Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON Electric Smoothtop Cooktops and Slide-In Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

(from CPSC) ** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only. Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product. If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.

Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON Electric Smoothtop Cooktops and Slide-In Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON Smoothtop Electric Cooktops and Frigidaire Slide-in Ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays

Units: About 122,000

Manufacturer: Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: Liquids can pool under the control knob and cause the surface heating element to turn on unexpectedly, heat to temperatures other than expected and then not turn off, posing a risk of fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Electrolux has received 70 reports of incidents, including three reports of fires that resulted in property damage. Three minor burn injuries were reported.

Description: This recall involves Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON smoothtop electric cooktops and Frigidaire slide-in ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. Model and serial numbers for the slide-in ranges can be found inside the oven door on the left side of the unit or on the underside surface on cooktop models. The following model and serial numbers are included in this recall:

Frigidaire Serial Number Range and Models
Serial Number Range: NF501XXXXX through NF952XXXXX
Model Numbers	GLEC30S9EB GLEC36S9EB GLEC30S9EQ GLEC36S9EQ GLEC30S9ES	GLEC36S9ES GLES389EB GLES389EQ GLES389ES GLES389FB	GLES389FQ GLES389FS LEEC30S9FE LEEC36S9FE LES389FE	PLEC30S9EC PLEC36S9EC PLES389EC PLES399EC

Electrolux ICON Serial Number Range and Models
Serial Number Range: NF501XXXXX through NF045XXXXX
Model Numbers	E30EC65ESS	E36EC65ESS

Sold at: Mass merchandise and independent retail stores from January 2005 through August 2010 for between $500 and $2,500.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled ranges or power off cooktops at the circuit breaker. Contact Electrolux for information on how to obtain a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electrolux at (888) 281-5310 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday or visit the firm’s website at http://www.smoothtoprangerecall.com/ (Frigidaire) or http://www.cooktoprecall.com/ (Electrolux).

Sample smoothtop slide-in range with rotary knobs and digital displays

Sample smoothtop cooktop with rotary knobs and digital displays

Slide-in serial plate—left side of oven with door open

Cooktop serial plate—underside of unit

We Support our Local Charities!

Since the inception of 2Patriots Property Inspection, it has been very important to us that we give - and we make most of our contributions on a local basis. One such charity is CLOSER TO HOME. Their purpose is to help the people of Williamson County when they have a need.

We had the pleasure of enjoying a very special  Benefit Concert on Friday night (10.8.10)  at Green's Grocery in Leipers Fork. Below are a couple of video's we hope you enjoy!

If you find yourself tapping your foot - make a donation (info is on their website)!

Every little bit helps!

Siemens Recalls Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard

(from CPSC) ** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only. Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product. If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.

Name of Product: Siemens and Murray Circuit Breakers, Load Centers and Meter Combos

Units: About 2.2 million
Importer: Siemens Industry Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga.

Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers have a spring clip that can break during normal use, leading to a loss of force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panelboard. This can lead to excessive temperature, arcing or thermal damage at the connection point, and damage to the panelboard's electrical insulation and can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury.

Incidents/Injuries: Siemens has received one report of a circuit breaker spring clip that broke during installation. No injuries have been reported.


Description: This recall involves Siemens and Murray 15 through 50 AMP single and double pole circuit breakers, load centers (circuit breakers that come with an electrical panel), and meter combos (contain a load center and a meter socket). "Siemens" or "Murray," date codes 0610 or 0710 and the catalog number are printed on a label on the side of the circuit breakers. Date codes between June 2010 through August 2010 are stamped on the inside of the metal box of the load centers and meter combos. The catalog number for the load centers and meter combos is printed on a label inside the metal box door and on the packaging.

