InspectAPedia ^TM

Construction Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair Links & Environmental Services

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Search This Website - InspectAPedia.com

Links are organized in the following construction inspection, diagnosis, and repair resource directory and information topics:

• Architecture
• Arson & Fire Investigation
• Air Conditioning & Cooling Systems
• Building Codes also see Standards
• Chimneys, fireplaces, and woodstoves including heating with wood
• Concrete & Masonry
• Construction Practices, Inspection, Diagnosis, Research. also see Steel Construction, Site Work, & individual trades
• Electrical inspection, codes, hazardous products, Aluminum wire, Federal Pacific
• Engineering associations
• Emergency Relief/Disaster Red Cross, ARC, FEMA
• Energy Conservation, Alternative Energy also see Green Construction
• Environment & Hazmat also see Asbestos hazards, EMF and Toxic Gases and Indoor Air Quality, and Lead Hazards, separate section on Mold and Oil Tanks
• Equipment: Inspection and Diagnosis for Building inspectors. Test equipment, infra red, thermography, moisture meters, electrical test equipment, etc.
• Exteriors, EIFS, Siding, Stucco, Trim, Windows, Doors, practices, defective products, landscaping
• Foundations and Structures, structural inspections. also see Home Inspection
• Government Agencies als see Emergency
• Green Construction also see Energy Conservation, Environment and Steel recycling
• Heating Systems inspection methods, product recalls, also see Oil Tanks
• Historic Buildings identification, inspection, Sears Catalog Houses, Dating a House, Old House Materials & Repairs
• Home Owners/Home Buyers
• Home Inspection, Building Inspection, Failure Diagnosis, How to a find home inspector and how to choose, Home Inspection Equipment and tool sources, Home Inspection Methodology and Building Failures Research schools, classes and articles
• Indoor Air Quality also see Environment and Mold
• Insulation & Ventilation
• Interiors
• Law: Construction or Environmental Law & Legal Services and litigation assistance on Building failures, environmental issues, safety hazards,
• Lumber & Wood Building Materials
• Mold, Allergens also see Environment & List of Mold Remediation Contractors
• Newsgroups: Construction Diagnosis or Environmental Testing & Newsgroups for home owners
• Oil Tank Issues: Papers and Articles on oil tank testing, location, removal, inspection
• Plumbing Pipes, Septic Systems, Diagnosis. also see Water, Water Supply, Wells. and our Directory of Plumbing Services & Products
• Product Recalls and Warnings - Construction or Home Equipment
• Real Estate Services & Publications
• Roofing practices, product failures; Roofing Contractors, Products, Services Directory
• Seismic/Earthquake construction methods, inspection
• Septic Systems, Septic Inspection, Repair, Design, Design Alternatives, Products, Services
• Septic System Books to Buy Online, our list of recommended books on septic systems, greywater systems, composting toilets, and other building inspection & maintenance topics
• Siding, EIFS, Stucco, Synthetic Stucco, Trim, Windows, Doors, practices, defective products
• Site Work - Construction also see Construction
• Standards, Building Product & Testing Agencies also see Building Codes
• Stairs, steps, railings see also Construction & Structures
• Steel Construction see also Construction & Structures
• Structures, see Foundations and Structure
• Travel, Hiking, and Houses for Rent in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
• Universities re:construction, environmental, engineering resources
• Water, Water Supply, Wells
• Windows, Doors, Siding, Trim, practices, defective products
• Our Home Page Link - The Construction Inspection and Diagnosis Website

Air Conditioning & Cooling Systems

• Air Conditioning - Our Website on air conditioning system inspection, diagnosis, defects, repairs - all the basics
• Air Conditioning SEER - New DOE Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Efficiency Standard
• Air Conditioning Refrigerants - What You Should Know: What You Should Know about Refrigerants When Purchasing or Repairing a Residential A/C System or Heat Pump
• A Guide to Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling from the US EPA, including how to maintain your heating and cooling equipment to save energy, how and where to seal air leaks or HVAC duct leaks in your home, how to decide when it's time to replace your air conditioning system, how to work with the HVAC contractor, how to choose the right heating or air conditioning equipment, and how to get equipment that is properly sized.


