Bats are an endangered species in Michigan. In reading from the library, I learned many things on how to solve bat issues for my clients. Learning also that guano can and was used as gunpowder is fascinating. The droppings can cause issues to those with weakened immune systems, and should not be touched with bare hands
This roof covering is the 2nd layer. It is not uncommon to find that a contractor does not install flashing in addition to what is currently found installed with the 1st layer. This contractor used roof cement or a similar sealant. The sealant failed and the home owner is experiencing water intrusion.
Although shingle roofing systems seem to be waterproof, they are not. Typically they are only installed with slopes at or greater than 4:12. There are a few exceptions but this is because they are only watershedding products. For roofing products that are waterproof, they are usually described as low slope products.
I chose to do my essay from an article from the Library of Inspection Articles “Backdrafting”. The article covers all the things we should be looking for during an inspection when it comes to combustion appliances in the home. Many homes today are being sealed up to help reduce their energy bills. Caution must be taken with regard of the ventilation needed when it comes to combustion appliances.
While walking the roof I noticed several soft spots that I could feel under foot in different locations. The roof surface appeared to be a newer installation. Upon inspection of the attic I noticed that the decking surface was plank board type. The installer of the roof broke several of the decking boards. Some spots had been repaired others , like in the picture had not been. I made note of both broken spots and repair spots with pictures in the report. I recommended that a roofing contractor be contacted to further evaluate the problem areas and make repairs as needed.
I chose to to research the article from the internachi gallery on roofing. The article starts off by informing the reader on the importance of maintaining there roof. One Of the more important notes is to keep leaves and debris from building up and keep gutters clean. If the maintenance is not kept up and this could lead to moisture getting under the shingles and causing damage to the roof decking. Next the article moves on to talk about the different types of roofing materials and there applications. The article finishes up with by informing the reader on the steps and processes they should use in the selection and use of a contractor for there new roof.
The article I chose is 10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
by Nick Gromicko, Ben Gromicko, and Kenton Shepard.
This particular writing piece is supposed to be related to the course
“Performing a Home Energy Audit Course”. Some how when I clicked on the link to do the essay for the course, I was taken to this thread regarding 10 steps to performing a roof inspection. I just wanted you guys to know that I was automatically taken to this thread.
Although the roofing system may appear to be water proof, they are actually designed to be water resistant. There are several factors that may lead to water penetrating a roof surface. One of the reasons a roof can fail and leak water is demonstrated in the attached photo. If you look closely there is no step flashing or counter flashing installed on the sheathing at the side of the house extending above the roof surface. flashing should be installed at all areas where the roof is penetrated. This should be corrected by a licensed contractor to ensure maximum protection of the roof and surrounding structure.
Asbestos fibers have been found to lead to an increase risk of lung cancer. Although not common in household products today, asbestos can be found in an number of areas in homes built before the late 1970’s including, but not limited to, paint, insulation, joint compound, and floor tiles.
The only way to tell if asbestos is present is to have a sample sent to a lab and analyzed by a specialist.
If you think asbestos may be present in your home, dont panic, the best thing to do is leave it alone. If you must have it removed, be sure to have an approved general asbestos contractor take a look and determine the best method for removal.
Inspected roof of client home today regarding a warranty claim for failed asphalt 3-tab shingles. Client is claiming material failure due to poor workmanship or materials. Inspector observed multiple locations of failing shingles on the roof. failures included curled edges and corners, missing granules, torn edges or corners, excess organic growth on surfaces. Major defects in structure also observed to include likely excessive spacing in or undersized structural members and/or decking in combination with poor or inadequate ventilation of the decking itself. In addition, pitch is lower than recommended for asphalt composition shingles without a double layer of underlayment. Inspector observed only one passive vent at ridge along with continuous soffit vents. Inspector was unable to gain access to the attic to verify above assumptions.
