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Why are my wood floors buckling?

High moisture levels under the house?

 

Buckling in wood floors can occur for a number of reasons, but moisture is often the root cause. For those of us living in the Gulf South, high humidity levels and exposure to moisture from underneath the house are common factors that lead to buckling wood floors. It’s likely that moisture is accumulating under your house and causing the wood floors to buckle. Proper ventilation can help to reduce humidity levels and prevent moisture from becoming trapped under the house.

To repair the buckled wood floors, you will need to identify the source of the moisture and address it first. This may involve improving the ventilation under the house, fixing any plumbing leaks, or addressing drainage issues. Once the moisture problem has been resolved, you can then focus on repairing the floors themselves.

The extent of the damage will determine the best approach for repairing the floors. In some cases, the buckled boards may need to be removed and replaced. In other cases, the boards can be sanded down and refinished. It’s important to work with a qualified flooring contractor who can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.

Overall, addressing the moisture issue is key to preventing further damage and ensuring the longevity of your wood floors.

Once the crawl space is ventilated properly, is it possible my floors may buckle even more from the change in conditions?

It’s unlikely that proper ventilation in your crawl space will cause your floors to buckle even more. In fact, improving ventilation can help to prevent further damage to your floors by reducing moisture levels and preventing the accumulation of moisture under your home.

However, it’s important to note that if your floors have already been damaged by moisture, improving ventilation alone may not be enough to reverse the damage. If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace some or all of the affected floorboards. A qualified flooring contractor can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.

It’s also worth noting that proper ventilation alone may not be enough to prevent moisture buildup under your home. You may also need to address other potential sources of moisture, such as plumbing leaks or poor drainage. A qualified contractor can help you identify and address these issues as well.

Overall, improving ventilation in your crawl space is an important step in preventing further damage to your floors, but it may not be the only step you need to take. It’s important to work with qualified contractors to assess the damage and develop a comprehensive plan for repairing and preventing future damage to your floors.

Buckling Wood Floors

Buckling Wood Floors

Poor Crawl Space Ventilation

Partially Blocked Ventilation

Deterioration at Floor Structure

Deterioration at Floor Structure

Deterioration at Floor Structure

More Deterioration at Floor Structure

Missing Ventilation

Missing Ventilation at Crawl Space

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What’s the problem with an oversized A/C system?

Here are a few of the problems.

 

An oversized condenser or compressor can lead to a few potential problems:
1. Reduced efficiency: An oversized condenser or compressor may not operate at its optimal efficiency, which can lead to higher energy consumption and increased operating costs.
2. Short cycling: An oversized compressor may cause the system to short cycle, which means it turns on and off frequently. This can lead to premature wear and tear on the equipment and reduce its lifespan.
3. Humidity issues: An oversized air conditioning system may not run long enough to remove the desired amount of moisture from the air, leading to high humidity levels and potential mold or mildew growth.
4. Increased noise: An oversized compressor may create more noise than necessary, which can be disruptive to occupants of the building.
5. Higher initial cost: An oversized system may have a higher upfront cost, which may not be necessary if a properly sized system would meet the cooling needs of the space.


Why do some people install oversized A/C’s?

 

There are a few reasons why someone might oversize their air conditioning system:
1. Lack of knowledge or improper sizing calculation: HVAC systems are complex, and it can be challenging to determine the correct size for a system based on a building’s square footage, insulation, and other factors. If someone does not have the appropriate knowledge or makes an error in the sizing calculation, they may oversize the system unintentionally.
2. Desire for quick temperature change: Some people may believe that an oversized system will cool a space more quickly than a properly sized system. While an oversized system may cool a space more quickly initially, it will not maintain a consistent temperature and may lead to the problems mentioned earlier.
3. Future expansion or changes: Someone may choose to oversize their system to accommodate future expansion or changes to the building. However, it is generally better to install a system that meets current needs and plan for future changes or expansions with a separate system or equipment upgrade.
4. Personal preference: Finally, some people may simply prefer a larger system and believe that it will provide better comfort and cooling. However, this is not necessarily the case, and an oversized system can lead to the problems mentioned earlier.
Oversized A/C Condenser

Oversized A/C on a Small House

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What is a Sewer Scope?

