Drip legs seem innocuous, but they’re useful for more than just a sediment trap. They can make some maintenance tasks easier over the long run. They provide a convenient point of access for pressure testing and observing the interior condition of the line. Sadly, they’re not found much in older homes in my area, just like water valves seemed to be a luxury item 40 years ago.
My research was on spray foam insulation. I recently had spray foam insulation installed in my tiny house and there were loads of questions I had before deciding to use spray foam. My number one reason for using spray foam was to have a good air barrier. I went with open cell foam since I live in Louisiana and need moisture to dry to the inside of my house. My other option would have been closed cell foam. Closed cell foam creates more of a vapor barrier. I didn’t exactly want a vapor barrier on the inside of my home. There are other reasons to help choose one from the other, but those are all easily researched and mentioned in this article. My question and research has been more towards the thermal barrier requirements when using spray foam. There are different types/classifications of thermal barriers. The most common thermal barrier is ½ inch gypsum or other equivalent such as 23/32 structural wall panels which is stated in the article I read posted by internachi. This is sited in IRC. The second would be an alternate assembly type. This type must be tested and pass the 15 minute fire test along with other stringent tests. The third option is not so much an actual thermal barrier, but an alternative to the other two thermal barriers. Intumescent paints have passed tests to act as a thermal barrier. There is plenty of research and readings available on this type of thermal barrier. I still have not found if 23/32 inch tongue and groove siding would pass as a thermal barrier. I am not planning on using gypsum and I want to know if I need to apply a thermal barrier under 23/32 inch tongue and groove panels.
The above picture captures a bathroom exhaust fan unit. The unit operates at 20 cfms, the least cfm required for restroom applications. While the unit is operable, the exhaust is improper. It exhausts in the soffit and not clear to the exterior. The moisture carried to the soffit could produce moisture that would create destruction in the wood members of the soffit and also potential problems in the atttic area from which it travels. Correction is needed to ward off potential problems with mold and wood destroying organisms.
I researched vinyl siding and found it quite interesting that the proper attachment technique leaves the fastener about 1/4 inch off the surface to allow for siding movement. I’ve seen many new siding jobs where siding blew off repeatedly. As stated in the pros of using siding it is durable and does not fade, heat is its worst enemy. Its insulating value is only effective by any insulation that is attached beneath it. That is important information because it affects the oveall house envelope as far as ventilation for moisture as well as protection against hot and cold weather and climates.
While inspecting my attic, I noticed water damage on the roof sheathing. It appears that the water is coming in through the nail holes. Although the water damage is not major, inspection of the roof is need to identify the reason for the defect.
The Article that I chose to read and write about is on How to prevent water damage. In order to protect from water damage you first need to think about how water might get into your home. Some components that you need to check are Flashing, Vents on roof, window/ door seals and also the condition of your home. another possible risk is leaking pipes behind walls. Pipes as they get older have to potential of eroding and either the sauder or glue at connection points can deteriorate
Ice Dams
Ice dams are common in my area. I see them on older homes due to the lack of insulation in the attic which seems to be easy to address. The concern I come across a lot is with the newer homes and the ice dams. With all the extra dormers and steep roof pitches and limited/lack of attic space due to vaulted ceilings ice dams are happening a lot as well. This would seem to be due to the lack of air space between the insulation and the deck boards and clogged soffit vents. Given the lack of attic access it has created a rough situation.
Chad Trenshaw
In the office area of this home I found two large windows looking out into the back yard. This window had obvious leakage in the seals resulting in condensation between the glass panes. I recommend replacement.
Garage door inspection
There are a few problems found with this garage door. First, no warning labels were found on or around the door. These warning labels are a good safety feature and should be added. Second, the door panels on the inside show signs of water damage. Third, the garage door on the left side does not close tightly against the garage floor. This could allow precipitation to enter without a proper seal. I would suggest this component to be further inspected by a qualified technician.
Garage doors and openers
Doing research on garage doors and openers I found that approximately 20,000 injuries occur each year from garage door accidents. Inspectors should check track mounts and bracing prior to operating. Inspectors should also check the manual lock on the door before Inspection. No repairs should be made if found, only reported in report and insist on further inspection from a technician.
