Dryer Hood Plugged
This clothes dryer vent hood is completely blocked. This will result in longer drying time and possibly damage to the appliance. A blocked dryer vent system is also a fire hazard. It's important to keep the dryer lint filter clean AND the exhaust hood in order to reduce your energy onsumption and prevent expensive repair bills.
Fire Hazard
The combination of over sized light bulbs and proximity to the ceiling finish make this light fixture a safety and fire hazard. Light bulbs that exceed the recommended maximum bulb wattage produce excessive heat that can affect the electricall wiring and cause electrical issues. Bare light bulbs should be protected from impact damage that could result in personal injury.
Flashing Missing
This common wall divides the front entrances of a newly constructed semi detached residence. A cap flashing should have been installed on top of this wall to prevent moisture penetration in the wall system and protect the building paper from ultraviolet deterioration.
Look Carefully!
This peninsula gas burning fireplace is missing a glass front (foreground). The household glass cleaner this homeowner used to clean the cresote and smoke stains from the fierplace glass caused it to shatter on ignition. Non flammable glass cleaners specifically designed for gas fireplaces should have been used on all interior surfaces to prevent this from happening.
New & Old
New fixtures don't always line up with old drain lines. This misalignment could cause blockage over time and possibl water damage to the cabinet and the finished ceiling below as the electrical tape becomes brittle. The basket and tail piece should have been screwed together and the plastic drainline cut to fit.
Cracked Roof Vent
Oftentimes defects are not always visible from the street. This plastic roof vent has suffered hail damage and should have been replaced to prevent water intrusion into the building.
Damaged Web
This broken web member is part of a pre engineered roof truss system. Anytime a chord or a web member in this case has been compremised; repairs must be done according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
Filter Backwards
Most furnace filters have arrows printed on the frame that indicate the direction of air flow. In this case the filter has been installed backwards with its unsupported side facing the blower. Collapsed filters can damage fan blades and intefere with the operation of the appliance. Make sure that you change the filter on a regular basis and install the new one with the arrow(s) pointing in the direction of air flow, genreally towards the appliance.
Green Water Closet!
I often find the unexpected when I inspect a home, and this is no exception. The homeowners have done a great job at recycling their used water closet but their choice of location is less than ideal. The planter is blocking access to the cable/phone service covers, which will make servicing difficult. I like to report on all issues and let my clients decide for themselves what is important.
Venting Inside Attic
This bathroom fan vent pipe is discharging warm, moist air in a cold attic, causing water damage to the attic space. Eventually, mold will form. All exhaust vents must terminate to the outdoors and be insulated to prevent warm, moist air from condensing inside the pipe.
Clothes Not Drying?
The vent pipe for this clothes dryer has been severely crushed. This is a fire hazard! The restriction of airflow and the possible accumulation of lint at the bend will cause the appliance to run hot, and that could ignite the trapped lint and cause a fire. If your clothes are taking too long to dry, you should be checking your lint filter and exhaust vent pipe system.
Condenser Too Close
This outdoor air conditioner condenser coil has been installed against the foundation wall to clear the sidewalk. As a result, airflow will be restricted, preventing heat transfer between the coil and outdoor air. This means that the refrigerant leaving the condenser coil will be warmer than it should, affecting the overall performance of the air conditioning system and the life expectancy of the compressor. A damaged or dirty coil will have the same effect and should be inspected and cleaned annually for peak performance.
