Environmental Issues In Colorado's Housing Resources by Samson Paulotti
Colorado is one of states that is very sensitive to environmental and natural resources issues. Much of this sensitivity is due to the Green awareness campaign that is marketed in almost all products, including homes. The building of green homes is a growing segment of the housing industry which is getting a lot of attention and media focus. While there are still more work to be done to fully achieve a totally "green" home, there are still potential environmental issues related to the housing industry and its resources that potential buyers and investors in Colorado would have to face.
One of the most critical issues related to the housing industry in Colorado is with regards to water resources. Water quality is a primary concern that most homeowners should be aware of, particularly if the source of the water is questionable. Potable water that comes from a well should be tested for pH, hardness, and fluoride presence. It should also be tested for mineral deposits like sodium, iron and manganese. There are acceptable levels in Colorado for such deposits and resources for water should pass these requirements. The water resources should also be tested for harmful bacteria like E-coli, as well as for harmful elements like lead or arsenic.
If the prospective buyer is looking for a Colorado home that has been built before 1978, chances are that the structure is still using a lead based paint. There will be no cause for concern if the paint is still in good condition, but if cracking and peeling is present, the paint can become a hazard. Restoration work should be done by sealing and repainting affected surfaces to eliminate these hazards.
Radon is another environmental concern that Colorado homes can be susceptible to. Uranium in the soil will naturally decay and this emits a radioactive gas called radon. Although radon is commonly present in all homes as part of the natural resources in the state, there are acceptable and safe levels that homeowners should maintain. Should these levels be exceeded, a radon reduction system should be installed to put levels down to acceptable states.
Older homes in Colorado may use older plumbing systems with pipe works joined by using lead-based solder. Lead can contaminate the water and may lead to a variety of health-related issues that can cause harm to children and adults. These pipe works and plumbing should be checked and if necessary should undergo proper restoration. High concentration of lead can also be found in the ground soil so it should also be checked and tested.
Colorado homes that are more than 30 years old may contain asbestos insulation and building materials. If the material has already deteriorated and is releasing fibers into the air, restoration work should be performed and the asbestos material replaced.
Mold infestation can also be a hazard in old homes that potential buyers should look for when buying a Colorado home. Molds and mildew can occur after the house has been subjected to water damage, and these microorganisms have been proven to cause certain diseases that are harmful to humans. When mold infestation is present, restoration work should be performed to remove these potential health hazards to the potential buyer and his family.
Purchasing a home, whether it is a new structure or have been in existence for decades, the potential buyer should take into consideration checking and testing for potential environmental concerns. Doing so would ensure a safe habitation for the buyer and his family.
Samson Paulotti shares How-To tips and other information for The Restoration Resource Colorado and Restoration Industry Resources
Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory
Colorado is one of states that is very sensitive to environmental and natural resources issues. Much of this sensitivity is due to the Green awareness campaign that is marketed in almost all products, including homes. The building of green homes is a growing segment of the housing industry which is getting a lot of attention and media focus. While there are still more work to be done to fully achieve a totally "green" home, there are still potential environmental issues related to the housing industry and its resources that potential buyers and investors in Colorado would have to face.
One of the most critical issues related to the housing industry in Colorado is with regards to water resources. Water quality is a primary concern that most homeowners should be aware of, particularly if the source of the water is questionable. Potable water that comes from a well should be tested for pH, hardness, and fluoride presence. It should also be tested for mineral deposits like sodium, iron and manganese. There are acceptable levels in Colorado for such deposits and resources for water should pass these requirements. The water resources should also be tested for harmful bacteria like E-coli, as well as for harmful elements like lead or arsenic.
If the prospective buyer is looking for a Colorado home that has been built before 1978, chances are that the structure is still using a lead based paint. There will be no cause for concern if the paint is still in good condition, but if cracking and peeling is present, the paint can become a hazard. Restoration work should be done by sealing and repainting affected surfaces to eliminate these hazards.
Radon is another environmental concern that Colorado homes can be susceptible to. Uranium in the soil will naturally decay and this emits a radioactive gas called radon. Although radon is commonly present in all homes as part of the natural resources in the state, there are acceptable and safe levels that homeowners should maintain. Should these levels be exceeded, a radon reduction system should be installed to put levels down to acceptable states.
Older homes in Colorado may use older plumbing systems with pipe works joined by using lead-based solder. Lead can contaminate the water and may lead to a variety of health-related issues that can cause harm to children and adults. These pipe works and plumbing should be checked and if necessary should undergo proper restoration. High concentration of lead can also be found in the ground soil so it should also be checked and tested.
Colorado homes that are more than 30 years old may contain asbestos insulation and building materials. If the material has already deteriorated and is releasing fibers into the air, restoration work should be performed and the asbestos material replaced.
Mold infestation can also be a hazard in old homes that potential buyers should look for when buying a Colorado home. Molds and mildew can occur after the house has been subjected to water damage, and these microorganisms have been proven to cause certain diseases that are harmful to humans. When mold infestation is present, restoration work should be performed to remove these potential health hazards to the potential buyer and his family.
Purchasing a home, whether it is a new structure or have been in existence for decades, the potential buyer should take into consideration checking and testing for potential environmental concerns. Doing so would ensure a safe habitation for the buyer and his family.
Samson Paulotti shares How-To tips and other information for The Restoration Resource Colorado and Restoration Industry Resources
Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory