Dryer Vent Fires Top 10 Reasons Daytona Beach Home Fires!

Not Cleaning the Clothes Dryer and Duct is the Major Cause of Dryer Fires!

Modern home appliances are safer today than they were just a decade ago, but the amount of fires has not decreased. Failure to clean the dryer and ducts accounts for more than 34 percent of the dryer fires in the United States. This is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires. Other causes include manufacturing defects and poor installation. Foreign manufacturing and foreign component suppliers are another cause. Increasing quality issues are associated with the extremely rapid growth of fires connected with appliances. More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months and peak in January. 

 

You should check your dryers and appliances out for manufacturer defects and recalls at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls .

 

What Type of Dryer is Your Home Designed for?

The dryer manufacturers set limits of the length and type of duct that can be used with their dryers. These limits are based on the type of equipment installed in the dryer. Damp lint requires a certain volume of air to move it through the ducts. Homeowners will often select a dryer and make it fit their house. Some dryers are designed with larger motors and fans to move the lint farther.  Economy or inexpensive dryers often have the smallest motors and fans. All dryers are not created equal.  

 

Duct Design Limits The Length and Orientation.

The type of duct material, vent hood, the number of turns the duct and orientation, horizontal or vertical affect the length of the duct.  Below is the dryer manufacturers' requirement based on the model of dryer.

If your dryer is not listed consult your owners manual or look it up online.

Ducts should have no mechanical fasteners.

The type of material used for the duct is very important in venting lint and moisture. Each 90-degree turn decreases the length of the duct by 5 feet. The use of a flat hood decreases the length by half. Using flexible vent ducts also cuts the length by half.  Rigid metal ducts are required to be taped at the joints and not fastened by screws.  The screw shank protruding into the duct creates and place for lint to accumulate.

 

Flexible and vinyl ducts are not allowed

because they collect lint and are a fire hazard!

Homeowners often choose flexible metal or vinyl duct for their ease of installation. These types of ducts are not allowed for use on a dryer in many areas due to the fire hazard. Flexible ducts have many areas for lint to accumulate within the duct. Vinyl and PVC when heated create an electrostatic charge that attracts lint, these are not allowed.  Most municipalities and building codes require rigid metal ducts without mechanical fasteners. These rigid ducts have fewer areas to collect lint and obstruct the airflow.

 

Clogged gooseneck dryer vent on the roof.

Gooseneck dryer vent hoods are often clogged due to the location on the roof. The homeowners are either unaware of them or just forget about them until they become a problem. Most of these types of vents we inspect are clogged. Many of these types of vent hoods when clogged cause the duct to separate in the attic. Damaged ducts pump moisture and lint into the attic causing moisture damage, wood rot and mold growth. Gooseneck hoods because of their location on the roof should be scheduled for yearly inspection and cleaning by a professional. 

 

 

 

Annual Dryer Duct Inspection and Cleaning

All dryer ducts should be inspected and cleaned yearly. Check with your Home Inspector when you buy your home. A dryer duct inspection may reveal improper installation or materials. If you have a larger family and use the dryer daily or more often, your ducts may require semi-annual cleaning. Less frequent use may only require biennial cleaning.  Protect your family and sleep soundly at night.  Have your ducts inspected and cleaned in the fall when you change your smoke detector batteries. 

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

 

Home Maintenace Inspection in Daytona Beach

Florida Home Inspector’s Home Maintenance List

You should not fool yourself, home maintenance is work and must be completed to keep your home in top shape and prevent extensive and expensive repairs in the future.  Whether you complete the task yourself or hire a professional to complete them; it is imperative the maintenance is completed in a timely manner.

Carrying out your monthly maintenance helps your home’s curb appeal and keeps your home safe and sanitary. Completing monthly, seasonal and annual tasks helps prevents damage to your home. It also helps to maintain or even increase your home’s real estate market value.

Completing your maintenance list will save you money on repair bills of your home’s systems and appliances. You can customize your home maintenance list to suit your home and accommodate your schedule.  You can print the list and have it laminated, use an app on your phone, add the items to your calendar or have an annual home checkup inspection by a licensed home inspector.

Ensure the task is within your level of experience or comfort.  Google or research the task for additional information and step by step instructions.  Never attempt a task that makes you uncomfortable.  Safety is the top priority when doing home maintenance.  Use the appropriate safety equipment; like wearing gloves and a face mask when undertaking certain tasks.  

