The article that I choose for this assignment is, “Defensible Space” written by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. This article does a great job of explaining the importance of having a defensible space. Rural interface is the new fade and people who move into rural settings want to keep everything rustic, but wildlife is a major threat for these situations. As a retired Fire Chief, I have seen to many times homes destroyed that could have been saved if only the home owners had prepared their property. Florida now has a major initiative called, “Fire Wise Communities”, where the Florida Forestry Service will come out and evaluate and make recommendations to make your property defensible. Another important subject that the article lightly hit upon is selection of the proper roofing material. In my opinion, hot embers from a wildfire which lands on wood shake shingles cause more damage than a wall of fire approaching and consuming a home in its path. Another major concern is keeping an area clear that will allow Fire Apparatus to set up to defend that home. So many home owners, in an attempt to keep the rustic look, will allow their entrance drives to become overgrown, which prevent apparatus from even gaining access much less set up to defend the property. The article also covers the fact that in a rural setting, if the property has ponds or lakes on them, to keep them clear so fire apparatus can re-service with water. Another concern in this area is overhead. All large forest fires are combatted using helicopters to drop water on the head of the fire. To many times, I have seen ponds with plenty of water and in close proximity to the fire not be accessible due to tress being overgrown and not allowing the aircraft to have a safe operating zone. Finally, the three zone’s established by the Colorado State University is a great graphic to explain to customers how to set up a defensible space.
Reading Assignment - How to inspect the exterior:
Article 1: Electrical Service Panels
Many people are killed each year due to complacency and defective components. You must have an escape plan if an emergency arises. Make sure the environment is safe as well, it must be free of water, rust or damage from rodents. A 3x6 foot clearance in most residential required. Electrical panels can be lethal if not inspected correctly.
Article 2: Exterior Design Features
Many architectural components that are confused. The word deck originates from a german word verdeck. Porches are usually used for mud rooms and wet clothes before going into the house. Balconies are on upper floors and have railings. Balconies can be made of many different materials including wood, iron, stone and masonry. Verandahs are an open roofed area around a central structure and provide protection from the sun. Patios are usually used for recreation and can be made from cement, stone, slate or other masonry products.
How to Inspect the Exterior: Inspection assignment
The picture I choose to use is of debris that was in the gutters and on the roof covering. There was algae that was also forming in areas. Keeping your roof clean and free is critical to expanding life expectancy. Debris can accumulate inside gutters, clog them, blocking water roof run-off and causing moisture problems. Leaves in the gutters can soak up lots of water and this could result in rust or attic leaks.
Algae on the roof is usually found in warm humid areas. Algae does not damage the covering but is definitely bad curb appeal. Sprays are just one way to eliminate growth.
There was apparent heat damage to the vinyl siding located on the west wall next to the sliding glass door. This condition is usually caused by operating the gas grill too close to the home. Due to the condition of the siding on other portions of the home, I recommended having a qualified exterior siding contractor evaluate the condition of all vinyl siding around the home and advise repair or replacement of this item.
Essay requirement for exteriors:
Carpeted bathrooms do offer some advantages over traditional tile baths, including better friction for walking as well as better temperature control of the flooring surface. However, the disadvantages normally outweigh the positives due to the increased ability for moisture intrusion and the growth of mold. The typical lifespan of a carpeted flooring surface in a bath is also reduced due to the effects of water acting on the carpeting and pad. With the introduction of newer building materials there are now more efficient and long lasting methods for controlling temperature and friction on a bath floor surface.
There is no soffit venting on unfinished detached garage. Garage currently has one gable vent and the appropriate amount of roof vents. In the event the garage is ever finished, it’s recommended that soffit vents are added to allow adequate venting of attic space. Consult a licensed general contractor before finishing interior of garage.
Article: Attached Garage Fire Containment
This was a very interesting article on garage fire containment. The biggest takeaway that I had not thought about was pet doors going through a fire rated door or wall compromises the whole purpose of a fire rated wall. I see this as something that one would run across a lot during an inspection because of the popularity of pet door accesses. Also, pet doors which lead to the exterior, also create a huge access point for an intruder into the garage and then access to get into the home.
Article- A Garage Inspection
When inspecting a garage, look for alterations, especially ones that impact structural integrity. During an inspection, the author noted plywood gussets added to engineered trusses. These are a red flag for improper alterations. He also saw the use of improper hangers, improper bearing points, inadequate fasteners, and damage to engineered gangnail connections. Any alterations to original construction should be designed and approved by a licensed architect or engineer, and the work performed by a qualified contractor.
Article- Exterior Design Features
This article explains the differences in exterior architectural design features like decks, porches, balconies, verandas, and patios.A deck is a large wooden floor that is attached to the back of a house and raised above ground level. They are typically uncovered and most require a perimeter railing. Porches are typically in the front of a house and can be simple covered entrances or more elaborate architectural statements. Balconies are platforms off an upper floor that do not have ground level access. A veranda is similar to a porch, but they are typically longer and may extend around the front and sides of a house. A patio is an outdoor open-air living space located on the ground level.
