I read the article Roofing Underlayment Types by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. This article supported the contents of the continuing education course entitled How to Perform Roof Inspections by providing more detailed information on underlayment types. According to the article, the three basic types of underlayment are asphalt-saturated felt; rubberized asphalt; and non-bitumen synthetic.
The article pointed out some limitations of one of the most common types of underlayment, asphalt-saturated felt. While it is water resistant, it is not waterproof. Because of that, it is limited in standard application to roofs with a pitch of 2:12 or greater.
The article went on to list common causes of failure of this type of underlayment, which are: quality issues, loss of volatiles, UV exposure, and faulty installation.
Counter flashing is evident at the bottom and top of chimney, but it is a very thin gauge material. Proper step and counter flashing is missing along the rear of chimney and an improper tar material has been installed. Existing counter flashing should be removed to inspect for proper step flashing and a heavier gauge counter flashing should be installed. Tar should be removed and proper step and counter flashing should be installed along the rear of chimney to prevent water intrusion.
Proper installation of asphalt shingles begins with the installation of felt underlayment. Consideration of roof slope is the determining factor in how felt is installed. Water drains slower/holds water longer on low sloped roofs thus requiring additional layers of felt and overlap of edges. Roofs from 2:12 to 4:12 are considered low sloped and require a double layer of felt with a 19" overlap. Steep sloped roofs are 4:12/> and require one layer of felt with a 2" overlap.
The inspection happened in January 2019 in Minnesota. The current condition of the roof is not known due the large amount of snow and ice build up.
By looking at the roof in it’s current condition, there appears to be a large ice damn that had build up. It is not known at this time why a large ice damn has built up.
It is recommended that the ice damn be removed by a licensed company. It is recommended that an inspection on the roof take place at a later date outside of the winter months.
This is a picture of a severe ice dam. Ice damming occurs when snow melts on the roof due to lack of insulation or improperly sealed house envelope. The melted snow runs down to the eave of the roof where it freezes, damming up the flow of water from the roof to the eave. Over time, the water moves back up the roof covering, causing severe damage on the roof covering, underlayment, and possibly the sheathing and roof structure. Proper insulation, ventilation, and an ice and water shield installed under the roof covering can prevent the problem.
Roof materials were observed to be asphalt shingles. Damaged shingles were observed near gutter. Leaves and debris building up at bottom of valley and water diverter. Gutter Guards were observed to be installed and working properly. Recommend further evaluation from a qualified roofing contractor.
A properly installed chimney flashing is one of the most crucial areas to be inspected of a residential roof. Often an area of leaks, incorrect installation, and masonry damage, the chimney , if accessible should always be inspected during the inspection process.
This picture show a clear missed opportunity for kick out flashing use. There should be kick out flashing to divert rain run off to the gutter and not down the wall and the potential of going behind the siding, or onto people walking under this porch covering.
This image shows an asphalt shingle roof in deteriorated condition. Three things are noted: 1) There are at least two sheets missing probably caused by strong winds common in the Southeast Florida region; 2) Shingles are showing some surface erosion; 3) it appears that there is no drip edge flashing installed at the eaves. Repair and inspection performed by a roof contractor is recommended.
Areas of waterproof underlayment on a roof should include the valleys, hips and ridges, eaves and rakes, and all penetrations. In northern climates they should also be an ice dam protection 3 feet up from the edge, this is to help eliminate water penetration from ice backing up and allowing water under the shingles.
The roof on this garage looks old and like its bending in the middle. It doesn’t have any gutters or downspouts as well. I would suggest to the home owner that a professional come and look at it to make a professional decision on what repairs need to be made. The addition of new gutters will help to save any damage due to water run off from the roof. That will damage the foundation and slab of the garage that will be even more costly to the home owner.
these are architectural asphalt shingles that appear to be in good working condition. Due to the snow fall and wet conditions on the roof a full inspection could not be completed and therefor I would recommend further evaluation when weather and conditions are more suitable for inspections
I chose a picture from the illustration library and the topic was of hail damage. With this picture it showed in great detail of how hail can effect the life span of the asphalt shingle and how potential leaks can arise from the impact.
You can see the roof has a drip edge installed with shingles overhanging the drip edge. Soffit vents are installed. Eaves should have gutters installed. You can also see icicles formed along eaves indicating possible heat loss from lack of insulation in attic space. periodic cleaning will be required to remove black substance from siding material due to being north facing and shaded.
The research I did was from the Roof and Drainage System Maintenance and Replacement. This article is about having an informed decision on what repairs you are going to make. Also there are upgrades in the gutter materials that you can put on your home that the average contractor will not be able to provide. These gutters may cost more but may last longer than the average home improvement brand. A homeowner may also get a deal if doing a roof and gutter replacement at the same time. I as a home inspector should ask a homeowner if the roof is under warranty and if it is transferable if they are selling the home. Which may save on cost if any roof repairs need to be done. Having the knowledge to ask the right questions or giving the homeowner or home buyer the right information. May save cost or help with the right decision to purchase a home or not.
Inspecting Spray-Foam Insulation Applied Under Plywood and OSB Roof Sheathing;
Spray foam is increasingly being used in homes throughout the country to insulate attic spaces. the spray foam is sprayed directly onto the underside of the roof sheathing and rafters. This creates a vapor barrier on the roof and keeps condensation from forming on the sheathing. This also eliminates the need to vent to attic space and instead allows you to convert the attic space into part of the thermal envelope of the home. While good for more moderate climates this practice will not provide sufficient insulation for the colder climates and may need addition insulation.
The roof is covered by architectural asphalt shingles. The growth of moss at the edges of the shingles is observed in many areas. Moss contributes to the retention of moisture and the accelerated deterioration of the shingles. It is recommended the moss be removed and moss control measures implemented.
Inspecting Solar Roofing Shingles: In recent years the solar energy industry has become more architecturally oriented and is offering solar-powered shingles (building-integrated photovoltaics) that combine solar cells with slate, metal, fiber-cement, and asphalt roofing. Shingles are installed over new or existing roof sheathing. Unless the inspector is also an electrical engineer or an expert in photovoltaic systems, must include a disclaimer in the pre-inspection agreement stating that the inspector is not an expert in photovoltaic systems and cannot warrant the functionality or longevity of the solar roofing system. The inspector should limit his or her opinion of the solar roofing components to that the roof’s intended function related to protecting the structure. Additionally, if the roof’s solar system is damaged, not properly installed, defective, or not functioning as expected, the inspector should comment in the report, and recommend further evaluation by a photovoltaic systems expert.
The image I studied was titled Resistance to Hail. In the illustration, it shows that the thicker the roofing material, the more solid the substrate, and the better the condition of the roofing material the more resistant to damage caused by hail impact. Makes sense all these would contribute to how well the roof system would endure a hail storm.
Due to heavy snow, the roof surface was not accessible. Interior shows no sign of water penetration, rafters are at 16" center to help carry heavy snow loads. It shows the proper use of H-clips on the sheathing and gable vents are present.
