Dryer Ducts and Common Defects with a Home Inspection
Dryer duct in the attic. Appears clogged and in need of cleaning. If left unattended this can have possible fire issues. #homeinspector #detailshomeinspections
This is a disconnected dryer duct in a crawlspace. Look at all the lint. This is a common issue. It also, creates adding hot moist air to the crawlspace which leads to ventilation issues. Recommend repair.
Clogged/dirty ducts with covers. This screen should be removed to allow proper ventilation. The duct cover has flaps that are designed for dryer ducts. This is a fire hazard. I wonder how much lint is jammed in this dryer duct.
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Sewer Scopes and Why they are Needed
This is a sewer scope on a new build. My Dads actually, lucky for him he knows a home inspector. This spike/nail was about 60 feet down the line. You can see it already holding debris on a new build that hasn’t been lived in. This will cause major problems. It was in the street and will cost some big bucks to fix. People always ask me if they should get a sewer scope on a new builds, the answer is YES!
Did a sewer scope on a new build and look at what was in the line just after the new line. Looks like construction debris. I recommend getting sewer scopes done on new builds for this very reason.
Other common issues we see doing sewer scopes are roots in the line causing backups. Pipes that are disconnected at the joints, called an offset. Bellies which are areas that are lower than the main line. They usually are holding water and debris. Many other defects can be found and its generally a costly fix. Contact us to schedule a sewer scope with your home inspection.
Common Plumbing Defects Found During a Home Inspection
This is called an “S Trap” it was used in the past, but no longer. The trap will dry out if not used frequently and you will smell grey water gases(wastewater). Recommend licensed plumber repair.
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Here’s a clogged dishwasher airgap. You can see that when it drains it shoots out into the sink and countertop. Recommend repair.
Here’s some disconnected plumbing straps in a crawlspace. This is a common issue. You can see that it puts extra stress on the plumbing joints. This one so much that it was leaking. The first photo has the leak on the under side of the pipe.
Here’s a plumbing vent that’s venting to the attic. It should be routed through the roof. It’s used to exhaust off gases from the drain waste lines. Recommend repair.
Common Roof Defects
This roof ridge cap is the incorrect shingles. It should be ridge cap shingles, not regular shingles. You can see the problem with them installed this way. They curl, which can cause it to be wind damaged and leak. Recommend licensed contractor repair.
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This is a newer roof, probably put on by a homeowner. You see the valley is improperly installed. The shingles are over lapping up hill. This will possibly cause leaks under the shingles. Recommend licensed contractor repair.
This is a dryer duct vented to a roof vent on 1999 house. This has a few issues. First the roof vent is improper and not the right kind. The screen was all clogged. It should have the right kind of vent that has a flap. Second the vent in the attic is flexible. The flexible line can only be used from dryer to the wall. It should be a solid line to reduce the friction of grabbing lint. Possible fire hazard, recommend repair.
Here’s some nails on the roof that should be sealed to prevent leaks. Any exposed nails on roof vents, shingles, plumbing vents, and flashings should be sealed. Recommend repair.
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Common Issues Found in Attics & Crawlspaces
If you are in the market for a new home, it is likely true that crawlspace and attic inspections are not even on your radar. Details Home Inspections is excited for you to start your new life in a new space, which is why we pay extra attention to these areas, so you don't have to.
Your trusted home inspectors in Vancouver WA want to make sure that the attic and crawlspace are not overlooked because these areas often reflect the history of the home. They can provide clues to serious problems underneath the surface that might not be disclosed or even known by the current owner of the home.
When we inspect an attic here are a few things we are looking for:
Supporting Truss or Rafter Damage: A roof inspection won't necessarily show the defects within the structure of the attic. The roof might look secure and sound, but inside the attic, it is possible to find broken trusses or rafters, showing the truth behind its condition.
Previous Fire Damage Noted in Attic Inspection: In some cases, the inspector will find that that the rafters are a color other than natural wood, which may tell you that the home sustained a fire at some point. In the case where the wood is black or scorched, a major fire likely occurred in the home.
Adequate or Inadequate Attic Insulation: Your inspector may find that your new home is inadequately insulated. If this is the case, it could lead to higher heating and cooling costs. This might be a major factor in whether or not you want to purchase the home. Alternately, he may find that the attic is well insulated and that is also important information to have at hand when making these decisions.
Water Damage: Having water damage in your attic can be expensive to fix. Since water flows from the top down, inspectors will look for staining on the wood supports or on the walls. This would be evidence that water has leaked or is currently leaking through the roof.
Chimney Access to the Attic: Since you cannot inspect the interior of the chimney from the attic, your inspector will make a note regarding whether or not the structure itself is solid. To determine if the chimney is deteriorating from the weather, your inspector will look for cracks in the bricks and also whether or not the mortar has started to crumble.
Squirrel, Raccoon, and Rodent Damage in the Attic: If your home is infested with squirrels, raccoons, or rodents, the first sign will be the telltale evidence of tiny poop pellets left behind. These animals will often enter attics through the eaves or loose boards and can cause considerable damage to a home.
When inspecting your crawlspace, your inspector will look for some of the above situations, but also consider the following:
o Visible or burrowing Termites
o Damp insulation, condensation, warped or cracked materials
o Mold or mildew
o Wiring or plumbing problems
o Cracks, settling or shifting in the foundation
o Damage to the wooden supports of the door framing
o Presence of pests, vermin, and other animals
o Sufficient ventilation
o Quality and presence of vapor barriers
These are just some of the things that a good home inspector will look for when inspecting your attic and crawlspace, and the things they are looking for in these areas often go hand in hand.
At Details Home Inspections, we know that every home is different, and also to expect the unexpected. Our main goal is to provide you with all of the knowledge you need to make a well-informed decision about purchasing a new home.
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