SWagar

Brandon, Interesting to know that they are replacing the EIFS with real stucco. My wife and I used to walk around that neighborhood after having dinner at one of the local resturants. One evening after dinner and a couple of "pops", I decided to see if the stucco was real or EIFS. I walked up to one house that was for sale and appeared vacant. I rapped my knuckes on the siding ... it was EIFS. Then out of the front door came the owner and wanted to know what the *&@% I was doing to his house. Oops, I had to explain that I was just checking what the siding was! Boy, did I almost get it! I apologized and no police were involved! That'll teach me for being inquisitive. Maybe I should have just read the listing flyer on the sign post.... but that would have been too easy!

Brandon, I should give you a heads up, some of the areas that are being repaired due to water intrusion and rot were not just behind the EIFS. There were some exterior stairway walls being replaced that were not originally covered with EIFS.

Brandon, From what I know, it is all EIFS. I've seen a couple that were under repair, what a mess! Some of the owners are being assessed a large sum as part of the siding replacement and rot repair. Not all of the units have been replaced yet. Bring your EIFS hard hat! Siding Solutions is still the EIFS firm I recommend.

What you saw is reasonably normal, it happens after a few years of use. Natural gas has a high moisture content; when the fireplace is turned on, condensation can form on the interior of the glass (usually single pane). This is due to the fact that the temperature of the glass is cooler than that of the flame/interior. This condensation leaves a residue when it evaporates. The white haze builds up over time. It can be cleaned by removing the glass panel and using a special cleaner. Call a fireplace shop to get the correct cleaner. I'm under the impression that Windex and cleaners of that type will leave a bad residue on the glass when they get hot. BTW, we should move this to the fireplace forum

Isn't that one of those caulkless connections?

How old is the home and chimney? Can you tell if the chimney has a liner? The stains you see may not be rust, but rather creosote and other build up leaching through the brick chimney wall.

Does the AFCI breaker kick off immediately when the fan is turned on? Did the fan ever work properly without tripping the breaker?

I hope a couple of his certifications are English 101 and Spellin' 102 !

There is no way that the (fill in the blank) could be remotely construed as anything close to acceptable, even to the most ignorant and naive. Have the person responsible for this checked for an IQ over 25. or It appears as if this (fill in the blank) was done by a third grader with attention deficit disorder. or I looked at (fill in the blank) in many different ways, it looks the best with my eyes closed. or In my opinion this (fill in the blank) could best be repaired with a gallon of gas and a book of matches.

How about unprofessional, unworkman like, improper, or inadequate? Sometimes just plain wrong works for me.

I think the trainer's doctor should prescribe a glass navel for him. So he can see because his head is up his a .... well you know where!!!

So what I hear you saying is that AAVs are allowed in Manufactured Homes?

Patt, Is this what you mean by an anti-siphon device? They look awfully similar to AAVs but are different internally. I assume they perform the same function. I found this info about AAVs and Mechanical Vents at : http://www.plumbingsupply.com/autovent.html 1-1/2" Auto Trap Vent - Product info This auto trap vent features: Generally used in mobile homes, rv's, and trailers (not code in many areas for homes) Used in places where non-mechanical venting is impossible to install Operates mechanically with a spring and rubber diaphragm Some call this mechanical vent a "check vent." Click to View 5.98 KB End product info

Well its just two little letters swaped. I'll admit I noticed Scott Warga's name and said Hmmmmmm myself. So now that I'm not who you think I am ..... now what ?

Patt, You are right about exterior attached stuctures, I should have added that MHs can be engineered to accept them. In my mind I was thinking about the home owner addon. Are you sure about AAVs in DWV, I am not talking about anti-siphon in supply pipes. I'm pretty sure I've seen these in newer MHs under sinks instead of a vent connection which appeared to be designed that way. I'm pretty sure I've also heard that at an Association meeting. The same is true about flexible pipe, I am talking about the flexible tailpiece that connects the sink to the P trap. ?

OK ... Window dressing with a function !![:-slaphap

Here are a few diferences off the top of my head. Water heaters are often hidden behind a panel in a wall. Water heaters in Manuactured Homes (MH) should be rated for that application. Usually there is some text on the label that says OK for use in a MH. Air Admittance Valves are allowed in the DWV system. Flexible drain pipe is allowed under sinks. You should know that the block perimeter (if one exisits) is not really the foundation but is there as window dressing. The real foundation is under the unit. There are a few different types - you'll see. The band board at the junction of the exterior siding and the skirting is often rotted. The roofing shingles will most probably be stapled not nailed. MHs are not designed to have any exterior structure attached to their exterior walls e.g. carports, decks or additions. Any structure attached to the MH must not use the MH as support. I'm sure there are a couple more ... they'll come to me.

When I see unusual roofing details such as this one, I ask myself can the water get out? Does any water that lands on / gets to the horizontal part of the shingle at the base of the metal flashing get to daylight or does it run under the lower shingle? One might have to lift the lower shingle and take a peak. If you saw shingle then it is a leaker, metal flashing and it is probably OK. IMO goop should never be used in place of good roofing technique. Good technique lasts a goodly amount of time goop doesn't.

So, is the mixed pipe material really a problem I would think the only time mixing plastic pipe material is wrong is when it is glued!? The compression fittings should still be functional.

I would echo Brandon's statement, I've seen blistering when there in insuficient ventilation and excess heat in the attic. Being only on the south side make me suspicious that heat may be the culprit. I don't see very many roof vents. Was there soffit ventilation?

Another option you may consider is the rechargeable Maglite. Not the cheapo Maglite, these cost approximately $125. They have 218 lumens, slightly less than the Ultra Stinger. The battery lasts about 1.5 - 2 hours per charge. The bulbs last quite awhile, unless I bang the light, which I am prone to doing. I often miss the darn belt ring and the light lands on the floor. Next time I turn it on poof! I’ve also noticed on real cold days, if I don’t warm up the light, the bulb blows when I first turn it on. So now, on cold days, I stick the light under the truck heater on the way to the job. I rotate through two lights, usually exchanging lights before the crawl space. 80% of my inspections have crawl spaces, I do them last. There is more than ample light to see what I need to with the Maglight. Sometimes, I can see the Termites giving me the one finger wave. I also carry a Strion from Streamlight on my belt for those times when the Mag is too much light. I also carry the Strion into crawl spaces as a spare, cause I'm afraid of the dark. Knock wood, I've only had my Maglite die in 2-3 times in a crawl space, usually right after I whack it on a post or rat. Then I have had to use my backup to either get out or re-lamp my Maglight. For me I think the Mag is a better option.

I'd be very sad to see the excellent current photo of the month go away! But I'd get over it.

Did the owner work for the Post Office or someplace like that? Where do you think he found all of those little white thingys? Did you laugh all the way down your ladder?

This may have been designed by an Architect on Acid or at least some good prescription meds.[:-party]

Something about attics porn and contraband they just seem to go together. I once found a bag of weed and a bong inside an attic hatch ... I didn't know how to report that !? I hate finding porn in the attic ... it makes the attic inspection take forever! They don't call me an inspector for nothin'.[:-magnify