An often overlooked part of a home’s HVAC system, except for during the hot summer months, is the air conditioning compressor. This usually looks like a large vented metal box containing a fan which spins and blows air around the compressor on the exterior of the home when the thermostat is set to cooling [...]
Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are safety devices that are put on electrical outlets, also known as electrical receptacles. They're also located on extension cables, circuit breakers, and other electrical equipment. When the low-resistance grounding route from a tool or electrical system is broken, a ground fault occurs. The electrical current may then take [...]
For most people buying a home, it is usually one of the biggest purchases of their lifetime. The price to purchase a home does not only include the purchase cost but there are also costs for maintenance and repairs that should be considered. Many homes may look like they are in good condition, but [...]
Modern building standards have several requirements regarding egress in a home. All bedrooms and finished basements that do not have a door to the exterior should be equipped with properly sized egress windows. Egress windows are meant to permit the home’s occupants to escape during a fire and to allow a fully outfitted firefighter [...]
Plumbing vents are an essential part of a home’s DWV (Drain Waste and Vent) system. They supply fresh air to the plumbing system in the home, which helps with proper water circulation. Additionally, plumbing vents create an avenue for toxic sewer gases to leave home. One of the most common defects we that we [...]
Water heaters are essential for all homes and generally require less maintenance as compared to other major appliances such as furnaces and air conditioners. However, water heaters that are not monitored can eventually leak and cause disastrous conditions. The average life expectancy of a water heater is approximately 6-12 years. Many homes contain water [...]
Chimney Crickets Moisture intrusion around chimney penetrations is a common issue. Large chimneys on a roof can collect snow, water, and debris on their uphill side. Water pooling at a chimney can deteriorate the roof covering material, flashing, and the chimney itself. Prolonged moisture buildup can eventually cause rook leaks and even structural damage [...]
Composite siding is a building material used on the exterior of homes, referred to as cladding or plainly, siding, these products help to protect the framing, structural sheathing and interior of a home from water and other exterior elements. As any cladding material should, it also serves an aesthetic role and is available in [...]
Electrical Service Entrance Conductors A service-entrance conductor is a wire that comes into the service. It connects the utility power to the meter and main disconnects at the service. Understanding where the service begins and where it ends is critical in the proper application of many code rules. The service point is [...]
The term "drip edge" refers to the metal flashing or water-resistant barrier that is placed at the edge of a roof and that has an overhang from the roofline. It shields the fascia board from water seeping in from the top, underneath the shingles, and into your house. Drip edging aids in preventing capillary [...]
