Home Run Inspections, LLC

We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Also Now Serving the Florida Panhandle metro areas including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Freeport, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City Beach, and more.

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Lawn Watering Tips

June 22, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, On-Going Home Maintenance, Summer Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

When to Water

At the top of the list of lawn watering tips is when to water. The a.m. is the best time to water the lawn because the air is cooler and there’s usually not much wind to blow the droplets. In the middle of the day, water evaporates too quickly. And in the evenings, water can cling to the blades of grass overnight, which can cause lawn diseases.

How Much Water

Homeowners who can’t water in the mornings before work should do it on a weekend morning. The best time is early in the morning: 4 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Water long enough to moisten the soil about 6 inches down, which is the depth of a healthy grass root system. To see how far the moisture seeps down, check the soil every 15 minutes during the first watering.

Time how long it takes the water to work its way that far into the ground, then water for that duration every time you turn on the hose. Each lawn has different soil. You have to water for your property.

Birds Nest On A Home

June 9, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, On-Going Home Maintenance, Spring Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

What Should I Do?

In general, the best thing you can do for a birds nest on a home is to try to minimize the disturbance—stay at a respectful distance, minimize foot traffic, door openings/closings, and postpone and projects or construction slated for the area.

If a bird is nesting in an inconvenient place on your property, remember, it won’t be forever. Some species may only be there for a matter of weeks. The nesting cycle for most songbirds, robins included, is around 4 weeks from egg laying to chicks leaving the nest (two weeks of incubation, two weeks of nestlings). Try not to use the area around the nest until the young have fledged to ensure that the parents will not abandon their nest. If this is not possible, try to minimize your presence around the nest; many yard birds are tolerant of occasional disturbances.

Unless the nest is causing damage to your property or exposing you or your family to potential disease from waste, we don’t recommend that you move the nest; Birds will often abandon their nest if it is moved. Only in extreme circumstances should you consider relocating a nest, and if you do, it must be replaced very close, within a few feet of the original location.

Some people choose to put up feeders to provide an additional food source for birds nesting nearby.

What does the Inspector Say?

Most nest are not close to human traffic and are easily removed in the winter if desired. The most detrimental nest are the mud type that Barn Swallows build, often on porches. These birds, through beautiful, can be threatening-especially to young children. I recommend removing these nest as soon as they are noticed. Once established, you will have a neighborhood of “new builds” on you front porch and all that comes with it.

Any nest that is built inside of your dwelling should be removed immediately. Left alone this will only contribute to deterioration of your home. The nest and its occupants should be removed and access permanently sealed to avoid further intrusion

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma: 405-905-9175

Florida: 850-203-3239

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Moisture Intrusion

April 21, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, On-Going Home Maintenance, Spring Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

Moisture Intrusion left unchecked can lead to structural defects in a home over time, as well as health problems for the home’s family.

Some common moisture intrusion problems include:

structural wood decay
high indoor humidity and resulting condensation
expansive soil, which may crack or undermine the home’s foundation, or softened soil, which may lose its ability to support an overlying structure
metal corrosion
ice dams, which form in roof gutters that are undersized or obstructed and water isn’t allowed to drain properly
Mold growth. Mold can only grow in the presence of high levels of moisture. People who suffer from the following conditions can be seriously or even fatally harmed if exposed to elevated levels of airborne mold spores: asthma, allergies, lung disease and/or compromised immune systems.

Note that people who do not suffer from these ailments may still be harmed by elevated levels of airborne mold spores.

What You Can Do

So now that we are entering the rainy season here in Oklahoma, take a few minutes after the next big rain and make sure you homes outer shell is doing its job. Make sure your gutters are cleared and draining properly. Make sure your downspouts are taking water well away from your foundation(we recommend 4-6 feet if possible. Maybe you can add those gutters this spring that you have been meaning to for years. Believe me they pay for themselves over time.

Check the indoor systems as well. Bathrooms and Kitchens have a lot of water going through them. Keep an eye out for moisture around showers and dishwashers. Look under those bathroom and kitchen sinks. Yes I know it may take a few minutes to clear all that stuff (I see it every work day-believe me), but as I found out not too long ago, all those products under there may keep you from noticing a leak that may cost you in repairs and impair indoor air quality.

As we crank up the A/C with the rise in temps and humidity, make sure your condensate drains are doing their job and taking the moisture to the drain.

Have a safe spring!

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma: 405-905-9175

Florida: 850-203-3239

We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Also Now Serving the Florida Panhandle metro areas including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Freeport, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City Beach, and more.

