Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows a broken roof tile. This must be reported and a roofing contractor recommended to repair. Also the ceiling and wall areas under this tile must be checked for moisture as water can trickle down from the broken tile to the structure below.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Asphalt shingle proper nailing is important to prevent water intrusion, material damage and to ensure the proper fastening of the shingles to the roof deck. The nails must be driven to the correct depth and at the correct angle using the correct nails as per manufacturers instructions.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Roofing systems are the first line of defence in keeping water out. Roofs are designed to shed water and keep internal components dry. Materials need to be in good shape, installed properly and be maintained to work well. Also, flashing needs to be done correctly. You cant
rely on caulking and tar alone.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Where roofs meet walls is a crucial point for flashing to be installed in order to prevent water leaks and damage. Some wall claddings, such as fiber cement, vinyl siding, and brick veneer, can cover the evidence for years. Flashing and diverters must be correctly used along with housewrap, cladding, and gutters to prevent water damage. You may check for step flashing and roof-wall water deflectors that help drain water away from high-risk corners where walls meet roofs.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of the rear of the home. HVAC lines have been “draped” over the aluminum gutters, causing the gutters to pull away from the fascia and potentially allow water to penetrate the fascia and underlayment. Also, the weight on the gutter and downspout will contribute to failure of those components.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting trusses, it is important to identify any alterations to the truss itself. Alterations to a truss require authorization from a structural engineer. Equally important is the method of installation and use of fasteners. An engineered ledger board with proper fasteners will ensure the integrity of the trusses. Alterations and improper bearing points should be photographed and noted.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon looking at a metal roof that was added on to a house. I ran across this fix that was done by the home owner. At looking at the framing is see water stains and it looks like the gaps were filled by foam. Informed the customer that it might have a potential water leak and that it should be checked out by a roofer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I was reading the subject of lock boxes. I have seen a few of the old style combination still are and find them easy to access, but I also understand how people tend to find out the codes and enter when they do not have permission. I preferr the Supra boxes myself and like the idea that it can record who enters the house and clears the inspector who might be blame for not securing the house after they leave.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a roof exterior picture. The roof covering is architectural shingles with no visible signs of damaged or worn shingles. The shingles along the edge flashing lay flat as they should also with no signs of wear or damage in a single layer. The shingles along the top under the ridge vent also appear to be free of wear and damage from the exterior.
Research & Writing Assignment:
10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home. I found this article informative. I like the idea of replacing incandescent lighting. I also learned that you should replace faucets, showerheads and toilets with newer efficient ones that are low flow. You should also check that your home is well sealed and insulated. And you should use a programmable thermostat and ceiling fans to reduce energy use.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The roof is covered in 3 tab ashpalt singles. They look worn at the edges, possibly indicating damage by age, wind, rain or hail. I can visually see step flashing on the chimney. It appears to be attached correctly, by being inset in the mortar joints. The lack of counterflashing could become a problem with water and moisture leakage. I recommend a qualified roofing contractor examine this roof for its ability to properly secure the structure from water intrusion and proper installation of all flashing material next to the chimney.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a roof, it may be difficult to see all four parts that make up an asphalt shingle. An inspector should be able to see all parts working together though. You’ll first notice the body or coating layer which should be covered with surface granules. Carefully lifting a shingle tab you should be able to see the base or under backing layer. Finally, the self-sealing strip might be noticed or felt when lifting the shingle.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of the underside of a roof where it meets the masonry chimney. Signs of a water problem are present on the sheathing. Note the dark staining in the plywood. it is hard to see in the picture but the brick is also damp. I recommend that a qualified roofing contractor be contacted for repairs
Research & Writing Assignment:
I never understood how the rake edge and the facia edge of a tile rood covering was sealed. A mortar mix is mat to fill the openings preventing water, animals and pests from entering the under space of the tiles.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting the roof it would also be important to check surrounding objects as these may cause early defects (example would be branches that are brushing up against the roof) in the material as well as not allow for proper drainage in the roofing system. Example would be the gutters filling up with leaves and not allowing the water to properly flow away from the building.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here there is a safety tie down strap. Proper installation of this would have been with the tie down installed first, to make sure the nails can penetrate all the way through. Also to expos less nail heads on the roof as the shingles would then over lap the strap area covering the nails.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a home where in the attic, I observed that there were 27 trusses that were altered against their intended purpose. There was also evidence that this was compromising other areas in the home. (The owner did make good use of the wood by making several shelving units lol)
Obviously, I Recommend that this be evaluated by a structural engineer and repair as needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Unit is located to the right side of the home and was not working properly. Unit was also not sitting on a concrete slab. Unit is a 1997 with a an old rusty compressor. Unit did not cool as intended. At the time of inspection was not working.Recommend a licensed contractor for further evaluation and repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
One issue that I have often come across when inspecting roofs is damage caused by hail or from the asphalt shingles blistering. The diagram that is located in the gallery is extremely helpful to help better understand the difference, and to make the correct distinction between the two types of damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I chose is, “15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own.” There are some basic tools that every homeowner may need at some point in time. It could be a plunger for a simple clogged toilet or wrench to tighten loose screws in a drain line. This article lays out some basic tools and how they can help in a situation. A caulk gun could provide a seal for a minor water leak in a bathroom or around a window. Flashlights are a basic necessity for so many things including safety. A level can help hang picture frames and screwdrivers can tighten door handles or light fixtures. Goggles and respirators/masks are great for safety. The article would be good to help homeowners know what they may need if a situation would arise.
