Hi,

Welcome to the January issue of The HomeTeamKC Report. This monthly report provides REALTORS^® and Homeowners with helpful information about residential homes from a home inspector's perspective.

This issue focuses on a timely winter topic: Ice Damming. Last month's issue dealt with Grading and Drainage topics and is archived on our website. Over time you will have access there to a complete library of short lessons on the workings of a typical house.

We know and respect how busy you are, so we've tried to make this easy to read and use. The illustrations are packed with information and will reward careful review. If pressed for time now, try taking one illustration today, one or two another day, and so on.

Thanks for your interest and call or email us anytime with any questions you may have.

Mike
The HomeTeamKC

P.S. If you have problems viewing this newsletter in your email browser, click this link to view this and past newsletters from our archives.

P.P.S. Only a few of our agents are obtaining the CBS (call before showing) codes from the listing agent. I have a SUPRA key, however, as an affiliate, I can only access an I-Box with the CBS code. Each I-Box has a CBS code assigned to it. Obtaining the CBS code can save you time, and is a great backup if you are running late to an inspection. Thanks.

What you’ll find in this issue of
the HomeTeamKC Report:

·This Month’s Featured Topic
·Quick Access to Our Most Recent (January 2005) Pricing Sheet
·Monthly List
·Knowledge is Power

Ice Damming

Ice Dams are Damaging, Dangerous and Preventable

Ice dams can cause water to migrate into interior walls and ceilings. The damage to plaster, paint, wallpaper results in substantial repair costs. The risks don't end there. Water seeks channels. Often this leads to water following the path of electrical wiring to ceiling fixtures and wall sockets.

The following graphic illustrates some of the signs of ice damming problems.

Ice Dam Causes

The course of the penetration is often difficult to follow, as the path of least resistance can cause water to make numerous turns as it exploits subsequent openings on its way to appearing as a stain on the ceiling or in the form of cracking paint or peeling wallpaper.

Ice Dam Prevention

Homes in cold climate zones that receive significant snowfall should be protected with ceiling insulation that has an R rating of at least 38 and is about 12" deep. Seal openings around plumbing and wiring that will allow warm air to escape from below with aerosol foam (exercise caution, as this type of material expands after escaping the can). Good roof venting also plays an important role in preventing the melting that feeds the formation of ice dams.

Another solution is to install some form of eave protection that prevents water from entering the roof space

Keep in mind, however, that eave protection only addresses the symptoms of ice dams. Good attic insulation and ventilation help prevent ice dams.

Even if you are able to eliminate or minimize the formation of ice dams, leaving large quantities of snow on your roof can result in structural damage and pose a risk to plants, pets and people if it slides off in mass.

One solution is to install avalanche guards. These are most often seen on slate, clay and concrete roofs.

For many, a well designed roof or snow rake is the safest, most effective way to remove snow from roof areas. When selecting a roof rake, keep in mind that even though it is as light as a feather as it falls, accumulated snow becomes heavy. Many roof rakes are lightweight and flimsy. Look for one that is sturdy and durable. Sharp edges can also cause damage to shingles and siding, so selecting one with rounded edges and wheels to keep the blade slightly above the roof surfaces is also a good idea. Be sure that the roof rake has an adequate reach – at least 16 feet – and that the pole comes in sections that separate easily for convenient storage.

^©Illustrations from
The Illustrated Home                                                Return to Table of Contents

Monthly List

Interior Pre-Home Inspection Checklist
© 2003 The HomeTeam Inspection Service, Inc..

• Do wall and ceiling surfaces have holes or cracks that need patching?
• Do all the windows have operable latches?
• Can all the windows be opened and closed properly?
• Do any of the windows have cracked panes or broken seals?
• Do windows need caulking?
• Are any of the windows painted shut?
• Are stair railings loose?
• Are moldings loose, broken or missing?
• Do interior doors stick, or open and close smoothly?
• Are kitchen or bathroom tiles cracked?
• Can you explain the existence or repair of old water penetration stains on walls and ceilings?
• Does the chimney damper open and close properly?
• Does the chimney need cleaning?

^©The HomeTeam                                                    Return to Table of Contents

Knowledge is Power

Learn the Secrets of Effective Networking

It's 6:50 a.m. at an early-riser business-and-technology conference at the Museum of Science in Boston. A model of Skylab hangs from the high ceiling of the upper concourse, giving the room an other-worldly feeling. The attendees, a mix of about 750 business people, entrepreneurs, techies and venture capitalists, have come to scout clients, investors, or jobs. That's certainly what drew Diane Darling, author of The Networking Survival Guide. Darling is a corporate consultant, business school lecturer, and sought after as an expert in networking. As the conference begins, she straightens her name tag, pops a mint and strides the crowd.....

Click here to continue on and learn some good tips for working a room.

courtesy of Diane Darling,
Effective Networking Inc.                                               Return to Table of Contents