Swafford Home Inspection
Swafford Home Inspection
A reliable assessment of real estate
8/27/19 - Today we found these goodies above a microwave in a beautiful home in Highland, CA. It reminded me of an ongoing debate regarding the requirement for hood vents. In this example, there was a vent pipe that extended all the way to the exterior of the home. However, it was not connected to the microwave when the unit was replaced. I certainly believe, as do many others, that a microwave vent should act as a true exhaust vent. the intent is to remove grease-laden vapors and gases generated while cooking from the home. If the vent is already in place, it is a no brainer from my perspective - hook it up!
This is an older article from the New York Times that describes several good reason why your hood Vent should be a true exhaust vent to the exterior of the home.
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7/10/19 - Swafford Home Inspection is often asked to conduct roof inspections. This particular photo was taken in Loma Linda, CA at a single family residence. The photo shows a common problem here in the Inland Empire, where we often have triple digit temperatures.
So, have you ever seen shingles with a crack down the center of each tab? Does your current home have this issue? This is caused by the roof surface overheating. Generally, it occurs when there are two layers of shingles on the roof.
The added heat caused by two Layers of material dramatically limits the useful life of the shingles. If you are planning a roofing project, ensure your contractor plans to the old shingles before installing new ones.
If you have two layers on your existing roof, do anything you can to reduce surface temperatures. The most common option is the addition of turbine or powered vents. These will cool your home too by removing heat from the attic. As alway, feel free to call if you have questions about your roof.
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06/12/19 - Hot summer temperatures in Yucaipa, CA continue to cause problems for homes we are inspecting. Did you know, air from your HVAC system is most likely piped to the vents through flexible duct lines. Prolonged exposure to heat will cause the outer casing or sheathing of the duct line to fall apart and the insulation will fall away, causing a loss of efficiency. If this is happening in your home, then it is time to replace the flexible duct pipe.
If You are a DIY enthusiast, the product is sold at Home Depot or Lowes and usually ranges between $25-$50 per box depending on the diameter. As always, we recommend that you choose a licensed HVAC technician to assist in the installation.
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12/17/18 - This dryer vent pipe was discovered in Mentone, CA. When was the last time you inspected your dryer vent? I inspected this vent after it was reported that the dryer was not working properly. The 7ft line was completely clogged, despite being a short level run of rigid pipe. This can be a fire hazard and it can ruin a dryer. If you are buying a new home or simply haven’t inspected your dryer vent in a while, I recommend you do it right away. If you have questions let me know
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8/10/18 - This filter, dated 6/18/16, was found in Redlands, CA today. It is difficult to tell, but it is caked in debris. This brings up two questions: 1) What is a Filter For?, How often should you change your home air filter.
A filter is designed to capture particles of dirt, pet hair, and any other particles that might be flying around your home. A clean filter will prevent these particles from settling on the expansion coil and any other place in the duct line. When an expansion coil is soiled with debris, the fan motor has to work harder to push air through it. This causes stress on the motor and will often lead to premature failure. It is also worth noting that a clean filter will result in better air quality in the home.
By Changing the filter in your HVAC system every thirty (30) days you can ensure the motor will run efficiently and the air quality will be improved.
It is worth noting that the same is true for the outdoor condensing unit. If the coils are clean, there will be less stress on the fan motor and the compressor. If you don't feel comfortable changing filters and cleaning coils, we recommend signing up for a maintenance service with a licensed HVAC Technician. The money spent on maintenance will generally be less than the cost of premature equipment failure.
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8/1/18 - Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that have been dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized piping was commonly installed in homes built before 1960 and exists in many homes still today. When it was invented, galvanized pipe was an alternative to lead pipe for water supply lines.
There are several problems that should be considered. First, the pipe rust from the inside outward. The rust can cause water quality issues and discolor fixtures. As the pipe breaks down, it will begin to leak, generally at the joints where the pipe is thinner from being threaded together. Unfortunately, Galvanized piping is not a permanent solution, as it will eventually fail and need to be replaced.
Take a look at this article on the subject from American Vintage Home:
If you still have questions about the plumbing in your current or future home give us a call.