If you need to hire a professional, try to plan the work when the season is slow;

• Air conditioning / HVAC – late winter to early spring, avoid summer.
• Roofing – winter to early spring, avoid summer or rainy season.
• Chimney sweep – spring to summer, avoid fall and winter months.
• Arborist / Tree service – winter months, avoid hurricane season.
• Painters – winter to spring, avoid rainy season.

Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks

• Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and ensure you meet the minimum local requirements for these devices.
• Test all GFCI outlets.
• Test AFCI, GFCI and combination breakers.  Ensure sensitive electronic equipment is turn off before testing.
• Remove the lint screen from the dryer lint trap and vacuum inside the trap.  Clean the lint screen with hot water and dish soap then air dry.  When clean, the screen should allow water to freely pass through the screen.
• Clean oven hood filters.
• Change your air conditioning filter(s).
• Clean kitchen and bathroom drains and remove hair and debris.  Clean drain traps with equal parts of vinegar and baking soda.
• Clean the garbage disposal with frozen lemons or cut wedges of any citrus fruit to remove odors.  Remove the baffle or splash guard and clean with soap and water.
• Check the water softener and filtration systems; replace filters and replenish salt.

Quarterly Maintenance

Detached and damaged tabs

• Check your roof from the ground with binoculars for storm damage.  You should have a professional roof inspection every two years for routine roof maintenance.
• *Clean the gutters of leaves and other debris. Check loose or missing gutter spikes or straps.  Downspouts should be secure and drain water away from your home.   Check joints and downspouts for damage or leaking.
• Check faucet aerators and showerheads for mineral buildup.  Clean with CLR, Lime-Away or similar product.
• Check doors, hinges, rollers, locks and knobs for deterioration or looseness.  Door should open, close and latch smoothly.
• Open and close all windows.  Repair or replace any damaged balance springs and window hardware.
• Carefully clean / vacuum refrigerator coils to remove dust to allow appropriate air flow.  Clean the drip pan, if equipped.
• Check supply and drain plumbing under your sinks for leaks or corrosion.

Spring Maintenance

Dried out, cracked caulking.  Remove and replace.

• *Clean your exterior siding with an appropriate outdoor siding cleaner.  Avoid high pressure washing as it can damage stucco, wood and even mortar between bricks.  For algae, mold and mildew select a cleaner with bleach or vinegar. 
• Check your siding for cracks or moisture damage.   Stucco cracks under ¼” should be filled and sealed.  Over ¼” consult a licensed contractor.  Moisture damaged wood should be repaired or replaced.
• Caulk around windows and doors to prevent air leakage.  Remove and replace any dried and cracked caulking.
• Touch up exterior paint on siding and trim.
• Replace smoke detector batteries.
• Check and replace hurricane supplies. 
• Clean and repair window screens.
• Clean and inspect wood deck for loose boards and damage.  Replace any damaged wood.  Reseal or paint before summer rains.
• Inspect your generator and lawn equipment for proper operation.  Replace any worn hoses, belts, filters or plugs.   Have all repairs completed before the summer rains or hurricane season.

Summer Maintenance

• Fill and seal cracks in your concrete driveway and sidewalks.   Patch damaged asphalt driveways.
• Check washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher and hoses, risers and tubing.   A burst hose or riser could cause your home to flood.  Look for signs of worn or damaged hoses, leaks or corroded risers and tubing.
• Check the fireplace for damage and have the flues professionally cleaned and examined.
• Check all bathroom and kitchen caulking and grout.  Clean, repair and seal your tile grout.
• Check and repair all leaking faucets and hose bibs.
• Check and lubricate the garage door wheels and hinges.  Check the garage door opener and hardware are in proper working order.

Autumn Maintenance

• Check and replace damaged weather stripping around doors and windows.  Check the insulation on the low pressure line on your outside air conditioning unit.
• Check the smoke detector date on the back.  Replace smoke detectors over 10 years of age and with no date.  Replace smoke detector batteries.
• Check and repair your home’s siding and trim for any damage or wood rot. 

Winter Maintenance

Raccoons in attic are dangerous
and should be professionally removed.

• *Check your soffits for any damage.  Raccoons and squirrels will be looking for a nesting site and can damage attic insulation and electrical wiring.  Squirrels nesting season is February and August.  Nesting season for raccoons is usually in March. If you suspect or hear raccoons in the attic, call a professional wild life removal specialist, like Affordable Wildlife Removal to humanely remove and relocate the raccoon and kits.
• *Check your trees for any dead or damaged branches.  Trim tree branches within 5 feet of your home to prevent damage to your home or roof.  Pay attention to the ground around the trees and look for any signs of root uplift.  Hire an arborist to remove any high limbs, limbs near your home or to evaluate dark staining, holes or sap on the trunk of the trees.  
• Change the oil in your generator and lawn equipment.  Drain any remaining fuel from the tank, clean equipment and store.
• Clean bathroom exhaust fan and HVAC duct covers.

