Research & Writing Assignment:
It is critical for a chimney to be adequately flashed. From head flashing to the apron flashing. Step flashing must be embedded in the motor and the base flashing must be installed correctly, especially in the header and apron sections of the chimney.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspector recommends removing vegetation from the roofing material. Vegetation in contact with the home doesn’t allow building materials to dry. The vegetation in contact with the roofing material will degrade the material when the wind blows the tree, the tree will rub off granules and shorten the life of the shingles.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read: Attic Pull-Down Ladders by Nick Gromicko.
Attic Pull-Down ladders are generally installed by homeowners. Some will cut the bottom cord of a truss, to install the ladder in the desired location. A truss should not be modified without study by an engineer first. The ladder should not be installed with deck or drywall screws. It is important to follow the installation instructions, regarding the size and number of fasteners to secure the ladder.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This plumbing vent boot was installed incorrectly. The boot was installed directly on top of the shingles and sealed with sealant. The boot should have been installed beneath the shingles with sufficient shingle overlap at the top and bottom of the boot.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This essay pertains to the article entitled “Roofing Underlayment Types”. The three primary types of roofing underlayments are asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetic. The most common type of underlayment is asphalt impregnated felt. This comes in 15 and 30 lbs rolls. This type of underlayment is considered water resistant with a perm rating of approximately 5. It is typically installed with staples although nails with plastic gaskets are also used. The installation of this type of underlayment varies based on the conditions of the roof. Steeper roofs requires less overlap, while lower sloped roofs require more overlap.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo taken of an inspection where the head sidewall flashing was in poor condition. It was rusted from one point the next. It was also loose to the point where it could be removed by hand and the fasteners were exposed
Research & Writing Assignment:
I think the roof inspection is one of the most important parts of a home inspection. It is the first line of defense against the elements. There is a ton of things to look for depending on which type of covering you are inspected. It is important for inspectors to well versed in all types.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Apparent Block Balcony Drain
The attached photo was taken at a recent inspection of a two-story house. The photo shows the balcony drain apparently blocked resulting vegetation growth and possibly mold infestation of the balcony. This condition was reported as in need of maintenance with focus on ensuring that the drain is flowing freely, the balcony cleaned and that a licensed mold assessor be contacted to opine on the status mold present on the balcony.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Building Permits
Building permits are documents issued by municipalities and county building departments that are intended to serve as authorization to construct new building structures, and to renovate, build addition to existing structures, carry out work and repairs to building systems, paint, replace existing roof, etc. They are typically issued based on the monetary value of the work to be done, and require that the finished worked be inspected by staff of the building department. It is imperative that the above listed work be permitted prior to commencement of construction. Failing to acquire the requisite permits could result in the project not being approve and required to be demolished or be modified. Therefore, consult your building department prior starting work projects and new and existing building.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Head Wall Flashing. I this picture you can see a proper installation . from the roof beck to underlayment ,roof-covering ,flashing, counter flashing and then house wrap and siding material .If all of these components are installed properly this should be moisture resistant
Research & Writing Assignment:
inspection of roof panel sheeting from inside the attic space .An inspector should be looking at what type of sheeting plywood or osb oriental strand board look for h-clips they allow for expansion of material. Check for venting .Look at all roof penetration check moisture penetration or staining this can be signs of old leaks and if it has no rain lately possible still leaking recommend further evaluation by contractor
Research & Writing Assignment:
There are three basic types of underlayment, asphalt-saturated felt, runnberized asphalt and non-bitumen synthetic. The type of unerlayment used is dependent on the weather, type and slope of the roof. It is important to check the manufacturers reccomendation to find which is best.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Although the skylight is not currently leaking, The flashing above it should be cleaned of leaves and debris periodically. The lens can be cleaned with a mild soap or detergent solution and water, do not use ammonia because the polycarbonates may damage the lens.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspectors when inspecting a roof have many things to look for to be properly installed. In this picture is a photo of a proper cricket behind a brick chimney. This is required when the chimney is over 30 inches. There is also proper step and counter flashings installed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a roof look to see if there is more than one layer of shingles, also look for drip edges at the eaves and along the outer edge of the rakes. Note the type of shingles as well as the underlayment. Look for proper nailing, step and counter flashings.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a masonry / brick chimney where I located the flashing on top only being sealed by a sealant and not a proper metal flashing. When inspecting the attic I observed that the sealant had indeed failed and was allowing moisture thru and causing water damage on the plywood floor below.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Recommend that the roof on this home is replaced.There are several issues with it including; wrong shingle for Oklahoma - this is a 3 tab shingle and is only rated to 60 mph.; the shingle never sealed which is allowing wind and weather to get under the shingle resulting in damage to the decking; shingle was nailed improperly - appears that a nail gun with the pressure too high was used and in most places they have nailed through the shingle allowing them to blow off easily. Interior inspection of the attic and home confirms damage to the decking and ceiling of the home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This lesson was very informative about the different types of roof, different types of roofing materials and different types of roofing problems to look for and furthermore the comments to make on an inspection; to just note what I see. The number one take away for me was that I should call a licensed roofer when there are question as to the roof’s integrity and allow them to make the call.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This Photo is of an architectural laminated shingle. Architectural shingles have a higher wind rating than 3 tab shingles. They are made using fiberglass and asphalt. Then, the filler is added. Finally, granules are added to the top to prevent UV damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Some fun facts about bidets are: even though bidets is a french originating word, they are actually more common in Italy. bidets first gained popularity in France during the 1700s. Bidets typically cost more in the United States than in Europe.
