Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I walked this roof and found a cricket built behind the chimney this is good, but I observed that the step flashing was sealed to the chimney with an exterior caulking, this could allow water penetration. The step flashing should be embedded into the chimney approximately 1". I recommend a roofing contractor inspect.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspection of a chimney is an important part of a roof inspection because it affects more than the roof. The need to make sure that the chimney cap and rain cap are still in good physical condition as well as the mortar in the brick or any other finish on the exterior.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article that I read was, “Inspecting Solar Roofing Shingles”. The article pointed out the pros and cons of both solar panels and the newer solar shingles. Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells designed to look like traditional shingles, as opposed to the traditional solar panels that sit on top of the roof. Since the cost of solar shingles has been coming down, they are becoming competitive with solar panels. Since are aesthetically more pleasing, we will likely see an increased use of solar shingles. So what is an inspector to due when inspecting a roof with solar shingles? Remember the most important function of a roof is to protect the structure. So inspect it as a roof first and electrical generator second and if further evaluation is needed, recommend a solar power professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Damaged Joist.
As you can see in the photos, the structure was impacted by an object and repaired only cosmetically ( Painted).
In the first photo we can see that the structure was not repaired, which causes a separation between the front and the side joist of the roof.
in this photo we can see that by not having a flashing, the water has been deteriorating the wood, which has become thirsty.
Here we can see the deterioration better, and as the front of the roof has given, this has only been covered with a layer of paint that has not been repaired.
In my opinion I would recommend the repair with a contractor in order to prevent further damage due to the continuous entry of water and animals into the soffits
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This chimney has copper flashings. The correct flashing and installation is correctly done. It has the step flashing, counter flashing, and a cricket installed on the back of the chimney. Also a the proper flashing are installed at the valleys. gg
Research & Writing Assignment:
The image shows a roof without a gutter system and water running down the roof slope towards a a/c component outside of the house. Every roof must have a way of directing water away from components and the structure itself .
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a roof from the attic area I will start by checking for any dark moisture intrusion on the sheathing. I also want to make sure that the sheathing is properly fastened to the rafters. A lack of H clips is not a deffect but will benefit the support of the sheathing. If it has a truss system I will make sure that they have not been modified in anyway. If there are any soffits I will make sure that there is no insulation blocking them for proper ventilation.
Hi All,
Just introducing myself and getting started on roofing inspections.
Brett Hitchcock
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While preforming a home inspection today i found an issue with the roof system. See attached photo. While doing a roof system inspection I found a missing shingle on the front east side of the residence. This is an area of concern because of potential leaks. Home owner was shown the location and advised accordingly and was noted in the inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Area and clearance for emergency egress windows. It is very important to have enough space for an emergency egress window. The window needs to have five point seven square feet of open able space to be considered an emergency egress. Also it would be my opinion that shrubs, bushes should not block the opening of the window. they should be trimmed accordingly to leave enough space to get out of the window in case of an emergency.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This roof is showing some buckling along the edges on the rake side of the house at the drip edge. Whenever shingles begin to lift this can lead to water leaks and mold causing roof damage. Wind or improper fastening, inadequate ventilation and moisture and heat being trapped in the attic can cause shingle lifting. Curled shingle edges are a sure sign off an older roof. Volatiles, which help make asphalt shingles flexible, durable and waterproof, evaporate in warmer weather or with poor ventilation, and the mat of the shingle becomes dryer and more absorbent. Absorbing moisture causes the shingle to expand and distort. The older organic or cellulose mat shingles hold considerably more moisture than the newer fiberglass mat shingles.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The eaves on this house are wide at 24. If youll notice just under the corner there is part of the soffit that has been replaced before and is currently in need of repair. Upon further evaluation I found no drip edge installed and vey full gutters. I recommend cleaning the gutter and further evaluation by a licensed roofer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Flashing has to be corrosion resistant and installed in a manner that prevents moisture entry. Flashing is replaced not repaired when corroded and new flashing is installed if a second roof is installed over an existing roof. My inspection report should contain a disclaimer/limitation if I can’t determine that a flashing is present because it is covered.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of the roof system showing asphalt fiberglass reinforced architectural shingles that are properly installed as per manufacturers specifications. Roof sheathing is solid and in good condition which was determined from physically walking the roof. As per homeowner the roof excluding the sheathing was replaced in 2016 and in very good condition.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The roofing material is beyond its design life, and its covering material was in poor, deteriorated condition at the time of the inspection. Roof covering in poor condition will likely present a water intrusion problem in the future. Water intrusion and hidden moisture damage is a major concern when the roof system is in poor condition. The roof system requires further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
GFCI’s
By detecting dangerous current flow and instantly shutting off power, ground fault circuit interrupters save hundreds of lives each year. But after 10 years or so, the sensitive circuitry inside a GFCI wears out. And is important to test them every month, because usually the test button on the GFCI doesn’t tell you there’s anything wrong: When you press the button, it shuts off the power as always. So the only reliable way to check an older GFCI is to use a circuit tester that has its own GFCI test button (sold at home centers and hardware stores).
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows a roof covered with interlocking asphalt shingles. These shingles show significant deterioration, notably curling at the edges and a lack of grit on the surface of the shingles. These shingles should be replaces soon before water migratin into the interior starts.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows a roof covered with interlocking asphalt shingles. These shingles show significant deterioration, notably curling at the edges and a lack of grit on the surface of the shingles. These shingles should be replaced soon before water migration into the interior starts.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral which, when heated rapidly, expands to a low density, lightweight form which is useful as an insulating material. It was used as insulation it attics and walls from the early 1900’s until 1990. Unfortunately, most of the vermiculite used in North America came from the mine in Libby, Montana, which was found to also contain asbestos. As Asbestos is now known to contribute to cancer, it is no longer allowed for use, but may be encountered while inspecting older homes. Care should be taken to utilize appropriate respiratory protection and avoid contact with or disturbing the material.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Defect. Vinyl siding missing. Repaired with sealant (note, this is not a standard/permanent practice). Siding should have a 1-2 inch clearance from roof covering materials. Evidence of excess moisture on shingles. Missing kickout flashing where roof meets wall.
Siding is designed to prevent moisture penetration into wall and should have clearance from roof covering to mitigate water wicking. Kickout flashings are designed to prevent water from penetrating/wicking into wall surface.
