William Kibbel III is a home inspector and restoration consultant specializing in historic residential and commercial buildings.
Bill spends a lot of time poking and crawling in old-house attics and basements -- and uses this column to share some of what he's learned.
Old House Web Tip: Want to learn more about home inspection? It's easy through traditional or online courses.
- Rock-faced concrete blocks
Formed concrete blocks, known as "rock-faced" have been widely used in construction throughout the U.S. Find our more about these blocks, their history and the general consensus about their use. - Historic Stonework
There are many different patterns of stonework. An examination of surviving 18th and 19th century homes in southeastern Pennsylvania reveals fieldstone, rubble, and ashlar were some of the most popular choices. - Steam Heating: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Our home inspector made a comment about old boilers being an outdated, inefficient way of heating. What do you think about steam systems? - Cast Iron Waste Pipes
If the surface of a pipe is rusted, will the entire piping system need replacement? - Ivy and Vines: Attribute or Detriment?
From trapping moisture to encouraging insect nesting, ivy and vines can be more problematic than aesthetically pleasing. - Imported Pests: Ladybugs and Stink Bugs
Bugs that aren't welcome inside our homes. - Imitation Slate Roofing
Are manufactured alternatives appropriate? - Old Metal Windows
When metal casement windows are not working properly, here is what to consider when deciding between restoring or replacing them. - Preserving Historic Log Homes
An exposed log house dweller needs to vigilantly defend against water and insects. - Built-in Gutters
Sometimes hidden gutters are neglected. - Growth on My Roof: Damaging or Just Ugly?
What is that green stuff on my roof, and how do I get rid of it? - Vermiculite and Asbestos
Does all vermiculite insulation contain asbestos? - Balloon Framing
Is balloon framing a fire hazard? - Old, Soft, Crumbly Mortar
When faced with eroding mortar joints on old stone walls, try repointing. - Finding a Roof Leak
Homeowners can sometimes identify the source of a roof leak by performing a few simple tasks. - Two Front Doors
Was this just a style of the time, or did it serve some specific purpose? - Lead Paint - Reducing Your Family's Risk
Lead-based paint is a primary source of lead poisoning, here's how to keep your family safe. - Surprise! The Home You Bought Was a Former Meth Lab
No disclosure means no one is responsible. - Wet Basement of an Old House
Costly "waterproofing" may be detrimental. - Finishing the Basement: A Challenge in an Old House
If you're an old home owner, is finishing your basement a mistake? - Vinyl Siding
Old house in disguise? - Controlling Moisture in a Crawlspace
The wettest crawlspaces -- and basements -- seem to be directly related to exterior drainage issues. - Termite treatments & prevention tips
There are two kinds of homes: those that have termites and those that will. - Chimney Flue Liners
Liners can make old chimneys stronger and safer. Here's what you need to know to buy one. - Knob and Tube Wiring
Handy homeowners, critters, and time are enemies of this vintage wiring system - Buying an Old House
Plan for repair and higher maintenance costs - Venting Your Dryer Outside
There's a reason manufacturers' instructions say that dryers must be ducted "to convey moisture to the outside of the building." - Home inspection
Answers to questions about sagging floors, rotted sills and other problems common to old houses - Common Fire Safety Device in Old Homes a Health Hazard
Fire Grenades (or Fire Bombs) were popular from 1870-1940, but can actually be deadly during a fire. - The Spring Cellar
We'd like to use our farmhouse's root cellar but it's always flooded. Any ideas on how to keep the water out? - Original Windows
The wavy look of vintage window glass is a result of the handmade manufacturing process that was used until the early twentieth century. - Cement Asbestos Roofing
Cement asbestos roofing is a durable, inexpensive material that was used to cover and protect buildings throughout two-thirds of the twentieth century. - Repointing Historic Masonry
The mortar that's used between the bricks and stones of old homes is traditionally lime-based. The properties of this type of mortar make it a wise choice for repointing and repairs to stone walls and foundations. - Brick Houses and Vapor Barriers
Improper installation can cause moisture problems and mold - Hiring a Contractor
Vet your contractor and spell everything out to avoid costly surprises - Structural Terra Cotta
Many stucco homes from the 1920s and '30s were made from these durable, fire-proof building blocks. - Carpenter Ants Infestation
Pests thrive on warm weather and water-damaged wood - Brick Houses
Strip and peel methods tedious but effective for removing paint from brick - Tin Roofs
How to breathe new life into old metal roofs through new coatings and good maintenance. - Slate Roofs
All slate was not created equal - Worn slate roofs - repair or replace?
How inspectors know when it's time for a new slate roof - The Home Inspector
Getting help in evaluating old foundations, crawlspaces - Termite damaged wood in an old house
The floor joists in our "new" old house have extensive termite damage. What should we do? - Firebacks - What are they?
Decorative cast iron plates also served functional purpose - Wood roofs
Care and maintenance of cedar shakes and shingles - Old boilers - a cause for concern?
Condition, not age, a primary consideration in evaluating older heating systems - Sagging floors
Serious flaw or charming old house character? - The 'other' chimney - the one serving your furnace
What you need to know about inspecting, repairing and maintaining your heating system's chimney - Inspecting historic properties
How to choose a home inspector qualified to evaluate an older home. - Stone foundations - cause for concern?
Common in old houses, stone foundations can be a source of trouble ... and need regular maintenance.
