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. [...]
Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is a type of flexible piping used in the installation of natural gas and propane supply lines in residential and commercial buildings. CSST is a more flexible and easier-to-install alternative to traditional rigid steel or black iron pipes. It is often coated with a yellow or black exterior for [...]
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) is a technology used to improve the indoor air quality of a building while also enhancing energy efficiency. It is particularly common in residential and commercial buildings where airtight construction can lead to poor ventilation. The basic principle of HRV involves exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while [...]
