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Home Decor
House Horrors Pictures
Frank helps us sort out some common household problems. Check out the pictures below to see if your house is suffering from any of the following.
THERMAL WINDOW SEAL BREACHED
CAUSE: This occurs when the thermal seal between the two panes of glass is breached. This allows air to fill that cavity, thereby allowing condensation to take place.
SOLUTION: Removal and replacement of windows (can be quite costly). Professional repairs are available. These repairs entail the drilling of a small hole at the bottom and top corners of the glass. A micro-hose is inserted here and the window is cleaned/washed from the inside, then drained of water and cleanser. Small one-way air valves are placed over the drilled holes, allowing the air to escape to re-establish the thermal function of the window.
TERMITE DAMAGE
Image from APCHS.com
CAUSE: Termites are insects that can potentially destroy the structural integrity of a building. They feed off cellulose-based materials (i.e. wood posts and beams). When ground meets the substructure of a building at the grade level, termites are able to easily access the structure (their food source).
SOLUTION: Typically, the structures that have been compromised need to be removed and replaced. If the structure affected is part of the load-bearing aspect of the building, a structural engineer should be consulted.
MOLD
Image from AllFloridaHomeInspection.com
CAUSE: Fungus that grows in moisture-ridden areas and thrives in the presence of an organic food source (such as the paper backing found on drywall). Special attention to be paid to black mold, which is a specific spore that is potentially more dangerous to human beings and animals; this can cause respiratory and allergic reactions.
SOLUTION: Mold removal should be dealt with by mold remediation experts to minimize disruption and release of airborne spores. The usage of paperless drywall and mold resistant primers and paints also helps.
EFFLORESCENCE
CAUSE: Efflorescence is a fine, white, powdery deposit of water-soluble salts. This is left on the surface of masonry as water evaporates.
For efflorescence to form, the following must occur:
1. Water-soluble salts are present somewhere in the wall.
2. There must be enough moisture in the wall to attract the salt.
3. There must be a path for the soluble salts to migrate through to the surface where the moisture can evaporate, thus depositing the salts which then crystallize and cause efflorescence.
SOLUTION: To clean efflorescence: sandblasting or chemical (acid) cleaner.
FLY EXCREMENT (aka: FRASS)
CAUSE: Tiny black or brown spots often found around light fixtures and ceilings. These are insect (usually flies) droppings left behind.
SOLUTION: Seeing that this fecal matter is organic, the best way to remove this residue is to use enzyme-based cleansers. Household items that are just as effective are pet stain cleansers and digestive enzyme supplements (mix one capsule in some water; apply and wipe).
THERMAL WINDOW SEAL BREACHED
CAUSE: This occurs when the thermal seal between the two panes of glass is breached. This allows air to fill that cavity, thereby allowing condensation to take place.
SOLUTION: Removal and replacement of windows (can be quite costly). Professional repairs are available. These repairs entail the drilling of a small hole at the bottom and top corners of the glass. A micro-hose is inserted here and the window is cleaned/washed from the inside, then drained of water and cleanser. Small one-way air valves are placed over the drilled holes, allowing the air to escape to re-establish the thermal function of the window.
TERMITE DAMAGE
Image from APCHS.com
CAUSE: Termites are insects that can potentially destroy the structural integrity of a building. They feed off cellulose-based materials (i.e. wood posts and beams). When ground meets the substructure of a building at the grade level, termites are able to easily access the structure (their food source).
SOLUTION: Typically, the structures that have been compromised need to be removed and replaced. If the structure affected is part of the load-bearing aspect of the building, a structural engineer should be consulted.
MOLD
Image from AllFloridaHomeInspection.com
CAUSE: Fungus that grows in moisture-ridden areas and thrives in the presence of an organic food source (such as the paper backing found on drywall). Special attention to be paid to black mold, which is a specific spore that is potentially more dangerous to human beings and animals; this can cause respiratory and allergic reactions.
SOLUTION: Mold removal should be dealt with by mold remediation experts to minimize disruption and release of airborne spores. The usage of paperless drywall and mold resistant primers and paints also helps.
EFFLORESCENCE
CAUSE: Efflorescence is a fine, white, powdery deposit of water-soluble salts. This is left on the surface of masonry as water evaporates.
For efflorescence to form, the following must occur:
1. Water-soluble salts are present somewhere in the wall.
2. There must be enough moisture in the wall to attract the salt.
3. There must be a path for the soluble salts to migrate through to the surface where the moisture can evaporate, thus depositing the salts which then crystallize and cause efflorescence.
SOLUTION: To clean efflorescence: sandblasting or chemical (acid) cleaner.
FLY EXCREMENT (aka: FRASS)
CAUSE: Tiny black or brown spots often found around light fixtures and ceilings. These are insect (usually flies) droppings left behind.
SOLUTION: Seeing that this fecal matter is organic, the best way to remove this residue is to use enzyme-based cleansers. Household items that are just as effective are pet stain cleansers and digestive enzyme supplements (mix one capsule in some water; apply and wipe).
