outline of studs through wall??

[William J. Decker]

This was not a pre-purchase inspection, but a consulation.

If RH readings help to discover the cause of a problem, then why shouldn't they be done. Meter doesn't cost alot and it helps.

I get about 52% of my revenue from consultations. In this bad market, you kinda have to diversify, correct?

Hope this helps;

[Jae Williams]

http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...archterm=black stains on walls

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by jwilliams4

http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...archterm=black stains on walls

Say that and do not disgaree with it. I was just discussing findings that I have experienced in my area.

Good to learn.

[Michael J. Talotta]

I've seen this many times in homes in Northern New England. Mostly with oil fired boilers & furnaces. Occasionally, these devices can have blow-backs or puff-backs which send particles back into the home. Many times people do not even realize that they have happened and are puzzled by the collection of soot particles on the studs, fastener heads or any plastic switch plates or receptacle plates. Any time I see this, I recommend further evaluation of the heating system by a heating professional. Often times the accumulation will be worse on the upper levels than the lower levels. If you ever come across this again, go to the utility room and run your fingers across the studs above the heating unit. You'll be surprised by the blackness on your fingers. I've attached a couple of pictures as an example of my most recent ghosting. The one with the dark ceiling is actually the furnace room and that is soot the other two pictures are walls of the second floor. The furnace had recently been replaced and it became obvious as to why.