A sewer scope is a type of inspection that involves inserting a small camera on a flexible cable into a sewer line or drainpipe to visually inspect the condition of the pipe and identify any blockages, damage, or other issues. The camera captures real-time video footage of the interior of the pipe, which can be viewed by a technician or plumber on a monitor. Sewer scopes are commonly used to diagnose sewer line problems such as clogs, cracks, tree root infiltration, corrosion, and other issues that can cause backups and sewage leaks. This type of inspection is often recommended for home buyers, as well as for homeowners who are experiencing recurring sewer line problems.

In the past, you would have had to hire a licensed plumber with expensive equipment. Today, more home inspectors are trained and equipped to perform sewer scope inspections. It is not a standard part of a typical home inspection. Home inspectors generally focus on evaluating the overall condition of the home, including the structural elements, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, among other things. A sewer scope is a more specialized inspection of the waste plumbing system.

It’s important to note that a sewer scope inspection typically involves an additional cost beyond the standard home inspection fee. However, the cost of a sewer scope inspection is often well worth it, as it can help identify potential problems with the sewer line that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Sewer scope performing an inspection on cast iron pipes.

Inspecting Cast Iron Pipes

Sewer scope performing a video pipe inspection on front yard clean-out.

Performing Sewer Scope in Front Yard

Sewer scope performing a video pipe inspection on a clean-out.

Sewer Scope on Multi-Family Units

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What is the problem with aluminum wiring?

Copper versus Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum and copper wiring inside an electrical panel

Aluminum & Copper Wiring

Copper has been used in electrical wiring since the early 1800’s. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and has unique properties that make it the ideal choice for electrical wiring. When the price of copper became too expensive in the 1960’s and 70’s, aluminum wiring was introduced as a less expensive alternative.

Aluminum wiring can be safe if installed properly. Some forms is still being installed in new construction. Despite this, there are problems that weren’t known in the beginning. Aluminum wiring will rust, which then acts as an insulator. The wiring is also softer than copper. This makes it easier to damage when worked with. A study conducted for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) showed that homes built before 1972 with aluminum wiring, are 55 times more likely to have one or more wire connections at outlets reach “Fire Hazard Conditions” than homes wired with copper.

 

Aluminum Wiring Considered a Fire Hazard

Inside of a burnt electrical outlet with visible aluminum wiring

Aluminum Wire & Electrical Outlet

The survey included only aluminum wire connections at electrical outlets. The “Fire Hazard Conditions” are mainly found at these connections. Aluminum wiring is softer than copper and the smallest cut in a wire can cause resistance. Electrical resistance then causes heat to build up. It is then possible for the overheating wires to cause a fire.

When electricity passes through any wire, it is normal for the wire to heat up and even expand slightly. Aluminum wiring also expands considerably more than copper when heated. Eventually the wire can become loose at the connection from years of expanding and contracting. This is called creeping. Once the wire has become loose at the connection, electricity may arc or spark between the gap. The arcing creates overheating, which may cause a house fire.

Despite the hazards of having aluminum wiring, it is usually impractical to rewire the entire home. While it may be preferable to replace all the aluminum wiring with copper, the benefits will usually outweigh the cost. CPSC has approved two other methods of repairs. Special connectors can be installed between the aluminum wire and the receptacle itself. Once either COPALUM or AlumiConn connectors are installed by a licensed electrician, the aluminum wiring will no longer be considered a fire hazard.

 

Additional Resources

The True Story Behind Aluminum Wiring – Part One

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Should I worry about Powderpost beetles?

What are Powderpost Beetles?

Beams under a home with smalls holes and powder

Powderpost Beetle Damage in Crawlspace

Powderpost beetles are a type of wood destroying insect that can found all over the world. They wreck havoc on a homes structure and are second only to termites in the amount of destruction they create. They can go unnoticed for many years, despite being active. Their presence often comes as a surprise for many homeowners.

Some types of powderpost beetles prefer only hardwoods, such as cabinets, furniture and flooring. In the Acadiana area, Anobiid powderpost beetles are most common. They attack both hardwoods and softwoods. In the crawl space under a pier home, is where most beetles can be found. Sub-flooring, wood beams and floor joists are most susceptible to them.

Powderpost beetles need damp wood with a moisture content of at least 14% to survive. Damp crawl spaces, like we have in South Louisiana, provide an ideal environment for the beetles to breed and multiply. Powderpost beetle damage closely resembles “shot” damage from a shotgun. The holes are usually smaller than the hole left behind from a BB. This is normally between 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in diameter. There may just be a few holes in one area or many throughout the entire structure. If the powderpost beetles infestation is active, you may also see powder coming out the holes or sitting below the holes.

