This image shows newer architectural shingles on a 100 year old house. The shingles appear properly installed and in good condition, with minimal granule loss and no apparent deficiencies. Recommendations in this situation would be to clean organic litter from the valleys to prevent premature deterioration in these vulnerable areas, as well as to regularly trim back tree branches that overhang the roof.
For my article review, I read “Roofing Underlayment Types.”
This informative article went in the weeds on roof underlayments much more than the course did. Of note was its identification of the three types of underlayment: asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetic.
For this review, I will focus on the non-bitumen synthetic, as I am not familiar with its use. Interestingly, synthetics are lighter in weight, higher strength and have non-skid properties. They are also resistant to fungal growth and don’t absorb moisture. Finally, they are UV resistant, withstanding exposure to the sun for 6 months to a year.
Some concerns with synthetics include a lack of ASTM standards, non-compliance with outdated building codes, and incompatibility with roof covering warranties. Also, moisture problems can arise if installed like a felt underlayment.
Hopefully, the industry will catch up with synthetic underlayments in order to further promote their use during construction.
Green Roof Inspections:
A green roof refers to one that has a built in area for growing vegetation. They can be defined as intensive or extensive, depending on the amount of maintenance required. They are growing in popularity, especially in urban areas where green space is limited. When properly installed, they can offer many benefits, including controlling runoff, thermal and acoustical insulation, air filtering, green space, and increased property value. Some disadvantages can include the initial cost of installation, cost of maintenance and water, and leaks and structural damage if not properly engineered and installed. Inspection concerns include abiding by local regulations, proper engineering and drainage, and fire safety, especially in dry climates. Ultimately, green roofs can provide many economic, social and environmental benefits when properly installed and maintained.
This roof is appx 8 years old with 3 tab asphalt shingles. It appears to be in good condition. I would recommend the homeowner trim back the trees in the back of thr house that are close to the roof to prevent any potential damage.
This is an image of the chimney on my neighbors house. He had concerns that it was not built correctly and asked me if I would take a look. I got on his roof and discovered that the chimney was not 2 feet taller than the roof within 10 feet. The nearest roof was actually only 7 feet away from the top of the chimney. I informed him that a chimney must be a min 3 foot tall, and 2 foot taller than any roof within 10 foot. He is now in discussions with his builder, as this could be a fire hazard.
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In this picture, it is hard to do a simple inspection of the leading edge of the decking, underlayment, and drip edge due to the 2 inch over hang of the asphalt shingles. Upon closer view, you can see the lack of the drip edge on the decking. Also there does not appear to be any underlayment other than the loose house wrap style material under the shingles. I would consider this a material defect.
Inspection assignment for this course.
This building inspected is a modified steel building converted into a residence. The roof material is corrugated steel material. During inspection it was noted the lack of venting. Attic access could not be obtained. I could not verify if a ridge vent was used, but I could verify the absence of soffit venting. This would need further evaluation upon gaining access to the attic.
Reading assignment for this course.
I read the article Mastering Roof Inspections Underlayment Part 1, this was written by Kenton Shepard and Nick Gromicko
The purposes of Underlayment, primary a moisture barrier. Most underlayment are moisture-resistant not water-proof. Water-proof barriers prevent water vapor, and liquid water passage. Water-resistant prevents liquid water passage. This water barrier is placed down on roof deck directly after eves drip edge is installed. Shingles, tiles, metal or slate roof covering are then installed over this moisture barrier underlayment. The roof coverings are primary barrier from roof leakage, with underlayment acting as secondary.
Other purposes for underlayment is temporary protection of interior and roof sheathing till roof covering are installed. The underlayment prevents chemical degradation between roof coverings and roof sheathing. Last use of certain special underlayment is to increase the fire rating of wood and shingles coverings.
This obviously is a image of 2 different roof systems with a chimney stack protruding in between the house & the patio over hang.
The clay tile roof properly over laps the 3-tab asphalt shingles. The shingles have the proper slope, 4:12 or greater that allow for proper drainage of the rain water. A gutter with downspout is attached & the shingles over lap properly into it.
Step flashing & counter flashing is installed along the sides of the chimney, which has its cap & spark arrester.
The only problem may be in the backer flashing having no cricket because the chiney appears to be wider than 30"
But overall it is a well done job in my opinion.
For my reading & writing assignment I read "Child Proofing Windows & Doors"by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward and "Child Proofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children"by Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko.
There are between 2.5 and 2.8 million children injured or killed by hazards in the home every year. Many of the incidents can be prevented by the proper use of a safety device. Most safety devices still allow the operation of the device by an adult but not by a child. Examples of safety devices are: Latches & Locks on cabinet doors, child gates, window stops, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, outlet covers, and window blind cords. It is important to note that if not used properly most safety devices are not effective. One safety device that was not mentioned in the articles was furniture straps. A friend of mine lost a 3yr old son when a tall dresser fell on him, crushing him under it. Children are curious, and are always trying new things. Safety latches and stops are a very important inexpensive measure to protect children.
This house was built in the mid 1950s. It has no eaves which was common,in some areas then,in order to save material. The old steel gutters system has been removed to replace the siding. Gutter and down spouts need installed in order to divert the rain water away from the footing. It has a 3 tab asphalt shingle roof covering that appears to be in good condition.
The detached garage, on the same property,
has the fascia covered in decorative roll sheet metal and needs a drip edge installed to prevent rain water from getting behind the metal covering and causing wood rot.
I read the articles on “Safe Rooms” and “Types of Underlay ment for Roofs”.