• Heating and Air Conditioning Filters airconditioning-filter.com - A portable air conditioning unit provides the same heating and air conditioning as an air conditioning system, however, the quantity or the area it cools/heats is smaller and targeted
• Duct Cleaning Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - Indoor Environments Division (6607J) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) EPA-402-K-97-002, October 1997, US EPA
• HVAC Equipment Data Tag De-coding: Technical Reference Guide, published by Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates, Ltd., Toronto, 2006 for a $69.00 book which translates air conditioning equipment model numbers and serial numbers into date of equipment manufacture and rated BTUH capacity.
• Introduction to Residential Duct Systems produced by the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
• Introduction to Cooling Performance" ibid.
• Preston's HVACGuide Books list Mfgs, Models, Capacity, Etc. (advertisement for ref. book)
• HVAC Jobs information on HVAC, HVAC Software, HVAC engineers, HVAC contractors, HVAC recruiters, HVAC jobs, Heating, Air Conditioning and ASHRAE
• The TRANE Company

Contents

Architecture

• Architecture.com all about architecture, by the RIBA
• Chicago Architecture Foundation

Contents

Arson & Fire Investigation

• Arson Investigators, International Association
• Interfire Online, Fire & Arson Investigation Resources
• The Arson & Fire Investigation Website - Mike Lane's group
• Fire Findings Investigators Exchange message board
• Aurora Colorado Fire Department - LotsaFire/EMS links

Contents

Chimneys, Flues, Wood stoves & Fireplaces

Chimneys

• Chimneys - Our Website Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• Chimneys & Flues, safety concerns, inspection methods, repair, chimney relining methods, chimney replacement, new installation alternatives; and direct-vent alternatives to chimneys for heating furnaces & boilers
• Chimney Inspection Photo Guide for safety inspections outside, indoors, and inside the chimney flue
• Unlined Chimney Flues: Safety Requirements old chimneys may be unsafe
• Chimney Safety Alert for Wood Burning Appliances - US CPSC Alert Document 5017, wood stoves, fireplace inserts
• Chimney Safety Alert for Metal Chimneys - US CPSC Alert Document 5047, metal chimneys, wood and coal stove safety
• National Chimney Sweeps Guild "Certified" members are trained to inspect or clean chimneys

Wood stoves, wood heating, fireplaces

• Coal, Gas, Pellet, Wood Appliances & Fuels and Chimney Basics
• Greenwood Hydronic Wood Furnace (Wood-fired heating boilers), Heat your home with wood, and very little smoke, creosote or ash

Building Codes

• BOCA Building Officials and Code Administ.
• CABO Council of American Building Officials Merged w/ ICC
• Code Check- Help with Building Codes
• SBCCI Southern Building Code Conference Int./A>
• ICBO Internat.Conf. of Building Officials
• New York City Building Codes online here
• NFPA Home Page - National Electrical Code and other resources
• Contractors State License Board, CA
• See alsoStandards & Testing Agencies

Contents

Construction Practices, Inspection, Diagnosis, Forensics

• The Home Inspection/Construction Information Website - Our Home Page on Construction & Environmental Inspection, Teesting, Defects, Repairs, Building Failure Diagnosis and Prevention
• Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Materials, Finishes, and Details, book review and source
• BuildNET Building Industry Online
• Construction Flaws: Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe, description of defects in this nuclear plant prior to the melt-down
• Construction Information Sources (CIS) Databasecollection of Internet sites for A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry - includes data basesearch capabilities
• Construction Online
• Construction Research Laboratories
• Construction Research Org. Servers (Recommended by Larry Hoytt)
• Construction Site for Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Home Inspectors
• Directional Drilling Underground construction services for utility and many other trenching needs
• Electronic Blue Book - construction industry info search
• Estimating Software - construction estimating software tracks job cost in QuickBooks after estimating projects with LiteningFast
• Journal of Light Construction residential and light construction, great publication
• Univ of Illinois Urbana Champaign: Small Homes Council
• See alsoArchitecture, Engineering, Home Inspection, Site Work and specific topics like Electrical, Plumbing, etc.