Product / Date Codes / Catalog Numbers

Circuit Breakers / 0610, 0710 / Q115, Q120, Q130, Q215, Q230, Q250, MP115, MP115U, MP120, MP130, MP215, MP230, MP230U, MP250 Load Centers / Jun 23 2010 - Aug 25 2010 / G2020B1100CP, G3030B1100CP, G4040B1200CUSGP, LC4040B1200P, G3040B1200CP, G3040L1200CP, G4040B1200CP, G3030B1150CP, W3040B1200CP, G1624L1125CP, W4040B1200CP Meter Combo / Jun 23 2010 - Aug 25 2010 / JA2040B1200SP

Sold at: The Home Depot, Lowes, other hardware and building supply stores and numerous electrical distributors nationwide from June 2010 through August 2010 for between $2.50 to $235.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Siemens for a free inspection by an electrician and a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Siemens at (800) 756-6996 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at http://www.usa.siemens.com/

Helpful Resources for our clients has been updated

Click here to access the most up-to-date list of resources that we can recommend to contact. 2Patriots only lists services and businesses that have been referred to us by our clients. We do not post any "ratings" - however, if we ever receive a negative comment OR if a client states that they didn't get a return phone call in a normal amount of time, the service/business will be removed from this list.

Television Wall Mounts Recalled

(from CPSC) ** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only. Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product. If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.

************************************************************

Television Wall Mounts Recalled by Milestone AV Technologies Due to Injury Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Flat screen television wall mounts

Units: About 131,000

Manufacturer: Milestone AV Technologies LLC, of Savage, Minn.

Hazard: The elbow joint components on the wall mount's arm do not fit together properly, causing the attached television to tilt and possibly fall when the television is adjusted. This could pose an injury hazard to a consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Sanus Vision Mount model LF228-B1 wall mounts and Simplicity model SLF2. The wall mounts were sold for flat screen televisions. The model numbers can be found on the UL sticker on the wall plate.

Sold at: The Sanus Vision Mount model LF228-B1 was sold through independent television mount dealers nationwide from June 2009 through July 2010 for about $450. The Simplicity model SLF2 was sold through Costco from June 2009 through July 2010 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the wall mount to determine if the elbow joint fits properly and contact Milestone for a free replacement wall mount arm. Instructions for visual inspections are located at www.milestone.com/recall

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Milestone toll-free at (877) 894-6280 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Saturday through Sunday or visit the firm's website at www.milestone.com/recall

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10326.html

Integrity Matters....


"Choosing the right home inspector can be a difficult decision. Usually, you don't get to meet the inspector until after he or she has been hired. Furthermore, companies have varying qualifications, experience, reporting methods and pricing. A thorough inspection depends heavily on the inspector's own effort. If you honor us by permitting 2Patriots Property Inspection to inspect your home or investment property, I give my personal guarantee that our inspectors will give you our very best. "

-Bill Poole, Owner

READ WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY!

Jerry P. of Spring Hill : I was very satisfied with the thoroughness of the inspection performed by 2Patriots. The inspection report was very detailed but easy to understand. I was also impressed with the inspector personally. He was professional yet friendly. I would whole-heartedly recommend 2Patriots for your home inspection. I have already recommended your company to a couple of people.

Natalie M. of Nashville, TN : The inspection was much more thorough than I thought it was going to be. Thanks to the quality of the inspection, problems were discovered in the home that I did not expect and it saved me from making a poor investment choice. I recommend every potential home buyer get an inspection; it's worth the money and my 2 Patriots inspector was great!

Kylie W. of Nashville, TN: 2Patriots Property Inspection was extremely professional and thorough with our home inspection. As first time home buyers, we needed an inspector that we could trust and that would take the time to answer all of our questions – that’s exactly the type of inspector we got with 2Patriots! Their follow-up and availability after the inspection was second-to-none. We received two follow-up calls to answer any questions that came up about the inspection and report and they also left an open invitation to call them anytime in the future with any questions. They truly take pride in their work and customer service and I would absolutely recommend them to my friends and family.

Jason V. of Cornersville, TN : I was referred to 2Patriots to do my home inspection from my realtor. I am living in Michigan, and I needed to make sure my new home was in top shape! I received OUTSTANDING service and follow up from my inspector! I would Highly recommend this company to anyone. Absolute Professionals!

Elizabeth C. of Franklin, TN: I was really pleased with how the inspector (Bill) walked me through my home and explained different features. He didn't seem to be in a rush and was happy to answer all of my questions. I learned about home maintenance and was given recommendations for products to consider using in the future for energy efficiency. He definitely put me at ease!

