test inspection

18 Main Street, Erin, OntarioDate: 25-Feb-2011

Property and Site

VegetationSnowDebrisRestricted

Limitations

Inspections are done in accordance with ASHI standards, are visualand not technically exhaustive. This report is based on the conditionof the Property existing and apparent as of the time and date of theinspection. Not all conditions may be apparent on the inspection datedue to weather conditions, inoperable systems,inaccessibility of areasof the property, etc. The inspection report does not constitute awarranty, guarantee or insurance policy of any kind. Limitation: Ascovered off in the Visual Inspection Agreement, the enclosed AmericanSociety of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice and my verbalexplaination; This inspection is not a Building Code inspection nor amI determining compliance with regulatory requirements (codes,regulations, laws, ordinance,etc.) Limitation: Snow covering roof,decks, driveway and walkways-unable to comment on their currentcondition at time of inspection.Also unable to comment onlandscaping around the house. Be sure it slopes away from thefoundation. Limitation: Older homes could have active knob and tubewiring, galvanized plumbing and vermiculite or UFFI insulationcontained within the walls, ceiling and attic that is not detectableduring a Visual Home Inspection like this one. This inspection is in noway a guarantee or warranty that these things are not in this home. Allefforts are made to visibly see signs of these items but I am limited towhat is visible at the time of inspection.

Approx. Temperature -3 C

Frozen GroundSnowCloudyClear

Conditions

Estimated Age: 50+

Row HouseDuplexBungalowCondominium

Building

Earth to Wood contactTreeHedgeSlopes to house

Not ApplicableLandscaping

Snow covered-unable to inspect at time of inspection. Rear landscapeslopes towards the house-typically the builder would have installedlots of gravel at base of hill for added drainage. Monitor on a regularbasis and if moisture becomes a problem in the basement-you couldinstall a swale or french drain at bottom of hill.

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Property and Site

Ask vendor what this is at the North side?

AsphaltPaving StoneSlopes to House

Not ApplicableDriveway

Snow covered-unable to inspect.

AsphaltPaving StoneSlopes to House

Not ApplicableWalkway/Path

Snow covered-unable to inspect.

RepaintCrackWoodMetalUnsecured

Damaged: NoPorch

Very front doorway-porch slopes towards the house-recommend re-setting to slope away.

Recommend re-setting porch stone.

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Property and Site

UnsecuredNone present

Operational: YesLighting

Infestation

CrackBrickWoodUnsecuredSlopes to House

Damaged: YesDeck/Patio

Deck currently torn apart-see photo.

Deck is all torn apart.

Recorded Property and Site Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 1:49:13 PM

Exterior

RestrictedSnowShrubDebrisClearance

Limitations

MildewCrackPWFPoured concreteNot exposed

Damaged: NoFoundation Wall

WoodMildewCrackRepointSplit

SteelBrickAluminum sidingNo ground clearance

Damaged: YesWall Surface

Some damaged sections of siding noted-see photo.

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Exterior

Aluminum siding is damage in some areas. Budget torepair or replace damaged sections.

StainMildewUnsecuredStorm WindowsInspected with binoculars

Damaged: NoWindows

StormSplitStainMildewDamagedBinds

Operational: YesDoors

UnsecuredNone


No GroundReverse PolarityInstall GFCIDamaged

Operational: YesReceptacle

Recorded Exterior Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 1:49:53 PM

Garage

Attic AccessInsulatedSingleDetached

Type

StainMetalAutomaticDamagedBinds

Operational: YesDoor

StainConcreteSettlementCrack

Damaged: NoFloor

StainWoodBrickDrywallNo Fire Barrier

Damaged: NoWall

WoodDamagedBinds

Not ApplicableWindow

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Garage

StainWoodCrackDrywallNo Fire Barrier

Damaged: NoCeiling

Monitor previous staining to ensure leak remains inactive

UnsecuredNone


Open GroundNo GroundReverse PolarityInstall GFCIDamaged


UnprotectedImproperUnsecuredConcealed

Circuit Wire

Recommend installing conduit for wiring coming into garage-see photo

Recommend having the wires running into garage inconduit.

StainDamagedGas ProofWoodAuto Door Close

Operational: YesAccess Door

Exterior skin is delaminating

Recorded Garage Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 1:56:55 PM

Roof Structure

No AccessWalk OnRoof EdgeBinocular

Inspected By:

SnowHeightGravel CoverDeck

Limitations

Snow/Ice covered-unable to properly inspect at time of inspection.

