes of skin shed by pets, particularly cats and dogs). Effective control relies on a combination of measures that, when used properly, will reduce the levels of allergens Increase ventilation to the home. Opening windows whenever possible promotes good air exchange and will reduce the concentration of airborne allergens, especially pet dander. Wash bedding and stuffed toys once a week in hot water to control dust mites and cat allergens in particular. Keep pets clean and well groomed to control dander. Use mite-resistant mattress covers and pillow covers and wash these frequently. Dust and vacuum regularly and use micro-filtration or HEPA filter vacuum bags. Wearing a dust mask while dusting and vacuuming is also a good idea. Consider removing wall-to-wall carpeting and use easily-cleaned area rugs instead, particularly in bedrooms. Make sure bathrooms, especially those with showers, are well ventilated. Open the window and use exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors to prevent a buildup of moisture, which can encourage growth of mold and mildew. If possible, reduce indoor humidity to 50% or less by using room dehumidifiers or the dehumidifier feature available with many central air conditioning systems. Clean or replace furnace and central air conditioner filters on a regular basis. Make sure that air conditioner drain pans are clean and allow the water to drain properly.

Brendan Marchant 425-392-8163 Brendan.Marchant@pillartopost.com www.pillartopost.com/sekingcounty

DON’T THROW MONEY OUT THE WINDOW

With heating and cooling costs continuing to rise, it makes sense to look at one of the leading causes of energy inefficiency in the home: windows. Installing energy-efficient windows can mean increased comfort as well as savings on utility bills in any climate.

The transmission of air and light is generally the most important function of windows. However, this can mean heat loss in the winter, overheating in the summer, and higher energy bills. A typical home may lose up to 30% of its heat or cooling through windows. Properly installed, energy-efficient windows can go a long way toward improving this situation.

There are many factors that affect a window’s energy efficiency. Whether they are single- or double-paned, gas filled, Low-Emittance (Low-E) coated, and even the material of the window frame all contribute to a window’s performance. Online resources such as www.efficientwindows.org provide detailed information on these specifications and how to select windows appropriate for various climates. An experienced window contractor can also be a good source of information and recommendations.

Homeowners should check with their local utility to find out about possible rebates and other incentives for the purchase of new, energy-efficient windows.

Of course, replacing windows is not always a viable option. There are steps homeowners can take to improve their energy savings without replacing windows. Making sure windows are properly caulked, keeping weather stripping in good repair, and using storm windows will help. Window coverings are another good way to reduce heat loss in winter and avoid overheating in summer.

Improving energy efficiency throughout the home means cost savings to the homeowner. Energy-efficient windows are a significant step toward that goal.

Pillar To Post South East King County Washington serves, Issaquah, Renton, Maple Valley, Covington, Enumclaw, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Factoria, New Castle, and surrounding areas.

Visit us at www.pillartopost.com/sekingcounty

House-Friendly Yard

THE HOUSE-FRIENDLY YARD AND GARDEN

During the spring and summer months, many homeowners get their garden and yard work into full swing. This month, Pillar To Post takes a look at several steps that homeowners can take to make their outdoor spaces and their home live compatibly.

KEEP WATER AWAY FROM THE HOUSE

Be sure that the ground slopes away from the house all the way around the perimeter. This ensures that any moisture from rain, snowmelt, and sprinkler systems will be directed away from the foundation. The base of shrubs and other plantings should be kept at least 2’ away from the foundation to avoid potential problems with roots and drainage. In addition, window wells should be kept free of debris and lined with gravel to help water drain out of the well and into the ground. Do not leave sprinklers on for too long. Excessive water will not do plants and lawns any good, and may cause problems if there are drainage issues in certain areas.

THE RIGHT PLANT IN THE RIGHT PLACE

When a tree is growing very close to the structure, there can be potentially serious problems if the tree grows too tall or too wide for the space. Damage to eaves and roofs can be caused by overgrowth, and there is even a danger of branches or an entire tree falling onto the home. Existing trees should be professionally pruned to lessen the potential for hazard. When planting new trees, homeowners should research potential “candidates” to find how large the tree will eventually grow and what the root pattern spread will be, then make decisions accordingly. Homeowners should also consider grouping plants that have similar water requirements to avoid over-watering plants that don’t need as much. Not only will plants do better, but water bills will be lower over time as well.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS FOR MAINTENANCE EASE

Some plants end up requiring more maintenance than a homeowner expects. When selecting new planting material, homeowners should seek advice from qualified personnel at a local nursery who will know what plants will do well in their area, as well as their growth habits and maintenance requirements. Lawns should not be mowed too short or too frequently. Allowing the blades of grass to shade one another helps with water retention and allows grass to grow in more fully. Many newer turf grasses require less mowing than older varieties, and should be considered for new lawn installations. Homeowners can find out more at their local agricultural or extension office. These are just some of the ways homeowners can increase the enjoyment of their outdoor spaces while ensuring that home and yard are in good shape. Pillar To Post South East King County Serves, Issaquah, Renton, Maple Valley, Enumclaw, Covington,Factoria,New Castle, Bellevue,and surrounding areas Visit Us at www.pillartopost.com/sekingcounty

Sick House Syndrome

WHAT CAUSES SICK HOUSE SYNDROME?

Sick House Syndrome occurs when a house can’t “breathe” to rid itself of indoor pollutants, resulting in poor indoor air quality – a “sick house.” Inadequate ventilation allows pollutants to build up, causing potential health risks to the home’s occupants. Young children, the elderly, and some chronically ill persons are most susceptible to the effects of Sick House Syndrome. Common sources of indoor pollution include tobacco smoke, certain carpeting materials, furnaces, fireplaces, candles, pressed wood cabinets and furniture, and household cleaning products. Moisture build-up, although not a pollutant itself, can also be harmful in a house as it can cause mold growth inside walls, crawlspaces, and other areas.

HOW CAN INDOOR POLLUTION BE REDUCED?

Source control is usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. In some cases, eliminating the specific sources of indoor pollution – for example, removing carpets, and repairing or maintaining furnaces – may be all that is necessary. For offending substances such as tobacco smoke, cleaning products, and moisture buildup, improving ventilation is a key means of decreasing indoor pollution. Many newer homes are so well insulated and sealed that only a very limited amount of fresh air can get in. Effective ventilation requires the home to have a complete air change every three hours. In this situation, using attic or window fans and opening windows when weather permits are easy and inexpensive ways to increase ventilation. More hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead do not normally cause problems if they are undisturbed, but these and other dangerous substances should be analyzed by a qualified professional to determine if encapsulation, abatement, or removal is warranted. Pillar To Post South East King County Serves, Issaquah, Renton, Maple Valley, Covington,Bellevue,New Castle, Factoria, Enumclaw, and surrounding areas Visit Us at www.Pillartopost.com/sekingcounty