Termites are found in every region of the United States, and certainly in Hackensack Bergen County, NJ where we are based. Several species of termites exist, each feeding on wood for their survival. While termites may serve some beneficial purposes in nature, the pests become a serious problem when they access and then begin destroying your home to find their meals. More than $5 billion is spent by homeowners every year to repair the damage left behind by termites. Be a proactive homeowner and learn the signs of a termite infestation with a qualified WDI inspection before you have to pay thousands to treat the problem.

Hollow or Damaged Wood In The Home

Most NJ homeowners notice the signs of a termite infestation, yet often allow the problem to linger, unaware that it is actually an indication of the pest. One of the most common and obvious signs of an infestation is hollow or damaged wood. Termites make their home deep within the cavities of your home’s structure and eat the cellulose from the inside out. If you notice damaged wood or if it sounds hollow inside when tapped, it may be a termite infestation.

Wood Floor Blistering

When a wooden floor is blistering it can be a sign that subterranean termites are underneath the floor. The termite damages both the subfloor and actual wood floor and is often mistaken for water damage. If the termite infestation that is affecting the floors is not addressed, the floor will eventually fall through.

Termite Wings and Frass

If you find piles of discarded wings around your home, this is a sign of an established termite infestation because it means some of them have swarmed to reproduce and start a new colony. Termites also leave behind frass, which are their droppings that look like tiny coffee beans or sand. If you notice either of these physical signs, do not ignore them and call a termite inspector.

Mud Tubes

Termites build mud tubes to travel from one part of your home to another with protection. This structural evidence of a termite infestation is usually found on foundations or wood structures. They look like tiny brown tunnels, about the width of a pencil.

What To Do If You Spot Signs of Termites

If you notice any of the signs of a termite infestation in your NJ home listed above, it is important to contact a professional termite inspector and treatment company to help resolve the issue before the termites cause further damage. Even without seeing the signs of termites listed above, schedule an annual termite inspection to prevent this common, costly problem.

Rest assured that the cost of a professional termite inspection is worth the expense since it prevents future damage that will cost far more than the inspection. The many available treatments for termites offer the solution that every homeowner seeks, regardless of the severity of the infestation.

Veriguard Home Inspections serves Bergen County and Northern New Jersey with home inspection services including termite inspections. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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How to Determine The Best Places for Smoke Detectors In The Home

Consider the location as you choose placement of smoke detectors in your NJ home. The location of these units will determine how quickly they’ll not only detect the smoke, but how easily you can hear the resulting alarm. Fires are more likely to start in some areas of the home, like the kitchen, and so you’ll want to be sure that alarms alert you to the danger.

Where Smoke Rises

Smoke naturally rises, so it will accumulate near the ceiling before it begins filling the lower parts of any room. Smoke detectors will detect smoke faster when they are installed overhead. Air vents push smoke away from the detectors, so best to avoid placing these detectors directly in the path of air from HVAC vents.

In Or Near The Kitchen

Cooking fires on the stove and in the oven are actually common. While some of these fires break out when you are nearby, others may begin when you have stepped out of the room or left a burner on unintentionally.

And by linking the smoke detectors together, everyone in the home can receive a notification about a fire at the same time, regardless of where they are. The best placement of a smoke detector in the kitchen is going to be several feet away from the primary cooking areas, this to prevent false alarms.

Near A Clothes Dryer

Dryer-related fires happen because of the heat that the dryer generates. This heat is removed through a ventilation duct, but the lint trap in the dryer and the duct can become clogged with lint. When this happens, the dryer gets superheated and the lint can easily catch fire. When considering the best placement for detectors in the home, be sure to include a smoke detector install near the clothing dryer.

Placement Of Smoke Detectors In The Home Includes Where You Sleep

Bedroom doors are often closed at night and fires can break out on either side of the door. The door slows the passage of smoke, so installing detectors on both sides of a bedroom door is a smart idea too. You may be particularly vulnerable in this area of the home because you are not as alert while relaxing, reading a book, watching TV, or sleeping.