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Roof Structure

Limitation: Partly snow covered roofs-unable to fullyinspect at time of inspection.

OtherValleyGableFlat

Main Roof

Clean GuttersSpillDrainage below ground

Drains above groundDentGalvanizedAluminumUnsecured

Damaged: YesGutter/Downspout

Some sections of eaves missing-recommend installing to controlwhere the roof water goes.

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Roof Structure

Missing eaves and downspout-recommend installing.

StainMildewWoodAluminumNot vented

Damaged: NoFascia/Soffit

Rotted sections of facia/soffits-budget to replace rottedsections.

FungusCurlStainMildewLoose

Nail PopTarConcreteFiberglass ShingleAsphalt Shingle

Not ApplicableCovering

Unable to determine surface condition due to partial snow cover.Recommend further evaluation when visible.

ExceededEndMiddleTypical

Life Expectancy

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Roof Structure

AbandonedDeterioration

CrackMetalBrickFurnaceFireplaceLeaning

Damaged: NoChimney/Vent

Recorded Roof Structure Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 8:08:06 AM - 2/25/2011 1:52:13 PM

Attic

InsulatedHatchLooked inSealedNo Access

Limitations

SagInfestationOpen jointsRafterTruss

Damaged: NoStructure

Attic

StainSagMildewRoofing FeltBoardCondensation

Damaged: NoSheathing

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Attic

Estimated Depth 12"

BlownBattCelluloseFiberglassConcealedRadiant Barrier

Damaged: NoInsulation

Vermiculite insulation is noted. Could potentially contain asbestos.Only way to be sure is to send sample to lab for testing. Seeinformation provided from Health Canada.

BlockedTurbineRoofGable EndSoffitNone

Damaged: NoVentilation

FrayedOpen SpliceKnob and TubeAbandonedConcealed

Damaged: NoElectrical

Recorded Attic Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 3:36:10 PM

Crawl space only Basement/Structure

Dry GroundDry WeatherClutterFinished

Limitations

WoodVinylCeramicCarpetConcreteCrack

Damaged: NoFloor

Earth floor-recommend covering with a vapour barrier

PWFBrickConcreteMildewConcealedCrack

Damaged: NoWall

Wood skirting around crawl space is rotted-recommend replacing.

TileWoodStippleDrywallUnfinishedStain

Damaged: NoCeiling

Inulated

OtherStainSplitUnsecuredConcealed

Damaged: NoFloor Joist

Solid WoodX-WoodX-MetalContinuousConcealed

Damaged: NoBridging

No AnchorsStainMildewMoisture GasketConcealed

Damaged: NoSill Plate

SagWoodMetalLaminateConcealedUnsecured

Damaged: NoBeam

WoodConcreteBlockAdjustableConcealedOn Slab

Damaged: YesPost

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Some blocks are sloping and you could jack up and re-set-see photo.

Concrete block support posts-some are sinking andsloping-could jack up and re-set.

Moisture Barrier RequiredConcrete FloorEarth FloorDamp

StainMildewEnteredInsulatedVapor BarrierNo Access

Damaged: NoCrawl Space

Crawl space

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InsulatedLeakUnsecured

Pipes/Ducts

RequiredBlockedMechanical

Ventilation

Recorded Basement/Structure Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 2:30:47 PM

Electrical Service

FrayedUnsecured120/240 VoltNo ConduitUnderground

Service Entrance

CopperAluminumConcealed

Entrance Cable

Service section not opened for safety purposes.

BreakerSwitch/Cartridge Fuse

Main Disconnect

Amps 100

Have Electrician Evaluate

Disconnect Rating

Location Front office

CorrosionUnsecuredObstructedNon Standard InstallationNot Opened

Damaged: NoDistribution Panel

Amps 125

Room For Expansion

Panel Rating

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Electrical Service

Over-FusedBlownAFCI BreakerGFCI BreakerGlassBreaker

Fuse

SplicedDouble Tapping

Non-Metallic SheathedCopperAluminumImproper

Damaged: NoCircuit Wire

Meter By-PassImproper ConnectionWater MainGround RodConcealed

Grounding

Unsecured

CorrosionImproper ConnectionGas PipeWater PipeConcealed

Bonding

Location Garage

Obsolete

CorrosionUnsecuredNot OpenedNon Standard InstallationConcealed

Damaged: NoAuxiliary Panel

Amps 15

Have Electrician Evaluate

Auxiliary Disconnect Rating

Amps 30

Room For Expansion

Auxiliary Panel Rating

ScorchedOver FusedBlownGFCI BreakerGlassBreaker

Auxiliary Fuse

Recorded Electrical Service Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 2:38:02 PM

No furnace Heating

Other3rd Floor2nd Floor1st FloorBasement

Not ApplicableSmoke Detectors

Smoke and CO detectors are not tested as part of the Home Inspection.Recommend replacing units every 8-10 years and changing anybatteries on a regular basis.


