What is AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter)

What it is

AFCI (ARC Fault Circuit Interrupter) are the special circuit breakers inside the main Electrical panel which detects arching at the outlets in addition to performing as regular circuit breakers which offer protection against overload and short circuiting. They are very sophisticated devises which can detect special waveforms which are generated during arching at the outlet. AFCI can distinguish between the arching caused by regular operation i.e pulling out a cord and the one caused by an arc fault.

When the arc fault is detected the breakers opens the internal circuits within and thus stops the flow of current. Licensed Electrical contractor must be contacted to determine the cause of tripping before resetting it again.

What it an Arc Fault

We know that AFCI detects arc fault. But what exactly is an Arc Fault? To understand that first we need to know what is an arc? Arc is a luminous discharge of current that is formed when strong current jumps a gap (air) in a circuit or between two electrodes. The arc when generated produces heat and light which can burn the combustible material it comes in contact with. In houses arc fault is caused when loose or corroded connections make intermittent contact and causes arc. Arching should not be confused with short circuiting which is caused when a hot wire comes in contact with neutral or ground wire. If you ever heard buzzing or hissing sound at the outlets that is caused by arching.

Which circuits are protected with AFCI

After 2002 all 15 amp and 20 amp outlets in the bedrooms needs to be protected by AFCI breakers. In future more areas will be required to be protected. Every year many houses get burnt by fires caused by arc faults in the houses causing great deal of loss of life and property.

 

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Types of Wood Flooring

There are basically 3 types of wooden flooring used in the houses.

1. Hardwood Flooring

The hardwood as the name suggest are the planks cut from actual timber to specified dimension. They are either packed unfinished to be finished  / stained at the site or factory finished. They come in variety of finishes and styles. Depending upon the requirement they can be flat sawn, quarter sawn or rift sawn to produce particular finish. Wooden flooring planks are usually 3/4"  thick and are nailed to the subfloor during installation. They have thicker wear surface and can be sanded multiple times. The hardwood floors are difficult to install where concrete is used as a subfloor for example basements and apartments.

2. Engineered wood Flooring

The engineered wood composed of top layer of wood veneer called lamella over core which can be of plywood, finger core construction or fibreboard. Engineered wood flooring is most popular wood flooring in the world. Only in North America Hardwood flooring is used more. However, it is increasing in popularity. Each layer of Engineered wood is run 90° to increase the stability and strength. This increased stability enables it to be used anywhere on any subfloor including concrete. Furthermore, it is less prone to expansion, curling and coupling than that of hard wood flooring. It is often confused with laminate and vinyl floors . Laminate uses an image of wood on its surface and vinyl flooring is plastic formed to look like a wood. Engineered wood can be from 3ply to 7ply, durability and cost increases with increasing number of plies.

The advantages of Engineered wood flooring over Hardwood flooring.

1. Can be installed on any subfloor including concrete.

2. It is not limited in plank size.

3. Is less prone to gapping, curling and cupping.

4. Unlike solid wood flooring it can be used where radiant floor heating is installed.

5. With Engineered wood mostly factory finished. The finish is more durable and drying time of the finish is saved.

6. Less labour intensive to install thus cost and time of installation is less.

3. Laminate Flooring

Perhaps the cheapest and least durable of all the three types of flooring mentioned here. Laminate flooring is basically not a wood flooring. It is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Lamination flooring simulates wood or stone with photographic applique layer under clear protective layer. The inner core is composed of melamine resin and fibre board materials.

Laminate flooring has grown in popularity as it is very easy to install and is relatively inexpensive. It can be used in apartments with concrete as a subfloor with tongue and groove assembly.

 

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What causes concrete to crack

What is concrete?

Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand and aggregate mixed in certain proportions determined by the strength required. When water is added to the mixture a chemical reaction occurs by which concrete becomes solid. Water cement ratio (amount of water per bags of cement) is very important. If more water is added concrete losses its compressive strength. However, add to little and the concrete is not workable. Additional compounds usually known as admixtures are also added to concrete mixture to improve the workability of the concrete.  Concrete is strong in compression but weaker in tension. Therefore, to improve its tensile strength steel reinforcement is added.

