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Got Cracks? An Intro to Foundation Forensics

Cracks in foundations are by far the most common structural complaint raised in either residential evaluations or reserve studies.  They can occur in the youngest or newest houses and condominium buildings.  As Association documents usually assign the maintenance responsibility of their repair to the association, board members and property managers take them very seriously.  Minnesota houses….

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Paving Isn’t Exciting: But Proper Maintenance is Essential

Cracked Parking Lot

Engineering Advisor | Volume 26, Number 1 When was the last time you thought about your parking lot? The honest answer, probably, is not in recent memory.  It’s not a question of ‘out of sight –out of mind.’ Parking lots and other paved areas are highly visible, but they aren’t all that interesting.  There is nothing….

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Stairways and Decks Aren’t Safe Unless their Railings Are Secure

Your Home | Volume 35, Number 1 You’re standing in the basement waiting for a friend, who is following you down the stairs. Missing a step, your friend reaches for the railing, which breaks away from the wall. This will not end well for your friend, who may be seriously injured or worse; and it….

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Hidden Dangers of Dryer Vents

Who would think venting a unit’s clothes dryer was so complicated?  When was the last time the cleanliness of dryer vents was on your Board’s meeting agenda?  Yet, clothes dryers may be one of the most dangerous appliances in the home.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there are more than 15,000 home fires….

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