Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Exterior door issues can be very apparent in most cases. Wood rot and sagging appear to be the common main issues I have found. Which in some cases indicates bad drainage and water deflection away from the property perimeter. Another proof positive that moisture is a homeowners worst nightmare.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This staircase seems to pass the visual inspection. It is too wide for a residential application but because it has a rail on each side of the staircase I dont have a problem with this staircase except maybe some wet traction guards for wetness
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Basement old coal bin containment area three quarter of its height below grade. No vapor barrier on dirt floor, stone foundation wall has never been dampproofed. The exterior of foundation wall is not graded properly to shed rain water away from house.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Proper application of stucco over brick veneer should be proper cleaning technique. Then the application of an masonry adhesive to dry for at least 12 hours. Then application of galvanized wire mesh,fastened through mortar joints with galvanized nails. Then scratch or brown coat then finish coat.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I found the acticle 10 ways to save energy really enlightening. Especially the tankless water heater idea. Never considered the wastefulness of the medium cycle and the easiness of insulating windows,doors and the building envelope having a drastic effect. Definitely going to use some of these ideas at my home
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This property was clad with composition wood-fiber siding. Various manufacturers (e.g. Louisiana Pacific, Weyerhaeuser and Masonite) have produced this type of siding, which is made from oriented strand board (OSB) or “hardboard.” It is prone to deteriorate and/or fail prematurely due to moisture penetration, especially when the paint coating is substandard or has not been maintained. Failure is typically visible in the form of swelling, cracking, buckling, wafer pops, delamination and fungal growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture intrusion is something that every homeowner deals with on a daily basis. Moisture can enter a house in many way through the air, leaks in the roof, cracks in the foundation, improper installation of the exterior siding are some of the many ways that moisture enters the home. As a home inspector one is often faced with trying to figure out where the moisture is coming from and what type of damage is being done to the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This inspection image is of a missing aluminum siding corner cap. A small component of the siding may result in disproportionately greater structural damage. This is a potential moisture intrusion point. This should be repaired to prevent potential moisture damage to the structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Decks, porches, balconies, verandas and patios are different exterior design elements. A deck is a raised wooden floor attached to a house. A porch is a covered entrance to a doorway at ground level. Balconies are platforms that protrude from the walls of upper floors of a building. A veranda is like a combination of a deck and a porch, is supported by pillars and often wraps around the front and sides of a structure. Patios are roofless, often paved, and are at ground level.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This closed eves angled soffit is made of aluminum. During the corse I learned that these are susceptible to high wind damage. As shown in the picture there are some loose panels out of theyre grooves and could possibly cause water damage or allow rodent infestation. Recommending to repair loose areas.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Studying the different types and vocabulary of windows will greatly improve an inspection rep. Knowing the proper instillation of these products will allow us to have a better understanding of the actual problem causes of the damage. Also wind mitigation inspections rely on this knowledge to get proper ratings for these products.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
essay on Main entry door. Caulking around framing looks to be in acceptable shape. window has slid down in weather stripping exposing a small crack and is in need of correction. Weather stripping is ripped in a few places along the bottom/entry sill recommend replacing weather stripping
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Attached is an image of a decorative stone chimney with terra-cotta flue liner. There are three notable defects and one safety hazard. One flue liner is missing its chimney cap which can allow water penetration and possible obstructions. The mortar chimney cap is cracking which is a sign of water penetration and will continue to allow more water penetration and cracks. There are also cracks noted along the mortar joints which suggest water penetration or inadequate mortar mixture. There is also one decorative stone on the chimney that is unsecured to the final course and is a hazard as potential falling projectile and site for water penetration.
Research & Writing Assignment:
My essay is on attics illustration. Missing and/or damaged insulation can lead to hot spots in interior surface walls decreasing thermal effenciy in home making havoc system work harder that necessary. Furthermore if is missing its not doing its intended purpose in the attic space.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Retaining walls over 24" require extra lateral support to prevent sweeping, bulging, or cracking to the structure. Simple systems can be designed to help mitigate wall failure. Dead men are installed horizontally near the tops of the walls and extend out and burring beneath the back fill for material support. Good practice will incorporate a drainage system behind the wall to minimize hydrostatic pressure pushing on the back side of the wall. These drainage systems also include gravel and landscape fabric in their backfill and finished with fill dirt and top spoil. Good practice also suggest building the wall 6"-8" above grade.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
At a previous inspection, I noticed the flooring in basement was showing signs of water damage. When I went outside, I noticed that the slope of the backyard was sloped towards the house. The window wells were filled with water. Recommended regrading and review of a waterproofing contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Decks are always a key exterior component to check thoroughly. With so many being built be home owners and not by qualified contractors, key attachments and anchor supports are typically missing. Specifically at the connection of the home, which is the leading cause of deck failures.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a double hung window in a pole barn. The window has muntins on the inside of the glass. There are no signs of fogging or condensation. The j channel around the window is tight and cut correctly to fit the window.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting the exterior of this dwelling I would be describing the story height, what type of roof covering, what type of siding and general exterior condition.
Looking at the foundation for cracks and a roof level shingle inspection. Checking gutter and downspout condition as well.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a deck I am checking the decking to make sure that the wood is not rotted. Checking the posts to make sure they are treated and not rotted. The railings are built properly with balusters properly installed… Checking the stairs to make sure they are not rotted and installed properly.
