hausdok

Prescription with safety grade lenses. OT - OF!!! M.

I've been looking. Are there any concerns when buying a used Protimeter SM? I mean, other than things like physical damage and stuff. Do they have a life span or a failure rate or anything to be concerned about? Yeah, There is a tiny wire transformer bonded to the circuit board with a pretty useless adhesive. The break loose and the hair-thin wires at the corner break. Then you have no choice; either send it back to Protimeter for a $125 repair or take it down to the local radio/TV repair shop and pay the guy $10 to solder it back together and bed it in a little bit of expoxy. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, I've had it happen twice. As I recall, the arc occurred while I was removing the screws; not as I was screwing them in. I'm glad I was wearing my glasses or I'd be blind in one or both eyes right now. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, I did a duplex today that's bank owned. The owner lived upstairs and the tenants who were evicted when it was foreclosed on had lived downstairs. The upstairs had some issues but wasn't anything shocking to look at; the basement unit, which is identical to the upper unit, had holes punched in all of the walls, the doors were kicked in, the window locks had been removed, the lock sets had been removed, there was a puddle of yellow liquid in the center of the kitchen floor and the place smelled like they'd been urinating on every square inch of the carpet. The bathroom was so nasty that Yung refused to go in there to check for leaks at the fixtures, around the toilets, etc. and I had to do it. There should be a way to charge people for destruction of private property for leaving a home in that kind of condition. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

No argument with that; however, are they paying because their product made folks sick or are they paying because (and any home inspector can relate to this) it was cheaper to declare bankruptcy and settle than to spend the millions it might have taken to prove that their product didn't make anyone sick - which seems to be the model these days. Here's the way it seems to go; somebody believes that he or she has somehow been injured and convinces some attorney to go after a manufacturer. The attorney sees a chance to force a class action and make lots of money while the clients got relatively nothing. The class action is initiated and then the "defendant," without the money to defend against armies of supposedly-injured folks, declares bankruptcy so the principals won't end up spending the rest of their lives as indentured servants while the lawyers live high on the hog. I keep looking around for my lawsuit lottery ticket but so far haven't found the right one. I've got to give it time and be patient; I know that there are armies of lawyers way ahead of me on that - sooner or later I'm bound to get lucky and then I too can take someone to the cleaners get rich and ruin everything that someone has spent a lifetime building. It's the new American dream. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, It looks like a 1998 model, in which case it's probably in what I like to call the "replacement window" of 10 to 15 years. It could fail at any time; and, unless you've flushed it every year and replaced the anode rod(s) when you were supposed to, you shouldn't be surprised if it doesn't make the upper range of that window. You've apparently used a water heater for the past decade and have been comfortable with it; I don't see a need to start dinking around and changing the system to add a boiler - get a new, but better, water heater. Here are some options: http://www.bradfordwhite.com/images/sha ... /542-B.pdf http://www.bradfordwhite.com/images/sha ... /547-B.pdf http://www.hotwater.com/lit/spec/res_gas/AOSRG45101.pdf http://www.statewaterheaters.com/lit/sp ... S02508.pdf ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Uh, that's not what it says. It says that the Rock Wool Manufacturing Company - a company, one of many, that branded its product Rock Wool filed for bankruptcy. It pays out $5. per "victim" - $4. if they file electronically. Hmmm, that doesn't seem much of an "award" for exposure, does it? Rock Wool is just a brand name that folks have gotten used to calling mineral wool - sort of like the way they call NM cable "Romex." That a few companies experimented with mixing mineral wool and asbestos I have no doubt - to say or even to just imply that it is ubiquitous in any rockwool, or even that mineral wool containing asbestos is widespread throughout this country, or even the world, is, I think, specious. So, some references to comments in some obscure texts - where are the major studies that show that mineral wool contains asbestos and is a health hazard? Mineral wool is a biosoluble substance; asbestos is not. If mineral wool contained asbestos, wouldn't there be substantial medical evidence found in workers from the mineral wool industry of asbestosis or mesothelioma? Why hasn't that been the case? Mineral wool insulation is still produced for residential construction today and I still see it every once in a while in new homes. With all of the lawsuits rampant in this country; why would any builder in his/her right mind - or any industry for that matter - still sell a product containing asbestos? Where are the contemporary laboratory studies that show that mineral wool that's already in homes actually contains asbestos? Where is the hue and cry? Answer: There is none. Check this out, it's a page thrown up by NAIMA that lists the various non-NAIMA independent studies done around the world on the subject of hazards to humans associated with mineral wool and fiberglass insulation. One of these looked at the product back to 1946 - right about the time that some bulders began including insulation in homes: http://www.naima.org/pages/resources/sa ... earch.html ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, Briggs Manufacturing was a subsidiary Walters Corp and was bought by Celotex around 1972. That year or the next, Celotex was sued by a bunch of folks for asbestos exposure and around 1990 - 1992, depending which reference you look at, Briggs declared bankruptcy. So, by anyone's estimation, it's at least 17 years old. When I get one that old, I tell 'em that if they call me the next day to tell me the tank had failed since I'd left the home I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, The Seattle paper is fanatical about reporting on anyting containing asbestos - particularly if it's in building materials. Guess what? About 90% of every building that was insulated around here between 1955 and 1985 has rockwool insulation in it. If it were an asbestos hazard, you can bet they'd be crowing to the heavens around here. This place is so full of eco-weenies that just discussing a new road to relieve the traffic hassle around here sets them off. If rockwool contained asbestos, they'd be demanding that every house in the state be encapsulated, put on a rocket and sent off to the sun. There's no way that asbestos-containing rockwool could have ever escaped the attention of these folks. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

