Ballooning framing is very commonly used in current construction practices. With balloon framing and the requirement for hurricane protection it is necessary to use clips, straps and other tie down hardware to help protect the structure from the uplift effects caused by huricanes.
I chose to inspect an exterior window. The window does not have any type of cover protection or any clear markings on it to indicate that it is impact resistant. The homeowner also has no documentation that would prove that the window is impact resistant.
I read an article describing the benefits of having renters insurance. Having renters insurance can cover your personal items it there’s some sort of a disaster, or even cover a visiting persons medical expenses should they be at your house and have an accident.
The photo shows two skylights that could not be defined as rated because it didn’t have evidence. When interviewed the owner, he also could not turn in any documents that were about this opening. In the end in the table, it will have a category of X.
A garage inspection.
When you check a garage, keep in mind:
Improper alterations.
For instance, the trusses cannot be bothered in any way, it can only be done with the approval of an engineer.
The trusses are designed to hold loads in specific points.
In conclusion, in the revision of a garage, there could be problems like these, for in the inspection, an inspector should be careful.
The pictured window is not a rated Hurricane Window.
Hurricane Windows or Impact Windows are a product that have become prevalent over the past 25 years. Born in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, municipalities led by Miami-Dade in South Florida, saw the need for stronger window systems. Studies showed that if you were able to keep the exterior envelope intake during the storms (hurricanes), you have a greater chance of keeping the roof on the building in place and lessen the damage that could be created.
In the states that have high wind incidents having a wind mitigation inspection can reduce your home owners insurance premiums. Contact your insurance agent for additional information and have a wind mitigation inspector perform a wind mitigation inspection. Make sure that your inspector is authorized by the state to perform wind mitigation inspections.
Truss-Rafter/Wall connections are very critical features that make homes much more resistant to hurricanes and windstorms. It is therefore very important to properly determine the presence and proper installation of straps and/or clips in each house.
Some older homes with low slope roofs may be difficult to access and extra effort may be required. The aid of a flashlight, mirror, and telescoping pole to part the insulation may be necessary to make the proper assessment.
Be sure to check both sides of the roof-framing member to make the proper determination.
To calculate the hip roof, you measure around the house perimeter at the eaves.
Do not include roofs that are not structurally attached (for example, metal pan patio roofs or roofs that are attached to the wall or fascia only). You would include these roofs if the space would be considered “living space.”
To determine if the roof is a hip: the total length of the non-hip features are divided by the total perimeter.
Non-hip features include all roof shapes that are not hip, including gables at dormers, gables at ends and gables through the middle, flat sections, and at the middle of the house.
In some states, homeowners can benefit from reduced insurance premiums. The Gulf Coast states, which are most prone to windstorm damage from hurricanes, have each considered mandating incentives to mitigate damage due to wind. Mississippi and Texas currently do not have such legislation, although Florida has been successful. Following Hurricane Andrew, Florida passed a law requiring insurance companies to offer their customers discounts and credits for existing building features and home improvements that reduce damage and loss from wind. In order to qualify for this discount, homes must undergo a certified home wind inspection. However, many Floridians do not know of this law.
In some states, homeowners can benefit from reduced insurance premiums. The Gulf Coast states, which are most prone to windstorm damage from hurricanes, have each considered mandating incentives to mitigate damage due to wind. Mississippi and Texas currently do not have such legislation, although Florida has been successful. Following Hurricane Andrew, Florida passed a law requiring insurance companies to offer their customers discounts and credits for existing building features and home improvements that reduce damage and loss from wind. In order to qualify for this discount, homes must undergo a certified home wind inspection. However, many Floridians do not know of this law.
The attached photo shows a gable roof with architectural asphalt shingles. This is new construction. The shingles have been appropriately attached with six nails per shingle as per the recommendation for Florida coastal regions where high wind is a factor.
Wind mitigation inspection- What’s inspected: Roof to wall connection (tie-ins, straps), Age of the roof covering, Secondary wind resistance in place, Roof deck attachment type, Protected openings (windows, doors, vents, etc.), and roof geometry (shape of the roof). This will give the customer a good idea of their exposures.
In this image we can observe a hip roof with gables. The roof has proper gutters, it is in good condition, and with a perimeter of over 95% hip it would qualify for an insurance discount. Although it has not been updated since 1994 it still has many years of life.
In the image i observed title clay tile. We can observe a proper hip roof with clay tiles. the tiles are in good condition although some maintenance might be of recommendation for the client to prolonged the life expectancy of the tiles.
The picture here is showing how to properly waterproof the home at all and near any penetrations of the roof sheathing, these areas should be looked over carefully not to miss around any vents and skylights which have more area on top for water to sit and penetrate the roof.
The picture here is showing how to properly waterproof the home at all and near any penetrations of the roof sheathing, these areas should be looked over carefully not to miss looking around any vents and skylights which have more area on top for water to sit and penetrate the roof.
I learned that in 2006 one the largest home insurance companies (citizens) raised the wind insurance by 45 percent, many other companies did the same. Also that for most homeowners insurance, the owners premium covers 70 percent of the wind damage.
Here we have what appears to be a rated metal door (not verified unless documents checked) but even if the door complied with Miami date pressure and impact code the door opens inward and would lose the credit unless taken care of.
The following picture was taken while inspecting a town home for my client. While in the attic I noticed a dark stain near the hip portion of the roof line. I inspected the dark stained area for moisture. I found there to be medium levels of moisture detected at the time of inspection. I recommend further evaluation by a licensed roofer. No other moisture damaged was noted around or below this area.
