Get your roof replaced…….Get Asphyxiated When Winter Comes!

nashvilleshomeinspector • September 2, 2011

Hello Friends! Last month I had a re-occurring issue that I discovered in two homes within the same week that I would like to share. Both homes had been re- roofed within months of being inspected…A good thing! Less than diligent roofers in both cases handled the furnace vent associated with the 2nd level HVAC system gas furnace causing disconnection at the unit in the attic. So what; right. The vent gas and carbon monoxide will just vent through the roof vents to the exterior. Maybe. More likely the HVAC system will suck the vent gas into the house due to the negative pressure create at the interior in relationship to the exterior when the unit is in operation. This is a classic asphyxiation risk. In one case, the vent also was “adjusted” enough that it was in contact with the roof framing structure also creating a fire hazard…2 for 1! Really the vent should be securely fastened at the furnace to help prevent this but roof associated equipment should always be checked after roof surfaces are replaced. This is most likely going to get you in the case of a summer roof replacement. When the furnace is in operation there is more likely hood that your roofer will be paying attention. I will also note that a handyman was employed to correct the furnace vent issues pictured against recommendations to employ a licensed HVAC contractor to perform the work. To correct the vent clearance issue our handy man actually cut the rafter out adding a lap splice with a couple of screws present! Yea! Another day in paradise. Good idea to not compromise structure; better idea to fix vent directly. All is well and supported in the end. This is what we do.

If the carbon monoxide doesn't get you the fire will!

New roof Yes! Life threatening furnace issue created as well.

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Carlson Home Inspection; Home Inspector in TN. Waived Your Home Inspection? Find Out What You Bought! 20 Years Experience, Licensed P.E. I'll Perform YOUR Inspection Personally..

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Did you waive your inspection in a multi offer situation? New construction or older home it’s time to find out what you bought and where to start! STILL providing the most THOROUGH home inspection and DETAILED inspection report in a 100 mi radius to Nashville after 20 years. See 12 full example reports at www.seeingknowingcaring.com ! This was my discovery at a recent inspection: Seeing Knowing Discovering the fungal Nirvana Inspector Bill Carlson

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Might as well shoot yourself in the foot!

June 26, 2020

Repair: The original fireplace chimney was essentially built into the solid masonry wall structure of the home located on the interior side of the wall (chimney not visible at exterior). The chimney no longer passes through the roof line and the chimney is not suitable for use. The top of the chimney was demo'd below the roof line elevation but was not blocked off and air sealed in the attic or at the top of the fireplaces. Currently, free air transfer occurs between the attic and living room and attic and basement as a result and is a significant energy efficiency issue bringing air with attic conditions into the home. When the HVAC system at the 1st level turns on, attic air is pulled from the attic down the flue into the living room. The attic temperature was approx. 100 deg F at the time of inspection. Loose brick is also present at the top of the flues and could be a falling hazard down the flue if dislodged. A chimney/fireplace technician should be contacted to properly block off and air seal the chimney flues and address debris. Seeing Knowing Throwing money away Inspector Bill Carlson