Every term, one plain-English line. Follow a link for the full guide.
Aluminum branch wiring
Solid aluminum wiring used for outlets and switches in homes built roughly 1965-1973; a recognized fire risk at the connections. Read the guide →
Asbestos-containing materials (ACM)
Heat-resistant materials used until the 1980s-90s (popcorn ceilings, vermiculite, pipe wrap, old floor tile); a hazard only when disturbed. Read the guide →
Chimney crown
The concrete top of a masonry chimney; when cracked it lets water in, which freezes and crumbles the mortar over time. Read the guide →
Cosmetic (looks) score
Casaroo's score for how updated and enjoyable a home is — kitchen, baths, finishes — kept separate from the mechanical (bones) score.
Efflorescence
White mineral powder left on basement walls by water passing through them; a sign of moisture intrusion, often from poor grading. Read the guide →
Exhaust venting into the attic
When bath or kitchen fans dump moist air into the attic instead of outside, trapping humidity that causes hidden mould and rot. Read the guide →
Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok panel
An electrical panel sold from the 1950s-80s whose breakers can fail to trip; flagged for replacement regardless of condition. Read the guide →
Flue liner
The lining inside a chimney that safely carries combustion gases out of the house; damage is a carbon-monoxide and fire risk. Read the guide →
Foundation movement
Active shifting of a foundation, signalled by horizontal, bowing, or stair-step cracks (unlike harmless vertical hairline cracks). Read the guide →
Galvanized steel pipe
Zinc-coated steel water pipe (pre-1960) that corrodes and scales up inside, causing low pressure and rusty water; magnetic, unlike lead. Read the guide →
GFCI
A ground-fault outlet with test/reset buttons that cuts power instantly if electricity tries to travel through water; required near sinks, baths, and outdoors. Read the guide →
Ice dam
A ridge of ice at cold roof eaves caused by heat escaping a poorly insulated attic; it backs water under the shingles and into the house. Read the guide →
Knob-and-tube wiring (K&T)
The original pre-1950 wiring method using ceramic knobs and tubes with no ground wire; an insurance and safety concern in older homes. Read the guide →
Lead service line
The pipe carrying city water into a pre-1960s home that may be made of lead, a health concern; dull grey, soft, and non-magnetic. Read the guide →
Mechanical (bones) score
Casaroo's score for how sound a home is and what it will cost — roof, heating, electrical, plumbing, structure — never blended with looks.
Negative grading
Ground that slopes toward a house instead of away from it; the most common, most preventable cause of wet basements and foundation trouble. Read the guide →
Polybutylene (poly-B)
Grey flexible plastic supply pipe installed from the late 1970s to mid-1990s that can fail without warning; an insurance flag. Read the guide →
Roof end of life
Asphalt shingle roofs last about 15-20 years; curling shingles, granule loss, moss, and multiple layers signal a roof near replacement. Read the guide →
Ungrounded (two-prong) outlet
An outlet with no safety ground path; common in older homes and sometimes a clue to bigger wiring problems. Read the guide →
Vermiculite insulation
Pebble-like grey-brown attic insulation that may contain asbestos; treat as suspect and test before disturbing it. Read the guide →
Water heater end of life
A tank water heater lasts about 8-12 years; the manufacture date is printed on the label and most buyers never check it. Read the guide →
Zinsco panel
A failure-prone electrical panel (also branded GTE-Sylvania) with colourful breaker handles; flagged for replacement. Read the guide →
Score a listing before you tour it
Casaroo reads any listing and scores the bones and the looks separately — free, in seconds.