Contents

Electrical

• Electrical - Our Website Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• AGT BatteryBest source we've found for flashlights, batteries, parts - Pres. Angela Tessmer offers expert service and product advice
• Aluminum Wiring
• The Aluminum Wiring Information Website - Our Website Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• Independent Tests indicate Ideal-65 Twist-on retrofit connector fails UL 486CSafety Standard despite UL-listing
• Recognizing Aluminum Wiringphotos and tips
• Reducing the Fire Hazards in Aluminum-Wired Homes, details of the hazard of and what to do about aluminum wiring, aluminum wiring repair methods,
  This document answers most technical questions about the hazards and remedies of aluminum electrical wiring. [UPDATED-DF 3/8/2003, Edits-df 02/09/2006]
  Pigtailing using COPALUM - CPSC recommended,
  Pigtailing using Scotchlok 3M - useable, with a link to step-by-step "how to" photos,
  Pigtailing using Ideal 65 - NOT recommended, aluminum wiring failures research, field and lab experience, expert sources.
• Fire Hazards With Aluminum to Copper Twist-on Connectors & Acceptable Repair Practices Color Photos, Alternative Retrofit/Repair Procedures, Current Issues. 9/28/95 CPSC Meeting Minutes
• "Is YOUR Aluminum Wiring Safe?"article discussing safety claims made without looking at the wiring, J. Aronstein, 11/21/95
• "Repairing Aluminum Wiring," Consumer Product Safety Commission Booklet CPSC#516
• Aluminum Wiring Update: CPSC reiterates unsuitability of twist-on connectors (Including the Ideal No. 65) for repairing aluminum wiring in residences.
• Bibliography available: publicly available articles, pamphlets, resources on Aluminum Wiring
• Tyco Electronics website provides information about the AMP COPALUM connector program
• COPALUM Aluminum Wire Connector Availability: U.S. CPSC announced that Tyco Electronics Corp. will continue offering the COPALUM connector repair system until at least 2005 - for details see the US CSPC-Tyco Press Release.
• AMP Corporation, Harrisburg PA 17105 800-522-6752 - CPSC's recommended COPALUM aluminum-copper retrofit - US Customer Support 800-522-6752 [See the TYCO announcement above]
• AMP Canada Product Information Department, 905-470-4425 the COPALUM connector line is available in Canada; they do not appear to have a contractor training/certification program such as is (at least in a few places) available in the USA.
• AMP COPALUM Connectors & Equipment Source for at Tyco Electronics


• AluminiumIndustry World Wide Web Server
• Metal & Mining Industry Page Starvo's
• Cadet Heaters Recall CPSC notice supplemented with identification and heater failure photos
• Circuit Breaker Supplier New and Used circuit breakers supplied by - Bay Breakers -
• Design Utilities, Electrical - voltdrop, etcCollection of Electrical Utilities
• Electrical EINET
• Electromagnetic Field Surveys & Hazards links in this list, below

List of Electricians Specializing in Aluminum Wire Repair, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Replacement, Zinsco Replacement

Notice: the listings for the electrical contractors shown below are provided free as a public service. We have no business nor financial relationship with any company, product, or service listed at or discussed by our website. Qualified electricans who have experience and expertise with aluminum wiring repair, FPE Stab-Lok or Zinsco electrical panel replacement, can be listed here at no charge by contacting us with that information.

• Aluminum Wiring Repair Electrician Directory List See our list of Aluminum Wiring Repair Electricians at
  •   DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS for Repair of Aluminum Wiring A List of AMP TYCO -Certified COPALUM Trained Aluminum Wire Repair Electricians & Electrical Service Companies
    
    
• FPE, Zinsco, and Other Electricians Directory List
  •   DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS for Repair/Replacement of Federal Pacific Electric-FPE & Zinsco circuit breakers and electrical panels. A list of elecricians asserting specific experience and expertise with the hazards and with the appropriate repair procedures for FPE Stab-lok circuit breakers and electrical panels, and with Zinsco/Sylvania circuit breakers and electrical panels
    

Federal Pacific Electric Panels & Stab Lok Breakers Information Articles

• Federal Pacific Electric FPE Panel Hazards Home Page - Our Website Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• Federal Pacific Electric Repair/Replacement Advice about product recalls, replacement breakers, claims by sellers and realtors that there is no hazard
• Home Inspection Reporting Language for FPE Stab-Lok electric panels and circuit breakers
• How to Identify FPE Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panels - is yours one of these? ALSO: A History of the FPE Stab-Lok Issue.
• FPE FIRES: Failures continue: FPE breaker fails, results in fires: field reports
• Federal Pacific Electric Panel Replacements two cost and method options for FPE panel replacement.

