John Dirks Jr

Could an air filter that is really restricted with dirt cause the system to mis- manage condensate? For instance, the system would be so hungry for air that it would pull a significant amount back through the condensate drain line and thus cause condensate leaks through the system cabinet.

How common is it to smell gas leaks at propane storage tanks? When I opened the lid on an underground tank today it stunk pretty bad. The owned said he had it checked and was told the condition was normal and not to be concerned.

Ditto - Thanks Garry.

Anyone rest the hubs of the Tele on the gutter edge to help prevent feet kick out? Click to Enlarge 60.62 KB

I did an inspection on a ranch style home in March of this year. The client has contacted me saying his home owners insurance is cancelling the policy for two reasons. 1) Lack of handrail at the front stoop steps. 2) Roof condition. On the handrail issue, there is only 2 risers. As we all know, there is no requirement for handrail in this instance. On the roof condition, I reviewed my report. There was a minor shingle damage repair called for near the chimney. The overall shingle condition was such that I estimated the remaining life to be at least 5 years. However, it's a light grey colored roof and upon reviewing the pictures I can see there is the typical discoloration caused by the blackish algae we frequently see. I'm wondering who made these calls, what their credentials are and why specifically they called these two items out. Have any of you dealt with this sort of thing? The client is asking me to write a letter in hopes that his insurance company will reconsider. What are your recommendations in a case like this?

Since TPR piping is to be run full size for the entire length of the discharge pipe, wouldn't a Shark Bite coupling violate that rule since the coupling has reduced ID? Click to Enlarge 36.41 KB

When you want to pull the Extend and Climb up onto the roof to set it for another transition to an upper roof, how does it work if it's not fully extended and you try to pull it up? Will it extend to the max and then you finish pulling it up or do you try and use foresight by tying off the un-extend parts before you climb to the first level?

Having physical activity as part of your obligatory duties is a good thing.

Kurt, I was more than willing to take shots and defend. If I can't handle a-holes in here, how would I do it out there? BTW, I handle them on a regular basis. I'm not ashamed to be a mailman. It's my staple. It's one of the things that makes me a good home inspector. It keeps me fed and keeps me from having to cuddle up to realtors like a toadie.

Consumer Reports are political hacks. I'll pass on anything they have to say.

Thanks for the offer Charlie. Through the generosity of a loved family member, the birthday ferry will be dropping a 785P in my driveway in a few days.

785P is on my wish list. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JIL4Z ... ot_redir=1

I bounce around between 175 and 180 lbs. There's not enough of me to stretch the weight limits of most ladders.

I did not know about Mikes accident. Can you point me to a thread link about it?

The golf umbrella I got worked great the other day. It's a keeper!!!

Which telescoping ladders do you think are the best overall? I know I've heard of some failures of some kinds and I'd like to avoid ones with potential faults. If they come in different heights, I don't need a really tall one. Just something that will keep me from using my Little Giant 26' unless I really need it to go higher. Thanks.

True, but the siding manufacturers have always recommended it in their installation instructions. Isn't there code language that says manufacturer instructions should be followed?

How many BTU? The following says if it's over 10,000 but under 50,000, it needs 12" clearance. Look under © National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54/ANSI z223.1 Section 7.8 pages 54-52 & 54-53 THROUGH THE WALL VENT TERMINATION (a) A mechanical draft venting system shall terminate at least 3 feet above any forced air inlet located within 10 feet. Exception No 1 Provision does not apply to combustion air intake of a Direct Vent appliance. Exception No 2 This provision shall not apply to the seperation of the integral outdoor air inlet and flue discharge of listed outdoor appliances. (b) A mechanical draft system of other than direct vent shall terminate at least 4 feet below, 4 feet horizontally from 1 foot above any door, window, or gravity air inlet into any building. the bottom of the vent shall terminate at least 12 inches above grade. © The vent terminal of a direct vent appliance with an input of 10,000 BTU's or less shall be located at least 6 inches from any air opening into the building, and such an appliance with input over 10,000 BTU but not over 50,000 BTU shall have at least 12 inches vent termination clearance. The bottom of the vent terminal and air intake shall be 12 inches above grade. (d) Through the wall vents for Category II and Category IV appliances and noncategorized condensing appliances shall not terminate over public walkways or over an area where condensate could create a nuisance hazard or could be detrimental to the operation of regulators, relief valves, or other equipment. Where local experince indicates that condensate is a problem with Category I and Category III appliances this provision shall also apply. In addition to those rules follow manufactureres instructions.

How about FastStone? Use it to mark up the pics like putting text captions right onto the photos. Then dump them into a word doc http://www.faststone.org/

I think you're right. Good catch!

Little Giant XE 26. It will get me to an eave 22' high.

Not to mention the hole in the block wall to hook the second pipe to the chimney was there. Instead of using it for a correct installation, they filled it.

Presidential - maybe http://www.certainteed.com/products/roo ... ial/309005

Yeah right! Click to Enlarge 35.17 KB

I have a really nice pair of Minolta 7x35. Not the smallest but they are very clear and have a good field of view. I tried smaller ones but the smaller field of view hampered my ability see enough without having to move them around too much.