Brian G

Personally I never try to estimate the age of roofing, but rather how long I think it has left. How old a roof is doesn't necessarily tell you how long it has left, that depends on more factors than age. I'm looking for all of those little signs of the beginning of the end so I can warn my client if they're there. Brian G.

Originally posted by inspecthistoric When nobody shows up with a key, I go in through the doggy door. Bill's B & E Home Inspections, eh? [:-masked] I can hear the cop now..."Yeah, yeah, tell it to the judge, buddy-boy." Brian G. [:-dev3]

Fantabulous link Mike. I'm seeing more and more of those metal roofs around here, and I have one too. Good luck Jim. Brian G.

For the life of me I can't recall where I saw that (or thought I did). After looking at the house I'm not worried. The builder did an excellent job on the siding; snug fit, painted and caulked like the crew was anal. Thanks for comments though gents. Brian G.

I could swear I've seen something in the last few months about problems with Hardieboard siding. Is anyone aware of that, does anyone have a link about it, or can anyone tell me what the problems are supposed to be? Got one to do. Brian G. Hardie-Har-Har [:-slaphap

Originally posted by inspectort I can't really tell by the picture, but if it has a snap in bushing in that hole so the conductors are not subject to physical damage,I don't really have a problem with that... I don't know if they're still doing it, but the common practice here used to be to install a 2" PVC male adapter and pull most of the 12/2 WG's through it. The local AHJ's never objected. Brian G.

I wish there was a requirement to provide an access to all plumbing fixtures. It still amazes me how much stuff just gets drywalled over like it's gonna last forever. Dumb. Brian G.

I've never seen a jumper like that, but I don't think it's handmade. Those tight little bends are too neat and consistant, with heat-shrink insulating the mid-section no less. I think the guy has his panel / sub panel rules confused on the neutral and/or equipment ground bars, but it should be fine as is. Brian G.

This is a pretty friendly bunch here Troy. Heck, we don't even mind that you're a U of K fan! [][:-dev3][] Brian G.

Originally posted by Amn I'm looking at a house to buy in Houston and have dodging houses with aluminum wiring that seem as prevalent around here as the kudzu. I didn't know there was any kudzu in Texas. We've got tons of that infernal-eternal take-over artist around here. My sympathies. Brian G. Wanna Recipie Book for It? [:-yuck]

Originally posted by kurt I'm not a shrill asshole; I just appear to be one. Nobody said you were shrill. [:-dev3][][:-dev3] Brian G. It Takes One to Know One, So I Feel Qualified to Speak []

I didn't think to mention it but I also check all registers for air flow, but not for temps. Brian G.

I check heat at the nearest register, AC at the nearest register and the return air grill. I haven't read of anyone doing much differently from that, but it wouldn't surprise me. Brian G.

Originally posted by Jim Morrison I predict that the ASHI Experience success will crescendo for the foreseeable future -especially since the board is now loaded with some super smart, member-minded folks and the consultants have been fired. Better days are coming. There you go Father Morrison, give us poor huddled masses some hope. [:-angel] Brian G. Mostly Poor, Not So Much Huddled [-crzwom][:-crazy]

I don't unseal either, though I've thought about it a time or two when the filters were really bad. That's a slippery slope I think. I've also thought about getting a boroscope or something, but never have. So far I've settled for recommending invasive inspection (and cleaning or replacement if needed) based on the clues, past experience, and the significant potential expense. I typically cite conditions like clogged filters, poor air flow, age, visible areas are dirty, etc., as clues. Brian G.

Good for you Donald, I try to get a look at the evaporator if possible too. I've seen some far worse than the one in your pictures. When they're caked-up you can bet those people don't change the filter, even if there's a new one in at the time. About half the time when I find a really bad one the filter is soild with dirt, often party sucked into the plenum because the air can't get through the frickin' dirt layers. [:-yuck] I don't understand why they can't use some kind of metal brackets at the ends of the coils that won't rust. Haven't they heard of aluminum? I've seen units only weeks old that already had surface rust on those brackets. Built-in obsolescence? I wish it were code that there had to be an access panel on the intake side of the evaporator coil, none of that "build it into the plenum" stuff. Brian G. Panel Puller [:-magnify

I ran across an old floor furnace once, in a 20's house. It was at 186 degrees and still climbing slowly when I took my thermostat off of it (plastic case digital, I got worried). I told 'em to have it checked out, and don't stand on it in sneakers or barefoot. [:-bigmout Brian G. When You're Hot, You're Hot (Remember Jerry Reed?)

Baron Von Hausdok, eh? I notice it lists 60 bedrooms, but not a word about bathrooms. Better check that out Mike. I read an article a couple of years ago which claimed 1/2 of all the plumbing in the world was in the U.S. (pipe, toilets, showers, etc.). Think about that for a minute.... Brian G. God Bless America! P.S. Does it come with chamber maids? Got pics? []

I noticed in the latest issue of ASHI Reporter our new treasurer (William C. Richardson) says we've paid off the loan taken out to getting Branding off the ground. That's good to hear. I didn't see any dues reduction last time, but I'm hoping & praying they'll come down for next time. I haven't seen any benefit to my business, but I'm probably in one of the worst sort of markets for such a campaign (small & unsophistocated). Like Norm, I'm in it for more than marketing. My education and the company I keep are more important to me. Brian G. Hanging In [:-dog]

I can't find any reference to decks in my 2003 IRC. (Is that right? They aren't covered?) Still, carriage bolts are designed to be installed with washers at the threaded end, and if you don't have a nut you don't have anything but a threaded pin. I write 'em up if they lack washers. I hope that helps. Brian G.

Originally posted by kurt I'm just a crank; I suppose they can work, but I'm going to remain curmudgeonly & heap scorn upon them. It's nice to know there are still some things one can count on in life. [:-dev3] Brian G. Curmudgeon in Training [^]

Originally posted by kurt If I understood the basis of Douglas' talk @ InspectionWorld, he thinks they're near worthless (paraphrased, he was much more ariculate in his condemnation). That was my understanding from the seminar as well, although it does sound like the next generation will be much more worthwhile. Brian G.

Yeah, I halfway expect to hear some stuff like that back from the sellers end. My clients are from out of town, so when we talk I'm probably gonna lean harder on the lack of proper sub panel wiring than the oversized (but maybe not overloaded) 100 amp panel. In any event, my job is to find this stuff and report it. Brian G.