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Aluminum Wiring = Trouble
Because of the high cost of copper, electricians began using aluminum wiring between 1968 and 1974. Determining that a house is wired with aluminum is not as easy as it may seem. You might start with determining if the electrical panel was installed during the period...
Is That Room Legal?
Homeowners, realtors and home inspectors can have different views as to what constitutes a habitable room. Why does this matter? Because a converted room, such as a porch, basement, or attic, finished into “living space” may not be quite as livable as expected. So...
Let’s Look Closer At Deck Failure!
There are just two basic reasons for decks failing. The first is overloading and the second is improper construction. Overloading: deck failure usually happens unexpectedly. We have been using the deck for several years, even barbecuing for the family without a...
Wood Deck Failures
What happened to pressure treated deck lumber? Pressure treatment is a process that forces chemical preservatives into the wood. The wood is placed in a closed cylinder and pressure is applied to force the preservative into the wood. Preservatives protect wood from...
Decks Can Be Dangerous
Deck failures are becoming more common. Why do decks fail? The most common reasons are: Old age Poor design Improper materials Overloading Decks should be inspected annually. All lumber should be inspected for rotting, particularly where posts meet the ground, at...
Choosing The Right Home Inspector
Look for Experience American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the oldest national home inspection association. It has a stringent Standard of Practice which all members must adhere to. These comprehensive standards have been closely copied by all competitive...
My Ice Dams Are Really Bad
Icicles indicate the formation of ice dams. What do ice dams indicate? Icicles form where water is dripping from the roof when snow is melting and the air temperature is less than freezing. Older houses are most prone to ice damming and large icicle formation. Recent...
Too Much Roof Snow?
Can my roof collapse from too much snow load? It’s possible, but highly unlikely. Since about 1950, cold climate states must adhere to engineering principles that configure the structure of the roof. They are based upon the highest potential roof snow load in your...
Is Your Life Worth $25?
This very cold winter has been responsible for many accidents, including deaths from CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning. These disasters might have been averted if a properly located and operating carbon monoxide alarm had been installed. For just $25 a battery-operated...