Research & Writing Assignment:
I read a report on the use and necessity for downspout and gutters on a home. However not every home needs gutters and downspouts, some homes have enough clearance from the cornice and fascia that they divert rain run-off far enough away from the house.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture I selected is of a recent inspection in which there were areas of missing siding. The siding is not for insulation but a protective coat for the house envelope. Without the siding, moisture penetration will get behind the existing siding causing possible mold, mildew, and/or deterioration of the structure components.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I choose to read was on Aluminum siding. Aluminum siding has many pros and cons as a use for protecting ones home. The pros include but not limited to: easy to paint, fireproof, waterproof, light, and durable. The cons are: it dents easy, needs repainted every 5-10 years, it is easily scratched, and it takes much energy to manufacture.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The chimney had substantially water damaged bricks and mortar as well as wood soffit and fascia due in part to missing kickout flashings. Bricks had spalled, mortar was deteriorated and missing. Wood was rotted. There is most likely unseen water damage to the structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I studied the photo titled Ground Slope in the General Exterior section. It detailed the 8 inch minimum clearance required between the bottom edge of the siding and grade. It also noted the minimum 5 percent slope of grade required.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows what happens when the drainage is not adequate around a home. The trim is rotted out and needs to be replaced. The grade needs to be lowered and sloped away from the home. Gutters should be added to help facilitate drainage issues as well.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the article about French drains to write my essay about. French drains are the most effective way to remove standing water from areas around the home. They must be dug to a depth of 24 in in order to remove the surface water into the ground. They are essential to removing hydrostatic pressure behind all retaining walls.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Defensible space around a house refers to the regulation of foliage and other flammable objects in a way that protects the house from wildfires and provides access for firefighters. The ways it does this are to limit the amount of fuel for the fire around the house so that it can not progress or is slowed enough to be contained. If there is a pond near the house the defensible space includes keeping a clear pathway for firefighters to use it to help fight the fire. Different jurisdictions have different requirements to maintain the space and one should always check with their local regulations to make sure they are keeping with those requirements.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
in this area (north east corner and back yard) their is no noticeable slope to the back yard. The wood siding is in contact with the ground. There are two downspouts in this area within 5 feet both drain water within 5 inches of the exterior wall. There is a 3 inch ground drain. This drain needs a new great installed. The downspouts need extensions so they drain 24 inches from the exterior wall. The earth and exterior wall need to be seperated. it doesn’t appear a six inch separation from wood and soil can be obtained.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Dryer vents should be no more than 25 feet. there should be no screws in holding the vent sections together as it can catch the lint and create a blockage and possible fire hazard. There can ont be a screen at the vent outlet as this too can cause blockage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows a soffit that was observed to be in very good condition at the time of my inspection. Soffit materials should be free from defect and fastened securely in place. Missing or damaged soffit should be reported during the exterior inspection as it can allow wind driven rain or snow to enter the structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to look at and compare the various possible mortar joints and their individual decorative and functional properties. Where the V and Concave joints offer better moisture intrusion protection, the Raked and Struck can actually facilitate moisture intrusion and cause damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Flashing is an integral component to help prevent water intrusion on a home. The flashing shown in the picture has several exposed nail heads which can allow possible moisture intrusion, damaging the decking and structure below. This is a common maintenance item that will have to be reapplied throughout the years.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Kick out flashings, although relative new, is a very important flashing component to help prevent siding damage and rot. It is a small piece of flashing that is designed to direct water in the gutter system or away from the siding helping to prevent damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Pic of the siding to roof junction on a dormer. Structure is old, over 100 years old, but the dormer is of more re cent construction. Note that the paint is missing down to bare wood. Presence of step flashing along the roof line is unknown. The owner has slathered tar along this union to prevent water infiltration.
Improvements. Flashing should be present here, not sealant and especially not tar. Siding should be maintained, scraped, primed twice, and painted.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Article is Asbestos Cement Siding Inspection. Article says, [One common problem] associated with asbestos cement siding that inspectors are likely to encounter:Chipping and cracking often occur with this brittle material.
When I inspect a structure with asbestos siding, I encourage people that this is a long-lived and effective siding material. I warn clients that the cost to remove the siding will be extensive, and that I would leave it alone, improving it where needed. There are two historic hardware shops in our area that carry materials that are no longer manufactured. These, and the internet, allow one to repair asbestos siding with materials that would otherwise no longer be available.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The brick veneer on this house is resting on the foundation and there are no signs of cracking or settling. In addition, the brick mortar is in good condition. The window well on the basement egress window only protrudes 24" from the foundation and would not meet today’s code of requiring a 36" depth from the foundation wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
So many of the courses that have been offered either deal heavily with the effects of water damage, how to deal with it and how to avoid it; or water damage is mentioned at one point or another in the course. As part of a home inspection, it is important for the inspector to educate the potential buyer of problems in the home that were caused by water and what he or she can do to lessen the likelihood of water damage in the future. Simple things like checking caulking, keeping vegetation away from a home, trimming back tree limbs and cleaning out gutters can go a long way to maintaining the value of a home and avoiding costly repair bills.
Research & Writing Assignment:
window Falls- Falls from windows are a serious danger for children. Many children suffer serious or fatal injuries every year. incidences increase during the summer months for obvious reasons.
There are a few safety tips you can pass on to your clients.(1) Keep windows locked when not in use. (2)Furniture that children can climb should be kept away. (3)The addition of a manufactured safety device with horizontal bars that have a quick release for emergencies. (4)Point out any low windows that might be a danger. (5)Ventilate using the upper sash if possible.
These few safety tips can lessen the danger of a fall.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Step cracks were located at the rear corner of concrete block masonry walls. Several reasons for this type of cracking and due to this, structure has potential for water intrusion and possible further, more serious issues. Correction is recommended and should be deferred to an engineer for further evaluation.
