Preston's Blog

Anti-Gravity "S" Trap - It just doesn't HOLD WATER!

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:25 -0600

This is funny.

Via Erby Crofutt, the Central Kentucky Home Inspector, Lexington KY HI-2041 (B4 U Close Home Inspections&Radon Testing (www.b4uclose.com)):

Today just seems like a good day to share some of the plumbing foibles that I've ran across lately!

First up and freshest in my mind, because it was from a Lexington Kentucky Home Inspection I just did yesterday was Electricians & Rednecks should NOT do plumbing repairs!

And NOW, without further ado, I bring you

The Anti-Gravity "S" Trap!

My Smell Detector wasn't having to work hard on the day I walked into the Berea Kentucky Home Inspection with my client.

The purpose of the trap is to HOLD water to prevent sewer smells coming back up the drain pipe into the house.

That's right. This "trap" isn't going to stop any smells.

Nowadays, a "P" trap is used, and has been for quite awhile. You just know someone was smelling a lot of crap for a long time with this in the house.

For your elucidation (yes, sometimes I like to use those big words, but not in Kentucky home inspection reports)

here's a proper "P" trap and proper (though old and not used anymore) "S" trap configuration! The bottom pictures show you why they're called what they are BUT they should NOT be installed vertical.

P Trap

S Trap

P Trap (vertical for effect only)

S Trap (vertical for effect only)

=====================================================

Erby Crofutt
KY Lic# HI-2041
B4 U Close Home Inspections & Radon Testing
Georgetown, KY
www.b4uclose.com
502-570-4054
859-797-3873
877-513-8235

B4 U Close Home Inspections serves Central, Northern & Eastern Kentucky real estate buyers & sellers
with Kentucky Licensed Home Inspections & Certified Kentucky Radon Testing
Appointments available 7 days a week - 7 AM to 9 PM.
Phones answered during same period.

Call NOW for your B4 U Close Home Inspection appointment!!

Why should you hire Erby to inspect your home? See what past clients have to say!!

Here's what one B4 U Close client says: (Clicki the line above to see others)

Thank You for the outstanding job you did on the inspection. We bought and sold 9 houses and this was the only inspection that was ever done properly. It was helpful and we will use it to do the repairs with a system, instead of the guess work we usually do. Thanks again

Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Bellingham Home Inspector (King of the House) -- Controlling Runoff Water

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:55:01 -0600

Good Post I thought deserved reposting.

Via Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc):

Sometimes people resist the concept of gutters and downspouts. In the climate around here, in the Pacific Northwest, it is hard to believe that anyone can ignore the need of a means of controlling runoff water.

However, there are those who think that an inspector, who recommends gutters, is simply trying to make work for a gutter contractor.

Sometimes, however, the necessity of gutters is so readily apparent that nobody can argue.

There are, actually, a couple causes for the rot on the fascia. The shingles are cut too short so the water runs right over the fascia, and there are no gutters. If there were gutters, and a drip edge flashing to route the runoff into the gutters this fascia would be in much better shape than it is today.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

Is There Toxic Chinese Drywall in North Carolina?

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:30:00 -0500

I am asked this all the time. Is there toxic Chinese Drywall here in North Carolina and more specifically in Charlotte NC? Since I am a home inspector in Charlotte NC that is a pretty valid question. Before I answer that though I feel it is necessary to explain what the problem is with this drywall.

During the housing boom of 2004-2006 (some sources say 2001-2008) some drywall suppliers imported drywall from China. This is a little unusual to import drywall because it is so heavy and expensive to ship. The reason it was it made sense though at this time was the high demand for drywall caused by the housing boom at the time. Demand exceeded the US domestic supply. This demand was increased further by several hurricanes. The drywall was obviously shipped into seaports and most of the drywall that has been found so far has been found near ports on the gulf coast, Southeast sea ports including Charleston SC and Wilmington NC.

Drywall is made from gypsum which naturally contains sulfur compounds. It is thought that the drywall from China was held up at sea. If the gypsum is exposed to humidity it can cause the sulfides in the gypsum to off gas. The drywall once installed in the houses starts to emit these sulfides. These sulfides cause severe and rapid oxidation of metal. This has caused the air condition coils to rust out prematurely, metal plumbing pipes to rust and electrical fixtures and outlets to rust prematurely. Beside physical problems associates with this drywall there are some health concerns as well. These have been identified as some of the drywall causing problems. People exposed to this toxic drywall include respiratory irritation, headaches, eye irritation, nose bleeds coughing and difficulty breathing.

