Bryan

I believe this is wrong; however, I can not find a reference for it. Can Copper and aluminum be mixed like this? Click to Enlarge 17.6 KB

It look like a line voltage temperature control thermostat.

Thanks for the information. I did try the Anderson web site; however, they only have the current instructions available. I also called tech support and they also referred me back to their web site. From what I have found sometime about two years they completely revamped there instructions and added a number of items into the specifications that were not there previously.

I am working with a group of home owners regarding some warranty inspection issues on the installation of their windows. I am looking for the installation instructions for the Anderson 200 & 400 Series tilt wash double hung windows from 2006-07. It appears that they changed some of the requirements early 2008, which is what is still in use. Thanks in advance.

Yes if they are using Batts. I have seen chopped fiberglass as well as cellulose installed after the drywall; however, never Batts.

Do they insulate the cathedral ceilings after the drywall is hung out their?

I found some interesting information today regarding failed secondary heat exchangers in Carrier, Bryant, and Payne furnaces. As parts of a monthly draw inspection I routinely visit a local Carrier warehouse; to look at and photograph off-site stored materials. Today, during the visit to the warehouse, I noticed a pallet of damaged heat exchangers and asked the salesman about them. He indicated that they had failed due to the furnace units being oversized. He said the problem is from an excessive amount of condensation in the secondary heat exchanger due to the unit being oversized. The exchanger cannot drain the condensate properly and the result is excessive corrosion in the bottom of the unit and failure. As I understand it, Carrier went through a class action law suit, brought on by 6-8 homeowners, in Wisconsin. In order to save face they implemented a program to repair, or offer a credit toward new units to the effected homeowners. The documentation I was able to secure also indicated the replacement coverage is for 20 years from the date of original install. Bryan Download Attachment: Carrier Secondary heat exchangers.pdf 179.49 KB

I do a lot of new construction draw inspections on multi family housing. A lot of it depends on where you are located and what the local fire department requires. On a recent project in Urbana the town houses only required a separation/barrier wall between units and the duplex units required a full fire separation wall with fire proof sheathing, and sealant. For some reason they must think the the town house is safer than a duplex, even when attached to the end of 4 town houses. Bryan

Thank you, that is what I was looking for. Bryan

Robert, 3007.1 does not appear to address the install and I don't have a copy of the UPC. By chance can you post the UPC reference? Bryan

I seem to remember that a sewage ejector line has to enter on the top of the main line, is that correct? If so do you have a code reference? Click to Enlarge 22.63 KB

Thanks Darren; however, further digging indicates that our local amendments to the code has removed that section. Bryan

Is their any exception to basement walls not being insulated when the area is not finished (a storage room), no ceiling insulation and the area is conditioned? The rim joist are insulated; however, not to the proper standard. I believe N1102.1.5, from the 2003 IRC, applies. N1102.1.5 When the basement is a conditioned space, the basement walls shall be insulated in accordance with table N 1102.1. When the basement is not a conditioned space, either the basement walls or the ceiling separating the basement from conditioned space shall be insulated in accordance with table N 1102.1. When insulating basement walls, the required R value shall be applied from the top of the basement wall to a depth of 10 feet below grade or to the top of the basement floor, whichever is less. Bryan

Lenox makes a diamond blade for the reciprocating saw that works wonders on cast iron. Bryan

This was actually the third complex in six weeks. Previous to that it had been awhile due to the banking and lending issues out their. These PCA inspections are for lenders, investors and sometimes buyers. I do them for a local company which I do other commercial work for. This one was about six hours from my base and an over night trip. Bryan

Are you saying most concrete is water proof? By no means; however, I believe that is is more impervious than lots of other materials. When I used to work in the green houses industry we had acres and acres of porous concrete floors. If you could keep them clean water would run right through. Bryan Bryan

Porches and stoops aren't at grade. 6" over 10' is a ADA ramp. Chad, Do you mean that since this is the entrance into an apartment it has to meet ADA specs in its slope? Bryan

I agree. The development was a two year old apartment complex. Each of the patio and entrance stoops were installed level and essentially even with the interior floor slab. It does not take much water to find its way back into the units, or in freezing conditions to heave the slab and create a trip hazard. In this same area last year I saw a sidewalk heave 2 1/2 to 3 inches at the entrance to the office area. They ended up tearing it out and replacing it after everything thawed out. Bryan

I looked at that and was not sure it would apply? If so, under the exceptions, the slope would be 2% given that most concrete is impervious. Bryan

Is their a standard recommendation for the minimum amount of slope for on grade concrete porches and stoops? Bryan

Thank you to both Jim & Les. I have sent a copy your way. Bryan

Good evening gentlemen, This is a request I have had on my mind for some time; however, have not had the guts to ask. I am looking for a well seasoned inspector who would be willing to review and give some honest feed back and constructive criticism on a narrative style report with embedded photos. The report is a warranty inspection for a three year home, and has been completed as a normal inspection report. At this time I do not want to upload the report for all to see and can provide the report in either a word doc or a PDF. Thank you in advance for reading and replying. Bryan

Here is a photo of the detail in question. Their are a number of issues with this set up: lack of slope, no flashing, no weeps, engineered trim installed against masonry, drip cap caulked to siding,...I did finally find something in the Brick tech notes #7 and it appears to be the same as a window sill. Click to Enlarge 28.31 KB Bryan

I have looked and can't find anything definitive on this matter. Are row lock flashing and slope requirements, atop a 3 foot wall, the same as a window sill, 15 degrees with through-wall flashing? Can you point to a code or industry standard? Bryan

The cardboard reminds me of a preformed/tapered system designed to eliminate a step in the installation process. Lay down the tapered forms, then the liner and mud bed. Who knows what the foam underneath is for. Bryan