Slope facing to the west. shows signs of wind damage. two shingles detached and under-layment damaged.
Roof access part one.
Walking on roofs are the most dangerous parts of the inspection. the typical maximum pitched walked are: asphalt: 8 & 12 single story. 6 & 12 two story. wood: 6 & 12. and metal: 5 & 12.
There are specially deigned boot to help with walking on roofs that have hi traction sole that are available.
Roof access part two
Exposure means risk. if the home is surrounded by hedges can brake your fall it is a lower risk then if the home is surrounded by a wrought iron fence waiting to impale you if you were to fall.
roof coverings you need to consider the weather rain ice and snow. roof are dangerous in itself but add rain ice and snow can make it even more so. metal roof are slippery if wet. and so are wood roof if the are covered in microbial growth. so be cautious and aware of the weather conditions and type of roof covering you are on.
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Roof safety is deciding on whether the roof is safe enough to walk on. Always inspect the roof before climbing on the roof. Risk tolerance, the pitch, and roofing boots are extremely important to pay attention too. Learning to relax on the roof will lower the risk of accidents. The pitch also depends on the type of roof. Special roofing boots and shoes with high traction helps reduce accidents.
In ladder safety there are several statistics concerning dangers. The type of ladders, ladder levels, and the use of a spectroscope. The most important practice is to use the correct ladder while using extreme caution. Before setting the ladder always inspect the whole ladder. The safest way to set a ladder is on a flat level surface. When a ladder is not safe to use a spectroscope is the safest way to inspect a roof. A spectroscope is a 28 foot telescope on a tri-pod pole. This allows you to take pictures of a roof without climbing a ladder.
This photo shows a steep sloped roof that is greater than 4:12. Also, there are power lines nearby. In terms of ladder safety, try to find an area with a lower slope when accessing the roof from a ladder. Also, always set up your ladder at least 10 ft away from power lines.
Articles on ladder safety cover all the bases, pointing out the need to use extension ladders at the proper angle, climb using the 3 point method and never use rungs above the point where the ladder meets the roof. There are several more points regarding what slope and what weather conditions are safe to access the roof. In cases where the roof is not safe, a spectroscope is a terrific tool for getting a close look at the roof. In cases where you are looking for hidden roof problems, and IR camera can help find wet v.s. dry areas on the roof covering.
Since this course was over Ladder safety I inspected a ladder. As I inspected it I looked for loose rivets, cracking in fiberglass, dirty/greasy spots, feet, and overall appearance. This ladder appears to be in great condition with no defects or damage. I would feel comfortable and safe using this ladder. I also checked for all warning labels and instructions and they were all in the appropriate place and were not damaged, this ladder is rated for 300 LBS.
I chose to read “Ant inspections” and “ Bathroom ventilation ducts and fans”
Ant inspections-
I chose this article because we have serious issues with Ants in the area I live, to the point the my county is a quarantined county. It was nice to learn the difference between an Ant and a Termite, because both are similar it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference. Ants like damp places more so than dry but will nest in either place. Sometimes you can tap on a baseboard and you will hear them rustling behind the wall. You can help prevent them by having good house keeping and keeping food in sealed containers.
Bathroom ventilation ducts and fans-
Bathroom fans are very common where I live and I read this article so that I would know what to look for while inspecting. I need to inspect them for dust buildup, and should recommend that every bathroom has one since the windows may not be open during the winter. I should also look for moisture stains and mold around the vents. The ducts need to be terminated outside the home exterior, so that its not putting moisture back in the attic.
The power ventilator for this home has been damaged from hail stones in an Oklahoma hail storm. The storm also caused significant damage to the shingles on this roof. It is recommended that roof be replaced and all vent caps due to the damages caused by this storm.
Bloomboxes are devices that are used to generate clean electricity to homes and businesses. They can use various fuel sources which include waste gases, natural gas, or solar energy to power them. The inventor of this product is hoping to have one of these cells on every household by the year 2020 and that the cost of these devices can be reduced to $3,000 by the next decade.
Bug Zappers are electrified light devices that attract insects through the use of the light luring them into an electrified area which is used to zap or electrocute the insect zapping it into a fine powder. These powders can cause some health risks as they can carry harmful bacteria and viruses. With this in mind children should not be allowed to play around or underneath these devices and they should also be kept away from food preparation areas.
I inspect my ladder every time I set it up. It is the only ladder I trust. I know my ladder’s limitations, and I do my best to take care of it. As it has moving parts, I have to also be careful not to get hurt setting it up and taking it down.
Attached is a photo of my Articulated ladder that I use for home inspections. Max extension is 17 feet with a step ladder of 7 feet 8 inches. The combination makes it really nice for working inside and out.
I started reading the Mastering Roof Inspections series. I read Mastering Roof Inspections: Roof Styles and Roof Framing, Part 1. Both articles contained very good information and I will continue to read the series.
Attached shows a picture of a GFI in a kitchen it connects all downstream receptacles in the kitchen along the counter space. GFI are required in kitchens,bathrooms basements and in damp locations.
ADJUSTABLE STEEL COLUMNS
Adjustable steel columns also know as screw jacks and beam jacks are hollow steel posts designed to provide structural support. They are usually found in basements craw spaces. The post shall not be less than 3 inch diameter standard pipe. While inspecting these post look for rust and be sure posts maintains a good coat of rust-inhibitive paint.
Attached garages fire containment:
Oil and gasoline drip from cars in garages. These are flammable and that’s why its dangerous in garages. Garages attached to the home have to have walls and ceilings that are fire rated. The garage will be separated with 1/2 gypsum board from the residence and the ceiling of the garage unless there is a habitable space above then 5/8 gypsum is required.
Articulating ladders
Articulatingladders are the best idea in ladders for many reasons. Storing them is easierthen Extension and stepladders. Here are two pictures of an Articulating ladderfor simple use in a garage. One as a stepladder second as an extension ladder. Theyare easier to transport in a pickup truck also. No need for ladder racks on thetruck.
The ladder safety part was something I have had training on, so this was a nice break. I have to say this course is cut and dry on the ladder safety, this follows any 40hr osha training I have. This will help anyone who is not familiar with ladder use, and help keep them safe. I think the 3Ft rule of thumb for above the roof should be higher in my opinion for safety. I put my ladder 3 ft above roof and climb up and down safely and have pictures to follow, also my ladder is a II 225 rated. Thanks
15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own.
I am a tool guy, so this topic was right up my alley! The one topic most people talk about is there home and how they needed a simple tool and did not have one. The list of 15 tools was spot on but one thing I would add is a box knife, because having a knife is always handy. This topic is a great one to know if you are casually specking with a home buyer that it is a first time buyer.
Ant Inspection
I have picked this topic because we have a bad ant problem at home. I am still trying to find all the small gaps and places the ants are trying to enter. This is also a great topic for home inspections, because you could spot ants and mention that there are a few ways to help keep them out of the house.