A chimney must be water tight and gas tight to properly move the products of combustion to the exterior of the home. Chimneys do their work in a harsh environment. Chimneys are exposed to rain, snow, varying temperatures, combustion products and toxic exhaust gas. A thorough inspection of the chimney is required in order to determine if serious problems exist. A quality home inspection in NJ will provide a visual inspection of the exterior of the chimney. As always a level II chimney inspection is recommended at the time of the real estate purchase. A level II inspection is very thorough and will revel problems that are hidden from view during a visual inspection.
Home inspectors in NJ will perform a visual inspection of the accessible portions of the chimney interior. A level II inspection should be performed by a chimney specialist.
A rain cap is a metal cover that is installed at the top of the chimney that helps keep water out. Rain and moisture can damage the interior of the chimney. A second purpose of the hat is to
When performing home inspections in New Jersey one of the important flashing details that New Jersey home inspectors will look for is kick-out flashings. Kickout flashing, also known as diverter flashing, is a unique type of flashing that diverts rainwater away from the exterior siding and into the gutter. Kickout flashings are particularity important when there is stucco or EIFS installed on the home. The idea being to help keep water from running against the exterior siding. In the case of stucco or EIFS water behind the stucco can cause significant problems such as rotting and mold growth. Once water enters the area behind the exterior siding it gets trapped. (more…)
Recently poured concrete develops tensile stresses as differences in temperature and moisture content develop in the drying concrete. These stresses are relieved by cracking. A number of factors can factor into the advancement of these stresses.
Control of Crack Locations
Control joints or cracks are sometimes cut into the cement pad in order to determine the areas where cement will crack. Control joints are grooves pressed into the concrete during the final poring and finish process. The cement slab is thinner and weaker at these cut and grooved areas, it tends to crack in these grooves first.
Sometimes cracks in cement floors can develop in other areas besides in the control joists. (more…)
Mold
The most significant problem of an improper Bathroom ventilation is the potential growth of mold in attics. Mold may appear to be several colors but can never be identified with certainty without being tested by a professional lab. Health issues caused by mold are most times related to high concentrations of mold spores in the indoor air. Mold release these spores when they reproduce. Every home has mold in some form or another. Moisture contents of about 20% or more in surfaces will cause mold to propagate. Inhaling spores can cause health issues in those with asthma or allergies, and can cause significant health problems in those with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems. (more…)
