East Wenatchee and Quincy Home Inspection- Smoke on the water

As a residential home inspector one of the things I always try to evaluate is the ducting in the attic and has it been correctly run through attic spaces to t.

Often we will find bathroom, laundry and kitchen exhaust ducting exhausting directly into the attic space and storage that the attic structure is not designed to handle the weight of.

We always talk about the potential for moisture, or in the case with kitchen ducting, grease and moisture entering the attic space and potentially causing moisture issues.

Here is another very good reason to have a thorough inspection.

I received a call from my Brother-in-Law the other day talking about his tough night. He goes on to inform me that he had to watch his neighbor's home for vandalism due to a fire that sent his neighbors to the hospital.

KOMO news report

What happened was they were cooking French Fries in oil on the stove. The oil ignited and the Kitchen exhaust vent sucked the oil fire straight into the attic. Like a flamethrower it started igniting the whole attic space, storage and all.

(photo by my Brother-in-Law)

The fire department shows up cut venting holes into the roof and proceeds to dump copious amounts of water into the structure.

The estimated damage was around $200,000 dollars. If the duct was properly attached it is very likely this fire may not of have quite the same effect since the flames would have been directed to the exterior roof or wall.

East Wenatchee and Quincy Home Inspection- Smoke on the water

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Okanogan County, Kittitas county and Grant County Washington.

NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572