The home inspector: Copper vs. aluminum
Our resident home inspector answers some reader questions:
Q) How can I tell if my walls have sufficient insulation?
The answer would depend on many factors, such as when your home was built, the size of the wall studs (i.e. 2x4 or 2x6), if a rigid foam insulation was installed over the studs, as well as the type of exterior wall covering (i.e. siding, brick, etc.). Unfortunately, that answer is beyond the scope of a typical home inspection since the inspector can only report on what he can visually see in a non-invasive manner. However, there are some home inspector’s (like me) who are now able to view the thermal properties of the wall with an infrared (IR) camera. An infrared camera produces thermal images that highlight temperature variation in a building and can highlight areas of heat loss, water penetration / leaks, as well as air leakage. The use of an infrared camera allows the Home Inspector to quickly and accurately identify areas of deficiency that would not be apparent to the naked eye.
Q) The deck on my house is one storey off the ground. What safety guidelines do I need to remember when building the railing?
The deck is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors in comfort, style and safety. However, before we discuss the requirements for a ‘safe’ guard rail on the deck, we should first look at the current requirements for deck construction. A great resource to use for above grade decks is available from the Halifax Regional Municipality website: ( www.halifax.ca/PermitsInspections/Documents/Decks2011.pdf).
As with any renovation or construction project, the homeowner is required to apply for a Building Permit if they are adding a new deck or replacing the current one. Most people do not realize that building a deck is equivalent to building an addition on the house, in the sense that they are both load bearing structures and as such, they must be professionally designed and constructed to current building code requirements. Sadly, most decks are put together by a couple of buddies, with a few cases of beer and built over a long weekend.
Guardrail Inspection Training - News
During a routine inspection of the site, OSHA inspectors found that the company failed to mark top rails of a wire rope guardrail system with high-visibility materials. There was also a lack of ring buoys, a lifeboat and fall protection from a walking
However, wood deck railings should include 4"x4" posts securely fastened at every corner (or opening) and spaced every 4-ft to 6-ft, but not more than 8-ft apart. When you hire a CAHPI Home Inspector, they will verify if the deck is in good condition
Fox said parts of the damaged metal guardrail that held the glass panel will be removed for inspection so engineers can determine what caused the glass to fall. Dan Ivanoff, managing partner and CEO of Schnitzer, said in a prepared statement the
In that year, a biannual inspection found corrosion of steel on the bridge required an adjustment to the 15-ton weight limit to just three tons. Upper Township had recently entered into an agreement with Ocean City to provide rescue services in
The car crashed through a guard rail and over an embankment, tumbling upside-down as it hurtled 30m from the road and 15m down a cliff - until its fall was stopped by a tree. It landed, almost hidden, on its roof. Ms McKnight's leg was folded
OSHA Fall Protection Training Ring's End Lumber in Connecticut
Ring's End Lumber in Stratford Connecticut has scheduled an OSHA Fall Protection Training on 1/12/2012. This training is designed to help residential builders, remodelers, roofer, painters, framers, siding, gutters and trade contractors comply with the OSHA Fall Protection Standard. The fall protection standard is in full effect and contractors were suppose to be complinat no later than 9/16/2011.
OSHA requires all contractors who work 6 feet above lower levels to;
Have a written fall protection plan (recommend that you also have a safety manual customized to your company safety practices) Use safety nets, guard rails and/or fall arrest systems to protect workers Provide training for effective for workers Document in writing that you have trained your workers Verify that your workers are using the training on the job Write site specific plans if you do not use safety nets, guard rails or fall arrest systems Important note for general contractors; OSHA requires the main contractor on the job site to make sure that all workers including subs are compliant with the standard. If a general contractor hires a framer or roofer who is not working according to the fall protection standard and does not have the above items in place, both can be fined. for Total Remodeling Services. OSHA inspectors have been instructed to look for violation on residential jobs. Recently Region 1 Braintree Compliance Specialist Tim Irving stated at an OSHA Awareness Seminar that Region 1 inspectors have been specifically told to stop by all residential jobs on their routes. If they see something obvious from the outside they are to go in and investigate. The contractor below is now on their severe offender list and will be for several years. Here is an excerpt from the publicized OSHA citation;Your training team is Safety Trainers, Inc and The Contractor Coaching Partnership, Inc.