Fences and gates are designed to grant or deny accesses to a given space. Their structural integrity determines their ability to fulfill these tasks. Fences are comprised of posts, horizontal braces, fence planks or pickets, hardware, and fasteners. The two latter elements are the crucial components that hold these individual members together to complete [...]
Roof anchors are devices or components designed to provide a secure attachment point on a roof for the purpose of supporting personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) or other safety equipment. They are an essential part of fall protection systems and are used to protect workers who perform tasks at heights, such as maintenance, construction, [...]
When a door rubs against its frame or the floor, it creates friction. Over time, this friction can cause wear and tear on both the door and the frame. The constant rubbing can lead to the paint or finish on the door being worn away, exposing the underlying material to potential damage. Similarly, the [...]
A high loop or air gap is a component used in dishwashers to prevent wastewater from flowing back into the dishwasher. It is a simple but effective method to ensure proper drainage and to prevent contamination of clean dishes. The high loop or air gap is typically installed in the dishwasher drain line, usually [...]
Downspouts are an integral component of a roof’s drainage system. Downspouts transport rainwater and snowmelt from the gutters down into a storm drain system or otherwise away from the home. In the Pacific Northwest where rain is abundant, it is critical to ensure that you have proper roof drainage. When a roof has a [...]
A common defect that we find while inspecting showers is that a gap has formed between a fixture, such as the faucet or faucet handle, and the shower enclosure. This is an issue because it presents an avenue for water to make its way behind the enclosure and into the wall assembly. Most faucets [...]
Windows that don’t slide smoothly, don’t stay up when opened, or open at a crooked angle are a nuisance. Modern double-hung and single slider windows that open up and down have a balance system installed in the frame that guides the window and holds it in place. When a channel balance becomes disconnected or [...]
A home that smells of smoke can be problematic for some home buyers. Not only does the smell of smoke linger, but smoke accumulation over time will stain the walls and ceilings. Cigarette smoke in particular has a distinct odor and stains walls, floors, and ceilings because it creates tiny amounts of oil and [...]
A common electrical issue that home inspectors find is electrical outlets that have hot and neutral wires reversed, or reversed polarity. While this is generally an easy fix, uncorrected it presents a potential shock hazard for a home’s occupants. Reversed polarity occurs when an electrical outlets wiring is installed backwards (hot in the neutral [...]
Mold growth on a home’s soffits and adjacent components, such as fascia boards and gutters, can be a mysterious and frustrating condition for a homeowner. Soffits are the exterior horizontal undersize components at the eaves of a home. They are typically made of wood but can also be made of vinyl or other materials. [...]
