Greg Booth

Click to Enlarge 35.66 KB This is an older style slip-joint-installed about 10 years ago ..........Greg

I'll post a pic tomorrow. ........Greg

The undewrwriter inspectors working in my area have been calling for meter slip joints for the past 10 years or so.........they're seen everywhere here. Greg

Most frequently, there is also a vertical reinforcement angle that extends to the bottom rail of the top panel........spreads the lift force beyond the top rail. Doesn't involve the jamb-header at all.........as mentioned above. Greg

In my rural area of service, propane furnaces and water heaters are the norm--not the exception. To see any detectors/alarms is rare. In recreational marine installations, propane tank lockers are sealed environments with overboard-drains to allow gas leakage to safely "flow" outside the boat rather than to the bilge. ........Greg

...........nice analysis-easy to understand & makes sense. Greg

It may just be that the camera-flash is overwhelming daylight through the ridge vent........but, is the roofing-felt cut out at the ridge peak? ......Greg

I understand the distinction to be: mechanical (fan assisted) draft vs. natural (gravity) draft. That is to say........a direct vent appliance could utilize a mechanical draft or a natural draft. The term direct vent describes an appliance with a sealed combustion chamber, drawing all combustion air from outside the heated space-regardless of the type of exhaust vent.......yes? no? ..........Greg

Thanks for the info............Greg

Thanks very much.............Greg

Hello.........looking for manufacture date of: Magic Chef, Oil Furnace, Model- L6A84D-1, SN A11891GHB. Home built circa 1987. Thanks for any help..............Greg

I'm old enough to remember the 60's--but I don't remember much and I only understand about half of the little I do remember [:-monkeyd

I'm pretty sure this is the definitive reason behind roof-scuffs[] Click to Enlarge 65.51 KB Click to Enlarge 58.32 KB

On the nearby lakes, where land is a premium commodity, tear-downs and rebuilds of seasonal homes (think McMansion) is common place. This past year, I watched two vertical expansions similar to those being discussed here........the variation being the current ground-floor story was jacked up, and a new first floor was inserted between that and the existing foundation.......no monkeying with the roof system at all. .......Greg

There are natural draft water heaters that have thru-floor ducting-all combustion air is drawn from outside. Closet locations are closed with a panel, sans weather stripping. Of course I'm referring to HUD Code country.

Although PB pipe failures do occur, the primary leak problems are the acetal (plastic) fittings. If copper fittings & crimp rings have been used (properly installed) there is little concern. When cutting and modifying Quest piping, simply use Pex with brass fittings, onward from the point of interconnect. BUT, be sure to use the Quest X Pex conversion couplings. Although similar in appearance, there is a slight variation in insert size/configuration. There are several types of crimps, but if you are using copper rings, remember that copper color (natural) rings are on the Quest side and black rings are on the Pex side.

Click to Enlarge 40.91 KB Today's inspection. In an 1860's farmhouse Carrier, oil fired warm-air furnace, circa 1998. The install of the furnace was well done........excellent ducting, (supply and return), neat piping and wiring etc. But, the installer must have left the flue connection up to the home owner. Up through the floor and poked into the unlined, crumbling fire place/chimney. Leaks through the fire place surround had saturated the carpet/oak T&G flooring.

I know--just kidding[]

why would they put a fireplace in the crawlspace?[]

The suggested fixes are good ideas.......especially the concept of starting small and escalating until the right mix of fixes does the trick. That said, this approach applies to the current owner of the property.........the prospective owner should plan on the correct fix (i.e. most costly) and base their purchase decision on that. I'd pass on it.

May be seeing something that's not there.......but from the sill, down to the first slip-form joint, the concrete texture appears different. Could be a cold joint or later repair?

........untempered hot water spraying all over little feet and hands. Greg

..feel free. Greg

While puttering in my shop/office this morning (alas, no inspection scheduled), I received a call from one of my Park residents indicating she had a "little problem with a leak--some water on the floor". I debated whether to finish my coffee, but decided to check it out sooner rather than later. I could hear the water spraying as I entered the home-it was a blown washer supply hose. The washer is a compact stack, can't reach the supply valves without pulling the machine..........the machine's tub was full from the water careening about the alcove walls and ceiling.......no way could I move it. Under the home.......after shoveling 2feet of crusted snow blocking the crawl access.......I finally shut off the supply. Ended up sucking up over 40 gallons of water from the carpets. Replaced the supplies with new braid-reinforced hoses. I always speak with clients about the potential for major damage caused by ruptured hoses.......discuss the various methods for minimizing the risk and urge them to follow through. Did I mention that this home is a rental unit that I own--I'm gonna take care of my own home first thing tomorrow.

Chad....LOL........Greg[:-tong2]