Central Florida Home Inspector on home inspection related issues and topics. Residential Home Inspections, Four Point Insurance Inspections, Wind Mitigation Inspections, and safety concerns found in homes. Inspections from Orlando to Daytona Beach.
Who is eligible for a wind mitigation inspection discount?
The State of Florida requires all insurance companies to
offer wind mitigation discounts to Florida homeowners.Wind insurance credits are obtainable on the
building features that reduce damage during high winds on all single-family
homes, townhomes, condominiums, and commercial buildings. Many existing
structures have one or more of the wind-resistivity construction features
already. Homeowners, as well as condominium associations, qualify for wind
mitigation credits.
How do I save money?
The State of Florida requires insurance companies to offer
reduced rates for certain wind mitigation features. A wind mitigation
inspection must be performed by a certified wind mitigation inspector; Home
Inspector, Building Code Inspector, an engineer, an architect, or any other
individual that holds the necessary qualifications as described by Florida
Statues.A wind mitigation inspector
will document features of your home on the required OIR-B1-1802 Wind Mitigation
form and take photographs of them, which when applied to your insurance policy
will decrease the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.
How much money can I save with a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Wind mitigation features are mandated by state law and can
total 45 percent of the original windstorm policy’s premium.Insurance companies are required to offer
discounts for features that qualify for wind storm credits.A Wind Mitigation Inspection can save you as
much as $1,260 on a homeowner’s insurance policy of $2,800.
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost in Florida?
The cost of Wind Mitigation Inspections varies by region in
Florida.Orlando Wind Mitigation
Inspection costs average $200.Miami
costs are around $225 while the cost of North and Central Florida remains
between $150 and $200.A wind mitigation
certificate is good for five years.Once
you have your Wind Mitigation Certificate it will reduce your premium and save
you hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year.
How do I schedule a wind
mitigation inspection in Central Florida?
Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home
Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake
Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home
in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect
the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from
their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
Orlando new home construction was up 51 percent in 2018
compared with the year before.
Construction was led by a surge in apartments but also increases in
single family homes, townhouses and condos. Home builders started 16,238 single
family homes last year, 12 percent more than 2017. Developers started 12,629
apartments, the most since the Census Bureau began tracking the statistic in
2004.
Orlando home construction is now at the highest level since 2009
when Obama took office. Home sales peaked in 2005 during the middle of the G.W. Bush administration and hit the bottom early in Obama's first term. Sales have since
recovered, but are still at levels not seen since the early 1990s when G.H.W. Bush
was leaving office.
Building material, skilled labor and lot shortages held new
home construction down. Most of the skilled labor were retrained when unemployment peaked in in other
fields and did not return when the economy improved. Builders use of unskilled labor has them
spending more time on repairs after the new homes are sold.
Our home inspection schedule has been full in part due to
the number of re-inspections required on new home sales. Nationwide there is a
labor shortage of 300,000 skilled workers like roofers and framers.
Concentrated urban areas of Orlando are adding
homes at the fastest rate. Demand continues to be high in areas such as St.
Cloud, Lake Nona, Western Orange County, Western Volusia and Lake County.
Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home
Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake
Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home
in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect
the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from
their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
What is a Radiant Barrier?Are they effective at reducing my energy bill?
We inspect a lot of hot dusty attics, some are 165° F.We see all kinds of situations where attic insulation is insufficient, ventilation is inadequate, and rarely find radiant barriers installed in attics.According to the Department of Energy Radiant Barriers work best in hot climates when used in conjunction with sufficient insulation and ventilation.Studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10%. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system or improve effectiveness of an under rated systems.
Radiant barriers are installed in homes primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs.Radiant barriers do not reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials.The barriers are comprised of a highly reflective substrate or foil that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it.
Heat Transfer
Like a cool spoon in cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand; heat travels from a warm area to a cool area by a combination of conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flows by conduction from a hotter location within a material or assembly to a colder location. Heat transfer by convection occurs when a liquid or air, becomes lighter and rises. When liquid or air cools, it becomes heavier and falls. Radiant heat moves from hots surfaces and is absorbed by cooler materials or air.A car parked in the sun will absorb the radiant heat into the cars finish and transfer the heat thru the metal into the interior where it heats the air inside the car.