• 2000 FPE breaker fails, results in fire: report 12/99
• 1999 HomeInspection Reporting Language anddiscussion for FPE panels
• 1997 Schneider Canada Federal Pioneer circuit breaker recall
• 1995 Federal Pacific Electric Panels: Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to Be Ended - original text article from which this summary was extracted.
• 1983 CPSC Investigation of FPE Circuit Breakers Safety Information for Consumers
• 1982 CPSC Calibration and Condition Tests of Molded CaseCircuit Breakers, Final ReportDecember 30 summary pages, indicating failure rates found for FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers
• 1982 Reliance Electric Co. SEC Quarterly Report: NoteC. reports litigation between Reliance and UV Liquidating Trust and contends that "... improper and deceptive practices were employed for many years to secure UL listings for Federal Pacific's circuit protective products..."
• 1980 Reliance Electric Co. Press Release: improper practices improper practices used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE'scircuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.

• Zinsco Electrical Circuit Breaker Failures: overheating, failure to trip, burn-ups involving Zinsco and certain Sylvania electrical panel components
• Zinsco Electric Panel Replacements a discussion of the repair options for Zinsco Electrical Panels and Zinsco-type Sylvania Electric Panels

Contents

Engineering

• American Consulting Engineers Council
• Arizona Consulting Engineers Association
• Consulting Engineers Council of NY State
• Engineers On Line
• Engineering Civil and Construction
• Engineering, Construction Research Laboratories
• "ENSYS - Engineering Training Programs, Orlando-based, online education
• Civil Engineering Resources
• IEEE General Information
• Science/Civil :Construction:Institutes

Emergency Relief/Disaster ARC FEMA etc

• American Red Cross Home Page
• International Red Cross - IFRC Home Page
• FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
• FEMA-California Home Page

Contents

Energy Conservation and Energy Efficient Construction

• Solar House Maine
• VTT Building Technology(Recommended byLarry Hoytt)

Contents

Environment & Hazmat

See also Law and Legal Services
See also Indoor Air Quality, Toxic Mold and IAQ Investigations

• Environment - Our Website Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• Adult Attention Deficit Disorder - A leading provider of EEG neurofeedback for adult attention deficit disorder ADD / ADHD, also sells EMF meters and air and water purification equipment
• Appearance of mold indoors: what does mold look like indoors on surfaces and in the laboratory?
• Asbestos Detection, Testing, Recognition, Hazards, Field Photos, and Information Sources
• Asbestos: How to find and recognize asbestos in Buildings - visual inspection methods, list of common asbestos-containing materials
• Asbestos Under the Microscope
• Asbestos HVAC Ducts and Flues field identification photos and guide
• Asbestos News - a good information website on asbestos hazards and Mesothelioma.
• Dust from the World Trade Center collapse following the 9/11/01 attack: the lower floors of this building contained spray-on fire-proofing asbestos materials.
• Asbestos Information Page The U.S. EPA
• Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center Resource on Asbestos and Mesothelioma, including discussion of asbestos, asbestosis, asbestos cancer, asbestos abatement procedures, jobsite exposure to asbestos, and treatment for asbestos-related illness.
• Asbestos News - a good information website on asbestos hazards and Mesothelioma. Example of lead-in of a current article (Jan 2006) "What is Mesothelioma? - Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks cells, called mesothelial cells, which make up membrane lining in the chest and abdominal cavity. The tissue called mesothelium, which is formed by the mesothelial cells, help protects the organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move without irritating nerves." The site contains articles on asbestos abatement, asbestos in schools, claims, containment, litigation, and various asbestos-related illnesses.
• Mesothelioma is a very dangerous ailment that can devastate a family.  Make sure that you have the right mesothelioma lawyers to help protect your family from economic hardships.  Asbestos is an extremely dangerous substance that everyone should be aware of. [Text supplied to DF by Mesothelioma News 2/12/07]
• The U.S. EPA Vermiculite (asbestos hazard) Information Page
• ATSDR Science Corner:Government Servers
• ATSDR Science Corner: Toxic Substances
• Atlas Chemicals: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Carbon Monoxide & Carbon Dioxide Gas Toxicity
• Careers in Environmental Science list of resources
• Cat Dander: how to inspect and test a building for past or current presence of cats, cat hair, cat dander, and cat allergens
• J.D. Sales & Consulting investigating Carbon Monoxide and combustion problems
• Chemicals MDSsheets
• Electro-magnetic Fields EMF electromagnetic studies & surveys
• Electromagnetic Field Measurement Procedures a suggted field inspection and EMF survey protocol to improve accuracy and repeatability of EMF surveys
• Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, & "Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear of Environmental Issues
• Electromagnetic Fields in the Workplace sample very good NIOSH document online, links to other NIOSH docs.
• Forum articles egEMF
• EMF Shielding Inc New York based Environmental Engineering Firm provides EMF Design, Engineering, Electromagnetic Field Surveys, Shielding Installation, Consulting and Field Management - U.S. & worldwide services
• EMF ElectroScienceLaboratory Home Page
• NY Building Diagnostician Specializing in Environmental Concerns offers EMF field surveys and an EMF survey protocl - author of this website--DF
• Environmental Awareness, Software for from the U.S. EPA
• Environmental Careers, List of Websites for
• Environmental Health, Centre for -Univ Victoria
• Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Home page
• Environmental Sites on Internet Condensed List


• Fiberglass Hazards: Indoor Air Quality Investigations: Fiberglass in Indoor Air, HVAC ducts, and Building Insulation
• Safety of fiberglass insulation - American Lung Association
• Papers on fiberglass duct research AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association
• John Bower's article on fiberglass Healthy House Institute
• U.S. EPA project on evaluation of fungal growth on fiberglass duct
• US EPA - Use of Disinfectants and Sanitizers in HVAC systems
• Fiberglass Information Network a broad resource of information on this topic
• Fiberglass duct litigation Faulty installation of fiberglass ducts and batts resulted settlement of $825,000 for a worker in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
• Consumer Law Page (a personal injury law firm)
• Fiberglass seen as a more potent carcinogen than asbestos - Earth Crash environmental action website
• OSHA release on worker protection from fiberglass
• Law: Construction or Environmental Law & Legal Services and litigation assistance on Building failures, environmental issues, safety hazards,

Gases, Toxic

• Toxic Gas Sampling Plan
• A Toxic Gas Testing Plan: A Gas Sampling Plan for Residential and Commercial Buildings lists some of the toxic indoor gases for which we test, depending on the building complaint and building conditions
• Gas Exposure Hazard Levels: for Toxic Gas Exposure to Ammonia, Arsine, Arsenic, Bromine, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Hydride, Ozone - allowable exosure levels and hazard levels
• Carbon Dioxide Gas Toxicity hazard levels, poisoning symptoms, & testing
• Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity hazard levels, poisoning symptoms, & testing
• Formaldehyde: US EPA. UFFI (Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation) was previously considered a hazard (formaldehyde outgassing).
• UFFI is virtually a closed concern regarding this material; however formaldehyde appears to remain a health concern for sensitive individuals.
• Ozone Warnings Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
• Draeger-Safety's detector-tubes and Drager accuro® bellows pump
• Gastec® cylinder pump and detector-tube system produced by Gastec
• Sensidyne,
• Gilian air pump. For broad screening for combustibles and a number of other toxic gases and for leak tracing
• We also use Amprobe's Tif8850. All of these instruments, their applications, and sensitivities (minimum detectable limits) for specific gases are described in our Gas Sampling Plan online document.

