Bill Kibbel

You ever notice that everyone that talks shit on internet forums won't use their real names.

Oh please!You know for fact that buyers use your reports for extortion, plain and simple. I've been saying it for years now: Home inspectors used to have a definite purpose for safety and finding high $$ future problems for potential buyers. Now your sole purpose is to get a lower price for buyers, simple as that. All the stupid things listed, and all the bigger things missed I see are proof of this. I know this seems like a flame, but I am just calling it like I see it, on a regular basis. So, is this promulgation based on any type of valid research or is it based solely on your own handful of experiences in your pathetic little world.

Pressure can remain quite high, but volume low due to the reduced interior dimension of galvanized pipes. Just like my occluded arteries causing poor circulation but blood pressure remains high.

Click to Enlarge 20.34 KB

Polystyrene behind bond-breaker tape and acrylic chinking. I think it's fairly common on modern squared-log structures.

Float switch.

NEMA 2-20. Was originally, and probably still is, made by Hubbell. That one is Crouse-Hinds. 20 amp 240v no ground (hot-hot).

Hey, I'd welcome an expert in the field of asbestos identification and abatement offer their insight on the topic. I'm sure there's a lot I don't know. Unfortunately, we just get a guy that came here only to feed a Narcissistic personality disorder.

You analyzed data collected about inspectors across the nation to make this pronouncement? Most folks I work with can identify a rather long list of ACMs in older buildings.

I researched this topic extensively. Spoke to the EPA, interviewed testing labs, wrote 2 articles, presented it to thousands of inspectors when speaking at seminars for home inspectors. You've determined a "lack of knowledge" in an entire profession based on a couple of posts on an internet board? Inspectors I've spoken to know very well that vermiculite installed between 1923 and 1990 could contain asbestos. They know that 80% of all vermiculite came from the Zonolite - Grace Co. mines in Libby (where did you get 95%?). They know that ethical labs admit that test results for asbestos in vermiculite have absolutely no correlation to the actual asbestos content in the vermiculite installed in the home. Folks in this business that I know advise their clients of all the above and offer practical advice to reduce their risk of exposure. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advic ... stos.shtml

Here's the on-line course list: http://www.carlislesyntec.com/search.as ... pe=ecourse For anyone doing commercial inspections, I suggest starting with Introduction to Commercial Roofing. Then Intro to EPDM & Intro to TPO. If you only do residential, you probably won't see TPO.

A-I = 1-9. I don't remember what letter for zero. Carlisle does like 2 dozen seminars each year for EPDM and TPO. Most are in PA and Texas and a few way out west. I think they also present at other organizations' conferences. My contact was Michelle.Varner(at)syntec.carlisle.com. They have on-line courses too. I'll look for my bookmark when I get back in tonight.id="left">

Carlisle uses the last 2 letters. IH = '98 BTW, I highly recommend Carlisle's low-slope roof training.

Correct. I almost NEVER see a disconnect for electric water heaters.

Crushed perlite. Crushed perlite and expanded perlite (it's been heated and turns white) are both used for potting soil mixes. Expanded perlite is usually used for thermal insulation. I have seen crushed perlite added to an attic once.

Kate, Did the tech do any calculations to determine if the furnace is the correct size for your home? That's probably more important than the brand.

X&C is compliant with OSHA, ANSI, UL & CSA.

I just searched TIJ for "telescopic". Previous discussions show Xtend & Climb only has problems with a fella that's much heftier than us. Telesteps be scary. The results also date my Xtend & Climb as having been in service for about 9 years now.

I would only use Xtend & Climb. I use mine at least once every day, but usually several times each inspection. I use it mostly to set up on roofs to get to higher roofs. I just make sure that each rung locks securely when extending. When retracting for the first time, you will pinch something - lesson learned. I would never use Telesteps or any of the knock-offs/fakes.

If it's the used furnace you were discussing, get the serial number so we can determine the age. Also, find out why it was taken out of service. How is your current furnace vented?

But in this case, only if it's installed in Canada!

© is describing the required clearance from any air opening into the building.

The instructions for the vent terminals are always very clear for Canadian installations: 12" under any veranda, porch, deck or balcony. For US installs it's always: "Maintain clearances in accordance with local installation codes and the requirements of the gas supplier". Does anyone have anything to prohibit this: Click to Enlarge 39.54 KB

In the 1930s, there were systems available that used water pressure to open and close bi-swing garage doors. I suspect that the pictured device is part of that type of opener system. I've never seen one, but read about them in publications from the period.

Rob knows Burnham. Access plates for cleaning flueways 'tween sections. Rob, have you ever see a boiler of the Burnham "Swasteeka" line? They have the swastika symbol on the end castings. The symbol meant something quite different before the 1920s.