RESERVE component stewardship : by Peter McNabb
body , internal and possibly long-term damage will occur . The same is true when it comes to Reserve Components . You must identify and address problems early before they lead to much larger and more costly issues . Leaky windows , improper flashing at balcony / deck framing members can seem to be only a minor problem but could end up costing you much more down the road . Keep an eye out for seemingly small problems and fix them as soon as possible .
Leave surgery to your doctor Sometimes you can cure that cough at your local drug store and sometimes it calls for an expert diagnosis . The replacement or reconstruction of reserve components can be a complicated journey , riddled with roadblocks and detours . It can be difficult to decipher expert opinions when it comes to defining a bid process for comprehensive replacement , product and methodology options , and
vendor capabilities . Contract administration is no easy task and should be handled by a reputable project management firm . Acting as a representative of the project owner , they should be able to walk you through this journey while maintaining an open and transparent process throughout .
Important “ Don ’ ts ”:
• Neglect the reserve study analysis … it only costs more down the road .
• Avoid repairs now … it only costs more down the road .
• Hire subpar vendors … it only costs more down the road . HOA
Barrera and Company , Inc . 2207 Garnet Ave ., Suite H San Diego , CA 92109 ( 858 ) 722-7512 Peter @ BarreraCo . com www . BarreraCo . com
Dryer Vent Cleaning by Chris Piccione
According to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission , there are approximately 16,000 fires each year associated with dryers . Most fires occur when lint builds up in the duct to the point that it reduces airflow . Because lint is highly flammable , overheating of the dryer , a spark , or backup of lint into the dryer can easily ignite . Dryer vents should be considered a fire hazard if they haven ’ t been inspected or cleaned within the past year . Condo buildings and apartments are even more at risk due to common walls , poor condo conversion design , and long lengths of dryer ducting .
Suggested maintenance tips :
• Clean the lint screen / filter before or after drying each load of clothes . If clothes are still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal , this may be a sign that the exhaust duct is blocked and needs cleaning .
• Clean behind and in the dryer . Have a qualified appliance repairman clean the interior of the dryer itself periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation on electrical components . Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter and chemicals .
• Replace plastic , accordion-type hose with rigid or corrugated aluminum . Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated aluminum duct , which provides maximum airflow . Plastic ducting can also melt if the dryer gets too hot .
• Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline , cooking oils , cleaning agents , or finishing oils and stains . If possible , wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and , preferably , hang the clothes to dry .
• Have the Dryer Vent and Exhaust Duct cleaned & inspected annually by a licensed contractor .
To check a company ’ s license status : Log on to the Contractors State License Board ’ s website ( www . cslb . ca . gov ). Click on “ Consumers ”, then “ Check License ”, then “ Contractor Name ”. Type in name of company in question and see if their company information shows on the list and verify if license status is current . HOA
Christopher Piccione , director of operations for Vent Pros , Inc ., heads a staff of seven well trained , dedicated workers . His 18 years experience began back in 1994 working for a large vent cleaning company in Los Angeles . Through the years he and his staff have cleaned ventilation systems in homes , buildings , hospitals , schools , military bases , jails , yachts , naval ships and even oil rigs .
Chris holds two contractor ’ s licenses with the State of California , one for Duct Cleaning and the other for Heating & Air Conditioning . He has been a NADCA ( National Air Duct Cleaners Assoc .) Certified Ventilation Inspector for 4 years , and an Air Systems Cleaning Specialist for 14 years . He is also a Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist with IKECA ( International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaners Assoc .), as well as an EPA Certified Heating & Air Conditioning technician .
Vent Pros , Inc 303 W . 35th Street , # B National City , CA 91950 ( 619 ) 585-4860 ChrisP @ VentPros . com
6 | The HOA Board Quarterly | Issue # 4 | Fall 2012 Fall 2012 | Issue # 4 | The HOA Board Quarterly | 7