Research & Writing Assignment:
Metals are made of oxides and the most noble metal on the chart was graphite. Low metals are anodes and degrade quickly when in contact with noble metals. The law of entropy will dictate that all of materials and conditions tends towards chaos in time. The roof’s natural state is dust and to that it will return.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here we see galvanic corrosion on a metal roof panel, at a penetration. Over time moisture has contributed to the electrical interaction between two dissimilar metals, thus forming corrosion. Preventive measures such as paint should be used to protect metal surfaces from such corrosion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Solar energy is a smart way to go to provide electricity for your home. It is a clean, renewable energy, with no emissions. The upfront installation costs are a bit high, but in the long run this is a very cost-effective, job-producing, no-pollution causing way to light your home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Being an InterNACHI certified Florida based Master home inspector I’ve been on a lot of metal roofs that I was and was not able to walk on. These shoes: cougar paw roofing shoes are highly recommended. They are perfect for any surface!
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mastering Roof Inspections: Metal Roofs, Part 3
by Kenton Shepard and Nick Gromicko
Being an InterNACHI certified Florida based Master home inspector I’ve walked and inspected a lot of metal roofs and safety is the number one issue that I have the highest priority with.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo the fasteners of the roof are showing signs of heavy corrosion. Not only will this eventually lead to the fasteners failing it can allow moisture intrusion and spread of the rust to other surfaces. It is recommended to replace rusty fasteners.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article, Mastering Roof Inspections: Metal Roofs Part 1, the various types of metal roofs are discussed as well as the energy state of metals. The higher energy a metal the more prone to corrosion. Low energy metals called least noble metals are more resistant to corrosion.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a metal roof of a carport attached to a garage. The discolored area of rust seems to indicate that a large object was stored in direct contact with the roof covering for a long term, trapping moisture and initiating corrosion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Metal roof coverings are available in many forms. It is important for an inspector to determine what the roof covering material really is. Some roofing tiles made of metal are designed to look like other types of shingles. Such as those examples in this image: https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=1295
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Metal roofs are great. They should be installed correctly to work properly. Metal roofs can be very slippery like bananas. Metal roofs are susceptible to corrosion. Metal roofs come in a wide variety of shapes sizes styles and even types of metals.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Modular vs Manufactured homes. These two terms sound similar but are in fact different types of homes. A Modular home is built off site and transported to the property and then put together. These house are held to the same standards as normal on site built homes. Modular homes are the same as mobile homes or trailers.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Metal roof come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Depending on the type of metal, they can have a very long service life. Most types of metal roofing have some sort of coating to protect it from oxidizing. These coating can be topical or chemical in nature.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Medal roofs generally hold up well to hail damage in the functional aspect. Typically damage is just cosmetic. The areas to be most concerned with for hail damage are ridge caps, trim and seams or in general areas where panels connect. Most insurance companies will not pay out for cosmetic damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
As you can see from the photo the is an issue with protruding vent flashings. The water heater vent flashing was just laid onto the roofing shingles, nailed down and plastered with tar to seal it. This flashing should have been installed under 2 rows of of shingles. On the wet vent next to it, it should have been installed under 1 more row of shingles. These are water intrusion issues waiting to happen.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In mastering roof inspections I learned that aluminum roofing is a great choice for coastal or high corrosion climates. It will not corrode by itself and has a long service life much like copper but less expensive. Because it is easy to form it can be made into many different styles.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting any type of roof covering for defects or issues I recommend paying special attention to these areas. 1) Seams or junctions in roofing products. 2.) Roof penetrations like the chimney shown, plumbing vents, skylight windows, areas of flashing and areas where a roofing product is bent(like ridge caps and valleys).
Research & Writing Assignment:
Health problems caused by excess mold growth at interior areas of a home is not uncommon. Mold can grow in any location with the correct conditions. Here are the three basic needs for mold to grow, moisture, oxygen and a food source (organic surface). When mold becomes an issue the first step is to eliminate the source of moisture. Then clean up by a professional is recommended.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a metal tile roof from The Metalcraft.co.nz website. There are no buildings in my area that I know of which have visible metal roofs. For this style roof, tiles are usually in panels and not individual units. It has a paint finish. It is formed to look like clay or barrel tiles. The tiles appear to be interlocking.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read “For Home Inspectors: Evaluating Problems with Fasteners.” It is very important that the proper type of fastener is used. Also that this fastener is positioned properly and not overdriven. A fastener intended for steel has a specially threaded edge and tip and may be galvanic depending on whether or not climate conditions require it.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The roof material of the kennel building appeared to be a classic ribbed steel roof panel. The metal panels, ridge, fasteners and flashings all appeared to be in functional condition at the time of the inspection. The roof panel appeared to have a colorfast maintenance free coating that should last for several years.
