Bill Kibbel

I remember reading something about the Lennox HM30 being involved in a class action lawsuit. I think that model was the first "Complete Heat" system.

I would guess insufficient oxygen for proper combustion and improper venting of the exhaust. "The occupant had suffered from a stroke" Uh-oh. I've read many articles that state chronic CO poisoning is frequently misdiagnosed as, among other ailments, a stroke. Carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood.

"If it's buggin' you, I'll be happy to delete it." Not at all. I just noticed the pic for the first time, even though it's been down there on the bottom of the home page for 2 months. When I clicked the link below it, I just thought it was odd that I posted it. As an HI, I guess I'm just conditioned to disclaim everything. "Jeeze Bill, that looks like a new house to me. We all know you don't inspect new houses." What's that pink stuff between the joists?

NOTE: The above photo is from Jim Baird of Baird Associates Home Inspectors. I don't know how this was posted w/me as the author of the post. I didn't have anything to do w/it. [?]

Just the right height for blanched almonds. [:-hot][:-hot]

"What's the maximum length for direct vent (PVC) flue pipe?" I think that is determined by the manufacturer. I saw one that was 45' that was listed as acceptable. Do you have the pipe diameter, # of elbows, furnace manufacturer and model # ?id="blue">

"Is it asbestos?" I'm pretty sure it's cement-asbestos panels.id="blue"> "Only microscopic analysis at a lab can really tell." Nah, I can tell by licking it.id="blue"> [:-crazy]

"When you open those two doors, what do you see?" Behind the top left one was a very shallow space. Only a few plastic shopping bags fit in there. I couldn't get the left lower door open. The right door was actually only a hinged plate with a counter balance to keep it in the closed position. Behind it was a clay tile lined space, only about 15" high, by at least 17' deep and probably 15' wide.

There was a large chimney above it.

On Friday, I inspected a building that started out as a modest 1870s home. Multiple additions now connect the house with the barn at the back of the property. It now contains 5 apartments and an indoor parking garage. In one of the crawlspaces there was a large (approx 16'x18') internal brick foundation. I first thought it was a cistern, but found this in the kitchen of the apartment above. Any guesses? I know what the right one is for, but not the two on the left.

I don't know anything about trees (we live in a dense forest so I just whack down hurtin' ones that might take out a building), but I do find woodpecker damage on many inspections, so I've done some research. The #1 reason for peckin' on a house is "drumming". This is behavior for establishing territory and attracting mates. #2 is going after bugs (usually carpenter bees and carpenter ants). #3 is excavating for a nest. (wood siding on frame buildings can sound like a hollow tree) If you fix the trees, they'll probably be more interested in the house. I'm told that visual repellents (owl or hawk silhouettes), if used before the territory is established, can be an effective deterrent.

Kurt wrote: "...DeGruchy... he's my hero" Please find a new hero. He's mine and I only share him with my appreciative clients.

R802.10.4 Alterations to trusses. ... "Alterations resulting in the addition of load (e.g., HVAC equipment, water heater) that exceeds the design load for the truss shall not be permitted without verification that the truss is capable of supporting such additional loading."

Bill translated: "I have (something) a pigeon nut" Mike rectified: "he's got a pidgeon's head" Thanks for clearing that up. I thought you were implying that you had kleine hoden. [:-magnify [:-bigeyes

I would question whether the two trusses were specifically designed to support a furnace on the bottom chord. I don't see as many trusses as most HIs, but I know if the bottom chord is a 2x4, it probably wasn't intended to carry any more load than drywall. Ask the builder to provide the truss design drawings, which are required to include the design load of the bottom chord.

"Jetzt verstehe Ich! Warum hat Ich nicht an Volkswagen gedenkt? Ich habe wricklich eine taube Nuss!" It just seems odd that the person that wrote that has a surname of O'Handley. Since my name came from Germany and I live in an area dominated by the descendants of German settlers, I'll try the translation. "Now I understand! Why didn't I think of Volkswagen? I have (something) a pigeon nut!" Okay, it's been 3 decades since I've tried to read German and I never could speak or write it.

THREAD DRIFT! I was involved in a joint research project with Plimouth Plantation and a very good friend was an interpreter there. There are primary sources that document that the pilgrims were most certainly eating lobstah. They weren't thrilled about it though. Bradford even mentioned in his History of Plimouth Plantation that all they could offer new colonists was lobster, some fish and water. Back on topic. I just checked with someone I know who did a similar fund raiser and she said to contact the Atwood Lobster Co. They specifically handle supplying these types of events.

I have a client that's considering purchasing this for a residence. If it was in a better location, I would be attempting to out bid him. http://uploads/inspecthistoric/20065321038_church1.jpg http://uploads/inspecthistoric/20065321128_church2.jpg I've inspected many historic churches, meetinghouses and even all the buildings in a monastery, but this one is the coolest. It's current use is an antique store, but everything original remains: stained glass windows, hanging brass/copper lighting, huge working pipe organ, industrial kitchen, six baths and it's 28'-30' up to the trusses. 16500 sq. ft.

The 2x12 floor joists below this 1871 hotel appear to be boards from the sides of coal cars.

Well, it's not a roost, but it would accommodate a few curmudgeons. http://cgi.ebay.com/Titan-1-ICBM-Missile-Base-Located-in-Washington-State_W0QQitemZ4455060285QQcategoryZ1607QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Interlocking asphalt shingles are popular in high wind areas, so I don't see more than 1 or 2 a year. I did see one that was documented to have been installed in 1929. (I think I remember the installers name was K. Mitenbuler) A veteran roofer I know calls them "cereal box top" shingles.

"Ballast tiles" or "ballast pavers". They're lightweight concrete tiles installed to secure single-ply roofing membranes (so wind doesn't lift 'em up) and to protect the membrane from UV wear. Also reduces damage from HVAC mechanics. Those interlocking tiles look familiar. Try googling "Westile Ballast". I'll bet that's them.

Here's a bunch of folks that are using the conversion kit I mentioned in an earlier reply: http://www.greasecar.com/profiles_list.cfm

I had a client that runs his Mercedes on used vegetable oil. There is a kit available that converts almost any diesel vehicle for only around $800. You have to keep the fuel lines and filters heated to keep the veg oil at the same viscosity as diesel. You also have to start the engine with diesel and purge at shutdown. Any type of veg oil can be used, but he prefers to collect his oil from Asian restaurants. They are glad to give it to him for free as they have to pay for disposal.

"...are Crown & Utica the "same" thing?" Not that I'm aware of. Crown is manufactured in Phila, PA. I've been to their plant. There recent boilers are red & black. Utica is, well, I guess, manufactured in Utica, NY. Their products are always blue.