MISSING DRIP EDGE AT EAVE.
A Drip Edge is recommended at eaves. The Drip Edge should be installed first at the eave or lower edge of the roof followed by the ice shield or underlayment. This prevents shedding water and ice dams from backing up under the drip edge and leaking into the soffit. The drip edge should be flush against the facia and over the gutter.
The home inspector should never miss the lack of drip edge flashing at the rakes and eaves of the roof. Drip edge flashing is very important because without it water can drip behind the gutters or roof edges, leading to rotted roof sheathing and fascia boards. Lack of drip edge flashing can also lead to stained siding, and even soil erosion and a flooded basement as run off water would not be diverted away from the homes foundation.
Inadequate Roof Penetration (Image)
Roofing nails should be long enough to penetrate the roofing material and the nail has to penetrate the sheathing at least 3/4 inches. To determine the nail length, take into consideration the number of layers of shingles, shingle thicknesses, underlayment / ice shield and flashings.
One of the most important parts of the roof covering is the presence of step and kick out flashing. These types of flashing are necessary at roof to wall intersections. If flashing is lacking or inadequate at the sidewall, water runoff can run down the wall causing staining at the least and also get inside the wall and cause serious damage. The flashing would divert this water into the gutter system taking the water away from the home.
The subject roof is Gable style with the cover type consisting of cement shingles. There appear to be no evidence of leaks, but there are a few cracked shingles, which should be replaced to prevent any future problems from arising.
You aren’t required to walk on a roof to do a home inspection. You should always identify elements that may cause unsafe work conditions such as weather. A wet roof covering could lead to slips and falls. You can do a proper home inspection from the eaves using a ladder, or by using binoculars. You must always note how you did the inspection in your report.
Chimneys should always be inspected for defects or signs of collapse. The mortar should be inspected for spalling, any mechanical damage, visible signs of tilting or separation from home, and proper flashing to protect the integrity of the home. They should also be checked for proper height requirements and fitted with chimney covers.
This roof system is made up of asphalt shingles in an offsetting pattern. There is rake flashing and drip edge flashing surrounding the perimeter of the roof system and is in good working condition. The flashing extends beyond the eaves and into the gutter system surrounding the house.
There are many different types of shingles used in residential roofing applications. Some of the different types are asphalt, shake, tile and metal. Of these, asphalt shingles is the most commonly used. They usually consist of fiberglass matting with an oil based layer, covered by asphalt and other minerals that repel water and allow it to shed off the roof.
Tile roof, opon inspection of this new tile roof all looked very well for the install. All vent goose necks were installed properly, no broken tiles, and the vent pipes had boots , and were sealed correctly . All mortar was nicely colored and no visible cracking or missing
Roofing, Tile roofing was just install on a spec home from a local builder. As I watched the process from new roof sheeting to the underpayment that was a stick and peal application I was very impressed.all of the pre installation work was so important . After seeing this the tiles seem to me they will be there for the next 20+ years nice install
The roof rain gutters are aluminum type and are installed at all commonly installed locations. The rain gutter on the left side of the house is coming loose and needs to be resecured so as to function and drain properly.
The installation of roofing paper / tar paper as well as properly designed drip edge along the rake and eave roof lines is suggested to limit the possibility of moisture penetrations and these locations. Drip edging along with properly installed roofing materials should create a long lasting and weather resistant roof.
This picture shows a brick home with asphault shingles. The roof is serviceable all shingles are in good condition. There is a pergola built on the back patio slab, but is not secured or fixed to the home. The pergola is made of western red cedar and a plastic tinted roofing material. The roof of the pergola extends over the existing guttering system. Everything appears serviceable in this picture except the dryer vent next to the AC unit.
Accessing the roof
Roof inspections can be hazardous. When walking a roof there is a potential risk for the inspector as well as a risk to causing damage to the roofing materials. Weather conditions, the roofing material used, the roof’s pitch, and the condition of the roof are all factors to take in when developing a plan to inspect a roof. There are alternatives to walking a roof during an inspection. Remote control video cameras on long telescoping tripods, the use of binoculars, and the use of drones are alternatives to walking a roof.
The attached is the picture of a damaged shingle roof in my neighborhood. This roof has been like this for quite a while because the homeowner wanted the insurance to pay for the repair, claiming it was damaged by hurricane, but the insurance was insisting the shingles was damaged due to lack of proper maintenance. There is a stalemate as far as the repair is concern. The main issue I can see is that this roof will continue to suffer gradual degradation on daily basis in as much as it is being exposed to weathering condition as is.
Home Inspection Tools & Equipment List
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
I decided to read this article because I am concern about any potential airborne health hazard. I can say for sure that I was not disappointed because the authors actually covered this concern of mine in the Article. Find below the extract from the article that actually focus on my concern:
“inspectors should have a respirator for the times when they must enter areas containing materials that may introduce particulates into the air that are potentially hazardous if inhaled. Dust masks are inadequate. Respirators must be equipped to filter out both particulates that represent biological hazards, such as viral, bacterial and fungal organisms, and hazards caused by material lodging in the respiratory system, as with asbestos and other carcinogens. Other particulates that are small enough to become airborne may not be carcinogens but may cause other types of respiratory illness.”
This is an image of a gutter downspout that does not discharge water correctly. Due to the angle and height of the spout, the water will not drain away from the foundation, as is the desired action of a gutter downspout. Also, the downspout is clogged with debris that could inhibit its ability to drain water.
Proper drip edge installation is a critical step in the roofing process as it could lead to premature failure of the wood members of the roof including sheathing, truss, fascia boards and rafter tails. Drip edge goes under the paper at the eaves and over the paper on the rake of the roof.
A outside receptacle is required at an outside wall of a location of the deck if it over a certain square footage to eliminate the risk of using an extension cord and creating a trip hazard for people occupying the deck
