Mike Lamb

Yes. Probably TV antennas but they were at practically every outlet receptacle even in hallways. Thanks.

I don't think I've seen this before. Any help? Early 1960's construction all electric building.

The title is confusing. My OP should have cleared that up.

I was given the keys to a vacant building and this scared the heck out of me. That's Lori Lightfoot, Chicago's last mayor. IMG_6240 (5).MOV

I do, maybe, one a year or less for sellers who legitimately want to know the condition of their property before they put it up for sale. I do advise my client that if I find problems it should be disclosed when they sell or they should fix it. So sometimes ignorance is bliss. If something gives you the feeling it's a trap I'd stay away. Otherwise, take the job and treat it like you are working for a buyer.

I did some research and the black tubes are apparently water lines for the faucet but I already see water lines running up into the bottom of the fixture. So i'm confused.

Nice. Thank you. Plenty of slate around here but I don't get them on inspections often. I suppose concrete and terracotta roofs have similar installation, but different failures.

After more research, that's probably it. Strange location, though.

What is this thing attached at the top of an exterior AC fan?

As a minor thread drift, a recent client received this from her insurer, and wanted to double check that the panels in her building were not FP. “Please note that Cambridge Mutual will cancel coverage if they come out to inspect the property and they find Federal Pacific Breakers or Stab Lok's”

Both.

Thanks.

What do you think of this remark in my report: · The electric panel in the condo unit is a Zinsco type which has a bad history of circuit breaker failure. I opened the panel and did not see any apparent issues. However, considering the poor documented performance of this type of panel I recommend an electrician take a closer look for any deficiencies that might cause call for panel replacement.

I think 1970's.

Does this material have a name? It was soft, something like cork board.

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Thanks, Bill.

60 year old Bryant steam boiler. Does the cast iron look more recently patched or could this be from original manufacturing? I didn't see the boiler fire but there was water in the sight-glass. No leaks.

Are there any credible cases of asbestosis other that those who worked around the stuff?

I wish I started an album of all the cool and bizarre flooring that I see in old attics. This was good one.

"Quick tip to make your writing more engaging: Never start a sentence with "There is." When you do, that sentence is entirely unnecessary. Instead of saying "There is <thing>." Just jump right into whatever it is that's a problem with this thing. For instance, you might write: There is much efflorescence (white powder) at the east and back walls of the building. This is typically caused by excessive moisture coming into contact with the water soluble salts in the brick and/or mortar. You can brighten it up even more by getting rid of two-for-one phrasing and unnecessary modifiers: There is much efflorescence (white powder) at the east and back walls of the building. This is typically caused by excessive moisture water coming into contact with moving through the water soluble salts in the brick and/or and mortar. Finally, get rid of the passive voice: At the east and back walls of the building, water entering and moving through the brick has caused efflorescence (white powder)." Much better. Thanks.

I found these remarks from the BIA tech notes: "Efflorescence that appears on newly constructed brickwork, less than a year old, is referred to as “new building bloom.” New building bloom generally appears in a fairly uniform pattern across the wall surface and can be attributed to normal evaporation of water after construction is complete. In most cases, new building bloom will dissipate over time if the brickwork is allowed to dry after completion and if environmental factors such as wind and rain are given sufficient time to naturally clean the brickwork. When efflorescence occurs more than a year after construction is complete, it can generally be attributed to excessive water penetration or poor drainage and is often most severe in winter or periods of cold weather. Under certain specific circumstances and conditions, it is possible for the crystals of efflorescence to form within the bodies of brick units. When this occurs, the growth of crystals and the resulting pressure may cause cracking and distress to masonry. It is not practical to attempt to exclude all soluble salts from masonry materials, nor is it possible to prevent moisture from coming in contact with masonry exposed to the weather." AND : Known as cryptoflorescence or subflorescence, salts that crystallize within masonry can develop tremendous pressures which may result in brick spalling. So I guess to answer the question in my OP. It may or may not be an important problem. They will just have to wait and see. After six years, except for the efflorescence, brick and mortar is in good condition.

This is from a 2018 three story condo building. The east had much efflorescence. The rest of the building was good. I found the efflorescence to be excessive. How important is this to the owners of the building to do something about it? My remarks below in the report are a little wishy-washy. There is much efflorescence (white powder) at the east and back walls of the building. This is typically caused by excessive moisture coming into contact with the water soluble salts in the brick and/or mortar. Most of this seems to be on the side where there are decks/porches. Note: I did not see appropriate flashings above the porch ledgers. Water running behind the ledger may enter the bolt penetrations and be contributing to this. Consult a mason familiar with efflorescence cleaning and remediation. Consult a porch specialist on how best to flash or seal the areas above the ledgers.