A friend of mine who does craftsman welding introduce the “safe house” concept to me years ago. Didn’t know much about it then. Reading this article helped to understand the concept better. Knew throught history of bunkers in war time & in fear of nuclear fall outs, but didn’t associate it with royalty & the wealthy against kidnapping & other internal threats. Of course being built correctly with all the precautions, as mentioned in this article would make the difference whether it’s truly a “safe house” or a “easy trap” for the criminals.
The article on roofing under layment was a good one also.
The dis continuing of the asphalt under layment sounds like a solution with the use of the rubberized kind but then there are the disadvantages associtaed with that method as well.
Roof Covering Type: Three-tab asphalt shingles on ¾ inch plywood decking.
Comments: Shingles missing from Southwest facing roof area. Damage from weathering suggests dilapidation including UV and/or wind damage and possibly improper installation or lack of fasteners.
Suggest replacement and repair by a bonded roofing contractor to prevent further water penetration, damage to surrounding shingles from wind and UV damage, and general dilapidation of roof substrate and covering materials.
For my Article I read: Biological Pollutants.
The overview of the article is that it can be impossible to eliminate the presence of all biological pollutants, even if you keep a spotless house. However, keeping clean surfaces and regularly inspecting and maintaining appliances can reduce the risks incurred by the compiled pollutants.
Biological pollutants tend to be the things that do not affect our overall health enough to think about them regularly (with a few exceptions), until the amount of sick days and allergy ridden hours between allergy medication is taken into account. The main cause of pollutants can be compartmentalized into these categories:
- Poor ventilation, causing dust problems, etc.
- Lack of cleanliness, which increases microorganism reproduction and increases risk of infections.
- Combustion pollutants such as NO2, carbon monoxide, etc.
- Moisture control, where the ideal is to keep moisture between 30-60% to avoid mold and other microbial life from flourishing.
How to perform roof inspections: reading writing article & essay submission #1
Advantages of Solar Energy.
the advantage of solar energy today is that it is an economical source of power. The reduction of emissions caused by Utility plants and the abundance of sunlight only make sense. currently the cost for a homeowner to get solar as affordable and has the potential to save the homeowner much more as the cost of electricity goes up over the next decade. installing solar panels to the roof can add life to the roof as it provides shade from the harmful UV rays that typically damage asphalt shingles. the Installation of solar panels also adds value to a home. with the incentives from the federal government and local state or utility rebates a homeowner can purchase a large enough system to offset a majority of their power needs at a low per watt price. Solar energy has created a new and blossoming industry that is creating jobs by the thousands. more and more states are offering incentives for homeowners to go solar and find energy Independence.
Purchasing the proper roof covering material,underlayment and guttering system can be a difficult experience for a homeowner. The controversy usually begins with sacrificing quality for dollars leaving most owners unsure. Finding a contractor you can trust is vital. He/She can advise you of replace over repair cost,life expectancy and warranties. Sizing of guttering systems is also nothing to be guessed at.
Things such as underlayment,which is usually an inexpensive quality upgrade is money well spent while you may have to sacrifice in roof covering material for a much larger savings but still have a quality roof. Fasteners are also a very small item effecting price but ever so valuable in the completed job and its life expectancy when your installing any of the roofing system components.
How to perform roof inspections: reading writing article & essay submission #2
Ladder Safety.
Ladder safety has been one of the most discussed topics in any inspection process. the need to have a strict ladder inspection process or checklist is the mark of any good inspector. purchasing the correct ladder for the correct job is also an important responsibility of a good inspector. With the uncertainty of risk at each inspection a good inspector should always make sure they have the proper ladder, free from damage or defects and a way to safely transport to and from the job site. having proper attachments such as a tie off or stands offs is critical for safety and preventing damage to gutters or roof surfaces. wearing proper footwear while using a ladder is imperative for safety. With the advent of new technologies such as camera phones with video, video devices like go pro an inspector can sometimes perform these services without the need of a ladder increasing the safety of himself and those around him. all ladder should be inspected before every use and have a life limit established for replacement.
During this roof inspection we noticed that all of the flashing installed was done improperly. you can also see shingles that were cracked and nails on the surface.
the roof boot shown for the vent stack was obviously installed after the shingles were installed. it is also the wrong size for the pipe and this caused the gasket to be torn. the flashing was not secured with any nails or sealant. second issue was the vent and flashing that was installed so close to the existing vent pipe.
the vent was also not secured and was over lapping the first one. no sealant or nails used to secure it in place either. the thirds issue was the satellite TV cable running across and behind both these vents which was pulled tight and stressing the vent penetration on the top left corner. this cable was not secured to the roof in any form and posed a tripping hazard for anyone accessing this area of the roof. currently their was a leak down the vent pipe that had mad a small wet spot on the ceiling Sheetrock inside the home.
the homeowner was advised to retain a reputable roofer and get these items repaired to prevent any further damage.
The asphalt shingles on the roof of this home appear to be the original to the home, which was built in 2001, but no defects in the shingles were noted at the time of inspection. The only valley on the roof had closed valley flashing.
The attic was vented with ridge and soffit vents.
In this image, the brick/mason chimney stands at a minimum 3 feet above the roof line. The Chimney does have a chimney cap and rain cap installed. The flashing and counter flashing shown are sealed with post installation leak sealant. This sealant may indicate a water leak around the chimney and should be further evaluated to determine serviceability. Additionally, there is some mortar that has worn away between several bricks, the mortar should be replaced/repaired to prevent water entry and further deterioration.[ATTACH]
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