How Radiant Barriers Function
Most insulation materials work by slowing heat transfer. Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems are designed to reduce the transfer radiant heat. Radiant barriers must have an air space to work. Radiant barrier are less effective when installed horizontally. Dust accumulation on the reflective surface reduces its reflective properties.
As the sun heats your roof, it makes your roof hot. The heat travels through the roofing materials to the attic side of your roof. It radiates the increased heat energy onto the cooler attic materials, the air conditioning ductwork and the ceiling of your home. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic.
Radiant Barriers help air conditioners cooling capacity
Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates than in cool climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.
Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in
Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties.
Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and
building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the
highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their
home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
The most cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, increase
stability, improve comfort levels, and create a healthier interior
atmosphere is to reduce the amount of air that flows in and out of your
home. Before considering improving insulation or installing a vapor
barrier, you should take care of those drafty utility penetrations,
windows and doors. Weather stripping and caulking around doors, windows
and utility penetrations are two simple and effective techniques for
air-sealing that offer quick returns on investment. Weather stripping is
used to seal components that move, such as entry and garage doors and
operable windows. Weather strips take a lot of abuse and wear out
frequently over a home’s lifetime, check them quarterly and replace as
needed. Caulking (interior and exterior) is generally used for cracks
and openings between stationary house components like; doors, windows,
masonry cracks and ledges, utility penetrations any trim or siding
joints.
Air Leakage
Air leakage occurs when outside air enters and conditioned air leaves
your house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. When it is cold
or gusty, an excessive amount of air may enter the house. During summer
or warmer weather, conditioned air exits the building envelope, which
can result in poor indoor air quality. Air leakage also causes moisture
problems that affect the structure’s durability and the occupants’
health. Condensation is a major contributing factor to wood rot in most
homes. An added benefit is that sealing cracks and openings decrease
drafts, cold spots, and improves comfort. It is important to seal the
fire barrier between the home and garage to reduce the chances of carbon
monoxide poisoning. Never rely on air leakage for ventilation.
Detecting Air Leaks
The best way to reduce air leakage and controlled ventilation is to have
a home energy audit performed on your home. The test, when performed
by a licensed professional, will identify air leaks, air quality and if
additional ventilation is needed. Before sealing air leaks, assess your
ventilation needs for indoor air quality.
If you are planning an extensive renovation of your home, review
techniques used for air sealing in new home construction and consider a
home energy audit to identify all the ways your home costs you money by
wasting energy. To seal air leaks, apply air sealing techniques and
materials, including caulk and weather stripping.
How to Seal Air Leaks
Common places air leaks are found:
Check the weather stripping on doors and windows.
Check caulking on doors and windows. Old,
dried and cracked caulking should be removed and replaced. There are
many types of caulking for many different applications. You should know
what type of caulk you should use before sealing those leaking windows.
Check caulking where utility penetrations
come thru exterior walls. Check plumbing, ducts, electrical wiring,
cable TV and telephone cables comes through the floors, exterior walls,
ceilings, and soffits.
Install foam gaskets on electrical outlets and switches on perimeter walls.
Dirty spots on insulation may be an
indication of air leaks and mold. Look for leaks and seal with
low-expansion spray foam. Large gaps may require the installation of
flashing.
Dirty spots on your walls, often around
electrical receptacles and switches, or ceilings by vents or light
fixtures, may indicate air leaks. Use foam gaskets or spray foam to seal
leaks.
Single-pane windows allow hot and cold air
to transfer. Double-pane low-emissivity windows are more efficient
and the cost to upgrade will be recouped in energy saving over a few
years.
Use foam sealant on larger gaps around windows, baseboards, and other places where air may leak out.
Check your kitchen exhaust fan for air
leaks. Stop air leaks by upgrading the exhaust fan or cover the vent to
stop air leaks when not in use.
