Home Inspection Terminology: A Guide for Real Estate Agents!

At Alpine Building Performance, we’re excited to introduce our educational series (Part 1 and 2) designed to help real estate agents navigate the often complex terminology used in home inspections and residential construction. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to deepen your expertise, this guide is here to clarify the essentials - and a few lesser-known terms. Let’s dive in!

Roofing Terminology

Starting at the top, here are some fundamental roofing terms to know:

• Roof Deck/Roof Sheathing: The structural base of the roof, typically made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), where roofing materials are applied.

• Underlayment: A moisture-resistant layer placed between the roof deck and shingles, made of felt or synthetic material.

• Flashing: Metal or other materials used to direct water away from roof joints, such as chimneys and vents, preventing leaks.

• Eaves: The overhanging edges of the roof that extend beyond the exterior walls.

• Ridge: The peak of the roof where two slopes meet.

• Soffit: The underside of the roof overhang, often ventilated to support attic airflow.

• Fascia: The vertical board along the roofline, where gutters are typically mounted.

Exterior Terminology

The exterior of a home is a major focus in inspections. Here are key terms every agent should know:

• EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System): A multi-layered exterior cladding system offering insulation, waterproofing, and a decorative finish. Proper installation is crucial to avoid moisture issues.

• Capillary Break: An air gap between materials to prevent moisture wicking into building components, such as between siding and the ground.

• Brick/Stone Veneer: A facade that serves as siding rather than a structural wall. Unlike solid brick walls, veneers are primarily decorative.

• Pressboard Siding: Engineered wood siding made from compressed wood fibers, resin, and wax. While affordable, it’s prone to moisture damage without proper maintenance.

• Fiber Cement: A durable, moisture-resistant siding made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, often mimicking wood or stucco.

• Balcony vs. Deck: A balcony is accessed only from the interior and lacks stairs to the ground, while a deck is open and typically has exterior stairs.

• Flatwork: Refers to horizontal surfaces like concrete sidewalks, patios, or driveways.

• Weep Holes: Small openings in masonry or window frames that allow trapped moisture to escape, preventing structural damage.

The Nest Assured Home Health Testing Bundle

Pregnant women and babies are the highest risk individuals for lead poisoning and air quality issues! Nest Assured is the first of its kind home health testing service created to serve expecting mothers, families, and those with babies and young children to help ensure a lead and mold safe environment. Our Nest Assured Bundle tests for lead paint, water quality and air and mold quality. Our EPA approved testing equipment and licensed technicians will put your mind at ease so that you can Nest Assured. 

The nest assured Story

Nest Assured was born in 2024 as a way to help educate and ensure the health of pregnant women, expecting families and those with babies and young children. Andrew Sams, the founder and owner of Alpine Building Performance is the father of 2, and soon to be 3 children. As a passionate healthy home advocate, Andrew realized the need for this service leading up to the birth of his second child. “Ensuring the optimal health of my wife during pregnancy through clean water and air became abundantly clear to me as a top priority. I tested our water, air and paint because I had the knowledge of the potential threats to our family and had the luxury of doing so as the owner of a company that performs these services. There is so much legitimate emphasis put on prenatal diet and nutrition, but so little awareness and education about ensuring optimal water and air quality. Furthermore, when our daughter was born, I was extremely cautious about continuing to monitor her air and water quality for optimal health. Developing bodies are particularly susceptible to small concentrations of toxins. It’s my duty as a father to protect my family in every way that I can and I want to ensure that these testing services and resources are available to all.”

Who this is for?

Protection from the dangers of lead and mold should be a basic human right, and this service can benefit anyone that lives indoors. Nest Assured was created for pregnant women, expecting families and those with babies and young children.

The Nest Assured service is applicable to any dwelling whether owned or rented, single family, townhome or condo. This service is recommended for pre-1978 dwellings due to the use of lead paint during that time period, however post 1978 dwellings can still have water and air quality issues and should be tested accordingly.

The only way to know the safety of your nest is to test. The best possible outcome is that your nest is free of harmful toxins and safe for you and your family. If testing determines that it’s not an ideal environment, we will help guide you to simple and straightforward solutions for improvement.

What Testing services are Included With Nest Assured?

Lead Paint Testing - Interior

Water Quality Testing

Mold and Air Quality Testing

Optional Add On Services

Radon Testing - Exterior Lead Paint Testing - Asbestos Testing

WhY Test The Paint, Water and Air?

Lead paint is a neurotoxin that can be ingested through paint chips and dust.

Lead in water is a neurotoxin that can be ingested through drinking.

Lead consumption whether through paint or water presents a serious risk to pregnant women and children. Some risks include developmental issues, organ damage and neurological development damage.

Source: https://www.phila.gov/guides/lead-guide/dangers-of-lead/

Mold is an allergen/toxin that can be inhaled.

Radon is a carcinogen that is inhaled.

*Radon testing is not included in the base Nest Assured bundle and is available as an add on service.

How Much Does A Standard Garage Door Tuneup Cost And What Does It Include?

A garage door and opener servicing generally costs between $120-$150, but many companies will run door service specials periodically for less than $100.  

Routine garage door and opener service typically includes a comprehensive inspection of panels, hinges, bearing, cables, drums, track and opener for any irregularities. This also typically includes re-tensioning the springs for proper balance as well as making any adjustments to the door to make things run as smoothly as possible. A garage door technician should also check the opener limits and sensitivity to ensure safe operation.

How often should a garage door be maintained and why is routine maintenance important?

Garage door professional, Louis Wilson, of Ascent Garage Doors recommends that garage doors should be serviced annually or at least every other year in order to maintain proper spring balance and make sure there isn’t any progressive failure of components that could cause larger problems. 

Many people don’t realize it, but a garage door is the largest moving part of a home and can present safety issues if not properly serviced. Regular service greatly reduces the risk of large problems with your door coming off track, getting stuck, or even panels falling, which is a huge safety hazard.