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
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
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
Vinyl Single-Hung Windows Ever walk into a room and see a single hung window 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
Vermiculite by Nick Gromicko and Rob London 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
Venomous Pests by Nick Gromicko, Rob London and Kenton Shepard Venomous pests are found virtually everywhere, and homeowners may encounter one while living on the property. Bees and Wasps Bees and wasps are flying, stinging insects commonly found in and around homes throughout much of the world. Stings from these insects are normally not serious,
U-Factor Ratings for Windows by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward When quantifying the energy efficiency of a window assembly, the rate of loss of non-solar heat can be expressed as its U-factor (or U-value). Understanding the U-factors of windows is helpful for inspectors performing energy audits, as well as for consumers planning a new build or updating a house with
Tyvek® by Nick Gromicko and Rob London Tyvek® is a brand of synthetic, high-density polyethylene fiber used in a variety of applications. It was first discovered by DuPont researcher Jim White in 1955, and officially trademarked as Tyvek® 10 years later by DuPont, which continues to manufacture the material today. Tyvek® is formed when polyethylene fibers,
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac by Nick Gromicko and Rob London In almost all suburban and rural regions of the United States and Canada, inspectors run the risk of developing potentially debilitating, allergic symptoms from exposure to urushiol-secreting plants. This potent, clear oil causes an itching rash (called contact dermatitis) in 350,000 people
Tree Dangers by Nick Gromicko and Rob London Although trees are generally a desirable feature of home landscaping, they can pose a threat to buildings in a number of different ways. Inspectors may want to educate themselves about tree dangers so that they can inform their clients about potentially dangerous situations. Tree Roots and FoundationsContrary to popular