Check your dryer vent to be sure it is not
blocked. Lint will keep the dryer vent door from closing allowing air
to leak in and out of your home. This will save energy and may prevent a
fire.
Check the bottom door sweep and threshold
for pliability and damage. Replace damaged seals with energy efficient
pliable sealing gaskets.
Fireplace Flues, Dampers and Chimneys
Fireplaces are a major source of air outflow. Keep the fireplace flue damper tightly closed when not in use.
Seal air leaks around fireplace chimneys,
furnaces, and gas-fired water heater vents with fire-resistant materials
such as sheet metal or Sheetrock and furnace cement caulk.
Check your makeup air vent damper to ensure it seals properly.
Fireplace flue damper doors are made from metal, constant heating and cooling can cause
the doors to warp, crack or break, creating a passage for air loss.
One way to seal your flue when not in operation is an inflatable chimney
balloon. A chimney balloon is made of durable plastic and can be
reused many times. It installs easily beneath your fireplace flue and
can be removed easily. The balloon will automatically deflate within
seconds if it becomes heated, if you forget to remove the balloon before
making a fire. Balloons are available in various sizes online and in
retail shops.
Sealing air leaks will not eliminate the need for proper insulation or
radiant barriers that reduce heat flow through a home’s building
envelope.
Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in
Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties.
Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and
building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the
highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their
home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
Orlando / Daytona Beach Metro Areas Home Inspections
First Choice Home Inspections, is the premier home inspector service provider for Orlando / Daytona Beach Metro areas and Central Florida. We service Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, and Lake Counties of Central FL. We also service areas of Brevard, Flagler, Marion, Polk, and Sumter Counties.
Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in
Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties.
Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and
building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the
highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their
home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
Barbecue grill are the #10 leading cause of home fires in the United States. With
the 4th of July weekend coming up and summer grilling kicking off, now
is the time to check your grill and review BBQ grilling safety. Grilling
steaks and burgers with your family will make a great summer time
gathering. A home fire will make your summer commencement barbecue
unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. The Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that there were 3,800 grill
injuries reported annually requiring medical care.
Before grilling check your equipment, review safety procedures with your party and children, and ensure you have proper clearance from combustible material. Have your home fire extinguisher or garden hose in a handy location. Keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended.
Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended.
BEFORE BARBECUING
Grill
maintenance, check thoroughly for leaks, cracking or brittleness
before using it. Propane grills clean out the tubes that lead into
the burner.
Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or trees.
Store and use your grill on a large flat surface that cannot burn (i.e. - concrete or asphalt).
Grills should not be placed in a garage, porch, deck or on top of anything that can catch fire.
Establish a safety zone around the grill
area. Keep children away from fires and grills. Instruct children
to remain outside the zone. A chalk line works great for this
purpose.
Have
a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water supply, or
at least 4 gallons of water close by in case of a fire.
DURING BARBECUING
Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire.
Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.
Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid to start a fire.
Never
pour or spray starter fluid onto an open flame. The flames can
easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your
hands.
Alcoholic beverages are flammable. Keep them away from the grill.
Never leave the grill unattended.
AFTER BARBECUING
Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and storing instructions for the grill.
Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to a fire.
Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home and/or near any possible sources of flame.
IN CASE OF A BARBECUE FIRE
PROPANE Grills - turn off the burners. If you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off. If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911).
CHARCOAL Grills - close the grill lid. ELECTRIC Grills - disconnect the power.
DIAL 911 - If there is any type of fire that either threatens your personal safety or endangers property.
Grease
fires - NEVER attempt to extinguish with water. It will only cause
the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher.
PROPANE GRILLS
The
CPSC reports that more than 500 fires and 20 injuries occur every year
from gas grill fires and explosions of grills that have not been used
for several months.
Check
the tubes leading to the burner regularly for blockages. Check with
your specific grill manufacturer's instructions.
Check for leaks EVERY TIME you replace the cylinder. Pour soapy solution over the connections and if bubbles
begin to form, there is a leak. Placing the soapy solution into a
spray bottle makes it much easier to apply. If there is a leak, turn
off the grill IMMEDIATELY and have it fixed. Do NOT use the grill
until the leak is fixed.
