Any ideas yet what the problem might be?

Paul and I headed for the crawl space to check out the boiler. We found a 60 year old boiler that had been converted from oil to gas about 25 years ago. We checked the flue clean out and found it to be completely clogged with plant debris, and removed at least a garbage bag full of rotting birds and squirrels nests. With mirror and flashlight we found there was no liner in the chimney. All we saw was bricks.

That's the problem! The flue gases were migrating through the bricks of the chimney, and since the plaster had been removed on the inside, were entering the apartment. Flue gasses contain a lot of water vapour, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and few other compounds. Carbon monoxide being the most deadly of them all. Dany did the right thing in moving out it may have saved his and his families lives. We went outside and saw this huge moisture stain on the outside of the building. As one can see in the picture it extends from the ground up three stories to the top of the building.

Next step was to turn off the boiler and call the gas company. They came the next day and installed a liner. Since then the smell is going away and Dany, Lauren and baby we able to return home.

Vermiculite Insulation

Vermiculite is a mineral used in many commercial and consumer products including insulation. Vermiculite itself has not been shown to pose health problems. However, some vermiculite insulation can contain asbestos fibres.

Of concern is Zonolite, a product made from vermiculite which was used in many Canadian homes. The vermiculite insulation sold in Canada under the name of Zonolite was extracted from the Libby Mine in Montana, USA. This mine had a natural deposit of asbestos which resulted in the vermiculite being contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite produced by the Libby Mine has not been on the market in Canada for more than 10 years. Not all vermiculite sold in Canada before 1990 contains asbestos fibres. However, if you believe that your home may contain vermiculite insulation, it is reasonable to assume that it may be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos can cause health problems when inhaled into the lungs. Exposure to asbestos fibres has been associated with asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The best way to minimize asbestos exposure from vermiculite is to avoid removing or disturbing the insulation. The following precautions will prevent releasing asbestos fibres into the air:

• Do not use the attic for storage.
• You and your children should not go to the attic.
• If you plan to renovate, hire a professional trained and certified to handle asbestos.
• You should never attempt to remove the insulation yourself.
• Seal all cracks and holes in the ceilings to prevent insulation to sift through.

EIFS - Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems

What are EIFS?
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago and were first used on commercial buildings and then later on homes. EIFS typically consist of an insulation board make of polystyrene foam (which is secured to the exterior wall surface with an adhesive and/or mechanical attachments), a water-resistant base coat applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and a finish coat typically using acrylic co-polymer technology. This type of system is often referred to as artificial stucco.

The Potential Problem with EIFS...
The potential problem with EIFS is that moisture can get trapped behind the highly water resistant material with no way out. This can cause the framing to rot and foster the growth of mold between the exterior and interior walls. Damp and rotting wood is also a prime target for subterranean termites. It should be stated that the potential for these conditions exist with any type of exterior siding product be it brick veneer, wood, or vinyl siding. The potential for this condition with EIFS however can be exacerbated by its superior water resistance. Once moisture gets in, regardless of its origin, it usually has no escape.

The main locations where water tends to infiltrate into the framing structure of a building using an EIFS is around doors and windows, where the roof connects to the EIFS (roof flashing), and below extended exterior deck connections. Also, any moisture from within the home trying to find a path out will likely be thwarted by the EIFS.

The EIFS industry has been plagued by class action, and individual lawsuits (particularly in humid climates). The public's confidence in the products have been shaken to say the least. The lawsuits contend that the problem is with the nature of the product and the manufacturers contend that sloppy installation and poor maintenance are the culprits.

Regardless of who is "right", its clear that homes with EIFS require special scrutiny during inspection.
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A Couple of Quotes

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
Jane Austen
British novelist and writer, 1775-1817

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain
American humorist, writer and lecturer. 1835-1910