Knob and Tube Wiring

Did you know that most of the Home Owners Insurance Companies will not insure a home if it has Knob and Tube wiring? If you are looking at a home and are wondering how to determine if it has Knob and Tube wiring a good place to start looking is in the basement or the attic. Here is an example. If you look closely the porcelain knobs are in the back ground and If you look closer you can see the wires passing through a porcelain tube in the wall. The largest problems with Knob and Tube wiring is: 1. The sheathing gets damaged with age. 2. Improperly tapping into the system with newer methods of wiring. 3. Improperly protecting the circuits in the panel.

There are a few insurance companies that will insure a home if a Licensed Master Electrician will write a letter stating that all of the Knob and Tube wiring is safe. You should ask your insurance company before settling on a home.

If you need help in identifying this issue give us a call at 1-888-247-1299.

In the winter a slate roof can have many excellent characteristics and qualities. I like the fact that it has a very smooth surface and will last for years. I like the fact that it repels the build-up of snow and sheds it very quickly. I like the long range durability

This is all very good if the roof is properly maintained and loose shingles are secured. If there are missing shingles they must be replaced and any anchors need to be repaired that may have degraded over the long life of a slate roof.

It is highly recommended that an annual inspection of a roof be conducted every spring by a slate roof specialist, and any deficiencies corrected. This will be well worth the expense and preserve your beautiful and often antique roof for years. If you have any questions feel free to send me an email or call. See our web site at www.vermont-homeinspector.com