Not ApplicableCO Detectors

Smoke and CO detectors are not tested as part of the Home Inspection.Recommend replacing units every 8-10 years and changing anybatteries on a regular basis.

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No furnace Heating

Recorded Heating Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 2:39:09 PM

Plumbing Components

Private SystemPrivateFinished Basement

Limitation

Water softeners are not tested as part of this inspection. No salt intank.

CopperPlasticGalvanizedLeadConcealedMetered

Public Supply

LeakCorrosionNot Tested

Shut-Off Valve

HighTypicalLow

Water Pressure

Dissimilar materialsCorrosionPlasticCopperConcealed

Damaged: NoDistribution Piping

Hose BibbLaundryKitchen

Cross Connection

Advise Septic Tank CheckedUnsecuredCast IronPlasticConcealed

Damaged: NoWaste Drainage

No TrapNo WaterBacked UpNoneMechanical Primer

Floor Drain

UnsecuredUndersizedCast IronPlasticConcealed

Damaged: NoVent Stack/Piping

Location Crawl space

Improper PlugConcealed

Damaged: NoMain Cleanout

Age 11 yrs

Electric

UnsecuredDirtyWoodGasRentHybrid Heating

Operational: YesHot Water Tank

ExceededEndTypical

Life Expectancy

Location at atnk

Concealed

Fuel Shut-Off

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Plumbing Components

OtherCorrosionNo Test Lever

Relief Valve

DischargeUndersized

Discharge Tube

SootCorrosionUnsecuredImproper RiseSidewallFlue

Damaged: NoVenting

Needs AdjustmentNot Checked

Burn Chamber

Suspect InstallationTo SepticCorrosionPermanent Connection

No CoverFloat CheckedStandpipeSubmersibleNot Checked

Not ApplicableSump Pump

Recorded Plumbing Components Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 2:43:23 PM

Laundry

CeramicNo drainWorn

Damaged: NoFloor

No floor drain visible-recommend installing a tray under washingmachine in case of overflow. Slope to floor-see comments underbasement tab about leveling.

CeramicWoodBrickDrywallUnfinishedPatched

Damaged: NoWall

TileStippleDrywallUnfinishedPatched

Damaged: NoCeiling

StainMildewDamagedWoodVinylAluminum

ThermalBayCasementSingle HungNot TestedBinds

Operational: YesWindow

UnsecuredNone




Recommend upgrading to a GFCI unit to promote intended shockprotection.

LeakCorrosionSlow DrainImproper TrapUnsecured

Damaged: NoTrap/Drain

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Laundry

Make Kenmore

Damaged: NoWasher

Make Whirlpool

Damaged: NoDryer

Plastic DuctTo AtticTo CrawlspaceWith Other ExaustUnsecured

Damaged: NoDryer Vent

RadiantConvectorAir RegisterElectricThermostatNone

Heat Source

Recorded Laundry Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 2:43:47 PM - 2/25/2011 2:45:22 PM

Woodstove Fireplace

External AirMetal LinerGas InsertFreestanding

Type

Recommend having a qualified WETT technician inspect all woodburning appliances and provide a WETT report for your Insuranceprovider.

StoneMarbleCeramicBrickSoot

Damaged: NoFireplace Front

NoneRaised

Damaged: NoHearth

Suspect installationSootNot tested

Damaged: NoWood/Pellet Stove

Advise InspectionUnsecureSootNot Checked

Damaged: NoChimney Flue

Recorded Fireplace Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 2:46:23 PM

Gas fireplace

External AirMetal LinerGas InsertBuilt-in

Type

StoneMarbleCeramicBrickSoot

Damaged: NoFireplace Front

Not TestedFan

Damaged: NoGas Insert

Unit comes with a remote.

