Research & Writing Assignment:
Ventilation in attics are sometimes blocked by home owners. They dont realize that while they are trying to make the attic warmer in the winter by blocking gable vents or the soffits, they are also blocking cross ventilation and inducing conditions where moisture and mold can become a problem.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Attached is a picture from a recent inspection of a metal chimney cap. As you can see there is significant rust and ponding present. Also missing is drip edge surrounding the top. Due to the rain cap, it was difficult to see if the flue pipe was properly sealed at the chimney cap. Water may be penetrating chimney chase.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Attic ventilation is an important concern to prolong the lifespan of roofing materials. A ridge / soffit vent combination is the preferred method of attic ventilation. Using baffles in the attic space to allow proper air flow is crucial. Often times insulation is installed without baffles blocking sufficient air flow.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This roof valley shows damaged shingles by water intrusion.The valley was not installed properly since shingles are not overlapping and loose. Also, the flashing was not installed by code either. In addition, the vent is rusty, including the flashing around it. This roof is in great need of repair!
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Roof inspection evaporative cooler penetration through the roof. Supporting construction of the cooler through the roof is 2" x 12" framing timber nailed to the trusses with 16 penny nails. Tar paper underlayment up the sides to the opening, covered by backer flashing, rough opening in roof is 16" x 16". Bolts through the sheathing covered with silicon water proofing.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Flashing around the chimney
Around the chimney an inspector should find most of the different kinds of flashing:
When the chimney is 30 inches wide or wider, it needs a cricket or at least back flashing to ear the water to the sides of it. On the sides, step flashing should be installed, together with counter flashing to prevent water intrusion into the masonry of the chimney. At the bottom of the chimney, apron flashing should be installed to lead the water away from it, down the roof.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Researching asphalt shingle roofing manufactures installation recommendations on the internet for a home inspection. It’s unlikely with an older home to be able to determine the manufacture of the shingles installed being inspected. Knowing the 10 basics steps and general information about the type of asphalt shingle gives the inspector the best approach. A good website on the internet with lots of information is the Asphalt Roofing Manufatures Association. https://asphaltroofing.org/
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I attached a photo of the roof apron flashing and gutter downspout. The flashing nails are to get called out because they are pulling up from the multi-layered architectural asphalt shingles. The shingles are in good condition. The downspout is damaged on the end and should be repaired. There is potential for damage to the asphalt shingles below the downspouts. The distance from the roof line to the exterior siding looks proper 2 inches or more.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspection of attic pull down ladders is important as may be incorrectly installed and may compromise the fire break in a garage ceiling. Fire rated pull down ladders are available often as a special order items at many home-improvement stores usually not stocked because of additional cost!
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I attached a photo pertaining to ‘roof flashing’. This particular phot show a valley flashing. Flashing is used to protect the roof and building envelope from rain water. Flashing should lap behind the material needing protection. Counter flashing is used to protect water from going behind the step flashing.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Ice damming is very common in northern climates. It is the build up of ice along the soffit that traps water behind. This allows water to seep in side, properly insulated and vented roof will help prevent this from happening. When inspecting it is critical to examine the soffit vents, drip edge, attic insulation to recognize the potential of ice damming.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The front gutter on the house is full f water and debris. The gutter does not have the proper slope to drain. Recommend repair. Also to note there is no down spout for the gutter to direct the water away from the foundation of the house. Need to have a down spout installed and gutter repaired by a qualified roofer.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo of a brick fireplace approximately 56 inches wide, on the downhill side of a gable roof, a cricket should have been installed to prevent water intrusion around the base of the chimney. Black mastic has been added onto the roof shingles, and the counter flashing, which is deteriorating in places. A cricket should be installed by a licensed roofer.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This home has a Three Tab asphalt shingle roof. The roof is older and shows signs of deferred maintenance. There is a considerable amount of debris in the valleys from overhanging pine trees. In addition the cap is very deteriorated, torn, ripped and missing. Reccomend having roof evaluated by licensed roofing contractor for any needed repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I read was on Roof and Drainage System Maintenance and Replacement. As an inspector, inspecting the roof covering and systems is one of the most important parts of an inspection. Being able to report the condition of the roof covering system and the drainage system is very vital for the consumer buying the house. So they will know what they are getting and if there is a need to get it replaced or if repairs would be sufficient.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the library picture of moisture intrusion caused by a downspout, the downspout is discharging water next to the foundation, which may allow it to seep down through the soil, and possibly pass through the footing/foundation and possibly on top of, or below a concrete slab, or into a crawlspace. At minimum, a two foot drain extension (splash block) should be installed to help direct the water away from the foundation area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
H Clamps are designed to fit between sections of roof sheathing and provide additional support. Thheir use can actually reduce the required number of rafters in some cases. I was surprised to learn that the H clamps can actually lead to some warping issues as the panels are restricted from natural expansion and contraction.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I looked at the illustration in the illustration gallery Entitled: Gutter Improperly Discharging onto Roof. I think this illustrates shows a situation where either a homeowner or an unqualified “handyman” does repairs/maintenance that is unaware of the Standard Operating Practices or codes and just does what they feel would solve a problem. While I realize there may be some contractors that may do something like this to “cut corners” most qualified contractors would most likely do a better job since there reputation would be on the line. The potential problems illustrated here are - premature deterioration of the roof covering in a couple places and water penetration at the joint between the dormer and the roof. The inspector should call the missing endcap on the dormer gutter and downspout discharging onto the lower roof instead of into a lower gutter or downspout as structural defects and recommend a qualified contractor to make necessary repairs/maintenance. The inspector should also remember to look at the area of the seam of the dormer and the room for signs of water penetration which could be simply evidence that that area had been repaired or painted or possibly evidence of recent dampness or swelling of the wall materials.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Roof flashing is observed, both edge flashing and gable flashing. This helps protect moisture intrusion seeping in at the edges of the roofing system. You can also see a roof to wall flashing, with a kick out flashing at the end, directing water away from the house wall going onto the roof system. These details are a pretty good sign of a properly installed roofing system. The fascia and enclosed soffits are in good condition.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
-The roof covering showed signs of cracking, curling, and loss of granules. This condition generally indicates that the roofing materials are approaching or close to the end of their useful life. Although immediate replacement may not appear necessary at this time, we recommend maintenance be performed on a regular basis with annual inspection by a qualified roofing contractor. The inspector cannot offer an opinion as to whether the roof leaks today unless it is moderately raining at the time of inspection. Client should obtain full disclosure / history information from the seller prior to close.
-Siding noted close to or in contact with Roofing materials-2" or more separation is recommended
-The chimney must be at least 2 feet taller than any structure within 10 feet of it and also at least 3 feet higher than the point at which it penetrates the roof-Chimney may not be 2’ Higher than the Peak of Roof
