Inspection Articles
Join us in a discussion of various inspection related topics. Old Building at Boone Hall.
Inspection Articles Read More »
What are weep holes?
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 »
Building Decks Right
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 »
Understanding Wind Zone Requirements
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 »
General Insulation Requirements
Current insulation requirements for homes built in SC.
General Insulation Requirements Read More »
Flashing Windows with integral J channel
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 »
Fireplace and Chimney Safety
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 »
What is Knob and Tube Wiring?
Knob and Tube wiring is a method of wiring that was popular from about 1890 to 1940. Characterized by the ceramic knobs that held the conductors away from the joists and ceramic tubes that the conductors ran through when it had to pass through a joist or wall plate.
What is Knob and Tube Wiring? Read More »
Understanding Solar PV Systems
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems work by collecting sunlight onto specially designed panels which produce DC current. This current is transferred to an inverter which converts it to AC current to match our home electrical system. Since these systems are becoming more and more popular it’s important to gain an understanding of how theses systems
Understanding Solar PV Systems Read More »
What is a Multi-wire branch circuit?
Most people are familiar with how a regular 120 volt circuit is constructed (a hot, a neutral and a grounding conductor). Some may even understand how a 240 volt circuit operates (two hots, a neutral and a grounding conductor). But what the heck is a multi-wire branch circuit? Well, a multi-wire branch circuit is
What is a Multi-wire branch circuit? Read More »
Understanding Feeder Taps
In this article I want to clear up some confusion about a wiring method home inspectors sometimes encounter and which sometimes even some electricians don’t thoroughly understand. I’m talking about section 240.21(B) of the NEC (National Electrical Code) which discusses Feeder Taps. While most people understand that overcurrent protection is typically required at the
Understanding Feeder Taps Read More »
Types of Generators and Transfer Switches
As more and more homeowners are opting to add a generator to their home it’s time to discuss the different types of generators, how they’re used and how they should be installed. We’ll discuss the proper bonding and grounding along with some options for transfer switches. Let’s get started. Two types of Generators Basically
Types of Generators and Transfer Switches Read More »
J Channel at bottom holds water
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 »
How to Drop a Hip Rafter
This discussion will explain how much to drop a hip rafter. Let me explain….. a hip rafter rises from the corner of a building at a 45 degree angle. Because of this, if the carpenters used the same HAP (height above plate) on that rafter as he did the commons then the corners of
How to Drop a Hip Rafter Read More »
All About Mold Growth
If mold, apparent mold growth or microbial growth has been noted on your report it means that the inspector has found growth that appears to be mold. Mold is a fungus and there are hundreds of thousands of different species. If it looks like mold then it probably is; but only lab analysis can
All About Mold Growth Read More »
Recognizing Termite Activity and Damage
Whether or not you currently have termite problems it’s important to know what attracts termites to your home and what signs to look for and why. Did you know for instance that every acre of land in South Carolina has over a dozen termite colonies. So since termites are probably already on your property
Recognizing Termite Activity and Damage Read More »
The Shocking Truth About Microwaves
A Microwave oven is mighty handy for boiling a cup of water in a hurry or popping popcorn. However it might surprise you that the microwave oven is not the only device in your home that uses microwaves. In this article we’ll talk about some more devices that produce microwaves and some common sense
The Shocking Truth About Microwaves Read More »
Inspecting Garage Doors
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 »
Those Problem Pipes
This article will discuss four popular types of water supply piping we find in modern homes and some surprising issues you probably didn’t know about, but should. Copper, Polybutylene, PEX (PEX A and PEX B) and CPVC. About Copper Piping Advantages of Copper Piping Copper piping in general has a very good track
Those Problem Pipes Read More »
What is a drip Leg or Sediment Trap?
A sediment trap which is sometimes called a drip leg (although technically different) is a capped off section of gas line which is installed in such a way that any debris or moisture in the gas line will be caught in the trap where it can be cleaned out easily. The reason for this
What is a drip Leg or Sediment Trap? Read More »
Dating Your House
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;
All About Dryer Vents
Purpose of Dryer Vents The purpose of clothes dryer vents are to reliably transfer the hot air, lent, moisture and in the case of gas dryers, combustion exhaust fumes outside the home. Often, especially on older home this is an afterthought and as a result a lot of functional and safety issues arise. Often
All About Dryer Vents Read More »
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
Required Locations of Smoke Alarms Although the required number and location of smoke alarms have changed over the years most people will agree that every home should have a smoke alarm. Older homes do not have to be upgraded to the new codes unless there are major renovations as outlined in the code. Paraphrased:
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements Read More »
About Bottom Chord Truss Bracing
In this discussion we’ll talk about the proper way to brace trusses and we’ll try to confine our talk to the proper way to brace the bottom chord and some of the problems associated with not following correct procedures during the building process. The truss design drawings (TDD) and the plans for your particular
About Bottom Chord Truss Bracing Read More »
About Attic Ventilation
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 »
How to Convert Roof Pitch to Degrees
In the United States roof pitch is usually represented by the numbers (in inches) we use on a framing square to mark the pitch. For instance if we were framing a house with a 7/12 pitch roof we’ll use the numbers 7 on the tongue of the square and 12 on the blade
How to Convert Roof Pitch to Degrees Read More »
About Attic Roof Bracing
Every so often I’ll crawl into an attic without any attic bracing. Usually these are older home built in the 30’s through the 50’s however I’ve seen inadequate attic bracing on homes of all ages. Let’s start our discussion by looking at the proper way to brace an attic. Check out the pictures below.