What are the warning signs that you might have toxic Chinese drywall in your house? Was your house built between 2001 and 2008, particularly 2004-2006? The first and foremost sign is a constant "rotten egg" smell. The second sign would be corrosion or turning black of metal including plumbing, electrical, jewelry, hinges and guitar strings etc. The sulfur also rusts out the air condition coil early. Another thing that you can do to check is to get to the back of the drywall. You can do this in attics or partially finished basements and garages. If you can get to the back of the drywall look to see if you see Knauf or ASTM C36 stamped on it.

The answer to question is there toxic Chinese drywall in NC? The answer is yes. In July of 2006, a cargo ship called the Star Djervanger was docked in Wilmington NC after a trip from China. Its cargo was about 9,000 tons of drywall, enough to build about 2000 homes. It is also estimated that several ships loaded with drywall have come through the harbor at Charleston SC. On April 22, 2009 the first North Carolina Family files a lawsuit involving toxic Chinese drywall in Holly Springs NC. The plaintiffs Daniel and Mary Flannigan have filed a lawsuit against Stafford Custom Homes in Southern Pines NC. The couple alleges they noticed a "rotten egg" egg smell soon after moving into their new house. The Stafford employees said it was coming from a water heater. Stafford replaced the water heater. Then the evaporator coil for the AC rusted out after 3 years. Many metal things in the Flannigan's house turned black including jewelry and guitar strings. The couple said they were experience severe headaches. The Flannigan's are suing for compensatory and punitive damages.

It is estimated that some 100,000 homes are affected by this toxic Chinese drywall. So far the majority seem to be in Florida and the Gulf coast but anywhere that there was a housing boom that is fairly close to a port of entry may be susceptible. As of this writing none has been identified in my city of Charlotte NC but all of our inspectors continue to look for signs in houses built between 2001 and 2008. For additional information on toxic Chinese Drywall or other home inspection issues check out or website http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com or our blog at http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

Preston Sandlin

Your Charlotte Tax Dollars at Work

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:41:29 -0500

While I was working at home today I noticed the city of Charlotte NC had some guys out on the street doing some............oh.........work. Actually I only ever saw two guys working at one time and two guys siting for 2 hours. Does it really take four guys to dig a hole and fill it up? http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Air Conditioning Inspection

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:35:37 -0500

How do you know if your air conditioner is broken. Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin's kids show you what home inspectors look for when they inspect the air conditioning on a house. Home inspectors are looking for a 15-20 degree differential from the return to the registers. If you differential is too low your fan speed could be too high or you could be low on Freon. If your differential is too high you fan speed could be too low or your filter could be dirty. Either way if your differential is too high or too low you will want to call a lisenced HVAC contractor. If you have any other air conditioning or home inspection questions please visit Preston at his website http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com

The 3 Little Pigs

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:15:30 -0500

Home Inspection Carolina has put on a reproduction of the three little pigs. We all know the story of how the wof blew the first house and the second house down. What the didin't tell you is that the first two pigs didn't have a quality home inspection. If they would have had there inspection done by Home Inspection Carolina in Charlotte NC The first two houses wouldn't have been blown down by the wolf. Fortunatey the third pig had his house inspected by Home Inspection Carolina. Join Meredith, Sarah Margaret, Walker, and Connor as the weave the true story of the Three Little Pigs. http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com

Goldie and the 3 Home Inspectors

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:10:49 -0500

There once was a realtor in Charlotte NC named Goldie. Goldie had a time with three home inspectors with her buyer. The first home inspector was too scarey. The second home inspector couldn't see very well. The buyers were not happy at all. The third home inspector was from Home Inspection Carolina. They were the just right home inspector. They were thorough but not scarey. The buys were happy and Goldie was happy. Join Sarah Margaret Sandlin, Meredith Sandlin, Connor Meetsma, and Walker Misek as they illustrate why Home Inspection Carolina is the best home inspection company in Charlotte NC. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

