Research & Writing Assignment:
I looked at the asphalt shingle nailing guide. The illustration shows the correct way the nails should be inserted in the roof covering material. It is very helpful as most people think as with wood the nail should be sunk in but with shingles that is not the case. I learned to look and make sure they are set properly as any other way can cause the shingles to fail.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This downspout coming from one roof to a lower roof and gutter has been moved out of place. The downspout has come out of its wall brackets and lower gutter causing incorrect drainage. This could cause wall and possible foundation problems. Repair or replace is recommended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting Gutters and Downspouts. A Home Inspector needs to look at the size of the drainage system to see if it is adequate. The gutters need to be free of rust, cracks, and holes. Water from downspouts need to be directed away from the house at least 4 to 6 feet because saturated soil near the house can wick through the foundation.
There are two main components to the drainage system and they are the gutters and downspouts. Gutters should have a 1/16 inch per foot downward slope to the downspouts. Gutters come in different sizes such as 4, 5, and 6 inches. They come in different styles like k-style and u-style.
When looking at the downspout inspect the connection to the gutters and proper connection to the structure. The joints on downspouts my have leaks especially if it was installed upside down. Downspouts may be damaged from objects hitting them causing leaks as well. It is also important to look at downspouts going to another roof. It is important to keep safety in mind while doing an inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon inspection of the east facing side of the hip roof I noticed a large dip of the roof plane covering approximately 150 SQ.FT. There is no visible sign of damage at the fascia, no bowing out. Upon inspection of the attic space I observed new sheathing which may not be the same thickness as the old sheathing. The rafters are not bowed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Shingles show signs of incorrect previous repair. Shingles show signs of granule loss due to weathering conditions. Tar and Gravel roof appears to be damp at time of inspection. Flat roof show signs of algae growth along with debris that needs to be removed from roof.
Research & Writing Assignment:
There are many types of roofing underlayment available to the consumer. Most commonly used on shingle roofs is an asphalt 15lb used in new construction or a 30lb used in re-roofs. Proper installation of this material will insure a long lasting roof.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
There are several shingles that are curled upwards, and are loose on a few sections of the roof. There have been repairs done to the subject roof as well. You may want to consider having a further evaluation from a professional roofing contractor, and repair/replace as needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this inspection I took a look at my roof shingles. In the image you can see that the shingles are clearly damaged and in need of replacing. To further my point, you can see that the damage is right where the roof meets the edge and the shingles are cut and look like if some mold is present.
Research & Writing Assignment:
There was standing water in the crawlspace at the time of inspection. I recommend installing a sump pump in a proper sump. This should be placed deeply in the gravel or soil and placed at the lowest area in the crawlspace. Trenches should or may need to be dug to help direct water to this sump so it can be pumped out. This pump should also include a back flow preventer on the pipe.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I inspected this roof partly from my ladder and mostly with binoculars. This roof has 1 layer of dimensional shingles probably around mid life. Roof has soffit and ridge vents for adequate ventilation. Roof als has several turbine vents installed. All flashings appear to be properly installed and in good condition.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The Inspecting gutters and down spouts article was very informative. It explains the importance of proper sized gutters. It explains the importance of proper installation to avoid any unnecessary water intrusion or wicking into a homes foundation or roof at wall areas. It als gives a good idea of how gutter systems should be installed and operate.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Air Sampling for Mold Inspections was the article I read through. It was very informative as it explained in detail how to properly inspect for mold as well as where to look for the presence of mold. Mold in most cases isn’t readily visible and doing test work inside and outside of them to find mold spores is the most efficient way to see if mold is present within.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The apron flashing is lifted at the rear patio (left side). This should be repaired to prevent water intrusion. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as needed. It is recommended to have a licensed roofer inspect the roof covering every 3-4 years and re-seal exposed fasteners.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to take a look at the Hail Damage portion of Mastering Roof Inspections. This is particularly interesting to me because hail damage is extremely prevalent in Central Texas where I inspect. I am constantly looking for it on my inspections and I am not surprised that $30 out of every $100 collected from insurance premiums go to wind and hail damage. It is extremely common for homeowners in my area to file claims for hail.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
ll roofing materials based on bitumen need protection from the sun’s rays. Under the influence of the sun, the material becomes brittle and increases the likelihood of moisture penetration. This roof is subject to correction and inspection by a specialist.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mastering Roof Inspections: Asphalt Composition Shingles, Part 1
Asphalt shingles roofs are most common in North America.
Previously, the natural basis of cellulose is used, now fiberglass is used more.
Since the basis is 2 % of the weight of the shingles, then with an increase in the layer thickness, the strength increases significantly.
Because fiberglass is less susceptible to moisture, asphalt roofing is more durable and applicable in both hot and cold regions.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Photo taken from ground of a 3 tab asphalt shingle covering likely at the end of its lifespan. It is observed that shingles are lifting due to weather issues and material failure which there could be potential damage to roof sheathing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Flat roofs, although required to have some slope, often do not have slope across the entire roof. This can lead to ponding where rain water takes more than 48 hours to evaporate. This can lead to the roof failing prematurely. www.WiseHomeInspectionsFL.com
Research & Writing Assignment:
looking over the section on wind and hail damage illustration you come to find how the roof can be more at a risk than most people would believe. a 10 mile wind on yhe ground can become faster or stronger the higher you go so a roof 10 feet or higher can be taking wind double if not more than that on the ground level damaging roof covering materials as well as the decking its self.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is not uncommon to find newer houses where the roof gutter discharges on to the roof. The most likely area to find this is at the front of the house above the front door and frequently leads to the fascia wood rotting and sometimes roof leaks.
