Monday, November 18, 2013

Guard Railing Safety

So today's picture is in a 1960's vintage custom home in Laguna Beach, CA.. Reverse two story with entry at upper level and a main stairwell down to the lower level. Side load restraint requirements on safety railings was 9" spacing back then.

The code was changed to 6" and then to today's 4" spacing requirement. As you can tell from the photo, the side load restraint has been completely removed which creates a fall hazard for children and adults. Easy to resolve but a major safety issue in its current condition and configuration.

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Fire Damage

Today's photo is of a 1912 structure in Corona, California. No permit history on this structure for its existence and or evolution over the years. Disrepair throughout the property but a newer roof system.

This is where the fun starts.. As I enter the attic the smell of charcoal is noticeable. As I move the flashlight beam throughout the attic, there it is.. "Fire Damage". Not just discoloring but complete structural degradation at rafters, studs, cripple walls and joists.

How can this be? Obviously a significant fire event occurred. Did an insurance company pay a claim? How did this get re-roofed over the fire damage? Was there a permit? We found out later, there were no permits and little information about its current condition. What we do know is it's time to call the structural engineer.

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Aluminum Wiring

Today's inspection photo is of a 1968 tract home in Lake Forest, CA. Home's of this vintage can be equipped with Aluminum branch electrical wiring. Aluminum wiring was used briefly by the construction industry from the late 60's to early 70's..

Aluminum wiring systems began to show problems related to fire safety issues almost immediately which is why it is no longer used in residential electrical systems. Aluminum was not well suited for use with standard outlet and or switch connectors along with wire nut pig tail splices. The wiring can loosen causing arcing and creating fire safety issues.

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com




Thursday, November 7, 2013

Central Heat Ducting

So today's inspection was of a 1930's vintage cottage in Laguna Beach, CA. The homes original floor furnace was removed and a central heating system installed. It's a raised foundation so the contractor decided on a sub area installation.

Unfortunately, rigid metal ducting wrapped in fiberglass insulation was chosen for the install. Problem is the ducting is resting directly on grade. Because of occasional dampness and moisture at the sub area the insulation has become damaged and fallen off the ducting.

An HVAC Contractor has been called, the ducting will be replaced with fiberglass flexible material which will be properly elevated above grade and attached to the bottom of the floor joists. No permit on the installation as usual.

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com

Roof Flashing

Today's photo is of a tile roof installation on a 1970's vintage home in La Habra, CA. This is an original tile roof system with a rolled cap sheet cricket system off the garage.

The cricket is basically a run off area between two hips and will experience substantial water volume during inclement weather conditions. This particular cricket is missing a proper metal flashing extension to prevent water from flowing directly over the eave framing. Damage has occurred as a result of same. Time to give your roofing contractor a call...

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!