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Asbestos flooring
The photo is showing multi-layer flooring that is not uncommon in homes built before 1990. Q: Can you tell which layer contains Asbestos? A: all layers. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was added to a variety of home products like insulation, floor tiles, acoustic ceiling tiles, and more to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. You can only identify the fibers by asbestos testing with a special type of microscope. The asbestos fibers are so small you can't see them, but the danger is they can easily be inhaled and embed into our lungs without knowing.
Cracked Shingles and Granules Loss
Cracked shingles and sever gradual loss is an indication the roof covering is near end of life and typical of long-term weathering. Lifespan is dependent on several factors such as workmanship and weather conditions. Typical life for a 3-tab asphalt shingle is between 15-18 years and for architectural 20-25 years. But when there is early wear out, such as sever cracking, granules loss, curling, or blistering, it’s an indication of a more serious issue with the roof system that impact more than just the lifespan or the shingle. In many cases, lack of attic ventilation can heat to build-up in the attic that essentially bakes the shingles causing premature aging/deterioration. Poor ventilation can also cause excess moisture leading to mold growth and eventually causing moisture damage and rot to the roof decking and structures.
Exterior Wall Moisture Cause & Effect
The wall discoloration is not a just a simple stain, it’s a concern that needs to be corrected. The CAUSE of elevated moisture was due to improperly installed siding bottom hold J-Channel from above. The siding installer left a gap between the J-Channel runs which created a localized drain point that saturated the bricks wall area below. The home owner tried to fix the issue by caulking the gap. The EFFECT over time, the caulk failed and prolong drainage from the gap between the J-Channel caused repeated elevated moisture in this area which led to damage of the brick veneer. Failure to correct the issue resulted in several cracked bricks and deteriorated mortar joints. Further delays in repairs will be costly and may lead to a more serious issues such as underlining moistures damage to the structure. If you see discoloration like this on your brick veneer siding its time for service.
Appliance Inspection
Can you find what's wrong? ANSWER Its not a major defect or safety issue but many times it’s the small things that are discovered and add up during a Home Inspection such as the waste disposer missing its appliance power cord. Contact me to learn more about the benefits of a Certified Home Inspection.
Chimney Inspection
Exterior inspection includes evaluating the exterior chimney and its components. In this photo the exposed portion of the clay chimney flue liner and masonry crown was deteriorated and needs to be replace to maintain a weather tight chimney. Cracks in the flue liner and open gaps in the deteriorated crown allows water seepage into the interior chimney and flue liner which will cause further damage from freeze thaw cycle if not repaired. To schedule your Home Inspection contact Innovative Home Inspection 734-664-5853.
Do you trust this Deck?
Orange flames, time to call service!
Hi neighbors, with the heating season upon us. If you haven't had a maintenance service to clean and tune up your furnace in a couple years, now is the time to take advantage of the seasonal specials being offered by many of our community Heating and Cooling companies. Service will ensure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently. It's also a good time to test your smoke and CO detectors and replace those batteries before you get too busy with the Holiday season. Contact Innovative Home Inspection for a no cost consultation or to learn more about Inspection Services we provide.
Surprise flooded basement!
Home owner was surprise at yesterdays 11 Month New Home Warranty Inspection in Cherry Hill Village. They were shocked to find out their basement was flooded since they were in the basement a few days ago and it was dry. The cause was a faulty sump pump but the real discovery was there was no floor drain installed in the flooded section and the drain in another section of the basement was capped. Capped or missing floor drains are a major defect. Contact me to find out more about the benefits of a new home warranty inspection.
Asbestos Vermiculite Insulation
Vermiculite was used as loose fill attic insulation until the mid-80’s. It can be as small as rice like grains and large as inch long particles that are often shiny gray-brown to silver-gold color. The danger of vermiculite is it can be contaminated with asbestos mineral fibers that can become friable (airborne) and easily inhaled if disturbed. Not all vermiculite contains asbestos fibers, it can only be positively identified for asbestos with a special type of microscope. For your safety EPA advises testing all vermiculite insulation. Contact me for testing if you suspect vermiculite insulation. Lean more to down load a free copy of EPA's Asbestos Guide.