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insulation: Can Lights, Water Falls and Wishing Wells - 12/28/11 08:29 AM
I have said it hundreds of times, because I have seen it hundreds of times, aesthetics trumps function. Add to that some contractors who, at least from where I stand, do not seem to understand that A + B = problems and so I find things like this water stained soffit.
Water stained soffits have bloomed here in Connecticut since last winters record setting snow falls. Ice dams and roof collapses were occurring in unprecedented numbers, so seeing water stains like these is not all that uncommon, except these were a tad unique.
To my eye these stains were different because … (12 comments)

insulation: The Tale Of Black Wood - 02/11/11 08:45 AM
Every home tells a tale if you look. Most homes are framed with wood. In the finished spaces we can not see the wood. In the unfinished parts of the home, the attic and basement, the wood framing and sheathing is usually exposed. When I am performing home inspections in Connecticut the wood I see can sometimes tell a story or at least give clues to the homes past.
While inspecting an unfinished second story room in a Cape Cod style home I noticed the roof sheathing was black down near the eave. I found the same through an access door in the … (13 comments)

insulation: All She Wanted Was A Little Honest Help - 12/03/10 03:46 PM
I got into the home inspection business because I felt, do feel, it is noble profession. I have the opportunity every time I inspect a home to help someone. I provide insight and information on the home so that my client can make their final purchase decision. My help doesn't stop after the inspection is complete. I tell my clients to contact me with questions after they have moved in. Most don't, but some do.
I got a call yesterday from a woman that I had done an inspection for this past summer. The home was a townhouse style condo built … (50 comments)

insulation: More About Roof Beavers - 12/19/09 08:32 AM
Every winter here in Connecticut they come with the winter snows wreaking havoc on unsuspecting homes. An insidious phenomenon that can send unsuspecting homeowners into a fit of panic;
Ice dams.
Ice dams are not created by over sized swimming rodents. No not all. They are formed because of old building designs.
The infrared image (the pretty orange and blue picture) is a good visual illustration of the temperature gradients along a roof. If you're having trouble identifying the image it's from an attic. The stuff at the bottom is insulation and above is the roof framing.
The dark blue areas are … (16 comments)

insulation: Think You're in The Pink? This May Make You Blue - 09/17/08 01:52 PM
Most everyone is familiar with the pink fiberglass insulation found in many, many homes. Everyone knows the pink feline character that shows us how this stuff will keep our homes warm and our energy bills reasonable. If only he had an infrared camera, the things he'd see!
There has been controversy surrounding the effectiveness of fiberglass insulation for years mostly between the manufactures and building science experts. The facts are strong that fiberglass is poor insulation that rarely performs as stated.
In the infrared image at right (this was taken in the summer) this insulated ceiling doesn't look to be insulated … (8 comments)

insulation: $4.00/ Gallon for Heating Oil and the Builder Under Insulates - 06/02/08 03:56 PM
If no one has noticed the cost of heating our homes has increased slightly over the last year. Here in Connecticut the price of heating oil has gone to over $4.00 a gallon. People who are buying newly constructed homes are counting on lower energy costs because a new home will be tight, well insulated and energy efficient...or will it?
I have inspected two brand new homes in the last month that were under insulated.  In addition the second homes windows were probably under efficient (too high a U rating).
The first photo is from the first home, the next from the … (9 comments)

 


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