You can't see them; Chris explained in the initial post that these have solid conductors. OT - OF!!! M.

APA has initiated the process of developing a new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus standard for rimboard under APA’s recognition as an (ANSI) accredited standards developer. The standard, to be based on APA’s Performance Standard for APA EWS Rim Boards, PRR-401, will be developed by a committee of stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, designers, end users and building code regulators. APA utilized its ANSI accreditation to spearhead development of a new engineered wood siding standard (PRP-210), recently published, and is also working on development of a national consensus standard for structural insulated panels in cooperation with the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). More information can be found on APA’s Standards Development page at www.apawood.org/standards. Contact borjen.yeh@apawood.org.

Two free and newly revised documents from APA, The Engineered Wood Association, should prove to be very useful to inspectors and are available as free downloads on the APA website. The first is APA Form Z725 - APA Design Guide, Performance Rated I-Joists. Updated this month, this 25 page publication offers information on using I-joists to provide a high-performance alternative to dimension lumber joists for residential floor applications and it includes information on span ratings, installation details, cantilever designs, architectural specifications and engineering design properties. The second is APA Form A750 - Builder Tips: Blocking for I-joist Floor Systems. This 2 page bulletin explains why I-joists benefit from being installed with blocking, blocking material composition, and installation details and code requirements. To download these, click on the hot linked text above. If you are not already an APA site member, you'll be required to register before the site will allow you to access and download the documents. Go ahead and register; it's free, it takes about two minutes of your time, and APA never spams you or releases your information to anyone. While you're on the site, take some time to explore the myriad of other resources the APA has available; it's truly one of the more valuable online resources for home inspectors.

Electrical educator, Mike Holt is looking for a few good men or women. He's just posted the following appeal on his electrical forum. Have you got the goods? "Solar, wind, and other alternative power systems have drawn lots of interest this past year. This is a dynamic and fast moving industry and I receive a lot of inquiries about the subject. If you know of any educational material that is directed to the electrical professional, or if you’re an expert on solar, wind, and/or the NEC (Article 690 – Photovoltaic Systems) and are interested in helping me help our industry, please contact me directly at Mike@MikeHolt.com."

