This photo is of a downspout from the gutter on the garage. There are a couple of issues with this downspout. The end of the downspout has been damaged, therefore making the end of the downspout susceptible to clogging with debris from the roof. Also, the downspout does a pour job of directing flows away from the foundation of the garage.
I read an article on roof underlayment types. I discovered that they no longer make asphalt-saturated felt underlayment due to the evolution of crude oil refining processes. The new underlayments are made from synthetics which perform comparably to the old saturated felt and cost about the same to manufacture.
this is a photo of architectural/dimensional asphalt shingles installed over 1/2 inch plywood which was measured at the roof edge ,which had a drip edge installed.the photo is to show a closed valley. the shingles were sealed and very secure as I tried to ,not forcefully, insert a finger underneath.
The chimney was found to be in overall satisfactory condition, although we recommend rust inhibitive paint for the chimney cap. The framing of the chimney is weathered and could use weather proofing to reduce moisture damage as well as wood decaying fungi. Recommend repair as necessary by licensed painter.
Fireplace and chimney flue inspections consists of verifying the structural integrity of the fire box. The items that should be included consist of cracks, holes in masonry panels or brick and mortar joints, rusting to the damper and metal flue pipe, damage to glass doors, or excessive accumulation of creosote.
Chimneys can be weakened by poor design,weathering,wind and fallen tree limbs.Earthquakes can cause severe damage and collapse.Bricks and stones cause injury and damage as they fall from roof onto people and objects.Collapse can occur inside as well as the chimney caves in thru the roof and structure below. In seismically active areas chimneys should be inspected periodically for signs of weakness…weakened mortar joints ,insufficient lateral supports and mechanical damage. Also check for gaps from visible tilting or separation.Tilting chimneys can make using the fireplace unsafe.The gaps in hearth or side openings can give smoke and sparks access to other areas. Check footings for sufficient size and check soil condition…soil erosion or settled ,weakened soil from frost heave and weather.
Here you can see the drip edge on the eave side is pushed up, forcing water over the raked edge, as well as the gutter pulling out of the fascia. Gutter supports are no longer holding the gutter up. I would recommend contacting a qualified roofing contractor for further inspection.
Chimney flashing needs to be installed in such a way as to divert water away from it. There are 4 types of flashing used on a chimney. Backer flashing, step flashing, apron flashing and counter flashing. Any chimney wider than 30 inches needs to have a cricket installed to divert water around the chimney.
This is a photograph of the gutter system and drip edge installed onto a concrete tile roof. The gutter is mounted onto the face of the facia, and runs behind the aluminum drip edge. The concrete tiles overhang the drip edge by approx 1", and the drip edge is installed below an adequately sealed layer. The gutter is mounted using gutter screws that run through the drip edge and into the facia - spaced at approx 42". As it is recommended that when used, gutter spikes be installed at at approx 24" apart to suitably support the gutter during periods of heavy activity - it would be recommended to consult a professional. This will ensure that the guttering system will perform as designed during periods of heavy rainfall.
This is a photograph of the gutter system and drip edge installed onto a concrete tile roof. The gutter is mounted onto the face of the facia, and runs behind the aluminum drip edge. The concrete tiles overhang the drip edge by approx 1", and the drip edge is installed below a adequately sealed layer. The gutter is mounted using gutter screws that run through the drip edge and into the facia - spaced at approx 42". As it is recommended that when used, gutter spikes be installed at at approx 24" apart to suitably support the gutter during periods of heavy activity - it would be recommended to consult a professional. This will ensure that the guttering system will perform as designed.
The gutters are full of debris in areas and needs to be cleaned. The debris in gutters can also conceal rust, deterioration or leaks that are not visible until cleaned, and I am unable to determine if such conditions exists.
As someone who spent many years in Hurricane prone areas, I always understood that the upper right quadrant was the worst but not why. The reason this is the worst area of the storm is this is where the storm’s winds blow in the same direction as the atmospheric steering wind, causing a net gain in wind speed. For example, if a hurricane had sustained winds of 90 mph (category 1 strength) and was moving at 25 mph, its right front region would effectively have winds up to category 3 strength (90 + 25 mph = 115 mph).
Conversely, because winds on the left side oppose steering winds, a reduction in speed is felt there. (Using the previous example, a 90 mph storm - 25 mph steering winds = a 65 mph effective wind).
Unless the roof is sloped to drain over the roof edge, there should be drainage installed for the roof system. Roof drains could be installed at the low points of the roof. Roofs should have some type of controlled method of disposing of water from roofs that collect and discharge the roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet from the foundation walls or to a drainage system. Gutters are sometimes not installed in areas with heavy snow or very little rain.
Unless the roof is sloped to drain over the roof edge, there should be drainage installed for the roof system. Roof drains could be installed at the low points of the roof. Roofs should have some type of controlled method of disposing of water from roofs that collect and discharge the roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet from the foundation walls or to a drainage system. Gutters are sometimes not installed in areas with heavy snow or very little rain.
This one image of a roof inspection.Roof material is architectural asphalt shingles.Single layer with underpayment and drip edge installed.This is one open valley flashings installed.Found no nail pops or exposed nails.Roof penetrations where boots and flashings were properly installed.Gutters were clean and downspouts where also properly installed.
InterNACHI several marketing tools for the members including a letter explaining our training,certifcations and continued education requirements to remain a member.I believe this is useful tool to give the client confidence in the home inspection process.Can also help the consumer make a educated decision on who to use for their home inspection.
This picture shows a chimney that has been closed and covered with roofing shingles. The shingles are deteriorated and show a double layer. The covered chimney is also flat which does not allow for water to properly run off. This has caused premature wear on the shingles and failure of the covering materials. This could be allowing water to enter the chimney and leak into the house.
The picture titled “optimum conditions for mold growth in attic” shows conditions one might find in an attic that would lead to mold growth. The first condition is a leaky bathroom or kitchen vent releasing moist air into the attic instead of venting to the roof. The second is gable vents leaving stagnant air lower in attic due to lack of updraft. The third issue in the picture is blocked soffit vents due to insulation covering vent.
Tree danger - Trees provide shade and in many cases are intrical part of your landscape design. They also pose some hazards to your home without proper planning. The root system of trees planted too close to your home can grow into cracks in a foundation causing existing cracks to widen and allow moisture into your basement. Overgrown trees planted too close to the home will eventually cause damage to your roof and other exterior coverings. Trees should not be planted to close to your home and trees that are already posing a hazard should be removed to prevent future damage.
