RussellMelville's blog
Galvanized piping
Submitted by RussellMelville on Fri, 03/25/2022 - 14:44Log Cabin
Submitted by RussellMelville on Fri, 05/21/2021 - 08:26
Here is my camp, built by hand, no electricity, all chainsaw carpentry, blood and sweat equity.
Asbestos
Submitted by RussellMelville on Wed, 05/05/2021 - 07:18Here is a picture of asbestos on the boiling pipes. We all know that this can be very dangerous and should be removed/encapsulated to protect the health of the building occupants. This is a high dollar item as specially trained people that are licensed are required to undertake great precautions to protect themselves and the building occupants. This particulat case is what is called friable, meaning it is breaking apart, and becoming airborn where it is most dangerous, as it is deadly if it is inhaled.
Ice Damming
Submitted by RussellMelville on Mon, 01/20/2020 - 08:43Attic bathroom venting into attic, wiring problems
Submitted by RussellMelville on Thu, 08/08/2013 - 04:59Fuse Panel
Submitted by RussellMelville on Thu, 06/13/2013 - 04:53
This fuse panel was over fused and dangerous. Fuse panels are easily tampered with by homeowners and are a major cause of fires. This fuse panel had 3 30 amp fuses in place, when they should not have exceeded 20 amps. Insurance providers will typically deny insurance when a fuse panel is in place and require a circuit breaker panel be installed.
Wet ceiling
Submitted by RussellMelville on Sat, 06/01/2013 - 08:55
The sag in the ceiling in this front porch was nicely hidden by a new paint job to hide the water staining. But, the moisture meter tells the story as it proved to be saturated, as was the wall and the areas around the windows. I suspected there could be a problem as the shingled roof over the porch had a low pitch, and my hunch was right!
Bird damage
Submitted by RussellMelville on Wed, 05/15/2013 - 08:04While inspecting a home in Johnstown yesterday it was noted that the soffit and fascia were loose in areas of the homes exterior leaving openings for birds, bats and critters to gain access. When I got into the attic I was rather surprised at the amount of bird droppings. It was quite extensive, and should be cleaned up as bird and rodent droppings can be a health hazard. I took pictures and detailed the information for my client in the report.