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 simply closed with the plastic flaps that are part of the typical crawlspace vent. Most commonly this is done in [...]

Once a common form of heating in Portland, oil fueled furnaces have become largely replaced by gas and electricity as a primary source of heat. Oil furnaces required large amounts of oil to continue functioning and these tanks were often placed in areas out of the way of everyday activities. This usually meant placing [...]

The unassuming valve and discharge pipe on the exterior of water heaters are some very important parts of the home, preventing extremely dangerous situations from arising. The temperature-pressure relief valve (TPR) can be often overlooked, but its presence gives water a place to escape should the pressure become too high. This prevents potential explosions, [...]

Roof ventilation is a critical part of a home. Ventilation of the roof and attic space plays a critical role in helping a home maintain a consistent and ideal temperature for the roofing materials and also provide a buffer for the interior of the home. Vented attics with insulation on air-sealed flooring are one [...]

During the summer, chimneys are often an afterthought that are not given much consideration. Come winter, the warmth and comfort associated with a nice fireplace is something most homeowners look forward to. However, masonry chimneys are an important component in a home that plays an integral role in maintaining a safe living environment. [...]

The rarely noticed sediment trap, or drip leg, is an important part of any gas appliance. These small pipes that appear to be extensions of the gas line serve the purpose of collecting sediment, debris, and other impurities that come through the gas line, catching them before they enter the appliance. This keeps the [...]

In many older homes, it is common to find two prong outlets that were standard when the home was built. However, most newer appliances require an outlet that has three prongs for it to be plugged in. This has led many homeowners to incorrectly install a three prong outlet without properly attaching a ground [...]

Moisture in the home can be the source of many problems and addressing this issue is critical in preserving the functionality of a structure. Since bathrooms and kitchens are two of the largest sources of moisture production in the home, it is imperative to properly ventilate these areas. The most common and effective way [...]

One of the most significant safety features in a home is the firewall, a feature that is rarely understood and easily missed. The functionality of a firewall is critical since even small amounts of damage can greatly reduce its effectiveness. A breach in the firewall above a electrical panel. Firewalls are [...]

Knob-and-tube wiring is a method that was commonly used from the 1880’s to the 1940’s and is often observed in older homes. While this wiring method is not inherently dangerous, it is considered antiquated and a safety hazard due to its age and sensitivity to damage. K&T wiring in an attic space. [...]