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Neal Lewis

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Everything posted by Neal Lewis

  1. Neal Lewis
    Usually the realtors ask why I'm closing all the windows, 'cause all the other inspectors say just keep the basement door closed. Ugh. I hear that every day.
  2. Neal Lewis
    This 1920's house has stucco siding that looks exactly like clapboard from a distance. The foyer has four arched doorways and a domed ceiling in the middle. Download Attachment: Maplewood.jpg 104.72 KB Download Attachment: Maplewood2.jpg 42.21 KB
  3. Neal Lewis
    Hand written reports ARE outdated. I've been at this gig since 1986 and we always issued a type written report. I think we used an Underwood back then.[]
  4. Neal Lewis
    If they have the FVIR newer technology, the manufacturer will recommend replacement if the flame snuffing safety device at the bottom gets wet. Only takes a few inches of water.
  5. Neal Lewis
    How was the clearance at the roof sheathing? Many of these flues I've seen say 1 inch of clearance stamped on them.
  6. Neal Lewis
    Why do you suppose those roof vents are so low on the roof, rather up toward the ridge?
  7. Neal Lewis
    Yeah, you're right Bill. I forgot to include that. And it was a two pipe system, also. BTW, the owner was telling me that she took a class on steam heat. She knows when to stop adding water when the pressure guage goes up to 5 psi. I wonder who taught the class. Yesterday an owner of a steam system told me his plumber said it's not necessaryto drain water from the base of the boiler (only the LWC). And it's a closed system, so there's not much rust/corrosion going on!
  8. Neal Lewis
    I ran across this unusual device on a steam boiler. The first time I've seen one, and we have a lot of steamers here in NJ. A Hoffman Differential Loop (the watchman of the water line)- picture and catalogue description Download Attachment: Hoffman Loop.jpg 31.45 KB Download Attachment: HoffmanDiffLoop.jpg 119.85 KB
  9. Neal Lewis
    None whatsover, John.
  10. Neal Lewis
    100 amp service panel from the 1960's. 3 or 4 window A/c units were running constantly today: no other considerable draw. The main Square D breaker was 140 degrees and located in a basement that was probably 80 degrees today. No other outward signs of overheating. Is there some type of allowable limit for heat buildup? I did recommend a sparky take a look.
  11. Neal Lewis
    Someone told me today that TAMKO shingles stands for Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas & Oklahoma. If you didn't now that already, there ya go.
  12. Neal Lewis
    Darren, i just found out that you really have to follow up to make sure your insurance company sends info to the state. Can't rely on the insurance company to do it. I was listed as currently expired, back to 2009.
  13. Neal Lewis
    Is anybody familiar with General Real Estate Inspectors of America insurance. They have contacted me and will give a $1 million policy with a $2,500 deductible for $1,653 per year. Thanks www.greia.org
  14. Neal Lewis
    Bill, wouldn't I hear the relay make some noise? This was totally silent. I guess I've seen never this type of system without a relay box before. Thanks
  15. Neal Lewis
    Is anybody familiar with the brand of this low voltage switching system? The house was vacant & I couldn't locate the relay box. Nowhere to be found in the entire house, attic, etc! No typical switching noises when the rocker switches were operated, either. Very strange. Download Attachment: Low Voltage Switches.jpg 29.01 KB
  16. Neal Lewis
    It sounds like the water heater was only partially filled with water.
  17. Neal Lewis
    I though the same thing, but it only had a couple of low voltage wires attached.
  18. Neal Lewis
    Looks like phone wire attached to this thing. No writing on it at all. I was thinking maybe a doorbell, but I'm not sure. Download Attachment: Whatzit.jpg 15.75 KB
  19. Neal Lewis
    Looks like the vent for an oil tank.
  20. Neal Lewis
    Darren, my business partner did the inspection. It was a townhouse in Far Hills from the 90's. Next time, I'll send it your way. Too far for us.
  21. Neal Lewis
    Can someone help he ID this piping. The installation is quite a mess. Thanks Download Attachment: Piping1.jpg 73.66 KB Download Attachment: Piping2.jpg 73.42 KB
  22. Neal Lewis
    What's wrong with a 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp breaker?
  23. Neal Lewis
    John, you have to run cold water through it before activating it, so you'll find the leak before finding out it's jammed. And how would the jammed motor cause it to leak?
  24. Neal Lewis
    Some chimney guys who do video scans will "fail' the liner if the joints aren't fully mortared. I see that exact situation frequently. I tell them exactly what Kurt said, and advise that a chimney pro can decide what the best course of action is. Bill, the pitting seems to be very minor on the surface. chimney guys I know wouldn't even blink at that amount of wear. John, did you take a cap off to check the liner? Several HI's have told me not to take the cover off- liability, etc., but there's a lot of good stuff to see by taking them off.
  25. Neal Lewis
    Any free samples?
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