Research & Writing Assignment:
The two most popular types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab asphalt shingles and architectural shingles. Architectural shingles are more expensive than the 3-tab asphalt shingles but ultimately are more durable and look more pleasing to the eye. Each type of shingle comes in a variety of different colors to compliment any new construction.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspection a roof along with roof penetrations like the water heater flue pipe in the attached photo you should write up a storm collar that is not properly installed. The photo shows a storm collar that is too high and could let water in to the attic space below.
Research & Writing Assignment:
when inspecting a roof you should practice ladder safety and make sure your ladder is at the proper height, distance away from the structure, solidly secured to the ground, level and use your hands on the rungs for safety. Doing this will insure your safety.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Three basic type of underlayment
1 Asphalt Saturated Felt Paper; This felt.
underlayment maybe made from either organic
or fibreglass. Felt underlayment is not.
waterproof but water resistant.
2 Rubberized Asphalt; typically this usually
comes with adhesives which is protected by
a peel of membrane
3 Modify Bitumen; This is mixture of
hydrocarbon
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image I inspected is where the soffit area is bulged out, which can come from different reasons. One reason is, there is no ventilation going to this building, which can cause this issue. This is where soffit vents should’ve been installed. Also there is no gutter system installed, which can cause water damage, ice build up in the winter, & etc.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the jurisdiction where I work, Arc Fault Cicuit Interuptors (AFCI) are required in the electrical panel on the breakers that service the sleeping areas in the home. A tool the inspector has available to him is the AFCI indicator when inspecting a home electrical system. It works similarly to the GFCI tester. It is inserted into the receptacle and provides information as to the proper functioning of the receptacle and associated components. These indicators are designed to create a situation similar to an arc fault and not a bonified arc fault, so should not be relied upon solely to determine whether the AFCI circuit breaker is working properly. In the event that a breaker is not tripped, it should be tested using the test button on the breaker. The AFCI indicator tool is another of the many tools to available be to assist the inspector to provide a better service to their client.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture I chose was a gutter. A gutter is a component of water discharge system for a building or home. Water from a pitched roof flows down into a valley gutter, or a parapet gutter or eaves gutter and or channel.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
There is no dip edge installed around the perimeter of the house. Dip edge is a flashing that provides protection against water or insects from getting into the house. The dip edge also helps with the first row of shingles from drooping down and letting water behind the gutters.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I am writing about is for fire extinguishers. The article explains why its important to maintain a well running extinguisher, and its purpose. It explains the difference fire it can put out. Regular maintenance is required while obtaining one.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I choose an image about flashing. I learned that step flashing and counter flashing along the chimney is important. Making sure that the flashing is properly installed into the chimney and laying flat under the shingle will help keep any leaks from happening.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I chose a picture of drip edge properly installed on the rake edge of the front door build out. Though it took me awhile to understand what was meant b y the rake edge, it is easily understood as the a portion of the perimeter of the rood that does not form eaves but rather slopes up towards the ridge.
It has rained a lot in Minnesota these last few days where I live. We are renting until we have a chance to buy again and our landlord told me about all the water problems of past and the various remedies, among them being a new roof. I have seen drip edges omitted on rakes all too often, and glad to see one here.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read part 2 of roof venting. I learned that roof vents are often called turtle vents, and its obvious why. I also learned that given the right wind, soffit vents act as an intake and exhaust, decreasing over air exchange. Seemed like its better to have too much intake venting than not enough.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Trees that are within 10 feet of the house pose a risk of damaging the roof. Since this tree is so close to the house I recommend removing the tree to prevent roof damage. If the tree is located further away from the house and a limb overhangs you can just trim the limbs to prevent roof damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Stairs are something we use everyday and never think about how a safe set of stairs should be constructed. For example let’s take the requirement that a flight of stairs should have no more than 3/8" difference between any of the treads. You might ask how is 3/8" going to affect the stairs and my ability to climb them? Research has shown that you are more likely to trip on the stairs when the greatest riser height within any flight of stairs exceeds the smallest by more than 3/8 of an inch. I know that when I climb or descend a flight of stairs I immediately feel that there is a difference in the rise of a step.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
As you can see the contractor is using a pre assembled ridge vent. This may cost a little more, but is easier to install and a better method. Please note that the contractor has cut the sheathing back at the ridge to insure air can circulate. Also note that the rafters are off set–this may or may not be a proble.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Roof flashing is an essential part of the roof system and care must be taken when reporting on it. Make sure there is flashing in the valleys (open or closed) and the condition. Watch for roofs that meet walls or where a cricket might be needed. The roof boots are highly vulnarable to leaking and must be carefully evaluated.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this picture it shows a strong like discussed in the chapter. This is a older home and there were no collar ties on one end of the home. Also in the picture there was a improper vented bathroom vent. I would recommend that the vent be vented on through the roof.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Roof Inspections
Two roof inspection items included in the InterNACHI Standards of Practice include the determining the roof slope and determining if the appropriate roof covering has been used for the slope of the roof. InterNACHI training videos made references to phone Apps that would determine slope. I found this one; Pitch Factor for Apple iPhone. This App quickly identified the roof slopes on a house with multiple gable roofs. The slopes ranged from 4/12 to 11/12. All roofs were covered with architectural asphalt shingles.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The downspout from the gutter over the front porch area terminates at the bottom of the siding eight inches above the ground. Downspouts should discharge at least six feet from the foundation with a downward slope of one inch per foot. This deficient configuration will cause water to pool at the foundation possibly causing foundation movement. It will also likely cause water to splash onto the siding leading to a potential rot condition. Consulting a landscape professional is highly recommended to correct this condition.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mastering Roof Inspections Fasteners
The most common types of fasteners for asphalt shingles are roofing nails and staples. Both will resist a small amount of wind uplift; however, staples are not recommended for high wind areas and staples are now being eliminated for use in new construction in most jurisdictions. In either case, fasteners should not be over-driven, under-driven or installed on an angle. The placement of fasteners is generally below the adhesive strip evenly spaced across the shingle, but different shingle types may have specific fastening requirements per the manufacture. Fasteners should always be long enough to completely penetrate the roof deck, and this could be an issue when a second layer of shingles has been placed over the original layer.