Monroe Home Inspector Finds Gutter Trouble

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:38:56 -0500

Preston Sandlin of Home Inspection Carolina was recently doing a home inspection in Monroe NC near Charlotte when hw noticed some trouble with the gutter system There are several causes of overflowing gutters. In could be that they are clogged, rusted or leaking at the seams. They might also be loose or sloped the incorrect direction. To find out for sure what the problem might be you need to climb up on a ladder to inspect your gutters. Overflowing gutters can cause problems worse than just stained siding. The repeated flow of water from overflowing gutters can cause wood siding to rot. A more serious problem can be caused when gutters overflow and water backs up under roofing shingles and flows down inside the wall cavity. Moist conditions like these can also increase the likelihood of termite infestation. Every homeowner should clean and inspect his or her gutters twice a year: once in late fall and once in the spring. If you cannot do it yourself and cannot afford two cleanings per year, clean your gutters once after the last of the leaves have fallen in late fall. Don't wait until spring because seeds will have sprouted in the leaves and other organic matter that accumulates in your gutters, which makes them much more difficult to clean. If you have a single-story house, first use a gutter-cleaning attachment for a leaf blower/vacuum or a wet/dry vacuum. These attachments have a long tube with a U-shaped bend on the end designed to reach into gutters. The ideal time to clean gutters is after a long, dry spell so the debris in the gutters will be dry and more easily sucked into the tube. Next, climb up on a ladder near the downspout end. Always have a helper steady the ladder. Move the ladder often and don't try to reach too far because it is easy to lose your balance. Wearing gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal or protruding screws clean out the downspout opening and stuff a rag in the opening so debris will not fall into it. A garden trowel works well for scooping out debris. After you have the gutters cleaned out, remove the rag from the downspout opening. Move the ladder to the other end of the gutter. Flush the gutter with water from a garden hose and observe the flow of the water. It should flow toward the downspout and there should be very little standing water when you turn off the water. Also, check for leaks from beneath the gutters. If you notice leaky spots, hopefully they are at the seams. You can repair leaking seams with caulk and probably get many more years of service before the gutters need to be replaced. If the leaks are from a non-seam section, the gutters likely need to be replaced. When water is left standing in the gutter, this means the slope of the gutter is incorrect or it is sagging. Changing the slope is a major job you might not want to tackle yourself. If there is a just a sagging spot, several of the mounting nails have pulled out. Don't just drive the nails back into the holes. They may feel tight, but they will pull out during the next rain. Go to your home center and get some long gutter screws made for this purpose. They screw into the old mounting holes and support the gutter. http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

How Do You Know If A Leak is Active

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:31:14 -0500

Preston Sandlin of Home Inspection Carolina recently used a Rigid See Snake to find out where a plumbing leak was in the ceiling od a Charlotte home. The advantage of this is that we did not have to tear out the whole ceiling to find out where the leak was. The new RIDGID® SeeSnake® micro™ Inspection Camera allows you to perform detailed visual inspection in hard to reach areas. Its comfortable pistol grip design and forward facing controls make it easy to detect and diagnose the unreachable. Available with a 17mm camera head for general use or a 9.5mm camera head for up-close visual inspections in tight spaces, the SeeSnake micro Inspection Camera provides solutions whenever and wherever you need them. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Charlotte Home Inspector Finds Exposed Raw Wood

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:22:09 -0500

During a recent home inspection in Waxhaw Nc by Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin, he found exposed raw exterior wood that is going to be vulnerable to the weather which could now delaminate and weather. All exterior wood on a house needs to be primed painted and caulked to be protected. After you've cleaned, sanded, and masked, don't forget the important step of priming exterior surfaces. Bare wood needs a primer to seal the surface. You'll use less topcoat and the color will lay rich on the top layer. If the surface is new construction or a recent repair, or if you have sanded down to bare surface, apply a high quality primer before painting. Duramax High Performance Exterior Paint does not require a primer over bare surfaces. More on Exterior House & Trim Primers http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Charlotte Roof Inspection

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:08:38 -0500

Recently a Charlotte home inspector found a problem on a porch roof while doing a Waxhaw home inspection. The proble with this roof was that there was troff on the front edge of the roof and nowwhere for the water to go, The water is going to trapped and run down the wall. This could lead to mold and deteriation of the wal. If you have any home inspection or roff inspection questions, please contact Preston Sandlin at http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Clogged Condensation Line Found During Charlotte Home Inspection

