Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon inspection of the roof gable edge, I noticed that even though the tree had been trimmed back, had rubbed and worn the shingles away at some point on the edge of the house. Recommend to have inspected by a licensed roofing professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Attic stairways are improperly installed more than most may realize. The homeowners are generally the ones who put it in, and usually don’t follow the manufacturers recommendations. Often using screws meant for drywall or standard construction screws. This can lead to a dangerous situation for an inspector. Caution needs be taken anytime an attic latter or stairway is used.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is the step flashing on the north wall over the sliding door roof. The flashing appears to be set with each course of shingles, as it should be. There is no counter flashing at this time. The vinyl siding will act as the counter flashing when it is installed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a gutter filled w/ debris from the overhanging trees and vegetation. Gutters are used to capture the running water coming off the roof in combination w/ the downspouts to divert water away from the foundation. The debris could cause the running water to pond in the gutters & corrode the metal, causing mechanical damage, causing a leak, allowing water to be diverted back to the foundation of the property and the siding. The water will eventually cause spalling and freezing and thawing of the foundation, shortening the life expectancy of the foundation and the siding. I recommend further evaluation by a roofer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
when inspecting roofs it is not necessary to walk on the roof, although many inspectors do.
For roofs Inspectors should use a extension ladder thats non metal. Alway keep the ladder at least 10 ft from power lines. Falls from 10 ft or less are a leading cause of injury.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Asphalt shingle roofs provide good protection against the elements and can last up to 30 years depending on many factors such as the weather, mechanical damage, wind speeds and location. Like other roof coverings, shingles need maintenance to continue performing as intended and can be installed on roofs as low as 2:12 but anything under 4:12 requires double underlayment.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Truss roof components include the following: “2x4” Blockline running down the center of the ridge as support for the peak of the truss rafters, “2x4” Blockline running along the top plate of the frame of the structure of the home on each side, a “1x6” stud runs horizontally perpendicular to the ceiling joist/rafter ties, & finally truss clips fasten the truss roof in place on the top plate of the structure frame in an L shape.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Backdrafting is the intrusion of combustion byproducts into living spaces and can be dangerous. This event generally occurs when the pressures inside the home become unusually low and seep into conditioned living spaces. An inspector can test for event however, homeowners are the first line of defense by properly maintaining fuel and gas fired equipment. Also having smoke and CO detectors can warn individuals of possible dangers.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Proper ventilation of a roof system will provide cooler roof temperatures and dryer attic space conditions. This will help the roofing materials last longer and eliminate the problem of ice dams in the winter. The ventilation openings for attics and roof frame cavities should be to the outside air and be screened or have small enough openings so that insects cannot enter the roof space. There should also be a 1 inch minimum airspace between any ceiling insulation and the roof sheathing. The size or amount of recommended ventilation is based on the attic or roof frame area. Typical criteria are 1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic or roof area. This can be reduced to 1 square foot per 300 square feet if either the insulation has a proper vapor barrier or half of the ventilation is provided in the upper portion of the roof space. Providing adequate ventilation for the roof system can eliminate future roofing problems.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Foundations
Foundations are the lowest portion of a structure which receives vertical loads from the roof or slabs,along the beams,downwards through columns and foundations. These loads are transmitted to the supporting soil. Foundations are generally constructed with in situ concrete, and are reinforced.
The purpose of foundations is to distribute the weight of the superstructure evenly over a larger area of ground which can bear it’s weight.
There are several types of foundations designed to suit particular situations usually related to location,soil and wether conditions. Foundations are however catogarised in two main groups - shallow and deep. The shallow foundations are usually refereed to as those whose width is equal or less than the debts of the foundation ie. Raft,Strip etc. whereas deep foundations are those where depth exceeds width eg Piles etc.
As a home inspector I am required to inspect the structurial integrity of the house, the foundation being the most important structial component.
I would look for any large trees planted near the house,whose roots may cause heave to the foundation, unequal settlement, cracks along the foundation,walls,floor,window and door openings. I would pay close attention to cracks in basements and garage areas.
Concrete tends to shrink when drying out,however if I am able to get a pencil in any of the visible cracks I would write it up in my report as a defect and recommend further investigation by a qualified civil or structial engineer.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This roof according to owner is about 19 years old. There are several places what appears to be a nail hole from a raise nail from shingle underneath. These holes need to be repaired immediately to keep from having water damage to the interior of the house. Also There seems to be a dip under the shingle. It is recommended to have a qualified roofing contractor inspect further to determine if there is more damage underneath. It is recommended that this roof be replaced at this time.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The gutter of the upper roof is discharging storm water into the roof covering of the lower roof. The excess driven water will reduce the serviceable life of the roof shingles and increase the likelihood of a leak in the area. A qualified gutter contractor should further evaluate the roof drainage system and make repairs of adjustments as needed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Doing Damage During an Inspection: It’s Your Job
If something breaks off in your hand or the decking of a roof caves in while you are walking on it, don’t panic and start offering apologies to the home owner. You have actually done them a favor by finding something is damaged or need repairing immediately. You may have even diverted a disaster by keeping a home owner from falling through a roof when putting up seasonal lighting or cleaning out gutters. If this happens you are just doing your job that you were hired to do.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Kick out flashing is one type of many lashings that can be found on a roofing system. missing, incorrect, or modified kick out flashing can allow water intrusion that can cause water damage to building materials and components. Kick out flashing is can help divert storm water away from building materials wear it can eventualy find its way into the homes interior.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Image is of the service panel at my house.
A General Electric Brand Panel is located outside in the rear, southeast side of the house.
Service Panel is fully functional.
the Amp rating on the service panel is 200 Amp
The wiring within the panel appeared to be satisfactory, the conducting wire is copper.
Front face of the Panel slides in and out at the top and held in with the required single “Blunt end screw”, in place to attach the front face of the panel.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Article “Easy steps that help inspectors avoid a lawsuit” these are my biggest takeaways from the article. 1. Join InterNACHI. being a member is proof that you are the type of inspector that goes above and beyond the limits of just an average inspector. and following the standards of practice provides a strong defense against a claim. 2. Incorporate or form an LLC. as a shareholder in your incorporated inspection company you will have limited liability against a claim instead of operating as a sole proprietor. 3. Never refer to yourself as an expert in your marketing or in person. Home inspectors are generalists and we refer or defer to the experts in those particular areas where further inspection and review may be needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of missing flashing under an eave. Exposed sheathing and framing are exposed to the elements and are in an environment conducive to fungal rot. Exposed wood should be covered with appropriate underlayment, roof material and flashing.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Downspout extensions are a cost effective and simple way to effectively move water away from foundations and basements. Water should be carried at least 4 to 6 feet away from the home to limit water penetration into the foundation or basement.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a 30-tr old architectural roof covering. During the inspection it was noted there was no drip edge flashing on either the rake or drip edge. While observing the lack of drip edge flashing it was noted the roof covering was extremely brittle and has nearly reached the end of its service life. The roof covering, underlayment, and flashing - of which drip edge is on - work to keep the home moisture free. They are critical components of the overall roof system.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article “Mastering Roof Inspections: Flashing, Part 3” the point was made about the time and expense of installing counter flashing, particularly on brick. I hadn’t really thought about that fact. I just assumed if it needed done properly, someone would do the job correctly. Bad assumption on my part.
