Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article named “Wind Mitigation” which is almost the same material studied in the course.
It states basically all variables to be checked during the wind mitigation inspection, which are: roof geometry, roof deck attachment, roof to wall attachment, SWL, etc.
The more features against hurricane the house have, the more credits the insurer will give the home owner.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The topic chose for this essay is poor siding. The siding in the picture provided is of loose wood shingles this shingles do not provide adequate protection from water intrusion or any other weather. The nails holding the shingle to the sheathing are loose. These shingles may be damaged further with heavy wind.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The topic I have reviewed was about wind mitigation inspections in the state of Florida. Wind mitigation was started after the category 5 hurricane Andrew. The state of Florida and insurance companies came up with new standards for hurricane protection that both the citizens and insurance industry would benefit from. These inspections today are provided by most home inspectors.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image displayed is of a single wrap roof to wall attachment. The required amount of nails on each side of the wrap is at least two, which this wrap meet that minimum requirement. It is wrap over the truss and holds the roof to the wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The photo I studied was labeled ‘wind mitigation inspections’ which explained that the things to look for in a wind mitigation is the roof shape, roof to wall attachments, glazed openings, non glazed openings, and garage to make sure they are all impact or not.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon observation of windows at time of inspection it was noted residence is equipped with approved hurricane resistant windows. Windows have the proper approval rating label as required. There were no other hurricane protection devices installed on windows on day of inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
On day of inspection observed garage door without proper wind mitigation properties. The garage door did not have any horizontal bracing. The garage door track mounting brackets consisted of just three brackets per side which in not sufficient for wind mitigation. The installed windows were not impact resistant as required. It is recommended that a qualified contractor repair or replace as needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The roof covering is an asphalt fiberglass shingle. While the homeowner considered this to be a hip roof the length of the gable sections divided by the total perimeter is greater than 10% and would be considered as an “other roof”.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Wind Mitigation
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
The article provides a great deal information and financial incentive for for homeowners to pursue at least the basic steps for wind mitigation. Realizing that up to 70% of the insurance premium goes to covering wind damage offers a huge opportunity to improve the value of the home and reduce overall long term cost of the home. While no one wants to experience the impact of wind damage, addressing these items can reduce the financial impact if and when it does occur.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The enclosed photographs show my garage door at my house. The certification stiker says that the door is impact rated but is not approved for a hvhz. The garage has plenty of horizontal bracing and the door also has four brackets per side holding the door to the structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Wind Mitigation inspections in the State of Florida are very important. The can save homeowners a lot of money on home owners insurance rates. Several things are inspected during a wind mitigation inspection, including the geometry of the roof, the impct rating of the windows and doors, the roof to wall attachment and whether or not there is any protection for the exterior openings such as shutter or awnings.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
“Wind mitigation inspections look for construction features that have been shown to reduce losses in hurricanes. The factors found during the inspection that help determine a home’s stability are the age of the home, to determine what building codes were in place at the time of construction, the age of roof covering with documentation to prove if the roof was installed to any certain building codes, the method of attachment of roof to truss/rafters”.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Wind mitigation encompasses four important steps. As part of the intricate and detailed process, comprehensive inspections are utilized and implemented to secure timely and effective results. This includes the respective propertys electrical system, along with plumbing, HVAC, and especially the roof construction. The latter is exceptionally susceptible to wind damage due to its exterior positioning. From shingles and rafters to drainage pipes, wind damage can seriously impact the value and even foundation of any home.”
Research & Writing Assignment:
Roof to wall attachments are very important and keep the roof attached to the building. Toe nails are the weakest form of attachment. Either missing nails from a clip or single wrap attachment or just nails would classify the roof to wall attachment as tone nails. There is a small discount for home owners insurance with toe nails.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I have chosen a picture of a wind mitigation procedure. The picture attached shows a qualifying clip attachment. At least three nails are required in a clip attachment and this photo shows four nails. This would be answer “B” on the wind mitigation report.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have studied the Wind Mitigation course. I will not falsify any part of the wind mitigation document. I have seen other licensed inspectors misuse the MT6 metal detector to determine if a nail is a 6d or a 8d and the device is not intended for this purpose.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this image the plywood is 1/2 inch thick. This decking is held down buy 8D common nails. They are spaced at a maximum of 6 in in the field. This would be marked C under the roof deck attachment section on the Wind mitigation form
Research & Writing Assignment:
Cool Roofs: cool rules are known as reflective roofs. They take the sun’s radiation and Bounce It Off of the building. Therefore the heat stays away from the attic saving energy for the cost electric bills. How it works is applying coatings and sheets to roofs to make them reflect the sun in order to keep building’s interior cooler and more energy-efficient.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
On inspection of the roof to wall attachment,we find h-5 hurricane clips on every rafter with three nails secured to rafter. There is only one clip per rafter indicating a 400 to 500 lb lift load. The clips appear non corroded though many of the nail heads are rusty
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an example of a garage door that is not properly rated. Through visual observation it is clear that the garage door has absolutely no reinforcement. If there is no reinforcement at the garage door, it will not be rated. Vertical and horizontal bracing will provide the proper reinforcement as well as track brackets installed at the tracks.