What causes cracks?

Cracks in concrete are inevitable. Although good workmanship and quality control can avoid disasters. However, they cannot prevent cracks from developing over period of time. Cracks in the concrete are a result of many different reasons. Few of them can be!

1. SHRINKAGE CRACKS

Concrete in its plastic state contains water, when water evaporates during curing of concrete, it shrinks and stresses develop. To release these stresses cracks develop in concrete. These cracks can develop anywhere on concrete which can be unsightly. Therefore, a good practise is to construct control joints (not expansion joints) at regular intervals to control where the cracks should develop so that they don't appear ugly.

2. EXPANSION CRACKS

Concrete like any other material expands and contracts as per variations in temperature. When concrete expands and pushes against the adjoining material, stresses develop resulting in development of cracks. Expansion joints are required at regular distances and various other locations to prevent these cracks.

3. CRACKS CAUSED BY HEAVING

Ground conditions also result in development of cracks in the concrete. Certain types of soils expands when wet and contracts when dry. Furthermore, frost will make the soil to expand and while thawing the soil contracts. This cycle of expansion and contraction causes concrete to crack.

4. SETTLEMENT OF GROUND

All buildings settle little bit after getting constructed. If the ground underneath was not compacted properly, differential or irregular settlement can occur resulting in development of cracks.

5. OVERLOADING

Concrete is designed to take certain amount of load. If it is loaded beyond that limit cracks might appear. Furthermore, the ground below the concrete may not be compacted properly or is wet, making it to settle under load and as a result cracking the concrete.

6. PREMATURE DRYING

If the concrete dries to quickly then the crazing cracks appear on the surface.

 

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Condensation on windows

What is it?

Condensation refers to the accumulation of moisture on the window panes. It is an indication of high levels of relative humidity inside the house. Warm air can hold much higher water vapour content than colder air. When the warm air comes in contact with the glass panes which are colder (in winters), the air temperature reduces and so does it ability to hold water vapours. When the temperature of air reaches dew point, the excess water vapours changes to liquid and drips down the windows as condensation.

How to prevent condensation?

In order to prevent condensation the relative humidity or the moisture content of the inside air has to be reduced as well as circulation of air near the windows needs to be improved.

Condensation can be prevented by:

1. Increasing the air circulation near the windows. That can be achieved by opening the louvers and curtains and also if the weather permits opening up the windows. In winters fan can be used to improve the air circulation around the window as well.

2. By using dehumidifier to reduce the humidity of the air.

3. Running kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans till fifteen to twenty minutes after taking the bath or cooking.

4. Checking the exhaust pipe for any leaks for your clothes dryer.  Clothes dryer exhaust contains high degree of moisture in it and if not properly sealed can add a great deal of moisture to the inside air.

5. Checking and changing your furnace filters regularly.

6. Caulking around the windows to prevent air leakages.

7. Cleaning vents and ducts every 1 to 2 years.

8. Repairing any cracks in foundation walls, floors.

9. Installing double glazed or insulated glass windows instead of single pane glass windows if any present in your house.

Excessive condensation can cause permanent damage to the windows and can promote mold and fungi growth in the house. Therefore, it should be controlled and mitigated for heath of your family.

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Vermiculite Insulation

What it is

Vermiculite is a mica like mineral mined around the world and used in variety of commercial and consumer products because of its fire resistance and good insulating properties.

What it problem

Some vermiculite insulation may contain amphibole asbestos fibres. These can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. The vermiculite of concern is basically which is mined by the Libby mine in Montana from 1920 - 1990. It was sold as Zonolite attic insulation and possibly other brands. Vermiculite from Libby mine may contain amphibole asbestos. Vermiculite insulation from the Libby mine was not used widely after mid 1980 and were not sold in Canada after 1990. Not all vermiculite insulation produced before 1990 contains asbestos. However, if the building is old and contains vermiculite insulation than it should be tested in the lab for asbestos to be safe.