Prepare for a potential fire by knowing the best placement of smoke detectors in your NJ home.

Veriguard Home Inspections, based in Hackensack Bergen County, NJ, provides home inspection services to Northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an inspection.

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The modern emphasis on home energy efficiency has created an environment in Bergen County, NJ and beyond where the air doesn’t flow nearly as well as it does in older houses. Moisture mixed with poor ventilation and stagnant air can easily encourage the growth of mold and mildew. So, it’s worth reviewing methods to prevent mold in the home.

Mold not only causes structural damage, but it’s also a health hazard in the home. People with lung conditions, certain allergies, or asthma can suffer from the presence of mold. Mold spores will float in the air, land on objects and spread all around a home. Read on to learn more on how to spot mold and then also what can be done to prevent it.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus and it needs moisture to thrive. It can grow on just about anything, including from food to cloth, from wood to wallpaper, and from furnishings to cardboard. Mold colors range from deep blue to brown to yellow and black. The good news is that there are reliable methods for the prevention of mold and possibly its’ natural removal.

The Areas Of A Home To Check for Mold

Look for Excess Moisture

As discussed, mold needs moisture to grow. The methods used to prevent mold in a home include checking for leaky windows, looking for any excess moisture, which can stem from air conditioning vents, and/or excess moisture in the home’s bathrooms. Mold can easily grow on window frames, then spread down a wall, settle into baseboards, and on to hardwood floors or carpeting.

Excess moisture after a shower in the bathroom can seep into drywall and insulation. And because the bathroom is an obvious place for mold growth,they should be well-ventilated. Maybe leave a door or a window open to vent the steam during and after a shower. Remember to wipe down walls, to wipe down window frames, and to wipe doors of any moisture. And check for leaks beneath the bathroom cabinets too!

The Ways to Prevent Mold in the Home

Dehumidifiers

Ideally, the humidity inside a home is maximum 20 to 40 percent. In fact, mold actually needs 60+ percent humidity to establish itself and grow. A dehumidifier will pass air over coils, removing humidity from the air and passing it back along as dry air. Removing the moisture from the air is a standard and effective method for preventing mold in the home. Using fans will also increase ventilation and  serve to supplement a dehumidifier.

Keep it Clean

Thorogh cleaning can rid a home of any existing mold, so it doesn’t have the chance to spread. Throwing away mildewed drapes, shower curtains and carpets will certainly help. If you see mold growing anywhere on surfaces or walls, clean it using bleach and water or a borax solution. Be concerned that there may be a more deep-seated mold issue, and that it may not be safe to try and clean it up. If so, contact this mold inspector to inspect and to follow our recommendations. And we have no conflict of interest, we are a mold inspector AND NOT a mold remediator.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers mold inspections and other home inspection services to Northern New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Union, and Morris counties.. Contact us to book an appointment.

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Don’t Attempt to Repair Any Electrical Problem in Your Home

Electricity is very dangerous. This post will help you identify relevant issues, but don’t ever attempt to make repairs on your own – electical wiring is complicated and not for amateurs! Even replacing a light switch can be hazardous if not done correctly. Always have a licensed electrician handle any electrical repairs.

1. Breakers That Frequently Trip

The electrical system in your home should be rated to handle the demand from the various appliances you use. If a certain breaker is frequently resetting, that is a sign that something is not right. There could be a short in your wiring or the device that you’re plugging in might be damaged. If your breakers are tripping often, have a professional investigate the problem.

2. Heat Damaged Receptacles

Heat damage is a symptom of a major electrical problem in your home. This often happens when high-voltage devices are used in standard outlets. If this happens, a functioning breaker should reset to prevent stress on your electrical system. Heat damage can easily be an indication that safety mechanisms aren’t working correctly. HGTV lists electrical problems like this as one of the top hazards found in homes during an inspection.

3. Loose Cover Plates On Switches And Outlets

Covers on switches can loosen over time. A loose plate may indicate that the switch isn’t properly mounted to the frame of your home. Loose receptacles can damage the connecting wires. Every outlet should be securely fastened, and every face-plate should be tightly attached. If it’s loose, the entire outlet might be detached from the mounting surface within your wall. This is an easy fix for an electrician.

4. Flickering Lights Could be a Sign of an Electrical Problem in Your Home

If your lights flicker when they’re on, you may have a short in your wiring. This typically happens when the grounding wire isn’t connected properly. It could also mean that the light fixture is damaged or failing and it needs to be replaced.

5. Electrical Shocks From Appliances

Have you noticed an electrical arc from an outlet when plugging in a device? Do you sometimes feel a shock from touching a metal surface on one of your appliances? These are two signs that your outlet isn’t grounded properly. This is a dangerous situation and you should call an electrician to make repairs.

Hackensack, Bergen County NJ Home Inspector Veriguard Home Inspections provides home inspection services to home buyers and sellers. Contact us to schedule a home inspection in Northern New Jersey.

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High Radon Levels are Concerns of Homeowners

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced as a by-product when radioactive materials break down in the soil. Prolonged exposure to high levels of this gas can cause lung cancer. Radon seeps into your home via cracks in the foundation and accumulates in sealed spaces.

The gas is odorless and colorless, so impossible to detect without a test. Consider a Radon test or inspection and/or have a certified radon inspector install a mitigation system to measure for if there are high levels of radon are detected in your home.

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks can lead to water damage and unexpected repairs. An old plumbing system may fail, resulting in indoor flooding, leaks, and damaged belongings and building materials. If you notice seemingly wet areas or any plumbing issues, contact a professional plumber for repairs. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector.

Electrical Problems

Poor wiring jobs or an old electrical system are not only a potential lighting and energy problem but a fire hazard. Loose wiring may cause short circuits which can lead to fires. Pay attention to signs of problems so you can deal with these issues right away.

If you notice flickering lights, an outlet that feels warm to the touch, or experience a shock when using an outlet, call a professional to assess the situation and make repairs. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector.

Termites are Common Concerns of Homeowners

Termites can damage the structure of your home and lead to unexpected or even costly repairs if not addressed right away. Look for signs like small pinpoint holes in drywall and wooden components, mud tubes on the side of the foundation, and listen for hollow sounds when tapping wooden parts of your home. If you suspect termites are a problem, schedule an appointment with the exterminator right away. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector.

Mold Growth in the Home

Mold is an issue that many homeowners are or maybe should concerned about. Mold grows in any area that is dark, damp, and poorly ventilated. Mold sometimes has telltale signs such as dark stains and musty odors. When spotted early enough, you can remove mold using a water and detergent solution. If mold has spread into the building materials, it is best to hire a professional for remediation. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified mold inpector.

Home Security Concerns

As a homeowner, you are responsible for keeping your property secure. After closing, change all of your exterior door locks. Unless the property is new constuction, there is no way to know who may have a key to your home.

To boost security, install a monitored security system or cameras that you can view from your smartphone. Additional precautions include adding window sensors, motion-detecting lights, and security signs and decals to help deter would-be intruders. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector, especially one versed in new constuction inspections.

Owning your home is a big investment. Take care of your property by knowing about the common concerns that homeowners face. Talk to your real estate agent or ask friends and family members for referrals to local companies. It’s good to know who you can call on when a problem comes up.

Veriguard Home Inspections provides various certified inspection services throughout Bergen County and northern New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment.

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Interior Painting

Painting the walls can completely transform the room. If a house looks dark and dreary in the photos online, it probably won’t fetch too many interested potential buyers. Houses with natural light are generally more appealing to people, and lighter shades on the walls make windows look larger and rooms brighter. Non-traditional colors on the walls are more likely to cause buyers to lose interest before they ever step foot in the home.

Home Repairs to Make Before Selling Include the Roof

A failing roof is a red flag to buyers. If this is discovered in the home inspection, the buyer will most likely ask you to fix it before closing. Replacing the roof while the transaction is already underway will cause major holdups, as most roofing contractors have a waiting list. If the roof is at the end of its lifespan or otherwise failing, replace it before putting your house on the market. You’ll be able to shop around for the most affordable roof contractor and get it done without time constraints. With a new roof, a potential buyer will feel more confident about the home purchase.

