For this section, I read the articles Roofing Underlayment Types and Ice Dams. It was informative for me to read that they are moving away from Asphalt Saturated Felt and to a rubberized felt or nonbituman felt. it was also interesting to learn that there aren’t currently recognized standards for some of these new underlayments which can only cause problems. Ice Dams was a good refresher read about why ice dams exist and how to prevent them.
The asphalt shingles are designed to be water resistant, not water proof. The shingles in the images are observed to be beyond their serviceable life expectancy. Damaged and or missing shingles will allow water to penetrate the roof structure causing roof sheathing to rot. Moisture entering the attic space could lead to mould. Consult a qualified roofing contractor to make necessary repairs.
Moss growth on the shingles is an indication that the roof stays wet. Moss left on shingles will accelerate decay of the shingles resulting in premature replacement. The large tree the overhangs the roof needs to be trimmed or removed completely. The tree is preventing the the sun from reaching the roof causing the shingles to remain wet for an extended period of time.
The flashing on this roof was improperly installed and could allow water to penetrate the roof and cause damage. I would recommend contacting a professional roofing company to further evaluate the area.
Capet in bathrooms can be aesthetically pleasing and can reduce the amount of slip and fall accidents, but at the same time can also present a few issues. If not kept dry and cleaned on a regular basis it can create a mold and/or mildew build up. It can also collect urine around the toilette and/or bidet ( if one is present ).
Dryer vents; The main cause for fires in the home which is related to dryers is the improper installation of the vent. It should be made of ridged smooth metal no longer then 25ft and for every 45deg elbow subtract 2.5ft and for every 90deg elbow subtract 5 ft. It shall only be vented to the exterior of the home not in an attic or crawl space. No obstructions are to be installed like screens on the out side or sheet metal screws to hold the pipes together as this could trap the lint from escaping.
I read Mastering Roof Inspections Asphalt Composition Shingles PT 1 & 2 and Mastering Roof Inspections Underlayment PT 1 & 2. The roof shingles are a fiberglass composition shingle and are starting to lose the granules that help protect from the elements. In the photos you can see where the underlayment is not showing and there are also another set of shingles underneath the existing shingles. Under theses conditions I would inform the client that there is a second row of shingles and that they would have to install a new roof the next time it is to be re-shingled and would recommend they have a licensed roofing contractor to come and take a look for any estimates.
This is the required writing assignment for the 10 Steps to Performing a Roof Inspection course.
The photo is of a 7 year old roof with varying pitches. The area in the photo are a just outside a window above the front entrance. The damaged area appears to be from foot traffic where the window has been used to access the roof.
This was confirmed by the home owner.
This is the required reading component of the 10 Steps to Performing a Roof Inspection course.
I read the article titled “Material Defects Defined for Home Inspectors”
https://www.nachi.org/material-defects-for-home-inspectors.htm
Valuable information…
Inspection type: Walk on
Three tab shingle, age per homeowner 8 yrs.
Upon inspection, 1 layer of shingles present. Drip edge installed.
Ice and water shield present to 4 ft above exterior intersecting wall.
Flashing acceptable around plumbing penetration.
Shingles are offset correctly
Roof is a 4:12 pitch
This course is very informative. Many times during an inspection, accessing the roof can only be done from a ladder due to pitch, weather etc.
Knowing what can be accomplished from a ladder is very helpful.
Inspecting and knowing the flashing terminology is quite helpful in writing your reports.
Hector Lebert
HGL Services LLC
This picture shows a Closed-Cut valley on a roof. Shingles from one side of the valley are installed across the valley, extended 12" minimum beyond center of the valley. The shingles from the other side are cut about two inches shorter than the center line of the valley. No nails are to be installed within 6 inches of the center line of that valley. The upper corner of each end shingle should be trimmed to help divert water away. A bead of roof cement can be applied to the ends of the cut shingles to secure the ends.
testing one two
Top of the Morning,
This is in reference to the 10 step roof course. The attached photo shows a cricket without proper flashing. The area of the horizontal cricket that meets the vertical slope of the roof does not appear to have any valley flashing. It should be woven or open with proper flashing.
Inspection of roof dimensional shingles. Photo is of one plumbing vent and one turtle back vent. Homeowner stated roof shingles were installed 2 years ago. The roof is in good condition. I always take pics of all penetrations and look for proper installation with proper overlap and fastening of vents and boots as any opening in the roof system could be a source of moisture intrusion.
Attic pull down stairs essay. Always on look out for defective parts and improper installation .Open the pull down slowly and carefully. You never know what debris or loose parts of the ladder itself may come down with it.Check the stair arms and hinge parts for damage, loose rivets , spring popping off, missing and /or improper fasteners…nuts , bolts securing stair or ladder treads to sides. Attic stair frame not secured to the rough opening or secured with improper fasteners.Folding stairs cut too long or short. Pull down installed over a set of stairs making it unsafe to enter or exit. Face the stairs when going up or down.
This is a picture of a barn with a failed roof. Age and weather has deteriorated the framing, sheathing, and shingles. The roof and flashings need replacement. The condition of the roof also constitutes a safety hazard.
Installing a ceiling fan can be an easy way to save energy in a home. Changing air filters in a furnace will help to increase efficiency and save money.
Using the test and reset button is the best way to test a AFCI breaker or circuit.
The two articles I have reviewed from the library include;
Inspecting Underlayment’s of the Roof:
With my cricket flashing photo in mind, how would you detect the type of underlayment. In the small exposed valley gap could you tell if the underlayment was wrinkled or distorted. Would looking at the rake edge help in determining the thickness of the underlayment, 15 or 30. I would try to research the year built with the builder’s database or call and ask how I find out about roofing requirements for that subdivision. Was water resistant as opposed to waterproof underlayment used as a marketing tool. In warm climates I would imagine a waterproof underlayment would not be used since you want water vapor to pass through.
Roof Underlayment Types:
What would be the best way to tell the perm rating of underlayment between a moisture barrier or moisture retarder. Is asphalt saturated felt still popular with gas prices coming down. Is synthetic underlayment’s the only underlayment that goes over the edge metal at both the eave & rake. With no flashing and the underlayment exposed would you state, moisture wicking could be determined by looking and the sheathing in the attic.
Testing one two
Backdrafting at gas fueled water heaters , boilers, furnaces,etc… is when exhaust gases spill out into room rather then safely leaving through the vent.the pressure differential that allows the gas to flow up the vent can be overcome when fireplaces, exhaust fans and dryers are in use. Improperly configured flues or flue blockages may also contribute. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide and high levels of moisture and this condition should be corrected.
This particular home had a tree above the roof/gutters. This could be an arear where squirrels and other rodents have access to the roof. They can also chew and make their way into the attic, leading to all other sorts of issues. I recommend that the limbs be cut back from the roof. Not only that, the limbs could also damage shingles.
I read the difference in termites and ants in this course. The thin waist, different sized wings and elbow antennas define ants. Also, tree limbs above the roof serve as a bridge where ants can walk aboard. Vegetation should also be pulled back from the siding to prevent ants among many other reasons.