Research & Writing Assignment:
House wrap is a very important part of keeping water from entering a home. It serves as a second layer underneath the siding material of a house, and should stop any mater that may get through. It works with flashing and other components to effectively shed water and avoid damage to the framing and structure of the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here we have what looks to be a roof interior that has been taking on water, from the images you can see the apparent water damage which has also accumulated in and behind the drywall, these types of leaks can have structural and harmful affects of the occupants financially and also health wise.
Research & Writing Assignment:
These are the following things learned in this section
If the door does not swing over the landing, then the exterior landing can be, at most, 7-3/4 inches below the top of the threshold. This is applicable to all exterior doors.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Foundation insulation in crawlspaces: energy efficient particularly with regards to heat loss and reduces condensation effects and issues associated. Foam insulation can be used on interior or exterior, proper venting also plays significant role as well as floor above crawl space.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I chose a picture of a stair landing. At the top of the stairs there is a landing. It is required that the stair landing be a minimum of 36" X 36" and have a hand rail for safety reasons. There are no trip hazards and walking on this landing showed that the base feels solid
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the picture titled “caulking”. I chose this picture because putting beads of caulk to stop air leaks into the buildings envelope can save home owners tremendous amounts of money and keep there health optimal. As moisture travels in air, having excessive moisture in the buildings envelope can cause mold. Installing caulk around windows and roof pentrations is a great way to stop unwanted air leaks.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Insulation.
I took a picture of the house underneath, from the crawlspace. One thing I noticed is it misses insulation while it should have all over. This has as result to loose energy by letting air in and out uncontrollable. You can sense the air from within the house when it blows in, you can sense the air from the crawlspace coming from the house as well.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Railing.
There are spheres made in specific size, such as 4" and 6". The open risers should not allow the sphere to go through when it is 4 inches in diameter. On stairs with a total rise of 30 inches or less, the size of the open riser is not limited. Also, a sphere that has 6 inches in diameter, should not pass between the riser and guard at triangular area formed by a tread. Last but not least, the opening at guards on the sides of stair treads should not allow the passage of a sphere 4-3/8 inches in diameter.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture is of sectional garage doors. It includes a manual release inside the garage approximately 6 foot high. The wall push button is 5 feet above the ground ans is in working order. All warning labels are in place. The door panels are free of damage,cracking, and denting . There is no bulging or separation from the wall. It is in great overall condition.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This essay is over the Garage doors and openers article from internachi. Inspectors should not try to repair any issues. Problems should be noted and included in the report. Door panels, warning labels and manual release handles are all things to look at when doing an inspection. Also make sure the wall mounted button is at least 5 feet up and not by moving parts.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The vent fan or spot ventilation in this picture is an older model. It is quite noisy but works effectively. There is a build-up of dirt and dust that should be cleaned and may possibly help the fan to run quieter. This fan is in the ceiling of the bathroom, the vent is smooth and continues through the roof several inches where it is capped off, and is also secure and weather sealed as to not allow water or air enter around the boot on the roof or around the hole cut in the roof deck.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Magic Marker to Market states that by taking a Now That You Have Had A Home Inspection book you can use it as a marketing tool by doing a few simple steps. They include attaching a business sticker and 2 business cards to the book as well as a few cards inside the cover and writing on it office copy do not throw away. Then distribute these books to real-estate offices to get them to call you for inspections.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This attic does not have adequate insulation currently. The approximate R-value is R-13. Installing insulation between R-38 and R-60 will provide greater home comfort and maximum energy savings in the house. Caulking or spray foam should be applied at all penetrations leading into the house to prevent air infiltration.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I studied a picture describing the locations to caulk for effective air sealing. The areas to begin air sealing are the basement and attic. Preventing air infiltration at these areas will prevent what is called as the “stack effect”. Focus on the largest air leaks and work down to the smaller ones.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows someone installing a vapor diffusion retarder. Its purpose is to stop air leaks by air sealing the buildings envelope. A vapor diffusion retarder can be used for a basement, ceiling, crawlspace, floors, walls, and slab on grade foundations.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The crawlspace is a critical area of inspections. Since it is seldom seen by homeowners potential hazards can go unchecked and turn into costly problems. In the picture construction debris has been left behind on an uncovered portion of grade. This OSB could soak up moisture and attract pests that could in turn invade the main structure of the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Pictured is a single hung aluminum window with double panes. the seal in the windows have failed and are allowing condesation to collect on the inside of the windows. The way to identify this is by the foggy look of the window panes.
Research & Writing Assignment:
exhaust vents must terminate at the exterior of the house in order for the home to be properly ventilated. If the vent ends in the attic you won’t see simptons from the interior of the house but condensation could be causeing serious problems in the attic.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Article: Pull down attic ladders. They are usually installed by homeowners and present a variety of hazards. These include; Improperly fastened, no insulation or weatherstripping, ladder length too short or tall and when accessed in a garage a breach in the firewall.
