the dryer vent in this home was in an outside utility room. But they still vented it to the outside air. The main issue is that the vent pipe is all bent-up where it goes through the wall. This is a common problem when the home owner replaces there dryer or vent pipe,
After reading the information on dryer vents I noted that the Florida Mech. code allows for a longer run then 25feet. And also if you add a helper fan it can run over 50 feet. This may not be truee everywhere yet, I was just thinking abut Florida Codes.
Hello all. I just wanted to share something neat I noticed. If you are mathematically-inclined or just like interesting shortcuts for problems, please give it a look and try it out.
WARNING: MATH AHEAD!
While going through the section of the moisture intrusion course about ice dam flashing I realized the values in the chart of required flashing width based on slope and eave overhang (see attached images), I realized you’re basically just trying to find the hypotenuse of a right triangle. After a few minutes of thinking, I made a formula to find the required width given the roof slope and length of the eave overhang, without having to either memorize or refer back to the chart. I’ve included a graphic that shows the formula along with an illustration of generic roof with all the variables explained. (see attached images)
Basically, it’s just a slightly modified version of the pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
where a is the sum of the eave overhang plus 24 inches, and b is the slope of the roof multiplied by a. Then you just plug in the values, add them up, and take the square root, and you have your width! If your result is in between inches, just round up. If you check against the chart, it works very nicely.
I rather like this method because it’s a lot easier for me to remember one formula and use a calculator than to try to remember or have to refer back to a table!
What do you guys think? Would you find this useful? And would you suggest any improvements?
Thanks everyone!
In this picture the wall flashing can been seen along the brick on the front of this home. The flashing has been installed inside out. The portion of the flashing that should be let into the brick is protruding out at the top creating a ledge. Also in the picture the roof terminates into a wall creating a dam that holds water. Both of these conditions can lead to moisture intrusion.
There are several advantages to solar power for your home. One is you are not subjected to brown outs. In most areas, the power companies are required to purchase your extra power that is produced. If you live in a rural area it is easier to install a solar system that connect to a grid. There are financial incentives offered by the government.
How to inspect for Moisture Intrusion course essay #1
The water damage shown below is from a defective condensate drain on a high efficiency furnace. The extent of the rust would indicate the leakage has been on going for some time. Potential mold issues and reduced efficiency of the furnace may be expected. Further evaluation of the furnace by a qualified technician is recommended. Quite likely, the technician will advise furnace replacement. This condition qualifies as a material defect.
How to inspect for Moisture Intrusion course essay #2
Paperless drywall was recently developed to address the problems with conventional paper covered drywall growing mold when exposed to moisture. Paperless drywall is covered with a fiberglass wrapping. The gypsum core is water resistant. Early reports from installers indicate additional labor is required to properly install & finish paperless drywall. Paperless drywall may be useful in damp locations. It is not suitable for installation behind shower walls. Paperless drywall is more expensive and not available in all locations.
Here you can moisture that has caused the ceiling to crack. There is also a water stain that has left a mark. The reason for it is the tub drain is just above this and had leaked. Upon inspection the area above is dry and their does not appear to be any moisture at this time. The leak appears to have been fixed for now.
The article I read was Anti- scald valves. Scalds account for 20% of all burns. More 2,000 American children are scalded each year. Anti scald valves help lessen the dangers of scalding by maintaining a safe temperature level. Anti-scald valves are used to reduce water temperature fluctuations that may otherwise inconvenience or harm people.
My inspection is of a roof overhang and fascia. The fascia in some spots has untreated lumber exposed to the elements. The exposed fascia should be covered or treated to protect it from further water damage and rot.
![IMG_0576[1].jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/4/8/484634fb82a8ff9b5123db51ac1c7cc7409fde9e.jpeg)
I read and researched the article covering dryer vent safety. Dryer vents can be a source of house fires. All dryer vents shall terminate to the outside and at least 3’ from any openings of windows and doors. If a dryer vent terminates in the crawlspace it can cause moisture problems in the crawlspace.
This is a picture of a kitchen ventilator exhausting into the attic. All the moisture latent air from the kitchen is exhausting into the attic with the potential for fungus or bacteria to grow in the attic. It should exhaust smoke and humid air to the exterior of the home.
The article I read was on moisture meters.
Moisture meters are an invaluable tool for home inspectors. Finding moisture intrusion is one of the inspectors main functions and having a moisture meter is paramount for the exploration. Checking suspected areas around a comoads, showers, or any area that may have water leaks, a moisture meter can help find hidden problems.
The cedar siding in this photo is starting to decompose where it meets the ground. This is in part due to the slope of the grading adjacent to the wall. Inspector recommends replacement by qualified professional contractor.
For my research assignment i read the Cockroach Inspection article.
I knew about Pyrethrin as a bug killer but I did not know about boric acid to control them. It seemed like a good article to read after learning cockroaches are attracted to moisture. So it seems if you have moisture problems you might just have a cockroach problem as well.
I read water damage and EIFS
I learned that EIFS or Synthetic stucco is different than historic stucco in the way that there is a foam insulation board used before the finishing coats and this type of synthetic stucco can trap moisture due to improper installation.
Summary
EIFS stucco can trap moisture and cause damage to the home. It should be carefully inspected for signs of cracking and water intrusion and gutters should be inspected for kick out flashing to ensure proper water deflection from EIFS walls.
In my inspection I noticed that the wall air conditioning/heating unit has not been sealed properly. In the photo you can see the outside light coming in behind the vent area and along the sides where the unit is embedded in the exterior wall. I would recommend that the sides of the unit are caulked to seal these air leaks and that a technician come out to properly seal the interior of the unit.
Ice Dams
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining. As water backs up behind the dam, it can leak through the roof and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.
To prevent ice dams from forming keep the entire roof cold, remove snow from the roof, and have a minimum of 3" air space between the top of insulation and roof sheathing.