In the interest of safety, I recommend the following outlets be GFCI protected: all exterior,garage,basements, kitchens, bathrooms and clothes washer. The following outlets are not GFCI protected: exterior, garage, basement and top floor bathroom. I recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate and add the recommended GFCI outlets.
The photo is of an asphalt shingle roof that was poorly repaired using roof mastic and galvanized nails. The nails were left exposed to the elements. This poor repair attempt needs to be corrected by a roofing professional. The area of the country in which I reside has very few slate roofs.
The article" Mastering Roof Inspections: Slate Roofs Part 1" points out that slate is a natural stone formed between 450 to 650 million years ago. It is formed from marine sediment, clay and sand. The density of slate has a strong effect on its durability. Lesser quality slate is mostly used indoors while higher quality is used outdoors and on roofs.
This is a slate roof that appears to be in serviceable condition. Tiles are uniform and there seems to be no repair work performed. The edge has a copper flashing to help protect the edge slates. Ridges have cut slates.
Slates were installed with an inadequate headlap. Modern slate installation standards specify that roofs at this pitch (slope) have a 3-inch headlap. Headlap is the amount by which slates in alternate (not adjacent) courses overlap. Inadequate headlap increases the chance of roof leakage. Correction would require removal and re-installation of the entire roof. The number of slates tiles now installed on the roof would be insufficient for complete re-installation with a proper headlap. Finding slates that match well can be difficult because slates that look similar to those now installed may change color over time. The Inspector observed no evidence of leakage at the time of the inspection.
New copper gutter system. The gutters will capture runoff from the roof and divert it to a downspout and away from the foundation. While they currently have a new copper look, over time they will develop a green patina as they are exposed to the elements.
Photo- Slate Nailing Detail.
Slate should be nailed with the nailhead counter-sunk into the pit that is formed when the nail holes are created. One should take care to sink the nail into the crevice while not so far as to apply pressure to the slate itself.
The roof covering is a standard 1/4" slate. The valley’s are open with copper flashing. Cap slates form a saddle ridge. Uniformity of the installation is evidence that the material was installed in a professional workmanlike manner. No material defects were observed at this time.
The article “Aging in Place” prescribes a collection of retrofits to enhance an existing home for an aging occupant. Many of these alterations are affordable and may allow the resident to stay in the home a considerable amount of time avoiding relocation.
A fastener were was protruding though the overlying shingle at the ridge on the back side of the north-end of the Garage roof . This is typically caused when an installer uses a pneumatic nail gun with air pressure too low, leaving fasteners protruding. Correction will require breaking the bond of the adhesive strips of any affected shingles. Because adhesive strips are the single most important component in the wind resistance of asphalt shingles, any shingles that have the bonds broken for fastener correction will need to be hand sealed. Weather must be warm enough for proper application. The Inspector recommends correction/repair by a qualified contractor.
The article I chose to read was “The Comparative Negligence Defense for Home Inspectors”. A great article focusing on the importance of a thorough report, a proper Pre-inspection agreement and how they help the Inspector to manage the expectations of the client.
Inspecting slate roofs are just important as any other roofs. But important enough to keep a house from leaking. The shingles are just important as the fasteners. Fasteners may go out before the slates. Lifespan is tied to the quality. The lifespan is based on the weakest components. Fasteners lifespan last for about 70 years.
Looking at the picture it shows a few fasteners. The fasteners comes in different colors and different materials. Here the fasteners are inserted properly; flush to the level of the shingle. Too little and too much is a defective insert. Some of the type of nails are copper, hot-tip galvanized, stainless steel, and galvanized is the least common.
Slate roofing is a great alternative to asphalt shingles. The biggest downside I see in my area is the cost of the roof and installation. Most people that live in town with older homes that had slate roofing have now gone to metal.
The “Red Phone” for Inspectors
A dedicated phone number that someone else answers works great when you are on a job and don’t want to answer the phone. When I answer the phone I always feel like the flow of the inspection is kinda broken. You get out of a groove or a rhythm and now have to get back into it.
Concrete roof tile material observed. Installation of tiles across entire roof did not exhibit any gaps, missing or loose tiles. All tile installation around roof penetrations, goose neck vents, exhaust and vents were observed and no defects noted at the time of inspection.
Making your home energy efficient will ultimately save you money in your utility bills and contribute to the climate change. Most states offer rebates in various appliance purchases which today are more efficient. When renovating your home, consider materials such as insulation thickness and window ratings during the selection process as these choices will result in higher return in savings over time.
Here is a photo of an older slate roof, although this roof is still functional and may have many years ahead of it, it still has a few broken tiles that may need repairs and it would be recommended that a qualified roofing contractor evaluate further.
In the article “bidets,” I discovered the basic functions of a bidet. Although these devices are uncommon in this country, their popularity is increasing. Some important points in the inspection of bidets is that the spray can reach the height of a person’s face and the temperature setting has to be correct to prevent a person from being burned.
I have never inspected a slate roof. Very rare in my area. Slate is a somewhat common indoor material. Having taken this course I now have a understanding of the types and what areas of the roof to focus on.
