Inspection Report Terms

Find the term. See its meaning, urgency and usual fix. Each explanation links to the source and the date we read it.

Independent explanations from HomeRecord, not a government agency, inspection company or source publisher.

• AFCI nuisance trippingAn AFCI can trip when no dangerous condition is present.
• Bonded subpanel neutralThe neutral bus in a subpanel is connected to the grounding system.
• Double-tapped breakerTwo wires share a breaker terminal intended for one. Some breakers accept two wires.
• Double-tapped neutralMultiple neutral wires terminate together under one screw.
• Failed GFCI testThe GFCI reset button does not pop out during its built-in test.
• Knob-and-tube wiringOlder wiring supported by ceramic knobs and tubes.
• Missing AFCI protectionArc-fault protection detects dangerous arcs in branch wiring.
• Missing panel fillerAn unused opening in an electrical panel has no filler.
• Pointed panel screwsPointed, coarse-thread screws fasten the electrical panel cover.
• Ungrounded three-prong outletA three-prong outlet lacks an equipment grounding conductor.

• Air leakageAir escapes or enters through gaps in the home.
• Bathroom fan venting into atticThe bathroom exhaust ends inside the attic.
• Clogged HVAC filterThe heating or cooling air filter has become clogged.
• Disconnected ductworkHeating or cooling ducts have separated at a connection.
• Kinked flexible ductFlexible duct is tangled or sharply bent.
• Leaky ductsAir escapes through duct holes or poorly sealed connections.
• Low attic insulationThe attic may not have enough insulation.
• Unsealed attic hatchThe attic access opening lets air pass.
• Wet duct insulationInsulation inside an air duct is wet or moldy.

• Blocked or disconnected flueA combustion-appliance exhaust passage is blocked or detached.
• Deteriorated lead-based paintLead paint is peeling, chipping or worn.
• Elevated radonA test has found a raised level of radioactive radon gas.
• Suspected asbestosA material may contain asbestos; appearance alone cannot confirm it.
• Vermiculite insulationLightweight, flaky gray insulation that may contain asbestos.

• CondensationMoisture collects on windows, walls or pipes.
• Downspout discharge near foundationRoof runoff is released too close to the home.
• EfflorescenceWhite powdery deposits on concrete can signal moisture.
• Gutter maintenance neededRoof gutters need cleaning or repair.
• High indoor humidityIndoor relative humidity is higher than recommended.
• Missing crawlspace vapor barrierThe crawlspace ground moisture barrier is absent or incomplete.
• Mold growthMold can grow on damp indoor surfaces.
• Negative gradingGround does not slope away from the foundation.
• Standing water in crawlspaceWater has collected beneath the home.

• Discolored hot waterHot-water discoloration may involve iron-reducing bacteria.
• Hot-water scald riskHigh tap-water temperatures can burn skin.
• Leaking faucetWorn faucet washers or gaskets commonly cause dripping.
• Leaking showerheadWater leaks at the showerhead or its pipe connection.
• Leaking toilet flapperA worn tank flapper can let toilet water leak into the bowl.
• Missing TPR discharge pipeThe water-heater relief outlet has no discharge pipe.
• Polybutylene pipingPB is a water-distribution pipe material that can become brittle.
• S-trapA drain-trap arrangement that can siphon out its retained water.
• Thermal expansionHeated water expands and increases pressure on tanks and pipes.
• Water hammerPounding or vibration when flowing water shuts off abruptly.

• Ice damMeltwater refreezes at the roof edge and forms a dam.
• Missing kick-out flashingA roof-edge diverter that sends water into the gutter is missing.
• Missing step flashingFlashing at a roof-to-wall joint is missing.
• Missing weep holesDrainage openings at the bottom of brick veneer are absent.
• Roof penetration flashingFlashing seals around objects passing through the roof.
• Weather-resistant barrierThe wall drainage layer works with flashing to carry water out.
• Weep screedA perforated metal strip at the base of a stucco wall drains water.