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Tree Damage to Homes

April 14, 2016/0 Comments/in On-Going Home Maintenance, Spring Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

Wind Storms

Wind storms can wreak havoc on trees consequently often resulting in tree damage to homes roof and exterior. A lot of damage can be avoided by paying attention to trees and shrubs that grow too close to your home.

I see this in most of my home inspections. A lovely tree or bush has become a little to cozy with the side of a home and is causing damage to the exterior of the home as well as the roof.

Before the next weather event comes along, take a look around your abode and make sure there are no opportunities for your trees and vegetation to cause damage to your biggest investment.

A little prevention in the form of tree-trimming goes a long way toward keeping leaves and moss off your roof and keeping your roof damage-free. Abrasion from limbs and leaves that touch your home can eventually damage shingles, vinyl siding, and window screens, especially in high winds.

Overhanging branches also give squirrels and other rodents access to your roof. They can gnaw on your roof and siding. Branches need to be 10 feet away from your roof to keep these pests at bay. If that’s not possible, wrap the tree trunk with a sheet-metal bank to prevent them from climbing the tree.

Trimming branches that hang over the roof is a job for a pro, though, or you might cause more damage than you prevent.

Always think safety before starting a home project. It’s often worth hiring a pro when you consider the cost of an injury.Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma: 405-905-9175

Florida: 850-203-3239

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How To Remove Hard Water Deposits

April 7, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, On-Going Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

Hard Water Deposits

Hard water deposits can really distract from the aesthetics and function of the plumbing fixtures in your home. Knowing how to remove hard water deposits can not only make your fixtures more attractive, knowing how to remove hard water deposits can add greatly to the life of these very important features in your home. I’ve lived in pretty much all the quadrants of the OKC metro and have always had to deal with hard water deposits. Until I learned how to deal with it appropriately it was often an irritant as water flow was slow of erratic.

So if this sounds familiar, it’s time for a good cleaning.

First Step

To remove hard water deposits from your faucet, start by unscrewing the end of the faucet aerator. These should be just hand tight and removable with a towel. Take extra care if you have to use a tool and leave the towel between the tool and the aerator.

As you can see, there’s a lot of buildup on this one. Remove any rubber gaskets (don’t lose the pieces and pay attention to what order they assemble in the unit-VERY IMPORTANT). Manually give the filter a good scrub with an old toothbrush under running water. This will remove loose surface deposits.

The Secret

Here’s the secret for removing the calcium and rust in a hurry. Because calcium is an alkaline earth metal (meaning it has two valence electrons in its outer shell), it’s highly reactive with acids, like vinegar. If we apply a little more kitchen chemistry, you’ll remember that chemical reactions require energy. So – heat up enough vinegar (I usually use white vinegar for cleaning) to fully submerge the faucet filter. Get it hot enough so that is uncomfortable to stick your finger it, not boiling. Place the faucet filter in the hot vinegar, and watch it go to work. See all those little bubbles?

Let it sit until it stops bubbling (I left mine in for an hour or so while I went and worked on other things). Give it a good rinse and scrub with the toothbrush, and it looks almost like new.

Results

If all goes well, the water flows the way it’s supposed to again, too.

The shower heads are often in much the same state.

If you have a flexible shower head, just place the shower head in a basin on the shower floor.

If you don’t have a hand-held shower head, you can use a plastic bag and a rubber band to secure the vinegar around the shower head for soaking.

Scrub and rinse, and Ta – Daa! Much better! Now the shower doesn’t spray sideways past the shower curtain any more.

So let’s get this done before you sell. A good home inspector will put this type of deficiency in his report and you will have to do it anyway, and it may be more costly if it’s put off too long.

If you are cleaning hard water deposits often, consider the very real possibility that all your plumbing is getting corroded. Installing a water softener may very well be worth the investment in the long run.

Happy Cleaning!

Source: Commonsensehome.co

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma: 405-905-9175

Florida: 850-203-3239

We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Also Now Serving the Florida Panhandle metro areas including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Freeport, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City Beach, and more.

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Chimney Brick Spalling

April 5, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, On-Going Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

Falling Bricks

If you are noticing falling or missing bricks from your chimney’s exterior, your home may be experiencing a problem called spalling. Spalling is a common issue that can plague any type of brickwork from masonry chimneys to retaining walls and more. It is easily noticeable when small cracks begin to lead to bigger cracks as the brick surface deteriorates. To reduce the effects of spalling on your home, it is important to know not only its causes but also how to fix it.

Why It Happens
Spalling occurs in brickwork when moisture is allowed to penetrate it. The climate in which you live, your home’s architecture, and the exterior’s condition can all be factors in the impact moisture can have on the brickwork. water penetration.

