mgbinspect

Yeah, the damper's fine. There's a shadow across it. This type has the counter-balance weight on the face of the damper instead of on the shaft.

Oh, they're a very good idea with cement stucco. It's bound to crack eventually.

Hey, Kurt, Les or anyone else good at this stuff. Since the domestic coils are a few feet away from the boiler and there is a circulator pump on the distribution line, doesn't the pump impeade the domestic water heating system when it's not running? I have often wondered if water can still move through the pump if it's off?

Kurt, Sorry about that. I knew what the valve you're referring to was. (I called it a fill-valve in the first post.) There is a brand new relief valve with no extension. I had originally tried to upload three photos and the way folks scrutinize the pics I was just anticipating someone would pick up on the missing tube. For some reason it wouldn't let me upload the third picture. Richmond has a ton of boilers in the downtown area and I'm fairly familiar with them. Now, steam I don't see very much of anymore and I'm pretty rusty. I used to see steam often 10 years ago, but it seems they've all been replaced around here. I do gather from the posts that you and a couple of other HIs on this site REALLY know your stuff about boilers and I'm thoroughly impressed. (I, on the other hand, know enough about 'em to do my job. But.. did you really think I was that ignorrant, Kurt?... I'm crushed!) [:-weepn] [] Well, heck, I'll upload them now. (You can just barely catch a glimpse of it over the elbow in the exhaust pipe in the profile shot of the boiler.) Download Attachment: 100_0201.jpg 50.8 KB Download Attachment: 100_0200.jpg 80.14 KB Now, say you're sorry... []

Now that you mention it, I can imagine they would be fun to flash.

I think I heard someone say this week they were forced to replace both due to refrigerant regulations. You might check that out before you "elect" to change out the air handler.

Les is most likely to know the answer, but I can't imagine it's going to make any difference. As a mason, I've actually installed that 3-coat system, but it's been about 27 years ago, thankfully. I like that finish! They did an exceptional job. We always did a sand finish using a cork float. There aren't many of those guys around anymore. Learning to use a hawk and trowel is a trip. Until you get it down, more mud ends up on your shoes than on the wall. [:-crazy]

I'd definitely have 'em as long as I was planning to live and die in the house.

Well, I literally went through every nook and cranny of the house twice before I decided it had to be incorporated within the heating system and began tracing pipes. That was an education.

No doubt all of you northern HIs have run accross this, but it was a first for me. This domestic hot water system had me turning the house upside down looking for the water heater. I'm used to seeing the coils for the domestic hot water within the boiler and dismissed the tank over head as an old abandoned expansion tank. I finally reasoned that the tank had to be it and returned to it to confirm. Sure enough, there were the inlet and outflow pipes. That was a new one for me. The boiler was original (57 years young) with a new oil burner, fill valve, relief valve and expansion tank. Looks pretty good for its age. And, yup, caught the asbestos wrap and the missing relief valve extension tube. The boiler was a Timkin Silent Automatic. First time I'd seen this particular brand and model. Download Attachment: 100_0202.jpg 448.46 KB Download Attachment: 100_0197.jpg 398.99 KB

Are they still around, Chad & Les? I only see them on older houses and the shingles themselves are always quite old. They're impressive! As long as they seem to last, I can't understand why they aren't used more.

I see these shingles a few times a year. They have to be the most durable asphalt shingles ever made. This roof is about 35 years old +/- I'm posting these pictures because I've always wished to know more about this product. Who made it? Why they stopped making it? So, anyone familiar with it, please enlighten me. Download Attachment: 100_0195.jpg 382.06 KB

As in cement stucco on expanded metal lath?

Gosh, it's been a long time since I took the course to be certified as a third-party EIFS inspector and I decided not to provide that service. (Too much guesswork and liability.) But, having said that, if I recall correctly, it was always suggested that expansion joints align with one of the jambs. Also, should there not be backer rod and sealant around that window? That would depend upon exactly which system is installed. It is important to find out whose product this is and what they specifically recommend regarding installation. There's practically no EIFs in Richmond and I'm completely out of practice. Frankly, when I end up inspecting a home that has more than just a little EIFS for accent, I tell them about the potential problems and strongly recommend that they have a thorough inspection by a certified EIFS inspector. One of my colleagues who became certified before me by the same institution has been doing them for several years. He is beginning to have second thoughts about providing the service himself. It's a tough inspection with no guarantees and a lot of potential liability. He told me recently he's about to find out just how much liability, if you know what I mean. As an HI you MUSt pay special attention for any staining on the interior around all openings and be sure to check for moisture under openings. I also look for any exposed reinforcement especially on the bottom edge of the system. If the top edge of projections are not sloped mention it as a potential problem. Flag any cracks in the system. Above all, cover your %ss!

Now, Charlie... That electrician might have been bustin' buttons that he was able to get all that wire through those two small holes and not trim any of the wire he pulled. []

It makes me dizzy, Fritz.

Remarkable restraint, Jim! [] [:-bigeyes [:-taped] ...

As much fuel as HIs, Realtors and shipping/delivery services consume there ought to be a joint venture. The whole population would benefit through reduced cost of goods and services. It's difficult to interest individuals but entire industries... Maybe..

That's what I do as well. I carry a utility knife with a tip that breaks off so it's easy to keep sharp. It's a pain in the *ss and you have to be like a surgeon, but I never get complaints about it. The only time I don't go into a panel is when there are fully loaded shelves or trim covering it.

Although the possibility is remote, I have seen homes that had similar issues due to an over sized cooling system that was de-heating so fast that it simply wasn't de-humidifying. Whenever I see conditions like this it's certainly on my list of considerations. I have seen three new construction homes with completely sealed attics. While I'm a huge fan of sealed crawlspaces and was long before it was even fashionable, I'm a bit skeptical about sealed attics and roof life.

Ahh, yes... Found a few remains myself through the years. I did have the good fortune of finding a missing and nearly starved pet bunny in the crawl. I was so close to death it was on all fours with its nose on the ground. I came out a hero only for the kids to not heed my warning and feed it to death. Just the same, it was a good day.

In a most cases the year of manufacture is incorporated in the serial number if not plainly printed on the information plate of the condensing unit.

Oh, my.. we're almost on "E"! Who'll be a good chap and have us some beans?

Did I hear the music from the movie Deliverance in the background as I was scrolling those pictures?

Whew, that's sobering! The most I've ever been owed is $590 which happens to be right now. A guy bounced two checks for two inspections. Fortunately, his credit card successfully processed the payment yesterday so I'm back to zero outstanding.