Video shows problem with casement sashes. Casement windows are windows with sashes that generally open with a crank handle and they are hinged at the side or top. All the top of the line casements windows are made of wood, some with an aluminum cladding on the exterior. The area that rots is the bottom […]Read More about Why Wood Framed Casement Windows Rot
Archives for 2019
Do Architects Think of Future Problems?
Inspecting a house in Xenia, I got to question the thought process of architects who design houses. A nice small 900 square foot ranch did not have much space for the furnace, so the architect put it in the crawl space (under the house). This is not a problem so as long as it works, […]Read More about Do Architects Think of Future Problems?
Fuse Box From “Times Less Safe & Long Gone”
These old fuse boxes in a beautifully built asbestos lined oak cabinet were a big step up from the single exposed wall mounted fuse. These boxes were the forerunner to the breaker panels of today. The asbestos lining was used to contain any sparks or fire in the fuse box. Those were the days before […]Read More about Fuse Box From “Times Less Safe & Long Gone”
How Times and Drains Have Changed
This month has been the month for old drain cleaning signs from the 50’s still attached to basement ceiling rafters. Drains have had issues for years, older cast iron pipes were easily damaged by tree roots, while newer PVC pipes are rarely damaged by tree roots but often blocked by disposable diapers, feminine sanitary products […]Read More about How Times and Drains Have Changed
Flue Pipe Clearance Issues After Remodeling
Video of: Remodeling around the furnace or water heater can cause all sorts of problems for someone who is not familiar with the instillation and operation of the equipment in their home.
Cast Iron Drains Had a Lot of Problems
Modern PVC drain pipes have reduced the number of blocked drains substantially. This old house in downtown Dayton was built in the early ‘50’s had a sixty foot run to where the blockage was in 58, again in ‘66, ‘03 and ‘06. These were all bad years for this houses main drain according to the […]Read More about Cast Iron Drains Had a Lot of Problems
It’s New Construction, But They Forgot The…..
If defects in a new home are not found before it is purchased from the builder, they become the problem of the new owners after they moved into their new home. Making repairs can be very disruptive for all the family as they have to live with drywall dust on their furnishing and possessions as […]Read More about It’s New Construction, But They Forgot The…..
Home Safety “Costs Less Than You Think”
Why do we as a society ignore the most basic safety issues until its too late. Manufacturers of everything from kitchen stoves and garage door openers, to smoke alarms package their equipment with owners manuals that address how it should be installed and what maintenance will be needed. These manuals are rarely read and their […]Read More about Home Safety “Costs Less Than You Think”
Trees and Drains do not go well together.
Video of a very standard front yard: Take a look where the sewage clean out is located; in the basement or outside along the side of the foundation. This will tell you where the sewer line from the home is. Now look around for trees and see if there are any near the sewer line. […]Read More about Trees and Drains do not go well together.