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:56:14 -0500

In August of 2009 Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin was inspection a house near Concord NC when he noticed water dripping out of the condensation overflow pipe. This owner was aware of the dripping becuse of the stepping stone there but he or she may have been unaware of exactly what was going on. The primary line has clogged probably as the result of a dirty or wrong size filter. This dirt and debris gets in the coil as it did in this Concord home and drains down into the condensation line which cloggs it. The condensation ten overflows into a catch pan which has a drain that comes out the side of the house. This is what we are looking at here from this Home Inspection Carolina video. The primary line needs to be unclogged to prevent the pan from rusting. Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin says he sees thi alot especially during the warm humid Summer months.

http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Charlotte Home Inspector Finds Tree Too Close To The House

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:48:44 -0500

Recently Charlotte home inspector found a birch tree too close to the house in the Piper Glen section of Charlotte NC. When you see the damage that a trees surface roots can do to a sidewalk, it may seem reasonable to infer they could damage a buildings foundation in a similar fashion. However, most tree roots are found in the top 6 18 inches of soil where there is a favorable balance of moisture, oxygen and nutrients. While roots can damage a relatively thin layer of pavement overlying the soil as they grow, most foundations in western Pennsylvania are much deeper. The surrounding soil at such depths stays too wet for too long a time to support much root growth. And many homes have eaves that keep the soil right near the foundation dry year round, another situation that is not conducive to root growth. It is true that the change in soil moisture near a foundation is the most damaging, especially in times of severe drought such as we experienced in 1988. Fortunately, it is rare that we experience such severe drought conditions in western Pennsylvania. And as much as gardeners complain about our clay soil, it's much more stable for building foundations than sand is. Trees and shrubs planted near a foundation can compound the situation because they will take up any available moisture during such major drought events. When the soil around a foundation dries out completely, it shrinks away from it and makes the foundation less stable. When planting trees near your house, it best to plant them away from the house at a distance slightly greater than the expected crown radius at maturity. This not only keeps the majority of roots away from the foundation, but also keeps branches from damaging the siding or roof as they move in the wind. Of course, you will need to do a little research on that cute little treasure you just bought at the nursery if you are unsure of its mature size. Better yet, do your research BEFORE you visit your local nursery so you do not wind up falling in love with a tree that you do not have room to accommodate when it is mature. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Charlotte Home Inspector Finds Air Condition Trouble

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:39:06 -0500

Recently Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin performed a home inspection in the Piper Glen area of Charlotte. While performing the inspection he noted that the AC units where not level. If these units are nt level it will cause the lubricant to settle on one end and burn the fan motor out prematurely. For more home inspection or air condition information go the our site http://wwwcharlottenchomeinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Inspector Finds Trim Problems Around Front Door During A Charlotte Home Inspection

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:31:31 -0500

Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin shows some of the problems with ornate moulding around the front door trim. If moisture gets behind the wood where it is not primed and painted. You must keep all the seams caulked and sealed. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http:// www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Charlotte Home Inspector Finds A Leaky Fountain

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:19:56 -0500

Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin recently found a leaky fountain near Remax Metro in Charlotte NC The tile on the interior lining of this fountain is failing causing it to leak continiously. Home Inspection Carolina inspectst fountains as well as structural and mechanical and termite inspections. If you have home inspection questions or you are in need of an inspection near Charlotte, Mint Hill, Gastonia, Weddington, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, or Rock Hill go to http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Charlotte Home Inspector Finds Live Termites in Mint Hill House

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:35:32 -0500

Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin of Home Inspection Carolina found live termite while performing a home inspection in Mint Hill NC. The termites had come up the expansion crack between the slab of the garage and the veneer wall of the crawlspace. There were several tubes. When the inspector pulled the stored items away he found live termites in a box of tiles. Termites come from the ground and return to the ground for moisture. They forage for cellelose material like wood or paper. Termites can squeeze through an area as small as 1/32 of an inch. If you have any questions about termites or home inspection questions, please contact Inspector Preston Sandlin of Home Inspection Carolina at http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com htttp://www.askthecharlottteinspector.com

Fox Charlotte Interviews Charlotte Home Inspector

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:56:26 -0500

CHARLOTTE, NC - Preston Sandlin, a home inspector for more than a decade, has seen it all. Some of his more memorable discoveries: a cigar box used to house electrical work. A water bottle used to plug-up piping. A metal trash can shoved over a chimney. He says, "I definitely would not buy a house without an inspection.” Yet, as the housing market crumbled and now is slowly regaining traction, budget-minded buyers continue to opt-out of home inspections, saving about 400 bucks up front, but in the long term? Sandlin says, "We had a house that had $60,000 dollars worth of damages. If that person tried to save 400 bucks...I'm not good at math, but I can figure that one out!" Sandlin says right now, one in ten home buyers closes without an inspection. Five years ago, it was one in 100. Charlotte Realtor Donna Anderson is also seeing the trend, saying "I do believe this decision from buyers to forego the inspection is because of the economy and the recession." Anderson says home buyers purchasing a new home sometimes forego inspections, too, assuming "new" means "problem free.” Anderson says, "I had a client, it was new construction, and they did have an inspection and the inspector found a problem that could have cause major problems.” Sandlin recalls problems with new homes, too, saying, "I would say a house that's two years old is in better shape than a new house because by then they've figured out some of the stuff that's wrong." The only time experts say you might get away with skipping an inspection is if you're buying your parents home and you know exactly how it's been maintained. Even then, Sandlin says, "If you're going to cut back on something, that probably really wouldn't be the thing." If you do get an inspection, sometimes there are still undiscovered problems. Experts recommend contacting the inspection company first and if you don't get any relief there, call the Department of Insurance

Charlotte Home Inspector Teaches About Carpenter Ants

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:12:02 -0500

http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com Charlotte Home Inspector Preston Sandlin of Home Inspection Carolina recently taught a CE class for the Superior School of Real Estate in Charlotte North Carolina entitled "What's Bugging You" This is a new elective offered by the Charlotte Real Estate School. It covers the standard NC termite letter or WDIR (Wood Destroying Insect Report) The limitation and implications of the report as it relates to the real estate transaction. They also cover all the wood destroying insects including termites, powder post beetles, old house bores, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees. In this poertion of the class Preston teaches about carpenter ants. http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com

Charlotte Inspector Tells The Best Way To Remove Exterior Paint

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:32:46 -0500

There are a few different methods for removing outdoor paint. Depending on the overall project, you’ll either want to remove all of the old paint or remove enough of it to allow a new coat of paint to adhere without the risk of chipping. If the painted surface is wood: When refinishing a wooden deck or fence, the best method for removing old paint is to use a power sander. A sander will take off the top layer of the wood, however be careful not to overdo it. Because the project is outdoors, ventilation is not a problem, but you should still wear a breathing mask. If the painted surface is concrete or brick: Concrete and brick are porous surfaces and getting paint out of all the cracks and crevices is no easy task. The best way to tackle the job is to use a steam pressure washer. This type of pressure washer uses steam which essentially melts the paint, allowing it to be washed away by the pressurized washer. If the painted surface is metal: It can be very difficult to remove paint from a metal surface, especially if you want to preserve the original look and quality of the metal. If scratching the surface is not a concern, then sandblasting will probably work best. If you are concerned about scratching the surface, a chemical paint stripper is ideal, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding proper handling and use. For more information please go to our websites: http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/ http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/

Charlotte Inspector Reveals How To Make Your Garage GREAT!

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:22:52 -0500

Because a garage door can occupy almost 30 percent of a home’s front exterior, more homeowners are paying attention to that large, square attached or next to their home. Many garages are getting an update, for both design and energy-efficiency purposes. And homeowners are finding that once a garage is more energy-efficient, there are unexpected ways they can better utilize some of that extra space. In terms of design, the carriage-door has made a comeback, with versions now available in less-expensive, low-maintenance materials such as steel. These doors feature wood-grain composite overlays or embossed patterns to heighten the carriage-house look. Steel doors are a popular choice because they are much easier to maintain than wood, and resist fading and rot due to the elements. Classic raised panel steel or wood doors are also popular, with updating provided by decorative windows. For the most contemporary of home-styles, aluminum and even glass doors are available. Energy-efficiency is an important consideration for homeowners, and energy tax credits may be available if you install a better-insulated garage door. (Tax credits reduce tax dollar-for-dollar). To be eligible for the tax credit, the purchased garage door must meet the following criteria: The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage. The door must have a U-factor (how well a material prevents heat-loss) equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains glazing. If the door contains windows (glazing), the door must offer a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun and is abbreviated SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30. The door perimeter must have a means to control air infiltration. The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years and be a part of the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence. The homeowner’s tax credit is based on the total material cost of the purchase. The maximum credit is $1500 When looking to upgrade a garage door, one of the primary factors is R-value (ability to prevent heat loss). The higher the R-value, the higher the insulation, resulting in the most energy savings. A garage door insulated with polyurethane foam is considered one of the best choices, because it bonds to the door’s metal skin. The bonding insures the metal skin won’t separate from the insulation, resulting in air leakage. Upon installation of a better garage door, some homeowners see the space contained within their garage in a different light. Some families choose to equip a garage with extra electrical outlets and phone jacks. In addition to traditional uses of a garage – storing cars and sports equipment – some garages are sporting a hobby area, a fitness room, a home office, laundry room, extra kitchen storage or walk-in closet. Other homeowners are thinking ahead and adding entry-ways that are wheel-chair accessible. For more information go to our websites: http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/ http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/

