insulation: How much water should insulation be able to hold? - 04/22/14 11:27 PM
 
The short answer is NONE.
The long answer is NONE.
Wet insulation will obviously become less efficient as an insulator the wetter it becomes.  At some point it ceases to be insulation at all.  Part of the “building science” of insulation is keeping it dry. We must construct homes that are capable of keeping the insulation from getting wet from actual water leaks as well as from water vapor that could enter the wall or roof structure and condense reducing the effectiveness of the insulation.
The other day, I came across a plumbing leak at a bathtub drain.  The improperly … (28 comments)

insulation: I love inspecting New Construction! - 02/06/14 05:21 AM
While there are always issues that need to be addressed, the list does not go on and on endlessly or without possible resolution.  It is pretty rare to have a New Construction deal go south because of the inspection.  For one thing there is usually a builder willing to make things right, as opposed to a regular seller that might be more willing to dig in their heels.  For a builder it is generally just business and he will have crews of guys that attend to the typical concerns that come up on an inspection.  He also likely has a bunch … (12 comments)

insulation: What is the point? - 05/21/11 11:37 AM
As a builder I always hated to have to wear a hard hat.   Being the boss it was pretty rare that I would actually wear one.   Employees were a different story and for the most part they are a pretty good idea---hard hats that is.  Employees I can do without.  They are especially important when you have workers on different levels were someone might drop a hammer on your head etc .  A hammer falling on your head from 10 or 20 feet would never be a good thing regardless---but at least you might not die.  This is one of … (20 comments)

insulation: "Surfs Up"---in Seattle! - 01/31/08 07:54 AM
     Even the nicer crawl spaces can be inhospitable places----like visiting another planet.  Some inspectors even look like spacemen (and space women) when they are all suited up to go in the crawl space.
     Lots of inspectors look for almost any excuse to not go in the crawl space.  ONE rat turd and they are "outta-there."  ONE little water puddle and they are "outta-there."  It is important to be safe in the crawl space---but someone has to check it out.  While I don't "love" crawl spaces (and on the Planet Charles, there wouldn't be any crawl spaces), I do like them … (4 comments)

insulation: Let sleeping dogs lie. - 01/03/08 10:51 AM
    Vermiculite insulation is one of those materials commonly found in the home that can contain Asbestos----depending on where it was mined.  While the only way to know for sure is to have it tested, that is no longer the "current recommendation."  This insulation has about a 50/50 chance of having a small amount of asbestos.  According to the EPA:  "Currently, there are specific technical issues involving vermiculite sampling that can complicate testing for the presence of asbestos fibers and interpreting the risk from exposure. EPA and ATSDR are not recommending at this time that homeowners have vermiculite attic insulation tested … (5 comments)

 
Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections Inc.)

Charles Buell

Seattle Home Inspector

Seattle, WA

More about me…

Charles Buell Inspections Inc.

Address: Shoreline, 17123 22nd Ave NE, Shoreline (Seattle), WA, 98155

Office: (206) 478-7371

Mobile: (206) 478-7371

My blog is intended to provide information related to home inspections in Seattle, surrounding communities and anyone else interested. Sometimes I will provide information that has nothing to do with home inspections. Enjoy!

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