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Showing posts from January, 2025

Preparing for Pittsburgh’s Spring Thaw: Early Home Maintenance Tips

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 As Pittsburgh's winter frost begins to thaw, it's essential for homeowners to prepare their properties for the challenges of spring. The transition from freezing temperatures to warmer weather can bring issues like water damage, foundation cracks, and roof leaks to the forefront. At Keystone Castle Inspections, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate these seasonal changes with comprehensive home inspections. Top Early Spring Maintenance Tips for Pittsburgh Homeowners: Inspect Gutters and Downspouts Winter debris can clog gutters, leading to improper drainage during the spring rains. Check and clean your gutters to prevent water from pooling around your foundation, a common issue during Pittsburgh's spring thaw. Check Your Foundation for Cracks Freezing and thawing cycles can create cracks in your foundation, allowing water to seep into your basement. A thorough inspection can identify these vulnerabilities early. Test Sump Pumps Ensure your sump pump is operational t...

Understanding the Impact of Pittsburgh's Winter Weather on Indoor Air Quality

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 When Pittsburgh’s temperatures drop, homeowners often seal their homes to keep the cold air out. While this keeps you warm, it can also trap pollutants, moisture, and other irritants, negatively impacting indoor air quality. Keystone Castle Inspections provides expert mold and indoor air quality inspections to help you maintain a healthy home environment during the winter months. How Winter Weather Affects Indoor Air Quality: Increased Moisture Levels The contrast between cold outdoor air and warm indoor heating can lead to condensation, encouraging mold growth in attics, basements, and poorly ventilated areas. Trapped Pollutants Closed windows reduce airflow, trapping allergens like dust, pet dander, and smoke inside your home. Radon Gas Accumulation Winter’s sealed environments can cause radon gas levels to spike. Pittsburgh homes, especially older ones, are particularly susceptible to this odorless, harmful gas. Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality: Regular HVAC Maintenance Ch...