Yearly Home Maintenance Tasks

• Have your roof professionally inspected by a Daytona Beach Home Inspector. A home

  

  A home inspector will
  perform an unbias roof inspection.

  inspector will give you an honest, unbiased overview of the condition of your roof covering. A roofing company offers free roof inspections but they are there to sell you a new roof or make repairs.
• Seal cracks. Sealing the cracks in your home’s foundation stops pests and water from intruding.
• *Have your attic professionally inspected for signs of moisture intrusion or leaking, damaged or displaced insulation, leaking or damaged HVAC ductwork, damaged or displace exhaust and dryer vents, and proper ventilation.
• *Check all electrical receptacles, light switches, light fixture sockets, extension cords and appliance cords for deterioration or damage.   The electrical receptacle socket should hold the cord plug securely and should have no signs of overheating/blackening or melting.  Light fixtures should not flicker or have a damaged or worn socket.  Damaged or worn electrical receptacles and wiring may cause a fire and should be replaced by a licensed electrician.
• Ensure all hand rails, balusters and banisters are secured in place and do not wobble.  Baluster spacing should be 4 inches or less.  Carpeting on stairs should be secure and not worn or frayed.

  

  Dryers - a leading cause of home fires.

  
  

• Dryer ducts should be cleaned yearly or semiannually.  Wall vents are usually an easy homeowner project but goose-neck roof vents require professional cleaning.

Ladder Safety

* - Tasks that require the use of a ladder or that involve electricity should be left to a professional.  Avoid tasks that you are uncomfortable doing.  Never use a ladder or pole saw within 10 feet of a power line.

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Clothes Dryers, A Leading Cause of Home Fires in Daytona Beach

Clothes Dryers Fires in Volusia County Florida!

Clothes dryers have become an indispensable part of American family life.  Today, people are not aware that clothes dryers are a leading cause of fires in the home – approximately 15,000 every year.   It is important to rigorously inspect and clean dryers.  A little preventative maintenance can keep them in good working order and keep your family safe.

Causes of dryer fires in Daytona Beach?

One of the most common causes of dryer fires is lack of maintenance.  When lint traps do not get

cleaned as often as they should be, the resulting build-up in the screen or other areas can cause the dryer to perform poorly, operate at elevated temperatures and possibly overheat with dangerous results.  Vent systems must also be checked and cleaned to maintain proper air flow for the same reasons.  The floor area surrounding the dryer must be lint, dirt, and clothes free.  A lint ball, sock or clothing item can easily be sucked from the floor in front or beside your dryer into the heating coils igniting it and the lint in your dryer vents.

Problems also occur when people place improper items in their dryers, such as foam backed rugs or athletic shoes.  Ensure whatever you put in your dryer is approved and safe to place in a dryer.  When in doubt, check the washing instructions on the tag of the clothing or consult the manufacturer’s website for more information.  Plastic or vinyl exhaust vent materials should never be used.    

Reduce your risk of home dryer fires!

Ensure that your dryer has rigid or flexible metal venting and ducting materials to help sustain airflow. This will also reduce operating costs and extend the life of the dryer and clothing due to lower drying temperatures.

In addition:

• Clean the lint trap before or after drying each load of clothes.
• Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can be trapped.
• Ensure the floor around your dryer is free of debris, lint and clothing.
• The interior of the dryer and venting system should be cleaned periodically by qualified service technician.  If drying time is longer than normal, clean the vent system thoroughly to ensure proper airflow.
• Replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting.
• Do not dry clothes or fabric on which there is anything flammable (alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers, dry-cleaning solvents, etc.). Flammable substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode. 
• Gasoline should not be stored near dryers or water heaters and should only be stored in approved containers.
• Read manufacturers’ warnings in use and care manuals that accompany new dryers.  Warnings can usually be found on the inside of the dryer’s lid and take only minutes to read.

Did you know that?

• Clothes dryers can be found in 80 percent, or 81.5 million homes throughout the United States.
• A full load of wet clothes placed in a dryer contains about one half gallon of water.  Lint is created from the clothes as water is removed.
• Clothes dryers are one of the most expensive appliances in your home to operate.  The longer it runs the more money it costs you.
• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually. These fires account for an average of 10 deaths and 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage annually.

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn