Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the attached photograph it is noted that the decking nails are rusted. This is significant because one of the first signs of poor ventilation is the rusting of the nails. At this particular inspection it was discovered that the gable vents had been obstructed by improperly stored items in the attic.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the article Mastering roof inspections: Hail damage because last year I was hit by a hail storm that did about $3000.00 damage to my truck so I wanted to learn more about them. Overall the article was very informative but what I really liked was a table that was provided that showed how big hail needed to get before damaging various roofing materials. I printed it out and it is something I will keep filed away for future reference if I am ever doing an inspection after a recent hail storm. It should give me a general idea of what I can expect before I even set foot on the property.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Roof panel sheathing are waterproof panels used as roof decking. This includes plywood, oriented stand boards (OSB) and a combination of wood veneers and wood layers. A minimum thickness is 5/8-inch for rafters spacing 24 inches and 1-1/2 inches for rafter spacing 48-72 inches.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This ice dam is caused by the “open concept” home. Two stories of glass with 2x10 rafters holding up the cathedral ceiling that only allow about R 24 if you vent it the snow will melt and freeze at the cold soffit top.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I’ve recently had problems with a roof I did in 2006. The laminate shingle have cupped badly in spots and need to be replaced. I’ve been watching roofs in the area with the same type of shingle and it seems to be a common problem.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney Flashing - Illustration Gallery
Flashing is designed to divert water flow and channel it away from the building roofing material and to prevent water intrusion.
Chimney flashing system requires Head Flashing at the back of the chimney stack. A cricket may be required as well if the chimney is more than 24" wide.
Step flashing should be present and mounted at each row of shingles where the shingle row meets the chimney stack.
Counter flashing should be attached 1" deep into the mortar joint on chimney between the bricks for proper water diversion.
Apron flashing must be present at the front of the chimney stack to divert water down and away from roof penetration.
Research & Writing Assignment:
On this research that I will be writing about, I’ve recapped on Chimney failures and some basic ventilation. Some basic ventilation such as promoting air flow out of the roof area through turbine vents which are wind powered vents. It is necessary that all attic spaces have ventilation at a minimum rate of 1 foot of venting per every 150 feet. You don’t want to block any vents. Chimneys now, have some failures. A good start to eliminate some common failures is by making sure the chimney has a crown installed. A crown installed avoids rain water from running down the flue outside that is in the chimney. It also prevents any water falling on the chimney material and causing damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Roof was examined from ladder at lower edge. This is a low slope roof with architectural shingles. Installation is not complete but several issues were noticed. No flashing or counter flashing installed at wall. Also a low slope roof should have a double layer of underpayment installed. This roof does not appear to be installed per the manufacturers specifications. Recommend review by qualified roofing contractor
Research & Writing Assignment:
Roof inspection and ventilation, these two systems are critical in their relationship. A qood quality roof will fail prematurely if the ventilation of the attic is not adequate. Excessive heat and moisture in the attic will affect the sheathing, the shingles and will cause a failure.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Performed roof inspection by walking the roof . From my ladder I observed one layer of three tab asphalt shingles . All drip edges were installed correctly. There was no visible damage to shingles and no excessive granulation was observed at time of inspection. Roofing substrate was solid in all areas . The gutters were clogged up with leaves and debris .gutters need to be cleaned out so as to prevent water or ice build up thus causing water damage to fascia boards and water damage to other areas
Research & Writing Assignment:
Ladder safety is of utmost importance to inspectors.lLadders should be should be checked for damage such as cracks , bent or damaged rings before use . Ladders are one of the leading causes of injury of deaths on construction sites. Inspectors should always pay attention to ladder safety before climbing
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a hip style roof with asphalt shingles. Shingles appear to be original from when the home was built in 2008. I observed no major defects and seems to be shedding water properly I.e as I observed no water damage in the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I inspected the roof from the eaves using a ladder. I observed that the flashing around the base of the chimney has apparently pulled loose, in a few places, which may be allowing water to enter. Based also on the observation of past (or possibly current) moisture intrusion on the framing (as seen from the attic), I recommend having a professional further evaluate and repair if necessary.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Drip edge and gutter.
Upon inspecting the draining system at the rear of this house, I noticed the water draining all to this system. Note that there is asphalt shingles with what appears to be tar paper underneath, with a drip edge correctly installed. There is also a gutter attached to the fascia, attached to the tail ends of the rafters (unable to confirm). This is an example of a proper corner connecting to the gutter.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a properly installed shingle on the rakes edge. It has been installed the proper distance away from the edge of the building. This allows all of the run off water to go directly into the draining system.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Most metal roofs are made of aluminum or steel, but can also be made of copper and other metals. Steel is usually galvanized to prevent corrosion. It comes in lots of styles and colors, and can look like tiles, shingles, or shakes. Metal roofs are more expensive than sphalt shingles, but can last two or three times longer than asphalt shingles.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Shingle gauge. This tool is used to check the wear of a shingle, there is a long version (before 2011) and a short version (post 2011). It is important for the homeowner to be aware of what type of material they have on their roof, as well as what the duration of the warranty is, even after they purchase an existing home. This would at least give them a rough indication of when the roof is to bee replaced.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the section titled “Inspecting the underlayment on roof’s”. My biggest takeaway from this article was the fact that not all underlayments are the same. You have to use particular underlayments depending on the different types of weather. The same material used in a hot humid area such as Louisiana, may not be ideal for a place as cold as Wyoming.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo attached represents deficiencies found during a recent roof inspection. The roof covering is a single layer 3-tab asphalt shingle that appears to be reaching the end of its life expectancy. As shown in the photograph there were numerous tabs missing. The deficiencies observed are consistent with that of wind damage on an older roof. It was recommended that the homeowner seek a professional roof contractor for repairs or complete replacement.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Asphalt Shingles - Modern shingles have mats made of interwoven fiberglass strands know as “fiberglass” shingles. In the past, shingles were manufactured using mats made of cellulose -base material as know as organic shingles. They were made from wood chips, recycled cardboard, rags & paper. Fiberglass shingles are more resistant to heat and humidity than organic. Organic shingles can be more durable in cold climates than fiberglass.