How to get rid of Powderpost Beetles?

Wood beams with holes and fresh powder coming out the holes and in piles below

Active Powderpost Beetle Infestation

Finding powderpost beetle damage on an older pier home is very common in South Louisiana. In many cases the home has been treated in the past and there is no longer an active infestation. There may be no need to worry about repairs if treated early. Having the home treated as soon as possible by a licensed pest management professional is crucial. If ignored, floors may develop soft spots or even bigger structural issues.

The type of treatment required to rid your home of powderpost beetles varies depending on the location of the infestation, the size of the infestation and the exact type of powderpost beetle found. While chemically spot treating certain areas of your home may prove successful in some cases, putting a tent around the entire home and fumigating may be the only viable option. Fumigating an entire home can also be very costly, but if ignored a powderpost beetle infestation can cause significant structural damage to your home.

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Why did the inspector say I have “S” traps?

 

Improper

Improper “S” Trap at Kitchen Sink

During a home inspection it is common to find sink drains with an improperly installed trap.  Noxious sewage gasses may come up from the pipes if there is an improper trap on a sink drain. The flow of sewage gasses are normally blocked by the water sitting in the trap.

When a trap is correctly installed on a drain, it resembles the shape of a ‘P’. These are called ‘P’ traps. Sometimes for various reasons, plumbers will install traps with questionable performance. The most common culprit is the famous ‘S’ trap. These are often found when a home is on piers. Even though ‘S’ traps are very common, they are still considered to be a deficiency.

The problem is the design of the ‘S’ traps. When water is flowing down the drain and into a ‘S’ trap, the flow can siphon water out of the trap. With little to no water in the waste trap, sewage gasses are able to creep back up to the home. ‘P’ traps do not have this problem.

diagram of an improper "s" draintrap

“S” Trap Diagram

Turning your improper ‘S’ traps into proper ‘P’ traps can be a costly repair and sometimes it is just not feasible. In many cases ‘S’ traps do not cause any major problems for the home occupants. Flushing a large amount of water down the drain at once is more likely cause it to siphon out the trap. If you run a little more water down the sink drain, the trap should stay full and block the gasses like normal.

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Are open junction boxes dangerous?

Open junction box inside an attic

Open Junction Box in Attic

Are open junction boxes dangerous?

It is considered a fire hazard to have open junction boxes. Putting a cover on them can usually be done very easily. A junction box is usually a plastic or metal box that contains the electrical wire connections. The wire connections should be completely enclosed inside these boxes. If you can see the wire nuts or electrical tape, then it’s a problem.  The junction box cover may have been removed or was never installed to begin with.  A 50-cent cover from Home Depot is all that is usually needed.

Sometimes the boxes are crowded with wires that stick outside the box. Putting a cover onto a crowded box may not be so easy. In these cases, doing it yourself may not be an option. An experienced electrician may have to install a larger box or stack another box on top, in order to enclose all the wire connections in the junction box with a cover.

Electrical connection not in a junction box inside the attic.

Missing Junction Box in Attic

Electrical connections made improperly can be vulnerable to sparking and creating a fire. If the connected wires become loose, arcing/sparks between the wires becomes likely. If the connection is inside a junction box, the risk of a house fire is substantially low. Electrical connections outside of junction boxes that become loose and arc, can create a house fire. Most connections are in the homes attic, where insulation and other building materials can become flammable.

Finding open junction boxes and electrical connections that are not inside junction boxes, are one of the most common problems a home inspector will find. In many cases the open junction boxes have been without covers for many decades and multiple home owners without incident. They may have been left open by a do it yourself home owner or left without covers by an electrician from many years ago, before electrical codes and city inspectors became more stringent. In any case, protecting the electrical connections at your home inside a junction box with a cover, is the best bet to prevent a home fire.

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Proudly Providing Home Inspection Services in Louisiana

House Call Acadiana is a local franchise based out of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. Lafayette is called the ‘Hub City’, being centrally located in Acadiana, or ‘Cajun Country’ as it’s famously known worldwide. The area has a growing real estate market with an especially high amount of new construction. House Call Acadiana home inspectors have been servicing the Acadiana area since 2009.

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