gfield

Very enlightening to this newby. Thanks, gents!

Yes. I don't know why an antenna mast did not occur to me. The chimney serves only an oil furnace that appears to be original to the 1950 house.

Hello, all: The photo below shows some bracing to a chimney I inspected yesterday, and I'm wondering if this is a common sight, or if it might indicate some underlying condition. "] Yes, I know there are other defects to the chimney. Nevertheless, I would find it educational to hear from all of you who might be willing to share what you see.

More good advice. In my defense, I am relatively new to this business and am trying mightily to learn. I sometimes may over-analyze things as a result. Thanks for helping me do just that.

Good advice. Thanks.

OK. Thanks for the reply. I will check it when I go back in.

I'll look again when I go back to see if the cans are IC-type. Thanks.

Correct. I removed the screws, though, and had just not put them back at that point in time. Thank-you for responding.

In my experience that's not true. It would be nice if it was. You've got to look for a label inside the can. This label will tell you whether or not it's IC rated, depending on what kind of trim kit is installed with the can. Then you have to figure out which trim is which and compare it to the label. This assumes, of course, that the label hasn't been completely covered by spray-on texture or paint. Thank-You, Jim. I'll keep what you said re: not being able to tell can type by finish in mind. I try to take nothing for granted, and so I was looking exhaustively for labels, on several individual but identical cans. I could find none. Now, I'm worried and will have to try to get back in to the house to see if I can find labels inside the shrouding. Live and learn.

Jim: I did look at it from inside and out. No obvious source that I could find, but its sure seemed to be leaking out from under the flange to which the plastic pipe attaches, as there is rust staining under the flange. So, IMO, that rules out the cat theory. [:-graduat Thank-you for your help. It is an honor and a real education to monitor this forum and learn and learn and learn and learn. I am humbled and learn something every day.

Remove the trim and look inside the can for a label. It might tell you what you need to know. Somebody dumped some wood shavings in the attic thinking it was a good idea. Marc Thanks. I'll see if I can get access again.

Marc: Thanks for taking the time to reply. Sadly, no. That is the only photo I have. Furnace was installed in 2008, if that matters at all. FWIW, there was no streaking or evidence of moisture on the exterior surface of the plastic pipe.

The photo below shows something I've never seen before, in my somewhat limited experience with HE furnaces: The rust streak shown streams down from the exhaust tubing for the furnace. What problem, if any, does this indicate? Thanks!

Newby question here, I know, but this is how I learn. I understand that in general, if a recessed can is unpainted, it is IC type. The can shown below is from an inspection this morning and is unpainted, but I could find no identifying marks on it to confirm that it is IC type. Is it? Note also the wood shavings on top of the insulation near the can. I could find no obvious cause for these shavings. Any theories on what that means? Thanks!