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