This is the AA-MSA Inspection blog (www.aa-msa.com). AA-MSA Inspectors write about their actual building inspection and environmental testing experiences.
This blog post is about Asbestos. Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been mined for their useful properties such as thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength. The three most common types of asbestos are: a) chrysotile, b) amosite and c) crocidolite.
Asbestos can only be identified under a microscope. Chrysotile asbestos makes up approximately 90%-95% of all asbestos contained in buildings in the United States.
Why is asbestos a hazard? Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundle s of fibers that may become airborne when distributed. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs, where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers still have not determined a "safe level" of exposure but we know the greater and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting an asbestos related disease. Some of these health problems include:
a) Asbestosis - a lung disease first found in naval shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become trapped in the lung tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by producing an acid. This acid, due to the chemical resistance of the fiber, does little to damage the fiber, but may scar the surrounding tissue. Eventually, this scarring may become so severe that the lungs cannot function. The latency period ( meaning the time it takes for the disease to become developed) is often 25-40 years.
b) Mesothelioma - a cancer of the pleura ( the outer lining of the lung and chest cavity) and/ or the peritoneum ( the lining of the abdominal wall). This form of cancer is peculiar because the only known cause is from asbestos exposure. The latency period for Mesothelioma is often 15-30 years.
c) Lung Cancer- caused by asbestos. The effects of lung cancer are often greatly increased by cigarette smoking ( by about 50%). Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can also be caused by asbestos. The latency period for cancer is often 15-30 years.
Despite the common misconception, asbestos does not cause headaches, sore muscles or other immediate symptoms. The effects often go unnoticed for 15-40 years.
When is asbestos a hazard? Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when asbestos containing materials (ACM) are disturbed or the materials become damaged that it becomes a hazard. When the materials become damaged, the fibers separate and may then become airborne. In the asbestos industry, the term ‘friable’ is used to describe asbestos that can be reduced to dust by hand pressure. ‘Non-friable’ means asbestos that is too hard to be reduce to dust by hand. Non-friable materials, such as transite siding and floor tiles are not regulated provided it does not become friable. Machine grinding, sanding and dry-buffing are ways of causing non- friable materials to become friable.
AA-MSA's inspectors are licensed professionals who have developed a superior understanding of construction and asbestos hazard identification.
Want to know if you have asbestos in your home? Call AA-MSA to conduct an asbestos inspection. 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or after hours ext 303. Or, email joe@aa-msa.com.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Roof leakage on Willow Street in New Haven
This is the AA-MSA, Inc., inspection blog (www.aa-msa.com). AA-MSA inspectors write about the actual conditions that they experience during property inspections and environmental testing.
This call was about a 2nd floor bathroom ceiling that began to leak water during a recent rain storm. The area above this 2nd floor bathroom is the intersection where two roofs meet. Areas where roofs intersect with other roofs, with walls and roof penetrations are common areas where leaks often begin. A two-person team was sent to conduct a water test. The ceiling area inside the bathroom where water had caused damage, was opened to expose the framing. With moisture meter in hand the inspector located the area where the meter glowed red registering 100% moisture! Next one of the inspectors went onto the roof carrying a water hose and proceeding to "rain" initially on the lowest level of roofing and then upwards. As soon as the outside inspector applied water to the area where the two roof surfaces intersected, the inside inspector alerted him to water intrusion. Together these two inspectors determined the cause of the leak to be deterioration of the roof sheathing beneath the roof covering that resulted in accelerated wear of the roof covering itself, hence leakage. This was one of the easier leaks to trouble-shoot. Often times leaks occur in areas that are far from the water damage that first alerts the occupants to the trouble.
If you have a water leak that needs repair, call the leakage experts at AA-MSA, Inc., before you call the repairman. AA-MSA's licensed inspectors are experts are defect recognition and diagnosis. 24 hour service is available throughout Connecticut. 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303 if an emergency or after business hours.
This call was about a 2nd floor bathroom ceiling that began to leak water during a recent rain storm. The area above this 2nd floor bathroom is the intersection where two roofs meet. Areas where roofs intersect with other roofs, with walls and roof penetrations are common areas where leaks often begin. A two-person team was sent to conduct a water test. The ceiling area inside the bathroom where water had caused damage, was opened to expose the framing. With moisture meter in hand the inspector located the area where the meter glowed red registering 100% moisture! Next one of the inspectors went onto the roof carrying a water hose and proceeding to "rain" initially on the lowest level of roofing and then upwards. As soon as the outside inspector applied water to the area where the two roof surfaces intersected, the inside inspector alerted him to water intrusion. Together these two inspectors determined the cause of the leak to be deterioration of the roof sheathing beneath the roof covering that resulted in accelerated wear of the roof covering itself, hence leakage. This was one of the easier leaks to trouble-shoot. Often times leaks occur in areas that are far from the water damage that first alerts the occupants to the trouble.
