Carbon monoxide (CO) is such a fearsome poison because it has no odor and it can enter almost any home. Also, CO poisoning is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms of low- to mid-level exposure mimic a large array of other ailments, such as the flu. The gas forms from malfunctioning combustion appliances such as generators and furnaces. The vast majority of exposures do not result in permanent injury, although temporary ailments, such as headaches and nausea may result. The best defense against CO is strategic placement of CO detectors. To find out more about detector placement, CO dangers and sources, check out our new article on carbon monoxide.

While forest fires cause immense damage to life and property, not all of them are bad – small piles of flammable debris, known as slash piles, are constructed and burned to prevent much larger and more dangerous fires from forming. Yet slash piles can escape their borders and cause the kinds of fires they are designed to prevent, and that is why regulations for them exist. They must be of a certain size, composition, distance from structures, ignited in a certain way and under particular weather conditions. This sort of information can be passed on to clients while inspecting rural, fire-prone properties. To find out more, take a look at our new article on slash piles.

On December 7, 2009, the State of Tennessee, Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Regulatory Boards, Home Inspector Licensing Program approved InterNACHI’s courses for pre-licensing purpose.  Tennessee had already approved all of InterNACHI’s free, online inspection courses for continuing education purposes.  CLICK HERE for more information about becoming a licensed home inspector in Tennessee or fulfilling your required continuing education to keep your home inspection license in Tennessee.

Aluminum wiring is a problem in many homes, especially those that were constructed between 1965 and 1973, a period in which aluminum was cheaper than copper and not known to be a poor choice as an electrical conductor. Aluminum wiring isn’t always defective, in fact, it can be acceptable if properly maintained. The problem is that due to inherent weaknesses in the metal, it will become defective faster than copper. To find out the ways in which aluminum wiring can become defective, how to identify it and some methods of correction, check out our new article on aluminum wiring.

InterNACHI just released a new course on inspecting the attic, insulation, and interior of a residential property. The course, which includes over 40,000 words, a plethora of helpful diagrams and pictures, quizzes and a final exam, is accredited, state approved and totally free for InterNACHI members. Topics include radiant barriers, insulation, ice dams, ventilation, clearance, heat movement, attic access, and much, much more. Take the course or read more about it.

Enjoy!