People like you and me are now bombarded with frightening stories about “toxic” or “killer” mold and mildew. We are told that we will get sick and be forced from our homes. And, it has become big business too. Recently, we received an ad-fax from a cleaning company with headlines, “Government health agencies do no….
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Let’s Caulk
Perhaps by now the March wind-driven weather has convinced the Board it has water infiltration problems, not to mention air infiltration issues. Interior gypsum board ceilings and walls are starting to stain; floors are beginning to get wet and warp; and unit owners are complaining of mold formation. Often the answer is not façade re-siding….
All Decked Out
Nothing says “summer” like a big barbecue on the back deck! However, that deck can quickly become a major maintenance concern and even a liability. “Your deck is under attack from the minute the first nail is driven into the wood – assuming that nail belongs there in the first place. Poor construction sets the….
Building Code Myths
Imagine that you are on the board of a condominium association to which the developer has just transferred control. It’s a brand new community and the developer/builder has assured you that all the buildings are “fully compliant with the building code.” This means you can be confident that the buildings are defect free and the….
Wild And Crazy Roofs – It’s Not All Good News!
Have you noticed? Roof lines are getting more and more complex and creative. The traditional gable roof (single ridge, symmetric slopes and vertical end panels) is quickly becoming a distant memory. While a gable roof may not be architecturally exciting, it is simpler to maintain and the risk of premature leaks is minimal. Nineteenth-century construction….
Water Water Everywhere
“Water, water everywhere” is not what you want to be thinking as you’re staring through the windows of the restaurant, drug store and appliance shop that are tenants in the building you own. Water inside a building means likely damage to the furnishings and fixtures, floors and walls inside; it also means the possibility of….
What is a Structural Inspection?
A structural – or engineering – inspection is above all, an opinion as to the structural condition and integrity of the building or home. That is, in the opinion of the engineer 1) were the structural elements (foundation, framing, etc.) designed and built to accept the anticipated loads to be placed upon them, and 2)….
Cold Yet? – A Few Words About Winter
Seen on a Maine license plate – BRRRRR. When it comes to winter, that says it all! But what of our houses in winter? Think about it. Is your home winter-time safe? Here are a few thoughts: CONDENSATION is the result of a combination of high moisture levels in the air and low temperatures. Warmer….
Real Estate or Wheel Estate?
Is it modular, manufactured or mobile? Or…is it pre-cut, pre-fab or panelized? Or…is it site built or stick built? Or…is it a trailer? And what regulations apply, if any? Previously, we discussed building codes and addressed some common myths and misunderstandings. Building codes, when they do exist, apply primarily to homes built on-site. But there are….
Preventing Ice Dams on Your Roof
Along with the snow and frosty temperatures, icicles are a lingering reminder that New England is still firmly entrenched in winter. Icicles, while festive, are an official sign of an ice dam on the roof. Less cheery are the ice bands that can also form along the roof eaves, and both of these wintry growths….