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

With inventories in most parts of the country still pushing high levels, buyers are increasingly more sensitive to property condition and are more than ever asking for full disclosure up front about condition and other factors that affect the value.

A pre-inspected home gives the potential buyers a full inspection report by a qualified home inspector. The report we provide educates the buyers on the condition of the property under consideration, and any repairs that were made by the seller, along with any major repairs that may need to be made once they close on the house. With this report,  the buyer can decide early on if they want to pursue a property, given the condition. There may be some excepted items they can live with, but others they cannot.

The same report should be used by the sellers to assist them in preparing property disclosure documents. It allows the seller to anticipate any objections directed toward property structure and system functions such as heating and air conditioning - objections that may have potential financial implications.

For marketing purposes, a pre-listing inspection should be available at the property for review by the potential buyers after viewing the property. Additionally, 2Patriots Property Inspection can have the inspection report available for prospective buyers and their agents through an HTML link on their website. Just ask us about this.

While a pre-listing inspection will not head off every potential "deal-breaker" issue, most agree the benefits outweigh holding off on the inspection until after contract acceptance. Here are some of benefits to conducting the inspection prior to the listing.

1) Identify defects and make repairs ahead of time.
2) By identifying possible defects early on, the seller is in a position to handle repairs prior to listing, making the listing more attractive and the property more saleable. This may mean more money to the seller and a faster sale.
3) Making repairs ahead of time will limit objections over defects during the negotiations. If the seller elects not to repair certain defects that turn up in the inspection, they can disclose the defects to potential buyers in the disclosure documents.
4)Aid as a pricing tool. Having a completed inspection report from a certified inspector will help you (the seller) arrive at a realistic list price. If you find out, for example, that your HVAC system shows significant wear and tear and will need to be replaced before the next winter season, you should take that into consideration when pricing your home for sale.

Best practices in today's buyers' market dictate one of the best things sellers can do to facilitate a sale is to conduct a pre-listing property inspection by one of our state licensed home inspectors, and have it readily available for potential buyers. The more information buyers have will aid in the negotiations and hopefully result in a successful contract.

Give us a call at 615.790.6233




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Why a home inspector will not turn the water on at a house.....

We get asked this question all the time.... Why won't you turn on the water? Sometimes people don't understand and sometimes they get mad - but, when we give the example of "why" most understand...

How would YOU be feeling after you made the decision to go in to someone elses home and turn on the water..... you can hear water running, assume someone left a faucet open - but, nope - this is what you find

What? Water on the floor? Then you look up and you see.....

Yep, water pipe broke, blew-out the drywall.  You run as fast as you can back to the water main, get the water turned off.  Go back in the house to survey the damage.....

Can you see all the damage potential from just turning on the water? Hope this helps you understand the home inspectors postion on this now. 

(And, by the way, this water was not turned on by the inspector.)

RECALL: Maytag Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Dishwashers

Units: About 1.7 million in the United States

Manufacturer: Maytag Corp. of Newton, Iowa or Maytag Corp. of Benton Harbor, Mich.

Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher's heating element can pose a serious fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 12 reports of dishwasher heating element failures that resulted in fires and dishwasher damage, including one report of extensive kitchen damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Maytag(r), Amana(r), Jenn-Air(r), Admiral(r), Magic Chef(r), Performa by Maytag(r) and Crosley(r) brand dishwashers with plastic tubs and certain serial numbers. The affected dishwashers were manufactured with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels. The brand name is printed on the front of the dishwasher. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening. Serial numbers will start or end with one of the following sequences.

SERIAL number STARTING with: NW39, NW40, NW41, NW42, NW43, NW44, NW45, NW46, NW47, NW48, NW49, NW50, NW51, NW52, NY01, NY02, NY03, NY04, NY05, NY06, NY07, NY08, NY09, NY10, NY11, NY12, NY13, NY14, NY15, NY16, NY17, NY18, NY19

OR

SERIAL number ENDING with: JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL, JN, JP, JR, JT, JV, JX, LA, LC, LE, LG, LJ, LL, LN, LP, LR, LT, LV, LX, NA, NC, NE, NG, NJ, NL, NN, NP, NR

Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from February 2006 through April 2010 for between $250 and $900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire and contact Maytag to verify if their dishwasher is included in the recall. If the dishwasher is included in the recall, consumers can either schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate following the purchase of certain new Maytag brand stainless-steel tub dishwashers. The rebate is $150 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB7759, MDB7609 or MDBH979; or $250 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB8959, MDB8859, MDB7809 or MDB7709. Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maytag at (800) 544-5513 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.repair.maytag.com

Tennessee recovering.....