Lead Contamination and Hazards

• Lead inDrinking Water: Advice
• Tests for Lead Contamination in Water
• Lead inDrinking Water - Testing Problems/Advice
• Lead Hazards: Advice, evaluation, mitigation, services - lead paint, lead in plumbing, lead in water, air, dust
• How to Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home U.S. CPSC publication with additional links and resource references
• Lead Hazards in Buildings, Dust, Paint, Water: General Advice, Testing Procedures, Illnesses with additional links and resource references for Lead Hazards
• Lead in Drinking Water : Advice
• Lead Testing & Correcting Contamination from Lead Water Supply Lines/Entry Mains - Lead Pipe Problems/Advice

Chemical & Environmental Sensitivity

MCS - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity referral and resources, A. Donnay

Mold, Allergens, IAQ

• Cat Dander: how to inspect and test a building for past or current presence of cats, cat hair, cat dander, and cat allergens
• Mold & Indoor Air Quality, Toxic Mold and IAQ Investigations such as: bacteria, mold, gases, IAQ, odors, sick Building syndrome, sewage contamination
• The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems
• Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab
• On-Site Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan

Determining the Age of Mold in a Building - how to determine the probable cause and the history of mold contamination in a building
Standards for Mold Cleaning, Remediation, & Clearance Testing Standards list of documents

• NIOSH Publications Dissemination, Call: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674), E-mail: pubstaft@niodst1.em.cdc.gov
• Renters and Tenants how can a tenant deal with a moldy rental apartment or rental home

Oil Tank Issues: Papers and Articles

• Heating Oil Underground & Above ground Oil Storage Tank Website - Leaks, Testing, Problems & Solutions
• Abandoning Commercial Underground Tanks Russ Brauksieck, ASHI Tech. Journal, Vol.3 No.1 Spring 1993, P. 40-41 [Reprint]
• Home Inspection Report Language Library: Buried Oil Tanks, Basic home buyer advice
• Home Inspection Report Langugage Library: Defects in Oil Tank Installations, Tanks, and Heating Oil Piping
• Home Inspection Report Language Library: Oil Tanks text file list © Oil and Other Storage Tank Leaks, Testing, Abandonment, Inspection - UST home inspection report language files - Reference List
• Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks - UL Standards for AST
• Abandonment, Closure, or Removal of Heating Oil Tanks - New Jersey Guidance
• Abandonment-Heating Oil Tanks less than 2,001 gallons - New Jersey Guidance
• Floating up Tanks - Septic tanks or oil tanks float up out of the ground if empty and exposed to rising ground water or flooding
• Leaky Oil Tanks D.J. Friedman, ASHI Tech. Journal, Vol.2 No.1, Winter, 1992 p. 42-43 Illus
• Legal Issues Regarding Buried Oil Storage Tanks K.S. Rea, Attorney, summary from ASHI Chapter Seminar.
• Petroleum Bulk Storage J. Sibblies, NY State DEC, Advice to Home Owners and Home Inspectors about Oil Storage Tanks - summary from ASHI Chapter Seminar.
• Primer on Petroleum Bulk Storage Tanks & Petroleum Contamination of Property Paul H. Ciminello, ASHI Tech. Journal, Vol.3 No.1 Spring 1993, p 35-39
• Regulations & Guidelines for Abandoning Oil Tanks in New Jersey
• Underground Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids - Tank Removal, Abandonment or Placing Temporarily Out of Service - New Jersey Guidance
• Visual Inspection Procedure for Residential Oil Tanks DJ Friedman, ed. [Sources cited in article]
• Visual Inspection Checklist for Oil Tanks, by an oil company, including tank test or replace suggestion handed out by local oil company
• Water in Oil Tanks, how to test for water contamination, how water enters oil tanks, how to remove water from oil storage tanks

Oil Tank Inspection and Removal Services and Products
• List of Oil Tank Testing and Removal Companies
• Enviro Tech of Fairfield County oil tank testing and locating services, Connecticut
• Phase I and Phase II Typical Costs
• "Leaking Underground Tanks," Rachel's Hazardous Waste News #229, April 17, 1991
• COMING and WANTED: contact us to list here information on oil storage tank testing, tank corrosion research, oil industry experts

Contents

Equipment: Building Inspection, Testing, and Diagnosis

• Imaging Systems Inspection Equipment
• Thermography - Infra Red Inspection Equipment, temperature, heat loss, active leak detection, moisture investigations
• FLIR Thermography manufacturer of infrared cameras, thermographytesting equipment, and thermal imaging cameras. FLIR provides infrared software as well as infrared training and support

