Dirk's Blog

  MOLD is found everywhere! Many individuals may be living unaware of the existence of mold in their homes, which can potentially lead to health complications, particularly in children who may have a predisposition to asthma. Studies have revealed a correlation between exposure to mold and various health issues, such as respiratory allergies, sinus infections, headaches, memory loss, and lethargy. It is crucial to note that not all mold types are toxic, but if you can see or smell mold, it is best to eliminate it and address the source of moisture. The color of mold does not necessarily determine its danger level. While there have been rare cases of toxigenic molds causing severe health conditions, such as pulmonary hemorrhage and memory loss, there is no proven causal link between the presence of mold and these conditions. It is worth noting that mold has beneficial uses, such as breaking down debris and being used in certain medications.

  The placement of electrical panels in many homes is causing some issues. Accessibility to the heart of a home should be a top priority, but often homeowners have to move several items just to reach the circuit breakers. Safety is a concern, which is why the NEC has guidelines for electrical panels. The minimum height for the panel box should be 4 feet off the ground, with an average height of 5-6 feet. The panel door should open to a 90-degree angle and the electrical meter should be located near the panel. Additionally, there should be at least 3 feet of clearance in front of all electrical equipment, including panelboards, switches, breakers, starters, and transformers. It's also important to note that all panel doors and access doors must be able to open at least 90 degrees.

In the past, I, Dirk, used to walk in the Pride parade and celebrate this month with my gay and lesbian friends. Now as a Christ follower, I just preach the truth and love others no matter what sexuality they happen to be. We cannot win people to Christ by pointing fingers and blaming others for the sinful acts that they do, while we have our own sinful acts that we need to deal with. Treat others as we want to be treated. Matthew 7:12 The term "pride" often carries negative connotations, but it's interesting to note that an entire month is dedicated to celebrating PRIDE. However, many people may need to learn the origins of this Pride Month. It was established in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Inn Riots, and the name "Pride" was chosen as a slogan to represent the event. The first march was a peaceful gathering with no dress code, where individuals were free to express their sexuality pridefully without fear of judgment. The word Pride means to have a feel...

 Why do pull-down ladders remain a common problem?  It should be noted that cutting the cords on the bottom of trusses to make room for attic stairs is not advisable unless advised by a structural engineer. It is important to never cut a truss without proper guidance. Most attic ladders have a piece of wood propping the attic access open which then allows for the warm garage air to circulate in the attic area, but this can be detrimental to the proper ventilation of your attic. Proper ventilation should come from soffit vents and ridge caps or gable vents, allowing for 1 square foot of air movement for every 300 square feet. Adding extra air into the attic can result in mold and mildew, as well as compromise the direction of attic ventilation, causing the sheathing underneath the shingles to heat up and the shingles to fail earlier than expected. Additionally, the access to the attic should be covered by fire-retardant material, such as sheetrock or metal, especially in garage...

  When I was a kid I found that this was called a rainbow, a present from God to Noah saying he would never flood the earth again.  We know now that it is formed when sunlight is scattered from raindrops into the eyes of an observer. Most raindrops are spherical rather than the often depicted 'teardrop' shape and it is the spherical shape that provides the conditions for a rainbow to be seen. In Genesis 9  8  Then God told Noah and his sons,   9  “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants,   10  and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth.   11  Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.”  A new concept of the rainbow was adopted in 1978s to refer to sexuality as being diverse and the gay flag was created by Gilbert Baker an ...

  Did you know that waiting at least an hour before turning on your heat pump or A/C can prevent potential issues with leakage and fittings? This is important to keep in mind, as many home inspectors and HVAC professionals may not be aware of this fact. A friend who used to work as an engineer in the field shared this interesting tidbit with me. The reason behind it is that the gas in the lines needs time to decompress. So, remember to wait an hour before switching between your heat pump and A/C to avoid any problems. There is a 98% chance that if the system works one way it will work the other.

  Fun fact: Central Florida has the highest incidence of lightning strikes in the United States, with around 2.5 million strikes per year. This is due to the region experiencing over 90 thunderstorms annually, which is quite understandable. Surprisingly, lightning accounts for more deaths in Florida than all other natural weather hazards combined, mainly because Florida is a peninsula situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The resulting air instability and high humidity levels provide ideal conditions for cloud-to-ground lightning bolts. Lightning typically follows the path of least resistance, just like electricity, and prefers the quickest and most direct path to the ground. If you happen to be in the way, be cautious! Lightning is attracted to good conductors like water, metal, and even bodies, so metal fences or railway tracks could be potential targets. If you live in Florida, it's important to be aware of safety measures that could save your life or those...

It is imperative to ensure that the ceiling and walls are equipped with fire-rated materials when attached, as this will help prevent the spread of fire. Furthermore, it is recommended that fire-rated drop-down attic stairs be fitted with sheetrock or metal to prevent the spread of fire to attic trusses or rafters. It is important to note that closers on garage doors can pose a safety risk by allowing CO gases into the home. To mitigate this risk, we suggest the installation of a smoke/CO combination detector in the garage. Additionally, we have observed that some garage doors lack sufficient struts to keep them straight during high winds or when under pressure from the garage door opener. It is therefore advisable to ensure that garage doors are fitted with adequate struts to ensure they remain stable and safe under all conditions.

During the years spanning from 1978 through 1995, Polybutylene Plumbing experienced a surge in popularity that revolutionized the plumbing industry. This innovative piping material offered a significant reduction in the amount of time required to complete plumbing tasks, making them faster and more affordable. Additionally, its flexibility made it easier to manipulate and more forgiving for those working with it. At the time of its introduction, experts believed it to be the best plumbing option available due to its versatility. However, as time progressed, it became apparent that the inside of the plumbing was deteriorating, which led to leaks that were often concealed within walls or flooring. While some manufacturers claim that most leaks occur at joints and unions due to improper installation, class-action lawsuits have resulted in successful payouts to homeowners of up to $1 billion, according to InterNACHI.  Despite its problematic nature, Polybutylene Plumbing continued to f...

Beware of double traps! You might think you're getting extra protection, but the reality is quite different. When the first trap fills up, the second one can become starved of water, and this can create a siphoning effect that can cause an air gap to form on both pipes. This can lead to the release of toxic gas, including methane, which can cause serious problems. Stay safe and avoid the risks of double traps! Don't forget to sign up for our blog updates at https://dphomeinspectionfl.com