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Gas fireplace

Suspect installationSootNot tested

Damaged: NoWood/Pellet Stove

Advise InspectionUnsecureSootNot Checked

Damaged: NoChimney Flue

Recorded Gas fireplace Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 2:49:42 PM - 2/25/2011 3:01:04 PM

Main Bathroom


Location

LowSuspectNormal

Water Flow

CeramicWoodVinylCarpetCrackWorn

Damaged: NoFloor

CeramicWoodBrickDrywallCrackPatched

Damaged: NoWall

TileWoodStippleDrywallCrackPatched

Damaged: NoCeiling




CompositeWoodHingedPocketDamagedBinds


UnsecuredNone




Advise Installation

Operational: YesExhaust Fan

Exhaust cover is full of lint-recommend removing and cleaning andthen reinstalling.

ChipWorn

Damaged: NoSink

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Main Bathroom

LeakCorrosionUnsecuredSticksNo Shut-off

Operational: YesFaucet



Missing HardwareMildewWoodLaminateWorn

Damaged: NoVanity

ScratchMildewRegroutMarbleLaminateUnsecured

Damaged: NoCounter

LeakCrackUnsecuredTank LooseNo Shut-Off

Operational: YesToilet

CrackMildewRegroutCultured MarblePlasticUnsecured

Damaged: NoTub/Enclosure

LeakCorrosionUnsecuredSticksNot Tested

Operational: YesFaucet/Shower Head

ScratchMildewRegroutCultured MarbleCeramicUnsecured

Damaged: NoShower Enclosure

LeakCorrosionUnsecuredSticksNot Tested

Operational: YesMixer/Shower Head

Slight leak at showerhead noted.


Heat Source

Recorded Bathroom Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 3:02:39 PM - 2/25/2011 3:04:18 PM

Kitchen

CeramicLaminateVinylCarpetCrackWorn

Damaged: NoFloor

CeramicWallpaperBrickDrywallCrackPatched

Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling

Typical stress cracks noted-recommend filling, sanding and painting.



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Kitchen

UnsecuredNone




EnamelStainlessDoubleSingleChipWorn

Damaged: NoSink

LeakCorrosionUnsecuredSticksNo Shut-Off Valve

Operational: YesFaucet



ScratchMildewRegroutMarbleLaminateUnsecured

Damaged: NoCounter

Missing HardwareMildewWoodLaminateWorn

Damaged: NoCabinet

NoisyNo LightNo ExhaustCorrosionCooktop Exhaust

Not ApplicableRange Hood

No exhaust vent-recommend installing one for proper handling ofcondensation.

Did Not Test All FunctionsTested ON/OFF only.

Major Appliances (Built-in)

Appliances tested during the Home Inspection are indicated below.These appliances tested as reported on the day of inspection but thatdoes not warrant that they remain that way up and to or shortlythereafter closing.

Interior cold to the touch

Operational: YesRefrigerator

Make; Danby

Oven Tested On/OffPlates Tested On/Off

Operational: YesOven/Range/Cooktop

Make: Frigidiare


Heat Source

Recorded Kitchen Inspection Times: 2/24/2011 4:19:01 PM - 2/25/2011 2:53:58 PM

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Main-rear entry Foyer


Damaged: NoFloor

WallpaperWoodBrickDrywallCrackPatched

Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling

Typical stress cracks noted-recommend filling, sanding and painting.

UnsecuredNone


Open GroundNo GroundReverse PolaritySwitchedDamaged


SlidingHingedPocketLightDamagedBinds

Not ApplicableCloset/Door

SplitReplace SillMetal CladBindsDamaged

Operational: YesFront Door

Recorded Foyer Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 2:56:08 PM - 2/25/2011 2:57:47 PM

Original entrance


Damaged: NoFloor


Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling

UnsecuredNone




SplitReplace SillWoodBindsDamaged

Operational: YesFront Door

Recorded Original entrance Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 3:17:30 PM - 2/25/2011 3:18:24 PM

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Family Room


Damaged: NoFloor


Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling




FrenchWoodHingedPocketDamagedBinds


MetalWoodHingedSlidingDamagedBinds

Operational: YesPatio Door

UnsecuredNone


UnsecuredNone

Operational: YesCeiling Fan




Heat Source

Living Room


Damaged: NoFloor


Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling

UnsecuredNone


UnsecuredNone


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Living Room




Heat Source

Gas fireplace

Recorded Living Room Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 3:01:55 PM - 2/25/2011 3:02:08 PM

Dining Room


Damaged: NoFloor


Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling

Patching noted in ceiling-no active moisture detected at time ofinspection.


