Paul N Frey

I knew it was LP because I always look up from the bottom (starter area) and ensure the sheathing is not rotted and that there is a visible barrier). I could not see a barrier and thought "hmmmm" and started using a screwdriver to pry out siding in areas --- that is how I ensure a proper overlap is installed as well I don't like to rely on homeowner's properly maintaining their home for one. There were other installation defects as well , including missing Z flashing at belly bands that will allow more water seepage behind the new siding, missing flashing at trim protrusions, etc. So basically the siding job was a typical retro- fit job where things were not well installed. That would depend on what was behind the LP panel-- there is no way for me to know that one. Not likely if you are talking about the original flashing. And of course-- none for the new layer My recommendation in the report is pretty much that. I verbalized that the only way I was aware of to do this right would be to rip off the siding, but told them to get some expert opinions.

I agree with Jim - the majority of respondents on this subject should take both a spelling and grammar course ASAP. If this what is taught in school we are in real trouble! One of the regulars once said something to the effect "your grammar and pronunciation are a window to your soul". It should also read "a window to your quest for betterment". I was appalled after reading these posts - how could an educated individual accept anything said by these "Inspector" or "electrician" bozos. As a side note, I always pay attention to the spelling on electrical panels as it normally is good for a chuckle or two!

In my other lfe before "inspectin" 25 years ago I used to buy and sell - after a "real" retrofit of the home as opposed to the newer contractor splash and dash types out there now. I had an old gentleman that would replaster the entire residence using the old Keanes Cement instead of the new Imperial Coat. Hand mixed on the front porch in a wheelbarrow! He had been plastering over both lath and sheetrock for 60 years (was he ever good!) He told me that they used horse hair in plaster and sheetrock to give it rigidity - grey board had the least, green board a little more, and brown board the most. As far as arsnic went, he never mentioned it as an added component. My feeling is that if arsnic was present it was there as a by product. Besides, when you are a young contractor who cares about a little arsnic in the plaster, asbestos in the flooring, lead in the paint? If I were a young dumb buyer and considering an older home this article would probably keep me from entering into the contract as I would probably be dead or bankrupt shortly after moving in! As for the article - he makes it sound like all older homes should be donated to the fire department.

Looks like vertical 1x? to me (real honest to goodness wood) - note the open seams at the bottom. A shame to let is rot along the bottom edge - should have been cut off above the walk 1/2" or so (so it could dry).

Chris, there should but you will rarely find in in installations older than 1 year. Print out the Owens Corning guide (or better yet keep it on your computer) and give copies to all concerned. At this point there are 2 choices - leave it and consider the window nailing flange as a drip edge (bad idea) or open the joint so as to install caulking. I tell them to do this regularly. Oregon is famous for maverick installers that don't keep up with requirements. If the installation was after the date on the installation guidelines then tell them to fix it as per supplied paperwork.

In reply to Jim - what would you bet that there is a little nick from a nail or some other object at the edge of the glass? Maybe set too tight in the frame?

After reading the article all I can say is "let the buyer beware" as it is one of the poorest written and seriously misleading I have ever seen - they should be embarrassed. Loved Katen's contribution as we "had" one Amerispec franchise owner here that was literally run out of business for poor business practices - last word was that he was a financial advisor in another part of the State. I wonder if he took a different course from Service Master?

Leave it to Nick to complain!! C'mon NACHI, if you are as you say, the best of the best, step up to the plate and take the State mandated exam. In order to keep the playing field even, reject "Grandfathering" - there are a lot of olt time inspectors that are idiots too! We have some in Oregon but they only seem to get used by the "quick and easy" reeltors.

I had a similar inspection a few years back - also Legend. I called Wa County and Portland and was told that no VB was required but seams had to be taped (sealed). Hardi requires nails to be 1 1/4" plus the thickness of the foam (called "blue poly" bu the Super) and they be nailed to the framing wall studs. In the crawl I removed a few sections of foundation pony wall insulation and noticed a nomber of siding nails had missed the studs (more than 1 stud) so I pushed the siding off with my foot - you know, so the Super and buyer could see it from the exterior. He was upset but did a good repair. My concern was how many nails missed further up the wall since this is a high? Only time will tell. Funny thing though, buyer was either a civil or mechanical engineer and it did not bother her at all.

As luck would have it, I was up at 3AM for my "old man" house walk and noticed 2 rooms with no power. Checked the main panel and no tripped breakers were noted. I reset the offender and lights on! Power on but as an added extra there was this beautiful blue color coming from the panel interior (think Haight Ashbury colors) for 15 seconds. Shut off breaker and back to bed after some checking. Next afternoon after work I removed tha panel cover and found the breaker connecting wire missing 8" of insulator - as in gone. Wire had melted thru. Electrician is changing out panel this week! Yes, I have been adament about replacing these panels forever but "do as I say, not as I do" prevailed. It was a FP stablok. At least it gave us the impetus to collect all needed house papers and pictures - now they are near the door!! In all the excitement I forgot pictures - they would have been perfect to send to Kentucky. Merry Christmas to all from a not so politically correct Oregon Home Inspector.

I do the same thing - I jokingly tell them that I am not wearing my cape today and can't see inside walls, underground, etc. we can all see the same thing it is just that inspectors have had more experience interpreting the view.