When in attic performing an inspection you want to look at a couple of different components. First look and the materials used in roof decking, check roof deck thickness. Check nails used to connect roof decking to see if they meet minimum length. Also measure nails with metal scanner to check spacing between nails meets 6 inch requirements.
Moisture intrusion in a home can cause many problems both to the home and occupants. Moisture can cause rot and decay to a structure as well aa issues with mold which can cause severe health issues to occupants. First issues with moisture is to determine it’s point of origin and make necessary repairs. It may be a good idea to consult with a mold inspector to determine wether remediation is needed.
This is an example of Gable end wall bracing in place. Upon closer inspection there was 2 nails where the cross bracing crosses the studs. Credit is only given for the brace going from high to low, or where the brace goes from the ridge to the lower cord.
In the Article “Roofing” for consumers, the “Keep in Mind” points are excellent ideas to recommend to our customers when discussing their future roofing options. While upgrading to slate or tile may be expensive, especially if the roof framing needs strengthening, here in Florida the extra expense will provide added protection during our inevitable high wind events.
Section 4: Roof to wall connection weakest form. This photo depicts what would be considered “toe nailed”. Why? because it does not have the required 3 nails. Two nails makes it toe nailed and does not qualify for any discounts. Also, very limited access to this area. Photo achieved through 20’ extension pole and WiFi attached camera.
Chimney flashing will always be an area of concern in any part of the country because of the various weather each region will encounter. In Florida I’ve found that the most neglected item in this category is the chimney cricket. Regularly found chimney’s over 30" wide without any cricket to divert run off around back of block. With that, often found evidence that moisture has over powered the flashing.
For sale buy owner pro’s and pitfalls was an interesting article on why home owners may choose to sell a home on there own verse hiring a real estate agent. Although you my pay up to 6% hiring an agent remember you are paying for the experience needed to close and make sure you don’t miss out on selling your home.
Attached is photo of my window in my home. It is a single pain window with no impact rating. The window was originally installed in 1983 when the house was built and there were no upgraded Windows installed at this time.
This is a home I performed an inspection on. I am not wind mitigation certified so I did not take measurements. The back is pretty much like the front so this would not be considered a hip roof I do not believe.
I was unaware that a roof could still be considered a hip roof if it had part gable or sections of gable. I was under the impression it was considered both a hip roof and a gable roof. Good to know.
My picture is of a glass block window with no opening protection. Using the Opening Protection Level Chart from the Florida OIB-B1-1802 form, this would be a category “X”, No Windborne Debris Protection. Also the box next to X. None or Some Glazed Opening, One or more Glazed opening classified as Level X in the table above.
The article I read was Wind Mitigation by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. The article states how insurance premiums in Florida were raised drastically in 2006. It also explains how insurance companies have given incentives to the homeowner of reduced insurance premiums for implementing certain building techniques in order to limit damage caused by the wind.
Photo is depicting a single metal strap secured with 4 nails with the top of the strap wrapping over the truss. Bottom of the strap shows it is attached to the bond beam of the exterior block wall. It should be attached on the opposite side of the truss with at least one nail.
The photo I included is a hurricane clip. The clip is an approved clip with three nails into the truss. The attachment is consistent on every truss qualifying for clip credits. It is not a single strand clip but still qualifies.
I can see now, that having the air barriers and the proper insulation can have a big impact on energy usage in a home. It should also be considered when sizing and designing the heating and air conditioning units in the home.
In this picture we can observe an impact window and door. They consists of multiple layers of polyvinyl butyral (PRB) sandwiched between two sheets of glass. They are designed for larger missile impacts referred to as PET laminated glass and glass-clad polycarbonate.
According to Nick Gromicko in the article 'Wind Mitigation", There are a lot of incentives for homeowners when they submit a wind mitigation report to their insurance company.
The Gulf Coast states are most prone to hurricane damages, some of them considered mandatory incentives to mitigate damages.
Insurance companies offer discounts and credits to customers whose houses comply with rules and regulations that reduce damage and loss from wind.
the reading regarding wind mitigation in FL was both informative as well a good reference to keep as an inspector. It is important to ensure that wind pressurization of the inside of structures is secured by measures of covering the openings with hurricane rated coverings.
this picture shows a hip style roof as the entire roof edges look like this. Therefor this roof would get credit for roof geometry discounts. On the section entitle roof geometry, i would mark this as hip roof. Photo verification would also be included.
Photo front window it is not impact rated and is not glazed. This would be an X rating. The doors are pre 1994 and do not have exterior protection , this opening would also have an X rating. Since more than one opening is not protected this structure would not be eligible for any opening protection discount. The roof is flat concrete anchored secured.
