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29/6/2021 0 Comments

major changes coming to new home building methods

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​(NC) Across Canada, home builders are adopting new approaches to construction to create greener homes with better resale value.

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15/3/2019 1 Comment

the benefits of improved attic ventilation

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When summer arrives many of us turn our thoughts toward keeping cool, and with that we should turn some of our attention toward attic ventilation. In addition to keeping us warm, and preventing condensation & mold during changeable weather, an adequately insulated and ventilated attic space will reduce the summer heat load in living spaces. A well ventilated attic will function much like a big shade tree! 
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12/3/2019 0 Comments

Glossary of housing terms

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The A-Z of housing terms from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

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5/3/2019 0 Comments

ice dams: what to do?

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​Ice dams are the accumulation of ice at the eaves and valleys of roofs, and in some winters create major problems. 

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25/2/2019 0 Comments

raking the roof

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​​I always thought roof raking wasn't really very helpful. Or so I thought until a couple years ago.

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25/2/2019 0 Comments

should i take my own vermiculite samples for testing?

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Photo: Gil Strachan

​Although vermiculite is not an asbestos product, it is estimated that about 10-30% of vermiculite insulated homes have elevated levels of asbestos due to contamination during the mining process.

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25/2/2019 0 Comments

vermiculite Q&A

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Photo: Carson Dunlop

More Questions and Answers About Vermiculite Insulation: What is Zonolite? Where was it used? What are the concerns?

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25/2/2019 1 Comment

facts about vermiculite insulation

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​Vermiculite insulation. What Is It? What are the concerns?

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22/2/2019 0 Comments

homesick

Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) turned out to be harmless after all.
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What is UFFI?
Urea formaldehyde foam insulation was injected as a mixture of urea formaldehyde resin, an acidic foaming agent and a propellant, such as air. It was commonly installed in older houses by injecting the foam into walls, where it was impractical to provide conventional insulation. 

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25/1/2019 0 Comments

REMOVING ICE FROM ROOFS

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Ice melting socks!  (nylon hose filled with safety salt)
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​The Ice Storm that hit eastern Canada in 1998 gave rise to extensive research into ice accumulation on roofs. Many of the techniques discovered are for skilled tradespeople only. No ice problem on a roof is serious enough to risk broken bones—or worse. And there is a delicate balance between removing ice and damaging the roof.

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    Author

    Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario since 1994.

    View my profile on LinkedIn

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    All Appliances Buying And Selling Cooling Electrical Environmental Exterior Health And Safety Heating Home Improvement Home Inspection Insulation Insurance Interior Plumbing Roofing Special Structure

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