Author Archives: bwisnewski

Polybutylene Piping

Polybutylene Piping
Polybutylene piping is a low-cost piping formed of plastic resin. It is commonly gray, white, or sometimes black in color. Poly piping is employed as a substitute for copper piping in both underground water mains and interior plumbing. Due to the ease of installing poly piping, it was used in the construction of millions of homes throughout the U.S. between 1978 and 1995; however, it has been discovered that as poly pipe ages and reacts with water-soluble oxidants, it begins to degrade and can leak, causing severe damage to the surrounding building structure.

Read more at:  http://www.propex.com/C_f_env_polybu.htm

Bob Wisnewski on Zillow

Tile Floors

Tile Stress- Lessons not learned from history!      

Tile is a very common floor covering in modern homes. But most do not think much about it and we should. Tiles are very durable and will last a long time if… done correctly.

European builders thousands of years ago understood some basic principle of tile and developed a successful installation method of tiles. The idea was to eliminate the transfer of stresses within the various layers of materials of the overall assembly, thereby eliminating failures.

The builders of yesteryear understood that for a tile surface to be properly installed a forgiving shear interface between the building structure and the tiled surface was necessary.  This was to allow the two elements to move independently.

 

European builders used a “sand strata” method comprising a structural base and a layer of sand. The use of this “sand strata” method is not used today due to the introduction of thin-set mortar in the 1960s.  Thin-set mortar has allowed the tile to be bonded directly to the building structure (concrete or plywood, etc…).

However the physical dynamics of the floor assembly in relationship between the covering and the substrate often is not properly addressed.

Direct bonding of the tiles to the building substrate creates what is known as a “force-transfer assembly”.  The physical dynamics of the tile in relationship to the substrate will vary due to the differences in their physical properties.

So if the tile is directly bonded to the substrate, naturally-occurring stress cracks, and movement in the substrate can manifest themselves in the tiles. This will be visible as cracks, splits, tenting, or debonding.

Here is a perfect example of this dynamic. The fracture from the concrete curing radiated through the tile causing a fracture of the tile.

        

How is this corrected? Install what is referred to as an “Anti-Fracture” membrane. These membranes come is various forms from a sheet material to a liquid elastomeric formulation.

 

      

It is unfortunate that most will not know if this has been properly performed till an issue arises.

 
On The Gulf Home Inspection Services

2519 McMullen Booth Rd 
Suite 510-240 
Clearwater, FL 33761
727 421-7650

 

Rodent Stains

Stains- The tell tale sign of infestation

When performing a home inspection I am on the lookout for obvious entry point for rodents and other critters.

Squirrels, rats, mice, bats and raccoons can have a health impact as well as destroying insulation and wiring.

Here we have an obvious entry point for a rat. Rats will leave oil stains on their trails and entrance holes. They only need an opening larger than ½-inch in diameter to gain access. This means spaces around pipes or conduits, under the door (especially garage doors that are left open, or do not seal properly), through a hole in the screen or floor, or through a gap between a window and its frame are all potential entry areas.


                    Rat oil stains at entry point

Rats will make holes in walls or floors soon after invasion. Rat holes are usually circular, averaging 2-3 inches in diameter, and are usually just inches off the floor.

Rats (and their cousin the squirrel) have a distinctive musky odor they will leave behind, particularly if it is in a confined to a small space.

Remember the best way to control rodents is to keep them out of the home in the first place. All rodents like to hide in vegetation. One of your first lines of defense is to trim the vegetation close to your home.

Rat Management

 

 

On The Gulf Home Inspection Services
2519 McMullen Booth Rd 
Suite 510-240 
Clearwater, FL 33761
727 421-7650 

Vinyl Single Hung Windows

Vinyl Single-Hung Windows 


Ever walk into a room and see a single hung wi
ndow that looks all cocked eye, not sitting square in the frame? This is usually from one of the balances that have come free.

If not corrected these balances get damaged and will need replacement. But the good news is this is a pretty easy task to do on most windows.

