Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture shows multiple composition shingles detached from a roof surface. Most of the shingles were loose and appear to have been installed during cold, windy conditions. The heat-activated adhesive strip never warmed up sufficiently to adhere the shingles properly after installation. Heavy winds have now detached some of the shingles.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The roof drainage system includes all of the elements that take rain water from the roof and discharge it on the ground. These typically include gutters, leaders and extensions. Gutters are horizontally installed along the lower roof edge to collect the rain water running off the roof. Concerns for the gutters include proper fastening, adequate size and satisfactory slope. Leaders are the vertical pipes that take the water from the gutters. Concerns for leaders include attachment and spacing or a sufficient quantity of leaders. Both gutters and leaders have specific water volume rates of flow and should be properly sized based on 100 year storm hourly rainfall rates. Although the design evaluation and specific sizing of gutters and leaders is only part of a technically exhaustive home inspection, it is important to understand how the size is related to rainfall. Extensions take the rainwater from the leaders and carry it away from the home. These should discharge the water at least 6 feet from the perimeter of the home. It would be best if they discharged into a swale that would carry the water further from the home. Roof drainage systems are one of the items of a home that require regular maintenance.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I observed an image from the gallery of a subterranean termite. The image showed how there are no eyes on the worker termite. The termites also eat the spring wood first. This pattern is shown in the picture and is a way of identifying termite damage over moisture damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspectors have many options on how to inspect a roof. Sometimes, due to height, slope, roofing materials like tile, both ceramic and slate it is better to not walk on the roof. The inspector can use binculars, or a camera or even binoculars as well as other alternatives. Safety and not damaging the roof are the priorities.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Wood for both Fascia and soffit should be replaced and flashing added. The wood rot allows water to penetrate the interior of the attic, deteriorating the envelope of the home and eventually could penetrate the living space. The wood should be replaced and flashing added by a roofing professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This roof was “fairly new” according to the seller. There were several areas of missing, loose or torn shingles as well as this spot which not only had a missing shingle and exposed nail heads, the roof sheathing was exposed as well. This one got written up as being at the end of its useful life.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article on chimney collapses talks a great deal about the hazards of the entire chimney collapsing on individuals especially during or after seismic or high wind activity. In my area, the risk is more in lines of structural failure due to mortar or brick deterioration. I encounter more spalling and structural integrity issues related to that or settling than any other issues.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of the rake and eave location of an asphalt shingled shed roof. The drip edge on the eave portion is installed and in good shape. The drip edge and shingles on the rake edge has been damaged and should be repaired by a qualified roofing contractor to avoid possible water intrusion into the underlament.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a chimney on a pitched roof check the height of the chimney from it’s shortest side to make sure it is at least 3’-0" above the roof surface. Then check to see if the chimney terminates a minimum of 2 feet above any part of the roof within 10 feet. This is to make sure that the chimney draws properly to avoid backdraft.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
ATLAS CHALET shingles noted. Atlas chalet is known currently as a defective/ recalled shingle. Shingles observed blistering and (Thermal) cracking which is consistent with the defect of Atlas Chalet. For more information on this product you can visit http://www.classactionsnews.com/consumer/atlas-roofing-corporation-defective-chalet-shingles-class-action-lawsuit. It is also advised to seek expertise involving the current state of Atlas Chalet
Research & Writing Assignment:
4 basic style of roofing flashing. Step, counter, back and apron flashing. Step flashing mostly used where siding meets the roofing shingles at a slope. Step flashing is covered by counter flashing. Back flashing you normally see on back side of chimneys and apron flashing is used where a wall meets a roof.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The shingles in the picture show multiple signs of deterioration and will likely lead to a new roof in the near future. On the top row you can see some separation between the tabs. On the second row, the top of the ridge between the shingles needs to be covered for proper over lap, some degrading on the surface, and major separation. The third row has more damage and exposed ridges.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Flashing is required at any change of slope or intersections of vertical sections. The flashing needs to be properly layered to prevent any water intrusion that would render the flashing ineffective. Other than degraded or damaged shingles, the flashing is the most likely point of leaks in any roofing system.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a roof covering on a low slope hip roof. The covering is an architectural fiberglass shingle. (Picture does not show but there is a proper second layer of self adhering water barrier.) There appears to be proper exposure and offset between rows. There are no exposed fasteners. No noticeable loss of granules.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
These are asphalt shingles that are clearly worn and severely damaged. The underlayment and SOB board has been impacted as well. The damages will cause long-term negative effects where moisture and water damage can occur. This report will show pictures of damages and suggest a professional evaluation of the roofing/shingle conditions.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting tile roofing it is important to remember that YOU DO NOT WALK ON THE ROOF. If you have a drone, binoculars or can take pictures from the ladder, it is best to not walk on these roofing materials. Always check for fading coloration, cracks and loose or missing tiles.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is part of a roof inspection. As you can see in the picture there are a number of branches overhanging the roof. These branches can damage the roof structure and clog the gutters. I would recommend they be pruned by a certified arborist.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Locks that use a key and tumbler can be susceptible to Bump Keys. Bump keys are keys which have been filed down or cut to fit completely inside the locking mechanism. Once inside the lock the user can user the bump key to beat the lock. Schlage, Baldwin and Medeco manufacture locking mechanisms that resist “bumping”. Your insurance may not cover theft from someone using a bump key as it may appear you left your door unlocked.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The above asphalt shingle roof appears to be in good condition. The current resident states the age of the roof is less than eight years old. There are multiple spots on the roof (nail holes/pops) that appear to have been repaired with some type of caulking material. Also noted is an improper installation of a vent pipe boot, with exposed nail heads that have been covered with sealant. These areas could be subject to moisture penetration and corrections should be made by a licensed roofing contractor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting a roof you need to ensure you have proper ventilation. I have found many issues that are direct results of a lack of ventilation. Often using attic ventilation as a bathroom vents, or a severe lack of ventilation can cause major moisture issues and damage to the attic space and roof structure.