Contents

Exteriors

• Age: Find the Age of a House How to Determine the Age of a Building from Visual Clues, Architectural Style, Building Materials, Construction Details, or Documentary Clues
• Exteriors - Our Website Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• Dream Porches - A Porch Design Photo Book - Book Review
• Landscaping:
• California: All Star Landscape El Dorado & sacramento Counties, landscape contractor services
• Siding:
• Georgia-Pacific Helps its Customers Identify, Solve Siding Problems? - they've deleted the page, but the site is there.
• Louisiana Pacific INNER-SEAL siding failures class action case
• Masonite Siding Failures class action case.
• Masonite OmniWood Siding class action settlement notice.
• Masonite Failure Settlement reached on class actions: Masonite OmniWood Siding & Woodruf Roofing
• SidingContractors.net siding articles and qualified local siding contractors
• Siding Book A Field Manual for Identification of Composite Siding and Damage - Recommended
• Vinyl Siding Defects Article review & comments about moisture & vapor barriers
• Stucco, Synthetic Stucco, EIFS Information Links & Resources - Master List:
• EIFS - builder on line Dryvit EIFS refrences
• EIFS Legal Network synthetic stucco lawyers reprsenting homeowners
• EIFS Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems Industry Association
• StoTherm Insulated Wall Claddings (EIFS) product description, installation specifications, product comparisons
• EIFS Restoration System revitalizes prestigious San Francisco Towers [Silicone [[caulk]] in constructin]
• National Org. of EIFS Inspectors Information Center - somewhat thin in depth but useful updates on class action, basic failure mechanisms for various exterior claddings
• EIFS Siding Failures, USG US Gypsum (unfriendly) website
• Other Building Exterior Topics:
• Pressure Washers the Ultimate Washer sales website

Contents

Foundations and Structures

Framing, Structures, Structural Inspections, columns, piers etc.

• Age: Find the Age of a House How to Determine the Age of a Building from Visual Clues, Architectural Style, Building Materials, Construction Details, or Documentary Clues
• Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction - Steven Bliss Book Review by DJ Friedman
• Chernobyl Nuclear Plant this interesting document describes serious flaws in the construction of the Chernobyl Nuclear Facility, conditions which were discussed among Russian authorities long before the Chernobyl nuclear disaster that occurred in the Ukraine in 1986
• Chimneys, flues, wood stoves & fireplaces: chimney inspection, defects, safety concerns
• Crawl Space Q & A website answers questions about crawl spaces "Ask the Crawl Space Expert"
• Foundation Crack Bible, in-depth diagnosis, and evaluation of all types of structural and non-structural cracks in residential foundations [Brick, Concrete, Masonry Block, Stone]
• Foundation Crack Repair Using Polyurethane Foam to stop basement or crawl space leakage
• Foundation Crack Repair Products are available from Applied Technologies and include a polyurethane foam used to seal leaky basement cracks (this is not a structural repair it's a waterproofing measure). The company sells other foundation repair products (dowel rod expoxy) as well as foundation and basement waterproofing, drainage, and dampproofing products as well. 1-877-277-5948, 513-939-3767 or Fax: (513) 939-3787
• Fire Retardant Treated FRT Roofing Plywood Failures inspection, detection, testing of defective FRT plywood roof sheathing
• Structural Defect Identification, Diagnosis, and Repair - Our Website Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• "Modular Home Construction, special defects and inspection methods" Dan Friedman, NY Metro ASHI Seminar, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, White Plains NY, October 4, 1996
• Mobile Home Inspections defects, inspection procedures, repair advice for mobile homes and trailers
• Mobile Home and Trailer Tie-Downs how to install tie downs, number required, types of connections
• Trailer vs Mobile Home vs Modular vs Panelized Construction an explanation of terms and how to identify these structures.
• Posts: Proper use of teleposts/jackposts/screwjacks Jack Posts (temporary) vs. Lally columns (permanent) for Building structural support - A. Puentes' new paper
• Rot, fungus, termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, & other wood destroying organisms
• Rising Roof Trusses, cracking, structural problems from [Carson Dunlop]
• Sink Holes: Can X-Ray Vision [Advanced Building & Building Site Inspection Techniques] Warn of Sink Holes? in Florida or elsewhere
• Stairs and Railings: A Checklist for Stair, Railing, Landing Safety Inspections
• Soil Screw Anchors for solving foundation problems [Carson Dunlop]
• Truss Net Truss Construction info
• Separation at roof trusses


• Foundation Defects, Identification and Diagnosis of Masonry Foundation Defects, Updated Feb 1999, ASHI Calgary Conference, D Friedman 1995
• Steel Columns, Inspecting A. Puentes photos for that article
• Wood Destroying Organisms
• Carpenter Ants distinguished from termites, what to do [Carson Dunlop]
• Wood Rot facts from Ohio State Univ.

