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Bill Kibbel

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Everything posted by Bill Kibbel

  1. Bill Kibbel
    Some folks seeking "advice" already have their minds made up. They just want others to reinforce their decision. Some other folks don't listen to anything except what they want to hear.
  2. Bill Kibbel
    I don't think that requirement was ever in the IRC until 2012. If the construction contract for proposed work was signed before 2012, the builder is likely correct. In areas that I work, 2012 has not yet been adopted.
  3. Bill Kibbel
    "Tree roots extend as far as the branches, so if there are branches over your house, there are roots in/under it" is folklore. Kurt is correct. Roots don't want to fight through concrete to find moisture and nutrients. Michelle, be glad you don't live in my house in the middle of a dense forest. There are at least 30 mature hardwood trees close enough and large enough to destroy my home if any one fell.
  4. Bill Kibbel
    Do what your wife wants. A door refinishing project ain't gonna take up a big chunk of your life.
  5. Bill Kibbel
    Count me in for any offensive against the trolls. Lotsa stuff angry people could do to make their board members really, really miserable - without paying lawyers.
  6. Bill Kibbel
    Did you install a vapor barrier below the brick floors? Functioning gutters, downspout extensions, slope of grading and impervious surfaces away from the foundation?
  7. Bill Kibbel
    My wife would've had it replaced before I knew it was broken. She no longer waits for me to get around to fixin' stuff.
  8. Bill Kibbel
    "Jacobsville Sandstone" from the east end of Lake Superior.
  9. Bill Kibbel
    The general name for it is "Eastern Sandstone". When I get home later, I can look it up for a more specific location.
  10. Bill Kibbel
    "Direct-exhaust" is a term commonly used for through-the-wall vented appliances that are not "direct vent" appliances.
  11. Bill Kibbel
    I'll give some more time for other guesses. Hint: There would have been a pulley attached to a joist directly above.
  12. Bill Kibbel
    That's old plank sheathing for a slate, tile or wood roof covering. There were lots of previous leaks and there's some really busted up boards. I can't tell if there's any current moisture from condensation or previous leaks from here. What's the roof covering over it now? Click to Enlarge 32.97 KB Gary, his IP address is in Toronto. That's quite a swim across lake Ontario to inspect in NY.
  13. Bill Kibbel
    Reinforced underlayment. It can be exposed for 6 months max.
  14. Bill Kibbel
    Having space for additional breakers is fine. You probably have unused openings that need to be capped with filler plates. http://www.hardwarestore.com/breaker-fi ... 19045.aspx
  15. Bill Kibbel
    It is quite likely that it has ceramic fiber or rock wool insulation blankets between the boiler shell and the jacket. If the surface temp is < 130F, it's insulated. The rear of the boiler is a door to access the tubes. The door is lined with refractory cement that can fail and need replacement.
  16. Bill Kibbel
    It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's never been an issue. I just throw the SD card in the laptop and give them a quick photo tour of what's been covered. I hate it when they get there before me. I'm always early to get a preview - and something to talk about - before anyone else shows up.
  17. Bill Kibbel
    I tell my clients that a panel in a clothes closet is safety issue, specifically prohibited by code and it should be changed. What the buyers do with that information is up to them. If they want the seller to fix it, give a credit for fixin' it or accepting it is their decision.
  18. Bill Kibbel
    Specifically prohibited in "clothes closets" by National Electrical Code since the early 1980s.
  19. Bill Kibbel
    That's the USS Olympia. My dad served on a ship during WWII. I think his job was to keep the engines running.
  20. Bill Kibbel
    Central vacuum.
  21. Bill Kibbel
    It's a boiler, not a furnace and it's leaning to the right. Pre 1984, Peerless did not use a date code. From 1984 to 1999, the serial number ends with for digits. 123456-1092 would be Oct. 1992. Since 2000, the serial number ends with 6 digits. The first four of the ending 6 digits is the year. 123456-200206 would be June 2002. The auto gas valve has an ink stamp with the date. Compare that to the numbers on the PRV valve handle or tag. One of them would likely be original.
  22. Bill Kibbel
    There is no need for a drain on the exhaust piping (if it was installed correctly with the proper slope back to the furnace). There is never a need for a trap on the "inlet line". All condensate drains out of the collector box. The only trap should be connected to the collector box. I have never seen a sanitary tee on a furnace exhaust - I'd remember something that odd. I don't know if it ever drops below 32F there, but here the exhaust would need to be insulated with Armaflex and freeze protection would have to be installed on the condensate drain system.
  23. Bill Kibbel
    I have to run the furnace long enough for the blower to kick in.
  24. Bill Kibbel
    Any way we can see what you saw?
  25. Bill Kibbel
    40-60. I only snap a few pics as "notes" or reminders. Most of the pics are intended for the report, to illustrate an issue or location. I've never considered taking hundreds of pics and saving them as proof to dispute some possible claim. I can't get myself to worry about what might happen. I worry about enough other shit.
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