Robert E Lee

I realize this is an topic was addressed a year or so ago, but I am looking at getting a couple of the Sun Nuclear 1028's. I believe they are readily available now, so, how have these units worked compared to the 1027's that have been around for several years? Have they now been certified by the NEHA/NRPP? I have been testing with E-Perm units that I buy from a local lab and beginning to get tired to running to and from the lab with every radon test. Thanks in advance for the info. Robert E Lee Rochester, MN

Yeah, works for me this afternoon, for some reason it was a no-go this morning, tried several times. Thanks everyone. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

Has the offer expired? The link does not work for me. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections Rochester, MN

I inspected a home today that had a Lennox Pulse furnace. This was a G14 model manufactured in 1990, the information that I have always depended upon states that these units manufactured between 1982-1989 where subject to the recall relating to problems with the heat exchanger. I realize the recall expired about 1999, and that the Pulse 21 was not a part of the recall. But can anyone help me with how to react to this 1990 model that is clearly not a Pulse 21, but is the model # that was recalled except a year later. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc

Paul, with the Mag Light you may need to replace the rubber cap that provides a water seal over the switch. Try removing the rubber cap and see if your switch works better. I have 3 Mag Light flash lights and I have discovered that the rubber cover doesn't pop back sometimes as they age. Now when I have a switch that sticks I pop on a new rubber cap, never have replaced a switch. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc

I don't believe I would use that method, a better way is to use a clamp on amp meter placed around one of the wires leading to the heating element, then turn up the water temperature thermostat. If the element is good you will see a current reading on the meter, on dual element water heaters only one of the elements will operate at a time. Most often a failure will be found at the bottom element as this one is used whenever a quantity of hot water is drawn. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc

It would be my guess that there has been an addition to this home that created this condition. There is a bit of a slope on the left valley, but the right valley is flat. That being said I don't think the Ice & Rain sheild material is going to last very long being stuck against the side of the chimney chase. While there may not be any leaking taking place now, my opinion is that its a leak waiting to happen. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc

Thanks, Barry, lots of good information on these vidio clips. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

A few weeks ago I attended a 4 hour seminar put on by the Wirsbo folks. I learned more about the installation of PEX in 6 minutes than I did in the 4 hour seminar. I'm beginning to think that ASHI & NAHI should be awarding MRC's and CEU's for visiting this site, I know I learn something almost every time I log on. My continued thanks and appreciation to Mike and all who participate. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

The inspection this afternoon was on a 1966 model home, all of the interior plumbing lines consisted of this type of plastic pipe, the aqua pipe was the cold water, the orange was the hot water, no evidence of any problems in 40 years. The transition from the plastic to the copper was glued. This was the first time I have ever encountered this material. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc Download Attachment: P8220025a.JPG 132.94 KB Download Attachment: P8220026a.JPG 130.08 KB

We have many rural homes in this area that use propane for the furnace and water heater, not sure what you are referring to about power, unless it would be a propane powered generator. But, yes in my opinion it is the same as a standard home inspection, just propane as the fuel source instead of natural gas. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

I don't see very many wood shingled roofs here in this part of the Midwest, but had one today that had some moss in place on the shady side of the house and the homeowner or someone had installed zinc strips at the peak. I have never heard that they would be effective at preventing moss, algae yes, but moss?? Anyone see that in the wood shingle/shake country? Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

At one of todays inspections there is an oak tree approx. 5-6 feet from the foundation of the house. The house was built in 1972, and this tree most likely was there at that time as it has about an 18 inch diameter. The client and I were talking about this tree and the possibility of damage to the foundation (not even a hint of a crack in the mortar at this time). While I've always read about the potential of damage to a foundation due to nearby trees, I've never run into such damage. What have some of you seen when trees are allowed to grow near the foundation, and what is the likely hood that this one may become a problem? Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

I have done just that, thanks so much Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

