randynavarro

Yea. I agree. OSB today is not the stuff our daddies were building with. I'm planning on using it for an addition on my place I'm beginning shortyl (I've always used traditional ply.) However, it's the edge swelling that's a concern. The product won't "fail" but if you're applying an elastomeric coating, I suppose the swelling could rupture the coating. In fact, I noticed the seams starting to ghost through on yesterday's job. After all the research I could do in a reasonable amount of time yesterday, I concluded the OSB isn't gonna work on those decks and that it needs to get fixed somehow.

See if you can get a doc from your own utility first. It may look a little funny showing up with a document from Washington state.

I've found something . . . And yes Mike, more specifically, I was thinking there's no difference between the application in my picture and an enclosed, ventilated crawl space. HOWEVER, per APA's "Finishing Exposure 1 OSB Sheathing" bulletin, it's not recommended that OSB be used as underlayment for elastomeric coatings. I wasn't expecting that. In all the APA docs I reviewed, there's very little reference to exterior applications for OSB. When discussing OSB on the outside, the only examples ever mentioned are using the product to enclose soffits; not decks, or stairs, or the underside of wall bump-outs (think gas fireplaces.)

I found this OSB used as a substrate for the exterior deck. Is it allowed to be "exposed" like this? I can't find anything to the contrary. Click to Enlarge 60.68 KB Click to Enlarge 57.51 KB

Ryan, it appears everybody else is offering their opinion on what the proper clearances are they're passing the buck. You have three sources to find the information you need to know what is actually correct. 1) Codes -check IRC and all applicable building codes adopted in that jurisdiction and find cites that spell out the proper clearances. 2) Utility - our local utility publishes a guide that clearly spells out clearances and all sorts of install information. Does your utility provide something like that? If so, get it. 3) Install instructions - from the fireplace mfg. See what their specs. are on vent clearances. Go figure, who thought 2" (supposedly) would make such a stink. Such is the life we lead. . .

I recently had a friend and his father (30 year HVAC tech) install a Goodman unit on a project. Supposedly, Goodman is able to beat Trane on warranty issues. Whatever that means.

I've collected stories over the years but my memory is sketchy. . . Is Goodman's furnace equipment good or bad or. . . .?

Might not doing an enclosed attic inspection on this type of home be a perfect opportunity for one of those micros inspection cameras? Ridgid or Milwaukee brand? Remove a can light or a j-box somewhere in the ceiling or from a soffit vent from the outside. Just thinkin'. . .

I concur and it sounds from your description that the valve was not visible nor accessible. I'd politely yet clearly state that I can't be responsible for concealed items.

It's an old Fireplace Xtrordinair. I believe it's the style you were describing first. I'm familiar with the heat tube system but can't think of the name of it right now. Click to Enlarge 63.62 KB Click to Enlarge 64.29 KB

Marc, Then would you view the chimney as defective? If so, what would be the solution?

Wood.

Fireplace. More specifically a pre-fab metal fireplace.

I see this often on chimneys in our region. Click to Enlarge 55.79 KB From the outside, the brick and mortar is reasonbly OK and it's flashed OK through the roof. Click to Enlarge 75.37 KB The roof is new though, and I suspect the old roof had bad, leaky flashing. Also, I'm thinking the flue was uncapped - now it has a weather cap. The mortar crown is cracked and been sealed with a some sort of goop - mortar crowns are typically cracked also. Point being, I suspect the water typically comes through the flue itself (when it was uncovered), the mortar crown, and seeping through the mortar. Is this a problem or is just wear and tear?

Sure they will. Only drawback is the size which translates to smaller text and maybe most importantly, a smaller keyboard.

I come here for support and I see I'm getting none. I think I might keep the headlights just to spite all of you. Lookin' at the Fenix. . . .

Two Christmases ago, my children received sleeping bags and headlights from their grandparents. I quickly confiscated the headlights and have been using them for my business. I can no longer live with myself and have vowed to return the headlights back to their rightful owners. I would like suggestions on a new headlight. I'm spoile by my Fenix but don't need anything as bright. But certainly brighter than the hardware store variety. There. . . .I feel better now.

How old is too old for electrical components?

Nice. I've started a discussion over at ASHI and linked to the BPI standard. I hope leadership will pay attention. So far from what I've learend about BPI, they're out in front and have got some good people in their organization.

'Nuff said, Mr. McDaniels. You just got several hundred dollars worth of free advice from one of the best building inspectors in the country. Read every word. Nice work Mr. Katen. . .

I agree, Kurt. I come here for professional advice, maybe some enjoyment, and to learn. These constant tempations from the O are feeding my addictive personality. This is quickly becoming an unhealthy place to hang. . .

Looks like they installed the tee and coupling for an expansion tank but never finished it.

It's FeNix. FeNix. FeNix.

Fenix TK11. Hands down the best flashlight I've owned so far.

must kiss my