There are six different minerals classified as asbestos. Chrysotile shown here is the most commonly used in building construction. Photo courtesy of Ryan Somma.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that has been with civilization for thousands of years. In ancient times they would weave the material into clothing because of its heat resisting quality. [...]]]>

There are six different minerals classified as asbestos. Chrysotile shown here is the most commonly used in building construction. Photo courtesy of Ryan Somma.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that has been with civilization for thousands of years. In ancient times they would weave the material into clothing because of its heat resisting quality. Most famously, it was made into handkerchiefs that were cleaned by putting them on and open fire.

At the beginning of the industrial revolution its electrical and chemical resistance was discovered and it began to be used in a whole range of products, including some that were used in the home. Most notably home insulation but also vinyl floor tiles, drywall and compound, roofing tar and shingles, pipes, gaskets, fireproofing, acoustical ceiling tiles, heating duct connectors, and much much more.

Slowly, it became clear that asbestos was harming the health of those who had regular contact with the dust particles from the mineral. The minute dust particles would get lodged in the lungs and cause cancer, resulting in death.

In the European Union and Australia, all manufacturing, mining, and processing of asbestos is banned. Here in Canada, the government has said that while asbestos is a dangerous substance, it can be handled safely, and can even be used in products safely. The key is that the asbestos fibre cannot be permitted to escape into the atmosphere. We also export the substance to other countries.

If you are purchasing an older home, your home inspector will point out to you those items in the house that have a high probability of containing asbestos. You can then take a sample of the suspect item to a laboratory for testing. Once the results are known, you can make a decision if you wish to continue with the purchase or take advantage of your ‘conditional on inspection’ clause.

If you already own the home and have identified a source of asbestos, the best thing to do is just leave it alone. Seal the fibres in place, and make sure no one will be able to come in contact with them.

If you have decided to remove the asbestos from your home, you must hire a professional as once you start disturbing the asbestos, invisible fibres are easily released into the air, and that is when problems begin. It is not something you should do yourself.

Additional Source: Environmental Protection Agency

We all rely on the appliances and systems in our homes for our health, comfort, convenience and security.

A backup power system can help you take care of your family in the event of a power failure.

Unfortunately, we often cannot rely on these systems when the [...]]]>

Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy in a Power Failure

We all rely on the appliances and systems in our homes for our health, comfort, convenience and security.

A backup power system can help you take care of your family in the event of a power failure.

Unfortunately, we often cannot rely on these systems when the power goes out.

A backup system can help you take care of your family in the event of a power failure. To make sure you’re prepared the next time the lights go out, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following tips on how to choose a backup power system for your home:

• To determine how large a backup system you need, decide what you really need to power and what you can do without for a few days. If you only need to power a sump pump to stop your basement from flooding, for example, then a gasoline-powered pump could be simpler than a full backup system. If you need to power your lights, refrigerator, microwave, furnace, well pump, medical equipment, garage door opener, smoke and fire detectors and a home office, then a more elaborate and expensive backup system would be required.
• Minimize energy demands by switching to energy-efficient lights and appliances and by making sure your home is well insulated and air-sealed. This can reduce the size and cost of the backup power system.
• To calculate how much backup power you need, add up the maximum power draw (in kilowatts) of all the fixtures and appliances you need to power. Then add about 25 per cent as a reserve for startup power.
• Consider installing a high-efficiency fuel-fired space heating stove that can operate without electricity, so the backup system does not have to be sized to run the heating system. For gas and oil furnaces and boilers, the backup system can be sized to operate the furnace fan or pump, burners and controllers. Never use unvented barbecues, cook stoves, propane or kerosene heaters, or other combustion appliances inside your house, as they can produce toxic gases and fumes.
• For new homes, consider installing a separate backup power circuit to only power the lighting, safety systems and appliances needed to get you through a power outage.
• When you’ve decided which backup system is right for you, hire an electrician or electrical-contractor with experience with such systems to install and prepare it.
• Finally, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and test your system frequently to be sure it will be ready when you really need it.

For a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Backup Power for Your Home, or for information on any other aspect of owning, maintaining or buying a home, visit our website atwww.cmhc.ca or call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. For over 65 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing information.

Recent floods in Quebec and Manitoba remind us of the damage and the financial hardships homeowners experience after natural disasters.

If your home has been flooded, the best way to protect your property, your belongings and the health of your family

Brandon Flood 2011 - Photo Courtesy [...]]]>

Quick Action is Very Important

Recent floods in Quebec and Manitoba remind us of the damage and the financial hardships homeowners experience after natural disasters.

Dealing With the Impact of Flooding

If your home has been flooded, the best way to protect your property, your belongings and the health of your family

Brandon Flood 2011 - Photo Courtesy of Dwayne - Two Stout Monks

is by getting rid of the water and drying your house as quickly as possible.

Prior to starting the clean-up, it is essential to keep safety a priority and take all precautions to avoid electrical shock. It is also recommended that you document the damage and contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.

During the clean-up, it is important to establish a step-by-step action plan to remove all remaining water, mud and other debris from your house. Work from the top down, removing materials at least 50 cm above the high-water line and replacing any flooring that has been deeply penetrated by flood water or sewage. Next, wash and wipe down all surfaces wetted by the flood water with an unscented detergent and water, repeating as necessary until clean. Finally, ventilate or dehumidify the house until it is completely dry.

More detailed information on coping with flood damage can be found in CMHC`s publication After the Flood — A Homeowner’s Checklist.

Dealing with Mortgage Payment Difficulties as a Result of Flooding

Should you find yourself in this situation and are unable to make your mortgage payments, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) wishes to remind Canadians that there are options available to you.

It is important to take quick action and contact your lender at the first sign of any financial difficulty. Ask your lender about the options available to you and keep them informed of your situation.

For CMHC-insured mortgages, CMHC provides lenders with the tools and the flexibility they need to achieve a solution to your unique financial situation including:

• Temporary short-term payment deferral. Your lender may be prepared to offer greater payment flexibilities by allowing you to defer up to four monthly mortgage payments;
• Extending your repayment period (amortization) to lower your monthly payments up to the maximum allowable period;
• Adding any missed payments to your outstanding balance and spreading them out over the lifetime of your mortgage;
• Arranging special payments unique to your particular financial situation; or
• A combination of the above.

Clarify your financial picture by preparing a list of your income, financial obligations, savings and investments before meeting with your lender. This will help paint a more detailed picture of your financial situation and make it easier to find a viable solution.

Additional information on How to Deal with Mortgage Payment Difficulties, Fighting Mold — The Homeowner’s Guide and Water Damage, Mold and House Insurance can be found on CMHC’s website at www.cmhc.ca or by calling CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.