The events of this past weekends rains have been tough for all Tennesseeans! Most faired better than some, but all have been touched. 

I have spent the last few days on the phone, answering and returning hundreds of calls of desperation from many of our 2Patriots "family", and from some I have not known prior to talking this week.  Most were looking for repair sources - and a shoulder. Some just needed to vent - though price gauging seems to be minimal, it is happening. Shame on you if you are one of them! You will be caught - one way or another.

2Patriots keeps a current list of repair persons/ vendors and companies on the website.  Please know that this list if compiled of referrals from our client base - not because someone called me and wanted to be placed on the list. However, with that being said....... please notify me if you contact someone and have a bad experience - they will be removed immediately.

LINK TO 2PATRIOTS - HELPFUL RESOURCES

Please know that everyone at 2Patriots is here to help in anyway we can! Do not hesitate to give us a call, 615.790.6233.

Prayers go out to all!

-Diana Poole, Operations Coordinator


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Spring Time Maintenance (Part 2)

Made it thru the first maintenance list yet? :)  Below is a list of more good maintenance checks you should make:

ATTIC

• Check your attic for proper ventilation and birds nests.
• Look for obstructions over vents, damaged soffit panels, roof flashing leaks and wet spots on insulation.
• When you're in the attic, wear long sleeves and gloves to protect yourself from insulation.

HVAC & BATTERIES

• You can change filters and clean the air purifier,but have a maintenance check of your HVAC system by a professional.
• Spring is also a good time to have your ducts professionally cleaned. It'll make your indoor air quality healthier and your furnace more efficient.
• Change batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

DRAINAGE

• Shrubs and landscaping help against soil erosion, but should be planted to form a negative grade, which means water will flow away from the house.

CONCRETE

• Seal and inspect asphalt or concrete driveways. Most of us put off sealing driveways until the fall, but the spring is an ideal time to do it, says Gibbs. The sealer you use, driveway material and climate will affect how often you need to seal your driveway.
• Power wash concrete patios; inspect decks for rotting wood and secure railings. Seal both if necessary.

POOL

• Have a professional service your pool.

WINDOWS & DOORS

• Remove interior storm windows (old homes only) and replace screens on clean windows and doors
•  You can also save on utility bills by adding blinds to windows that face south and west.
• Examine putty/caulk lines around exterior windows and doors; ensure weather stripping creates a good seal.

SUMP PUMP

• Make sure the sump pump is operating correctly; install a battery back-up pump. The backup, another pump that floats above the original pump, will kick on when the electricity goes out. If your sump pump fails, an alarm goes off, letting you know the backup is working. A few hundred dollars will save you thousands in water damage, especially if your basement is finished.

If you need help locating a professional, check out our HELPFUL RESOURCES page.



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RECALL: Simpson Dura-Vent Recalls Fireplace Dampers Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

(from CPSC) ** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only. Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product. If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.
                            +++++++++++++++++

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper

Units: About 500

Manufacturer: Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif.

Hazard: When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers. The products are intended for use as a starter section for chimneys in fireplace applications. The dampers allow the chimney to be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Each damper is a short sheet metal vent pipe fitted with a circular damper plate within the vent pipe, and attached to a square anchor plate. The damper plate rotates around an axis rod to control the flow of air through the vent pipe. The damper plates have a weight attached to one side, and a chain attached to the other side.When installed in a fireplace application, the square anchor plate is generally not visible.

The DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in five sizes, as follows:

Dura-Vent Product Description Dura-Vent Product Number

10" diameter DuraTech Damper 99142

12" diameter DuraTech Damper 99242

14" diameter DuraTech Damper 99342

16" diameter DuraTech Damper 99442

18" diameter DuraTech Damper 99542

The DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in four sizes, as follows:

Dura-Vent Product Description Dura-Vent Product Number

10" diameter DuraChimney Damper 10DCA-APD

12" diameter DuraChimney Damper 12DCA-APD

14" diameter DuraChimney Damper 14DCA-APD

16" diameter DuraChimney Damper 16DCA-APD

Sold by: Dura-Vent distributors to fireplace/chimney contractors and by installers to home builders nationwide from January 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 to $150, depending on the model and size.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unrepaired recalled dampers were distributed in Washington and California. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact Simpson Dura-Vent at (866) 860-7908 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.duravent.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Spring Home Maintenance (Part 1)

I know that it is a little early to be discussing Spring - but, I am feeling hopeful! 

Instead of discussing a lengthy list of things to check for and to do around your home during the Spring, I will break this up in to doable tasks.

The article below comes from Consumer Reports and has great information of things you should check this Spring - especially after the Winter we have had.

*         *              *              *

Hazardous deck
Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of the deck, call a pro to investigate.

Rid your deck of moss and mold. Pressure washers are effective. Remember, if you see wood damage, like raised fibers, increase the distance between the spray nozzle and the decking.

CR recommends an electric pressure washer. It’s quieter and easier to store and transport than a gas-powered model (Ratings available to subscribers).
Dirty air conditioner

Disconnect electric power to the outdoor condenser on your air conditioner and clear it of leaves and debris with a vent brush, power blower, garden hose, or the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If the cooling fins are exposed, be careful not to bend them. (If your yard has lots of trees and plants, wrap fiberglass mesh around the condenser coil to capture pollen and leaves. Replace the mesh as needed. Don't allow debris to block airflow.) Vacuum the grille and register inside the home to ensure good airflow. And change your furnace filter.

Foundation fissures

Hairline cracks in foundation walls might be the result of concrete curing or minor settling and aren't automatically cause for alarm. Mark them with tape and check them again in a few months. If they've worsened, call a structural engineer. If they're stable, fill them with an epoxy-injection system.

Check that the ground around the foundation slopes away from the house (about 1 inch per foot).

Look for pellet-shaped droppings or shed wings from termites.

Clear the area of leaves, in which rodents can nest.

Faulty garage-door opener

To check that the door is balanced, release it into the manual mode and lift it by hand. The door should lift easily and smoothly and stay open on its own about 3 feet off the ground. If it doesn't, by hire a garage-door technician to counterbalance its overhead spring . Next, set the reversing force on the opener as low as possible. Place a 2x4 board on the ground under the door, wide side down. The door should pop back up when it hits the 2x4. If it doesn't, call a garage-door pro. Test the photoelectric eyes by holding the 2x4 between them. The door should reverse direction. If it doesn’t, have it checked by a pro.

Clogged gutters

Clear gutters of debris and check them for corrosion, joint separation, and loose fasteners. Flush out downspouts and unclog leader pipes. Leaders should extend at least 5 feet to direct water away from the foundation.

Leaky roof

Leaks typically occur around an inadequately flashed chimney, skylight, or other opening. They're easiest to spot in the attic; inspect the rafters for water stains. Patching leaks is best left to a professional. While the contractor is on the roof, have him clean leaves from roof valleys.

Examine the siding under roof eaves, and the ceilings in the rooms below, for water or discoloration, indications that ice dams might have created leaks along the roof edge.

Inspect the roof for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 years.

Weakened trees

Inspect trees for broken branches. If the limb is high up, hire a licensed arborist. If you can reach it from the ground, take it down using the three-cut technique, which prevents bark from tearing and creating an open wound on the trunk:

Make the first cut 1 to 2 feet from the branch collar, sawing a quarter way through the bottom of the branch.

Make the second cut 3 inches farther out from the first, sawing all the way through the branch.

Make the final cut just beyond the branch collar, sawing from the top down.

Check trunks for signs of "sun scalding," which typically affects the south and the southwest sides of smooth-barked trees, such as maples. Inspect for roots poking through the soil, a possible sign that the tree is starting to list. If you had heavy snowfall in winter, look for bending branches. Make a mental note and check that they bounce back and produce leaves in the spring.