Hi, A few years ago I found myself strangely drawn to Celtic folk music (with a name like O'Handley, go figure). Anyway, last year I began learning to play the Irish penny whistle and have taken up listening to Joannie Madden a lot. She's got a five woman traditional Celtic music group that is constantly on tour. She's a genius with the flute, penny whisle or low whistle. A couple of particularly moving tunes she plays are "The Hills of New Zealand," a tune she wrote in 45 minutes as a way of thanking a New Zealander that tracked her down after he'd found her camera in New Zealand and returned it to her, and "The South Wind," a traditional Irish tune. I heard "The Hills of New Zealand" for the first time while listening to Radio Celt one night last June, about an hour after I got word that my father had passed away. All I could think of as I listened to it was how I wished he'd been able to hear it before he passed. He would have loved it. Joannie Madden's "The Hills of New Zealand" Joannie Madden's "The South Wind" ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi Richard, Believe me, I feel your pain; my birthday is mid-September so I'm in the same boat that you are. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi All, A correction to what I'd posted above re. the length of time the license is good for. I wrote that the initial license was good for two years but actually it is not. The way it's going to work will be similar to the way Washington State issues driver's licenses with the renewal date being keyed to one's birth date. In this case, licenses will expire on the inspector's second birthday after the license is issued. So, someone who gets his license issued, say, a week before his birthday will need to renew the license in 53 weeks, versus someone who gets it issued the week after his birthday, in which case it will be good for just about two years. The renewal rate is still, as of this date, going to be $375. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, Like Jim says; you have to have a clear understanding of what information the device can give you. The manual that came with mine is very clear that within about 15ft. to the service eguipment it may give a false ground reading, even when there isn't a false ground, and it can't diagnose more than one problem at a time. For instance, if you've got reversed polarity it can't tell you whether there is a ground or not unless you correct the polarity. It's still infinitely superior to one of those 3-light testers though. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Editor's Note: The following was submitted via email by Jim Simmons; user name - Mr. Electric. Jim is a Master Electrician and regularly provides electrical training to home inspectors in the northwest. After you check out the photos, you might want to enter the raffle for a custom chopper that Jim is sponsoring for Ronald McDonald House Charities; the information is below. Hi All, These people were growing Pot in the basement. Grow lights use a lot of power. They cut the main mast inside the garage (ahead of the power meter) and tapped to the power line (large black mass). They ran the power to the basement and set up taps to the grow lights. Almost burned the house down. The police had already removed the Pot and the grow lights when we got there. Click to Enlarge 63.84 KB Click to Enlarge 36.64 KB Click to Enlarge 39.26 KB Click to Enlarge 64.74 KB Click to Enlarge 35.06 KB Click to Enlarge 49.46 KB Click to Enlarge 81.34 KB Click to Enlarge 50.5 KB Click to Enlarge 38.87 KB Click to Enlarge 46.55 KB Click to Enlarge 45.66 KB Jim P. Simmons Mr. Electric 360-705-4225 WIN A CUSTOM CHOPPER!!! Buy a ticket for yourself or a friend! Only $25. See the Mr. Electric Custom Chopper and enter at this link. All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Editor's Note: The following was submitted via email by Jim Simmons; user name - Mr. Electric. Jim is a Master Electrician and regularly provides electrical training to home inspectors in the northwest. After you check out the photos, you might want to enter the raffle for a custom chopper that Jim is sponsoring for Ronald McDonald House Charities; the information is below. Hi All, I ran into this situation yesterday. It is a house that the owner installed 3 wire outlets in the house illegally. Thought you would enjoy the pictures. There is no ground with the branch circuit wiring. The pictures show an outlet (all of them in the house were the same way) where the owner tapped off the neutral on the outlet so the plug would look like it was grounded. IT IS NOT GROUNDED! A simple $7 tester will test this outlet as OK. The Ideal tester I use clearly shows FG on the display, or False Ground. I have seen it many times over the years but this is the first time I got good pictures of it. You can see the copper jumper from the ground terminal to the neutral. Click to Enlarge 17.44 KB I use an Ideal - Sure test. It will find this situation (FG). I do not recommend that home inspectors go further than this with the tester (it will check voltage drop and other things) without a clear understanding of the tester, and what the additional information means to the customer. Click to Enlarge 19.2 KB Finding the false ground issue is important. The tester will also test GFCI and proper wiring so you don't also need the $7 tester. The other thing nice about it is the flexible cord (you can also use it without the cord). Click to Enlarge 14.94 KB Jim P. Simmons Mr. Electric 360-705-4225 WIN A CUSTOM CHOPPER!!! Buy a ticket for yourself or a friend! Only $25. See the Mr. Electric Custom Chopper and enter at this link. All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

What you've got there is a Category 1 draft induced furnace and, despite it's induction fan, is considered a gravity appliance just like the water heater and can share the same flue. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, I've talked directly to the tech folks at James Hardie about this. They are very clear - it can't be closer than two inches to steps, patios or anyplace where water will pond and you can't pour concrete against it. I've had builders claim that the vinyl "capillary break" behind the concrete will protect the siding. Well, it will protect the siding from moisture wicking through the concrete but it won't prevent water draining down the wall and in between the vinyl break and the concrete siding. I agree; he should produce the documentation - otherwise it's just another bogus myth/excuse he's using. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

LOL, That actually happened to me, Bill. I used to adjust the down-force setting rather than write it up. One day, after tweaking the setting and getting the door just right, I was walking away from opener when I heard an odd popping/fizzing sound. I turned around just in time to see a cloud of dust just like that come rolling out of the opener. The next day, I went out there and replaced it. Now I write 'em up; I don't care if it will take two seconds to fix - I don't intend to pay for another danged opener. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, You have some metal wheels that ride up and down in tracks. These wear out for lack of lubrication and sometimes the ball bearings are missing around their axles. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Good catch on the water heater size. As far as what I think? Well, it's nothing but a giant car heater. Do you like the heater in your car? ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, I remember when she was listed for sale back around 2004 - 2005 and was pretty much a pretty haggard old derelict with broken windows and the like; I thought, "With more than 60 acres, what a cool start for a home inspector's college that would make." Then she was bought and restored in $2006 for more than $2M. Guess the owner fell on hard times in the existing economy 'cuz now she's back on the market in an unreserved auction with bidding starting as low as $1. The taxes alone are probably out of sight. Kind of sad. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike