ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Brick Veneer
- 07/12/07 03:03 PM
Question: What is a brick veneer? Answer: When a single course of brick is used as a decorative exterior over a wood or other frame, it is a veneer. Its purpose is the same as any other type of siding - to protect the structure from water intrusion, pests and weather. Brick may also be used as a solid masonry wall, a structural component of the home. One clue to identifying brick veneer is the presence of weep holes, small holes that prevent moisture from building up in the space between the veneer and the wooden frame. In general, weep holes are formed … (2 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Finish Grade
- 07/12/07 03:01 PM
Question: What is finish grade and why is it important? Answer: Finish grade is the surface elevation of the ground. In home inspections it can be referred to as lot grading. The grade, or height, and slope of surface materials surrounding a structure is important because water from precipitation moves from areas of higher elevations to lower elevations on and off a property. A correctly-graded lot drains surface water away from structures to help prevent water damage. Correct drainage is achieved in a number of ways. The ground can be sloped away from the home. Swales, or shallow ditches, can divert water around … (2 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Water Temp
- 07/12/07 02:57 PM
Question: I have young children, and I am worried about water temperatures in my new home. Is that something an inspector checks? Answer: Yes, a home inspector will test the water temperature and volume as part of a general home inspection. The inspector uses a thermometer, usually held under the water in the shower while operating at least one other water fixture, to determine any significant changes in water temperature. By turning the hot water all the way on and using the thermometer again, the inspector can give you an idea of water temperature. Anything over 120 degrees F can present a … (1 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Decks
- 07/12/07 02:48 PM
Question: Will you inspect decks during a general property inspection or are those considered accessory structures? Answer: At NPI, we follow industry standards which include attached decks as well as attached garages, balconies, stoops, steps, porches and associated railings as part of the general property inspection. In the exterior inspection, we also inspect grading, surface drainage, walkways, driveways and patios leading to dwelling entrances, eaves, soffits, fascias, the exterior wall covering, flashing, trim and exterior doors, provided these things are safely accessible. When inspecting exterior structures like decks, NPI inspectors consider condition and safety. Alerting clients to possible safety issue can be especially … (0 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Thermostats
- 07/12/07 02:46 PM
Question: I know you inspect the heater, but do you also inspect thermostats? Answer: Thermostats monitor the temperature of the living or working areas of your property, controlling when the heating or heating and cooling systems turn on and off. Proper operation keeps indoor temperatures comfortable and can save on utility costs. Thermostats are inspected as part of the overall mechanical system. Some considerations when inspecting the thermostat include: Location Level Attachment Cleanliness and General conditionBecause thermostats are meant to sense temperature in the rooms where we live, location is important. They should be on an interior wall near the center of … (1 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Foundation Cracks
- 07/12/07 02:42 PM
Question: I can see a small crack in the block foundation in the back of my home. Is cracking common? Answer: Cracking is one of the most common areas of concern found in a foundation inspection. Its significance to the integrity of the home or other structure depends on the length, width and depth of the cracking, location, direction of cracking, water intrusion if present and the effect on the rest of the house. Significant cracking can signal serious structural problems. Your NPI professional will check the condition of the foundation from both the exterior and interior of the structure if possible, … (0 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Gutters
- 07/12/07 02:39 PM
Question: How often should I clean out my gutters? Answer: Gutters should be kept free of plant material, dirt and debris at all times to allow water to travel freely to the downspouts and splash guards. How often you will have to remove debris to keep the channel open depends on nearby vegetation, including trees, and the time of year. Some gutters may only need attention once or twice a year while others require it more frequently. The purpose of gutters, downspouts and splashguards is to direct water away from the exterior of the home, preventing damage to walls, foundations and landscape materials. … (4 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Flashings
- 07/12/07 02:37 PM
Question: What are flashings and why are they important to the design of my roof? Answer: Flashings on the roof provide weather tight conditions at seams, intrusions and junctions on pitched roof designs. No matter what material is used for covering the roof, leaks will occur if flashing is not installed and maintained properly. Some common checkpoints for roof flashings would be: Around plumbing ventsAround chimneysWhere a lower roof, possibly on a garage, intersects with a wallValleysWhere a sloped roof intersects a flat roof Around dormersAround skylightsEaves, rakes, hips and ridgesFlashings may or may not be easily visible. For instance, a "woven" roof … (1 comments)
ask the inspector: Ask The Inspector - Ashpalt Shingles
- 07/12/07 02:35 PM
Question: I understand that having more than two layers of asphalt shingles is considered defective no matter what the age of the top layer, why? Answer: Adding new layers of asphalt shingles over old can reduce the useful life of the shingles or even the roof itself in several ways: Added layers of shingles means added weight on the roof. That makes the structural roof components work harder and can lead to failure of the roof structure itself.Additional shingle layers may mask a leak instead of fixing the problem. For instance, a homeowner may have discovered a leak and added another layer … (3 comments)
Question: What is a brick veneer?
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