Things We Find

We inspect many different kinds of homes and properties. Out in the field, we know what kind of problems we expect to find, but some of the deficiencies we’ve found stand out as particularly problematic, are major safety hazards, or may be very costly to repair.

Here are some photos of "Things We Find" – problems that you don’t want to miss as a buyer or seller. With an inspection from Eye Spy Inspections, we’ll ensure that you’re not the victim of a lurking issue.

Plumbing Corrosion - Galvanic Reaction

A leaking valve. This is caused by a galvanic reaction – two different metals touching and reacting, causing corrosion.

Improper Dryer Venting

Plumbing Corrosion - Galvanic Reaction

This dryer vent was not properly vented to the exterior, and instead terminated into the attic space. This condition could cause moisture to build up in the attic, not only causing mold to grow, but also causing a number of other moisture related conditions.

Ice Damming

Plumbing Corrosion - Galvanic Reaction

Missing Drip Edge Flashing

A build up of ice on a roof, caused from poor attic insulation and improper ventilation of the attic space.

Missing Drip Edge Flashing

Masonry Damage - Efflorescence

Missing Drip Edge Flashing

This could cause moisture to seep into roof sheathing, causing water leaks.

Hole in Roof Shingle

Masonry Damage - Efflorescence

This small hole could cause major water damage.

Masonry Damage - Efflorescence

Efflorescence on brick - moisture is wicked up by the bricks and evaporates back out, causing damage. Efflorescence is a white chalky substance left behind when moisture evaporates. Efflorescence is always an indicator to our inspectors that a moisture related condition is present.

Unsafe Floor In Shower Area

Indications of Moisture Intrusion and Damage at Siding Materials

In this picture, shower tiles have been installed over the HVAC condensate drain lines that have been directed to the shower drain. A drain cover was also missing at the shower drain. These conditions have made it very unsafe to take a shower.

Indications of Moisture Intrusion and Damage at Siding Materials

These mushrooms growing out of the siding materials on this home inspection were a quick indicator that some very significant moisture related intrusion was taking place. Upon further investigation, we found that a missing window flashing above this area was the culprit of this damage.

What Came First - The Toilet or The Sauna?

Indications of Moisture Intrusion and Damage at Siding Materials

What Came First - The Toilet or The Sauna?

We're not exactly sure what to think of this situation, but it gave us a good laugh!

Stairwell To....?

Improper or Inadequate Flue Vent Rise

What Came First - The Toilet or The Sauna?

This stairwell leads nicely into the basement level of this home, until it ends abruptly at a wall! I seriously had to look multiple times just to make sure that I was seeing this correctly! Moving furniture into this basement was most likely very difficult!

Clogged Gutters

Improper or Inadequate Flue Vent Rise

These gutters were severely clogged with debris. In fact, these gutters were clogged so badly, and for so many years, that a majority of the gutters were rotted. The clogged matter within the gutters created perfect growing conditions for these beautiful sunflowers! Needless to say, these gutters need to be replaced.

Improper or Inadequate Flue Vent Rise

The vent flue on this water heater had an inadequate rise towards the main exhaust stack. In fact, this particular vent flue had no rise and was back-sloped. This condition reduces the proper flow of flue gases and can increase the risk of carbon monoxide entering the structure. In most cases, the vent flue should rise upwards a minimum of 1/4" per linear foot towards the flue / chimneystack.

TPR Valve on Water Heater Capped

Aluminum Tape Near an Electrical Receptacle

The Temperature/Pressure-Relief Valve (TPR Valve) on this water heater was capped off. This is a serious safety hazard with possible life threatening consequences if the water heater were to ever malfunction. A TPR is a device that releases water from the tank and plumbing system to prevent the tank from bursting or exploding if the temperature in the water heater reaches or exceeds 200 degrees. With the pictured TPR capped off, if the water heater was to ever malfunction, it could have caused extensive property damage or even loss of life!

Aluminum Tape Near an Electrical Receptacle

I had to look twice when I saw this! Yes, you saw that right! It's aluminum tape surrounding an electrical receptacle. Aluminum is a metal with valence electrons that can easily move between atoms. Simply put, aluminum conducts electricity. The aluminum tape near the receptacle, along with the fact that an NEC approved safety cover was not installed over the outlet, made this a serious safety concern.

Should Have Called a Plumber

Gas Fired Water Heater With No Flue Vent Pipe

A clever and resourceful handyman of sorts used a light bulb and sealant to cap off this plumbing drain pipe. He should have called a plumbing contractor to make sure the job was done right.

Gas Fired Water Heater With No Flue Vent Pipe

The pictured water heater was in the crawlspace of a property we inspected. The flue vent pipe had come free and had fallen onto the ground next to the water heater. Without a proper channel to the exterior of the home, all of the combusted gasses were being discharged into the crawlspace area. This could have been a deadly circumstance for the occupants of this home if left unrepaired. The biproducts of combusted natural gas include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trace amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM).