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Common Problems
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Rust and corrosion at exterior heat pump, caused by elements such as salt air, will drastically reduce the life of the unit. |
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Damaged exterior heat pump |
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Loose or clogged gutters can allow rain to run over your fascia board, into your eaves, and ultimately into your home. |
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Gutters filled with debris. |
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Needs to be evaluated by a plumber. Repair may be as simple as a leaky trap that could be fixed with a few dollars of parts or as complex as replacing major parts of the drain system. |
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Leak at master bath waste line. |
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Loose gutters can also allow rain to collect near your foundation. Gutter cleaning, inspections and repairs generally require using an extension ladder, which can present a potentially dangerous situation. It is recommended that your local licensed handyman or gutter service perform this task. |
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Loose gutter with improper slope |
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Exposed wiring presents a fire hazard especially when exposed to weather conditions. This should be evaluated by a licensed electrical contractor. |
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Wiring in need of junction box |
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Aluminum wiring was widely used in houses during the mid 1960s and early 1970s. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, problems due to expansion can cause overheating at connections between the wire and devices, or at splices, which has resulted in fires. |
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Aluminum wiring at branch 120 circuit |
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When fog develops between the panes, it indicates the factory seal has been broken and warm air has entered, thus condensing on the colder pane of glass. Aside from replacing the glazing, there is nothing you can do to otherwise cure the problem. It won't be as noticeable in warm months, because the sun drives out the moisture. |
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Dual pane fogged window. |
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Missing and torn shingles allow for water to get into your home. Although, there may not be any detected leaks yet, the water can be running within the interior walls or staying in the attic. Water can run where it can't be seen. |
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Missing and torn shingles. |
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Most think that windows and doors are the major cause of a home's air loss. According to recent research by the Department of Energy, gaps, cracks and disconnections in the typical home's duct system are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system loses 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the furnace due to leaks. |
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Air leaks at the attic furnace. |
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Chimneys with cracked mortar caps can allow water intrusion. Freezing temperatures would cause water to freeze and possibly cause extensive cracking at chimney. Chimneys also should be covered with a mesh screen spark arrester. This screen prevents sparks from escaping and possibly causing fires. |
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Cracked mortar cap and missing spark screen |
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To completely know the extent of damage caused in this area would require visually inspecting behind the damaged area. Home Spectors has the needed testing equipment to measure moisture content. Hiding moisture damage is practically impossible until the moisture issue itself is addressed. |
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Moisture stains on ceilings and high moisture readings noted. |
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Termites are the #1 wood-destroying structural pests in the southern United States. According to estimates, over $2 billion are spent annually in the U.S. controlling or preventing termite infestations. In North Carolina, our main problem is with subterranean termites, i.e., termites that normally live below ground and may move up into a structure where they cause damage. |
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Termite damage in crawlspace. |
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