Posts by Avid

Common Electrical Issues

While we all would love to believe that a home is complete upon move in, there is always a chance that there are hidden hazards. Unfortunately, the more urgent concerns aren’t visible to the untrained eye. Electrical issues tend to be the most common and the most difficult to diagnose due to accessibility. Here is…

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Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide alarm isolated over white

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)? According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers,…

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Pool Safety

swimming pool

Pool Maintenance and Safety Let your mind drift to images of summer. The sun is out and the water is glistening. What more do you need? Except for a running start for the first cannonball of the season. However, wait. Is your pool truly ready for the summer? When is the last time you checked…

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Under Sink Plumbing and Food Disposal

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” -JFK As is the case with most household appliances and amenities, we often overlook the impact they make on our daily lives. Take a minute to think about what it would be like if you had to wash…

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Water Hammer

“Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud.” –Someone Wise Water Hammer and Managing Your Water Pipe Pressure If you’ve ever quickly flipped a faucet off and suddenly heard your house knock back at you, you’re likely experiencing water hammer. Water hammer, also known as hydrostatic shock or “air hammer” noise, happens when the appropriate measures aren’t…

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Garage Fire Hazards

Most American homes come complete with an attached garage and most garages are used to hold the more hazardous and flammable materials kept in our households. It is that very same accessibility that we love that poses a hazard. In addition, the garage is often used as a workshop, for storage and where most water…

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Mold

“What is mold, exactly?” I’m glad you asked, because knowledge is power. Let’s start with the basics. According to Wikipedia (and most biology texts), Mold is under the Scientific classification Fungi. “…Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilising heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic…

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Foundation Parging

Is My Foundation Cracked? There are no good foundation cracks, so they should be addressed right away. Before answering the question we need to know a little more about your foundation. Have you noticed hairline cracks or spider web cracks in your foundation? Is it really a crack in the foundation or are the cracks…

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Drywall

drywall scattered on the floor

Drywall: Potential Problems with Chinese Drywall “The road to success is always under construction” – Arnold Palmer You know what they say, “Life Happens.” For many of us, our schedules are so busy that we barely have time to sit and reflect on ourselves, let alone our homes. Modern life can make it quite easy…

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Nitrogen Dioxide

The Trouble with Nitrogen Dioxide First and foremost, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a prominent component of air pollution. That’s right, the very same pollution we have come to know and love around the globe. It is an unfortunate result of the combustion processes of fossil fuels. As a gas it is reddish brown, the same…

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