The attached photo is the homes eves, fascia and soffit. The soffit has water damage and is open to possible insect infestation. Recommend repair by a licensed roofing contractor.
This 18 year old log home is built with 6" diameter solid tongue and groove logs. The exterior finish is in good shape and appears to have been recently oiled/finished. There is chinking/caulking at each stockade corner and log-to- flashing transitions. The bottom log course has flashing between the log and subfloor that also covers the perimeter rimboard. The endwall to porch roof connection has proper flashing. There is no evidence of window flashing due to wide rough-sawn trim boards, but the window buck to log connections behind the trim is neatly sealed with chink/caulk.
Ants Come Marching
Ants can effect homes and be a constant nuisance for homeowners and unless treated can often cause considerable damage to homes.
It’s important to know the difference between ants and termites although they both can do considerable damage to wood in your home.
Winged ants are very similar in size and shape to termites. Although they both eventually shed their wings, the termites front and hind wings are about the same size whereas the ant’s hind wings are smaller than its front wings. The antennae are also different as the termite’s antennae are straight and the ants are elbowed.
Typically, ants and termites can find access into just about any home. Inspection is important and inspectors and homeowners should be familiar with telltale signs and common entry points.
Steps should be taken to prevent and eliminate the potential for ant and termite infestation. Simple things such as keeping food and garbage away from the house as well as vegetation and tree limbs will help keep insects at bay.
Chimney is concrete block with stucco overlay. the chimney extends more than 2 feet higher at 10 feet horizontal from the roof line. It contains a square clay flue liner that extends above the concrete wash cap. It also has a metal cap on the flue liner with wire screen surround.
Aluminum siding was preferred exterior cladding up until the 1970’s. It is very durable and can be painted. however it is prone to denting and noise transfer. it hasn’t been mentioned often but aluminum siding is also a good conductor of electricity. in lightning prone areas the aluminum siding should be properly grounded.
This is a picture of a window, shutters, gutters, downspout and siding. The vegetation appears to be clinging or climbing up the house. It should be removed because it puts moisture onto the siding. The paint is peeling off the fascia and shows signs of rot. The downspout is in working order sending the rain water from the gutters away from the house protecting the foundation. The window is in working order, but does show signs of caulk or putty repair.
This is a summar of the article “Exterior Design Features” by Nick Gromicko.
There are many elements to exterior design. Decks, porches, balconies, and patios are very common ways that people show off their homes. This article talked about the true definition of each one and the time frame their popularity stemmed from.
Storm water discharge at the rear of the house:
inadequate grading of the yard to remove water
away from the structure.
Storm water discharge: sedimentation on the
concrete flat work (interior and exterior) indicates
storm water drainage issues in the past.
The slope of the yard is from the rear to the front.
Gutter downspouts utilize splash block diverters. The diverter at the rear patio is not properly
oriented or sloped away. Sedimentation on the concrete flat work inside of the screen porch
indicates water flowing towards the house from this downspout. The grade of the yard is higher
than the concrete flat work and prevents adequate drainage away from the structure.
Elevated moisture diffusing through the foundation wall one block above the foundation footing was
noted in the crawlspace. This condition exists across the rear wall. This condition appears to be
associated with storm water drainage from downspouts and inadequate slope away from the
building. Underground drainage piping should be considered to remove rainwater 5 to 10 feet away
from the building.
There was a significant amount of organic growth on the floor framing and insulation of the crawlspace
along the rear wall. There was a significant odor in this area from excessive moisture conditions. This
condition is associated with the rear drainage issue and insufficient ventilation vents.
There was no standing water observed in the crawlspace in the positive drain appeared adequate.
There was however, a considerable amount of water staining with sedimentation on top of the
plastic vapor barrier (primarily along the rear wall) which is associated with condensation occurring
on the HVAC supply air duct which operates below the dew point temperature of the crawlspace
air. One area (adjacent the patio) appears to be associated with rainwater entry on top of the plastic
barrier.
April 23, 2016
Student Essay:
This large home (4,300 sq ft) home has a few different sidings.
The pictures shown here are the front of the home with obviously brick siding. The balance of the front of the home is wood siding. The back and sides of the home are stucco. The home was totally refurbished in 2013 and 2014 but the sidings were not replaced. The exterior was inspected by more than one contractor and inspector, and found to be in satisfactory condition. The homeowners are considering a couple of options for replacement regarding the exterior sidings.
Jeff Coppola
This is a visual inspection from the ground of a roof. The eaves, fascia, and gutter are shown. From rhis angle they look to be in proper functioning order.
A new hi-resolution illustration has been recently added to InterNACHI’s free, online How to Inspect the Exterior Course in the Understanding Exterior Drainage Systems section. For more illustrations related to the exterior, visit our free, online Gallery for inspectors.
I read the article, “Aluminum Siding Inspection” by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward. The article provided an interesting background and short history of this type of siding. The pros and cons section were interesting and informative. I also like the section on tips for clients.