ThermalBaySlidingSingle HungNot TestedBinds


UnsecuredNone





Heat Source

Recorded Dining Room Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 2:59:03 PM - 2/25/2011 2:59:30 PM

Currently an office Bedroom


Damaged: NoFloor

CompositeWoodBrickDrywallCrackUneven

Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling

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Currently an office Bedroom


ThermalBaySlidingSingle HungNot TestedBinds




SlidingBi-FoldHingedLightDamagedBinds

Operational: YesCloset/Door

UnsecuredNone


UnsecuredNone





Heat Source

Recorded Bedroom Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 3:08:35 PM - 2/25/2011 3:09:29 PM

Master Bedroom


Damaged: NoFloor

CompositeWoodBrickDrywallCrackUneven

Damaged: NoWall


Damaged: NoCeiling






SlidingBi-FoldHingedLightDamagedBinds

Not ApplicableCloset/Door

No door

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Master Bedroom

Blower switch in closet.

UnsecuredNone





Heat Source

Recorded Bedroom Inspection Times: 2/25/2011 3:11:57 PM - 2/25/2011 3:13:01 PM

Hot Water

OtherTemperatureSystem

Limitations

Operational: YesHot Water (w) Steam (s)

LeakCorrosionDeterioration

Boiler Case (w)

NoisyCorrosionInoperative

Circulating Pump (w)

UnsecuredCorrosionMissing

Aquastat (w)

LeakCorrosionMissing

Back Flow Preventor

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Hot Water


Pressure Reducer (w)

LeakCorrosionWaterloggedDiaphragmOpenDrain Tank

Expansion Tank

LeakCorrosionDeterioration

Piping (w/s)


Pressure Relief Valve

Low WaterCorrosionMissing

Site Glass (s)


Low Water Cutout (s)


Pressure Controller (s)

Spa/Hot Tub

Shut DownTimer OffPool EmptyRestricted Access

Limitations

WoodVinyl CladSteelWrought IronScreened

Damaged: NoFence/Cage

CorrosionUnsecuredNone

Cage Tie Down Cables

CorrosionUnsecuredNone

Cage Anchor Bolts

CorrosionDamagedImproperSelf-CloseNo Latch

Operational: YesGate/Door

Not sloped awayLiftedCrackMetalConcrete

Damaged: NoDeck/Coping

MildewCloggedNone

Drain System

CorrosionUnsecuredFiberglassMetalNone

Damaged: NoSlide/Diving Board

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Spa/Hot Tub

CorrosionUnsecuredFiberglassMetalNone

Damaged: NoLadder/Railing

NoneGFCI


TornMildewMarciteGuniteConcreteUnsecured

Damaged: NoPool/Spa Surface

LiftedDistortionFrame BondedConcreteAluminumUnsecured

Damaged: NoPool/Spa Support

DirtyAlgaeNot TestedNot LevelHighLow

Pool/Spa Water

HardnessAlkalinityBromine

Chemical test

None

Damaged: NoDrain Cover

None

Damaged: NoStrainer

NoneDirty

Damaged: NoSkimmer

LeakCorrosionTimerBonded

Operational: YesPool Pump/Motor/Filter

Not Tested

Operational: YesPool/Spa Jets

Not Tested

Operational: YesSpa Bubbler

CartridgeSandDiatomaceous Earth

Filter Type

Operational: YesFilter Pressure Gauge

Improper installationLeakCorrosionSolar PanelNot Tested

Operational: YesPool/Spa Heater

Lights

GFCITemperature GaugeCrackOtherFiberglass

Hot Tub

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Spa/Hot Tub

DirtyAlgaeNot TestedNot LevelHighLow

Water

Not Tested

Operational: YesHot Tub - Pump/Motor/Filter

Not Tested

Operational: YesJets

Not Tested

Operational: YesTub Bubbler

Not Tested

Operational: YesHeater

Visible

Operational: YesHot Tub - Filter Pressure Gauge

Woodstove

PelletFireplace InsertZero ClearanceRadiantCirculatingFree Standing

Type

NoneOtherICBOUL

Approved By

OwnerDealerContractor

Installed By

SubsequentlyWhen House Built

Installed

Yes

Building Permit Obtained

Yes

Permit Work Order Approved

Yes

Wood as only source of Heat?

NoneFire DeptBLDG Dept

Originally Inspected

NeverAnnuallyAs Required

How often is Chimney/Stove professionally cleaned?

