Research & Writing Assignment:
I choose the picture: gutters improperly discharging onto the roof. I learned that gutters should be continu all the way to the roof so the water don’t fall where the gutter is cutted. I also learned that down sprout shouldn’t finish over a roof so the water don’t cause any damage to the roof covering.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When I inspect sheathing, I would want to looking for either OSB or plywood. I would want to make sure it is installed perpendicular to the rafters and to make sure they are fastened 12 inches apart at intermediate supports and 6 inches on edge. The sheathing should be 1/8 apart and staggered. I will look for any signs of water damage and weakness in the wood.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows wind damage on a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof. A couple things that can be noted from the installation is that there are inadequate amount of nails on the tabs. There should be two nails per tab according to GAF installation recommendations. Additionally, the nails are nailed high or on the adhesive strip, thus not allowing the tab to adequately seal. This makes it more susceptible to wind damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I looked at the image in the gallery that compares hail damage VS. blister. This was a good image that well describes an issue amongst the roofing community when dealing with roof damage. Many times a conglomerate of blisters might form a larger area that might appear as hail damage, but the straight edges and the missing asphalt are indicators that this is more likely a blister than an actual hail hit. Hail will have some form of indentation into the shingle with tapered edges, along with embedded granules at the point of impact. Additionally, a shingle is damaged by hail when the mat has been fractured, as illustrated in the image.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Flashing is an important component of a roofing system. Drip edge is a type of flashing that belongs on the perimeter of a roof. Step flashings are required for chimney penetrations. Proper applications of flashing should keep moisture from entering the structure.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
upon arrival at the property to be inspected I noted that the gutter on the right hand side of the house was rusted not only on the gutter itself but on the angled downpipe as well, I therefore have made a note in my report
Research & Writing Assignment:
after reading the garage inspection ,I’ve learnt that when it comes to roof trusses its important to note that any changes to the trusses should only be done with the proper approval. Its also noted that the correct fasteners be used with the appropriate shearing limit.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During my inspection of a metal roofing, I discovered an opening in the roof. The whole is huge that it can allow water intrusion. Improper roofing can cause a structural damage to the ceiling which posses an occupation hazard. In this case, I would recommend a repair.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have learnt that inspecting a roof system is very crucial to a home buyer. I have learnt that before I approach any roof inspection I must keep safety at the forefront.
I have learnt that not all roofing systems can be walked on. As an inspector I can do inspect from ground level. As an inspector I need to report on roof covering materials and report any need for correction.
As an inspector, I am not required to walk on any roof surface, predict the service life and any underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on respiratory protection when it comes to inspecting attics and crawl spaces. It is very important to protect yourself before entering these spaces, not with just a cheap dust mask but with a full face respirator with cartridge filters. This protects not only the inspectors lungs and airway but also the mucus membranes of the eyes where pathogens can enter the body. The fecal droppings and urine of rodents, raccoons, skunks, bats and other animals that take up residence in crawlspaces and attics can be very serious as it can become airborne during an inspection. If inspecting spaces that appear to be infested with animals currently or in the past and there is evidence of animal scat, do not enter the space. Inform parties involved of the issues, inform that a professional should remove animals currently living in said spaces and entry points blocked and repaired, and that debris from bedding and waste be cleaned by a professional. Then the space can be inspected properly and safely.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Water traveling through the gutter system should discharge at a distance of 5ft or more from the foundation wall. This gutter downspout has an extension which lets the water discharge at an adequate distance away from the wall. This will prevent foundation issues created by excessive moisture.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney flashing:
The gallery image shows correct flashing for a chimney less than 30 inches (which would require a cricket). This owl mean it only needs a head flashing. It also shows proper apron flashing, counter flashing, and step flashing (which is driven into the masonry and sealed with a sealant).
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a photo of a gutter spike that has back out. When standing back from the roof I can see the gutter sagging in the middle right where the spike was dislodged. The gutter system does not have the correct slope for water to properly drain. I would recommend repair.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a gutter downspout that is not securely fastened and missing brackets. The gutters show signs of rust where water has leaked out from the joints. The gutter downspout does nothave the proper distance of 5 feet from the foundation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows damage to the asphalt shingles on a roof. The lack of proper flashing had led to ice damning which has caused the shingles to become brittle and to begin to “alligator” which can allow significant moisture intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the image titled “Asphalt Shingles” from the Internachi gallery I learned that these shingles usually consist of a cellulose or fiberglass base. This base coat will harden and become brittle over time this reducing the shingle’s effectiveness and life span.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of roofing tar on a chimney that has been installed in a very unprofessional manner. In this case the roof wasn’t leaking currently however the likelihood of it leaking is very good. I recommended a reputable contractor to further evaluate.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Marijuana Grow Operations
Facts and Trends
Grow operations can be found in any type of house and community. Homes with grow operations are not necessarily cheap rentals or suspicious-looking, crumbling old homes in ramshackle communities. Newer homes in upscale communities are increasingly used to hide grow operations. Marijuana cultivation can be so lucrative that the entire cost of the house is paid for in a short period of time.
Although it may seem like a serious risk for a current grower to hire an inspector to examine their home, it does happen, if rarely. Many grow operations are not temporary, and the growers have an otherwise normal household. Drug dealers need their homes to be inspected, too.
Common indications of marijuana grow operations:
In summary, inspectors may encounter unsafe or defective conditions caused by marijuana grow operations.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This heater exhaust penetration through the roof shows signs of possible water intrusion. You can see were water has at some point been dripping down the exhaust pipe itself. The 1x6 sheathing in front of the pipe appears to be broken due to possible water damage. I’m calling this a defect that needs to be further exam-ed by a professional roofing contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical panel work space. In this article I learned the adequate space for working and observing an electrical panel. The height must be at least 6 1/2 feet tall. The depth must be at least 30" minimum and the width at least 3 feet. This clearance will provide ample space for an Electrician and Inspector.