If you have a water leak that needs repair, call the leakage experts at AA-MSA, Inc., before you call the repairman. AA-MSA's licensed inspectors are experts are defect recognition and diagnosis. 24 hour service is available throughout Connecticut. 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303 if an emergency or after business hours.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
VA - FHA Compliance Inspections
This is the AA-MSA, Inc., Inspection blog (aa-msa.com). AA-MSA Inspectors write about their experiences doing different types of inspections and environmental work.
This blog post is about a "final inspection" required by the lender in order to comply with the requirements of a VA type mortgage loan. When mortgage financing is underwritten by a VA/FHA lender, the lender is required to follow certain procedures including the use of an approved inspector. The VA/FHA approved inspector inspects the property at various stages of construction to verify that the builder provided all that was planned and contracted for.
AA-MSA's inspectors are licensed professionals who have proven themselves to have a superior understanding of construction and have earned the designation VA and FHA certified. If you are participating in a VA, FHA or FHA203(k) mortgage finance program, hire an AA-MSA Consultant to review your plans and conduct your inspections. 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or after hours ext 303. Or, email joe@aa-msa.com.
This blog post is about a "final inspection" required by the lender in order to comply with the requirements of a VA type mortgage loan. When mortgage financing is underwritten by a VA/FHA lender, the lender is required to follow certain procedures including the use of an approved inspector. The VA/FHA approved inspector inspects the property at various stages of construction to verify that the builder provided all that was planned and contracted for.
AA-MSA's inspectors are licensed professionals who have proven themselves to have a superior understanding of construction and have earned the designation VA and FHA certified. If you are participating in a VA, FHA or FHA203(k) mortgage finance program, hire an AA-MSA Consultant to review your plans and conduct your inspections. 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or after hours ext 303. Or, email joe@aa-msa.com.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Poor Chimney Flashing in Portland, Connecticut
Welcome to AA-MSA's blog (www.aa-msa.com) about the experiences and findings of its professional inspectors. These are reports of actual findings that have helped save AA-MSA clients thousands of dollars.
Lets talk about chimney flashing. Asphalt flashing cement "tar" inevitably cracks as it dries out. Leakage usually becomes visible inside the attic. Moisture meter readings can confirm the degree of leakage.Proper flashing around a chimney is metal and NOT tar. Proper flashing usually consists of two layers. The first is called step flashing: Sections of L-shaped sheet metal are woven into the shingle courses and lapped up the side of the chimney. Next comes the counter-flashing: A second layer of metal is embedded in the chimney mortar joints and folded down to cover the top of the step flashing.
The type of metal used for flashing depends on where you live. Lead (soft and easy to bend to shape), Aluminum and Copper are quite common in New England. Copper is the longest-lived, but it is expensive. One advantage to copper is that the corners can be soldered for a watertight connection. No matter which material is used, it must be layered correctly if water is to be kept out. For more information click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeDPfKDG8u8 or call the experts at AA-MSA Inspections at 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303.
Lets talk about chimney flashing. Asphalt flashing cement "tar" inevitably cracks as it dries out. Leakage usually becomes visible inside the attic. Moisture meter readings can confirm the degree of leakage.Proper flashing around a chimney is metal and NOT tar. Proper flashing usually consists of two layers. The first is called step flashing: Sections of L-shaped sheet metal are woven into the shingle courses and lapped up the side of the chimney. Next comes the counter-flashing: A second layer of metal is embedded in the chimney mortar joints and folded down to cover the top of the step flashing.
The type of metal used for flashing depends on where you live. Lead (soft and easy to bend to shape), Aluminum and Copper are quite common in New England. Copper is the longest-lived, but it is expensive. One advantage to copper is that the corners can be soldered for a watertight connection. No matter which material is used, it must be layered correctly if water is to be kept out. For more information click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeDPfKDG8u8 or call the experts at AA-MSA Inspections at 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303.
Poor Attic Ventilation at Vernon, Connecticut Home
Welcome to AA-MSA's blog about the residential and commercial inspection and environmental assessment work that it's professional staff does. This blog reports actual findings about real conditions that AA-MSA inspectors find every day.
Lets talk about poor attic ventilation. According to industry experts (Ask the Expert Seminars 800-air-vent) or (http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/ventilation.htm),
for an attic ventilation system to perform properly, it needs a balance of both intake typically at the lowest point in the attic such as the exterior soffits and exhaust such as a ridge vent. At least 1/2, if not more of the total required net free area needed for proper ventilation should be in the intake area (soffits if possible).
For additional information about improving attic ventilation, call an expert at AA_MSA, Inc., 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303. To see what people say about AA-MSA's inspectors, click this link: www.aa-msa.com/testimonials/html
Lets talk about poor attic ventilation. According to industry experts (Ask the Expert Seminars 800-air-vent) or (http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/ventilation.htm),
for an attic ventilation system to perform properly, it needs a balance of both intake typically at the lowest point in the attic such as the exterior soffits and exhaust such as a ridge vent. At least 1/2, if not more of the total required net free area needed for proper ventilation should be in the intake area (soffits if possible).
