Norm

Scott, I sent this to Jim V. when I was a member of CEPP. I will call Jim tomorrow to see where this matter is. Thanks for reminding me. NORM SAGE

Brian, Go to http://www.albaninspect.com Norm Sage

How about when you inspect a home which you inspected a few years ago and find things that were probably there the first time around but not mentioned? Been there done that and trust me it's not a warm cuddly feeling. NORM SAGE

Who stole the cricket? NORM

How could I forget him? Out of sight out of mind. NORM

Second look at the photo was far more clear than the first. What a mess. NORM

Mitch, Who is Joe B.? NORM SAGE

This gives new meaning to the lack of step flashing. I can't tell from the photo what material they used. Almost looks like building paper. NORM SAGE

The 2004 legislative session ended last night. The proposed home inspection legislation never made it to the floor for a vote. Senate bill S2016 died in messages (whatever that is) and House Bill H979 died in Committee on insurance. That's it for another year. We, here in Florida, remain un-regulated. Makes no never mind to me. NORM SAGE

A slight twist on this thread. Here in S. Florida if a gas water heater is installed in a confined space combustion air must be provided by way of two vents. One at the top of a door and one at the bottom. The size of the vents, according to the code, may be reduced and/or eliminated if an outside source of combustion air is provided. Most of the AHJs, here, consider the attic to be outside air and allow a 4"-6" sleeve to communicate between the attic and confined space. I don't agree but I'm not the AHJ. Actually in my own house I am, at least in my mind. NORM SAGE

Mike, I assume you meant $500,000.00 not $50,000.00. At any rate, looking back on my career, if I had the address of every client I did an inspection for during my first year in business I would send them back their money. I can't believe how little I knew about that which we were charged with reporting at that time. Thank God it wasn't as a litigious market as it is now. I can say this since the clients are long past their statute of limitation for filling suit. NORM SAGE

Oxidation is the key. Water on the surface of the copper is necessary in order to cause this chemical reaction. Other than the relative humidity in contact with the outside surface of copper water piping within a dwelling there isn't a sufficient water source for oxidation to take place. I remember this from inorganic chemistry 101 about 40 years ago. Or maybe it's 45 years in which case I don't remember sh-t. NORM SAGE

I assume you're kidding. I've known Mark for many years. You won't be dissappointed. NORM SAGE

Brian and Mike, You guys are missing the point here. Recently there has been a lot of hype regarding ultra violet lights installed in air handlers in order to prevent mold growth. Could this roofer be years ahead of himself in that allowing the roof sheathing to be exposed to the UV rays of the sunlight will prevent mold growth on the roof sheathing? Just kidding. Konrad, Doesn't the building code and manufacturers recommendations require a 15 or 30# dry-in under the shingles? If they do then you shouldn't be able to see the roof sheathing no matter how the starter course and first row of shingles was incorrectly installed. NORM SAGE

Talk with the FCC Chairman and George Carlin as to the words you can't say. By all means leave Janet Jackson's costume alone as it is prone to failure. Look forward to seeing you on next years super bowl half time show. Best of luck. NORM SAGE

Brian, You are correct. Leave it to the local folks. Mark, You are absolutely correct (so what's new)? We here in S. Florida have a very diverse mix of individuals with different agendas. As to the rest of you I will not post further regarding this subject as it would only be food for frenzy. What will happen to Gulfstream ASHI is, in my opinion, not a productive topic for discussion on this forum. Those of you who wish to pursue the matter can do so without my input. I prefer to help may fellow HIs with their quest for knowledge which will make them better inspectors. The latter is, I thought, the purpose of this forum not gossip and innuendo NORM SAGE

It ain't over until the fat lady sings. I have chosen, for my own reasons, to participate in the ASHI Experience. I'll not promote nor defend that choice. I will let it play out. End of that story. As to the subject of Gulfstream ASHI, yes there is a move afoot to disband the chapter. What I find particularly disturbing is the fact that two past presidents of the chapter are heading this effort. One has been banned from this forum and the other contributes little to nothing toward the betterment of the chapter.They have their own reasons and I respect them. As to the future of Gulfstream ASHI, I don't know. Although I do care and wish to see the chapter prosper, given the diverse views of some of the members and candidates, it's future is somewhat in question. Regardless of what happens it won't effect my business in the least. I'm proud to be an ASHI member but I'm not here for the purpose of encouraging anyone to join ASHI or any other HI association. Do that which suits your purpose and goals best. Wouldn't our life as HIs be easier if all of the associations could come together with a consensus standard of practice, entrance requirement, and goal for the future of HIs individually and as an industry? I know I'm asking too much. NORM SAGE

Bonding is the joining of all metal parts of a system in order to create an equal potential plane. This insures that electrical current will not vary from one portion of the to another. When you come into contact with two conductive objects at the same time which possess the same electrical potential you're likely to be safe. If there's an electrical difference between the two objects ZAP. NORM SAGE

That might work Mike but to confirm it (if it happens) they will also have to see what happens with the washing machine not in use while flushing the toilets or emptying a tub located on the upper levels of the home. Isn't this like the Venturri effect you get in spas and hydro-massage bathtubs which have adjustable air admittance valves in order to increase or decrease the bubbling effect of the system? NORM

Ron, Definition of a "SHAFT" from the South Florida Building Code: A deep, seemingly unending dark concrete structure with no apparent means of egress and little or no ventilation which the divorce court usually awards to the male in a dissolution of marriage decree. NORM SAGE

Pete, Please don't keep us hanging. What is the conclusion to the "dry toilet" situation? This stuff sucks. WHY? NORM SAGE

Just noticed this thread is titled "hot water heater bacteria". Why would anyone want to heat hot water? Shouldn't it be "cold water heater bacteria"? Or maybe just "water heater bacteria"? Too much time on my hands. Ron, More about marriage tomorrow. NORM SAGE

If this toilet is the last and lowest fixture in the house the rush of waste water from higher fixtures discharging could siphon the water from the integral trap in the toilet and drain the bowl. Does this occur when no other waste water is discharged? NORM SAGE

Mike,The 75# unsealed system was used commonly here in S. Florida in the late 80's and early 90's. Due to it's premature failure rate it is no longer allowed. Chris, The builder restrictions you describe are typical here in S. Florida. We still do pre-closing inspections and for an additional fee return after the closing to do that which the builder prohibited at the initial inspection. The clients understand and so far no objection. NORM

Mike, Sounds like an unsealed 75# underlayment. Did the underlayment have a granular surface? If it's the system I think it is then the tiles are there only to protect the underlayment from the UV and for aesthetic reasons. The roof should be watertight without the tiles. NORM