Inspector's Blog

Contrary to popular belief attic ventilation is not a panacea for condensation or other moisture related problems that occur in cold climate attics. In the colder months of the year while venturing into attics, it is not uncommon for me to find condensed moisture or frost present on the roof sheathing and nails.  In fact, the colder the outside temperature, the more … [Read more...] about Why Attic Ventilation Does Not Remove Excessive Moisture

Water and soil can combine to create an irresistible force Concrete or "cinder" block foundation walls are fairly common here in Connecticut. The building industry refers to these blocks as concrete masonry units or CMUs. Modern foundation construction in this State will typically use poured concrete almost without exception. Some of the reasons for using poured concrete is … [Read more...] about Under Pressure, Concrete Block Wall Failures

1 + 2 = 3, but A + B may not inevitably cause C. The illogic of mold testing. Logic, Webster's defines the word as a science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of inference and demonstration : the science of the formal principles of reasoning. Logic is said to be a science and science itself is a methodical process of discovering and using facts to arrive … [Read more...] about The Fallacies of an Industry

Humidifiers and heating systems, a misunderstood and often misused combination Inspecting houses in the cold climate of Connecticut, forced air systems equipped with humidifiers are very common to find. The purpose of the humidifier is said to be that a forced air heating system "dries out the air" and therefore additional indoor moisture is needed. So is this empirically … [Read more...] about Hot Air, Cold Air, Wet Air, Dry Air

On first look, things may not be what they appear Age and experience should teach us that what we see may not be in fact what we get. While performing a home inspection an incorrect or hasty conclusion could be cause for more than embarrassment. Fortunately, most often a red faced retraction is the often the worst outcome. Experience has taught me that one thing usually … [Read more...] about A Council of One