Carpenter Ants Can Do Serious Structural Damage If Left Unchecked

The other day, a buyer asked me if I could check out the large swing set that came with his new home. To build some good will, I told him that even though it wasn't included in the State Standards of Practice that I would still inspect it as a courtesy (It seemed pretty sturdy). Home inspections are designed to assess the overall condition of a home, but there are several items typically not included in the inspection. These exclusions often fall outside the scope of the inspector's responsibilities or require specialized knowledge or equipment. Commonly excluded items include: Appliances and Systems Not Permanently Installed: Portable appliances, such dehumidifiers and window unit air conditioners are often not inspected. Inspectors usually focus on built-in appliances, but even those may not be tested for full functionality beyond basic operation. Specialized Systems and Features: Components like swimming pools, hot tubs, septic systems, recreational equipment (swing sets) and irrigation systems are generally not part of a standard inspection. These items often require separate evaluations by specialists. Hidden or Inaccessible Areas: Inspectors typically don’t inspect areas they cannot safely or easily access, such as behind walls, under carpets, or in areas with no access points (e.g., sealed attics or crawl spaces). Additionally, they do not test for environmental hazards like mold, asbestos, or radon unless specifically requested and qualified to do so. To address these gaps, homeowners or buyers may need to hire specialized inspectors for a more comprehensive assessment.

Earlier this year I inspected a house with vinyl siding. There didn't appear to be any problems. There was a sliding door to the deck at the second floor which had water damage and some rot at the threshold. I called out the damage and recommended that the buyer immediately get it fixed because water damage can lead to structural damage and mold. I checked underneath the sliding door at the interior of the home and there was no musty smell, staining or mold evident on the sheetrock wall even though there were some drip marks inside that I called out. This was not unexpected due to the water damage at the threshold above. A month later the client closed on the house, started repairs, and found extensive water damage and structural damage. I almost fainted at the site of it, and asked myself "How could I have missed this"? It was bad... There were a couple of factors at play here. 1) The vinyl siding was in good shape and looked to be installed properly. It covered all evidence of the water damage behind it. 2) At some point in time, the previous owner pulled the sheetrock off the wall at the first floor and added a layer of plastic before replacing the sheetrock and repainting the walls thus locking in any moisture damage behind the plastic. The buyer was a contractor and walked the home with me during the inspection. Upon return to the property, before I could say anything, he looked me in the eye and told me, "There's no way you could have known". He was right.... A home inspection is defined as "A Visual, Non-Invasive Inspection of the Property". Unless the inspector takes apart the walls, there is no way to know what's hiding out of site.

I inspected a house the other day that had low window sills. They were casement windows and had no safety features so they could be opened to 90 degrees. Home Inspection Greenwich Low window sills can pose several safety risks, particularly in homes with young children or pets. These low surfaces can act as an easy stepping point, increasing the likelihood of accidental falls through open windows. In multi-story buildings, this risk is even greater, as a fall from height can lead to serious injuries or worse. Additionally, low sills can also be an entry point for intruders, compromising the security of a home. Home Inspection Greenwich Aside from safety concerns, low window sills may lead to practical challenges. They are more prone to damage from foot traffic, furniture placement, or other activities near the floor level. Low sills may also be more vulnerable to water seepage during heavy rains, especially if proper weatherproofing is not in place. Over time, this can cause structural issues such as rot or mold, which can be costly to repair and harmful to indoor air quality. Home Inspection Greenwich To address these issues, several solutions can be implemented. Installing safety features like window guards, childproof locks, or security screens can significantly reduce risks without requiring major renovations. For better protection against moisture and wear, homeowners can seal the area with water-resistant materials and use protective coatings. If structural changes are possible, raising the sill height or installing fixed glazing for lower sections of the window can effectively mitigate the problems associated with low window sills.

Many clients ask for their pre-1978 homes to be tested for lead paint. My answer is that I don't test, and furthermore I don't think they have much to worry about if the home has been painted in the last 40 years -- unless the paint is chipping or peeling. If paint is chipping or peeling, then I recommend that they immediately clean up any chips and repaint chipped surfaces. But why is lead paint bad? Home Inspector Greenwich Lead paint is hazardous to health because it releases toxic particles and dust into the environment as it ages or deteriorates. When ingested or inhaled, lead can accumulate in the body, causing severe harm, especially to children and pregnant women. Young children are particularly vulnerable because their developing brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead's toxic effects. This can result in cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and behavioral problems. Home Inspector Greenwich In adults, exposure to lead paint can lead to long-term health issues such as high blood pressure, kidney damage, and neurological problems. Chronic exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and reproductive health issues, impacting both men and women. The dangers of lead paint are not limited to direct contact; renovation or demolition activities can release large amounts of lead dust into the air, putting workers and residents at risk Home Inspector Greenwich From an environmental perspective, lead paint contributes to soil and water contamination when chips or dust settle in outdoor spaces. This contamination poses risks to wildlife and can enter the food chain, further endangering public health. Due to these significant risks, the use of lead paint has been heavily restricted or banned in many countries, but older buildings still harbor the hazard, necessitating careful management to ensure safety.

