Tips-to-Share---Freezing-pipes

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Important-Tips-to-Share---Freezing-pipes.html?soid=1101441049742&aid=j1N3TgA2i74

Snow is now here

With the arrival of the snow comes difficulty with inspecting roofs. With snow and ice walking on the roof as part of the regular home inspection becomes too dangerous.
Home buyers understand the difficulty and no one has ever expected that I risk my life climbing an icy roof. What normally happens if the roof is snow or ice covered is that I inspect what I can and then offer to walk the roof once the conditions are safer.

I did have an inspection in the morning however since it began snowing the night before the buyer asked to reschedule the inspection for the following day in the hopes that the snow conditions will be more favorable for my walking on the roof.

New Home roofs

Even new homes should be inspected by an independent home inspector. New roofs can have damaged shingles due to tools dropping on them or careless workers. All new homes should have a whole house inspection. Even those being built in Jerome Village.

Plain City Home Inspector

Plain City Home Inspection

Wood Shake Roof

Wooden Shake roofs can last quite a long time if properly taken care of. The image is of home in which the shakes are beyond life expectancy and are in need of removal and replacement.

Home Inspection Prospect Ohio

Columbus Ohio Roofing

Selecting a Good Home Inspector

Here is an article on selecting a good home inspector

Consider also checking out home inspections in Ohio website

Ohio home inspector, grove city home inspector, galloway home inspector, columbus home inspector

Roof leak Allowed to go Wild

The image is of a home I did a home inspection on that had an old roof that naturally developed roof leaks.  What happened to the interior is a demonstration of what damage can happen if water issues are not taken care of.  Damaged ceiling tiles, mold growth, ruined carpeting, allergy problems, ect.

So... if you have an issue get it repaired quickly instead of giving it time to get worse.



As I do home inspections in Ohio I see many indicators of neglect. Water issues definitely can cause large amounts of damage if not repaired in a reasonable amount of time.

Contests

Does anyone use contests in their home inspection business? Let me know

I find it a great way to add fun and to remain memorable for when a need for a home inspection in the Columbus Ohio area comes up

http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com

Columbus Ohio Home Inspector

Chimney Crowns

Inspecting a chimney is part of the whole house inspection.   The fireplace it self is checked along with the exterior portions of it such as the crown.  An area that I often see that is in need of repair and maintenance is the crown.

The crown is the top part of the chimney and is the part that helps direct rain away from the inner portions of the chimney.  When a chimney crown is cracked water is allowed to enter and deterioration begins to occur.

In areas in which there are cycles of freezing and thawing the deterioration is quicker.  When I do my home inspections here in Ohio I always check the crown.  Even a small crack needs sealed to prevent further damage.

Plumbing in Ohio

I want to be certain not to bash all plumbers here in Ohio.  Like any sector of business there are ranges in skill and effort.  The other day I believe I met the lower end of the scale.  As I do my home inspections with my company, Habitation Investigation I see lots of things.  The image I have to show you is a good example of "non standard" repair, to put it nicely.  It is packing tape used to join the waste/drain line.

Along with fine piece of work were six other active leaks from drain and supply lines.  The sad part is that the plumber was in approx two days prior and reportedly repaired all the leaks.

Just another reason to always have the home you are looking to buy undergo a Habitation Investigation.

Home Inspector in Ohio

Ice Dams

I thought I would show a great angle image of an ice dam.  From the angle you can easily see how the ice has created a wall/dam that will direct additional thawing ice and snow under the shingles and into the home.

If you have this problem the cause is related to low insulation levels in the attic, too little ventilation, or a combination of the two.

This image is not of a house I was inspecting, I saw this while driving to a home inspection. 

Checking attic insulation and attic ventilation is something I check while doing a whole home inspection.

My home inspection website.

Roof Inspections

Conducting home inspection in Ohio during the winter can be a challenge, especially the roofs.  Often the roofs are snow covered and simply cannot be seen.  If snow or ice covered they are dangerous to walk on. 

When I inspect a roof in the winter I do the roof last so as to increase the chance that the ice/frost has burned off.  If not safe to walk on then I check what I can and I offer to revist the home in the spring when things are safer.

If you ever need a home inspection in ohio, be sure to check out Habitation Investigation LLC
Serving central ohio, columbus, hilliard, grove city, etc

Check Your Sump Pump

With wet weather the chances of getting a wet basement increases. If you have a sump pump it is important that you check to see that is is working. If it is old but still working it may still be a good idea to replace it to avoid problems.

In the image you can see a sump pit filled with water. The teathered float is trapped against the side of the pit preventing the switch from turning on the pump.


If you have this type of sump pump you should check it to make sure it is not able to get trapped leading to standing water in your basement.

Feel free to share this with others such as friends, family, clients, ect

Jim Troth, Certified Home Inspector
Habitation Investigation LLC
Ohio home inspection

Charred Roof

The other day at a home inspection while traversing an attic. I squeezed through an opening to get to the other section of the attic. While there I saw what is imaged to the right. It is charred roof sheathing. It is charred because the gas water heater vent is disconnected and the exhaust is not being directed safely outside, slowing buring the wood.

The roof had been recently replaced so perhaps the roofers accidentally loosened the vent while working.

If my extra efforts of actually climbing through a hot dirty attic was not made then who knows what would have happened eventually. I am certain that the clients are very happy I saw this.

I encourage you to periodically inspect these areas of your house or have someone do it for you.