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msteger

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Everything posted by msteger

  1. msteger
    Sure looks like it. Was there an ASTM number printed on it? Are you sure it didn't say "B137.5" instead of 8137.5?
  2. msteger
    Do you recommend re-applying it when you see alligatoring?
  3. msteger
    Thanks for the comments and ideas guys. I was just curious know if this guy was on to something. He was actually a tech for the local gas company.
  4. msteger
    The current licensing bill that is in committee for consideration in PA also calls for 1 year statute of limitations.
  5. msteger
    I would guess grape juice or Kool-Aid, but I don't typically worry about stained carpet if it looks like its not related to leaks or something that be damaging to the home. I would considered what's in the photo as cosmetic.
  6. msteger
    I was at a home inspector seminar a few days ago where the presenter was discussing furnace blower speeds. He said that slowing the blower speed in heat mode can allow for more heat into the home and lower utility bills (due to more even heat and less power consumed). The idea sounds valid. I noticed that my Carrier Weathermaker 9200 has the fan set (for heat mode) to low-medium by manufacturer default. Do you heating guys recommend trying a gas fired furnace is low blower speed for the reasons the presenter mentioned? Of course, I'd leave the fan speed on High for A/C mode. Just curious...
  7. msteger
    CSIA provides some good free brochures about chimney inspections, fireplaces and wood stoves, etc. Go to their website and order them.
  8. msteger
    I could tell by the hoakie drain install that it wasn't right as I opened the cabinet doors. Looked like a 1st grader or drunk uncle Ned put this thing together with spare parts. Due to the kitchen window being right there at the sink, I wouldn't imagine the sink was anywhere else prior to the current install, but heck anything is possible. There was a stack above this area and there was only gurgling when running water down the right side (non-disposal) drain. The gurgling came up through the disposal. Thanks guys.
  9. msteger
    Look at the attached photo. First time I had noticed something like this until today. I observed the higher portion of the drain trap under the kitchen sink actually rising slightly higher than part of the horizontal drain pipe coming out of the garbage disposal. The drain pipe coming out of the garbage disposal turns downward approx. 1.5" and then runs laterally until it meets the other drain pipe. When running water on the right side, gurgling can be heard through the disposal. How would you comment on it? Thanks. Download Attachment: DSCF0012.JPG 47.06 KB
  10. msteger
    I applaud ASHI and NAHI for deciding to talk and possibly work together. Too bad they didn't do this years ago.
  11. msteger
    I would say that is a judgement call. One could answer their question several ways depending upon how they look at the question. I would call it a poor question to ask on a test. They are different since they cut into different sized pieces, lay differently on a roof, typically different design life (flat - 20~30 years, architectural - 25+), etc. They are similar since they are constructed essentially of the same materials. Depending upon how the person asking the question meant it, either answer could be right. Just curious.. what test was this?
  12. msteger
    The response never mentions to the letter writer that we are not inspecting to code. The vagueness of the letter never details exactly what is 'wrong' with the plumbing. I feel publishing something like this, without the details, hurts our industry and confuses consumers.
  13. msteger
    That's what happens when someone gets a new tool and hasn't been trained on its proper use and how to analyze its measurements.
  14. msteger
    I was a little confused, too. I would report any return duct in a garage.
  15. msteger
    It has been quite windy the past day or so here in PA. This may explain the reason for a weird noise you are hearing but not used to. I've heard ridge venting rattle or whistle a little if the wind hits it just right. You never know.
  16. msteger
    Isn't a heat source also a requirement?
  17. msteger
    Good info guys. I've bent a few garage doors doing the wood block test, so I tend to use my hand instead in the closing mode.
  18. msteger
    So, you're saying that if the return plenum changes in overall size between the basement ceiling and where it connects to the HVAC system, you'd report it as possible undersized return plenum?
  19. msteger
    I feel your pain, Richard. I've also heard it both ways.. that copper clad aluminum is OK and that copper clad aluminum should be treated the same as solid conductor aluminum. I've only seen it once or twice several years ago, so luckily its not a common thing, at least in my area.
  20. msteger
    Yep, offset chimneys are pretty common around here in homes I've inspected from the 1700s and 1800s. I always figured it was to help flash it at the roof line to help prevent leaks.
  21. msteger
    Sorry.. I stand corrected. I also wanted to ask - Since ground source units don't have to 'find heat' in the air in heat mode, do these systems not need a backup source (for colder weather) since the ground stays warm even when the air temp can be 10 degs F?
  22. msteger
    Any place you 'tap' into electrical power can be an outlet, such as a receptacle, light, hardwired smoke detector, etc. Bedroom outlets must be AFCI protected. Closet lighting does not have to be AFCI protected, although often, closet lighting is on the same circuit as the bedroom circuit which would already have to be AFCI protected. Most of the time in my area in new construction, I see each bedroom having its own AFCI breaker.
  23. msteger
    What I'd want to report - "Some idiot apparently has tried to jerry-rig (sp?) parts of the home's electrical system and has done a piss-poor job. Have a licensed electrician who actually knows what the heck he's doing evaluate what the idiot tried to do and fix it." What I would actually write in the report - "Non-professional electrical work was noted in the XXXXX presenting a possible hazard. Repair by a licensed and qualified electrician is recommended."
  24. msteger
    From what I see in the photos, I'd say its time for replacement of the service cable.
  25. msteger
    You also mentioned insulation in the attic over top of knob and tube wiring. Knob and tube is designed to be air cooled and its not a great idea to install insulation around knob and tube wiring.
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