The inspection conducted was on a wooden stairwell in a townhouse. The rise, run, nosing and handrail was all in compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC) measuring 10", 7 3/4", 1" and 42" respectively. However, additional caulking or sealing may be required in some areas where the rise meet the run. The handrail was securely fasten to the wall and had a hall light that luminated the entire stairwell with a two way switch one at the top and the other at the bottom of the landings. The continuous width of the stairwell was measured at 35", while the landings were measured at 37 1/4". Finally, there was also an enclosed access space at the bottom of the stairwell. Contents were stored in this area but there were no sign of water intrusion or openings based on what I was able to observe.
Ventilating the attic keeps the roof cooler, and in turn, it lasts longer. Ventilation in the attic keeps the living area cooler and reduces air conditioning costs, and also allows moisture accumulated in the attic to dry. Attic fans and whole-house fans are the most common ways for active venting. Attic fans are installed in gable ends or between rafters. Whole house fans are installed in the highest part of the home, central, in the ceiling. They rely on a window being open to create air flow, or an evaporative cooler located in a window. Back-drafting can occur if the system is misused, such as when there is not enough fresh air supplied with respect to the amount of air being expelled by the fan.
There are also passive systems – Soffit or gable vents. These systems need to be designed for the specific house to be most effective.
One of the best methods is ridge and soffit venting using a continuous ridge vent. Wind moving over the ridge baffle creates low pressure and pulls the air out of the attic.
The article I researched was Inspecting the Bathroom Exhaust by Nick and Ben Gromicko. What I gathered from this article is that exhaust systems should be inspected by the inspector according to the InterNachi Standard of Practice. One thing to examine is whether the exhaust fans are continous or intermittent. Also, it is equally important in ensuring holes cut in the ceiling or wall for the fan installation is properly sealed or caulked to avoid air intrusion or air lose which can create moisture issues. In addition, duct work should hang as straight as posibble, limiting any bends to avoid condensation getting back to the fan. Insulation around the fan box and duct work is also necessary to minimize any condensation that may occur.
The door leading to the basement is a double swing door that can open out to the steps. No door should open up to steps without a 36" landing. The door will need to be rehung with new hinges that open only one way and a stop to prevent it from opening to the stairs or the door will need to be replaced.
Window wells.
Window wells are used in a basement with no other means of escape from the area in case of fire or other emergency. They should be at least 9 sq. feet. Any well taller than 44" shall have a ladder or step. They should be kept clear of debris and any other thing that might block the egress of a person.
These are the interior stairs of my apartment, all measurements are correct, the handrail has the required thickness, in addition to two power switches, to control the lighting, both from the second floor as the first, this is all I hope it is a example for next stairs.
These are the interior stairs of my apartment, all measurements are correct, the handrail has the required thickness, in addition to two power switches, to control the lighting, both from the second floor as the first, this is all I hope it is a example for next stairs.
Bathroom fans were disconnected from the exterior vents in the attic space at the time of the inspection. It is recommended to reattach these duct lines to ensure proper ventilation to the exterior of the home to prevent unwanted moisture buildup in the attic space. Moisture in the attic can lead to other issues such as mold and materials damage that can go unnoticed.
Article: Inspecting the Bathroom Exhaust. Inspecting the function and ventilation of the bathroom fan is an important consideration as many homeowners will rarely, if ever reach the attic space of the home. Malfunctions in the connection point or termination can lead to issues in the attic space that can go unnoticed for an extended period of time. It is important to inspect that the exhaust vent is connected and properly vented to the exterior of the home in the shortest path possible.
kvongersdorff
(Kevin von Gersdorff, WV#: HI8861814-0118)
14710
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of several recessed lighting fixtures. Because the loose-fill fiberglass insulation completely covers these units in the attic, they must be of the IC type. In fact, they are IC-AT. Since they are air tight and are properly installed, with the right amount of insulation covering them, air movement from the warm interior is eliminated so that moisture/condensation does not appear in the cooler attic space which could lead to other problems like mold, decay, and structural issues.
kvongersdorff
(Kevin von Gersdorff, WV#: HI8861814-0118)
14711
Research & Writing Assignment:
This essay is related to the photo of rim joist insulation located at https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=2709 in the Graphics gallery. Insulation is sometimes pulled away and not replaced and sometimes not even installed so it is important to make sure, if you can access it, to look of insulation of the proper R-value depth and type when inspecting the basement or crawlspace. Look for air leakage from the outside, signs of wood destroying organisms and other pests, mold or mold-like substances, moisture/condensation, structural issues and proper installation beyond the necessary insulation.
Upon inspecting the interior “workspace” room, the double doors, once inside, must be opened inward in order to exit the space. It was identified that these doors have no mechanical (or otherwise) method of opening from the inside. The finding is that a handle, doorknob or other tool should be attached to one (or both) of these doors to allow for exiting this room, meeting requirements for an emergency and/or rescue egress.
The article regarding attic pull-down ladders states: when inspecting an attic pull-down ladder, place an “inspector at work” sign in work area. Place a sheet below opening to catch falling debris. Examine chord, making sure that it is out of reach to children. Open the access, and inspect for; proper insulation, structural integrity, correct installation, the condition of the wooden steps, standard 16d penny nails or 1/4 inch by 3 inch lag bolts. Finally, refer to code guidelines and the IRC (2006) or IBC (2009) if necessary.
Insulation in the attic is a combination of loose fiberglass insulation (majority of the attic floor area) and fiberglass batt insulation (wall and ceiling of a vaulted ceiling in the residence). The loose insulation is not installed to the required thickness, R-value of 38 for the region, and in some areas there is little to no insulation. Suggest adding insulation to the attic in order to improve heating and cooling efficiency and reduce the cost of heating and cooling.
The article I read is titled “Fiberglass Insulation: History, Hazards, and Alternatives.” The article explained when and how the insulation was created and gave examples of other uses for fiberglass. It also discussed the safety concerns when coming into contact with the insulation and advised on personal protective equipment to wear.
The handrails in the photo are of an interior garage stairwell. Handrails are installed on one side of the stairway, which is required on stairways with 4 or more risers. Handrails installed are continuous except at a newel post which transitions onto the landing, which is 48" x 60", meeting minimum requirements of 36" x 36" and has an overhead clearance of 7’6", meeting min requirements of 6’8". Handrail height is 36", meeting min. requirement of 34" and not more than 38" and both termination points end at a wall and at a newel post. Landing is less than 30" above floor level.
Interior garage stairs with 4 or more risers should have a height between 4" & 7 3/4" with no more than a 3/8" difference between the smallest and the largest riser. If the stairway is spiral, the height should be no more than 9 1/2". Each run of the stairway should be no less than 10".
Spiral Staircases still require the same code measurements as a traditional staircase does, except that the measurements are to be taken 12" from the inner support column. The handrail guards are to withstand a 200lbs force, The treads are to be within the same measurement range, plus or minus 3/8" and balusters are to be at a distance no greater than 4".
Egress requirements for any living/ sleeping space is that the doorway is to be a minimum of 36" wide and 6 ft. 8 in. tall. All windows are required to be no smaller than 6 sq. ft. and hallways are to be 36" wide, as well.
The windows installed in this house are Double Pain, Hurricane Resistant, with Argon gas and are fixed. They will help lower your utility bill by keeping the cool air in and the heat out in the summer. It will do the reverse in the winter months. These windows are fixed and can not be opened.
