COULD THE ATTIC BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH?Dangerous insulation may be hiding above the ceiling of older homes. In newer homes the insulation is usually soft and puffy fiberglass or a cellulose (very finely ground paper). In some older homes a granular product with a silver glint to it may have been used to insulate […]Read More about Granules in Attic, Is it Dangerous Insulation?
Garage Door Spring Safety Wire Required
Video of garage doors with the old style springs to the side of the tracks. These pose a danger if they fail and snap. A safety wire must be inserted into the center of the spring to hold it in place. These inexpensive safety wires are available at any store that sells overhead doors for […]Read More about Garage Door Spring Safety Wire Required
Who Will Keep the Dog In….. A Sears Fence?
It never ceases to amaze me how many homes have chain link fences around the back garden proudly displaying the iconic “Sears Armadillo” plaque on the gate. In fact, it’s hard to believe that Sears has filed bankruptcy all closed down all their stores. The products they sold were in so many homes, still are […]Read More about Who Will Keep the Dog In….. A Sears Fence?
Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
Everyone uses the phrase “furnace filters” which got me thinking as I worked my way through an inspection. The filters remove dust from the air going through the furnace which has nothing that really needs to be protected. Yes, the fan motor will last longer if it is not dusty, but the filter is not […]Read More about Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
Termites Appear Suddenly
Three weeks passed from when we performed a home inspection and a “termite” inspection on a lovely tri-level home in West Chester. Our bug guy returned this week to deal with a pest issue (mice) that was identified during the inspection and noted in the report.Arriving at the home he picked up a newspaper that […]Read More about Termites Appear Suddenly
Home Inspectors In Ohio Must Be Licensed
The state of Ohio has started issuing licenses for home inspectors in an effort to raise the overall standard of inspections. While not yet required, we went ahead and have become some of the first licensed inspectors in the state. The application which involved getting FBI background checks as well as submitting a record of […]Read More about Home Inspectors In Ohio Must Be Licensed
Leaking Vent Pipe Boot, Replacement
Where the plumbing vent pipe exits through the roof shingles, there is a metal plate with a rubber gasket (boot) that stops water leaking into the attic. The flashing boot will generally deteriorate and start leaking water into the attic after about twelve years, that’s long before it’s time to re-roof. When boots need to […]Read More about Leaking Vent Pipe Boot, Replacement
Where Are the Gas Shut Off Valves Located?
Assuming it’s a small leak, one that’s hard to smell, the first thing to do is turn off the gas to the unit. The requirement is that there must be a shut off valve within six feet of and in the same room as the gas appliance. Turn off the valve (a quarter turn on […]Read More about Where Are the Gas Shut Off Valves Located?
Commercial Inspection Issues
We are always busy with commercial business inspections which are challenging and often unusual. The commercial properties are all so different, large multi unit apartment buildings, offices, movie multiplex theaters, schools, car wash, an animal shelter, convenience stores, strip malls, motels, warehouses, drive thru liquor stores, medical offices, so varied and of course numerous restaurants. […]Read More about Commercial Inspection Issues
Don’t Ever Assume!! (As You Start a Project)
In life I have discovered that it’s a good policy never to assume that something works, that the door is locked, that you have your ticket and passport in your backpack as you head to the airport. Over the last 20 years of inspecting homes, offices, hotels and everything else from Chinese restaurants to schools, […]Read More about Don’t Ever Assume!! (As You Start a Project)
Planning DIY Projects Pays Dividends
The old saying: measure twice cut once can apply to many DIY projects. Before rushing out and buying what you think you need for a project, it can pay off to plan what you are doing. If it’s a big project tape it out on the ground or walls, measure, re measure and make sure […]Read More about Planning DIY Projects Pays Dividends
Is Your Garage Door Intended For Use With an Opener ?
Video about reinforcing garage doors. The top of a garage door must be reinforced if it is going to be used with a garage door opener, otherwise the top panel will buckle and possibly rip the door out of the track. These bars or “struts” are not very expensive and are available from all garage […]Read More about Is Your Garage Door Intended For Use With an Opener ?
Your AC Condenser Does Not Like “Economy”
Air conditioners (condensers) positioned out of the way in a small space are not unlike unfortunate fliers in economy. They are in a space smaller than required and asked to behave as though everything is OK. When there are two condensers side by side they want 28” of space (yes, like leg room) between them, […]Read More about Your AC Condenser Does Not Like “Economy”
Common or Shared Neutral Wiring at Breaker
Video shows connections; Where two electrical circuits share the same neutral wire, the two breakers must have a common trip and be fed from opposite phases which are alternated from one breaker to the next.It is a fire safety concern if they are incorrectly wired and positioned.
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