Install a Radon Mitigation System

Most homebuyers will order a radon test along with their home inspection. Radon is a carcinogenic gas that can be a threat in any home. If the radon test comes back showing unsafe levels, it is normal for the buyer to request that you put in a mitigation system to lower the levels. Order your own radon test and install a mitigation system if high levels are found, and you won’t run into this problem when you are selling your home.

Remove Moldy Carpet

The smell of mold will raise a warning to anyone touring the home. Oftentimes, this smell comes from old carpeting that has gotten wet and gotten moldy. Remove carpet that smells moldy or looks stained and dirty. Replace it with a hard flooring option, and choose waterproof materials for a basement, bathroom, or kitchen.

Home Repairs to Make Before Selling: Water Stains

Water stains are unsightly and make a potential buyer worry about leaks and mold in the home. Even if the leak is no longer active, water stains from a previous leak may frighten off a buyer. Most of the time, it isn’t sufficient to paint over a water stain; you’ll need to replace the drywall.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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Paint Like a Pro by Preparing the Walls

A damaged wall won’t look professional no matter how expensive the paint or how many coats are applied. Well-prepped walls are clean and smooth and free of cracks, bumps, and blemishes. Here are three tips to prepare your walls for painting.

• Clean the Walls

Use a sponge and soapy water to remove dust, cobwebs, grease, and loose drywall from the wall’s surface. Cleaning the wall helps to prevent dust and debris from transferring into the new paint job.

• Fill Holes and Cracks

Filling holes and sanding rough spots is necessary to get professional results. Use spackle to fill small gaps, cracks, and nail holes. Smooth the areas with a putty knife and then sand them once they’re dry.

• Use (Good) Tape to Paint Like a Pro

Painter’s tape keeps paint from splashing or spilling over onto window frames, baseboard trim, ceilings, and crown molding. Purchase quality painter’s tape that masks well and removes easily. Painter’s tape is available in a variety of widths depending on the area(s) you need to cover.

Brush Away From the Tape

Use a brush near the edges instead of using a paint roller. This will ensure you thoroughly cover edges and corners, the places most often missed and noticed when a job is done.

Direct your brush strokes away from tape, not toward or parallel to it. Brushing toward or parallel to the painter’s tape can push paint beneath the masked area, which makes for blemishes once the tape is removed.

Soak the Paint Roller to Paint Like a Pro

Before getting started, wash your paint roller to remove any lint and debris. Then let the roller soak in the paint for a few minutes. The roller should be saturated but not dripping paint to get the best results. Roll paint onto the wall using a wide “W” pattern to help prevent streaks and paint lines.

Remove Tape Between Coats

One way to ruin a great paint job is to remove the tape after the paint has completely dried. Waiting will either peel fresh paint off your wall or leave you with a torn edge of tape stuck beneath your hard work.

To avoid this and get professional results, remove the tape as soon as the paint is dry to the touch. It is tempting to leave the tape in place for consecutive coats but don’t. Peel the painter’s tape up and reapply before your second coat.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers inspection services to customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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You can reduce harmful contaminants like mold, mildew, dust, and other allergens. Even when you keep a clean house, it’s impossible to eliminate all pollutants from your home. Contaminants can be tracked in on the soles of our shoes or on a pet’s paws. Pollen can enter your home through an open window and mold might form inside due to excess moisture in the air. Let’s look at a few easy ways to promote wellness at home.

Change Filters Regularly

Air filters trap irritating airborne pollutants like pet hair, dander, mold, and dust, but they do need to be cleaned and changed regularly to be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how often to change the filter in your furnace, vacuum cleaner, and other appliances and machines in your home. Have your ductwork cleaned out by a professional every three to five years to remove dust, mold, and other debris trapped in the air ducts.