What can be Done

There is mostly no danger or health  risk if the insulation is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise kept from exposure to the interior environment. The overall percentage of amphibole asbestos is very less in bulk vermiculite but they can increase the material is disturbed.

If there is vermiculite insulation in your attic take following precautions!

1. Avoid disturbing Vermiculite insulation.

2. Don't allow children to play in the attic and inform anyone working in the   attic about vermiculite insulation.

3. do not use attic for storage.

4. Avoid going and moving in attic if required use walk on boards.

5. Use respirator masks only and not dust masks.

6. If you decide to remove the vermiculite insulation or remodel / renovate your house use certified and qualified contractor trained in its removal only. Never try to remove it yourself.

7. Seal all cracks and holes in the ceilings of rooms below the insulation i.e apply caulking around light fixtures and attic hatch to prevent insulation sifting through.

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All you need to know about Asbestos in your Home

What it is

Asbestos is the generic name for variety of fibrous minerals found naturally. It can only be identified under special type of microscope. Asbestos was added to many products in the past to strengthen them and to provide insulation and fire resistance.

What are the risks

Breathing high levels of Asbestos can cause cancer of lungs (Mesothelioma)  and can cause scarring of the lungs. The risk increases with the amount of asbestos fibres inhaled and duration of exposure. Furthermore, people who smoke are at higher risk than non-smokers. The symptoms of the disease usually does not appear until 20 to 30 years of first exposure to asbestos. Most people exposed to small quantities of asbestos in their daily lives do not develop any problems.

Where it can be found in a Home

Asbestos is usually found in older homes in!

. Roofing and siding

. Insulation (Attic, hot water pipes etc)

. Textured paints, patching compounds

. Old stove pads

. Vinyl floor tiles and backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives

. Hot water pipes insulation and tapes.

. Oil and coal furnaces and door gasket.

. Roofing tiles

How to identify it

Asbestos can't be identified visually. if in doubt contact certified professional, who will take samples to be analysed in the laboratory. Asbestos fibres can only be detected under special microscope.

What needs to be done about it

Don't panic if you think asbestos is present in your house. The best thing to do is not to disturb asbestos material. Asbestos material in good condition will not release asbestos fibres. There is not much danger unless asbestos is disturbed and fibres are released. Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage, such as tears, abrasions or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. Consult with asbestos certified professional for further evaluation and advise and if and when you plan to do any remodelling or construction in your house.

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Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Before winter arrives prepare your home for the harsh conditions of this weather. Here are some winter home maintenance tips for the cold temperatures ahead.

• Get your furnace serviced by the Certified HVAC technician to ensure its properly running and to avoid any breakdown during peak winter.

• Check, clean and replace furnace filter if required.

• Winterize your house by closing the shut off valves for outside Hose bibs from inside the house and then draining the all the water out between inside shut off valve and outside Hose Bib to prevent bursting of the pipe causing basement flooding.

• Make sure the attic is properly ventilated and insulated to prevent development of ice damns in winter. 

• Monitor your home for excessive moisture levels which can cause significant damage over time and pose serious health problems and take corrective action if necessary.

• All exposed water pipes in cold areas, such as attics, garages, and crawlspaces, should be insulated.

• Examine windows, doors and attic for ice or frost accumulation or cold air leaks.

• Clean humidifier two or three times during the winter season.

• The chimney should be inspected for nesting animals trying to escape the cold.

• Patio furniture should be covered.

• If there is a deck, it might need an extra coat of sealer.

• Repair / fill any small cracks in bricks and foundation wall. Ice has more volume than water any water in the cracks will expand when changed to ice, making the crack bigger.

• Get your annual Home Inspection done by the Qualified Home Inspector to identify any other areas of concern which needs your attention.

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