Something To Remember When You Change Your Clocks – Suggestions & Tips #13

July 10, 2015 by Grassroots Leave a Comment

If it’s time to change your clocks, it’s time to change your batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

A general rule of thumb is to have at least one smoke, heat & gas detector per level (and preferably per bedroom too). Electric powered detectors are good, as there is no requirement to change batteries. On the other hand, battery powered work when the power is interrupted for whatever reason. A combination of both is best.

There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionization detectors which respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles and photoelectric detectors which respond more quickly to smouldering fires. Having both types may increase your chances of early detection of a fire.

Pregnant women, infants, children, senior citizens, smokers, persons with heart or respiratory problems may experience symptoms from carbon monoxide at lower levels of exposure than can be detected by their sensor. These individuals may require audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations at lower levels. Inter-connected detectors (electric and security system versions typically) will all sound if just one “rings”.

Please note that manufacturers may recommend the replacement of their detectors on a regular basis, such as every 5 years. Test your detectors at least monthly (preferably weekly) and change batteries at least twice a year. Read more about smoke detectors, gas sensors and alarms here…

When inspecting buildings we are often asked questions concerning various topics. Some of these queries can relate to issues not within the scope of a typical inspection. That’s not to say that information about these topics would not be useful however. For that reason, we wanted to include information on some of these topics your further review.

NOTICE: The information contained on the grassroots.ca website is not intended to be exhaustive nor does it necessarily apply to all buildings, systems, components and the likes. While some information may be able to be “transferred” to a building you’re interested in, it should not automatically be applied to it necessarily. It may however simply act as a prompter for areas you may wish to explore further. As such, the information herein is for information purposes only. It’s not intended to be an exhaustive listing of any / all related issues. Always consult a professional before purchasing, leasing or selling a building, or if proceeding with or considering any work to a building. Seek further professional advice, and, analysis including at least three (3) quotations from various professional reputable & qualified contractors before proceeding with any contemplated work, repairs, improvements, and / or, modifications to a building, to better establish the scope of any / all concerns.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Should Mortgage Lenders Insist Their Clients Have A Home Inspection? – Suggestion & Tips #172

Some mortgage lenders will not place a mortgage on certain homes because they have, for example, asbestos, vermiculite, UFFI (urea formaldehyde foam insulation), knob & tube wiring, 60 amp … [Read More...]

Overhead Electrical Service & Trees / Vegetation – Suggestions & Tips #171

As you might imagine, there are certain clearances that electrical wires / power lines must have, for example, when they cross over roads, driveways, roofs, pools, walkways and when near fire escapes, … [Read More...]

Exterior Finishing System – EIFS / DEFS – Suggestions & Tips #170

Exterior Insulated Finishing System (EIFS) and or Direct Applied Exterior Finishing System (DEFS) are exterior wall cladding systems that have a synthetic / polymer stucco finish coat applied to them. … [Read More...]