How to Fix It
When your chimney’s brickwork begins to show signs of deterioration such as cracking or crumbling, it is vital to resolve the problem quickly before it leads to larger problems. Hire an experienced sweep to inspect the chimney flue and brickwork to identify any troublesome areas. If addressed in the beginning stages, the technician can usually seal the bricks and crown and add a chimney cap for future protection. When the problem has been allowed to fester, the solution can be more complicated and time-consuming. Bricks beyond repair may need to be replaced or even a new crown may need to be installed.

Future Prevention
The key to successfully fixing a spalling problem is resolving the moisture issues causing it to occur in the first place. Applying a masonry sealant can help prevent further troubles as well as installing a quality chimney cap. Yearly chimney inspections are also important for early detection and the monitoring of trouble spots.

Source: ChimneyTE

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma: 405-905-9175

Florida: 850-203-3239

We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Also Now Serving the Florida Panhandle metro areas including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Freeport, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City Beach, and more.

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Seasonal Maintenance Checklist: In the Spring

March 23, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, On-Going Home Maintenance, Spring Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

Spring has sprung!(Maybe-depending on when you read this) March 20th was the first day of spring, so as you are spending more time outdoors, take a few minutes to address some Spring home maintenance items that will help to maintain the value of your investment:

Roof: Check for damage to your roof. Especially here in Oklahoma you should do this after each big spring storm.
Exterior Siding & Trim: Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration and caulk as needed.
Masonry: Check for masonry cracks or voids and tuck-point as needed.
HVAC: Have an HVAC professional inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
Water Heater: Check your water heater for leaks or rust. Drain water heater tank to reduce sediment (consult a licensed plumber first if you have not been doing this annually for your water heater).
Fire Extinguishers: Check you fire extinguishers. I recommend you have one for your kitchen and garage.
Kitchen Exhaust: Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
Concrete: Repair all cracked, broken and uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface.
Plumbing: Check the shutoff valves at the plumbing fixtures to make sure they function.
Dryer Exhaust: Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and damper and the space under the dryer. Ensure that your dryer is venting to the exterior and not to the attic or garage.
Gutters: Clean gutters and downspouts. Repair as necessary. Make sure water is diverted from the home.
Filters: Replace HVAC filters, water treatment system filters, water filter in the refrigerator, and any other filters as needed.
Concrete: Pressure wash deck, drive, and walkways.
Exterior: Walk exterior perimeter of house and check for potential entry points for critters.
Detectors: Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.Home Run Inspections, LLC
Oklahoma: 405-905-9175

Florida: 850-203-3239

Info@HomeRunInspections.com

We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Also Now Serving the Florida Panhandle metro areas including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Freeport, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City Beach, and more.

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Weep Holes

March 15, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, On-Going Home Maintenance/by Scott Price

Weep Holes

Did you ever wonder why your home has those little holes(Weep Holes) at the bottom of your brick walls? Have you tried to plug them due to concerns about spider and rodent entry? Well, if you have, you are not alone. As home inspectors we see this problem all the time. So here is a little information about these holes known as Weep Holes.

Moisture Drainage

Modern masonry veneer walls should have drainage provisions installed. Weep holes allow water that has reached the space behind the veneer to drain out of the wall system. Weep holes can be created by simply leaving out the mortar from every fourth or fifth vertical joint in the bottom course of the wall. Flashing installed at the bottom of the wall will direct the water out of the weep holes.

Screening

Weep holes can be an integral part of a vented rain screen. This screen reduces the amount of water that can be forced through a masonry veneer wall during wind-driven rains. During a wind-driven rainstorm, there is a positive, high pressure on the outside of the masonry wall, and a low or atmospheric pressure at the interior. This pressure difference can drive moisture into the masonry material and through the wall.

Masonry Walls

Modern masonry veneer walls have a cavity or air space behind them. This air space is typically 1 inch wide and located between the masonry and the interior wall. This space is vented to the outside with the use of weep holes located at the bottom of the wall. During heavy windstorms, air enters the weep holes and pressurizes the space behind the masonry veneer. As a result of this pressurized air space, there is a smaller pressure difference across the masonry units. Less water will move into and through the masonry.

If water goes through the masonry, it will drain down the air space or rain screen. The water will reach the weep holes at the bottom of the wall and will be directed outside by the flashing. Weep holes let air and water pass through them

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma: 405-905-9175

Florida: 850-203-3239

We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Also Now Serving the Florida Panhandle metro areas including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Freeport, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City Beach, and more.

Schedule Your Inspections Online at: