The Penguin Manouver
The Penguin Maneuver What, you may ask, does the penguin maneuver have to do with the house I am looking to purchase? As I am writing this, we are experiencing a rather wet and windy day on the west coast. When I am inspecting your home, I do consider how well the building is protected from these elements. The neighboring houses and other buildings can and do provide protection, much like how the penguins and their buddies huddle together during a blizzard. The very big difference is that, unlike the penguins, your home doesn’t get to...
read moreDamp Basement and Crawl Space
Many times proper grading and water control around the house will take care of minor water infiltration into a basement or crawlspace. The following are some step by step recommendations, starting with the least expensive. Once the conditions have been changed, routine monitoring of all of the lower levels will be required. Fill any pockets or holes along the foundation; create a grade away from the house minimum 1/2″ per foot. Extend all downspouts and other water discharges a minimum of 10′ away from structure. Remove any...
read moreMold and Mildew
Mold is a microorganism that has tiny seeds, or spores, that spread through the air and feed on organic matter wherever they land. It has been in existence throughout human history, and actually contributes to the life process. There is literally mold in every breath we take. Benign There are thousands of known species of molds, many molds such as mildew that commonly appear on ceramic tiles in bathrooms and window frames are considered benign and do not usually constitute a health threat, but they should be removed. Allergens Some are...
read moreAluminum Wiring
In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s copper prices rose and contractors/electricians switched from copper to lower costing aluminum wiring. Although no longer used in distribution circuits (the small wires in a house or condo that carries electricity to the plugs and switches), aluminum wiring is still used today in certain applications. For example, 240 volt circuits for stoves and dryers. It sometimes is used on the main service entrance wire from the road to the house. The conductivity of aluminium is not as good as copper so...
read moreFrequently Asked Questions – Vermiculite Insulation Containing Asbestos
The Government of Canada is informing Canadians about the potential risks to health posed by vermiculite insulation containing asbestos. Some vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos fibres. These products can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. However, there is currently no evidence of risk to your health if the insulation is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise kept from exposure to the interior environment. View a list of common building materials that...
read moreKnob & Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring is commonly found in homes over 60 years of age and consists of single hot and neutral wires, separated by knobs (or insulators) and ceramic tubes. Knob and tube wiring is considered a higher risk than contemporary wiring installations mainly because there is no ground wire (in contrast to contemporary wiring) the exposed wires in attics and basements are highly susceptible to wearing and physical damage the wires sheathing becomes brittle due to heat and exposure over time much of the systems wires are enclosed in the...
read moreHome Inspection 101
Upon talking to my clients they will ask me what exactly is it that I do on a Home Inspection? What will I be looking for? Well, this is what I do…… Lot grading and drainage The first thing I do is to take a step back and take a macro view of the property. I evaluate the overall lot grading, asking myself these questions: Does it have a steep slope? How is the home affected? Is the home sitting proud or are there areas sloped towards the building? From a distance, I also look at the building itself, noting: How is the roof water managed? How...
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