Clean and Sanitize to Achieve Wellness at Home

Keeping a clean and tidy home will help you stay healthy by eliminating germs and bacteria. Choose cleaning products that also offer antibacterial benefits so you can sanitize and clean at the same time. During cold and flu season, make an extra effort to sanitize surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and light switches, between your usual cleanings.

Mold Compromises Wellness at Home

Perform a visual inspection and have a mold test completed every year to make sure you are not breathing in harmful mold spores. Check underneath sinks and around caulk for leaks and mold. Basements and crawlspaces are darker areas that usually have more moisture, so inspect for mold regularly.

If you have a plumbing leak, it’s likely your home will develop mold. Inspect pipes and plumbing fixtures for drips and condensation. Repair any plumbing issues as soon as possible to help prevent mold growth.

Air Out Your Home

To achieve wellness at home, get some fresh air every day. Even in the colder months, opening your window for a few minutes every day will circulate stale air out and let fresh air inside. However, if you suffer from respiratory issues or nose or throat irritation, keep the windows closed on days when the pollen count is high outdoors.

A few steps to improve air quality will help promote wellness in your home. You’ll be healthier and breathing clean air while keeping your living spaces tidy.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers mold inspections and other inspection services to Northern New Jersey. Contact us to book an appointment.

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Ways to Reduce Humidity at Home

1. Buy A Dehumidifier

This is one of the easiest ways to lower humidity. Dehumidifiers work by extracting moisture from the air and condensing it into water. The size of the dehumidifier will depend on the size of the room. In some homes, you may need more than one machine if you have multiple problem areas.

2. Reduce Humidity in the Home with Proper Ventilation

The bathrooms and kitchen are two areas of your house that contribute to the humidity in your home. Ventilation fans pull the moist air from your kitchen when you’re cooking and from the bathroom during a shower. Running fans is particularly important if you are using hot water since steam further raises the humidity levels.

3. Fix Leaking Pipes and Faucets

Water evaporates and contributes to the moisture in the air. Fixing leaky pipes and faucets will help prevent mold growth and reduce the humidity in the house. This might not seem like much, but even a small decrease in humidity will make your home more comfortable.

4. Run Your Air Conditioner

Your AC replaces hot, humid air with cooler, drier air. The key is to keep your AC unit properly maintained so it runs efficiently. If you’re worried about utility costs, upgrade your AC to one that’s more energy-efficient or only run it during the hottest part of the day.

5. Check for Air Leaks to Reduce Humidity

Windows and doors with holes and cracks around them let humid outside air into your home. Reduce the humidity in the house by sealing gaps and cracks. Check for leaks by moving a lit candle around the window frame, looking for spots where there is airflow. Use silicone caulk to repairs holes and fill gaps to improve energy-efficiency and help lower humidity.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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How Home Insulation and Ventilation Work Together

Insulation needs to be able to “breathe” to prevent moisture from collecting. All attics need insulation, but they also need to be well-ventilated. In the winter, attics that are not well-ventilated may cause ice dams. Without ventilation, the roof becomes too warm which causes snow to melt off the roof and then re-freeze in the gutters. This is just one of the issues that poor ventilation can cause.

Types of Roof Vents

There are four ways that an attic can be ventilated naturally. These are though vertical gable end vents, horizontal soffit vents, ridge vents, and box vents. It is common for building codes to require 1 square foot of venting for every 150 square feet of attic space. In some cases, you may need an attic fan to ventilate air outdoors.

Home Insulation and Ventilation in the Walls

It is important for insulation behind drywall to be ventilated, just like attic insulation. Windows have vents that naturally allow air through. Homes also need a vapor barrier to keep moisture out.

Ventilation in the Crawlspace or Basement

Crawlspaces and basements need to have insulation below the home’s floor. For crawlspaces, foundation vent openings let airflow through to ventilate the insulation. In basements, ventilation from box fans or a small window AC unit may be sufficient if there are windows. For some basements, exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors may be necessary. You can set up a sensor that turns the fan on when the humidity hits a certain level.

If you have concerns about your home insulation and ventilation, contact a qualified home inspector. Veriguard Home Inspections serves Northern New Jersey with home inspection services.

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