RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
I chose the article on “Rust Inspection and Prevention”
In this article I learned that rust is a problem associated with many components of a building. An inspector must be on the constant awareness of potential items where rust may be formed. Of particular interest would be the electrical panel where rust could affect the power supply and could be a fire hazzard as will.
EPDM, or (ethylene propylene diene monomers), is a rubber roofing material that is usually installed on low slope roofs. EPDM can be installed in one of three ways. Fully adhered,mechanical attached, and ballasted. some key items to inspect would be. All seams for defects. Roof wall junction, ponding, wear form foot traffic, and fastener back out. To find out more information on EPDM check out the library or Inspection Articles.
This photo is of a commercial fire rated steel door. It has a 90 minute fire rating. The door does not have a self closing device installed which is a defect and should be called out on the report.
A firestop is a passive fire-protection method designed to diminish the opportunity for fire to spread through unprotected openings in a rated firewall. Such openings are found around the perimeter of pipes and wiring that penetrate firewalls.
This building was a converted home made into a day care center and had a crawl space. A washer and dryer was on the premises. In reviewing the dryer duct in crawl space, inspector observed flexible, ribbed vent duct was used. Some of the ducting was crushed and damaged. Flexible ribbed vent duct should not be used as this is a potential fire hazard. The crushed areas of duct will restrict air flow and not properly allow discharge at exterior of building. An Inspector should note this defect in the inspection report and recommend review for replacement, using proper materials and installation methods, by a professional licensed HVAC contractor.
I recently had a friend at church ask me about getting rid of bats from an attic. I didn’t know a whole lot about bats, but I was certain one would have to find where these critters are entering and exiting the structure, and then sealing those points to prevent return. If there are only a few bats in the structure, they can be removed by an animal control professional. In my research of InterNACHI’S articles, I found out an interesting fact: “Some [bats] can fit through openings smaller than ½-inch wide…” Further in the article titled, “Bat Infestation,” I learned sound recommendations on how to remove bats from a structure.
When back siphonage occurs, it is usually because of a reduction in water pressure. This may be a result of a leak in the water mains, or it could occur if there is a higher demand on the water system. A higher water demand may be the result of hot weather in the summer months, a local water hydrant leak or nearby firefighting. This drop in pressure will be immediately noticeable as the water will dribble from the faucet rather than flow steadily.
Businesses utilize a large variety of electronic equipment, many of which require specialty outlets or dedicated circuits for safe, efficient operation. Observing the condition of an older electrical panel ensures a safety first approach, as well as safety code compliance.
The equipment in the attached picture is an Air Handling Unit (AHU) for a 16,000 square foot commercial facility. At the time of the picture, the unit was in its last stages of installation so the placement of flammable roofing compound by the outside air inlet to the unit is not an issue. Normally, leaving material like that where vapors could be drawn through the unit and into the building is not acceptable.
The AHU is gas-fired, as can be seen by the yellow piping. In this instance, the gaseous fuel is propane because natural gas is not available at the site. The heat input is 400,000 BTU/hr and the cooling capacity for the unit is 228,900 BTU/hr. So as to increase the efficiency of the unit, air from the building first goes through a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). The HRV is of the fixed plate type rated at 2000 CFM.
The four white lines entering the unit are from the condensing unit which provides cooling to the system. There are four lines because the condensing unit has two refrigeration units and therefore has two suction lines and two liquid lines.
Air Handling Unit.pdf (145 KB)
Fully adhered ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing is attached to rigid insulation with contact cement; the specific type of contact cement is dependent upon manufacturer requirements. To keep the rigid insulation in place it is often attached to the roof system using 12-24 fasteners per 4 foot by 8 foot piece of insulation. Once the EPDM is rolled out and glued to the insulation, a weighted roller is used to ensure the materials are completely attached.
Properly installed, fully adhered EPDM roofing is not subject to billowing that typically occurs due to uplift or inflation from wind. Manufactures give fully adhered roofs the highest wind ratings.
This is a picture is of a fire rated self closing door in a commercial building,
it needs to be adjusted, it closes too slow and does not latch automatically.
Mastering Roof Inspections:
These articles are full of great information, from flashing to hail damage.
I have taken a picture of the included Commercial Inspection Agreement. This is an odd inclusion but one that, for me, was eye opening. As I progress down this new venture, I have had a lot of notions as to how to run the business etc. I have not given any thought to some of the administrative pieces - such as contracts and agreements.
There is a lot of administrative components to this role that I will now need to devote time to. Time that will now have to be budgeted as I have been keen on completing my licensing by a certain time.
I have opted to study the article, Commercial Home Inspection Safety:Carcinogens On The Job by Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko.
There was one point in particular that stood out to me and that was the information detailing formaldehyde. For me, I know of formaldehyde when it comes to dead bodies - my knowledge base on the subject is still amateur at best. I had no clue that formaldehyde was included in composite wood products such as particle board.
This gave me a pause to know that standards has not been addressed fully until 2013. That said, I am now more curious than ever to know of the extent of this within Canada. Just another point for me to research.
This section of the roof has a shingle that seems to be lifting during heavy winds, resulting in slight damage to an adjacent shingle. Heavy winds could further damage this area resulting in water damage. Water damage could also occur during high wind driving rains. I recommend replacement of the damaged shingle and to address the issue of the lifting shingle
This heat vent pipe is between two buildings and closer than 10 feet to building vents and is a safety hazard… This pipe needs to be extended to above the adjacent roofs and supported or removed and relocated.
I did my research article on Hearths and Hearth extensions. Hearths are present to prevent fires from spreading beyond the fireplace. If heaths are not built large or thick enough they may not prevent the spread of potential fire. The article discusses the standards for a hearth being, less than 6 square feet, the fireplace sides should be at least 8 inches and the hearth extension at least 16 inches and 2 inches thick. Fireplace opens larger than 6 square feet should have fireplace sides that are at least 12 inches and a hearth extension of 20 inches. It was also noted that if the fireplace hearth has an exception to when the firebox is raised at least 8 inches above the top of the hearth extension, then a hearth extension of 3/8” thick approved noncombustible material such as brick, stone, tile or concrete is permitted.
From course:
Two unit rental property.
Two hot water tanks, each one serves separate rental unit. Both tanks where manufactured by Giant in 2012 and are both 40 gal tanks. They are gas and shut off valves are present on each. TPRV are present on each tank and both where functioning normally at time of inspection.
From course:
Ice dams are caused by melting snow on a roof and heat loss in an attic. Heat loss from insufficient insulation causes parts of the roof to be warmer then others. Melting snow runs down the roof from warmer areas to areas that are colder, below freezing.The colder temperatures are normally near the eaves and this is normally where we see ice dams form.