It's difficult to tell just by looking. I usually take into consideration the age the home/building, and if its mid 70's I would suspect that it very well may be asbestos. But in any case it takes a lab analysis to determine what the material is, and you may want to suggest that be done. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

I normally don't have much trouble figuring out the age of heating and cooling units, however I'm stumped on this York furnace, the serial # is EGJM364379. I'm guessing the furnace is less than five years old by the looks of it, but I'm not able to get that out of the serial number. Thanks for the help. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections

Thanks everyone. Mike, sharp eye to notice the date on the sheet-rock. The home was built in 1995, the lower level finished off in approx. 2000. There were two heating zones, one for the main level and one for the basement. Anyway I suggested they talk with the contractor that installed the system and that they may need to install copper pipe and convectors to achieve a comfortable level of heat in the lower level. Robert E Lee Rochester, MN

Yesterday I ran into a radiant heating arrangement that I have not seen before. The main floor was heated with copper piping and convectors, however in the basement there is PEX tubing that appears to have been placed below the concrete slab, in the photo you can see that the plastic barrier and concrete slab is on top of the PEX tubing and there is no visible foam insulation below the PEX. This was the only heat source for the basement area. Does anyone think this will do anything more than just warm the floor? I have a hard time believing that it will heat the basement area. Robert E Lee Rochester, MN Download Attachment: P6280011a.JPG 303.71 KB

I often tell folks that if I couldn't have my Little Giant I would quite inspecting homes, can't imagine using anything else. Like you Mark the only thing I have replaced are the rubber feet which wore out, however I had to pay for mine, guess I talked to the wrong person. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc Rochester, MN

As has been mentioned on this subject before, when going from your handwritten report to a computer generated report you can plan on it taking more time, not saving time. But after the learning curve I don't think you will want to go back. I have used 3D for 6-7 years now and am a great supporter. My report usually runs 22-25 pages. I do not do an on-site report, but I do carry an HP450 printer that I then print a summary page via infrared beam from my iPAQ for the client to have at the end of the inspection. I then write the full report back at my desk at the end of the day and email or print off a hard copy for the client. I'm not aware of a DVD type instruction for the 3D system, however I've found the technical support to be very good. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc

When looking at the (2) masonry fireplaces that had been converted to gas log units in yesterday mornings inspection I found that the shut off valves were not within 6' of the appliance, no blocking device in place on the main floor fireplace. However they didn't have to worry about the damper being closed on the basement fireplace as the flexible stainless tubing was run down through the chimney!! Anyone ever seen such an arrangement? Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc Download Attachment: P3240014a.JPG 132.66 KB

Thanks so much Jim. On my last inspection yesterday I called out a double tap connection on a GE breaker, the homeowner indicated that was how the electrician wired the panel. When talking with the electrical contractor he of course was sure it was correct (but was going to check with his supplier). I've attached a photo that I included in the report. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc Rochester, MN Download Attachment: P3090020a.JPG 121.58 KB

I know that two conductors are permitted on Square D breakers. Does anyone have a list of other manufactures that allow two terminations? Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc Rochester, MN

I've attached a photo from one of yesterdays inspections. The 1/2" PVC pipe drains the water softener as well as the TPR valve of the water heater!! While you can's see all of them from this photo, there were ( 90 degree elbows in this pipe that terminates into the condensation lift pump!! Here in MN all the TPR discharge pipes end 6"-12" off of the floor, the only time I've ever seen one routed to the exterior is when I visit my daughter and here family in Tacoma, WA. Robert E Lee GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc Download Attachment: P2280009a.JPG 152.03 KB

On one of my inspections today in a 1920's home I find 6" of loose fiberglass insulation covered by what appears to be sawdust and shavings...I have never run across anything like this before. Which is what I told my clients, and that I would have no idea if it had been treated with any fire retardant (yes, those are bat droppings in the 2nd photo). Has anyone else ever run across this type of insulation? Robert E Lee Rochester, MN Download Attachment: P7280019.JPG 152.24 KB Download Attachment: P7280016.JPG 148.01 KB