INSPECTOR'S TIPS
The Inspector’s Tips is a column updated once a month where members of the general public or design professionals can hear solutions to common questions regarding building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing in Washington County.
Summer 2008
TOP 5 WAYS BUILDING CODES MAKE YOUR SUMMER SAFER
5. Grilling Safety- The most current fire safety codes prohibit the use of charcoal or gas grills on combustible porches or within 10 feet of combustible construction. When grilling cook away from siding, deck railings, eaves, overhead power lines and overhanging branches; periodically remove grease; use proper start fluid and store it safely; check propane hoses for leaks; do not move hot grills; and dispose of used charcoal properly.
4. Protection from Electric Shock- Building safety codes for pool and spas require proper electric grounding, bonding and protection by GFI (ground fault interrupter) circuits. They turn off the power to the outlet before someone can be harmed. All outdoor outlets are required to have GFI circuits.
3. Safe porches, decks, and balconies- Porches can collapse if they are improperly constructed or improperly maintained. Building or repairing to code, which usually requires a building permit and inspection will help increase the likelihood the porch is safe. Hazards to look for include porches nailed to buildings instead of attached with anchors or bolts; split or rotting wood; wobbly handrails or guardrails; loose, missing, or rusting hardware; missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking; poor end support of the porch deck, joists or girders; swaying or unstable porches.
2. Pool and Spa Drain Covers- Building safety codes require pool and spa drains to have a cover or gate to protect from entrapment or suction. Without the cover, hair or body parts may be trapped, causing serious injury or drowning.
1. Pool fences and alarms- Building safety codes require at least a four foot high fence around in-ground and above-ground pools holding more than 24 inches of water. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching and doors with direct access to pool must have alarms.
Top 5 Ways Building Codes Protect You and Your Family
5. Scald Protection- Building safety codes require that showers be equipped with anti-scald valves to prevent injury.
4. Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI)- Building safety require GFIs in kitchen, bath and outdoor outlets. They turn off the power to the outlet before an electrical short in the circuit can harm someone.
3. Emergency escape and rescue openings- Building safety codes require all basements and bedrooms to have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening to the outside.
2. Stair Rails- Building safety codes address the size and space of stair rails to prevent children from or falling through stair railings (guards) or getting their head stuck. They also protect the general population by regulating the height of stair guards.
1. Smoke Detectors- Building safety codes require smoke detectors outside of each bedroom and on each story of a home, including basements, to warn occupant of smoke and fire.
January 2008
Cold Weather And Concrete
Builders and homeowners alike are concerned about building during winter months, particularly in cold climates where the temperature is routinely below freezing for much of the winter. This article will cover issues surrounding the pouring of concrete foundations in cold weather.
If the proper building construction techniques are not followed, concrete will not cure properly causing potential problems such as cracking and dusting. Not only will you reduce the strength of the concrete, dusting may occur and cause possible indoor environmental problems for the homeowner. We also recommend that homeowners seal any exposed concrete walls with a good quality concrete sealer to reduce the effect of concrete dust on household air quality.
This article will discuss several steps homeowners and builders should take when considering constructing a home during the cold winter months.
The Basics:
In order for concrete to cure properly, temperature minimums and moisture levels must be managed during the curing cycle to ensure that proper 28-day strength characteristics are achieved. Cold weather concreting requires special steps to ensure that the concrete does not freeze and also does not dry too rapidly during dry winter months.Prior to pouring concrete in winter months, builders must plan for proper equipment; labor force, weather protection, and appropriate concrete mix with accelerating admixtures and heated mixtures to help develop early concrete strength. Remove all snow and ice from concrete forms and the sub-base prior to pouring concrete and all items that come in contact with concrete should be not be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Special Requirements:
Concrete pouring and curing must be controlled in cold weather situations. The cost of winter construction with the additional requirements identified below must be compared to delays until warmer spring or summer temperatures. Special attention must be given to the following:Ensure that concrete has properly cured.
Prohibit concrete from prematurely drying out.
Stop Ice from forming to allow proper hydration.
Insulate by using blankets and heaters.
Avoid direct contact with heaters to avoid dusting.
Refuel heaters and prevent fire hazards.
Remove heat protection slowly to prevent rapid cooling.
Shield at corner and edge of walls with triple insulation.
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Document Modified:
5/1/08 8:49 AM