MDHI Home Inspection

Many homeowners consider painting exterior brick to give their home a fresh, modern look. While paint can dramatically change the appearance, it also creates a film over the brick that traps moisture and requires ongoing maintenance. Once brick is painted, returning it to its original appearance is difficult and expensive.

A high-quality masonry stain is often a better long-term option. Unlike paint, stain penetrates the brick instead of forming a surface coating. This allows the brick to breathe, reducing the risk of trapped moisture that can contribute to peeling, flaking, or deterioration over time. Because the natural texture remains visible, the home retains much of the character and depth that makes brick attractive in the first place.

Another advantage is durability. Stain typically fades gradually rather than peeling, meaning touch-ups are less noticeable and maintenance is often simpler. It also preserves the unique variations in color found in natural brick instead of covering them with a uniform layer.

Before changing the appearance of your home’s exterior, consider not only the immediate visual impact but also the long-term performance of the material. In many cases, staining offers the best balance of aesthetics, durability, and protection while respecting the original construction of the home.

MDHI Home Inspection Tip: When evaluating a home, always look beyond cosmetic updates. The right finish can help preserve the building envelope for years to come.

⚡️Not all breakers are interchangeable⚡️

Opened up this panel and found multiple breaker brands installed.

Even though some breakers may “fit,” that doesn’t mean they’re approved for use in that panel.

Electrical panels are designed and tested with specific breakers — and the label inside the panel tells you exactly what’s allowed.

✔️ Some breakers are “classified” for use in other panels
❌ Many are not — even if they snap in

Mixing unapproved breakers can lead to poor connections, overheating, and safety concerns.

👉 When in doubt: always match the panel manufacturer or verify the breaker is specifically listed for that panel.

Our inspection camera allows us to see inside areas that were previously inaccessible without invasive work, including:

✔️ Wall cavities
✔️ Ceiling and attic voids
✔️ Behind finished surfaces
✔️ Tight structural spaces

With this technology, we can:
👀 Check for hidden moisture issues
🐭 Identify signs of pest activity
🪵 Assess concealed structural components
💨 Spot insulation gaps or irregularities
⚠️ Investigate areas of concern—without unnecessary damage!

During yesterdays inspection, the overhead electrical service drop from the utility pole to the home was found in direct contact with tree branches.

Tree contact can cause abrasion to the wire insulation over time
• Increased risk of power outages, especially during wind or storms
• Potential fire hazard if arcing occurs
• May lead to premature deterioration of the service line

Whenever we see moldy discolouration of attic sheathing there are several things we can check- 1)Bathroom/kitchen fans discharging into the attic instead of outside
2)Blocked soffit vents (often covered with insulation) restricting airflow (which was the case here)
3)Inadequate roof ventilation (not enough intake/exhaust balance)
4)Roof leaks from damaged or aging shingles
5)Warm, moist air from the house rising into the attic (poor air sealing) from inadequate attic insulation

Over time, this creates the perfect environment for mold growth and wood deterioration.

Important safety reminder this winter! Verify there are no snow drifts or accumulation of snow blocking furnace and water heater vents on the exterior wall of your home. Exhaust gases have to vent outside. Also, test the carbon monoxide alarms that should be on every level of your home for good measure👍

Following a major update to the Ontario Fire Code, it will be mandatory as of Jan. 1 to have a working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm on every floor of your home.

Previously, provincial law only required these alarms near sleeping areas. However, the new rules mandate protection on every level of your home — including basements and main floors without bedrooms.