Research & Writing Assignment:
Weathered mortar joints indicate the breakdown of the adhesion property of the mortar, stability of the structure and waterproof nature if the area and should be noted and suggested to having a certified expert to come an evaluate the situation and propose corrective measures.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Gutter on this home does not have proper downspout attached to the end of the gutter, which will splash up on siding that will eventually cause deterioration and/or rotting of the siding. The downspout should terminate at least 5ft from foundation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Anti-tip brackets are metal devices that are amde to prevent freestanding stoves from tipping over on someone. They are usually attached to one of the back legs of the range or screwed into the wall behind the range, they come with the installation kit but alot of installers do not install them
A range is not properly equipped with a anti-tip device it could tip over when a kid or a a heavy fish is put on the opening lid when opened. It could seriously burn or crush a person or a child.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This roof of architectural shingles has the required drip edge, the underlay is applied correctly, the the shingles are slightly over the drip edge on ridge and fascia area both. There is 1 layer of shingles that are starting to show some aging but still protecting the roof from water intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Eyebrow Dormers
A Eyebrow dormer is a wavy shaped dormer typically round with a matching window. Care must be taken when waking on or around these dormers because of their odd and uneven shape. Because of this unusual shape it requires a skilled craftsman to make them water tight.A inspector should look very carefully at all flashing and their connecting points for any water intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Measuring a roofs slope and pitch is quite simple using a geometric triangle. Rafter span, run and rise. Every home inspector should know this. the slope is the incline expressed in a ratio. A roof that rises 1 foot for every for inches is a 4:12. The pitch is the incline and it is figured by dividing the rise by the span of the outside walls. It can be described as a fraction. The slope offers more information in roofing than does the pitch.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here we are inspecting a three tab, asphalt shingle room that has some significant sag in the rafters. The layer of shingles still look good, as do the roof penetrations and gutters. Further investigation inside the attic revealed that this was once a garage that had been converted to a bedroom. The collar ties on the rafters had not been properly secured, leading to the sagging.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Reading about different roof styles, there is really no limit to how they can be designed as long as it can be dreamt and engineered. All roofs have weak points and they usually occur where the materials change, where the direction changes, or where there are roof penetrations.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of the eaves with correctly installed drip edge flashing. It is installed all the way around the home at the eaves and rake edges of the roof. This helps prevent rain water from entering the roof sheathing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This an inspection of a roof. There is no gutter, the drip edge looks to be in good shape and properly fastened. The shingles do not seem to be loose, losing excessive gravel, or loose from wind pickup. The chimney looks to be properly tarred to prevent water getting into the house.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned that gutters should be cleaned out twice a year. In order to perform at an optimal level, the gutter downspouts should have splash blocks or a flexible downspout extension. This protects the foundation from ponding, puddling and splash-back.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting a toilet. I checked the bowl and tank for cracks, I did not see any. Next I flushed, it emptied and refilled quickly. Inside the tank was Oct, 1998, so it should be a 1.6 gallon flush. Last I tried to move it, it was tightly held to the floor as it should be.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical Service Panels: These panels are extremely dangerous. Great care must be taken when inspecting this area because with electricity often times there will be no second mistakes. If the panel does not have the proper clearance the inspection should not be done. The inspector should know his escape route if needed when opening panel incase a quick exit is needed. Watch for moisture on the panel as well as wet floors. Look for rust for signs of previous water damage. Test cover with tester to be sure cover is not hot . Wear protective glasses and gloves. When cover is opened look for aluminum wire, oxidization, wrong size breakers and rodent damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Upon my inspection of the roof, it was noticed by eye sight, that the roof was sagging throughout. Upon inspecting the roof from the attic, the roof joists were 32 inch on center and were not at 24 inch on center. It is suggested that a structural engineer review the roof and a certified contractor correct this issue.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a large ice dam formed in the gutter and lower portion of a roof in cold weather climate. The reason for ice dams can at times be traced to is attic ventilation and inadequate insulation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Roof drainage is an important feature for any structure. Making sure water is flowing away from the foundation of a home is vital to the home’s integrity. Appropriate house with a basement or crawlspace should have adequate gutters that carry the rainwater to the downspouts and away from the house with gutter extension and ground sloped away from the houses foundation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After reviewing the pictures and the lesson I learned that most side walls I have seen do not have proper flashing and counter flashing to keep the wall water tight. I think you see this pretty often to cut cost at the job site.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture is showing damage you could expect to see if there is no drip edge and the shingles are cut to short allowing water to run back up under the shingles causing damage. The gutters need to be addressed too because they are holding water.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
On the top right of this picture you can see the rake edge flashing. However on the drip edge flashing appears to be absent. Evidence of this is apparent water damage to the facia board. Rake and drip edge flashing prevents moisture intrusion under the roofing material. When installed correctly the rake edge should be above the rooting felt and the drip edge beneath the felt.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This house has a shed roof that extends the main home to enclose a larger kitchen area. The lower bump out has a flat roof that covers a laundry area. All three fascias are exposed to the elements and do not have gutters installed to move water away from the foundation. The only redeeming quality of these three roof angles is the rake along the shed roof wall and the gable roof is in good working order.
