What is Efflorescence?
When looking for evidence of moisture intrusion in a crawlspace or basement, some of the most obvious signs include water stains on the floor or vapor barrier, decay in wood, or moisture damaged framing. [...]
Why are the Vents Plugged?
The house is winterized: Many homes we inspect have the crawlspace winterized by plugging up crawlspace vents with the ubiquitous Styrofoam plugs that can be found at any hardware store. Sometimes the vents are [...]
Winterizing Your Home in the Pacific Northwest
Wintertime in the Pacific Northwest brings many great outdoor activities; from skiing the slopes of Mount Hood to storm watching at Cannon Beach, wintertime in the PNW brings plenty of changes to our region. [...]
Kickout Flashing – Code Confusion
Kickout flashing that is too small Kickout flashing, also referred to as diverter flashing, is intended to prevent water intrusion into building structural components and direct it back to the exterior. Although [...]
Expansion Tanks and Relief Valves
Expansion tanks and thermal expansion relief valves are used in water heater applications to address the expansion of water as it is heated. When water is heated, it expands, and without an expansion tank [...]
Visual Only Inspections
Influenced by the changes in the economic and legal environments, home inspection requirements have been introduced and continue to develop as the industry changes. An increase in consumer expectations for more extensive information and [...]