STAHI February 2018 Meeting Agenda

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Call to Order: 6:00 PM

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Members Introduce Their Guests & Round Table Introductions

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Approval of January Meeting Minutes

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Requests for revisions?

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Approval

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Requests from Members for Modifications to This Meeting Agenda?

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Secretary’s Report on Website Development (Frank Macak)

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Treasurer’s Report (Dale Lozier)

  • Accounts
  • Dues Status
  • Membership Report by Category

Education Coordinator Report (Dennis Cole, Education Coordinator)

 

  • Progress on Goals

#1. Ensure monthly 2 credit CE training with back-up scheduled out at least 12 months in advance.

#2. Use information collected by Rick Bates at October 2017 meeting to guide development of new modules.

#3. Work to include two joint training sessions at regular monthly meetings during 2018 to include realtors and appraisers.

#4. Work to provide Non-CE education segment during dinner at monthly meetings.

  • Other

NYSAHI Report (Keith Oberg, STAHI Representative)

 

Old Business

  • STAHI Representation at NYSAHI
    • Proposal by Larry Ames: “That henceforth the two STAHI representatives to NYSAHI be elected by the STAHI membership annually at the November meeting (or at the next monthly meeting following a resignation or vacancy); That those representatives are to represent the interests of STAHI as a whole and bring to the membership any matter of importance for discussion and direction; and that a new representative to fill Tim McGovern’s vacancy be elected at this meeting; and that Keith Oberg, if confirmed by vote of the membership at this meeting, continue to serve until the next annual election.”
    • Election/Confirmation subject to approval of proposal by membership.
      • John Vagliardo has offered to stand for election
  • Meeting Participation Requirement for Membership – Tabled until regular CE training can be assured. (see related proposal in New Business)
  • John Drake – Has requested that members get pictures from the field to him to help prepare for future steam heating course presentation upgrades.
  • Larry Ames has requested members offer pictures for his “Where’s The Frosting” display at the start of the meeting.  Please send your best candidate pics.
  • Technical Follow-up from Last Meeting  – 2 emails by Rick Bates 1/17/18

REGARDING WDI IN RIGID FOAM BOARD

STAHI Colleagues,

Please check out the attached link to see the explanation based on the research conducted concerning how and why foam insulation board can support and protect subterranean termites.

https://www.orkin.com/termites/damage/insulation/Research on Termite in Foam Board Insulation

The area’s top pest control professional asked and STAHI answers…

 

REGARDING JON DRAKE’S CHIMNEY VENT INSTALLATION

Fellow Professional Inspectors:

Thanks to all (10) STAHI Home Inspectors who braved the weather and attended the meeting last night. Information shared by both John Burke and Jon Drake was useful to our futures with respect to inspecting Oil Fired equipment and performing/recommending pest inspections. The value of the information was worth more than NYS CE credits…

For all members, below is some information describing a “Real Scenario” Jon Drake and his crew are installing today.

Residential single family home with a masonry chimney that has a standard natural gas fired atmospheric draft water heater and older natural gas fired (low efficiency) forced air furnace. The water heater and furnace are venting together into the masonry chimney flue passage. Jon has been hired to upgrade the furnace to a natural gas 90+% efficiency unit.

His strategy is to reline the masonry flue passage for the “Orphaned” water heater vent of 3 inches in diameter but to also install the intake and exhaust piping from the new high efficiency furnace in the same masonry flue with the PVC piping running alongside the metal liner for the water flue. Per Jon, “There are no codes concerning this.” Like so many issues: “It depends.”

Here is what I was able to find:

1. Several sections of the building code refer back and forth which complicates finding an answer. No specific statements in the codes were found that allow or forbid specifically what Jon proposes. I have had interaction with local code officials previously on this specific situation and will attempt to explain their logic that I found valid.

2. PVC piping is considered a combustible material. Proper clearances are required between the water heater vent piping and the PVC piping. Single wall piping requires 6 inch clearance to combustible material while Metal “B” vent piping requires 1 inch clearance to combustible materials since the double metal wall provides insulation/isolation of the flue gas temperatures. As specific in NYS Building Code G2425.15.4 Clearances – Chimneys and vents shall have air space clearances to combustibles in accordance with Chapter 10 and the chimney or vent manufacturer’s installation instructions. Chapter 10 – Chimneys & Fireplaces R1003.18 Chimney clearances Exception #1 chimney liners refers to UL 1777 and states that installation must be to manufacturer’s requirements.

3. Jon’s proposal will meet the minimum requirements provided he uses “B” vent for the water heater and can maintain the minimum clearances between the metal and PVC piping continuously throughout the distance inside the masonry flue now used as a piping chase.

4. Proper terminations, weather caps, etc. would also apply

5. I am certain that anyone will argue that the reduced BTU input of 40K for the water heater will not produce high enough flue gas temperatures to impact the PVC piping even if it was in direct contact with any type metal liner.

What do you think? Likely you will see this situation, perhaps on your next inspection…

New Business

  • Tonight’s Non-Credit CE segment during dinner : A presentation on Servicing Fuel Oil Fired Boilers by Jon Drake (continued from last meeting)
  • Tonight’s 2 Hrs. NYS approved CE course:  “ Hot water and Steam Heating” by John Drake
  • Group Picture to be taken at March meeting for website.  All encouraged to attend.
  • Proposal on Attendance by Larry Ames: “Henceforth, the Secretary shall record regular monthly meeting member attendance and post such in a conspicuous and appropriate manner on our website.

Motion to Adjourn