Jumping Jack Flash it’s a gas! Wenatchee and Kittitas Home Inspection Services
Well I really do not know how many jumping jacks I am doing when I am entering an attic space during a home inspection.
I find attic inspections are maybe the most restrictive areas of the home for a thorough inspection. With the premise of do no harm to the home I have to always weigh doing my best for my client versus being very careful not to damage any ceilings, wiring, ducting and insulation.
This is where in older homes I usually actually can do a much better attic inspection. They tend to not be built with truss systems or usually do not have a great amount of insulation to worry about compressing.
But like all areas a thorough examination of the home is what the aim is.
Here is another example of why going into those spaces are crucial. In this home I found not one vent stack venting into the home but three, along with the infamous bath fan venting into the attic.
Well from the obvious that the sewer gasses are moisture laden and will cause the sheeting and structure to rot. Also under certain conditions the home can created a "negative" air flow and sucked air from the attic down the walls and out through any openings, such as electrical outlets and can lights. And this just stinks.
Sewer gas is a complex mixture of toxic and non-toxic gases that can be present at varying levels depending upon the source. It is formed during the decay of household waste. Highly toxic components of sewer gas include hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
Sewer gas also contains methane, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorine bleaches, solvents and nitrous oxides. Methane and hydrogen sulfide are flammable and highly explosive.
So if the right conditions are present and hit the switch then I could become Jumping Jack Flash.
Ancora Imparo
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan, Kittitas Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
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