Contents

Government Agencies & Resources

• California Law - Earthquakes, Water Heaters, Safety,etc.
• CPSCGopher
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Safety and Product Recalls
• Essential Links to Taxes
• Internal Revenue Service
• OSHA Occupational Safety and Hazard Adminisration
• USArmy Corps of Engineers Information Network
• USDept. of Transportation
• Government, Federal WWW Server List
• Government Servers via ATSDR Science Corner
• Government US Info Sources: WWW Virtual Library
• Great Lakes Region www page
• NTIS FedWorld

Green Construction

• Oikos/Green Construction Source

Contents

Heating Systems and oil tanks, buried UST underground storage tanks & above ground oil tanks

Underground Storage Tanks / Buried Oil Tanks environmental, legal, economic, testing, abandonment/removal, technical information

• Heating - Our Heating System Inspection & Diagnosis Articles on inspection, defects, repairs
• Asbestos HVAC Ducts and Flues field identification photos and guide
• Blueray Heating Boilers/Furnaces Safety Recall by the US CPSC, with additional history, photos, and technical details
• Goodman Furnace High Temperature Plastic Vent HTPV safety recall US CPSC notice
• Heating Cost Reduction Advice: How to Reduce Home Heating Costs - Book Review & Actual Heating Savings and Energy Savings Tips for homeowners and service technicians
• Heating System Inspections, Detailed Inspection Methodology, ASHI Seminar
• Plastic Heating Vent Pipe Safety Recall Notice
• Lennox Pulse Furnace Safety Inspection/Warranty Program: Carbon Monoxide Warning
• Oil Storage Tank Issues : Papers and Articles are listed under Environmental Concerns

Heating Systems, Products, Services

• Duct Cleaning Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - Indoor Environments Division (6607J) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) EPA-402-K-97-002, October 1997, US EPA
• Introduction to Residential Duct Systems produced by the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
• Furnace Safety Consultants inspection training, cracked heat exchangers, etc.
• Gas-Fired Heating Boilers - Allgas Heating installs full gas central heating systems, Combi conversions, and boiler exchanges.
• HVAC Equipment Data Tag De-coding: Technical Reference Guide, published by Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates, Ltd., Toronto, 2006 for a $69.00 book which translates air conditioning equipment model numbers and serial numbers into date of equipment manufacture and rated BTUH capacity.
• HVAC Jobs information on HVAC, HVAC Software, HVAC engineers, HVAC contractors, HVAC recruiters, HVAC jobs, Heating, Air Conditioning and ASHRAE
• Preston's HVAC Guide Books list Mfgs, Models, Capacity, Etc.(advertisement for ref. book)
• Wood Furnaces clean burning wood furnaces from Greenwood Furnace, 85% efficient, it burns not only the wood, but the smoke coming from a typical fire. It ties to any heating system and may heat an entire home and provide all your domestic hot water. It leaves very little material to create smoke, creosote or ash making it one of the cleanest wood furnaces on the market

Contents

Historic Buildings Inspection, Construction, Repair, Dating

• Age: Find the Age of a House How to Determine the Age of a Building from Visual Clues, Architectural Style, Building Materials, Construction Details, or Documentary Clues
• Asbestos HVAC Ducts and Flues field identification photos and guide
• Brick Lined Wall Cavities in Wood Framed Homes - Brick Nogging and What it Means to a Home Buyer or Home Owner
• Determining the age of a house Carson Dunlop Article
• Developing Your Building Inspection X-Ray Vision - home inspection methodology for experts
• Sears Houses: How to identify Sears catalog kit houses photos and tips for identifying these interesting homes.

Contents

Home Buyers/Home Owners - General Resources

• Age: Find the Age of a House How to Determine the Age of a Building from Visual Clues, Architectural Style, Buildin