The era issue library
Quick answer
Every problem material or code gap documented on this site, grouped by system. Each entry shows its usage years — the range that decides whether it belongs on your checklist — plus prevalence and a full identification guide. For a year-specific list, use the checklist tool.
Electrical
| Issue | Years used | Prevalence | Insurer question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knob-and-Tube Wiring | pre-1950 | Common | Commonly asked |
| Ungrounded Two-Prong Outlets | pre-1962 | Very common | — |
| Aluminum Branch Wiring | 1965–1973 | Common | Commonly asked |
| Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok Panel | 1950–1985 | Common | Commonly asked |
| Zinsco / Sylvania-Zinsco Panel | 1955–1980 | Occasional | Commonly asked |
Plumbing
| Issue | Years used | Prevalence | Insurer question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized Steel Supply Pipes | pre-1960 | Very common | — |
| Polybutylene (Poly-B) Pipes | 1978–1995 | Common | Commonly asked |
| Kitec Plumbing & Fittings | 1995–2007 | Occasional | — |
| Lead Water Service Line | pre-1988 | Common | — |
| Orangeburg Sewer Pipe | 1945–1972 | Occasional | — |
| Cast Iron Drains at End of Life | pre-1975 | Common | — |
| Unbonded Yellow CSST Gas Line | 1990–2012 | Occasional | — |
Environmental
| Issue | Years used | Prevalence | Insurer question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-Based Paint | pre-1978 | Very common | — |
| Asbestos-Containing Materials | pre-1980 | Very common | — |
| Vermiculite Attic Insulation | 1920–1990 | Occasional | — |
| Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) | 1970–1982 | Occasional | — |
Structural
| Issue | Years used | Prevalence | Insurer question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosive Imported Drywall | 2001–2009 | Occasional | — |
Exterior
| Issue | Years used | Prevalence | Insurer question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardboard / LP Inner-Seal Siding | 1985–1996 | Common | — |
| Barrier EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) | 1980–1999 | Occasional | — |
Code & Safety
| Issue | Years used | Prevalence | Insurer question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incomplete GFCI Protection (Code Era) | pre-2007 | Very common | — |
| Incomplete AFCI Protection (Code Era) | pre-2016 | Common | — |
| Outdated Smoke/CO Alarm Coverage | pre-2010 | Very common | — |