For additional information about improving attic ventilation, call an expert at AA_MSA, Inc., 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303. To see what people say about AA-MSA's inspectors, click this link: www.aa-msa.com/testimonials/html
Roof Deterioration In Ridgefield, Connecticut
Welcome to AA-MSA's blog (www.aa-msa.com). This is where AA-MSA's professional inspectors share their inspection findings and experiences. Lets talk about defective roof covering.
When roof covering is cracked and cupped it is often a sign of advanced wear, long term weathering and/or poor ventilation. It's worse when the felt base of the roof shingle is visible. This felt base is the material onto which a mineral surfacing is applied during the manufacture process. When the small areas of the felt base become visible, leakage is imminent. The roof covering should have been replaced sooner and the roof sheathing may already have sustained moisture damage.
When a roof has 2 or more layers of shingles, under current building codes, most municipalities require all layers of roof shingles be removed prior to installing new roof covering. If there is no plywood under the old roof covering, it too, must be installed when the new roof covering is installed.
Most roof covering manufacturers require attic ventilation in order for their warranty to be valid. According to industry experts (Ask the Expert Seminars 800-air-vent), for an attic ventilation system to perform properly, it needs a balance of both intake (typically at the lowest point in the attic such as the exterior soffits) and exhaust (such as a ridge vent). At least 1/2, if not more of the total required net free area needed for proper ventilation should be in the intake area (soffits if possible). Recommend adding attic ventilation. Roof covering will last longer and homes are cooler in the summer when attic ventilation is correct.
Maintenance tip: Areas where flashing (asphalt or metal) may have been used as a sealant (around plumbing vent extensions/boots and where dormers and roof surfaces intersect, etc.) will require periodic inspection and application of the flashing cement. Recommend monitoring these areas for evidence of cracks and discoloration.
For these and more tips on how to identify old roof covering, contact AA-MSA, Inc by calling 1-800-888-8107 x301 or 303.
When roof covering is cracked and cupped it is often a sign of advanced wear, long term weathering and/or poor ventilation. It's worse when the felt base of the roof shingle is visible. This felt base is the material onto which a mineral surfacing is applied during the manufacture process. When the small areas of the felt base become visible, leakage is imminent. The roof covering should have been replaced sooner and the roof sheathing may already have sustained moisture damage.
When a roof has 2 or more layers of shingles, under current building codes, most municipalities require all layers of roof shingles be removed prior to installing new roof covering. If there is no plywood under the old roof covering, it too, must be installed when the new roof covering is installed.
Most roof covering manufacturers require attic ventilation in order for their warranty to be valid. According to industry experts (Ask the Expert Seminars 800-air-vent), for an attic ventilation system to perform properly, it needs a balance of both intake (typically at the lowest point in the attic such as the exterior soffits) and exhaust (such as a ridge vent). At least 1/2, if not more of the total required net free area needed for proper ventilation should be in the intake area (soffits if possible). Recommend adding attic ventilation. Roof covering will last longer and homes are cooler in the summer when attic ventilation is correct.
Maintenance tip: Areas where flashing (asphalt or metal) may have been used as a sealant (around plumbing vent extensions/boots and where dormers and roof surfaces intersect, etc.) will require periodic inspection and application of the flashing cement. Recommend monitoring these areas for evidence of cracks and discoloration.
For these and more tips on how to identify old roof covering, contact AA-MSA, Inc by calling 1-800-888-8107 x301 or 303.
Termites tear up basement framing in Torrington
This is AA-MSA's blog of inspection experiences. As building and environmental professionals, we write about the impact of our experiences on the lives of our clients. Our clients are usually individuals who are purchasing residential or commercial real estate or people whose live has been affected by their own experience with the environment and its hazards.
One such experience was the destruction caused by Termites feeding on the structural framing of a home in Torrington, CT. Termites cause millions of dollars in damage every year. Often they go undetected until someone, like an AA-MSA Inspector, finds them. Or the roof covering of a home in Redgefield, CT. When the "felt" part of the roof shingle begins to show, the time to replace the roof covering has passed long ago.
Your can benefit from the full story of these and many other real-life experiences of AA-MSA inspectors by calling AA-MSA at 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303. Call us to chat about a condition that have questions about, but call before you buy.
One such experience was the destruction caused by Termites feeding on the structural framing of a home in Torrington, CT. Termites cause millions of dollars in damage every year. Often they go undetected until someone, like an AA-MSA Inspector, finds them. Or the roof covering of a home in Redgefield, CT. When the "felt" part of the roof shingle begins to show, the time to replace the roof covering has passed long ago.
Your can benefit from the full story of these and many other real-life experiences of AA-MSA inspectors by calling AA-MSA at 1-800-888-8107 ext 301 or 303. Call us to chat about a condition that have questions about, but call before you buy.
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