The Quest For Great Drinking Water

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:19:05 -0500

Americans spend millions of dollars on the water they drink, and not just for bottles of Evian. We spend countless dollars each year in search of just the right home water treatment system. In fact, according to an association that monitors water quality, one out of every ten Americans now uses a home water treatment unit, so it’s a good idea for real estate professionals to know a little bit about the various units. These units can range from simple pitchers to costing less than twenty dollars to sophisticated whole-house water filtration systems costing several thousand dollars. There are a variety of reasons homeowners purchase a home water treatment system. Some people use this feature to improve the taste of their tap water. Others are looking to treat their water because of health concerns. Drinking water can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, picked up as the water journeys from its original destination into water purifying stations and eventually through plumbing systems and out the tap. As long as contaminants remain at levels no higher than EPA standards, our water is considered safe to drink. Some contaminant levels remain constant throughout the year, while others vary according to the season, weather or from house to house. For example, lead typically makes its way into the water supply when it leaches from lead pipes and solder that are in some homes. If water comes from a household well, the EPA recommends annual water testing for nitrates and bacteria. Different treatment systems will vary greatly in price, performance and look. A water treatment device can be rather free-standing home water treatment device. Most water pitchers use granular-activated carbon and resins to bond with and trap contaminants. These filters are effective at improving the taste of water, and many will also reduce lead and other contaminants. Filters attached to a faucet or installed under the sink: These filters use the same technologies as pour-through pitchers. Some filters use fabrics, fiber, or ceramic screening to physically remove contaminants. The most common types use a molded block of activated carbon. These filters are effective at improving at improving the taste of tap water, and some will also reduce lead, protozoan cysts and many other contaminants. Distillers: Distillers heat water to the boiling point, and then collect the water vapor as it condenses, killing disease causing microbes and leaving most chemical contaminants behind. Distilled water tastes flat to some people because the water’s natural minerals and oxygen often have been removed. Reverse Osmosis Units: Reverse osmosis units force water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure, leaving contaminants behind. Reverse osmosis units use a significant amount of water. They recover only a small percentage of the water entering the system and the remainder is discharged as waste water, but they are effective in eliminating disease-causing organisms as well as most chemical contaminants. Aerators: Aerators force water to travel over air jets. Contaminants easily turn into gases, such as gasoline components and radon, are removed. Other contaminants are not. The water may additionally filtered after it passes through its system to remove additional contaminants. Water Softeners: Water softeners use sodium chloride or potassium chloride to reduce the amount of hardness (calcium, magnesium) in water. The hardness ions in the water are replaced with sodium or potassium ions. Ion exchange water softeners simultaneously remove radium and barium while removing water hardness. Whole House Filters: The whole house water system looks similar to a typical hot water heater and can supply filtered water throughout the entire home. Different companies use various techniques to filter the water. Most whole house systems also soften or condition the water, many doing so without the use of salt, chemicals or magnets. These systems generally use carbon for filtration, but each company has their own, unique process to soften water, some using ions and minerals to accomplish the job. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/ http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/

