This is a picture of the deck. The guardrail is inches off high from the floor and the spaces are 4 inches that is an acceptable measurement. The deck is made from pressure treated wood and has been stained and appears to be in good condition.
Garages are an important component of the inspection process as many different types of hazards can exist. For example, trusses must be intact and cannot be altered in any way without the guidance of a structural engineer due to the load carrying capacity. Fasteners must also be fastened with approved nails etc. in terms of the electrical systems, all outlets must be GFCI because of the existence of moisture and water that may exist in a garage.
Exterior Inspection
I chose to focus on the exterior gutter system and roof flashing on my condo. I noticed from ground level that the gutter was missing from a roof recess underneath a roof eave causing the rainwater runoff to drain directly on the lower roof section and then to the ground. There should be a gutter installed on both the upper and lower roof fascia with appropriate kick-out flashing installed to divert water toward the gutter system and to prevent water damage to the exterior envelope, as well as an appropriate drainpipe to divert water away from the foundation. .
I chose to read the article titled “Forms of Inspection Business Ownership and Structure”. Although this article was not extremely long it did give clarification to the differences between certain types of business ownership available to inspectors. From sole proprietorship to general, limited and joint partnerships as well as corporations, subchapter corporations and a limited liability company. This article gave a handful of pros and cons associated with each business type. It also mentioned many (but not all) of the forms that may be needed/used to operate each type of company as well as tax forms for each. All in all I learned a lot from this article and I appreciate the extra knowledge.
Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation
by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward
https://www.nachi.org/abrasive-blasting.htm
I chose this article in respect to the InterNACHI Inspecting Exteriors course, because of water intrusion in garages and attics leading to mold growth. This article focuses on two methods of abrasive blasting mold remediation: soda blasting and dry-ice blasting, followed by HEPA vacuuming. Both methods are much easier than hand sanding and are less evasive to the building material. Because abrasive blasting makes the mold spores airborne, remediation isn’t complete until the entire area has been HEPA vacuumed removing all the toxins.
What not to add to a leach field.
Short Essay
This is a picture of the front of a home. This picture shows single pane windows with storm windows attached, vertical T&G wood siding and soffit, brick facade supported by the foundation and some vegetation that is too close to the home. Additionally the gutters siding and fascia in this picture are showing signs of peeling paint indication some degree of moisture damage.
Research Essay
Attic Ladders
Attic pull-down ladders, also called attic pull-down stairways, are collapsible ladders that are permanently attached to the attic floor. They have several common defects including; the cut bottom cord of a structural truss, fastened with improper nails, fastened with an insufficient number of nails or screws, lack of insulation, loose mounting bolts, legs cut too short or long, compromised fire barrier, and cracked steps. Attic ladders are prone to a lot of defects but most of them relate to incorrect installation.
While inspecting a brick townhouse, I came upon the rear kitchen door and it s small patio roof. The flashing was inadequate and missing in parts, plus the roof was well past it useful life and crumbled when touched. It needdd to be re shingled, replace any wood rot and properly flashed.
The essay i am writing on is the Exterior. Recently I inspected the exterior of a home and ran across a few problems.
In this photo the bushes were too close to the siding. I recommended they are trimmed back from the home
In the next photo, the downspout was not draining the water min 6 feet from the dwelling, recommended that a diverter be installed
In the last photo, there was a motion detector light that was installed using BX wiring, exposed. My recommendation was to have a solid conduit be installed to correct the problem. All easy fixes
IMG_20170107_142159711.jpg
My image is the exterior gas meter entery into the house not sealed with caulking and not airtight…Has signs of moisture intrusion into the home and exterior siding has signs of wood rot
My essay is on garage doors and openers
Garage doors are large spring supported doors and the openers controls the movement of the door up and downward movements. Garage doors are usually the heaviest moving objects in the home and they also have high tension springs…
An inspector should not attempt to function or repair a damaged door
The image I’ve included displays a section of damage fascia of the eave of the roof. This particular deficiency initially has a characteristic effect of being aesthetically displeasing to the appearance of the structure with rotting and discolored texture. Additionally it allows for pest entry and excess moisture and air into the roof structure or attic space. Insulation could be damaged as well.
My essay is about becoming a 203 (k) consultant. I was drawn to this article because I recalled my instructor had mentioned that she was certified to perform such inspections. I didn’t fully understand what she meant until now. I found it quite interesting as this could add another face to my inspection profession. It would be a value add not only to me but to others if I could be a key factor in providing financial aide to someone knowing that my knowledge of building characteristics attributed to the outcome.
The included image is of a brick veneer with raked joints. The mortar appears to be in good condition with no cracks, one weep hole is present at the lowest course however it has been filled wil caulking. The bricks have no visible cracks and the veneer is plumb with no visible leaning, bowing or sweeping.
Essay: brick veneers
Most brick veneers have defects, even new ones, whether it be blocked weep holes, thermal expansion cracking, or softening of the brick and mortar from improper cleaning. It is more difficult to repair brick veneer than it is to initially install it, leading to increased moisture absorption and water damage to the interior wall due to improper repair.
I read the article on compost because my daughter has one in her yard with a couple of small children. Compost piles are beneficial for the environment and the community in reducing waste, but there are also hazards if the compost pile is not maintained properly. The first step is for people to always use protective gear when gardening and working on the compost pile. A compost pile contains a ton of organisms that create airborne and contact hazards. So always wear gloves and a mask when turning the pile which should be done daily. Also people need to be aware that piles generate heat and can catch on fire. Finally make the pile vegetarian only to avoid attracting unwanted animals.
John McDevitt
exterior 2.pdf (17.9 KB)
exterior4.pdf (19.1 KB)
The image I’ve included displays a section of damaged gutter guard. This is not only aesthetically unappealing, but it allows the potential water intrusion and rot as a result.