Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of flashing around a plumbing vent that is installed incorrectly. The flashing is installed on top of the shingles, has sealant around the edges along with exposed nails. This creates conditions for water intrusion into the decking and attic. Recommend correction and further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Various forms of flashing are important in the correct installation of a roof to prevent moisture intrusion into the wall cavities & attic of a home. Step and kickout flashing are examples of this. Heavy rains cause water to be channeled along roof and wall intersections. Inadequate flashing can cause damage to wall cavities as well as sheathing, framing, insulation and cause issues with mold growth. Proper building practices can be referenced in the US Department of Energy Best Practices Series, Volume 11.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I read was about roofing underlayments. I was interested to read that we are moving away from asphault infused underlayments to more synthetic and rubberized asphault underlayments. The rubberized asphault underlayments typically have adhesive on one side of the underlayment making them very good when it comes to sealing around nails and other penetrations.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture is of a roof that is missing approximately 4 or 5 shingles. The underlayment is showing and exposed to the elements. The roofing shingles used are architectural shingles. The roof needs to be repaired to prevent water penetration into the attic.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
1,000 s.f. of roof area above is dumped into gutter at upper eave with a downspout that discharges into lower gutter. Both gutters are filled with debris, no sign of air gap between downspout and lower gutter, downspout stops about 2/3 into lower gutter. 20 s.f of roof area behind brick parapet wall also dumps into lower gutter. Doses not meet standard practice or maintenance. Wall cap and metal fascia trim loose fitting and not fasten to brick parapet, seams also loose fitting with exposed fasteners and sealant at material transition is past life usefulness. Recommend further review by roof contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mastering Roof Inspection: Attic Area Roof Inspection
by Kenton Shephard and Nick Gromicko
The article highlights inspection items and condition of an attic space such as the roof sheathing, vent penetrations, attic ventilation, roof insulation, roof structural system and any visible material defects or poor workmanship. They recommend the use of a respirator or dust mask for protection against contaminants and dust particles when attic insulation is disturbed. Checking the roof sheathing for leaks; if any are located check the moisture of surrounding roof materials and for any stained or discolored areas that may indication past leaks or growth of mold. Inspect all combustion, bathroom and dryer exhaust vents and that they are properly fastened at all joints and where they terminate through the roof. Also check that eave and ridge ventilation areas are not block by roof insulation or roofing materials. Look for broken or sagging structural system members or components and lack of metal connectors or improper use of fastener. All deficiency found should be recommended for further review by the appropriate professionals.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image depicts an image of a shed style roof. Edge flashing (drip edge) was observed along the eave and rake of the roof. The edge flashing along the eave had surface corrosion in places. Corrosion occurs when metal deteriorates due to its interaction with the surrounding environment.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney collapses can occur from weathering, wind, falling debris, poor design, and earthquakes. Chimney should be inspected for the following defects: crumbling mortar; insufficient lateral support; mechanical damage; tilting and separations; and footing defects. In addition, cracks and separations in the fireplace and chimney present a potential safety hazard due to the potential of fire and smoke escaping through the cracks and separations.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Even a small moisture intrusion that puts moisture below the underlayment and shingles can become trapped. Since these items block moisture movement it can cause damage to sheathing. Make sure to not install shingles over a damp or moisture laden roof structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When vent flashing is installed incorrectly you can see signs of it from the attic side. Moisture intrusion or staining should always be checked for during the attic inspection if you suspect any flashing as being installed incorrectly. Moisture can stay trapped in an attic especially if ventilation is to low.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The three tab shingle roof is in very bad shape. The shingles are beginning to deteriorate and become very brittle.
The roof needs to be replaced immediately. Many tabs are broken off and granules are missing. The life of this roof is way past its limit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Many roofers use a nail gun and they never have the pressure set right. The nail is either driven to deep or it is nailed in crooked. Roofing nails need to be perfectly straight when installed and not penetrating the shingle at all. Improper nailing can lead to roof problems and/or the shingles sliding off the roof.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspection and Writing Assignment
General Roof Inspection Training Video Course
The asphalt composition shingles covering the roof of this house exhibited general deterioration commensurate with normal aging of the roof covering. They appeared to be at or near their serviceable life and it it unknown if they are adequately protecting the underlying house structure at the time of inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article chosen for Research Exercise of the General Roof Inspection Training Video Course was titled How to Write a Mission Statement for Your Inspection Company by Nick Gromicko and Kate Terasenko.
Ive read and been part of developing many mission statements for a variety of entities, from government, non-profit and private. This means Ive seen and created a few. Throughout the process or researching, editing, or creating, it always struck me how mundane most mission statements were. This left me with the feeling that there was no real value in having such an instrument.
This article covered the subject in detail while being concise (without going into needless detail that would detract from the learning opportunity offered.) It lays out what a good mission statement should contain while offering explanations on how to accomplish writing your own mission statement tailored to your company.
I especially liked how it left me with the understanding that a mission statement should not be a boilerplate blurb or paragraph. A successful (or useful) mission statement should be personal, about you and your company after all, you are your company. So, ultimately, I had a light bulb moment after reading and considering this article.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
this picture shows ice and icecles over a roof, roof in cold climates have different issues then roof in warmer climates, roof dams can cause leaks in cracks of the roof, weaken the materials of the roof and even cause roof clasps.
Research & Writing Assignment:
i picked the topic of how to tell life expectancy in different roof materials and styles, the most common roof material is asphalt shingles they come in 3 styles, rolled, 3 tab, and architectural they last 10, 15 and 25 years. Other roofing materials are tiles, slate, and metal, there materials and last from 20 to 50 years.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
An active water leak was observed at the eave above the front entry door of the home. Water droplets were visually observed. Evidence suggests the soffit material is deteriorated. Recommend further evaluation from a licensed roofing contractor and repair as needed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Brick chimney counter flashing. Step flashing at the sides of the chimney is present however it is not properly protected with appropriate counter flashing and signs of active leaking are present. Recommend further evaluation from a licensed roofing contractor and repair as needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the above picture shows a roof that is around ten to 15 years old. some shingles have been replaced and the penetrations of the solar unit does not appear to be leaking. After the attic inspection, it does appear that there was a roof failure at some time, this appears to be old and on a prior roof. there seems to be no moisture issues at this time despite recent rain showers.
Research & Writing Assignment:
while performing recent repairs on a home I took a picture of a soffit in the corner of a part of the building. Due to this training I was able to review the picture and explain why the wood on the soffit was rotting beyond repair. it appeared that there was insufficient flashing and also could have been a spot where an ice jam was occurring year after year. it appeared that water was running off the roof in the valley and was curving under and down the face of the soffit. due to improper sealing of the boards in the corner and failure to put finish paint on the wood, the primer finish was compromised and wood failure was the result.
