Putting people before business
Putting people before business
Information about framing, deck framing or general construction details or requirements.
Weep holes are the little gaps in brickwork near the bottom that allows moisture to escape from the wall cavity. They’re required to be spaced 33″ apart right above the flashing. They also help to equalize air pressure and dry the wall cavity out. Some vinyl windows also have weep holes to dry out the […]
What are weep holes? Read More »
Because decks are often added on sometime after original construction they are not always built in an optimum way. This article will discuss some of the most common deck building mistakes and some possible ways to correct the issues. Decks should be built to the same standard as the home. If done correctly they should
Building Decks Right Read More »
In this discussion we’re going try to take the mystery out of understanding wind zone requirements. In today’s world almost every structure has to be built to certain standards. One of these standards is that the home has to be built to resist uplift or shear forces from a strong wind like a hurricane for
Understanding Wind Zone Requirements Read More »
Current insulation requirements for homes built in SC.
General Insulation Requirements Read More »
This article is about houses with windows which have built in j-channel. This style of window is popular among builders because it negates the need for purchasing j channel as these window have the J channel built in. However, in the opinion of this inspector this type of window has a design flaw that
Flashing Windows with integral J channel Read More »
When your home inspector notes a deficiency in your chimney or fireplace it is very important to get a qualified fireplace professional or certified chimney sweep to evaluate and make repairs. Fireplaces and chimneys are complex and it takes special training and knowledge to build and maintain them. This discussion will describe the most common
Fireplace and Chimney Safety Read More »
Have you ever seen vinyl J channel used at the bottom of a wall and wondered where the water caught in the channel will go? Well, it runs sideways until it gets to a joint in the J channel or a corner intersection where it’ll weep out. If these areas are flashed correctly then
J Channel at bottom holds water Read More »
A good home inspector will carefully examine your garage door. He’ll check for damage, proper operation and safety. You’d be amazed at how many homes that I have been to have garage doors which are improperly adjusted or even dangerous. Most people don’t realize how dangerous they can be. Every year people die because
Inspecting Garage Doors Read More »
How old is my house? Home buyers and home inspectors are not always given accurate information about how old the home they are about to buy is. Oh sure, a simple web search on popular real estate sites typically turns up the homes advertised age. However, occasionally homes are built before records are kept;
Attic ventilation is an important part of keeping your building healthy. Current regulations state that the minimum attic ventilation requirements are 150/1. This means that if you have a 1500 sq attic then you would need at least 10 sf of ventilation. (1500 ÷ 150 = 10) So if this is the minimum is
About Attic Ventilation Read More »
Kickout flashing should be installed whenever a roof surface meets a wall. In the past many homes were built using only the step flashing method and as a result moisture could drain or seep behind the siding and eventually cause damage. Below is a home without kickout flashing. Example of roof with missing kickout
What is kickout flashing? Read More »
General Stairway Safety Recommendations Below is a discussion of the general requirements (paraphrased for readability) for stairways. · Minimum stairway width is 36” wide. · Headroom minimum 6’ 8” measured vertically. · Maximum riser height is 7 ¾ “ high, can vary no more than 3/8” between treads. · Minimum tread depth is 10”.
About Stairway Safety Requirements Read More »
Blue Palmetto Home Inspection
1325 Sandy Run Circle
Summerville SC 29486
Phone 843-608-5851,cell 843-934-3045
License # RBI48831, RBB22399
rthornburg@homesc.com
Copyright and all rights reserved by
Ray Thornburg at publishing time.