What is a WETT Inspection? WETT stands for Wood Energy Technical Transfer; it has nothing to do with water! WETT is for wood burning appliances only. With rising utility costs, people are looking for alternative ways to heat their homes and turning to wood burning units. With wood burning units, there is a risk. To…
What is the difference between the two types of outlets? Modern, grounded 120-volt receptacles, also referred to as outlets, in North America have a small, round ground slot centered below two vertical hot and neutral slots, and it provides an alternate path for electricity that may stray from the appliance. Since the early 1960s, most…
By: Alan Carson Balconies and Raised Decks Balconies are exterior structures that project from the building at least one story above grade. There is usually a door that provides access to the balcony. Balconies do not have steps, and there is no access to grade level. They are most often constructed of wood, metal or…
Spring Furnace and A/C Maintenance Tips If you’re like most homeowners, your furnace was working overtime to keep you and your family warm and comfortable during this past cold and snowy winter. Now with warmer weather on the way, it’s important to make sure you’re not forgetting about your hard working furnace, especially since your…
April is the month where water moves the most in home – freezing and thawing. It should come as no surprise that water can be the number one killer of your home. The surprising thing is that the number two killer is typically the homeowner that doesn’t proactively take care of the water problems –…
What is an ice dam? An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Figure…
Salt does do a great job of melting ice and snow through the winter but its bad news for your pets, the environment and your garden. Pets get salt on their paws which causes cracking, salt corrodes metal, damages concrete and wreaks havoc on your garden and lawn. With spring melt, all the accumulated salt…
Tips for avoiding a flood in your home when the weather warms up With the deep freeze that has monopolized our regions these past weeks, there is a chance that some pipes may have frozen. Here are a few tips to reduce any potential of bursting pipes when the warmer weather arrives and to save…