The first component to be installed is underlayment. Different types of roof- covering materials may also have specific underlayment requirements. Underlayment is typically required in new construction by building codes, in the past, roof-covering material manufacters haven’t always required it on slopes of 4:12 & steeper. Most roof-covering materials are not waterproof, but are water-resistant. Water-resistant underlayment may allow the passage of moisture vapor, but will prevent the passage of water in its liquid form. In areas where a history of ice forming along the eaves.Causing melt-back to back up under the shingles or ice dams, An ice barrier is typically a self-sealing, self- adhering waterproof underlayment.
This photo is an example of a 3 tab shingle that has been blown off a roof in several different sections. after pictures were taken, the area has been measured and the two sample shingles have been carefully separated and collected there is a good chance that,
The nailing pattern may be visible,
The underlayment may be exposed,
The decking material may be able to be determined.
with all of these factors available a very detailed report can be generated.
Many people overlook the importance of proper roof ventilation. Good roof ventilation is very important for the overall health of the home. Creating a good flow of air has several benefits such as cooling the attic space during the summer months and drying out the cooler air in the winter while helping to prevent ice dams. Attic temperatures can easily exceed 120 degrees in the summer and that can greatly reduce the life of the shingles.
This roof return to entrance of home is well covered with gutters in good condition with added splash guard for the small return area. Home is 12 years old with one layer of shingles and bit to much roofing tar on slopped cap. No telling if this was from the original installation or a preventative maintenance issue. The drip edge is in good order and rain leaders hit a splash block with good slop away from the home. I saw no leaks, stains or discoloration when inspecting the attic area.
Pre built fire places have some nice advantages. Buying and installing is much less expensive and and you typically can install in smaller spaces as they have zero clearance as per each manufacture. Typically 1/2 inch to 2 inches. Fireplaces are inspected and approved by Underwriters Laboratories and the American gas Association. These fireplaces usually have better heating ability from the vents and or fans.
This is a plumbing vent properly flashed. When the roof was replaced the flashing was also replaced. In any roof system , flashing and penetrations are the most likely areas to leak so it is important to change these out as part of a new roof system. This roof is laminated architectural asphalt in its composition, and is not apparently defective in its composition and installation.
BBQ safety. Over 500 fires are caused per year by misuse or malfunction of propane grills. Prevent by storing tanks outdoors, and buy from a reputable dealer. Use grill only on ground level, not on a balcony or roof. Use soap bubbles to check for connection leaks. Ignite with the lid open, and turn the tank off after every use. Happy grilling!
This image shows nail heads that are exposed and not sealed. This could cause moisture intrusion and should be evaluated and corrected by a qualified contractor.
The picture attached shows a porch roof with a slope of 2/12. The picture was taken during construction of an adjacent roof. From the picture we can see that 3 tab asphalt shingles were installed over a layer of roll roofing. Both layers of roofing were very brittle and broke into pieces when stepped on. You will also note the 3 tab shingles have a few nail heads exposed. This was a small sample, however, the remainder of the roof was in the same condition. It was recommended that the homeowner remove both layers of shingles and the underlayment and replace the roofing with rolled roofing. New underlayment and flashing was also recommended. This is a good example of a roof well beyond its life expectancy.
Roof underlayments typically come in one of 3 forms.
Asphalt saturated felt, the most common form comes in 15 and 30 pound varieties. 30 pound felt is thicker and more resistant to damage during installation. Asphalt saturated felt is water resistant, not waterproof.
Rubberized asphalt is a type of underlayment that typically has adhesive on one side to adhere to building materials and is also considered self-sealing in that it seals any penetrations made into it.
Non-Bitumen synthetics is a relatively new type of underlayment that is often praised for its light weight, anti fungal and non-skid properties, however, it has not been approved in all areas to meet code requirements.
Roof ponding noted on a commercial building roof. A roofer may suggest repitching the roof, installing crickets to redirect water, additional drains, the opening of existing drains, or other procedures. Professional solutions are always best.
Inspecting underlayment on roofs, there are two types of shingle underlayment: water-resistant and waterproof. Shingle manufacturers recommend the use of underlayment except on roof-over installations.Even though the underlayment is the first material to be installed on the roof deck, the roof-covering material the shingles, tiles, metal or slate is the primary barrier against roof leakage. Underlayment is a secondary barrier.
Architectural asphalt shingles approximately 8 years old. Noted lack of step flashing and counterflashing front gable. “L” flashing was used on gable and at this time no water staining on gable wall was noted. Valley woven with galvanized metal in valley. Drip edge installed. Continuous ridge vent installed. Electrical service boot OK. Underlayment appeared to be 30# builders felt over 7/16” Radiant Barrier OSB decking. From attic inspector could see nails penetrating decking by 3/4 inch. Decking clips installed between each rafter. No leaks detected, no water stains noted on decking or framing in attic. Overall wear was even with no signs of hail damage or raised nail heads.
Dryer ducts must terminate on the outside of the structure using a smooth metal duct. joints should not use screws that will catch lint and create a fire hazard. An aluminum tape can be used to connect ducts. Total run of duct system should not exceed 25 feet allowing for a 2 1/2 ft deduction for 45 degrees turns and 5 ft deduction for 90 degrees turn. Some older homes used PVC for dry ducts. There have been reports of PVC causing a static electric build up causing lint to catch fire. When inspecting dryer vents watch for flex duct running into walls or through floor.
Laminate shingles present are well within their life expectancy There is a large amount of organic material, recommend removing organic material to extend the life expectancy of roof. Gutter end cap is also loose, recommend repair/replace by a qualified contractor.
I chose to review the article, “Mastering Roof Inspections:Photography”. I found the information about telephoto lenses particularly interesting, especially the differences between optical and digital zoom. I did not know about the macro zoom feature and while it probably won’t be applicable to roof inspections, it will be useful in other inspection areas.
The roof was installed in 1988 and is approximately 28 years old, the typical lifespan of a concrete tile roof is 25 years. This roofing system is several years past it’s estimated lifespan and shows signs of leakage at the interior and attic area. Damaged roof vents were also noted. Further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor is needed to determine the extent of damage/cost to repair
Chinese drywall article
During the years of 2004 to 2007 drywall was imported from China that was found to be problematic. Most of the companies manufacturing this drywall used an unrefined fly ash which was found to be the major source of this problem. Most of the reported cases were found to be in Florida due to the high levels of the humidity. The presence of this drywall has also been known to be associated with no believed life threading health issues but has been known to make people sick. Chinese drywall cannot be repaired and causes damage to the metal piping/wiring. Although China has been blamed they claim that no scientific facts have proven they are at fault.
In the attached photo, the flashing used is roll roofing. The flashing is worn and needs to be replaced. In the report, I indicated this be removed to inspect for metal flashing beneath the roll roofing flashing. I also indicated if there is no metal flashing beneath it, that one be installed, by a licensed contractor of course.
I chose to read the article Roof and Drainage System Maintenance and Replacement. I learned, by visiting the link in the article was very informative. I learned the correct sizing, spacing, and attachment devices. I printed out the guide and will use it for future reference. There is more science involved in choosing the correct gutters to use for your application than I realized. It was an informative article and link. Thanks.
the flashing used is roll roofing. The flashing is worn and needs to be replaced. In the report, I indicated this be removed to inspect for metal flashing beneath the roll roofing flashing. I also indicated if there is no metal flashing beneath it, that one be installed, by a licensed contractor of course.