Welcome to another round of Questions of The Week!
A member of the Awards Committee will post questions, at a random day/time. Eligible members may make one post per question thread to answer the questions.
Correct answers (as judged by the Awards Committee, Poster of the Questions or family of JR Scott Fudge) wins.
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>$50.00 gift certificate from Inspector Outlet
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One dozen packs of the infamous Marshmallow Turkey Peeps recipe created
**with great care by our own Peter Giannino
1 Depends if window/door can be opened
2 window
3 Plumbing vent is too short per current standards, the lead boot is not properly installed and may result in roof leak(s).
4 a
5 Damage noted in garage wall (hard to tell from that photo)
EMQ
Chloe Merilla Tyghe
Look to the End
Cool questions Marc !!
I hope I don’t eat all the Turkey peeps by the time theres a winner…LOL
6 Likes
rknowles1
(Robert Knowles, SC PE License No. 26621)
9
QOTW
“False” is the answer, because, according to 2021 (and some previous code years) IRC SECTION 3103.5, the 3 foot “rule” does not apply to ALL windows and doors. It applies ONLY to openable ones.
Also. The question used the word “should”, which is not used in the code language. It implies that if there are other acceptable pipe termination location options, that the plumber SHOULD select the option of being at least 3 feet above the window. Other code accetable locations for termination include (1) not less than 4 feet below an openable window, (2) over 10 feet horizontally to the side of the opening, or (3) less than 10 feet horizontally to the side of the opening as long as it is also at least 3 feet above the openable opening. Instructing contractors as to which options he SHOULD choose, goes to the means and methods used to get the job done. Inspectors are best to stay away from rendering opinions regarding means and methods.
Answer is C. Window
The vent pipe roof extension is too short. IRC section 3103.1.1 requires the vent pipe terminate at least 6" above the roof or 6 inches above the anticipated snow accumulation, whichever is greater. Check local AHJ requirements for different height termination requirements.
In addition, it appears there is a hole in the lead sheet flashing that can allow water intrusion behind the flashing. Repair or replace the flashing to prevent water intrusion and associated damage.
I would answer E. “All of the above”, which isnt a choice.
Depending on the quality of construction in any area of the country, all 4 answers are “typically” seen. In my area, we see Handrail deficiencies the most, followed by riser height differences. Then, tread related issues, such as tread depth inconsistencies, creaking treads, or improper nosing are in 3rd place. Lastly, stair lighting issues (ie, 3 way switch improperly wired or missing switch at top or bottom) are the least common.
See IRC 311 for reference on stair issues. It varies over the years for sure.
Difficult to answer without knowing if the wall is a fire wall separating living space from the garage, or if it is an exterior wall, and/or if there is living space above. Or is the garage detached… well here goes:
“The bottom portion of the garage wall surface coating was damaged at two approximately 10 sq. inch areas. Also, two relatively small holes (approximately s1/4 to 1/2” diameter) for wire/cable penetrations were observed near the wall corner near the floor. Openings or damage in fire walls or barriers must be sealed and patched with fire retardant materials to prevent the spread of fire or smoke.
A qualified person should repair the wall as needed for code compliance and to prevent the spread of fire and smoke."
Palm trees in the background indicate a warm climate so my narrative would be:
“The lead flashing on the plumbing vent pipe was damaged. Rainwater leaks can occur. The vent pipe should extend at least 6” above the roof surface to reduce the chance of blockage by leaves and debris. I recommend extension of the vent pipe and replacement of the roof flashing by a qualified roofing contractor."
A) Handrail
“Substandard repair work was found at the base of the garage wall. Although cosmetic issues are not part of a standard home inspection, the size and location of these two patches suggest that this could be where two pipes penetrated the wall structure to the home exterior, and if this is the case, a professional repair would be required to maintain the waterproofing of the building and structure may have been affected. I recommend further evaluation and any necessary repairs be performed by a qualified contractor prior to the expiration of your inspection contingency period.”
Dave, good answer for #1 but I was just thinking semantics.
Exterior plumbing stack vents should be at least 3 feet above all doors & windows
True
False
Depends… … False at least 3 feet above operable doors and windows
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2) A hopper is a type of ___
a) air vent
b) chimney damper
c) window
d) door
e) Easter Bunny c) window
vent stack not min of 6 inches high Plumbing vent pipe(s) terminated less than 6 inches above the roof surface below. Debris can block vent pipe extension openings with such short pipes. Blocked vent pipes can cause sewer gases to enter living spaces. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices
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4) The ___ at a stairway is the feature that typically has defects
a) handrail
b) lighting
c) risers
d) treads a) handrail
In this attached garage the CO vents were filled/sealed with cement. Not cool if you happen to run the car, mower, etc. in there. The masonry block construction with open areas is common down here, although I don’t think it is code anymore.
