Virtually every home heating system requires a chimney or vent, making this an important topic for both home inspectors and homeowners. The text explores the efficiency and life expectancy of various types of chimney and wood heating methods. Components and potential problems of wood furnaces are discussed for regions of the country where this heating method is common. Wood stoves and wood fireplaces, popular throughout North America, are also covered.

This introductory overview of the major home systems gives students a solid foundation for beginning a career in home inspection. This comprehensive text gets students out into the field quickly while serving as a springboard for the 13 advanced electives in the Principles line. Systems & Standards focuses on system and component problems, their practical implications, and inspections strategies for finding them. No other single volume offers both the breadth and depth of this introduction.

The majority of roof leaks are flashing related, so this critical topic is covered in-depth, including valley, chimney, pipe, sidewall, hip and ridge, skylight, drip edge and dormer flashings. For inspectors in cool climates, the important topic of ice damming is also covered.

"...offers a basement-to-chimney guide to the modern inspection profession. For every major house system, this book explains the component problems, their practical implications, and the inspection strategies for finding them...include[s] hundreds of detailed technical illustrations...ideal text for both aspiring and veteran home inspectors."--back cover.

Steam, electric and wall/floor heating methods are often neglected in other texts because they are not as widely used as other methods. For home inspectors who expect to see them in their practice, this book offers a solid introduction to the materials, components, operating principles, and safety controls of these heating methods.

The inspection of insulation and ventilation systems is particularly challenging because so little of the systems can be seen. This text discusses how insulation, air/vapor barriers and ventilations systems work to keep houses comfortable and structurally sound. Basics of heat transfer and vapor movement are covered first to lay the groundwork for discussion of insulation and ventilation materials, systems, and applications. Thorough treatment of venting living spaces is provided, including balanced ventilation systmes and heat recovery ventilators (HRV's).

This comprehensive text is designed both for beginners who need an in-depth introduction to hot water boiler inspection and more advanced practitioners looking to deepen their understanding. Along with boiler components and conditions, the book covers advantages and disadvantages of hot water heating, differences between boilers and furnaces, efficiency, sequence of operation and life expectancy.