Make sure all the connections are secure BEFORE turning on the gas.
Never
start a propane grill with the lid closed. Gas can accumulate and
when the grill is ignited may cause an explosion.
Only get propane from approved compressed gas suppliers.
Before getting a propane cylinder filled, check for any damages to it.
Never store propane cylinders indoors or near any heat source.
Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your automobile.
ALWAYS
shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle after you
have finished barbecuing. Otherwise, this will lead to fire hazards,
such as leaks and faulty regulators.
CHARCOAL GRILLS
Twenty deaths and 400 injuries are treated resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning from charcoal grills according to the CPSC.
Due
to the production of carbon monoxide when charcoal is burned,
charcoal grills should not be used inside homes, vehicles, tents, or
campers, even if ventilation is provided. Carbon monoxide is
odorless and colorless; you will not be alerted to the danger until
it is too late.
Never use any flammable liquid other than barbecue starter fluid to start a charcoal barbecue.
Use the starter fluid sparingly and never put it on an open flame.
Never
add fire starter after you have started your barbecue to speed a
slow fire or rekindle a dying fire. The flames can easily flashback
along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
Remove
the charcoal ashes from the grill and place them into a metal
container with a tight-fitting metal lid. Add and mix in water with
the ashes, and set aside for several days. Dispose of the mixture in
accordance with the Department of Sanitation's guidelines.
Remove the ashes only after they are completely cooled and no warm embers remain.
Always soak coals with water after cooking; they retain their heat for long periods of time.
Keep
damp or wet coals in a well-ventilated area. During the drying
process, spontaneous combustion can occur in confined areas.
ELECTRIC GRILLS
Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from any combustible material.
Do NOT use any flammable liquid to start an electric grill.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions in the use of an electric grill.
When
using an electrical extension cord, make sure it is properly rated
for the amperage required for the electric grill. Route extension
cords out of the line of foot traffic to avoid trip hazards.
DEEP FRYERS
According
to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), deep fryer fires
cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in
property damage each year.
Basic safety principles when using deep fryers:
Oil Level-
If the cooking pot is overfilled, the oil may spill out of the pot when
the turkey is lowered in. Oil can hit the burner and cause a
significant fire. Follow the owner's manual and make sure the oil level
is at the proper level.
Frozen or Partially Thawed Meat in Oil
- Frozen or partially frozen fowl placed into the fryer can cause the
oil to spill over the pot and may result in a significant fire or burn
injury. Do not use water to thaw your turkey. Make sure your fowl is
properly thawed and slowly lower it into the pot to prevent the oil from
splashing.
Placement of Deep Fryer - Cook outdoors and on a level, firm, and non-combustible surface. Home
fires involving fryers can start in a garage or on a patio or deck.
Maintain a safe distance from any buildings and keep the fryer off of
any wooden structures.
Don't Use Water or Ice
- When ice or water comes into contact with hot oil, the water
vaporizes, causing steam bubbles to pop and spray hot oil. Do not use
ice or water to cool down oil or extinguish an oil fire. Keep an
extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby and immediately
call 911 for help.
Don't Leave Your Fryer Unattended
- Frying involves cooking with a combustible cooking oil or grease.
Many frying units do not have thermostat controls and if unwatched, the
oil will continue to heat until the oil ignites.
Level Surfaces
- Many fryers are very top-heavy and can be unstable if not used on a
level surface. Fryers not on level surfaces can tip over causing a
significant fire or burn injury.
REMEMBER
Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof.
Never use a charcoal or propane grill inside your home or garage.
Propane
tanks - no more than two (2) 20-pound propane tanks are allowed on
the grounds of a one or two-family home, but be sure to follow the
fire safety precautions above.
Only
use a charcoal barbecue on a balcony or terrace if there is a ten foot
clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water
(garden hose or four (4) gallon pail of water).
Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in
Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties.
Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and
building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the
highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their
home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