In the enclosed photo I was able to walk the roof of my home and I found some tiles that were pushed possibly due to an issue with the three tab fasteners. The roof material was in good shape and overall condition of the roof didn’t indicate serious deterioration of the roof components. I would definitely follow these findings up by looking closely at the roof materials by way of the attic to check for any possible water damage that has seeped in through these lifted tiles. All flashing’s and roof penetrations were installed correctly, and there were no major areas of concern to lead me to believe that this was a major install defect, but simply cause by lifting from weather exposure, or possibly a laps in judgement or thoroughness by the install contractor.
After reviewing the photos in the https://www.nachi.org/gallery/ forum I came across a photo that peeked my interests. This photo is particularly interesting to me because in my opinion you really have to have a lack general knowledge or common sense to see that this design just doesn’t work. Anyone can see that the path of water leads directly onto the roofs surface and walls! As we all know stucco and wall materials are designed to resist water however they are not water proof! Roof materials life expectancy would be decreased significantly with this drainage system. If there is any type of improper flashing at any wall edge, or step flashing that is not present at the dormers there is an immediate concern for water damage! The down spouts should lead to the roof edge to drain into the gutter systems and proper flashing, and end caps should be installed to direct water to its proper pathway. Fortunately these issues wouldn’t take a lot to be corrected, and for a reasonable rate to boot.
This is an image of a closed valley on an asphalt roof. There is also a step to low slope transition flashing that is attached from the asphalt roof to the patio cover. Upon visual inspection, all seems to be correct.
The most important thing for a homeowner is to always use the right tool for the job. In most cases, it makes sense to purchase a tool if it will be used more than once such as a drill or lawn mower. If there is a tool for a job such as gardening, masonry work, tile cutting, or unclogging drains it may be more feasible to rent them.
There are ten steps for roof inspections. Per the training. Roofs have flashing, surface area, slope, drip edge, underlayment or sheathing, fasteners, valleys, hips depending on the style, some have ridge vents, penetrations etc… and other roof related stuff. ha
simple gable roof and the general relationship between rise, run and span. Roof framing is a practical application of geometry, and roof slope is based largely on the properties of a right triangle. In roof framing, the base of the right triangle is called the run. The run is the distance from the outside of the wall’s top plate to a point directly below the center of the ridge.
The roof in the included picture has vegetation growing on the left side from the perspective of the viewer. This growth can deteriorate the roof structure and reduce the effective life span of the roof. There are some shingles that are raised on the right edge, and closer examination would be required to determine if this is indicative of a greater issue. The metal flashing on the front edge of the roof is badly rusted and may not provide adequate water resistance. I would recommend that the metal flashing be replaced and with shingles added if possible. The rest of this section of the roof appears to be in serviceable condition. I was not able to determine if the flashing around the chimney was adequate. The issue with the rusted metal flashing is present in several areas not shown in this picture.
Bill Nichols
interNACHI Member
A customer called me and asked me to come by and take a look at her roof she said that water has been dripping down through the front pouch and her husband took apart the roof and rotten wood and does not know how to put it back tougher.From the picture the water has been penetrating along time and the the framing was not supported properly. I worked with the customer and re framed dry in and helped him install new sub fascia and fascia/ drip edge and shingle and weave the shingles back in place.
Bill Nichols
interNACHI Member
Bat Infestation Positive and negative about bats. In the 1879 the Guano war between Chile and Bolivia they used bat feces as a component of gun powder and fertilizer. Bat can fit through a hole the size of your thumb or 1/2 inch hole.Some bats can have a 3 foot wing spans and all bats have the possibility of having rabies which can cause a flu like symptoms and persons with weak amuse systems and AIDS it can be fatal if bitten.The disease is known as hisptoplasmis which is transmitted threw spores in the air inspectors and clients need to be very careful if this accrues. Ways to know if the bat is infected is unusual places they will be in your bedroom,on the ground not flying or hanging,active in the day,unable to fly. Make a recommendation to have a professionals remove or relocate them a couple of ways are to caulk the hole at night when they are out hunting. to install a 1 way trap so they can get out but not back in or to do the above and install a bat house they can reside in . Best thing is to be careful and safe.