Upon inspecting exterior cladding of a home, cracks and holes were noted in more than one location of the exterior vinyl siding. These holes in siding and around service entry should be sealed with caulk or silicon to make the home more airtight and prevent moisture/pest intrusion into the home. Recommend having qualified contractor evaluate and repair as needed.
Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection article
One of the biggest points that is “driven home” in this course is the importance of stopping air leaking and moisture intrusion into the home. Crawlspaces are notorious for having serious issues that are caused by moisture intrusion including the deterioration of wood members, mold and fungus growth, and also the attraction of pests. Wood destroying insects are attracted to the moist wood and can cause critical damage to the wood structure of the home since crawlspaces are not always regularly monitored. Among other hazards and issues to look out for are adequacy and types of insulation used, presence of a vapor barrier, and faulty/open wiring.
The above garage is fairly typical for this area; a two climate zone area with
long hot summers and short crisp winters. Having a unconditioned garage space
enables for minimal care and concern and little attention to systems and their maintenance. However, this garage has a foundation floor probably a regular slab on grade with a four inch pour and sand and gravel underlay. The garage door appears to be in good condition, ie no visible disconnections, with regular springs on the side. What is not visible but important is whether it has a safety wire inside of the springs. Wiring is the minimal 15amp lamp circuit with one only outlet for small electric tools. Being detached it has no other electrical systems.
Its probably as rustic as a suburban garage gets around here, showing how simplicity can be bare necessity yet as functional and ascestic as any whole house equiped outdoor garage.
thank you
After inspecting the home I noticed that the tile was in great condition, they appear to be brand new. I spoke to the owners of the home and they said that they were only three months old. I also noticed that the baseboards were in great condition, the owners also told me that they were just installed with the tile. Apparently they had carpet throughout the entire home before, nice job I replied
Thermal Imaging Reports
by Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko
I believe that offering an additional service of IR to a client should be in addition to the regular house inspection and as a separate report. That way, there is a whole other dialogue that takes place over the benefits and limitations of a search
based upon a technological instrument which takes some observation and interpretation to effectively comprehend.
The article suggests that introducing and explaining what areas the IR can interpret itself can be very revealling if not overwhelming. Once the client is
convinced of its value an agreement can be conducted and outline the expectations of the IR inspection. Priortizing the issues between safety and immediate care are essential for responsible reporting and enabling the client to act within their budgeted objectives.
The use of IR tech is a tremendous confidance booster for the Inspector as it has solid evidence for recommendations and directions for issues . It also requires a modem of discretion on the inspectors side to maintain the reports within the scope of workability.
Thank you
I complete inspection of all crawl spaces must be a part of all inspections. Looking for brakes in vapor barriers, floor leaks, below floor ducts and piping. All electrical wiring off ground and any safety problems.
Ghosting is a phenomenon in which it appears in walls, floors and surfaces of a home. This occurs when particulates attach themselves to surfaces, such as soil particles, cooking residue and root residue. When you fry a lot at home, grease can travel into the air and stick onto the surface walls of a home. One way to avoid this is to regularly clean the surface of the walls with degreaser detergents and maintain the kitchen area clean. In summary “ghosting” can be avoided if the home owners take necessary precautions to maintain their home beautiful and the market value up.
If there is not an exterior egress door meeting the 3-0, 6-8 requirement, should this be reported as a defect or just reported? There are many old homes in my area that have 2-8 entrance doors.
The master bathroom toilet was loose at the base of toilet connected to the floor. This can cause damage to the wax seal. Recommended to wax ring seal and proper fighting of toilet and sealed with some chalking after installed.
Carpet in bathroom. You should never install carpet in bathrooms. And in commercial building its against code.
The good things about carpet is, it makes bathroom more warm and cozy, easy to install and less slip hazards. The bad things are, steam from shower will condense in carpet and pad, get wet from splashes and wet from toilets leaks. This all can cause fungi and decay and rot in the flooring osb. Recommend if you have carpet is clean regularly and keep dry as possible.
