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.
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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. -
Controlling Moisture in a Crawlspace
The wettest crawlspaces -- and basements -- seem to be directly related to exterior drainage issues. -
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. -
Vinyl Siding
Old house in disguise? -
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
Pests thrive on warm weather and water-damaged wood -
Brick Houses
Strip and peel methods tedious but effective for removing paint from brick -
Knob and Tube Wiring
Handy homeowners, critters, and time are enemies of this vintage wiring system -
Termite treatments & prevention tips
“There are two kinds of homes: those that have termites and those that will.†-
Chimney liners
Liners can make old chimneys stronger and safer. Here's what you need to know to buy one. -
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 buying game
Here are some things to consider when buying an historic or older home -
Buying an old house
Plan for repair and higher maintenance costs -
The Home Inspector
Getting help in evaluating old foundations, crawlspaces -
Home inspection
Answers to questions about sagging floors, rotted sills and other problems common to old houses -
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.