Cracked pavement

Nip cracks in the bud in the driveway and paths before weeds take up residence. Home centers sell patching materials and fillers designed for asphalt and concrete surfaces. These DIY fixes might not do the trick on surfaces that have ruptured from the effects of frost heaving. For those, you'll need to hire a professional to pour or pave a new surface over stabilized soil.

If you have a path that was dry set (as opposed to set in mortar), brush stone dust or sand in the joints to lock the pavers in place and prevent weeds from invading.

 

Make sure to look your house over after this storm (by Bill Poole, Sr. Inspector)

 Hope this post finds each of you doing okay and without any issues from this weather that has dumped on Middle Tennessee this past weekend.

I wanted to take a moment and remind you to take the time to look around your home and property for damage to it and/or ways to prevent damage during the thaw. To some, this may be old hat. But, 2Patriots has inspected many homes over the last few years for people that have moved from areas of the country that aren't used to the snow & ice that we have experienced.

• Snow and ice on the roof can melt during the day only to re-freeze again at night when the temperature falls below freezing once again. When this happens, rain gutters are prone to a condition called "ice dams" where ice builds up in the gutters, preventing water from flowing. When conditions are just right, this water blockage can cause water to work its way back up the roof line, under the shingles, causing leaks in the attic, down the walls, or through the ceiling. If possible, make sure to do a visual inspection of your gutters and your shingles. If you see evidence of raised shingles, please call a roofing professional to further investigate.  You may also want to take the time to go in your attic and look for any leaks in your roof.

Snow; ice and cold temperatures are damaging to pipes as well. While many residents that live in areas with harsh winter weather insulate their pipes, ice storms can hit more temperate areas (such as the Middle Tennessee). Even homes with insulated pipes can experience burst pipes after the weather we have experienced, especially if the power has been out for extended time periods. After all, without home heating systems circulating warm air, water in the pipes could reach the freezing point. When water freezes in pipes, it expands, putting extreme pressure on pipes and pipe joints. Depending on the extent of the freeze, the water damage may not appear until everything begins to thaw out. The best way to evaluate your plumbing is to LOOK & LISTEN. Go in your crawlspace or basement to detect leaks in waterlines or joints. Look for dripping spots on the ground and listen for any running water.  If you hear running water or see leak evidence, call a plumbing professional.

In addition to freezing and melt cycles, ice is exceptionally heavy. It can cause structural damages to roofs, bridges, and other structures. After the ice storm, ice from above can fall off in chunks causing injuries to pedestrians below.

If ice/snow has covered your bathroom fan vent, go in the bathroom and turn on the fan until you can see the vent on the roof (disregard if your vent fans at the eaves.) This may take anywhere from 10 - 60 minutes depending on the outside temperature and how much snow/ice is on the vent.

I hope this information helps you out. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. Our office # is 615.790.6233.  You can also find service professionals on our website.

Dry Air of Winter

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The cold air has set in and brought Tennessee in to a deep freeze, AND dry air. While dry air isn't a bad thing in the great out-of-doors, it can be difficult to live with inside your home. Purchasing a humidifier keeps the air in your home from getting too dry during those frosty months of the year.

When you begin to research humidifier options you will find that two types exist: portable ones and permanent ones. Both types of units work efficiently, but are designed to solve different problems. Portable units are good to use when one area in your house needs more moisture. You can use this unit anywhere in your home, as long as you have some sort of flat surface to set it on. And you can move it from room to room, if you so desire. If your whole house needs humidity, however, install a permanent humidifier. This unit attaches to the ductwork of a forced-air furnace. When your hot air is forced through the ducts, moisture goes along with it.

Purchase an indoor thermometer with hygrometer to measure the level of humidity in your home.  Excess humidity causes bacteria, mold and mildew issues. To avoid these situations, keep a level of 40 to 50 percent humidity. This provides a comfortable environment for most people.

Don't forget to do regular cleaning and maintenance on the humidifier. Check your instructions for manufacturer's suggestions for maintaining the equipment to prevent bacteria and mildew.

You want your home to feel comfortable all year long. Your heating and cooling system allows you to live in just the right air temperature. A humidifier will allow you to live with just the right amount of moisture in your home and prevent dry, cold weather from taking over.