Cracked sidewalks can pose significant safety hazards, especially for pedestrians. Uneven surfaces increase the risk of trips and falls, which can lead to injuries ranging from minor scrapes to serious fractures. This is particularly concerning for older adults, children, and individuals with mobility challenges, who are more vulnerable to accidents. The presence of cracks and gaps in sidewalks creates an unpredictable walking environment, forcing pedestrians to divert their attention away from traffic and other surroundings. Did you know that in some cities, you can be held liable if someone injures themselves on a broken sidewalk next to your property? Home Inspection Greenwich From an accessibility perspective, damaged sidewalks can hinder the movement of people using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. Cracks and uneven slabs often make it difficult to navigate smoothly, effectively reducing the usability of public spaces for individuals with disabilities. This violates principles of universal design and can limit independence and participation for many people in the community. Home Inspection Greenwich Cracked sidewalks also detract from the overall aesthetic and functionality of neighborhoods. They signal neglect and can lower property values, leaving a negati ve impression on residents and visitors alike. In addition, persistent damage can allow weeds to grow and water to seep in, accelerating the deterioration of the sidewalk and leading to more costly repairs in the future. Maintaining smooth, even sidewalks is essential for public safety, accessibility, and urban appeal. Home Inspection Greenwich

Not sure who the roofer was who installed this vent stack flashing (or boot) on the roof of this freshly renovated flip house, but he installed it upside down! It's like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. The angle of the flashing when right side up should compensate for the angle of the roof insuring a smooth fit of the rubber boot around the vertical pipe. When it's installed upside-down, the rubber boot is completely scrunched up. The guy added a large amount of roofing sealant to try and make up for the poor fit. A complete and total fail! Home Inspection Greenwich Installing vent stack flashing upside-down can lead to significant problems in your roofing system and home. The primary function of vent stack flashing is to seal the area where a plumbing vent pipe penetrates the roof, preventing water infiltration. When installed upside-down, the boot's rubber sealing mechanism is compromised, allowing rainwater to seep through gaps and enter the roof structure. This water intrusion can lead to roof leaks, damage to insulation, and the growth of mold and mildew, causing costly repairs and health risks. Home Inspection Greenwich Another issue with improperly installed vent stack flashing is the potential for structural damage to your roof. Water that leaks through the upside-down boot can saturate wooden components of the roof deck, leading to warping, rotting, and weakening of the structure. Over time, this can compromise the roof's integrity and reduce its lifespan. Home Inspection Greenwich Aesthetically, upside-down vent stack flashing may also detract from the appearance of your roof, as it may not fit properly or align correctly. This can result in an unprofessional look that diminishes your home's curb appeal. Proper installation of the vent stack flashing not only ensures functionality and durability but also maintains the overall appearance and value of your property. Always follow manufacturer instructions or consult a professional to ensure proper installation. Seeing this upon arrival makes me wonder what else got short-changed by the flipper

Mounting smoke detectors on the ceiling close to the wall is generally not recommended due to several important reasons related to the proper functioning and effectiveness of the detectors. Here’s why you should avoid this placement:  1. Airflow Patterns Dead Air Spaces: The area where the ceiling meets the wall can create a "dead air" space where airflow is limited. Smoke might not reach the detector in these areas as quickly, delaying the alarm. Poor Detection: Smoke tends to rise and spread out along the ceiling. If the detector is too close to the wall, it might miss the early, concentrated smoke that rises directly up. 2. Heat Stratification Thermal Barriers: Heat can create layers, especially near the ceiling. Close to the wall, there might be a thermal barrier where hot air (and smoke) doesn't circulate well, preventing the detector from sensing smoke efficiently. 3. False Alarms Drafts and Air Currents: Placing smoke detectors too close to walls might subject them to drafts from windows, doors, or HVAC vents. This can lead to false alarms or delayed response. 4. Installation Guidelines Standards and Codes: Building codes and smoke detector manufacturers often specify that detectors should be placed at least 4 inches from the wall when mounted on the ceiling. This is to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. 5. Best Practices Ceiling Placement: For ceilings, it is generally best to place smoke detectors at least 4 inches from any wall to avoid dead air space. Wall Placement: If mounting on a wall, place the detector between 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling to ensure it can effectively detect rising smoke. Summary Proper placement of smoke detectors is crucial for early detection and effective functioning. Avoiding ceiling mounts close to walls helps ensure the detector is exposed to rising smoke promptly and reduces the risk of false alarms. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes for the best placement practices.

