Fireplaces are a pleasant addition to home and can provide an enjoyable source of warmth in the wintertime. However, like all areas of a home, fireplaces do need the occasional maintenance in order to operate properly and safely. Since fireplaces are used to contain flames and toxic combustion byproducts, their regular maintenance is crucial [...]
The roof covering of a home is one of the single most important aspects of home construction. The roof has many responsibilities we heavily rely on, such as protection from exterior elements, moisture run off management, and a thermal energy barrier, just to name a few. Because the roof is such an integral part in [...]
Manufactured homes have been in supply since the early 20th century and have remained as a top alternative to more traditional site-built housing throughout the years. Manufactured homes combine the benefits of shorter construction time and versatility to create an affordable yet desirable housing option. As advancements have been made in the manufactured home [...]
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 this flashing detail has been required by IRC for more than a decade, old habits appear to have stayed in [...]
Drywall is the standard wall covering for homes built in the 2nd half of the 20th century and homes built in the 21st century. It is inexpensive and inexpensive to install. It is also a material that is easily damaged and being able to do drywall repair can help a homeowner save a significant [...]
If you’ve ever heard loud banging coming from behind the walls when running water at a fixture such as a washing machine, sink, or other plumbing appliance, you may have experienced the phenomenon known as water hammer. While this can be both a loud and annoying phenomenon, this can also cause damage to your [...]
Asbestos Tape While some materials such as copper have been used for millenia and continue to be used today, others are no longer widely used for many different reasons (lead paint, radium, etc.) One such product that has been widely discontinued and was previously used on a massive scale, particularly in the [...]
One of the most important advancements in both health and convenience is access to a clean water supply. With the average household in the U.S. using approximately 300 gallons of water per day, a clean water supply is critical. While most homes in the U.S. are connected to a public water system, an estimated [...]
An attached garage is a great place to keep your car warm and out of the weather. It is also a convenient place to store your belongings, work on small projects, or set up workout equipment. However, the garage can also be a significant safety and health hazard for the occupants of the home. [...]
Many of the decks that we inspect have finish coatings that are at or past the end of their useful service life. In our wet climate, maintaining a protective finish coating on the deck can do as much as double the service life of a deck. Failing to do so will allow the deck [...]
