Franklin TN, Home Inspector Locates Damaged I-Joist

Damage floor and I-joist are often found under bathrooms in new and older home. Plumbers sometimes are forced to cut the joist to allow for plumbing drains which compromising the strength of the floor structure. If the floor system has to be altered, the effected member (s) should be properly braced and repaired per the manufacture of the I-Joist. If the joist is dimensional wood, it should be repaired per the architect or general contractor.

Bill Collns is the author of this article and is a professional license Home Inspector serving the Middle Tennessee area.

Nashville TN Inspector Discovers Clogged Dryer Vent

Dryer exhaust vent are often neglected as far as maintaining and keeping the dryer vent clean from lint and debris. Lint is flammable and can prevent the proper air flow needed through the pipes causing higher electric or gas bills and the risk of fire. They should be cleaned annually and it is recommended not to use any type of flexible pipe unless necessary. Dryer door vent screens are also not recommended and no longer accepted by the International Residential Codes.

Nashville TN Inspector Discovers Unsupported Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing pipes that are not properly supported can produce stress on the end connections which can eventually fail. The pipes should be strapped and or properly anchored to the bottom of the floor structure to reduce this stress load and to prevent any other possible damage by entering and accessing the crawlspace area.

Franklin TN, Home Inspector Locates Unsafe Water Heater

Defective water heaters are often replaced by home owners not experienced in the field of plumbing or electrical. Often times the electrical wire is not properly attached or grounded to the water heater like the one pictured causing an unsafe condition. This type of job should be left up to qualified professionals.

Nashville TN, Inspector locates Incorrect Chimney Stack Flashing

Roofs are sometimes found leaking where the chimney stack protrudes through the roof.  Home owners and amateurs sometimes attempt to install the necessary metal flashing needed to prevent water from penetrating behind the siding or brick on the stack. Step flashing should be installed under each individual row of shingles extending up the sides of the stack. Counter flashing or siding is then installed on top and down the sides of the step flashing. 

The flashing pictured has been incorrectly installed on top of the shingles. Water damage was also found in the attic below this area.

Christmas Open House Historic Carnton Plantation

Christmas Open House

Historic Carnton Plantation

December 21-December 22, 2009 

Costumed docents will talk about Christmas customs as you view the house by candlelight and decorated for Christmas in the style of the mid-19th century. Youngsters will enjoy seeing the “spider web” in the children’s area. Enjoy wassail and Christmas goodies in the Fleming Center before and after.

TN Home Inspector Locates Damaged I-Joist

I-Joist floor system are becoming more common in today’s home building. They can be manufactured in different lengths and when installed correctly can be a great floor system. The center portion of the joist can be cut most anywhere to allow for plumbing pipes, electrical wires, etc., however, the upper and lower rib of the joist cannot be disturbed. Often times during inspections we find damage joist where plumbers have cut the upper rib to allow plumbing pipes to enter the structure. This damage should be repaired per the manufacture of the I-joist to prevent settlement or possible collapse of the floor system.