The picture above should be of the clean and shiny interior of a galvanized steel HVAC Duct! Neglecting to clean your HVAC ducts can lead to various problems that affect both the efficiency of your HVAC system and the health and comfort of your home. Here are some potential issues that can arise from not cleaning your HVAC ducts: 1. Poor Indoor Air Quality Dust and Allergens: Over time, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in the ducts. When the HVAC system operates, these particles can be circulated throughout your home, potentially aggravating allergies and respiratory conditions. Mold Growth: Moisture can build up in the ducts, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold spores can then be distributed throughout your living spaces, posing serious health risks. 2. Reduced Efficiency and Higher Energy Bills Clogged Ducts: Dust and debris can obstruct airflow in the ducts, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This increased strain can reduce the system's efficiency and lead to higher energy bills. Wear and Tear: An overworked HVAC system can experience more wear and tear, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan for the equipment. 3. Unpleasant Odors Accumulated Debris: Dust, dirt, and other debris can cause musty or stale odors to circulate throughout your home when the HVAC system is running. Mold and Mildew: Mold growth in the ducts can produce a distinctive, unpleasant odor that can permeate your home. 4. Pest Infestations Rodents and Insects: Dirty ducts can attract pests such as rodents and insects. These pests can leave droppings, nesting materials, and other debris in the ducts, further contaminating the air and potentially causing damage to the system. 5. Reduced Airflow Blockages: Buildup of dust and debris can reduce the diameter of the ductwork, restricting airflow and reducing the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system. Hot and Cold Spots: Reduced airflow can result in uneven heating or cooling, leading to hot and cold spots in different areas of your home. 6. Increased Maintenance Costs System Strain: The additional strain on your HVAC system can lead to more frequent breakdowns and the need for costly repairs. Filter Replacement: Dirty ducts can lead to clogged air filters, which need to be replaced more often to maintain system efficiency. Summary Regular cleaning of your HVAC ducts is essential to maintain good indoor air quality, ensure the efficient operation of your HVAC system, and avoid health risks and increased maintenance costs. It's generally recommended to have your ducts professionally cleaned every 5 years, or more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or live in an area with high dust levels.

A fireplace damper can get rusty and fail without a chimney cap due to the increased exposure to moisture and debris. Here's how this happens: Home Inspection Greenwich Exposure to Rain and Snow Without a chimney cap, rain and snow can enter the chimney directly. The water can accumulate on the damper, leading to rust over time as the metal components oxidize. Moisture Accumulation Moisture from rain, snow, or even humidity can accumulate inside the chimney. This creates a damp environment, which is conducive to rust formation on the damper and other metal parts. Home Inspection Greenwich Debris and Animals Without a cap, leaves, twigs, and other debris can fall into the chimney. These materials can retain moisture, creating a damp environment that promotes rust. Additionally, animals might enter the chimney, leaving behind droppings or nesting materials that can also retain moisture. Freezing and Thawing Cycles In colder climates, the presence of water can lead to freezing and thawing cycles. This can cause expansion and contraction of metal components, leading to cracks or damage that expose more of the metal to moisture, accelerating the rusting process. Home Inspection Greenwich Creosote and Soot Buildup Without a cap, the chimney may have an increased buildup of creosote and soot, which can combine with moisture to create an acidic environment. This acidic residue can corrode metal components, including the damper. Effects of Wind Wind can drive rain and snow into the chimney, increasing the amount of moisture that enters. Wind can also carry salt in coastal areas, which can be particularly corrosive to metal components. Summary A chimney cap acts as a barrier against moisture, debris, and animals, protecting the damper and other internal components. Without a cap, these elements can enter the chimney freely, leading to increased moisture and creating conditions that promote rust formation on the damper. Installing a chimney cap is a simple and effective way to prevent rust and prolong the life of your chimney components.