Writing Essay - Wind Mitigation
Wind Mitigation inspections can educate homeowners on the improvements that they can do to their homes to reduce the chance of damage during hurricanes. They can also help them save considerably on there insurance premiums. Having just one mitigating feature usually saves hundreds of dollars a year on premiums, and more then covers the cost of the inspection.
The roof deck was nailed / re-nailed with 8d nails spaced at 6" apart or less. The single wrap straps had a minimum of 2 nails on the front side. The straps had at least 1 nail on the back side.
The grounding electrode may be attached to either the meter or main service panel. A bonding strap or screw should be installed in the service panel. A bonding jumper should be installed to connect the pipe in front of and behind the water meter in the home and on the hot and cold water pipes at the water heater.
The image is of a missed nail “shiner” used to secure sheathing to roof framing. Upon closer examination the nail was found to be ring shanked and protruding approximately 2 inches from 19/32 OSB roof decking. This would suggest that 8d ring shanked nails are fastening the roof deck to the framing.
For the reading assignment I chose to peruse “Wind Mitigation”. The article stated that following hurricane Andrew, a law was passed requiring insurance companies to offer discounts to policy homeowners that have homes that are designed or engineered to reduce wind mitigation. Hip roofs are 40% less affected by the wind. Other techniques include impact resistant windows properly secured the the building structure, wind and impact rated garage doors with proper track fastening, proper strap and/clip attachments of the trusses to the walls and proper nail size and spacing used to secure the roofing deck.
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This is an image of a home that does not have any exterior window and door protection. There are different roof types on this home that have to be considered when inspecting and calculating pressure on the exterior of the home. The hip style roof is in several locations. There is a gable style roof on the north end of the property. There is also a section of a gable style above the front door of the home. The windows should be further inspected to determine if glass is tempered or a film has been installed. These systems should be fully documented to determine what course of action is to be taken by a licensed professional.
I decided to read an article on wind mitigation. This article includes the benefits to homeowners who decide to properly protect their homes. This can lower insurance premiums in areas when accompanied with a certified home wind inspection. There are several areas that are key in wind mitigation techniques. Garage door tack and panels are frequent areas of failure. The glass in openings should be impact resistant, and sliding glass doors are subject due to their large expanse.
Asphalt shingle manufacturers, ARMA, and the FBC recommend specific fastener
size, type, and number per shingle for wind mitigation installation. It is
beneficial for those interested educating themselves further and up to date
on proper wind mitigation best practices. This course would better serve
it’s students with this information included in a course module.
Garage door on the South side of the home. The door only has 2 horizontal wind braces and there is no wind rating label on the door. There is also a line of glass panes at the top of the door. There are three brackets on each side attaching the track to the wall.
I researched the garage inspection. I liked the fact the Inspector spoke with the neighbor and was told a similar home with the same type roof collapsed during a heavy snow. This gave the Inspector more reason to look even closer at all the components. Upon doing so several deficiencies were found.
This garage door is braced and protected for wind and 9lb missile impact . No label exist on either side of garage door . Horizontal and vertical steel bars was installed in 2008 according to home owner .
I decided to do a research on wind mitigation and energy savings . I find that a home owner whom spends more time and money on installing and reinforcing there homes will spend less money from damages caused by damaging storms . Energy savings cost reduction can be done by installing insulations recommended R value by the State in the attic and or crawlspace . Install automatic cut off thermostats , or install ceiling fans to place a/c in the evening . These are just a few things I strongly agree on my research on wind mitigation and energy savings .
This is the rear elevation ,the geometry is gable end,the gable end is masonry which means that it is more resistant to winds. The windows show that the hardware is installed for shutters. The roof top is concrete tile which is made to last 50 years when properly installed
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Inspection Attire
What i have learned from Inspection Attire is that a inspector should wear cloth that is appropriate for the inspection.For example jeans ,khakis and cargo shorts with many pockets are appropriate for inspections and a t-shirt with a logo of the company.And a extra pair of shoes or boots and a extra t-shirt in case the one your using gets dirty while performing the inspection.
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These are photos of my PGT double pane impact window. One photo is an overall and the other is a close up of the watermark for verification. This window does not require any addition covering for maximum credit. This type of double payne window also serves as an energy saver as it is filled with argon gas.
Purchasing a vehicle for the business can be very stressful. Not only for the person whos business it is, but for his whole family as well. The cost can be devastating to the budget if business slows down and monthly expenses increase.
However the other option of not having dependable transportation can cause similar stresses. Therefore it is worth taking time to consider the whole situation is well worth the time it may take and come up with the best decision for all parties involved.
Reviewed Images of GFCI outlets and how they protect branch circuits. Found images that will be useful to show clients the reason for and use of these safety devices. Visual images make the explanation of the GFCI easier to explain why they are needed to protect them around areas that have water near them. In my inspections I find too many in a circuit and mark them as defective.