Merit Home Inspection, LLC

Merit Home Inspection, LLCMerit Home Inspection, LLCMerit Home Inspection, LLC

Merit Home Inspection, LLC

Merit Home Inspection, LLCMerit Home Inspection, LLCMerit Home Inspection, LLC
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Welcome to "What's that Mean?" a dictionary of home inspection and real estate lingo

Inspecting a home is a very important part of the home buying process. This is a guide to refer back to when you know you have heard that term before but can't remember quite what it means. 

Common Home Inspection Terms

AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter)

A circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects the electric arcs that are a signature of loose wiring connections in home wiring.

Asbestos

 Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various dangerous lung conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. As a result of these health effects, asbestos is considered a serious health and safety hazard. 

Concrete Slab

A concrete slab is a flat, horizontal surface made of cast concrete. It is a common structural element in modern buildings, constructing ceilings and floors. 

Crawl Space

An unfinished area between the bottom of the home and the ground. Will be checked for water, mold, or debris during your home inspection.

Carbon Monoxide

Clear, Odorless gas that can cause death if breathed in.

Fascia Board

 The fascia board is the long, straight board that runs along the lower edge of the roof. The fascia is fixed directly to the lower ends of the roof trusses and is typically an architectural detail. Water damage is a common issue with the fascia board. 

Flue

a duct for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire, a gas heater, a power station, or other fuel-burning installation.

Fuse Panel

 A metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that control the distribution of electrical current in the home.

 

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

 A residual-current device, residual-current circuit breaker or ground fault circuit interrupter is an electrical safety device that interrupts an electrical circuit when the current passing through a conductor is not equal and opposite in both directions, therefore indicating an improper flow of current such as leakage current to ground or current flowing to another powered conductor. The device's purpose is to reduce the severity of injury caused by an electric shock.  

HVAC

 HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and it is a broad term that describes the systems that work together to heat and cool residential and commercial spaces. HVAC systems also keep indoor air clean by filtering out harmful pollutants and controlling humidity levels for your maximum comfort. 

Insulation

 Material used to resist the loss of heat energy. Materials such as fiber glass, mineral wool, cellulose and foam are placed in the walls, ceilings, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation may be blown or installed in batt sections. 

Joist

Horizontal beams, timbers, or bars supporting a floor

Knob and Tube Wiring

 Knob and tube wiring is an early method of electrical wiring in buildings, in common use in North America from about 1880 to the 1930s. It consisted of single-insulated copper conductors running within wall or ceiling cavities, passing through joist and stud drill-holes via protective porcelain insulating tubes. This type of installation is considered outdated and may require evaluation by a qualified contractor. 

Lead Based Paint

Lead based paint is toxic and can lead to nervous system problems, kidney failure, and developmental delays, to name a few. A lead base was added to paint to encourage it to dry faster and last longer. In the 1970's, Congress passed several bills to outlaw lead-based paint being used in the United States. As your home inspector, we can test for lead based paint in your home. 

Radon

 Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. If a person is exposed to high levels over time, it can cause lung cancer. Radon gas forms naturally when radioactive metal (radium, thorium or uranium) breaks down in rocks, soil or groundwater. It evaporates and disappears outdoors, so levels outside are low. 

Soffit

The soffit is the finished underside of the eaves. It is a small ceiling-like space, such as the underside of a roof overhang. This area can often be blocked by insulation, proper soffit ventilation is essential for your attic space.

Sump Pump

An electric pump, usually installed in the basement or crawlspace to prevent flooding. It empties water from a "well or pit" where it is collected and pumps it to the outside of a home. Sumps pumps are usually required in areas with a high water table.

TPRV

 A Temperature Release Pressure Valve. Designed to release water from a water heater if the water heater should overheat. The release of water prevents the water heater from potentially exploding.


* Scalding Risk: leaking hot water can cause scalding injuries

* Property Damage: water damage to your home can be costly and disruptive.

* Rare Explosion Risk: Although uncommon, a severe leak from the TPRV valve, could lead to an explosion.

Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is used to retard the migration of water vapor. This reduces the risk of mold in basements, crawlspaces, or anywhere else that water vapor can form. 

Add a footnote if this applies to your business

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