Chimney "2-3-10" Rule

The chimney 2-3-10 rule states that a chimney must extend 3 feet from where it penetrated the roof and be at least 2 feet higher than anything within a 10 foot radius. Chimneys that do not meet these minimum requirements tend to experience poor drafting which is an obvious safety issue

Water Heater Recovery Rate

Most homeowners are simply unaware how important the "recovery rate" is when selecting a water heater. Recovery rate is defined as the number of gallons heated in 1 hour by 90°. In other words, if the incoming water is 50°, the recovery rate would equal how many gallons the appliance can heat to 140° (50°+90°) in 1 hour. Recovery rate and tank capacity are often very close in value for residential units (see photo & click to enlarge).

Tank capacity is somewhat misleading. I have inspected water heaters for 12 flats that are similar in size to a 50 or 75 gallon tank but the recovery rates are 200 gallons/hour! Many home owners believe bigger is better for this appliance and that is simply not true.

Tankless water heaters are coming but thats a completely different discussion. In the mean time, think "recovery rate" and a relatively small tank capacity.

Tank capacity is 38 gallons/hour (blue oval) and the recovery rate is 39.32 gallons/hour (red oval)

A must read if you are considering installing a "Tankless Water Heater"

Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular and there are some things to consider before buying:  Three Things to Consider

Noisy Garage Door?

Here's a PDF to review if you're one of the unfortunate ones who has a noisy garage door. The information if from The Family Handyman (4/2009)

Noisy Garage Door

Healthy Home

I thought for the new year I would post a few health and safety articles. Stay tuned...

 Healthier Home to-Do List

Plumbing Valves

If (I guess I should say when...) your shut off valves leaks install a "quarter turn" valve. They are far superior to conventional stop valves.

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Spalling Concrete

Many properties experience spalling concrete and especially this time of year. Here's a nice article from The Family Handyman (11/2011) that explains how it is formed and how to avoid it.

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Client testimonial (click to enlarge)

I ran across an article from the ASHI Reporter (March 2011) that identifies preferred conditions for the home inspector upon entering the property. We should all be so lucky... Click the link below and the article is in the "miscellaneous" section:

Working With A Home Inspector

Unclog any drain

Several sources suggest that the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for clogged drains. It makes sense I suppose. "This Old House" provides the DIY instruction for getting your drains back in order...

This Old House • Clear Any Clogged Drain

Clog-Free Traps

Here's a nifty new item From PF Waterworks if you have problem drainage...

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Arc Fault Interrupters Circuit (AFCI) vs Ground Fault Interrupters (GFCI)

Don't feel bad about not understanding the difference between Arc Fault Interrupters Circuit (AFCI) and Ground Fault Interrupters (GFCI). I've asked a few electricians to explain the difference with lackluster results - at least not so the average home owner would understand. I hope the following quote from SCC Electrical is helpful:

AFCIs vs. GFCIsAFCIs serve their purpose and must not be confused with a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI. GFCI devices are designed to provide protection from electric shock. Both AFCIs and GFCIs are important safety devices but they have different functions. AFCIs are designed to identify fire hazards; GFCIs detect and prevent shock hazards. Combination devices housing AFCI and GFCI protection in one unit are expected to be commercially available in the near future.

Furnace Filters

What filter should you use?

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client testimonial (click to enlarge)

Thanks Micky and Maxine

How to Remove Wallpaper

Wallpaper removal is not on anyone's favorite DIY projects list, but at times, it must be done. The Family Handyman (November 2009) has an excellent article on how best to complete this task.

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Backdraft Damper

I've been asked many times about the cold air that comes from a roof vents/discharge caps. The solution is to install a "Backdraft Damper" as explained in the Family Handyman Magazine (July/August 2011 p. 21).

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Roof Step Flashing

The Family Handyman Magazine (September 2011 p.33), a must read publication for home owners, has a brief explanation and a nice diagram about "Step Flashing".

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110 Year Old Light Bulb

There is an amusing article from This Old House  about strange but true home news. How about a 110 year old light bulb (click image to enlarge) ...

Late Summer Color for your Garden

Here are some useful tips for adding some color to your garden in late summer from This Old House

Late Summer Color for your Garden

Got drain problems?

This Old House has some very useful tips for unclogging drains.
Drainage Fixes

satisfied client 2

Thank you Carrie (click to enlarge) ...

satisfied client

Thanks Micky and Maxine (click to enlarge) ...

Clean your furnace filters

From my friends at AirRite Heating and Air Conditioning...

I've been inspecting properties for 23 years and I have never seen cereal bowl "at the ready" while inspecting a refrigerator...

ComEd Energy Usage Tips

Commonwealth Edison offers some "no cost" energy usage tips. All of us should try to incorporate them into our routines around the house (click to enlarge):

And here are a few "low cost" tips (click to enlarge):