About Attic Roof Bracing Read More »
How to Splice a Joist or Rafter
About Splicing Wood We’ll begin our discussion by reminding everyone that carpenters have been splicing wood together for thousands of years. It’s one of the things carpenters do best but still there are those who say that this is the purview of an engineer and no one else. Headers, jacks, sills, beams, girders
How to Splice a Joist or Rafter Read More »
What is kickout flashing?
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 »
How to determine the pitch for a shed roof rafter.
Sometimes it’s necessary to cut a shed roof type rafter when you only know the height of the knee-wall or the difference between the two walls and the run. How to determine the pitch of a shed roof rafter. Difference in height in inches divided by run in feet = pitch Conversely pitch times
How to determine the pitch for a shed roof rafter. Read More »
How do I know if I have a Heat Pump?
So how do you tell the difference between a heat pump and a regular AC unit? We’ll list several methods below. However, none of these methods are foolproof because the system might have been worked on or parts changed out. For instance the wrong thermostat might cause the system to misbehave. Check out the
How do I know if I have a Heat Pump? Read More »
About Stairway Safety Requirements
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 »
How to Wire a Three Way Switch for a Ceiling Fan
This discussion will focus on how a three way switch works and show some examples of how to wire them. A three way switch is used to operate a fixture from two locations like a ceiling fan for instance. First this advice – Turn the power off before working with electricity. This discussion is
How to Wire a Three Way Switch for a Ceiling Fan Read More »
What is a double tap?
A double tap is when there are two conductors under a terminal which is designed for only one conductor. This a safety issue because a terminal designed for one conductor will not exert even pressure on two conductors which means one of them could come loose, arc, overheat, cause a fire etc. When we
What is a double tap? Read More »
Understanding AC Condensate Drains
Modern air conditioners can remove between 8-20 gallons of moisture from the air every day. So on modern air conditioners provisions have to be made to reliably remove any collected water that the air conditioner removes from your home air to a an appropriate place (usually outside). To do this the air handler needs
Understanding AC Condensate Drains Read More »
About CSST Gas Line Requirements.
CSST stands for corrugated stainless steel tubing. This type of gas line tubing is very popular among builders and contractors because of its ease of use, flexibility and its ability to save on labor installation costs especially over black iron pipe. Although there have been a few concerns with this type of pipe
About CSST Gas Line Requirements. Read More »
What is Combustion Air?
Combustion air is the air a fuel burning appliance needs to keep a fire burning. An appliance burns fuel but it also burns air. So for natural draft gas appliances the experts have calculated how much air it burns and how much air it will exhaust up the flue and wrote some requirements for
What is Combustion Air? Read More »
All About B Vents
What is a B Vent? A B vent is a double wall metal pipe used to vent gas appliances. There are other types of double walled vents too (like type L) but they are typically designed for other fuels. Minimum height of B vent is 5 feet. About Natural Gas Venting Of Gas APPLiances
About Water Heater Requirements
A water heater is one of many areas a home inspector inspects and often it is one area where we find defects or safety hazards. Although some of the rules have changed over the years; water heater safety is still of upmost concern. Did you know for instance that if the safety features of
About Water Heater Requirements Read More »
About GFI and AFCI Requirements
A GFI or GFCI (ground fault interrupter, ground fault circuit interrupter) is a type of electrical receptacle which provides a greater measure of protection against electrical shock than a circuit breaker alone. It works by measuring the current flow on both the hot and neutral and it instantly cuts off the power if there
About GFI and AFCI Requirements Read More »
About Plumbing Traps, Arms and Vents
P- Traps Home inspectors have to inspect the visible portions of the plumbing system to make sure there are no leaks, concerns or configuration issues. In the house, the traps for the sinks are visible below the sink in the cabinet under it. Under the home, typically the only traps which are visible
About Plumbing Traps, Arms and Vents Read More »
