I’m in North Carolina, and we have have different code requirements depending on what region of the state you’re in. Since NC stretches from mountains in the west to the eastern coast, a wide variety of climate zones are covered by the NC building code. Different requirements are outlined for different climate zones, such as hurricane ties being required in the coasts and mountains to deal with high winds, but not in the middle of the state. A home inspector is not a code inspector, but if I’m inspecting a home in the mountains, would I consider a lack of hurricane ties to be a critical failure?
Just report what you observe, if you want to have more references to support your observations and/or opinions about your observations provide the reference (such as code or installation instructions etc).
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No, not a critical failure. The roof hasn’t failed (yet). More of an installation defect provided they are needed in your area. .
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Welcome to our biz. I deal with all kinds of different enforcements between the different municipalities around here. If you are unfamiliar with what the local AHJ is requiring, then follow Dave’s advice.
It helps a lot to know what different AHJs are requiring. That knowledge guides your reporting and reduces confusion from your clients. I have called local AHJs when in doubt.
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Morning, Matthew. Hope to find you well.
No. I would not consider the lack of a required mechanical strap a critical or catastrophic failure. I may consider missing straps or fasteners a deficiency.
A failure would be an event that had or is visually taking place.
A critical failure is a specific conclusion.
From what I have read, hurricane straps/ties that strengthen the connection between a building’s roof and walls, that are required on new construction in North Carolina, in high-wind areas, to meet building code, and ensure a continuous load path are required in new buildings.
Not required in existing homes.
I would note to inspect to your SoP.
Maybe add to your roofing limitations, home inspections in NC will be limited to our standards of practice.
Wait for other inspectors to chime in.
Good luck.
Robert
He is not allowed to exceed the SoP in North Carolina? And who are “our standards of practice?”
Depending on the year built, right?
And…..
Great idea.
Brian, with all due respect, and courtesy to the OP, wouldn’t posting a string to the OP inquires be more useful than selectively questioning my strings replies?
As I posted, and you agree to, “wait for others to chime in.”
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My string includes the OP simply by responding to his thread. And he is quoted in my thread. Additionally, I was the second inspector to respond to him. Did you read the thread?
Try answering my questions about the SoP and the requirements in existing homes. This will also clarify your statements. Unless of course “wait for others to chime in” just means to ignore you.