Most of these single-hung windows have balances with a side load sash with metal or plastic take-out clips in the side jambs. Most of the balances are the block and tackle type.  Some balances may have slight differences but almost all of them work the same. Some window manufacturers will have stops that will need to be removed prior to be able to remove the window up and out.

 (notice clip position in type “A” balance)

So here is the easy fix.

First flip out the stops. These will catch the balance and allow you to move the window up past them. Once past them you can slip the window out of the jamb.

You will not need to inspect the loose balance for damage.

If it looks good you will find a clip around the the bottom (see example in diagram above) of the balance that needs to be attached to the side jamb in a little hole a few inches below the stop.

Now just slip the window back into the jamb and slide it down to re-engage the balances. Push the take-out clips back in flat and there you go…. your window is fixed, easy as pie.

So now don’t you let yourself get all hung up about it.

 

On The Gulf Home Inspection Services
2519 McMullen Booth Rd Suite 510-240
Clearwater, FL 33761 
727 421-7650 

 

Vermiculite

Vermiculite

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London
Vermiculite insulation

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes that resemble mica. When heated rapidly to a high temperature, this crystalline mineral expands into low-density, accordion-like strands. In this form, vermiculite is a lightweight, odorless and fire-resistant material that has been used in numerous applications, such as insulation for attics and walls.

Asbestos Contamination

Vermiculite forms over millions of years due to weathering of the mineral biotite. Unfortunately, biotite deposits are often in close proximity to deposits of diopside, which transform into asbestos due to the same weathering processes that create vermiculite. Asbestos can be easily inhaled because it tends to separate into microscopic particles that become airborne. Exposure to asbestos can result in lung cancer, mesothelioma, inflammation of the chest cavity, and a scarring disease of the lungs known as asbestosis. The risk of contracting these diseases generally increases with the duration and intensity of exposure to asbestos, and smokers may face an even greater risk of lung cancer.

The largest and oldest vermiculite mine in the United States was started in the 1920s near Libby, Montana. Although it was known that the vermiculite there was contaminated with tremolite, a highly toxic form of asbestos, the mine continued to operate until stiffer environmental controls finally forced it to close in 1990. Sadly, by this time, the damage had already been done; the asbestos-infused insulator had been installed in tens of millions of homes in the United States alone. As over 70% of all vermiculite sold in the U.S. from 1919 to 1990 originated from the Libby mine, it is safe to assume that all vermiculite insulation found in buildings is toxic.

IdentificationZonolite brand vermiculite is likely contaminated by asbestos

Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like or rectangular, chunky product about the size of a pencil eraser, and usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color. Inspectors should be on guard for empty bags in the attic that bear the name Zonolite®, as this was the commercial name for vermiculite mined in the notorious Libby mine.

What should be done about asbestos found in homes?

Inspectors should advise their clients to never disturb vermiculite or any asbestos insulation. These products must be airborne to cause a health risk through inhalation, which most likely happens when they are removed or handled. The following are some additional tips that inspectors can pass on to clients with vermiculite issues:

  • Consider that contractors may track vermiculite into the house if they have to enter the attic.
  • Dispose of waste and debris contaminated with asbestos in tight containers.
  • Do not allow children to play in an attic.
  • Do not launder clothing exposed to vermiculite with family clothing.
  • Do not overreact. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), asbestos-related illnesses are usually the result of high levels of exposure for long periods of time. Left undisturbed in the attic, asbestos is generally not a life-threatening situation. Furthermore, air generally flows into the attic from the house, and not the other way around.
  • Do not use the attic as a storage area.
  • Hire a professional asbestos contractor before remodeling or renovating if these processes may disturb the vermiculite.
  • Never use compressed air for cleaning around vermiculite. Avoid dry-sweeping, vacuuming, shoveling, or other dry clean-up methods. Wet methods are best.
  • Seal cracks and holes in attics, such as around light fixtures and ceiling fans, where insulation may pass through.
  • Use proper respiratory protection. Disposable respirators or dust masks are not appropriate for avoiding asbestos exposure.

In summary, vermiculite is a potentially hazardous mineral used as an insulator in buildings, but its dangers can be mitigated with some simple precautions.

   Bob Wisnewski on Zillow