What is the distance from walls

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Woodstove

N/A

Is wall protection provided?

Yes

Fireplace Insert-1 Airspace

N/A

Is floor protection provided?

Distance of stove pipe to unprotected areas

TripleDoubleSingle

Pipe Type (Wall)

N/A

Is stove pipe vented to an existing chimney

N/A

Chimney sealed below stove pipe entrance

N/A

Protective Collar-Wall, Ceiling Roof?

OtherUL MetalMasonry

Chimney Composition

N/A

Chimney Properly Extended?

N/A

Installation Appears to Meet Local Codes?

Additional Comments

General Comments

Limitations

Supplementary Comments

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Pilla

r To

Post

®Aluminum Branch-circuit Wiring

Information Series©2007 Pillar To Post Inc.

If you ask three electricians about the uses and safety of aluminum wiring, you will likely get at least three different answers. Furthermore, opinion varies again depending on where you live in North America. The more you research into aluminum wiring, the more frustrated you may become. We hope this article will clear up any confusion and end the frustration.

What’s the Problem with Aluminum Wiring?From the mid ’60s to the late ’70s, aluminum wire often replaced copper as a less expensive alternative. Aluminum, however, is not a direct replacement for copper since each type of wire has different physical properties. Aluminum’s properties proved problematic for reasons no one had anticipated. What you need to know is the following: with aluminum wiring it is possible that, over time, a high resistance connection and/or arcing could develop somewhere in the electrical system, resulting in a connection that gets very hot and increases risk of fire.

Fortunately, the problems associated with aluminum wiring are now well understood, thus shifting the focus to rendering existing installations safe. A knowledgeable electrician with aluminum wiring experience can check for safety and fix what needs fixing.

SolutionsRe-wire the HomeIf you are renovating, or the configuration of your home is such that stringing new wiring is relatively easy, re-wiring your home may be a good idea. In most cases, however, re-wiring is an expensive and disruptive undertaking.

COPALUM® Crimp ConnectionCOPALUM® is a proprietary system that involves crimping a copper wire to existing aluminum wire using a special crimp connection tool that exerts extremely high pressure on the joint. This kind of connection is called “cold welding.” The copper wire is then connected to fixtures and outlets, etc. Once you “convert” the aluminum to copper with the cold-weld method, the repair is considered permanent. This solution, however, is expensive and requires an electrician certified in this system.

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Pillar To Post®, the home of home inspectionWe welcome your comments and suggestions for future Information Series topics

[email protected] 1-800-294-5591 www.pillartopost.com

Pigtail RepairSimilar to the COPALUM connection described above, the pigtail repair method involves attaching copper wire to the existing aluminum. Pigtailing uses special twist connectors compatible with both aluminum and copper. While the pigtailing parts are inexpensive and readily available, the pigtailing technique requires specialized knowledge and experience. Furthermore, although pigtailing is cheaper than the COPALUM system, its success depends entirely on how well the electrician executes the repair. It is difficult to get a good connection that will not oxidize, making long term safety an issue. Some believe that a poorly executed pigtail is worse than doing nothing. In some geographical areas, pigtailing is not considered an acceptable solution.

Retrofit all Connections with Aluminum Compatible DevicesStandard electrical outlets and light switches are not compatible with aluminum wiring. Fortunately, tested and approved replacement devices and connectors are available from electrical supply shops. Some devices, however, such as ceiling-mounted light fixtures not rated for aluminum wire, still require an electrician who knows the pigtailing technique.

A Few More PointsIn 1972, a new aluminum alloy, and aluminum-compatible devices, entered the market. Homes wired with aluminum after 1972 are more likely to have this new aluminum. This new aluminum solved many of the problems associated with the original aluminum wiring. These homes, however, still require an experienced electrician for a wiring retrofit.

Also, generally speaking, the problems associated with aluminum wiring have to do with branch-circuit wiring smaller than 8 gauge. Anything 8 gauge and higher, such as wiring for a dryer or stove, does not present a problem.

Most important to remember: if you have aluminum wiring, a licensed and experienced electrician should perform all electrical work.

The Best Course of ActionSince even amongst electricians misinformation and confusion persist, an electrician with specific knowledge and experience should evaluate each home on a case-by-case basis.

The good news is, aluminum wiring can be made safe, but seek the advice of an expert.

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test inspection

Documents

time of inspection

inspection report

inspection datedue

visual home inspection

visual inspection agreement

building code inspection

site inspection times

main street