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Blueprint
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Fireplaces
The fireplace in many homes is the center of
attention during a cold winter's night, but ignored the rest of the year. This
is unfortunate, because they can be very dangerous if not maintained
properly. Heavily caked creosote can catch on fire in  the chimney. Temperatures in a chimney fire can reach up
to 5, 00 degrees. At these temperatures the mortar between flue tiles can
melt and allow the fire to spread to the rest of the home. The entire home
could be lost in a matter of minutes. Regular cleaning of the chimney is
highly recommended. The mortar cap, at the top of a masonry chimney, tends to crack
and allow water to enter between the bricks or stone and mortar. If left in
this condition for an extended period of time, mortar between the bricks at
the interior firebox will become loose. In some instances, it may be
necessary to restack the entire fireplace if the damage is severe. This cap
should be inspected at least once a year for damage. If cracks are found,
simply seal them with mortar.
Radon
Radon exposure over time at sufficient
concentrations causes lung cancer, especially in smokers, and it is believed
to be more dangerous to the very young. The last  statistics that I have heard was that lung cancer is fatal
in 95 percent of persons having it. Lung cancer progresses rapidly and there
are usually only about 6 months from the time of its occurring until death.
None of our five senses can detect the presence of radon. We can detect its
presence only by way of tests, which look for and measure alpha or gamma
radiation of a specific energy level. Do it yourself radon test kits are
reasonably reliable, readily available and inexpensive. Testing protocol for
the tests must be followed.
Mold Information
The media sounded an alarm, the public heard the
horror stories, and now homebuyers worry about the presence of molds in the
homes they purchase. If the high-profile status of molds is relatively
recent, the subject of all the concern has been around forever. According to
the United States Environmental Protection  Agency (EPA), "Molds can be found almost anywhere;
they grow on virtually any substance when moisture is present. Outdoors many
molds live in the soil and play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood
and other plant debris." EPA says molds are here to stay. "There is
no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor
environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control
moisture." But homebuyers want to know more than this. Unfortunately,
just as when the public first became aware of asbestos, radon and problems
with E.I.F.S., the body of knowledge about molds in indoor environments is
far from complete. What is known, according to the EPA, is that "molds
can trigger asthma episodes in individuals with an allergic reaction to
mold." Because of this health factor, it recommends the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) as a source of information.
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