Research & Writing Assignment:
The new high efficiency gas filled windows panes are a huge improvement of single pane windows. Usually filled with argon or krypton gas that slows down the heat transfer through the window. Unfortunately, this gas can and will leak out at a rate of 1% per year which essentially means the windows in a house would have to be re-glazed after about 20 years. A very costly process. The benefits out way the cost.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In inspecting this attic you could see the insulation covering the ceiling joists and venting baffles running up along the roof sheathing in between each rafter. The insulation was loose blown in insulation and the baffles are there to bring air up through the soffits and out the roof vent.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Attic insulation is extremely important to the proper regulation of air and temperature to your home. The R value rates the effectiveness of the insulation. Typically the thicker the insulation the greater the R value, although this can vary with different types. In colder climates a R value of 49 is recommend for attics and a R value of 30 is recommended for warmer climates.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This was a well insulated attic space. They used both ridge and soffit vents. The insulation was loose fill fiberglass insulation and was approximately 15" deep. The use of attic soffit vent baffles allowed air to be pulled from the soffit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Ten ways to save money and energy in your home. There are many ways to save energy in your home. From the addition of a tankless water heater to just changing out the types of light bulbs used. Not only will it save you money in the long run, it will also help to save the environment by conserving our natural resources.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The insulation in this attic was not possible to verify. As you can see in the picture, the attic flooring obscured any view of any insulation. The insulation should be written up as not visible with R-38 the recommended insulation for the attic area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The insulation in this attic photo is not visible. As you can see in the photo, the flooring obstructs positively verifying any insulation. The attic insulation should be written up as not visible with R-38 the recommended insulation for this area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This essay is over the importance of PPE when inspecting attics and crawlspaces. In the south the summer temperatures can be well over 180 degrees in the attic. Its important to dress for the weather, as well as for safety. Gloves, breathable cotton overalls and safety glasses should always be worn when in the attic or crawlspace.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Using IR in your inspection is above the standard InterNACHI sop. However, doing so benefits your client and limits your liability as an inspector. When using IR its important to take some training and learn all you can. Make sure to follow up on your findings with a moisture meter.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting the attic throughly is one of the most important parts of the inspection process and it needs to be done carefully, regardless of the temperature that most people doesnt like. As inspectors, we are responsable to identify the level of insulation, stains of moisture and trusses; if we find any of these, we have to refer a professional. During this inspection, we did not observed any water penetration at time of inspection, but we did observed an exhaust hose disconnected from the roof vent and needs to be repaired by a licensed professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspection of a stairway
The stairway meets the criteria of the height of the risers, and the tread depth. The risers are 7 1/2 inches high and the treads are each 10 inches deep. Also, the width of the stairway exceeds the minimum, measuring 42 inches. Since the stairway has more than 4 risers, it has a handrail on the left side that starts at the bottom with a newel post and is attached to the wall at the top of the stairway. The height of the handrail also meets the criteria, measuring between 34 and 38 inches. Furthermore, the stairway has two landings which measure 42x42 inches, providing enough space for a person to turn to the other direction. Two light fixtures, one above each flight of stairs, give security to people while walking up and down the stairway. In conclusion, the stairway was built according to the standards of the house code.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Attic pull- down ladders
The most common, dangerous mistakes home- owners make when they install an attic pull- down ladder are cutting through a structural member and using the wrong type and number of nails or screws. When a home- owner makes the decision about the location of the attic access and finds it necessary to cut into a structural member, he should always ask an engineer, who needs to approve the location. In addition, many home- owners use the wrong type of nails or screws to install the pull- down ladder, which should be the “standard 16d penny nails or 1/4"x3” long screws". It can also happen that the person does not use enough nails or screws for the installation, as was recommended by the manufacturer . Furthermore, attic pull- down ladders always should reach the floor, and should not be too long either, which could cause breakage of the folding hinge. Wooden ladders also can have cracked steps.
In conclusion, pull- down ladders can be a safety hazard to inspectors and home- owners when improperly installed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of an attic in a house that was built in the 20’s showing the rafters, chimney, floor joists, air ducts and insulation. The insulation appears to be loose fill blown in fiberglass and relatively new. At first glance the depth ruler is showing 9" deep indicating a rating of R-20. Upon further inspection, it is apparent that the insulation in the rest of the attic is much deeper and this area was most likely disturbed by someone needing to know where they could stand on the joists to perform some repair or installation work.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a horizontal crack at the top of the hallway wall where the wall terminates at the kitchen. The crack did not appear to be active and appeared to be the same width for it’s entire length along the top of the wall. There were no other vertical or horizontal cracks running from this crack and no visible damage to the wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
One of the most challenging tasks for a home inspector, particularly a new one, is determining when to describe something as a material defect. The InterNACHI Standards of Practice give clear guidance on the subject but then it is up to the individual inspector to make the call.
For example, suppose the inspector observed some cracks in an interior wall. It is the inspector’s own experience, judgment, and training that enable him or her to decide whether or not to call out the cracks as a material defect.
The inspector would also take into consideration any other factors or observations on a particular inspection that would support the call.
In general, a material defect is one which is both observed and deemed by the inspector to pose a safety risk or jeopardize a real estate transaction. Some material defects do one and not the other, but many do both. The prudent and professional inspector will know how to identify and accurately report on material defects.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of an attic space with blown in insulation between the ceiling joists and fiberglass batts in the walls of the cathedral ceilng. Also pictured are the ventilation baffles located in the eaves which is creating proper ventilation for the attic space along with ridge vents. The insulation is covering the ceiling joists and appears to be adequate insulation for the home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A vapor barrier is installed in a crawl space which is more appropriately called a vapor retardant. A minimum of a 6 mil plastic covering is installed which should be overlapped by at least 6 inches and tape should be used to seal the seams.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows the exterior of a house with brick facade. The home was built in 1965 using tar backed exterior sheathing as the vapor retarder. This construction does not provide the same level of vapor protection as new construction techniques.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting insulation of existing crawlspace floors is required by the standard of practice.There are vented and conditioned crawl spaces. Both crawl spaces require ground cover that prevents evaporation of ground moisture into the crawlspace. conditioned crawl spaces have many more benefits than vented crawl spaces.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is the living room window facing the front west side of the home. Oxidization of the mutton bars was noticed on both side of the window. This indicates that moisture has entered the vacuum space between the panes which therefore decreases the windows thermal efficiency. Replacement of the window is recommended.