Charlotte Home Inspectors Tell How To Find P-Trap If You Can't See It

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:49:27 -0500

http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com During a recent home inspection in Waxhaw NC, a Charlotte inspector found a drain on a tub that had been added where the p trap was not visible. The problem on the home inspection is that there is no p trap visible. You could not find it without tearing up the floors. The builder says it was there but this was not good enough for the buyer. What is the best option? Charlotte Inspector Preston Sandlin brought a see snake which is a flexible light camera extension that puts what is seeing on an LCD Screen. He put that dow the drain and ran it about 3 feet and sure enough he saw water which indicates that a p trap is present. Why is a p trap important? The P Trap was developed as part of the drainage system for the plumbing in your home or business. The P trap will also stop sewer odors from coming back up the drain and into your bathroom. This trap has been used all of the world for many years and will continue to be. The p-trap is found in the bathroom, the kitchen, the basement, the bar and many other places in your home.Many P-traps can also be found in many commercial places of business. P-Traps can be found in fast food places, supermarkets, schools,hospitals, zoos, office buildings, outdoor showers at the beach and pretty much every where you can find a fixture drain. The P-trap can be found under most fixtures. Common places you will be able to see the p-trap are under both your kitchen and bathroom sink. If you have an laundry tub/sink you will be able to see the p-trap under that as well. Your shower and bathtub also use a p trap but you will or will not be able to see the actual trap. This will depend if you have a basement, crawl space or even live on a slab. If your bathroom is built on a slap you will not be able to see your p trap because it will be inside of the slab, which is under the bathtub or the shower pan. If you have a bathroom that is built on the first floor and you have a crawl space or a basement you will be able to see your p-trap if you go into one of those areas. The only problem you may run into is if your basement is finished, you may have to remove some Sheetrock from the basement ceiling before you can access the p-trap and the bathtub trip lever or shower pan drain. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

Charlotte Inspector Reveals How To Know When You Need A New Roof

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:55:24 -0500

While performing a home inspection in Chantilly, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin noticed a roof that was in need of replacement. How do you know when you need a new roof? The following are some things that home inspectors typically look for. Leaking roofs, poor drainage, and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside your home. We have listed two ways to help determine if you need a new roof. If you need assistance with determining if you need a new roof, please contact us and we will happy to send a licensed and bonded member of our knowledgeable team to your home . Outside Roof Inspection Inspecting a roof from outside is very simple. All that is needed is a pair of binoculars and a viewing point that is unobstructed by other buildings or trees. Following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an outside roof inspection. Blistered, curled or split shingles. Loose or missing shingles or tiles. Loose nails. Exposed nails (can lead to leaks in the roof). Dark patches on asphalt shingles and/or large amounts of granules in the rain gutters (the granular coating is wearing away). Sagging either on the ridges or in the center of the roof. Broken or loose shingles at the ridge lines and hip lines. Rusty or corroded metal (flashing) and loose shingles in the valleys, plumbing vents or near chimneys. It may be necessary to remove excess debris and leaves to inspect thoroughly (and lots of leaf debris can cause damage to these sensitive areas of the roof). Rusty metal or loose shingles in locations where a vertical side of the house meets the roof Overflowing gutters or excess water pooling near the foundation of the house. For flat roofs, look for blisters (pop the blisters with a knife and coat them with roofing cement to prevent further damage), depressions near vent pipes (can also be filled with roofing cement), separations in flashing, and clogged drains. Note: Walking on the roof as part of the inspection is not recommended and may cause further damage to the roof. Indoor Roof Inspection Following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an indoor roof inspection. Sagging decking between the rafters. If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking will also require replacement when a new roof is installed. Outside light that can be seen through the roof. This may be common (and not a problem) on shake roofs, since the wooden shakes will swell during the wet months, effectively preventing any leaks. Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof). Test dark spots in the wood to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it is soft (test with a screwdriver), the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed. Signs of water damage or leaking (usually in the form of water stains, or sagging ceilings)--this could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation. If you observe any of the signs listed above, you need roof repairs or a new roof. Depending on the degree of damage, you can decide what is best for you and your house. Often the cost of fixing or replacing a roof is less than dealing with the damage an old roof can cause to your home. We will present you with both options. http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Charlotte Home Inspector Tells How To Avoid A Dielectric Connection

Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:16:20 -0500

Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin recently inspected a house that had two different types of plumbing pipes in use. Fortunatuately the Charlotte homeowner did not have them connected directy to each other or he would have had a dielectric connection. What is a dielectric connection and how do you avoid it? If you put two metals together in water, one of them corrodes to protect the other. This is known as electrolysis. The action of a sacrificial anode rod, and that of a battery, are both examples of beneficial electrolysis. However, usually in plumbing, electrolysis is something you want to avoid, especially in connections, since it means that the corroding part is eventually going to leak. http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/ http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/


P Trap	S Trap

P Trap (vertical for effect only)	S Trap (vertical for effect only)