Archive for the 'Stump The Inspector' Category

Jim’s Frozen Pipe Follow Up

Posted by Shawna Ebersole | Categories: Maintenance Tips, Stump The Inspector

Here are some additional conditions that should be reviewed around ANY home when the weather gets very cold, as was the case recently.

Ensure all gaps and openings in the basement or crawlspace walls are filled.  The smallest amount of wind on very cold days (anything below 15F) will penetrate these gaps.  If pipes are nearby these gaps, it takes very little to freeze them.  In this case, close the crawlspace vents to prevent cross ventilation.  Be sure to open them after the weather moderates.

Gaps in siding walls create the same problem.  Extremely cold temperatures and high winds do some unbelievable things related to freezing.  I have seen pipes on interior walls actually freeze if there was an opening of the smallest type to the outside that would allow cold air to reach the pipes, especially if it was on the windward side of the home.  Seal even the smallest gaps to prevent this.  I grew up in lots of -20F winters.  As I look back, since it has been a while since we have seen these temperatures, it still amazes me how some pipes could freeze where they were located.

Best Regards,
Jim Schwarz

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Stopping Energy Loss!

Posted by Shawna Ebersole | Categories: Maintenance Tips, Stump The Inspector

Well, the cold weather is definitely upon us and that makes it a great time to start thinking about how we can better protect our homes…and therefore the amount of money we allow to fly out of them!

For instance, did you know that energy loss through gaps and poor connections in ductwork can be as high as 30%?  This can be increased by un-insulated ducting in the attic or crawlspace.  Many times crawlspace and attic inspections reveal ducting that has become separated or has been poorly sealed at connections.

It is recommended to use a permanent type sealant such as duct sealant caulk to repair these areas.  Duct tape will deteriorate over time and will recreate the problem.

It should be understood that if a home has the ducting within the envelope of the home…meaning not in the crawlspace or attic…the energy loss will be far less.

The best procedure for determining leaking ducts is to turn on the furnace fan and enter the attic or crawlspace.  It is easy to hear or feel air movement within the ducting where gaps exist.

The use of smoke is an effective way to test this because as the smoke is drawn into the ducting it can actually be seen as it escapes through the gaps.  If, however, you are uncomfortable with this type of system review, it is suggested that you contact a reputable home inspector or HVAC company to evaluate your system.

This helpful information has been provided to us by our good friend Jim Schwarz at Center Grove Real Estate Inspections.  For more helpful advice, please call Jim directly at 317.313.5362 and be sure to tell him you found him at iShopGreenwood.com !

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What Are The Dark Streaks On My Roof?

Posted by Shawna Ebersole | Categories: Maintenance Tips, Stump The Inspector

Is this a question you’ve wondered about from time to time?  Whether it was happening on your roof or someone else’s?  Well, ask no more.  Here’s what our friendly neighborhood home inspector, Jim Schwarz of Center Grove Real Estate Inspections had to say:

Dark streaks on your roof are algae growth.  This typically shows on the North or East exposures of the roof surface that stay cooler and more damp than the sun exposed surfaces.

These streaks are also an indication that the roof is beginning to approach its latter stages of useful life.  As the algae grows, it begins to harden the shingle, making it brittle and more susceptible to damage.

This damage will show up as granule loss, which will then expose the mat of the shingle to more heat and weather.  Over time, the degradation of the roof will accelerate.

Roofs like this should be monitored bi-annually to find necessary repairs and to best determine the point of eventual replacement. 

Great insight…thanks Jim!

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Why Is There A Slope Under My Laminate Floor?

Posted by Shawna Ebersole | Categories: Stump The Inspector

From time to time we have people call or write in with specific home inspection questions that we may not always have the answer to.

When that happens, we turn those questions over to our resident expert, Jim Schwarz of Center Grove Real Estate Inspections.

Here’s what Jim had to say in answer to this particular question:

I may have seen the actual home or at least one like it.  The laminate flooring was installed with a pad underneath.  In order to avoid a difference in height at the bath entrance, which would have created a trip hazard and appearance issue, the installer held the pad back about a foot to create an easy transition into the bathroom.  Under these circumstances, it was probably the best decision.

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